The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-09-09
THE PIC MIC AT ERwIN's MILLS.

mammoth scale, anu dG I'LL cfiiy Ho"A '"N
roads in that direction were tfronged With
citizens of Anderson, Abbeville, Laurcns
and Greehville. These four counties come
together about two miles above the mills,
and we estimated that nearly two thousand
men, women and children from the several
counties were in attendance, which intensi-
fed the enjoyment of the occasion. The
social interrnihgling with friends and ac-
quaintances, many of whom we have not
seen for ears, added much to the pleasure
of the day on our part.
The object in bringing together this ittl-
mense throng of people was to further the
project of organising joint stock manufac'
turing company at that point, and the
speeches made upon the occasion were di-
rected to the elucidation of manufactures
and kindred topics. The meeting wus inder
the auspices of several Oranges who are
united in this project, and whose intention
is to combine their efforts in the establish
ment of cotton factory. Mr.. Erwin, the
enterprising and public-spirited owner Of the
magnificent water power, has generously
donated q site for the machinery on the
Laurens side, just opposite his extensive
mills, and proposes in addition to subscribe
literally to the capital stock. He is working
energetically for the success ofthe movement,
and his diligent efforts are deserving emu
lation by all interested in the scheme.
The meeting was organized by G. NJ. Mat
tison, Esq, the Worthy Master of Honca
Path Grange, who introduced the several
speakers to the large and intelligent audi
ence. Col. J. N. Lipscomb, Of Ncwbcrry,
was the first speaker, and for an hour or
more he succeeded in charming his hearers
with one of the best speeches we have heard
in long time. His remarks were chiefly
directed to an elaborate and truthful exposi-
ton of the social, educational and business
character of the Grange, in which he made
many telling and forcible points, which
were applicable to the situation of farmers
and their families, and for every rieedful
advancement of their occupation, he was
ready with an appropriate and practical
remedy. He laid great stress upon the ne
cessity for cooperation among farmers, and
made an earnest appeal to them in behalf Of
the projected factory, which was destined to
confer so many benefits upon their commu-
nifty. A mere outline would not do justice
to this effort of Col. Lipscomb, who is pecu
liarly adapted to occupy the position of Lee
turer with which he has been honored by
the State Grange.
w. A. Lee, Esq, editor of the Abbeville
Press and Banner, was next called upon for
o speech, and responded in an earnest and
satisfactory manner, urging the people to
develop the vast resources at their command,
and to lend their assistance to this and all
similar enterprises as means of diversifying
industry and thereby enhancing the wealth
of our section.
Prof VIM. Hood, of Due West, was re-
quested to read letters from Maj. Thomas
B. Lee, of Anderson, and Col. D. Wyatt
Aiken, of Cokesbury, explaining the causes
of their absence from the meeting. Maj.
Lee expressed the opinion, based upon q re-
cent examination, that the water power was
amply sufficient for very large amount of
machinery, and that it would be easily and
cheaply controlled. Col. Aiken's letter was
full of interesting and valuable statistics,
which he had gathered recently in the man.
ufacturing districts of New England, and
which were highly instructive to the audi
ence as to the cost of machinery. These
letters were supplemented with remarks
from Prof. Hood, who is an earnest and
Jealous friend Of the enterprise.
Dinner was then announced, and the au-
dience repaired to the tables where an invit-
ing feast of good things was awaiting them.
The ladies were assigned to one table and
the men to another, and each table was two
hundred feet in length. 1t was an impress
sive sight to witness the attack upon this
magnificent array of edibles, and every one
seemed equal to the emergency. The COM
mittee of arrangements sustained themselves
nobly, and when the boys cleared the table
assigned to them, the committee promptly
replenished it from baskets held in reserve,
and made numerous hungry visitors feel
much elated at their admirable management.
The bountiful supply reflects much credit
upon the hospitality Of the neighborhood,
which was always noted for its generous
proclivities in that direction.
When the crowd re-assembled at the
stand, Prof J. N. Young, of Due West, was
introduced to the audience, and at some
length went into the details of cotton man.
ufacturing, which was most appropriate to
the occasion. Maj. E. NJ. Rucker, of Ander-
son, was likewise called upon, and made
most excellent address of thirty minutes,
mainly directing his remarks to the present
condition of the agricultural population in
our midst, and the progress made since the
war by the application of science to farming.
All of the speakers were listened to with
respectful attention, and we have no doubt
their efforts will hasten the success of the
projected mandatory.
Many persons availed themselves of the
opportunity to inspect the proposed SITE and
to wander along the banks of the Saluda.
We did not learn the amount of stock sub
scribed during the meeting, nor what amount
has been taken altogether. 1t is intended to
raise $4,000 before work will begin, and
we presume that one-half that sum is ALREADY
secured in small subscriptions. The shares
are S25 each, payable in five equal install
ments, beginning with the 1st of January
next, if sufficient amount of stock has
been subscribed by that time. The several
committees are expected to work vigorously