Abstract

Monopoly at Alaska's Throat

Monopolies are now an announced target of the U.S. Administration. One of the worst should be easy to hit in a fatal spot. This is the Alaskan shipping monopoly, which drains the Territory's pioneer economy by levying the highest ocean freight rates charged by any ships under the American flag. Of all monopolies it is the most vulnerable to Administration attack because it operates under the approval and protection of the Federal Maritime Commission. Indeed, the commission could end it tomorrow and a majority on the commission are President Harry S. Truman's appointees. If the Administration wants to do something about monopoly, the tight little monopoly which dominates Alaskan shipping to the detriment of Alaska is the place to begin.