The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-12
Southern Commercial Congress
ut Norfolk Opens With Large
Attendance
GOVERNOR STUART
WELCOMES GATHERING
John Shelton Williams Delivers
Gripping Speech. Declaring
America Should Not Only
Be Strong But Generous

Norfolk. Va, Dec. I1.-'1nterna-
tional Reconstruction After Peace. "
and the many serious problems likely
to confront this nation. We're the chief
themes of opening sessions today OF
the Southern Commercial Congress
at its morning. afternoon and evening
sessions. Il is estimated that alread y
one thousand delegates and visitors
are in the city with scores arriving on
every incoming steamer and train. A
military and naval pageant, in which
the United States navy, the regular
army and Virginia National Guard
and in which the Virginia Military
Institute Corps was the bright and
particular star WAS the spectacular
feature OF the day.
Governor Welcomes Congress
The business sessions OF the con-
addresses. Welcome. In behalf of Vir-
ginia, by Governor Fl. c, Stuart. and
in behalf OF Norfolk by Mayor ". K.
Mayo: a response in behalf of the
/ congress. by Clarence A. Owens, direc-
tor-general the annual address OF
Senator u. T. Fletcher, OF Florida
president OF the association; an ad-
dress by Dr. T.. 4. Aldermen. presi-
dent of the University of Virginia
addresses by John SHELTON Williams.
comptroller Of the currency: f. s.
Brigham. commissioner OF axricul-
ture from Vermont, and number OF
other minor addresses.
Unfavorable weather conditions
failed TO danpar the enthusiasm OF
either the paraders or convention
delegates. An early morning fog, fol-
lowed by day OF rain, alternating
between downpours and wind driven
clouds of mist that chilled one to the
bone. made out-of-door life disagree
able. but il did not prevent thousands
lining the streets 10 cheer the sailors
and soldiers in line. or take one toi
of Joy from the NirEinians in their
privilege 90 making their tribute 10
=. NJ. /. one continuous ovation.
The striking Address of Day
The striking address Of the day was
probably taade by John SHELTON VII
Hams, who not only declared that this
nation should prepare TO defend itself
from aggression. but that the people
OF America. who had piled up mil
lions in profits by the sale of NUM-
tons aud supplies to the helligerents,
had not done anything like their duty
In alternating the suYerings of the
war stricken nations and that the re
Mobilization OF the devastated cities
and areas after the war would de-
pend upon the generosity of our capt.
talis,s in lending money and material
for the purpose Even the lives OF
the people might depend upon our
succor. said Mr.. Williams.
Mr.. Williams estimated the nation $
gifts to the sufferers at $40, 1000, 600.
and declared that one per cent of the
war profits derived would amount to
1000, 600. This he considered those
benefited could easily afford 10 return
10 tighten the misery of millions.
Failing he declared that the United
States would go on record as having
taken advantage Of war stricken ma
tions. and hereafter he held in con-
tempt,
Constructive Farm Policy.
E. S. Brigham urged the adoption
of a policy of constructive agricul-
ture so that the United States will he
equal to the task of feeding the peo-
pie within our borders without the
Importation Of foodstuff in the years
to come, when our population is ten
,times what It is today, He pointtd to
the intensive agriculture OF the Euro
pean nations as an American need.
Alderman On Systems OF Education.
A plea for a compromise between
the German and American systems of
education was made at the convention
here tonight of the Southern Com
mercial Congress by Dr. E. A. Alder
man, president of the University Of
Virginia.
DR.. Alderman's address was on the
probable changes In the educational
systems of the world after the pres
ent war. Picturing conditions in the
nations at war and the educational
shortcomings shown by the needs OF
armies and navies and what can be
accomplished. DIR. Alderman pre-
dfcted that there would be a revolu-
ton In education systems in the school
and colleges. He believes school and
colleges will specialize fitting men for
vocations for which they show talent
ard aptitude, but that at the same
.s--,~ .r"oH them to be good citizens,
foynl, patriotic citizens
.'Oycrgrown Nationaltsm."
DR. Alderman spoke on the princi-
nile that education Is the foundation
of the life Of the individual and OF the
nation. The German youth. he de-
clared, is educated so that he exists
only for the nation, and the result. ac-
cording to DR. Alderman, II lover
grown nationalism," which. coupled
with greed and exploitation. is ''the
cause OF all wars"
The American method. DR.. Alder
man declared. tends toward slip
shodness and waste. He urged a
system that would be golden me-
dunn without the perversion OF
either"
s Governor Charles Henderson, OF
Alabama. urged the delegates TO use
their influence to bring about 'har-
monious activity OF rebuilding among
The nations"
Governor Henderson predicted that
after the war Germany would be