The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-05

Tho stanton Chamber Of Commerce oppose
Compulsory Piiotagc.

The following is copy of the resolutions
adopted by the Stanton Chamber OF Com
MERGE at q special meeting held on Friday
night. April 20. 1872. and forwarded 10 the
Chamber of Commerce OF this city
Whereas the federal statute of August =
1854 il the permsslve act of Congress IA
virtue of which the Pilot Association OF W.
olnia under the laws Of Virginia. Is empow
cred TO compel vessels coming into certain
waters OF the State 10 employ Nirglnla pl0ts,
and said permissive act has been so revised
As TO exempt coastwise vessels propeiieo 10
whole or part by steam from the oollgatlon 20
employ State pilots And the Virginia pilot
laws have been so amended IA to exempt
coastwse sailing vessels upon tho IOtomac
river from the obligation to employ virginia
pilots and so a. To permit the fllot Assocla-
ton of Virginia to- compound ior plotage
fees with coastwise sailing vessels "a the
other waters of the State. IN consideration OF
the pavment of a license tax solely tor tho
use of the Virginia Pilot Association, and
Whereas, the conditions OF more than a
century ago ara so changed 10y the aids 10 and
improvements in navigation OF the present
day that the services OF the State pilots are no
longer necessary for the safe conduct OF coast
wise vessels IN these waters. which sailing
vessels with their own pilots aud crews. and
tOwed by tugs with competent pilots. are az
no greater risk than the coastwlse steamers
carrying more precious cArgOe,. ana SAID
sailing vessels in many instances come into
competition with the coas:wise steamers. and
can therefore Ill afford 10 bear the burden %
this discriminating tax; aud
Whereas, IL Is the manifest interest OF the
State and 4 the producers and consumers IN
the State. that ireights should be cheapened
as much as possible By removing all unneces-
sary burdens and restrictions from coastwse
sailing vessels trading IN or seeking 10 trade
in It's waters. and 10 ls confidently beloved
that this IN equally true of other states hay-
ing similar pilot laws. and that the efficiency
and economy of the service 10 vessels en-
gagged ~ foreign trade, Is IN no degree de-
pendent upon the fees derived from plotting
or licensing cOastng vessels. and that even
II the receipts from plotting vessels IN for
eien trade are not sufficient 10 adequately
sustain the pilot service of Virginia. that lt IL
uuwise. unjust and unconstitutional 70 I'M
pose the burden of compulsory pnotage or d
license tax arbitrarily upon the coastlng yes.
sells OF the country not requiring or using the
service therefore
1. Resolved That we cordially indorse tho
measure now pending before Congress >,
1881 having Tor its object the exemption o.
American cOastwise sailing vessels plotted 10y
their licensed masters or nited states pilot,
from the obligation 70 pay State pilots tor
services not rendered.
2. Resolved. That n copy Of these proceed
ings be sent 10 our senator's and representa-
tiyes in Congress respectfully but earnestly
requesting them 10 give tho bill IN question
their careful attention and active support.
true copy-Attest:
fSigned K. A. RosE. Secretary.