The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-09-11
PACIFIC COMMERCE..

Alexander Won Humboldt in his travels on
this hemisphere, nearly 100 years ego pre-
dicted that within seventy-hve years-he did
not give quite the time-.he' commerce of
the Pacific would be the greatest commerce
the speculation of a dreamer. The Pacific
the world has ever seen. 1t was considered
ocean and its contents then--what was it?
Where YVES California Oregon, Washington
ct the beginning of this century?b Austria
la. a penal colony; New Zealand unknown,
China shut up. Cannibals eating one an
other in Honolulu. and yet We are upon the
very edge and beginning of what the Ger
man observer predicted. How many ques-
tions, distressing questions, have set us
against one another throughout the United
States where we ought 20 be, coming TO-
gether? We strove for home market in this
you will find no political significance IN
my words here tonight Qaughter), but some
how or other, we have got 1t. We are max
ing all We can possibly eat or wear our
selves, and the necessity is on US, by the
growth Of population and the rapid powers
of machinery to make more, to find market
for the surplus At the same time, while all
this has been going on. by result which
conjuror sails into the harbor of Manila less
than six months ago, and by. the discharge
Orient that nobody could have dreamed of.
England Germany and Russia, whether
rightfully or wrongfully it matters not in this
connection are opening China to the com
empire, which was old when Alexander wa
tered his steeds in the waters OF the Indus,
is being stirred, and desires are being awak-
ened in the struggling thousands of It's In
habitants for the necessities and advantages
Of more complete civilization.
An empire which from time immemorial
has bought much and scld little, an empire
which comprises within its boundaries one
third Of the human race, is to become the
customer of Europe and America And why
should we not? How can we help having our
narticinafi0n a commercial situation
in comparison with which the discovery of
America by Columbus the discovery Of
a mere island. Look at the effect. Look at
the slope beyond the serras, from Santiago
to Vancouver. It is one OF the most favored
portions Of the United States. I said at
Minneapolis the other night there was no
pie in these commonwealths they are rich in
mineral. in timber, in agriculture. The iron
Of Washington lies by the Coking coal. The
wheat fields Of these valleys yield product
which can find no market in Europe, nor
on the Atlantic slope, by reason Of the dis
tances. In crossing the mere ferry which
divides them from the Orient in crossing one
ocean where all other nations have to cross
two they hold the commerce of the Chinese
empire in their hands. What I began to say
upon this branch is, ask you to go back
five or six months. Could anybody have
then talked about the Chinese empire as I or
Mr.. Hill have talked here tonight? He
would have been an infatuated nationalist, If
he had; but facts presents themselves to US
which ask questions we are bound to
answer 1t becomes the American people
to enforce it that these great opportunities
will not be vacant.
Now. my fellow citizens. I cannot express
to you If I should try to do it, the grati1ca-
ton feel at this testimonial of your p5teem.
I know that your hearts will go n me
in the performance of whatever duHH l may
be called upon to do. I shall only promise
that in all I shall be set to do l shall do my
best according to the light that is given me.
1 thank you. prolonged applause.)
Another wave of cheering swept
through the room when Senator Davis
concluded his remarks, and he was sur
rounded by friends who congratulated
him. President Hamlin announced that
there We're no other invited speakers
present and that the gathering would
adjourn to an adjoining room, where
refreshments would be served. Most
Of those present Joined the procession
to the tables and 1t was after mid
night when the banquet ended.
Buffalo, N. Y, and return, $1,000 by the Soc
Line.
Watch for Number Six.