The Wichita daily eagle., 1895-07-12
WANT CHEAP RATES
TRANS-MISSISSIPPI CONGRESS TO
MEET IN NOVEMBER.
Executive Committee at Work to Secure a
WhitmOre Writes Governor Leweilins-
The Governor Gives His Views in Regard
to Railways and Steamship Lines
Bryan will Secure the Attendance of
COngressmen-Cheape Rates to the
seaboard the Great Question.

SeAboard the Great Question.
The Trans-Mississipp congress which
has for its object the securing OF cheap
er transportation by way of the SOUTH
! ern seaports for the great west ana
which held one Of its meetings in Wich-
| ita, is still pursuing its object.
This is a subject Of general interest
| to western people because every man of
! business knows that cheaper transpor-
tation for corn, wheat and other farm
| products means more money for the
farmer.
The members Of the executive COM
! nlittee of the organization are cores
| pon0ing with prominent men who have
taken an interest in the movement TO
! secure cheaper transportation for the
products of the great west and getting
| their views in regard 10 the best course
| TO pursue in order 10 attain the object
| of the congress
| Governor Lewelling was cen by
reporter for the Eagle last night in his
! office on Market street and when asked
| in regard to the next meeting he hand
! ed out the following circular letter
which he had just answered:
St. Louis, July S. 1895.
! Governor Lewelling,
| Dear Sir-As q member of the eXecu-
/ tive committee, / write requesting your
| views.
First-As to the time Of holding our
! next session a Omaha
| Second-AS 10 making the dues vol
untary for this meeting.
! So far as / have heard from the ad-
| yisory committee, they favor the last
| week in November for the same rea-
sons as governed the decision as to
! time Of last meeting, viz: The fact that
the several state elections Will interfere
with the attendance of delegates, if il
is held before they take place. and the
desirability Of securing the attendance
of members of congress en- route to
| Washington. whom Nr. Bryan, through
his personal acquaintance and lnfiu-
ence, will doubtless be able 20 Induce 10
! attend.
AS to the dues, il feared that, until
the work of the congress is better ap-
preciated, the rigid enforcement of this
rule will make the attendance light, if
il is made a voluntary contribution,
large portion will cheerfully pay.
Your prompt reply is earnestly re-
quested.
Will you also, at your leisure. desig-
nate those subjects which you think
should be named in the program for
discussion?
Very respectfully yours.
II. X. WHITMORE,
Chairman.
Governor Lewelling has alawys TAX
en- deep interest in this movement and
he thinks IL is of supreme importance TO
the west TO secure cheap transportation
by way of southern seaports. Speaking
OF the congress last night he said:
Il have been busy with my private
affairs and have not given this subject
as much attention as / should. We are
all interested in the object sought by
this Trans-Mississipp congress.
After a little reflection, however. /
think that November Ist would be a
good time to hold the meeting.
There is nothing Of more Importance
to the people of the western states as
well as of some of the middle states
than the securing of an outlet for their
products via the Gulf of Mexico.
This. of course. will he the chief sub
ject of discussion for the meeting but
it is legitimately divided into various
branches.
1T is a fact, however that the sub |
iect as a whole resolves itself into the /
one question of cheaper rates 10 the /
seaboard and the vast aggregation OF I!
products to be shipped is an important I
matter.
IF we had an independent railroad /
connecting with a regular line OF steam /
ers fom St. Louis 10 the Gulf A through |
rate could he made by rail and water [
transportation that might prove ad- /
vantageOuS to us.
such route could certainly be cheap !
er and would draw a large volume Of {
business that now seeks an outlet by /
way Of Chicago to the seabOard.
1T seems to me that the various 1
roads runnig into New Orleans and /
Galveston from this section Of the coun- /
try would he glad Of an opportunity TO 4
make connections with the ocean stem !
ers and I hope some information Will /
be given a the next meeting in regard !
to the prospect of such steamship /