Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-11-25
NEEDS OF THE HARB0RS.
WORK OF THE HARBOR I'M
PROVEMENT CONVENTION.

the Interest of the South's Nmtura
Gataways-A Day OF Much Talk an'
Progress Towards the Accomplishment
of Great GOod-DetaiIs of the Con
vention's work-The Organization and
Resolutions Adopted.
The Harbor Convention accomplished
its work yesterday and last night anc
adjourned. The incoming morning trains
brought many additional delegations
Those who arrived the night before were
astir early to welcome their associates ano
10 arrange the preliminaries OF organlza-
ton.
The hotel Hobbies presented lively
scene. The Virginia delegation met at
O'Clock, at the screven, to discuss tne
course its members should pursue. In
all the conferences the utmost harmony
seemed to prevail, and the thing upper
most was a desire for entire unity OF ac-
ton. The permanent organization ana
appointment Of the committees was gen.
orally discussed. 1t was understood that
ex-Gov. Drew, OF Florida, would be
elected temporary chairman.
BY $3.50 O'Clock the delegates began TO
move towards the convention hall. ln-
side the hall the scene was an animated
one. The delegates were beginning 70
enter and were at once assigned to seats
BY the local committee. The gallery was
partly filled with spectators and the
Union cornet band, stationed in front OF
the hall. PLAYED for half an hour before
the convention assembled. The chairs
for the delegate were arranged on the
main floor, the delegations from the diff
ferent States being indicated by placards.
ASSEMBLING THE CONVENTION.
At 10 O'Clock, the hour for meeting,
fully 200 delegates we're in the hall, but
there was some delay before they were
called TO order. The general appearance
of the delegates indicated that the states
had sent their best men to represent their
interests in the convention. Ex-Goy-
errors. Congressman and ex-Congress-
men we're visible on every hand. and bust
ness men Of the highest standing made up
the rank and file of the body. 1t was
matter of general remark that the person
mel OF the convention compared tavorably
with that Of any body Of the kind that has
ever assembled in the South.
There was some little confusion at first,
although there was not point in the pro-
ceedngs where a level head and a firm
adherence to parliamentary rules would
not immediately have Strengthened things
out and produced the best of order.
Two hundred delegates were present,
representing the eight states-Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and
Virginia. The delegation of six from
Philadelphia came the greatest dis
lance. That city was the only
one north of Cape Charles that
sent representatives in response to
the invitation. The delegation consisted
Of Mayor William b. Smith, President
First Branch City Council Charles Law
renee, and Messrs. Joel Cook, Edward r..
Tucker. These gentlemen are all promi-
nent business men of the Quaker City.
They are largely interested in shipping,
and about half Of the bunting with which
the hall is decorated is burgess and flags
of the ''City Of Philadelphia" the "JOel
Parker and other Philadelphia sailing
craft now 10 port.
THE OPENING SESSION.
1t was 80 O'Clock when Mr.. Il. Nj
Conner. of Savannah, the chairman Of the
Committee of Arrangements, called the
convention TO order. The body OF the floor
was then almost wholly taken up by
prominent citizens.
After Mr.. Conner had read the call for
the convention Vice Chairman of the City
Council, DR.. VIM. Duncan, in the alb.
sence of Mayor Lester, welcomed the
visitors to Savannah. DIR. Duncan said
In the unavoidable absence of the Hon. r
E. Lester, Mayor, the duty devolVes upon me
20 bid the members Of this convention vel
come 90 the city Of Savannah. Such duty Is
IN itself al Eays pleasant one, and becomes
particularly so when its Offices are invoked
towards prom inent citizens representing the
Interests ana intelligence OF many states Of
this Union and municipalities OF distinguished
repute and commercial Importance, VINO nave
assembled here to consult together, and by
union OF effort and concert of action to ad-
vance the common veal.
On behalf Of onr citizens who lnaugurated
and advocated the assembling together Of this
convention. beg to thank you, gentlemen
and the respective communities which yot
represent. that you have responded so cheer
fully TO the invitation 10 meet in this city, t,
discuss such subjects as msy be brought befor.
you, bearing upon the general improvement
uf the harb0rs Of our South Atlantic coast. L
remains 30 me but to wish for happy conclu
sion 10 your labors here, and TO commend yOI
TO the various committees appointed to repre-
sent the city"
THE TEMPORARY OFFICERS.
Al the conclusion of the address OF vel
come. t5en. A. K. LawtOn, of Savannah
moved that ex-Gov. Drew, of Florida, b.
made temporary chairman of the conven
tion. The motion was carried by accla
nation, aud Gov. Drew was introduces
by Gen. Lawton. In taking the chair
Gov. Drew thanked the convention TO
the honor. 1--WE are all well aware
said he, shat the South has not had il
share OF appropriations in the past for th
Improvement of Its rivers and harbors
but If we work tremendously we will Ger
tainly have some effect on the action o
the next Congress. Applause. The al
important point is 10 secure concert o
action among the representatives OF thes
great public Improvements, which are a
important for the South as the harbors o
Boston and New York are for the North
BY concert Of action. by acting togethe
IN behalf Of their public works, the State
of the North Atlantic seaboard. and the
States bordering upon the great lakes
have secured millions OF dollars from thl
government for their harbors and water
ways. / am gratihed to see before me II
the representation In this convention in
dicatiOns that the South also Is beginning
20 learn that by union and co-operatioi
instead Of by mutual antagonisms. tn
South can obtain the same liberal pre-
MUM for her really important public i'm
proyements.',
Messrs. w. q. Waller and q. A. Greg
DRY, of Savannah were, upon motion o
Gen. Lawton, made temporary seereta
ries. A resolution was offered by Capt
g. A. Mercer, OF Savannah, taat the chal
appoint a delegate from each State vi
Credentials, Permanent Organization AM
Rules.
THE CONVENTION ORGANIZES.
The resolution was adopted and the fol
lowing were appointed: