“We need a Ship Subsidy,” declared the fat man, with emphasis and decision. So “WE” do—but who are the “WE?”
The WE who need a Ship Subsidy are the Privileged, the beneficiaries of Class Legislation, the Trusts which gorge themselves upon unjust advantages.
In order that we may enable the Manufacturing Class to enjoy a Monopoly at home while they undersell the foreign Manufacturer in the foreign market, we have put a fictitious, UNNATURAL VALUE TO THE MATERIALS OUT OF WHICH SHIPS ARE BUILT.
Consequently it costs MORE to build a ship in the United States than anywhere else in the world.
Now, our Navigation laws will not allow the national flag to protect an American vessel UNLESS THAT VESSEL IS BUILT IN THE UNITED STATES.
Result:
The foreigner has come WITH HIS CHEAPER VESSEL and borne off our carrying trade.
Our infernal Tariff and Navigation laws have driven our flag from the seas, by making it IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE AMERICAN MERCHANT TO BUY HIS SHIP ABROAD, OR TO BUILD ONE AT HOME ON SUCH TERMS AS WILL ENABLE HIM TO COMPETE WITH THE FOREIGN-BUILT SHIP.
Isn’t that plain enough, WHEN YOU STOP TO THINK IT OVER?
But the fat man declared that what WE need is the Ship Subsidy Bill.