The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-05-22
Will You be Convinced.

"There is an impression abroad
that cotton mill cannot make money
and be continual success unless it
has capital of million dollars and
pays It's president $4,000. There is
no truth in such an idea, and it might
be we'll for the many small towns
and cities throughout the State which
are attempting to build mills, but
who are likely to fail. to come
to Greenville and inspect the
Greenviile Cotton Mills which now
belongs to Messrs. T W Earle and
W Touchstone. A reporter to the
Mountoi.eer was kriven over to the
mill by Mr. Earle on Wednesday and
made thorough inspection of the
premises and obtained a few facts in
regard to the success that has attend
ed the work
This mill was built about 1889 by
Mr.. = II. Lanueau, having at first
l,500 spindles. for the manufacture
of cotton yarns later 500 more
spidles were added which makes a
1000 spindle mill. Last October
two enterprising and pushing young
men bought it and since that time
they have been running night and
day. Of course the success of the
mill is in large degree dependent
on the men who manage it In this
case it was a most happy combina-
tion in every way. Mr Touchstcne,
who was formerly superintendent of
Camperdown, is a remarkably sue
cessful mill man, and has the bust
ness Of cotton spinning at his fingers
ends. He is good manager of
help, and knows how to get eff the
most pounds under given conditions.
he makes the goods Mr.. Earle.
who is president, is a shrewd fnan-
cier, and looks after this end of the
business
Then he has the added quality of
being one Of the best cotton buyers
in this section, and he is his own
buyer. He knows just what kind of
cotton will yield the best profit after
being manufactured. and he buys
nothing out that grade.
The mill is situated just outside of
the city, and one would not suspect
what busy little place it is The
machinery is of the best and latest
pattern. To prove the statement, it
is only necessary to say that working
day and night, % hours, with 1000
spindles, the weekly output Of the
mill is 1000 pounds of yarn, rang
ing from 8 to l6. There are lis
names on the pay roll and the week
y bill is about $500.
Connected with the mill are two
young men that Mr.. Touchstone
trained while at Camperdown. and
the ability of these contribute in no
small degree to the success of the
mill. They are Mr.. J. j. James and
Mr.. A. j. Pursley. Every cotton
mill is a school, and there are being
educated every day young men who
are bright and ambitious and will in
the future manage the old mills aud
help to build new ones These two
young men are doing that very work
1t is indeed happy condition when
the knowledge of the mills business
has reached such point that nothing
but local or native talent is needed.
This mill is a good example for
other towns to initiate. There is
hardly town of 500 people in the
State that cannot build a similar mill
without asking for one dollar of out.
side capital. There are plenty OF
men VINO will make the right combi-
nation. Don't allow visions Of high
salaries and gigantic capitalizations
to blight the propects of your town.
Put them aside and build small mills.
-Greenuiile Mountaineer.
Agreeably Surprised.