"Let the welfare of the people be the first great law"

BALTIMORE

JOHN MURPHY COMPANY

PUBLISHERS

MARYLAND

Jraus bor

"FOREWORD"

Placing the export wealth of our country for transportation upon the ships of other nations, seems as inconsistent as it would be for our farmers to never own their implements of agriculture, their granaries and their barns, but to continually rent them from their competitors.

It will be an inspiring sight for the American journeying afar and entering distant ports, to turn his eyes upon the great ships of his country riding there at anchor, and to feel the thrill, the welcome, the touch of friendship which comes to him from his own flag-the glorious Stars and Stripes.

Mr. Bernard Nadal Baker's contribution to the thought of our people on the questions contained in this book deserves attention. He has devoted the greater part of his life to the shipping industry, and can speak as an authority on its problems. He has no

selfish interest to serve in advocating the upbuilding of our merchant marine, a circumstance which will surely commend his advice and counsel to those charged with the responsibility of legislating upon this subject. I have confidence that his suggestions in this country's having an efficient merchant marine and naval force to take its proper place in both protecting and developing the foreign commerce of the world could aid largely in bringing about, by cooperation with other nations, the enforcement of the world's peace.