Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-03-22
MARINE CONVENTION AT
CHTCAGO

The meeting, which was adjourned from De-
trot to this city, of those interested in our Lake
marine, assembled at the Board of Trade Rooms
at 10 o'clock yesterday forenoon. A large num-
Der of our forwarders and vessel owners, togeth-
er with representatives Of the same interests
from Milwaukee, Detroit, Buffalo and Oswego,
were present, and took part in the proceedings.
The meeting was called to order by Il. Rich
mond Esq, on whose motion the following
gentlemen were appointed officers OF the meet
ing:
Presiden..-Charles Walker
Vice Presidems.-H. Hill Of Milwaukee, F.
W. Backus of Detroit, A. w. Cutter of Buffalo.
Secretaries-Julius White of Chicago, w.
M. Whitcomb Of Detroit, T. B. Williams Of Mil
waukie.
The objects of the gathering were then stated
by Julius White, Esq, who said that one great
purpose to be secured was the deepening of the
channel on st. Clair Flats, so as to allow vessels
drawing 10 feet of water TO pass over easily,
and thus save the expense Of the heavy towing
bills annually charged to the sailing vessels OF
the Lakes, also to know how the appropriations
for our harbors were to be expended, aud to de-.
eide upon some method by which seamen can
be required to remain on board vessels for the
time for which they ship-these, together with
various other matters pertaining 10 the interest
of the Lake marine, were the objects for which
the meeting had been called, and rs nearly every
large shipping port on the Lakes was represent
cd, he hoped the sentiment Of the gentlemen as
sembled would be fully expressed.
On motion, committee, comprising Messrs.
White, Rogers and Lyon Of Chicago, Dousman,
Of Milwaukee, Whitcomb of Detroit, Cutter and
Sternberg of Buffalo, and Barber of Oswego,
were appointed to prepare business for the after.
noon, to draft resolutions, &C., and report at the
adjourned meeting, at o'clock. The commit
tee, it was understood, would assemble at 2 o.
clock, at the fremont House, 10 consult togeth.
err.
On motion, the meeting then adjourned.
Afternoon SeSSion-On the assembling of the
Convention in the afternoon, julius White, Esq,
from the Committee appointed to prepare bust
ness for the consideration, of the Convention re-
ported that the Committee recommed;
Ist That n committee DO appointed to pre-
pare Memorial to the Secretary Of War, set
ting forth he urgent necessity that exists for
the immediate improvement of the ST. Clair flats,
accompanied by statistics, showing the amount
of tonnage and draught of vessels trading be-
tween the upper and lower Lakes, and represent
ing the great loss that must necessarily arise in
the present low stage Of water 10 the risk, ex-
pense of ighterage, and delay at the places ma
med.
I'd. That committee be appointed. whose du.
ty it shall be to prepare Memorial to Congress
asking for such legislation as may be necessary
to make the contract between vessels navigating
the Lakes and their crews binding on both par
ties, and fully protecting the rights of each in all
respects, and to limit the liabilities Of vessel
owners in cases of collision TO the amount Of
their interest In the vessel.