Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-05-18

just how would the proposed Great
Lakes-St. Lawrence tidewater pro-
Ject affect New England? This
question of great Importance to the
business interests Of New England
was answered clearly and emphatic
ally in comprehensive and illum-
mating address given at the annual
meeting of the Augusta Chamber of
Commerce held Wednesday evening
at the Augusta House, by Henry F.
Merrill of Portland, chairman of the
Maine State Commission on Piers
and Fisheries and a member of the
Maine Commission on Foreign and
Domestic Commerce.
1t was indeed q wonderful oppor-
tunity afforded the members of the
Augusta Chamber to learn the inside
facts concerning this proposed inter-
national project from such a promi-
nent man who has made special
study of the subject. There was no
mistaking Mr.. Merril1s attitude in
the matter. He is firmly against the
proposition, and supporting his case
with figures and citations, he pre-
scented the matter in a very able and
interesting manner to his audience
At the close of Mr.. Merrill's dis
course, upon motion of Hon. Willis
+. Swift and seconded by Milton O.
Dean the Augusta Chamber Of Com
merce unanimously voted that tele-
gram be sent to each of our Senators
and Representatives liz Congress
stating that the Augusta Chamber
is absolutely opposed to the Great
LakesSt. Lawrence tdewater pro-
ject and asking them to use every
honorable means to oppose the bill
authorizing it.
New Officers Of Augusta Chamber
AT the meeting last evening, re-
port was made of the recent election
held by the members of the Augusta
Chamber as the result of which the
following six men were chosen di-
rectors: Lewis A. Burleigh, Myron NJ.
Davis, Willis f.. Swift, Frank G..
harrington, Elmer E. Newbert and
Arthur n. Sole.
The new Board of Directors met
just previous to the evenings pro-
gram and elected the followir off,
GERS of the organization for the COM
his veal lCSlhSlll, ILIlltSt "a. vi dy
viceTpresident and treasurer, George
A. Ellinwood; secretary, George c.
Clarke.
Mr.. Gray, the new president of the
Chamber of Commerce, has been
from the first one of it's staunch sup
porters. He was chairman of the
committee on transportation which
through it's efficient work did so
much toward restoring the steamboat
service between Bath and Boston.
He has also served as chairman of
the new industries committee. He is
the manager of the Capital City
Corporation, manufacturers of shoes.
Reports Presented
At the close of delicious repast
served in the banquet hall of the
hotel, the meeting was called to Or
der by the retiring president, Myron
NJ. Davis. He called upon Secretary
George {. Clarke, who presented the
second annual report of the Augusta
Chamber which answered in detail
the question, What has the organ
iatiOn been dong?" This report in
printed form was distributed to all
in attendance, and contained a state
ment by the president, Mr.. Davis,
and the reports of the manager and
treasurer.
Mr.. Clarke spoke briefly of the
numbcrless other things which the
Augusta Chamber is doing, many of
a routine nature but which prompt
ly attended to marks a Chamber of
Commerce as being wide-awake and
on the watch for any opportunity to
further the interests of the commun-
ity which it serves. He urged the
loyal support of every member in
this, the third year of the organiza-
ticn's work in this city.
One portion of the report of the
manager of the chamber pertaining
to new industries for Augusta was re-
ferred to in remarks by Mr.. Clarke
and Mr.. Gray. 1t reads as follows:
1.-THE +. /. Thomas Co. sent their
representative to Augusta to locate
available unusued factory space that
could be utilized for the manufacture
of women's Mckay shoes. This rep
resentative was so well impressed
with the city that he reported favor
ably to his firm and negotiations
were begun for the erection of a suit
able plant. The firm was investi-
gated thoroughly and stood the test
at every point. They had a reputa-
ton for good work. a quick-se ling
article with steady demand, and they
owned their machinery. patents, etc,
clear of debt. in fact they owed not a
dollar to anyone. They wanted to
rent space and would pay a good
rental. They were vouched for by
men known to us as concern worth
having in Augusta. Your manager
is convinced that a united effort on
our part would have not only added
this industry to our city's industries,
but would have brought others one
by one as they came to recognize
that Augusta, with American help
and a lesser cost of living can make
shoes cheaper than they can be made
in the larger centers. The Cham Der
of Commerce did its part well; the
citizens of Augusta missed one of the
best opportunities for their city that
has been theirs for many day. This
failure to secure so promising an in
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