"NEW YORK, _Mar. 2d, 1858_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--A bill has been sent to some member of the city
delegation by Mr. Green (who is absent for a few days), the nature and
objects of which I wish to explain to you.
"Vessels were formerly repaired by careening them, afterwards by
drawing alongside or suspending to them stages; afterwards by drawing
them out on ways. The railway, acting by hydraulic force, was the
next mode by which repairs were effected. Some 16 to 20 years ago
floating docks were invented and brought into use. They have gradually
superseded all other modes; and vessels have increased in their size,
until there are now no other means of coppering or repairing them than
these floating docks.
"Of their utility and indispensable necessity there is no question. The
commerce of this port could not get on without them.
"They have, since their first invention, been located in the waters of
the East River, adjacent to the 7th Ward. The propriety and legality of
their use of the basins (with the consent of the parties entitled to
receive wharfage) has never been disputed until last year, when some
parties proceeded against them on the ground that they are unlawful
obstructions of the public waters.
"Judge Roosevelt made a decision which, if well founded, goes the
length of holding that this commercial use cannot be lawfully carried
on or enjoyed in any of the slips, or at any wharf or pier of the city,
and in the opinion which he pronounced on that occasion he recommended
an application to the Legislature to supply the technical defect of the
law.
"This is the object of the bill. It legalizes the use, with the consent
of the pier and wharf owners, and subject to the power of the Common
Council to regulate and fix the location.
"The bill is right in all respects. I take great interest in its
passage, in behalf of the company I represent, the stockholders of
which are owners or consignees of two-thirds of all the shipping which
comes to this port, as well as on account of the general commercial
interest. I will regard your aid as a personal favor.
"Truly Yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."
"_Hon. Geo. Weir, Albany._"