Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-01-01
CAN WE WEAVE OUR OWN COTTON,


The Southern mind seems rapidly and
universally coming TO the conclusion that
we can take the important step of convert
ing our raw,cotton into cloth. In addition
10 the natural advantages Of climate, home
production, water power, and the prOvisioDs
which we have always had, we have IN
happily another added element-unem-
ployed labor.
The loss of slave property has placed us
alongside Of every other people, under the
necessity of either employing our whole
population, or maintaining on tho labor of
those who do work, those who do not The
war has left us more than our normal pro-
portion Of non-produeers, and the messages
of those Southern Governors who have re-
ferred TO this subject, show painful ex-
tent Of pauperism which must be provided
for by public ratiens.
I'm this changed condition Of our capital
aud industry, does il not become the duty
Of the statesmen and patriots Of the South
/ to take those innocent victims Of our mis-
I fortune of the poor lists? May we not
/ even intermit moment our effort 10 pro-
! cure recognition as citizens Of the Federal
/ government to give constant and honest
{ employment 10 these sufferers who, from
/ their sex and age cannot help themselves.
; Cannot our Legislature take stock or loan
/ public credit 20 build a cotton mill as we'll
] as n poor house, Cannot they expend
! public taxes as well in paying wages for
spun yarn and woven cloth, as IN buying
/ corn and bacon with public bonds, or in
/ begging Federal rations2 We have no
doubt il may be done
! We quote from the Montgomery Mail an
earnest article on the capacity of Alabama
I to spin her own cotton. We wish TO make
I the Nui request in favor Of the whole
South When the Legislature Of Alabama
shall reassemble, let the Mail propose a
4, State subscription or subvention for the
erection Of a cotton factory of a given
rover in each Of certain specified districts.
This aid may be given on the joint stock
principle, or as a loan. Let the profits, il
any, 90 70 feed the needy. But require the
needy 10 take employment in the mills, in
stead of rations at the poor-honse If the
State is 20 give aims, il is better to give
them in such way as 10 produce employ
ment for the benehciaries. In this way the
tax may be siopped-whereas, in the pre-.
sent mode of distribution il must go on SC
long as there shall be any INDECENT persons
hungry or naked, or one taxpayer able tC
relieve his necessities. Il win be observed
we leave ont every other argument in favor
Of the proposal They will be made bv the
MGH and others who bring forward the
discussion.
We cannot help encouraging the Maa
and those Southern men who see IN,
necessities of cotton manufacture. by quot
ing the admissions Of the Phiiadelphia
Prics ClrreL lt is making an argument
against the memorial of the New York
Chamber Of Commerce IN favor Of repeal
ing the cotton tax.
The following sentences from the Prio,
Cgrreat ought 20 be printed in small caps
and kept al the head OF every paper in thu
whole cotton-greging region, even il the
names Of several eminent and honorable
candidates for Federal and other Office,
should be superseded
The law in regard 10 the tax upon cot
ton has in il some features, which, IL prop
erly considered IN the South and acted up
or, will greatly increase the prosperity .
that part Of the country. II incnlcates
policy, which, il taken advantage Of prop
erly. will make the South not only cottor
producing, bat cotton misunderstanding. I
allows drawbacks npon ali goods made o
cotton and sent abroad Now, it is ohvio,r
that when the factory stands contigions tc
The plantation MANY expenses which mus
accrue upon the product by transportation
commission 60 agents. etc, viii be avoided
The Souih can manufacture cotton cheapei
than IN sny other pars Of the country, an,
cauid her people sec this advantage an,
act upon Il, the mills Of New Englans
wouid 20 dry. This advantage would
therefore, be the direct result Of the tax
thai not only would The South have "a,
profit of tho raw crop, bat the profit O
mauuiaciurc'
But II this article were a mile long ",