Memorandum for reply to letter from Senator Lodge
Navy Department Chief of the Bureau of Equipment Cowles outlines the situation regarding the transfer of coal for Senator Lodge. The Navy Department used to accept coal shipments from American vessels to Pacific ports under the coastwise shipping laws, but it was unsustainable due to rates and foreign markets. In response to the issue, the Judge Advocate General of the Navy Edward Hale Campbell ruled that President Roosevelt had the authority to charter foreign vessels. Cowles lists the American vessels that were chartered. Allegations have been made that the Navy illegally selected foreign vessels, hurting American shipping, and Cowles gives examples to refute these claims. For the remainder of the voyage of the Fleet, the department intends to utilize American vessels as often as possible, but the necessary coal will have to come in foreign bottoms.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1907-09-05
