The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-01-06
THE SOUTH'S Development.
The Tide of Emigration from the
North.

Baltimore, Dec. Sl.-Eeading rail-
road officials of the South and South
west tell in this weeks issue of the
Manufacturers Record a story of pro-
gress and prosperity such as could
never before have been presented OF
that section. Referring to them the
Manufacturers Record says:
"Agriculturists, fruitgrowers, stock
raisers, as well as wood workers aad
timber operators, are coming into the
South from all sections of the older
and more settled States, and the deve-
lopment in every line of husbandry
and industry9is proceeding at rate
never before equalled in the South.
More vigorous efforts to attract out
siders are being made by the railroads
than ever before, and it would seem
that fruition is at hand for the hopes
that have SO long been entertained for
great Southward movement of popula-
tion that the rewards Of work long
and faithfully performed in it's behalf
are beheld in every part of the South
in measure heretofore unknown. All
the world seems now to be in a moed
to listen to the story Of the great and
varied resources and possibilities of
the favored section and, as clearly
stated by one Of the leading railroad
officials,
WHAT THE SOUFR MOST NEEDS.
now is to keep its resources constantI5
before the world and to force its prc.
gress vigorously into every available
market. Its rapid development will
more or less depend upon the efforts
of Its people to advertise what they
possess. The people of the South must
compete for business and reach out
for desirable settlers for upon a per.
manent citizenship. possessing intelG-
gence and character, depends the en-
during prosperity of any section Az
other writes: With coal and iroa
virtually in unlimited quantities,
with lumber coming into the market
in increasing volume month by month,
with money abndant, farmers prosper
GUS, steadily increasing demand for
labor and manufacturing enterprises
developing in every department., / eau
not see any reason to expect anything
short Of the most abundant prosperity
and growth beyond all precedent. A
third writes: Aside from the certain
ty of the South holding it's own as a
producer and manufacturer of cotton
and scoring its full share of the worlds
trade in this staple, there are other
industries rapidly becoming of prime
importance in Southern development.
Its natural resources in commercial
timbers, coal, iron, marbles, tobacco
and scores of other lines are beyond
computation in quality and values,
and I anticipate development in the
near future which will add largely to
it's wealth and business influence.
"From every railroad come reports.
lopments along its line, an increase in
immigration from other sections, and
most marked increase in the incuiry
from people in the North and West anG
Canada, and even FROM foreign lands.
a-out the advantage of the South and
with concerted effort at this which
seems to be the psychological time in
the South's material interests, the
evidences are everywhere seen that
it is possible to bring a greater ia
crease in immigration and greater
movement of men and money to the
South thar we have had in the last
twenty years.
''The record OF the year as presented
by many of the foremost railroad off,
cials of the South is one unbroken
story of Immigration, investment and
development, and there is nothing but
optimism and confidence in forecasts
for the future. The good crops and
the large prices that prevail have
brought food of money into the
South, such as it never before has;
enjoyed, and prosperity is abundant
and universal.
Various features of the develop
ment and progress are set forth III
these letters Only hint of the
lactua conditions that exist can be
Afforded by the letters which are pub
lished, but they contain much CT
instruction and suggestion. New rail
roads constructed. shipping facilities
to hitherto somewhat isolated places.
the remarkable growth of the rice
industry in the Gulf Coast States, the.
develoment of the fruit and trucking
interests, progress in dairying and
stock raising, greater activity in mia-
iuS duo Ol1 piOouCtlOus IuOtS COsCON
acreage following the vast operations:
of timber men, the growth of indus
tries and the creation and rapid in
crease of manufacturing cities
all these and more are set
forth in the replies here given.
and form chapter full of in
spiration and rejoicing for every friends
of the South. The conditions here,
revealed are likely to surprise even.
Southern people themselves. To those,
outside this section they will prove in
addition chapter of instruction Which
must arouse increased interest and
still further turn the stream of invest
ment and immigration in this direc-
ton.
a $50, 600 fire occurred in Wilson, n.
c., early Sunday morning. Two to-
bacco warehouses and three large,
stores were destroyed.
Letter to Sumter Insurance Agency.