The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-10-11
THE IMPROVEMENT OF OUR RIVERS
IND HARBORS NECESSARY.
FOR LIBERAL GOVERNMENT AID
Resolutions Adopted by River and
Harbor Convention Declaring 10
Favor of Extensive improvements I'm
This Line at National Expense Early
Construction of an fsthmian Canal
Advocated Resolutions Expressing
Confidence In Roosevelt Ruled Out on
Point of Order.

Baltimore, October 9.-The national
rivers and harbors congress adjourned
sine die today after adopting resolu-
tons embodying its sentiments with re-
gard to congressional appropriations
for the improvement OF waterways.
Congress was urged to take speedy ac-
ton in the matter of the construction
Of an isthmian canal.
The place of meeting for the next con-
tions were received from Beaumont
and st. Louis, Mo.
An incident of today's session was
the ruling out of a resolution Of conf
dence in President Roosevelt, offered
by A. r. Smith, of New York. who
asked that it be adopted without refer
ence to the committee. Objection was
raised on the ground that the resolu-
ton was not germane and it was refer
red to the committee.
The resolutions are as follows:
Resolved, That this congress asserts
that the best development of our na-
tional resorces demands the adequate
improvement of our waterways and
therefore, it endorses and urges upon
the congress of the United States lio-
eral policy in their improvements
through systematic and adequate ap-
preparations therefore. In equally un-
equivocal terms, this congress deDlores
and condemns any action VIII ch leads
to the failure of river and ha-bor legis-
1ation.
Resolved. That it is the sense of this
congress that the improvement oe rivers
and harbOrS is fully as important as
the work carried on by any department
of the general government, and for this
reason we urge that appropriations
therefore be placed upon such footing
as will insure, at all times, ample funds
Tor a vigorous prosecution OF the
work; and to this end. we endorse the
system of continuing contracts.
Resolved, That in the judgment OF
this congress all items should he ex-
cluded from the river and harborG bill
that do not appertain to the improve
ment of haRbors and waterways for the
purpose of water borne commerce.
Resolved, That the wonderful pros
perity of our country is largely due tc
the vast increase in our foreign com
merce and that to advance our posi-
ton, as a great commercial nation al
possible facilities must be afforded
| deeper and wider channels must b,
created to meet the requirements of the
L
tioniZed the commerce of the world.
Resolved, That our great systems o
| internal navigation by the lakes anl
waterways of our country, besides be
| ing so essential as great highways o
| commerce to the fullest development
| of our national resorces, are natura
and effective regulators of freight rate
| and we. therefore, urge their continr
Gus and systematic Improvement wit!
| liberal appropriations therefor.
| Resolved. That an executive commit
| tee of seven be appointed by the presI
| dent of this congress, representing uh.
| different sections of the country VII,
| shall have general charge of the affair
| of this congress, with power to conven,
| future meetings and to perform sucl
| other duties as may be necessary u
| carry into effect the purposes and OBJ
| jectS of it's organization.
Resolved, That the foregoing re ),u
| tions be formally submitted to the ap
| propriate committees of congress at it
next session by a committee consistin:
| of one delegate from each state, to h.
I appointed by the president of this con
| gress, who shall be. ex officio, membe
| of the committee.
| Resolved, That we regard the con
| Struction of an isthmian canal as mos
| important and urge upon congress (,
| take speedy action on the same