Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-16
BOARD OF TRADE.
NATIONAL BODY FAvORs POSTAL
SAVINGS BANKS.
SINGLE GOLD STANDARD ENDORSED
Other Resolutions Regarding the
Currency Artificial Irrigation
RniIways-Mixed Flour.

WASHINGTON, December 15.-The Ma
tlonal Board of Trade resumed It's ses-
sons this morning. The first matter 20
be considered was resolution favorng
the establishment Of postal savings
banks. which was introduced by the Chi
cago Board of Trade. After discussing
the question, It was referred TO a com
mittee, to report at the next meeting.
The question of artificial irrigation was
next introduced, the basis beirA reso-
luton offered by the Pittsburg Chamber
OF Commerce, I'm which 1t was recon-
mended that Congress enact laws to place
the supervising of all irrigation enter
prises I'm the hands of the United States
authorities, whenever such work is under
taken upon waterways connected with
interstate navigation.
1t was stated that nearly one half Of
this country is arid. The problem is TO
store the fiood-water i'm a chain Of arti-
fetal lakes, which would do away with
the danger of floods, and would also pro-
vide water for irrigation purposes.
A general discussion followed, during
which it was stated that this was one
of the important questions now before
the country, and that the entire problem
of the Mississippi Valley water supply
would have to be studied. The resolution
was adopted and a committee appointed
to have charge of the matter and report
at the next meeting.
4 NATIONAL. TR ADIrNTARK
A resolution favoring the adoption Of
a national trademark was adopted.
A resolution fayoring the adoption of
an American system of naval. reserves,
presented by the New York Board of
Trade and Transportation, was taken up,
and, after discussion, was adopted.
The Philadelphia Grocers' and Import
ers' Exchange presented a resolution to
the effect that In all cases OF business
combination. whether of railway lines,
telegraph lines, telephone companies, or
great commercial trusts or combinations
affecting all the States, the Congress Of
the United States shall control the or
CARNATIONS, and hold them in due sub
lection to the laws Of justice and equity.
Mr.. Halpin, of Philadelphia, said that
he did not suppose there would be any
objection to the resolution. as ii was in
the interest of the people. The resolu-
ton was recommended to a special COM
mittee, to report tomorrow.
a resolution which ELECTED much dis
cussion was that offered by the Chicago
Board of Trade, favoring legislation inn
posing a tax upon and regulating the
manufacture and sale Of mixed flour. The
resolution imposes a fine of not less than
81 900 and not more than s. 600 for selling
adulterated flour without the payment Of
this tax. A motion to refer the whole
question to a committee, to report at a
future time, was carried.
INTERNAL WATERWAYS.
Mr.. Vance of Cincinnati, presented the
report of the Committee on Internal
Waterways. The report recognizes the
board and comprehensive patriotism
manifested by the last Congress, in its
provision for the Improvement Of internal
waterways, by establishing and recog-
nizng the principle of contracts for such
continuous improvements as may have
received the sanction Of the Secretary of
War and the appreciation Of Congress.
The report urges Congress to continue
such legislation, and to make such APP
preparations as will provide for deepen
ing the channel of the Mississippi rrer
so that at least 6 feet be permanently
maintained from the mouth Of the Mis-
souri, southwark; also, that the work Of
Improvement Of the jetties in the South
Pass Of the Mississippi, after the expira-
ton Of the Eads contract, two years
hence. be continued, until a depth of at
least 80 feet is attained.
Congress was also asked to initiate the
work of improving, by the Jetty system
or otherwise, the Southwest Pass to the
Gulf.
The report was adopted.
THE CURRENCY.
The afternoon session was chiefly de-
voted to a currency discussion. The gist
Of the resolutions adopted was an en-
dorsement Of the single gold standard
the gradual retirement of the United
States notes. the enlargement Of the ma
tional bank circulation with a gradual
reduction in the tax on the same, and
finally. the establishment Of national
banks with a capital Of 5000 or over In
towns of more than 1900 population.
A motion to locate a permanent head
ouarters for the National Board OF Trade
in washington met with general approval,
hut was referred to a special committee
for final action.
resolution favoring permanent
scientific tariff commission was adopted.
but later reconsidered, and lett open lor
discussion tomorrow.
The active prosecution Of the Mica
raguan canal project was heartily en-
dorsed.
CALL ON REED.
The committee in charge Of the curren-
CIV resolutions and the bankruptcy bill
called on Speaker Reed tonight, to pre-
sent the two measures with the endorse
ment of the board, and learn, if possible
what their chance would be before the
House
Mr. Reed did not hold out much en-
couragement in the line of financial legis-
lation but intimated that there would
be more chance for the bankruptcy bill
after the holiday recess.
The committee in charge OF the pooling
bill was I'm session at a late hour, but
such decided differences had developed
that there was little hope of an agree
ment on either side of the question, and
majority and minority reports may be
submitted to the full board tomorrow.