no better way of accomplishing 1 this work of education than that of having a congress on commerce and industry, or one on commerce and transportation and another on industry, at which lectures by those most qualified to speak should be given. These lectures would naturally form a part of the literature printed by the exposition, and its distribution should add much to the information of the people of the United States concerning the economic importance and possibilities of our Pacific Coast.
If I can be of any assistance to you in planning the work of the congress, and if you desire a course of lectures from myself bearing upon the relation of the isthmian canal to the Pacific Coast, and possibly upon other questions of transportation, I shall be pleased to serve you.
With assurances of my interest in the subject of your communication, I am with cordial regards.
Very truly yours,
EMORY R. JOHNSON.
School of Economics and Political Science.
Richard T. Ely, Director.
University of Wisconsin,
Madison, Wisconsin, May 30, 1901.
Prof. F. G. Young, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon—
My Dear Professor Young: * * * I am very greatly interested in your project of a centennial fair. I believe that a fair could be held in Portland, Oregon, in 1905, which would be successful. There are many features about the plan which would appeal to the people of the country very generally. Naturally, I am especially interested in your idea of a congress of commerce and industry in connection with the fair. I am sure such a congress would be attended by many men of national repute, and would be helpful in the development of the Pacific Northwest, both scientifically and practically. It ought to serve as a stimulus to your university and to the development of an interest in history and economics, showing the peculiar opportunities for scientific work along these lines. In fact, as I read what you write I become quite enthusiastic about your idea. You may use what I say in regard to it in any way in which you see fit, and you may count upon me for such co-operation as I am able to give in the development of your ideas.
I remain, ever faithfully yours,
RICHARD T. ELY.
These letters, it seems to me, go far towards proving the existence of an enthusiastic eagerness among the more profound students of the conditions of prosperity to help the Pacific Northwest find the key to a commanding position in the world's economic affairs. This assist-
