The Washington times., 1909-03-16
Washington Only Place
Where Commercial Con-
greSs Could Be Held.
PRESIDEN TPARKER
GUEST OF HONOR
Development of South Inspiration
of All at Notable
Banquet.

=
F. NaShingto is the only city where the
cial Congress could be established with
out srousing local jealoUsies or endan-
gering the unity of the commercial CO.
operation which the congress will at
Tempt to promote.
This statement was contained in prac-
treaty. every speech made at the com
plimentary dinner given at the New
Willard last night in honor of the presi-
dent OF the new organization, John NJ.
Parker. of New Orleans President
Parker declared that the. first move
had undoubtedly been madesin the risht
direction when the Nations Capital was
chosen TO De Che home CT the Congress
Typical Southern Feast.
More than go persons. including rep
resentatives OF business and official
Washington and guests from the com
1neFciaI bodies OF every Southern CITY
OF note, were present TO do honor to
PRESIDENT Parket and the cause which
he represents. a T.. picaIly Southern din
ner was served, Virginia ham and
guinea fowl occupy wing a prominent place
on the menu
decidedly teh most enthusiastic ova-
the
wives OF several members of the con-
sreSs. who entered the nall. and were
escorted 10 Seats il the balcony facing
the speakers table The entire ASSEM-
olage arose to drink a toast ITO the
ladies, which was proposed by Attor-
ney Conrad Syme.
Charles 4. Douglas. OF the Washing
ION committee of the congress- opened
the Speechmaking program. He paid
glowing tribute TO President Parker.
and the work he has set out to do. and
introduced Thomas u. BoSSS. Secretar Z
OF the Merchants and manufacturers
association, of Baltimore, as toastRlas-
ter.
Baltimore was declared by Mr.. Bogss
10 be the most southerly city of the
North, the most nOrtherly city of the
South, and the most easterly city of tine
west. Occupying this position he as
serted. the city reflected the represen-
tative social and. commercial status of
the nation. Mr.. Boggs introduced Presi-
dent Parker.
South's Contribution.
In a speech, which, lasted only few
minutes, but was TO the point with re-
spect TO the task that is before the con-
gress, President Parker said that the
development of the syupendous re-
sources OF the South VIII make this the
by far the greatest nation in the world.
We have purchased one of the best
pieces OF property in the United States
on which to erect our home" said Mr..
Parker. Charles Broadway Rouss Of
Tered to contribute 100000 toward the
ERECTION OF a Confederate abbey on that
site We intend 10 raise an everlasting
monument to the glory Of the South its
resources. and development
We have coIl:e 10 Washington be-
cause II IS the capital of the nation.
BecauSe our President Is here our Rem
eSsentatives, and our deaDrtmenfs.
Here we can obtain the fund Of knowI-
edge gathered by the government eX-
pertS, and, Thereby, help the South to
KNOW herself and in that knowledge
make herself mighty ana a more potent
factor IN the Industrial world Here
We can procure reliable Information
which Will absolutely contradict the
statements made about our section by
hose who had purpose in misrepre-
President w. W. Finley. of the
southern railway. followed President
Parker and discussed the transporta-
ton feature in connection with the
development OF the South
With adequs te railroad facilities. -
ne declared the South viii become the
gTeat test section Of this nation"
another speaker favored the estao-
iishrnent OF the Headquarters of the
congress IN Washington was Senator
Joseph r Johnston of Alabama Sen
atOE Johnston said ne started TO Wash
lngton over forty years ago IN the Con
Iederate army. and. II any one had toi5
him then be would some day serve IN
the Federal Congress he would have
promptly nominated him for the Anani-
~ Club Now. he declared, Washing
ton is the most fitting place IN which
the South can effect corporation for
Its commercial uDbuilding.
The origin ..nn history az 40 G-nrs4tt-