The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-08-08

BALTIMORE. Md, August Hon.
Hoke Smith. in special interview with
the Manufacturers Record in rega I'd to
the business outlook OF the South based
on investigation during his recent trip,
says:
II have never seen the South look go
prosperous, especially Georgia. Hard
times are rapidly becoming extinct, and
believe that the Southern States are
moving on the most prosperous epoch
In their history. Georgia farmers will
make this year better corn CROPS and
raise more meat than ever before.
.ts safe to say that the food supply
OF that State, II properly distributed
will be sufficient for two years' con.
sumption. The corn crop is In better
copdition than for years past, and will
pEobably exceed every former produce
ton OF the State. More fine hogs are
|sbeing raised than for many years. The
raising OF all needed food supplies leaves
cotton surplus crop and proves the
diversified agricultural possibilities OF
that section.
Cotton is advanced sufficiently to in
sure good crop. and while Texas is
behind In probable production. Georgia
and the adjoining States will furnish
an average yield. Tho crop will be
produced at less than usual cost. Many
Southern farmers, because OF enforced
economy, ore unable TO borrow money!
on their crops, and on this account have
made the present crop without debt.
Secretary Smith Is enthusiastic over
the signs OF prosperity among the fruit
growers OF Georgia More peaches"
he said, have been raised and mar
keted than ever before in tho history of
the State. They are large and juicy.
The magnitude Of this industry can be
appreciated from the fact that during
the season one rrilroad has been haul
Ing from sixty to ninety carloads of
peaches day in refrigerator cars from
Georgia to eastern points. These TRANS
have been run on lightning schedules,
making even better time than the yes
tibuled limited passenger trains.
The watermelon crop IN Georgia was
tremendous one, and, In most parts of
the State, profitable one. Grape
growing is making rapid progress, and
number of Swiss settlers who pur-
chased few years ago some poor, red
clay land have made remarka able sue
cess in growing grapes"
Secretary Smith says that he noted
many evidences OF industrial progress,
and believes that the industrial boom in
the South, which was temporarily set
back by the late panic, is on again Cot.
ton manufacturing was never more sue
cessful In the South than 1t is to day,
and all through the cotton belt new
mills are being erected and old mills are
being enlarged. Much of this Ia being
done by home cepital, although O num-
Der OF New England people are making
large investments in cotton manufac-
turing companies in the South.
In the iron district OF Alabama num-
Der OF furnaces have recently gone into
blast, and the workmen III that section
are now fully employed and many of
them ut increased wages. All owe, the
South the demand for labor is constantly
increasing and at good prices
81 look forward" said Secretary
Smith, ito the South's futuse moro
firmly than ever before Conditions
were never better for return of pros
perity unexampled in the history OF
that section. II our people continue in
their present conservative way. much
of the flow OF Eastern capital which
has hitherto travelled elsewhere will
come to us. Unwise legislation might
prevent this, but do not believe such
legislation possible. The place for q
young man, sn old man. rich man, or
poor man willing to work and anxious
to improve his fortune Is in the South .,