Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-28
THE BANQUET AND THE FUTURE.

In the brilliant success of the Chamber
of Commerce banquet last night we see
the beginning of the united movement for
the development of the utmost poSSibili-
ties of the future Pittsburg. The promi-
nence given by this event to the work of
the Chamber; the evidence presented of
the magnitude of the interests comprised
in its organization; the testimony as to the
aid which it has afforded to the striking
progress of the past decade; and, finally,
the presentation of the magnificent objects
to be attained in the future, were duly set
forth. All cooperate to point to the
greater results that are to be won for the
community by the concerted efforts of all
classes, and to the presence and available
ity of the Chamber of Commerce as the
organization for uniting and directing the
effort.
OF course, the history of Pittsburg's
growth in the past, the record of the work
done by the commercial body, and the
speeches representative of the various in
duStrieS, brought out many details that
may seem to be ignored in this statement
of its results. But they all really converge
on the same point. Mr.. Miller's contrast
of the inception of the iron industry
lifetime ago with the present reality in
cites reflection on the means by which this
marvellous growth can be keptup and even
surpassed. Mr.. Kelly's summary of the
work the Chamber has done points out the
means by which that work can be enlarged
and expanded in numberless directions.
Mr. Pitcairn's statement of the wonderful
expansion of railway traffic indicates the
marvellous effect which the increase of
transportation facilities and the introduc-
ton of competing lines has in the multi
plication of business for all interests. The
goal to which all these factors rightly un-
derStood direct our attention was indicated
by Mayor Gourley's suggestion of the
million population mark, which with
united effort and full development of
our possibilities can be reached and passed
before the time which the Mayor set for it.
The immediate work for Pittsburg, in
pursuance of this line of policy, was for
chilly presented by Mr.. DravO's speech.
In setting forth the immensity and econ
omy of transportation by water; the pros
perity secured to other countries by the
development of internal waterways of
the highest class; the harmony which
really exists between canals and railways
by relieving the latter of their slow traffic
and multiplying that of the higher class;
and, finally, the definite and vet almost
unlimited gains to be secured to Pittsburg
and Western Pennsylvania by the con-
struction of the canal to Lake Erie, Mr.
bravo did not understate the subject. He
kept the great possibilities of the project
within the limits of fact, and yet he made it
the converging point of the whole banquet
1t shows how the industries represented
in the other speeches can be strengthened
and expanded, how the past record of
growth can be continued and surpassed,
and how the present prosperity can be
extended and placed on the most perma-
nent basis.
This presents the benefits of the banquet
in positive shape. 1t brings before the
public a body already an active agency in
the advancement of public interest 1t
shows the magnificent foundation for the
future of the city in the greatness of our
industries 1t gives us all convincing evi-
dence of what can be done by the con-
centrated effort of community of activi-
ties and powers, and finally it puts before
the public the definite and immediate OBJ
jects which if secured will bring with
them future outshining even the bright
achievements of tn past.
With such an auspicious inception of
the work of extending the power and use
fulness of the Chamber and directing pub
lie energies into work for the public good,
it is not too sanguine to recognize in it the
beginning of new and greater era of
As one of the speakers
referred to the future of the Chamber of
Commerce it is pertinent to say that the
future of the Chamber is the future of
Pittsburg. With the work commenced
last night steadily kept up, both will prove
to be beyond the conception of the present.