Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-04
marine on a footing with that of other

marine on loOtlng WIN tnat Va Sshei
nations.
at also urges Congress to improve the
coast defenses, both of the lakes and sea-
board: expresses qualification at theaction Of
Congress in providing for the rebuilding OF
3 strong and efficient navy, 80 necessary for
marine defense and for the security OF our
commerce and growing trade on the high
seas; for the improvement of our rivers and
harbors and to cause all United States mail
to foreign countries to be carried by Ameri-
can vessels, now matter how cheaply the
tramp ships of the ocean or the accredited
vessels of other. powers or nations would
perform the same service.
at also indorses the naval reserve bill,
the measure providing that merchant YES
sells of this country shall be paid annual
sums of money when reserved for Govern
ment use in case of emergency, all vessels
SO reserved to be purchasable by the Gov
ernment upon first cost basis"
ADOPTED WITH ENTHUSIASM.
The resolutions were adopted enthusiast
cally and ordered forwarded to the Presi-
dent, Cabinet and both houses of Congress.
Mr. Kelly proceeds as follows: SIN Feb
ruary, 1889. committee of three, consisting
of Mr.. Andrew Wheeler, of Phila-
delphia. Hon. H. d. Money, of
Mississippi, and myself, were appointed
to wait upon General Harrison at
indianapolis, to request him to refer in his
inaugural address to the importance OF re-
storing the merchant marine, and the In
crease of the navy. As you are aware, he
prominently and at great length in his
message to Congress. Resolutions COM
mending this action were unanimously
adopted and sent to President Harrison.
"Mr. Wheeler and myself were appointed
to wait upon the President and present him
with resolutions. In reply to brief ad-
dress, the President expressed his continued
interest in the question mentioned, which
he said had not abated since we called his
attention to the same subject little over
year ago, at Indianapolis. He referred to
the promised extension of trade with South
America and while not committing himself
to any particular measure or bill, stated
that he was in thorough accord with the OBJ
jects of the league"
Mr. Kelly gives an able epitome of the
numerous speeches made at the convention,
and closes with the following resume of the
fruits of the convention:
TO BE CONGRATULATED.
1.-THE league is certainly to be congratu-
lated upon the great results flowing from its
organized effort; beginning with II men,
bers three years ago it now numbers over
30, 600, and by its continued and enthusi-
astic efforts, has rapidly aroused the coun-
try to a sense of its duty with reference to
its great and important objects, that are Pc
culiarly American, and appeal not simply
TO material interests, but to the patriotic
sentiments of every American citizen. 1t
looks as if success will soon crown their
efforts, and our city is to be congratulated
upon the interest it has continuously mani
tested in the cause, as expressed through the
Chamber of Commerce and the press. This
interest has attracted the attention of the
league, and is thoroughly appreciated by
its members, representing, as they do, the
entire country.
Ir'Our press is entitled to great credit for
the frequency and prominence they have
given the subject in their columns, both
local and editorial, and undoubtedly, they
have had a powerful influence in educating
and molding public sentiment in favor of
q prompt restoration of American commerce
upon the high seas.
"Their course is in pleasing and creditable
contrast with that of some of the Eastern
papers who have strained legitimate journal
sm in their efforts to either belittle, or
entirely ignore. the importance of these
great questions, which affect so vitality the
yrowth, prosperity and safety of our country.
As regards some of the most prominent
journalistic opponents of the Shipping
League, it may be said that justice cannot
be expected from press, dominated by
foreign influence and patronage, and
directed by paid imported professional
hostility."