The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-10-19
Facts vs.. Theory.

The theory and practice of the Southern peo-
pie is sadly at variance with the fundamental
principles of political economy, and the rules
which govern national and individual wealth.
theoretically and practically, we have ever
been opposed to manufacturing. The theory
which we have tested to the full, is that of
making cotton and buying every thing else we
consume We boast that "cotton is king
and rules the world. Every year this dogma
is demonstrated to be silly; still we cling to it.
The only reason we attempt to assign for such
course is, that we do not possess the natural
facilities for manufacturing our cotton. what
are the facts in the case? Is it true that ma
ture has forbidden us TO manufacture the cot
ton that grows on our SOIL into those fabrics
which are in common use all over the world
If such be the case, then it is wise to continue
our present course, Notwithstanding the fact
that it makes the producer of king cotton the
dependant of the manufacturer.
I'VE are, however, firmly convinced that no
such state of things exists in nature. Let US
take glance at the facts in the case. The
cotton that is produced in York county is, at
present, shipped several hundred miles to be
converted into yarn, cloth and various stuffs,
and again re-shipped to us to be consumed.
The principle upon which the transporting
agents, commission merchants and manufac-
turer proceeds is, that the consumers must pay
all expenses and sufficient amount of over
plus to secure all these agents a good living
The cotton producer is held responsible for his
full share of his expense. Now if the manu-
facturcr of cotton in New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Massachusetts and New York can make for
tune; why may not the individual, who o'manu-
factures cotton goods in York county, do the
same? The advantages are all in favor of the
latter Our climate is more favorable for man.
ufacturing cotton than any of the Northern
States, and livingis cheaper. Operatives, equal
III every respect, can be secured in the South at
much less wages than they can be obtained In
the North.
Some one, no doubt, is ready to exclaim,
"you have no water facilities in 4orkville "
What does this mattel? Two-thirds of all the
manufacturing establishments in the North are
run by steam. This is the case in Pittsburg
and Fall River. In both cases, there is ar,
abundance of water, but steam has been found
by experience to be cheaper and attended with
fewer disadvantages than water. Large streams
are generally fringed with hills and mountains,
which render them in most cases inaccessible.
1t should also be remembered that good mill
seat is not of universal occurrence on large
streams. Experiment has proven that where
every thing is most favorable tor manufactu-
ring by water, the expenses of doing the same
work by steam is but the fraction OF a cent per
pound in cotton dearer. No one need have
any hesitancy in concluding that We can man
ufacture by steam in Yorkville with as little
expense as it. can be done in any country III the
world. Wood is abundant and consequently
cheap. This will be the case for years to come.
In fact, by proper management wood need
never become scarce The old field pine grows
abundantly every where in this region, and
grows very rapidly. =,
1t lis asked whether manufacturing will be
profitable or not? The history of those few
manufactures in different parts of the South,
lead us to come to the conclusion that manu-
factory in York village wonld be immensely
profitable to the owners and also to the whole
community. The Pendleton Factory has paid
net profit of twenty-six and one:fourth per
cent since the first of January, 1866: This is
decidedly better business than selling dry
goods, or any thing else We are not guessing
at this statement. We have the facts from the
proper authorities, which will youch for its
truthfulness at any, time. A clear gain OF
twenty-six and fourth per cent is almost fab.
,ilous Is it not time that some of our moneyed
men were thinking about this subject? A cap
ital of fifty thousand dollars will start an es-
tablishment which will be q source of immense
income to the stockholders, and a blessing be-
sides to the whole county. 1t will assist us to
get our hands out of the lions mouth YORK.
uiUe Enquirer. M