The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-12-10


Washington, Dec. 6.-An annual ap-
preparation of at least s5O,O00,O0O for
the Improvement and development OF
the internal waterways OF America Is
the gist of the recommendations OF
the Rivers and Harbors congress
which concluded it's sessions here to-
day.
At the opening of today,s session OF
the convention kilograms were read
by Senator Perkins from industrial
organizations and commercial bodies
of California, inviting the congress to
| hold it's next annual meeting in San
Francisco.
Colonel J. E. Ellyson. secretary of
| the congress, presented his annual re-
port, in which he gave the expendl-
lures on behalf of the work OF the
congress during the past year. The
balance on hand he said, was $2,272.
The report included the following
resolutions:
Be it resolved by the national rivers
and harbors congress, at the present
session containing delegates of every
shade of opinion and representing
every BUSINESS interest in the land,
standing for a policy, for project.
| l. That we earnestly urge the adOp-
| ton by the federal government OF a
wise, liberal and comprehensive water
way policy that will provide for the
proper improvement with the next ten
years, of the rivers, waterways and har-
bors of the country which is justified
by present and prospective benefits to
lcommerce.
2. That without presuming to pre-
scribe the engineering or the financial
details of the great undertaking this
congress strongly urges upon the con
lgress of the United States the tmpor-
ltance of the immediate adoption or 6
comprehensive plan of waterway inn
provement of the carrying on of the
work by an adequate number or engl'
lneers and of such liberal appropria
tions annually as will insure the early
completion of such projects as may b'
undertaken.
3. That we cordially endorse the ac
ton Of President Roosevelt in appoint
ling a special inland waterways com
mission it being evident that its re
port would prove a series of accurat
and valued information to the Ameri
can people We further recommen'
that congress enact such laws as vii
make the inland waterways com
. mission permanent and will provide
with necessary authority for its inves
ltigations and recommendations
= 4. That this congress cordial
thanks President Roosevelt for tn
) support he has given to its purposes
e b yhis speeches and by his treatmer
7 Of the subject in his recent messag
5. That we ask congress to Vle'
e the river waterway and harbor appr'
n priations not as the appropriation {
money for the current expenses
: government. but as an investmeI
Q in permanent Improvements bound
. pay increasing dividends from year
wear. Viewing these appropriations
this light, congress is fully warrantt
in authorizing an annual ex7onditu
beginning at the present session,
- not less than one-tenth OF the amour
> required for all the various river, W
terway and harbor Improvements
s. ready planned and approved in ordf
ip engineers in charge or planned IN
Z work may be carried on TO spec
He completion, sucn appropriation to
en- not less than $50 700 900 annually a
81 congress is further warranted in
B. thorizing the expenditure of the mon
sh as needed and in providing for
same, if in excess OF funds availa
by a bond issue similar in charac
~ to that for the building of the Pana
no canal, whereby part Of the cost
these vast improvements will
spread over a succession Of years ;
=, borne by all Who reap the benefit
In the closing hour OF the congi
brief addresses were delivered by
as' resentatives OF various state dele
'eo- tions. each accen1uating the WORK
'on' the organization and pointing out
nee II might be improved and exten
lat 4 o'clock the congress adjourne