Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-12-25

- read with pleasure and interest your
editorial on the 18th inst. Col. Lowry's
welI-timed letter and your comment
thereon, In relation to the Louisiana
ment thereon, In, relation to the Louisiana
Purchase exposition at st. Louis, 1904. and
the duty which rests upon all our people
to see that Georgia should be becomingly
present at that great occasion.
Colonel Lowry very pertinently recited
interesting facts as to the many oppor-
tunities to advertise Georgia and her
almost matchless resources we have let
pass unimproved, as well as the few we
haltingly utilized.
The trouble all along has been, and still
is, that no systematic EFFORT has been put
forth to arouse the masses to an apprecia-
ton of the necessity for and the value
Of such an exhibition of the states agri-
cultural and mineral resources. This i'm
portant matter has not been brought d.
rectly to the attention Of the people. There
was an effort of that character made with
a view to an exhibit at Omaha. Territory,
which was cultivated. considered, good
results were obtained.
recall most excellent opportunity
we failed to improve. In 1889, number
of Boston gentlemen visited the South
invitation to each Of them to exhibit their
products of field, forest and mine at a
New England States exposition at Boston,
September. 1883. The general assembly
was In session when these gentlemen
reached Atlanta. Governor Stephens be-
came deeply interested in the proposition.
At HIS request introduced a bill, which
carried a reasonable appropriation. look
Ing to an exhibit from our state. The bill
was favorably reported to the house, but
encountered considerable opposition. So
much 50 that a compromise resolution
drawn by myself, after consultation with
friends and opponents of the pending bill,
was substituted and passed both houses.
This resolution authorized the governor
to invite and receive specimens of Geor-
gia products that might be furnished
HIM by the citizens of the state for ex-
hloition at Boston. The mutual agree
ment between the friends and opponents
oL the original bill was that, If the pro-
ducts were in Atlanta at the beginning
or during the summer session of 1888, a lib
eral appropriation would be made in
furtherance of the movement. The oppo-
nents of the measure contended all the
while that the people did not wish to
make any exhibit at Boston or elsewhere.
See act 1SS2-1sSs. page $50, for the resolu-
ton referred to.
Upon the adjournment of the Iegisla-
tue in December. 1882 Governor Stephens
invited Commissioner of Agriculture Hen
derson Colonel Peek, chairman of the
house committee on agriculture, and my
self to the executive mansion to consider
plans that would make the resolution eff
fective.
When the question propounded to
Messrs. Henderson and Peek. as to the
best plan to be adopted, came to me, 1
suggested that competent man should be
sent out over the state to confer with
few leading farmers in as many counties
as could be canvassed and induce them to
send up specimens of their crops. The
same applied to forestry, minerals and
manufactures. The suggestion was that IL
each citizen approached would contribute
a few articles there would be several car
loads at Atlanta awaiting the pleasure of
the general assembly.
was new member and did not know