The Tonnage of Ships. 163 



I do not say that the percentages indicated above are the best, 

 but I merely put them forward as approximations, to be altered 

 if necessary. 



I think it will be found that where there is a great difference, 

 in any particular vessel, between the proposed percentage of 

 displacement and her present nett register tonnage, that there 

 is something peculiar in the design of this vessel ; that my 

 displacement tonnage more nearly represents her probable 

 earning power, and that the dues under the amended tonnage 

 are much more in accordance with services rendered. 



The foregoing is necessarily a mere outline of the principle 

 of taking displacement as a basis for assigning nett register ton- 

 nage. In addition to the reasons for preferring it as given 

 above, it has the following advantages : — 



It would encourage owners to give their vessels more free- 

 board, and further to increase the safety of their ships by adding 

 closed in spaces above deck, because in neither case would they 

 be liable to the penalty of a higher nett register tonnage on 

 account of these improvements. 



It would also give the naval architect a free hand in designing 

 the most suitable and the safest vessel, without having the fear of 

 an unduly high register tonnage before his eyes. It would also 

 save him the humiliation of designing steamers, the main 

 feature of which is an unfairly low nett register tonnage 

 obtained at the expense of other good qualities. 



Last, but not least, it would enable harbour and other 

 authorities to levy dues on a basis that would return a revenue 

 in direct proportion to the services rendered, and bear with 

 more nearly equal fairness on all ships. 



That the displacement basis for tonnage is open to objection, 

 I am well aware. Some of these objections I know, others no 

 doubt will be stated in the discussion which I hope is about to 

 follow this paper. 



Instead of stating these objections and meeting them, I prefer 

 to wait till the close of the discussion, when we shall have all 

 the adverse opinions before us. 



