The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-02-06
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..


In another part of this issue will be
found the annual report of the secre-
tary of the chamber of commerce, and
we commend it to the careful atten-
ton Of the business men of Salt Lake
City. In it win be found not only a
history of the chamber for the past
year, bat its history from its COM
mencement until now It's story is well
and eloquently told by the secretary,
Colonel Colborn, and viii be interesting
reading for Salt Lakes business men.
The chamber of commerce had its
origin in years that were unusually
prosperous for Salt Lake City It's
membership was large and its income
good, but for the last two or three years
1t has had hard struggle for existence.
1 Is history during that time is the
story Of fegc brave public-spirited
men struggling 10 keep alive an insti-
tuition designed for the benefit of Salt
Lake City; and beyond any question it
has contributed to Salt Lakes growth
huch beyond the secretary's modest
claims for it The Institution which
collects and Classics the products of
or state and places them where they
may be seen by the strangers who
come to our city is public benefit, not
only to the city but TO the state.
The institution which receives and
answers 1900 letters of inquiry in
single year concerning Utah's re-
sources, climate. real estate, manu-
featuring. conditions of business, edu-
cational advantages, mining resources,
chances for obtaining farm lands op-
portunties for employment, methods Of
irrigation etc, is a good institution.
The institution which prepares
literature describing the resources
of the state. and which secures
conventions TO meet in our city
and in a word devotes itself to the
business and commercial advancement
OF our city is a good institution.
III view Of that fact the report of Sec
rotary Colborn is a sad commentary
upon the public spirit of Salt Lakes
people, for it is evident from that re-
port that the chamber of commerce
has not received that backing to which
1t is entitled by virtue of the purpose
Tor which 1t was created. 1t is a bad
record TO 90 out to the world. for
( it win bear testimony TO a lack of
business enterprise and foresight that
will be a reproach to our city. If, how
! ever. it shall result in arousing public
interest in the mission of the chamber.
the singing reproof contained in it
will be positive benefit.
Dreary as the struggle Of the past
few years have been, ii is not sufficient
t. daunt the spirit of the gentlemen
who have kept the chamber alive for
the last year. Hope stiH warns their
hearts, and bravely turning their
backs upon the past, they face the
, future and point to the extension of
railroads, the prospect Of a road to
Deep Creek, and the revival of mining
ia the state, as the resources from
which renewed prosperity shall come.
Truly" says the report, there never
was a time like the present for united
and persistent effort, never a time so
suspicious for the people to kick the
slumbering form of public spirit into
SehSlpllty, ana make IL 40 lts WORN
The past with its disappointments and
disasters are behind US. but behind US
also are our achievements. We may
turn TO the future, brilliant with
promise. without fear of failure, if we
win but utilize. by concerted action
end earnestness of purpose, the golden
opportunities of the present"
Let US hope that the business men Of
the city. stung by the facts Of the sec
retary's report, will give that aid to the
chamber of commerce which its brave
struggle in the past, its past services
and the object Of its mission, entities
il. Read the secretary's report