BANQUET. 289 



useful occupation as soon as possible, because there is a demand for them. Just how they 

 are to be handled is a problem, naturally, which would require the strongest powers of states- 

 manship any country is capable of exerting. 



We shall enter into the carrying trade of the world and take our rightful share, which 

 up to the present time we have not had. If these ships are to be controlled by the Govern- 

 ment, then it is the most tremendous undertajkiing of government ownership that the world 

 has ever looked upon. Primarily, ships are built for profitable operation, and if we are to 

 extend the lines and nurse them along to profitable operation, as foreigners have so often 

 done and found that their result was justified, perhaps this Government will indulge in that 

 great task. If these ships are to be given to men, or leased to men to operate, they must be 

 men who are willing to meet conditions as they find tliem upon the ocean. 



We may have to pass new laws. I have given my entire life to the study of legislation 

 as affecting our shipping, and I believe that if we do pass new laws we should also repeal 

 an existing law which was primarily passed to trammel and obstruct the development of the 

 American merchant marine. The sooner you gentlemen realize that now is the time for frank 

 speaking, and that you have a duty before you, the better. You must go forward in your 

 various spheres of usefulness and influence and must use such influence as you possess. If 

 you think the La Follette law as now standing, on the statute books of the United States is a 

 trammel upon American enterprise at sea, be men enough to come out and say so and try to 

 have that law repealed. (Applause.) 



Now I am looking forward to seeing our flag in every port. It is nothing new. The 

 flag of the United States used to fly in ever)' port under the benefits of enlightened states- 

 manship, and my hope and desire is, as a patriotic American, that the time will soon come 

 when we shall see that state of affairs reestablished and the American flag flying on ships 

 engaged in useful and profitable occupations in all quarters of the globe. (Great applause.) 



The Toastmaster: — Our next toast is "Our Allies." First I give you "Great Britain 

 and Ireland," and call upon you to rise in honor of His Majesty, King George V. 



The company then rose, toasted King George, and Mr. Louis J. Winsch sang "God Save 

 the King," the company joining in the National Anthem of Great Britain. 



The Toastmaster: — I have in mind a little sentiment that comes with that part of 

 this toast. It is as follows : 



"May the rose of England fairer blow, 

 May Scotia's thistle taller grow; 

 May the harp of Erin sweeter play, 

 While the Stars and Stripes shall hold their sway !" 



It would take too much time to toast all our Allies, and we will epitomize them all in 

 "La Belle France." 



The company then rose and drank a toast to "La Belle France," Miss Irene Law sing- 

 ing "La Marseillaise," robed as Joan of Arc. 



