The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1912-04-05
From Tuesdays Daily.

from tuesday oally.
With view to further developing
the varied resources OF Southern
Minnesota, an empire that stretches
across the state from the Missis-
sippi river on the east to the Da-
kota line on the west, d. congress
of representatives of every phase
of business, commercial, financial
and agricultural life is in session
in Mankato, and it will come to an
end tonight.
Every question that has to do
with state dcvclopment-mOr cs-
pecially along agricultural lines
is being discussed 1t is one of the
most representative gatherings
ever held in Mankato. 1t has
brought together men from every
section of Southern Minnesota and
fenceforth the people of this part
of the state will become better
acquainted with each other. They
will be brought face to face with
the full realization that their inter
ests are identical, and that through
unity of purpose and with united
effort will they be enabled to ac-
complish those things which mean
wider and better development of
Southern Minnesota.
Called to Order BY Soaring.
Secretary f. F. Soaring of the
Mankato Commercial club called the
meeting to order at 1890 in order
that none of those on the program
will be crowded out.
Mr.. Soaring told of the origin of
the Southern Minnesota Develop
ment association at the recent meet
ing of the Federation of Commercial
Clubs of Minnesota. 1t was at thai
time decided to hold a convention
at Mankato on April 2. During the
time between the convention at
Minneapolis and that held here
much work and publicity has been
given toward this convention and
with gratifying results. He then
requested someone to nominate a
temporary chairman.
Senator Benson of st. Peter NOV,
ed that Judge Lorin Cray act as
temporary chairman and he was
elected.
William Mallgren of st. Peter
was unanimously. elected temporary
secretary.
Judge Cray then assumed his
duties as chairman. He made few
introductory remarks in which nc
said he felt hOnored at being select
ed as chairman of such an organiza
ton and congratulated the meeting
for such q large attendance. He
said that while it was delegate
convention it was also an open con
vention and everyone present had
right to vote. 1t was, moreover, MOI
a Mankato convention but a South
ern Minnesota convention and woult
be for the benefit of all Southern
Minnesota.
Speeches Should Be Limited.
Because of the large amount o.
business to do Mr.. Cray said the
speeches should be somewhat limit
ed. Most of the speakers could con
fine themselves to ten or fifteer
minutes. This would be perma
nent organization and hence exhaus
tive discussion Of each subjec
should be eliminated.
Mayor Charles T. Taylor gave {
short address of welcome.
Mayors Address of Welcome.
"In behalf of the people of this
city of MankatO, | extend to you
hearty welcome. Mankato has beef
operating under the commission
form of government for about two
years and during that time ha!
proven its advantages over the ole
ward system. We like it very mucl
here and the advantage Of the new
charter in the election of the city
council by all the people is but one
of the features. There are no ware
politics here now, as is the case II
most cities having the old cit,
council system.
zone of the advantages of this