The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-22
soUTuERN DEVELOPMENT.

Two articles bearing on the resources and
industrial development of the Southern States,
which have recently appeared, have attracted
an unusual degree of attention at the North.
One is by the Duke of Marlborough in lead
ing English review and the other by Mr..
Porter, the Superintendent of the Census.
The principal points in the latter article
were discussed by us a few days ago, and the
impression which il has made upon the North
ern people was only what we had confidently
expected, both on account of its striking
array of important figures III illustration of the
growth of the South in wealth and popula-
ton, and on account Of the advantageous posi-
ton which Mr.. Porter occupies for the acqui-
sition Of thorough information as TO what
this section has already accomplished, and as
to its prospects Of phenomenal prosperity in
the future.
The article Of the Duke Of Marlborough is
addressed more particularly to English read
ers. and it is an extremely able argument in
favor Of the investment of English capital in
the mineral belt Of the South. The Duke
points ont at great length the advantages
which Virginia and Tennessee especially have
TO offer TO Englishmen who have surplus
means to place. and he predicts for this gen.
eral section Of country a development unsur-
passed in the magnifcance of its results by
any portion of the United States, however
favored by nature.
II is not surprising in the light of the con-
spicuous testimony which is now being borne
on all sides in favor IF the great advantages
which the Southern States possess. that
the attention Of the people of the North is
directed towards this section with more N
terest than towards any other section of the
Union. The present tour Of the President
has only served to increase still further this
interest. All of the leading organs of puplic
opinion in the Northern States are now making
daily references TO the growth Of the South
and its outlook for the future
II is gratifying TO find that their comments,
however extreme the political principles
which they represent. are as a rule, devoid Of
every feeling of jealousy and uukindness. the
rising prosperity Of the Southern States being
justly regarded as highly promotive of the
welfare.of the whole country, independently
of State or sectional lines. This position is
even taken by the New York Tribune. which
has always been conspicuous for its political
partisanship.
So extreme a Northern journal AS the Gin
cinnati Commercial Gazette has no comment
10 pass upon the growing development Of the
South. except to urge the people of that city
70 extend It's railroad connections in every
section Of the southern States which can by
any possible means be made tributary in mat
tiers OF trade 10 that hourshing city of the
West.
But one influence appears now to animate
all, and that Is T. secure for themselves a
part Of the commercial advantages which
must spring from the increasing prosperity of
the South. As to the effect of competition
upon their own local productions. the Phila-
delphia Times seems only to express the gen.
eral opinion when it says, as it does in its
Tuesday issue that the people of the whole
country will not deplore the industrial CON-
petition which has arisen between North and
South. but will rather welcome it and be
benefited by IT,