The Watchman And Southron

SUMTER DELEGATION LARGEST.

BUSINESS MEN WILL MEET AT COLUMBIA TOMORROW.

Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Advancement of State to be Talked at "Dollar Dinner."

Columbia State.

Several hundred well known business men of the State will gather here tomorrow to organize the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. A feature of the meeting will be the "dollar dinner" tomorrow night.

Secretary Hamby is making arrangements for the meeting.

"The reports from different sections of the State," said Secretary Hamby yesterday, "are very encouraging and indicate a large and enthusiastic meeting.

"Sumter will send 60 delegates and a brass band composed of 15 men. Florence will send about 50 delegates; the Florence and Sumter delegates coming over in a special train. Kershaw will send 11 or more delegates; Branchville 10 or more; Greenwood 40 or more; Camden six to ten; Cheraw a large delegation; Charleston 25 or more; Orangeburg between 25 and 60; Beaufort one; Spartanburg two; Greenville one; Clinton two; Union nine or more; Chester five; Belton one, and it is expected that a great many more will be reported between now and July 9. It appears from the above figures that we will have between 250 and 300 delegates in attendance.

"This shows a spirit of awakening all over the State for State good and it is believed that the movement will be given a great impetus by the enthusiasm that will be manifested at the organization.

"Much credit is due Sumter for the interest that she has taken in this organization and the number of delegates that she will send. Their 60 delegates with the brass band of 15 men will leave the union station in Columbia on a special street car immediately after arrival and will parade Main street on foot, starting at the capitol.

"If all of the cities and towns in the State would send half the number of delegates that Sumter will send, in comparison to their population, the opera house, where the meeting will be held, would not be large enough to seat the delegates. The desire and determination on the part of these public spirited citizens to put before the country the natural resources and advantages of their State is very gratifying and there has been no movement in this line that has ever received heartier response than this one from all parts of the State.

"It is hoped that the citizens of Columbia, who have only to walk or ride from their places of business to the opera house, will turn out in full force and lend their help and energy to the cause. It is also hoped that a great many Columbians will attend the 'dollar dinner' that night. Let it be remembered that one has not to be a member of any chamber of commerce to attend this meeting or the dollar dinner. The only requisite in the latter is that the dollar be paid either beforehand or at the door."