The Oceanic Steamship Company. as I have said. has been operated at an actual loss of $373.349 per annum. The present mail contract of the Asiatic Steamship Company provides for the payment of $2 per mile under.the act of March 3. 1891. which gives them $283.203 per annum. The wages paid by the Oceanic Steamship Companythe American lineamount to $235.440 per annum. as against wages paid by the Japanese company of $97.708. The following. Mr. President. is a statement which strikingly illustrates the disadvantage under which the Oceanic Steamship Company labors in the matter of wages: Total wages paid per annm un.