The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-06-03

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, June 2.-The
international commercial conference,
| which had it's inception in the Philadel-
phia Commercial museum, under the
| auspices of which the conference is
held, was formally opened this after
| noon at the Academy of Music with
an address by President Mckinley. On
the spacious stage of the academy sat
| the delegates to the conference, mem
bers OF President McKinly's cabinet,
and quite a number of ministers and
other representatives Of foreign coun-
tries. OF the delegates themselves
about fifty were representatives of for
eign commercial bodies, principally of
Mexico and Central and South Amer
lea: The large auditorium of the acad-
emyi to which admission was had by
card, was filed with interested au-
ditors. In addition to the foreign dele
gates to the conference, there were also
representatives present from CONNER
cial organizations of almost every city
Of Importance in the United States.
Mayor Warwick extended a cordial
welcome to the delegates and to the
distinguished officials of this and other
countries who honored the occasion
with their presence. He closed by in
Producing President Mckinley, who,
| when he stepped forward on the plat
form, was given a tremendous ovation.
When quiet had been restored, the
president said:
To have assembled 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 notable
Of trade mayors of cities and governors Of
states, together with official visitors from
fifteen other nations, unite in testifying the
Importance attached to this undertaking. Every
one of our sister republic Of this continent is
here represented through its special minister
and in number of instances large delega-
tions of prominent citizens have made long
journeys at great personal sacrifice to partici-
pate in this significant occasion. To all we
give hearty welcome.
No ordinary object could have produced such
an industrial convention. Interstate and in
ternational interests and courtesy have con-
tributed to its success, but nothing less than
a deep conviction in the minds Of the peo-
pie represented, that the movement here be-
gun will eventually effect permanent gains
in their commercial relations can account for
its wide and distinguished character. The
avowed object is to aid in the development Of
commercial and industrial prosperity. No
worthier cause can engage our energies at
this hour. 1t is most praseworthy purpose
the extension of trade to be followed by
wider and better fields of employment and
easier conditions for the masses. Such an
effort commands the instant approval of all
lovers of mankind, for with it is linked
the prosperity of the humblest toiIer and the
welfare of every home and freside.
The movement is inaugurated on broad and
progressive lines. Its authors and promoters
believe that the conditions Of international
commerce can be directly promoted by system
attic study and demonstrated by scientific
methods. The distinguished body of gentle
men who have planned this organization have
grasped great economic truths and are pre-
| pared to pursue them to their successful con-
clusion. Its generous support will increase its
usefulness.
| One national industrial undertaking pre-
| pares the way for another. A great exhibit
| like this is an education and an inspiration.
| 1t concentrates the attention of the citizens.
| 1t broadens their ideas, strengthens their con-
! fdence, promotes the spirit of friendly CO.
| operation and rivalry, awakens a commendable
| ambition and encourages effort of utilization
| OF all the forces and processes of production.
| The Columbian worlds exposition at Chicago
was the forerunner of this less general but
more permanent contribution to the world S
economic advance. Many of the Chicago ex-
hibts here remain intact and have been intel
ligently supplemented to such an extent that
| the management of the Philadelphia museums
make the proud claims that their exhibition
| possesses the most complete and extensive
exhibit of its class now in existence. Not
only has wonderful demonstration been made
OF the products and advancement of our coun-
| try, but these of all the American republics.
spirit of friendly and mutually advantag-
eous interchange and cooperation has been
exemplifed which is in itself an inspiring
nelp, not only to trade and commerce, but to
international commodity and good will.
The producer and consumer of both conti-