STATE SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 293, 6 September 1919, Page 7

STATE SHIPPING

AMERICAN rOLICY REVIEWED. Whilo favouring a policy of private ownership and operation for tho new American merchant marine, Mr. Charles H. Piez. former president of tho Emergency Meet Corporation, declares that for some time to come it will be necesary for the United States to operate its lonnace with Government ownership and private operation, under Government direction. Tn a Tccent discussion of tho subject he points out that the prompt disposition of tho Elect can be made only alj ruinous sacrifices, and that unless it is disposed of in toto, private shippers will buy tho cream of tho Elect, and leave only an ill-assorted and unprofitable remainder for the Government to onerate. Ho further culls attention to the likelihood of-purchases by inexperienced men and the inevitability with which vessels so purchased will drift back to the Government through failures to pay. He adds that "tho sudden [ inioclion into HlO business of ship operations of men inexperienced in ils opportunities. its processes, and its risks is bound to result in unique and destructive cutting of rates among our own shippers. a contingency that may in largo, measure nrevent tho establishment of a really effective American merchant marine. I'm- ,in American merchant marine. can exist only if it successfully meets '.lie competition of foreign fleets, and it cnu never do this in its earlier existence mile.-s it meets foreign comnetition as n unit: under more or le« centralised direction a.ud without the losses resulting from unwise compeiilinn in itself."