The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-01-11
THE SHOE FACTORY.

81. w. D6GnIUTHS CHUtTHHOU ASC6CUGGC6
Committee ~. @. f. s. A.:
DEAR SIR AND Bro Very much has
been said about the shoe factory and
it's work. So far I have not had much
to say. With your permission I want
to break my silence on the subject. It
has been a long time since the question
of making shoes by the Alliance was
first raised; 30 long ago, indeed, that
many OF Our people have grown dis
heartened because Of the slow progress
made, and they have been more dis
Couraged because of the fact that the
machinery has been bought and has
been idle so long. When the last State
Alliance met here it was composed of
representative body of men, and you
we're not with them long before you
could e that they were not there for
fun Or on a junketing trip, but meant
business; that they intended to start
the factory. By their legislation, and
in obedience to their wishes, the fec
tory is running. Like most of the ALI,
ance work, it has been ridiculed by at
least n goldbug sheet, which has
called this place after the famous
manufacturing centre Of Massachusetts,
Lynn. Notwithstanding this and the
many Disappointment that have been
met, the factory is here and at work.
l only wish that every Allianceman
could go through this factory and see
some of the beautiful goods, and sub
stantial goods that are being turned
out. The most important step to be
taken was the employment of a super
intendent who knew his business, and
who would have the interest of the
Alliance at heart; and I want to say
right hero that I believe you have the
right man. Mr.. Roberts is not only q
sober, industrious man, but one who
knows leather and shoes, and how to
make shoes, but his whole soul seems
to be Wrapt up in his business. He had
hoped to have samples at every county
meeting; that he has not, is no fault of
his, al some important machinery that
was expected long ego is not here yet.
He has been looking for it dLily for
SON etime.
Mr.. Roberts is determined to put
goods on the market that will sell
themselves, and that q customer once
made will be a continued purchaser.
He does not expect to make shoddy
shoes, but to give to the AlIiancemen
and others such goods as will be cheap
because good; not a low-priced shoe
that will not stand the strain Of wear.
He will give the very best quality and
at the very lowest price that good goods
can be made for. And I think Mr.,
Roberts is right in his plan.
We are proud Of our States cotton
factories. And if the cotton factory
can be and is a success, then why not
other enterprises as we'll. And why
not u shoe factory. 1 confess to a
feeling Of pride when 1 went through
our factory this evening and saw the
busy machinery, and the busy hands
and then when I picked up someof the
finished goods I thought, well, here
is a North Carolina Brogan,-honeet In
make, neat in appearance. And there
are ladies shoeS-pebble grain, calf,
kid, etc.
I could hardly believe that I was at
home. But with all this that has been
done, their is yet much more to be
done, and to do this we need mope-.
If the Alliance had ten thousand dol
lars, to operate on then our success
you'd be assured. If any member of
the Alliance will come to the rescue
then / am sure much of this mount
can be raised. What the Alliance needs
is permanent stockholders. Many
have done nobly. and now I hope that
others will send in to the State Bus.
ness Agent all they can. 1 have on
hand a large number of notes sent in