The Washington times., 1907-07-13
BUSINESS MEN
TRY TO SECURE
BIG CONVENTIONS
Grocers' Association Will
Be Urged to Meet Here
Next Year.
{. D. Shaw Named Per-
mapent Secretary of
Committee.

. The conventions committee OF the
Chamber OF Commerce, besides hold
ing its initial meeting yesterday after
noon al the chambers headquarters.
took immediate steps to carry out the
work for which the committee was ap-
pointed.
The first work to which the commit
tee will give its attention viii be to ex-
tend an Invitation 10 the Southern
/ Wholesale Grocors' Association 70 mold
its annual convention next year in
Washington. and for that purpose II.
6 {. Stiles and John d. Prosser, or the
committee, together with B. b. Earn
I shaw and Charles d. Brockett, a mem
Der Of the Chamber Of Commerce of
Alexandria, will so to Baltimore ncxt
week and present the invitation and
claims Of the Capital City to the con-
vention or the association, which viii
be held in the Monumental City from
July ls to IS
E. D. Shaw Named Secretary.
The new conventions committee au-
thorized the last meeting Of Ike
Chamber of Commerce was called to
order by II. c. G. stiles, chairman, at
o'clock Edgar D. Shaw was sp-
pointed temporary secretary, and after
ward unanimously elected permanent
secretary OF the committee A general
discussion of the work before the COM
mittee was participated in by AIessrs.
STILES. Walraff, Shaw. and Prosser. Nj.
Earnshaw and Mr.. Brockett were ON
hand 70 present the proposition OF in
wiling the Southern Wholesale Grectrs
10 meet in Washington.
Other Cities Experience.
1t was shown that other cities. such
as Columbus, Cleveland. Buffalo. and
Chattanooga. had found IL highly prom,
able 10 maintain a special committee for
the purpose OF inducing organizations
10 hold their anpual conventions in The
respective cities. and that I'm almost
al cases one mans entire attention was
devoted 10 this work In Washington.
II was said were held more conveu-
lions than IN any other city Of the coun-
Try, and vet no one knew Of any ef-
torts that had ever been made 10 urge
or even invite 20 the city these gather
inss- IL was agreed that beyond oues-
ton Washington possessed advantages
Tor convention purposes greater than
those OF any other city, and that n
ought 10 be a very easy task TO get a
great number OF them TO come here.
Every patriotic American citizen. il was
pointed cut, desired 10 visit the Capi-
tai at some time or other. and that II
would not take very much urging 10
influence them TO come fo- special &C.
CdsiOns.
The Committee set itself the task OF
asceTtaintng what could be expected OF
The hotels and railroads In the matter
OF granting special rates for conven-
lions. and such other details as might
be necessary 10 have at hand IN present
ing an Invitation 10 an organization
Appropriation Not Asked.
Tt was agreed that while the out
look would Justify the employment OF
q conventions secretary, the committee
would not at this time ask the chamoer
for any appropriation for this purpose,
but that it should do all in its power
with its present resources to turn The
tide Of conventions in this direction.
Messrs. Walraff and Shaw were op-
pointed a subcommittee to prepare a
booklet setting forth Wasnington's
claims as a convention center. and 20
report al the next meeting OF the con-
lnittee. which will be held in about two
weeks, The committee will then ask an
appropriation OF the chamber for its
publication.
The meeting adjourned subject TO the
call Of the chairman.