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POL RCS OM 4: Ihe Marine Revond. 2 ——$—$—$————————— BAarvine Record. —SS ee Putiished Every Vhursday at 144 Superior Street, [Leader Building] Cleveland, O. A. A. POMEROY, EDITOR AND PROP'R TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: One year, postage paid ......1.. sssecees voonseees $2.00 Six months, postage paid............... cseeeeeee Invariably in advance, THE MARINE RECORD can be found for , sale by the following news dealers: i CLEVELASD, O,—G. F. Bowman, corner of Pear] and Detroit Streets. Evans & Van Epps, Superior street, Cleve’and. R. A. Castner. 254 Detroit s reet. (leveland, | ASHTABYLA HARBOR, O.—C, Large, CHICAGO, ILL.—Joseph Gray, 9 West Ran- dolph Street, BUFFALO, N. Y.—A. C. Brideson, Michigan Swing Bridge. Also, Miss McCabe, Elk Street, near Ohio. DULUTH, MINN.—C. F. Johnson, 117 West Superior Street. MARQETTE, MICH.—J. A. Vannier. ESCANABA, MICH.—Wm. Godley. Subscribers and others are respectfully invited to use the columns ef the MARINE RECORD for the discussion of pertinent topics. ADVERTISING RATES MADE KNOWN ON APPLICATION. Entered at the Pest Office at Cleveland as second- class mail matter. CLEVELAND, OHIO, THURSDAY, APRIL 22. FOR LAKE AND CANAL MEN. Lake vessel owners and canal boat own- ers have many grievances to record against the Buffalo elevator ring, for the reason that they are squeezed tighter every season. Feeble efforts have been made by the Lake Carriers’ Association at Buffalo to induce the elevator ring to loosen the grip a trifle, but it will not. The ring has adopted a higher rate for shoveling this season that prevailed last year. Thisaction, on the part of the elevator people, is evidence that they know the power they possess, & power which will be used by them to the end if they are not flanked out of the position and - forced to accord some relief to lake carriers. The advisability of lake and canal men uniting to build elevators for their own use, as de some of the railroads, has been con- sidered, but to results have yet accrued. In the meantime the American grain trade in foreign markets is losing in volume for the reason that the toll of the elevator ring will not permit of its being delivered in the European markets at a price that will en- able it to compete with the product of India and Russia and other countries. _ The individual who can succeed in. placing in Buffalo harbor a machine or elevator which will enable the grain of the north-. west to go around this toll gate of the ele- vator ring will deserve the gratitude of the country. Mr. Lyman Smith, of Cleveland, has solved the problem by the construction of a pneumatic elevator and by actual test last Saturday at this port its capabilities were demonstrated. Some weeks past the scales, which support a hopper with a capacity of 120,000 pounds, or about 2,000 bushels, was tested by government standard scales, and the result of the elevating test showed beyond doubt that the results are limited only by the power applied, the quantity of grain lifted at the trial being 310 bushels per minute, with three pipes at- tached to the chamber for the reception of the grain to be weighed, when five or even six can be worked if there is suffi- cient power. Without occupyiug dock room the elevating barge can lift the grain from a lake vessel on one side and, after having weighed it, blow it into a canal boat on the other side, or put it into an elevator on the dock prepared for receiving it. In putting this before our readers we do not desire to be understood as saying that this single pneumatic elevator can go down to Buffalo and annihilate the gigantic mo- nopoly at that port. In faet we do not be- lieve that it would be permitted to work at all, even if the elevator ring must tell the shovelers that it had come to take the bread out of their mouths; we do not think that this elevator, if at Buffalo, alone and should ' prove its utility, would be patronized by lake or canal boat owners, for the reason that it eould not store the grain, neither could it handle any great quantity of it unless canal boats were ready to receive it from lake ves- sels. Under these circumstances owners would be afraid to patronize it; they would be put on thelist. But, by the organization of a company of lake and canal boat owners with capital stock of one million dollars, ten or twelve barges, with iron hulls, could be built, say, 200 feet long, 50 feet beam, | and 25 feet deep. The machinery could be placed in one end and the blower in the o her, leaving 125 feet in the center, which would store 100,000 bushels. Each barge c uid have four tanks for receiving the grain for weighing, each tank being provided with three or four pipes, the limit being de- pendent on the power of the machinery. These barges could be built for from forty to fifty thousand dollars each, and they could take care of all the grain the present lake fleet could transport. There is no reason why this invention does not merit the closest attention of all vessel owners, as the work can be done at the rate of one-fourth of a cent per bushel, (all owners know what the ring elevators charge), and it will emancipate them from the evils of shortage, the cost of three com- missions between the vessel and the canal boat, and the exorbitant charges tor the use of the steam shovel; and it is also worthy of the immediate attention of all men who are interested in putting on the market clean wheat, such as goes into the famed Minne- sota flour, and for which the highest price would always be paid in a foreign market, as by the pnenmatic system of elevating, a current of air rushes through the grain, cleaning, and drying, and preserving it. It would, therefore, be wisdom for: repre- sentative lake and canal men to come to- gether for the purpose ot forming a combi- nation for protection. After having seen this system work they will acknowledge that it is to be the elevator of the future, as nature abbors a vacuum, ABOUT GROSS TONS. The Vessel Owners’ Association of Oleve- land has taken a firm stand against the in- troduction of the system of carrying coal by the gross ton, and it is understood that own- ers at Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, and other ports are in sympathy with the movement. Ata recent meeting of the Cleve- land Association, resolutions, offered by Cap- tain. C. E. Benham, were unanimously adopted. The resolutions are as follows: Wuerxas, We learn that itis proposed by shippers of coal from Buffalo to substitute gross tons of 2,240 pounds for net tons of 2,000 pounds in paying lake freights; and Wuernas, We recognize in this a proposi- tion and an attempt to reduce freights in- directly, and an attempt unfair and unjust : the carrying interests of the lakes; there- ore, Resolved, That we, the members of the Cleveland Vessel Owners’ Association, and also other vessel owners, do hereby pledge ourselves that no vessel owned or controlled by us shall carry any coal from Buffalo, or from any other shipping point, except upon freights to be paid on tons of 2,000 pounds each for the season of 1886, from this date, April 17, 1886. Moore, Barfow & Gilchrist, Cleveland Trasportation Company, per George P. Mc- Kay, Wilson Transit Line, by Thomas Wil- son, M. A. Bradley, H. J. Webb & Co., Pal- mer & Benham, Warner & Becker, Palmer & Johnson, J. ©. Lockwood, F. H. Brown, William S. Mack, James Corrigan, T. H. Walsh, Weiner Bros., W. D. Ruse. This decision is worthy of the emulation | of every like organization on the lakes. Cleveland owners represent a vast amount. of the tonnage of the lakes, and as this ac- tion will be indorsed by owners at other ports it is safe to presume that coal shippers will be forced to go back to the old system. The only strength in the position ot coal shippers will lie in the arrival at Buffalo of the Lake Michigan grain fleet, comprising about one hundred and fifty vessels, inside of a week, all of whom will be eager to get an up cargo. But when the vast amount of ore to be transported is considered we may safely presume that many of the ves- sels outside of the compact formed by the above resolutions, will clear light for the iron ore regions and make time and save principle in the interest of good coal freights through the season. : I Ir is gratifying to note that Buffalo grain receivers talk of vigorous action to escape the clutches of the elevating ring at that port. It seems that the rule against bulk- ing grain is to be one of the last straws, and that some of the receiving firms talk of build- ing elevators of their own, but in order to ac- complish their purpose they must begin to act at the Chicago and Duluth end of the route or they will have no shippers in sym pathy with them from whom to receive their consignments, oe Tux Nautical Gazette declares that there is not a wooden ship on the stocks in this country, for the first time in its history. There are a few large three masted schoon- ers and quite a number of small coasters found here and there. But in all the Kast- _|ern yards there is not a single ship in frame, nor is there a single ship’s frame, so far as can be learned, being got out anywhere. Practically the construction of wooden ships has ceased in the United States. f THE di-patch trom London which states that Lord Ravensworth had announced at a meeting of the Institute of Naval Architects that the United States Government had authorized the purchase of foreign ships for the carrying trade, and that there would be a good chance to sell out the surplus English vessels to Americans, evidently had in mind the free ship bill, which has been reported Carriers’ cordially, promising to appuint a committee to further confer with them on the subject. ASKING REDUCED ELEVATOR CHARGES. Mr. E. T. Evans, was appointed a com- mittee of one’ for the purpose of confering with the elevator authorities, renewing the request of last year that the charges for ele- vating be reduced. Representing as Mr. favorably, and the bili, introduced to grant | Evans does, one of the largest elevators in American register to the ten vessels of the Red Star Line. ‘The free ship bill, it is ex- pected, will pass the House, but can not get through the Senate, ; It is said that the Continental and Pheenix insurance companies will de all the cargo business. The rates are to be the same as last year, 20c for first, 25c for second and 35c tor third class. THE decision of the Buffalo elevator peo- ple against bulking grain will be a prolific source of delay and annoyance to Jake ves- sels. Ir is unfortunste that a larger sum than $50,000 was not made available for the im- provement of the Lime Kiln crossing. LAKE CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION. Special Correspondence of the Marine Record, BuFFaLo, N. Y., April 20, 1886, The meeting ef the board of managers ot the Lake Carriers’ Association to-day was entirely given up tothe discussion of the present coal situation, and the question of rates per net or gross ton. There was a large attendence of vessel men, and great unan- imity of feeling. It was decided that matters had reached a point where it was necessary for vessel men around the lakes to unite, and resist this new and dangerous project of the coal combination. The follow- ing resolution was unanimously passed. ResotvepD, That the Take Carriers’ Association hereby declares its hostility to the proposition of coal shippers to compel lake earviers to transpert coal by gross ton, and that we will endeavor to secure an agreement from all members of the associa- tion and other vessel] owners and agents that they will carry coal during the season of 1886 only at net ton rates. The follow- ing agreement was drawn up: We, the undersigned vessel owners and agents, hereby agree that we will act in accordance with the letter and spirit of the above resolution during the said navigation season of 1886. Signed by 8. D. Caldwell, HE. I. Evans, W. Bullard, James Davidson, James Ash, Smith & Davis, Donaldson Brothers, W. W. Tyler Connolly Brothers, J.J. H. Brown, Edward Smith, W. E. Richmond, George McLeod, A. McDougall, T. M. Ryan, John Green, J. J. Reardon, F. G. Daynecker, Richard Dimick, F. McDer- mott, M. Collins, John Kelderhouse, L. W. Drake, Thomas Maytham, O. W. Cheney, A. Candes, M. M. Drake, ‘Thomas Walsh, Robert Mills, H. J. Mills, Moses Mills, John Rice, P, P. Miller, S. L. Watson. Captain Henry, superintendent of the Lehigh Valley line, is in Chicage, and was wired for his signature. His boats are carrying their owners’ coal without regard to freight rates. Frank Perew, owner of the Lyon and Hutchinson, would not sign any agreement, but promised to abide by the above. The secretary was instructed to advise the Cleveland Vessel Owners’ Association of the action taken here, and also to write to the managers ef the Lake Carriers’ Association at Detroit, Chicago and Mil- waukee, urging similar action at these ports. The Lake Carriers’ Association will not attempt to control or regulate lake freights. At the close of their meeting’ the vessel Owners present reorganized, without this lemitation, and elected Mr, of the new body. It was unanimously agreed that the present was an opportune time for vessel men to unite in resisting the unjust demands of the coal combination. A general meeting of vessel owners, to discuss the present freight situation, has been called for Thursday, at 10a. m. in the cemmittee rooms of the Merchant’s Exchange. The shippers are already greatly worried. Not a charter was made to-day, UNIFORM BILL OF LADING, Express says: Before the Lake Carriers? meeting was held a committee of that body, Mr. KE, 'T. Evans, chairman, held a con- ference with coal shippers in the Pennsyl- vania coal office, for the purpose of laying before them the proposed uniform bill of lading. Since its organization the Lake Carriers’ Association has labored steadily towards the adoption of a uniform bill of lading, and it-has already overcome great obstacles. Most of the differences with the Chicago Board of-Trade are settled and the general condition, the same in form as the ocean bill of lading, has been substantially agreed upon. It is proposed to get upa separate bill for coal, which shall, however, contain the general condition, but which shall regulate the vexed question of demur- rage. The coal shippers were well repre- sented at the conference and met the Lake the harbor as well as a Jurge line of vessels, he is able to present the case in a good light. The rezeult of the conference has not been made public. GOODRICH TRANSPORTATION ©COM- PANY APPOINTMENTS. Steamer Chicage, Captain B. Sweeney; Engineer Phil Roth; Clerk W. Doven; Steward G, Watson. Steamer Sheboygan, Captain E. W. Dorcey; Engineer John Smith; Clerk W. D. Rosie; Stewacd Geo. Nelson. Steamer Muskegon, Ciptain N. E. Stiaes; Engineer J. H. Covyeon; Clerk E. H. Sehnedermon; Steward Thos, R. Wickham. Steamer Corona, Captain A. Gallagher Engineer D. Long; Clerk Henry Pates; Steward O. H. Kluge. Steamer Menominee, Captain A. W. Pos- man; Engineer M. Downer; Clerk W. M. Herbst; Steward John Burry. Steamer City of Ludington, Captain Jas. W.Gillman; Engineer Ray Flint; Clerk W. Oarright; Steward Jas. O’Hara. Steamer DePere, Catain Jas. C, Raleigh; Engineer Henry Johnson; Clerk W. F. Humphrey; Steward W. A. Whitcomb. No appointment has yet been. made for tug Arctic. Captain T. G. Butlin will continne at the head of the line. Mr. John Singleton will be general passenger agent, and Mr. Walton Willard, general freight agent. G. F. Sheldon & Son have refitted and opened their meat market at Ashtabula Har- bor, with a choice lot of meats for the ma- rine trade. They will constantly keep on hand the best quality of meat. SS [Around the Lakes Continued from 1st Page. ] eee ee ith. ST. CLAIR. Special te the Marine Record. The steambarge Simon Langell was launched at St. Clair on Saturday afternoon. She is named after her builder and is a staunch, fine looking vessel. ‘Che dimen- sions areas follows: Length of keel 198 feet, over all 212 feet, beam 25 feet, depth of hold 134g feet. She has a single deck, five hatches and is a three master.’ Her frames are 18 inches in depth at the breach, 13° inches in the bilge und 714 inches on the rail. Her engines are compuund, 27 and 50 by 36, boiler 17 feet long with 11 foot shell. Her cabin is finished in hard wood,pilot house forward, and she is provided witha Provi- dence steam windlass from the American Ship Windlass Company. All her machinery was in place before launching and she is about ready to start out. She was presented with a set of colors by the citizens of St. Clair, a custom which prevails at all of Mr. Langell’s launches. Captain John Pringle will command her, his sen first mate, and ‘another son first’'engineer. She will be em- ployed in the lumber trade, and will tow the schooner ©, H. Burton, Captain Macartney, now at Toledo. ' B. MACKINAC CITy. Navigation through the Straits is open, the steambarge Calumet being the first boat Townsend | through at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning, Davis chairman, and Francis Almy secretary | the 21st, closely followed by the George Spencer and Hecla, and In about halfan hour by the Onoko,J. H. Devereux,C. J. Kershaw ; Nahant, New Orleans, Wallula and con sorts D. C, Whitney and consort, and Alcona and consorts. They were within four miles of Waugoeshance this morning,and came down through without trouble. They passed down the north channel and were soon out of sight. They will probably reach Lake Hu- ron withouttrouble. Feur steambarges and consorts passed down tnis evening and have taken the south channel. They seem to be making good progress, ‘There are immense fields of unbroken ice in the Straits. It is not very solid, and a few more days of wind. and sun would seatter it so that it could not do any damage. The head of’ Lake Huron is reported full of ice, but a fresh west wind has blown to-day, and it has probably scat. tered it so that boats can get through with- out much difficulty, _ ST. IGNACE, aia At 7 p.m. Monday three steamboats were In the ice abreast of St. Helena, bound down. They will be able to get through without much trouble as the ice is very, rotten and the weather still remains warm, The lighthouses are all lighted in the Straits. and sail vessels will have no tro through as soon as we get a breeze to the ice out. eee oe > cp