New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-05
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
MEETING OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
j. ERNEST MILLER DROPS INTO POETRY WHILE AID
vOCATrSG FREE SHIPS.

MEETING OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
j. ERNEST MILLER DROPS INTO POETRY WHILE AD-
voCATING FREE SHIPS.
The Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday
was unusually we'll attended due no doubt to the
srecia interest taken in the report OF O committee
on the revival of American shipping Among others
Phelps, ex-Congressman Calklns William n.
FSgg, F. A. Gonkdlng: ES sSbMa, hi 6ssood
man, president of the Cromwell Line; Samneii
Harding and Ambrose SNOW Upon the TesHSg Oh
including Hamilton Mex. Twonbly, of he New,
York Central Railroad, Royal Phelps rose anu
pcrtinently inQulred Are all of these men mer,
ehantsi have an idea that TOO many persons are
becoming members who are not ideniIned as meT.
chants. Those who are not merchants snouiu nov
be elected; we are drifting too much ouI OF our
legitimate sphere. This is a Chamber OF merchants
think there should he more care taken ii we wish
TO continue the prosperity of the Chamber"
Charles s. Smith, the chairman of the Executive
Committee, said that he believed the candidates
were merchants or bankers, or connected with mer-
camille pursuits and in every way qualified as mem
bers They were then elected.
James w. Elwcl, chairman Of the Committee on
his eo-nembers, William il. Onion, Gustav Schwab.
mitee carefully considered each section of the
Dingley bill TO encourage the American foreign car
g and o hat 1T only partly
chant marine. 1t was recommended that Section
No o should BIO amended in several particulars
Section No. IL, which forbids advance wages, al
though somewhat similar to the English custom.
was lmpractcable, as there would be too manv
loop-holes for sailors to evade the, law. II
wo I'D also work hardshpS to officers and
seamen who have families dependent upon them.
Section No. 20 was recommended to be amended
10 provide for she cancelling of any drawback
that might have been allowed on the vessels regis
ter, wherever IL might be necessary to renew any
part of the equipment or materials used In the
structiOn of the Ship also that an allowance of 40
ha nj IN tbQ oiofa drorx
back should be made after five years from the date
of payment of drawback and for every five years
thereafter. as an allowance for natural wear and
tear also that nothing I'm the act should be so con-
stiue1 that vessels registered under il might have
the privilege Of going from one coastwise port to
another to load for a foreign voyage. Mr.. Calkins
then moved that ii e Chamber should approve the
bill with the amendments proposed also that
Congress should be urged TO adopt the bill intro
ing for the establishment OF Department Of Com
merce and Navigation.
j. Ernest Miller one Of the most emphatic advo-
Gates of free ships. said that while he approved the
report in the main, he would take issue on a few
pMn's. He desired to have more time to udv the
ton was to tie discussed, he went forward, threw
OF his coat, and drawing large roll of manuscript
from his pocket began reading. He begun his re-
marks by saying: 1t is stated by General Won
'Molck.' one of the greatest of military cGmmand-
ers OF modern times, forming one of that wonderful
VoN 'Molck,' who have controlled The
dsstnes of Germany for the last twenty
wears HOIdly ana so wisely, that his favOrlte
inaxlm is, first weigh land then venture" Mr.
Miller warmed up as he proceeded and swung his
arn.s rapidly as he talked loudly. At one time he
was interrup ed by Mr. Hncken. and requested to
confne himself TO the question. He abruptly threw
down his manuscript and IN an angry tone appealed
10 the chairman; "This is general question of
shipping, believe, sir; am right sir, or am not
Then will proceed"
Mr. hiller's opinion was that there were only
three "a tS Ssoo the b
sides IN the form OF a bounty to builders or OF
the payment OF large amounts in the postal con-
tIacts or q discriminating duty all merchandi e
imported by vessels built in the United States The
freesbip policy he considered the fairrst; the sub
sidy proposition he opposed and called 1t milk or
baoes. but when meat is needed 1T is better that
the auu.t should provide it himself" discrimin-
ating DUTY was step backward in the stnfe FOR
commercial supremacy. Mr. Miller then quot ed
from Lougellow and other poets. and FROM the
''Star spaugled Banner" He criticised the meet
ings of The committees, saying that it was unjust
that only two of the seven speakers before the
mttec were free ship men. The manner in which
the committee had investigated tins subject was an
exempnficatlon of the aggregate wisdom OF the
Chamber. In closing, he shouted IN deafenine
tones "You and your Chamber will die without
our commerce is revived"
Mr. Eiwell responded that he was sorry that the
"writer of the report did not have the eoquence OF
poetry possessed by Bit. Miller, but put ii IN the
piainest language, so that it could be understood.
Mr.. Miller replied e am opposed to the report
and so help me God, will work against you long
as have breath" Mr.. Hincken moved that the
subject should be postponed until a special meet
ing. Mr. Miller jumped up and shouted 4" will
second it; that's what Pve been trying to have
done, to have the subject thoroughly discussed
openly and to not move too fast" Mir. Conkling
A. Foster Higgins, MIR. Calkins and others snip
ported the report. The vote was taken, and MIR
Miller alone opposed it.
Mr. Higgins presented petition TO be sent to tn,
Legislature, asking that laws should be passed ant
All appropriation made to prevent the dumping o.
refuse material III the bay. 1t was approved. Mr.
Eiwell presented a report from committee pro
testing against the discontinuance of the Sigma
Service 81 alton on Tbatchers Island. Mass, whicl
was approved. Upon motion of Mr. Hincken Con
gress Is to be asked TO make appropriation for
hospital at this port for sick and disabled seamen
committee was appointed to act in concert Will
the Produce Exchange Committee TO provide for al
improved international bill OF ladlng.