Evening journal., 1907-02-08
TRADE BOARDS
LIVELY MEETING
New River Lines, Flremen'S
and Manufacturers Tax
Discussed
NEW MEMBERS ELECTED


Rudolph. OF the entertainment COM
mittee reported an expense Of Si,3Sl.61
for the late banquet, leaving a sub
stantial balance TO be returned to the
board for other purposes. This report
was received with applause and a vote
Of thanks extended to the committee.
New Members.
A report was received from the MEM
bership committee, in WHICH the fol-
lowing were proposed;
+. ]. Green, real estate; Delaware
Cotton Company; Francis A. Price,
civil engineer; w. Tuchton, wholesale
grocer; 3. Frank Wagamon, real estate;
Goldey College; James Wilson, civil en-
gineer. There being no opposition, all
were elected active members.
William Bancroft, chairman of the
Municipal Committee, reported that no
meeting had been held during the
month. Similar reports we're received
from several other committees.
River Route Proposed.
Mayor Wilson. Of the committee on
navigation and transportation made an
address on the necessity existing for
down state river trade, and the conse-
facilities on the water front of this
city This will require the construction
Of a wharf a half mile long and a pro-
per road, involving a cost Of probably
$150,000. AS no one will enter into such
an undertaking, efforts have been made
to induce boats TO come into the Chris
tiana, but without avail He suggested
connecting link in the present New
Castle trolley road to the new piers
there where the boats could land and
receive or discharge cargo from or to
this city. A discussion Of that subject
followed. at which the general trend of
opinion was favorable TO the proposed
trolley-river connection, some, however,
favorlng the establishment of a wharf
at the present jetty at the mouth Of the
Chrlstiana. It was proposed by the
President that the committee consult
with the New Castle Board Of Trade
the favorable consideration Of the troll
ley line and steamboat lines already
having been secured.
New Ferry Line.
It was suggested by W. W. Lobdell
that if Wilmington was properly awake
ferry line would be established be-
tween the Jersey shore and this city,
whereby Pennsgrove and Pennsville
people could buy supplies here rather
than going to Philadelphia. He sug-
gested an hourly service.
0 Mr.. Marvel reported for Mr.. Bell,
chairman of the committee on statis-
tics and information that an interest
ing statistical report concerning the
value Of the Christiana river to Will
mington and desires to secure statistics
Of manufacturers and industrial plants
as to their number Of employees, pay
rolls, etc, for future submission to the
Board is ready.
A member Of the trade and COM
merce committee IN the absence of
Chairman McCullom. stated that the
latter would present at the next meet
ing concerning the operation of down
state boats.
Oppose Old Tax.
Mr. Lawton discussed the former
obnoxious manufacturers tax law.
which by reason Of undue publicity
practically informed manufacturers
competitors Of their standing. This
law was repealed, but there is now
! danger of a bill revivlng the old in.
quisitorial law passing at Dover, and
suggested that the board take immed-
late action in the matter. Mr.. Lobdell
explained the present old law, desig-
mating il as class legislation and detri-
mental TO progress. reading II during
the progress of his remarks. This
statute provides that each firm must
pay IS license fee, and a tax Of 1-20th
of l per cent on all real or other estate
used in the business up to $4,000, 900,
and over that sum and up 10 S5.000,000
1-40th of per cent and each s1,000.000
over S5,000.0 900 the further sum II S3O
He stated that the repeal OF the pres
cnt law and a return to old methods
of inquisition and taxes would work
great hardships on present manufac-
turers. an act Of bad faith toward new
Industries. Mr.. Lobdcll then offered
a resolution expressing the disapproval
Of the Board 10 the enactment of sdcn
a repeater After a slight discussion
the resolution was unanimously adopt
ed and the following committee APP
pointed TO protest against such a dam
gerous measure being passed and &c
luse their influence before the Legisla-
ture at Dover: Messrs. Lobdeu Bay.
nard, Lawton Marvel, and the presi-
dent Of the board.
Tax Methods.
Mr.. Lobdell brought up the subject
of increasing state revenue and spoke
of the wisdom OF such matters being
left in the hands of a competent and
fair commission, and comprehensiv,
remarks were made along the same
line by Mr. Il. G. Knowles and others
Action in the matter was deferred
until the commission now at worl
shall make their report.
jamestown Report.
The final report Of the jamestown
Exposition committee was submitted
and they were discharged with thanks
Fire Department Abuses.
Members Of the FIRE department pre-
sonted through Mr.. Lawton resolution
lpeutioning the Legislature TO enact
law permitting each company to hav,
! an equal chance in the election o
chief and assistant engineers, the Off
GERS 20 be chosen in rotation each yea
from tho companies, beginning witt
, number one. Mr.. Lawton explained tn
? subject and referred TO the presen
unfortunate combine and anu-combin
/, situation existing deploring Il greatly
He stated that IL cost the city las
4 year $4,000 10 keep the department
and suggested that II the present fric
tion continued Wilmington must estab
lish a paid department Several mem
Z bers OF the fire department were pres
3 ent and asked the Board 10 use it's In
fluence IN securing the rotative elec