Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-05
THE CLOSING SESSION
Convention of Lumbermen
About Ready to Adjourn.
REPORTS RECEIVED
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WHOLE
SALE AND RETAIL DEALERS.
Election Of Trustees to Occur This
Afternoon - Banquet at
Wizards Tonight.
REPORTS RECEIV ED

The closing business session Of the an
nual convention of the National Whole
sale Lumber Dealers Association was be-
gun this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the
assembly hall Of the New Willard. The
meeting Immediately took up the hearing
Of reports and discussion of the suggestions
contained therein, and late this afternoon
the committee which has been in confer
ence with the Eastern Retail Lumber Deal
ers' Association, with regard to several
matters wherein the two bodies differ, will
present a report and the convention will
take action. 1t is hoped that some mu-
tually satisfactory arrangement for arbi-
tration Of differences arising between the
two bodies may be agreed upon, In order
that greater degree of harmony may en-
sue between the wholesale and retail asso-
Citations
The election of seven trustees will take
Of the association will be chosen by the
board of trustees Immediately after the con-
vention adjourns, the members of the assoc
citation giving expression in the open meet
ing as to their preference with regard to
the men for the various positions. 1t seems
to be the general sentiment Of the conven-
ton that Mr.. Pendennis White of North
Tonawanda, N. Y, be reelected president
Mr.. Eugene F. Perry of New York city be
reelected secretary.
The closing feature Of the convention will
be of social character, in the form of
banquet at the New Willard tonight. 1t was
expected that President Roosevelt would be
present at this function and deliver an ad-
dress, but communication from him to the
association this morning states that he will
be unable to arrange to attend the banquet.
About 800 delegates, with their wives,
were rendered a reception by the President
at the White House at 1 o'clock this after
noon.
The Session This Morning.
The morning session was called to order
at 1890 o'clock by President White. The
principal feature Of the early proceedings
was the withdrawal Of the Western Retail
Lumber Dealers Association, composed OF
a number of local organizations, from aftil-
iation with the National Wholesale Lumber
Dealers Association.
Immediately following the call to order
the report of the committee on legislation,
submitted by Charles M. Belts, chairman
was read by the secretary and adopted by
efforts that had been made during the year
looking toward securing favorable legisla-
ton in behalf Of the national association.
This report was followed by the report of
the committee on arbitration, submitted by
Carleton M. Smith, in which 1t was stated
that a number of questions Of difference
had been referred to the committee, most
of which had been satisfactorily adjusted.
Retail Delegates Welcomed.
At this point in the proceedings the del
egates from the Western Retail Lumber
Dealers Association and from the Retail
Lumber Dealers Association Of the eastern
states. entered the hall and were given
seats in the front Of the room. President
White welcomed the delegates in a brief adj
dress on behalf of the members of the ma
tional wholesale association. He stated that
it is the wish of the national body that the
retail dealers be represented in the conven-
ton in order that any differences between
the bodies may be discussed in conference
The address of welcome was responded to
by Mr. John w. Barry and Mr.. Richard
White, on behalf Of the western and eastern
delegates, respectively.
Upon the conclusion Of the brief addresses
Mr. w. G. Hollis of Indiana asked permits
sion to present communication from the
western delegates, which was granted. He
then read a resolution adopted by the west
ern association to the effect that because Of
recent developments the western association
found it necessary to withdraw from affilia-
ton with the national wholesale associa-
ton. The resolution stated that the west
ern retail lumber dealers desired, however,
to retain friendly relations with the ma
tional body and to participate in its conven-
lions, upon suitable basis which might be
agreed upon. The western dealers, 1t was
stated, were not antagonistic to the whole
sale organization, but on the contrary felt
most friendly toward 1t.
Action Explained.
In explanation Of the action Mr.. Hollis
stated that the western association cannot
live up to the Boston agreement, adopted
In 1899 and subsequently amended, which
provides for reciprocal relations between
the wholesale and retail associations. In
%1a 70
that the wholesale dealers will make no
effort to secure the trade of the retail deal
ers, and in return the retail dealers agree
to purchase their material from members
Of the National Wholesale Lumber Dealers
Association only.
Mr.. Hollis stated that recent legal deci-
sions in the western states In regard to
combinations in restraint of trade have
made this withdrawal necessary for the
protection Of the western retailers inter-
ests
An animated murmur arose throughout
the hall upon the presentation Of this reso-
luton, but after the reasons were explain
ed, and after the expressions Of friendlness
to the national association were made by
the western delegates. the western associa-
ton was warmly cheered, and the with
drawal was accepted in friendly spirit.
Committees from the wholesale and east
ern retail dealers then retired from the hall
for conference on the differences reported
in yestrday's Star. after which the commit
tee on fire insurance submitted report.
Committees Named.
The President this morning announced
the appointment Of committees as follows:
Nominations-Frank Rice, John McClaud
F. E. Wilson, Edward German, r. B.
Wheeler, ]. C. Hubbell, E. G. Hallam, H.
NJ. Poole.
Additions to trade relations committee
L. P. Rider. Mr.. Prescott Mr.. Bacon,
George Holt, Mr.. Cooper, A. B. Cramer.
The national association late yesterday
afternoon adopted resolution favoring the
conduct of forestry operations on scien-
tific basis with a view to the preservation
of the forests of the country, and indorsing
the work of Prof. Clifford Pinchot the
forester of the Agricultural Department
1t also adopted a resolution insisting on
having just claims in the matter of rail-
road transportation receive proper atten-
tion from the claims departments of the
various carrying companies.
The annual report of e. F. Perry, the
secretary of the association, showed an in
crease Of IL in the membership, bringing
the total up to 312.
Frederick F. Cole the treasurer, reported
that the balance on hand in the treasury
after an expenditure during the year of
| SIS, 1870, amounted to 81 235. ID.
Recommended for Retirement