The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-10
THE TRADE CONGRESS
International Conference Is
Opened in Philadelphia.
Many DELEGATES PRESENT
Mexico and South American States
Well Representation Address
by President McKinle

by President Mckinley.
Philadelphia, June 4.-The interna.
tional commercial conference, which
had it's inception in the Philadelphia
Commercial Museum, under the au-
spices of which institution the con-
ference was held, was formally opened
this afternoon at the Academy of Music
with an address by President McKin-
ley. Mayor Warwick extended cor
dial welcome to the delegations and
to the distinguished officials of this and
other countries who honored the occa-
sion with their presence. He closed
by introducing President Mckinley,
Who, when he stepped forward ON the
platform, was given tremendous ova-
ton. When quiet had been restored,
the president said:
Ladies and Gentlemen: To have
assembled the representatives of great
commercial interests at home and
abroad is so unprecedented as to make
this most memorable event. Rep
resentatives here unite in testifying to
the importance attached to this under
taking. No ordinary object could have
produced such an industrial convention.
The interstate and international inter-
ests and courts have contributed to its
success, but nothing less than deep con-
victions in the minds of the people rep
resented that the movement here begun
will effect permanent gains in their
commercial relations can account for
it's wide and distinguished character.
No worthier cause can engage our ener-
gies at this hour. 1t is most praise
worthy purpose-the extension of trade
to be followed by wider and better
fields of employment and easier condi-
tions for the masses.
''The movement is inaugurated on
broad and progressive lines. The dis
tinguished body of gentlemen who
planned this organization have grasped
great economic truths and are prepared
to pursue them to successful conclu-
sion.
lone international industrial under
taking prepares the way for another.
A great exhibit like this is an education
and an inspiration. It broadens the
ideas of the people, strengthens their
confidence, promotes the spirit Of
friendly cooperation and rivalry,
awakens commendable ambition and
encourages effort in the utilization Of
all the forces and processes of produc-
ton. A spirit of friendly and mutually
advantageous interchange and co-opera-
ton has been exemplified, which is in
itself an inspiring help. not only to
trade and commerce, but to interna'
tional comfy and good will.
''It is not too much to say that a
movement of this kind is, in its gen.
eral scope, national-aye, more than
that-international in character. and
predict that its success will surprise
even it's most enthusiastic friends and
founders.
81 assure the promoters of this enter
prise of the deep interest of this govern
ment and the people in it's success. l
congratulate the citizens of Philadel-
phia that to them has been intrusted
the care and completion of this great
work. Philadelphia contributed i'm
measurably to the triumph of liberty,
and will now aid in the triumph of Ia
Dor. May Gods blessing rest upon this
worthy enterprise and upon those who
shall labor for it's welfare. l now de-
clare the conference formally opened. !"
A pretty incident followed the presi-
dents speech. When he concluded,
Mayor Warwick stepped forward and
introduced to the audience "the leading
lady of the land, who had, with the
president, favored Philadelphia with
her presence today"
Mrs. Mckinley remained seated, and
graciously bowed her acknowledgements
of the unexpected compliment. After
few more speeches the meeting was
adjourned.