The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-22
Compulsory Pilotage.
Com
Editor Times:



The United States Senate on Thursday last
passed the bill abO.ishing compulsory pilot
age on vessels engaged IN the cOastwise trade.
luis Is the bill for the passage OF which the
Chamber of Commerce OF this city sent to
Congress such q strong memorial asking ia
yorable action at it, hands. Other CONNER
cia. bodies in the State. notably the stanton
Chamber OF Commerce. did likewise and the
expressions of public Indignation a. the laws
which now disgrace the statute books Of
many OF our States has had its effect npon our
law makers and secured the passage of the
OIL through the Senate.
The measure now goes TO the House. and
let Us hope the Democratic majority n that
body Will see that 1t IS promptly carried
through.
There is no more repugnant idea 10 the
genius and principles or the Democratic party
than the Government shall enact laws for the
benefit OF q few iayOrites and subject the
public 10 onerous taxes, none OF which find
their way 10 the public treasury. The sys
TEN Of compulsory pilot laws which to-day
exist ID some of our States EFFORTS an enormous
tax from the commerce Of our country tor
which no service Is rendered, none needed.
and for which the recipient shows no better
T -lt in morals or IN lay than the presence of
an autiQuated and Ubiquitous statute
upon our law books the reason for
which las long since passed away. II the pi-
lot, render any service they should De PAID. III
10 service Is rendered no fees should be pad.
Under tine act Of Congress passed some years
siure steam vessels were exempted from the
| compulsory tax. Sailing vessels still have
T. pay the fees or obtain license
from the pilots who, be 1t remem-
bored, are "a private association for ply
ing their business in the waters OF our coun-
try IL is 10 put the lighter the barge.
| tle schooner. the sailing vessel, all OF which
carry freight only. and this the cheapest kind
| IL freight upon the same footing as the
soamboat that this bill Is intended.
We commend the measure 10 our repre-
sentatives There would be absolutely nc
doubt of its passage II members were accu-
rateiy informed as 10 the iniquitOu5 prONis-
ions of the present law and It's ruinous bur
dens upon our commerce. The Justice OF the
law cannot be discussed IN the light of day.
The thousands and hundreds OF thousands
which this system EFFORTS from the defence
less commerce of the country may be en-
p.oyed 10 embarrass the passage OF tins meas
ure. but n lair and open discussion OF the
matter will route completely the advocates
! of this system. As senator Vest SAID.
1T is blood money" nder the pres
ent law a close corporation OF private
individuals in such Ot the States As are 81
non progressive AZ % permit such "A statute
10 disgrace their Codes stand at the gate
wav, OF commerce and demand tribute OF
the vessels which seek our ports. NO ser
wee is rendered and none desired. \ protec.
tive tariff for the benefit OF a few favored
/ manufacturers fades into lnsgnlhcauce
before such an enOrmlty. Let the lower
house but emulate the Senate aud let THIS
vestige of the middle ages Do stricken from
orr statute books