Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-10-31
THE PACIFIC COAST CHAMBER OF COM
MERGE


ence in San Francisco the delegates from a
distance were so impressed by the advan-
ages of cooperative action that Mr.. Coll
yer Of Tacoma proposed, and was unani-
mously Endorsed, that steps be taken to
form Pacific coast Chamber of Com
meree, an incorporated body, with head
quarters and all the muniments of such an
organization, representing the common in
tsfests of the Pacific slope. Its useful
ness as focus of industrial and CONNER
cial activities, and its power to secure for
them the recognition which their further
development is soon to need, so impressed
the conference that a committee was ap-
pointed to propose the machinery neces-
5ary to effect the plan.
1t will be remembered that Mr.. Collyers
proposition was adopted as amongst the
best results of the first commercial confer
ence ever held on the coast. 1t was tes-
timony to the larger view which had been
reflected from the two days contact of
men brought together for the first time
from eenters ss wide apart as San Diego
and Tacoma. 1t proved that all the dele
gates had been impressed by the fact that
general development of the commerce and
industries of the Pacific slope meant not the
relocation of distributing points, nor the
shrinkage of any now established, nor any
change in the primacy any has won, but
simply an enlargement of each as much as
it may deserve by its relations to the laws
of commercial expansion. 1t was also
seen by those points which are upon the
commercial circumference that San Fran
cisco, as the center, would not only have
the benefit of her own individual gain in
mercantile stature, but that as the primate
Of all the others, she would gain prestige
by her expansion. The convenience of
general chamber was at once seen, since it
would always stand ready to deliver the
wish, and if need be, the demand of all
this region, with the impact of associated
force. 1t would be like throwing a col
umn of trained veterans into battle, ac-
customed to their commanders and to each
other, with an esprit du corps born of con-
slant elbow touch, as compared with
body of raw recruits, brought together by
emergency, and to be disbanded when it is
over.
The conferees from distance were per-
nitted to go home dominated by all or
these suggestions and inspired by the pros
pect of such a convenient instrument to
compact the political power of all the
States that are and are to be in this Pacific
group, hut they are now notified of the re-
fusal of the San Francisco Chamber of
Commerce to keep its engagement. That
body refuses to participate, and puts its
refusal, as we think mistakenly, upon the
ground that San Francisco's interests
win not be served by such an organiza-
ton. That Chamber expresses the opin-
ion that future conferences like the one
just held may be summoned to deal with
matters Of common interest. This policy
is explained by Captain Merry in an inter
view following the adverse decision of the
Chamber, in which he is reported as say
ing:
Il was not from any lack of sympathy with
the project, nor from any desire not to be asso-
ciated with the country towns, that the Cham
Der of Commerce decided rot to Join any Pacific
Coast Chamber, but because we could not 90
so under our articles of incorporation. They
state that the San Francisco Chamber of Com
merce is formed for the encouragement of the
commercial interests and Industries of the
State of California and the city OF San Fran
cisco Now, if we Joined Pacific Coast CHAM
Der OF Commerce, we might be placed in the
position OF Internationally doing San Francisco
an injury. 10 Illustrate: The new organization
is 10 push the establishment OF fast Pacific coast
steamship lines San Francisco would naturally
want to be the terminal point on this coast, and
yet San Diego might have a sufficient vote in
the meeting to have herself appointed as the
final point OF entry.
1t would seem to be in line with char
tered purpose to promote the commercial
interests and industries of San Francisco
and the State, to participate in the CON-
merce and production of the region which
surrounds it. If the charter of the Cham
Der forbids that its vision shall cross the
State line it is time to have another
Chamber in San Francisco, or chartered
body of some sort that can consider and
cultivate the friendship and trade of re-
gions over the border.
There are hills beyond Pentland.
There are fIths beyond Forth
II we have lords in the Southland,
They have chiefs in the North"
Captain Merry's position is a complete
abandonment and retreat from territory
that is filling up more rapidly than even
California, with all her progress. Itseems
10 US especially dangerous, too, that this
action Is based upon confession of weak
ness or Of fear. san Diego might get
votes enough. TO beat San Francisco, there
fore tie latter city VIII not vote at all.
San Francisco is on the run, if this ex-
presses her position, end the first thing we
know AliIpi,as viii tie a tin kettle TO her
tail aud speed her retreat with elods-
l'o- ous part We hope to live to see the day