The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-09
SOUTHERN PROGRESS
HEAVY ADDITIONS TO THE COT
 TON MILLS.
Decided Advance Made in the South Despite the Fact That Condi- tions Were Not Conducive
 to Investment.

Baltimore. Jan. S.-(Special )-During 1903 announced additions to Southern cot ton mills amounted to N1,S26 spindles l,1t ana 16313 looms, representing an investment of about $16,0O00O0. Reviewing this prog ress with especial reference to the last quarter of the year, The Manufacturers Record says:
 Despite the fact that conditions in the cotton manufacturing industry generally have not been conducive to the erection of new mills or the enlargement of old plants, a decided advance was made In the South during the past three months. For October, November and December the spindles total 105.900 and t1e looms 1.667 an estimated investment T,f 2,1OO.- 900. Of that number 7O.90O spindles and 767 looms. estimated investment, I. .00O are additions to established mills. This leaves 5000 spirdles and 300 looms. esti- mated investment, $700,OO0 as the equip ment of three strictly new enterprises. Three other new projects have not de- cedid on equipment The great difference shown in favor of the established mills is but repetition of evidence that the men most experienced in Southern conditions for textile manufacture are the ones who are leading in the expansion of that in- dustry.
 "The records of results for the fourth quarter of 1908 does not equal the record of results for the same period of lsUz' nor for any of the three other quarters ot 1903 the first quarter being credited With 2S7, ,6R0 spindIes and the second with ZSz'
 'The total for 1903 is S17,S2S spindlee. and l6SIs @ Icons estimated m inVeStent Stnd tboi M 596, ,946 of the total spindles of the year. or about GA per cent, are credited to tn" established nils sOo S6 oo The south nrop1cnd n addition to the investment of established
 ''in considering these figures. 1t is to be noted that these spindles include those that have been authoritatively announced during the year. The installation of ths machinery Is of course matter of time, and for several years past manufacturers plants largely occupied in supplying thIs Southern demand. A great proportion of the machinery has been ordered and con tracts for the remainder are being arrang- ed as rapidly as possible.
 There are few men who now have the hardihood to deny that Southern condi- tons-labor. proximity to the source of raw material. climate. cheap power and other factors in economical production are vastly superior to those of any other section of this country or of foreign from the most experienced cotton manu-. facturers that assists so materially In continuing the Investments of money in additional spindles. And now there are are looking Southward with the idea of operating mills there. One firm. sad to be a leader in English textile cen'ers, has already enlisted the services of New York representatives to report upon q favorable location. When foreign cap'-al once begins to invest in Southern mllla the industry will receive an impetus that will have far-reaching effects"
 Referring to the bringing in of gushers in the Batson Prairie field. the Beaumont Tex. correspondent of The Manufactur- CTS Record says:
 "It has been known for some time that the production of oil in Texas and Lou isiana was not sufficient to meet the de- mand. The rehneTles at Beaumont and at Port Arthur were absorbing a large