The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1879-02-13
OUR GRAND MILL SITES.
An Eminent New England Expert Look
ing into the Advantages of South Carolina
rs n Great Manufacturing Region.
Co11rAfn1A Eehnarv

COLUMBIA, FEBRUARY 4.
Mr.. D. NJ. Thompson, of the well known
firm of Thompson & Nagle, architects.
mechanical and mill engineers, Provi-
dence, R. l., is now visiting South Car
olina upon business of the first impor-
tance to the people of the entire State, to
wit: that of investigation in person the
subject of manufacturing in all its
branches, with a view to ascertaining
what has been done in this line, and,
more particularly, what is possible to be
done toward fully developing this great
interest in the speediest and most practi-
cable manner.
Mr.. Thompson brings with him letters
of introduction and recommendation from
Senators Hill, Gordon and other promi-
nent Southern gentlemen, besides refer
ences from many of the leading and best
known manufacturers and engineers oi
New England, and Northwest, which
commend him as q thoroughly accom-
plished, practical engineer, and master in
his particular profession. 1t requires but
short acquaintance with him to inform
our citizens of the fact that his presence
and business in this State, at this time, is
matter of public interest, and no oppor-
tunity should be neglected of affording
him pormptly all the light and assist
ance requisite to the prosecution of his
disinterested endeavor in behalf of the
States prosperity:
During bis visit to Columbia DIR.
Thompson has patiently and intelligent
ly studied the subject of the capabili-
ties of the vast water power running TO
waste at the very gates of the Capital Of
the State, and the conclusion at which
he has arrived as to the immediate posi-
bic results of its proper direction and
management more than confirms all that
has been heretofore said on the same sub
iect. As his survey of the scene of future
operations at this point has not been
completed, it is not yet time to say more
than Mr.. Thompson regards the work as
being far more than one of mere local in
terest aud importance. The proper and
prompt development of the Columbia Ca.
nal, in his opinion, would not only at
tract capital to Columbia, but the econ
omy and profits of the successful manu-
facture of cotton here would quickly lead
to the investment of other capital in the
same department all over the State.
The first thing to be done is to make the
water power available by building the
necessary dam. It will not then be suf.
fered to the remain long idle, and, indeed
it is considered a safe prediction that il
but one cotton factory properly conduct.
ed could be set in operation by compa.
ny organized at home on the cooperative
plan, it would be quickly found that
abundant capital could and would be
found ready, even in South Carolina, tc
invest in so safe and profitable an exter.
prise.
The friendly interes. in South Carolina
affairs, and South Carolina's future
manifested by the gentleman above nam
ed is as encouraging and gratifying as il
is in marked contrast with the views o.
many Others who have preceded him
much for the purpose of spying out the
nakedness of the land. His observation
of the country and its people have lee
him to entertain the most kindly ano
hopeful views in regard to the future O.
this section, and it is anticipated thai
the report of so important and able an OBJ
server will go far, indeed, towards remov'
ing some of the serious misapprehension:
so currently entertained and expressed
abroad upon the same subject.
The report of Mr.. Holly, the engineer
employed by the State to survey the ca
nal, has not yet been made public, anG
Mr.. Thompson declines to anticipate that
report by any account of his own view;
in regard to the special matters to be
treated of therein. There is much to be
said on kindred matters, however, and
such views as he may feel at liberty tc
express will be given to the readers o.
The Neos ard Courier in due season.
Ne,cs and Courier.