The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-02-19

Inland waterways were given
healthy local boost last night when an
enthusiastic meeting was held at the
city hall, in which leading citizens
participated and evinced a great de-
gree of interest. Thomas G. Watson
was elected as the executive commit
teeman representing Escambia county,
and he was given the authority to
name sub-committeemen, one each for
education, data, publicity and dues and
subscription. In nominating Mr.. Wat
son, H. H. Thornton, who presented
the name, stated that his choice had
a good head for statistics, had ample
time and the brains to give the ap-
pOintment all the attention 1t was
worth. The absence of representa-
tives of local wholesale houses, the
establishments to be mostly benefited
by the waterways, was possibly a fea-
ture which was mostly regretted, and
Frank L. Mayes, speaking on the
point, stated that the inland water
ways was just the thing which would
afford a competitive rate with the P.
& A. division, for which he wholesale
men had long been seeking.
AS a result of the meeting, active
work will start Immediately arousing
interest in the waterways project and
also in the waterways convention,
which is to be held here in the fall.
MR.. WATERMAN CHAIRMAN.
G. A. Waterman was elected perma-
nent chairman. In calling the meet
ing to order, he said: Ladies and
gentlemen: I highly appreciate the
honor of calling this meeting to order.
The work is vast in importance. be-
cause Of the vast benefits Pensacola
would reap from it. 1t is relatively
small in the amount of effort required
to realize the results desired. Still, a
great deal must be done, and it must
be done promptly and with steadfast
purpose.
The Mississippi to Atlantic Inland
Waterway Association was organized
less than two years ago. We were
asked if we really expected our great
grandchildren to see results. In less
than one year we obtained from the
United States government an appro-
priation for a survey for an inland
water route from the Mississippi river
to the Atlantic ocean, along the east
gulf coast and across the peninsula OF
Florida. In less than two years, we
have gotten through the lower housS
of congress an appropriation to begin
the construction of this inland water.
way. There is no doubt that this ap-
preparation will also pass the senate.
These facts fully answer the question
whether our efforts are worth the time
and money expended.
The Importance of the work ahead,
its really stupendous advantages to
Pensacola, and the details of what has
already been accomplished, will be
ably explained to you by our two prin-
cipal speakers. Questions from the
floor will be welcomed at the conclu-
sion of each address.
1T is my duty to now submit to you
the matter of electing a permanent
chairman and a secretary for this
meeting"
Mayor Reilly placed the name OF
Mr.. Waterman in nomination, and he
was elected without opposition.
The meeting thus being organized,
MIR. Waterman. referring to him as the
father of the inland waterways project,
introduced Leland J. Henderson AZ
ter polite acknowledgment of the
title conferred upon him, Mr. Hender-
son delivered a most interesting ao-
dress, which is printed in full on an.
other page.
Mr.. SLOUNT SPEAKS.
Hon. w. A. Blount was introduced
and his mastery address followed one
previously made at the Chamber OF
Commerce few days previous.
Taking the question of waterways
from the geographical standpoint, MIR.
Blount pointed out the advantages that
would certainly accrue from water
Continued on Page Eighty