Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-08-06
ppoTrcTIoN OF THE LUMBER INTEREST

taoes TO which the interests Of the umbermen
of MICHIGAN have been and are subject, are
clearly and forcibly, though briefly, stated. The
object from its Importance, and from the evils
long endured by lumbermen, will at once, doubt
less arrest their attention, and unite them suf-
ficiently upon some plan to remedy existing
evils. This vast interest," like the milling in
terest of Michigan, has been subject to to the
caprice and cupidity of factors, commission men,
inspectors, &c, residing at points of MARKET
and however humble and submissive the miers
may have been, we are glad to perceive that the
Iumbermen, who as class are second to none
in point of intelligence and energy in the State,
are about adopting different principal of ac-
ton. Det Advertiser.
Z" 1t is subject of general complaint with
those engaged in the lumber trade, throughout
this State that there does not exist any estab-
lished laws, rules, or understood regulations
whereby fair and equitable inspection of lum-
Der may be had or which secures to the
manufacturer proper and just standard. In
the classification Of the different qualities OF
lumber exported, they are all subject to varl-
ETY. of inspection laws, differing widely in their
character and justice in the inspection is scarce
ly attainable, even though particularly defined
by specifications in a contract. The manufac-
turer here, ships cargo of lumber to some
eastern or western port, made up as ne suppo-
ses, ofequal proportions of the different qualities
and he is not unfrequently disappointed at the
receipt of bill Of sale, in which he finds the
qualities, returned far below their actual stand
ard And there is no redress in this case. 1t
is an easy matter for the purchaser IN Albany,
Buffalo, Cleveland or elsewhere, TO obtain from
an inspector return favorable to his interests !;
-, M
ged in the business would not hesitate, for a
trang consideration, to make such return as
will give satisfaction to his employer. There
is no reason why this state of things should
longer exists.
The magnitude of the lumber interests of
this State-now first in the Union-the i'm
mense amount of capital employed, its rapidly
increasing Importance, and the great number Of
persons employed in its manufacture, will war
rant the adoption of system by and within
themselves which shall obviate effectually, the
difficulties complained Of
Maine, for so long time the principal lum-
Der mart, and in measure controlling the trade
for years, is fast sinking in Importance, and does
not produce half the quantity that she did in
former years.
Western New York and Northern Pennsyl-
vania are pretty nearly stripped of their valua-
BILE pines, and Canada though rapidly increasing
in the quantity Of her manufactures cannot be
successful competitors with Northern Michigan,
simply because the quality of lumber is inf
nitely inferior to that produced here. We may
be said to stand alone; the highest on the list
OF lumber, producing greater quantities and SUI
perior qualities to any other section Of the
Union
In view of these facts, why should they be
subjected to the caprice of a foreign standard
of inspection, or the cupdity of dishonest in
spectors, when the remedy is in their own hands I?
Of late this subject has been warmly discus
sed, and an anxiety manifested to remedy the
evil
1t is suggested by some, to establish stand
ard Of inspection throughout the State, which
shall be uniform in its character, and to make
no sales of lumber except by the established
standards.
1t is also suggested that the manufacturers of
the State retain their lumber until August or
September in each year; or at any time which
will insure its transmit to market before the
suspension Of navigation, and sell by auction
and by the recognized standard, in lots to suit
purchasers, and upon whatever terms may be
agreed upon.
The advertisement of these lumber sales
throughout the Eastern and Middle States,
would bring large numbers of purchasers, and
the sales, from their magnitude would insure
attendance, and save the manufacturers world
of anxiety in the shipment, delay and annoy
ance.
Other projects also have been suggested, but
we deem it unnecessary TO recapitulate them,
our present object being to call the attention
of those engaged in the manufacture of um-
Der to the evils complained of, and to awaken,
if possible sense of the importance of adop-
ing some measures for self defence, security
and benefit
1t is also proposed that the lumbermen thro'-
out the Stale, assemble in convention at De-
troit, during July or August, to take into con-
sideration these subjects so important to them
selves and to effect combination, and mutu-
al understanding for their government in fl-
ture.
There can be no difficulty in the way of ac-
complishing this matter The importance-the
magnitude of this interest is well known, and
its increasing prosperity apparent to all enga-
ged in the trade, and there is no reason why
such combination, having for its object, the
establishment of home standard of inspection
and their better security, should not be accom-
plished Will our friends engaged throughout
the State, take this matter early into cOnsid-
Grafton, and to facilitate the work, communicate
their ideas on the subject Will that portion
of fha l. IL