The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-04-19

ern Capitalists Asking for Infor.
nation About Utah.
The chamber of commerce in this
city is an institution that ought tc
have the loyal support of every bust
ness man in the city and every citizen
of the state who is interested in its
upbuilding. 1t is now outside of the
press the only agency in the state
which is advertising Utah's resources
and disseminating knowledge to in
curing eastern capitalists. Notwith-
standing these facts the chamber of
commerce of this city is absolutely
threatened with immersion in a wave
of financial depression. Such a par
allel is not afforded in any city of this
size in the. country. Cities have their
boards of trade, their chambers of
commerce; Salt Lake has the latter in
name only. 1t has been left for the
business men to determine whether the
people of the city and state desire to
nave the capital of the east seek in
Vestments here. If the result be &C
cepted the logical conclusion would
seem to be that the business men are
entirely unconcerned about the future
greatness of our fair city and state.
The history of the chamber of COM
merce has often been told. Everyone
knows that whatever good has been
accomplished has been by g few who
have borne the burden while others
in most instances have reaped the har-
vest. It was expected that after a
few years of dormancy, by some su-
preme effort, new life might be in
fused.
NEW BLOOD INFUSED.
A new set of officers were elected
These were representatives of the best
business element of the city, and all
stand as synonyms for push and en-
ergy. That they are men Nho enjoy
the fullest confidence of every citizen
in the state, all will admit. They took
hold of the chamber with full deter
mination to impress upon the business
men of the community the suspicious
ness of the present time for letting
the people of the older states know
something about Utah. They entered
upon the work with an empty treasury
and poor support
The chamber had members enough,
but the most part of them were in
arrears on their dues.
The new officials took in the situa-
ton at once. Two weeks ago they
held meeting and discussed the situa-
ton fully. 1t was decided to make a
personal canvass. President Auerbach
addressed a personal letter of appeal
to every business man in the city and
every heavily interested individual in
the state placing the matter before
them in a business light. The cham
Der needed a larger membership and
licit for new members upon the pay
ment of S14 which amount would cover
the membership fee and nine months
dues in advance. The object of this
was to ascertain to what extent the
could rely on support. Old
members were asked to pay up their
dues and likewise pledge an amount
for few months in advance. Thus it
was expected that the chamber of
commerce would be recusitated, but
what has been the result?
DIsCoURAGING RESULTS.
This question is best answered by
Judge Colborn who was seen by a
Herald reporter yesterday and asked
with what success the present directory
is meeting.
You ask me what success the cham
Der is meeting with?" was the reply.
Well, it is soon told. Out of 900
people in this city of which a great
are business men. one sim
gle, solitary man responded Think
If it! One single, public-spirited bust
lesS man in Salt Lake city sent in his
check for $14 thereby saying that he
Will assist in building up the city and
he state. The man who responded
o the appeal was Captain Thomas F.
Mulloy.
Under the circumstances we can
lot proclaim his name too publicly or
ing his praises too loudly 1 wish |
hat monument might be erected to
Indicate that there is at least one man
Who can appreciate the work that is
'eing done by few who have the in
erests of the city at heart.
TITS discouraging. The new man |
cement have done everything in its
'ower to awaken interest in the in
titution. You see the result
This is an suspicious time. Before
many months we will have conven-
ions visit our city. The visitors ought /
be properly entertained We are
the dawn of mining boom; litera- |
ure is needed to advertise our at
FACTIONS, but without money we can
ot accomplish anything. 1t looks to
ne as if the people don't want the
hamber of commerce. Even only a
ew Of those who were in arrears re-
ponded to our call. l think the
from this source was about
49,
What will be our plans for the fu-
ure?"
We'll, the officers will hold another
1eeting next Tuesday. We will dis
uSS other plans and try again. We
ave not given up hope yet. 1t is pos
lble that we may be able to devise
ONE scheme that will prove more eff
ective. If the people then fail to re-
pond, nothing can be done. That IS
II there is to it,
LETTERS OF INQUIRY.
Judge Colburn showed the reporter a
sw sample letters that had been re-
eived during the day. One was from
manufacturer of pianos who is de-
rous of removing his factory to some
estern city He has the money, asks
)r no bonus or site, but is simply
seking the best location and desires
few local business men to take an
lterest in the business. The chamber
commerce is the only medium
trough which such information can
: given in q proper manner. The
lsiness men simply do not realize the
Importance of such an institution, and
Mess some interest is manifested we
i'll simply, have no chamber Of COM
cree, that is all.
Judge Colburn said the directory felt
cry grateful for the support the press
the city is giving, and could only
ope that the business people will
va ken IN fhe DopeSCifv of c1tnporfiner