The Portland daily press., 1896-09-18


we are nation of II 0O0, 900 people, and
our interests are becoming more widely
extended every year. Moreover, under
the Monroe doctrine, we are in a sense
the guardians of our southern neigh bors.
These relations may bring complioa-
tions. Wars are by no means of the past.
The best insurance against war is prepar-
alton for it. If Great Britain held Port
land, the harbor would be much better
fortified than it is today. Halifax is a
menace to US.
Mr.. Gilman then gave valuable statis
tics about Portland Harbor, taken from
various official rep orts. These showed
that there was every facility for a naval
station. The ease of the approach to the
harhor was not an argument against
such a, station. The governments is
recting here powerful protective batter
les, which will keep off hostile fleets.
The railway facilities are unexoelled.
This city is nearer to Puget Sound than
any other point on athe North Atlantic
coast.
The time has come when the general
government should take this subject un-
der consi Iteration
Mr.. Gilman said ha thought the naval
and military experts of the government
had ideas of developments here which
at present were kept secret.
In the discussion of the subject, Collec-
tor Deering called attention to the desira-
bilisy of having dry docks built here for
naval vessels. These could be built on
the South Portland side. This was of
more Importance than naval station.
Kittery navy yard was not q suitable
ocation for docks on account of the un-
certain currents of the river there Ger-
eral Mitchell of Bangor spoke emphati
cally of the defenceless condition of the
state. All sections of the state should
be glad to see Portland made a naval
station. This government was too care
less about it's means of defense and
oTense. Our citizens were not properly
protected abroad. Applause. He fay.
ored naval station at Portland, and
thought the matter should be referred
to a committee.
MIR. E. B. Winslow made spirited
speech in favor Of the proposition. He
referred to the high compliment paid the
harbor by the president of the Domin-
Ion Steamship Company; and told of the
successful effort TO have the appropri-
alton made for deepening the harbor.
Portlansd appreciated the help which
other portions of the state so generously
gave for that purpose.
President @. s. Pearl of the Bangor
Board Of Trade. offered formal resolu-
ton calling attention to the defenceless
condition Of the state and asking the
government to establish naval station
at Portland. Mr.. Barker of Lewiston.
moved to amend this by asking for
naval dry docks also. The amendment
with notifications suggested by Mr..
Winslow of Portland was adopted, and
the amended resolution was passed
unanimously by a rising vote.
The committee OH credentials through
Mr.. L +. Callahan of Lewiston, reported
Ga delegates present, representing Is
boards.
These do not include the newly admit
ted Deering and South Paris boards.
which were represented by seven dele
gates.
The
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
being next in order. Mr.. Bangs of Au-
gusta nominated Hon. Henry Lord of
Mn II nwd ~ l..
office seven years, asked to be allowed to
retire. but with unanimity and ap-
plause The board insisted that he should
be reelected. Mr.. Lord received an oys-
ton when he arose. He persisted in his
deolination, however, although urged
strongly to accept, especially. by the
Portland members. The board were
equally stubborn in their opinion that
they would have him for president. So
the matter was left
Mr.. M. N. Rich of Portland. was unani-
mously chosen secretary and Mr.. Gorbam
N. Weymouth of Biddeford, treasurer.
Vice-presidents elected were as fol-
lows:
Waterville-Frank Redington.
Augusta-A. S. Bangs.
Saco-Geo. d. Rabbit.
Brunswick-Chas. z. Townshend.
Belfast-A. G. Sibley.
Mechanic Falls-J. w. Penney.
Rumford Falls-Waldo Pettinoall.
Gardiner-A. W. McCausland.
Clinton-H. W. Dodge
Old Orohard-E. M. Yates,
Brewer-B. B. Merrill.
Freeport-Charles l.. Orne.
Deering-John e. Sawyer.
South Paris-Horace NJ. Bolster.
Biddeford-W. e. Youland.
Portland-E. B. Winslow.
1t was also voted to continue the vice.
presidents of such not represented az
are in active condition.
The officers having been elected, Pro-
lessor Lee of Bowdoin college read
TIE SECOND PAPER
of the day.
Mr.. Newelps Paper.
The paper on the advantages of an
Economic Survey Of Maine by f. H
Newell, of the U. S. Geological Survey,