The New York herald., 1869-05-05
TIE VESSEL OWNERS, COOPERATIVE Ass0-
CiATION.

Hell (sate PiIotaae-The East River BrsdSe.
A regular quarterly meeting OF the Captains ana
Vessel owners Association was held al the rooms
OF the society," so and So Pine street, yesterday after
noon at three O'Clock, Mr. James A. van Brunt III
the chair After the regular routine business had
proceeded the secretary read the quarterly report Of
the diaerent officers from which It appeared that l0l
vessels were represented in the association, 222
members and tonnage to the extent OF 10000.
letter was read from the president OF the Phila-
delpha association. expressing himself as ready 10
cooperate earnestly with the New York society and
congratulating its members upon the success which
had attended their efforts.
lengthy report of committee which had been
sent TO Albany to oppose he bill now before the
legislature giving to the Hell Gate pilots half pilot
age for all vessels liable by their draught to the con-
ditions of general laws on the subject, was
read. The committee strongly condemned the
efforts Of the Hell Gate pilots, who u
influence legislation in their behalf by pathetic
appeals regarding their impecuniouS condltion. Inc
committee further held that these pilots could not IN
equity or justice charge for services not performed
and that the state had no right 10 impose law OF
the character proposed upon the coInmercai inter
ests OF the harbor. Should, however, the Dill sue
ceed at Albany, the association intends TO contest
its constitunonaity IN the Supreme court & OF In lne
United States. The committee was alrec'ed 70 coh'
The reports OF various other cOnmlttees were tueu
heard and all bore upon the policy oil the asSocla0n
A communication from General wright one OF tne
BROOKLYN bridge commissioners ap. ~ ,teI 0y the
Secretary of War to examine the plans Y the New
York and Brooklyn Bridge COmoany and to give an
opinion as to their utility and pi acucabity In con
mercia point OF view, was read Dy the secretary IL
invited the presentation OF any suggestions when
the society had TO otter concerning me rOhstrucon
of the bridge, and upon this invitation Messls
Waterbury aud Squier were appointed to make an IN
vestgatiOn and report. An outline ol their views was
then given by the secretary They believed the build
ing OF the projected bridge at an elevation OF only
H. feet above the nigh water level as exceedingly IN
The great expense and practical dlfncultles whlch
vessels even below the average tonnage WOuo en-
counter in trying to pass such an unnecessary OD-
structOn foreShadOwed an evil OF more than
serious nature. SchoOners OF extreme tonnage, ana
consequently lofty spars, not possessing the same
facilities that belong to ships and all square rlggeu
vessels and being also short. handed, would nnd II
absolutely impossible to continue their carrying
trade without heavy loss, both IN time and money
Even pleasure yachts Of the largest class would
stumble on the impeachment, and 10 all ships
in the commercial marine 1t would be an lnsur-
mountable though useless obstacle, wnen erecteu as
designed, at height not originally contemplated Dy
It's projectors and In papable violation OF the spirit
of the charter under which the bridge company
stands incorporated by the Legislature The assocla-
ton Will give the company vigorous opposition be-
fore the commissioners but 1t Will connne ts euorts
solely to OF preventing the construction OF
the bridge at an elevation where 1t might obstruct
navigation.
The names of several legal gentlemen were pre-
seped for counsel to the association, but their con.
sideration was laid over till future meeting. Mis-
ceaneous bus mess then transacted, ana tile
meeting, at four O'Clock, adjourned.