The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-10-09

Wish and nine times out of ten, you
will find on its first page the picture
of the original starter of that concern
followed up with a history of its
growth illustrated by pictures show
ing what they are pleased to call
their first home, followed by pictures
Of the new homes that were built and
which the success Of the modest ef-
fort Of some individual had attained.
At the jamestown exposition, I was
particularly struck with the exhibit
Of the Studebaker wagon and carriage
factory. There was the picture of the
place of the original start of Mr..
Studebaker and that reminded me Of
the old blacksmith shop of Stephen
Bradford just beyond Shot Pouch on
the road to Providence, except. that
the odds were greatly in favor Of the
latter. This was followed up by the
various homes that it's growth re-
lishment Of today. and it is safe bet
to make that Mr.. Studebaker's early
efforts were as little appreciated by
his neighbors then as perhaps are
those Of some Mr.. Studebaker who
may be struggling along in our midst
utterly unknown to us, and who I
hope will be as successful in his ef-
forts in overcoming the difficulties
that beset his progress as the Western
man was. I have wandered a long
way apparently from the subject of
licenses and my only excuse for it is
that perhaps the thoughts expressed
above may have the effect Of creating
better feeling not only in the City
Council. but among the substantial
business men to appreciate individual
if they cannot help, that they will at
least not hurt it. This the business
| men >can do by at least speaking Of
these efforts kindly as whether the ef-
forts are successful or not they get
| the benefit Of the wages paid out
while 1t lasts and sometimes a very
| small thing will either make or kill
an honest effort
Council can do the same by refrain
ing from placing additional burdens
in the way of exorbitant licenses upon
these efforts and adding to the num-
Ferons burdens under which they are
now struggling.
In looking over the, changes in the
licenses, l note that council has plac-
| ed tax Of $25 on door sash and
| bling factories. This seems to be TAX
ing the back track upon the course
heretofore taken by council and the
desire Of our people to encourage
manufactures.
We have two such factories in our
midst. When they were started they
felt so insignificant that they were
ashamed to ask council for the usual
five year exemption from taxes and
licenses. A little later when one of
them felt that it was growing and had
somewhat overcome It's modesty, it
asked council to grant it exemption
from taxes, council took the position
that as it had not asked for exemp-
ton before starting they could not
grant it. 1t may be claimed that these
factories are not much good to the
town, as they sell their products in
the town. This to me is a wrong view
to take because it is not true thar
they sell all their products in the
town. but ship a great deal more than
would be supposed to adjoining towns
In competition with Augusta. Colum-
bia, Charleston, Cheraw and Harts-
vile in which places are located
| plants far stronger financially than
our local ones are and if it were not
for this out Of town trade the local
trade would not keep them going.
But suppose it to be true that thev
only sell their products in town, is it
not a fact that wages paid to make
the goods are paid in Sumter and
spent in Sumter, and does not this
psneht Sumter in saving that much
at least to the town out Of the thou
sands Of dollars that before they were
established was sent out to other
places and that is not all that is saw
ed to the people of Sumter. They are
also saved the freight that they for
merly paid on the goods bought and
this goes to the consumer and not to
the factories as the competition be-
| tween them Is sharp and the local
consumer gets his goods delivered at
his building at the same price he
! would pay for 1T f. o. b. at any place
where there is factory and some
times cheaper. If these benefits are