New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-02
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT EDISON.

FELLOW MEMBERS AND MERCHANTS OF NEw-
YORK: The merchants Of New-York have been called
upon expression upon subjects OF such vast im
portance to this city and State those which we arc
here assembled consider Indeed, there are few, II
any, questions which touch greater or more vital Ma
toaai interests THAI question OF the or
proper OF the canals Of the State of New
York. For more than 40 years they nave cons'ituted
the great artery through which the products OF Western
soil have moved to the seaboard for consumption and
expectation. And that other avenues are beng
opened by which trade Will be diverted TO other ports
than ours IL becomes of the most serious consequence
that the financial affairs Of canals should he econom"
ically and honestly administered.
The Chief Magistrate OF the State OF New York eVi-
IDENTIFY appreciates the Importance OF THIS SUBJECT ann
being aware that corrupt practices were prevailing
which had hitherto successfully dehed all attempts AZ
exposure he dared to take proper steps for bringing
them to light regardless Of those might be con-
cerpetherein IL is because the people who are moss
interested cheap transportation to the railroad do nos
take time to look into these matters that II has become
possible for great frauds 10 be committed
II ia on this account fcllow-ctzens, that We have
called YOU here to-day that rs members OF this eress
common wealth you may give some fitting expression to
your views and thereby strengthen the hands OF your
Chief Executive that he may be successful IN bs second
great endeayor TO overthrow fraud In high places And
in order that may make the most OF the short tme
chat can be given a meeting like this we have invites
in your name those gentlemen familiar with the subjects
under consideration to address you.
LETTERS FROM GOV. TILDEN AND OTHERS.
The Secretary, William II. Phillips, then
read the folio wing letter. received from Gov rldens
and also the others foowingh
STATE OF NEw-YoRK EXECUTIVE CnAMRER,l
ALBANY, March 81, 1857 ) ,
GENTLEMEN Official engagements here render 1t im.
possible for me 10 accept your invitation today re-
iyed IN
noon IN OF Canal Reform. III subject OF cob-
graduation that the business men generally, as well as
those YOU specially represent strong Interest
and energetic part III this important movement.
With malice toward none even with Charity fcr
alb but with memorable fidelity to the rights Of
the pundered people. we must Insist on the best at
tsnbe security for the future. aud on every prse-
10 that end rely on the cordial and effective co0pera
ton OF the business men OF city aud Of tho stste
VII" S'e'' '''pN' SAMUEL J. TnDEH
AT the conclusion Of the reading OF the letter three
cheers for Gov Tilden were proposed and given most
heal thy - 49,
NETWORK, Apni !. 1875
SIR received several days ago iavitaon Of the
Produce Exchange attend the meeting today. and
have deferred an acknowledgment IN hopes or beapg
able to accept it, and now. however that Important
Official engagements unavoidsbly detan NE here during
Gov Tiden has had my best wishes In his recent
Efforts 70 expose and punish frauds upon the public
Treasury and corruption office They are In natural
sequence ana fuainent Of tbs policy and plans nausu-
rstsd here four years ago BY some best ctssns
IN the assault upon thieves both po parties
who had until then ruled aud piundsred this CON-
nunity. - -. a.. 49,. 40
That assault made successful theu ~ the co
operation OF the members Of tho Produce ExchSnee
and OF other merchants aud business men u tue city,
who usually take but little interest 10 pocal snAts,
but who we're then at last thoroughly aroused 70 tho
appalling necessity for concerted action IN c:sotmxnce
OF the duties Of ctsens under based
upon universal suffrage.
Il TO the influential business men Of the State has
thu now addresses himseh and upoa them We
rely for practical results Of the discussions In whics hs
has 20 ably taken tho lead.
heartily indorse tho recommendation for reduction
of canal tolls tho minimum Of necessary charges,
and shsll cooperate In every way possible with the
saxaci0ds men endeavorng 20 increase the ternieal
faostes q this port for rsosivns handling ana sx'
porting freiehJA
As these matters snA an ethess the members q ~
Produce Exchange may b. assured that it shAl - NJ
constant eDgt - devoAoD - ~ ulosg ~ 0oAS ~