The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-20

partially developed, and our State is
blessed with an abundance OF fuel which
springs up again in a few years when
once it is cut away.
And above all, we should be thank
full that North Carolina is peopled almost
entirely with North Carolinians. Less
than l per cent of our people are of for
elgn birth. Up to this time the anar-
chist, the nithilist, the bomb-thrower, and
the destroyer of legitimate institutions
has not found it healthy to seek home
within our borders. All these conditions
render all our State most inviting To-
cality for the investment of capital.
Perhaps this partly accounts for the
wonderful increase in the business of the
manufacturing of cotton
In 1870 only 39,397 spindles were
turning within our State. In 1900 the
number of spindles had increased to L.
1885, 32. In 1870 there was only 61S looms
operated within our State. In 1900 this
number had increased to 25,469. The in
crease since 1900 has been very consider
able, and l believe am justified in MAX
ing the statement tonight that during
the year 1903 more raw cotton will be
converted into yarns and cloth by our
ders of the State.
"A while ago l alluded to the small
per cent Of foreign born persons who live
within our State. In 1900 only 1-3 of
1 per cent of our people were foreign
born. l wish it distinctly understood
that our State does not discourage i'm
migration to aid in the great develop
ment which is still to be worked out, but
seek home within its borders who does
not ardently love the STARS and Bars"
We want no foreigner who comes among
us to sow seeds of dissension and to or
ganize societies hostile to the beneficient
purposes of the republic; and, when we
look about us and observe the evil propa-
ganda which Is set In motion by indis-
criminate immigration, it seems to me
that We ought to congratulate our State
that thus far this tide of irresponsible
immigration has been turned in other di-
rections. 1t is probable that during the
year 1904 fully million foreigners will
land upon our shores. mere statement
of this fact is alarming in itself when
wen reflect that in several of our sister
states the foreigner already holds the
balance of power, and that in some com
munities he is actually in the majority.
A statute providing for additional restric-
tions in our immigration laws might well
engage the attention OF Congress.
Another evidence of the wonderful pro
gress of our State is to be found in the
increase in the value of railroad prop
erty. In 1870 the assessed value of these
articles OF commerce was less than 81
000, 900. In 1903 this value had increased
to more than SIS. 900, 900. The value OF
our farms in 1870 was $7S,211, 0S3. In 1900
the value of our farms had increased
tc 1898 ,S34 ,693. 1t is very true that the
value OF farm products has not increased
accordingly. Why the increase in the
product has not been commensurate with
the increase in the value of the farm l
will not undertake to discuss in this
presence tonight. But we may at least
congratulate ourselves that in the face OF.
and in spite of, adverse conditions the
value of the product of our farms has
increased from $57 100000 in 1870 TO $50
900 900 in 1900; and let us hope that under
the wise and benefcent administration.
which all parties guarantee to give the
farmer by perennial promise, he will soon
permanently enjoy an increase in the
value of the products of his toll somewhat
commensurate with the increase in the
value of the soil he is forced to till.
II must now briefly speak OF the pro
gresS in education. Under the leadership
of the great young man who occupies the
gubernatorial chair of our State there
has been, during the last three years, 4
veritable educational revival IN progress.
From the mountains to the sea, from the
humblest home in our State goes up the
cry that education is light, ignorance is
darkness. Give us more light, until every
white child in the State shall enjoy the
blessing or a public school education.
Il have alluded to the fact that for
a period prior to 1870 every pubic school
bell within our State was hushed. This
neglect was evident when the census OF
1870 was taken. Our percentage OF Tilt
eracy at that time was enormous. 81
10 per cent of the people of our State
could not read and write. But this dark
hour was not to last very long. The Con-
federate soldier, returning home, found
his fortune swept away, his farm in ruin,
his family in abject poverty; but he de-
termined, ii possible, his children should
not grow up in ignorance.
cit is very true that even now grea:
task confronts our people in the elevation
of the children of our State from the
darkness of ignorance to the light OF edu-
cation, but the world should know that
the record of our State IN this respect
has already been decreased from 81 Ito
per cent in 1870 to % 40 per cent in
1900, ad while the population of our
State during that period or thirty years
has increased more than 100000, there
has been an actual decrease OF 1000 in
the number of illiterates.
L wish l had the time to dwell at
length upon this delightful subject.
would love to tell the tale of our educa
tional progress. It is beautiful story
and full of hope. Our colleges and uni
versities are full to Overlooking. The
pedcentage Of attendance in our public
schools is larger than ever before. Our
private schools are enjoying unpreceden
ted prosperity. All classes and all denom-
nations are working side by side IN per-
feet harmony in this glorious and uplift-
ing task. We are equipping young men
not only for North Carolina, but Tor
other states as we'll. Every year we are
sending forth our sons and daughters to
cid our sister states along the mighty
march of progress. We point with pride