Date: 1851
Mons Is the residence of a civil governor, and of a provincial and a municipal military commandant, and the seat of tribunals of primary jurisdiction and com merce, a chamber of commerce, &c. It had formerly a flourishing manufacture of lace, now much decayed, and and several sugar refineries, which have been abandoned.  It still, however, produces some woollen and cotton stuffs, gloves, cutlery, hardware, soap, and vinegar ; and has copper and lead foundries, flour-mills, &c; but its chief source of wealth is in the numerous and productive coal mines by which it is surrounded, and which employ a great number of workmen and steam-engines.  There are also extensive bleaching grounds in the vicinity.