The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-05-04

anu fisherman IN production its transform
alton employs exclusively that species of la
Dor and its distribution, except the mus
cles and sinews Of the sailor, and the winds
OF heaven, is likewise accomplished by the
same labor. How important then is it to
man, that such aggregation of necessary la.
Dor by one class, should be directed bv ed
ucation, facilitated by science, stimulated by
exciting generous emulation among its mem
bers, fostered by wise legislation, and pat
ron'zed and encouraged by the sympathy
and kind offices Of the good citizen2
No service more acceptable to the State
OF South Carolina could have been render
ed by her most sagacious and patriotic ctl-
zen, than the organization of this Institute,
the object of which is to develope species
of labor greatly needed throughout her
limits. The meagre supply of mechanical
industry is serious mpediment to our pros
perity. We should possess it in such abun-
dance as to have every want supplied in that
department by mechanics residing among
us, unless from some natural or advcntitious
cause, it can be more cheaply produced else.
where-and this distribution Of labor is rs
necessary to advance agriculture rs other
branches of industry. DO we now possess
1t! Who can answer afirmativey? In
1850, the artisans and mechanics numbered
9,993, whilst all other occupations amount
ed to 5S,55G, showing that less than one
sixth of our white population are engaged in
this extensive branch of industry, and if the
| labor ofour slaves he taken into the estimate,
it may safelcy be assumed that less than
e-fitteenth of all the labor in the State
is thus employed. In New York, the arti-
sans and mechanics numbered 252,747, and
! all other occupations G35, 1913, giving near
! ly one-thrd of her population to the me-
chanic arts-and lei it be borne in mind,
that New York is great agricultural
State. In Maryland, there are 2s,01O art
lists and mechanics, and all other employ:
ments number only s6,eG6, showing that
one-third of her entire white population
are pursuing the mechanic arts. There is
another comparison which the late census
suggests. Maryland's population is $780,
O34, whilst that of South Carolina is 66s,
507. The improved lands in Maryland are
2,797,9O5 acres, in South Carolina .4,O72,-
65l acres; the unimproved lands in Mary
land are 1,836,445 acres, and South Caroli-
ma IL, 1864 acres and yet the remark
able fact is exhibited that the cash valua-
tion of the improved lands in Maryland is
greater than in South Carolina, although
the quantity is less by nearly one half: The
valuation in the former is Ss7,17S,545, and
in the latter .ssG,5Ge,O3s. This indicates
a high state of agricultural prospcrityin Ma
ryland, which may we'll be emuIatcd What
is in the soil or agricultural productions
there, SO superior to South Carolina9 There
is more judicious distribution of labor
there, and her large city, Baltimore, has
! appreciated the value of lands by furnishing
a ready cash market for agricultural prod
ucts grown on them. 1t is the labor and
enterprise Of Baltimore mechanics that has
swelled her area and wealth in few years
from small town to a majestic city.
In 1890 the population OF Baltimore was
1868, and Charleston 1850; in 1850
Baltimore had grown to 169,O54, and
Charleston to 42,9S5. At the period when
this comparison commences, the exports of
Charleston were more. varied and valuable
the commerce she enjoyed more enriching !;
the interior country supporting her more.
fertile and extensive her geographical po-,
sition more favorable by reason of freedom
from the competition of other cities in all
these respects Charleston had the advan-
tage of. Baltimore. Now their situations
have changed, and Baltimore quadruples
the population Of our favorite city, and her
commerce, tonnage, and prosperity have gone
on increasing in the same wondrousr man.
ner as her population. RS
Why is it soa Let a stranger visit the
two cities and he will assign you the reasons.
He will first tell you that no great city can
be built up simply BY exporting great sta
pies; she must give employment to other
labor and pursuits than to commission rner-
chants. She must have her artisans and
mechanics. lie will see in Baltimore exten.
siye ship yards enclosing her harbor, hum
dreds Of ship carpenters actively employed
in constructing new boats and vessels, ard
Lin repairing old and crazy hulks, and per!
haps whist admiring the active industry. Of
the scene around, he will discover q ,vest
sci sailing into port with ship lumber from
Charleston. Baltimore,ship carpenters are
orealize all the profits arising from work.
ing the lumber. II a Charleston merchant
desires to purchase a vessel for the foreign
or coasting trade, He sends to, Baltimore and
pays the $60 600 demanded forit 8benh bis
own city has received for every stick Of tim
bef in il but SIC, 600. To-wbose support
i aud gain does the difference Of $4,000 gos
f3.How many ship carpenters would be EN-
: p!oyed . whole year on sucb+ a sum W hat
i activity would be infused III every jbfanch ol
8 business ip your eity, If twenty such vessels
III were annual co 1stsucted In v6iirown har.