FACILITIES FOR MANUFACTURES IN THE WEST.

TO FREEMAN HUNT, ESQ., Editor of the Merchants' Magazine, etc.

Will you permit me, through the pages of your valuable Magazine, to call the attention of those who take an interest in the subject of American manufactures to a pamphlet published by Hamilton Smith, Esq., of Louisville, Kentucky, relative to cotton manufactures, &c., on the Ohio? Mr. Smith is one of the most prominent and enterprising citizens of Louisville, and a first rate practical business man. The pamphlet alluded to comprises about seventy pages, and is well written. Its special object is to point out the superior advantages for manufacturing purposes connected with the place called Cannelton, about one hundred miles below Louisville, in the State of Indiana, and on the western bank of the Ohio River. The author has spread before his readers much valuable information on the subjects of coal, steam-power, water-power, cotton manufactures, &c.; and considering that he has not been practically connected with the manufacturing business, has evinced a far more correct and extensive acquaintance with its details than could have been expected. But Mr. Smith has a strong and comprehensive mind, and a sound judgment; and, under the guidance of these, his spirit of industry, perseverance, and research, has accomplished that which few others, under similar circumstances, would have attempted. The gentleman would confer a great favor on the friends of American manufactures by the publication of a second edition of his work; and in which he could correct and revise the few practical errors of the first, by means of data from authentic sources not open to him when the first was written. It would confer a favor especially on those who desire to see the cotton manufacturing business successfully and permanently established in our western country.

Mr. S. is a member of a corporate body recently organized, under an act of the Legislature of Indiana, for the purpose of prosecuting the manufacture of cotton goods at Cannelton, the place alluded to above. This company has a capital stock of $250,000— all taken up. A contract has been closed for a mill of 10,000 spindles, to be commenced immediately, and to be put in operation during the coming year. Of all the localities in the United States for this business, there is probably no one equal to this, all things taken into the account. There is on the ground every desirable material for building, such as stone, timber, &c., in almost any quantity, as well as inexhaustible supplies of fire-stone and fire-clay. The situation is directly on the west bank of the Ohio, where the depth of the stream is from twelve to sixteen feet at low water, and is extremely handsome, picturesque, and salubrious. Provisions are abundant and cheap. It is in close proximity to the cotton-growing regions, and will command, as a market for its manufactures, the great valley of the Mississippi. But one of its most important advantages is an inexhaustible bed of coal, adequate to the generation of steam to drive millions of cotton spindles for centuries to come. And this coal, after careful analysis by Professor Silliman, Dr. Jackson, and other eminent chemists, is pronounced equal to the best cannel coal of Great Britain. This coal can be had on the spot for four cents per bushel, while an inferior article commands, in the New England market, seventeen cents. Thus, the fuel to generate steam-power at Cannelton will cost less, by seventy-five per cent, than on the Atlantic seaboard in New England. As about thirty bushels of coal make a ton, the cost per ton at Cannelton is one dollar and twenty cents. The transportation from Boston to Lowell is one dollar and twenty-five cents, in addition to five dollars per ton paid for the article in the Boston market.

One other advantage of much importance the manufacturer at Cannelton will possess over the manufacturer at the east, will very much enhance the profits of the former. A mill with ten thousand spindles will consume eight hundred and fifty tons of cotton per annum, and turn off five millions of yards of sheeting, No. 14-two yards to the pound. To transport this cloth from Lowell to Louisville costs one half of a cent per yard. That cost will be saved, of course. The transportation, commissions, insurance, wharfage, &c., on the cotton from New Orleans to Lowell will also amount to one half of a cent on a yard of cloth. These two items amount to one cent per yard, which, on the annual product, five millions of yards, will make an aggregate of fifty thousand dollars per annum-no less than one per cent on the entire capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Such a saving as this, the manufacturer need not be informed, is well worth looking after in such times as these.

There may be other localities in our country, not taken up, equal to this; but if there be any one now occupied, I have yet to learn the fact. Permit me to say, then, the reader is invited to peruse the pamphlet of Mr. Smith when he shall have issued a second edition, as I hope he will do, as I believe the first is exhausted, or to peruse the first if he can obVOL. XX.-NO. I.

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tain it. Having done so, and being desirous to invest his capital in the manufacturing business, he will, I venture to predict without hesitation, seek a participation in the stock of some one of the companies that will, ere long, spring up at Cannelton. The place, ere long, will become the Lowell of the West-probably the Manchester of America. The title of the pamphlet alluded to is, "The Relative cost of Steam and WaterPower; the Illinois Coal Fields; and the Advantages offered by the West, particularly on the Lower Ohio, for Manufacturing."

MANUFACTURES IN THE SOUTHERN STATES.

C. T. J.

We take pleasure in recording the evidence which is constantly afforded of late, in various parts of the country, that public opinion is thoroughly awakening to the value of manufactures in the South. The experiment which has been successfully made at Tuscaloosa and other portions of Alabama, in employing girls as operatives, fully bears out the views of the editor of the Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel, contained in the following

extract:

"With common prudence and perseverance, the regions of the country where cotton and human food are cheapest will be the most successful in fabricating all the heavier goods made of this great southern staple. Its manufacture in this State, we are assured by men familiar with the cost of growing cotton and making it into cloth, is more profitable than its culture at ordinary prices. We have watched the operations of the factory recently started in this city with lively interest. Appreciating the difficulties of a branch of business, at which so many new and raw hands would have to learn the trade, we feared that a supply of good white operatives could not be had to work in the mill. Much, too, has been said about the unwillingness of poor families to engage in this kind of employment. Experience, however, has happily falsified these sinister predictions. There are more applicants for work than the company can employ; and the success of Georgia girls in learning to spin, weave, &c., is most creditable to their tact, intelligence, and industry. There is one who earns regularly $5 per week. She is the daughter of a widow woman, who, with the light labor of a little son some ten years old, added to that of herself, is in the receipt of some $34 a month from this cotton factory. It must be borne in mind that neither of the three members of this small family is compelled to work a day longer in this establishment than is agreeable. We ask, is it no advantage to this community that its most needy families-and no one is above the possibility of want-be furnished with the means and situation to earn, without discredit or severe toil, each $400 a year? That it is a great blessing to such families, no one will deny."

THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF MINES AT MADRID.

This splendid and most useful institution for the training of those who are about devoting themselves to mining operations, has received a grant from the government, for the purpose of extending its size, and also to establish a school of practical engineering, civil as well as mining-so that the pupils attending the lectures, or boarders in the college, may have an opportunity of becoming well acquainted with the different branches of these sciences. The School of Mines at Madrid has stood for many years pre-eminent among the institutions of Europe for the study of mining, as it is to Spain that Mexico, and, indeed, the whole of South America, from the time of the discovery of that vast and rich mineral continent of the New World by Christopher Columbus down to the throwing off the yoke of the mother country, is indebted for the extensive explorations and working of the mines, which have rendered so renowned in modern times, and in which, at present, so large a British capital is invested by the companies who continue the former works of the old Spaniards and primitive aborigines. The Spanish crown having lost the whole of her rich possessions, with the exceptions of the Island of Cuba, the Philippine Islands, &c., is now determined to turn to the utmost advantage its own local mineral resources-and to accomplish which, it not only gives great encouragement to adventurers, native and foreign, to embark in mining pursuits, but is also extending the opportunities for studying the science. The collection of minerals at Madrid is considered one of the finest in the world, and they are assorted with the utmost care by experienced mineralogists and travellers, who have collected specimens of every description of ores and minerals particular to each country which they have visited. The School of Mines of Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and even St. Petersburgh, are making great additions; but that of Madrid

will not be inferior to any, as the engineering department will contain a select modelroom of the various improvements which have been made in England in every description of machinery, but particularly those most applicable to mining operations, so that the pupils will have a full opportunity to study this branch of science.

CHARLESTON COTTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

This establishment has sprung up with most astonishing rapidity. It is not yet a year since the first ground was broken for the erection of the buildings-now the mill is almost in entire operation. The building, including wings, is 196 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 3 stories high. It is located in the most charming spot in the vicinity of the city; far enough from its noise and dust to be pleasant, and near enough to draw its supply of operatives. None but whites are employed in or about the mill, and the rate of wages will compare favorably with the northern factories. The capacity of the factory is 3,165 spindles and 100 looms. The cloth is of the best quality of goods from No. 14 yarns, weighing 4-4, 2,60 100 yards to the pound, 7-8, 3. 12 100. The machinery and engine are all of the most superb description, and the whole is now running in an admirable manner. Gen. C. J. James, the contractor for this machinery, certainly deserves the highest credit for his skill and faithfulness, and the confidence and encouragement of our Southern friends, who intend to start steam or water mills. The legislature of South Carolina have granted the privilege to this company to extend their capital to $500,000, and it is probable they will soon commence other works in connection with their present operations. The officers are, James Chapman, President; James H. Taylor, Henry Cobia, Joseph Prevort, James T. Welsman, Directors; John W. Caldwell, Secretary and Treasurer; J. H. Taylor, Selling Agent.

PROCESS OF COVERING METALS WITH BRASS OR BRONZE.

M. M. Brunel, Bisson & Gaugain, propose the employment, in a solution of water, of 500 parts of carbonate of potash, 20 parts of chloride of copper, 40 parts of sulphate of zinc, and 250 parts of the nitrate of ammonia, instead of the cyanids before used. To obtain bronze a salt of tin is to be substituted for that of the sulphate of zinc. By these solutions, wrought or cast iron, steel, lead, zinc, tin, and the alloys of these metals may with facility be coated with brass or bronze after being scoured in a suitable manner, according to the nature of the metal. The process must be proceeded with at an ordinary temperature. Connect the article to be coated with the negative pole of a Bursen battery, so that the positive decomposing pole be either a plate of brass or bronze. Metals thus treated will assume a beautiful appearance, equal in beauty to the finest bronze. Another very important advantage offered is their preservation from oxydation in the interior of habitations.

RICE CULTURE IN FRANCE.

This cultivation has been recently introduced on the Delta of the Rhone. It began in 1844 and '45 with one or two acres under the care of a single gardener. In 1847 there were 1,250 acres of land cultivated, employing 600 laborers, and producing 10,000 metric ⚫ quintals of rice. In 1848 there have been 2,500 acres cultivated, employing 1,500 laborers, and bidding fair to produce 20,000 metric quintals. The irrigation was at first effected by a single pump moved by a horse. It is now effected by steam engines of 120 horse power. The Delta of the Rhone consists of about 450,000 acres, which is now nearly waste, being grazed over by a few cattle and wild horses. At least 250,000, by the cultivation of rice might be reclaimed, and be made to yield subsistence for 1,250,000 persons. A plan has been submitted to the National Assembly, whereby 87,500 acres may be secured from the Mediterranean and made available for this cultivation, by the employment of 5,000 men, at an expense of some 600,000 francs.

THE USES OF GOLD.

Gold possesses intrinsic value independent of its rarity. Its color, high specific gravity, ductility and malleability, fusibility, and resistance to chemical action, especially to atmospheric agents, render it very valuable, and the best medium of exchange. Pure gold is too soft for use as coin or plate, and hence the advantage of alloying it with copper, while

its specific gravity offers a means of testing its quality. Although a rare metal, its exceeding malleability allows its extensive employment for gilding surfaces at little cost, while its unalterability prevents such surface from readily tarnishing. For many objects of ornament and utility, electrotype gilding has superseded leaf and fire gilding.

MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES.

THE CLOTHING TRADE.

THIS branch of the manufactures of our country has of late years increased more rapidly and extensively than the great increase of our commerce and population would seem even to justify. It requires, however, but a glance at the causes to show that this fact is in keeping with the spirit of the age-at least in this country. The clothing trade throughout the Union has in a great measure swallowed up two other branches, namely, that of the cloth retailer and the merchant tailor, blending, as it were, the two branches. It used to be one job to seek for the cloth, and another to repair to the tailor, causing not unfre quently great loss of time and much vexation. We now see everywhere, not only the economist, but the man of fashion, saving his time and his money by procuring the very articles he requires all ready made to his hand. The growing importance of the clothing trade, and the fact that New York is the great centre of it, are sufficient to elicit from us more than a mere passing notice. We are credibly informed that New York supplies clothing for over two-thirds of the Union, the aggregate of the value of which is far greater than any other branch of manufacture in the city. The number of hands employed, or families supported in the manufacture of clothing in New York, we have no reliable data to show; but we will merely take a glance at one of the largest and most enterprising clothing establishments in our city, namely, the house of D. & J. Devlin, in John-street, as proof in part of the truth of our position.

The Messrs. Devlin do both a large wholesale, and a very extensive and fashionable retail, trade. Their establishment, at the corner of John and Nassau-streets, occupies two houses; one entire floor is devoted to the city and retail business; another to the cloth and custom department; another to the wholesale department; another, containing several well lighted rooms, to the cutting department; and the large basement is stored with their immense stock of heavy woollens and trimmings. The economy of such an establishment requires great attention to detail, and the admirable management of the enterprising proprietors is a model in its way. Their cutters are classified into four departments: one department exclusively for coats; a second for pants; a third for vests; and a fourth for trimmings; with a foreman, whose duty it is to supply the cutters with work, to employ hands, and to give out and receive the garments from them. The hands are also classed (according to their skill, capacity, and promptness) into grades--they earn from $3 up to $15 per week; and some piece-masters who have many hands under them, draw from $25 to $150 per week. The number of hands employed in working for this establishment, including those employed by the piece-masters, rarely falls short of 2,000, many of these supporting large families. They are scarcely ever out of work, for the wholesale and retail trade so dovetail into each other, that before the country trade is over, the city trade commences, and vice versa. Their corps of salesmen, clerks, &c., are well appointed and complete. This will give some idea of the importance of this ' manufacture in New York, and when we add to it the fact that the Messrs. Devlin, like many other establishments in the city, supply the retail merchants in the most widely separated States, North, South, and West, with stocks of clothing, especially suited to their various localities, and this to an unlimited extent, we hazard little in saying that the clothing trade is fast increasing in importance, not only to the manufacturing interests, but to the commerce of our country.

IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING AHEAD IN TRADE.

The editor of the Dry Goods Reporter reads editorially, in a late number of that journal, a very good lecture on the importance of caution and calculation in trade. Some of the deceptions practised upon themselves by young and inexperienced merchants, as to the result of their ventures, are illustrated in the following pertinent anecdotes:

A young friend of ours called on us the other day in high glee; he was about concluding arrangements with two others to embark in the jobbing trade, and was quite sanguine of brilliant success. As we did not express full faith in his anticipations, he rather chided us for our doubts, whereupon we questioned him a little as to his prospects. At our suggestion he took pen and paper and put down first of all his proposed expenses. We could see that he had not done this before, as he seemed quite startled to find that even at the moderate estimates he had made, the total expenses for rent, clerk hire, and living of the several partners, amounted to the snug sum of $8,200. "Now for the amount of business," said we. Oh, as to that," he replied, "we hope to sell $300,000 per annum." "But what amount of trade do all of you at present influence?" we asked; "make now a careful estimate of the business you can rely upon with some degree of certainty." He did so, and to his surprise it did not quite reach $125,000. "Now what profit can you average upon this?" After some debate, this was set down at seven and a half per cent. This gave the sum of $9,375. "Now what shall we call the losses?" These were settled at 24 per cent of sales, amounting to $3,125, leaving the nett income at $6,250, or $1,950 less than enough to pay his estimated expenses. He left us, proposing to show the estimate to his colleagues. He did so, and after figuring awhile without arriving at any more satisfactory result, they finally abandoned the undertaking. We have no hesitation in saying that if all who are about to embark in trade, would thus boldly look at the figures, instead of closing their eyes, and hoping for the best, we should hear of fewer disasters among business men, and there would be less complaint that "trade is overdone."

A friend of ours, in a season gone by, mentioned that he had ordered of the foreign agent a large lot of Belgian cloths; but upon being questioned he could not tell whether there was a scarcity in the market of that description of goods, or estimate within 20 per cent what it would cost to pay the duty and deliver them here; and of course was totally ignorant as to the relative difference between what they would cost him and their market value. He had ordered them for the name of the thing, without date or calculation of any kind: other people made money on cloths, and why should not he? The cloths would of course be wanted, and he should have to pay no more duty than any other man who might import them. We tried in vain to show him that a great deal of nice discrimination, and a thorough investigation of all facts that might bear upon the market value of such goods, or create a demand for them, were necessary to a successful venture. He had determined to be an importer, and we left him to the teachings of that most expensive tutor-experience. And dearly did the lesson cost him, for he realized a loss of about 20 per cent on his entire importation. He will "look ahead" before he gives another order of this sort, which he now very justly compares to a leap in the dark.

CAPACITY AND RESOURCES OF THE WEST.

The capacity of the West, from the Alleghanies to the Rocky Mountains, from the frozen lakes of the North to the tepid waters of the Gulf of Mexico! Every soil, every climate, every variety of surface. Of all the great products of the world, coffee is the only one which does not, or may not grow there. Take the people of Britain, Ireland, France, Holland, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and place the whole in the valley beyond the Appalachians, and it would continue to ask for "more." Ohio alone, without sinking a pit below the level of her valleys, could supply coal equal to the amount dug from the mines of England and Wales for twenty-five hundred years, and Ohio is but a pigmy, in the way of bitumen, compared with western Pennsylvania and Virginia. Iron abounds from Tennessee to Lake Erie, and forms the very mountains of Missouri and Arkansas. Salt wells up from secret store-bouses in every northwestern State. Lead enough to shoot the human race extinct, is raised from the great metallic dykes of Illinois and Wisconsin. Copper and silver beckon all trusting capitalists to the shores of Lake Superior. And mark the water courses, the chain of lakes, the immense plains graded for railroads by Nature's own hand, the reservoirs of water waiting for canals to use them. Already the farmer far in the interior woods of Ohio or Indiana, may ship his produce at his own door to reach Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, or New Orleans, and every mile of its transit shall be by canal, steamboat, and rail car.