Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-03
WOUND UP A0UATICALLY.
The Meeting of the National Board Of Nnvi.
gntion Ended by n Banquet Afonf-A
Very Lively Morning session-Tolls De-

The Meeting of the National Board Of Nnvi-
gntion Ended by n Banquet Afonf-A
Very Lively Morning session-Tolls De-
nounced.
The National Board of Steam Navigation,
which has been meeting in this city, con-
cluded its session yesterday by an excursion
up the Monongahela on the MayAower. A
comprehensive banquet was served on
board, and number OF speeches were made,
which principally dealt with the freeing of
the Monongahela river from the toll system.
Captain John A. Dravo delivered caustic
address upon the discrimination against the
valley coal operators by the Monongahela
Slackwater Company at the morning ses-
sion. He said: "The interests of ten States
are in consideration. 1t is wrong that 3
private corporation Is allowed to control q
national body of water and to charge
fees for the transportation of coal
through system of locks and dams. Locks
should be owned and controlled by the
Government of the United States. II the
Monongahela was free then the citizens OF
ten States could obtain their coal great
deal cheaper. II costs more money at pres
ent to get a tow of coal down from the
upper pools to Pittsburg, distance of 80
miles, than it does to ship it from this port
to Cincinnati, distance of 450 miles, The
last session of Congress did make an appro-
priation for the purchase of dam and lock
No. 7. This will not benefit the coal men,
for the lock and dam are located in West
Virginia"
Captain bravo then submitted the follow
ing resolution which was adopted:
WHEREAS, The right of free navigation is
fully recognized, and as fully secured to the
people of West Virginia by the Improvement
of the Great Kanawha river at National ex-
pense, and its use protected from taxation by
special legislation; and
Whereas A portion of the Monongahela
river, lying within the boundary lines OF the
State of Pennsylvania is controlled by private
corporation, charging and collecting tolls on
merchandise en- route for the citizens Of other
States, in violation Of national law, which for
bids the imposition Of duty on Interstate com
merce; and
Whereas. Our appeal to Congress for relief
is further justified by the consideration that
proved and made free that part Of the Monon-
gahela lying Immediately beyond the State line
of Pennsylvania and within the lines Of West
Virginia, conspicuously discriminating in favor
of the citizens Of one State to the disadvantage
of those of another,
Resolved, That the Committee on Legisla-
ture be instructed to make such representa-
tions to Congress as they may deem proper to
the end that the people of the United States
may be secured in the free use of the Monon-
gahela river.
Captain Vosburgh then announced that
he would like to have the two bills he had
drafted presented before the next Congress.
The first bill provided for the abolition of
an annual meeting of the national meeting
of the State Board of Supervisors. The
second referred to the appointment cf super
Vising inspectors.
All the delegates returned home after the
excursion and expressed warm appreciation
for Pittsburg's generosity.