The age-herald., 1897-12-30
Jas. Bowron Says AIabma Can Compete With Universe in Iron and Steel.
GOVERNOR JOHNSTON PRESIDED
He Said Alabama Was Divided in Politics But United on Waterway Improvements No Action in Connection With
 the Warrior Canal.
Special to The Age-Herald:

Special to The ABe-l1erdlu'
 Tuskaloosa, Dec. 29-The rivers and har- bors convention, called by the business men of Tuskaloosa for the purpose of discussing ways and means for the betterment or the rivers and harbors of Alabama, met here today. No convention ever held in this state surpassed in it's personnel the body of men which assembled here today. They were thoroughly representative men of all vacations and they were here strictly for business, not for pleasure or politics.
 They accomplished every purpose for which they assembled. The whole spirit of the convention was that the citizens of Alabama refused to permit the resources of this great state to lie dormant any longer, and that they would, by means of water ways enter the contest for commercial supremacy over any section of the world
 By Mayor Jemison.
 The convention was called to order by w. C. Jemison, mayor of TuslSaloesa, and opened by prayer by Rev. ]. D. Simpson. Mr. Jemison called to order the first rivers and harbors convention held in this city in 1885, With pardonable pride he said that that movement was inaugurated by him. and that the work which had been accom- plished, the three locks which are now in operation at Tuskaloosa, stand as monu- ments to the energy and industry of the men who carried the movement to sue cess.
 A. M. McGhee, president of the Tusca- loosa Business association, delivered the address of welcome. MT. McGhee showed how the cost of digging the canal and completing the waterway to the gulf, all though apparently very large, would be small compared with the benefits to be received "Ths question of the develop ment and expansion of the commercial in .terests of Alabama" said he, lis the most important question that our people have to consider at this time. Our representa- tives in congress can do their state no greater service than by procuring the pas sage of the river and harbor appropria- tion bill" He pledged the people of Tusca- loosa to do their utmost in this movement
 The "Blue-E Eyed Roy of Destiny"
 Former Representative in Congress, R. H. Clark, of Mobile, replied to the ad- dress of welcome MT. Clark said that Tuscaloosa was the most fitting place in the state where a meeting of this kind should be held. He said that it was a place where the progressive citizens of Birmingham could meet with the equally progressive people of Demopolis and Mo- bile, in harmony and consider the means Tor carrying to completion the great work begun by those enthusiastic men in 1885,
 Joseph W. Burke, of Jacksonville, was elected temporary chairman. MT. Burke was at one time collector of the port of Mobile, and did good work in the improve ment of that harbor He argued that facts pure and simple be presented to congress. Facts that would convince congress that the opening of the Warrior river was a matter of national importance, and not sectional At one time coal sold for SC ton in Mobile. MT. Burke went before the chief of marines at Washington and told him that if the contract for supplying all the countries bordering the gulf be given to Mobile dealers they would supply it at s per ton. That official asked. DO you mine coal in Alabama?" The contract was given at that price, and was finally reduced to s2.90. The saving thus made to the government would more than pay the interest on the million and a half dol lars of bonds which would be necessary to open up the Warrior river.
 Mr. Burke said he was once asked by Pennsylvania manufacturer how this de- veiopment of Alabama mines would effect the Pennsylvania trade. "We are not fight ing Pennsylvania, exclaimed Mr. Burke. "Give Alabama a chance to get at the foreign trade, ard Pennsylvania can have all the rest" England puts coal on ship board for $2.10 per ton, while through the Warrior canal Alabama could load ships at Mobile with s1.25 coal. He said that water ways did not antagonize railroads; that it was to the railroads interest to build up the country. which cannot be done without water transportation.
 Lay Aside Local Feeling.
 Representative Bankhead made short, Airing speech, begging the delegates that in this convention every local aspect be laid aside; that it was not movement in which each individual city was contendng for it's own interests, but that 1t be placed on a national plane. He said that if this was not done the bill would most surely fail. "Give us an open waterway from Birmingham to Moble," said he, land the rest of the United States can keep their