Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-12-20
British Capital in tAe South.

We copy below from the London STR
the statement that an agent OF British cap
italists is now on visit to the Southern
States to ascertain how the owners of plan
tations can be assisted to develop the re-
sources Of their property, and if good and
available security can be given for loans.
1t is thought that if such security can he
provided the immense sums now locked up
in the banks of England might be invested
so as to realize handsome returns to British
capital, and be of inealculable benefit to
this section. We are glad to know that
British capitalists have given such positive
evidence that they are turning their atten-
ton to the South and investigate for them
selves the many advantages here offered for
the safe and profitable investment of por-
ton of their abundant wealth now lying
idle
Surely capital, which scarcely finds in
vestment at two and three per cent. in En-
gland, cannot long be excluded from fields
where, with ample security, ten times that
amount can be realized. And we recognize
in the sending of special agent to look
into this matter, an acknowledgment that
the inducements we hold out haye excited
q real interest in the minds of the capital
lists, which must be productive of material
good. The productiveness of our lands,
the salubrity of our climate, and the we'll
established character of our property, We
are certain, will offer finer fields of enter
prise and the realization of greater profits
than any on the globe. The distressed
financial condition of the people has had
such ruinous effect upon the value of
Southern property, that should permanent
investments be desired, there can be moth
ing speculative or doubtful in the purchase
at present prices.
We hope these Investigations will be fol-
lowed up and lead to something substan-
tial. Our property will be glad to
furnish all information which could be de-
sired, not only as to the character of our
to the disposition of our people to welcome
foreigners who come to aid in the develop
ment of our country, and who are in SYM
pathy with white citizens of our section
who come to build up and not tear down
the real prosperity of these States-who
will have regard for, and not trample upon,
the sacred fe elings of our people.
The article to which we refer is as fol-
lows:
We understand that John Everett, ESQ.,, OF ALI
Hallows Chambers, is on a visit to the United
States of America to ascertain how the owners of
plantations and other estates in the South can be
assisted with capital to develop the resources of
those provinces, which at present are SO depress-
ed through the poverty of their owners. Ascheme
of this kind would especially be of advantage to
the colored people, who, with freedom and enter
prise, and an earnest industrial spirit, want the
aid Of small sums to enable them to work out
their own advancement. But this plan would be
equally important to the Weather growers of
cotton, rice, DC.
MFR. Everett's chief object will be to see if abso-
lutte and available security be given and so,
it is obvious that immense sums now locked up
in our own country might be invested, realizing
two great obiects-a good and safe return to Bri-
tish capital, and giving eectual aid to the indus
trial people of the South. We believe that at the
present the poorer owners of lands there can only
get assistance by paying about tYo and O hal:rer