The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1891-04-16
COMMERCIAL CONGRESS-.
Opening of the Commercial Con-
gress at Kansas City.
Tho Delegates Welcomed by Gov. Francis
of Missouri and Dwight Thatcher
of Kansas - Letter from
President Harrison.

the chairman of the executive commit
tee raped for order. just before formal
convention mail was distributed to
various delegates. When the name of
John c. WiclSliffe, of New Orleans, was
called his name was recognized as that
of one of the leaders of the citizens of
New Orleans who executed the
eleven Italians charged with Chief
Henncssy's death. When he stepped
to the stage his appearance was
greeted with applause. Without ac-
knowlcdging it he quickly resumed his
seat.
The convention was called to order
hy state Senator Kelly, of Kansas.
| He introduced Rev. DR.. Hayes, of this
city, who offered prayer. The conven-
tion then proceeded to temporary or
ganization. On motion of Gov. Francis
of Missouri Senator Kelly was chosen
temporary chairman. In a long speech
of acceptance, he explained the object
of the congress- to be the consideration
of various questions of peculiar interest
| to the west and south.
Mr.. Kelley laid all the blame of agri-
cultural depression upon a too small cir
cuIating medium. AS relief he sug-
| gcstcd the free coinage of silver. and
the raising of silver money to the stand
ard of gold.
Hon John w. Springer, of Illinois,
was elected temporary secretary.
The chairman then presented Gov.
| Francis of Missouri, who welcomed the
delegates on behalf of the state. He
said the congress marked a new
era in agricultural, commercial and
and financial history. In the early his
tory of the country such dissen-
sion and such dissatisfaction as
now exist resulted in revolution.
The people of the west were
now crying for relief but the manner
of relief was sought not by arms. but
by this deliberative congress- Differ
cnt causes We're assigned for the de-
preston of western interests. Let the
cause be what it may, the effect was
the same. There was dccprootcd dis
satisfaction, and there was Il unanimous
desire that the evil of depression be
| abolished and that western interests be
| stimulated. Heretofore federal legisla-
ton had been in the interest of the
east. Congress had been favorable to
the creditor class and the west was n
heavy debtor. 1t was necessary now
| for them to stand together, and there
We're many things that the west de-
sired, the advocacy of which should
be unanimous. earnest and con-
tinucd The west wanted free
trade with Mexico, Canada and South
America and with all the countries of
of the world. The west wanted the
Mississippi connected with the great
lakes. 1t wanted improved water
ways. 1t wanted an international rail
way so that one could step on vcSti-
bulc train at Kansas City and step off it
at Bucnos Ayres. 1t wanted n fuller
volume of currency. These were things
that would relieve the distressing con-
dition of affairs and they were things
which the west must act together upon.
Mr.. Dwight Thatcher, of Topeka,
welcomed the delegates on behalf of
the state of Kansas. Adjournment was
then taken till this afternoon. Upon
reassembling letters of regret were
read from those who had been given
special invitations to attend the con-
|
from President Harrison.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, April A.
To Hon. VI. II. Kelly, Chairman, Kansas city,
DEAR SIR: have the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt of your letter OF March "a,
| inviting me to attend the meeting of the
| commercial congress of the western agri-
| cultural and mining states to assemble in
| tN- fan hn of
| sidcring measures affecting the general agri.
| cultural and business prosperity of the Mis-.
| sisspp valley states. l regret that it Will
not be possible for me to accept this invita-.
| tion. II am not detained here by public bust.
| ness shall probably start about that time
for the Pacific coast by the Southern Pacific
route, and if that purpose should be thwartcd
| 1t will be by considerations that Will also
prevent the acceptance of your invitation
4 public discussion of the conditions af.
| fCctlng agricultural ana business prosperity
can not but be helpful, il it Is conducted on
| broad lines and Is hospitabc to differences
of opinion. The extraordinary develop
ments of production of agriculture whi ch
| has taken place in Il recent period in this
| country, by reason of the rapid enlargement
of the area of tillage under the favoring
land laws of the United states, very natur
ally has called attention to the value, and
indeed the necessity of larger markets.
am one of those who believe that home
market is necessarily the best market for
the producers; as ii mcasurably cmancl.
patcs him, in proportion to Its near
ness, from the exactlons of the transporta-
tion companies. If the farmer could de
liver his surplus produce to the consumer
out of his farm wagon, his independence
and his profits would be larger and surer
1t seems to me quite possible to attain a
largely increased market for our staple farm
products without impairing the home
nf hN n hn M n Y trn1 1ns
| to Il competition In which foreign producers
| paying lower scale of wages would have
no advantage. policy that would reduce
the number of our people engaged in me
| chanical pursuits or diminish their ability
to purchase food products by reducing
wages can not be helpful to those now en-
gagged in agriculture. The farmers
insist that the prices of farm
products have been too low-belov
the point OF fair living and fair profits
think so, tOo-but venture to remind then
that the plea they make involves the con
ccssion that things may be too cheap. !
coat may be too cheap rs well as corn. Th'
farmer who claims good living and profit
for his work should concede the same t.
every other man and woman who tolls,
look with great confidence to the completion
of further reciprocal trade arrangements
especially with the Central and South Amer
lean states, as furnishing new and large
markets for meats, breadstuffs, and an i'm
portant line OF III anufactured products.
Persistent and earn est efforts are also be
ing made and considerable measure of sue
cess has already been attained, to secure the
removal of restrictions which we have re
garded as unjust upon the admission ano
use of our meats and live cattle in some %
the European countries. look with conh
dcnce to Il successful termination OF tht
pending negotiations. because can not bu'