10 



DRY-FARMING CONGRESS, WICHITA, 1914 



Permit me to say that the city you meet in is one of some 64,000 inhabi- 

 tants containing a generous and hospitable people, and it is a stirring 

 Western American City having a cosmopolitan citizenship with high hopes 

 for the future of their city and undaunted faith in its future growth and 

 relative greatness. 



Now, in behalf of the officials of the City of Wichita, the Peerless 

 Princess of the Plains, and in behalf of her 64,000 citizens, I take the 

 greatest pleasure in extending to those friends and representatives of far 

 away countries, to those of other states and our own United States Gov- 

 ernment, and to the Governors who so much honor us by being here today, 

 and to you the men of experience and science from institutions of learning 

 and to all others the heartfelt welcome of a truly Western city, the sincere 

 and cordial welcome of a hospitable people, which means come again and 

 come often, because you are always, more than welcome! 



CHAIRMAN SOUTHWARD: 



Organization is one of the most important factors of the day, but I 

 would suggest that we don't try to get out and organize a boom, for the 

 boom might burst, and when it 1 does, it hurts. We have an organization 

 with us here that is very important in the city affairs. Organization 

 means much in city interests and in the state interests, and in fact without 

 proper organization, we do not get much of any place in the way of ad- 

 vancement. This organization is the Wichita Business Association. We are 

 indebted to it for this Congress. It was through its efforts that the Con- 

 gress was brought here. They made it possible for us to take care of this 

 Congress. It is still interested in the proposition, but I believe it is so 

 far along now that it will take care of itself. However, I want to intro- 

 duce you to the president of the Wichita Business Association, Mr. F. W. 

 George. 



MR. GEORGE: 



I speak for the commercial and civic organizations of Wichita. 



Useful public gatherings are promoted in these days by commercial 

 bodies, that being one of their functions. 



The Wichita Business Association took the initiative step to secure the 

 International Dry-Farming Congress and sent a special party of people to 

 Tulsa last year- and has tried to foster it in every way possible during the 

 year. It appreciates the presence of the Congress, as much as the Gover- 

 nor or the Mayor. 



Wichita is a happy location for an event like this, a great commercial 

 and distributing center in a great agricultural region where agriculture has 

 reached the very top of success. It is an important grain and livestock 

 center and a city of sightliness and hospitality. 



Great agricultural gatherings are schools of education and all well 

 regulated commercial bodies recognize and foster that sort of thing. That 

 is why we are so very pleased to have you with us. 



I cordially and earnestly add my word of welcome to you. 



