SHIP SUBSIDY BILL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 645, 2 March 1923, Page 5

SHIP SUBSIDY BILL.

FAILURE IN THE SENATE. PRESIDENT DISAPPOINTED. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, The Ship Subsidy Bill was buried by the Senate, the voting against Senator Robinson’s motion to recommit the hill to the Senate Commerce Committee being 48 to 36,—A. and N.Z. cable. Received March 2, 9.5 a.m. WASHINGTON, March 1. In view of the failure of the Ship Subsidy Bill and the expressed intention of the Administration not to call the Bill ,up at tiie next session of Congress, there have been intimations that President Harding intends to liquidate the affairs of the Shipping Board. President Harding is greatly disappointed at tiie Senate's action regarding the Bill, He felt tliat there were enough prosubsidy votes for its passing to be assured, but the interference tactics by the strong minority prevented the Bill coming to the vote. It is understood tliat the President may put on the open market several hundred idle vessels which have been out of com l mission for nearly two years. This step is taken to mean tliat the Government will definitely abandon the plan to create and maintain a large merchant marine. President Harding, who is soon going on a fortnight’s holiday, will bo accompanied by Mr Lasker. It is believed that they will then discuss the details of the liquidation.—A. and N.Z. cable. AMERICA AND GERMANY. SECRET AGREEMENT MADE. Received March 2, 10.40 n.m. LONDON, March 1. The Central Nows Agency states that a secret conference held at The Hague between representatives of the American Government and the chief German shipping lines reached an agreement eliminating competition in the Atlantic trade.—-A. and N.Z. cable.