"The billion dollars asked for shipbuilding is a mere trifle compared with what the allies are spending," said Chairman Penman, of the Shipping Board, after the conference. "It may be far below the amount we shall have to spend for ships before the war. The board aims to produce all the shipping American yards can turn out at forced speed and ask for more money when the billion is exhausted.

The shipping measures will be completed within a few days. They would empower the government to take over any yards, and the output of steel mills if necessary, but the administration believes such a power will be exercised.

The Shipping Board plans to clear the shipyards of construction actually under way, then to let contracts for standardized steel cargo. It is also built alike and of a design promoting a minimum time for completion. It will adopt one of four designs already submitted. One of these for a ship of $5,000 gross tonnage is essentially favored.

The Shipping Board today announced the appointment of David Lowing, of Louisiana, as director for the board, and for the emergency ship corporation, which under the management of Major General John W. Goethals.  It is to build a great fleet of wooden ships. 