Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-12-13
LET ALL THE SOUTH SUPPORT
THIS FAR-REACETLNG CAUSE


forceful and definite expression. Through this timely
convention the South has caught a vivid glimpse of
what the Canal will mean to America and to the
world and also of the vital task that awaits her
performance, if she would garner her own share OF
the opportunities which at hand. More than
that, this convention has furnished a basis and
starting point for a practical movement toward the
all important end of uniting Southern interests in
systematic effort to win and to hold their rightful
portion of the Canals ben shts. 1t only remains,
therefore for these interests and all, to enlist
promptly and heartily in the movement which the
meeting at Atlanta has made possible.
The essential factor in the success of any enter
prise is organization. The big result of the
Panama Canal Conference is that it has provided
the means for organizing and directing Southern
energy in this far-reaching endeavor At the final
session Wednesday there was formed permanent
body to be known as "The Southern Panama Con-
ference" An executive ofHcer was chosen and, as a
graceful compliment to Atlantas alertness in having
called the convention this honor was bestowed upon
the president of the citys Chamber of Commerce,
Mr. Wilmer L. Moore. At the time, an execu-
tive committee was appointed each of the Southern
States being given representation this board In
the near future a secretary-manager and treasurer
will be named and a campaign for enlisting new
members will begin.
The value and the accomplishments of this or
ganization will depend very largely on the support
it receives from the rank and file of Southern bust
ness men. A way toward developing our Opportun-
tiles in the Canal trade has been opened. prac-
tical agency for this important worry has been de-
vised. Surely every one who is awake to his own
and his sections welfare will cooperate in such an
undertaking.
The merchants and manufacturers, the railroad
systems, the cotton mill men and the divers COM
merca or civic organizations of the Southern States
should respond at once to the opportunities which
the Panama Canal Conference" affords them indi-
viduaIy and collectively. They should heed che call
to membership and active service in this ganiza-
ton; for thereby they can make the organization
truly effective and broadly fruitful in results.
Every State and city and every business or in
dustrial of the South should realize that its
own interests in the Canal interknt with those
of its neghbors 1t is through cooperative endeavor
that each of them will reach the vantage ground of
that they plan and work shoulder to shoulder in the
great enterprise of makingready for the new era
of trade which the Canal will usher in
Whether the opening of the Panama canal means
much or little or nothing to the South depends upon
whether the South prepares in time to enter the fer
tile markets that will be developed. r a-
In the outset, this section of the country has
every advantage competitor in Central and South
American markets. Its ports and centers of distri-
button are within comparatively short distance of
the Canal territory From its soil and factories,
come many of the products demanded by the people
of the Latin republics. By every natural circum-
stance, the South should enjoy a rich commerce
with these countries.
That, however, is merely the opportunity; if it is
to count in actual profits it must be seized and fos
tered. Upon this trade which the opening of the
Canal will develop the eyes of the whole world
turned. For several years past the nations of Eu-
rope have been preparing vigorously and skillfully
for the opening of the Canal They have studied in
detail the commercial needs and conditions of Gen.
trail and South America. They have sent embassies
to all the ports principal cities of the republics
with view to establishing cordial business rela-
tions. They have done these and many more
things not only through their several governments,
but also through private organizations, resembling
the very conference which instituted this week
in Atlanta.
The South need not expect to make any head
way in the commerce of the Canal unless she be-
srs herself to similar enterprise. Her opportunity
is vast but it must be earned before it be en-
joyed The first and most fruitful benefits of the
Canal are hers by every token of nature, but they
must be sought with energy and business wisdom;
they will never be waited. like fairy blessings. to
her doors.
The great slogan hammered out at the recent
Conference was this: Prepare to earn the benefits
that the Panama Canal will make possible"
The machinery for such preparation is now at
hand thanks to the Conference and the permanent
- ohfoot