The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-04-15
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
OPENING OF TIE CONVENTION AT
KANSAS CITY.


Tenn porsry Chairman-Wicklif1e OF
New Orleans Fame a Sort or Hero.
KANSAS CITY, Mo-, April 14.-The first
western states commercial congress con-
veued at noon to-day at Coates opera house.
with delegations present from twenty-four
western and southern states and territories.
The delegations are composed mainly of
business men appointed by the governors Of
the various states and are representative Of
the western and southern people. The con-
vention was called for 10 o'clock, but 1t was
nearly noon when the chairman of tho
executive committee raped for order.
wICKLIFFE A SORT OF HERO.
Just before the formal convention mail
was distributed to the various delegations
When the name of John G. Wickliffe 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
Hennessy's death. When he stepped on the
stage his appearance was greeted with ap-
plause Without acknowledging IL he
quickly resumed his seat. The convention
was called to order by State Sena-
tor Kelley of Kansas. He iu-
troduced Rev. Dr. Hayes of this city,
who offered a prayer. The convention
On motion of Gov Francis Of Missouri,
Senator Kelley was chosen temporary chair
man. In q long speech Of acceptance, he
explained the object of tho congress to be
the consideration of the various questions
of peculiar interest in the west and south.
Mr.. Kelley laid all the blame of agricult-
ural depression upon too small circu-
lating medium. AS a relief he suggested
free coinage Of silver and raising Of silver
money to the standard OF gold.
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 new era in agri-
cultural, commercial and financial history.
In the early history of the country
such dssension and dissatisfaction
as now exists 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 body, Different causes were
assigned for the depression of western in-
terests Let the cause be what it may, the
effect was the same.
DEEP ROOTED DISSATISFACTION.
There was deep rooted dissatisfaction and
| there was an unanimous desire that the evil
4 of depression be abolished and that western
| interests be stimulated. Heretofore the
| federal legislation had been in the interests
| of the east. Congress had been favorable
| to the creditor class and the west
| was a heavy debtor. 1t was easy
now for the west to stand together, and
| there were many things that the west desired
| in advocacy of which she should be earnest
ard continued. The west wanted freer trade
with Mexico, Canada and South America
and with all the countries of the world.
The west wanted the Mississippi connected
with the great lakes. 1t wanted improved
waterways 1t wanted an international
railroad so that one could stel
on vestibuled train at Kansas
CITY and step off at Buenos Ayres Ii
wanted a fuller volume of currency. These
were the things that would relieve the dis
tressing condition Of affairs, and these were
the things that the west must act together
upon. I. Dwight Thatcher Of Topeka, Kan.
welcomed the delegates on behalf of the
state Of Kansos.
An adjournment was than taken until z
o'clock this afternoon.
PRESIDENT HARRIsoN's REGRETS.
Upon re- assembling, letters OF regre
were read from tn SO who bat
been given a special invitation to attenC
the congress. Among the letters was one
from President Harrison. The following il
President Harrison's letter:
EXECUTIVE MANSION !
| WASHINGTON, d. G., April Z, 1891. {
To Hon. II. B. Kelley Chairman, KnnsG
| Ctty, NO:
DEAR SIR have the honor to acknowledge
| the receipt Of your letter Of March "a, inviting
me to attend the meeting of the commercial
congress Of the western agricultural and mining
states, TO assemble in Kansas City, April IA L
| H. for the purpose of considering measures ar
| fecting the general agricultural and business
prosperity OF the Mississippi valley states
| regret that it will not be possible for me 10 &C
cept this invitation. If am not detained here
by public business, shall probably start abou
| that time for the Pacific coast by the southern
| route and if that purpose should be thwarted /
will be by considerations that win also preven
acceptance of your invitation. Public discus
sion Of the conditions affecting the agriculture
and business prosperity cannot but b
helpful, If II s conducted on broat
ines and is hosptable to differences
of opinion. The extraordinary development ol
the production Of agriculture which has takel
place in a recent period in this country, by rea
son Of the rapid enlargement Of the area OF til
lage under the favorng land laws Of the Unite
States very naturally has called attention l.
the value, and indeed the necessity OF large
| markets.
THE HOME MARKET.
/ am one of those who believe that the hom
market is necessarily the best market for tn
| producer, as IL LueASQThDly eIuanClpdLeS MN Il
proportion to its nearness to the transportation
! companies. II the farmer could deliver hi
surplus produce 10 the consumer on his farn
. | wagon bis independence and his profits wou
| b9 larger and surer IL seems TO me quit
possible to attain q largely increased marke
for our staple farm products without impairln
| the home market, by opening the manufacCur
ing trades to connection In which foreign pre-
| ducers paying q lower scale of wages woulC
| have the advantage. The policy that woult
: reduce the number Of our people engaged IN me
| chanica pursuits or diminish their ability I
| purchase food products by reducing wages car
| not be ne, pful to those now engaged in agricul
| ure The IA -mers insist that the price Of farr
, | products have been too low-below the poiu
| Of a fair living and fair profits.
| think so to, but / venture
remind them that the plea they make. Involve
the concession that things may be too cheaI
| | Coal may be too cheap az well as corn. Th
: farmer who claims a good living and profit
for his work should cOncede the same to ever
| other man and woman who tolls. l look wit
| great confidence 20 the completion Of furthe
5 | reciprocal trade arrangements, especia Il
, | with the Central and South American state
az furnishing new and large markets for mean
breadsIuffs and an important line Of manIfact
! ured products.
RESTRICTIONS on OUR HOGS.
Persistent aud earnest efforts are also beiu
| made and a considerable measure of succei
: | has already been attained, to secure the r
1 1nOval Of the restrictions which we have r
! garded as unjust on the admission and use
- | our meats and live cattle in some
> confidence 10 the successful Terminate
: Of the pending negotiations because / cam
. but assume that when the absolutely satisfa
. | tory character Of the sanitary inspections no