Panama City pilot., 1908-12-17


liability of Southern obligations on
gendered by the wholesale state
of years ago. which.
in our opinion, a bit of
ancient history not likely to he re-
peated, have nevertheless. we fear
left trace of influence i'm the DuhIic
MIND Whlth makes it a little cautious
as to that section of the country:
second, sort of halfdeined, half
unconscious feeling that Southern
gentlemen have so long been used to
the lelsurelY life-OtjUm cum diana
tdtl-that they may lack the necessary
push and hustle to bring to successful
issue local enterprises. OF cOure, it
may be SAID IN answer that the Dropo-
SltlOn Is one of interesting Northern
capltal and Southern management.
But our own personal feeling is that
III the last resort the development of
any section of country depends upon
Its natives, aud this we believe is more
especially true in a warm climate.
We have in mind more particularly
those activities which tend to develop
country and its resources, rather
tAan those mercantile activities which
are composed largely of making ex-
changes which, i'm our opinion. do
NOT develop a country and its re-
sources, aS dO manufacture, agricul-
ture, mining, the installation of light
and power projects, railways, etc,
which add directly to country's
wealth; third, feeling that political
and social conditions in the South are
not yet upon an entirely secure and
frn oasis. Personally, the writer
can readily SymDathize with the SEN
tlment and situation which leads to
certain local outbreaks which, i'm the
main, are discOuntenanced in the
North; but, however valid NAV be
the reason therefor, it indicates q
certain lack of social balance and
settlement which, in our opinion,
would tend to give capital an addi-
tOnal feeling of caution before en-
barking in community where such
events were likely to occur; fourth.
the above may seem rather superficial
Judgements. OF course, they are
given for only what they are worth.
further point, however, which
occurs to us, is the labor situation in
the South. AS we understand it, both
black and poor white labor is rather
unsatisfactory and not reliable; as
tn~better class of whites, as suggested
in the second point above, might
'hesitate to take an active part i'm
business affairs, it might necessitate
the importation of labor from other
sections or other countries. PersOp-
ally, the writer would much prefer to
see the South develop its own re-
sources by taking off its coat, rolling
up its sleeves and pitching in. We
teel that there is the section where
the purcst American blood is vet
found, and we should hate to see it
submerged with the overflow of other
countries, as is the situation i'm some
sections of the North TODAY. I'm fine.
perhaps the best and only practical
solution of the problem will be for all
the best people in the South to take
hold with a will the development of
their own country; and when they
have demonstrated to the satisfaction
of the rest of the country that they
mean businesses, we think that capital
will then begin to flow in as re
CURED"
While these of course are simply
the expression of the personal oI in
ions of the writer's, still they contain
much of interest, and there are many
pertinent comments, which are worthy
the thoughtful consideration Ofeverv
student of economic conditions
throughout the South.
The broader and more liberal SEN
timent which is prevailing among our
legislators, will gradually allay the
feeling of distrust in the security Of
corporate investments, and the in
tegrity of the business men of to-day
viii be guarantee Of the inyiolability
of their obligations.
The suggestion Of Mr. Deusen that
''the South develop its own resources
by taking off its coat, rolling up it's
sleeves, and pitching in," is right to-
the point and we should all take it
home to ourselves.
If we 90 not help ourselves, we need
not expect assistance from outsiders,
ana capital is ever seeking fields for
Investment, in sections where the
local residents show themselves on
the alert to make the most of the op-
pOrtunities that lie at their own
doors.
The regular monthly meeting ofthe
Club was held Saturday.
Routine work occupied portion of
the time, and a general discussion
follower on the best methods to be
adopted to secure the cooperation in
terror towns, in prsmoting HarbOr and
Canal work
A committee or advertising was ap-
pointed, and it is intended to get up