The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-04-30
Enthusiastic Meeting at
Chamber Of Commerce
Starts Something.
MAKE SURVEY OF
OPERATING COST
Norfolk, Newport News,
Petersburg and Hope
well Unite With Rich
mond for Action.

Employment Of experts to ascertain
he cost OF operating a line Of steam
eS8 between the ports OF Richmo nd,
City Point, Newport News. Norfolk
and New York, with the necessary
terminal facilities. was decided on at
n meeting OF the shippers of Rich
naond held at the chamber of com
nerce last night. after full discussion
OF the situation brought about by the
nfScontinuance of the Old Dominion
tine, and the necessity for immediate
restoration of river traffic,
Funds were provided to pay the ex
penses OF the investigation which
were raised by voluntary contributions
Of the business men attending the
meeting. and placed at the disposal IF
the traffic committee of the cham
Der
Norfolk. Newport News, Petersburg
and Hopewell were represented at the
meeting by members of the cham Der
Of comm ercc from those cities and by
representa- ives of the Southern Pro
duce company, and Norfolk Produce
Exchange Pledges OF cooperation in
the esta bnshment of boat line were
made by each OF the four cities. the
Norfolk delegation promising to meet
half way any effort Richmond might
make.
The meeting was opened with a
staten ent by j. Scott Parrish, chair
man OF the traffic committee OF the
Richmond chamber giving the result
Of his investigation of conditions in
New York. and the urgent need for re-
storation of boat service to meet the
demands OF the growing trade of Rich
mond. and in fact to hold the business
the city now has without depreciation.
Ia "A lat II Ssst IL As@p
traffic manager of the American To-
bacco company. stating that the com
pany was dependent on Richmond for
three-fourth of its cigarette tobacco
supply for it's factories in New York,
and that ii found il impossible to get
this tobacco by railroad. The Ameri-
can Tobacco company. Mr.. Hockrader
said, would join in any plan for the re-
storation of the boat service.
s. Dahney Crenshaw, secretary of
the Virginia Carolina Chemical COM
pany. stated that his company would
also contribute TO the movement.
z. r. Cox, Of Norfolk, stated that
has city would do her share, and CO.
operate To the fullest extent in fur
thering the boat line. Addresses were
also made along the same line by
Messrs Shafer and Charlton, of Nor
folk, Crane, OF Newport News, and
r
commerce, who also spoke for Hope
we'll.
The discussion was closed. John
Kerr Branch, president of the Rich
mond chamber with an earnerst ap-
peal for immediate action. and that
the business men OF the city continue
to exert an active interest in the mat
ter until the establishment OF the
boat line should be accomplished.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
The following resolutions were
adopted:
Whereas, the merchants and man
ufacturers Of Richmond, which city
owes its origin and growth to the
James river, at the headwaters OF
which it is situated, have for genera
tons been served by water transpor-
tauon and enjoyed that freedom of
commerce which has been and should
continue to be its direct result, and.
Whereas. by the withdrawal of the
service of the Old Dominion Steam
ship company on short notice and the
overcrowded and inadequate facilities
OF the rail carriers they are cut off
from commerce with New York and,
through New York, with the markets
Of the world domestic and foreign
and are facing an intoierable condi-
ton which IT, continued must newt
ably lead to permanent curtaii-
ment OF this city's commerce and be
reflected in all branches OF its actiyi-
ties including property values, and.
whereas, in order to obtain relief
from this intolerable condition the
establishment of a steamship line be-
tween Richmond and New York APP
pears to be, not only desirable, but
absolutely necessary, even though in
volving risk and possible temporary
financial sacrifice, therefore, be it
Resolved that with the view of es-
tAblishing a steamship line and re-
storing the benefit ACQUIRING from
such action the traffic committee
unanimously recommends the raising
by subscription OF a sufficient fund to
employ one or more competent ex-
perts to investigate and promptly re-
port to said committee an estimate
OF the results OF such an undertake
ing including the cost of operating a
line of one, two or thre suitable YES
sells, terminal facilities, and the pos
sible revenue from such operation
between the ports of Richmond. City
Point Newport News and Norfolk on
enc hand and New York on the other,
and be 1t further
Resolved that the commercial Or
EAntzation OF the said cities be and
they are hereby cordially invited to
cooperate with the shippers and re-
cetvers OF Richmond in their efforts
to restore water transportation to and
from New York.
Services At Beth Ahabah.
The subject of the sermons of
Rabbi Il. N. Calisch, at Beth Ahabah