The Portland daily press., 1873-04-08
RO0rd Of Trn do.


Records of the previous meeting were rea
and approved
The following gentlemen were elected mem
bers:- ~
James d. Smith, William A. Winship, Ed
ward ~ y. 1Patten, Daniel ". Ames, Micah Samp
son, william w. Thomas, Jr, George E. B
Cole.
a communication was received from the Sec
retary of the National Board of Trade, suggest
ing the subjects to be discussed at the mex
meeting of the board. Referred to the boart
of managers.
MIR. Shurtleff, from the committee on way
and MEANS reported that Hon. w. w. Thomas
had reduced the rent of the Board of Trade
rooms $100 per annum.
At the last meeting the subject of inviting
the committee authorized by Congress to in
auire into the subject of transportation of pro
ducts and commodities between the interior
and the seaboard, was introduced. Last eve
ming Mr.. G. W. True stated that he had receiv
ed letter from Mr.. Window, chairman of the
Senate committee, saying that they had moi
yet decided what places to visit, but would be
happy to include this city in their tour. Mr.
True then read the following paper:
Mr. PREsDENT,-Muche earnest and consider
ate attention has been given by this Board tc
the subject of cheaper transportation from the
west and its consequent cheaper bread. Indi
vldual ci liens and Boards of Trade have peti-
TONED, Legislatures and city councils have me-
morialized the law-making power, and the
President of the United States has urged upou
congress the immediate consideration of this
important question, and it is at length moving
in the right direction. The Judiciary Commit
tees of both Houses during the last session were
charged with the duty of investigating the
powers of Congress in regulating commerce be-
tween the States with view to ascertainine
whether it has the right to regulate the rates OF
transportation, and to authorize the construc-
ton and operation of railroads passing into, OF
through two or more States. A bill Was intro
duced into the House. December4 4th, to provide
for the speedy construction of a ship canal of
large capacity around the Falls of Niagara, on
the American side. On the 18th of December
the Senate by vote OF 81 to 8 adopted reso-
luton for the appointment of a committee of
seven of their number on Transportation
Routes to the Seaboard.' Messrs Window
(chairman), Sherman, Conkling, Ames, Lewis,
Casserly and Norwood, were appointed. The
subject was fully discussed at that time and it
was admitted by all that the facilities for the
Interchange of commodities between the interi-
or and the seaboard are totally inadequate. On
the closing day of the session the subject was
again brought up in the Senate. Messrs.
Mitchell and Davis were added to the Commit
tee and the following resolution was unanimous
ly adopted:
"Resolued, That the Committee on Transpor-
tation Routes, &C., be authorized to sit at such
places as they may designate during the recess
and to investigate and report upon the subject
of transportation between the interior and the
seaboard' that they have power to send for per-
sons, &C."
1t is the declared purpose of the Committee
to hold sessions at various points through the
country, with the intent to make thorough
work in their Investigations, to take evidence
touching all que tiOns at issue between the peo-
pie and the transportation companies, from the
leading officers of those companies who control
the rates, and the leading business interests of
the countrp.
As the result of their labors, the committee
will be able to place before Congress in an au-
thentic form, the necessary information to en-
able it hereafter, if deemed practicable, to
legislate on the subject without delay. In the
issue Of this investigation and the consequent
legislation of Congress, we have deep and
abiding interest. We are consumers and want
cheaper bread. We are carriers upon the sea
and want more employment for our ships. Of
the one hundred and fifty million bushels of
wheat imported annually by Great Britain, we,
with surplus of nearly two hundred million
bushels, without market are able to contrib
ute only about ten per cent And why? Be-
cause Of the exhorbitant charges for internal
transportation. 1t is the purpose of the special
committee to investigate the whole subject, as
certain the extent of the evil complained OF, and
if possible recommend some specific remedy at
the next session of Congress Mr.. Chairman,
offer for adoption by this Board the following
resolutions:
RESOLVED by the Board of Trade of the City of
Portland, That we recognize the importance of
tIor n.o1
of the Senate on Transportation Routes to the
Seaboard, and learn with lively satisfaction
that the grave and important questions involy-
ed in the investigation upon which they are
about to enter will have the careful and consid-
crate attention of Senators distinguished for
their broad craftsmanship, practical knowledge
of business affairs and devotion to the public
interests.
Resoluea, That we most cordially invite the
comm 'ttee to include our city in their tour of
observation, and to hold session of their board
here at such time as they may be pleased to
our associates, much valuable information upon
the subject of their inquiry and hearty well
come to our city.
The subject was then discussed by several
speakers, and the unanimous wish expressed
that the committee could be Induced to visit the
city. Mr.. Hersey said it would bring our city
poets are such tina the visit would prove bene
fetal.
Mr.. G. w. Woodman thought cheap trans
portation one of the most important of sub
jects-one of the true subjects of the day.
After further remarks, it was ordered that 6
copy of the resolutions be forwarded to the com.
mittee. -
Mr.. Hersey said that the subject of statistics
in relation to our business and prospects had
been brought to his notice frequently of late
and the necessity of some such information, tt
be furnished abroad, was very apparent, if fol
no other purpose than to counteract the impress
sion which had been created in New York an6
other places, by men who called themselves cit
izens of Portland, but who were continually
telling abroad that Portland was dead that sht
had no importations. no manufactures, and lit
tie jobbing business. Mr. Hersey said Portland
is certainly progressing, and our population i.
rapidly increasing. The lumber business with
in few years has increased enormously
Mr.. G. W. Woodman stated that more dry
goods were handled in the city last year thar
ever before, and every year added to the vol
ume of business. He wanted the statistics pub
lished. People from other cities are coming
here and hiring our stores and building up oul
trade. -t4.
The remarks of the several gentlemen show
ed that all departments of trade and commerce
were increasing, and the speakers held the mos
fattering views of our future prospects
On motion of Mr. Hersey, the following wa
adopted:-
Voted That this matter be referred to com
mittee of three, with power to make all TIL,
necessary arrangements to carry out tue view
expressed here.
Messrs. True, Woodman and Pierce were an
pointed as the committee.
The proposition in regard to harbor improve
ments-to cut off the ends of wharves project
ing beyond the harbor commissioners line, an,
building out others-came up, but owing to th
lateness of the hour, the whole subject was la
over until the next meeting, and the board ad
journed. J
Ferry Village.
By special act Of the last Legislature tn
County Commissioners of Cumberland county
on petition of one hundred of the legal voter
of said county, were authorized to lay out an
construct ferry landing into tide waters in th
city of Portland. In accordance with said al
petitions are being circulated throughout til