New-York tribune., 1897-07-11
NEW-YORK'S COMMERCE..
r,,r DECLINE IN FOREIGN TRADE AND
THE CAUSES OF 1T.

THE CAUSES OF 1T.
VIEWS or LEADING SHIPPING MEN-THE NEED
OF DREDGING THE HARBoR-DoCK FAcII-
I1rEs OF THE PRESENT AND FUTURE
HEAVY LlGITERAGE AND
DRAYAGE CHARGES.
rvhv IL the commerce Of the port Of New-York
growing less and falling behind while that Of
philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore is increas-
ing?
The recent report of the Chamber Of Commerce
leaves no doubt as to the facts in the case. AS
stated in The Tribune few days ago, the busi-
ness OF 1896 showed a decided decrease. and
reached point lower than at any time since
1880 In the same article many Of the causes
for the decline are mentioned. and lack Of dock
facilities imperfect terminal accommodations in
the way OF storehouses excessive charges for
handling freight and harbor defects are named
as among the features which have caused New
Yo-a to Ia, behind in shipping. while it has
kept we'll up with the world in other respects.
The character Of the harbor and the fact that
the merchant marine must traverse dangerous
and tortuous route in coming to and leaving
New-York has been looked upon by many peo-
ple as the chief cause of the decline. Govern
ment officials have worked for years making
plans for the improvement of the harbor. and
great sums of money have been expended in re-
moving obstacles and in improving the channels;
hut all that has been done has not bettered the
situation. In a recent discussion of the subject
an officer said that the commerce Of the port
OF New-York could be blocked II an ocean liner
we're TO meet with an accident and be thrown
athwartship across the channel.
The Government has recognized that fact, and
officers have recommended that Improvements
he made with view Of obtaining a depth Of 30
feet at mean low water mark. Colonel Gillespie
estimated that TO obtain channel 1000 feet
wide and So feet deep would cost about S1,14O.-
OOO This amount would include the cost OF
constructing four dredges at 100000 each. All
large shipowners agree that the depth OF the
harbor is insufficient TO meet the demands Of the
times.
In former years." said representative Of
Oelrichs & Co., Of the North German Lloyd
Company, steamers Of 5000 or 1000 tons were
considered large, but the size OF steamers has
increased, and with the increase the channels of
the harbor have been decreased unit; the pres
ent depth of 80 feet at mean low water has been
reached
It was said further that In order to meet the
demands of increased trade. steamship COM
panies have been forced to increase the size OF
their vessels. and that steamships of 10000 tors
or more were now frequently seen. THE depth
Of water to float large steamers must be
greater"
A STRAIGHT CHANNEL WANTED.
Maitland Kersey. Of the White Star Line. said:
"It frequently happens, especially with our large
corps Of steamers, that they are unable to pro-
ceed to sea for several hours owing to shoal
water and it is quito possible that a delay OF
that sort may mean detention Of many hours
Dredging to the depth OF 90 feet would enable
vessels TO enter the port or proceed to sea after
dark. which. at the present time. is very peril
Gus undertaking. The east channel should oe
made the way to the sea- the present channel
is continually filling up. and Sandy Hook is con-
etantly altering in shape. The United States en-
gineers have shown that it would require only
about two miles Of dredging TO complete the
east channel, That would be a saving OF five
miles TO Sandy Hook Lightship. and the course
would be absolutely straight. while now it is
serpentne. With this improvement once made.
the channel would keep in gooi order AM there
would be no cause for continued repairs.
While the harbor defects are in paT. respon-
sible for the falling off in New-York's harbo-
business. the methods Of the Dock Board are also
largely responsible. III u the opJcSt vi
all persons who have any voice in the matter to
get the last possible cent for dock privileges. and
new companies, if they intend TO locate in
New-York know that instead of being favored
they will have to fight at every step for privi-
leges which other cities give away.
"The price for pier rentals should be regulated
bv law and corporations should be charged
certain amount per square foot or per square
0pliberating between
New-York Boston and New-Orleans. but the
Dock Board holds out no inducements. and per-
sist only in the policy to get as much out OF the
conpany holding a dock as possible. 1t is
false policy and 1t reacts TO the detriment OF
New-York If legislation were had at Albany
on the subject so that corporations would know
about how much they would have to pay, there
would be more chances in favor of New-York.
Il do not speak from an interested point OF
view. because our contract is made for thirty
years. during which period we will pay an an
nual rental OF $173OOO This amount we pay for
coverless docks. We wanted the city to build
sheds and we were willing to pay an additional
rental equal TO per cent on the building invest
ment, but the Dock Board refused. Our propo-
sltion was a perfectly just one because thc
sheds belong TO the city as soon as we put them
up"
Mr.. Kersey said that much OF the commerce
which now goes TO other ports would come 10
Nex-York if the authorities would wclk toward
III" following four points:
First-To make the east channel the one 70
the
Second-Give steamship corporations improved
wharf facilities at low rates, based on q rental
per square foot occupied.
Third-The construction OF sheds on the piers
for which an additional rental would be charged
Fourth-Improved warehouse and elevator
facilities.
AS to the amount to be charged for dock
privileges Mr. Kersey would express no opinion.
He said that Liverpool received Ee-half crown
per square ward