New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-29
NEV-YORK'S COMMERCIAL NEEDS.
SOME INFORMATION AS TO THE PORTS
SHIPPING GIVEN BY THE DOCK BOARD
To THE STATE COMMISSIONERS

SOME INFORMATION AS TO THE PORTS
SHIPPING GIVEN BY THE DOCK BOARD
TO THE STATE COMMISSIONERS
Charles A. schieren. Alexander r. Smith and
Benjamin f. Fairchild representing the State Com
merce Commission appeared before the Dock Board
yesterday and requested hearing. Mr.. Schieren
said that the Commission desired to know the
cause Of the decline OF the commerce OF the port
of New-York. particularly In shipping and that
the Commission especially considering at this
time the subject OF docks OF New-York and Brook
Ign. The dock charges Of New-York were excess
sive, and the Commission would Ike TO have ex-
planned to It the system of dock rentals
What do you when you say that the
commerce OF New-York is gradually falling OFF,"
asked President Cram. II understand" he
tinucd. that the railroads have Disseminated
against the port OF Ncw-York in favor Of Boston,
Philadelphia. Baltimore and Newport News | am
told that Boston sends out every week five six
big cargo ships to Liverpool. against only one
regular line from NewYork to Liverpool"
II believe that Is the case" replied Mr. Schieren.
There must be some cogent reason why we
not compete with Boston and other ports"
II understand from the steamship people," said
President Cram that the railroads give shippers
better rates TO these other ports than they do 10
Ncw-York. Then. again, the Government has done
more for Boston than for New-York TTarbor. We
have a channel which is nomlnaly twenty-eght
feet deep but AT low tlde IL less IMAM tWenty-SM
feet I'm depth These big freghters cannot sail on
schedule time unless the tide be favorable. and
many OF them after leaving their docks must
anchor down the Bay and walt for high water"
Mr.. Schieron again asked II the Board gave free
rentals TO some steamship companies rs he un-
dcrstood Boston dd.
NO. 1t does not replied Mr.. Cram. with
gard 10 the channel. he said there should GER
tainly he minimum draught OF thirty feet before
New-York could hope to compete with ports OF en-
try having a deeper waterway.
Commissioner Smith asked If II not possible
for the Commerce Commission 10 cooperate with
the Dock Board to legislation looking 10 an i'm
prOvcmont OF New-York IIarbor President Cram
replied that he not the Only member OF the
Board. and would have to consult with the other
members before he could answer He added that
with regard to the piers there great diversity
OF interests. The city owned only one-ninth while
hundred and fifty other persons owned the
other eight-ninths
Mr. cram also expressed the opinion that the
United States Government should allow some or
the crack freight and passenger ships perhaps the
American Line. TO 20 into the craving docks In
tho Brooklyn Navy Yard inasrnuch there were
As {; is now. the big liners had TO 20 to Newport
News. and they usually go aground In getting
there. 80 they go to Southampton Ttlbury.
England for drydockng." he added, land they
need that AT least twice year"
What New-York needs most TO save us COM
merce." said Presden: Cram. finally. is more
Government help Boston has received"