The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-05-26
CONVENTIONS IN THE WEST.

UUNNENIlONS in IHE WESI.
An effort is being made by some of the CONNER
eia organizations of the west to take advantage Of
the meetings this year in st. Louis of 800 or more
conventions and induce them if possible to convene
next year in some city in the west says the Call The
matter was favorably discussed at the Trans Missis
sipp commercial congress held last year in Seattle
and later was taken up by the Denver Chamber OF
Commerce The plan to unite for the purpose has
been already indorsed by the active officers of the
commercial bodies stated, the National Irrigation
Association and the heads of the passenger depart
ments of several western railroads.
An idea of the Importance of the matter may be
gained by noting the following list of some of the
meetings that will be held this year at st. Louis
Good roads congress- international congress of eec
trcty international congress of lawyers and ursts
congresses on engineering, temperance Sunday rest
instruction of the deaf and an international library
congress, national federation of musical clubs fed
GRAFTON of day nurseries, national cooperative con-
gress, National Electic Medical Association Sons of
the American Revolution, railway clerks Of America,
Music Teachers National Association American
Neurological Association, American congress on
tuberculosis, National Educational Association,
American Library Association American League of
Civic Improvement jointly with the American Park
and Outdoor Art Association and the League of
American Municipalities.
1t is intended at all times during the existence of
the St. Louis exposition to have delegation Of active
western representatives attend every convention and
advocate the interests of some city previously de-
sided upon and to have all Pacific coast and west
ern cities interested join in backing such action. 1t
has been suggested that to promote unity advance
conference of those cities be held in San Francisco
and the details of a working plan adopted.
Portland is particularly interested in the move
ment in view of the Lewis and Clark centennial ex-
position to be held there next year. and the Portland
Commercial Club has already engaged manager to
work for the proposition.
The movement is good one and the exceptional
chance offered at ST. Louis for concentrated effort
should stimulate to action those cities that will profit
by II. The United States is pre-eminently con
vention country There is growing recognition
here of the advantage to be derived from general
discussion by representative people of trade, finance
social, religious and fraternal matters. The ethyl
that can gain reputation as successful ''conven
tion city, is fortunate 1t has the opportunity Of
entertaining those people who, as rule, are prOmi
nent in their respective communities at time when
they are enjoying themselves by combining pleasure
with business and are therefore in favorable mood
to be impressed.
For our western cities there is more than a
temporary financial benefit to be obtained by enter
tanning such people. In their travels they cover
pretty thoroughly all points of interest and thus
see and become familiar with our great undeveoped
resources, gaining knowledge of them which could
not otherwise be obtained The dissemination of such
knowledge to the greatest number should be our aim
zud the plan to use the fair to that end should be
heartily encouraged.