The Delegates appointed by the Boston Board of Trade to attend the annual meeting of the National Board of Trade, which by adjournment was held in the City of Baltimore, on the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th of January; submit their report: - The various local Boards were quite generally represented, and the debates were full and marked by much talent. Twenty-one subjects were on the programme, nearly all of which were carefully considered and acted upon; and although there was diversity of thought, and a free interchange of opinion, there was, on the final votes, quite as much unanimity as could reasonably be expected; and your delegates were impressed, as has been the case in former times, with a sense of the great usefulness of the institution, particularly so long as it shall maintain its present national character, from which there appears to be no attempt or desire to depart. The leading and most absorbing topics of discussion were those of finance and transportation. Both of these subjects were very fully and ably discussed by delegates from various parts of the country, and finally passed by large majorities. Upon the question of the currency, the propositions of the various constituent Boards, together with the amendments offered, were referred to a committee, who reported the following resolutions: 1st. That the National Board of Trade respectfully recommend to Congress that there shall be no further issues of irredeemable paper money whatsoever. 2d. That, in the opinion of this Board, it is the first duty of the Government to provide for the retirement and cancellation of so much of the legal-tender issue as has been taken from the so-called forty-four million reserve. 3d. That it is the imperative duty of the Government to restrict its expenditures in every department of the public service to the lowest possible point, and that strict economy be instituted in all appropriations. 4th. That Congress be requested to so amend the National Banking Law that the banks shall be compelled to hold the coin they receive for interest on their bonds, hypothecated as security for their circulation, as a part of their reserve, until their reserve in coin shall be equal at least to thirty (30) per cent of their circulation. The first, second and fourth of these resolutions were passed by large majorities, and the third unanimously. Mr. Gano, of Cincinnati, offered resolutions urging upon Congress the retirement of the fractional currency, which were adopted, and Mr. Nourse, of Boston, offered a resolution recommending the incorporation of Savings Banks, based upon Government bonds, which was referred to the Executive Council. The various propositions relating to transportation, were referred to a Committee, who reported a series of resolutions which elicited a lengthy debate; after which the first four were adopted, to wit. : : 1st. That railway companies engaged in the business of transporting grain in bulk, should in all cases deliver the same quantity of grain they receive; and that while it is believed that the common law governing all carriers would, if appealed to, enforce this principle, it is proper and desirable that the different State Legislatures should pass laws compelling its observance, thereby facilitating its enforcement by any individual aggrieved. 2d. That it is inexpedient for Congress at the present time to assume any pecuniary obligations, or to make any appropriations in aid of artificial means of transportation. 3d. That while railway companies, like all other corporations, are under the control of, and held responsible to the power which gave them existence, and may properly be checked in the exercise of any unjust or arbitrary powers, nevertheless experience has shown that it is inexpedient to seek, by legislative enactments, to fix the rates of transportation. |