The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1907-11-16
THE INAUGURATION OF
FIFTEENTH NATIONAL
IRRIGATION CONGRESS

3 Can address by Jas. T. Taylor, G. E.,
saelegate from Hawaii to the Congress,
before the Hawaiian Engineering AS
ISOLATION. Nov IA, 1900
There was never convention that
began its session more auspiciously
than the Fifteenth National Irrigation
Congress, which opened in Sacramento
Monday, September the End, 1907.
The gathering of delegates was larg-
er and more representative than that
in attendance at any convention of
similar kind ever held on the Pacific
Coast The number of prominent men
nresent and the enthusiasm evinced
has never been equaIed on any like
occasion in the history of California.
The Vice-President of the United
States, the Governors of six states, a
number of Senators and Congressman,
legislators, judges and officials of inn
portance in all departments of the gov
ernment-Federal, State and munich
pal-from every section of the coun-
try, were in their places when the
presidents gavel called the convention
to order. One of the very notable
groups on the floor of the vast con-
the most distinguished officials of the
departments of the Washington Gov
eminent. under the auspices of which
is conducted the great project of con-
servation and development of natural
resources.
A number of official representatives
Of foreign governments were on hand
8Io participate in the proceedings of
HE congress.
IL In addition to these governmental
figures the delegate body included hum
dreds of men of prominence in every
line of human activity from every por-
ton of the United States. No conven-
ton ever held in this country has
brought together so large a proportion
of distinguished men.
The opening function was one of
great brilliarfey. The vast auditorium,
constructed expressly for the occasion,
was magnifcentIy decorated with
bunting and flags and rare foliage.
Every detail that could add to the
pleasure and comfort of the delegates
was perfectly worked out. Nothing
was omitted. A perfect service was
provided to prevent confusion and
facilitate the business of the congress,
and it resulted in the preservation OF
the best order and a complete absence
of annoyance and delay.
Delegates and visitors were seated
without the slightest disorder and
when the time fixed for opening the
convention arrived. everything was in
readiness to proceed.
Promptly at 1870 p. m. Executive
officer Beard introduced Governor
Chamberlain, president of the National
Irrigation Congress. who took the
chair After an invocation, the "Irri-
cation Ode" superb composition writ
ten for the occasion by. Mrs. G. Nc
Clurg of Colorado, was sung by the
Ogden Tabernacle choir of two hum
dred voices, one of the finest musical
organizations in America. The rendi-
ton of this masterpiece was mag
~nificent performance and evoked thun-
GERS of applause.
Mayor Beard, in a clever speech OF
a few minutes length, welcomed the
delegates and visitors to the congress
at Sacramento and extended to them
the freedom of the city during their
stay. He was followed by Governor
Cfillett. who offered to the city's
guests the larger and far-reachlng
hospitalitv of the State. He gave
fornia possesses, to have and to hold
and to enjoy during the time they
were within her borders, and said 1t
was such a gift as no other state, and
no other Governor, could offer. The
Governors talk won the audience by
its heartiness.
Governor Chamberlain responded to
these addresses on behalf of the con-
gress. After paying a glowing tribute
to the enterprise and hospitality or
Californians, Governor Chamberlain
said in part:
"The Federal Government has under
consideration and construction projects
of reclamation in Arizona, California,
Colorado, Idaho, Kansas. Montana,
Nebraska. Nevada, New Mexico, North
Dakota. Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington and wyoming, covering