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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 20, 1905)
THE SUNDAY OREGOXIAX, PORTLAPt, AIJGTJST 20, 1905. 9 ram is T Chinese Resolution Is Passed Despite Objections of Its Delegates. FRANCIS IS PRESIDENTS Important Subjects Considered by Trans - Mississippi Commercial Congress and Recommen dations Arc Made. WORK OF THE CONGRBSS. When the gavei f Vteej-rreMde-nt Jlhn Henry Smtch Ml at 0:20 o'clock lMt MRht the 10th MfMon of the Trani Ml.'pisrlpfM Commercial CMgrera pawed into history as one of the jnost Impor tant meetings that has ever been heM a-d which Una promulgated new prlnci lita that will udoHbtedly become po t.tiral Ifseues concerning the question of C Jiinepc exciuplon. by making It a fea ture of the National problem of how -immigration laws may be amended to !n !ule the undesirable element of all c unirlen In the excluded claef. It was a eource of regret cxprewed by many rr embers that the roj-oluttons bearing upon this matter were not mo-re peM .Ive Jn terms declaring for continued exclusion or for admlsMon of coolies, In fca of couidlng the tjuwition -with that '.'f immigration an a whole. In demand ing the enforcement of exleting inter Kate commerce law and oralwlnn of recommendation that the members of the Interstate Commerce CommlsNlon be given Judicial and rate-making powers, the ltody seems not to have ne " far as previous scssiens on t'ie same imbjects. As & body representative of the oom-rrn-rrlRl. jinanctal. industrial and manu facturing Interefitf of the Vest it wir rafsed any jK-evioue convention held In Vic North wt-et and waa the source of iliffrrences upon the two live topics of the day that are bound to bwsome vast ly Influential in future political history of the West and whole country- Upon one 5Ubject there was absolute unanlm It; the nccedty tor river and harbor w.?rk by the Federal Government that w. u open ports of the Pacific and of the Gulf Coast to the largest carriers of the vi I rid. and establishment of coast de fenses on tl) coast. Yesterday brought culmination of the contest that .has - all along been fore casted as Inevitable, in which the ele nrnts taking adverse views on the Chinese exclusion question were lined up, but the result was less elgnlficant beauee of the character of the reso lution. In the final session, appreciation of crurtesle extended the delegates -was 'voiced in resolutions of thanks includ ing in their broad scope all who oen-t-'brted to success of the Fctnlon. Owing ti time consumed in debate, many im portant papers were read by title only, and -will be included in the published proceedings. A great many of the dele gates are also accredited to the Na tl nal Irrigation Congress and will con tinue guests of Portland for the next four days. The long agony 1b over, and the much-rr.cotc-d questions of Chinese exclusion has fcocn definitely settled or, at least, set tle i so far as the Trans-Mlsslsslppl Com mrrrial Congress can settle It by the adoption of the very vague and somewhat unsatisfactory resolution recommended by tl-r -ommlttee on resolutions yesterday and printed in full in The Oregonlan. Spectators, as well as delegates to the C-htcss, were awaiting a first-class con flict over this question, and they were r.ot disappointed. The California delega tions led the onslaught on the adoption of the resolution. Attorney Frank H. Gould, cf San Francisco, and John E. Raker, of Alfras, delivered strenuous appeals eg- Inst the resolution, and for a time the debate became exceedingly acrimonious. Mr, Yates, of Missouri, opened the ball, and was promptly followed by Mr. Harris, cf Texas, who, as a member of the com mittee on resolutions, declared that he wou'd ctfamplon It if no one else had the -;ur?3ge to do so, but he yielded the floor 13 Yates, of Missouri, who made a strong speech against any amendment of the ex isting exclusion laws. Seeks to Table Motion. Raker, of California, then moved that the resolution be tabled, and the principal debate was upon this motion. Gould, of the se-me state, said that the people of California wore unalterably opposed to cry Importation of cheap foreign labor, and In a most vigorous speech denounced tv.e proposed resolution. He was ably seconded by Delegate Raker, who persist ed In talklnc until orders in oio by the chairman. The Callfornlans fought the measure to the last ditch, and went d-wn with flying colors on the decisive Fleming, of the resolutions cimmittee, engaged in a spirited contro tersy with Mr. Gould, and refused to yield the floor to the gentleman from California. He stated that if California had not re ceived proper consideration at the hands cf his committee it was its own fault, and he denied that any unfair action had been tck-n. His remarks were " decidedly ca.st!c, and were answered In the same spirit. . Gould Makes Fight. Mr, Gould said that he was a pretty well-known attorney of San Francisco, that he spent his own money , was not a demagogue and was not seeking any specious notoriety at the present time. He was simply voicing California in its well known sentiment against coolie immigra tion Chairman John Henry Smith, of Utah, then got into trouble by deciding the mction to table the resolution, lost upon a rlose viva voce vote and retired from the rhalr when Mr. Raker, of California, tcok an appeal from the decision or the chair, being succeeded by ex-Governor Prince, of New Mexico. Harris, of Texas, next moved a recon plcVration of the vote by -which the Chinese resolution was passed and that John Henry Smith be restored to the chair The gentleman from Mormondom declined because of fragile health, and Governor Prince held the gavel until bloodshed was averted. The motion to reconsider was apparent ly lost, but the tireless enemies of the resolution demanded a vote by states, the following being the result: Alaska, 10 noes; Arkansas. 10 noes; California, 12 noes. 11 ayes; Colorado, 10 noes, Iowa, 10 noes; Idaho, 10 noes; In dian Territory. 10 noes: Kansas, 10 noes: Minnesota, 10 noes; Montana. 10 noes: Missouri. 9 noes, 1 aye: Nebraska, 10 noes; Nex'ada, 10 ayes: New Mexico, 5 noes, 5 ayes; North Dakota, 15 noes; Oklahama, 10 noes; Oregon. 15 noes, 15 ayes; Texas. 10 noes; "Utah, 13 noes; Washington, 6 noes. 14 aycst Beaten Two to One. Secretary Francis announced the total vote: ISC noes, SC ayes, and thus ended the greatest struggle and the most bitter ly contested question of the congress. Prior to the meeting of the congress the members were assembled on the plat form and protographed as a group. Hon. John Henry Smith, of Salt Lake, was the presiding officer of the day, who, after a few brief remarks, introduced ex-Secretary of the Interior. John W. Noble, who delivered a very forcible ad dress upon "Department of Commorco and Labor." His speech had the un divided attention of delegates and was a noteworthy effort. John W. Noble sold in part: Government is meant to control, and ourr, that has announced that the power to n?glae is the power to rule and li upree In It ordained field, we may be ure -will move to its design like fate, and by ways and through ways not altogether well deflned. bat that will be both legal, offlclrnt and all sufftcl"t. The department does not have power to en force Its own onclurtona, even If It Is ex pected to formulate them, a all subjects within Its Jurisdiction of investigation. -Where this power should be placed U a questlen af fecting the -whole of the controversy now agi tated by the question relating to trajprta tlen. monopolies, illegal combinations: even as to the vital controversies about tariff, reci procity and the health and the vigor of both eur foreign and domestic commerce. It seems to be established, however, beyond doubt that the Legislature has power to fix rates for transportation by common carrier, and that H. can be exercised by board or commission authorized for the purpose by legWslatlre act and within the limit of not defraying the property and buslnce. so regulated that legis lative power is effective; that the judiciary can annul illegal combination to prevent com petition In trade, and the Supreme Court of the United States1, as to Interstate and inter national commerce, can and will net to set aside corporate action creating, or even tend ing to create, monopolr. or contravening their anti-trust statutes. It may be relied upon as certain thnt whfre the power exists to eradicate rush evil, and the public influence is alert to Mipport the Legislature, that power will he exerted mtll the evil Is abandoned. Officers Are Chosen. After the close of Mr. Noble's address. the committee on permanent organization submitted its report, and it was unani mously adopted, after considerable spar ring over the selection of the next place of meeting. The newly-electod officers are: President David R. Francis. SL Louis, First vice-president Colonel H. D. Love land, San Francisco, Cal. Second vice-president Hon. L. Bradford Prince. Santa Fo. N. M. Third vice-president N. G. Larimore, Larlmorc, N. D. . Fourth vice-president C. A. Fellows, Topeka, Kan. Secretary Arthur F. Francis, Cripple Creek, Colo. Treasurer Hw V. Toppings, Kansas City, Mo. The question of a place for the seven tecnth annual meeting then came up. and a calf of states was ordered to designate the city. When Colorado wus reached. communications from Governor McDonald, Mayor Speers. J. F. Tuttle and others were read by Secretary Francis, cordially inviting the congress to Denver as its next place of meeting. John T. Burns, of the Colorado delegation, earnestly pleaded for Denver, saying that Denver was the great convention city of the United States and was always ready to receive visitors and royally to entortaln them. , Ex-Governor Crittenden, of Missouri, opened the argument for Kansas City when Missouri was reached, and stemmed the tide towards Denver Jn a most able and convincing argument. He said that he was for Kansas City, and that Missouri would extend the glad hand to every dele gate. "Gentlemen," said he. "I voted for the admission of Colorado as a state, and I am for Denver in all things except tho next meeting of this congress," Kansas City Selected. Later on in his address Governor Crit tenden said: "If I have wounded the feel ings of Colorado in anything I may have said, it is only the loving chastisement of the father for his child. Come to Kansas City; have a good time, and. If neces sary, the delegates can draw through our bank for money enough to get home on. I do not think Kansas City needs to make any preliminary promises, because she always doos her duty." Nebraska and Nevada seconded Kansas City, A communication from Governor Searles, of North Dakota, favoring Bis marck as the next meeting place was read, and General W. T. Williamson made a strong plea for that city, but finally withdrew the recommendation and sec onded Kansas City. Mr. Reed, of Texas, seconded Kansas City, while Hewlitt, of Utah, named Salt Lake City. Mr. Saylor, of Iowa, named Des Moines, but gave way to "that great lntermountaln mart of trade. Kansas City," and therefore seconded the motion. House, of Washington, seconded Salt Lake City, and Tannahlll, of Idaho, was for Kansas City. Secretary Callbrcath, of the American Mining Congress, -was for Denver, and Burns, of that state, said there was nothing too large for Colorado and that his state actually grew the boots upon which Kansas City fed. Kansas City was finally chosen as tho meeting place of the next Trans-Mlssis-alppi Congress by a -unanimous vote, the Colorado contingent submitting gracefully when its roemcrs found themselves beaten. Resolutions Arc Adopted. Chairman Fleming" from the resolutions committee, then presented the condensed report of his committee, which, waa Anal ly adopted with a few minor alterations. Tho resolutions passed follow: We, your committee on resolutions, having fully and carefully considered all resalHtloni referred to it. respectfully submit the follow lng report: Be It Resolved. By the Trans-Mlnsleslppl Commercial Congress, competed of represen tative from the several states' and territories between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Coast, at lis 10th annual session, assembled in the City of Portland. Oregon, as follows: We earneotly recommend liberal appropri ations under continuing contracts by the Fed eral Government for the improvement of the harbors on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Coast. The largely Increasing trade with Cen tral and South America and the Orient ren ders a more liberal policy towards these ports on the part of the National Government, im peratively necessary. The deep draft of the vessels In whleh the commerce of the world is now moet econom ically carried makes it Important that the Galveston harbor should have a uniform depth of not less than 35 feet of water at mean low tide, with a width and extension commensu rate with lta growing Importance. The same recommendation if made with reference to the Improvement of the harbors on the Pacific Coast. The Jetty at tho mouth of the Columbia Riv er ought to be completed according to the plans of the Government engineers In order that the products of the Northwestern country may find a convenient highway to the markets of the world. In harmony with past declarations of this body, we declare that It Is the plain duty of the National Government to take hold of the Important question of river Improvement and flood control in an earnest and broad-gauge manner. The cost of necessary Improvement to prevent the continued interruption on inter state commerce, and an appalling lost of life and property, should be met by the National Government and the localities affected, upon an equitable basis. The permanent Improve ment of the great Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and their navigable tributaries ought to be an object of National concern. The con ditions at and in the vicinity of Kansas City and East St. Louis, where commercial and transportation interests of the greatest magni tude are frequently menaced by devastating river floods, 'emphaslxes the National impor tance of this question. We earnestly favor a liberal policy on the part of Congress In appropriating money for the permanent improvement of the navigable waterways of the country, thereby decreasing the cost of transportation on the products of the farm, ranch and factory, and Increasing the general prosperity of the Nation. We recommend tfcat an additional naval sta tion be immediately constnaoted on the Pa cific Coast at some point near the Mexican border to be selected by the Navy Department. We desire to direct the attention of the National Government to the defenselem con dition of the Paeiflc Coast and urge that Coa- rrea make the necessary appropriation to carry out the plans of the War Department for adequate coast fortiacatioac. We favor the projection of the sea wall built by the National Government for the protection of its property at the Port of Gal venon in accordance with the plans of the United States Engineers. The mining industry of the United States having grown to such proportions and impor tance and being capable of such vast develop ment f properly fostered by tho Government, we heartily faror the establishment by an act of Congress of a National department of Mines and Mining. The fundamental principle of the American Republic Is that of self-government, and no bedy of American citizens should be deprived of that right. We therefore, recommepd the early admission of all of the remaining ter ritories as separate states, and the establish ment of a territorial form of government for Alarka. We unqualifiedly favor tho progruoive Ns tional policy oa the part of the United States of fostering and bulMtng up an American mer chant marine by every available means, and respectfully urge upon the consideration of Congress the National . Importance of tM question In the development of our foreign trade. We Indorse and approve the maintenance of forest reserves under Joe and reasonable con ditions. We. however, urge that the uimoet caution be exercised in the extension of the present reserves and that no further exten elons be made without due regard to the con dittos and rights of the communities affected or to the location of homesteads on any tracts, large or small, which are capable of culttra tion. and we further urge the repeal of all laws, and orders of the Interior Department, limiting the use or sale of the timber products to the state or territory in which the kbm may be cut. This congress desires to exnrew lta high an- preaiatlon of the National Irrigation law and halb) with pleasure the opportunities afforded . - . . . v. . i I under its beneficent provisions for the Amert can citizen to own his own home, and we ex press the nope that the several Governmental enterprises now under contemplation, as well as under coort ruction, be pushed to a speedy and euccesflfut completion. We declare that the we of the river waters of the trant-MlseiflalpfA States is of vastly greater importance when applied to Irrigation than to navigation, and hence, when the de mands of irrigation require rock a rolnmo f water of any navigable stream as to render H les navigable, such condttionc should not be permitted to interfere in any manner wttn the prohecution and operation of any Irrigation works. In the construction of river improvements to aid navigation or for the control of nood water, we recommend that special investl gatloe be Riven to the practicability of the con struction of large storage reservoirs. M as to store the waters during the flood jason and thus minimize the danger of flood ravages in the lower portions of coca river valley. We Insitn upon the rigid enforcement or ex isting laws at the proper remedy for the un mixed evil of rebates, discrimination in freight and express rates and special prilieges to pri vate car lines, by railway coznpanle. We recommend to the several states and ter ritories' the adoption of such legislation aa wtl place the enbjeot of permanent public road im provement under an intelligent and uniform ntate and county puperrUlon. We again earneetly urge suck a thorough organization of our consular service ao to se cure the most efficient service to our busi nru Interest?- and we believe that this can be best aceontptlened by basing appointment npon experience, ability and character, un biased by any pontic! consideration, thus In suring that oRictency which it only attained by extended experience. We inome the proposed Pan-Amtrican Trade College or College of Commerce upon the Gulf coast of Texas. In which the trade nenges, cus toms and language of the Central and South Amrkaa republics rbatl be exemplified and taught, as a project worthy of the favorable consideration of the Concreet of the United States. ' We approve of the calling of a National Waterways Convention to meet in Washington in the early part of 1D06. and recommend to the membars of this body that they take the neeeeaary Keps to j-ecure a ronretontation therein Xrum their respective states and ter ritories. We wish to record our Indorsement of the Wcsfra Immigration Congress as proposed by the State Commerdcl Association of Colo rado. In view of their rapidly increasing export trade, we rtrongly urge that San Diego and Sab Pedro. Cal.. be made ports of entry. Respectfully submitted. PKED W. FLEMING. Chairman. E. A. Hawkins, Secretary. Resolution on Chinese. The following: is the resolution on the Chinese exclusion act as passed by the congress after a heated and sometlmos acrimonious debate: Our foreign trade with China ix at present suspended, and American vessels are unable t discharge their cargoes at Chinese ports and Hong Kong because of the refusal of the Chlne to handle American products. This unsatisfactory ttate ot affairs Is understood to have been produced by the Improper treat ment to which the privileged classes or China hav been subjected in the administration of our laws prohibiting the admlrolon of Calntoe laborers to the United States. ThTe are new seeking admission to our coun try large numbers of persons from Europe. Asia and Africa, many of whom are unde riranle and cannot be admitted without en dangering the high standards of American clt lxenhlp; therefore, wc respectfully petition the President ot the United States to. if deemed expedient, reiterate his Instructions for proper treatment of the privileged ciastes or China, to ascertain through the proper ohan nHs the res son for the present boycott, mfd to appoint a commission to Investigate and re port to Congrew, with recommendations for a comprehensive immigration law framed to re move all unreasonable restrictions, but to ex clude from the United StRtes and our Insular posseevioas all uhdelrabie perrons from every rountry. To show its entire good will toward the daily press and Its appreciation of the extended reports given by the news papers of its proceedings, the congress unanimously passed the following resolu tion: "Resolved. That the thanks of this con gress are due to the dally press of Port land for Its comprehensive and intelli gent reports from day to dav of the pro ceedings of this congress." Paper on Livestock Interests. Secretary T. W. Tomllnson, of the American Stockgrowera' Association, with headquarters at Denver, presented a paper upon the "Livestock Interests of the Mississippi Regions." but owing to mo tacK or ume it waa considered road and entered nn ronnrrt. Trti-n.f Mr. Tomllnson's very able papers follow: "For six yoars the livestock industry has been Importuning Congress for pre cisely the same legislation that Presi dent Roosevelt says Is now most needed. He will continue to demand It and if ac tion on our fair and reasonable request Is longer deferred because of corporate Influence, then will the people under stand that such corporate powor Is too great to go unrestrained and more radi cal measures will be the Inevitable re sult; for we know how the voters will decide as between limited Governmental control of railroads on the one hand and the absolute control of the Government by the railways on the other. The Amer ican Stockgrowers' Association considers our international trade relations and the Federal regulation of Interstate railroad rates to be the two most vital issues confronting the public today. This Trans Misslssippl Congress at its last session Indorsed the proposition to grant adequate power to the Interstate Commerce Com mission and I hope It will again forcibly express its oplonlon by suitable action May I hope further, that the problem of international trade rotations, somotimes called "reciprocity" will also received your indorsement and support?" Pnvor Ttlvcr Improvements. Henry T. Clark, prosident of the Mis souri River Improvement Association, delivered an address upon "River Im provements." Among other things he said: It Sa InapIrlnK. too. that we have our part la the material development of this great trans-Mlsseslppl Empire opened to the world by those Intrepid explorers', Lewi and Clark. This great country composed of 14 states and four territories, with its faco toward the Orient, the Mecca of coming de velopment, presents a magic field for our ef forts. In the multitude of measures demand ing our attention, no other appeals to us with Such primary necessity and force as the Im provement of our rlvtra, harbors and water way. The subject of railroad control and the equalizing and adjusting of freight rates is receiving great interest and dis cussion at this time. The present Ad ministration urged upon Congress the na ceselty of some action looking to a remedy for these inequalities. There is a certain and sure way within the province of Om people to supply the remedy and provld free and untrammeled means of transporta tion by improving their waterwars and har bors and maintaining them open to navigation It lt demonstrated in all carlo of the country that wherever there is open water communi cation It is an absolute and sure leveler of freight and passenger rates. To accomplish thki we must have unity of action br all In terests for this Improvement throughout th United States. This congress should take the Initiative to provide. It necessary, a com mittee or commission composed of one res reeentative or more for every important water way improvement within It limit, and then reaching acro?.i the bonier of the Mississippi, combine with the lntereets of the East. South and Middle Woet. for this all-Important in ternal betterment. The congress adjourned until 7:30 o'clock last evening, nt which time wo business of ibe meeting- was completed. Members of the executive commit tee of the Trans-Mlsslsslppl C I ngress hold & meeting yesterday afternoon and after electing Fred W. Fleming-, nf Kansas City, chairman, proceedml to appoint tae following -commit tees: Congressional committee Thoodnro B. Wilcox. Portland, chairman; Tom Richardson. Portland, vice-chairman: J. H. Klchards. Boise. Idaho: Herbert Strain. Great Falls, Mont.: Edward R. TTarrla 3c. 1 t-jctnn Ti-r XT T ' Harris. Galveston. Tex.: K. P. Wood. San Diego, Cal.: Fred. W. Fleming. Kansas City, Mo.; Edward Hunter, Dns Moines. Ia. Advisory committee E. R. Moses. Great Bend. Kan.: Joan Henry Smith. Utah; H. R, Whltmore. St Louis: Ben jamin F. Beardsley. St. Paul, and J I. N. Mayo, New Orle-ans. The following resolution was adopt e by the executive committee of the Trans-MIssisslpl Con gross: "We earnestly recommend tne re onactmenl by Congross of the law which formerly allowed to Paclflo Coast builders: of naval vessels a dif ferential sufficient to enable them to compete upon equal terms with build ers located upon the Atlantic Coast." ASK NO NEW-LEGISLATION DISSATISFACTION WITH ACTION OF THE CONGRESS. Secretary of the American Stock-jrrovr-era Association on Interstate Commerce C'oramIIon. There was considerable dissatisfac tion with the resolution adopted by the Trans-Mississippi . Commercial Con gress on tne question of interstate commorco. in which no demand was voiced for new legislation and the de mand for rlged enforcement of exist ing laws Ik deemed ridiculous in view of the fact that the body had pre viously gone on record favoring en larged powers of the Interstate Com merce Commission. T. W. Tomllnson. secretary of the American Stockgrow era Association, expressed his disap proval of the resolution in no uncer tain language last evening, preceding his departure for Calffornia. Mr. Tom llnson said: "This congrcas has previously gone on record for enlargement of the pow ors of the Interstate Commerce Com mission so that they may after com plaint and upon proper hearing both sides say what is a Just and reason able rate In lieu of the one complained of; the rate thus fixed to go Into of- feet practically at once. Thl is in President Roosevelt in his message and subsequent speeches on the same mat ter. Tho resolution as passed by the congress at this session means abso lutely nothing and reverses its own previous attitude on the subject. Tho present 1-tws have proven- inadequate and the announcement of the congross calling for their rigid enforcement i little hort of ridiculous. Courts have not tho power to say what is a reason able or an unreasonable rate and a the Commission, under the Supreme Court decision, has not that power. 4 the public 1 without redress. "The American Stockgrowers Asso ciation is composed entirely of produc ers of livestock, and its membership and the consumers pay the traffic charges, therefore we feel that we are more JlrMstly concerned and thorough ly Justlflod In a demand for the crea tion of a tribunal where our interests would rocelve proper consideration, and protest against being defeated In that purpose by other commercial interests that have obtained everything they desire In the form 'of specinl favors. Special favors, certainly might be somewhat affected by the establishment of a commission with power to remedy inequalities and enforce the principles of a 'square doal. The Interests of the whole cquntry certainly are greater than that of any particular commercial locality and the Trnns -Mississippi Commercial Congrcs should be big enough to stand by great principles in the nonpartisan spirit its organization contemplates and with absolute free dom from taint or corruption of any class. "I am Informed that the action of the Consress was Influenced by certain com mercial interests now favored by present conditions, and therefore not desirous of any changed legislation. "When Lewis and Clark made their memorable Journey a century ago rall- t roads were undreamed up. Today they Sridlron this continent, and to them more than any other factor should be attrib uted the marvelous growth of this North west territory. Livestock is no longer trailed from one section of the country to the other. The evolution to the present method of transporting livestock and dis tributing lta product is coincident with the growth of railroads. The livestock industry needs the railroads for the very necessary service they perform, and tho railroads need the livestock industry for the large tonnage it supplies. In many respects, their Interests are mutual. But occasionally there are elements of discord, arising mainly on the point of what price should be paid for the service, and there Is no effective means by which such dif ferences can be Justly decided and a prop er rate put In force. "Prosident Roosevelt has eald that the most Important legislative act' now needed as regards the regulation of corporations Is the act to confer on the Interstate Com merce Commission the power, where .a given rate has been challenged, and after full hearing found to be unreasonable and unjust, to decide what shall be a reason able rate to take Its place; the 'rate thus fixed to go into effect practically at once. "Railroads are quasi-public Institutions; their right to exist comes from the Gov ernment, and the Government unquestion ably has the power to regulate their charges. For over a hundred years the common law has prohibited unjust and unreasonable rates, and the railroads, when they embark in business, do so sub ject to that prohibition, and In that re- (Concludcd on Pago IS.) CONGRESS IS ENDED Closing Session Treats Live Coast Subjects. FAVORS COAST SHIP-YARDS Resolution Adopted Declaring Four rcr Cent Differential Should Be Allowed' Pacific Coast Builders of Vessels. Frank W. Hlbbs. representing the Se attle Chamber of Commerce, at the eve ning session of the Trans-Mlssisippl Commercial Congress held last night In the Auditorium of the Lewis and Clark Exposition, delivered a very able address upon the subject of "Differentials In the Building of a United States Navy.' It Is regrettable that this carefully prepared and exhaustive document was presented before a rather small assemblage, as It was really one of the most Instructive documents offered before the congrca. The speaker stated that various amend ments to the naval appropriations hill had be'en Introduced In the Federal Con gress to provide for the building of bat tleships on the Pacific Coast at a cost not exceeding 4 per cent above the low est accepted bid for the construction of such vessete on the Atlantic Coast, but that the amendments bad always been defeated. Tells of Hcsults. "The result of this," raid he. "Is that while previously It had been poralble to build naval vessels on the Pacific Coast, no contracts for euch work .have since been made, and it seems probable within all reason and common sense that unload thle provision or its equivalent be re stored to the naval appropriation bill in the future the completion of the four strips now under construction will mnrk the end of naval shipbuilding on this Coast. If not the end of that important branch of our Industries. "The necessity for suclr a provision la not difficult to understand. It is a plain business proposition, which has for its object simply the removal of the handi cap with which the Pacific Coast ship builder has to contend In paying a large proportional amount of freight upon the steel materials which enter into the con struction of uch a vessel. Differences in Cost of Material. "The Pacific Coast shipbuilder pays about $1 per 10t pounds more for his ma terial than the Eastern shipbuilder be cause of freights on steel, and In a ship the size of the Nebraska this Is 16.s00.O3O pounds, making the extra cost of such a vessel built on this coast about $165,030. The contract price of the Nebraska Is 12.733.GCO, which was awarded under the 4 per cent differential claut?, being in this case $143.60) in excess of the lowest ac cepted bid for the corresponding ships awarded to an Eastern builder. For this type and size of vessol the 4 per cent differential Is conservative rather than otherwise, for It would cost $73,000 to bring such a vessel from. New York to Seattle, jo the extra cost of a $7,CO0,OX) battleship Is about 1 per cent- Kccord of the Oregon. "The glorious record of the immortal Oregon, the bulldog of the American Navy, has shown that the navy and the nation has not lost anything by award ing contracts to the Pacific Coast, for. as the chief constructor of the Navy said, after examining the Oregon freshly re turned from her memorable tight at San tiago, 'they know how to build shins out there " The speaker closed by stating that j without the "4 per cent differential there j js pomlMHty of securing Government work in competition with Eastern yards." Adoption or Resolution. After the conclusion of Mr. Hlbbs speech the commlttoe on resolutions Introduced the following supplemen tary resolution, whleh was passed without a dissenting voice: I "We earnestly recommend the re enactment by Congress of the law which formerly allowed to Pacific Coast builders of naval vessels a dif ferential sufficient to enable them to compete upon equal terms with build ers located upon the Atlantic Coast." Address of Alaskan. Randall H. Kemp, of Seward, Alaska, editor of "The Gateway." who arrived from the North late yesterday, then addressed the congress on behalf of j Governor Brady, of Alaska. He told of the magnificent development of our northernmost possessions In the past few years. He referred to the magnifi cent timber resources qf that great ter ritory and roatle a strong plea for ade quate appropriations and recognition of the territory as a state at as early a date aa possible. Mr. Kemp was such a diffident and withal pleasing. speaker that the audience was loth to allow him to conclude. When Governor Brady selected Mr. Kemp to represent Alaska he certainly made no mistake and It is regrettable that he could not arrive earlier in the proceedings of tho con gress. The Alaska delegation, composed of Randall II- Kemp. W. J. Allen and John R. Dodson. arrived late yesterday afternoon and Immediately repaired to the Fair grounds. The northerners were anxiously awaited and were ac corded a hearty reception. Xew Officers Felicitous. Colonel H. D. Loveland. of San Fran cisco, first vice-president, thanked tne congress In the name of President Fran cis. Mr. Loveland took tho delegates Into his confidence and expressed the hope that all 'would read his address on "Develop ment of Manufacturing." which will be published, though not delivered. He point ed pertinently to the necessity of develop ing manufactures as a means of acquiring population, in which the entire Pacific Coast region is intensely Interested. "Willamette Falls, 14 miles from Port land," said he, "if properly harnessed, would turn every wheel in Oregon and light all of your towns and cities. "Oregon, producing the finest Wool In the world, and the largest yield of any state in the Union, manufactures only 3 per cent thereof. Why Is it? Why do we not manufacture more of our raw ma terial? "I do not want to close without paying my respects to Tom Richardson." He re viewed the struggle at St. Louis to secure the selection of the sixteenth annual ses sion in Portland, when he joined with the manager of the Portland Commercial Club to bring the body to the Pacific Coast. Colonel Loveland was most pleasing in his manner and was frequently heartily applauded. Second Vice-President Prince was then introduced, and declared that the Trans Mlsslsslppl Congress was most dear to his heart. He had been a delegate to almost every session of the congress in recent years, and believed it to be one of the greatest factors in American progression. He declared the Lewis and Clark Exposi tion a gem. but also said that It was not a good Idea to hold a business congress In nn exposition city, as the attractions were too numerous. Secretary James F. Callbreath. of the American Mining Congress, called special Qiiitiioi9stcteeaaieoisoiteoo(8(tio9o e If George Washington j Had Crossed i The Willamette instead of the Delaware he might have encountered the Indians on the beautiful spot where now stands While the 0. "W. P. & Ry. Co. was excavating and leveling the grounds, the workmen discovered hun dreds of Indian relics that soon will be exhibited to the public. Every Oregonian should come and see the historic tree near "The Oaks Tavern.7' A "danger-signal" flag-pole, grown into the very heart of a stately oak. Yet that is but one of a hundred attractions. Remember you ride to the entrance for 5 cents, enter the park for 10 children 5. If you spend one Sunday with us, j-ou will never miss an other. Next Tuesday the Foresters of America. And we won't do a thing The Event of All Events Two weeks, commencing Mondaj' evening, August 2S. Pain's stupendous, thrilling spectacle, "The Last Days of Pompeii" And gorgeous $2000 nightly display of Pain's Man hattan Beach fireworks. eesoaceoeo,eeoeoooeeeoeeeoeeeoeoooo3sosea9o attention to the Immigration Congress, which Is to meet in Denver, and urged united action all along the line to make it a success. Mr. Wallace, of North Dakota, who has been a prominent figure In ail the pro cecdlngs of the Congress, and who was a compatriot of John Brown, of Oseawot amie, moved a vote of thanks to the offi cers of the congress, the press of the City of Portland and all who had assisted In making the meeting a grand success. His motion carried unanimously. Adjourns Sine Die. Apostle John Henry Smith. In closing the sixteenth convention of the Trans Mlsslsslppl Commercial Congress, grew We have just made additions to our line of Office Desks the celebrated Michigan make. Roll-top, Flat-top, combi nation typewriter and standing styles, in plain oak, quarter sawed, wax filled and hand polished. Prices range from S22.50 to S150.00 MacI Orders Filled All Kinds Office Furniture. I. Qevurtz Sl Sons "Qevurtz Sells It for Less" 173-5 First St. 219-227 Yamhill to them. o eloquent, and was loudly applauded. T wish you well." said he. "In till parts of the world, wherever you may go. In Iov- of our country: In love of our homes; In love of ench other, let ua elevart to our i various fields of labor. Under this great Government of ours we are eeiunl. and every citizen has an equal chance, so long as he obeys the laws, no matter what his religious or political belief may b. Again. 1 wish you well." The Church and State. Clinton Rogers Woodruff, secretary cf the National Municipal League, will speak upon "The Church and the State." at the First ..Unitarian Church, Rev. George C. Cressey, D. D., at 11 o'clock this morning "We realize that in selling desks we are dealing with a critical trade. Business people from the very nature of their work are exacting, demand ing thoroughly practical desks of superior con struction at closely-figured prices. Nevertheless, we have no fear of an unfavorable verdict from the most severely critical business man who in vestigates our desks and prices. We buy in large quantities direct from the- fac tories, ship in carload lots, and in this way effect savings which enable us to give the greatest amount of quality for the least money. Call any time, whether you wish to purchase or not, and we'll gladly go into the merits of our desks in detail. It costs nothing and may do both of us good. A Little Down, a Little at a Time