BEFORE l. S.- THE MERCHANT MARINE COMMISSION COMPOSED OF Senator JACOB H. GALLINGER, of New Hampshire, Representative CHARLES H. GROSVENOR, of Ohio. HEARINGS BEFORE THE MERCHANT-MARINE COMMISSION. OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF TRADE AND TRANSPORTATION, The Commission met at 10.30 o'clock a. m. Present: Senators GALLINGER (Chairman), LODGE, MARTIN, and MALLORY, and Representatives GROSVENOR, MINOR, HUMPHREY, SPIGHT, and MCDERMOTT. The CHAIRMAN (Senator Gallinger). The Chair has a telegram, dated at Washington, from Senator Penrose, who was extremely anxious to be with the Commission at this sitting, saying that he was late in arriving in Washington, and that he will reach New York this evening. ADDRESS OF HON. DARWIN R. JAMES. Mr. JAMES. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the Merchant-Marine Commission, the president of the New York Board of Trade and Transportation, Hon. Oscar S. Straus, was suddenly called upon to leave the city a week and a half ago. He laid upon me the duty to extend to you his greetings and cordially to invite you to the hospitality of the city, promising such assistance as can be rendered by our board. He also wished me to say that the board itself is exceedingly gratified at what was done during the past session of the Fifty-eighth Congress for the merchant-marine service of the country, especially the work which the Congress did for the Philippines and with respect to the appointment of this Commission. It seems to some of us that perhaps the time is ripe for some legislation toward the accomplishment of the great end which we all desirethat our merchant marine, engaged in the ocean trade, may be put upon a better basis. It is not necessary for me to go into an explanation of the matter, for you know it better than I do, probably. You know the facts which our board, through its very efficient committee, during the last year has been scattering throughout the country, especially to the press, and thus broadcast all over the country, information bearing directly upon this subject. We have not endeavored to argue any particular point or to advocate any special measure. We are not wise enough for that. But we have been endeavoring to lay before the press and through the press before the people of the country a statement of the facts; and the facts as presented by our committee were so striking that they have produced quite an effect. We have received innumerable answers from all over the country, evincing very great interest in the matter. So it seems to me perhaps it is an opportune time for you to engage in this work. 3 |