The Indiana State sentinel., 1891-04-22
Twenty-Four States and
Territories Represented.
Governor Francis OF Missouri
Chosen President.
President Harrison Sends a
Long Letter.
Charles Francis Adams and Others
Ventilate Their Views.


house with delegations present from the
following twenty-four western and south
ern states and territories: California,
Washington, Idaho, Colorado, New
Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Kansas,
Iowa, Nebraska. Missouri, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana,
Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,
Mississippi, louisiana, Georgia, Texas and
Oklahoma. The delegations are com
posed mainly of business men appointed
by the governors OF the various states and
are representative of the western and
southern people.
The convention was called for ten
o'clock, but it was nearly noon when the
chairman of the congress raped for
order. just before the formal convention.
mail was distributed to various delegates.
When the name of John c. Wickliffe of
New Orleans was called, his name was
recognized as that of one of the leaders OF
the citizens of New Orleans, who execu-
ted the eleven Italians charged with Chief
Hennessy's death. When he stepped to
the stage, his appearance was greeted
with applause Without acknowledging
il, he quickly resumed his seat.
The convention was called to order by
State Senator Kelly of Kansas. He intro
duced the Rev. DR.. Hayes of this city, who
offered prayer. The convention then pro-
ceeded TO temporary organization. BY
motion of Governor Francis, of Missouri,
Senator Kelly was chosen temporary chair
man. In 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.. Kelly laid all the blame of agricul-
tural depression upon too small circulat-
ing medium. As relief he suggested the
free coinage of silver and the raising of
silver money to the standard of gold.
The Hon. John w. Springer of Illinois,
was elected temporary secretary.
The chairman then presented Governor
Francis OF Missouri, who welcomed the
delegates on behalf of the state. He said
the congress marked a new era in agri-
cultural, commercial and financial history.
In the early history of the country such
dissension and dissatisfaction as now exists
resulted in revolution. The people of the
West We're now crying for relief, but the
manner of relief was sought. not bv arms,
but bv this deliberative congress. Differ
ent causes were assigned for the depres-
sion of western interests. Let the cause
be what it may the effect was the same.
There was a deep-rOoted dissatisfaction
and there was a unanimous desire that
the evil of depression be abolished
and that western interests be stimulated
Heretofore 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 neces-
sary now for the West to stand together
and there were many things that the
West desired in the advocacy of which it
should be unanimous, earnest and con-
tinued. The West wanted free trade with
Mexico and Canada and South America
and with all the countries of the world.
The West wanted the Mississippi con-
nected with the great lakes 1t wanted
improved water ways. 1t wanted an in
ternational railway so that one could step
on a vestlbule train at Kansas City and
step of at BuenOs Ayres. 1t wanted a
fuller volume of currency. These were
things that would relieve the distressing
condition OF affairs and these were things
that the West must act together upon.
Dwight Thatcher of Topeka welcomed
the delegates on behalf of the state of
Kansas. Adjournment was then taken
until = CLOCK Ltll5 afternoon.
Upon reassembling letters OF regret were
read from those who had been given spe-
cisl invitations 10 attend the congress.
Among the letters was one from President
Harrison. 1t was as follows:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, ID. C., April 7, 1891.
The Hon. II. B. Kelly. Chairman. Kansas City,
No.:
DEAR SIR-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt Of your letter Of March "a in vting
me to attend the meeting of the commercial
congress OF the western agricultural and min
ing states to assemble in Kansas City, April IA
to l9, for the purpose OF considering measures
affecting the general agricultural and business
prosperity of the Mississippi valley states. L
regret that IL will not be possible for me TO ac-
cept this invitation. III ! am not detained here
by public business / shall probably start
about that time for the Pacific coast by the
southern route; and If that purpose should be
thwarted il will be by considerations that will
also prevent the acceptance of your invitation.
A public discussion OF the conditions Affect
ing agricultural aud business prosperity cannet
butbe hel pful II is conducted upon broad lines
and is hOspitable to differences of opinion. The
extraordinary developments of the productions
OF agriculture, which has taken p lace In a re-
cent 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 naturally has called attention TO the valae
ands lnoeeo, the necessity OF larger markets. L
one Of those who believe that a home mar
ket is necessarily the best market for the pro-
dueer; as il measnrably emancipates him, In
proportion TO it's nearness. from the exactiOns
of the transportation companies If the farmer
could deliver his surplus produce 10 the con.
sumeT out of his farm wagon his independence
and his profits would be larger and surer. Ii
seems 70 me quite possible to attain
largely increased market for our staple farm
products witbOutim pairing our home mark ct by
opening the manufacturing trades to a compe-
tition in which foreign producers paying
lower scale OF wages would have the ad Vantage.
A policy that would reduce the number of our
psople engaged in mechanical pursuits or d.
Ininish their ability to purchase food products
By reducing wages cannot be helpful to those
now engaged IN agriculture. The farmers in
stat that the prices OF farm products have been
too low-below the point Of fair living and fair
profits. think 80, too, but / venture TO re-
mind them that the plea they make invol YES
the concession that things may be too cheap.
A coat may be too cheap, as well as corn. The
farmer Who claims good living and profits for
his work should conesde the same to every
man and woman who tolls. / look with great
confidence to the completion OF further recip-
rocal trade arrangements. especially with the
Central and South American states, as furnish
ing new and larger markets for meats, bread
stu1s and an important line Of manufactured
products.
Persistent and earnest efforts are also being
l.