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

MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS AND
MEMBERS OF THE MERCHANTS AND
MECHANICS EXCHANaE--DIR
TRADE A. FIXED FACr.-Saturday even
ing, a called meeting of the directors
and mem bers 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 Nav
igation Company, for the early estab-
lishmept of the line in accordance with
the charter of the company, granted by |
the Legislature on the 18th December,
1895. Col, George Sangster explained
the object of the meeting to be for the
purpose of hearty and jealous cO-opera-
tion i'm 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 charter in
1868, for the purpose of securing direct
trade between this city and st. Nazarie,
in 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 q very liberal charter, in
creasing its capital stock and privileges.
He was prepared to state, that the or.
ganiZatiOn was so far matured, that all
that was required from Norfolk and her
merchants, was hearty and Jealous CO.
operation in the enterprise. lie was
followed in his remarks 10y Doctor Stuart
Gwynn, Managing Director Of the cele-
brated Randall Steamer Construction
Co. Mr.. Gwynn set forth the feasi-
bility ofits immense advantages to Nor
folk. which is selected as the in-point of
location in preference to any other sea
mort in the United States. He urged
that II 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
inyentorOf 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
of speed. 10 q sailor the advantages of
his models were apparent at a glance.
One great improvement which he men
toned, Ia in securing longitudinal re-
sistance. This was secured by means
of a 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 as 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, 460 feet; breadth
90 feet; over all, So feet. tonnage, 600,
with capacity of accommodating 3,O0C
messengers, each steamer to be fitted
with two Lighthalls' improved marine
engines of 5000 horse power, 80 inch
cylinder, q feet stroke, and feet crank
motion. With this model and machin'
ery. 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 wher.
lumber, labor and material were avail
able, and he knew no better place thai
this vicinity, which possessed all these al
vantapes. They had machinery whicl
WAS CAPABLE of bending oil their breas
hooks. knees, &C., required. AS the pa
tentee of these machines for the cor
struction of ocean steamers, he felt a.
cured. that all he promised for thel
could be accomplished, as steamers al
now running, built upon his plans, whic
have fully proved all he had safd. M
&C. Walker, after few practical r.
marks. moved that committee OF tire
be appointed by the chair, to tender
the gentleman who had addressed I'll
meeting, their hearty and Jealous G.
operation in all measures having L
their object, the advancement OF the II
terests of Norfolk. The motion Wi
unanimausly carried, and the followiI
gentlemen viz: Ct. G. Walker, ia
Biggs and Henry Kimberly, were al
pointed a committee to draft series
resolutions in accordance with Il
motion offered. When this commit
retired, Col. William Lamb, beit
called for, stated that he had no com
dence in resolutions, and preferred a
ton, He was in earnest, and CORDIAL
desired to cooperate aud lend his hun
bic aid to any enterprise that would q
yelope the advantages, and secure |
interests of Norfolk. He advised III
instead of the city sacrificlng tue Vaiu
BILE property of the tobacco ware-hot
and wharf, that the City Council shot
tender it, for term of years, to the II
company which should establish tfal
atlantic limo of steamers from tnis p
to Europe. The committeeappointed
draft series of resolutions returned
submitted the following, which w
unanimously adopted, viz:
"a Resolved, That We have listened W.
Measure to the remarks this eVehl
Nv Col. Thompson, DR.. Gwynh a a
Capt. RundaIl, relative to the establi
ment of a steamship line between !
mort and st. Nazarie, France, and
trust that In the language of Capt. Sa
uel Sneeden they will 'act."
Resolved, That we, the members
the Merchants and Mechanics
change of Norfolk, do hereby pledge
FOL. Thompson and his associates,
hearty and energetic cooperation,
their efforts to carry into effect $
enterprize, and will to the extent o,
ability sustain them SO that their eii'
will be more successful. A.,
Resolved, That we consult tue
struction of ship-yards, machine sh'
sectional and dry-docks in the cltl
matter of the very highest lmpolta
40 our commercial interests, ana
we cordially invite DIR. Gwyhn anu anu
associates to seat in our midst, nel
uledging ourselves to ald anu sec