The Record Union

STATE BOARD OF TRADE
ROOMS FORMALLY OPENED.
Address of President N. P. Chipman and Secretary of Agriculture Morton.
Large Throng of Visitors View the Rearranged Exhibit.
Magnificent Capabilities of California as a Producer of the Choicest National Products—Reputation of Our Fruits Established in Eastern Centers,
Shipments Realizing Handsome Returns.

SAN FRANCISCO, May 14.—To-day the rearranged exhibit of the State Board of Trade was formally opened to the public. It has in reality been free to the inspection of all who chose to visit it for some weeks past, but it was felt proper, nevertheless, when everything appertaining to it had finally been thoroughly put in shape that something special should be done to once more call the attention of the public to what the State Board was doing to exploit the natural wealth and resources of the State.

Therefore the exercises of to-day were determined on, and it was deemed wise, also, to do whatever might be necessary to give the occasion as much of a festival character as possible.

At 11 o'clock this morning the doors were formally thrown open, and in a very few moments quite a throng of visitors had assembled within the rooms. Those present were by no means confined to local residents, for invitations had been sent to County Supervisors and other prominent citizens throughout the State, and quite a number of those invited had made it convenient to attend.

With them, however, as a matter of course, were many local residents and business men, and, further than this, not a few from other States who happened to be temporarily in the city.

For a time the visitors were allowed to wander at will through the rooms, inspecting the various beautiful displays, while at the same time an orchestra furnished by Charles Casassa discoursed, from a tastefully screened recess, a number of choice popular airs.

It was not until 12:30 o'clock that the formal exercises began. Just previous to that time Secretary Morton of the Department of Agriculture, arrived in company with his old friend, Colonel John P. Irish, his appearance in the throng causing quite a decided manifestation of interest.

At the hour named J. A. Filcher, Secretary of the State Board of Trade and manager of the exhibit, called the assemblage to order, and made a few remarks, in which he touched briefly on the purposes for which the public exhibit is maintained. In closing he introduced General N. P. Chipman, President of the State Board.

General Chipman also made his address a brief one, but took occasion to refer in enthusiastic terms to the great results which had already accrued from the earnest and united efforts of the various counties of the State to advertise its magnificent resources and capabilities abroad. In giving their support to the State Board and its permanent exhibition they were, he said, showing a combination of zeal and good judgment for which it was difficult to commend them too highly.

In closing his remarks President Chipman said he would now call on Colonel John P. Irish to introduce the Secretary of Agriculture, Hon. J. Sterling Morton.

The task assigned Colonel Irish was evidently one which he found a labor of love. He warmly eulogized the distinguished guest of the occasion, declaring that his knowledge of his sterling qualities of mind and heart were gained through a lifelong friendship, and when he ended what he had to say and gave place to the Secretary himself, the burst of applause which broke forth was cordial and enthusiastic.

Secretary Morton apparently took his cue, to a certain extent, from those who had preceded him, and did not speak at any great length. What he said, however, was very much to the point.

There was no longer any question, he said, of the magnificent capabilities of California as a producer of the choicest natural products. The problem which was to be solved in the future by the people of the State was that relating to the extension of existing markets and the securing of new ones rather than how to increase the volume of the annual yields. This latter question might be trusted to care for itself.

"You have here," said the Secretary, "a million and a half of people now engaged in raising luxuries, a great proportion of your products to be consumed elsewhere than in your own State. Already you have thoroughly established the reputation of your fruits in New York and other Eastern centers, and there is, therefore, comparatively little home missionary work remaining to be done. And in seeking to extend the existing markets for your products you must, therefore, for the most part look abroad to England and other countries of the Old World."

Then Secretary Morton read a number of statistical statements setting forth the amount of fruit and other California products exported during the years from 1890 to 1895 inclusive, and giving approximate returns obtained therefrom.

"These figures and such other information as we have at hand," he resumed, "all go to show that the best qualities of your products when shipped abroad have never failed to yield handsome returns. The lesson is therefore obvious that it is in exporting only these best qualities that your profit is to be found."

Secretary Morton's remarks were warmly applauded, and when the speechmaking was over many persons present sought an opportunity to be introduced to him.

The programme for the day also included the serving of a choice lunch to all who cared to partake, together with all the best variety of California wines.