The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-26
To the Representatives OF Manufacture
ing and Commercial Interests in the
State of Rhode Island.


Gentlemen-In pursuance Of the high aim
and great object of its organization. the
Philadelphia Commercial Museum has after
much careful preparation and conference
with other bodies representative of American
interests, secured the appointment of a dele.
CATION of distinguished business men from
the leading chambers of commerce and boards
of trade in Mexico, Central and South Ameri
ca. The distinctive purpose is visit Of the
gentlemen to the United States and a tour o.
about two months of travel through our
country to enable them to become acquainted
with our people. witness the operations OF
our manufactures. inspect the products of
our industries and be given an opportunity TO
study and become familiar with the methods
ard systems employed in our commerce. The
party will arrive June l. and comprise about
65 gentlemen of wealth and largo influence in
their several sections. They represent the
capital, trade and commerce of '45 0O0, 900 peo-
ple. Nearly all of these gentlemen speak
English and have frequently visited Europe.
They are large purchasers OF foreign goods,
while but few of them have ever visited the
United States.
To the end that this important matter may
be Justly appreciated. it is necessary TO state
a few points indicative of the character and
purpose of the organization which has in
spired it, The Philadelphia Commercial
Museum was conceived during the Columbian
Expositon-th offspring Of its influence. 1t
was founded in Philadelphia through the
liberality OF few of its public spirited citi-
zens. 1t Is local in its support, but broadly
national in its benefactions. The Pennsyl.
yania Railroad has made liberal donations
The city Of Philadelphia has contributed over
5000 0O0 and this year appropriated SI5,OOO
toward its support. The museum now occu-
pies the buildings OF the Pennsylvania Rail-
road on Fourth street, an entire block, within
which it has assembled the largest and finest
known collection Of raw materials from all
parts of the world. Its object and purpo'e is
TO promote foreign trade through the
agency OF natural and legitimate means,
which shall render an opportunity for the ex-
port of American products under fair and
practical conditions equal at least to those
enjoyed by the most favored OF other nations.
To this end the museum has established agen-
cies in nearly all sections Of foreign coun'
tries and Is securing all information possible
in every department of industry. 1t has
collection Of more than $4,000 samples of tex
tiles, the products of foreign countries, de-
signed in larger part for their export trade.
All OF these samples have been made within
the past eighteen months. The samples are
infexed and tagged with the information rs
10 origin, structure, cost market price, etc.
All other departments in the industrial arts
are treated in a similar manner. This
sufficiently illustrates the character Of its
work. II Is an enterprise worthy OF the great
hearted philanthropy of its founders and
must inevitably become contributive factor
of inestimable value in the advancement of
American interests.
The chambers of commerce and boards of
trade in all Of the leading American cities
have heartily accepted the invitation of the
Philadelphia Museum to join with them in IA
contribution to general fund sufficient FOR
the travel and incidental expenses, and are to
provide for tho expenses OF reception and en-
:crtainment OF the delegation and their at
tendants during the period OF the visit TO
their respective cities. The Providence Board
OF Trade has appointed its committee OF re-
ception. About 5000 will be required. II is
proposed 60 raise this sum through subscrip'
tions from its business representatives.
The party will spend the lith and 18th of
June I'm Providence We are informed that
the gentlemen who comprise the delegation
will como TO US inspired with the spirit and
desire to establish reciprocal relations Of the
highest neutral interest and such shall
provo OF great value Go the people Of the en-
tire western hemisphere. Preparations are
in progress at the principal centors Of trade
20 give to these gentlemen n reception worthy
Of the occasion. one fhat shall impress them
with the hospitality of North Americans and
The even more sure accompaniment a. TO the
character, wonderful diversity and value q
their vast resources
The manuf acturing interests ~ Rhode
Island are Of such character. diversity and
value A. to Justify careful consideration Of
tM. important matter. and II ~ earnestly
hoped that II will secure tho earnest approval
and support of our business men. II Is AN
event Of great Significance 60 the industrial
intorcs's Of the tnitri States ~ America and
b. worthy ~ wide spread recognition ON tho
part oi All it, people. An export trade i- 81
UuuIi vnluo 60 lli Interests. whether DO IN.
rudcs our own or the prod ct of our neigh
llor. since 10 is sure to bro den tn field Of
business activities and viii embrace all do
partments of Industrial labor.
D. NJ. THOMPSON,
J. LEWIS PIERCE
CHAs. Il. MERRlMAN.
JOHN O. MASSlE,
wM ". POPE,
Commiitec Of the Board OF Trade.