The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1866-01-08
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS AND
MEMBERS OF THE MERCHANTS AND
MECHANICS Observation-Disclosures
TRADE A. FIXED FACT.-Saturday even
ing, q called meeting of the directors
and members of the Norfolk Merchants
and Mechanics Exchange, at their
rooms, was held for the purpose OF re-
ceiving propositions and explanations
from Col. G. L. Thompson, President
of the Norfolk & st. Nazarie steam NAY
igation Company, for the early estab-
lishment of the line in accordance WIN
the charter of the company, granted oy
the Legislature on the 18th December.
1895. Col. George Sangster explained
the object ofthe meeting to be for the
purpose of hearty and Jealous co-opera-
ton in forwarding the proposed enter
prise. Col. Thompson was introduced
to the meeting. He said that he had
been induced to embark in this enter
prise by w. Ballard Preston, to whom the
Legislature had granted a charter in
1868, for the purpose of securing direct
trade between this city and st. Nazarie,
i'm France. He participated in the de-
sire of Mr.. Preston, and at once proceed
ed to work, and was happy to state that
the Legislature had granted to the Or
ganization very liberal charter, in
creasing its capital stock and privileges.
He was prepared to state, that the or
canization was so far matured, that all
That was required from Norfolk and her
merchants. was a hearty and Jealous CO.
operation in the enterprise. He was
followed in his remarks by Doctor Stuart
Gwynn, Managing Director Of the cele-
brated Randall Steamer Construction
Go. Mr.. Gwynn set forth the FEAST
bility of Its immense advantages to Nor
folk. which is selected as the in-poiht of
location in preference to any other sea
port in the United States. He urged
that it was of the first Importance that
a marine and sectional dry dock, with
foundries and ship-yards attached,
should be constructed here. He was
followed by Capt. Henry Randall the
inventorof the new method of construct
ing and building ocean steamships.
The Captain submitted his plans, draw
ings and models, and fully explained
their advantages of carrying capacity,
light draft, great strength and high rate
ofspeed. 10 a sailor the advantages of
his models were apparent at n glance.
One great improvement which he meh-
toned, is in securing Longitudinal re-
sistance. This was secured by means
of strengthening arch fore and aft,
connecting with the frame by diagonal
iron braces and cOrrister steps. The Pc
culiarity Of this model was. that the
vessel had good bearings, which threw
the water from the wheel a. she ran,
and each revolution thereof, struck in
firm water, the dead water passing out
side of the peak name by her prov. The
plans submitted were Of the following
dimensions: Length, $50 feet; breadth /,
go feet; over all, IS feet. tonnage, 600,
with a capacity of OmmOdating 5000
passengers, each steamer to be fitted
with two Lighthals' improved marine
engines of 5000 horse power, 80 inch
cylinder, q feet stroke, and 3 feet crank
motion. With this model and macbin-
cry, he stated that he would pledge his
professional reputation that the vessel
could make the trip from this port to st.
Nazarie in eight days, and he could.
with ease, accomplish the round trip,
load and discharge, inside Of thirty days
All that stood in the way Of the build
ing of these ships, was place where
lumber, labor and material were avail
able, and he knew no better place than
this vicinity which possessed all these adj
yantages. They had machinery which
was capable of bending oil their breast
hooks, knees, &C., required. AS the pa
tentee of these machines for the con-
struction of ocean steamers, he felt as.
sured, that all he promired for them
could be accomplished, as steamers are
now running, built upon his plans, which
have fully proved all he had safd. MIR
G. C. Walker, after few practical r,
marks, moved that q committee OF thret
be appointed by the chair, to tender t.
the gentleman who had addressed tilt
meeting, their hearty and Jealous co
operation in all measures having fol
their object, the advancement OF the In
terests of Norfolk. The motion was
unanimausly carried, and the following
gentlemen viz: q. q. Walker, Jas
Biggs and Henry Kimberly, were APP
pointed COMMITTEES to draft series o
resolutions In accordance with th'
motion offered. When this COMMITTEES
retired, Col. William Lamb, being
called for, stated that he had no confi-
dence i'm resolutions, and preferred &C
ton. He was in earnest, and cordial,
desired to cooperate aud lend his mum
BILE aid to any enterprise that would de
velope the advantages, and secure tn
interests of Norfolk. He advised tina
instead of the city sacrificing the valua
BILE property of the tobacco ware hous
and wharf, that the City Council shoul'
tender it, for term of years, to the frs
company which should establish trans
atlantic limo of steamers from this por
to Europe. Tie cOmmitteeappointed I
draft a series of resolutions returned AM
submitted the following, which wer
unanimously adopted, viz:
= Resolved, That we have listened Will
pleasure to the remarks this evenlh
by Col.- Thompson, DIR. Gwynn ant
Capt. Randall, relative to the establish
ment of a steamship line between TIL
port and st. Nazarie, France, ana W
trust that In the language of Capt. Sam
uel Sneeden they will TACT"
Resolved, That we, the members
the Merchants and Mechanics Ell
change of Norfolk, do hereby pledge
Col. Thompson and his associates, on
hearty and energetic cooperation, ]
their efforts to carry into effect sal
enterprize, and will to the extent of on
ability sustain them so that their efIor'
will be more successful.
Resolved, That We consult the. cor
struction of ship-yards, machine shop
sectional and dry-docks in the city,
matter of the very highest 1mportant
to our commercial interests, and thu
we cordially invite DR.. Gwynn and n
associates to seat in our midst, hereo
pledging ourselves to aid and secon