Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-12-18
A WONDERFUL SCHEME.

A Proposition to Connect the Great
Lakes With the Atlantic-The Conven-
ton in Session.
DETROIT, MICH, December 1.-THE
Deep Waterways convention, which
| convened in the Light Infantry armory
this morning, is as assembly OF distin-
guished men which promises to take an
important place in the history OF the
country, even if it only makes one step
in the direction of the ultimate object
OF the convention-that OF making sea-
ports OF the cities of the great lakes.
In communication to the Board of
Trade, Detroit, July IA, 1891, Congress
man j. Logan Chapman was the first TO
propose this convention, and he outlined
the subjects which, in his opinion,
should have the attention OF the dele
gates.
To the daring scheme of linking the
lakes and the Atlantic Ocean together
he gave more space than all others
combined. The originator approached
the merchants and manufacturers ex-
change and the vessels owners associa-
ton.
The result was circular letter 10 the
commercial bodies of lake cities 1nvit-
ing cooperation, This was heartily
given and shortly after, formal call
Yves issued for the gathering which as
sombled this morning.
The call recites that the work OF the
convention will be ito consider ques-
tions relating to much needed improve
ments In the channels Of water commu-
nication through our great lakes and
making twenty and twenty-one feet the
minimum depth throughout their entire
length; the location Of lighthouses; the
deepening of important harbors and
possibly the most feasible route for con-
Meeting these lakes with tide water 6y
deep water channel that will float our
largest vessels"
That the invitation has been very
generally accepted Is evidenced by the
numerous delegations present, the MEM
bers of which are most enthusiastic
over the contemplated projects, and
show great interest in the proceedings.
Delegates are present from Ohio, Iowa,
Illinois. Minnesota and Michigan.
Congressman j. L. Chapman, Geo. ii.
Ely, of Cleveland, Parker G. Roman, OF
Albany, New York, and many others
have been invited to address the con-
vention.
The convention was called to order
shortly after ten o'clock this morning
by Hon. VIM. c. Maybury, OF Detroit,
chairman of the Executive Committee
An address of wesome was then de-
livered by Mayor Pingree, after which
Hon. Thomas w. Palmer was called TO
the chair as temporary chairman, and
delivered a characteristic address.
Committees were then appointed, and
the convention adjourned till p. m. to
give them time to prepare their reports.
The report of the Committee on Per
manent Organization was presented, and
the name Of Hon. Thomas w. Palmer
as permanent President was unanimous
ly adopted, as was the rest OF the re-
port, which embodied the following,
among other matters:
THAT the Vice President and men,
bers Of the Committee on Resolutions
be elected. one member from each State,
or City, or organization present, to
both the Board of Vice Presidents aud
the Committee on Resolutions"
After the report had been adopted,
resolutions and memorials pertinent to
the objects of the convention were pre-
senred by many delegates. They were
all referred to the Committee on on Res
olutious for action. Adjourned till 10
o'clock tomorrow.