The morning call., 1892-12-24
MERCHANTS MEET.
The Nicaragua Canal Plan
Discussed.
Congress and the State Legislature
Urged to Place the United
States in Charge.

E. B. Pond presided over a meeting of
delegates from the eight principal nercan-
ue organizations IN this city. held yester-
day afternoon in the rooms of the Chamber
of Commerce.
The object OF the gathering was to urge
the State Legislature, as well as Congress.
TO bring the Nicaragua canal scheme under
the control Of the United States Govern
ment.
Before the main object of the meeting
came up for discussion. c. j. DempSter ill.,
trodueed resolutions of regret on The death
OF l.. L. Baker. which were adopted.
a. l.. Williams presented memorial to
Congress, which the meeting fathered. and
which read rs follows:
We respectfully but urgently pray that Con-
gfess VIII promptly enact such conservative
ieglSatlon as shall secure the speedy eOnstruc-
non OF the Nicaragua canal, under the control az
The Government OF the United States and with
sueh provisions as will obtain the completion Of
this b neneial work at the lowest possible cost
theTeby securing cheap Tolls TO our producers
and merchants. We entTeat that the Govern
ment OF The United States shall consider and
comply Win the unanimous demand OF our
ACKNOWLEDGMENT over the repu bic in securing
an iDteToeeanic highway through Nicaragua in
Tue interest OF our general wefarr, indusirialIy,
commercially, and as means OF national de-
tense. No subject presented at this lime to the
American people Is OF greater moment TO their
prosperity. and with their unanimous anDToyaI
and urgent request we respectfully repre sent
that Congress should act promptly and decisively
IN obtaining an American canal under American
control.
The address TO the Legislature Of Calf
fornia was introduced by o. D. Baldwin
and was also adopted. 1t reads as follows:
The undersigned public organization of the
ely OF san Francisco. with a nrm conviction OF
Inc great advantage winch VIII accrue to the
State OF California and our entire country from
Tue speedy construction OF the Nicaragua mari
time canal, respectfully request that YOUR honor.
Inn IN
gfess la favor OF legislation 10 secure the
benehcent work at minimum cost, with such
PROVISIONS as Will secure low tolls without dis
elimination for the benefit of our counIrymen
We respectfully represent that az Il time when
all the Eastern, Southern and Middle States are
urging thlS great enterprise for the public vel
fare the Pacific Coast. which is 10 be benefited
SO greatly thereby, shall not be wanting In active
interest," Conhdent that you will coincide with
us In our petition and reaffrm the position of
the State OF California in respect to the Nicara.
selves
The proposed independent line Of steamers
between Panama and San .Franciseo was
also discussed. and Al Gerberding introduced
the following resolutions on the subject.
which met with unanimous approval:
WHEREAS, The development of the maritime
commerce OF the city OF San Francisco and State
OF California seems 10 offer 10 great extent the
true solution of the transportation prob EN- now
confronting Us; therefore, be ii
ResofUed, That this convention has heard with
pleasure The Intention of the Panama Railroad
Company TO Cooperate with the Pacific Coast
loe, under the American flag. In maintaining an
independent service OF steamers between San
francisco aud New York and New Orleans,
touching at Mexican and Central American ports.
sara line 10 be Tree from any entaugug alliances
win railroads or pooling contracts.
heSotred, That We welcome cordially the In
auguraiion oil such a steamship line aud recon-
mend 1t 10 the Governments of Mexico aud the
Central American republics as worthy of their
friendly aid and support and 10 the merchants
producers aud shippers OF this State as means
OF increasing our trade relations 10 our mutual
dement, ana advantage, and especially aifordiug
TO California water outlet for her products ana
means OF ingTess for impoTtatlons al reduced
cOmnel iIiIa Iaias