Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1907-12-05
PROMOTION Of
WATERWAYS
DSOUGHT
RIVERS AND HARB0RS
CONGRESS IN SESSION
Secretary Root GreetS Dele
gates in Washington and
Promises Administrations
Support for Work
,sy Morning journal sDeeial Leased wlrc.I

IBy Morning journal sDeeiai Leased Wire
Washington. Dec. 4.-Prominent Of
ficials OF the national government,
governors Of states. representatives Of
foreign powers. members Of the senate
and house Of Representatives and lead
ers i'm all walks OF civil life in Amer
lea participated today in the opening
OF the convention Of the rivers and
harhors congress- Nearly 1000 dele
gates representing every state IN the
union were present. II is not eX-
pected that any definite or concrete
action in promotion Of the projects
advocated by the congress will be
taken. but II is hoped that the work
Of the convention will so impress the
national congress now in session as to
induce II to make adequate appropria-
tions for the improvement Of the riV-
ers and harbors of the country. II is
the desire of the delegates to secure
such action by the congress Of the
United states as will promote the
trade and commerce of America. It
Is not a special project that the con-
vention has I'm view, bun the adoption
Of a policy by the government look
ing to the extension Of the transpor-
tation facilities of the United States
ton Elihu Root, secretary Of state
extended to the congress hearty sym
pathy in the work that has been un-
dertaken. and gave assurance of the
support Of the administration in the
conclusions arrived at by the dele
gates. The congress will be in session
for three days. and the body will be
addressed by some OF the most promi-
nent economists OF the United States
At the opening of the afternoon
session of the congress thf vice presi-
dents and members of eqfmittees on
resolutions and nominatioAs were pre-
sented by the chairmen n the varl-
Gus state delegations. Tht credentials
committee reported that 1870 dele
gates from thirty-three states and
territories had been registered. but
that the list was not complete Chair
man Ransdell then introduced 10 the
congress Cyrus Z. Walbridge. Of st
Louis, former mayor Of that city. who
reviewed the work of the lakes to the
gulf waterways association and the
present management Of the assocla-
tion. He said that the work Of the
association was in the hands Of twen-
" members, including the governors
OF several states.
The object was 20 promote the con
struction OF a ship channel at least
fourteen feet deep. from the great
lakes to the gulf Of Mexico.
such a waterway, he said would
extend our coast line 1900 miles into
the interior Of the country and in ef-
feet would create. with the Erie canal
a continuous internal waterway from
the city Of New York to tho city Of
New Orleans.
Gustave II. Schwab. of the North
German Lloyd Steamship company.
representing the Merchants associa-
ion OF New York. delivered an ad-
dress on the foreign commerce of the
United States In its relation 10 rivers
and harbors. He said that the impOr-
.ance Of foreign commerce in the life
)f nations scarcely could be over
estimated, not only because the pros
perity of a people demanded such
but because the exchange
jf products would bring with IL an
intercourse that broadens the ideas Of |
he people and fosters in the good
feeling.
Forty years ago" said Mr
Sch"ab, the largest steamship EN- /
)loyed in ocean carrying trade be- |
ween New York and Europe, meas
lred 1888 tons register. Now sew
steamships, all from 10. 600 |
% $4,000 tons gross register. are en- |
,ageu IN the lines Of transportation |
between New York and Europe. be- |
ides large number Of vessels under 4
O,000 tons gross register.
"The competition In the commerce |
# the world" said Mr. Schwab. IN /
onclusion. lis Increasingly keen. and /
he records showing the advance 4
made by our foreign commerce I'm the 4
'ast. when favored by conditions nee
'ssary TO It's natural development
'roVc the possibilities that lie in the
uture"