The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-06-10
pH|LADELPH|A'S BIG SHOW
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL.
CONGRESS FORMALLY OPENED
YESTERDAY.
MbJ. MK|NLEY'S OPENING SPEECH
The President Delivered the Address
Formally Opening the Museum.
He Lauded the Purpose of
the Big Enterprise.


national Commercial Congress was for
mally opened at 2:30. with about $50
persons present, representing foreign
countries, the foreigners coming princi-
pally from Mexican and the Central
this afternoon, in addition to President
Mckinley, were DR.. William Pepper of
this city, Minister Calvo of Costa RIGA
and Minister Romero of Mexico.
The president, in his address, said:
Ladies and Gentlemen-To have as
sembled the representatives of great
commercial and industrial interests at
home and abroad in such large numbers
is so unprecedented as to make this a
most memorable event. Chambers of
commerce and boards of trade, mayors
of cities and governors of states, together
with official visitors from fifteen other
nations, unite in testifying to the i'm
portance attached to this undertaking.
EVERY one of our sister republics of
this continent is here represented
through its special minister, and in a
number of instances large delegations of
prominent citizens have made long
participate in this significant occasion.
To all we give hearty welcome.
mo ordinary object could have pro-
duced such an industrial convention.
Interstate and international interests and
courtesy have contributed to its success,
but nothing less than a deep conviction
in the minds of the people represented
that the movement here begun will
eventually effect permanent gains in their
commercial relations can account for
its wide and distinguished character.
The ayOwed aim of the Philadelphia mu-
scum is to aid in the development of
commercial and industrial prosperity.
No worthier cause can engage our
energies at this hour. 1t is most
praisewOrthy cause.-the extension of
trade to be followed with larger and
better fields of employment and easier
conditions for the masses. Such an eff
fort commands the instant approval of
all lovers of mankind, for with it are
linked the prosperity of the humblest
toiler and the welfare of every home and
fireside
The movement is inaugurated on
broad and progressive lines. Its authors
and promoters believe that the conditions
of international commerce can be pro-
NOTED by systematic and demonstrated
by scientific methods. The distin-
guished body of gentlemen who have
planned this organization have grasped
great economic truths and are prepared
to pursue them to their successful con-
clusiOn. Its generous support will in
crease its usefulness.
"One national industrial undertaking
prepares the way for another. A great
exhibit like this is an education and an
inspiration. 1t concentrates the atten-
ton of the citizens. 1t broadens their
ideas, strengthens their confidence, pro-
notes the spirit of friendly cooperation
and rivalry, awakens commendable am
bition and encourages effort in the utili-
cation of all the force and processes of
production. The Columbia Worlds Elk
position at Chicago was the forerunner
of this less general, but more perma-
nent. contribution to the worlds eco
monte advance. Many of the Chicago
exhibits here remain intact and have
been lntelligently supplemented to such
an extent that the management of the
Philadelphia museum makes the proud
claim that their exhibition possesses the
most complete and extensive exhibit of
its class now in existence.
Not only has a wonderful demonstra-
ton been made of the products and ad-
vantages of our country, but those of
all the American republics. A spirit of
friendly and mutually advantageous ex-
change and cooperation has been ex-
emplitied, which is in itself an inspiring
help, not only to trade and commerce, but
to international comfy and good WILL
The producer and consumer of both
continents are here, brought together in
close touch, and are taught to work to-
gether for the commonweal. In order
that new markets may be opened and
larger trade prOtitably conducted, the
manufacturer must have the opportunity
of becoming familiar with the character
of the goods desired by the consumer.
And so, too, the consumer should have
the opportunity to examine the good
which the manufacturer is anxious to
dispose of to him, that a recognized cen
trail institution, such as this, with ample
means, can be made of inestimable ad
vantage not only to a generation in
single country, but TO whole continent
and for the. vast future. Ability, as
well as capital, are essential to the sue
cess cess of trade, and, fortunately, with
equipped. 1t is said that the data
which can here be found, ready for
quick and accurate reference, is OBJ
tainable to a degree not ever attempted
any where else in the world. Under the
circumstances, and even at this early
date, it is not too much to say that
movement of this kind is in its general
ternational in character-and to predict
that its success, if wisely conducted, will
surprise even its most enthusiastic
friends and founders. Resting upon
business principles, looking solely to the
welfare of the country at large, bene
fitting other nations as well as our own,
the intent and realization of this world
industrial object lesson is in accord with
the best spirit of the age and worthy of
the good will and helpfulness of every
patriotic American.
II assure the promoters of the enter |
prise of the deep interest of our govern |
ment and the people in its success. l
congratulate the citizens of Philadelphia, |
justly renowned for the centennial expo |
sition which first demonstrated to the |
world the marvellous development of our |
resources, that to them have been en-
trusted the care and completion of this
great work Philadelphia contributed |
immeasurably to the triumph of liberty; |
she will now aid in the triumphs of labor.
"Who can doubt that the deliberations |
of these able and publc-sprited men,
acting together freely and cordially, ami
mated by common impulse and a COM |
mon interest, will result in still closer re-
lations of international comfy and a
higher prosperity for all -.
MAY Gods blessing rest upon TINS
worthy enterprise and upon those who |
labor for its welfare.
81 now declare the Philadelphia mu-
scum formally opened"