The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-25


The present condition Of the planters of the
South. in pecuniary sense, 10 infinitely more IA
yorable than at any time within the last ten or
fifteen years. As general thing, abundant crops
of every description have rewarded the farmer;
and plenty, If not profusion, Of all the necessa-
ries, to say nothing Of the dispensabie loxures of
life, may be found throughout the length and
breadth of the slaveholding States. Good crops
and excellent prices have not only enabled most
of our planters to get out Of debt, but to make
substantial and important improvements in the
cultivation of their lands and in the diversifcation
Of their crops. This latter change we consider Of
the highest moment; and we have often wondered
at the strange perversity that led thousands and
tens of thousands Of intelligent men to exert all
their energies, and engage their whole force, in
the cultivation Of one out of two crops, COTTON
sugar,) relying upon the proceeds of the same to
purchase every thing else, thereby placing them
selves entirely at the mercy Of the markets, for
no matter how high prices ruled, or how uniavor
able the condition Of things, they were compelled
to purchase. Yet a very large proportion of the
articles thus purchased they could have raised
their own farms with comparatively little or no
trouble and expense. Last year Geo we heard an
extensive western produce dealer say) one house in
this city shipped seventy thousand sacks of corn to
single port in Georgia. This ID a email item. it 10
true; but it illustrates our argument well we
WISH There may have been one hundred houses,
or more, in this city, that shipped as large amounts
perhaps larger. The same demand for corn pre-
vailed throughout the South, and prices ruled 30
high, that many planter, with his short crop of
cotton, Eve know of some such,) would have been
perfectly willing to have compromised, on even
terms, by swapping off his main crop for mere
supply of those indispensables without which he
n m I'm
there was not single farmer in all the States thus
distressed who could not have raised a sufhciency
Of corn for his own use. besides little over, with
out any apparent extra trouble or expenae. sen.
sible diminution in the much prided yield Of the
snowy staple, the spun and woven fabrics of which
may now be said to clothe world Profitable, as
advessity." In this instance, the .adversity" has
been productive Of the happiest OF results; for we
were informed by party whose information 10 as
extensive as his judgment is undoubted. that the
people of the South have raised this year more
than a suficiency of corn wherewith to supply
themselves. Therefore, it cannot be said that the
Losses and dstresses of last year have not been the
cause Of a wholesome reformation. That it may
prove lasting, should be the aspiration Of every
| true southerner-of every man who wishes to sec
the South occupy that proud and enviable position
| to which she is rightfuly entitled.
This 10 but one Of the improvements in the South
developed and brought into being by tho severe
lessons OF experience We trust it will not be the
last. Cotton factories are spfinging up in many
directions, producing the most substantial and ac-
ceptabe OF fabricssources Of profit to the stock
holders and of benefit to the country all round.
Railroads are spreading their iron arms out in
many directions, and labor, BY turning its atten-
ton to different descriptions of employ ment, is not
only reaping an abundant harvest therefrom, but
is increasing the strength and promoting the inde
pendence Of the South. With our genial climate
and prolific soil, and unequalled advantages of pc
sition. nothing 10 90 much wanted a diversified.
ton Of labor. Of production, and proper cultiva.
ton OF the different branches of man ufacturing and
mechanical industry. We should grow, manufac.
ture, and SELL as much possible. and buy little
az possible, and thus throw of the harassyhg vas.
saage which has weighed upon almost from
time immemorial. In these particular respects the
example of our northern neighbors might be pro.
fitably initiated.