Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-04-03
BROWNSVILLE.
The New Cotton Fsctsry-AH Example
for Memphis and Memphis
Capitalists.

From an Occasional Correspondent
BROWNSVILLE, Tenn, March 81, 1874.
Having been called to this place on ac-
count of losses by the recent fire, after
having adjusted my proportion to my
own satisfaction land | trust to that of
my policyhOlders) had leisure hour
or two which utilized in inspecting
the new cotton factory of the Browns
vile manufacturing company, just
finished and in operation. Although
work had been stopped for the night,
through the kindness of Major Wilder,
secretary and treasurer, and Mr.. Berry,
the superintendent, j was shown all
through the works, which were put in
operation for me. The building, which
is entirely new, stands upon an open
plateau of ground to the right OF the
railroad, about a quarter of mile west
of the depot. The company have am
pie room for buildings, which are to be
erected for the workmen, and an abund-
ant supply of water from an artificial
lake, covering about three acres. The
main building, two stories high, is one
hundred and thirty-fOur by fity-seven
feet, with engine, boiler and picking
rooms in rear, and every appliance to
guard against fire, having one vertical
stand-pipe, with hydrant opening on
each floor in the main building and four
steam-jets; the picking-rOOm has
three steam Jets lone for each
machine), which can be operated
either from inside or outside. The
power is supplied by three boilers twen-
ty feet long, four feet diameter, four
fiues each, which drives splendid Car
ter's engine of one hundred horse power,
and fiy-wheel OF twelve thousand eight
hundred pounds, running without noise,
giving motion to one hundred power
looms, thirty cards, three thousand two
hundred spindles, besides spoilers, warp
ers, dressers and piekers. The building
is substantially built of brick, with brick
cornices, aud is heated by steam. 1t Is
owned and operated by stock company
composed Of citizens Of Brownsville,
with q capital of one hundred and twen-
ty-five thousand dollars. The building
and machinery cost about one hundred
thousand dollars, all paid for, and is a
credit to the enterprise of Brownsville.
In addition to other facilities men,
toned for extinguishiDg fires, there is q
tower in rear of the main building in
closing a tank holding two hundred and
in every room. When in full operation,
the mill will turn out about four thou
sand five hundred yards of domestic per
day, and will employ about sixty hands,
consuming about one thousand bales Of
cotton yearly. The company Is fortu-
nate in having secured the services of
Mr.. Berry, the uperlntendent, who is
thoroughly practical man and under
l. L. lax for 40
time been engaged in eastern mills.
During the past ten years L have
had occasion to inspect good
many filst-class mills, and can safely
say have not seen one better appoint
ed than this, or with better prospect
for successful operation. Brownsville
may well be proud of it. From Super
intendent Berry | had the pleasure of
receiving a piece Of the first web of cloth
taken from the looms, and which, when
at no distant day-which hope to see
the whole district of West Tennessee
will have many such mills, Will be
curiosity. The cloth is smooth and we'll
finished, comparing favOraoly with the
best eastern mills. Memphis has no
cause to be Jealous of her sister city, for
a large amount of the supplies, and no.
IdDlK the lISUfdnCE, WAS DDNdAuCO hSICJ
and the goods made will find here a mar
ket. AS prosper her neighbors, so will
Memphis prosper. When, however,
will Memphis follow the example set
by Brownsville, and utilize the cotton
which now only passes through to en-
rich other cities? 1t is a matter not
lightly to be passed over 10y our property
holders and citizens having an interest
in her welfare. Brownsville has during
the past year had her full share of fires,
which, however, in the end will be a
benefit, as the old frame buildings
destroyed, will be replaced by substan-
tial brick ones, and for which the de-
mand at present is greater than the sup
ply. A meeting was held in the court
house this evening to organize ire
company. After the usual speeches on
such occasions twenty-six good men
and true signed the roll as active mem
bers and elected ]. w. McDermott cap
tain-a good selection. They intend,
believe, TO procure a large Babcock en-
gine with hook and ladder attachment
costing about three thousand dollars
which will be of great service. OuI
friend Wi.lo Haywood, of the States, Of
fered me, as usual, the courtesies of his
Office. H. T. T.