The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-05
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.


American Interests the Pucfnc-Why the
Commerce Of This Country IL Dying Out.
The Chamber OF Commerce was more numerously
attended than usual az the stated monthly meeting
yesterday afternoon. The Vice President, Mr..
George Opdyke. presided, and, after some ordinary
routine business had been transacted, Mr.. A. A.
low Pnered the following preamble and resolu-
tions:-> 49,
whereas. h.. been and attn 4 Ire policy Of tho
psnl III pcd States to maintain postal commune alton
between ali >sss: aud Territories OF us "'"" .ikA in
no.: s;I; : A.. al: s ss:.ss populated
my ' Ss:s rSo Ssy :. RE
.sn who r. aems:c com
me our or % T
G Sna % s s Of
land. so%s Of % building snss
con- s Gin:
%sns % y steamer. saS q s
:sasrs run, ,s china and Japan EnssnS
q the mails but for The transportation Of merchandise
That the Chamberof Commerce OF the state OF
s x. CHILLY ss ns IL: Pest once
partnen pssoate the prssent for
Immediate snaisemsns Of the mall service between San
laws seem Just and wise by Congress- to the END that
under American control.
Mr.. Low. in niging the adoption of the resolution,
said that there were two several reasons initiating
against the growth Of foreign commerce from this
country. The agricultural interests are SO large
and the representatives OF the greater portion Of
the people live away from the sea coast that
they do not appreciate the value OF commerce, while
they know ana feel the beneht of railroads. And them
again. there Is such an immense alien element In the
population which VIII naturally favor steamship
companies belonging to the natlonaties whence
they themselves have come. Inc press, or rather
portion OF it, which had been disloya during the
war-and, he might almost say, dlsloyal now-and
which impedes the growth Of commerce greatly by
opposing everything III the way OF subsidies, or any
thing that might help the matter, and by favoring
everything antl-American. Then again, the subst-
tuition OF IRON for wood. England has skilled labor
at her command, cheap money, practice ana the
necessary machinery to construct these iron ships
winch this country has not ana until It has IL cannot
compete with European nations Mr.. Low con-
tended that the press should urge Congress to give
the public money, not to railroads but commerce,
and not for war vessels, but to foster the shipping
~ 1n sn dd DC our up sga 10 pay Suo
this country is not doing. The commercial interest
Of the country looked to the press Tor did In this
matter.
Mr.. SNOW said he was in favor Of the abrogaton
OF the present shipping law; he had his own views
would be postponed until another meeting, when
gentlemen would come prepared to discuss II.
Colonel CoNKLINd thought that instead OF the
resolution Congress should be memOrlaZed by the
Chamber. He had always opposed such objects
since The experience Of the country with the Collins
round trips was paid to that company, and the gen.
era opinion throughout the country was opposed 70
such plan. The tone OF the press he understood
to be simply such as to show the popular iaea on
the subject, and he must have more light before he
changed his views He had hoped tlat the propo-
sltl0n would be to establish cheap ocean postage.
After further discussion the resolutions were
adopted two only voting in the negative.
The special committee on the subject Of the
alleged corruption IN management OF the State
canals made report stating tue action Of the CON-
mittee. The question Of corruption 1t stated, was
to be submitted to judicial investigation, and New
York Commercial Union had been formed to collect,
II possible evidence to sustain the charges and to
watch the management OF the canals In future. The
report was adopted.
On motion OF Or. SNOW, q committee was ap-
pointed to report on the decline Of American com.
merce and suggest a remedy.
The following gentlemen were elected members OF
the Chamber:-Jac0b j. Hasey, Charles Smith, Ed
ward NJ. Wright and Luther Kountz.
The Executive Committee reported that 1t was not
advisable to take any action at present on the
municatiOn OF the Mediterranean Oriental Steam
Navigation Company with regard to aiding them In
carrying out the object OF their organization.
Mr. Francis >. Latbrop was reapp0inted y member
OF the Arbitration Committee.
Messrs. Ambrose Snow. A. A. Low ana Paul N.
Spoford were appointed as the committee, IN &C.
cordanca with tue resolution or Mr. Snow.
Tie meeting then adjourned.