The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-05-02
WEST INDIA TRADE AND THE
CHARLESTON CONVENTION.

The trade of the United States with
Cuba in cotton goods has decreased since
this country freed Cuba from Spanish
rule, while England has steadily sold
Cuba more cotton goods. That fact ought
to cause the manufacturers and others in
the South to exert themselves to turn
the tide of Cuban and West Indian trade
to the South. 1t can be done by proper
effort.
One OF the chief objects of the South
Carolina Interstate and West Indian
Exposition was to encourage a closer bus
mess alliance between the South and the
West Indies-an object that would prove
manufacturing interest in the South. We
are glad to know that a great conven-
ton is to assemble in Charleston, the
purposes of which are clearly set forth
in the following letter from the mayor
and business organizations of Charleston
and the Exposition authorities:
Charleston, S. c., April 90.
The Board of Directors of the South
Carolina Interstate and West Indian
Exposition, in cooperation with the
mayor of the city of Charleston, and the
presidents of the principal commercial Or
CARNATIONS Of this city, has decided to
celebrate West India Day at the Expo
sitiOn, and to have such ceremonies as
shall most appropriately call attention
not only to this feature of the Exposition,
but to the possibilities of establishing
and developing new trade relations be-
tween the States of the South and South
west and the islands of Cuba and Porto
Rico.
The changed political conditions of
these islands within the last three years
lave brought about important economical
and commercial conditions, and the prop
er moment has arrived when full advan-
tage can be taken of the opportunities
offered for reciprocal relations of great
commercial value.
To take advantage of the present sit
fit from it requires the best thought of
the commercial communities of these
parts of the United States.
With this object in view, therefore, it
has seemed wise to the authorities men
in this city on the days of the 18th and
18th of May, accredited delegations from
all of the important cities of the South
and Southwest for the purpose of Sc
riously discussing the existing situation,
considering the possibilities which pre-
sent themselves, and taking such judicious
nfi oil IN
complish the desired result.
Your organization, therefore, over
which you so worthily preside, is earn
estly requested to select five delegates
from among your most representative
men, and send them to this convention
where they will be asked to participate
in the proceedings.
In view of the shortness of time avail
able for the preparations for this con-
vention you are earnestly requested to
advise, by telegam, the chairman of this
executive committee as to your accept
ance of this invitation, and also as to
the names of your delegates.
Respectfully yours,
F. w. WAGNER, Pres. S. c. is. and
w. l. Elk. Co.
J. l.. DAVID, Director Exposition Co
A. C. TOBIAS, Pres. Merchants Elk
change
]. NJ sEIGNIOUs, Pres. Cotton Ex-
change.
]. ADGER sMYTH, Mayor of Charles
ton.
THos. r McGAHAN, Pres. Chamber of
Commerce.
w. H. WEIGH, Pres. Young Mems
Business League.
THOS. r. McGAHAN, Chmn. Ex Com.
or West India Day.
mo H. AVERILL. Sec. of Elk. Com.
and Director General Exposition Co.
If the railroads will give a special rate
of one cent mile to all who go to this
convention it will attract hundreds of
the foremost men of the Southern States.
In 1884 when the State Exposition was
held in Raleigh, it was not largely at
tended until the last fourteen days. Then
the railroads gave a rate of one cent a
mile and all North Carolina came to the
Exposition. If now the railroads would
extend a like favor to the Charleston
Exposition, beginning with the West In
dian Convention, it would make it a
great gathering and be of untold value
to the Exposition.
1t would pay the railroads WELL too.
Will they not do it?