The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-02-11
CITIZENS EXPRESS THEMSELVES


C1T1IDNS EMPRESS THEMSELVES
The proposition of Secretary Gage to
consolidate the Customs districts of
Norfolk and Newport News at the lat
ter port has aroused violent indigna-
ton umong all classes in this city.
especially in transportation and bust
ness circles generally. The plan Is de-
nounccd on all sides as impracticablc
and absurd. Among the arguments
against IL are quoted the fact that Nor
FOLK has a CustOm-house already built
and Newport News hasn't; all the
consulS TO this section are located
here also the Pilots Associations: Nor
folk has rapidly growing trade with
foreign countries and Newport News
practically none. 1t is suggested that
Z. p. Huntington is at the bottom of it..
In discussing the matter last even
Ing. Hon. w. r. Mayo, Mayor of the
city, said: The scheme 10 consoli-
date certain collection districts has
been before Congress many times. This
plan is prepostcrous and will not be
made law. In the event that it
should it would be necessary to main
tain deputy collector, with clerks
here. Masters Of Vessels could not be
compelled 20 go TO Newport News.
Mr.. Gugc should have included Rich
mond III his scheme 1t seems to me-
However. ] don't fear ii In the least"
Hon. George l.. I3owden. who has
Just been confirmed as Collector of the
Port, and whose post OF duty would
be vacated by the law, said tilat he
had no fear at all of the Secretary's
proposition. at will never amount to
anything" he said last night "Thcrc
Iwill be 10 consolidation, the import
ance of the port demands it and the
common sense judgment OF Congress
may be relied upon
Mr. LcRoy II. Shields, the present
Collector, when seen, said that in his
opinion rs soon as the work OF the
Custom house and the vast increase in
the foreign trade. which has taken
place OF late, is brought into the mat
ter, Mr.. Cages proposition will be
dropped. Norfolk is now classed with
the six creates, American ports and is
required TO furnish export reports to
the department on the 9th Of each
month. These will demonstrate the
folly OF ccntraliZng the great business
OF this port At Newport News.
HISTORY or THE MATTER.
Col. William Lamb gave some his
tory leading up 10 the present PROPOSE
tion. Said he: about 1885 or Sc,
while Mr.. Rowdcn was in Congress
and Mr.. O'Ferrall on the Committee
Norfolk was robbed of Hampton
Roads The Kings Chamber OF the
Worlds Great Ilarbors. Newport
| News. then only the site of Mr.. Hunt
ington's ship-yaId, and 4 station on
his railroad. got the plum. All yes
sells putting into the Roads for orders,
in distress Or seeking cargo. hence
forth had to enter nj Newport News
Huntington's lobby accomplished this
he just about owned that committee.
| The Norfolk representative was prom
| iscd that nothing should be done dur
ing his absence, hut, nevertheless the
bin was passed ana the port of New
port News established before they had
grave yard in which to bury Il dead
sailor.
There are now located here mar
inc hospital. for the care Of sick sail
0rS: the conSulatcs Of the nations,
cable lines TO all the world and every
facility for The prompt transaction o'
business. besides which the poet has Il
tremendous local trade With Europe,
whereas Newport News has absolutely
none whatever but is only used US a
wharf by Western cities. do not
| think the present bill will pass, but I
hate 10 see it proposed"
Col. Harry Hodges. president of the
business Mems Association and Board
OF Trade. and also or the Etna Iron
| w GEhS, f'i!u lHut ne lnOuSnt The meas
IRE should be killed rs quickly as pos
sblc for fear it would discount the
Importance of the port In the eyes of
the world, ana so do her incalculable
damage.
INDIGNANT NORFOLKIANS.
Mr.. w. IL. Wales, president of the
Merchants and Manufacturers Asso-
citation, was vigorously opposed to the
mcas sure lie considered 1t an insult to
the ports Importance.
Judge D. Tucker brooke thought
that Mr.. Huntington was behind The
plan. He did not fear its Incoming a
| law.
Continued on SIKH parnl