Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1886-03-18
NO. 80.

was fNtnei TOO la-t, AplaDly ln the erec-
tion Of cotton mills, as the prevailing
idea was that the Southern mills, owing
to their proximity to the growing plant,
would drive the Northern mills out of
existence. They now realize that this
advantage is Offset by other advantages
enjoyed by the mills of other sections,
and this abnormal development Of the
cotton manufacturing industry has been
checked. The various Southern mills
are doinga very good trade. The wealth
Of coal and lyon fields Of Alabama and
Tennessee is wonderful and has attracted
a great deal Of capital. The contiguity
of the beds of coal, iron and limestone
enables them tomanatacture iron at very
slight cost. 1t is, am told, sent to the
neighboring coast towns and shipped to
various parts of the country"
DO You think the improvement is due
to the example and capital Of Northern
men or the efforts of the Southern people
themselves g7
"There are OF course numbers of North
EN- men residing in the South and a vast
amount Of Northern capital invested
there, but think the great strides made
are due 20 the efforts Of the Southerners
themselves, coupled with the natural adj
yantages of the country They realized
that to restore the prosperity of that sec
ton they must work for it, and, as have
said, they are working, and want TO
emphasize the pleasing fact that nowhere
is it more evident that the war is over
and all issues growing out Of it laid at
rest than i'm the South itself"
DO you think the South will ever be-
come a basi. of supply for the balance of
the Union 2"
"Well. this country is too vast to de
pend 10 any great extent on any one sec
lion, but ! have mo- doubt that the South
will eventually occupy an important poe
siion among the commercial and manu-
featuring districts of the country"
DR.. Henry N. Field, editor of the New
York Erangeft upon whom devolved
the duty of speceh-mallng at the various
entertainments rendered thc party, speaks
in the most enthusiastic terms Of the cor
diality with which the Northern visitors
were welcomed throughout the journey.
lie said:
"It is touching illustration Of this
fact that the only sound Of cannon we
heard throughout our trip was at Mont
gomery. Ala, where, under shadow Of the
Capitol where Jefferson Davi. took the
oath of Office as President OF the Confed-
cracy. was stationed q battery firing a
salute In honorof Gen. Hancock While
we talked with Gov. ONciIl, an old war
horse. one Of Stonewall Jacksons brayest
officers the booming of the guns am
nounced that the Northern hero was be-
ing laid in his grave. On every hand we
saw evidences of increasing prosperity"
Mr.. II. O. Armour declined to be
drawn into an interview, pleading that as
this was his first visit South he could not
DE expected 20 know much OF the country
as the result of % .@o weeks flying trip.
10 the reporter reiterated request, the
beef king laughingy replied: No,
can't tell you anything that would carry
the weight and interest Of o communica-
ton from some one who knows more Of
the country and resource. studied
principally thc social advantage Of the
section. Thcpeople treated us so royalty
that would not be able TO testify impair
tally even if was posted You'd better
see Mr.. Bis or Dr. Field.
SIR. Bauum, the word-renowned show
man. sent us a Sew York paper a few days
ago with 800 outline Of the immensity Of the
f..... IL, ,.,,-.,,...s ga r.fa 20 tho comfnv sea-