The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-02-21

Before laying down it's labors, the
manufacturers committee of the board
of trade at last nights regular meet
ing, read the board the following mild
lecture on the comparative apathy Of
it's moneyed men, i'm the matter of new
industries.
To the President and Members, Scran-
ton Board of Trade.
Gentlemen: Under the head of new
business our worthy president will an
nounce the standing committees for
the ensuing year, when your present
Manufacturers committee will cease
to exist and the important duties de-
VelOping upon them will fall into other
hands We desire therefore in making
our final bow, to report a most favor
able outlook for the future industrial
growth of our city. We base this state
ment upon the fact that so many de-
sirable opportunities are now being Of
fered our citizens for the employment
of their capital, which, according to
| the recent bank statement compiled by
our secretary is now on deposit in this
city, awaiting profitable investment.
The class of industries now to be
| had are those whose promoters see the
| possibilities of the future and desire
| to place themselves in a position to
take advantage of every opportunity,
| by locating where greater facilities are
offered. They appreciate the adVan-
| tagcS of Scranton in the way of its
| cheap fuel, unsurpassed shipping faci-
| lities, nearness to the great markets,
| etc, etc, and they are therefore knock
| ing at our doors.
At the present time we are offered
| two very desirable industries which
would give employment to at least 400
| They a
plant. which requires a capital of $780,
| 900. This will be now from the ground
| up and under the management of men
| thoroughly cDnversant with every de-
| tail of the business and of n aCknowl-
| edged financial ability and integrity
| 1t is in every way q most favorable
| proposition We have 500 900 subscrib
| ed. Can the balance be secured, ur shal
| we allow the works to go elsewhere
| Next in importance is a rubber manu-
| featuring plant that will employ 2O'
men with a market for the entire pro-
| duct of the mill right at home. This
| concern is making money where they
| are and have worked steadily for the
| past ten years.
They will put in dollar for dollar
or in other words they prefer to have
| a controlling interest Can the balance
| be raised here? In addition to these
| lllSul Dt llltllllOllt'u d DlttlO ldClOlys 4
| hot air furnace plant and a hay press
! factory, each of which, in our iudg.
| ment, offer rare opportunities for the
| investment of capital. Now. then, wha
| shall we say to these people? This Is
a question that appeals to every MAJ
| of means in the city. especially tc
| large real estate owners.
| There is an apparent reluctance
| among our monied men to go into in
dustrial ventures Why is it? 1t Il
| surely not from a lack of money, fol
| that commodity was never so plenti
full or cheap as it is today. 1t is n
task to go out and raise sufficient cap
ital to start bank, for investors thinl
| they see a sure and quick return from
| such enterprises But what will be
come of the banks without employed
labor and successful merchants?
| We sincerely trust that the commit
tee appointed tonight may receive suci
| substantial encouragement from ouI
citizens that will enable them to Sc
cure, during the present war, man,
valuable additions to our already var
led line of industries.
Most respectfully submitted.
(Signed) John T. Porter,
Joseph Levy.
Walter l.. HenWOod.
G. w. Fulton,
]. A. Lansing,
G. Fl. Pond,
Committee