The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-06-03
FOREIGN COMMERCE
international Commercial Conference For
malIY Opened In PHILADELPHIA.
OPENING ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
Fifty Foreign Commercial H0slica
Represented by Dclcgates-I I,mpor.
tnnt Movement to Extent Amer
fcnn Commerce Advancement or
American Republics.
Philadelphia, Pa, June 2, is!

Philadelphia, Pa, June 2, 1897.
The International Commercial Con-
ference. which had It's inception in the
Philadelphia Commercial Museum under
the auspices Of which institution the
conference is held, was formally opened
this afternoon at the Academy Of Music
with an address by President Mckinley
On the spacious stage OF the Academy
sat the delegates to the conference.
members OF President N1cKinley's Cabi-
net and quite a number Of Ministers
and other representatives OF foreign
countries. OF the delegates themselves
about fifty were representatives or for
eign commercial bodies, principally OF
AleXico and Central and South America.
The large auditorium of the Academy, to
which admission was by card, was filed
with interested auditors. In addition to
Lie foreign delegates to the conference
there were also representatives present
from commercial and trade organlZa-
uonS OF almost every city OF importance
in the United States.
Mayor Warwick extended q cordial
welcome TO the delegates and to the dis
tinSuished officials of this and other
countries. who honored the occasion
with their presence. He closed by in
when he stepped forward OH the plat
form. was given a. tremendous ovation.
When quiet had been restored the Presi-
dent said:
Ladies' and Gentlemen TO have as
sembled the representatives OF great
commercial and industrial interest ut
home and abroad in such large NUM-
hers is SO unprecedented as to make this
a most memorable event. Chambers
and Boards Of Trade, Mayors OF cities
and Governors OF States, together with
official visitors from fifteen other ma
tions. unite In testifying the import
ance attached to this undertaking.
Every one Of our sister republics OF
this continent Is here represented
through its special Minister, and in a
number Of instances large delegations Of
prominent citizens have made long
journeys at great personal sacrifice to
participate IN this significant occasion
TO all we give q hearty welcome. NO
ordinary object could have produced
such an industrial convention. Inter
state and International interests and
courtesy have contributed to It's sue
cess but nothing less than deep con-
viction In the minds Of the people rep
resented, that the movement here be-
gun will eventually effect permanent
gains in their commercial relations. can
| account for its wide and distinguished
character.
1.-THE avowed aim of the Philadelphia
museum Is to aid in the development
OF commercial and industrial prosperity.
No worthier cause can engage our cner-
gics at this hour. It is u most praise
worthy purpose-the extension Of trade
to be followed by wider and better fields
OF employment and easier conditions for
the masses. Such an effort commands
the instant approval Of all lovers Of
mankind for with it is linked the pros
perity Of the humblest toiler and the
welfare Of every home and flreside.
1.-THE movement is inaugurated on
broad and progressive lines. It's au-
thors and promoters believe that the
conditions of international commerce
can be directly promoted by systematic
study and demonstrated by scientific
methods.
'The distinguished body of gentlemen
who have planned this organization
have grasped great economic truths and
are prepared to pursue them to their
successful conclusion. Its generous sup
port will increase Its usefulness.
"One national industrial undertaking
prepares the way for another. X great
exhibit like this Is an education and al
inspiration. 1t concentrates the atten-
ton Of the citizens. It broadens their
ideas, strengthens their confidence, pro-
notes the spirit Of friendly cooperation
and rivalry, awakens q commendable
ambition and encourages effort in the
utilization OF all the forces and processes
Of production.
1.-The Columbian Worlds Exposition
at Chicago was the fore-runner of this
less general but more permanent contri-
button to the worlds economic advance.
Many Of the Chicago exhibits hero re-
main intact, and have been intelligently
supplemented to such an extent that
the management Of the Philadelphia
museums make the proud claim that
their exhibition possess the most COM
plete and extensive exhibit of its class
now in existence.
mot only has q wonderful demon
stration been made Of the products and
advancement Of our country, but Of
those Of all the American republics a
spirit of friendly and mutually advan-
ia geous interchange and corporation
has been eXemplified, which Is in itself
an inspiring help, not only to trade and
commerce, but to International comfy
and good will.
uThe producer and consumer Of both
continents are here brought together IN
close touch, and are taught to work to-
gether for the common veal In order
that new markets may be opened and a
larger trade profltaby conducted, the
manufa acturer must have the opportuni-
ty Of becoming familiar with the charac-
ter of the goods desired by the con-
sumer. And so, too, the consumer
should have the oportunity to examine
the goods which the manufa cturer Is
anxious to dispose Of to him.
''It follows. Them that q recognized