Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-16
PRELIMINARY BUSINESS
IS QUICKLY TRANSACTED
At CONVENTION OPENING
lContinued from Page one.)

reached the fabulous sum of 10 billions
in 1907, an increase of 1886 million
dollars in four years.
1.-TWO millions of spindles in our
cotton mills were added, and the do
1907 amounted to over million bales,
as against 3,924,000 bales in 1903.
Using More SILK.
"The, importations of raw silk to sup
ply our mills increased from a little
over Is millions pounds in 1903 to
nearly 10 million pounds in 1907.
'In spite of the disquieting condi-
lions incident TO the regulation of rates
on interstate railroads, 20 thousand
miles of new trackage have been add
ed in the past four years.
1.-THE tonnage of vessels passing
through the Sault Ste. Marie canal has
increased from % millions in 1903 to
"A millions in 1907.
1.-The output of pig iron, the barOme-
ter of trade, in 1907 was 25, 7S1 900 tons,
as against a little over Is million tons
in 1903, and our exports of iron and
steel increased from $96,642, 900 in 1903
to $1S1 ,531 900 in 1907.
1.-THE cotton fabrics wrought in
American mills from our domestic f.
her consumed in 1903 1924 million
bales, while in 1907 they required more
than millions.
Our exports of manufactures ad-
vanced from 46S million dollars in 1909
to 740 millions in 1907.
Our imports of raw material for
use in domestic manufacture increased
from $50 million dollars in 1903 to 477
millions in 1907, while our exports in
the calendar year of 1907 were nearly
billion dollars, an increase of 80 per
cent over those of four years ago.
The mills and factories temporarily
closed by reason of financial disturb.
ances are rapidly resuming operations,
calling labor back to profitable en-
ployment.
This record of material activity in
field and forest, factory and farm,
mines and mills during the last four
years might be indefinitely extended,
but this is quite sufficient to show the
development and robust condition of
our industrial life.
Departments Make Showing.
THE nine great executive depart
ments of the government through
which the head of the nation speaks,
and acts, have advanced with steady
and resolute steps within the sphere
OF their activities. presenting a record
of achievements during the last four
years of intelligent and progressive
administration unexampled in the his
tory of the government.
THE agricultural department has
continued its work in promoting the
interest of the farmers by diversifying
their products; supplying new and val
liable seeds and plants especially
adapted to our climate and soil; Grad
icating diseases which infest and de-
stroy animal and vegetable life; de-
veloping the beet sugar industry from 40
thousand to 4S0 thousand tons, valued
at 43 million dollars; enforced the
pure food law, enhancing the value of
farm products, conserving the health
OF all our people; distributed during
the year 1907 nearly. II million bull.
letins; provided for over 1000 scien-
lists to gather information for the
benefit of agriculture; protected our
forest reserves from the ravages OF
fire; converted the arid lands and
waste places into fertile fields and
blossoming gardens; extended our pro
ducing area for grains westward into
the dry regions. so that nearly so mil
lion bushels year are being grown
in regions which have heretofore beer
unproductive, and in every way pos
sible conserving the natural resource.
Of the country for ourselves and the
generations to come after us.
1.-The department of commerce ant
labor, organized in 1908, has beer
active and potential in extending oul
commerce and protecting labor.
has dispatched messengers to foreign
countries, particularly to South Amer
lea and the Orient. to learn the needs
and tastes of me people with viev
of increasing our trade. The exports
which in 1908 aggregated 1892 mil
lion dollars. will, it. is estimated, il
1908 aggregate about 1000 millions
showing an increase practically to ey
cry country. It's bureau of statistic
has established a system of recordin
the internal commerce of the countr
on the Great Lakes and at importan
interior centers. It's bureau of mani
facturers has brought about more il
innate relations between the MANI
facturers of the United States an
buyers abroad, and, by bringing pu
chasers inc closer touch with dealers
aided in the extension of foreign ma
kets for our manufactures.
Has Prevented Strikes.
at has cooperated in the beneficer
work of arbitration to avert or tie
inmate strikes and promote the inte
ests of our laboring people Congress
has wisely cooperated with and SUI
plemented the work of this depar
ment by enacting law for the bette
protection of seamen and to prevel
this being induced to shin throua