Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1900-04-28
Greatly Disappointed.

Members of the legislature will re-
member the visit of delegation of dis
tinguished citizens of Buffalo, n. Y,
representing the Pan-American Exposi-
ton of 1901, and the very cordial invi-
tation, by General Weber and others OF
the delegation, to Mississippi, to take
advantage of the great exposition to
make display of her products and
progress. These gentlemen were ac-
corded the courtesy of an informal
joint session, and they were greeted In
c'Jquent terms by the president OF the
senate and speaker of the house. Very
soon thereafter bill was introduced in
the house providing for an exhibit, and
making an appropriation for that pur-
pose and it was favorably reported by
the appropriation committee, But there
was an epidemic Of appropriations about
that time, and the Pan-American Elk
position got left. General Weber thus
expresses his disappointment to this
writer:
need hardly say to you that ! am much
disappointed, for had hoped that the rep
resentatives of the State of Mississippi
would see in our exposition an opportunity
for advertising the resources with which
Mississippi is blessed such as has not been
offered at any time in the past, taking into
consideration the particularly favorable
conditions which are here to he met. While
we deeply regret the vacant place in THE
roll of States which will be represented, |
feel convinced that those of your people
who will learn of our success, will more
deeply regret that absence.
Because of its Importance to your State,
/ cannot content myself with letting the
matter drop entirely, and it has occurred to
me that possibly through your agricultural
and horticultural associations, and your
immigration department. if such you have,
something may still be done which would,
to certain extent at least, fill tho void
which now appears.
understand that there is Northern
capital, some of it representing Buffalo in
terests, now engaged in developing the
lumber interests of your State. just a
beginning, perhaps, but fair start toward
bringing to your commonwealth your share
at least Of the immigration and capital
which your resources warrant. | am adj
yised, too, that Mr.. }. f. Merry, assistant
general passenger agent of the Illinois Cen
tral railroad, was formerly interested in
melting and stimulating immigration into
your State, and because of his former in
terest in your welfare and by reason OF
his present position, it is possible that the
corporation with which he is now identified
will be willing to materially aid in bring
ing your exhibits to the exposition.
Since visiting your capital we have re
Ceived further official acceptances from
Costa Rica, Dutch Guiana, Peru, Chill
BOLIVIA and Brazil, making now nearl,
complete list embracing Canada ON TIL
north Mexico and all of the Central Amer
lean States, and all but three or four of th
minor South American countries from
which we have semi-offiCial assurances tina
they too will respond here when the roll i
called When you compare this list witt
the fact that but four of the South Amer
, lean countries will be represented Mt tb
great Paris Exposition this year we fee
, warranted in expressing just pride tina
the prominent nations Of the New Worl
thoroughly appreciate the Importance o
being represented at the Pan-America
Exposition,
May ask that you give the idea suG
gested by me some thought and considers
ton, and consult with others along th
lines indicated in the hope that Mississippi
may yet be represented in some form an
some degree. Most cordially yours,
J. b. WEBER, Commissioner General
The commissioners for Mississippi ar
Hon. W. II. Hardy, of llattiesburg, an
Gen. William Henry, of Jackson, an
we feel quite sure if they will take thi
Q matterup, Mississippi will be creditabl
, represented, We feel sure that Capt
Hardy will get the lumber men c
4 Southeast Mississippi interested i
f making display of Mississippi timber
The Mississippi Press Association ha
t postponed its visit to the East unit
/. next year, so as to take in the Par
a American Exposition.