Wichita eagle., 1889-08-31
DEEP-HARROR CON.
VENTION.

| TOPEKA, Kan, Aug. %, 1889.
| To the Editor of the Eagle.
| Dear Slr-AD persons deeply interest
ed in the development and progress of
the west have long been impressed with
the cost of transportation of her products
to market. The immense difference in
the cost of transportation by rail and
| transportation by water soon led those
concerned in the matter to investigating
the nearest point at which deep water
| navigation could be reached. The Gulf
Of Mexico was, of course, the nearest,
! but it presented the obstacle of no deep
harborS. Competent engineers contend
ed that deep harbors could be formed on
the coast of the gulf, but it would re-
quire the expenditure Of large amount
of money. The value of such a harbor
| to the west, however, made the amount
! of expenditure comparatively unimport-
| ant, and for the purpose Of securing ac-
| ton on the subject by congress, a con-
vention was held at Ft. Worth IN July,
1888. This was followed by a conven-
ton at Denver in August. 1888, which
was very largely attended. This con-
vention appointed a permanent inter
state deep harbor committee for the pur-
pose Of prosecuting the plan.
At Its last session congress adopted a
resolution authorizing the secretary Of
war to appoint a board of engineers to
make a careful examination of the coast
of the gulf and report as to the most
eligible point or points for deep harbor.
This board will be ready to report before
the next session of congress. For the
purpose of encouraging this project and
urging upon congress favorable action,
Governor Humphrey, at the request of
the permanent committee, issued a call
for convention to meet at Topeka,
October l, 1899. 1t is impossible to over
estimate the Importance to this state of
such a harbor. 1t would diminish by
half the distance to deep water naviga-
ton OF the surplus products of Kansas,
and bring close to our doors the COM
merce OF the world The estimated sur
plus products in Kansas this year are:
Corn. 100, 900, 600 bushels; wheat, %, 000.-
900 bushels; cattle, 800, 900 head; hogs,
1.00O, 900; making tonnage of over
5000, geo tons. The Gulf route reduces
the rail distance to tide
water 651 miles, and as the average
rate OF freight charges is three
fourths OF a cent per ton per mile, the
surplus products of this state for this
year could, with a deep harbor on the
gulf, be transported to deep water navi-
cation at saving of over SEQ. 000, 000
No state is more interested in this sub
ject than Kansas. and no one section of
the state is interested more than
another. Kansas has been honored by
having this convention called to meet at
re to v-hI i,,.i,, T,o
most prominent representative citizens
Mississippi river. Not only because
ment. but as matter of state pride,
scented at this convention. Under the
call issued by Governor Humphrey the
following are designated as delegates:
The governor of each state and terri
tory west of the Mississippi river, who
mdnts from his state or territory hereby
designated, not otherwise selected
Four delegates at large from each
States senators.
-Four delegates from each congressional
district, one of whom shall be the mem
DSI VI COIlSI cSS VI tclIltOIIdl Uelc8dIe-
elect.
THE Republic of Mexico shall be en-
titled to FIVE delegates to be appointed
by the president thereof, who is also
earnestly invited to head the delegation
THE president of each chamber of
commerce or board of trade west of the
Mississippi river, who is authorized to
appoint an alternate if he is unable to at
tend.
In addition to such delegates, however,
it is hoped that as many other citizens Of
Kansas as possible will make it conven-
lent to be present and assist Topeka in
welcoming the delegates from other
strtes, and unite their efforts with ours
III making the convention a success, and
impreSsing our visitors with the COM
mercial importance and grand prospects
of our state. Very respectfully,
Howell JONES,
t. L. DANA, Chairman.
Secretary.