Evening star., 1901-04-23

the subject of increasing the number OF
| manufacturing industries in this city.
Mr.. Warner handled the subject under
standingly and not only set forth the ad-
vantages to be had as manufacturing
center, but the great advantage such in
dustries would be to this city. He ably
endeavored to impress upon his hearers the
great Importance of providing some means
whereby the rising generation and those
to follow could find profitable and lasting
employment at home instead of being COM
PEELED to seek it in other cities, for as he
justly stated, all could not expect to get
government positions and those who were
successful in obtaining them were limited
In the progress they could make.
While We do not desire to depreciate the
value of a clerkship any other position
In the service of the national government
yet there many young men and women
of our city who would prefer the ad-
vantages of a more active life in the gen
eral mercantile and manufacturing lines
could such employment be had.
1t is an admitted fact that an increase of
manufacturing industries means an in
crease of mercantile business. Every new
industry established not only gives en-
ployment to the unemployed, but brings
with 1t a certain amount of skilled labor
class of people who are an ornament to any
city. AS the unemployed find employment
and as the population is increased by
thrifty and Industrious people, so the gen.
eral business of our merchants increases,
which not only tends to additional en-
ployment in their establishments, but in
creases their plants and facilities
Washington has many advantages and
attractions not had by other cities: 1t is
beautiful as residence place; it is healthy
and has superb climate; a manufac-
turing center it has first-class water and
railroad facilities, and is much of a
gateway between the north and the south
as Pittsburg and Buffalo are the gateways
between the east and the west
The writer heartily agrees with Mr.. War
ner in that the time has arrived when the
business men of this city should take a
hand in the subject Of inviting manufac-
turing industries to this city and take it up
about it will not bring them; active work
is necessary, they must be sought for and
the many advantages of locating here fully
demonstrated to them.
One gentleman at the meeting the other
evening expressed himself as being doubt
full Of this city's ability to get manufactur-
ing industries to locate here on account of
the various trusts in operation and in
the course of formation. To substantiate
his statement he cited a, number of in
stances where iron and steel manufacturing
plants were closed on account of the
trusts" While we know these are facts
yet every line of manufacturing is not and
cannot be controlled by combinations such
as the steel trust" tin plate trust"
and similar organizations. This city does
not need such industries they would in
one sense be detriment; but we do want
manufacturing industries that will be an
ornament to the city and bring to our
midst an enlightened and thrifty people.
There are many lines of manufacturing
which trusts or combinations have endeav-
ored to control, but failed on account Of the
small amount of capital required to put
competing concerns into operation. This
has been tried, not once, but many times,
and has only resulted in failure on the
part Of the trust or combination to monop-
olize and the reversion of the plants to the
original individual owners. A fair sample
Of this is shown in the statement OF Mr..
Henry Burn. formerly president of the wall
paper trust, whias has gone out Of ex.
tstance. before the Industrial commission
at a recent session. Mr.. Burns remarks
would apply with equal truth to the en-
velope business. Since the formation of
the United States Envelope Company sev-
eral smaller concerns have embarked In
business on parallel lines, and, have COM
peted and are now competing with the so
called envelope trust with every success.
1t might be added that owing to popular
prejudice against combinations especially
In the south, to which section Washington-
producers would be most accessible. ample
market Is doubly assured In all lines In
which there Is competition with q combina-