The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-01-21
THE TAMPA CONVENTION.
Sixteen States Represented-T First
Days Session.

Sixteen States Representative First
Days Session.
Tampa, Fla, Jan. 20.-LThe South At
lantic and Gulf States Coast and HarbOr
defense and Improvement convention con-
vened at the Tampa Bay Auditorium this
morning at II o'clock President J. II.
Fessenden of the board of trade called
the assembling to order. A motion was
at once carried to take a recess until 3
o'clock, as some traips bringing impor-
tant delegations would not arrive until
o'clock
At 8 o'clock President Fessenden a.
gain called the convention to order, Rev.
w. w. Dehart invoked a blessing upon
the deliberations.
Governor Bloxham then delivered the
address of welcome for the State, which
was so eloquent that he was frequently
interrupted. He spoke Of the gathering
OF the distinguished visitors in response
to the call Of Governor Mitchell, and glad
ly extended an invitation that was both
cordial and warm. Tampa, he said, is a
fitting ground for this great gathering
OF representative men, who come to add
to the greatness Of their country. DesotO,
Zachary Taylor, Winfield Scott, Han
cock, General Worth and the Indian
chieftains join in making this an histori-
cal location, He related the pathetic sto-
ry sent out to his people by the Indian
chief COacOOchee, who was given forty
days by General Worth to gather his
forces for transportation to the west. A
souvenir in the shape of the first baggage
check ever sent to Tampa, the speaker
still retained. Tampa's progressiveness
and hospitality were eulogized.
A year ago to-day General Miles gave
his testimony before the Senate commit
tee at Washington that not modern gun
was located on the entire coast of the
United States, except an eight inch gun
at Fortress Monroe. The present efforts
to improve this situation were inadequate.
The Nicaragua canal was mentioned as
a necessity. Central America could no
longer stand In the way of the commerce
of the world but had to be cut in twain.
| When this should be accomplished, Tam
| pa Bay would be the Bosphorus, the Gulf
| Of Mexico, the Mediterranean and Key
/ West, the Gibraltar of the western hem
/ isphere.
| Governor Bloxham closed by extend
ing Florida's greetings.
Mayor Gillett in behalf of Tampa, then
made an address of welcome to the city.
| Fleming u. Du Big1r,fI. 0f r,avr1rr,,r,
Ga, was introduced and spoke in behalf
! OF Henry B. Plant of the Plant system.
| lie gracefully expressed regret that Mr..
Plant could not appear to speak for him
self As the official head Of one Of the
/ great transportation lines of the State,
his remarks would have had peculiar in
/ fluence
Mr.. Du Bignon said that the conven-
tlon was essentially national one. and
| was confined to the waters of no harbor
| and to no political party. He urged the
| Importance Of the work before the con-
| vention for the protection of 7O,0O0O 600
of people who were faithful to one con-
stitution and were loving one flag, and
| who would be willing to spend their last
cent to protect that flag and keep it's
honor as spotless and unstained as the
| clear skies above
General Schofield thanke6d the conven-
| ton for the honor and read an exhaustive
paper on the need Of an increased army.
A committee on resolutions of one from
each State represented was appointed
The chairman announced a moonlight
excursion down 1he bay, leaving the Tam
pa Hotel at O'Clock, and the convention
adjourned.
Sixteen States were represented by
delegates as follows; Alabama, Florida.
Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ken
lucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts,, Min.
| nesota, Nebraska, New York, North Car
olina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylva-
ria, South Carolina.
The United States army was repre-.
sented by Lieutenant General John NJ.
Schofeld, Captain Edward Davis, Cap
tain t. w. Woodruff. The Navy was
represented by the officers Of the cruiser
Raleigh