New-York tribune., 1908-12-09
MR.. BRYCE TO SOUTH
Predicts a Great Future-The Com
mercial Congress,

Washington. Dec. s-Expressing the conviction
that great future Is about 20 dawn on the South
James Bryce, the British Ambassador to-day had a
notable reception from the delegates IN attendance
on the Southern Commercial Congress, following
! a speech in which he declared that he is q we'll
w:sher of the South The ambassador was the cen
OF attraction. although his visit was unexpected
Mr.. Bryce came into the hall a spectator, but
the audience noted his presence, ana ln1rledl-
atey shouts of Speech" filed the air, and he was
compelled to yield the desire OF the congress
After declaring himself interested in the progressive
movement In the South, the ambassador cortrasted
the conditions that section Of the country
twenty-seven years ego, when he visited there and
those which ne observed recently
Since 7 came here eighteen months ago" said
Mr. Bryce, 7 have twice visited the South can
hardly express 20 you the contrast between what
personally witnessed twenty-seven years ago and
the present conditions. Wherever I have been IN
the South been struck by the signs OF activ-
tty, progress and development I see the land being
brought more and more into cultvation-more and
more being done for agricultural methods; 1 saw
the resources Of your soil. of coal and iron being
brought TO light. and I spirit in the
South, which desires to make educational progress
commensurate with material development
The ambassador pointed out the enormous diff
culties with which the South has had 10 contend
since the Civil War Now. however he co1tin-
ued there is great door open before you, and as
one of the we'll -wishere of the South, who believes
IN its greatness f7ourishing and important part
Of the country, I venture congratulate you upon
what IS being done and say that still greater
prospects are before you"
The afternoon session was presided over by Judge
George Hillyer a member Of the Georgia Railroad
Commission, who reviewed the WORK of that body
in dealing with transportation companies The
principal speakers were William J Oliver. Of
Knoxville. Tenn: Clarence H Poe, editor Of The
Progressive Farmer Of Raleigh y. G. and Or.
J. A Bonstee Of the United States bureau of soils
DR. Bonsteel reviewed the work done by the
bureau OF soils in the way Of Investigations in the
South lie declared that the South IS a region Of
almost boundess agricultural opportunity and ex-
pressed the BELIEF that the brains and enterprise
Of the fifteen Southern states will not neglect
so great opportunity. He predicted the next
census will show that the annual value of the
farm products Of the South IS double what II is
now, which viii be in excess Of &, 100000.
Edwin c. Eckel, of Washington. who 10 have
delivered address on The Iron Industry Of the
South" was unable to be present, and his paper
was read by John H Finney. secretary of the Ap-
palachian Forestry Commission.
D A Torpkns. Of Charlotte, y. c., spoke on
Cotton Monopoly and Cotton Manufacture" His
declaration that the Southern people had been slow
20 change their views conditions produced by
slavery met with cordial reception. They have
got 10 come 10 new set Of conditions surrounded
by new institutions" he added
Dr.. c. ". Hayes spoke General Wealth in
the South"
This evening the principal address was delivered
by Dr. Edwin A. Alderman, president Of the Uni
versity Of Virginia. who spoke on Present and
Prospective Educational Progress"
BY a resolution adopted tonight the Southern
Commercial Congress became permanent organ
ization. y constitution and bylaws we're adopted
and officers elected. John NJ. Parker, CT New Or
leans, being chosen president Resolutions favor
ing railroad extension in the South, the develop
meat OF inland waterways and harbors and the
establishment Of the Appalachian and White Noun
tain forest reserve were adopted.