The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1896-12-17
SUBSCRIPTION RATS
THURSDAY, DEoEMBER Il. 1896.


THE DEEP WATER CONVENTION
Prior to the advent OF railroads into
Fort Smith the Arkansas river was
the principal means OF travel and
transportation Tor all this section Of
country. The largest Mississippi river
steamboats, reached points one hun-
Cred and fifty miles above Fort Smith
II was no uncommon sight to sec five
or six OF these river packets lying at
Fl. Smith. Some business men char
tered boats at Cincinnati, o, loaded
them and went direct there with their
eargoes. Since competitive railroad
facilities became fixed fact the river
has fallen into disuse for anything bul
local traffic. ssndbars aud other OBJ
structions have been allowed to eccu-
mulAte, and in its present condition IT,
can only be used for small-sized boGts
q portion Of the year The reason OF
this condition is obvious and may he
summed up by saying satisfy the
wants of a people and no effort VIII be
made or their part to change the con
dition Of existing affairs The Fort
Smith Elevator contains four-coiuml
article on the subject Of deep water
and the convention from which We
take the following Of interest 20 all
Oklahoma business men.
Twenty-Five years ago the western
border OF Arkansas was practically the
western boundary to this portion OF
the United States Beyond It III,
country was occupied 10y people with
whom our national government en-.
tered into treaties the same as will
any other foreign nation. While ther'
was considerable trade AMI trafi
across the line, 1T was confined chief
70 the necessaries Of life Fort SIN b
had not then tenth OF iis p essen
population. The area OF lauf poo cii,-
yation was practical y smaIi Ouia.t,
OF cotton there wcre uo surplus pr,
duets to export, hence, when railrca Do
made their appearance, although 3
costlier. they furnished a more rrpic
mode OF transportation, and the rive
was abandoned But gradually Rrea'
change has taken place. The Indian
Territory, although the came as 10 it,
natural status, 10 so different in its
surroundings ind internal affairs that
the original aspect is almost blottec
from memory. The semi-ci7ilizcd 10.
dlans of twenty years ago have given
place to a people the largest proper
tIon of whom are ready 10 take upon
themselves the duties and obligations
OF citizens Of the United States. They
have become producers, sustaining
themselves and adding TO the general
wealth Of the country, and when
opened up 10 general settlement, which
is certain TO be done in the very near
future, It will becJue the wealthiesl
stSte OF the Union in few years.
West OF the Indian Territory tho
great territory OF Oklahoma hs.
sprung up as II by magic It's popu
lstiou Is made up Of the flower Of Tn,
push. energy, thrift and intelligenc,
of the people from every part Of ID,
union.
From year 10 year the population Of
these two great territories has multi
piled. The area Of land Ia cultiva
tion has increased. The surplus pro
ducts become greater and the needi
Of the people for the transportation
OF these aeeumulating products I.
commercial centers have augmented
70 such an extent that they want an,
are bound to have the cheaper r ye
transportation. They need II because
being further away from commereia
trade eenters, railroad transportation
adds 10 the cost OF all products. whicl
is tho greatest factor in destroying
the equality OF values Of products be
tween distant and near points 10 th
market
The Arkansas river al Fort Smit'
is the nearest point where this can b
accomplished From here all tha
country can reach New Orleans, whic
10 our greatest puint wet 70 foreigl
countries. Being about midway b.
tween Kansas and Texas, tie rive
outlet here would be Of equal advar
tage for all the coautry between thos
two states This IS thoroughly under
stood by our oklahome, Indien Terr
tory and southern Kansas friends
Hence they are anxious that a move b
made TO have something done with thl
river. Our Commercial league has nov
taken the matter In hand A conyer
tion haG been called. 10 Is 10 consis
Of delegates from ali the difiersn
points Of interest in Oklahoma. India
Territory, southern Kansas and north
ern Texas. Tho convention will pet
tion congress for o aafieisu. apprc
oriation 10 restore the river 10 n
former nayigable condition.
The suecess Of this undsrl akin