* , - - - *** * * *
*_ _- + • * ~, $º
.* # * . ... *
* , '• - - e . * - . . * * - - " .- . . . . .* *
-----—-------——— ------- --------------— ------- - - - - - - - - - : ; . . - - . - " . . - - -
|A Businsss History, the || ||
- Organization and Two || º
Annual Conventions -
of the Mississippi -
to Atlantic Inland
Water way
Association
Mobile, Ala., May, 7, 1908.
Columbus, Ga., November 9–10, 1908.
Jacksonville, Fla., November 15–16–17, 1909. `
i
PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY.





Business Proceedings
of the
Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association
J- from the
Organization May 7th, 1908,
to the
Close of the Second Annual Convention
November 17th, 1909.
PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY
Under Authority of the Executive Committee
Affalachicola, Fla., September, 1910.

For Officers, and the Constitution and By-Laws
Governing the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Water-
way Association, see the Morning Session, Third
Day, of the Second Annual Convention of the Asso-
ciation, and following pages.

J’ſ
f
For Word …
L Preparatory … … ... … . . …
Organization Meeting, May 7, 1908.
Morning Session.… … … …
Afternoon Session.… … *e
Evening Session.…....... .…....... … … …
By-Laws.… … … …
Resolutions … … … … …
Officers … … …~~~~
Delegates in Attendance ...... ........................................................................
First Annual Convention, November 9-10, 1908.
Morning Session–First Day ............. .......................... ...................... ........
Afternoon. “ ( & “ … … --~~~~~
Evening C & { { “ … … …~~~~~~
Morning Session—Second Day .....................................................................
Afternoon “ $ ( “ … … --~~~~~~~~
Evening ( & { { " … … …~~
By-Laws. … … … … … …~~~~
Officers ~~~~~~…~~~~~~~~~~~
Resolutions ............................................... • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Delegates in Attendance ........... .......................... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Second Annual Convention, November 15-16-17, 1909.
Morning Session–First Day.................. ......................................................
Afternoon ‘‘ { { " … * - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Evening C & { { " …?.…~~~~
Morning Session—Second Day,........... ............… … … … * - ſº º º ºs º &
Afternoon ‘‘ 4 ( “ … …
Evening { { & C “ …~~~~~~~
Morning Session–Third Day.........................................................................
Resolutions … … … … …
Officers …~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~…~~~~
By-Laws.…. … * * * * * * * = e = * * * * * g e º 'º e º 'º sº as º as as e s = * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Delegates in Attendance... .............................................................................
Meeting of Executive Committee................................ .................. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Members State Committee and Chairmen County Branches....... ........
County Branches..…
Editorial Opinions.
Organization.…..…
Membership and Subscriptions
12
12
13
13
14
15
15
17
17
19
19
22
23
18
19
23
27
29
30
31
31
31
32
32
33
35
36
38
40
42
44
46
46
Panama Canal * * * * * *
Mobile ....................
Benefits
Editorial Opinions—Continued.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * s = * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * e s m = e º sº a s = e < * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * s = * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * = e s = e s = sm º ºs ºr as as & ºr * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Advertising ..........
Pensacola ..............
G. A. Waterman
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * e
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Florida Ship Canal................................................................…..…...............
Reasons for the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway....................
Rome, Ga.…~~~~~~~~…~~~~
Leland J. Henderson.............. - * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jacksonville...................... ........... ****
Purposes of the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Ass'n......
Military Standpoint............................................................. • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Starke, Fla.…. … …
The Route.…. … … … …
County Branches
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
:
:
.
57.
57
58
58
59
FOREWORD.
The accompanying history of the Association gives in condensed
form the origin, meetings, and to some extent indicates the line of
Work, of the Association.
Any One who reads this account must conclude that the officers
and members have not been idle. The reader must be impressed
with the activities of this Association, and the facts not shown by
this Statement, if set forth, would fully support that impression. I
believe no similar Association in so Short a time has accomplished
more. I am sure that no similar organization, with the very limited
means at its command, such as we have had available, can show as
great. results. I do not wish to draw comparisons or to boast, but
the simple truth is, as I look back over the brief period of Our under-
taking, the meager resources in hand, the difficulties against which
We have contended, and what we have actually accomplished, and
What is clearly ahead of us, with proper Support, I marvel at What
We have been able to do. Among the things already worked out, I
may mention, as indicative of the work, in a general way:
1st. We have held at Columbus and Jacksonville two successful
meetings, attended by some of the foremost men of the country, at
Which the Whole subject of waterways development and our particular
plans and purposes were elaborately discussed and valuable data
furnished. -
2nd. These meetings were advertised all over the country, atten-
tion Was called to the Gulf States, their products and commerce, the
proposed inland waterway and the objects to be served. Public in-
terest has been aroused and the movement has been brought to the
notice of the nation. -
3rd. On March 3rd, 1909, Congress included in the Act of that
date, the following:
“l NTRA-COAST AL WATER WAYS.”
“Survey for the construction of a continuous inland waterway
across the State of Florida, between suitable points on the eastern
and Gulf coasts of said State, for the purpose of ascertaining the
cost of a channel with a maximum depth of twelve feet, or such
lesser depth along any section or sections of said waterways as may
be found sufficient for commercial, naval, and military purposes.
Such Survey shall include an examination of all practicable routes,
the preparation of plans and estimates of cost along the most avail-
able route, and a report upon the desirability of utilizing as a part of
Such WaterWay any existing public or private canal, or any part
thereof, and the probable cost of acquiring the same.
“Survey for the construction of a continuous Waterway, inland
where practicable, along the Gulf of Mexico from Saint George's
Sound, Florida, to the Mississippi River at New Orleans, Louisiana,
by Way of Saint Andrews Bay, Choctaw hatchee Bay, Pensacola Bay,
and Perdido Bay, Florida; Mobile Bay, Alabama; Mississippi Sound,
Alabama and Mississippi; Lake Borgne and Lake Pontchartrain,
Louisiana, for the purpose of ascertaining the cost of a channel With
a maximum depth of nine feet, or such lesser depths along any Sec-
tion or sections of the said waterway as may be found to be sufficient
for commercial, naval, or military purposes. Such Survey shall in-
clude an examination of all practicable routes, the preparation of
plans and estimates of cost along the most available route, and a
report upon the desirability of utilizing as a part of Such Water Way
any existing public or private canal, or any part thereof, and the
probable cost of acquiring the same.” -
4th. The United States Engineers are now Surveying routes
across the Peninsula of Florida and will be ready to Submit to the
Board of Engineers, complete reports before Congress convenes again
and one of the routes will be designated as the most desirable. The
\ — 6 —
Engineers have recently reported on portions of the route of the pro-
posed inland waterway, from St. George’s Sound toward Pensacola,
and the River and Harbor Bill of 1910 embodied an appropriation of
$100,000.00 as the first advance toward the canal from Apalachicola
River to St. Andrews Bay, through Lake Wimnico, which is a part of
the inland waterway advocated by this Association. The bill also
carried $24,000.00 for improvement of “the Narrows” of Santa Rosa
Sound, another link in our chain. &
Our resolutions have been laid before Congress. Our movement
has been explained to Committees of Congress, and other WaterWay
associations, and is being known and understood, and while no gen-
eral system has yet been recognized, no one can doubt the favorable
tendency of legislation, and no thoughtful man can fail to realize the
importance of awakened public sentiment, a healthy public Spirit, be-
cause the sympathy is here, the time is at hand, the response will be
forthcoming, where the public demand is sufficiently definite, gen-
eral, and strong.
This Association is simply the instrumentality of the people, col-
lecting their wishes, focusing their ideas, and concentrating their
claims, and directing them through proper channels, and presenting
them to the proper authorities. Data showing the justification for
the people’s views, and establishing the merit of their claims must
be gathered and put in usable shape. The detail of collecting and
spreading information is considerable. Publicity is necessary to let
our plans and purposes and the progress of our work be known, be-
cause every one instantly realizes the vast benefits to the Gulf States
which would result in the building of Such a waterWay. In draining
lands, in affording means of transportation, in affecting freight rates
on all products, in developing the country, such a Waterway Would
prove of incalculable benefit.
President James J. Hill is quoted as uttering another prediction
quite recently, to the effect that “the railroads just now have more
than enough cars and engines, but that if nearly $10,000,000,000 are
not spent within the next six years for more side-tracks and for en-
larging junctions and terminals, there will occur the greatest con-
gestion of traffic which our railroads will have ever experienced.”
Production and distribution must go hand in hand to promote
prosperity and development. The country will require all the facili-
ties for transportation it can get. Our natural waterWays must be
utilized and improved for service. Connected and related projects
will lead to systems, extending lines, and increasing usefulness.
This Association is doing a purely public work for the public
good. Will the public co-operate in its support, strengthen its hands,
and make it a great, effective force for increasing the welfare of the
people, and promoting the prosperity of the country? Its work is
constructive. Its effort is to keep the region affected by such a water-
way abreast with all other portions of the country in respect to such
improvements. Its spirit is progressive. Several hundred thousand
Westerners are settling annually in the South—particularly in Texas
and Florida. Lands are in greater demand than they have been in
years. Manufacturing enterprises are under way. Commerce is
growing immensely. The Panama Canal will give new impetus to
this Southward SWing of industrial and commercial growth. The
South Will make more rapid advancement in all directions from now
on, than she has made hitherto. EVery movement that is sound and
meritorious, which aids in hastening the day when the South may
realize its possibilities, should have the encouragement of the people.
The cost of a membership is nominal, but every member adds a
new influence and we depend upon those small fees for necessary
expenses, and rely upon that combined influence to carry forward the
task undertaken by the ASSociation to a successful conclusion.
MISSISSIPPI TO ATLANTIC INLAND WATERWAYS ASS’N.,
w DUNCAN U. FILETCHER.
President.
History of the Mississippi to Atlantic
Inland Waterway Association.
1908 sºmeºmºsºmammams 1910
PREPARATORY
At a called meeting of the Board of Trade, of Apalachicola, Fla.,
held November 26, 1907, Dr. J. M. Spence, of Sumatra, Fla., and Leland
J. Henderson, of Apalachicola, Fla., were appointed delegates to at-
tend the National Rivers & Harbors Congress, convention to be held
in Washington, D. C., December 4-5-6 next following.
|Upon their return the delegates submitted a written report Con-
taining the following recommendation:
“That an association be formed of the Gulf cities between NeW
Orleans and Apalachicola for the purpose of advocating an Inland
Waterway from New Orleans to Apalachicola.”
“That the Atlantic Inland, Lakes-to-the-Gulf, and the Ohio River
Waterway Associations be asked to join in the advocacy and en-
dorsing of the Gulf Inland Waterway project, thus completing a cir-
cuit of the eastern part of the United States by inland WaterWays.”
This report was accepted by the Apalachicola Board of Trade and
the following letter sent to the Mayors and Boards of Trade of the
following cities: New Orleans, La., Bay St. Louis, Miss., Gulfport,
Miss., Mississippi City, Miss., Biloxi, Miss., Ocean Springs, Miss.,
Scranton, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., Pass Christian, Miss., Handsboro,
Miss., Mobile, Ala., Pensacola, Fla., St. Andrews Bay, Fla., Apalachi-
cola, Fla., Birmingham, Ala., Marianna, Fla., Milton, Fla., Milligan,
Fla., also to the governors of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
and Louisiana, and waterway associations of the United States.
- “Apalachicola, Fla., February 24, 1908.
“At a meeting of the Board of Trade of Apalachicola, held
January 14, 1908, the following recommendation was accepted: “That
a second association be formed (or if formed, supported by this city)
of the Gulf cities between New Orleans and Apalachicola, for the
purpose of advocating an inland waterway from New Orleans to Apa-
Iachicola.” -
“Will you join us in the Organization of such an association?
“We solicit inquiry on your part and request information and
Suggestions. An early response is requested.
“Respectfully,
“APALACHICOLA BOARD OF TRADE.”
In part reply thereto the following letters were received and
written:
“Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 26, 1908.
“Mr. Leland J. Henderson, Secty., Apalachicola Board of Trade, Apa-
lachicola, Fla.
|Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 24th inst. and
beg to say that I am personally very enthusiastic Over the inland
waterway that you suggest in your letter. It will undoubtedly mean
the making of this section and as Pensacola is near the center of the
district to be covered by this waterway, I would suggest that a con-
vention be called to meet in Pensacola in the near future to take up
the matter with the National Government along the line you suggest.
“I am sending your letter to Mr. P. K. Yonge, Chairman of the
Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, who, no doubt, will also write you.
“Yours respectfully, -
(Signed) “C. C. GOODMAN,
“Mayor.”
— 8 —
“Pensacola, Fla., March 5, 1908.
“Leland J. Henderson, Secty., Board of Trade, Apalachicola, Fla.
“Dear Sir: Your communication of February 24 to Mayor Good-
man has been transmitted to our Board of Directors, of which Mr.
Goodman is a member, together with a summary of his reply to you.
“I am directed by our directory to state that the Pensacola Cham-
ber of Commerce will heartily support the efforts you have instituted
in the matter of an inland waterway from New Orleans to Apalachi-
cola. We deem it but courtesy that you should take the initiative in
calling a convention, and we urge that you accept Mayor Goodman's
suggestion and call it for Pensacola.
“I feel justified, after a talk with my old friend Trezevant, Secre-
tary-manager of the New Orleans Progressive Union, in asserting
that he will render us all the assistance in his power for I know that
he is opposed to any policy of hogging conventions of this SOrt for
New OrleanS.
“We have not at this time any particular suggestion to make to
you, beyond urging Pensacola, both for geographical reasons and
others, that are obvious to any man in our line of work. Our central
position I think would make this city especially desirable for the site
Of the COT) vention.
“I will be glad to hear from you further and I think that by work-
ing in conjunction when you have taken the initiative, which is
your due, we shall be able to accomplish something worth while even
though I do not anticipate any very early fruits of our work on this
line, Very truly yours,
(Signed) G. A. WATERMAN, Secty.,
“Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.”
“Apalachicola, Fla., March 20, 1908.
“Mr. G. A. Waterman, Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Pensacola,
Fla.
“Dear Sir: Yours of the 5th inst, received and contents noted.
You doubtless have received my letter of yesterday on the subject
of the Gulf Coast Canal. A similar letter has been addressed to the
Governors of the Coast States and to the Mayors of the Coast towns
and business organizations.
“I Wish to extend to you the thanks of the Apalachicola Board of
Trade for the kind invitation to hold the convention in your city.
Please Write me further along this line.
“I am very much in favor of accepting your invitation but thought
it might be Wise to hear from the other parties interested in the con-
Vention before so announcing.
“I have Written to Mr. Trezevant and asked for his especial as-
Sistance in the matter of getting up the convention, and I hope that
you will consider this matter not something of ours, but take hold
With us as though it were yours, and you were getting it up. Its suc-
cess will depend largely on your interest and effort, and I suggest
that you get the commercial and civic bodies to appoint delegates, and
use every possible means for publicity and direct your effort,
Wherever you think it will be of benefit and for the success of the
Convention. You will see from my letter of yesterday in suggesting
the date I have considered the time of your absence from Pensacola.
“I thank you for your kind words and assure you that while I
desire to assist in the development of Apalachicola I care as much
for the development of the entire Gulf Coast and I believe we should
make things hum until our ports and waterways, the most important
in the United States, because of the Panama Canal and the shorter
rail haul from the producing States to the Gulf seaboard, have been
improved to their utmost capacity.
“By this movement we also have the means of bringing our Gulf
cities into national motice and, if we work it right, should secure the
Co-Operation and assistance of the other waterway associations inter-
ested in the circuit of waterways heretofore indicated.
— 9 –
“I believe that you are wrong in not anticipating early results
and if the recommendation of the National Rivers and Harbors Con-
gress and the desires of the people of the United States, Who are
almost a unit on the subject are adopted by the Text Congress of
the United States as they should be, that our project Will be incor-
porated in the plan of a comprehensive and inter-dependent WaterWay
system. However, let us get this convention together, collect as much
information and stir up as much interest on the subject as possible.
It seems to me that one of the things which should be done by the
convention is to create a committee or board to educate the people of
this district through the newspapers and other publications, by the
use of circulars and pamphlets, to the importance of this waterWay
and carry the information to such other sections of the Country as
should receive it, be sure of the assistance and Co-operation of the
Other waterway associations, and comprehensively inform the Sen-
ators and Congressmen of the United States Of the need Of Such a
waterway, and the desire of the people to have it constructed, perhaps
have a preliminary survey made, invite the President to inspect the
route, get the chairman of the waterway associations together, have
them visit the cities en route and study the situation from the ground.
And any other similar means which might be suggested. Such a
board or committee should be supported by the cities or the business
interests along the route. Respectfully,
“APALACHICOLA BOARD OF TRADE,
(signed) “Leland J. Hepderson, Secty.”
“Apalachicola, Fla., March 18, 1908.
“Mr. G. A. Waterman, Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, JPensacola,
Fla.
“Dear Sir: Yours of the 5th inst. in which you say that the Pen-
sacola, Chamber of Commerce will support our efforts in the matter of
an inland waterway from New Orleans to Apalachicola and your Sug-
gestion that the convention be called for Pensacola, at hand and con-
tents noted. Yours truly,
“APAILACHICOLA BOARD OF TRADE,
(Signed) “Leland J. Henderson, Secty.”
“Apalachicola, Fla., March 19, 1908.
“Hon. C. C. Goodman, Mayor, Pensacola, Fla.
“l)ear Sir : Yours of the 26th ult. in which you expressed your
enthusiasm in the proposed Inland WaterWay from New Orleans to
Apalachicola, and suggested calling a convention to meet at Pensa-
cola to take up the matter with the National Government, at hand
and COntents noted. Yours truly,
“APALACHICOLA BOARD OF TRADE.
(Signed). “Leland J. Henderson, Secty.”
“Apalachicola, Fla., March 19, 1908.
“TO all Persons Interested : -
“In response to our letter with regard to holding a convention
for the purpose of advocating an Inland Waterway from New Orleans
to Apalachicola, and recommending its construction by the Federal
Government, Which WaS addressed to Mayors and Boards of Trade of
the Gulf cities between Apalachicola and New Orleans, to the Gov-
ernors of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, also to the
Waterway Associations of the United States, the replies have been
almost unanimous, urging the call of a convention and asking for
further information.
“Mayor C. C. Goodman, of Pensacola, extends a cordial invitation
to hold the convention in that city. G. A. Waterman, Secretary of
the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, has been instructed by that
body to request that Mayor Goodman’s invitation be accepted and the
convention called for that point. .
“The Apalachicola Board of Trade at its last meeting appointed a
committee to arrange the time and place for the convention, with
— 10 —
your delegates or representatives. The last week of May or the first
in June has been suggested as a suitable date, and the place possibly
should be the One most convenient for the delegates. Will you ap-
point your delegates, with instructions to communicate with us at
Once?
“Jos. E. Ransdell, President of the National Rivers and Harbors
Congress, suggests the project be continued to some point on the At-
lantic. This suggestion is entirely within the Scope of the proposed
convention, as the purpose of the New Orelans-Apalachicola canal is
to complete the link of an inland waterway via the Mississippi River
to the Great Lakes, thence by the Lakes and Erie Canal to the At-
lantic, thence by the proposed Atlantic Coastal Waterway to and
across the Florida peninsula, thence from Apalachicola to New Or-
leans. All of these projects are being developed or advocated save
the one to be recommended by this proposed convention.
“An early response with suggestions and the names of your com-
mittees and delegates will be appreciated.
“Yours truly,
“APALACHICOLA BOARD OF TRADE.
(Signed) “Leland J. Henderson, Secty.
At a meeting of the Apalachicola Board of Trade held March 10,
1908, a committee of Leland J. Henderson, B. H. Beverly, and H. W.
Johnston, Was appointed and all matters relating to the proposed in-
land waterway placed in the committee’s hands, also authority to call
the convention and do any and all things needful in the name of the
Board of Trade. The Committee accepted Pensacola’s invitation for
the Convention. May 7th was selected for the date and the Pensacola
Chamber of Commerce was so notified. At about that time the street
car service of Pensacola was tied up by a strike.
“Pensacola, Fla., April 17, 1908.
“Board of Trade, Apalachicola, Fla.
“Cannot undertake convention May 7th, therefore nominate MO-
bile. Advise us and we will notify Mobile and New Orleans. Mobile
can draw a big crowd.
“CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.”
“Apalachicola, Fla., April 18, 1908.
“Chamber of Commerce, Pensacola, Fla.
“Mobile satisfactory. You make arrangements with Mobile and
New Orleans.
“APALACHICOLA BOARD OF TRADE.”
“Pensacola, Fla., April 22, 1908.
“Board of Trade, Apalachicola, Fla.
“Commercial Club and Chamber of Commerce Mobile in joint
Convention by resolution invite Waterways convention to Mobile May
7th. Our Secretary Waterman absent. Take up matters direct with
B. J. Cox, Secty., Mobile, sending him all information at once.
“P. K. YONGE, President.”
“Mobile, Ala., April 21, 1908.
“Chamber of Commerce, Pensacola, Fla.
“Gentlemen: At a joint meeting of the Board of Directors of
this organization and the Commercial Club, it was unanimously de-
Cided to extend a cordial invitation to hold the convention in the in-
terest of the Apalachicola Canal at Mobile. The meeting will be held
in the rooms of the Commercial Club, and you are asked to communi-
cate fully With Mr. John Craft, President, giving him the plans laid
down for this convention, and the number of delegates that may be
expected.
“Appreciating your early attention, we are,
“Yours very truly,
(Signed) BENJ. THURLEY, Secretary.”
(Copy to Apalachicola Board of Trade.)
— 11 —
“Mobile, Ala., April 24, 1908.
“Mr. L. J. Henderson, Secty., Board of Trade, Apalachicola, Fla.
“Dear Sir: I desire to respectfully notify you that the Chamber
of Commerce and Commercial Club in joint convention decided to in-
vite the Inland Waterway convention to hold its session in Mobile,
May 7th, 1908.
“It was originally intended that this convention should be held
in Pensacola, Fla., but, it seems from letters from Mr. G. A. Water-
man, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of that city, that it
would be impracticable at this time on account of the labor troubles,
and consequently asked Mobile to invite the convention to hold its
session there, this having been done, I desire to extend an invitation
to your delegates to Mobile, and Would respectfully ask you to give
me at the earliest possible moment the names and number of your
delegates that Will attend the convention.
“Thanking you in advance, I remain,
“Respectfully,
“BENJ. B. COX, Secty.”
The invitation of Mobile was accepted by the Committee and the
convention called and held May 7, 1908, in the Commercial Club
rooms of Mobile.
— 12 —
ORGANIZATION MEETING.
MAY 7, 1908.
- MORNING SESSION.
The meeting was called to order at twelve o’clock, noon, by Capt.
John Craft, President of the Commercial Club, who made an address.
Mayor Lyons was introduced and welcomed the convention to
Mobile. The body then went into permanent organization, and, On
motion of Mr. Geo. A. Waterman, Hon. E. L. Russell was elected chair-
man of the convention. Col. Russell accepted, With an address.
On motion of Capt. John Craft, Mr. Leland J. Henderson, of Apa-
lachicola, Fla., was elected Secretary by acclamation. On motion of
Mr. Erwin Craighead, a recess of five minutes was taken, after which
the delegates from the various states placed in nominated the follow-
ing names for Vice-Presidents:
For Alabama, Mr. Geo. H. Hoyle, Battles Wharf, Ala.
For Florida, Hon. P. K. Yonge, Pensacola, Fla.
For Georgia, Mr. Chas. J. Swift, Columbus, Ga.
For Louisiana, Hon. Warren B. Reed, New Orleans, La.
For Mississippi, Mr. B. H. Ellis, Pascagoula, Miss.
For Illinois, Mr. Robt. Isham Randolph, Chicago, Ill.
Who were duly elected.
The regular program was then taken up and Mr. Leland J. Hen-
derson, of Apalachicola, Fla., delivered an address, in which he dis-
cussed the feasibility of an inland WaterWay from the Mississippi
River to the Atlantic and advocated the organization of an Association
to work for it, which was referred to the Resolutions Committee.
Mr. Chas. J. Swift, of Columbus, Ga., delivered an address upon
the subject “The connection of the Tennessee with the Chatta-
hoochee.”
Mr. Warren B. Reed, of New Orleans, spoke on “The Intercoastal
Canal and its outlet to the Gulf in the State of Louisiana.”
At 1:45 P. M. recess was taken until 3 o'clock ,at which time the
convention re-convened with Chas. J. Swift, Vice-President, in the
chair.
AFTER NOON SESSION.
Mr. G. A. Waterman, of Pensacola, next spoke on the “Benefits
of an Intercoastal Canal and its Relationship to Mobile and Pen-
Sacola.”
Mr. B. H. Ellis, of Pascagoula, Miss., spoke on “The Benefits of
an Intercoastal Canal to Scarnton.”
It was then moved by Leland J. HenderSOn that a recess be taken
and delegates nominate a committee on resolutions, an amendment
was made that the Vice-Presidents named above be considered the
committee on resolutions, it was Carried.
Addresses were then delivered by the following:
Dr. J. M. Spence, Sumatra, Fla., “Benefits of the Canal to Apa-
lachicola”; Richard Howard, Columbus, Ga., “The Benefit of an In-
land Water way to the Chattahoochee District”; Robert Isham Ran-
dolph, Chicago, Ill., “The Relation of the Gulf Coastal Canal to the
Lakes of the Great West.” *
Addresses also were made by T. J. Pryor, Mary Esther, Fla.; J.
H. Drummond, St. Andrews, Fla.; Judge J. H. Smith, Bay Minette,
Ala.; Frank Fesler, Foley, Ala.; Geo. H. Hoyles, Battles Wharf, Ala.;
Geo. B. Chapman, Scranton, Miss.; E. Craighead, Mobile, Ala., and
Judge H. Austil, Mobile, Ala.
A resolution introduced by Mr. Geo. A. Waterman, was unani-
mously adopted: That the following telegram be sent to Congress-
man Wylie of Alabama: “A convention of delegates from Gulf Coast
points from New Orleans to Apalachicola, held here in the interest of
our intercoastal waterway from New Orleans to Apalachicola, en-
dorses the pending Wylie bill, and urges its immediately passage for
a survey for a canal from Mobile Bay to Pensacola Bay, and also
urges a Survey for canals for an inland water way from Pensacola to
Apalachicola. +
(Signed) “LELAND J. HENDERSON, Secty.”
The Convention then appointed the following as the committee
On Organization: Mr. Warren B. Reed, New Orleans, La.; Mr. Chas.
J. SWift, Columbus, Ga.; Mr. Leland J. Henderson, Apalachicola, Fla.
The meeting then adjourned until 8 P. M.
EVEN ING SESSION.
The convention re-convened at 8 o’clock, Mr. George H. Hoyle,
Vice-President, in the chair, and the committee on organization re-
ported the following by-laws and constitution:
At a meeting of the delegates of convention of the Gulf Coast
States held at Mobile, Ala., on the 7th day of May, 1908, the following
by-laws were unanimously adopted:
BY-LAWS.
First: The name of the association shall be the Gulf Coast In-
land WaterWay Association. The name may be changed at any regu-
lar annual meeting of the Association by a majority vote of the mem-
bers present in person or by proxy.
Second : Citizens of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana and Texas may become members of this Association by
paying $2.00 per annum.
Third. At meetings of the members of this Association or the
Executive Committee members may vote by proxy if not personally
present. -
Fourth. The object of this Association is to work for the con-
struction of an inland waterway connecting the Mississippi and Apa-
lachicola Rivers, thence across the Florida, Peninsula to the Atlantic,
and the improvement of the laterals and tributaries thereto.
Fifth. The officers of this Association shall be a president, secre.
tary, and treasurer who shall hold office for one year or until his
Successor is elected and qualified to serve, vice-presidents one from
each of the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
and Texas. And one selected from the states at large, also one Vice-
president from each waterway association to become connected
here with.
Sixth. The duty of the President shall be to preside at meetings,
to promote the important work of this Association and have general
Supervision of the other officers of the Association.
iSeventh. The duty of the Secretary shall be to attend all meet-
ings of the Association or Executive Committee. He shall be paid his
traveling expenses in attending meetings. He shall keep the minutes
of the Association and of the Executive Committee in his office. He
shall keep a record of all funds of the Association and remit same to
the treasurer and shall render a statement of receipts and payments
to each annual meeting of the members, and to the Executive Com-
mittee when called on to do so.
Eighth. The duty of the Treasurer shall be to deposit all funds
of the Association in bank, and to make payments on Warrants signed
by the President and Secretary.
Ninth. The moneys of the Association shall be paid Out On War-
rants signed by the President and Secretary to pay for routine ad-
ministration expenSeS.
The traveling expenses of members of the Executive Committee
while attending meetings may be paid out of this fund.
Also traveling expenses of delegates to Washington. - .
Tenth. It shall be the duty of each member of the Executive
Committee to canvass for members of said Association and to remit
to the Secretary and Treasurer the names of all subscribers and all
moneys collected. Also shall solicit subscriptions from boards of
trade, civic bodies and business organizations throughout the terri-
— 14 —
tory affected, which shall be remitted to the secretary, together with
the names of the donors.
Each state shall appoint an executive committee from among its
delegates consisting of three members, of which the Vice-President
of that state shall be a member and Chairman.
The Executive Committee shall have full authority to Order ex-
penditures for the Association and decide the manner and purposes
for which the moneys of the Asosciation shall be expended and Carry
out the directions and purposes of this Organization.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTE D.
The Committee on Resolutions offered the following resolutions,
which were adopted unanimously by the Convention:
Be it resolved by the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway Association,
That the Hon. Theodore Roosevelt in his advocacy of the conserva-
tion of the natural resources of the United States and the improve-
ment of all its waterways, in both of which policies he follows the
immortal path blazed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson,
is justly entitled to the approval, support and gratitude of the people
of the United States, regardless of party and section; and that in the
conference at the White House upon the 13th day of this month, May,
1908, between the President and the Governors of the Several States,
the President has in his high purpose the earnest Support of the
members of this convention and their best wishes for the success of
Jhis plans for the conservation of the natural resources of the natiotl.
(Be it resolved by this first convention of the Gulf Coast Inland
Waterway Association, representing commercial interests and com-
Imunities from New Orleans to Apalachicola included that this con-
vention cordially endorses:
1st. The work and policy of the National Rivers and Harbors .
Congress and the Inland Waterways Commission and urges upon the
people of the United States and their Senators and Representatives in
Congress the wisdom and urgent industrial necessity of the policy of
Spending not less than fifty millions of dollars annually on the im.
provement of all natural waterway courses and harbors of the nation.
2nd. This convention further endorses the recommendation that
bonds be issued if necessary to supplement the ordinary revenues of
the Government if said revenues be not sufficient to permit the inau-
guration of Such a policy.
3rd. This convention specifically endorses the idea of inter-coastal
canals connecting the natural Water Ways along the Atlantic Coast
and the Coast of the Gulf of Mexico so as to give continuous interior
Coastal Water communication from the mouth of the Rio Grande
River to the coast of Maine. And, as an important link in such an
inter-Coastal system of Waterways urges that Congress at the earliest
practicable time appropriate moneys sufficient to make a survey or
Surveys of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River
to the Apalachicola Bay. -
4th. This convention earnestly endorses the Ransdell Bill to
Create a department of transportation and public works as a vital
necessity in the development of all our natural public utilities.
5th. This convention wishes to express its appreciation of the
Courtesy of the Mobile Commercrial Club and the Mobile Chamber of
Commerce in extending a joint invitation for this convention to
meet in the city of Mobile and for the courtesy of the Mobile Com-
mercial Club in placing its handsome quarters at the disposal of the
COnvention. &
6th. This convention heartily appreciates the value of the ser.
vices rendered by Hon. John Craft, President, and Mr. Benj. B. Cox,
Secretary, of the Mobile Commercial Club, and by the temporary and
permanent officers of this convention, and wishes in this way to also
express its gratitude to the people and the press of Mobile.
(Signed) B. H. ELLIS, Chairman.
— 15 —
OFFICERS.
The convention next went into election of officers with the fol-
lowing results: --
Capt. John Craft, Mobile, Ala., President; Mr. Leland J. Hen-
derson, Apalachicola, Fla., Secretary; Mr. Geo. A. Waterman, Pensa.
Cola, Fla., Treasurer.
The following Vice-Presidents were duly elected: Texas—Mr. C.
S. E. Holland, Victoria. Louisiana—Mr. H. L. Gueydan, Gueydan.
Mississippi—Mr. B. H. Ellis, Pascagoula. Alabama—Mr. Geo. H.
Hoyle, Battles Wharf. Florida—Mr. P. K. Yonge, Pensacola. Geor-
gia—Mr. Chas. J. Swift, Columbus.
The following Vice-President at large was elected: Hon. N. B.
Broward, Governor of Florida.
Vice-Presidents of waterway associations—Hon. Robt. Isham Ran-
dolph, Vice-President of the Internal Improvement Commission of
Illinois; Mr. Warren B. Reed, of New Orleans, Vice-President of the
Inter Coastal Canal Association of Texas; Ex-GOVernor James K. Var.
daman, of Mississippi, Chairman of the Mississippi Executive Com-
mittee of the National Rivers and Harbors CongreSS; Judge H.
Austil, of Mobile, Ala., member of the Mobile Basin and Tennessee
River Association; Hon. R. Howard, of Merchants & Platnters Steam-
boat Co., of Columbus, Ga. -
The following were unanimously elected members of the Execu-
tive Committee: For Texas—Mr. C. S. E. Holland, Victoria, Mr.
Hugh Jackson, Beaumont, Mr. Walter Gresham, Houston. For Flor-
ida—Mr. P. K. Yonge, Pensacola, Mr. J. H. Drummond, St. Andrews
Bay, Mr. T. J. Pryor, Mary Esther. For Louisiana—Mr. Henri L.
Gueydan, Gueydan, Mr. Warren B. Reed, New Orleans, Mr. Leon
Locke, Lake Charles. For Georgia—Mr. C. J. Swift, Columbus, Mr.
W. B. Stillwell, Savannah, Mr. Robt. Howard, Columbus. For Mis-
sissippi—Mr. B. H. Ellis, Pascagoula, Mr. C. L. Mitchell, Biloxi, Mr.
H. F. Camp, Hattiesburg. For Alabama—Mr. Geo. H. Hoyle, Battles
Wharf, Mr. Frank Fesler, Foley, Judge H. Austil, Mobile.
Congressional representation, State Senators and representatives
of the Gulf States and Illinois will be requested by the Secretary to
become members of the Association.
On motion duly made and seconded it was unanimously ordered
that vacancies and resignations in the Executive Committee be filled
by the remaining members of the Committee.
Invitations for the next convention were then presented by Apa-
lachicola, Fla., Columbus, Ga., Pensacola, Fla., Sumatra, Fla., and
Fairhope, Ala. Upon the withdrawal of the others the invitation of
Columbus, Ga., was unanimously accepted by a rising vote and the
date of the next convention designated as November 9-10, 1908, at CO-
lumbus, Ga.
The convention then adjourned.
DELEGATES IN ATTEN DANCE.
The following was the Official list of delegates in attendance:
T. J. Pryor, Mary Esther, Fla.; E. G. Norton, Daphne, Ala.; G. P.
Wentworth, Pensacola, Fla.; J. Walker, Magnolia Springs, Ala.; R. I.
Randolph, Chicago, Ill., Dr. J. M. Spence, Sumatra, Fla.; L. J. Hen-
derson, Apalachicola, Fla.; G. A. Waterman, Pensacola, Fla.; R. How-
ard, Columbus, Ga.; C. J. Swift, Columbus, Ga.; B. H. Ellis, Pasca-
goula, Miss.; Peter Smith, Pascagoula, Miss.; J. M. Pilcher, Fairhope,
Ala.; J. B. McGrew, Meflin, Ala.; Stephen Touart, Mobile, Ala.; P. J.
Coney, Marlow, Ala., A. F. Hutchins, Battles, Ala.; Dr. V. R. Mc-
Schowalter, Point Clear, Ala.; Chas. Barclay, Bolanta, Ala.; Geo. N.
Bresler, Gulf Crest, Ala.; Geo. W. Jones, Mobile, Ala.; L. T. Rush, Mo-
bile, Ala.; Dr. H. S. Greno, Fairhope, Ala.; E. O. Zadek, Mobile, Ala.;
Geo. H. Hoyle, Battles Wharf, Ala.; W. K. P. Wilson, Mobile, Ala.;
Jno. B. Waterman, Mobile, Ala.; H. T. Hartwell, Mobile, Ala.; L.
Schwartz, Mobile, Ala.; J. P. Wilson, Mobile, Ala.; John W. Green,
Bay Minette, Ala.; Judge J. H. H. Smith, Bay Minette, Ala.; E. Craig-
head, Mobile, Ala.; Capt. John Craft, Mobile, Ala.; Benj. B. Cox, Mo-
bile, Ala.; J. W. Corry, Gulfport, Miss.; S. E. Naylor, Gulfport, Miss.;
M. T. Judge, Mobile, Ala.; Frank Fesles, Foley, Ala.; F. L. Sanford,
Robertsdale, Ala.; R. M. Mahler, Loxley, Ala.; W. F. McDonald, Lil-
lian, Ala.; W. T. Key, Lillian, Ala.; T. G. Bush, Birmingham, Ala.; W.
W. Thompson, Mobile, Ala.; H. Austil, Mobile, Ala.; J. H. Drummond,
St. Andrews, Fla.; B. G. Chapman, Scranton, Miss.
— 17 —
A Stenographic copy of the convention at Columbus was made from
Which the following extracts are taken:
FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION.
MORNING SESSION.—NOVEMBER 9, 1908.
On the seventh day of May, 1908, there was organized in the City
of Mobile, Ala., the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway Association, of which
Capt. John Craft, of Mobile, Ala., was elected President, Mr. Leland
J. Henderson, of Apalachicola, Fla., Secretary, and Mr. Geo. A. Water-
man, of Pensacola, Fla., Treasurer.
Pursunt to call for a convention of this Association on the morn-
ing of the 9th day of November, 1908, the first annual convention of
the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway Association was called to order in
the Superior Court Room of the Muscogee County Court House by the
President, Capt. John Craft, of Mobile, Ala.
President Craft: The convention will please come to Order. The
deliberations of this convention will begin with an invocation by Dr.
J. R. McFarrin, Pastor of St. Luke's Methodist Church, of this city.
Let uS Stand.
Invocation by Rev. Jno. R. McFarrin, D. D.
President Craft: I will now name the following committees:
Committee on Credentials—Robert Isham Randolph, Chicago, Ill.,
Chairman; T. J. Pryor, Mary Esther, Fla., L. A. Camp, Columbus, Ga.
Committee on Resolutions—Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, Jackson-
ville, Fla., Chairman; Charles J. Swift, Columbus, Ga.; J. H. Drum-
mond, St. Andrew, Fla.; G. Grosvenor Dawe, Montgomery, Ala.; War-
ren B. Reed, New Orleans, La.; G. A. Waterman, Pensacola, Fla.; Jno.
A. Power, Apalachicola, Fla.
Committee on Nominations—Chas. J. Swift, Columbus, Ga., Chair-
man, and each city represented is to appoint one delegate and report
to the chairman, Mr. Swift, to make up the remaining members of
this Committee.
President Craft: I wish to announce that every locality having
delegates at this convention is entitled to one member on the nomi-
nating committee, and you will please report your selection to the
Chairman, Mr. Chas. J. Swift.
Hon. Rhodes Browne, Mayor, followed by Mr. Leo. Lowenherz,
President of the Board of Trade, both of Columbus, Ga., delivered ad-
dresses of welcome.
Response was made by Hon. S. E. Leigh, of Grantville, Ga.
Address by Hon. W. C. Adamson, member of COTigress, from
Carrollton, Ga.
At 12 o’clock M. the convention adjourned to meet at 2 o’clock
P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION, NOVEMBER 9, 1908.
Address by G. W. Scule, Camp Walton, Fla., subject, “The Rela-
tion of Railroad Rates, the Long and Short Haul, to Water Competing
PointS.”
Secretary Henderson: I move that we send the following tele-
gram to President Roosevelt: “Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, President
of the United States, Washington, D. C. The Gulf Coast Inland
Waterway Association in convention assembled at Columbus, Ga., NO-
vember 9-10, 1908, sends you greetings as the champion for a policy as
to comprehensive improvement of the rivers, harbors, and inland
waterWays of the United States, and an adequate appropriation to
Carry Out Same.
(Signed) “GULF COAST INLAND WATERWAY ASSO.”
This motion was seconded and carried and the secretary instruct-
ed to send the telegram. t
Secretary Henderson: Now Mr. President, if I may have your
ear again, I move that the following telegram be sent to the Hon.
— 18 —
William H. Taft, President-elect of the United States: “Hon. Wm.
H. Taft, President-elect of the United States, Hot Springs, Va. The
Gulf Coast Inland Waterway Association in convention assembled at
Columbus, Ga., November 9-10, 1908, sends you congratulations upon
your expressed policy for the comprehensive improvement of the
rivers, harbors, and inland waterways of the United States, and
adequate appropriation to Carry Out Same.
(Signed) “GULF COAST INLAND WATERWAY ASSO.”
This motion was seconded and carried and the Secretary instruc-
ted to send the telegram to Judge Taft. º
Address by Mr. G. Grosvenor Dawe, of Montgomery, Ala., Secre-
tary Commercial Club, subject, “The Southward Swing of Commerce.”
BY-LAWS.
Secretary Henderson offered the following amendments to the
by-laws: -
Section 2, amend to read: “The membership of this Associa-
tion shall consist of citizens of the United States ,and those connected
With the business or industries of the United States, who may sub-
Scribe to the Constitution and contribute to the support and prosecu-
tion of the objects of this Association.”
Section 10, amend by adding: “And to whom full power is
given as to the manner in which the affairs of the Association shall
be administered. A quorum shall Consist of the members present at
a meeting held in pursuance of call by the President.”
Section 1, amended by inserting after the word “Changed” thereof
the Words “or the By-Laws amended.”
Section 11 add as follows: “The President shall have full
power to fill all the Vacancies that may occur by resignation or other-
Wise in the Offices of the Association, and shall also have the power
to appoint Such person or persons as may be necessary to properly
Carry for Ward and prosecute the work of the Association, reporting
his action in all cases to the Executive Committee. All meetings of
the Executive Committee shall be by the call of the President, coun-
tersigned by the Secretary.”
Section 12 added “prescribing membership dues.”
Section 13 added: “All duly enrolled members shall be entitled
to Vote, as the membership dues paid indicate, one vote for each $2
or multiple thereof.”
Dr. Theop. West, Marianna, Fla.: There may be other changes
from time to time in the Constitution and By-Laws, which it may
seem desirable to make, and I think we should have a committee on
Constitution and By-Laws to Whom these matters can be referred.
President Craft: The Chair Will entertain a motion to raise a
Committee of that kind.
Dr. West: I move that a committee of five be appointed by the
Chair for that purpose. .
The motion was then seconded and carried.
President Craft: I Will name as the members of that committee
Mr. Henderson, as Chairman, Dr. West, Mr. Swift, Mr. Mitchell and
Dr. Smith. The amendments Suggested Will be referred to them to
report back as soon as possible. -
Address by Ex-Congressman Chas. D. Haines, of New York.
Address by Hon. J. H. Drummond, Mayor of St. Andrews, Fla.
Address by Hon. Robert Isham Randolph, Secretary of the Inter-
nal Improvement Commission, of Chicago, Illinois, Subject: “Illinois
Waterway, What it Means to Inland Waterway Development and the
Gulf Coast Inland Waterway in Particular.”
Address by Mr. Geo. A. Waterman, of Pensacola, Fla., Secretary
of Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, subject: “The Purpose of the
Gulf Coast Inland Waterway ASSOciation; Plans for 1909.” -
On motion the afternoon Session Was adjourned.
— 19 —
T H E MUSCO GEE CLUB RECEPTION.
At 6 P. M. the delegates to the convention were tendered a recep-
tion at the Muscogee Club.
Shortly before 8 P. M. the guests departed to the Court H.OOm to
proceed with the evening session of the ConVention.
EVENING SESSION, NOV. 9, 1908.
The evening session was called to order promptly at 8 p. m., Presi-
dent Craft in the Chair.
Address by F. B. Gordon, Columbus, Ga., subject: “Water Power
and Navigation at. Columbus.”
Address by Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, U. S. Senator-elect of Flor-
ida, of Jacksonville, subject: “The Florida Trans-Peninsula Ship
Canal.” .
President Craft: I Wish to make One Or two announcements.
The finance committee to audit the accounts of the Secretary and
Treasurer are Messrs. J. H. Drummond, St. Andrews, Fla.; J. A.
Betjamin, Albany, Ga.; and Mr. G. Grosvenor Dawe, of Montgomery,
Ala.
I wish further to announce that those interested in the formation
of an organization to Work for improvements of the mouth and basin.
of the Apalachicola River and tributaries will meet in the Secretary's
room at 8:30 A. M. tomorrow.
I wish to announce further that nominations for the place to hold
the second annual convention of the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway As-
sociation will be received during the morning session tomorrow.
Address by Hon. M. O. Leighton, Chief Hydrographer of the
United States Geological Survey, of Washington, D. C., subject:
“Federal Policy in Waterways Development.”
The evening session was then adjourned.
MORNING SESSION, NOV. 10, 1908.
The morning session was called to order in the Superior Court
Room at 9 A. M., President Craft in the Chair. .*
Invocation by Rev. S. A. Wragg, D. D.
Secretary Henderson : I wish to make the report of the By-Laws
Committee. The amendments as heretofore read were passed as read
with the exception of one amendment offered. It will save time not
to read these amendments again, and I would suggest that they be
not read except the One to Which I have reference.
President Craft: Unless there is some objection offered, the sug.
gestion of the Secretary will be adopted.
Secretary Henderson: The amendment to the By-Laws with re-
gard to the name of the Association is that “the name be changed to
the Eastern Gulf Coast Inland Waterways Association.”
Mr. Soule, Camp Walton, Fla.: I wish to offer an amendment to
that name, that seems to me to be more indicative of the object of
the Association, and more comprehensive, and that is “Mississippi to
Atlantic Inland Waterway Association.”
The several members of the Committee accepted the suggestion
and Mr. Soule's armendment Was Carried, the namé of the Association
being thereby Changed to
“MISSISSIPPI TO ATLANTIC INLAND WATER WAY
ASSOCIATION.”
The annual report was then made by Mr. Leland J. Henderson, of
Apalachicola, Fla., Secretary of the Association.
OFFICERS.
Col. Swift, Columbus, Ga.; There Was a nominating committee
appointed, and We are reporting to this extent, Mr. President. The
trouble that we had in getting at an understanding about another
President was the attitude of the gentlemen composing the Commit-
tee towards yourself. Mr. Waterman and I gave them the history of
the organization in Mobile, and how reluctant you were on that occa-
sion to accept the presidency, saying, among other things, that you
had a large responsibility on your shoulders as President of the MO-
bile Basin and Tennessee River Improvement ASSOciation, and I pre-
sume you are still president of that Association. (Mr. Craft: Yes
sir.) At any rate it was only after the explanation by Mr. Waterman
and myself that it would be perfectly agreeable for us to select a
success or before we got the committee to agree to a successor, and I
trust, Mr. President, we were entirely correct in this explanation.
Mr. Craft: Yes sir, you were entirely correct. g
Mr. Swift: So we came after disposing of that matter, to the
understanding that we would recommend the Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher
of Jacksonville, Fla., for the next President of the Association. (Ap-
plause.) We further recommend the re-election of the present
efficient Secretary, whose faithful services have been so handsomely
recognized and appreciated by the vote of thanks tendered him; and
also the present Treasurer, Mr. Waterman. The list so far is:
President—Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, Jacksonville, FIa.
Secretary—Leland J. Henderson, Apalachicola, Fla.
Treasurer—G. A. Waterman, Pensacola, Fla.
This is the report as to those three.
Mr. Burnett, Gadsden, Ala.: I desire to state, Mr. President, that
while I had not had the opportunity of conferring with you as to
whether you would accept the re-nomination, We received the assur-
ance of these gentlemen, Who had Conferred with you, that the nomi-
nation was formerly accepted by you under protest and for that reason
your declination of re-nomination would be absolutely imperative.
Only after those statements had been made to us did the committee
onnsent to submit another name for the nomination.
President Craft: That is the attitude, gentlemen. As Mr. Dawe
remarked, this is a great project, and Alabama is interested in its
success, as it is in any other great movement, but I think, in view
of other responsibilities of a similar nature upon me, I am serving
this cause by not accepting further the office of President.
Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, of Jacksonville, Fla., was then duly
elected President, in accordance with the committee's recommen-
dation.
President Craft: I am satisfied that the mantle could not fall On
more worthy shoulders to carry On this great work. -
Mr. Leland J. Henderson, of Apalachicola, Fla., was then duly re-
elected Secretary according to the Committee’s recommendation.
President Craft: I am satisfied that this great Work Will be car-
ried on successfully through the untiring work of our most efficient
Secretary.
Mr. G. A. Waterman, of Pensacola, Fla., was then duly re-elected
Treasurer according to the committee’s recommendation.
President Craft: I hope, Mr. Waterman, that the exchequer may
be full to overflowing and that the funds may be forthcoming to
carry On our great work So Well begun.
Col. Swift, Columbus, Ga.; The next office to be filled was “Vice
President at large.” I believe I will request Mr. Leigh, of Georgia, to
make that report as he took charge of it in the Committee room.
Mr. Leigh, Grantville, Ga.; When it came to the nomination of
a vice-president at large, the committee felt that owing to the untiring
efforts of your fellow . to Winsman, Col. Chas. J. Swift, for the Success
of the Gulf Coast Inland WaterWay he deserved this position not
Only as a compliment to him but because the committee felt that we
could not secure a man not only within the limits of the city of Co-
lumbus but in the entire state of Georgia, who would carry with him .
into this office more enthusiasm than would Col. C. J. Swift, and for
that reason he was unanimously nominated to fill the office of Vice-
President at large of the ASSociation. It becomes my very pleasant
duty, Mr. President, to offer the name of Col. C. J. Swift for this
position of honor and trust, we know that he will fill the position not
only with credit to himself but with untold benefit to our State and
Section. I take pleasure in presenting the name of C. J. Swift for this
position. -
Mr. Leigh then put the motion to elect him, and the Same Was
carried unanimously. Col. Swift, in a brief address, accepted the
Office.
Col. Swift: Mr. President, in the disposition of the matter of
Vice-presidents from the states, each state being entitled to one Vice-
president, the committee were unanimous in recognizing that a Special
honorary vice-presidency should be bestowed upon the President Of
this Association. We who were present with members of the ReSolu-
tions Committee are satisfied that a change in the By-Laws will be
made accordingly, and, in view of the creation of an honorary vice-
presidency, the committee was unanimous in recommendling that that
honor be conferred upon yourself. -
Mr. Waterman, Pensacola: My recollection is that the committee
requested the creation of the office of honorary president and that
Mr. Craft as our first President be elected honorary president. The
question came up in the course Of Thominations for Vice-presidents.
Col. Swift, Columbus: I think, Mr. Waterman, that really was
the understanding. The question coming up so closely in connection
with the selection of a vice-president for Alabama is the case where
the confusion came in I think you are entirely correct, and With that
understanding I will make that report from the Committee.
Col. Swift then put the motion that President Craft be elected
honorary president of the Association, and the same Was carried
unanimously.
President Craft made a speech of acceptance.
Secretary Henderson: I move that the vice-presidents for each
state be read, and voted on as a Whole. This motion was seconded
and carried. -
Col. Swift, Columbus, Ga.; Vice-Presidents were recommended
as follows:
|For Georgia—J. A. Betjamin, Albany, Ga.
Por Florida—J. H. Drummond, St. Andrews, Fla.
JFor Alabama—G. Grosvenor Dawe, Montgomery, Ala.
For Mississippi—Benj. G. Humphreys, Greenville, Miss.
For Louisiana—Warren B. Reed, New Orleans, La.
For Texas—C. S. E. Holland, Victoria, Tex. *
For Illinois—Robt. I. Randolph, Chicago, Ill . .
Mr. Leigh, Grantville, Ga.: I move that these gentlemen be
elected by acclamation. (Seconded.)
Secretary Henderson: Before that motion is put, I Would like
to suggest that the representative of the National Rivers and Harbors
Congress sent here to address this meeting today, Mr. S. A. Thomp-
son, Richmond, Ind., be added to the list of Vice-Presidents, as we
are entitled to Vice-Presidents as representatives Of all WaterWay
ASSOciation.S.
The Committee accepted this amendment to its report and Mr.
Leigh's motion was then put to a vote and carried, and the Vice-Pres-
idents were declared elected.
Col. Swift: Each state puts in nomination its own members of
the Executive Committee. Each State has put in its list, except Geor-
gia, and unless there is some objection, the recommendations of mem-
bers of the Executive Committee from Georgia will be made final as
follows: J. A. Betjamin, Vice-President, F. B. Gordon and Leo Lowen-
berz, the first of Albany, Ga., the others of Columbus, Ga.
The following are members from other states:
Florida—J. H. Drummond, Vice-President, St. Andrews, Fla.; T.
A. Jennings, Pensacola, Fla.; John G. Ruge, Apalachicola, Fla.
Alabama—G. Grosvenor Dawe, Vige-President, Montgomery, Ala.;
H. S. Koelhofer, Montgomery, Ala.; R. A. Mitchell, Gadsden, Ala.
— 22 —
Mississippi—B. G. Humphreys, Vice-President, Greenville, Miss. ;
Gov. E. T. Noel, Jackson, Miss.; E. J. Bowers, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
Louisiana—Warren B. Reed, Vice-President, New Orleans, La.;
Henri L. Gueydan, Gueydan, La.; Leon Locke, Lake Charles, La.
Texas—C. S. E. Holland, Vice-President, Victoria, Tex.; Hugh
Jackson, Beaumont, Tex.
President Craft: Now if the distinguished gentleman of Georgia,
the President-elect, will come forward, we will put him to work.
. A Voice: The gentleman from Florida.
President Craft: From Florida, I should say.
Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher then went up to the platform.
Mr. LOWenherz, Columbus, Ga.: I desire to move that a rising
Vote of thanks be tendered our retiring President for his faithful,
Zealous and most excellent work at both the conventions in Mobile
and in this city. -
This motion was put by Mr. Lowenherz and the convention arose.
President Craft: Gentlemen, I thank you. I now have the
pleasure of presenting to you your newly-elected President, Hon. Dun-
. U. Fletcher, Senator-elect from Florida, of Jacksonville, Fla. (Ap-
plause.)
President Fletcher spoke at some length accepting the office.
Address by Hon. Benj. G. Humphreys, member of Congress,
Greenville, Miss., subject: “River and Harbor Improvements.”
Address by Col. C. H. B. Floyd, of Apalachicola, Fla., subject:
“Apalachicola and the Next Convention of the Gulf Coast Inland Wa-
terway Association.” - t
Address by Dr. W J McGee, Secretary of the Bureau of Soils and
of the National Conservation Commission, Washington, D. C.
The President them announced that the photographer wished to
take a photograph of the convention and that immediately after that
the automobile ride would be taken. The morning Session was then
adjourned. -
CONVENTION PHOTOGRAPH ED.
Immediately after the adjournment of the morning Session the
convention asesmbled upon the front Steps of the Muscogee County
Court House, and a photograph was taken, pursuant to announcement
by the President.
AUTOM OB I LE AND STREET CAR RIDE.
After the photograph of the convention had been taken the dele-
gates filled the automobiles, which were standing at the edge of the
Court House Square. Street cars were provided for the delegates
who did not care to go in the automobiles or who did not have the
Opportunity to get into them before they were all filled.
The delegates were taken to the various points of interest in and
around the beautiful city of Columbus, and they were given an oppor-
tunity to see the wonderful development and the possibilities of “The
Electric City.”
At two o'clock the automobiles landed the delegates at the river
wharf to take the steamer for a trip down the river. -
AFTERNOON SESSION, NOVEMBER 10, 1908.
THE RIVER TRIP.
The steamboat ride down the Chattahoochee was one of the most
interesting and enjoyable features of the convention. The delegates
and guests left the wharf at 2:15 P. M. on the steamer “W. C. Brad-
ley”, which had been kindly tendered the convention for this occasion
by its owners, the Merchants & Planters Steamboat Co., of Columbus.
- The boat had been decorated handsOmely for the trip and pre-
sented a gala appearance. Many small flags were used and the effect
was Striking. In the interior decorations choice cut flowers were
used in beautifying the decks and saloons.
— 23 —
A trip of some twelve miles down the river was made and Was
satisfactory throughout, being devoid of any delay or unpleasant in:
cidents. The river was by no means full but was in a satisfactory
boating condition. -
Delicious refreshments had been provided by the ladies and the
luncheon was served in a charming manner by the girls of the COOk-
ing classes of the Secondary Industrial School. Col. Charles J. Swift,
Chairman of the Columbus committee, Was toastmaster, and dis-
charged the duties of his position in a thoroughly graceful manner.
After the luncheon had been served Col. Swift rapped for Order.
Addresses were made by:
Col. C. H. P. Floyd, Apalachicola, Fla.
Hon. D. U. Fletcher, Jacksonville, Fla.
G. G. Dawe, Montgomery, Ala.
G. A. Waterlman, Pensacola, Fla.
Hon. J. T. Boufeuillett, Macon, Ga.
Leland J. Henderson, Apalachicola, Fla.
Dr. W. J. McGee, Washington, D. C.
The steamer “Bradley” returned to the wharf at 5:30 P. M. after
an excursion that was full of interest and pleasure throughout, and
was one of the most delightful social features of the convention.
EVENING SESSION, NOVEMBER 10, 1908.
On account of it being necessary for the President of the Associa-
tion, Hon. D. U. Fletcher, of Jacksonville, to leave on an early train
in the evening, the convention was called to order by Honorary Pres-
ident Craft at 8 P. M.
Address by Hon. Charles Jewett Swift, of Columbus, Ga., subject,
“The Fourth Estate of Washington’s Firstness. From the Tennessee
to the Coosa, the Greatest Internal Canal Project on the Western
Continent. A Plea for the Return of the Cotton Tax for Southern
Waterways.”
Address by Hon. John A. Betjamin, Albany, Ga., subject, “What
a Certain Short Canal Means to the Western Half of Georgia and the
Eastern Part of Alabama.”
Address by Hon. S. A. Thompson, Field Secretary of the National
Rivers and Harbors Congress, Richmond, Ind., subject, “Economic Im-
portance of Waterways and the Work of our Congress.”
Address by Hon. Charles D. Haines, Ex-Congressman from New
York, subject, “Organization.” -
- Secretary Henderson: I now move that as the authority has
been given by this convention to create a Finance Committee that
that committee be also constituted a Committee on Organization, and
that the COInmittee named be known as “Organization and Finance
Committee.”
This motion Was seconded and Carried.
Secretary Henderson: Mr. President, I also have a Special reso-
lution to offer: “Resolved, that in view of his extreme Jiberality in
donating $100 to the treasury of this Association, in the course of its
first half year of existence, Mr. John G. Ruge, of Apalachicola, Fla.,
is hereby elected an honorary member for life of the Mississippi to
Atlantic Inland Waterway Association.”
This resolution was adopted unanimously.
Secretary Henderson: I am requested, also, Mr. President, to
present this: “The delegates of Apalachicola wish me to express
their sincere thanks to His Honor, The Mayor, the President of the
Board of Trade, the Muscogee Club, the Press, and the Citizens of
Columbus for their kind and courteous treatment of them, while in
the city of Columbus, Ga.”
RESOLUTION S.
The following general resolutions were offered by the Committee
on Resolutions, and adopted:
— 24 —
Columbus, Ga., November 10, 1908.
To the Convention of the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway
Association:
Gentlemen: Your Committee on Resolutions begs to report favor-
ably on the following:
1st. The thanks of this Association are hereby tendered to the
Columbus Board of Trade for the assistance rendered, the admirable
arrangements made for the business of the Association and the enter-
tainment of the members and the various courtesies extended.
2nd. Included in these acknowledgements are the Mayor and Al-
dermen, the Muscogee Club, the Elks, the Y. M. C. A., and the ladies
of the city of Columbus, who have so generously contributed toward
the Work and pleasure of the meeting. &
3rd. That we own indebtedness to Judge S. P. Gilbert for allowing us
the use of the Superior Court Room for our sessions and the marked
consideration thus and otherwise shown the Association.
4th. That we thank the press of the city of Columbus and of the
country for its powerful support and aid. -
5th. That honorary membership in this Association be granted
to the representatives of the press and the speakers at this session,
the names to be furnished to and enrolled by the Secretary.
6th. Be it resolved, That this Association recognizes the great
industry, ability and zeal displayed by the officers, to-wit: The Pres-
ident, Secretary and Treasurer in the efficient services they have ren-
dered, and we cordially thank them for the same. We especially feel
that the Secretary, Leland J. Henderson, on whom has devolved great
labor in connection with the details of the work, is entitled to our
grateful acknowledgements.
7th. That delegates from this Association, not exceeding ten in
number, be appointed by the President and Secretary, to attend the
meetings of , the Interstate Inland Waterway ASSociation at New
Orleans.
8th. That delegates from this Association, not exceeding ten in
number, be appointed by the President and Secretary, to attend the
meeting of the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Association to be held in
Baltimore, Nov. 17-18-19, 1908. -
9th. That the President be authorized to appoint three delegates
from this Association to attend the convention of the Mobile Basin
and Tennessee River Improvement Association, at Mobile, November
23-24, 1908. -
10th. Feeling that the full industrial development of the South-
eastern States must depend on improved transportation facilities, we
favor the adoption and prompt execution of a comprehensive plan of
waterway improvement. We especially favor, and call for as a just
right, the construction of a deep inland waterway along the Eastern
Gulf Coast to connect the Mississippi River with the Atlantic Ocean,
together with the improvement of the Gulf slope in such manner as
to Open new territory to water transportation. We favor the execu-
tion of the work under federal appropriations adequate for prompt and
certain completion of the entire project; and ,in case the state of the
public treasury forbids sufficient appropriations at an early date, we
favor the issuance of bonds in such amount as to insure the comple-
tion of the work in a business-like manner.
In voicing our needs, we appeal to the federal government as Of
a right; and as citizens and as representatives of the citizens of seven
sovereign states we claim consideration and action by Congress in
accordance with the repeated recommendations of the federal adminis.
tration and the united declaration of the governors of all the states of
the nation. *
11th. Resolved, That this convention cordially and unreservedly
approves the work of the National Rivers and Harbors Congress and
endorses the policy advocated by it, and that this association take out
a membership in the National Rivers and Harbors Congress and send
delegates, not exceeding fifty, to the coming convention of the said
— 25 —
congress in Washington, December 9-10-11, 1908, and urgé upon all
municipalities and commercial organizations in the States represented
in this convention to do like Wise.
12th. That this Association authorizes the President to appoint
three members as directors of the National Rivers and Harbors Con-
gress, and ask that these appointees be elected by Said CongreSS;
one from the Chattahoochee River Basin, one from the East Gulf
Coast and one from the Atlantic. Coast of Florida.
13th. Resolved, That the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Water-
way Association urges a comprehensive, business-like System of
caring for and improving rivers and harbors and of extending such
natural advantages by means of connecting canals whenever needed
or justified by prospective requirements of trade between such natural
waters. We specifically endorse and approve the Inland Waterways
Commission.
14th. That this convention heartily endorses the national policy
of conserving all natural resources and especially the sources of Con-
trol of the water supply of inland streams, and to that end advise
that the several. States of the Union legislate with a view to vesting
in the national government sufficient authority above heads of naviga-
tion to adequately protect the rights of posterity as well as the ad-
vantages of the present generation.
15th. That this Association Calls upon the Governors of the
states who have not named delegates to the approaching meeting of
the National Conservation Commission to do so at once, selecting
suitable persons who will attend the meeting and represent the states
from which appointed; and that the President of this Association be
requested and urged to attend said meeting of said National Conser-
vation Commission and the Hon. Napoleon B. Broward, Governor of
Florida, be requested to appoint the President of this Association as
one of the delegates from the State of Florida.
16th. That we unreservedly endorse the project and purposes of
the Southern Commercial Congress to meet in the city of Washing.
ton, December 7-8, 1908, the purpose of said Congress being to
bring to the South itself a clearer understanding of its rich posses-
sions and to bring to the North and the rest of the world a fuller and
and therefore more just appreciation of the resources and opportuni-
ties of the South. Said Congress being open in all of its delibera-
tions, we urge every resident of the Southern states to visit Wash-
ington for this, and the other great events, of the week beginning
Monday, December 7th.
Address by Capt. J. R. Pickett, of Carrabelle, Fla.
The following report was then made by the Committee on Cre-
dentials: “Your Credentials Committee presents as its report the
complete roster of delegates in attendance, numbering 182. Of this
number 104 are reported from Columbus, leaving a balance of 78 from
outlying districtS. Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT IS HAM RANDOLPH, Chairman,
T. J. PRYOR,
L. A. CAMP, Committee.”
The following report of the Executive Committee was then made:
Members of Executive Committee present: Mr. Drummond, Mr.
Betjamin, Mr. Dawe, Mr. Waterman, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Henderson.
On motion of Mr. Dawe, seconded by Mr. Betjamin, the Secretary
was authorized to publish in part, or in whole, the minutes, including
By-Laws and resolutions, in 10,000 booklets.
On motion of Mr. Betjamin, seconded by Mr. Dawe, the Presi-
dent and Secretary were requested to employ a stenographer for regu-
lar services as soon as finances Would permit.
On motion of Mr. Waterman, Seconded by Mr. Dawe, the Execu-
tive Committee were authorized to fix the salary of the Secretary at
$100 per month, payable monthly, as soon as funds are available dur-
ing the year, and the President was authorized to increase the salary
— 26 —
Of the Secretary to $125 per month, if in the judgment of the Presi-
dent the financial condition would permit.
- On motion of Mr. Waterman, seconded by Mr. Randolph, the con-
Struction Was placed upon the By-Laws that, when they refer to annual
dues, the “year” ends with the annual convention. . -
... On motion of Mr. Dawe, seconded by Mr. Waterman, the Presi-
dent and Secretary were authorized to buy whatever office or other
equipments is found necessary for the successful conduct of the af-
fairs of the Association as soon as funds are available.
Invitations for the next convention were received from New Or-
leans, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Apalachicola and Albany. The invita-
tion of Jacksonville was accepted, and the date will be set later by
the Executive Committee.
J. H. DRUMMOND, Chairman pro tem.
ROBERT ISHAM RANDOLPH, Secty.
A short discussion was precipitated by reason of the fact that
Mr. C. D. Haines insisted that the vote of the convention be taken
upon the place for holding the next annual convention, he being an
ardent advocate of New Orleans as the place to hold it.
As a result of this vote, the Convention selected Jacksonville as
the place for holding the next annual convention.
Address by Capt. H. B. Ferguson, U. S. A., of Montgomery, Ala.
Mr. Betjamin, of Albany, Ga., offered a resolution in line with the
idea expressed in his address, to the effect that the Association ask
Congress to make an appropriation to establish a route giving the
Apalachicola River connection with deep Water. No specific route
was mentioned, but it was the impression of the delegates that the
canal route to St. Andrews was the one Mr. Betjamin had in mind.
It was claimed by several delegates that it was not proper for
the Association to urge any particular project, but simply to work in
a general way for an inland WaterWay route along the Gulf Coast and
across the Florida Peninsula. On the other hand Mr. Betjamin and
Mayor Drummond, of St. Andre WS, Fla., insisted that it would be
entirely proper for the Association to ask for an appropriation for
work of this character—work, which is simply one link in the chain of
improvements advocated by the body. . .
Upon the vote being Cast, there Were Only nineteen delegates in
the hall, and ten of those voted against the resolution, and nine for it.
Prsident Craft: Anyhow, I think this whole thing is out of order,
and I rule it out of Order. * -
Mr. Betjamin, Albany, Ga.: I appeal from the decision of the
Chair. My resolution is not out of Order.
The chair was sustained.
. The following resolution was offered by Mr. Waterman: “Re
solved, That the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association
advocates an organization of Committees selected by all the Water-
way Associations, but is unwilling to merge membership with said or-
ganizations.” -
This resolution Was adopted.
The following resolution was also offered by Mr. Waterman and
adopted: “Resolved, That the Legislatures of the several states rep-
resented in this Association be urged to memorialize Congress to ap-
propriate sufficient funds to carry Out the project advocated by this
Association.” .
The following resolution was also offered by Mr. Waterman and
adopted: “Resolved, That the President of this Association be in-
Structed to appoint a committee of not less than five to proceed to
Washington at the earliest practicable date, with data bearing upon
our project, in order to lay the matter properly before the Rivers and
Harbors Committee of Congress.”
There being no further business before the convention, a motion
was made to adjourn, and at 1:15 A. M., November 11th, 1908, the
— 27 —
first annual convention of the Gulf Coast Inland WaterWay Associa-
tion, now the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association,
adjourned.
DELE GATES IN ATT EN DANCE.
The delegates registered as attending the convention at Columbus
as follows:
S. E. Leigh, Grantville, Ga.
F. J. Dudley, Columbus, Ga.
J. T. Cooper, Columbus, Ga.
Dr. J. P. McFerrin, Columbus, Ga.
G. W. Stradman, Columbus, Ga.
R. A. Ryder, Columbus, Ga.
J. A. Power, Apalachicola, Fla.
A. B. Gibson, Apalachicola, Fla.
H. D. Marks, Apalachicola, Fla.
Chas. Doyle, Apalachicola, Fla.
D. U. Fletcher, Jacksonville, Fla.
S. A. Thompson, Richmond, Ind.
G. A. Waternlan, Pensacola, Fla.
C. W. Mizell, Columbus, Ga.
"W. D. Murray, Ellaville, Ga.
G. O. Berry, Columbus, Ga.
R. I. Randolph, Chicago, Ill.
R. A. Mitcheil, Gadsden, Ala.
J. L. Burnett, Gadsden, Ala.
T. E. Mash, Carrabelle, Fla.
J. H. Hoffman, Carrabelle, Fla.
J. H. Hoffman, Apalachicola, Fla.
G. W. Soule, Camp Walton, Fla.
Nelson Tift, Albany, Ga.
J. A. Betjamin, Albany, Ga.
G. G. Dawe, Montgomery, Ala.
T. J. Pryor, Mary Esther, Fla.
J. H. Drummond, St. Andrews, Fla.
|H. W. Key, Capt. J. J. Slade, C. J. Swift, Hon. Rhodes Browne,
Leo. Lowenherz, J. T. Davis, L. A. Camp, F. B. Gordon, W. G. Love,
L. T. Bowden, E. M. Seabrook, M. E. Markman, L. H. Chappell, G. G.
Jordan, W. C. Bradley, R. Howard, John Flournoy, Harry Williams,
Robt. Reid, G. B. Whitesides, E. P. Dismukes, W. L. Bullard, T. L.
Gruzard, J. S. Jenkins, W. A. Kline, O. S. Jordan, M. A. Cook, W. E.
Marcrum, W C. Lawrence, W. C. Cort, G. W. Sheridan, W. A. Little,
Melville Strauss, H. R. Goetchius, Judge G. Y. Tigner, Arthur Bussey,
J. A. Kirven, Dan Joseph, C. I. Groover, R. W. Page, Dr. I. S. McElroy,
Dr. Ashby Jones, Dr. F. L. Rosenthal, Dr. Guyton Fisher, Father H.
Schlenke, Robt. Joerg, W. R. Blanchard, R. A. Ryder, I. I. Yarbrough,
Edward Swift, F. G. Lumpkin, F. E. Lummus, W. L. Lott, J. A.
Mitchell, Walter Rigby, Fred Tibbs, J. F. Bleecher, J. F. Pou, Jr.,
Judge S. P. Gilbert, Frank Springer, Frank Thompson, A. J. Teague,
W. D. Affleck, Chas. Brown, E. F. Roberts, J. A. Baird, C. B. Grimes,
Geo. Pierce, J. L. Treadaway, Rev. S. A. Wragg, H. L. Woodruff, H.
Sternberg, R. J. Hunter, Albert Shields, J. R. Cargill, W. J. Diegaun,
Dr. J. H. McDuffie, Dr. C. A. Dexter, E. N. Everette, W. D. Britt, C.
R. Johnson, Henry Crawford, T. E. Golden, T. W. Smith, C. L. Per-
kins, E Phillips, J W. Singleton, Columbus Roberts, B .H. Hardaway,
Henry Spang, R. P. Spencer, J. M. Bivins, R. W. Swope, J. J. Slade,
T. J. Hunt, Frank Reich, Jno. Martin, D. Rothchild, O. C. Bullock, C.
B. Gibson, J. B. Tarver, W. S. Sheppard, F. J. Dudley, J. T. Cooper,
Ed. Racine, of Columbus, Ga.
Dr. C. H. Smith, Arcadia, Fla.
C. H. B. Floyd, Apalachicola, Fla.
James R. Pickett, Carrabelle, Fla.
Dr. Theo. West, Marianna, Fla.
J. V. Sackett, Jacksonville, Fla.
28
M. L. Dusten, Columbus, Ga.
W. J. Bush, Colquitt, Ga.
W. H. Alexander, Blakely, Ga.
R. L. McKenzie, St. Andrews, Fla.
J. T. Gwaltney, St. Andrews, Fla.
Morton Rynearson, St. Andrews, Fla.
W. H. Luttrell, Waverly Hall, Ga.
Van Marcus, Columbus, Ga.
J. T. Kirby, Newnan, Ga.
. Hood, Columbus, Ga.
Snelson, Harris, Ga.
Cook, Hamilton, Ga.
Drakeford, Tuskegee, Ala.
Leslie, Tuskegee, Ala.
Kealhofer, Montgomery, Ala.
Haines, New Orleans, La.
Summerkamp, Girard, Ala.
Chandler, Juniper, Ga.
Humphreys, Greenville, Miss.
Pruitt, Hurtsboro, Ala.
. Owens, Hurtsboro, Ala.
Goetchius, Rome, Ga.
. Hickey, Lumpkin, Ga.
. H. Lind, Apalachicola, Fla.
W. T. Donaldson, Carrabelle, Fla.
Gordon Murrah, Chipley, Fla.
Leland J. Henderson, Apalachicola, Fla.
Financial statement for year ending November 3,
ExPENDITUREs.
Printing
Stenography
Postage
Telegrams and Express
Office Incidentals
Total
RECEIPTS.
From membership, fees and Subscriptions
e e s a e s e s a e e s = e < * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
& # * * * * * * * * * e g tº tº gº tº ſº º º º
• - - - - - - - - - - - - - * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
e is º e º 'º e º e º 'º º ºs e s is a e s ∈ is e e s s e e
1908:
$285.43
156.00
391.'('ſ
$893.46
37.04
$930.50
$930.50
— 29 —
By order of the Executive Committee after consultation with the
Jacksonville Board of Trade the date for the Jacksonville convention
of the Association was fixed for November 15-16-17, 1909.
SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION.
MORNING SESSION, NOVEMBER 15, 1909.
The second annual convention of the Mississippi to Atlantic In-
land Waterway Association convened in the auditorium of the Jack-
sonville Board of Trade Building at Jacksonville, Florida, Monday,
November 15, 1909.
Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, U. S. Senator from Flerida, President
of the Association, called the convention to order at 10 A. M.
Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Albert J. Coleman, of Jack-
sonville, Fla.
Addresses of welcome on behalf of the city of Jacksonville were
delivered by Hon. W. A. Bours, President of the Board of Trade,
and Hon. W. S. Jordan, Mayor of Jacksonville.
Address of Welcome was delivered on behalf of the State Of
Florida by Hon. A. W. Gilchrist, Governor of Florida, of Tallahassee.
Response was made and also annual address delivered by
Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, President of the Association, of Jackson-
ville, Fla.
The annual report of the Treasurer, G. A. Waterman, of Pensa-
Cola, Fla., was made as follows:
- Office of the Treasurer.
Pensacola, Fla., Nov. 4, 1909.
Duncan U. Fletcher, President, and Officers and Members of the
Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association.
Gentlemen: I have the honor, as Treasurer, to report as follows:
Nov. 1, 1908, balance shown in annual report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 37.04
Collections by Treasurer reported to the Secretary October
31, 1909 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541.00
Remitted by Secretary Oct. 31, 1909. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1218.90 -
Less Pensacola Coms. previously deducted, remit-
ted for deposit and then credited to treasurer 23.40
- $1,195.50
Remitted by Secretary prior to Oct. 31, 1909, and
rec’d. by Treasurer after Oct. 31, 1909 . . . . . . . . 557.50–$1,753.00
Total receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,331.04
CounterSigned for payment . . . . . . . . . . s e º ſº º 4 º' 4 & tº $ tº e º 'º - 0 e º tº g 2,327.89
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.15
Respectfully,
G. A. WATERMAN, Treasurer.
The appointment of the Committees on nominations, credentials,
and resolutions was announced by the President, as follows:
Committee on Nominations—J. H. Drummond, P. K. Yonge, J. W.
Caldwell, J. A. Johnson, J. A. Flournoy, Capt. F. A. Hendry, W. O
McGowan, J. R. Pickett, E. W. Spencer, J. A. Power, J. M. Mallory.
Committee on Credentials—W. A. Bours, W. S. Jordan, C. J. Swift,
J. H. Drummond, A. J. Mickler.
Committee on Resolutions—G. A. Waterman, J. P. Taliaferro, C.
O. McLaughlin, John P. Jones, B. F. McMillan, W. B. C. Duryee, F. A.
Fleming, W. S. Hill, J. H. Ostendorff, T. H. Mitchell, T. J. L. Borwne,
W. H. Sebring.
The morning Session Was then adjourned.
_."
— 30 —
AFTERNoon session, November 15, 1909.
The President, Duncan U. Fletcher, called the convention to order
at 1:30 P. M. *
r The President then announced the appointment of the following
Committees:
Committee on Organization—T. J. L. Browne, J. J. Keeley, Capt.
L. Johnson, S. H. Gaitskill and G. A. Waterman. -
Committee on Auditing—J. H. Norton, F. M. Long, F. A. LOWry,
Col. Weeks, S. R. Williams.
Address by Hon. Frank Clarke, member of Congress of Florida,
Gainesville, Fla., subject, “Florida.”
Address by Hon. Jos. E. Ransdell, President of the National
Rovers and Harbors Congress, Providence, La., subject, “The National
Rivers and Harbors Congress.”
The Secretary moved that the following telegram be sent to the
President Of the United States: -
“November 15, 1909.
“President of the United States, Washington, D. C.
“The Missisippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association in meet-
ing convened sends greetings. By resolution passed today two hun-
dred delegates will be sent to the United States Congress meeting in
December, to ask that Congress enact laws to provide as a part of the
country’s comprehensive system an inland WaterWay from the Missis-
sippi River to the Atlantic Ocean. .
“LELAND J. HENDERSON, Secretary.”
The motion was seconded and carried. -
The Secretary then moved that the Resolutions Committee draft
a resolution appointing delegates representing this Association to the
number of two hundred to present the formal resolutions of the con-
vention to the proper U. S. officials, urging upon the government the
building of an inland waterway from the Mississippi River to the At-
lantic Ocean.
The two hundred members of this Committee are also to be made
by this resolution delegates representing the Mississippi to Atlantic
Inland Waterway Association, to the Southern Commercial Congress
which meets in Washington Dec. 6-7-8, 1909, and to the National Rivers
and Harbors Congress, which meets same place December 8-9-10, 1909.
This motion was duly seconded and carried.
Address by Hon. W. A. Blount, Pensacola, Fla., subject, “What
the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Will do for the develop-
ment of West Florida Commerce and Agriculture.”
Address by J. H. Drummond, Mayor of St. Andrews, Fla., subject,
“Indifférence Worse than Opposition.”
Reports of committees. -
The Committee on Credentials through its Chairman, Mr. W. A.
Bours, read the following report, which Was adopted and Ordered
Spread upon the minutes: s
Delegates in attendance, 210.
Members in attendance, 119.
Representing ten states. The states represented being: Virginia,
South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
Ohio, Colorado and Oregon.
The towns and cities represented are:
FLORIDA.
Raiford, Orange Park, Ft. Meyers, Holder, Moss Bluff, Okehumpka,
Tavares, Lloyd, Plant City, St. Augustine, Branford, Marietta, Old
Town, Duval, Ybor City, Oxford, Welaka, DeFuniak Springs, Hender-
son, Waller, Rockwell, Gulf. Hammock, Mt. Dora, Sumatra, Melrose,
Reddick, Aripeka, Como, Boca Grande, Callahan, Ocala, Jacksonville,
Mt. Verde, Captiva, Norwalk, Green Cove Springs, Apalachicola, La-
Belle, Trilby, Panama Park, Hildreth, Tampa, Archer, Dowling Park,
— 31 —
| !
Sanibel, Palatka, Homestead, Bradentown, Juniper, Hibernia, Sander-
Son, Brooker, Fairbanks, High Springs, McIntosh, DeLand, Daytona,
Buffalo Bluff, Eustis, Perry, Glencoe, Bartow, Imokolee, Carrabelle,
AStabula, Astor, Minneola, Tiger Bay, St. Andrews, Thonotos assa,
Dade City, Leesburg, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Riverland, Fernandina,
Pablo Beach, Bascom, Ft. George, Montezuma, Olustee, Live Oak,
Mºvie Jasper, Interlachen, Drifton, Starke, Monticello, Citra, San-
Ord. - ſ
GEORGIA.
Columbus, Savannah, Macon, St. Marys.
ALABAM.A.
Stockton, Mobile, Dothan. º
LO U | SIAN A.
Shreveport, New Orleans, St. Francisville.
M | SSISSIPPI.
Pass Christian.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Charleston.
O REGON.
Portland.
COLOR ADO.
Carson City.
OHIO.
Columbus. -
Address by C. J. Swift, of Columbus, Ga., subject, “LeMoynes'
History, the Genesis of American History on the St. Johns.”
Address by Mrs. Juliette Crompton, of Columbus, Ga., subject,
“The Sorosial Privilege and Duty.”
EVENING SESSION, NOVEMBER 15TH, 1909, 8 P. M.
Piano, Music March, Lohengrin—Miss Katherine Baily.
Address by Capt. J. R. Pickett, Carrabelle, Fla.
Address by Mrs. Frank E. Jennings, of Jacksonville, Fla., subject,
“Water Way Improvement as a Grateful Utilization of Natural Advan-
tages.”
MORNING SESSION, NOV. 16, 1909, 9 A. M.
The President: The Secretary will read a paper which has been
sent in by a speaker appearing upon the program Who is unable to be
With us.
Paper read, from Hon. J. Hampton Moore, subject, “The Atlantic
Coast Inland Waterways.”
Address by Capt. W. L. Seddon, Chief Engineer of the S. A. L. R.
R., subject, “The Improvement of our Waterways, the Development of
Power Therefrom, and Waterway Transportation Co-ordinate with
Railway Transportation.” .
Address by John Paul Jones, of Columbus, Ohio, subject, “The
Importance of the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway to the
Nation.” -
AFTER NOON SESSION, NOV. 16, 1909, 2 P. M.
Address by Mr. C. L. Peek, of Starke, Fla. . . .
T. J. L. Browne, of Hillsborough County, Submitted a blue print
and description of a ship canal through the Peninsula of Florida,
utilizing the St. Johns River to its source thence across the pen insula
of the State to the head waters of Streams emptying into the Gulf. '
It was ascertained that a route could be traversed by a steam launch
drawing several feet of water the entire distance from the Atlantic
to the Gulf of Mexico, via Jacksonville and Tampa, with a portage of
— 32 —
Only about twenty miles, a launch from the Southern side of Lake
Apopka having successfully made such a cruise last Summer.
It was announced by the President that the Association could not
at this time commit itself to any proposed route for a ship canal
until after that route had been determined by the United States
Government Engineers; that preliminary surveys for the purpose of
fixing and determining the feasibility of such a waterway were Tow
being made by the Government for the purpose of compiling data and
estimates of cost of construction; that it was the intention of the
Government to survey all feasible routes, and gather all data possible;
that all communications would be referred to the Resolutions Com-
mittee relating to routes, for such action as in the judgment of the
Committee was expedient at this time, but he doubted greatly the
propriety of consideration of proposed routes for a ship canal until
the data being compiled under the government surveys was made
available.
Address by Hon. N. B. Broward, Ex-Governor of Florida, of Jack-
sonville, Fla., subject, “Twenty Years' Increase in Commerce, Com-
pared with Increase in Facilites and Cost of Transportation by Rail
and Water.” n
Secretary read paper by Hon. W. P. Thompson, of Bellingham,
Wash., originator of the Mobile and Mississippi Waterway.
Secretary read paper by Hon. J. F. Coleman, Consulting Engineer,
of New Orleans, La., subject, “The Effect of the Mississippi to At-
lantic Inland Waterway on the Development of Gulf Ports and Transit
Points.”
Paper was then read from Mr. G. F. Miles, Vice-President of the
Florida Coast Line Canal Co., subject, “Description of Inland Water-
way Between Jacksonville and Key West.”
EVENING SESSION, NOV. 16, 1909, 8 P. M.
Music, Piano, March Grotesque—Miss Gladys Richardson.
Solo—Mrs. J. C. Darby.
Paper was then read from Mrs. S. T. Sistrunk, of Ocala, Fla., sub-
ject, “Art of the Water Front.”
Paper from Hon. Herbert K. Smith, Commissioner of Corpora-
tions, Washington, D. C., was read, subject, “Remedy for the Deca-
dence Of Commerce on American Waterways.” -
Paper by O. L. Frisbee, Vice-President of the Atlantic Deeper Wa-
terways Association, was then read to the convention, subject, “New
Hampshire and the Atlantic Coast Canal.”
Address by Capt. Geo. R. Spaulding, U. S. Engineer, of Jackson-
ville, Fla., subject, “Engineering Features of a Canal Across the State
Of Florida.”
Address by Hon. T. J. L. Browne, Mayor of Tampa, Fla., subject,
“Free or Toll Waterway, and the Benefits to the West Coast of the
Florida, Peninsula to be derived from the Mississippi to Atlantic In-
land Waterway.”
Address by Mrs. Hoyle Tomkies, President of the Woman's Na-
tional Rivers & Harbors Congress, of Shreveport, La., subject, “What
the Woman’s National Rivers and Harbors COngress Wants.”
Address by Hon. Jno. M. Parker, President of the Southern Com-
mercial Congress, of New Orleans, La., Subject, “The Southern Com-
mercial Congress and its Relationship to Southern Projects such as
the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway.” -
Report of Secretary, Leland J. Henderson, of Apalachicola, Fla.,
was then made.
MoRNING SESSION, NOV. 17TH, 1909, 9 A. M.
President Fletcher: The convention will hear the report of the
Committees. .
The Resolution Committee presented the following report, which
was read and adopted by Sections, thereupon adopted as a whole and
Ordered of record upon the minutes of the association,
— 33 —
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
The following resolutions, submitte by the Resolutions Committee,
were adopted:
Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 17, 1909.
“Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, President, and Memmbers, Mississippi to
Atlantic Inland Waterway ASSOciation.
“Gentlemen: Your Committee on Resolutions reports favorably
upon the following resolutions, and recommend their adoption:
“Resolved, That feeling the full industrial development of the
Southeastern States must depend on improved transportation facili-
ties, we favor the adoption and prompt execution of a comprehensive
plan of waterway improvement. We especially favor and call for, as
a just right, the construction of a deep inland waterway along the
Eastern Gulf Coast, to connect the Mississippi River with the Atlantic
Ocean, together with the improvement of the Gulf slope rivers, in such
manner as to open new territory to water transportation. We favor
the execution of the work under federal appropriations adequate for
prompt and certain completion of the entire project, and, In case the
state of the public treasury forbids sufficient appropriations at an early
date, we favor the issuance of bonds in such amount as to insure the
completion of the work in a business-like way.
“In voicing our needs, we appeal to the federal government as of
right; and as citizens and as representatives of the citizens of ten sov-
ereign states, we claim consideration and action by Congress in accord-
ance with the repeated recommendations of the federal administration
and the united declaration of the governors of all the States of the
nation.
“Rsolved, That this convention cordially and unreservedly ap-
proves the policy and the work of the National Rivers and Harbors
Congress, and urges all commercial bodies and all municipalities in
the states represented in this, the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland
Waterway Association, to join Said congress and to send delegates to
its ºual convention in the city of Washington on December 8, 9
and 10.
“Resolved, That the President of this Association appoint 200
delegates from this Association to attend the Southern Commercial
Congress and the National River's and Harbors Congress in the city
of Washington on December 6 and 7 and December 8, 9 and 10, re-
spectively, and to present to the president of the United States, to the
president of the Senate, and to the speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives such of these resolutions as bear on rivers, harbors and in-
land waterways and question of federal policy.
“Resolved, That the Mississippi, to the Atlantic Inland. Waterway
Association endorses a comprehensive, business-like system of caring
for and improving rivers and harbors and of extending such natural
advantages by means of connecting canals whenever needed or jus-
tified by prospective requirements of trade between such natural
waters. We specially approve and endorse the Inland Waterways
Commission.
“Resolved, That this convention heartily endorses the national
policy of conserving all natural resources, and especially the sources
of control of the Water supply of inland streams, and to that end ad-
vise that the Several states of the Union legislate with a view to Vest-
ing in the national government Sufficient authority above heads of
navigation to adequately protect the rights of posterity as well as the
advantages of the present generation.
“Resolved, That we unreservedly endorse the project and purposes
of the Southern Commercial Congress, and that we congratulate the
nation, and especially the South, upon its splendid work in bringing
the South to a clearer understanding of its rich possessions and in
bringing to the North and the rest of the world a fuller, and there-
fore better and juster, appreciation of the resources and opportunities.
— 34 —
of the South. We commend the administration of the Southern COm-
mercial Congress to date, and voice our confidence in its purposes, its
plans and its management. Said congress being open in all of its
deliberations, we urge every resident of every Southern state to Visit
the national capital and attend the second annual convention of Said
Southern Commercial Congress on December 6 and 7 in the city of
Washington. w * *
“Resolved, That waterfront facilities are an essential factor in
adequate water transportation, and that therefore all state and local
authorities should devise ways and means to provide all WaterWayS
and harbors with whatever terminal facilities the commerce of Said
Waterways and harbors demands, and do so under . Some System of
public control that would turn to further development of facilities for
the further benefit of commerce and profits accruing from the oper-
ation of said facilities; and also, that state and local authorities in
granting franchise rights on water frontage or in permitting, private
use of water frontage should exercise the greateast caution to prevent
Water frontage from being so occupied or so used as to foster Special
or private interest, either personal or corporate, at the undue expense
of commerce, and from being so occupied or so used as to lessen or
hamper the development of water frontage in the general interests of
COIn Iſle I’Ce. -
“Resolved, That this convention wishes to acknowledge in this
manner the debt of gratitude due Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, President,
Leland J. Henderson, Secretary, and G. A. Waterman, Treasurer, by
a vote of the convention for their unremitting zeal and effective lead-
ership. While workers in the ranks demand their share of credit,
special credit is due those who by their qualities of leadership and
their zeal direct and crystalize the support of individuals into effective
results. º -
“Resolved, That the Jacksonville Board of Trade deserves
encomiums for the healthful example it has set other cities in conven-
tion work. With its splendid Opportunity to use a convention crowd
for the exploitation of Jacksonville, it brushed aside such temptation
and devoted its energies principally to the raising of funds well in ad-
vance of the convention to be applied to the work of creating in the
Convention that interest which Would bring large numbers of dele-
gates without promises of lavish entertainment, and thus applied the
funds raised to the 'enlightening of new Workers in the ranks and to
the increasing of the number of those whose own zeal will spread to
others and thus promote greatly the cause for which the convention
'Stands.
“Resolved, That the Columbus Ledger and Major Charles J. Swift,
the originator and special editor of the special waterway edition of the
Columbus Ledger, have earned the gratitude of friends of the Mis-
sissippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway for both the publicity given by,
and the revenue resulting from, said special edition.
“Resolved, That this convention heartily appreciates the great
service rendered the cause of Southern progress by the Washington
Herald in establishing its special Southern progress section, and
opening its columns gratuitously to matter furnished by Southern com-
mercial bodies for educational publicity of the advantages, resources
and progress of all points and all sections in the South.
EXPRESSED APPRECIATION.
“Resolved, That we thank the Jacksonville Board of Trade for the
use of its auditorium and rooms and for the entertainment it so gen-
erously provided for the delegates;
“We thank the mayor and people of Jacksonville for courtesies
extended and for the material assistance rendered toward the work
of the COInvention ; -
“We thank the governor for his Support and attendance and en-
couragement; • * . . . . . . . . . .
— 35 —
“We thank the Woman's Club of Jacksonville and the ladies indi-
vidually for their gracious presence, delightful music and cordial co-
operation, which added greatly to the enjoyment of the meetings;
“We thank the Florida Times-Union and the Metropolis and the
press generally for the full reports of the convention and the dissem:
ination of data bearing on the work of the ASSociation;
“We thank the Woman’s National Rivers and Harbors CongreSS,
its worthy president and her co-workers, who took active part in Our
proceedings and contributed vastly by their splendid addresses to the
Success of the convention; -
“We thank the National Rivers and Harbors Congress and its
patriotic president for the able address he delivered and the CO-Op-
eration assured;
“We thank the Southern Commercial Congress and its able and
public-spirited president for his attendance and admirable address;
“We thank each and every of the speakers, who, at their own
expense and at no small sacrifice, prepared addresses full of instruc-
tion of great use and benefit in our cause, and all those who mani-
fested interest by taking part in the exercises or otherwise for their
support, that We are gratified with the accomplishments of the Con-
Vention, and are determined to move forward in the great purposes of
this Association with renewed zeal and increased energy.
of FICERs.
The Committee on Nomination presented the following nomina-
tions, the Officers therein nominated by the Committee being unani-
mously elected. - ... " " .
|Upon the presentation of Senator Fletcher for re-election as PreS-
ident of the Association, the President questioned the propriety of his
Te-election, inasmuch as he would have to pass upon the matter in
another capacity, and asked the convention and Committee to with-
draw his name from nomination, thus avoiding the possibility of
Criticism or charge of bias in a matter of so much importance to the
Country at large. The subject was discussed in open convention, and,
it being shown that various members of the House and Senate were
Tlow actively serving in similar capacities throughout the country,
notably the Hon. Jos. E. Ransdell, President of the National Rivers
and Harbors Congress, whereupon the vote upon the nomination of
Senator Fletcher for President was put, and after a rising vote of the
entire Convention, he was declared re-elected as President of the ASSO-
Ciation.
The President in acknowledgement of the honor conferred by the
ASSociation by re-electing him as President said that it was entirely
unnecessary for him to give further assurance of his best endeavors
in the great Work for the benefit of the nation, which would at all
times receive his best efforts, provided, however, that should the time
arrive in his judgment that it was best that his presidency in the
Association cease, that he should be at liberty to tender fils resigna-
tion.
The Nominating Committee presented the following further nom-
inations for officers of the Association for the ensuing year, all of
which being put to a vote were declared unanimously elected:
“Jacksonville, Fla., November 17, 1909.
“Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention:
“Your committee begs to report the following nominations:
“For President, Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, Jacksonville, Fla.
“For Secretary, Mr. Leland J. Henderson, Apalachicola, Fla.
“For Treasurer, Mr. G. A. Waterman, Pensacola, Fla.
“For Honorary President, Capt. John Craft, Mobile, Ala. -
“For Vice-President at large, Major Charles J. Swift, Columbus,
Ga. -
“For Honorary Vice-Presidents at large, Mr. John E. Stillman,
Pensacola, Fla.; Hon. William G. Brantley, Brunswick, Ga.; Hon. W. A.
Bours, Jacksonville, Fla. - - - - - - - - - -
— 36 —
“For Vice-Presidents, who shall be chairman of the State Com-
mittees in their respective States:
“For Georgia, Mr. W. O. McGowin, St. Marys, Ga.
“For Florida, Mr. J. H. Drummond, St. Andrews, Fla.
“For Alabama, Mr. L. G. Biggers, Dothan, Ala.
“For Mississippi, Mr. R. L. Simpson, Gulfport, Miss.
“For Louisiana, Mr. John M. Parker, New Orleans, La.
“For Texas, Mr. C. S. E. Holland, Victoria, Texas.
“For Illinois, Mr. Robert Isham Randolph, Chicago, Ill.
“For Indiana, Mr. S. A. Thompson, Richmond, Ind.
“For Ohio, Mr. Paul Jones, Columbus, Ohio.
“For Colorado, Mr. W. H. Trout, Carson City, Col.
“For Oregon, Mr. E. W. Spencer, Portland, Ore.
“For South Carolina, Mr. J. Hernie Ostendorff, Charleston, S. C.
“Vice-Presidents from Waterway Associations:
“For Woman’s National Rivers and Harbors Congress, Mrs. J.
Hoyle Tomkies, of Shreveport, La.
“For Waterway Department of Federation of Women's Clubs, Mrs.
Frank E. Jennings, Jacksonville, Fla.
“For Executive Committee, Mr. Leo Loewenherz, Columbus, Ga.;
Capt. L. Johnson, St. Marys, Ga.; F. A. Hendry, Fort Myers, Fla.; Hon.
T. J. L. Browne, Tampa, Fla.; Mr. Charles B. Hervey, Mobile, Ala.;
Mr. B. F. McMillan, Stockton, Ala.; Hon. E. F. Noel, Jackson, Miss.;
Mr. Benjamin G. Humphries, Greenville, Miss., and the several Vice-
Presidents.”
The Organization Committee made a report Which Was adopted.
Report follows:
BY-LAWS.
First—The name of the Association shall be Mississippi to At-
lantic Inland Waterway Association. The name may be changed, or
the by-laws amended, at any regular meeting of the Association by a
majority vote of the members present in person or by proxy.
Second—The membership of the Association shall consist of citi-
zens of the United States or those connected with the business or in-
dustries of the United States who may subscribe to these by-laws and
Contribute to the support and prosecution of the Objects of this AsSO-
ciation.
Third—At meetings of the members of this Association or the
Executive Committee, members may vote by proxy if not personally
present. -
Fourth—The Object of this Association is to work for the con-
Struction of an inland waterway connecting the Mississippi and Apa-
lachicola Rivers, thence across the Florida peninsula to the Atlantic
and the improvement of the laterals and tributaries thereto.
Fifth–Officers of this Association shall be a President, a Vice-
President at large, a Secretary and 'a Treasurer, who shall hold office
for one year, or until their successors are elected and qualified to
serve, and also one Vice-President from each of the States of Georgia,
Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and from all other
States represented in the membership of the ASSOciation, and also one
Vice-President from each Waterway Association that may become con-
nected here with. -
Sixth-The duty of the President shall be to preside at meetings,
to promote the important work of this Association and have general
'supervision of the other officers of the Association.
Seventh—The duty of the Secretary shall be to attend all meet-
ings of the Association or Executive Committee. He shall be paid
his traveling expenses in attending meetings. He shall keep the min-
utes of the Association and of the Executive Committee in his office.
He shall keep a record of all funds of the Association and remit same
to the treasurer, and shall render a Statement of receipts and pay-
‘ments at each annual meeting of the members, and to the Executive
Committee when called on to do so.
Eighth—The duty of the Treasurer shall be to deposit all funds
of the Association in bank and to make payments on Warrants Signed
by the President and Secretary.
Ninth—The money of the ASSOciation shall be paid out on war-
rants signed by the President and Secretary to pay for routine admin-
istration expenses. The traveling expenses of members of the Exec-
utive Committee while attending meetings may be paid out of this
fund, also, the traveling expenses of delegates to Washington. -
Tenth— (a) There shall be an Executive Committee consisting Of
the President, the Vice-President at large, the Secretary, the Treas-
urer, the several state Vice-Presidents, and two other members from
each state entitled to a state Vice-President. The state Vice-President
and the other two members from each state shall be selected for, and
designated to, the Nominating Committee by the members present
from said state at the annual convention of the Association.
(b) The Executive Committee shall have full authority to order
expenditures for the Association, and to decide the manner and pur-
poses for which the moneys of the Association shall be expended, and
to carry out the directions and purposes of the Association, and shall
have full power as to the manner in which the affairs of this Asso-
ciation shall be administered.
(c) A quorum of the Executive Committee shall Consist Of the
members present in pursuance of a call by the President, counter-
signed by the Secretary.
Eleventh—There shall be a State Committee in every state en-
titled to a state Vice-President, and said State Committee shall consist
of the State Vice-President as chairman, the two state members of the
Executive Commitee, and one member from each county having One
or more members of the Association. Said State Vice-President and
other members of the State Committee shall be elected by the members
from said State present at the annual convention of the Association.
The State Vice-President shall fill by appointment any vacancy occur-
ring in the State Committee, -
Twelfth–It shall be the duty of each member of the Executive
Committee and of each member of the State Committee to canvass
for memberships, and subscriptions from boards of trade, civic bodies
and other organizations, throughout the territory affected. He shall
promptly remit to the Secretary the names and amounts of all mem-
berships and subscriptions collected.
Thirteenth—The President shall have power to fill by appointment
any vacancy that may occur in the offices or Executive Committee, and
shall have power to fill any other vacancy that may occur at any time
and remain unfilled by reason either of failure to provide specifically
for filling of same or by failure of State Vice-Presidents to fill vacancies
when empowered to do so. The President shall also have power to
appoint Such person or persons as may be necessary to properly carry
forward and prosecute the work of the Association, reporting his
action to the Executive Committee.
Fourteenth—The fees for membership in the Association shall be
as follows:
Individual membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2.00
Firms or corporations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00
Organizations, 400 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.50
Organizations, 400 to 600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00
Organizations, 600 to 1,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37.50
Organizations over 1,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00
and Shall entitle the payer to membership for the fiscal year ending
With the close of each annual convention of the Association.
— 38 —
The Auditing Committee. Imade the following report:
- Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 17, 1909.
From Nov. 3, 1908, to Oct. 31st, 1909:
Balance from last year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 37.04
Received dues and Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,190.00
Excess expenditures over receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
$2,227.89
Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,227.89
President Fletcher: The selection of the time of meeting of the
next convention is by the Constitution and By-Laws left With the
Executive Committee, the place of meeting must be determined by
this Committee. We are informed by the Secretary that a number Of
invitations await presentation upon the close of the business of the
Session. | -
Invitations were extended from St. Andrews, Fla., Dothan, Ala.,
and Pensacola, Fla., for the next convention of the Association and
the invitation of Pensacola was accepted.
The President announced that upon adjournment Of the morning
session delegates would be given a complimentary trip by steamer
down the St. Johns River.
Upon motion duly made and Carried, the Association unanimously
tendered the thanks of the convention to the officers, individually and
colelctively, for their untiring efforts on behalf of the great work of
the Association, pledging continued support of the work in hand.
President Fletcher: The business of the Association appearing to
be now concluded, there being nothing else before the convention, the
Association will stand adjourned sine die.
Adjourned.
THE ST. JOHNS EXCURSION.
The elegant steamer “May Garner” left her docks at 12 o'clock for
a trip down the river, crowded with delegates and members of the As-
Sociation. On the trip down the docks and shipping of the port of
Jacksonville was reviewed to a point. Somewhat below Pottsburg
Creek, taking in all of the Water front interests, dockages, manufac.
turing plants and terminals of seven or eight miles. Returning, the
trip was South through the draw and beyond the East Coast bridge,
where were seen the Water front and port facilities both of Jackson-
ville and South Jacksonville. It was agreed that the great develop-
ment of the port of Jacksonville must be seen to be appreciated and
comprehended. Praise and prophecy of a great industrial future was
made.
Refreshments and luncheon were served, and were of such variety
as to consume almost the entire time of two hours devoted to the ex-
CUITSIOIl. . .
DELEGATES IN ATTENDANCE.
The delegates registered as attending the Jacksonville convention
are as follows: - -
J. W. Nichols, Raiford, Fla.; Mrs. J. R. Morehead, Ocala, Fla.; T.
E. Pritchett, Candler, Fla.; J. A. Flournoy, Macon, Ga.; George W.
Futch, Glencoe, Fla.; A. L. Evans, Orange Park, Fla.; J. K. North,
Jacksonville, Fla.; J. B. Pylant, Bartow, Fla.; S. R. Williams, Fort
Myers, Fla.; J. A. Lowry, MontVerde, Fla.; J. E. Bancon, Immokalee,
Fla.; F. M. Long, Holder, Fla.; W. S. Turner, Captiva, Fla.; J. R.
Pickett, Carrabelle, Fla.; J. T. Lewis, Moss Bluff, Fla.; J. McN. Bard,
Norwalk, Fla.; O. B. Ganse, Astabula, Fla.; J. M. Winslow, Oke-
humpka, Fla.; Jesse Moody, Green Cove Springs, Fla.; J. W. Caldwell,
Astor, Fla.; T. B. Lanier, Tavares, Fla.; J. A. Power, Apalachicola,
Fla.; E. M. Tally, Minneola, Fla.; Sam Davis, Lloyd, Fla.; J. L. Kirk-
patrick, Green Cove Springs, Fla.; F. A. Hendry, Labelle, Fla.; B. G.
Mayo, Tiger Bay, Fla.; George Hamilton, Plant City, Fla.; Albert H.
— 39 —
Mickler, St. Augustine, Fla.; Henry Bradham, Trilby, Fla., J. A. John-
son, Thonotosassa, Fla.; G. W. Arnold, Panama Park, Fla.; J. H. Drum-
mond, St. Andrews, Fla.; Charles J. Swift, Columbus, Ga.; M. A. Best,
Branford, Fla.; P. K. Yonge, Pensacola, Fla.; A. L. Barton, Hildreth,
Fla.; B. F. McMillan, Stockton, Ala.; George W. Clarke, Jacksonville,
Fla.; John Raymond, Dade City, Fla.; L. Johnson, St. Marys, Ga.; W.
O. McGowin, St. Marys, Ga.; W. R. Carter, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. H.
Taylor, Marietta, Fla.; T. Savage, Tampa, Fla.; , C. O. McLaughlin,
Leesburg, Fla.; D. P. Myerson, Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.; A. J. Allen, Old
Town, Fla.; Leland J. Henderson, Apalachicola, Fla.; J. Hernie Osten-
dorff, Charleston, S. C.; Mayor W. S. Jordan, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. A.
Blount, Pensacola, Fla.; G. H. Gibbons, Archer, Fla.; J. G. Kellum,
Tallahassee, Fla.; Frank Wilde, Pensacola, Fla.; H. L. Tison, Duval,
Fla.; Willis M. Ball, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. E. Parmenter, Orange Park,
Fla.; J. W. Sackett, Jacksonville, Fla.; J. H. Ellison, Dowling Park,
Fla.; Dr. Edward Conradi, Tallahassee, Fla.; Hon. W. H. Sebring,
Jacksonville, Fla.; Hon. Frank Clark, Gainesville, Fla.; J. Grimaldi,
Ybor City, Fla.; Theodore J. L. Brown, Tampa, Fla.; Albert J. Cole-
man, Jacksonville, Fla.; T. A. Chappell, Jacksonville, Fla.; E. W.
Spencer, Portland, Ore., J. H. Norton, Jacksonville, Fla.; Paul Jones,
Columbus, O.; J. K. Ashmore, Sanibel, Fla.; James C. Roberts, Green
Cove Springs, Fla, ; J. B. Gay, Riverland, Fla.; H. O. Collier, Oxford,
Fla.; W. H. Trout, Carson City, Colo.; W. S. Jennings, Jacksonville,
Fla.; T. B. Lasserre, Fernandina, Fla.; Mrs. A. S. Willard, Palatka,
Fla.; Dr. A. B. Williams, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. M. Williams, Welaka,
Fla.; W. D. Horne, Homestead, Fla.; J. E. Dickerson, Pablo Beach,
Fla.; O. Pierre Havens, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mrs. C. E| Thompson, De-
Funiak Springs, Fla.; Mrs. Arthur Brown, Bradentown, Fla.; Mrs. W.
S. Hill, Gainesville, Fla.; W. W. Brogden, Bascom, Fla.; Jacob
Stephens, Henderson, Fla.; W. B. C. Duryee, Fernandina, Fla.; N. B.
Borden, Fernandina, Fla.; M. F. Vanlandingham, Juniper, Fla.; S. L.
Houston, Fort George, Fla.; H. E. Ploof, Jacksonville, Fla.; C. S.
Cowenhoven, Jacksonville, Fla.; Pinkston Thomas, Waller, Fla.; W.
R. DeWitt, Hibernia, Fla.; F. A. Fleming, Hibernia, Fla.; J. M. Schu-
macher, Jacksonville, Fla.; J. M. Mallory, Savannah, Ga.; C. E. Smith,
Jacksonville, Fla.; E. E. Austin, St. George, Ga.; Mrs. E. E. Austin,
St. George, Ga.; Capt. C. E. Garner, Jacksonville, Fla.; G. A. Water-
man, Pensacola, Fla.; John G. Christopher, Jacksonville, Fla.; A. G.
Bigelow, Rockwell, Fla.; C. A. Brown, Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.; A. J.
Dorman, Sanderson, Fla.; W. P. Mikell, Olustee, Fla.; Sam Hartman,
Gulf Hammock, Fla.; W. H. Pinholster, Brooker, Fla.; T. H. Mitchell,
Live Oak, Fla., W. James, Jacksonville, Fla.; C. C. Ensminger, Jack-
sonville, Fla.; J. H. Rafftery, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. A. Bours, Jackson-
ville, Fla.; A. Orton, Mt. Dora, Fla.; Mrs. Leland J. Henderson, Apa-
lachicola, Fla.; Dr. M. Souvielle, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mrs. Clarence T.
Doty, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mrs. Juliette C. Compton, Columbus, Ga.;
D. D. Swartley, Green Cove Springs, Fla.; J. E. O'Brien, Pensacola,
Fla.; J. L. Chancellor, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. A. Strickland, Gaines-
ville, Fla.; W. J. Waits, Fairbanks, Fla.; J. R. French, Woodville,
Fla.; J. M., Spence, Sumatra, Fla.; D. M. Boney, Ocala, Fla.; J. A.
Cranford, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mrs. Hoyle Tomkies, Shreveport, La.; J.
M. Braxton, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. D. Finlayson, Old Town, Fla.; J. W.
White, M. C. Greeley, A. Greeley, Clarence Folk, O. L. Keene, J. P.
Taliaferro, W. J. Coachman, Jacksonville, Fla; Capt. H. B. Shaw,
Jacksonville, Fla.; W. B. Coffin, Jacksonville, Fla.; R. N. Ellis, Jack-
sonvillé, Fla.; A. E. Summers, High Springs, Fla.; R. W. McLeod,
Jacksonville, Fla., I, J. McCall, Jasper, Fla.; A. A. McRae, Melrose,
Fla.; S. H. Gaitskill, McIntosh, Fla.; Mrs. W. A. Evans, Jacksonville,
Fla.; Geo. Henry, Jacksonville, Fla.; P. R. Wriggs, Jacksonville, Fla.;
J. I. Wimberly, Interlachen, Fla.; E. D. Raw, Reddick, Fla.; S. C. Mayo,
Reddick, Fla.; J. M. Parker, New Orleans, La.; G. E. Brown, Jack.
sonville, Fla.; G. W. Fisher, Jacksonville, Fla.; S. A. Page, Drifton,
Fla.; Judge H. B. Phillips, South Jacksonville, Fla.; Cecil Wilcox,
Jacksonville, Fla; J. P. Conroy, Jacksonville, Fla.; Frank E. Jennings,
— 40 —
Jacksonville, Fla.; Mrs. Frank E. Jennings, Jacksonville, Fla.; F. N.
Stormont, Jacksonville, Fla.; R. A. Ellis, Aripeka, Fla.; L. G. Biggers,
Dothan, Ala.; E. T. Conrad, Daytona, Fla.; W. T. Weeks, Starke, Flå.;
C. L. Peek, Starke, Fla.; C. C. Middleton, Como, Fla.; W. H. Sebring,
Jacksonville, Fla.; A. B. Foster, Daytona, Fla.; F. W. Hoyt, Fernan-
dina, Fla.; P. C. Kelly, Fernandina, Fla.; Walter Hale, Jacksonville,
Fla.; W. L. Seddon, Portsmouth, Va.; Geo. H. Monroe, Daytona, Fla.;
B. F. McGraw, Buffalo Bluff, Fla.; D. H. Mays, Monticello, Fla.; Peter
Nelson, Boca Grande, Fla.; S. J. Melson, Jacksonville, Fla.; Henry
Schmidt, Daytona, Fla.; C. H. Newell, Eustis, Fla.; E. L. Waterman,
Citra, Fla.; L. N. Smith, Columbus, Ga.; J. H. Sauls, Callahan, Fla.;
Telfair Stockton, Jacksonville, Fla.; J. W. Snyder, Jacksonville, Fla.;
J. H. Randolph, St. Marys, Ga.; J. H. Norton, Jacksonville, Fla.; A.
M. Taylor, St. Augustine, Fla.; A. V. Long, Starke, Fla.; W. C. Powell,
Jacksonville, Fla.; J. M. Baars, Jacksonville, Fla.; T. L. Farris, Jack-
sonville, Fla.; N. B. Broward, Jacksonville, Fla.; W. A. Bisbee, Jack-
sonville, Fla.; W. K. Haile, Jacksonville, Fla.; A. S. Hubbard, Jackson-
ville, Fla.; W. H. Haverick, Jacksonville, Fla.; Capt. M. Broward,
Jacksonville, Fla.; D. G. Pleasants, Jacksonville, Fla.; E. P. Axtell,
Jacksonville, Fla.; T. B. Adams, Perry, Fla.; G. H. Fernald, Sanford,
Fa.; F. P. Williams, Jacksonville, Fla.; G. R. Spaulding, Jacksonville,
Fla.; L. I. Stephens, Jacksonville, Fla.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
From Nov. 3, 1908, to October 31, 1909:
Balance from last year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 37.04
Received dues and subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,190.00
- Excess expenditures over receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,227.89
MEETING OF EXECUTIVE committee.
Following the boat trip the Executive Committee met in the Board
of Trade rooms. Those present were: D. U. Fletcher, President;
Leland J. Henderson, Secretary; G. A. Waterman, Treasurer, and J.
H. Drummond, L. G. Biggers, C. J. Swift, W. O. McGowan. The fol-
lowing resolutions were adopted:
November 17, 1909.
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized from the funds of the
Association to purchase all stationery and supplies and pay all neces-
Sary expenses for labor and other expense for the work of the Asso-
Ciation for the ensuing year and that he be authorized to expend
tWenty per cent. for collecting subscriptions and dues for the Asso-
ciation, Subject to the endorsement of the President.
Resolved, That a committee composed of the President, Secretary
and Treasurer, and such other members as the President may see fit
to appoint be authorized to confer and contract with a suitable news-
paper for the publication of an inland waterway edition previous to
the Pensacola convention.
Resolved, That the President, Secretary and Treasurer request
the Editor of the Times-Union to publish in his paper the addresses
delivered at the Jacksonville convention and furnish the Association
With type from which reprints can be made, to be used as campaign
literature. r
|Resolved, That it is the sense of this committee that the Secre-
tary prepare a business record of the conventions of this Association,
at Mobile, Columbus and Jacksonville, said record to include ad-
dresses, by title only, and that same be printed in pamphlet form, for
general distribution.
Resolved further, That the Hon. Chas. J. Swift be requested to
Communicate this resolution to the Columbus subscribers to the fund
for the publication of the Columbus proceedings, and request them to
make available for the purpose of these resolutions the funds sub-
scribed for publication of the Columbus proceedings.
— 41 —
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to collect from the
records of our convention and any other sources of information Such,
data as he may deem advisable to use for publicity, and to stimulate
interest in the work of this Association and the collection of revenues.
Resolved, That the people of Pensacola be and are hereby re-
quested to raise two thousand dollars toward the fund necessary to
carry on the work of this Association during the convention year
1909-10, and that said fund be raised promptly and made available to
this Association in installments to guarantee continuity and uniformity
of effort.
— 42 —
The members of the State Committees who are chairmen of
County Branches so far appointed are:
FLORIDA.
Alachua County—S. H. Gaitskill, McIntosh, Fla.
Baker County—Max McBeau, MacClenny, Fla.
Bradford County—Maj. Eugene Matthews, Starke, Fla.
Brevard County—Wade S. Jones, Titusville, Fla.
Calhoun County—H. B. Gaskin, Blounstown, Fla.
Citrus County—W. F. Warnock, Inverness, Fla.
Clay County—F. A. Fleming, Hibernia, Fla.
Columbia County—F. F. Bardin, Lake City, Fla.
Dade County—T. V. Moore, Miami, Fla.
DeSoto County—Dr. C. H. Smith, Arcadia, Fla.
Duval County—A. D. Stevens, Jacksonville, Fla.
|Escambia County—Thomas C. Watson, Pensacola, Fla.
Eranklin County—Jas. R. Pickett, Carrabelle, Fla,
Gadsden County—A. D. Covington, Quincy, Fla.
Hamilton County—W. Y. Sandlin, Jasper, Fla.
Hernando County—R. A. Ellis, Aripeka, Fla.
Hillsborough County—J. A. Johnson, Thonotassa, Fla,
|Holmes County—Herdis Whittaker, Bonifay, Fla.
Jackson County—W. H. Price, Marianna, Fla.
Jefferson County—Dr. E. Christie, Lloyds, Fla..
Lafayette County—W. D. Finlayson, Old Town, Fla.
ſlake County—L. E. Dozier, Leesburg, Fla.
Leon County—Jno. L. Neeley, Tallahassee, Fla.
Levy County—D. W. McArthur, Montbrook, Fla.
Liberty County—Frank A. Hentz, Bristol, Fla.
iMadison County—C. B. Smith, Madison, Fla.,
Manatee County—E. A. Champlain, Palmetto, Fla.
Marion County—R. L. Martin, Ocala, Fla.
Munroe County—Hugh Gunn, Key West, Fla.
Nassau County—W. B. C. Duryee, Fernandina, Fla,
Orange County—W. L. Palmer, Orlando, Fla.
Osceola County—Arthur E. Donegan, Kissimmee, Fla.
Pasco County—Geo. W. Dayton, Dade City, Fla.
Polk County—A. G. Angle, Bartow, Fla.
Putnam County—S. A. Davis, Palatka, Fla.
Santa Rosa County—John Rourke, Bagdad, Fla.
St. Johns County—Amos W. Corbett, St. Augustine, Fla.
Suwanee County—C. A. Hardee, Live Oak, Fla.
Taylor County—S. H. Peacock, Perry, Fla.
Volusia County—C. J. Landis, DeLand, Fla.
Wakulla County—Nat R. Walker, Cradfordville, Fla.
Walton County—W. L. Cawthorn, DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
Washington County—R. L. McKenzie, Panama City, Fla.
MISSISSIPPI.
Smith County—W. T. Simmons, Raleigh, Miss.
Sunflower County—J. L. Hebron, Greenville, Miss.
Tate County—Walker Wood, Senatobia, Miss.
Tallohatchie County—J. N. Sullivant, Tresdale, Miss.
Tippah County—S. O. Love, Ripley, Miss.
Tishomingo County—M. D . Adams, Iuka, Miss.
Tunica County—Chas. W. Doherty, Tunica, Miss.
Union County—G. L. Jones, New Albany, Miss.
Warren County—T. R. Foster, Vicksburg, Miss.
Wayne County—E. W. Stewart, Waynesboro, Miss.
Webster County—T. R. Langston, Walthall, Miss.
Wilkinson County—W. J. Sockett, Woodville, Miss.
Winston County—O. A. Bennitt, Louisville, Miss,
Yalobusha County—C. J. Burries, Yazoo City, Miss.
Marion County—Henry Mounger, Columbia, Miss,
Marshall County—Hugh K. Mahon, Holly Springs, Miss.
s — 43 —
Monroe County—H. F. Broyles, Greenwood Springs, Miss.
Montgomery County—Sid I. Robinson, Winono, Miss.
Neshoba County—A. D. Sharp, Engine, Miss.
Newton County—G. H. Banks, Newton, Miss.
Noxubee County—I. L. Dorroh, Macon, Miss.
Oktibeha County—J. H. Wilborn, Starksville, Miss.
Panola County—C. P. Vance, Batesville, Miss.
Pearl River County—J. C. Shivers, Poplarville, Miss.
Perry County—D. K. McDonald, New Augusta, Miss.
Pike County—G. H. Alford; Magnolia, Miss.
Pontotoc County—C. E. Franklin, Pontotoc, Miss.
, Prentiss County—J. A. Cunningham, Booneville, Miss.
Quitman County—B. D. Simpson, Marks, Miss.
Rankin County—Sidney H. McLaurin, Brandon, Miss.
Scott County—G. G. Beeman, Forest, Miss.
Sharkey County—Dr. B. Goodman, Cary, Miss.
Simpson County—A. W. Dent, Mendenhall, Miss.
Alcorn County—W. T. Bennett, Corinth, Miss.
Amite County—W. T. Tucker, Woodville, Miss.
Attala County–Wiley Sanders, Koscuisko, Miss.
Benton County—R. M. Frazier, Hickory Flat, Miss.
Bolivar County—Geo. B. Shirley, Jr., Cleveland, Miss.
Calhoun County—J. B. Going, Pittsboro, Miss.
Carroll County—Lee McMillan, Carrollton, Miss.
Chicasaw County—Frank Burkett, Okolona, Miss.
Choctaw County—C. A. Lindsay, Eupora, Miss.
Claiborne County—R. B. Anderson, Port Gibson, Miss.
Clarke County—A. Johnson, Shubuta, Miss.
Clay County—Stacey Hibler, West Point, Miss.
Coahoma County—O. G. Johnson, Friers Point, Miss.
Copiah County—E. A. Rowan, Wesson, Miss.
Covington County—W. L. Cranford, Seminary, Miss.
DeSota County—J. H. Simpson, Watson, Miss.
|Forest County—Stoves V. Robinson, Hattiesburg, Miss.
Franklin County—W. C. McGhee, Little Springs, Miss .
Greene County—E. W. Breland, Leakesville, Miss.
Grenada County—S. A. Morrison, Grenada, Miss.
Hancock County—W. T. McDonald, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
Harrison County—V. A. Griffin, Gulfport, Miss.
Hinds County—R. H. Henry, Jackson, Miss.
|Holmes County—J. B. Mitchell, GOOdman, Miss.
Issaquena County—L. Peyton, Mayersville, Miss.
Itawamba County—J. F. Dison, Eastman, Miss.
Jackson County—F. H. Lewis, Scranton, Miss.
Jasper County—C. W. Thigpen, Bay Springs, Miss.
Jefferson Davis County—J. C. Cowart, Prentiss, Miss.
Jones County—W. W. West, Laurel, Miss.
Kemper County—Dr. J. D. Stennis, MOSCOW, Miss.
Lafayette County—R. A. Dean, ComOT, Miss.
Lamar County—C. W. Hawthorn, Purviss, Miss.
Lauderdale County—M. C. Moore, Meridian, Miss.
Lawrence County—Lee H. Bird, Omar, Miss.
Leake County—L. A. Zochery, Lena, Miss.
Lee County—W. D. Anderson, Tupelo, Miss.
Leflore County—J. A. Tyson, Greenwood, Miss.
I incoln County—M. McCullogh, Brookhaven, Miss.
Lowndes County—M. H. Franklin, Columbus, Miss.
Madison County—E. W. Harrell, Canton, Miss.
ALABAMA.
Autauga County—Eugene Ballard, Prattville, Ala.
Baldwin County—S. C. Jenkins, Bay Minette, Ala.
Barbour County—J. S. Williams, Clayton, Ala,
— 44 —
Mobile County—A. S. Lyons, Mobile, Ala.
Escambia County—J. H. L. Henley, Bradley, Ala.
Washington County—Perry Edwards, Escatawpa, Ala.
Clarke County—J. D. Doyle, Salitpa, Ala.
Monroe County—Jno. McDuffie, River Ridge, Ala.
Conecuh County—J. D. McCrory, Evergreen, Ala,
Covington County—Abner Powell, Andalusia, Ala.
Wilcox County—Sol D. Block, Camden, Ala.
Dallas County—Alexander D. Pitts, Selma, Ala.
Montgomery County—Gaston Gunter, Montgomery, Ala.
Russell County—Homer R. Dudley, Seale, Ala.
Lee County—Warren Williams, JPhoenix, Ala.
Henry County—J. W. Malone, Abbeville, Ala.
Houston County—W. L. Lee, Columbia, Ala.
Coffee County—R. H. Arrington, Enterprise, Ala.
Geneva County—J. R. Alford, Hartford, Ala.
Dale County—William Garner, Ozark, Ala.
Lowndes County—W. D. McCurdy, Lowndesboro, Ala.
Marengo County—S. G. Wolf, Demopolis, Ala.
Choctaw County—Wallace P. Lindsay, Butler, Ala.
Sumter County—Robt. L. Seale, Livingston, Ala.
Hale County—A. M. Tunstall, Greensboro, Ala.
Greene County—W. B. Baltzell, Baltzell, Ala.
Elmore County—W. L. Lancaster, Wetumpka, Ala.
COUNTY BRANCHES.
ALABAMA.
BALDWIN COUNTY.
S. C. Jenkins, Bay Minette, Chairman County Branch.
Frank Fesler, Foley, Chairman Publicity Committee.
FLORIDA,
ESCA MBIA COUNTY.
Thos. C. Watson, Pensacola, Chairman County Branch.
F. L. Mayes, Pensacola, Chairman Publicity Committee.
G. A. Waterman, Pensacola, Chairman Subscriptions and Member-
ships Committee.
P. K. Yonge, Pensacola, Chairman Collection of Data Committee.
Miss Margaret McIntyre, Pensacola, Chairman Committee on Edu-
cation.
- NASSAU COUNTY.
W. B. C. Duryee, Chairman County Branch.
J. W. Branfield, Fernandina, Chairman Publicity Committee.
D. P. Mularky, Fernandina, Chairman Memberships and Subscrip-
tions Committee. a
P. C. Kelly, Fenandina, Chairman Collection of Data Committee.
Mrs. Anna T. Tomkies, Fernandina, Chairman Committee on Edu-
cation.
PUTNAM COUNTY.
H. A. Davis, Palatka, Chairman County Branch.
Henry S. McKenzie, Palatka, Chairman Publicity Committee.
F. H. Wilson, Palatka, Chairman Memberships and Subscriptions
Committee.
Stewart Worden, Palatka, Chairman Collection of Data Committee.
L. K. Tucker, Palatka, Chairman of Committee on Education.
— 45 —
ST. JOHNS COUNTY.
A. W. Corbett, St. Augustine, Chairman County Branch.
F. W. Kettle, St. Augustine, Chairman Memberships and Sub-
scriptions Committee; G. S. Meserve, Eugene Masters, Bartola Gen-
Ovar, Harry L. Brown, Jno. T. Dismukes.
DUVAL COUNTY.
A. D. Stevens, Jacksonville, Chairman County Branch.
Frank A. Jennings, Jacksonville, Chairman Memberships and Sub-
Scriptions Committee.
MISSISSIPPI.
e ALCO RN COUNTY.
W. T. Bennett, Corinth, Chairman County Branch.
F. M. Striplin, Corinth, Chairman Publicity Committee. \
R. M. Weaver, Corinth, Chairman Memberships and Subscriptions
Committee.
E. F. Waits, Corinth, Chairman Collection of Data Committee.
R. T. Adams, Corinth, Chairman Committee on Education.
EDITORIAL OPINIONS.
ED ITO RIAL O PIN | ONS.
The following editorial comments are a few which have come to
the Secretary’s office, selected and arranged by Subject, and here
given, as the views of the editors of the papers quoted, and are not
intended as an expression of the policies of the ASOciation:
“ORGANIZATION.”
The “Onlooker' of Foley, Ala., May 15, 1908, in an editorial en-
titled “Inland Waterway Convention”, says:
“That the proposed inland waterWay should be built was the spirit
of the 100 or more delegates from the different Gulf States represented
at the convention, and that it was feasible, practicable and could be
built and maintained within a reasonable cost to the government Was
the opinion of those who were qualified to Speak on the technical part
of the proposition.
“The fact that petty jealousies of one locality against another
should be laid aside in the interest of this great policy not only for
the benefit of the whole South but of the Whole Country was Strongly
emphasized, and that in its place a Spirit of fairness and helpfulness’
was clearly brought out as the majority of those present saw clearly
that it is a matter that will have to be handled in links in order to
be accomplished at all, and therefore the Association and the states
as a whole should work earnestly for any portion that can be pushed
to completion, irregardless of whether it Would materially help them
or not, as it would ultimately help them in being one link in the great
chain which will make the Whole.”
M E M BERSH | PS AND SUBSCRIPTION S.
The Ledger, of Columbus, Ga., October 14, 1908, in an editorial
entitled “The Waterways Convention’, says: r
“It behooves every citizen of Columbus who has even the slightest
interest in the welfare of the city to subscribe as liberally as his
means will permit to the fund asked for the entertainment of the big
waterways congress to be held here November 9th and 10th.”
The Pensacola Journal, October 6, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Importance of Gulf Coast Inland Waterway,” says:
“Each reader's duty to himself and his own port, whether it be
Mobile, Pensacola, St. Andrews, Panama City or Apalachicola should
then be too obvious to require further mention of the Gulf Coast In-
land Waterway Association or further Statement that it deserves the
money support of every man along this part of the Gulf coast.”
The Morning Tribune of Tampa, Fla., October, 1909, in an edi-
torial entitled “A Valuable Organization”, says:
“A meeting of unusual importance in Florida is to be held next
month in Jacksonville, that of the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Water-
way Association. The purpose of the organization is the construction
of a canal connecting the Mississippi River with the Atlantic Ocean.
Naturally such a waterway would penetrate the state of Florida for
its full West to east length and be of inestimable value to its com-
merce. The headquarters of the ASSociation are in Apalachicola, and
Mr. L. J. Henderson is the Secretary and representative. The back-
bone of all associations of this kind is the money derived from mem
bership fees paid in by individuals, firms, corporations and commer.
Cial organſzations, and, of course, their efficiency depends upon the
supply of Sinews of war. The individual membership is only two dol-
lars per year, and it is to this class that the Tribune especially com-
mends this particular association for friendly and promotive consid-
eration.
“The first step is to Write to Mr. Henderson for information in
detail as to the scope, plans and methods of the body, and the next
is to forward the small sum that Will enable the remitter to attend
— 47 —
and have a voice in the meeting—at the same time aiding in for Ward-
ing the very valuable purpose in view. Once in touch with the project
by reason of membership in the association, every citizen will become
an enthusiast in its support. It is impossible to measure even in idea
the advantages to be derived from the construction of a ship Canal
of even moderate capacity from the Mississippi to the Atlantic across
the level stretch of our country intervening—which, by the way, is the
finest field for profitable development on the continent. The Tribune
hopes to see a rousing rally to the Support of the ASSOciation and an
enthusiastic meeting in Jacksonville.”
The Pensacola, Fla., Journal, October 31, 1909, in an editorial en-
titled “The Inland Waterway From River to Ocean”:
“In this connection the Journal wishes to call especial attention
to the fact that the Inland Waterway Association, as stated by its Sec-
retary, like others of a similar character, is not created or supported
by the government, has “no regular means of Support’ and ‘depends
upon memberships and subscriptions for the necessary expenses.’
The cost of individual membership is only two dollars annually, while
that for firms and corporations varies in proportion to their capitaliza-
tion; but is trivial when compared with the purpose in hand. -
“Of course, the expense attached to the businesses of the Asso- .
ciation is large. Its object is a great one. The pursuit of this object
necessarily costs much money. It is Scarcely necessary to tell this
to the wide-awake and intelligent readers. We only wish to impress
the fact upon their minds with greater force and so possibly inspire
them to advance beyond a possibly passive approval of the project, to
become active participators in its projection and realization.
“And apart fl Om the money needed by the Association, the ques-
tion of increasing its membership presents a still more significant pur-
pose. This is the moral effect upon Congress produced by a vast
aggregation of people demanding the consummation of a public im-
provement Which is destined to advance the welfare of the whole
country.”
PANAMA CANAL.
The Columbus, Ledger, October 14, 1908, in an editorial entitled i
“The Waterways Congress”:
“The digging of the Panama Canal in a few years will transfer
the ‘Front Door' of the United States to the Gulf Coast and prepara-
tions now to take care of the commerce this transference will
naturally turn in this direction will prove most profitable investments.”
MOBILE.
The Columbus Ledger, October 14, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“The Waterways Congress”:
“This Series of inland waterWays will make Mobile the Liverpool
and Columbus, With its wonderful power resources, the Manchester of
the United States.”
COLUMB U.S.
The Columbus Ledger, November 2, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Columbus Vitally Imerested”:
“Columbus is directly located on One of the most feasible routes
fººd and local business men cannot afford to treat the subject
19 htly.
“The importance of the movement cannot be overestimated and
local business men should keep in close touch with all of the develop-
ments looking to the Construction of the proposed inIānd waterway
canal.”
The Columbus Ledger, August 31, 1909, in an editorial entitled
“Water Transportation and the Making of a Great City to be Feature
of Special Edition of the Columbus Ledger’’:
“The original location of Columbus was determined by the fact
that it was at the head of navigation of the Chattahoochee River,
— 48 —
Which is two hundred and fifty-five miles from Apalacnicola, and one
hundred and Sixty-two miles above the confluence of the Chattahoochee
and Flint Rivers.
“Where navigation on the Chattahoochee ends at Columbus, for-
merly known as Coweta Falls, the great falls of the Chattahoochee
commenced, and these from the first one, now the Eagle and Phenix
dam, and thence including the properties of the Columbus Power Co.,
extending about half way from Columbus to West Point have an esti-
mated low water capacity of seventy thousand horse power.
“Only about one-seventh of this power has been developed. If We
have a fact from Which other facts can be evolved, we have an exact
relation between cause and effect.
“The question is not so much that Columbus should become a
greater city, but the aim and question should be to get rid of the
comparative case in defining the true measure of the future greatness
of Columbus, and bring into bold relief the conditions existing and
the causes that can be made Operative to make Columbus a great
city.”
“The Columbus Ledger, November 9, 1909, in an editorial entitled
“The Big Waterways Convention”:
& “While Columbus is interested mainly in the improvement of the
Chattahoochee and the procuring of an all-Water route to the Gulf, Our
citizens are ready and willing to CO-Operate in any movement which
tends to improve the waterways of the South and the Columbus dele-
gation can be depended upon to do its full duty in the matter.
“Let Columbus be well represented at the convention. Her in-
terests are directly at stake.”
BENEFITS,
The Columbus Ledger, October 28, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Advertisement to Columbus”:
“This district is deeply interested in the inland passage project,
for every mile of it will be an extension of the barge navigation of
the Warrior, now near at hand. A Strong delegation should be sent
from this district to the Columbus COnvention. The usefulness of the
Warrior largely depends upon the , opening of an inland projected
waterway along the Gulf coast. This inland passage holds out more
good to this district than to any other, and this is why it should be
well represented at the Columbus convention.”
The Pensacola, Journal, October 6, 1908, in an editorial entitled “Im-
portance of Gulf Coast Inland Waterway”:
“The importance of the proposed Gulf Coast Inland Waterway to
this city cannot be over estimated. It rests on two facts fundamental
in COmmerce.
“Water transportation is cheaper than rail transportation, every-
thing else being equal; and water competition results in the cheapest
practicable rail freight rates to a point reached by both rail and water.
“Whether present railroad rates to Pensacola are reasonable or not,
they would fall, as surely as the rain falls, in short order if Pensacola
should also get what she needs by inland water transportation.
“New Orleans is, and must always be a great port—not because
a mighty river corrodes its banks, and not because it costs millions
to maintain a modern depth in the passes at the mouth of the river,
but because where that river flows, COmmerce follows and commerce
can afford to pay—commerce cannot afford to refuse to pay—the cost
of jettied channels and protected river banks under the wealth
making wharves of a city at the mouth of such a river.
“Pensacola’s magnificent harbor Can TheVer be the great port that
nature suggests until Pensacola has the necessary avenues of trans-
portation to feed commerce into the port; and While more railroads
would help matters—help vastly—inland water communication would
do even more.
“New Orleans was a great port before railroads were known.
The railroads have only added to her greatness.
— 49 —
“Pensacola is a great harbor, but Pensacola's greatness as a port
depends upon railroads and waterways to feed the commerce of her
harbor.
“More railroads would be better than one railroad, but best of all
would be water communication with the interior, which would go a
long way to make freight payers independent of the railroads, and
compel the railroads to serve the freight payers at the lowest rates
that roads can stand instead of the highest that commerce can Sustain.
“Railroads can be monopolized, waterways cannot.
“Therein lies the Supreme advantage of waterWays.
“We have referred to New Orleans and the Mississippi River.
We have no Mississippi River, but a very small part of the cost of
taking care of the mouth of the Mississippi River would create inland
Water communication for Pensacola.
“That is the special aspect of the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway AS-
sociation that appeals especially to Pensacolians.”
The Jacksonville Times-Union, November 11, 1908, in an editorial
entitled “Mr. Fletcher's Opportunity”:
“Mr. Fletcher has work cut out for a life time, and if he manages
it as well as we believe he will, the results will go down as a monu-
ment to him. Of course, it is not the work of One man or of a few.
Many men will have to give their energies to the project to make it
a success; but to Mr. Fletcher has been assigned the position of leader
and the head of a victorious army is remembered for the victories
the army Wins under his command.”
The Columbus Ledger, November 25, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Improvement Inland Waterways”: ->
“The inland waterways movement began more than two centuries
ago in France, according to the Augusta, Chronicle.
“The improvement of rivers and harbors and the digging of canals
begain by the initiative Of Colbert and the work has COIntinued and
become perfected and were ten billion dollars today appropriated
by the government of this country for work upon the inland water-
Ways, harbors and canals, the system for which the Sum Would be ex-
pended would not attain to the perfection of the inland Waterways of
France. While the energies and enterprises of this country have con-
Structed and established a most marvellous dry-land transportation
System, the demands of traffic and business have so increased that
public attention has been sharply called to the fact that wonderful
Opportunities and properties have been overlooked in neglecting a pro-
portionate work on a system of waterways. The study of an intelli-
gent and extensive linking of navigable rivers and improving of har-
bOTS and natural channels is now engaging the best minds in this
country. The great movement now on hand is full of meaning and
promise for the future.
“It has been suggested that the Senate should print as a docu-
ment on this subject, for its contemplation the speech of the late John
T. Morgan, of Alabama, OT) the subject of improving the inland water-
Ways. Mr. Morgan’s proposition was the construction of numerous
canals, joining Water courses from Maine to Florida, along the At-
lantic coast for the purpose of adding to the safety and effijciency of
the trade along the coast.
“Admiral Melville in Baltimore, referring to Senator Morgan’s
plan and its incidental feature of the giving wonderful strength to
the cost defenses in case of War, laid great Stress on the merit of this
phase of the enterprise.
“It would seem that the times are preparing for a realization of
Senator Morgan's dreams, which it will be recalled embraced the Gulf
of Mexico as well as the Atlantic and also a ship canal across Florida.
“The possibilities and probabilites of the developments which the
inland waterways movement Will initiate strengthen and also
stimulate the energies and imaginations. Speaker Reed's declaration
in 1898 that the development of the United States had not fairly
— 50 —
begun, seems emplasized with the bright promise which the idea of
establishing inland waterways brings.”
The Tribune-Herald, of Rome, Ga., November, 1908, in an editorial
entitled “A Far Reaching Project”:
“The opening of such a waterway would lower the tariff rate in
the South and Would be a benefit to every producr, shipper and con-
Sll Dºle T. -
“Now that the hurly-burly of politics is taking a recess, it be-
hooves the people of this section to turn their attention to industrial
development, and there is no phase of this great problem more im-
portant than that of transportation of freight by water. A maxim
of Our School days was that there is no excellence without great labor,
and WaterWay development will take time, money, brains and energy,
but Once accomplished will amply repay the expenditure of all. The
plans for this are of great magnitude and cover a number of different
projects. All of these are meritorious. All have the hearty Support
Of Romans and deservedly so.
“Not least important of these several projects is the one that Will
engage the attention of the Columbus conference. The Gulf Coast
Inland Waterway Association was organized in Mobile, Ala., May 7,
1908.
“This association specifically endorses the idea of intercoastal
canals connecting the natural waterways of the Gulf of Mexico So as
to give continuous interior coastal water communication from the
mouth of the Rio Grande River to the coast of Maine, and as an im-
portant link in such an intercoastal system of WaterWays urges that
Co ngress at the earliest practicable time appropriate moneys suffi-
cient to make a survey or surveys of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico
from the Mississippi River to the Apalachicola Bay.
“An inland waterway along the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico
is no new project, but one unqualifiedly endorsed by competent en-
gineers, leading newspapers and prominent individuals. º
“The successful completion of this canal would have a beneficial
effect upon the trade of the entire South, and would immediately
lower freight rates throughout this section. The plan deserves the
best thought of the Roman delegates, and those who attend are as-
sured not only a feast of reason, but a cordial Welcome from a
Georgia city noted for its hospitality.”
The Columbus Ledger, August 31, 1909, in an editorial entitled
“Water Transportation and the Making of a Great City to be feature
of Special Edition of Columbus Ledger’’:
- “Railroads, will not admit that their rates could be reduced to
meet water transportation at any one given point unless the shipment
is to and from a place which has continuous water navigation to some
deep sea or gulf port. -
“Every large concern that is seeking location where power is
cheap or cheaper than at other points, will not accept the inducerments
of cheaper power if reduced rates Should not be maintained in the
only way that they can be regulated, namely, by continuous and unin-
terrupted navigation from the place to One or more deep Seaports.
“In result, Columbus will be receptive of those vast benefits, like
in proportion to those, which in 1825 were written upon the motto
worn by the people of New York in greeting the DeWitt Clinton for
the part part that he played in starting and finishing the Erie Canal.
This motto was ‘Devised by genius and performed by industry.’”
The Ocala, Fla., Banner, October 15, 1909, in an editorial entitled
“Ship Canal Across Florida”: -
“A great many articles have been written on this subject by very
eminent men and the scheme is said to be not all chimerical, but a
perfectly feasible One.
“A ship canal across the state Would save several hundred miles
in travel and would avoid the dangerous reefs along the coast, which
would add a great deal to the Safety and expidition of travel.
“Besides, vessels going long distances at sea, become heavily
— 51 —
laden with barnacles and are compelled to be placed on the dry docks
and have their bottoms scraped. A passage through a fresh Water
canal, such as the Florida Ship Canal would be, would free them from
the barnacles and save them the cost of dry-docking.
“There are a great many other arguments used in favor of a Ship
canal across Florida, and now would be a good time to agitate it.”
“We hope that Ocala will take some interest in the matter, and
that some or our leading men will meet Engineer Spaulding When
he visits Ocala.
“This is a great age for engineering feats and a ship canal across
Florida and one across the Isthmus of Panama would be two great
achievements.” * - -
The Foley, Ala., Onlooker, November 19, 1909, in an editorial en-
titled “The Proposed Waterway”:
“Transportation facilities stimulate agricultural and manufactur-
ing enterprises. Cheap distribution of the products of the farm and
factory is the consummation that is sought in the construction of the
proposed Gulf Coast Canal.”
The Jacksonville Times-Union, November 16, 1909, in an editorial
entitled “The Waterways Convention”:
“The convention that is in Session at the Board of Trade audi-
torium is advocating a work that for more than two-thirds of the dis-
tance and for nine-tenths of the expenditure will be Florida work.
Its benefits, however, will be general.
“Jacksonville is on the Atlantic coast, but no city would derive
greater gains from the continuation of the plans, that have brought So
many distinguished men to our city. The plans include the cutting of
a ship canal across Florida, and that would put Jacksonville in touch
with the Gulf as well as with the Atlantic. -
“The chief benefit to be derived from an inland Waterway follow-
ing the coast will be found in the fact that Such a Waterway would
connect all the rivers of the country except such as flow into the
Pacific, and join them together as in one system. It would be pos-
sible then to have direct steamboat or barge communication between
all the cities of the Union east Of the Rocky Mountains that are on
navigable water. For instance, it Would be possible at St. Louis to
charter a boat to bring a solid cargo to Jacksonville Without change.
This possibility would have its effect upon freight rates. Of course,
Ocean-going steamels or sailing Vessels would still carry the freight
between seaport and seaport, but much of the business originating
inland on navigable rivers would be carried to its destination on the
vessels it would be originally loaded on rather than incur the ex-
pense of a change Or a double change of cargo.”
“ADVERTISING.”
The Columbus Ledger, October 28, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Advertisement to Columbus’’:
“Aside from the business importance and wide scope in a general
way of the approaching congress of the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway
Association, to be held in this city early next month, there are other
features which should appeal to Columbus business men, notably,
the advertising of the City.
“Practically every newspaper and magazine in the country has
had Something to Say about this congreSS, and the good results to
be derived from such publications cannot be over estimated. While,
of course, all of this matter pertains to the congress, its objects,
etc., the place of meeting is always given and Columbus, Ga., is being
kept before the promoters of the great inland Waterways and thou-
Sands of others, especially shippers and leading business men of the
COuntry.
“Nearly every newspaper published in the South has been full of
news and comment on this convention. One of the most interesting
editorials on the subject coming to the Ledger's office today appears
in the Birmingham Age-Herald, which follows:
— 52 —
“‘The Gulf Coast Inland Waterway Association has been organ-
ized to promote the opening of a protracted waterway from New
Orleans to the Apalachicola River, and a convention is to be held at .
Columbus, Ga., On November 9 and 10 to promote the improvement.
Leland J. Henderson, of Apalachicola, Fla., is the Secretary of the
association, and he stands ready to furnish all needful information.’
“Similar editorials are appearing in other leading papers of the
South daily, all of which tend not only to endorse the big congreSS
and add to its success, but boost Columbus, Ga.”
The Jacksonville Metropolis, April 12, 1910, in an editorial en-
titled “How it Helps”:
“One of the good results from having large conventions held in
Jacksonville is the good name and progress told by attendants upon
these conventions when they return home. This is not all. We are
reliably informed that several delegates this year purchased real
estate here with a view to improving and occupying it next winter.
Not a single instance has come to our notice Where unkind State-
ments have been made by these visitors. There should be a still
greater effort made in the future to entertain and please all Who COme
to Jacksonville. It is by hospitality and courtesy that people are
won as friends, and by demonstrating our methods of progress that
wins the good opinion of wide-awake men. Jacksonville can never
become too large or too progressive. Let no Stone be left unturned
in 1910 to accomplish everything possible that will increase our mag-
nitude as a City.”
“PENSACOLA.”
The Pensacola Journal, October 6, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Importance of Gulf Coast Inland Waterway”:
“Whether present railroad rates to Pensacola are reaSOnable Or
not, they would fall, as surely as the rain falls, in short order if Pen-
sacola could also get what she needs by inland water transportation.”
“NEW OR LEANS.”
The Pensacola Journal, October 6, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“Importance of the Gulf Coast Inland Waterway”:
“New Orleans is, and must always be, a great port—not because
a mighty river corrodes its banks, and not because it costs millions to
maintain a modern depth in the passes at the mouth of the river,
but because Where that river flows, commerce flows, and commerce
ean afford to pay—Commerce cannot afford to refuse to pay—the cost
of jettied channels and protected river banks under the wealth mak-
ing Wharves of a city at the mouth of such a river.”
“DU NCAN U. FLETCHER.”
The Pensacola Journal, November 13, 1908, in an editorial says:
“The Florida delegation at the convention of the Gulf Coast In-
land Waterway Association held in Columbus, Ga., was a very strong
body, and impressed itself so favorably upon the convention that Hon.
Duncan U. Fletcher, United States Senator-elect from this state, was
elected president of the association and Mr. G. A. Waterman, of this
cily, its treasurer. Better selections could not have been made.
Both gentlemen are well informed enthusiasts on the subject of in-
land waterways and will not let the issue get cold. In the United
States senate Mr. Fletcher will have superior opportunity to further
the interests Of the cause and he is Sure to do so. It will take time
and persistent effort to carry through the purposes of this association,
but a good start has been made and this generation will probably see
light draft vessels carrying coastWise traffic through the completed
WaterWays. The change in the name of the association to the Missis-
sippi to Atlantic Inland WaterWay Association is obviously an im-
provement as being more suggestive of the area embraced in the
purposes of the enterprise.”
— 53 —
“An honor well placed was given to Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, Of
Jacksonville, when the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland WaterWay ASSO-
ciation elected him president.”—Miami Metropolis.
“Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, Florida’s new senator, is having honors
heaped upon him. He is one of the ablest men of the country and
will reflect honor upon his state in the upper branch of Congress.”—
Gainesville Sun. -
“Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher attended the meeting of the Gulf Coast
Inland Waterway Association at Columbus, Ga., this Week and so im-
' pressed his ability upon that gathering of brainy business men that
he was elected president of the association. Florida democrats Will
never have reason to regret selecting Mr. Fletcher as one of the
state's representatives in the United States senate.”—Starke Tele-
graph. *
“Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher was elected president of the Gulf
Coast Inland Waterway Association, Convention held in Columbus,
Ga., this week. This is the first honor that has fallen to Mr. Fletcher
since last June, when he was elected United States Senator from
Florida. But this is only a starter. If Mr. Fletcher is not recognized
as a man of more than usual ability by the United States Senate, the
News will be deeply disappointed.”—DeLand News.
“Hon. Duncan U. Fletcher, before the Gulf Coast Inland Water-
Way Association, made an able argument in favor of a ship canal
across the peninsula of Florida. Such a canal, he said, would shorten
by about five hundred miles the route from the Atlantic Ocean into
the Gulf of Mexico, and would solve the problem of the cheapest and
Safest means of transportation for an immense tonnage of freight.
When Florida is thus cut in two Editor Jordan’s plea for the forma-
tion of a new state for the Southern portion will be supported by the
fact that its physical boundary Will have been obtained.”—Lakeland
NewS.
“Duncan U. Fletcher, who will succeed W. H. Milton in the United
States Senate from Florida, has been elected President of the Missis-
sippi to Atlantic Inland Water Way ASSOciation, recently in session in
Columbus, Ga. Mr. Fletcher is thus given an important position in
the fight before Congress for more liberal aid to waterway projects.
He has devoted much thought to this subject and when he enters the
Senate will be capable of effective Service to his state and to the
South at large in commanding the attention of both Houses to the
needs of the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Our own Congressman,
Mr. Sparkman, is undoubtedly the best posted Southern man in Con-
gress On river and harbor projects, OWing to his ong and studious
membership of the great House Committee having such matters in
charge. Mr. Sparkman Will continue to be the senior Democratic
member of this Committee in the next Congress and Mr. Fletcher's
authoritative position as the executive head of the potential Missis-
Sipp-Atlantic Organization Will make him a conspicuous leader in
waterway affairs in the upper body. Florida has much to expect from
these gentlemen; and they will be industriously assisted by the other.
members of this state's delegation.”—Tampa Tribune. -
The Times-Union, November 23, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“The New Waterways President,” says:
“In the selection of Senator-elect Duncan U. Fletcher, of Florida,
as the head of the newly organized Mississippi to Atlantic Inland.
WaterWay ASSociation the future Success of that organization is as-
Sured. Mr. Fletcher is one of the ablest, most conservative and suc-
cessful business men in the South and few are better posted on the
proposed inland Water Way connections.
“Senator Fletcher is thoroughly optimistic. He expresses every
Confidence in the ability of the American people to connect the Mis-
sissippi with the Atlantic and even the Great Lakes with the Gulf by
the proposed inland waterway routes, both of which are perfectly
feasible in his opinion.”
The Dixie Manufacturer, in an editorial May 10, 1909, says:
— 54 —
“Former Mayor Duncan U. Fletcher, who goes to the United
States Senate from Florida, is fifty years old. He was born in GeoT-
gia, where his father, of a Virginia family, was a cotton planter and
Confederate captain. He went through Vanderbilt University, Where
he won a reputation of Oratory. He studied law, moved to Jackson-
ville, and built up one of the richest practices in the State. He was
elected to the Legislature, and was twice mayor of Jacksonville, from
which he steps to the United States Senate.” -
The Jacksonville Times-Union, October 31, 1909, in an editorial
entitled “Senator Fletcher's Suggestion”:
“Senator Fletcher makes a capital suggestion when he says that
the Panama plant, when the work is finished, should be used for the
purpose of extending Our WaterWay improvements in this country.
Commenting On it the Mobile Register Says:
“‘That is smashing all records. When machinery has been used
once it should be allowed to go to ruin So that the Steel plants and
machinery makers may get some more profits.”
“Unfortunately, the Register’s Sarcasm at the expense of previous
practices of the government is not more severe than just. If we judge
the future by the past, the government, when the Panama canal is
completed, Will sell to some grafter as scrap iron the machinery WOrth
hundreds of thousands, if not more than a million dollars. He will
buy for a few thousands what will be worth to him hundreds of thou-
sands, and then the government will buy for hundreds of thousands
equipment that is worth very little more than that which it threw
away for a song.
“In this way the government Will play into the hands of two
grafters—one who wishes to buy property at one per cent of its value,
and the other who wishes to sell its goods for fifty per cent more
than its value. If We judge the future by the past, we have little hope
that the government will neglect an Opportunity of gratifying two
grafters—both probably liberal contributors to the Republican cam-
paign funds.
“But why should bad precedents be followed ? Senator Fletcher
will make a name for himself and earn the gratitude not only of his
constituents but of the people of the nation at large if he will keep
hammering at this idea until he so effectually drives it home that the
grafters and the friends of the grafters will not dare to make their
deal.
“At present we have a president in whose good intentions the
Times-Union has the most implicit confidence. Acting for himself we
believe he is as square as a die. But he has shown that he will not
act on his own convictions when he has failed to impress them on
his party. He is one of the best men, if his party will permit, but
he is a Republican, first, last and all the time. And so, an adminis-
tration that, if left to the feelings of its chief, Would need no watch-
ing will obey if called on to take on its shoulders the sins of the Re.
publican party—a party that has always stood for the favored classes
regardless of the interests of the people.”
The Pensacola Journal, November 2, 1909, in an editorial entitled
“The Excellent Suggestion of Senator Fletcher”:
“Refreshing it is these days of government extravagance and
worthy of all commendation when a practical plan for economy is
presented by one holding the ' high office of United States Senator.
Let us hope that the attention paid to this plan will be commen-
surate with the importance of the Office of the man Who has made it,
for should this be the case the much taxed people will be saved what
the English call a “tidy’ sum of money.
“The Journal alludes to the Wise proposition offered by Senator
Duncan U. Fletcher, that the abundant and expensive dredging and
other machinery now being used in the construction of the Panama
Canal be transferred to this country, When its usefulness on the
Isthmus shall have ended, and employed in the work of constructing
— 55 —
the inland waterways system which is certain to be undertaken in the
not distant future. -
“It is true that the completion of the canal is not promised until
1915, although a high authority outside the engineering Corps declares
that it will be finished in 1913; but it must be remembered that a
vast part of the future work on the great ditch will not require the
retention of a large portion of the machinery now being operated, and
this would be free for other employment at a much earlier date—
some of it, no doubt, before the waterway construction Will be put
under Way. r
“It takes no second thought to understand the immense saving
which would result from adopting Senator Fletcher’s suggestion. It
is quite impossible to believe it will not be adopted, despite the doubts
expressed by certain contemporaries. To permit it to go to ruin
atfer its present work is done and to go to an immense additional
expense to provide new machinery for the Waterways building Would
be such a flagrantly extravagant act, tainted by so Strong a flavor of
graft, that no administration would dare stand for it. -
“Senator Fletcher deserves the thanks of the country for his
thoughtful advice.”
“G. A. WATER MAN.”
The Pensacola Journal, Nov. 13, 1908, in an editorial says:
“The Florida delegation at the convention of the Gulf Coast In-
land Waterway Association in Columbus, Ga., was a very Strong body
and impressed itself so favorably upon the convention, that Hon.
Duncan U. Fletcher, United States Senator-elect, was elected President
of the Association and Mr. G. A. Waterman, of this city, its treasurer,
Better selections could not have been made. Both gentlemen are
well informed enthusiasts on the subject of inland waterways and
they will not let the issue get cold.”
“FLORIDA SHIP CANAL.”
The Tampa Tribune, November 21, 1908, in an editorial entitled
“A Canal Across Florida”:
“A ship canal across Florida Will come in time—but not too soon.
The government has about all it can attend to now in the Panama
ditch and Congress will not give favorable consideration to a fifty
million dollar job until Isthmian canal is completed. Senator Fletcher
is wise, however, in calling attention to the merits of the project and
it will not be very many years before the scheme is made a part of
the national Waterway improvement plans. In Outlining his ideas of
the Canal, Senator Fletcher said:
“‘We must meet waterway improvement in foreign countries by
Waterway improvements at home, if we Would maintain supremacy or
even Standing in markets abroad.”
“The problem Of the cheapest and safest means of transportation
now required by the Southern, Western and Northern growers is
solved when the United States Gulf ports are opened and the Florida
ship canal, on the lock system, is constructed.
“A ship canal across the peninsula of Florida would shorten by
about five hundred miles the route from the Atlantic Ocean into the
Gulf of Mexico, especially to the gulf ports of the United States and
avoid the dangerous navigation of the Gulf Stream through the Straits
of Florida. By this canal the commerce of this northern continent
would be placed more than a thousand miles nearer to the Central
American republic. - -
“The general opinion seems to be that a tidewater canal is im-
practicable. For a lock Canal almost a Straight line across the nar-
roWest part of the peninsula could be selected, passing through a
number of large lakes, and using some portions of rivers. This canal
would be a part of the contemplated inland water circuit of the whole
central and eastern parts of the United States, east of the Rocky
Mountains.
— 56 —
“It is estimated that the canal can be dug for fifty million dollars.
It has been estimated also that more than thirty million tons Would
pass through the canal yearly, which does not include the enormous
traffic from Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, or Certain other Countries
whose traffic would bring the tonnage, under a reasonable estimate,
to a total of sixty million tons annually.”
“REASONS FOR THE MISSISSIPPI TO ATLANTIC IN LAND
WATERWAY.”
The Jacksonville Times-Union, November 23, 1908, in an editorial
entitled “The New Waterways President’’:
“To the pessimists and the indifferent, we point out that the groSS
receipts of the government in 1791 amounted to $4,770,000, and the
expenditures were $3,790,000. The appropriations by Congress With-
in the last three years from the public treasury have been, in round
figures, $3,428,000,000—a sum absolutely beyond the calculations of Our
forefathers, and which gives an idea of the growth of this country.
“The value of real estate and personal property in the United
States in 1860 was $16,159,616,058, and in 1906 it was in round figures,
$117,000,000,000. The assessed value of all property in the Southern
states in 1860 was $5,200,190,818, and in 1906 it was $8,025,050,496,
while the true value of Southern property is now more than $20,000,-
000,000, nearly $5,000,000,000 greater than the total value of all the
property in the entire country in 1860, and the increase in Value since
1900 has been at the rate of $3,000,000 a day.”
“ROME, GA.”
The Rome, Ga., Tribune-Herald, November, 1908, in an editorial
entitled “A Far Reaching Project”:
“On Monday, November 9th, a meeting of the Gulf Coast Inland
Waterway Association will be called at Columbus, Ga. Mayor Lips-
comb and Governor Smith have both appointed delegates from Rome
to this meeting. Mr. Chas. R. Porter, President of the State Mutual,
is an active member of the Associatſon, and is much interested in its
Work. It is to be hoped that a number of the gentlemen designated
will find time to attend the meeting. The project is one of real im-
portance to Rome's Commerce.”
“LE LAND J. H E N DERSON.”
The Dixie Manufacturer, in an editorial, May 10, 1909:
“Among the most progressive and active young business men in
the South today is Leland J. Henderson, of Apalachicola, Fla. He is
actively engaged in many commercial and industrial enterprises in
the South. His qualifications are recognized by the holding of an
office in many of them. He is Secretary of the Mexican Gulf Land
Co., New Orleans, La., and Pass Christian, Miss.; Secretary of the
Florida Coast Realty Co., Florida Corporation, Board of Trade, Chipola-
Flint-Chattahoochee-Apalachicola, Waterway Association, and the Mis-
sissippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association, at Apalachicola,
Fla.”
The Jacksonville Times-Union, October 18, 1908, in an editorial
SayS:
“Convincing figures and arguments were those of Secretary Hen-
derson, of the Apalachicola Board of Trade, in urging upon the Jack-
sonville Board of Trade, the importance of the project to construct
an inland water way from the Mississippi River east along the Gulf
Coast to connect with a canal across the Florida peninsula. He was
addressing an organization which can hardly be said to have a peer
anywhere in the South for energy and those qualities which command
success. The action of the Board in taking membership in the Gulf
Coast Inland Waterway Association Will be followed by enthusiastic
action in furtherance of plans which mean much for Jacksonville, the
state, and the entire Gulf coast and ultimately for the whole country
— 57 —
when inland waterways shall be established from the Great Lakes by
means of the Mississippi with the Atlantic and northward to New
England. This is one of the greatest American movements of the
age. When the lower Mississippi has been connected With the At-
lantic at the mouth of the St. Johns, the benefit to be derived from
it by the entire valley of that great river will be beyond calculation.”
JACKSON V | LLE.
The Jacksonville Times-Union, November 8, 1909, in an editorial
entitled “Gulf Coast Inland Waterways”:
“If the purpose of the convention that will meet in Jacksonville
is carried out, this city will be given water communication without
breaking bulk, with the interior of twenty-two states, with which We
have no such connection now. The Atlantic Inland WaterWay Would
give us such connection with only half as many states.
“But the two projects do not conflict, but are Supplemental, One
of the other, and our people should show their interest in both by
helping to push both plans to completion.”
The same paper as just quoted from, in an editorial, November
16, 1909:
“Jacksonville is on the Atlantic Coast, but no city would derive
greater gains from the continuation of the plans that have brought SO
many distinguished men to our city. The plans include the cutting Of
a ship canal across Florida and that would put Jacksonville in touch
With the Gulf as well as the Atlantic.”
“PURPOSES OF THE MISSISSIPPI TO ATLANTIC IN LAND
WATER WAY ASSOCIATION.”
The Columbus Ledger, November 9, 1909, in an editorial entitled
“The Big Waterways Convention”:
“This convention aims at educational work. Work is already in
progress on the Atlantic Coast Inland Waterway, and there is no
longer reason to doubt that work on this project will be pushed to
Completion. This will be of advantage to the entire Atlantic Sea-
board, and in fact, to the nation, but the general plan will not be
complete until a similar channel is also provided along the shore of
the Gulf.”
Of the convention, the Florida Times-Union says:
“This convention hopes to arouse at least enough interest in the
Work to insure a government survey. If we judge by the map, there
are a Series of inland waterways provided by nature from Apalachicola
to New Orleans, which could be connected with very little work.
From Apalachicola eastward it looks as if more work would be needed,
but anyone who knows the soil of Florida—especially along the coast
—knows that a given amount of excavation can be done at smaller
cost in this state than anywhere else.
“A part of the plan is a ship canal across Florida, which would
Save as much as two days run for the trade between the Gulf ports
and Europe or the Atlantic ports of the United States. The foreign
trade of these ports already amounts to half a billion dollars a year,
Which is more than three times as much as it amounted to fifteen
years ago, Counting coastwise as well as foreign trade it is safe to
Say that there is today a commerce of more than three-quarters of a
billion dollars that could save two days by cutting through Florida
instead of going round, and that in fifteen years this will be increased
to two billion dollars.”
“M ILITARY STAND PO| NT.”
The Times-Union, of Jacksonville, November 17, 1909, in an edi-
torial entitled “The Defensive Side”:
“From a military standpoint the construction of an inland water-
way down the Atlantic front across Florida and along the Gulf Coast
Would be a matter of great importance. It would make possible the
— 58 —
concentration of the torpedo fleet of the United States at any point
Without the knowledge of a hostile fleet outside.
“We do not make the defensive aspect of this question prominent
because we do not see any prospect of a war with any power or with
any Combination; but in the fullness of time, all things come; and
because the political weather bureau forecasts a limitless period of
Sunshine, We must not entirely neglect precautions against storm;
for the political weather bureau is no more able than that over which
Prof. Moore so ably presides, to give a positive guarantee against a
flareback.
“If a power, or a combination of powers, stronger than the United
States, Were blockading our ports a Ship Canal across Florida. Would
enable the entire fleet to move from the Atlantic to the Gulf in ten
hours, while the opposing fleet would need three days to get around
the peninsula of Florida. Thus, more than two days would be given
to the combined American fleet for settling differences with a divided
enemy. TWO dayS—or even a day—would be more than enough to
decide the result of any naval engagement. Thus ,a ship canal across
Florida would double the strength of the American fleet.
“Germany understands this and understanding it has built the
Kiel Canal purely for military purposes. It gives a German fleet a
day’s advantage in entering or going out of the Baltic. Now Ger-
many proposes to Widen and deepen this canal. -
“For the entire length of the coast from Providence to New Or-
leans the torpedo boats could go from One point to another as needed,
out of the Teach of the enemies’ guns and their observation. This
would give an opportunity for surprising and destroying in detail an
opposing fleet that would fully double the strength of the American
navy. •
“This coastline inland waterway would be like an impregnable
wall around the waterfront of the United States. If ready for use it
would save half the expense of the navy and give as much security
as the entire naval expenditure could furnish without it; and we must
remember that with this waterway completed the cost would be prac-
tically at an end, while appropriations for the navy must be made
every year.”
“STARKE, FL.A.”
The Starke, Fla., Telegraph, in an editorial last year (meaning
1909) under the title of “The Florida Ship Canal Route”:
“With everything in favor of the line from Doctors Lake via
Starke to Cedar Keys we think the Canal may as well be considered
Settled. Of course, it pains us to break the news to Editor Frank
Harris, who thinks the ships ought to meander dOWn the Ocklawaha,
spend the day at Silver Springs and pass Out to sea via Ocala at Port
Inglis, but we have to look out for ourselves in a matter of this kind
and may as well let him understand Tlow that he and his friends built
Ocala too far down the state to be on the line of the ship canal.”
“THE ROUTE.”
The Times-Union, November 16, 1909, in an editorial entitled “The
Waterways Convention”:
“The Times-Union does not propose to advocate any particular
route for the ship canal. When it is cut, it will be cut by the federal
government in the interest of the Whole people and no particularly
locality will be considered. In locating it for the general good several
facts should control. -
“First—The canal should be as far north as possible, so as to
make the greatest possible saving in distance. .
“Second—It should be cut on the Shortest practical line between
the Atlantic and the Gulf So as to Save as much distance and time
and cost as possible in the passage through the canal. -
“Third—It should be constructed on the least costly route, consid-
ering the two other requirements.
“Considering nothing but the general good the Atlantic end of
the canal would be either at Jacksonville or near Jacksonville, in
either case our city would be benefited.”
“COUNTY BRANCHES.”
The Pensacola Journal, February 20, 1910, in an editorial entitled
“Pensacola Has Waterway Organization”:
“As a result of the meeting Friday night, Pensacola now has the
beginning of what ought to result in a very large Organization com:
mitted to the success of the Inland Waterways project.
“The selection of Mr. Thos. C. Watson as the head of the Organ
ization in this county was a most fortunate one. Mr. Watson has
tºoth the time and the talent to make the work here productive of
the best results and he has already taken up the matter With an
energy which speaks well for the success of an undertaking in Which
every Pensacola business man should be vitally interested.
“There are many people no doubt who know but Very little about
this waterway project and one of the objects of the organization Will
be to see that as many people as possible are made familiar With its
value and with the means required for its construction.
“To a great many people the project has been regarded as One
whose completion would be witnessed only by coming generations
These people will therefore be surprised to learn that the rivers and
harbors bill which passed the house last week contains an appropria-
tion for a hundred thousand dollars for the beginning of the dredging
which will connect the Apalachicola River with St. Andrews Bay.
“What Pensacola must now do is to secure the cut between St.
Andrews Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay, on the east, and Pensacola,
Perdido and Mobile Bays on the West. This must be done before
Pensacola will receive any benefit from the completion of the project
on other parts of the Gulf Coast where money has already been ap-
propriated for the Work.
“Pensacola is also interested in the big waterway Convention
which is to come to this city next fall. It will not only bring money
to the city, but it will give us one of the best advertisements we
have ever had.
“The Journal intends from time to time to discuss the Waterway
project in all of its details and it hopes that everyone that has an
idea to offer, a suggestion to make, or a question to ask Will make
free use of its columns for that purpose.”
The Metropolis, of Jacksonville, Fla., March 24, 1910, in an edl-
torial entitled “BOOst this Waterways Movement”:
“Jacksonville, through her Board of Trade and a body of live rep-
resentative citizens, took a decided stand last night in favor of the
construction of the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway, one of
the most important features of a vast system of inter-coastal canals
connecing all the waters east of the Rocky Mountains, Ilow under
national contemplation.
“The building Öf a ship or barge canal from the Atlantic across
the peninsula of Florida and along the Gulf to the Mississlppi River
is of more vital importance to the city of Jacksonville and to the
Southern states than any other proposition affecting their interests.
And the consummation of this vast project is within the possibilities
and probabilities of the very near future.
“Enthusiasm ran rife at last night's meeting in the Board of
Trade, when citizens pledged their active support to the work being
done by the Mississippi to Atlantic Inland Waterway Association, and
organized a Duval County Branch to work in conjunction with it, and
get back of the vigorous personal work being done by United States
Senator D. U. Fletcher on behalf of a government appropriation in
next year’s river and harbors bill for this canal.
“‘Sufficient public interest and demand means success,” said a
telegram from Senator Fletcher to Col. W. M. Toomer yesterday.
- “If we are that near the consummation of this gigantic project,
— 60 —
the benefits from which are fairly inconceivable and would make
Jacksonville a seaport second to none South of New York, with a
succession of docks extending to Mayport, as several men prophesied
last night.
“It is the duty of every man, woman and child of Duval county
to follow the instructions of our Washington representative to de-
mand this Waterway.”
M.A.Y.E.8 PPRINTING co., PEN 5 Agtol-A, FLA.

III
|
III
i
901
III.
|
|