The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1888-12-07

4
lar, through the action Of the bezrd OF
trade
First, large sum OF money hiss
been exuended in extending the
steamer routes Of Seattle for the pur-
pose of increasing seattle's CONNER
ciai interests. The work done in this
direction by the board has been pro-
ductiye OF much good 70 lhe general
trade Of the city- The abolition OF
wharfage rates on all freight arriyin :
in the city over the Puget Sound
Shore railroad. and considerable re
duction in that coming by steamer,
! was affected with certain wharf own
ers through the influence and action
of this body. In one case total a5oli-
ton on outgoing freight was secured.
/ would suggest that the secretary
be authorized 10 communicate with
property owners on the principal bus
mess streets OF Seattle to ascertain
il possible from them their proposed
plans for next year. The Information
thus obtained could then be published
from time to time for the information
of parties looking for suitable loca-
| tons to establish themselves in bust
ness here II would be medium for
them 10 secure locations ahead, and
not only would II have the effect OF
| preventing people from going else
where, but il would inspire general
confidence in the future of this city IS
a trade center
1t may be interesting 10 new mem
bers to know that over $1,000 has
| been saved to the merchants belonging
| to the Board OF Trade through equaii-
cation of attachments. as provided for
1 krs aesfr4fns. hx--l
seems to me that the protection af-
forded to members OF this board in
| this and other ways. as provided for in
article of the constitution. would be
| seriously impaired, If not destroyed
altogether, By an aimagamaticn with
any other body. The functions OF the
Board of Trade partake more of 4
| mutual protective society than that of
an advertising medium or active agent
| in the general interests of the city.
/ At the same time our bylaws provide
| that one of the objects of the board
shall be the consideration of all sub
| jects pertaining % the mercantile and
| manufacturing interests of the city.
And for this reason / would beg to
offer a suggestion relating to the Office
| of secretary. As consti tuted at pres
ent il is impossible for the secretary to
either devote sufficient time bims self or
to employ the services of others in at
tending to the various correspondence
and other work incidental to the duties
of his office rs they should be attended
to.
The wharfage question has also been
freely discussed at recent meetings,
and scheme was proposed by which
the rates on outgoing freight would he
greatly reduced. Tickets OF the de-
nomination of cents and upwards
were to be issued by the wharf-owners
and sold by them to the merchants.
The wharfage on single packages
weighing up to 100 pounds was to be
paid by ticket, and it would then be
optional with the merchant to charge
the same 10 his customer. In this way
no wharfage would be charged on way
bills, and excessive rates prevented.
The plan was generally approved by
the board, but never put into practice
by the wharf-owneTs The board then
passed resolution supporting the city
council in the proposal to lease Yes
ler's wharf. As to the ACCESSIBILITY of
this action there appears to be some
difference of opinion on the part OF
members, but that some decisive action
is necessary to reduce the rates of
wharfage on outgoing freight appears
TO be the general opinion.
If no feeling of discomfort exists
among parties who trade with Seattle
merchants at the rates of wharfage
charged them, there is no necessity
for interference on the part of this
board. If any feeling of dissatisfac-
ton Is expressed on the subject, and is
so reported, then it is necessary for
the board OF trade to take the matter
in hand vigorously If any unjust
discrimination exists, or if rival cities
by means of free or low rates OF wharf
age are seeking to undermine the
trade OF Seattle, it is time to take the
matter up. All this can be better de-
termined when the true facts of the
case are known. In dealing with this
subject, however, while public interest
should be the chief consideration of a
body like the Board of Trade. vet care
should be taken not to unnecessarily
conflict with private interests.
The remarks OF the president of the
Chamber OF Commerce at its last meet
ing on the wharfage question would
tend to show that remedial measures
were necessary in that direction, but
NOW ALAtN AsAil itt btSl drought 3DObl
quires careful consideration.
1t has been proposed that the Board
OF Trade shsald take the initiative in
the selection of a representative to go
to Washington in company with rep
resentatlves from other sections OF the
territory to exert an influence in OBJ
tanning admission as a state. 1t would
seem from the following telegraphic
dispatch to the newspapers that action
on this matter cannot he taken too
soon. Here is the extract;
WAsHINGroS, Nov. Ex-senator
Quay says that he is quite sure now
that the next house OF representatives
will be Republican by majority of
five at least, and possibly on the Off
cial count the majority viii be nine
Ii he is correct, the admission of Wash
ington Territory and Dakota as two
states is assured. The northern half
OF Dakota will probably be named
Lincoln. Washington Territory will
not receive the same name "a a state
that It now has. 1t i proposed to
chriSten it Tacoma"
1t would not only appear from the
above that the time is ripe for the adj
mission OF the territory into state
hood, but that there is some danger
that the generally popular name of
e Washington, as the name of the
new state, may not be adopted. IL
might therefore he web for the board
at this meeting to take up the subject
and if possible nominate some gen
tleman a. delegate who NOT only will
have the time to spare. but who will
also thoroughly represent the wishes
OF the people Of Seattle on the subject.
ACTION vPuN THEs REPORT
Nj. hituneer's report was accepted
on Mr.. Marum's motion, with thanks.
President Adair advised the ap-
pointment Of 4 committee to watch
the movements OF the committee an
pointed az Washington, which i to
examine the Pacific coast with view
10 locating the proposed naval station.
and he proposed thai such a commit
tee from the Seattle board OF trade
might communicate with the naval
station committee at au early date.
! he board seemed 10 think there was
plenty OF time yet, so no action on
thls matter was taken.
Two new firms, the Seattle Tphoi-
stery x supply Co. and Hardy & Hall.
were admitted 10 membership.
proposition was submitted from the
san Francisco Eramiaer TO give Seattle
the benefit ol new years coast add
Ion - ITIfu TTIUJi tfIHI Tne
EIaEiaeT intended 10 open a special