Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-08-15
Cotton Manufacturing at the
SOUTH.


! 1t is with pleasure that we notice the
deep interest which this subject is exciting
in many of the Southern States. That we
can manufacture the cheaper articles o.
cotton goods. particularly white cloths and
yarns, at the South as cheap, and even
cheaper than the same goods can be made
at the North, we believe is now ascertain.
ed by experience. That we ought to do
our own aUork so far as we can, every one
will readily agree. 1t is fact. perhaps
not known 10 most of our readers, tina,
both the yarns and the white cloths made
in our North Carolina factories, are heavi-
er and better than the same class of articles
made at the North. 1t is also a fact we'll
known, that orders are constantly sent
from the Northern cities to our manufactu-
ring establishments for these articles
To those who have already engaged in the
business, manufacturing has proved most
profitable investment for capital. In the
neighborhood Of Fayetteville, there are sew
eral of these establishments, which have
been in operation for years, and they have
proved profitable, not only to those direct
ly interested, but they have given an i'm
petus to the industrial pursuits of the coun-
try in which they are located. Our own
town, we think, is as well adapted to the
successful carrying on of this business, as
any other in North Carolina. II IS true,
we have not the same water power which
Fayetteville and other points in the State
can boast of. But then we have the au-
thority of the best practical minds, that the
machinery of a cotton factory can be dri-
ven cheaper by steam, than by water.-
This is stated in communications received
by gentleman in this town, from sources
which merit perfect confidence. Indeed,
actual experiment has shewn such to be
the case. There is every motive then 10
induce our enterprising capitalists to en-
bark in this line of business. All expert
ence shews that it will be profitable to
themselves directly. Then the inciden-
tai benefits which would flow to them from
the impetus which it would give to the
commerce Of Wilmington, would be meal.
culable. See what the Steam Saw Mills
and the Distilleries have already done for
us. We have every reason 10 believe that
if the manufacturing spirits once aroused,
the same, if not still happier effects will
flow from it. This, we predictin advance,
that in less than two years after the first
factory commences its operations in Viii
mington, there will be two or three more
in full blast. Nor would this iniure those
who may first embark. Our field is am
ply large enough for half dozen estab-
lishments. We have our own State; we
have the whole United States our loca-
ton on the seaboard gives US the whole
world for market. Why might not the
people of Wilmington ship manufactured
goods to the South American markets, as
well as the brother Jonathans of Rhode
Island, or Massachusetts We say then,
to those who have put their hands to the
plough. go on with spirit and energy. and
you will not only do well for yourselves,
but you will confer an enduring benefits
upon the whole community. From the
proceedings which we publish below. our
readers will see that the en,erprsng bust
ness men of our town have already taken
the incipient steps towards erecting Cot
ton Factory i'll this place. We would
conjure them TO be prompt and energetic
in the matter. At the same time we would,
if our voice had any weight, beg of them
to see that every step they take be guided
by prudence.
Nothing would be more fatal to the sue
cess of such an enterprise, for all time to
come, than the failure Of the first attempt,
no matter what might be the cause of tha,
failure. Let those who have the manage
ment OF the matter, see that the scheme
has fair trial, and we are certain of its
success. The shares should be small, so
that every one might be able to take an in,
terest In the concern. Finally. we say
let the committee 60 at once and vigorous
|y to work. Strike while the iron is hot.
Below are the proceedings as furnished
US by the Secretary of the meeting:
Public Meeting in Wilmingtou, ON tile subject
Of erecting Cotton Factory.
A number of the most enterprisine citizens
OF Wilmington assembled on Tuesday last,
Tor the purpose of taking into consideration the
project of erecting Cotton Factory.
The meeting was organized by calling Gen.
Alex'r McRae TO the Chair. Dr.. w. A. Ber-
ry was requested to act as Secretary.
The Chairman, in few pertinent remarks.
the purposes for which the gentle
men present had met. Several gentlemen
their sentiments as to the feasibility
as well as the Practicability of erecting a Cot