The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-01-28
DEFENSE CONVENTION.
Proceedings of the Meeting at Tampa
Fla.-Sixteen States Represented.

Fla.-SiXteen States Represented.
Tampa, Fla, Jan. 2O.-The South At
lantic and Gulf State Coast and Harbor
Defense and Improvement convention as
sembled at the Auditorium at IL o'clock
sented. Alabama sent 10 delegates;
Florida, SO; Georgia, 8; Indiana, 6; Iowa,
4; Kentucky, /; Louisiana, A. Massachu-
sets, q. Minnesota, 2; Nebraska, 2; New
York, 4; North Carolina, 3; North Da-
kota, /; Ohio, 3; Pennsylvania, 4; South
Carolina, 2.
Lieut.. Gen. ]. NJ. ochofeld, Capt. Ed
ward Davis and Capt. Woodruff, repre-
senting the army and navy, were present
from the cruiser Raleigh.
The meeting was called to order by
President Fessenden of the Tampa
board of trade. Hon. f. X. Gunby
moved that as several trains bearing sew
eral important delegations were delayed
and would not arrive until o'clock that
the convention adjourn until 3 o'clock
this afternoon: Col. Frye of Massachu-
sets seconded the motion. 1t was
| carried, and the convention adjourned
Immediately.
Upon reassemblng Governor Bloxham,
on behalf of Florida, delivered an ad-
dress of welcome. Mayor Gillette then
delivered an address of welcome for the
city.
Governor Bloxham, in his address Of
welcome, spoke of gathering of the dis
tinguished visitors in response to the call
of Governor Mitchell and gladly extended
an invitation that was both cordial and
warm. Tampa, he said, is a fit ground
for this great gathering of representative
men, who come to add to the greatness
of this country.
Mayor Gillett, on behalf of Tampa, then
made an address of welcome to the city.
Fleming G.. Du Bignon of Savannah was
introduced and spoke of Henry B. Plant
of the Plant system. He gracefully eX-
pressed regret that Mr.. Plant could not
appear to speak for himself. AS the Off
cial of one of the great transportation
lines of the state, his remarks, said the
speaker, would have a deep significance.
Mr.. Du Bgnon said the conference was
essentially national one and was con-
fined to the waters of no harhor and to
no political party. He urged the impor
lance of the work before the convention
for the protection of 100000 of people
who were faithful to one constitution and
were living under one flag, who would
be willing to spend Their last cent to pro-
tect that flag and keep its honor spotless
and unstained.
The chairman then called for the re-
ports of the committees on credentials
and permanent organization, but as they
were not forthcoming the audience called
for President Plant, who responded by
coming forward and thanking the au-
dience
"F'lagler" was the next call, and Presi-
dent Henry M. Flagler of the Florida
East Coast railway, rose. He made
speech, in which he said he appreciated
the honorable invitation which Governor
Mitchell had extended to him.
The committee on permanent organi-
cation then reported.
Lieut.. Gen. J. NJ. Schofcd was named
as permanent chairman, and Col. NJ. Fry
of Massachusetts as secretary. A vice
president was chosen from each state rep
resented.
The chairman, on motion, appointed OK
Governor Rainey of Florida, Gen. Ed
ward McAlpin of New York and Mayor
G. A. Collier of Atlanta to escort the per-
manent officers to their stations.
Gen Schofield thanked the convention
for the honor and read an exhaustive IA
per on the need of an increased army.
The committee on permanent organiza-
ton was then appointed.
me convention, tomorrow night, will
'"he moonlight excursion down the bay.
sixteen states were represented.
The United States army was represent
ed by Lieut.. Gen. Schofield, Capt. Ed
ward Davis, Capt. T. w. Woodruff.
The navy, by the officers of the cruiser
Raleigh
THE CAPTAIN SUICIDED.
Boston. Jan. 13.-The Merchants and
Mariners transportation steamer How |
ard, which left here yesterday for Nor
folk and Baltimore, returned to her bow