The San Francisco call., 1899-09-22
JOHN BARRETT
ADDRESSES THE
BUSINESS MEN
Problems of Oriental
Commerce.

Every seat in the Chamber of Com
merce meeting hall was occupied yester-
day by attentive listeners, who had come
together to hear John Barrett, ex-United
States Minister to Siam. talk of the East,
trade conditions and commercial posi-
bilities.
Preceding the address Of the speaker of
the day George A. Newhall, who is vice
president OF the association, said a few
complimentary things about the guest
and then introduced Mayor Phelan, who
likewise praised Mr.. Barrett, commenting
upon his views and the splendid opportu-
mites afforded him for the study of the
trade question in the Orient. When the
applause which greeted the introduction
OF Mr. Barrett by the Mayor had sub
sldeo the visitor arose and said in part:
I feel little embarrassed after hearing so
many complimentary things said about me but
It is true that 1 firm believer in the
future greatness of San Francisco It is not
my purpose to indulge in a political or moral
argument. We are gathered here TO consider
the material side of the question to consider
the opportunities for the extension of our com
mercta1 relations with 500 900, 900 people and a
magnificent coast line that is almost unmeas-
and as 1t grows out of the period Of swaddling
clothes 1t must feel the wonderful opportunities
Coast demands the attention Of the entire
country, and l think to-day that people all
over the world are realizing that the Pacific
States have an integral interest At this time
there is an imperative demand that the people
OF Oregon, Washington and California must
work together. If this State shall have the
full influence 1t should possess it must have
its full quota of United States Senator'S The
best interests Of this State demand another
Senator TO work for the benefit OF California
Unless the people of the State have their full
quota It VIII be crippled as believe this COM
bear directly upon the interests of the coast.
This coast must take the leadership In promul-
eating the construction of a Nicaragua canal,
oriert. t.'N 1O'8 1 : Ds 'e'~'ioiS WITH the
All over the country the people are only too
glad to listen to the development Of commerce
on the Pacific. That is why l say we should
lead and show the great majority what the
true interests Of the Pacific Coast are and how
1t reaches them
The great countries OF Europe are in every
way possible using their influence to develop
ropean cities have being sent to the East
for the purpose OF securing this trade. The
belongs to America, but it can only be won
by competition and energetic spirit. To-day
we are proving that IT is possible for US to
compete with the world.
Mr.. Barrett then considered the Orf-
entail countries seriatim and spoke of the
great commercial possibilities presented
to Americans: In regard to the Philip
pines he found the same conditions exist
Ing. Continuing he said:
No other country OF the Orient has such a
variety OF products and it is nothing more
tnan ,iaa reasonable to suppose that we should de-
velop these resources. All foreign houses in /
Manila are preparing to double their invest
ments. This Is an index. With the develop I
ment Of railroads will come development of /
resources and trade.
1 look forward TO . cooperation between the |
Pacific Coast and the Orient l would have |
large number OF young Fflipinos come to this |
country. educate them and let them learn what /
this country intends with them. Upon their /
return more would be done to satisfy the ma
ttves than years of colonizing. When you con-
slider the Filipino's actions you must consider +
the years OF tyranny under which he lived I |
look forward to the time when the energy of |
Americans, without any iingoism, will assert |
itself and face their responsibility in the I
Orient.
What you merchants must do Is to send men /
strong agents. out there. and then you will /
find the greatest results. Send qualified agents /
and do not spare few extra dollars in ex-
pense in getting the right men. There should /
be established here exchange museum /
which would show what the Orient and its |
products are. You must have larger and faster
ships to cross the Orient Seattle. Tacoma |
and Portland preparing to do It and YOU |
must would like TO see San Francisco a |
free port Just as soon as possible the Pacific /
cable must be laid. Your Senators and Con-
this is accomplished your trade will jump with |
a mighty leap.
As to the Nicaragua canal, unless you work
for 1t you will never get II. Opposition in the
opposition.
Without any fattery the California Regiment
made record for itself. The men OF the West
from California, performed their duties in 4
way that brought out the commendation OF
Admiral Dewey in no restricted terms They
were always eager 10 reach the firing line and
never shirked the work marked out for them.
Mr.. Barrett closed with eulogy of the
California Regiment and he was followed
by Senator Carter of Montana, who spoke
at some length about American progress
sion' and the trend of history.