Shipowners in Time of War.

Evening Star, Issue 7226, 31 May 1887, Page 3

Shipowners in Time of War.

Mr Watts, president of the Chamber of Shipping, London, made a suggestion in an address recently that will unquestionably bear some result in time. He recommended that the Government should "indemnify shipowners against capture in case of war." Of course he thought only of British interests, but his arguments will apply equally as well to any power possessing a large mercantile marine. He says:—" Were our (British) Government to comply, it would add immense strength to the nation, and the Government might, if they thought proper, charge a moderate premium, which shipowners wonld be very willing to pay. The loss of a large portion of our merchant navy would bring ruin on shipowners as a body, but it would not be a serious matter for a nation as a nation." This appears to be a most sensible suggestion, and one that if carried out would tend materially to prevent wars. It is certain that the cost of modern wars is becoming so enormous that nations must hesitate longer now than in former times before embarking in an undertaking which tests their resources to an extent that is almost ruinous. When to the other' burdens may be added that of indemnification of individuals against loss of property, the probable expense becomes appalling. At first glance it might seem absurd thus to attempt to protect the shipowner, especially when the nation has already the cost of a navy built for the protection of the merchant marine. But a little reflection will show that the suggestion is a good one, for it tends to protect a nation against that loss which happened to America during the Civil War—the transference of the merchant marine to an alien flag. Indeed many arguments suggest themselves in support of the recommendation made by Mr and not the least among them is this, that if one nation—say England, for instance—carries out the plan, other maritime Powers will be sure to follow, with the r( silt that maritime commerce will not be quickly assailed in war times. Maritime nations will then find it easier and better to come to some understanding in regard to merchantmen in time of war, with the probability that their destruction will thus be averted. International commerce has become so complicated that such an arrangement would follow naturally upon the abolition of privateering. The principle proposed by Mr Watts, while sound, is not of course an easy one to practise, and, like all plans where Government is held responsible for loss, would be abused. But it offers great possibilities, and therefore cannot be dismissed as impracticable. It will be strange if it does not attract discussion in England, and once it is fairly started, in that centre of shipping, shipI owners in other countries will study its : merits and press therii upon the attention of : their respective Governments.