Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-12
RECORD ATTENDANCE
At THE MEETING OF
SOUTHERN CONGRESS
Eighth Annual Convention
Opens in Norfolk With Many
of Country'S Prominent Men
Present
BY RALPH SMITH.

NODFOLk. Va. Dec 11.-Nltn rep
resentative citizens from all sections
OF the country in attendance, the South
ern Commercial congress assembled
here today for its eighth annual con-
vention. only the press Of public busi-
ness prevented President Wilson from
being present for the opening session
He sent a letter OF regret TO Senator
Duncan L. Fletcher. OF Florida, preSl-
dent OF the organization
Officials said the attendance was the
largest in its history. This unusual out
pouring Of representative men from not
only the sixteen southern common
weaIths which the congress embraces.
but from many other states as well, was
attributed to the importance which gen.
orally Is attached 10 the subject selected
Tor ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS reconstruc-
tfUn-
The first session was featured by
Senator Fletcirer's annual address, FOL
lowing welcomes by Gov. Stuart. OF
Virginia, and Mayor Mayo. OF Norfolk
Mr.. Fletcher spoke of international re-
construction. and the work of the COM
merciaI congress. He said that notwith-
standing the continuation Of the Euro
pean war, there are certain outstanding
facts as to world conditions that de-
mand attention He pictured condi-
lions in Europe as not unlike condi-
lions that prevailed in the south after
the Civil war
he said should be one of sympathy
and helpfuIness. The task that con-
fronts US is 10 devise an arrangement
whereby this world calamity may never
occur again international disputes
ought to be settled without armed con-
fIict- Intelligence. patriotism and hu-
name sympathy should accomplish THIS
The benefits would more than cOmpeu-
safe for the trouble and outlay tO'that
end.
SITUATION FOR NEUTRALS.
..But. IL IL be true that the central
mowers Of Europe are preparing
struggle in the economic domain, which
will not only survive the re-establish-
ment OF peace il would seem possible
that the two great lighting groups OF
Europe are likely to carry their con-
test back into the economic field, where
IL appears TO have begun In that case,
neutrals find the situation very trying.
Fortunately for America. we have
passed the shipping bill That Will
give US one weapon. The revenue bill
arms us 10 some extent Those meas
ures will be available against rate dis
elimination. blacklisting and dupins
The pending Webb bill would permit
combinations Of American exporters.
closer and fuller relations with coun-
tries not involved in the present or
coming war. Further trade with Latin
American republic and with Latin
should be developed The sfields are
OMEN The opportunity awaits us Cir
cumstances were against US in the past,
but We are now in position to utilize
advantages never before open.
at may be a bold ana broad undes-
which will tend TO make the most Of
o,Ir opportunities. but the Southern
Commercial congress has not falteTed
in the face of difficulties heretofore,
and in that cause it is listed II IS
not organized to give employment 10
persons. or to serve any individual puf-
nose. sssssIt proposes TO continue rem
dering a definite service for the pub
lie and for the common good
Reviewing the work of the Southern
Commercial congress. Senator Fletcher
bofnted TO some of the great public
achievements that stand TO its credit.
The movement which originated
with us at Nashville in 1912, for estab-
Ushment of a system Of rural credits
in the United States, has eliminated IN
the passage by Congress OF the reusI"A
farm loan act
..ID recognition of the work of your
president as chairman of the American
commission. assembled by the Southern
Commercial congress, and OF the United
States commission. created by congress.
President Wilson has presented to him
one Of the gold pens used in aftixing
his signature Of approval to shat great
measure.
Following are some OF the distinguish.
ed men attending the meetings: Senator
Fletcher, Of Florida. president of the
Southern Commercial congress. Secre-
tarv Navy Daniels. Secretary Commerce
Redfeld. Secretary Labor Wilson. Comp
troIIer John Shelton Williams, Senator
Overman, North Carolina, Senator Rams
dell. Louisiana. Congressman Small.
North Carolina. Federal Reserve Bank
Commissioner Harding, Of Alabama Gov
ernor Manning. OF South Carolina, Cover
nor stuart, OF Virginia, Governor Willis.
OF Ohio Governor Henderson. of Ala
hama Governor Rye. Of Tennessee, Gov
ernor Dunno. OF Illinois, overnOr Craig.
Of North Carolina. Senator Swanson, Of
virginia DR.. r 4. Alderman. University
Of Virginia. Agricultural Commissioners
Watson. OF South Carolina. Patton. %
PENNSYLVANIA. McRae. of Florida. Page.
OF Arkansas. Graham. Of North Carolina
BIakesIee, OF Mississippi, Maxwell. g
Montana. Wade, OF Alabama, Price. OF
Georgia. Davis. OF Texas. Mayes. OF Mis-
souri, Brigham. Of Vermont. keiner. or
Virginia. StauffeT. OF Ohio. Williams. OF
West Virginia. Wilson, OF Louisiana.
wheeler. u Massachusetts. and Guptill.
Of Maine. Congressman Padgett, OF Ten
uessee. Mayor Preston. OF Baltimore.
Mayor Curley. Boston. Senator owen. or
Oklahoma. CONGRESSMAN Moore, OF
PENNSYLVANIA, Don Joaquin Mendez, eau
temalan Minister. Wellington Kee. Chs
uese minister. Ambassador Naon, Of Ar
gentina. Cuban Minister Carlos Manuel
de Cosmetics. HOnduran Minister Alberto
Membrane. John Barrett. Frank r. Van
derlip. president National City Bank, an
many others OF note