The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-01
CANAL TOLLS

Meeting or tho New York State Commercial
Union Discussion on the Question OF the
Reduction of Tolls-Ex-faovcrnor seq nlour's
Views an tue subject.
A convention OF tine New York State Commercial
Union, formed in April 1852 and consisting or rep
re entattyes Of the various commercial bodies Of
this and other cities of the State interested In the
canals, was held yesterday at 813 broadway, on 0
call from The State Central Committee OF the Union.
Nathaniel Sands, president VI the State Central Com.
mlttee, presided at the opening session.
Peter Cooper delivered q lengthy address on the
prospects Of increased facilities OF transport by
using steam vessels instead Of lowed boats, which
would increase the speed one-haf and lessen the
cost of transportation 10 under one fourth OF the
present rates, and said the canals should be free
as the rivers, save The charge for maintenance.
Mr.. Niles, OF Buffalo, remarked that the state and
city Of New York had too much pride and TOO much
at stake to allow the Erie Canal to be vanqushed by
q mountain railroad II sister state.
Tue following committees being appointed, the
convention adjourned TIL three +. M :-Comuiittee
on Resolatlons-Judge Day, Peter Cooper, William
Z. Gallagher, A. II. Gray. ON Address -AbSalom Mel
son, Buiialo; \. >. Crown o. 4. hincoX, IA. NJ. Bar
Aer, L. u. shaw, David Farley and II. 5. Howard.
EVENING SESSION.
Absalom Nelson, Buffalo, presided at the alter
letters o. apology from HOrano Seymour, Sc Iator
II. W. Genet, senator William NJ. Tweed James Hen
bricks, Senator L. ehawes and G. 3. King. o. Toledo
OHIO. The last named gentleman says "rhe West
must have transportation ANA gives the following
proof OF the necessity OF reduction OF tolls on pro-
auce:-Tne state of Illinois cuivaies 5778,37o acres
OF corn, 2,5l+6sZ acres Of wheat and 203573 acres
or other gram and estimating at forty wheat
at fifteen and olner grains Mt thirty bushel, the
acres, we have total 0i one State Of 3l3.5o223O
bushels.
series OF resolutions were passed to the effect t1at
the resolution now before the Legislature OF the
States for the amendment OF the constitution by an
article extending the time Tor the payment OF the
de0t Tor which the canal revenues are pledged, SO
that the canal tolls may be reduced TO the lowest
p9ssroie Pont, so no, pe aa0pea and raanGd."
posed measure the resolution concludes :-"By the
proposed amendment the annual sum to be raised to
pay such debt Will be reduced from n arly NIL
li0ls I'VE hundred thousand dollars TO about II. 9
hundred and eight three thousand dollars, which
can be easily raised IRON the canal revenues, to-
gether with ordinary repairs.o
On the motion OF II. Niles tBufralol the Committee
on Address was directed to prepare sutaos ad.
was directed to forward copies OF the resolutions to
the President and Speakers of both houses, with
The following is the letter OF the Hon. Horatio
Seymour
G.sTLEMEN-I sorry cannot attend the Commercial
that the Canal Board has held 70 the policy Of low os
constiai whc vii, tighten taxation BY postronns pay.
men. Of e Of the canal debt the weight Of
down the industry OF The country makes Of
Of I'VE q. Of as DEBT Is not
must be direct upon people by return
to high canal taxation, which would be still
Taxation in the form of tolls falls the food, ue and
this nS o lga
and takes commerce away from State into
people S.v when IT puts on. in the treasury
lines OF railway put their charges thus all sections tho
State embarrassed Railroad charges In nil parts of New
York when the canals close
the canals opened TO us from taxation and
enable keep taxation II 10 important
State bonds Those who hold them anxious
get bonds AM this is hard Inc tor the people pay
them. Why should both parties to the contract
be forced to do that which .. against the interest
and wishes OF each! An amendment having In view
the postponemen Of the payment of the debt submitted
20 the people at the last election and rejected There
many tor this. Its terms deemed by
to involve violation the faith Of the state Il also
appeared to make and additional debt. The subject
became enangled in political issues. The
steers clear OF these dcues The policy Of
low tolls into public favor the the
past year have that adherence to demanded
by the honor interests the State OF Truly
yous, &C., HuRATIO SEYMOUR.
The Central Committee of the Commercial Union OF
NevvX ork