The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-12-06

TACT th2t nearly a hundred OF the men
Of Fayetteville were en- route for VII
mington within thirty minutes after
receiving the news, and hat other
towns were ready with their men with
as much promptness.
The Chamber of Commerce, repre-
senting the business interests of the
city of Wilmington, and in this par
ticular the united sentiment of its en-
tire white population, desires to ex-
pres its earnest and heartfelt appre-
citation of the warm concern shown by
our brothers of one blood in this and
adjoining states. We acknowledge
our obligation to them, and We feel
proud Of the fact that the white man
is Of one mind only whenever the
honor of his women, the safety of his
children and the exercise of his in
diyidual rights are at stake. We trust
no similar condition of affairs will
ever again menace the peace and pros
perity of any community in this or any
other state, but, il it should. We will
hold ourselves prepared to do for our
~neighbors what they have done for
US.
1T is also due the military organi-
cations of this city, and those also
that were ordered here, that this body
should publicly thank them FOR their
services at that particular time, and,
in the case of the local companies, for
the ardous duties so faithfully dis
charged for several weeks prior there
to. We are thankful that no necessity
arose for the use Of the strong arm of
their power, and that the mere fact
of their presence was a sufficient fac
tor to insure the restoration of peace
and order. We appreciate the prompt
ness with which they responded to the
call to arms, and we trust that the
visiting companies, whose exemplary
conduct while here deserves the high
est commentator, may at some time
in the future have an opportunity of
coming to our city, when, free from the
discharge of the duty Of the soldier,
they may be better able to accept our
hospitality"
McNEILL FOR RAILROAD COMMITS
SIONER.
Mr.. r. W. Hicks called the attention
of the chamber to the fact that the
political change in the state would
bring forward a new railroad commits
sion, ard said hat owing to the COM
mercial Importance of Wilmington no
place would be more entitled to one
Of the commissioners than this city.
He said we have men here peculiarly
qualified for the duties of commissioner
and stated that it gave him pleasure
to submit to this chamber for it's en-
dOrSement the name of the Hon.
Frank McNeill whose eminent qualifi-
cations were known all Over the
state. He moved that Mr.. McNeiu be
endorsed for commissioner.
/ Mr.. G. E. Borden said he could en-
dorse everything said about Mr.. Nc
Neill, but other names had been sug-
gested also, and he therefore moved
as a substitute for Mr.. Hicks motion
that a committee be appointed to sug-
gest a name or names for commits
sioner at a special meeting of the
chamber to be called by the president
in a few days.
The motion and substitute were
generally discussed, during which il
was mentioned that Mr.. r. N. Sweet,
of this city, and Mr.. w. c.. Hardison,
of Wadesboro, were being put forward
for commissioner.
! Mr.. Borders substitute was finally
lost by a vote of 6 to 8.
A substitute by Iredell Meares, Esq.
that the matter be continued to a spe-
cial meeting to be called for the spe-
cific purpose, so a large attendance
could be had, was also lost by a vote
of Z to 9.
| More discussion followed, and finally
Mr.. R, M. Wescott offered a motion
that the question Of endorsing persons
for commissioner be postponed to &
special melting to be called ten days
from now. Mr.. Wescott's substitute
was discussed and was adopted by {
vote OF 6 to 5.
TO BUILD UP WILMINGTON.
Mr.. J.. A. Taylor said this chambel
had met during the campaign am
taken action which tended largely tt
secure white supremacy and good gov
eminent, at the polls on the 9Th o
November, and now that the stat
had been redeemed it was opportun
to make a new declaration and d.
something to upbuild Wilmington. H
, therefore offered the following resolu
tions which were unanimously adopt
ed:
The city of Wilmington offers man
and natural resources, yet scarcel
touched by the hand Of industry; sit
uated at a distance from the ocean
which, while it affords complete pre-
lection to shipping from the mos
violent storms known to the Atlanti
Seaboard, is yet in easy access to tn
commerce Of the world. It's proximit
to the gulf stream insures at once mil
winters and pleasant summers, j
which outdoor labor enjoys immunit
for loss and danger from excessiv
cold or heat, while vegetation is force
SO early that trucking is made a mo.
profitable industry. In the neal vicir
ity large tracks of rich and unimpro,
ed lands. purchaseable or easy tern
and at low prices, await and invite tt
investment of capital. Its geograph
cal situation makes it the natural Ell
try port for the state, while the pre-,