The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-28
M THE MA!N HALL.

Ia spite or many oratoriCal attractions provided
for the intellectual and political instruction OF the
democratic masses, there until quite late III the
evening but very scanty audience. tile chief inter
est or the evening evidently centring in the process
outside. About half-pasL seven Governor Sey-
mour appeared upon the platform and received a
flattering ovation OF cheers and applause As soon
~ the audience had somewhat caImed down he
spoke a. tollows:-
BoRATIo sEYMouR's SPEECH.
Amid the questions involved In thls election,
arising above and overlapping all others Is The sub
ject OF internal commerce. IL concerns the COM
forts, the industry and the prosperity OF people
While it comes in form which makes IL subject
FOR State legislation IL touches the interests OF
large portion OF our Union To this city II Is
of vital import. Nearly half century has passed
away since the completion OF the Ere canal was
celebrated IN New ork with unusual ceremonies
aud demonstrations OF JOY. III course OF time other
modes OF transportation have called away public
attention from this great work. Few were aware
that, in amount and value OF s tonnage, n rvalled
tue whole loreign commerce OF the United States.
Errors and abuses crept into SIS manage
ment bad system oi repairs lessened the tonnage
of Its boats and hindered their progress to that de-
gree that It's commerce was threatened with desCruc
ton. They were upon tue brink 81 ruin. The for
waruers were losing money and the boatmen had
lost their courage. But these men knew where
the trouble lay. They therefore; without dis
ttpctlon OF party, held meeting in the city
OF Rochester where they set forth The abuses of
canal management; they showed the injustice and
impOcy Of excessive tolls, ANA they called upon the
state Legislature for measures OF relief. Their
prayers were granted. The Canal Board by virtue
Of new powers given 10 them, swept away as far n
they could the Old system OF repairs. and also cut
off one-half OF the tolls levied upon breaostnffs.
The canals were put in good condition. The length
OF the trip was essenea ten days. The boats have
run with great regularity. New courage and vigoi
has been given TO those engaged in tneir commerce.
But this Is q narrow view compared with IT'S effects
upon the business OF our own and the western
states The wise and statesmanike mea-
sures Of our state administration were hailed
With approval by the business men Of
all sections OF our country. applause
Another convention was held IN July last,
Which was also made up OF men irrespective OF
party views to express their satisfaction with what
had been done ana urge still further reforms. ~
That meeting delegates not only from our own.
but other states; leading commercial men from the
West were present. and the Governors OF WISCONSIN
and Minnesota and Iowa were there 10 tell now
deeply their people interested IN cheap and free
fransporta ion. The measures adopted By The Canal
Board 10 our canal commerce from ruin were NOT
rsken day too soen. IL must be borne IN mind tbat
me tonnage small on the canals not because IL ~
taken upon railroads, but because II IL carried
down the ST. Lawrence, which ID z Tree water route
Government Will not permit New York merchants TO
Guy foreign shipping French and German vessels are
lied 70 the docks. A reward TO Britain f0r burn
az our ships during the late civil war we give her
people the monopoly OF the carrying trade. II grain
goes up In price IN Europe. British shipowners, NOT
'msrlcaa farmers get all the pront. AsWnsi all