The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-08-28

COuUn; ana Jloy are now dJbFdcOIuS uOAO
attention than ever, especially in the
matter of raising fruits and early yege-
tables, | spent an evening and part OF
the night in Weldon last month and saw
several long trains of vegetables go
through. The express cars on all our
passenger trains going North for two or
more months have been loaded to the
roof with fine fruit; and fast freight
trains have all had many car loads OF
fruit in them A large proportion OF
this new business is being done by par
ties from other States, who understand
ing the business have spent large sums
of money in working it up to its present
proportions.
But to return to manufacturing, for
in that, more than anything else, lies
our greatest future.
Of what advantage are all our forests,
our mines, or our farm products, if We
simply send them away as raw material,
to be finished and returned to US at two,
three or four times the value that we
realize from the crude condition in which
we send them out 2 You have all heard
time and again of our advantages, but
let me repeat some of them. First, the
best of labor, undisturbed by any foreign
element; second, a climate unequalled
on this continent; third, vast water
powers, scattered nearly all over the
State; and last, but not least, good,
cheap fuel. The coal nearest to tide
water in the United States is within
forty miles of us. 1t was my good for
tune early this month to spend part of
day at the old Egypt coal mine, and
when | saw what those gentlemen COM
ing from a Northern State had done, in
spite of almost insurmountable difficult
ties-and | venture to say, too, with lit
tie or no encouragement from any of US,
for you all know what answer you would
have made to the stranger who should
have Inquired from you about Egypt
COAL was astonished to find a we'll
equipped mining plant raising coal over
four hundred feet up double shaft at
the rate of one hundred and fifty tons
per day, and even then not able to fill
their orders.
Those gentlemen have reached this
condition simply by sticking to it, with
determination never to give up; and now
they have their reward.
But coal and cotton and fruit are not
the only things we have that need skill
and perseverance to develop. More than
twenty five years ago, Mr.. Edward
Atkinson told us of the oil in our cotton
seed. Now you all know its yearly value.
In 1894 he told us of the oil in our pea
nuts Germany imports many hundred
tons of peanuts from Africa every year,
and takes out the oil, that sells for
high price, being used for nearly the
same purposes as olive oils, eats the fine
meal, and feeds the coarse to the cattle.
/ am told that there is but one small
peanut oil mill in the country, and that
| cannot locate.
We raise much finer nut, and let a
combine buy them from US for song,
put them through fan and some screens
at veIy little cost, and sell them to us
for three or four times the first cost. Why
don't we make peanut oil right here ?
Raleigh is as good point as can be
found for collecting the nuts from Vir-
ginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
and Georgia.
In conclusion, let us all determine
from now on to encourage every reputa
BILE enterprise that may come under onr
notice, no matter who starts it, or in
what part of the State it may be located;
and if they should meet with difficulties,
as all are sure to do, let US help them out
in every way we can, and not magnify
their troubles by harsh criticism.
1t is fair to allow another that each
understands his business, and is using
his best efforts for the interests for
which he is responsible and knowing
more about those interests than others,
he is, of course, better abe to de ermine
what is for the best, and how best to
do it.
Finally, thanking you, one and all, for
your uniform kindness and ever willing
assistance in the work OF this chamber
for the pas two years, the above report
is most respectfully submitted.
The report of the treasurer was sub
mitted, showing balance on hand of
$2687.
Election of officers for the ensuing year
resulted as follows:
]. E. Pogue, president.
r. B. Raney, first vice president.
Frank Stronach, second vice president.
Frank Ward, treasurer.
Geo. M. Allen, secretary.
a. r. D. Johnson, assistant secretary.
Chairman Thompson appointed Messrs.
z. B. Raney and Frank Stronach com
mittee to escort the new president to the
chair, which he assumed amid applause.
On taking the chair the new president
very respectfully ventured to question
the wisdom ofthe Chamber in its selec-
ton, but promised to give his best at
tention to the duties devolying upon
him.
DIR. SKINNER AT CONVICTION.