Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1922-01-25
Letter From Mr.. I. "A. High
tower to Higher Officials
of Addison Mills.

The following letter in reply to a
letter written some time ago by an
official of the Addison Mills in Boston
shows that Superintendent T. A.
|Hightower is thoroughly conversant
with the practical management of a
cotton mill and also knows how to
deal successfully with various prob
lens as they arise:
81 have delayed replying to yours
of November 22nd in which you re-
quested that we advise through what
means we have been best able to ben
eft the efficiency of u plant during
the last year, 1924, and our views as
to what phases of operation we
should concentrate on in the future
in order to get the best results along
the lines of real efficiency.
t'In my mind with rs years of ex-
perience in the cotton industry, I do
not believe I have ever felt such diff
fcult problems as we are now facing
in the cotton industry. 1t is true that
many a mar has thrown up his hands
when a little more effort, a little more
patience would have achieved sue
cess. AS the tide goes clear out, so it
comes clear in. Sometimes business
prospects may seem darkest when
really they are on the turn. A little
more persistence, a little more effort
and what seemed hopeless failure may
turn to glorious success. There is no
failure except in no longer trying.
There is no defeat except from with
in, no really insurmountable barrier
save our own inherent weakness of
purpose. Let us repeat, success must
be won. 1t never comes unlimited,
never without effort.
"It is true during 1921 most of us
have met with many entirely new
problems and have solved situations
that we never thought could be solv-
ed heretofore and we have set up a
new meaning in the use of these prob
lens. By so doing I feel like a great
many problems have been solved, es-
pecially as to economy, labor and the
use of materials put into effect. 1t is
also true that we have come to a bet
ter understanding as to the value of
proper human relationship.
"It has been my experience this
lyear to learn more fully how to get
more, efficiency from u present lay
out of machinery. / do not know
whether it will be interesting to you
for me to say what has brought about
our great efficiency, however, l will
name some of the things which we
have done that have increased pro-
duction and brought about low cost
at our mill in the year 1921.
"First, in the card room we have
installed hank clocks for which to
pay card and drawing tenders by.
This has increased the percentage OF
efficiency of our mill wonderfully.
Another great improvement in the
efficiency is that we pay our spinners
by the hank instead of by the side,
also section men and doffers are paid
same way. We also have made a
great improvement in the weaving
department by paying weavers by the
pound instead of by the cut. These
items which I have mentioned above
have had more effect on production
than anything 1 know of.
There are other items which I
could give you that have improved
the efficiency of our plant, which l
think are of the utmost Importance
and that is, the proper upkeep and
adjustment of all machinery. It is
true each and every machine must
be in proper running order to per-
form its proper function.
When the question is asked why
certain commodities have achieved
such marvellous success. The reply
can be made, there r many reasons
but chief among them all is first and
foremost and all ~pervasive is the con-
tinued blessings of Almighty God.
Second, is the magnificent super
vision of the overseers in each and
every individual department, and
their absolute confidence, the power
full influence and their constant CO.
operation. Always allowing the super
|intendent a free hand in the carrying
out of his policies and never for n
-a- bonnor;nr him in his activl-