New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-23
SOUTH CAROLINA LEADS.
AN INDUSTRIAL RECORD OF WHICH THE
LITTLE STATE IS JUSTLY PROUD.

Columbia S c.. Nov. 90 (SpeciaD.-South Carolina
some time ago took her place as the second cotton
manufacturing State in the Union, and there are
features connected with this development that give
the subject especial interest.
In years prior to the Civil War South Carolinians
had a very high opinion of themselves and their
State, and a certain set was doubtless considered
boastful. If this spirit existed it was for many
years crushed out of existence. Now, however the
people of this State taking very keen delight
in their manufacturing interests, a great pride IN
the rapid strides that have been made, and made
very largely with home capital entirely with home
energy and enterprise.
While South Carolina is second only 10 Massa-
chusetts in the manufacture of cotton. she stands
first in the innovations in the application Of most
modern methods. AS eXempfying progress IL
manufacturing this little Southern State is leading
the world. and she was, as 1t were. an infant In
a dozen years ago. In Columbia is the first
cotton mill to have its machinery driven by cleo
tricity; here, too. is the largest mill under one
roof in the world. Again. when experts or men
contemplating building wish to see the mill ad-
mitted TO be the finest in mill construction the most
modern in all appointments. they come here. Mill
men from Massachusetts, well as from Manches-
ter, England. visit South Caroliuas capital TO wit
ness perfection In cotton manufacturing.
The records OF the United States Agricultural De-
partment will show that the greatest yield Of corn
ever grown on one acre was I'm South Carolina, ana
that in contest open to the world It Is, of course
well known that Carolina rice ranks first in
every market and grocery. The famed Sea Island
long staple cotton of this coast is unequalled and
be likened only to silk. The finest grades are
sent TO France and only appear the market in
the form of silk The manner IN which this silky
cotton IS selected and grown would make story
by itself II demonstrates that the South Carolina
planter can be infinitely painstakug and industri-
Gus. To grow cotton that sells for s. a pound
when the ordinary short staple fetches cents he
must have superior order of intelligence South
Carolina claims the record yield for sweet
potatoes-the food for and beast; also for
raising the largest hog ever butchered IE i've
years the growing Of tobacco has become an I'M
poTtant industry The development I'm this line has
been remarkable Where ten years ago the tobacco
several millions. II should not be forgotten that in
the Palmetto State there is the only tea plantation
in America and that tea raised here brings the
highest price OF any sold in this country.
The Oldest cotton mill now running IN tho State
was established IN 1888. The next built IN ls45
Then not one for twenty-five years. II not TIL
ISIS that any important mills were built The Co
lumba mills built here in the I'm the
state to cost much $ half million dollars The
ago, represents more than 100000. In the last
four years OuefOuTth or the entire capital I'm South
Carolina mills has been invested There only
thirteen counties In which there are no cotton
mills. The agitation about child labor that has
Eoen going on Tor two years seems to have had no
effect mill building There IS no decrease New
mills going up and old ones being enlarged
II IS likely that the legislature that meets In Janu
airy Will dispose OF the labor question along lines
that Will be satisfactory to the mills and the chill
dren, as well as the humane public.
With all OF this there is n general prosperity
throughout South Carolina unknown for many
years. The people are at peace with themselves
They have ceased lighting politics. The Frost
King has been kind. and permitted cotton to ma
ture In an unexpected manner. Ten bales have
hoped for. Old debts have been paid and November
q will be day OF real Thanksgiving.