The Washington herald., 1906-12-08
Resolutions Cali for Action.


Resolutions Call for Action.
The following resolutions, adopted by
the convention We're read by Chairman
J. y. Teal at the morning session, who
said that he considered the platform both
safe and sane:
Congress has demanded in the past an
awakened public sentiment in favor of
adequate appropriations for river and
harbor improvement. We maintain that
the awakening has come and Congress
must now recognize that sentiment in
favor Of increased appropriations, as
voiced by the convention and the press,
has reached a point where the concern is
not the advisability but the question Of
the amount and frequency Of apprOpria-
ton
Hundreds of millions Of dollars are
lost annually 10 our farmers and other
producers by the failure of the national
government to provide assistance. Events
have shown the wisdom of the resOlu-
tions adopted at our last meeting. which
we now reafirm. The national govern
ment. having assumed the control Of the
waterways Of the republic. it owes the
people the prompt and efficient discharge
OF such functions
Therefore be it resolved. That We
urge Congress 20 appropriate not less
than so, 900 annually for the improve
ment Of waterways. commencing with
/ the present session
A committee of eighteen delegates was
appointed, with Mr.. Francis as chairman
20 wait upon the President. the Senate
/ and House, and present the resolutions.
Has Become Important Factor.
Joseph E. Ransdell. president of the
/ organization. and a member Of the River
/ and Harbor Committee of the House OF
Representatives. in speaking Of the work
/ a~compllshed at this meeting, said:
we have at least become a factor, and
/ orc which from now on must be reckoned
with No question in regard 10 Congress
sional appropriations, whether it be foT
the upbuilding Of the navy or for other
/ institutions. has aroused the interest and
the spirit Of the people as has the one
we are agitating, and I am confident that
we have placed ourselves in a position
! that will serve TO Increase the conviction
that in the improvement OF waterways
1 lies the greatest source of progress in
/ our country"
The rumor that the States touching the
( Mississippi had obtained control of the or
[ ganizatiOn. and would oe likely to see that
/ the fourteen-foOt channel was among the
/ first of the improvements. to the possible
/ exclusion Of the Atlantic and Pacific
waterways. was 1outed by all the mem
/ bers seen yesterday afternoon.
/ When asked what were the most neces-
/ sary improvements 10 be made in his
State. Q. II. Funston, of Virginia said
There is 10 question rs yet as TO the
/ Identical waterways that must be looked
/ to- The Virginia delegation stands with
the rest of the body for a larger appro-
priatiCn. a more adequate means Of trans
/ portation. and a relief from that cOnges
ton which is being felt by shippers al
over the country"
Directors to Raise $4,000.
: The board Of directors met last night a
an informal dinner at the Arlington Hote
/ and discussed in a general way the future
! course of the organization. Plans weT,
/ laid for the work to be done during th'
/ coming year which. according to the ma
/ iority. will be a crucial test of the powe
! of the organization. Each man at tn,
/ banquet pledged himself to assist in tn
raising of $50, 600 to be expended in arous
ing a strong sentiment in favor Of tn
| work of the convention. Further, ever.
one present was made responsible for TIT
enlistment Of the cooperation of the Ciu
zens Of his section as well as the interes
Of the Representatives and Senators o
his district.
With the meeting last night the con
| vention transacted its last formal bust
ness, although many Of the members vii
remain in Washington for a few days t.
continue the furtherance of the project