The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-08-07
Manufacturing al Hnme.

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1t does us good indeed to find most Of the papers
with which We acted in concert during the late presi
dental campaign advocating, and urging the necessity
of the establishment of manufactures in the south,
aud the adoption OF such other measures as will rem
der us independent of the north and west We take
from the Vicksburg Wing the following well written
article the subject;
| We aware that the present moment, when the
whole south is intensely excited by the military events
SO rapidly occurring the seat Of war in Virginia.
not very suspicious time to present questions Of mere
political economy 1t is hardly be hoped, that such
topics will receive calm considerations and yet shall
venture state now, and in this place. few Of the
more prominent advantages to be realised in the future
by the establishment in the Confederate States of manu-
factories Of cotton. Of course, that the
views which follow, readily suggest themselves to all
all intelligent minds; and we merely state them now in
the hope Of revivng the Important topic and keeping
its importance before the people
1st. It is d demonstrated fact that cotton can be
manufactured into suitable fabrics the heart Of the
cotton growing regoa cheaper than can be done in
yankeedom. Single item of transportation for the raw
material being saved more than compensates for any
excess in wages to operatives over the price paid in
Massachusetts,
End well regulated mandatory pays to the pro
prietor much larger annual profit than is realised
from the production Of the material. From twelve
to twenty per cent, according to circumstances, is
about the range Of the manufacturers annual profits.
We the assertion that interior planters in
series Of years. will average than eight per
cent. per as planting profits, aside from
increase Of stock and slaves.
3rd. planter in Mississippi or Louisiana, who may
divert half Of his capital from planting, and invest in
the manufacturing business increases very much his
years profits He makes the production of cotton pay
him, and he realses pay from the manufacture Of the
very cotton bale his slaves make for him. True the
planter will make less cotton by the diversion of CAPT
tai but will he be loser in consequence By 20
means, for
4th. The diminished production will so far augment
the price Of the reduced crop, almost make half
crop yield AZ much money as whole one-that is, if
the cotton States adopt manufacturing as general
system ardently hope and believe they will Of
course, the scarcity Of indispensable article Of prime
necessity enhances the price The laws of trade have
decreed this and common sense at once admits it to be
undenably true.
9th. By investing capital in factory the panterac-
qares spare land for pastuge and the culture Of small
grain. He acquires plenty Of time to improve his
estate to raise blooded cattle and horses feed hogs
and raise meat for his wants and for market and
to become rather more farmer than planter And
all these advantages acquired without loss, on ac-
count Of cotton culture; but on the contrary, these
advantages are realised and the purse better filed than
under the old planting system.
9Th. A general system Of southern manufacturing
would build up thriving towns and villages; Introduce
thousands Of good honest operatives men, women and
children who would become (most Of them) excellent
citizens identified with US in feeling and interest, and
and increase our physical Strengths section
It'll. By supplying ourselves with cotton factories,
made at home and selling surplus cloth the yam
kees instead Of having the country drained of gold
and silver to clothe people, we would keep in our
own limits the money thus expended at present and
drain the north Of good portion of their circulating
medium.
8th. Factories will afford profitable employment to
feeble decrepid negroes and those young be we'll
employed in the field; and moreover, such establish
ments will yield employment all the poor, needy and
idle men, women and children Of the south who have
enough industry to prompt them to labor.
We might proceed in the enumeration of other nd
vautages resulting from the system advocated, but
having extended this article too much already we re-
fran from further argument. Each one Of the eight
positions above stated might be elaborated in detail so
to afford matter for many essays. We hope some
more able pen will act upon the suggestion, and make
Us the organ Of communication