THIRTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, FOR THE YEAR 1870-'71. IN TWO PARTS. COMPILED BY GEORGE WILSON, SECRETARY. New-York: PRESS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 1871. ANNUAL REPORT. THIS Report is the thirteenth of a series issued by the Chamber of Commerce, which body had existed as an influential public institution for the period of nearly a century before the plan was adopted of publishing, for the use of members and others, a yearly report of its transactions. In the present volume, the recent practice has been followed of devoting the FIRST PART to the detailed proceedings of the Chamber, at its regular and special meetings, in which members have a peculiar interest, as furnishing information in regard to subjects that have received its attention and consideration. The SECOND PART comprises special reports on the leading branches of trade of the City, and their connection with the commerce of the country at large. This part also includes comprehensive statistical tables relating to Finance, Domestic and Foreign Trade, with full details of Imports and Exports, all of which have been carefully compiled and verified from authentic sources. Pains have been taken to render this volume interesting to the members, and useful to the commercial public generally as a work of reference. In recurring to the proceedings of the past year, the members will perceive that various questions of unusual importance have been presented for consideration by the several Committees charged with special duties. Committee Number Three.-Report on the importance of Pacific Ocean Telegraphs in promoting the interests of commerce throughout the world. This report, submitted by Mr. SAMUEL B. RUGGLes, awakened a large share of public attention for its remarkable ability in exhibiting the commerce of the civilized nations, and its vast expansion within the last thirty years. It has been printed and extensively circulated at home and abroad. Committee Number Four.-Report in favor of the Immunity of Private Property at Sea in Time of War, prepared by Mr. LEOPOLD BIERWIRTH. This subject occupied the attention of the Chamber |