The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-28
THE OCEANS TRACK.
Mutual Rights and Mutual Interests-An Alleged
Obnoxious Bill Of Lading and Protest.

meeting OF the shipping merchants or this city
was held at the Produce Exchange yesterday to
take action in regard TO an agreement which has
been concluded between the agents OF the several
lines OF steamers plying between this port and
Europe relative to their non-responsibily for mer-
chandise entrusted 70 them for transportation from
one point to another by rns agreement-of which
shippers complain that they had no notice whatever
until 1t was sprung upon them in the form of an
obnoxious bill OF lading-it Ia claimed that the
steamship companies have sought to dvest them.
selves OF all responsibility for the delivery OF mer-
chandise that may be shipped In their vessels that
they maintain their right to transport 1t IN what
ever vessel they may elect, giving the shipper no
voice in the matter whatever
This Is certainly wide departure from long estab.
lished rules-and 1t would seem that even though
the responsibility for the safe delivery of goods en-
trusted to them can be thus summary thrown or
by the shipowners Of which there grave doubts,
common equity, which should characterize dealings
between man and man, would have prompted
consultation with mutually interested parties. 1t Is
said that the immediate cause OF this action OF the
steamship companies Is the vexatlo 8 and frequent
losses arising from the ShrinkaQc or loss OF grain
during the OF transportation which shippers
maintain is attributable to careessness In handling
or peculation on the part Of the employees OF the
steamship companies for which the employers may
justly be held responsible.
1t is very doubtful whether the responsibility for
the safe delivery OF goods can be thus evaded by the
steamship companies who act in thiS matter in the
capacity or express companies common carriers,
vino are always held liable for goods entrusted to
their care but even though it be SO 1t Is questiona
bic whether this would pc the better plan. The
interests OF shtpOwners and shippers are closely
allied that no decisive action or this sort should be
taken by the one which can seriously and muriousy
affect the other, rs 1t IS claimed that this wll-at
| least not without full and free consultation.
| The Keeling engendered among the shipping mer.
| chants may be inferred by the action which was
taken at the meeting yesterday, and by the terms OF
| the resolutions adopted, which are subjoned:-
Whereas the agents Of the various lines of
trading between this port and Liverpool have suddenly
changed their old form of bill OF ading which has been
and insist containing fresh
clauses which almost II not entirely ignore the rights and
interests Of the shippers and in exchange for his property
give him document that is useless collateral for his
exchange, which his correspondent In England would be
perfectly JUSTIFIED In refusing to accept ~ voucher for the
shipment; therefore
Resolved That in thus acting without previous consua-
ton notice TO the shippers of produce
York Liverpool the agents OF said steamship lines have
acted with extreme dscouresy, and that bill OF lading
being contract between two parea the attempt of
impose their rics the other without previous concert Ii
arbitrary and unjust.
Resolved shippers at this meeting pledge
themselves to resist such action Of the steamship In
every lawful manner within their power.
Resolved That the said lines of steamships having
practically monopo,ized the carrying trade between New
York ether points in tho United States and Liverpool,
are not justified imposing aud hitherto unheard
rules the interest which has been mainly
instrumental In building up their prosperity.
Resolved, That committee be appointed TO take the best
legal advice the rights Of shippers In the premises and
counteract the attempted to be imposed upon