Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-10-07
MASSACHUSETTS,.
A. B. c. r. NJ.

A. b. c. r. N.
LOWELL, October 6. At the session of the
A B. c. +. NJ. paper on relations OF
foreign missions was read by Rev. n. G..
Clark. The paper was an exhaustive review
of missionary labor for the past fifty wears.
showing il had grown in breadth and scope,
and lost much of the romance of former DAYS.
Resolutions on the death of Rev. Rufus An
derson, ID. d., were passed, and President
Hopkins delivered feeling and eloquent
tribute TO his memory. Nominating CON-
mittee presented list of various committees.
Huntington Hall being. inadequate to &C.
commodate the throng part went to Kirk street
church, where papers read in the main meet
ing were read.
The Shipping Interests.
BosroN. October 6. In response to a cir
cular letter sent TO commercial organizations
throughout the country by the Board of
Trade and Transportation of New York, there
convened at the Board of Trades rooms here
this morning representatives of 81 mercantile
associations for the purpose of discussing and
devising means for the correction of abuses
and REIMBURSEMENT of trade relations and
facilities which demand the Intervention of
Congress. The most important of these SUBJ
jects is the proposed revision of the naviga-
ton laws, and the adoption of some plan ac-
ceptable to both owners and builders for re-
lief and recovery of our long neglected ship
ping interests. Capt. Ambrose Snow of New
York was chosen temporary chairman. On
taking the chair Capt Snow stated the object
of the convention was to harmonic conflict
ing opinions regarding shipping interests,
that an agreement may be reached as to what
form of relief Congress shall be asked to rem
der. Differences can only be reconciled BY
a yielding TO some of the more advanced
views of one and the conservative views of
others.
Report of committee on rules and orders
was presented. Rules of House of Repre-
sentatives of the United States were adopted
for guidance of the convention. Hours of
sessions were fixed from 10 TO o'clock daily.
To consider all resolutions and papers pre-
scented, the chair appointed the following -
II. A. Hill, Boston, Ambrose Snow, New
York, John Wetherell, Philadelphia, W. ii.
Webb, New York, Henry Winsor, Philade-
phia, Arthur Sewall, Maine, Mr.. Atkinson,
Maryland, Mr.. Patterson, Indiana, +. n.
Thayer, Boston. Convention being organized,
w. ii. Lincoln, on behalf of Boston Board of
Trade, presented the following
Whereas, The mercantile marine of the
United States engaged in foreign commerce
has been steadily and rapidly declining since
the commencement of our civil war period
nearly twenty years, till its deporable con-
dition has excited universal regret, and
aroused the attention OF the country; and
Whereas, Foreign lines of ocean steam
ships are multiplying and transacting bust
ness in which our sailing ships were formerly
engaged, and iron ships are surerseding
wooden in many important trades; and
Whereas, This change in mode of trans
portation and in construction of vessels has
contributed largely to the decay of our ship
ping interests: and
Whereas, 1t is of the highest importance to
the welfare and safety of the nation that
measures should be Immediately adopted by
our government that will assist in the restora-
ton of our commerce. and encourage our
shipowners, by enabling them to compete
with those of other countries, therefore, be it
resolved by this convention of shipOwners
and merchants ofthe United States, assembled
for the purpose of taking action on these i'm
portant interests
First-That we heartily approve the bill
entitled IAN act to repeal and amend certain
acts pertaining to the shipment and discharge
of seamen," said bill having been presented
in House of Representatives, May 9TH, 1879,
by VIM. Clafin of Massachusetts, and re-
1eTTcu 10 COMMITTEE On 1OtllIneTce, anu
having already received Endorsement of New
York Chamber of Commerce, the Maritime
Exchange, the New England ShpOwners
Association and Boston Board of Trade.
Second-That permission should be grant
ed to take goods of foreign production or
manufacture out of bond free of duty, when
such goods are to be taken as stores on board
of any ship bound from port in the United
States to foreign port.
Third-That rs property invested in ship
ping derives its protection from the govern
ment of the United States. and as said prop
erty is subject to taxation by the government
it should be exempt from all local and mu-
nicipal taxation by special act of Congress,
leaving incomes only subject to such taxation.
Fourth-That all compulsory pilotage be
abolished in the United States.
Fifth-That the government assist in the
establishment and maintenance of American
lines of steamships from our own ports to
important foreign ports, by payment ofproper
sums of money for transportion of mails to
such lines as will render the most effective
service, and without which substantial aid
such lines, so important to the progress and
prosperity of the nation cannot exist in
competition with the subsidized steam feet
of other countries.
Sixth-That results have clearly and forcibly
proven that our shipping canpak prosper or
even maintain itself in COMP X with nav
igation of other maritime people until it is
placed on an equal footing, both as regards
original cost, expense of equipment and sup
port at sea. Therefore we call upon the
government to repeal navigation laws re-
stricting registry of vessels to such as are
built in the United States, but with this pro-
viso that all vessels OF foreign build owned
by citizens of the United States, shall be ex-
cluded forever from coastng or inland trade.
Sevcnth-That all material entering into
construction or repair of ships shall be adj
mtted free of duty, when so employed.
Eighth-That we recommend Congress
take early action providing for distribution
of the balance in the treasury on account Of
the Geneva award
W. ri. Lincoln of Boston offered a resolu-
ton that House bill No 1899, "A bill to re-
peal and amend certain acts pertaining to
shipment and discharge Of seamen." be re-
ferred tn committee consisting of five ship
owners, for consideration. Mr. Lincoln
advocated the bill. ella inning that at present,
under existing laws, seamen could not be
discharged for any cause in foreign ports
without paying them three months wages,
and that this amount went into the pockets Of
consuls.
J. T.. Burt of Boston proposed that Con-
gress be petitioned to amend the Law relating
to admeasurement of vessels, so that. accom-
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