The relation of the foreign petroleum situation to the re-born American ambition to possess a merchant marine that shall carry American wares in American ships must be clear to every reader. Just as Great Britain owes her far-famed sea power to her policy of maintaining coaling stations at the best available locations on the seven seas, she now aims to preserve that prestige by oil bunkering stations advantageously placed. The situation might conceivably arise whereby (despite our vast home production), the American merchant marine when at sea would find itself dependent on the bunkering stations of foreign powers. No one will question the right of Great Britain to protect and maintain her trade routes by reserves of the new maritime fuel, and her Government deserves praise rather than censure for backing British enterprise in measures directed to that end. The point to be borne in mind is that American oil men, the real creators of the industry, have accomplished what they have in the foreign field virtually _without_ governmental support or co-operation. It is hardly overstating the facts to add that they have been harassed and interfered with in their efforts to maintain the future security of their industry and of their nation in this matter of petroleum reserves. Thus, there has lately arisen a demand for constructive legislation which will permit governmental coöperation and diplomatic action that will place American oil interests on something like an equal footing with those of Britain and other countries in securing a necessary augmentation of the home supply. Disinterested public men who have made a study of the problem are of the opinion that in the national interest, and entirely without reference to the advantages that might or might not accrue to this or that individual, American petroleum companies should be encouraged by all the power and influence their Government can exert to acquire foreign sources of supply wherever available.