The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-04-25
Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.

Special TO the RECoRD-UNIoN.
OGDEN UTAH. April 24.-The Trans
Mississippi Commercial Congress opened
in this city to-day. Previous to the
meeting, reception committees met the
various delegations from the East, West
and North. The stars and stripes floated
from every building that could boast
pole. Bunting and streamers in pro-
fusion decorated both business and pri-
vate houses. In fact the whole city pre-
scented holiday appearance. The weather
was chilly, but dry, and could not be
said to be uncomfortable.
The congress is a representative and
distinguished body of men, and de-
cidedly the ablest that has ever met in
the West. There is an intense spirit of
patriotism to Western interests, with
conservative and intelligent judgment
backing it up. The boxes and balconies
of the congress hall were crowded with
an audience well sprinkled with ladies,
and altogether it made up brilliant
scene.
The congress is strongly free silver.
California will get her river and hydrau-
lie mine resolutions through willingly.
Her delegation has worked the cards fine
for that. The California delegation keeps
open house, with wines, fruit, Napa soda
and Buffalo beer.
Governor Prince of New Mexico called
the congress to order promptly at IL A. NJ.
in the Grand Opera-house. He spoke
briefly, congratulating the congress on
the magnificent representation, not only
in numbers, but in the truly representa-
tive character of the delegations He re-
ferred to the subject of arid lands, irriga-
ton, harbor improvements and free sill
yer. Each was cheered in turn by the
localities interested, but free silver
brought storm of spplause from every
part OF the convention, making it evident
that silver would occupy the greater part
of the conventions time.
Governor Thomas of Utah being de-
layed by railroad accident, Colonel w.
II. Harvey of Ogden made the address of
welcome, and was followed by Mayor
Lundy in behalf of the city of Ogden.
Governor Mcconnell of Idaho replied
to the address of welcome. He expressed
the belief that the congress would be
enabled to impress the Nation with the
importance of restoring silver to its
former place, as the money of the people.
(Applause.)
In appointing the Committee on Gre
dentials it was found that all of the
twenty-five trans Mississippi States were
represented except Minnesota and Louis
lana, whose delegates have not yet ar
rived.
The congress took recess until after
noon.
On reassembling at 2P. NJ, NJ. L. Graft
of Los Angeles, on behalf of the ladies of
that city. presented the congress with
enough boutonaires to reach each delegate.
Pending the report of the Committee
on Credentials, delegate from Utah pre-
sented resolution regarding the proper
ton of public land to fall to the agricult-
ural college of Utah. Referred.
A letter was read frem Congressman
W. Bryan of Nebraska in which he ex-
pressed the opinion that the agricultural
or wheat-growing States had suffered
more from the fall in the value of silver
than had the mining States.
A letter was read from Governor PEN
hoyer of Oregon. Among other things
the Governor said: 1.-THE whole history of
the world does not furnish a crime equal
in atrocity to the demonstration of sill
yer. Against this crime the Trans Missis-
sippi Congress should make formal de-
mand for the restoration of silver"
Governor Stone of Missouri, in explain
ing his absence, expressed the opinion
that the policy of sectional conventions
and congresses was open to criticism, but
he had no patience to hear such criticism
from the people of the Northeastern
States. They had only themselves to
blame for condition that compelled the
States of the South and West to combine.
Governor Wilson of the First National
Bank of Mexico, Mo-, in his letter wrote:
"The ruthless Kings of Spain robbed
their American provinces openly and
without apparent conjunction of con-
science, but their successors, the Roths-
childs, plundered this country equally as
effectually."
The question of proxies was brought
up by DIR. A. r. Briggs of California, and
elected long and warm debate as the
Credential Committee came in to report.
The report, however, was accepted. and
the debate on proxies will probably be
resumed after the permanent organiza-
ton.
The total number of delegates present
is 430, with more arriving on every train.
The Committees on Permanent Organ
ization, Order of Business and Resolu-
tions were appointed by the delegations,
Recess was then taken until evening,
At the evening session John E. Light of
Colorado, in behalf of his delegation, pre-
scented large floral emblem to the con-
gress, showing in flowers the products of
Colorado. In his speech he reflected
somewhat on the present Administration,
saying that President Cleveland boosted
that he had never been west of Chicago
and had chosen all of his Cabinet from
east of the Missouri.
Colonel John P. Irish of California
combatted these remarks and said that
nothing could be gained by the West by
misrepresenting the Administration.
Cleveland has been west of Chicago and
has appointed Cabinet officer from west
of the Missouri.
Colonel Irish spoke later on the re-
sources of California.
Congressman Pence described the want
of political resolution in Colorado.
o. W. Crawford of Velasco, Texas. Sec