Wichita eagle., 1890-01-14
A GREAT MEETING.
TIE KANSAS IMMIGRATION BU-
BEAU ORGANIZED.
A Large Number Of Counties Repre-
scented by about Two Hundred
Delegates Some Delayed
by the Storm---More
Arrive Today.

|
The trains yesterday were delayed by
the storm; the morning trains being from
two to six hours behind time. Few of the
delegates to the meeting to organize a
State Immigration Bureau had arrived
Sunday evening and many got in yester-
day morning They went to the board of
trade rooms and the morning hours there
were quite interesting; 1t was the bust
ness element that was represented. 1t
was Kansas crowd without the politician,
something unusual as suggested. Most
every class of business was represented
and had politician appeared and tried to
get in any Of his business he would have
been dumped out of the board of trade
quarters on to a new asphalt pavement.
1t was no funny business. The converse
ton was earnest energetic the first of the
week and near the first of the year bust
ness chat. The visitors were spending
! their money and time to do business They
were not working for any town, city or
! county but for Kansas. Kansas was
the topic. 1t was admitted big subject.
How to get the people in outside states to
understand the subject was the question
often referred to. They were certain the
advantages offered by Kansas in every
county were better than those offered by
any of the states at present receiving so
much immigration. How to let this be
known was the question. Many schemes
suggested; many plans offered; many ideas
presented for what they were worth. No
one so ardently championing any plan
that ne was not willing to accept an
| . L.
At o'clock Kos Harris, Esq, chairman
of the local committee, called the meeting
to order and placed in nomination Mr.. j.
NJ. Steele, of Emporia, for temporary
chairman, and ex-senator John Kelly of
| Wichita, proved a second. Mr.. Steele was
elected by unanimous vote and on reach
ing the chair was heartily cheered. He
extended thanks for the honor conferred.
Had thought some one better acquainted
with the conditions calling for the meet
ing should have been selected.
Mr.. Harris said in virtue of the fact that
HaleCowley had been secretary of the local
committee and knew something of the
work he would place him in nomination
for temporary secretary. The motion was
duly seconded and passed unanimously.
Mr.. Harris said the local committee had
not fully analysed the work, but had Sc
lected the Rev j. d. Hewitt TO explain
| what the movement was Intended to be
and what work was thought best to do.
| Mr.. Hewett was called upon and said he
scarcely knew how to present the matter.
Had had the privilege of meeting with the
! local committee. The convention origin
ated with some gentlemen who
were figuring on some hing to
do for the good of Kansas. After
much consideration:e throughout
the state it was determined to call the
convention. 1t was desired to rob it of
anything local. A Kansas movement, no
west, north, south or east, but purely Kan
| sas; no prohibition, no reSubmmlsslon
| [Cbeersl. Two fold object; first under
stand what Kansas is, and knowing this
to publish the facts about Kansas outside
in other states He thought many people
in Kansas did not comprehend the re-
sources of Kansas Some Information at
home would not be misplaced, There was
room for legitimate growth and develop
ment in Kansas.
As to the climate. Kansas could not be
surpassed any where on the globe. 1t
could not be excelled any where according
to his opinion. TIE speaker said some
years ago he had throat trouble and went
to London and there went to a celebrated
physician who advised him to go back to
Kansas and stay there. Said English peo
pie with throat trouble should come to
Kansas.
As to the question of soil he thought
Kansas could sno " an average with any
other state A most magnificent state so
g.. i cd nd r ba do
world should know it. In the last twelve
years there were only four years of failures
aud in the lean years more was raised
than in many eastern states in their best
years.
Combining climate and soil, could
produce in Kansas barrel OF
sugar and a silk dress; could
raise almost every thing. In the
heart of the continent and products could
be sent anywhere at reduced prices; reach
the outside world most readily as soon as
the deep water harbor is secured. A pop
ulation in Kansas that any state would be
proud of. In Kansas 90 per cent American
born population, which is larger per cent
of American born than in other state.
Kansas had thousands of churches and
every denomination represented, all max
ing great advancement True Kansas
forging ahead with its Christian institu-
tons 1t was astonishing to look over the
schools of Kansas The traveller in Kan
sas was guided by little white school
houses" The outside world should know
about the Kansas school houses.
Kansas had climate, soil. position and
institutions that the world should know
about. The work of the convention should
be done at the exclusion of none and for
the benefit of all [Cheers.] And in
speaking of letting the whole world know
Kansas, referred to the Kansas show
in Philadelphia in 20, and be thought this
organization should take steps to make a
big exhibit at the Worlds Fair.
The convention, in his estimation,
would fail TO do all its work
without taking initial steps to make an
exhibit of that kind.
He urged a conference with the railroads
asking them to give Kansas good chance
in getting people here 10 see the state.
Meant people here to develop Kansas in
every department. Should work TO get
manufactures here and men to use corn
and Kansas products. This would be an
increase of Kansas wealth and an increase
of the Kansas market.
Judge Woods moved a committee be ap-
pointed, one from each congressional dis
trict, on credentials
Kos Harris thought roll of members
should be called TO see who were on hand
from each county.
One gentleman said he could not see
that credentials committee could do any
thing but consume time. All present