The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-11
PRUDENT ABOUT PROMISES.
The President Does Not Commit Himself
About Accepting an Invitation
TO ATTEND THE SOUTHERN EXPOSITION.
about One Hundred Southern Gentlemen.
Headed by senator Ransom, Walt
Upon Benjy-Other Promises.

WASHINGTON. D. c.. June 1O-A delegation
composed Of about one hundred Southern
gentlemen. many Of them prominent in loca
and national affairs. waited on President Har-
rison this morning and invited him 20 visit
the Southern Exposition. 30 be held Mt Ra-
leigh, n. c., beginning October lst and clos
iug December lst The party was headed
by Senator Ransom. who addressing the
President in a conversational way, said that
he had the great honor and the great pleasure
Of presenting to the President this delegation
of gentlemen from the Southern States. averv
large number of whom were from his home
some from the thirteen States and the city of
Raleigh
There were people Of that State and adioin-
ing states who were distinguished in history
and he desired 20 express 20 the President the
great wish OF the delegation that the presi-
dent and hls Cabinet visit the Southern Fxpo-
sluon IN October The present delegation, he
said was the largest ever visiting Washington
for such purpose. The Senator said that
OWING to the necessary absence of the Gov
ern0r OF North Carolina, who he was in
formed could not leave the city or cross the
state line for official reasons. there being no
heutenant-Governor that the honor Of pre-
sentng the delegation was conferred upon
aim.
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY
The President and delegation seemed quite
AMUSED at the excuse Of the Senator for the
G0vernors absence and the former said
There Is no reflection upon your people, |
hope"
The Senator answered happily and wittilv.
The President then said that he appreciated
the very cordial invitation Of the many who
had come from their homes and the impress
sve cordiahty OF the invitation. and he felt
that II ought TO receive serious consideration
AZ that point Senator Ransom said that his
old friend, Senator Edmunds We're he present.
would say that II was the duty OF the Pres
ldent OF the United States 20 accept such an
invitation from the people"
lhe President replied that 10 was kind of
the Senator and the delegation to put it in
such terms. OF course, " he said. II cannot
tell what might happen. but assure YOU that
90 not doubt at all the evidence OF your re-
spect or assurance. and / am sure I would be
received with eordiality and kindness which
is very gratifying and greatly appreciated"
cHARY ABOUT PROMISES.
He said however, that he could not make
promises. de was very charr about promises
all through has political life because of
criticism passed upon them When he came
into tho White House he adopted q rule
never 70 make promises which might inter-
tere with public business During October
and November he as well rs the delegation
anticipated busy times because of the re-
assembling of Congress. he was obliged. he
SAID, 10 leave tho matter open. lie was,
however, III full sympathy with every such
movement which witnessed the magnificent
development and material prosperity of the
arts and sciences. lie would bear the in
vltatlon IN mind, and when the time arrived
he would see if he could arrange business to
accept it.
Hon. Patrick Walsh then, in behalf Of the
people OF Georgia and also North Carolina.
invited the President to visit the Augusta
Exposition at the same time He said " /
wish 10 say TO you that the people of those
States are Americans. and that they are
patriotic, and that you will be received as
President of the United States with open
hearts and arms.n
HANDSOME INVITATION.
Alr. William I. Ashley the architect of
he.Ralelgh Exposition. then presented the
President with handsome invitation made of
southern pine IN the form Of Il book, the In
side OF which contained samples of the pro
ductlons of North Carolina, including leaf TO-
bacco. cotton and mica
On the inside was this inscription:
The citizens of the Southern section of the
Union send an earnest invitation 10 Benjamin
HARRISON, President of the United States, and
ms Cabinet, % visit them az the capital city
OF the Old North State Raleigh n c., dur
ing the Southern Exposition IN October and
November, 1891"
Senator Ransom then presented each men,
Der OF the delegation individually to the Pres
ldent who gave them all hearty welcome.
Mayor Badger of Raleigh, was introduced az
tho grandson of Hon. g. =. Badger, who was
Secretary of the Navy under the Presidents
grandfather He was given cordial greeting
and said Mr.. President If Secretary Tracy
should get tired of his job / would like TO take
my grandtathers place as you did your grand
lathers. The President laughed at this
happy reply.
TWO PROMISES.
After inviting the President the delegations
waited on the Cabinet officers and invited
them to attend the Exposition Postmaster
General Wanamaker and Secretary-o1-A Agu-
culture Rusk promised to 60. Delegations
also waited on heads of departments, several
OF whom accepted the invitation. Director
Powell, Of the Geological Survey expressed
great interest in the geological survey Just be-
gun in North Carolina, and said IL would give
Linn pleasure 20 attend the exposition.
Mr.. W. T. Harris Commissioner of tduca-
uOn. accepted an invitation 10 attend the
teachers assembly at Morehead City June
18TH and also said he would send an exhibit.
The committee that waited on the Cabinet
officers was composed of Senator Ransom,
Messrs. Pat Walsh; NJ. Glennan, editor OF the
Norfolk Yirgnian T. Sasser, Il. y Tucker +.
A. White W. II. S. Burgwyn, j. G. PritchaFd,
Paul b. Means 4. Is. keOugh, Hon. A. II. G.
Williams. w. II. Snow, Z. II. Wilson and |
John Nichols.
THE COMMITTEE CONFIDENT
Major Malone was chairman OF the com |
mittee that waited on the Fish Commissioner. !
j. H. Wilcox on Commissioner of Education;
~ j. Leary, on Commissioner of Patents; |
Captain John A. Williams, on Chief of Land !
Office Dr. r. B. Bate, on Chief of Weather
Bureau: K. IT, Gray, on Pension Agent: !
Josephus Daniels. on Director Of Geological /
Survey and Superintendent OF Census.
The committee feel confident that to-day's |
work will bring large number Of dstn- |
guished men to the Interstate Exposition. |
which opens at Raleigh October lst and con-
tuues two months. IN addition to these Of !
fetal dignataries. Senator PETER has promised |
- be present and speak at some time during |
the exposition.
COTTON CROP REPORT.
The report Of the Department Of Agricul-
ture for June makes the acreage IN cotton @.1 |
per cent Of the area of 1890 and the average |
condition s5.7. The reduction OF area Is at
tuDuted ia some districts 10 concerted con-
traction on account of low prices, but IT IS
evident that il is mainly due to unfavor-
lbe conditions fOr planting and germlnaton
The record OF planting IN the May report
Is quite accurately history OF the. crop 10
the present time. Planting delayed by early
rains dronOhf in the latter half OF April, |