Manufactures: The South's True Remedy [pp. 172-178]

172 MANUFACTURES.
In regard to the closing of the Fair, the New Orleans Times
remarked:
Our first great Mechanical and Agricultural Fair has just closed, and it is not
too much to say that its success has exceeded the expectations of even the most
sanguine. This Fair marks an era in the history of Louisiana. It is a proof of
what can be accomplished by a people who have become thoroughly aroused to
the importance of putting their shoulders to the wheel, and developing their material resources by their own unaided energies. The directors, consisting of I.
N. Marks, H. R. Swasey, C. II. Slocormb, Josiah Cole, Lafayette Folger, G. A.
Breaux, Geo. W. Sizer, J. Davidson, Richard Swain, O. E. Hall, W. 13. Schmidt,
G. F. Knight, N. Richards, Norman Story, Luther Homes, Josiah Ellison, Fred.
Camerden, John Pemberton, Williamson Smith, A. Bower, and A. W. Merriam
although in times past accustomed to the enjoyment of "elegant leisure," have
labored incessantly in furtherance of the grand object they had in view. They
went to the grounds shortly after daybreak and continued there till dark for
several days before the Fair commenced and during its progress, showing an
example of earnest purpose which cannot fail to be productive of good in its
general effect on this community. In the lexicon of the directors there was no
such word as fail, and fortunately, their efforts were ably and energetically
seconded by the exhibitors, the Awarding Committees, and "last though not
least," by the accomplished and experienced general superintendent, G. O.
Kalb, Esq., who labored with untiring assiduity to make the exhibition a
success.
Our extended reports of the material facts and events of each day's exhibition
have been so full that any addition would be superfluous. It is sufficient to say
that the result has been altogether satisfactory; that the Fair is now regarded
as an earnest and prophecy of future triumphs, which will work out the industrial and commercial independence of our people. In the useful arts our mechanics have shown an ability which is most promising; in articles of taste and
fancy our ladies have proved themselves second to none on the face of the globe,
and the exhibition of agricultural machinery at the Fair gives cheering promise
of success in the future cultivation of our productive soil.
Everything connected with the exhibition has proved most auspicious. The
time was favorable; the weather was delightful from the opening prayer to the
closing procession; the number of exhibitors from abroad was greater than could
have been reasonably expected, and our own people vie( with each other in
generous rivalry as to who should contribute most to the success of the great
experiment.
That some of the exhibitors have been disappointed in the awards cannot be
wondered at. The ablest and most disinterested judges fail to satisfy all litigantt, and men selected to decide-on the claims of rival exhibitors could not be
expected to give universal satisfaction. All things considered, however, the result has been highly satisfaotory, and the community in general owes a debt of
gratitude to those who were prominent in originating the scheme and carrying
it to a successful issue.
ART. X.-MANUFACTURES-THE SOUTII'S TRUE REMfEDY.
THE SOUTH SHOULD AND MUST MIANUFACTURE FOR HERSELF.
GREAT IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSIFIED INDU3TRY; EFFECT OF MANUFACTURES IN BUILD ING UP STATES AND CITIES; COST AND CAPACITY OF MILLS; HOW TO BEGIN THE
REFORMATION.
THE experience of the Federal Government in raising money
by taxation during the late war and since its close, has demon