The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-02-08
the proceedings of this convention.

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT.
The following supplemental report was
also submitted
"Your committee by way of supple
mental report state that they have given
full thought and attention to the various
resolutions presented by the convention
intended to remedy the dangers of naVi-
cation resulting from improper bridging
of the western rivers. Also to imperfect
and endangered harbors in the friable
banks of Vicksburg and other towns and
cities along the lower Mississippi. Your
committee, however deem the matters
embraced in the first set of resolutions to
belong to the police power of the govern
ment 1t should be earnestly invoked to
| remove any artificial distractions to
navigation and the rivers. While the
latter resolutions pertain TO matters
clearly embrace within the lawful powers
of the river commission they are to be
exercised as soon practicable. Your
committee consider most favorabiy the
suggestion contained in both sets of
resolutions, but do not deem them appro-
pirate matters for action by way of gene
raj resolutions, preferring to call special
attention to them in this supplemental
report, and not doubling that the proper
officers of the government will take
appropriate steps in relation to the same. "
Both reports were adopted by acclama-
ton. which ELECTED great applause.
Representative Houk (Tenn. addressed
the Convention, stating that while he
would vote for the most liberal appropri-
atoms for the Mississippi, he would favor
| equally liberal appropriations for all its
tributaries. They should not, however
flatter themselves that every one thought
as they did, they would meet antagonisms,
and he would advise them to place their
| claims upon such broad grounds as would
at once do away with small local opposi-
| ton
Hon. William Hatch (Mo.) was called
upon and made speech in which he said
he had always voted for the river and
harbor bill, letting those who put the
improper appropriations in it take the
responsibility for it. Yet he never had
known the river and harbor bill to pass
congress that was not fair and Just.
Some member from the Mississippi Val
ley seeing the appropriation $3,000,0 900 OF
81 900, 900 in bill for the improvement
of Block Island or some other Atlantic
harbor would fold his robe around him
and say he saw Il steel in the bill and
refuse to vote for it. He declared thai
he would vote for the bill as long as il
recognized the Mississippi river
| Hon Morly nnpnall (M;np ,x,a, FL,
next speaker. He referred with gratifica
ton to the unanimity of the convention
and the fact that the convention was held
in the east. The people cast, he said toe
little understood the importance of the
improvement of these great water ways
For twelve years he had voted for the
river and harbor bill, not merely as O
western man but as an American citizen,
believing that if the west prospered, the
east would prosper.
Gen. Turner (Tenn.) made an eloquent
speech, congratulating the convention
upon IFS harmony.
| Resolutions of thanks TO President
Stanard, and Secretary Wright and assist
ants were adopted.
| Ex-Marshal Pitkin of Louisiana, spoke
at some length, saying that the patriotic
motive which underlied the original pur-
chase of Louisiana, thus throwing open
the Mississippi valley was breathed in the
resolutions adopted today He declared
that the citadel of the power of the nation
was in the Mississippi.
Mr. Moorehead, of Louisiana, said tina
as the Worlds Cotton Exposition woult
be held in New Orleans next winter, il
behalf of the board of managers he ex-
tended to the delegates an invitation Il
hold its next session at New Orleans
The convention then adjourned, subject II
the call of the executive committee.