The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-04
From ns Richmond Wing.
Southern Manufacturer

To The Editors Of The Wig:
have for some time been Of the impression that
the most efiectual means that could be adopted in
order to bring about an equilibrium between the
North and the South, in point Of population, COM
mercial activity, and in various other respects, il
for the South 20 embark extensively possible
in manufacturing enterprises and pursuits. The
South unqucstionably has n decided advantage in
the home production Of the raw material, and also
in home market and convenient outlet 10 the
Southwest and West, for 30 large proportion ofits
manufactured products.
IL Is true that in former years when the price Of
cotton was much higher than Il has been of late
years. IL did not then 10 be the interest Of the
South TO apply its labor in manufacturing pursuits
because perhaps such labor could then be employed
more profitably in the culture Of cotton and other
agricultural products. But that time has passed
by. Cotton, in consequence OF the increased guam
tity produced, and the yearly increasing quantity
likely TO be produced, Except when prevented in
particular years from accidental at pres
ent,) IL is presumed will continue at a much lower
price than IL formerly was. This reduced rate in
the price Of cotton has unquestionably resulted in
making IL the interest of the South now 10 employ
a considerable portion Of the labor in manufacture
ing pursuits. But the South, in making this effort
will at present. and for some time 10 come, have 20
labor under some Disadvantages.
For want Of practice and en- Experience in the man.
ufacturing arts, which are indispensable in order
10 acquire that degree Of skill and dexterity which
are all-important in order 10 obtain profitable
suits IL will, for time, have 10 submit 10 less pro-
itable results than are enjoyed by its older, moro
experienced, and more skilful and dexterous com
pctitors of the North. This is what the people Of
every country, section of country, has 10 submit
10 at first, while its manufacturing institutions
are in a state Of comparative infancy. The South
Of late years seems TO have become, 10 some extent,
sensible Of its true interest in this respect and have
made considerable progress in the number Of cotton
manufacturing establishments especially the States
Of North Carolina and Georgia-tbe latter Of which,
il is now understood, has SO far outstripped Vir
A. Il.
number Of cotton factories now in operation in vir
ginia And il seems 10 be understood, that at this
time there is strong disposition prevailing,
throughout the entire South, TO embark more ex-
tcnsivcly i'm these enterprises. In consequence Of
which il is not uncommon to meet with artisans
l. c.. superintendent Of factories and others, from
the North, "going down South" as they say, in
quest Of employment-using the same familiar
phrase which they do at the North as 10 "gong
down East" This take 10 be bright omen in
favor Of the future progress Of southern manufae
tories.
But in order TO impart a due degree Of energy,
and 70 give full animation 20 these southern enter
prises, and TO ensure their increase and multiplied
ton 10 sufficient extent, II II Of the most vital inn
portance, at this time, that adequate system Of
increased protection should be enacted and adjust
ed, which should serve, 10 a reasonable extent, 10
prevent the rapid and overwhelming influx Of
foreign pauper-labor manufactured articles with
which the country has been gorged for the last few
years.
IT. therefore, the free trade politicians Of the South
could be persuaded 10 the true interests Of the
South as Il really is and, surrendering their own
free trade notions and prepossessons their ef
forts in the procurement OF such tariff there can
be no doubt that II would soon evcntuate in the
most prosperous and happy results throughout the
whole southern country; and, permit me 10 add,
that If you, Mcssrs. editors, would spirtedly take
up the subject, and use your pen OCCASIONALLY
which you are capable Of doing with 80 much
adrotness on all suitable occasions-in furtherance
Of this object, have doubt you would ere long
succeed in making decided impression.
Hong INDvsTRy.