The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-01-16

ing the past thirty years II has been
untiring In its efforts 10 place before
the country the unexcelled advantages
of Scranton as a manufacturing city.
This has certainly been the banner
year In the industrial growth of the
city Of Scranton. and I take pride anu
pleasure In adding that 1t Is largely
through the efforts of the board OF
trade and it's excellent and ever alert
manufacturers committee, who nave
given much Of their time. and In some
cases largely of their means. to that
end. And to our very worthy retiring
president Is due the thanks of the citi-
zens of this city for his untiring en-
ergy during the past two years in pro-
noting the interests of the board ana
thereby, necessarily. the interests or
the city at large.
In behalf of the members Of the board
of trade, I take this opportunity of eX-
pressing the high regard and sense of
appreciation we feel toward the press
of the city for the assistance 1t has
rendered us. and the ever courteous
treatment experienced at Its hands
WATER RATES.
During the year the board" held ten
| regular meetings. AS usual, the July
| and August meetings were omitted. A
number of important matters were dls-
cussed and acted upon. notably. the
question of the excessive water rates
| to manufacturers. This question was
ably discussed at our November ana
| December meetings. \ committee con-
sisting of James II. Torrey, esq,
Thomas II. Dale and j. a. Lansing
| was appointed to wait upon the presi-
| dent Of the Scranton Gas and water
company, and IL possible secure an
equitable adjustment of the water
rates. The committee performed their
duty. but accomplished little that would
| be of advantage to large consumers or
water. The question is still before the
board and 1t is hoped that In the near
| future the Scranton Gas and Water
company will conclude to cooperate
with the board of trade and, so far as
Is practicable. assist the board in its
endeavor to build up the city along in
dustrial lines by fixing its rates on
uniform basis and not to exceed five
cents per thousand gallons.
SECOND-CLASS CHARTER.
The matter of second-class charter
for the city of Scranton was taken up
at our May meeting and referred to the
committee on legislation Of taxes. This
committee presented an exhaustive re-
port at the June meeting. There seemed
| to be a difference of opinion as to the
advisability of applying for a second
class charter, in the event of the GEN.
sus showing requisite population
The matter, however, was referred back
to the committee, with instructions tC
recommend to the board such special
legislation as. in the Judgment of the
committee, would be to the interest OF
the city of Scranton by virtue Of its
becoming Il second-class city.
Questions to be discussed at the ma
tional board Of trade meeting, to be
held in the city of Washington during
the present month, were presented al
the October meeting. These questions
| favored the enactmnt of a new cur.
rency bill and amendments to the
Interstate commerce law; the early
! completion of the Nicaragua cana
creating department of commerce
and industry; the equipping of ON
shirs of war with American coal. and
especially recommending anthracite fol
its smokeless quality and absolute GER.
tainty from spontaneous combustion.
At our November meeting a lunci
was served to ninety of our members
which was highly enjoyed.
Following is a financial statement o.
the receipts and disbursements from
Jan. 16. 1899, to Jan. Is, 1900:
DIR.
Balance on hand, Jan.
1G 1899 40 Oy