The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-01-23
FOR MUTUAL DEVELOPMENT.

The meeting OF the North Florida Chamber Of
Commerce in Pensacola today, will be another step
forward in binding together the northern and west
ern part OF the state the interests of which
closely allied.
With the awakening which has to come to every
part Of Florida to the great future which awaits
the state has the realization that no section
can afford to isolate itself from any other section
there is certain community Of interest which binds
every part of the country and particularly the
SOUTH together at this time. when the trade routes
of the world must be re-establshed. and when much
commerce is to be diverted from eastern to south
ports, if that trade is to be carried on in the
most practical and economical way.
The United States in the coming decade will be
more dependent upon the south than ever before in
all history; the south will be more dependent upon
Florida than at any period of its expansion; there
are several for this chief of which is the
fact that the United States at this time is bending
every effort to establish strong trade relations with
the Latin-American countries, and that the ports
OF Florida not only the nearest to South
America and the Panama canal but are already
we'll equipped to handle much of the trade between
this and the countries to the south of US.
The recent ruling which has lifted freight dis
elimination to certain extent will be of inesti-
nable benefit to Florida if is enforced; the atten-
ton which has been directed to this part of the
world through the enterprise and effort of few
individuals and organizations will prove Of ire
mendous value if advantage is taken of the pub
licty which Florida and its opportunities have al
ready received.
But it is something than sporadic effort
which is needed at this time. when all sections of
the country are putting forward every effort to
attract capital and to establish trade relations
The spirit of rivalry which has been aroused is
good thing for the country; it has engendered a
certsin fighting quality which will do much to put
forward the interests of the south But because each
city and section is looking out for its own particu-
lar interests, is~by argument for work
ing against the interests OF any other city sec
ton.
During the world war wonderful results made
possible to the military and industrial forces of the
United States. accomplished through unified
effort strong spirit of cooperation which carried
every movement to success. But because the in
terests were common to the entire country, they
were no less diversified
The same spirit which was engendered during
the must be translated into a constructive
spirit for the industrial battle which the United
States viii be forced to wage, if this country is
to take its rightful place in world trade and that
same spirit that must be applied to the country al
large holds good with equal force. to the relations
which must exist throughout the state, if Florida
is to come into her own.
We want first of all to work for the interests
of Pensacola it is the natural right of every citi-
zen to place his community before all others; but
in order to do that have got to work for the
entire section Of country with which we are most
closely associated, efforts viii be rendered
futile.
Putting aside all sentimental reasons North and
West Florida must work with instead of against
one another for mutual success
The Journal believes that nothing will do more to
promote the interests of Florida. and particularly
North and West Florida, as will able commercial
bodies, keeping abreast Of the times and working
towards common end-mutual development