The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-01-05
UO'L.UMBIA,. s.. C.
Tues lay Morning. January IS, 1876.
The Means Of Q More seouro and More
Extended Prosperity.


Tho Means of q More Secure and More
Extended Prosperity.
It is faot, we believe, as stated by
Mr.. Q. w. Howard, ,ethat South Oaro.
lima. notwithstanding negro domina-
tion, the expressions OF the Govern
ment and fearful taxation, is agrioul-
turally more prospsrous, OF rather less
depressed, than any one Of She cotton
States Some OF the causes are not far
to seek. although othsrs may elude our
search. Our unrivalled climate and
soil, and comparative exemption from
disasters OF food, cold. worm. cater
pillars &C.,, have much to do with il.
The'o good discipline OF labor not
yet altogether lost, has also something.
Our peculiar political condition fn- the
Last half dozen years has compelled the
most atreploua, exartion. Some have
gone down in the struggle, but others
have successfully breasted this adverse
tide. The energies, intelligence and
ambition which are restrained from
seeking the field OF public life, and
shut out from all its smoluments and
honors, have told in the direction in
which they have been put forth. The
extension Of the area of cotton culture
through the use of our phosphates.
into region where oil supplies are
grown easily and as matter of course,
should also be taken into account.
Aud the almost exclusive cultivation of
cotton by the colored people, and their
confinement mainly in their pnrchases
taalways excepting whiskey and tobacco)
to the mere necessaries OF life, help to
make this show of agricultural pros.
'perity the more striking. But it Gun
be made more than a show with pro-
per economy in living, by skill and
good Judgment in planting, and by
taking esteps to convert the cotton
grown in the State into yarn and
cloth. AS things are. we realize only
half the profits it is capable of yield
ing. In fact, by having to exchange
cotton for supplies and farm stock,
and by not ,adding to it the value OF
conversion into fabrics and yarn. by
not eaving freight. wastage, and all the
varied expenses Of transportation and
multitudinons handling, IL takes rs
a ronnd Tof tnil' J! from January
to January, without corresponding
benefit. But suppose these things,
some Of which largely consume the
crops and othera by not being added,
detfacs from their value, we're differ.
ent- That 10 the problem to be solved
hero. The cotton .osop shop,d not go
for bread. meat, .,cqrn,, fours, hay,
fruits OK the common necessary cloth
for labprero. While no slice should be
taken out Of IT to supply wants that
can otherwise be better met, il should
have added to it all the value which
manufacturing up to certain point
can give IL We have freah reminder
OF what manufacturing can do for a
community in the etatements juet made
OF the business Of the Augusta Fac
tory and the Graniteville Company,
and in the prices OF their stocks. The
former has declared erquarterly divi-
dend OF three per cent, free of taxes;
the lattefsof four per cent The Presi.
dent of the; Augusta Factory states in
his report that he has more confidence
in it and that 1t iaiin.a better condi-
tion than ever before. They were bet.
ter able to turn ont larger number of
yards Of goods and their orders are
now ahead of their production. This
company has paid since the war 81,-
$4,000 in dividends, and also paid
$500. .000 in the aan1e time %. new me.
ohineTy and improvements. Il runs
$4,000 spindles and 700 looms. soon to
be increased TO 1885, Mills at the North
have, been runhibg Oh reduced time,
and until lately the business has been
dropping. Even now It is not good.
Not 80 at the South, where it Is Judi
oiously managed. It would be good