The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-13

can be no comparison.
ROBERT OWEN.
Warrington, June Is, 1886
Communicated
TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
political movement having recently been made
N the first district Of Philadelphia county, it is
deemed proper to present to the confederation of
members Of Congress the following facts:
In December last meeting was suggested to con
sIder the prOPriety of building dry or floating
dock, the general improvement Of the navy yard,
and the defences of the river Delaware On the 27th
ofJanuary last vast assemblage Of over 3 900 per
sons at the great museum buildings after listening
to speakers, and agreeing upon resolutions, APP
proved OF the appointment Of a committee of 4 per-
sons to select other committees to carry out the OBJ
Jects OF the meeting That committee decided upon
ana uid appoint committees of persons each, and
each one selected with strict regard to his ability
and capacity for such duties The committee on
the dry-dOck consisted of Professor Walter r.
Johnson, one OF the most eminent professors of
mechanics and natural philosophy; Captain Nathan
lei Lewis Paeske, who has Il full knowledge of all
me docks IN operation IN Europe and this country,
Jacob X. Vaughn, (6rm of Vaughn & SON, the
most eminent shlp-bullder in PhIade phia Isaac
w. Norris, an old and experienced ship chandler
and ship owner; and Thomas Sparks, the trustee of
the city ice boat Much labor was bestowed upon
the subject by this intelligent committee, and
thorough and complete investigation Of the merits
Of all kinds Of docks, the physical condition of the
nayy-yard and the river IN 'front.' aud the committee
were unanimously in favor Of the balance dock built
Of lron on the plan Of Gbert's as the only one Gp-
pteabLs 10 that station Their very able report to
he found in House document report No 6i9 Of the
present session. The following is evidence Of the
high respectsbIlity Of the officers and committees
appointed at the meeting:
THE COMMONWEALTH Of PENNsYLyANIA
City Of PHILADELPHIA. IS.
The annexed pamphlet having been shown TO US,
we have pleasure in stating that the gentlemen
whose names appear officers Of the meeting, the
proceedings Of which the said pamphlet contains,
are among our Lost respectable citizens, and due
weight and credit are properly belonging TO their
opinions on a subject OF so much importance to our
city, State, and national defences.
In witness whereof, we have heTeunto set our
hands, and caused the corporate seal Of the
L. s. said city TO be affixed thus 2Sth day Of May,
A. D., 1886.
JNo. SWIFT,
Mayor Of the city Of Phade phIa.
RICHARD VAUX,
Recorder Of the city Of Philadelphia.
The recent violent discussion Of the merits Of the
sectional dock for Philadelphia having been alluded
to political movement the following letter
submitted for your information
SOUTHWARK, June ), 1916.
STA: | address you on a subject that | learn you
want information on, namely, the meeting held some
time since in Southwark in relation TO a dock
this yard Of which Ben amin Martin was chairman.
This meeting was considered by all here a hum
bug, got up to make capital for Mr.. LsUin for Con-
gress next fall. Very few knew of such meeting
IL. L Ill A
It was held in Southwark, osenslbly as city and
county meeting, where such meeting never
before called, it being at the extreme end Of the
county, and not in the usual place for such meet.
ngs; very little, If any notice, given Of the time
and place. The chairman of that meeting has found
II very difficult To get committee Of the right sort 10 go
10 Washington. heard yesterday that several would
go accredited to Mr.. Levin who would introduce them
as coming from that meeting to the Committee
Commerce; and then he would claim all The credit for
the success of measure that | have reason to be-
lieve, is certain without him Henry l. Bcnner ESQ
one Of the senator's for this county, called me lat
evening with certificate of his appointment by the
chairman Of this meeting, and it addressed to
Mr.. Levin, announcing that Mr.. Benner was APP
pointed one of the committee, &c. Mr.. Benner, be-
fore receiving this certificate called upon to act
as member of committee, and believing it
mated from a meeting held IN the city some time
since on this subject, consented; but as he
received the certificate of his appointment signed By
b. Martini he discovered his mistake, and refused to
serve, for the reasons | have already staed-that
the meeting was not regular meeting entitled 10
credit, &C., dc
haven given the above in hopes that the men who
have been mainly instrumental IN this matter may
receive what is their just DUE and not that it shall
be wresed from them by interioperS for their benefit
and 10 make capital for their candidate.
Hoping that you may be successful in the object
you have in view and that this yard and port may
than heretofore,
am, respectfully,
Yours, &c,
WILLIAM J. GRAMS.
WooDBoRNE POTTER, ESQ.,
I have also received the following letter from Al
derman John S. Gilbert, of the first ward, New
York:
New YoRK, June IL, 1886
DEAR Sir: | am informed that Hon. Mr. Levin
is doing his utmost to prevent the adoption of the
balance dock at Philadelphia and that he is exceed
ngly Jealous in behalf of the sectional dock | can
only say, that when was in Washington he was
warm friend of the balance dock; having, as he
stated, examined the subject, and knew all about
both plans, IA can be atested by Mr.. O'Sullivan
well as myself. The influences which have so
changed him are best known to himself | can only
say that, at that time he made to me an overture,
which struck me as very improper one, to go in
with him, and make some money by buying some
property to be benefited by the building of the
dock. declined the overture, and did not do my
self the honor of calling Mr. Levin after this con-
versation. | deem it due now to myself and to the
truth to mention these facts, do not pretend to
connect them with the fact of his sudden conversion
to the interest of Dakin but do believe that the
overture made to me by him of corrupt ma
ture. You are at liberty TO make what use you
please of this letter.
Respectfully,
JOHN S. GILBERT.
w. Porter, esq.
In conclusion, and in connection with this last let
ter, 1 can only add that distinguished conveyanccr
of Philadelphia told me- about the 9Th of May,
that he had AMI offer made him for his or his trmiiys