Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-08-18
MIDDLE TENNESSEE.
Education : Literature - Agricuita-
RAJ lmprovemeats-Ma

Education = Literature - Arrfcuitu-
rai Improvemeats-Mam
To the Editors of the Union and American:
| 1uLLAHoMA, Aug. IA, 1S7l.-The
question has been frequently advanced to
me, What is the cause of the depression
IN literature at the South in comparison
with that Of the North2
| The progress of literature in any coun-
try, irrespective of forms of government,
depends largely upon sociological laws
that are arbitrary in their nature and
operate independently of the mere desire
of IFS people. l. is doubtless true that
the form of government under which
| people live has its influence upon the
| growth and development of their litera-
hlre. Under free institutions, where the
road to political distinction is opened
al Ike TO all, ynung men who aspire to
fame in entering upon the active arena of
life, turn readily to politics, as more
likely to secure the rewards of ambition.
and as furnishing the most inviting field
for the display of talents. Hence a pro-
ficiency in the art of elocution is looked
upon as a requisite accomplishment TO
every intelligent citizen, and is generally
cultivated 10 the neglect of other spe.
cies of literature. Why Southern people.
who possess such educational adj.
vantages, such refinement of manners.
pride of caste, and Intellectual culture
have given TO the world of letters so few
literary names, and contributed so little
to the general stock of literature, are in
quiries that have often been propounded, |
but not always satisfactorily solved. That |
change has passed over-Southe IN society
10 now an established fact, AID it is but /
reasonable to suppose that it will super
induce corresponding change in South
ern literature. This change may not be |
distinctly marked for few years yet, but
1t must come eventually, and the c0nse-
quence will be an assimilation of North
ern ideas and Northern civilization. | |
mean by this that Southern institutions
will no longer be different from those of |
the North, and that she will grow more
and more analogous to the North-not
only in industrial matters, but in society
and literature also. But am pleased TO
know that new life seems to have been
infused into Southern literature during |
the past few years. Southern minds and
Southern pens were never so busy before,
and good record they aye making, AMI
still cherish the hope that the South
Will ere long attain to that pre- eminence
IN polite learning which it has always en-,
Ioyed IN jurisprudence and craftsmanship.
OUR INDUSTRIAL IMPROVEMENTS.
In previous communication | spoke |
OF the advantages of Tul!ahoma as re-
spects manufacturing purposes. l am
gratli1ed that am able to inform your
readers that Northern capitalists induced
nlther upon said representations, have
been so fsvorably impressed, that they
nave determined to establish an enter
Prise here for the manufacture of agri-
cultural implements, and are now busily
in selecting a suitable site.
In such enterprises as this, TO insure |
capital is as necessary as skill
The best way to get capital is to work |
or 1t. Gained in this way it comes home
o stay at home, and to strengthen and |
Encourage the owner. 1t is not like that
which is borrowed; that belongs to an
'ther, to be returned, probably when yery
nconveDlent, and it may be with usury
n addition. In manufacturing industry
ne truth is now placed beyond contro-
7ersy that machinery has proved the best
nend OF the workman. Il has immensely
increased both the number of the EN-.
'lOyed and the rate of their remuper-
tion. Why should we hesitate to be-
leVe that the substitution of mechanical
or muscular power, which is one of
he most striking features in the present
spect of enterprise at Tullahoma. should
Re followed by the like result. The nat
raj effect Of this enterprise will be to
make agriculture a more scientific, a less
recsrious, and more lucrative pursuit
viii tend to transfer human labor from
ne ruder and harder processes which
lechanical agencies Will achieve better
nd at less cost, to the more refined one
luoIs which demand the intelligence of
uman brains and the dexterity of human
ngeTs. The steam plough, the reaping {
lachine, and other implements which
:lence is already placing at the service 3
agriculture, will demand for their min L
tration better instructed, more quick
LiUded, and q much better paid class Of
b0rers than is now generally TO be
,und. As in manufactures, the lntrOs
lctiOn of machinery will not supersede,
II only transfer the operation of human !.
das'Ty--Will enlarge its field ard in
ease its reward. The progress of
lowledge is the emancipation of labor. Q
GLAUoUs. l