The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-12-31

The year which closes today mas Deen
one of unexampled activity, so far as
this State is concerned in the establish
ment of enterprises for the conversion
of raw materials into finished products.
There has been a vast expansion of those
industries that experience had already
shown could be proftably conducted in
this State, together with ventures that
are practically new to North Carolina.
It is tale of prosperity and growth,
such n showing as promises greater
things for productive industry in all lines
where competition leaves the citizen free
to do with his brains and capital his
untrammeled best.
With a view TO ascertaining what has
actually been accomplished during the
past year the following letter was sent
to the mayor of every town in the State,
as we'll as to many others who, of neces-
sitt. keep abreast with the industrial
movement in their several communities.
Dear Sir: On December 81, tie day
DfeEeQluk 4NGN 4Cdl tAN ~tN"S NNN
Observer will print a special NEW
YEARS EDITION, devoted to re-
view of the industrial and educational
progress of 1899 with a glance at the
outlook for 1900. In order to make the
review aud forecast complete and cover
the State, we will request every Mayor
in North Carolina to write u
short communication giving these facts
70 hic
1. Amount of capital (estimated) in
vested in manufacturing today ana the
amount in 1890.
.. Amount invested during the year
1899. the new industries established,
and the old industries enlarged. Names
of new industries, banks or other agen-
cies that promote the business growth
of the community.
q. Amount spent for building and re-
pairing in 1899.
4. Educational changes and growth.
s. The manufacturing and business
outlook for 1900.
The publication Of this correct data
from every progressive town and city
in the State, signed officially by the
Mayor, will, am sure be of great value
to your community and the State. beg
your cooperation in having your city's
industrial situation and prospects fully
presented in this edition.
Thanking you in advance for your
assistance in an enterprise that will be
helpful to your community and to the
State, ] am,
Very truly yours,
JOSEPHUS DANIELS.
The replies are given below and speak
for themselves. 1t is a remarkable fea-
ture Of them that there is hardly one
but shows that some productive industry
has been established, while many show
an increase in population and capitaliza-
plants and the founding of new ones
that is phenomenal. So much for what
has been done.
The indications are that if the State
is spared panic and depression in 1900
that it will surpass 1899, or any previous
year of the States history, in forcing
North Carolina forward as a manufac-
turing community. Within the year
there have been incorporated over 200
new enterprises having total capital
stock of more than $6,200,00O.
COTTON MILLS.
By far the most striking feature Of
the years industrial progress in the
State has been the projection and
building of new cotton mills, and the en-
largement and better equipment of old
mills. SO numerous have been the en-
terprises of this sort that many conser-
vative men have warned our people
against the danger of committing them
selves too exclusively to one industry,
and advising rather that surplus capital
be invested in small manufacturing
plants of other kinds where the products
will find ready sale in contiguous ter
rtory.
In 1870 there were 80 mills with 9,S97
spindles; in 1886, so mills with 199,4 9,433
spindles; in 1898. 1856 mills with 1.O1S,.
600 spindles Today the enlargement OF
the old mills and new ones just begin
ming operation will increase the number