The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-02-14
THE CONGRESS OPENS.

When the gavel of the president fell
yesterday morning the scene Of the con-
gress presented 81 inspiring sight. AL
= most every seat in the sections reserved
for the leading delegations, and distin-
guisEed by slken banners of varying hues,
was occupied by representative Of the
mighty West.
On the platform were the president,
Governor Mcconnell of Idaho; his secre-
tary. Julian Sonntag, and few friends,
including the wel-known figures Of Rev.
DR.. Horatio Stebb ms and Governor Prince
OF New Mexico. Mayor Ebert aud General
W. II. L. Barnes were also present.
On the presidents table stood what
might have seemed unusual to some dele
gates-a large jug of blooming jacQueminots
and la France roses, piucked from some
city garden, while around the hall req and
white bunting had been pTettily inter
woven with spreading palm leaves, sery-
ing as characteristic and effective back
ground for neat scrolls bearing the names
OF the various States and Territories repre-
sen ted by the drmatis persona below.
National cOlOrS thanked the stage. and
biz bear flag inscribed "CaIifornia Repub-
lie" occupied the far background behind
the presidents table. The gallery was
decorated with banners, and the whole
. bright, warm and picturesque. 10 the
decorating committee, presided over by
Supervisor Robert Day, should credit be
given for the satisfactory character OF the
decorations.
OF the attendance little need be said.
There were rows upon rows of earnest
men, marked by individuality Of charac-
ter and purpose-"grave and reverend
seign0rs," and younger but not less eager
Or earnest representatives. Many gray
and even bare and polished" heads were
there, but only few women to denote the
rising interest aiken in public matters By
the fair SEX There were many spectators
aud listeners IN the gallery. a picturesque
feature Of the scene was contribut by
the presence OF two delegates from Idaho
IN uniform. They are members of the
National Guard. and are attached to Gov
ernOr McCcnDelI's staff
". j. Mcconnell. Governor of Idaho
and president of the Trans Mississippi
Congress. opened the convention. Ha
said
Gentlemen of the Trans Mississippi Con-
gresS: You have come here, trust, each aud
every one of YOU with some well defined propo-
sltions 10 present before this congress. 1t is
no part Oh my duty 10 make speech at this
houTi all OF you are anxious to get 10 work and
lafe speeches Of your own 10 make.
J his Is The SIKH me, ing of this congress-
ana while IT'S members are the representatives
OF The trans Mississippi States and Territories
while We are here 10 consider the interests OF
our own eonstl ueuts, VET 10 considering those
interests and recommending what will be for
our welfare we must not forget that we are
part Of. The great union OF the Staies and
That il we desire the assistance of our Atlantic
brethren In carrying out those projects which
make for our interests we must be willing o
concede 10 them that they are sometimes right,
even when they oppose us.
We nave 10 deal with several great ques-
lions. important not only to ourselves, but to
ali he constituents OF this union, prominent
among which Will De the financial question:
sIs.,Fs, nIFn ehar
consideration. Iuere Is also tile question OF ir-
rigation, which tiust VIII also be extensively
discussed. The question OF the Nicaragua
Canal, The question OF Dydraullc nnlnE tie
Hawaiian question and many others VIII doubt
less be- presented 10 this congress.
That we may attain The best results it will be
necessary 10 keep ND the hight in the interest of
Ihe measures which we may pass In the past
think we have failed to receive the benefits
we might have received from our former dellb-
erations IN consequence of not having contin-
uouS organization. Unless we have officers
whose duly IL is. and Will be, 20 present To the
Congress Of the United States, TO our repre-
seutatiYes IN the House and Senate, the TeSoiu-
ions which we discuss and adopt, the memoir
ldis which we are here to formulate, the result
OF our labors viii be in great Darl lost.
nave talked With number OF gentlemen who
are interested III these congresses, and they
agree win me IN lne belief that we should
i"tG d pei @uehl secretary IMAM who would
IeceFe salary - aud not cheap
man, either r man who is capable
OF managing business affairs Tor himself other
wise he VIII not be capable of mauaplnp busj-
ness affairs Tor US. Such man Is deserving of
a salary. His office should be i'm Washinofon
during The sessions OF the national Congress-
Our congresses hereafter should be held dnrinp
the vacation of The national Congress. ar WHICH
time 1t would be the duty of the SECRETARY IN
come 10 The town where The Congress ia n he
held and Then open an Office for two monIbs
He should be provided with a secretary and the
necessary appliances 10 keep up his Office in
Washington respectfully. The people of the
uans-M Ississippi States are able and willing 10
pay such salary and expenses. j recommend
that you give this matter your careful con-
sIdeTation.
do not know how closely you have watched
the proceedings in Congress. You may have
been more successful than ID finding The page
ana the dale in The Cong essional Review
where the resolutions adopted by former con
crosses have been brought up. but my at
4lention has never been called to the time when
our representatives have got upon the floor and
presented the proceedings OF the Trans Missis-