The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-02-24


ciation. which Is close corporation, and
under this law self.electing aud self-per-
petuating, will not be disturbed.
We hold that the propriety oil the
change proposed in the existing law
which has been asked with so much
unanimity by our people from all parts
of the State, must commend Itself to
every thoughtful and considerate man
We aver that any taxation OF the citi-
zen for the benefit Of private individuals
in return for which ne receives no service,
and the person who is thus allowed TO
levy tribute upon his neighbor renders no
labor. is unjustifiable and cannot be de-
| Tended.
We aver that the wrong thus committed
upon the citizen, great as II manifestly is,
is really small as compared TO the injury
inflicted upon the Commonwealth by
driving from her waters vessels when
would otherwise come 10 her ports 10 aug
men; her commerce and enhance the pros
perity of all her people.
We aver that in the maintenance OF an
efficient merchant marine and ample Ia
cilities for water transportation will be
found the cheapest means OF conveying 10
and from the State every article which
enters into the daily consumption OF our
people and the products Of our mines,
forests, fields, and factories.
We aver that this tax, while paid at first
hands bv the owners of the vessels, is at
last paid by the great mass OF the people
who produce and consume the various
articles transported, and IS therefore real
IL a Tax upon the labor of our land.
We aver that these taxes operate as an
embargo upon our commerce To keep
from our waters vessels which now seek
other ports, where they are not subject
ed 10 such burdens, and the decline in
our coastwise trade can be ascribed to the
existence of this obnoxious law.
We aver that instances can be multi
piled without number where our miners,
manufacturers, and farmers are now pay
ing higher freight rates in Transporting
their products to the Jlarkcls OF the
North and East than they otherwise
would have to pay If they could ship the
same by sailing vessels, but which they
are deprived from doing because such
vessels can better afford TO trade in other
waters where this law does not exist, and
therefore will not come TO our ports.
We aver that the change proposed will
not as the friends Of the pilots allege,
impair the efficiency of the pilot service
or endanger the life of any passenger
travelling upon the water, because the
fees now derived from the foreign trade
(Which are daily increasingly, and which
trade accepts their services, are ample to
afford them full remuneration 10 provide
them a handsome support; and the num-
her of ilots being entiIely in their own
hands, the laY of supply and demand
will itself fix the number G; those whose
services are needed AS TO the lives o'
passengers being endangered by the i'm
pairment. Of the Pilots Association by
the reduction Of their revenues, COM
pleie answer to the argument is that the
United States Government has, by special
statute. relieved all steamboats, from
the liability TO conform 10 our law or to
accept our rpilots.
In view Of the above recitals this meet
ing cordially endorses the bills now be-
fore the General Assembly providing for
the amendment of the existing statute
in regard to the regulation of pilots and
pilOtage, az above indicated, and most
earnestly and respectfully commend them
10 the favorable consideration of that
body.
The resolution was unanimously adopt
ed, and the meeting adjourned.