Speech #610231412

I have not looked recently at the price of charters. but I know that we are entirely at the mercy ol foreign vessels. largely German. for that trade. and there is such a combination among them that we have not the benefit of competition. With American vessels. sustained or supported to the extent of the mail contracts. the inducement would result in the construction of American essels for that trade. They would carry not only our wheat. but much else. to Asiatic and Australian ports. I have talked this matter for years with those who are engaged in the trade. and for years have advocated this policy. The conceded fact. based upon a thorough knowledge of the question. is that to increase the number of American registered ships sailing out of the ports from which our wheat and other products are shipped would result in a reduction of from $4 to $6 a ton under the charters.