Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1839-01-17
Amelia, I'd January, 1850

FOR THE ENQUIRER.
.i:Ne'o Years Gyt to The People IF Vrgina and Their
Representatives,, he fSTiculura Interest file Country.
THE CULTURE OF SILK
IN all attempts To Introduce new article Of culture
mo The country doubts and difficulties are raised q
oaff't' !" hs advancement. Amongst other arguments
urged against The prnpely of aung the culture
OF sk IL IS SAID that The difference the price Of labor
mere ana IN Europe, prevents any thing like
competition win TIE producers abroad. This objection
Is promptly answered, 10y all who have turned their
attention to such subjrcis) by bringing TO mind the
vast exports OF cotton from our country and the glest
amount o money has brought continues 10 bring
US, notwithstanding the low rate at which the Arab
slave turns the rich lands of the Egvptan Delta
or the 'pitiance which is dealt out to The Indian la
hourer for his daily toll. Our superiority and nyen.
tive capacity, in the application Of machinery to the
arts our exemption from depressing taxaticn-addpd 10
winch, the many motives which actuae free and Vi
goTous people afford irresistible advantages To our coun.
!neh IN The prosecution Of like schemes which more
an c"uneioaiance the hackneyed obstacle in The shape
"e 'a10T which has been opposed TO all works
eh"sg 10 advance the prosperity of the land. The i'm.
PeSs'Pe and eloquent appeal of Mr.. Allen to Govern
ent IN support of the agricultural interest OF the coun-
Try says, that Politicians may speculate upon the nhu
e"e "hch free Institutions parlzan administration
may nave upon The pro Perty of country; commercial
men may tAioi The advantages OF an xended commerce.
manufactures may claim preemnence in comforting in.
'Tendence upon their country; and literature may AFRO
gaze Tue exclusive credit OF rendering community en-
IsA'ened ana polished; yet after ALL agriculture cons
ues the broad base upon ckch the ,coc suDerstructuye
o'tety depends for support If tina, languishes either
or want OF The protection and patonap of he
duho,uieS or from the inatienon and lack or in,el
ecnce It's rural population, the Governme ut becomes
embarrassed commerce crippled and para
lyzed"
The report Of the Agricultural Committee of the Cd
session Of the 25lh Congress of the u S, with facts
subsequently developed from other quarters, brings more
Immediately under the eye Of observation, the grea, ad
santages county may derive from The culture OF
the mulberry aud the manufacture of silk-l shows be-
yond doubt that the subject is of the highest ma
uoa importance justly meriting that aid 10 its advance
men, which be extended by the fostering hand OF
he General Government, and the support OF each par
ocular State constituting this great and prosperous
Country which has already made such rapid and ggan-
c strides in bringing unparalleled degree OF per
ec'on the arts to which The intelligent pop ulation has
turned lis attention.
IN the construction Of railroads and canals, tending go
much 10 facilitate the transportation Of produce Virginia
nas extended liberal hand, erncing spirit Of enter
Prise highly honorable to the Slate IT, in the ratio
att resources were applied agricultural purposes in
M introduction of new and highly valuable products OF
we SOIL, great indeed would be The benefit conferred on
Ss' population then the mulberry and vine would glad
@ nef now desoIae and barren hills, pouring forth
A"a'y mine of wealth TO her hardy and industrious
~h" would enjoy those comforts of life at home
o" Sicn OF late years, they have sought amidst The
r'"""'a! wilderness Of our more Southern cline.