Merchant navies represent economic and industrial strength. This study revises the definition of maritime power through a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation for the roles played by the merchant marine of a nation.

Considers legislation on merchant marine subsidies, PO authority over ocean mail contracts, special shipping subsidies for US-Philippine trade, and Naval Reserve establishment. Includes H.Doc. 59-564, Feb. 24, 1906, "Development of the American Merchant Marine and American Commerce;" "The West and the Merchant Marine";"What other nations do for their shipping"; "Some facts about the French subsidy system"; "Tonnage taxes"; "The South American trade"; "Philippine trade"; Discriminating duties"; "Proposed ocean mail lines"; "Existing ocean mail lines under act of 1891"; "Subventions to cargo vessels"; "Subventions to the deep-sea fisheries"; "Resolutions of Commercial Associations specifically indorsing the shipping bill of the Merchant Marine Commission"; "Resolutions asking Congress to restore the Mercantile Marine"; "American ships for American commerce" (p. 465-563)