The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-04-15
SOUTH AND WEST TOGETHER
In Commercial Congress in
Kansas City.
Twenty-four Western and Southern States
and Territories Represented-John G.
Wycklihe's Name Applauded-The West
Dissatisfied-ItW Wants Free Silver md
improvements President Harrison
Writes n Letter of Regret.

KANSAS CITY, NO., April IA -TSpe-
ail-The first Western States CONNER
cial congress convened at noon today
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 tho Cover
nors of the various States and are repre-
sentatives of the Western and Southern
people.
The convention was called for 10
o'clock, but it was nearly noon when the
chairman of the executive committee
raped for order. Just before the
formal convention, mail was distributed
to the various delegations. When the
name of John c. Wycllliffe, of New
Orleans, was called, his name was recog-
nized as that eff one of tho leaders of the
citizens of Now Orleans who executed
the eleven Italians charged with Chief
Hennesscy's death. When he stepped
to the stage his appearance was greeted
edging it, he quickly resumed his seat.
The convention was called to order by
State Senator Kelley. of Kansas. He
introduced Rev. DR.. Hayes, of this city,
who offered prayer BY motion of
Governor Francis, of Missouri, Senator
hell was chosen temporary chairman.
In long speech Of acceptance ho eX-
planned tho object of the congress to be
the consideration of various questions
of this peculiar interest to West and
South. Mr. Kelly laid all blame of tho
agricultural depression upon too small
a calculating medium. The relief he
suggested was the free coinage OF silver,
the raising of silver money to the stand
ard of gold.
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 n new era in
the agricultural, commercial and finan-
cial history. In the early history of
the country such such dissension and
dissatisfaction as now exists resulted in
revolution. Tho people of the West
were now crying for relief and relief
was sought, not by arms, but by this
deliberativo body. Different causes
were assigned for the depression of
Western interests. Let the cause be
what 1T may, the effect was the same.
There was deep-rooted dissatisfaction
and there was unanimous desire that
the evil of depression be abolished and
that the Western interests be slim
| ulated.
Heretofore Federal legislation had
been in the interests of the East. Con-
| gross had been favorable to the creditor
class and tho West was a heavy debtor.
1t was easy now for the West to stand
together, and there was many things
that the West desired in advocacy, OF
which She should be earnest and con
tinucd. The West wanted free trade
with Mexico, Canada and South
America, and with all the countries of
the world. The West wanted Missis-
sippi connected with the Great Lakes;
it wanted improved Waterways, it
wanted an international railroad, so
that one could step on vestibuled
train at Kansas City and step off at
Buenos Ayres, and it wanted a fnller
volume of currency.
These were things that would relieve
distressing condition of affairs and
these were things that tho West must
act together upon.
Dwight Thatcher, of Topeka, well
coined the delegates in behalf of the
State of Kansas and adjournment was
taken until 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Upon reassembling letters of regret
were read from those who had been
given special invitation to attend the
Congress. Among the letters was one
from Presinent Harrison.