New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-08-03
THE SEANEN'S EXCHANGE.

DESCRIPTION OF TIE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF
THE NEW SHIPPING LAW,
The new Seamen's Exchange, Nos. 1877 ana
1s9 Cherryst admirably adapted to the purpose ior
which it is required The first floor of the building III
front is occupied by the seamen's Bank Beside inc
large room occupied by the bank, there are private
offices for the President and Directors On each side are
wide passages running back the readingroom, which
occupes the rear Of the first floor This room is large
welghted and furnished, and provided with several
inclined abes on which may be found the hes OF all
the principal newspapers and magazines OF the country
especially such relate TO shipping interests In this
room is the nucleus of sailors library, and long rows
Of shelves await contributions Opposite the library are
shelves constructed for sailors cabinet which will re-
ceive no doubt many valuable contributions from the
seamen themselves.
The second floor Of the building is occupied by the
chapel the appearance of which is very attractive IL
is asefuy furnished The asle and platform are car
peed and in the a fine organ. The third floor IS
used for the business transactions of the establishment
This is called the Outward Engagement Department"
On the southern side Of this may be found the
desks of the deputycOmmissoners and payingelerks.
The Office OF the shipping Commissioner, Capt Cnafes
Z. Duncan, is also ON the third floor.
Descending TO the basement of the building one may
used as smokingroOm Here, too, is the "ouft ROOM"
where sailors will find supplies needed for voyage at
trely furnished though the work is going on rapidly,
aud IN very few days the entire building VIII DC ready
The new shipping law prevents the kidnapping OF
sailors, which has been common 1t has long been
customary for the shipping houses to employ runners
for the purpose of obtaining men TO MI out crew.
These not always trustworthy ana by GO
ing TO "A sailor and promising find him position for
ST. S. $40 the might be, they have OFTEN
deTduded innocent sailor out OF ms hardearned saw
iDgs. The system does away with this abuse. 10
secure honest great taken, ana the following
the applicant for sucn position
I, do soleHnly swear that Will faithfully perform such
duties Charles &. Duncan L. s. Shipping Com
that
@ in sober orderly and respectful manner aud mat WIZ
either directly Indirectly receive from
one eraiuy present. other than the salary Which
agreed lie paid me By sad Commissioner Tor ny services TA
mat brides were often received and demanded by the
old system evident, yesterday, as Capt. Duncan
filing up his ranks OF runners Upon the reading OI
the turned and LETT the room immediate ely
without signing the bin. This corps Of runners Will be
about Twelve IN number and their duty Will he to 20
among the sailors boarding. ana places Of
resort, aud Obtain TO fill UP the shiprOs. Upon
reaching the Office the sailor will be examined, aud must
he healthy and competent for all the duties which may
be required OF him. He must receive his advance wages
in his own hands. In addition 10 the Cnet Shipping
Commissioner, Capt. Duncan there VIII be seven Dep
observation-disclosures One OF these will have Office
the west side OF the city for the North River shipping
In this way sailors that direction Will not be
obliged to cross the city. At tue Shipping Commission
rooms there will be two sets OF officers, for shipping
Outward-bOund vessels and the other for over
seeing the payment OF men on luwardDOund vessels.
The boarding house keepers are entirely sym
patty with the enterprise. Fourteen Of these men
are determined 10 do everything their power TO OBJ
the operation OF the law. Tue larger part OF
the clearinghouse keepers favor the enterprise how
ever and the Commissioners anticipate serious diff
Guilty nom the combination They expect no trouble
whatever in obtaining all the tney need Or supply
ing the demand.