Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-03-10

seen wonderful changes IN the
south. II means much more than
such a short period would ordinarily
mean in the progress Of any large sec
ton OF the country. During this past
Is years the south has advanced, per-
hans, more than during any other Pc
Rod OF it's history in laying the foun-
dalton for its future industrial great
ness. Consequently, a brief history OF
the last Is years tells a large part OF
the story concerning the prospects ana
future development Of the south.
Perhaps the last Is years have been,
in a sense, the most important period
asfaffecting the south's future. 1t has
been a formative preparatory period
Momentum has been created along
lines which are today firmly establish
ed. and which from now on viii prooa-
blv he followed with a constantly &C
celebrating pace.
To one who can look over the Is years
from 1856 TO 1902, the progress OF the
south has been remarkable. ana great
changes have taken place. The growth
has been sure and permanent. Inere
has been no halt, and the advance mas
been general and over wide area
Booms have been infrequent' and nave
only affected scattered spots.
broadened and strengthened gradu-
ally. so that the false steps have been
comparatively few. and there has been
small amount of waste effort. GroWtn'
IN the proper meaning OF that word
has been sure and steady, and there
have been few such artificial ana un-
healthy activities as have distinguish
ed the DEVELOPMENT of the west.
Owing TO past unfortunate conol-
lions the onward movement has met
with difficulties, and the path has not
been an easy one. This, in the long
run. will prove a blessing.
The development accomplished has
been mainly the work Of southern men,
and herein lies the inherent strength
OF the south's position today. The al
vance has been natural-that Is, mas
been built up from within, without
undue artificial stimulus from without.
The southern people had 70 oegln
anew after the war. They had 70 race
adversely and the greatest hardships.
The ground gained will, consequently,
not be lost. There has been no over
reaching; there are few steps 10 re-
trace.
This means, naturally. that the posi-
ton OF the south today is safe one
safer. probably, than that Of any oth-
er section OF the country, owing TO
the natural character of the evolution
that has gone on. There has been no
over-extension, because the means TO
create II has not existed. The south
naturally had 20 live from hand to
mouth for many years. and II Is only
within a comparatively recent date
that any surplus OF capital has been
accumulated. Making the best OF what
il had, it has gone slowly ahead, and
this stern necessity will In the end
prove its strength.
Left almost destitute in 1865, with
out capital and almost without friends,
now look at the contrast in lsO2,SI years
later. What marvellous changes, even
10 one whose range Of vision only COW
ers the past Is years! Could any ccun-
try. started anew from practically
nothing. have accomplished more in so
short a time-one generation-and in
face OF such adverse and unusual con-
ditions as the war left?
Let US glance hastily over few in
stances as showing what has been ae7
compnshed.
Compare the railroads in the South
today with those Of fifteen years ago.
Look over the magnificent system OF
the Southern Railway Co. as one OF
the best examples OF Developments
property the future possibilities Of
which can scarcely be estimated. Take
the line of this road running from
washington to ATLANTA. Look at IL and
its surroundings Is years ago. and see
what II Is today. Follow II, for in
stance, from Danville, Va, to Green
VILE, S. c. The country is generally
improved in character, and we find one
constant succession of cotton mills,
usually running at night as well as
day.
Go back fifteen years and compare
the Atlanta of Sc with the city of to-
day. Atlanta is, perhaps, the most re-
markable city of its size on the Amer
ican continent. The war left Atlanta
in ashes, and It is, therefore, about
thirty-fve years old. Few cities in
the world can boast OF such a climate
and such an energetic, loyal popula-
ton. It Is bristling today with life and
activity, and presents the very best
type of a modern American city. 1t is
a metropolis, and has all the varied
interests that go with that name. 1t IS
destined to become more and more the
business center OF the south. IL VIII
more and more become the type OF the
material, educational and social devel-
opment of the south.
one hundred and seventy miles west
Of Atlanta we find Birmingham. The
DEVELOPMENT here is a revelation. Per
haps the same natural advantages for
the manufacture of iron and steel can
not be found in the world. The manu-
facture Of steel and its products at
birmingham on an immense and COM
mercially successful basis insures the
future Of the city. In the Birmingham
district iron ore, coal and limestone are
found practically side by side in mex
haustible quantities. The great devel-
opment already accomplished in and
around Birmingham, notably at Ems
ley, and the immense industries now
projected there. In their effect on the
future OF that city can scarcely be CAL
culated.
The above are only instances that
show the general drift and current Of
events. They cannot escape the atten-
ton OF any thinking man. They can
but mean one thing as regards the fu-
ture. In a short article like this IL
would be impossible TO do more than
hastily glance over the situation. and
call attention 10 a few prominent ex-
examples that but serve TO show what
IS going on generally.
In natural resources the South IS
by far the richest section OF the Uni
ted States. All we can attempt Is to
run hurriedly over the list OF some Of
the raw materials.
II is natural TO mention the cotton
crop first, and Il IS the most remarka-
bic OF all. Look back over a long record
OF years and can anything approaching