The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-12-13

AA0 AeAo'iou W the TACT that there
were no export lines from any of tho
cities OF the south because Of the fac,
that the freight rates were higher tc
them and they were therefore cut off
The southern ports must compete with
the western and northern ports, he
said, to derive any benefit from the
Panama Canal. He pointed out the
relative distances from New York ,c
the Panama Canal and from San Fran.
cisco to the Panama Canal. He
stated that Charleston was tho near
est port to the canal and by righr
should have had the Pan American
Exposition. This had been an asri-
cultural State for many years. but II
had made a bungle even of agricul
ture. He closed by begging his hear
ers to lay aside all petty animosities
between towns and work together for
the building Of a greater and better
State and to make the whole South a
better place in which to live. He was
literally applauded at the close of his
remarks.
Mr.. w. F. Robertson, sumter's
city manager. was next called on to
speak. He told how 1t was his effort
to give Sumter business method OF
city management along q line of
progress. He referred to the need OF
business management in the State,
pointing out the need Of equalization
OF taxes, as one place business meth
DDS were needed. Mr.. Robertson
made a short and pleasing talk.
Rev. David Klein stated that the
value Of the Chamber Of Commerce
had been fully exemplified at this
meeting. In . very pleasing manner
he pointed out its value from q COM
mercial standpoint, from an educa-
tional standpoint and from an indus
trial standpoint. He stated that IL
also should have its value as a socia.
organization which encouraged the
bringing Of men Of different walks OF
life together for the interchange of
ideas and opinions. where all could be
merged into one standard. One of its
duties he pointed out was the making
of Sumter "City Beautiful" 1t was
the only forum for the exchange of
thoughts and the clarifying of ideas
which benefited the mind and en-
patriotism. He closed b.
saying that the organization ought t,
enlist tho deepest interest and hearty
Of all Of the citizens OF
Sumter.
f'ecretary e. I. Reardon was the
neEt speaker and he related q mum.
ber Of jokes and anecdotes. which
set his audience in a roar Of laughter.
When he got down to business he
pointed out to those present the work
of the Retail Merchants Association.
He stated that 1t was not mean to in
Iure anyone, but rather to aid all. by
building up q credit system which
would be open to the members O
the Chamber Of Commerce and the
Retail Merchants Association. He
.old the merchants that they must re.
urn the blanks which had been sent
out to them, showing their credit re
ports. or the association would be O
no effect. He stated that he woult
always bo found at his post and h,
asked the cooperation and assist
ance Of all of the people of Sumter
In making the Chamber Of Commerc,
an organization actively felt In the
upbuilding Of the city.
DR.. Geo. w. Dick told q number O.
delectable jokes. encouraged the
boosting Of Sumter and called on al
to uphold the Chamber Of Commerce
He stated that there had been criti.
cism Of the Board Of Directors and
shO CCStCtdAys Ahto AO oSdlCu OlQ HO,
help the organization. the people mus.
lend their aid to build UP and not try
to tear down. They must stick to the
board and stop criticising.
Schumacher's Orchestra between
the talks and before and at the close
OF the supper gave delightful selec-
tions Of a high class. which delight
ed all OF those present. Each selec-
ton was heartily applauded. the mu-
sic being a delightful feature OF the
evening.
The committee consisting OF Messrs
J. z. Hearon. J. Fl. Levy and w. W.
McKagen. assisted by Secretary Rear
don. are to be congratulated on tn.
success Of the occasion. Their ar
rangements were the best that could
have been wished for and the Nc
Hagen stew was all that 1t wa.
cracked up" to be.