The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-01-18
From the Rural Carolinian.
Can the South Become q Manufacturing
COuntry2

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In this day of sore calamity to the people of
the cotton growing States, it becomes every one,
while he is So heroically enduring the evils
which surround him, to suggest if he can, any
possible plan of relief, consistent with the good
order of society. We may not now, in the
language of Shakespeare mixed metaphor, at
tempt to ''Take up arms against sea of trou-
bles, and by opposing end them." We must
struggle on not the less manfully, however, If
we would see our country prosperous and hap
py and leave our children an inheritance OF
freedom and independence
With most of us, agriculture is our vocation,
and must continue to be, and how to make 1t
Weld the best returns, is or should be, our con-
stant study; but are there not other employ
ments better suited to many of our people,
which might prove helpful friends to agricul-
ture, powerful patrons to our staple product,
bountiful benefactors to our people, and mag
netic influences, to the worthy immigrant, to
cast his lot among us? 1t has been said that
no nation can attain to any considerable emil
nence, whose prosperity depends upon any one
employment; it would seem, therefore, to be
the part of wisdom, to diversity our industrial
pursuits, and whilst the sturdy husbandman
continues to gather from his broad acres the
silken fleece of our great Southern staple, the
thread, and the restless little shuttle construct
it into those thousand beautiful fabrics which SO
wonderfully enhance its value.
The water-power of our streams, now for the
most part running to waste, is literally incalcu-
liable the advantages of our mild and salubri-
Gus climate, unsurpassed; the labor suited to
the work, and seeking employment abundant /;
the compensation of the capitalist especially
tempting; and the general good of the country,
sufficient to satisfy the benevolent aspirations
of the purest patriot or phianthropist Are
there any reasons why the South should not
manufacture, or at least spin her own cotton ?
If so, what are they, and how may they be
met? The first that will probably be urged is
the want of capital. This is much less formid-
able than at first sight would appear. The site
and adjacent land for all requisite uses would,
in many places, be given gratuitously; building
material of the best quality would, In most
cases, be found on the spot; and contractors
may be found ready to take portion OF the
expense of construction in the stock OF the
company AS to the cash required, let 1t be
demonstrated that the annual, or seml-anuuaI
dividends, will exceed the prevailing rate OF
interest, and the cash portion of your capital
will be readily forthcoming, But says eau
tious philosopher, the condition of the South,
both financially and socially, is too unsettled;
your officials too corrupt; your Legislatures 100
ignorant; your taxes too high. Every word
true, but these evils do not bear any heavier on
manufactures than upon any other property IN
the South, indeed our Solons have, on more
than one occasion, exhibited q wish to encour-
age such enterprises by exemptng them from
taxation for certain period. The official and
social evils will effect their own cure in time,
and the organization of such companies as
should be formed for the purposes proposed,
would prove to be powerful auXiliaries in ac-
complishing so desirable an end
What would be some of the obvious benetl-
cial results from the introduction more general
ly of cotton manufacturing enterprises through
the Southern States? A home market for our
products, employment for many of our destitute
poor, who would constitute u large portion OF
the operatives. Under the sheltering roof OF
the school house, and the church, would gather.
the children of ignorance and vice; habits OF
industry and economy would take the place of
idleness and wastefulness there would be more
of sobriety and intelligence, social culture, COM
fort and happiness. Villages would spring up,
and with them demand for other mechanical
employments, arts and artisans; bringing more
wealth, a larger population, less taxation, wiser
legislation, and less official roguery and corrup-
ton. If these views ore well founded, and they
are at least honestly entertained, how strongly
they appeal to every feeling of our better ma
ture, while at the same time, they address them.
selves to our stern judgment, and practical
consideration. -