The record-union., 1894-08-31
THE NEW SOUTH.
Opening of the Development Conven-
ton at Washington.

Opening of the Development Conven-
tfon at Washington.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30.-The Southern
Development Convention was called to
order in Willard's Hall. by Hon. Samuel
Blackwell of Alabama. Prayer was Of
fered by Reverend Bagley. the Chaplain
of the House of Representatives.
Commissioner John w. Ross of the
District of Columbia made an address of
welcome. evoking applause by refer
ence to the new South, whose fine atmos-
phere, fertile lands, with coal and iron
beneath the surface and abundant timber
above it, was only awaiting the touch of
capital, backed by courage and ability.
He spoke of the bill introduced in the
Senate by Senator Walsh of Georgia for
permanent ex xhibit of resources of the
South, but questioned whether an exhi-
bition of the resources in this connection
would be voted for by Congress, and
thought permanent exhibit of the re-
sources of the entire country would be
provided for by Congress, and the South
would be the greatest beneficiary from
such an exhibit.
In reply, Chairman Blackwell said the
South had every thing necessary for her
development, except money and muscle.
AS an era of prosperity was dawning
I
izing that it must look to the South.
Organization was effected by the elect
ion of Samuel Blackwell as Chairman
and T. L. Barrett of West Virginia, Sec
retary.
A letter of S. NJ. Warren. President of
the Washington Board OF Trade, made
an alIusion to "Loud-mouthed Popu-
Iists,v who were injuring the South, but
the reading of the letter was stopped on
the remonsJrance of a delegate, who said
that politics were out OF order.
All the Southern members present
were admitted as delegates, and business
men from sections admitted TO seats on
the floor. One Vice President from each
State was elected on nomination of the
State delegations.
! Mr. Charleston, one of the delegates
| from Florida and Secretary of the Disston
| Land Company, read letter from Ham
! ilton DIsston OF Philadelphla, which was,
| in part. as follows: AN important step
to be taken is to convince the various
railroad companies That 1t is their interest,
| if not directly, certainly indirectly, to
encourage by every means in their power
| Immigration TO the South. Low rates
should be secured. As to the future
growth in the South, it is a broad subject
TO deal with. 1t is vital question to the
] American people from a patriotic stand
point, as we'll as in the light of individual
enterprise. Why does this country i'm
port sugar to the enormous extent of
/ $780, 00O, 900 per annum? The American
farmer is weary of low prices in the old
staples of agriculture. brought about by
over production, and has been looking
| for new avenues into which he might di-
! rect his energies. The production of
sugar upon s.Southern lands has added
/ for him a new avenue of escape from his
dilemma. He can enter upon that branch
! of agriculture with very little means.
| He may either purchase or lease the land.
/ and always find a ready market for all the
cane he can cultivate, the sugar mills be-
I ing glad to relieve him of his product.
/. and he can always depend upon a hand
I some return for his labor. l venture to
/ predict that it is question of but very
Short time before we will supply the
whole home demand for sugar, and see
our farmer friends in a position of pros
perity and contentment, which their
/ present condition makes it impossible for
them to enjoy.n
The afternoon session was devoted to
papers and addresses on the resources
and progress of the South.