Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-03-21
PUBLIC MEETING IN LIBERTY
COUNTY.
Inauguration of an Important Ea-
feTPrfse- steam Navigation of Ghe
Ogeeehee. Sunbury. RIcehOro and
south NewpOrt Rivers.

DORCHESTER, LIBERTY COUNTY, GA, March
19.-Edttor Morning NeUs; Notwithstanding
the very stormy weather which prevailed dur
ing the enti: Q forenoon, the mass meeting an
nounced to be held here to-day was large and
enthusiastic.
The meeting was called to order by Rev. ].
T. 81. Waite, who stated that its purpose was
the consideration OF matters pertaining to the
introduction of steam navigation upon the
Ogeechee, Sunbury, Ricsboro and South New
port rivers. and to gather facts concerning the
patronage such an enterprise would receive,
to be furnished Northern capitalists who lad
made inquiry concerning the scheme. He
spoke of the great need that existed for regu-
lar steam navigation on the said rivers, and OF
bow it might be secured II the proper measures
were adopted. He then proposed that those
present form themselves into permanent
Organization for the purpose of facilitating the
enterprise, of assuring those who start It of
their patronage, and Of promoting the cultiva.
tion of fruit ami early vegetables which would
be shipped to Northern markets via the pro-
posed route. The proposition met with the
approval OF all, whereupon the following Of
1cerS we're elected for term of six months:
President, John Axtell; Vice President, Joseph
Coe; Secretary and Treasurer. Rev. J. T. H.
Waite.
Mr.. Axtell addressed the meeting. setting
forth the great benefit which would accrue to a i
classes by the establishment Of the desired
system of navigation, and also read several
letters of late date received from capitalists,
making close inquiry into the facts connected
with the enterprise under consideration
hr. VIM. @. Stevens delivered q brief but
earnest an6 comprehensive address. He stated
that regular steam navigation of the rivers
mentioned was necessary for the develop
ment of the fertile country adjacent, and that
It would inaugurate the industry of trucking
for the Northern markets, the returns for such
produce coming in at period when money is
very scarce with many who now cultivate rice
and cotton alone.
others present. Facts were presented showing
that sufficient passengers, rice. cord wood,
cotton and other freight to and from Savan-
nah could be assured by the beginning of the
fall to Justify the running OF two steamers,
making tri-weekly trips upon the four rivers
mentioned.
There was q general expression of purpose
upon the part of those present to commence
the cultivation OF early vegetables next season,
should steam navigation be established A
committee of eighteen was appointed for the
purpose of ascertaining the entire amount OF
freight that could be assured the steamers
next fall by the farmers and merchants of the
section of country to be benefited. and also
what the general disposition of many not
present was concerning the culture of truck,
which prospective industry viii be greatly
relied upon to support the steamers during
the spring and summer months. The commit
tee will report at the next meeting of the aSso-
citation, which VIII De neid at MIDWAY on Sat
day next at IL O'CLOCK q. IN. All present had
their names enrolled as members Of the asso.
citation, numbering sixty-six.
From the great interest in the scheme, mani
tested by the large meeting held to-day and
by the various messages sent by those pre-
vented from attending by the storm, and from
the general enthusiasm of both white and
colored on the subject it Is safe to predict that
the next meeting will be largely attended, and
that measures viii be adopted which will re-
suit In the establishment OF . regular line OF
steam communication between Savannah and
all navigabIe points on the Ogeechee, Sunbury,
Riceboro and South Newport rivers, aud that
by the 1st of October. r.