Los Angeles herald., 1891-04-15
The Commercial Congress at
Kansas City.
Delegates From Many States
In Attendance.
Letters Read From President Harri-
son and Others.
Herrison's views on the Monetary Ques-
tion-Charles Francis Adamss
Peculiar Opinions.
s.ociated Press pispatches.

KANSAS Cry, Mo-, April 14.-The first
western states commercial congress con-
vened at noon today, with delegates
present from the following states and
territories: California, Washington,
Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming,
Montana, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Mis-
souri,, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois,
Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee,
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Geor-
gia, Texas and Oklahoma.
The convention was called to order by
State Senator Kelly, of Kansas. He in
troduced Rev. DIR. Hayes, of this city,
who offered prayer. The convention
then proceeded to temporary organiza-
ton. Senator Kelly was chosen tempo
rary chairman. In long speech OF ac-
ceptance he explained the object of the
congress to be the consideration Of
various questions of peculiar interest to
the west and south.
Kelly laid all the blame Of agricultural
depression upon the too small circulat-
ing medium. AS relief he suggested
the free coinage of silver-the raising Of
silver money to the standard of gold.
John w. Springer, of Illinois, was
elected temporary secretary.
ADDRESSES OF WELCOME.
The chairman then presented Gov
ernor Francis who welcomed the dele
gates in behalf of Missouri. He said
the congress marked new era in agri-
cultural, commercial and financial his
tory. In the early history OF the coun-
try such dissension and dissatisfaction
as now exists resulted in revolution.
The people of the west were now crying
for relief, but the manner of the relief
sought was not by arms, but by this
deliberative congress. Different causes
were assigned for the depression of west
ern interests. Heretofore federal legis-
lation had been in the interest of the
east; it was necessary how for the west
to stand together, and there were many
things the west desired in the advocacy
of which she should be earn
est. Reciprocity with Mexico,
Canada and South America, and with all
the countries in the world, was desired
by the west. The west wanted the
Mississippi connected with the great
lakes by improved waterways. 1t
wanted an international railway. 1t
wanted fuller volume of currency.
These were things that would relieve
the distressing condition of affairs, and
these were the things that the west
must act together upon.
T. Dwight Thatcher welcomed the
delegates on behalf of Kansas.
Upon reassembling in the afternoon
letters of regret were read, among them
being one from President Harrison.
PRESIDENT HARRIsoN's LETTER.
In his letter Of regret, President Har-
rison says: "Public discussion of the
conditions affecting agricultural and
business prosperity cannot but be help
full, if conducted on broad lines and in
manner hospitable to differences OF
opinion. The extraordinary develop
ments in the production of agriculture
which have taken place in the recent
period of this country, by reason of the
rapid enlargement of the area of tillage
under the favoring land laws of the
United States, very naturally called
attention to the value, and, in
deed, to the necessity of larger
markets. / am one of those who
believe the home arketnecessarily the
best for our products, as it measurably
emancipates the producers from the ex-
actions OF transportation companies. Ii
the farmer could deliver 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 largely in
creased market for our staple farm pro-
ducts without impairing the home mar
ket, by opening up manufacturing trades
to competition in which foreign pro-
ducers, paying lower scale of wages.
would have the advantage-a
policy that would reduce the
number of our people engaged
in mechanical pursuits, or diminish
their ability to purchase food products,
and thus reduce wages without being
helpful to those now engaged in agricul-
ture. The farmers insist that their pro-
ducts have been too far below fair
price, and I think SO too; but venture
to remind them that the plea they make,
involves the concession that other things
may be too cheap, as well as corn. The
farmer who claims a good living and
profits from his work, should concede
-thcc same to every other man and woman
who tolls"
HARRIsoN's MONETARY VIEWS.
On the monetary question, the presi-
dent says: "Your deliberations will
probably embrace consideration of the
question of the volume and character OF
our currency. 1t will not be possible,
and would not be appropriate for
me in this letter, to enter upon
any elaborate discussion of these
questions. One or two things l will say,
and first, I believe that every person
who thoughtfully considers the question
will agree with me upon the proposition
which is at the base OF all consideration
of the currency question, namely that
dollar, paper or coin, issued by the
United States, must be made and kept
in its commercial uses as good as any
ether dollar, so long as any paper money
issued or authorized by the United
States government is accepted in COM
mercial use as the equivalent OF the
best coined dollar that we issue,
and as long as every coined dol
lar, whether of silver or of gold is
assured of equal value in commercial
uses. There need be no fear as to an
excess of money. The more such money
the better; but on the other hand, when
any issue of paper or coined dollars, in
buying or selling is rated at less value
than other paper or coined dollars, we
have nassed the limit of safe axppriment