The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-05-10

made the same were to be extended to
the Wilmington system There was
more or less disagreement over his
plan, which finally resulted in the
chamber's taking no action whatever.
The Bell officials, however. agreed to
extend to its subscribers the plan as
outlined by the executive committee,
which has been generally awaited Of.
a matter of considerable Importance
which the executive committee have
lately arranged is a material increase
il our telegraphic quotations. Upon the
recommendation of the chair, 1t was de-
cided 10 extend to the member the
privilege OF having their freight claims
banded through the chamber, If desir-
ed. The necessary equipment for doing
this work was obtained. but, SO far,
has not been awaited OF.
Our Committee on Rivers and Har-
bors has been especially active in look
ing after the interest of our river cham
Nel. The president is also taking n
deep interest in this matter, and il IS
Cue to the activity OF the committee and
The president that sufficient funds will
probably be obtained to maintain the
present depth of channel, although IL
was ~endeavored to secure an appropri-
alton sufficient to enlarge our shipping
facilities.
During July, by invitation Of the
: chamber, a meeting of the North Caro-
, 11Ild less ASSOC-d ~ was ~ DIT
. Wrights aille Beach, Il Mr.. Iredell
Meares, in behalf of the chamber, well
coined them. Among other things men
toned by him, he submitted some trade
I data indicating the volume OF Wilmin"-
toms business, at which the mbe OF
the Press Association appeared agreea-
bly, surprised, quite a numbe OF them
subsequently commenting f~avorably on
WiLningt0n's enterprise and Importance
as a iobbing center. This fact iaflu-
; enced the executive committee to have
cards printed. containing this data, n
distributed throughout the state.
Mr.. VI. w. Jacob offered a resolution
which was adopted and attracted the
favorable notice Of papers outside OF
the state; notably The Manufacturers
Record: The resolution in question re-
| ferred to the practice OF some lawyers
in accepting cases against corporations
/ on contingent fees. 1t was considered
:hat this practice was very detrimental
70 the business interest OF Wilmington
: and the state
During December there was consider
! able complaint ct New York that spirits
Of turpentine vas being adulterated at
Wilmington and other southern ports,
and, at the request of a number of our
naval store dealers, a special meeting
of the chamber was called or December
18th to consider the matter and adopt
some plan which would stop the prac-
tice complained OF. At this meeting a
resolution vas adopted and afterwards
printed and distributed TO those ship
ping spirits OF t~urpentine TO Whining
ton. and the effect desired was accom-
plished as no complaint has since been
received
During December a general meeting
Of the chamber was called at the re-
quest OF a number of members, for the
, purpose of considering the very unsat-
isfactory freight and passenger service
on the Seaboard Air Line Numerous
complaints were mad and specific In
stances cited. 1t was demonstrated
J that the service then obtaining had al
ready adversely affected the fobbing
trade OF Wilmington. and hat IL was
essential to our commercial interest
that this service be bettered. or else
the effect would be serious. The matter
was referred to the Traffic committee
of the chamber with full authority TO
act in the premises. The Traffic COM
mittee acted with yigor n intelli-
gence, which finally resulted in a meet
ing OF the committee with President
Barr and Vice President Cost. The
Seaboard officials frankly discussed the
situation with our committee and a
settlement, mutually agreeable was
arranged. The handling OF this ques-
ton by the Traffic committee, and the
Importance attached thereto cannot. in
my opinion, be too highly estimated.
= The importance OF freight rates and