The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-12-17
NATIONAL BOARD OF TRADE
MANY IMPORTANT MATTERS DIS.
CUSSED BY THIS BODY
Postal Savings Bank-A-t!ficial Irrigation
Under Government Control-Federal Su-
pervision of Corporation and Trusts Pro-
posed-Tax on MIXED Flour"ImprOve
ment of fWaterways-EndOrse rnent Of the
Single Gold Standard


Single Gold Standard
Washington, December 1.-THE ma
tional board of trade resumed its ses-
sions this morning. The first matter to
be considered was a resolution favoring
the establishment of postal savings
banks, which was introduced by the Chi
cago board of trade. After discussion,
the question was referred to committee
to report at the next meeting.
The question of artificial irrigation was
next discussed the basis being reso-
luton offered by the Pittsburg chamber
of commerce, which recommended that
congress enact laws to place the super
vision of all irrigation enterprises in the
hands of the United States authorities
where such work is undertaken upon
waterways affecting interstate naviSa-
tion. An address in advocacy of this res
olution was made by Mr.. Andrews, of
Pittsburg, who said that nearly one-half
of the area of this country was arid. He
said that the problem was TO store the
flood water in chain of artificial lakes
which would do away with the danger OF
floods and also would provide water for
irrigation purposes. A general discussion
folio wed. during which it was stated
that this was one of the important ques-
the entire problem of the Mississippi val
ley water supply would have to be stud
led. The resolution was adopted and Il
committee appointed to have charge of
the matter and report at the next meet
ing.
A resolution favorng the enactment of
81 national trade mark law was adopted
A resolution favoring 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. whether rail-
way lines, telegraph lines, telephone
companies or great commercial trusts or
combinations affecting all the states
the congress of the United States shall
control them and bring them in due sub
mission to the laws of justice and equity.
Mr.. HaIpin, of Philadelphia said that he
did not suppose there would be any OBJ
lection to the resolution, as it was in the
interest of the people. The resolution was
referred to Il special committee to report
tomorrow.
A resolution which elected much dis
cussiOn was that offered by the Chicago
board of trade, favoring legislation i'm
posing a tax upon and regulating the
manufacture and sale of mixed flour The
resolution imposes a fine of not less than
1000 and not more than $1,000 for selling
adulteratcd flour without the payment of
this tax. A motion to refer the whole
question to a committee to report at
future time was carried.
Mr.. Vance, of Cincinnati, presented the
report of the committee on internal
waterways. The report recognized the
broad and comprehensive patriotism
manifested by the last congress in it's
provision for the improvement of ma
tOnal waterways by establishing and
recognizing the principle of contracts for
such continuous improvements as may
have received the sanction of the secre-
tary of war and the appreciation of con-
gress. The report urges congress to con-
tinue such legislation and to make such
appropriations as will provide for deep
ening the channel of the Mississippi river
so that at least six feet be permanently
maintained from the mouth of the Mis-
souri,: also that the work of improve
ment of the jetties in the South pass of
the Mississippi, after the expiration of
the EadS contract two years hence, be
continued until depth of at least thirty
two 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 afternoon session was chiefly de-
voted to currency discussion. The gist of
the resolutions adopted was an endorse
ment of the single gold standard; the
gradual retirement of United States
notes; the enlargement of the national
bank circulation with a gradual reduc-
tion in the TX on the same. and finally,
, the establishment of national banks with
"A capital of 5000 or over in towns of
more than 1000 population.
A resolution favoring a permanent sci
entitic tariff commission was adopted,
but later reconsidered and left open for
fuller discussion tomorrow.
The active prosecution of the Nicara-
guam canal project was heartily en-
dOrSed.
The committee in charge of the cur
rency resolution 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,
hat thniy ph1n ha hafn + h,
house. Mr.. Reed did not hold out much
encouragement in the line of financial
legislation, but intimated that there
would be more chance for the bankrupt
cy bill after the holiday recess.
The committee in charge of the pool
ing bin was in session at a late hour,
bu such decided differences had devel-
opeA that there was little hope of an
agreement on either side of the question
and the majority and minority report
may be submitted to the full board to-
morrow.
In Behalf of Captain Dreysus