The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-04-16
TWENTY. FIVE WESTERN AND
SOUTHERN STATES REP
RMSENTED IN THE
COMMERCIAL CON-
GRESS.
TEMPORARY SECRETARY A KANsAN
Wants of She West as Defined by One of
the speN i;ers-Among Them Free
Trade and More Money-The
Proceedings.

ern states commercial congress conve ned
noon today at Coates opera house with
delegations present from the following
twenty-five Western and Southern states
and territories: California, Washington,
Idaho, Colo ado, New Mexico, Wyoming,
MOrtara Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Mis-
sour, MINI esota, Wisconsin, Michigan,
illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennes.
see, alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
Georgia, TaEas and Oklahoma. The dele
cations are aomposed mainly of business
men app)in ed by the governors of the
various states and are representative of the
Western sni Southern people.
The convention was called for 10 o'clock
but twas early noon when the chairman
of the executive committee raped for Or
der. Ju9l p1fore the formal opening of the
convention the mail was distributed to the
Farious del gates.
When the name of John G. Wickliffe of
New Orleans was called, his name was rec
oguizai rs that of one of the leaders of the
Citi2@rs Oi New Orleans who executed the
Italians GhHrged with Hennessy's death.
When he ,epped to the stage his appear
anCe Wa3 greeted with applause. Without
"
seat.
The coag ention was called to order by
State Senator Kelly of Kansas. He intro
duCed fua lev. DIR. Heyes of this city, who
offered payer. The convention then pro-
ceedeu 10 a temporary organization.
On motion of Governor Francis of Mis-
sour, Senator Kelly was chosen temporary
chairman. In long speech of acceptance
he explained the object of the congress
20 be the C)nsiderahon of various questions
nt peCI lar interest to the west and south
Mfr, Kelly laid all the blame of the agri
cultural oppression upon too small circu
lating med um. AS relief be suggested
The free cynage of silver and the raising of
silver money to standard of gold.
Hon iohn W. Springer of Illinois was
elected temporary secretary. The chair
man then presented Governor Francis of
Missouri Who welcomed the delegates on
behalf Of The state. He said the congress
ms lked a new era in agricultural, CONNER
cia and financial hi tory. In the early
history Of the country such dissension 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
Geliberatiye congress-. Different causes
were assigned tor The depression of West
ern interests. Let the cause be what
il mfy The effect was the same.
There was deep rooted satisfaction and
there Was a unanimous desire that the evil
of the depression be abolished and that
Western interests be stimulated. Hereto
fore federal legislation had been in the in
teres. Of tle East. Congress had been fav-
JrabAa 10 The creditor class and the West
vas d heavy debtor. 1t was necessary now
.1r The w est to stand together, and there
were mary things that the West desired,
tua alvgoccy of which should be unani
nous, earnest and continued. The West
wanted rec trade with Mexico and Canada
and South America and with the countries
Of the world. The West wanted the
Mississippi connected with the Great
lgkea. Ii wanted an improved water way.
lt WI 0tag III International railway so that
one G. Gi0 tep on vestibule train at Kansas
City aud step off at Buenos Ayres. 1t
wanted q tuller volume of currency. These
we're things that would relieve this distress
Ing condition of affairs, and these were the
gEings that we must stand together upon.
Nj. 7 Dwight Thacher of Topeka well
coined the delegates on behalf of the state
OF Kansas.
Adjourn nent was then taken until 2
o CLOCK.
Upon assembling letters of regret were
r9ad from hose who had been given spe cial
to attend the c)ngrtB'. Among
the !etteGs was one from President Harri-
son.
& letter vas also read from Hon. ]. M.
Rusk, secretary of agriculture. Secretary
Rusk's etter of regret in substance is as
lie suggests that prominence be
given ~ the discussion of those questions
he agricultural interest of the
Countrr, for the reason that a prosperous
agricultural condition will insure prosper
iCy in al. 1.her branches of Industry. He
SUGGESTS subjects OF 'Transpor
iGtion,' Markets." and "Federal
an State Statistics" as pivotal
questions affecting the farmer
4 large surplus of agricultural products !
IF Uhe west must be sold in distant markets |
aud mlnufacturer's products must be |
from distant sources, making the |
question OF transportation important to the |
Western .armer. Reliable statistics touch
ng supply and demand not only of our
,Wn. ou5 all foreign countries are highly
essential The removal of foreign prohibi-
orv law, ;ainst American live stock in
crest is dwelt upon at length. The rtsll
+ the recent negotiations with foreign
hese prohibitions through guar
ntees nat the shipment of American
i've stogG nd animal and meat products
hall rCsei, e inspection as thoroughly as
hat eserc. ed over food products in any
1rei-n country. The same integrity should
puly Co ulr agricultural products. We
jlist study the wants Of the markets of the
-urld the tastes OF the consumers and pre-
are tG : these conditions. We must
ultivatt demand Tor our p~gducts IN
lost e. form, .hu5 reducing the bulk
nd c0..s. emily the cost Of trausporJa-