The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-02-06
sHlPOW iERs, ASSOCIATION.

Removal Of Distractions TO Travel Near
the Markets -ObstructiOn of Piers and
Wharves-Petitions to the Legislature.
special meeting OF this association was held at
the rooms Nos so and SO Pine street on Wednesday
afternoon, Mr.. Edward Hincken, President in the
chair
After the transaction OF the usual routine business
the committee appointed to ascertain by what means
the removal OF distractions the sidewalks adj
jacent to the Washington, Fulton, Catharine and
Franklin markets could be erected and how the en-
croachments OF barges permanently located at
the bulkheads OF the slips might be prevented, re-
First-With reference to the distractions to the
thoroughrares at the market places named the fact
OF their existence Is too well known to require
lengthy comment either rs to their constantly in
creasng number, extent and condition, or as to
their aggressive character. Your committee fully
concurs IN the popular opinion that the 0fficials
whose duty IL Is TO prevent these violations Of law
have q direct pecuniary interest In them, and we
have therefore deemed II useless to attempt the at
tainment Of redress in that quarter by remonsrance
or otherwise. The subject has been ventilated by
the press and by public men for years with no effect
far save to confirm the enormity OF the evil and
the difficulty OF getting rid OF It, Your committee is
premises other than an appeal for relief to the
Legislature, now In session, through the proper
channels.
Second-As to the encroachments on the rights OF
the shipping by the permanent location Of barges at
the bulkhcads OF the slips, your committee Is in
formed that the lessecs OF the piers ind 1t more
profitable 10 secure a stated rent from the barge
propretors than 10 look to the legal wharfage rates
for other craft and having probably secured the nom
Intervention OF the harbor master OF the district
any individual effort TO abate the evil will be
less. Your committee therefore suggests that the
STRANGE to the Captain OF the PORT who Is believed
have Jurisdiction, n inclined TO exercise IT, and
also that the matter be brought to the attention OF the
Board OF Commissioners OF Pilots who have legal
authority to prevent and remove encrOachments
upon tne rgntill use Of the piers: AS the lurlsdc-
line belongs to the street Commissioner, tie atten-
ton Of that Official might properly be called 10 the
permanent use Of part OF the street for storage
purposes. And the storing OF large quantities OF
hay, straw, &C. In these barges as well as on the
docks Is extremely dangerous account OF the risk
OF fire. IL may also be advisable TO bring the matter
TO the notice OF the Board OF Underwriters. whose
interests are thereby leopardlzed And finally. your
committee respectfully recommends an appeal for
relief to the Legislature, now IN session, through the
proper channels.
cepted and approved, and the following petition,
duly certified copy OF which the secretary was in
Board OF Comnssioners Of Pilots 10 the street Com
missioner to the to the Board OF
Underwriters and to the Mayor OF the city OF New
me petition or the shipowners' Association Of the
State OF New York respectfully representa-
That In common with other citizens OF the COM
mercia metropolis OF the United states they have
witnessed gradual but steadily Increasing encroacf
menis upon the public highways By the erection Of
| tie several markets on the river fronts. Many OF
these structures not only trespass on the rights OF
streets. In view OF the great necessity for more
street room 1t becomes imperative that some steps
should he taken 70 restore the great business
| Ulorouehfares to their legitimate uses.
This association representing large interest In
| vessels and illegally deprived OF much necessary
room for the cartng OF cargoes to and from the
docks. therefore urges upon those TO whom the duty
belongs the increasing Importance OF the subject In
the hope that measures may he adopted TO afford re-
| lief.
Your petitioners likewise desire to call attention
to the custom OF moorng barges TO the bulkhcads OF
the slips 10 be used permanently for the sale OF hay
straw, grain, &c. aud submit that such use Of the
bulkheads "a not only Illegal az we'd detrimental
70 the interests OF the shipping already cramped for
room but particularly dangerous, as large quantities
! OF hay and straw are stored On these
| barges and on the docks adjacent, increasing the
peril Of connaeTatton. The piers In the vicinity OF
i these barvcs are crowded with valuable shipping,
which II would be dificut impossible TO remove
larger vessels are always grounded. The growing
| commerce Of the port should be accommodated In
/ every legitimate way being intimately connected
| with the prosperity Uf the whole community. Your
call upon ali those having any influence or AUTHORITY
In the premises % use their exerons 10 have AL Oh
| structions removed from the streets and piers.
The secretary then read copy OF BILL intsod uced
| in the Assembly By Mr.. Campbell. 10 prevent the
selling Of hay, straw feed or grain from stationary
| York;
on motion the secretary was instructed 10 address
Mr.. Campbell letter. thanking him for his courtesy
and suggesting that the bill be extended q TO in
cude the prohibition Of the sale OF manufacture OF
any kind OF merchandise from stationary boats or
buildings along the docks OF the city Of New York.
| The chairman then called the attention OF che
meeting to bill now before Congress providing for
the erection Of bridge across the East river, and
stated thai NJ bridge were built according 10 the