The board should constitute a permanent advisory body. and should take over the functions now performed by the Bureau of Navigation and any other kindred work being done by other bureaus. Every question relating to this subject should come under the scope of the investigations made by the board. such as measures necessary to maintain our shipping upon an equitable competitive basis with that of other nations. the cost of construction and operation of American ships. the rates of interest on shipping mortgages. insurance rates. such permanent lines of ocean carrying as should be undertaken. recommendations as to means of encouraging these undertakings by private capital. whether it is desirable to modify the act of 1891 relating to the carrying of mail so that additional service of the same character may be furnished. whether any features of the seamens act should be modified or rescinded. whether the navigation laws of the United States should be changed In any way. and make recommendations of methods which will tend to bring about a reconstruction of our merchant marine. It should report on and produce information as to(a) Greater diversification of European export trade. (b) Larger number of trafficproducing ports at which vessels may call in early stages of outbound and last stages of homeward voyages. (c) Profitable passenger traffic (including emigration). (d) Financial support by Governments to insure communication with colonies or distant strategic points. The National Foreign Trade Council. in referring to this subject. gives the following as its opinion of what a truly national policy should do. and I agree entirely with its conclusions: First. To increase the national income and domestic prosperity through greater facilities for the sale abroad of products of the soil and industry of the United States. the importation of materials indispensable to life and industry. and through the freights collected from world commerce.
Keywords matched
emigration