Evening star., 1896-01-28
NATIONAL BOARD. OF TRADE
Its Twenty-eighth Annual Meeting Be-
gan in This City Today.
Report of the Executive COuncfI-Mr.
Fraley is Again REELECTED
the President.

The tventy-eighth annual meeting of the
national board of trade tegan in the ban
quet hall of the Shorcham at noon today.
There were accredited delegates present
from the boards of trade, chambers of
commerce and other similar bodies IN New
York. Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chi
cago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Buffalo and
other leading cities Throughout the United
States, making the gathering an influential
and important one. Previous to the con-
vening hour the visiting delegates took oc-
casion to pay their usual compliments to
the venerable president of the organiza-
ton, Mr.. Frederick Fraley of Philadelphia,
who is new ninety years old, and yet re-
tains an active interest in business affairs
and brings vast amount of vigor and en-
ergy to the aid Of the association.
After Secretary William r. Tucker had
read the roll. committee on credentials,
consisting of Messrs. G. Waldo Smith, JON
athan A. j mes, D. w. Tayler Henry Fair
banks and w. NJ. Day, was appointed and
the report of the executive council was
read and adopted.
Program for the Meeting.
After reciting the financial anxieties that
existed during the year and the necessity
which confronted President Cleveland and
made it crmbent upon him to issue bonds
to preserve the credit of the government,
the report said:
The program for the present meeting
contains many suggestions relating to the
federal treasury, revenue and currency
all strongly favoring the readjustment of
our financial system so as to secure safer
and more stable conditions. Little doubt
can be entertained, judging by the past
that an intelligent and thorough consider
alton of these subjects will be secured and
that the conclusions reached will prove
OF advantage to the country as an express
son OF the merchant, manufacturer and
banker upon a subject which Justly claims
snch importance in the economy prosper
ity and success of this great nation
Aliudins to the question of q national
bankrupt law the report says one of the
problems before the country now and for
many previous years, is bankruptcy legis-
lation, and that probably large majority
of merchants and traders prefer a bank
ruDt law that in its provisions will alike
protect the debtor and the creditor the
demand for some such law being very
great
The report states that the question of deep
waterways and canals and the improy e.
ment of navigable WATERWAYS of the coun-
try is renewed by number of the members
OF the board, and that the construction of
the Nicaragua canal is earnestly advocated
by several associations and arguments in
favor Of it's completion are strongly pre-
sented, and says that much interest is still
ev1nced in the interstate commerce law
and the board is again asked to place itself
upon record as to the operation of the law
and proposed amendments thereto.
The death of the secretary, Mr.. Hamilton
y. Hill, was feelingly reverted to.
In conclusion the report said: "At no time
In the history of the nation has there been
a greater necessity for the intelligent,
thoughtful and practical men of the country
70 recognize the calls upon them to devote
their attention to the earnest considera-
tion and discussion of public affairs"
Mr.. Frnlcy Again Elected.
At the conclusion of the reading the cleo
ton of officers for the ensuing year was
proceeded with, Mr.. Fraley being unani-
mously chosen president for the twenty
eighth consecutive term. Ex-Gov Stannard
delivered a very complimentary address in
Mr.. Fraley's honor, to which that gentle
man responded with much feeling and at
great length. designations of membership
were received and accepted from the boards
of trade of New Orleans and Detroit, and
the election of vice president, who will form
the executive council of the association for
the coming year, was proceeded with Pend
ing the announcement of the nominations
q recess was taken.