The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-11
Voice Their Opinions at Mat
 tefs of the Day
THE BUSINESS MEN LISTEN
Annual Banquet of Merchants Associs- ton Is a Brilliant Affair, and Speeches Are Made By
 Many Noted Guests.

Boston, December 10.-The opinions of men of national reputation on important questions of the day were laid before the business men of Boston tonight at the annual banquet of the Merchants asso- citation. Senator John w. Daniel of vir- ginia spoke on the Negro Question: Senator Joseph " Quarles of Wisconsin on "Chamberlain's Revolution" while the speech of Governor A. B. Cummins of Iowa on "Reelprocity With Canada was read by Hon. Charles S. Hamlin. as the governor was obliged to return home this morning, owing to the sickness of his aged mother.
 Congressman Samuel W. Mccall of Massachusetts echoed the sentiments of Governor Cummins on reciprocity.
 President Mellen of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad. was also among the speakers.
 Senator Daniel, taking for his subject "The Unity of Conventions" dwelt on the harmonious conditions existing be- tween the northern and southern states. referring also to the negro question. With respect to the unity of the country, he said that If a cloud did pass in front of the sun at one time. that cloud has now passed away. It seems that the whole country might be nodded to be the perpetual home of one people"
 The Negro Question.
 Passing to the negro question, Senator Daniel pointed out that although the north and south were in unity, there one subject on which they were divided the color question. He said You have never seen slavery from the viewpoint of some of Having destroyed slavery and abolished 1t, what are you going to do with the corpse? Yet the American people have never had a problem to deal with for which their courage and skill were insufficient
 Charles S. Hamlin was then called up to read the address of Governor Cum ,mins
 Senator Quarles, In responding to the toast "Chamberlains Revolution" said. in part
 From the American viewpoint this British agitation is significant. not 50 much because it threatens tariff walls around the islands, as because it promises the reorganization and regeneration of the British colonial policy.
 MT Chamberlain depricates the present loose colonial compact as betraying struc- tural weakness, and as responsible for the general lack of sympathy and nation- al unity It is also true that Canada and Australia are fast developing local man. ufaetoIies and local policies that may now readily fit Into imperial schemes. Viewed from this distance 1t would ap- pear that MT. Chamberlain had fallen short of a just conception of the Ameri- can situation.
 Chamberain's Blunder. On common with many of our own | people. he seems to have overlooked the | fact that absolute free trade between the states and unrestricted competition at home are quite as distinctive and es- l sential elements of our policy, as discrim- mating against foreign trade imports We 1 have no occasion to be Respondent over the outlook. We still have the American | market which no foreign exchange can l imperil.
 American statesmanship will open up | the markets of the far east The first great step will soon be taken when we ratify the pending treaty with Panama | for q canal across the isthmus. "rhe infant republic has sprung into being animated by the holy inspiration to facilitate this great project of eiviliza- tlon for which the world has been waiting so long. It stands out in bold relief against the background of bloodshed in- trigue and blacl<mail that have charac- terized the regime in Bogota."
 Congressman Mccall in his address, strongly urged reciprocity with Canada. John Charlton, who was to have spoken tonight cancelled his engagement, hav- ing been recalled to Canada by Sir Will fred Laurier.