The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-11-15

More than 400 persons were pres
ent. Because of the presence of Secre-
tary Stimscn and his chief of staff,
Major General Leonard Wood, the
banquet was military in character. All
officers and their aides appeared in
the full dress of the service.
problems of the Panama Canaf
was the subject upon which Secretary
Stimson spoke. He pointed out that
the work is progressing rapidly on the
big waterway and that its completion
is not far distant As result OF this
state of affairs, he said, many prob
lens are to be solved in the near fu-
ture. Among those he mentioned
were: What to do with the operating
force when the canal IS competed;
how to operate the canal and exercise
control over the surrounding zone;
what tolls shall be charged vessels
using the canal.
Secretary Stinson spoke at some
length on the rate feature. He said
he favored giving the Interstate com
merce commission power to regulate
the rates. Mr.. Stimson further stated
that he opposed the establishment of
a line of government owned steamers
to ply the canal.
champ CIarke's subject was
''Thomas Hart Benton" whom the
speaker styled 1.-THE great Misso urian.'
Governor Harmon's address dealt
with the John jay treaty. He did not
mention any political issue
Secretary Stimson urged upon his
hearers the Importance u LAl4S 1ohA
trv's irving for closer commercial re-
lations with South America.
1.-THE government is building the
Panama canal. It will soon be com
pleted and now I want to see the
American people use it In developing
greater commercial relations with the
outside world
I'VE must not allow other countries
to get a stranglehold on the commerce
Of the world" he added.
Other Speakers.
Among the speakers at the night ses-
sion were Falcoln JOSlin. of Fairbanks.
Alaska, on The Alaskan Probleml;'
former Governor Alva Adams. of Colo
RADIO. and A. e. Morgan, engineer in the
United States department of agriculture
Governor Harmon said John Jays life
exenplified the motto that '+the path of
duty IS the way to glory
nations" continued the governor, stands
out wildly in the history of our country.
and during every crisis. providence seems
''One of the most striking incidents in
history was the contamination of the
John Jay treaty. The country not in
a mood at that time to be satisfied with
any treaty with England, but jay had
personal and political welfare and at
tempt to execute the treaty. In that
treaty the United States did not get all
we wanted but we got all we We're entitled
to. Jay brought home an agreement that
brought peace with honor to the eoun-
try"
In introducing Governor Harmon,
Toastmaster w. S. Cowherd said:
"The distinguished guest whom am
about to introduce has been frequently
spoken of as possible candidate for
president of the United States. We have
numerous Harmon clubs In the west
every member of which IS a candidate for
a notwithstanding. but governor, we also
have Wilson and Clark clubs the mem
bers of which have the same laudable
In presenting Champ clark. the toast
master said:
s'TTe has been 'Thane Of Cawdor and
CaIamfs' and we understand that he will
not dodge when the witches of politics
promise even greater things for him
C11anaD CIarIx's Speech.
Champ Clark of Bowling Green, Mo,
speaker of the national house Of repre-
gcf1ta tivss, spoke on 1.-THE Great Mis-
eourian. Thomas Hart Benton" He said
IN part:
"The Great observation-disclosures Hari
Benton-the history Of whose country
cannot be adequately or eorreo tly. writ
ten without frequent and conspicuous
mention of him and his achievements
and who in courage, both moral ane
r,Fvsical, in persistency of purpose. II
observation-disclosures of win and intensi-
~ Of patriotism Is the equal of any