Augusta, Georgia - History (part 13 of 17)

" Section 7. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the board of managers, for the time being, shall have power to make and enforce such rules and regulations in relation to the use of said canal and its waters, for navigation or other purposes and to impose and collect such tolls, rents or other charges, as they may deem equitable and expedient, and which do not interfere with any of the existing contracts or obligations of said company, or of the commissioners now charged with the construction of said canal, under the provisions of the ordinances of the city council of Augusta, mentioned in the first section of this act; which said ordinances are hereby confirmed and declared to be of full force, so far as the same are not superseded or modified by the provisions of this act. Provided that nothing herein contained shall afTect the rights of any person or persons who may have heretofore instituted any legal proceedings with a view of obtaining exemption or relief from the payment of taxes or assessments imposed by said ordinance.

"Section 8. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in case it should at any time hereafter be deemed expedient for any of the lawful purposes of said company to increase the capital stock thereof, by voluntary subscriptions, it shall be lawful for the stockholders therein to authorize such increase, upon such terms and conditions as may be decided on by said stockholders, voting as hereinbefore provided, in a general meeting to be called for that purpose, of which at least thirty days' notice shall be given in the several gazettes then published in the city of Augusta ; and that the new stockholders coming into the corporation under such subscription, shall have all the privileges and be subject to all the duties and liabilities of the original corporation.

"Section 9. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in case the managers of said company should at any time hereafter deem it necessary or expedient to borrow money to carry on the construction, extension, enlargement or improvement of said canal, or any of the appurtenances thereof it shall be lawful for them to mortgage the said canal and appurtenances, and any other property of which they may be possessed, by way of security for the payment of such loans as they may make for such purposes ; and that in case of the foreclosure of such mortgage, and the sale of such canal and its appurtenances, the purchaser or purchasers thereof upon full compliance with the terms of sale, shall have, possess, retain and enjoy as a body politic and corporate under the said name and style of the Augusta Canal Company, all and singular the rights and privileges by this act conferred upon and vested in the company hereby incorporated, and be subject to all and singular the duties, obligations and restrictions imposed upon the same by the provisions of this act, or by the ordinances of the city council of Augusta, hereinbefore mentioned, so far as the same are not superseded or modified by this act, and shall be bound faithfully to keep and perform all contracts theretofore made by the said company in relation to the use of said canal and the waters thereof Provided that no such mortgage shall be made, but upon a vote of a majority of the managers for the time being at two successive meetings between which there shall be an interval of at least ten days. And provided further, that the said managers shall not mortgage said canal and its appurtenances for any sum or sums of money, amounting in the aggregate at any one time to more than ten thousand dollars, unless specially authorized and instructed to loan the same for a larger amount, by a vote of a majority of the stockholders, voting as hereinbefore provided in a general meeting of said stockholders called for that purpose after at least thirty days' notice thereof in each of the gazettes at the time published in the city of Augusta.

"Section 10. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person shall wilfully and maliciously in any way obstruct, injure or damage the said canal or any raceway, wasteway, towpath, dam, gate, aqueduct, culvert, drain, bridge, fence, or other work therewith connected, or wilfully and maliciously, in any manner whatever, obstruct the free passage of water into and through the said canal, or any of the raceways, wasteways, or aid or assist counsel or abet any other person or persons in so doing, such persons so offending shall be liable to be indicted for a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by fine, or imprisonment in the common jail or both at the discretion of the court ; and moreover shall be liable in damages to said company, and to any person or persons who may be thereby injured, to be recovered by action in any court having competent jurisdiction.

"Section ii. And be it further enacted, that the proprietors of said canal shall open and keep open the boat-sluice on the outside of their dam, at the head of said canal, so that the navigation of the river at that point shall be made and kept at least as good as it was before the construction of said dam ; and that said proprietors shall not be allowed, by any extension of said dam, or any other work, to obstruct the navigation of said river or the free passage of fish.

"Section 12. And be it further enacted, that the stockholders shall be liable for the debts of said company, in proportion to their respective interests therein ; and that said company shall not at any time contract debts beyond half the amount of the capital invested."

By act of 1849 the managers of the Augusta Canal Company were authorized, when so directed by a vote of the stockholders, to transfer the canal and all its appurtenances, to the city council of Augusta on such terms as might be agreed on, and subsequently this was done so that the council is now the owner of the work. By the original ordinance an issue of $100,000 of city bonds was authorized. These were to be met by taxation, and each taxpayer was to receive a certificate of stock in the Canal Company proportionate to the amount of canal tax paid by him. The banks were to advance $1,000 each on the bonds, and then cash the residue at such times as might be agreed on. The cash in hand under this arrangement was soon exhausted, and it became evident that the full issue of $100,000 would be insufficient. Accordingly by ordinance of March 7, 1846, council subscribed $30,000 additional in bonds and came in as a stockholder to that extent. By ordinance of October 3, i 846, it levied an annual tax of one half of one per cent, on all the real estate in the city for the redemption of the canal bonds. By ordinance of July 13, 1850, council authorized another issues of $30,000 of city bonds for the use of the Canal Company, to enable it to complete the work. By ordinance of December 29, 1 85 1, another issue of $10,000 was authorized for the same purpose ; and by ordinance of November 12, 1852, still another like issue of $30,000. The entire work on the Augusta canal, as it was originally constructed, from the preliminary surveys to the letting in of the water, was done inside of three years. The engineer in charge was William Phillips, for many years city engineer and surveyor, and his account of the work as given a year or two after its completion will be of interest. Mr. Phillips says: "In September, 1844, at the request of Colonel Henry H. Cumming, an examination of the falls in the neighborhood of Augusta was commenced with a view of ascertaining the practicability of rendering them available for manufacturing and other purposes. The report of the engineer indicating a favorable route for a canal, and showing considerable fall, was considered at a meeting of the friends of the enterprise on the 9th of January, 1845. Another survey was made, several preliminary meetings were held, and finally a meeting of the citizens was called at which it was determined to proceed with the work. The plan pro- posed and adopted was that the city council should issue bonds for the purpose of defraying the expense, and that a special tax should be levied on the real estate in the city to pay off the bonds at maturity The Bank of Augusta, the Bank of Brunswick, the Georgia Railroad Bank and the Augusta Insurance and Banking Company each subscribed $1,000 for the same purpose. The same banks also gave further aid by advancing cash for the bonds. The right of way through the lands lying west of the city was obtained, with one exception, very easily. The right of way through the city lots was procured with much trouble, except in a few instances, in which the right was granted with great liberality. In April, 1845, the location of the canal was made, and the larger portion of it put under contract. The work was commenced the May following. The whole fall of 45 feet was divided as follows : The first level, extending from Bull Sluice to near Marbury street, about 6i miles, in length, with its bottom slope of about 6 inches per mile, reduced the fall 41.36 feet; from the first to the second level the fall is 13 feet; from the second to the third level the fall is 13 feet; and from the third to the river the fall is about 15 feet. The first level terminates on the high ground between Marbury and McKinne streets, a little to the south of Fenwick street. The second level overlaps the first on the north, and extends from Mr. Meigs's land to the Savannah road, near its intersection with McKinne street. The third level, lying north of the second, extends from the Savannah road to Hawk's Gully, at the upper end of the city. The waterway of the canal is 5 feet deep, 20 feet wide at bottom, and 40 feet wide at the surface of the water. The water is turned into the canal by a low dam of timber and stone, about 800 feet in length, running diagonally to an island, and including only about one quarter of the width of the river. At the junction of the dam and canal there is a guard-wall of stone, in which there are six gates, by means of which the supply of water is regulated, and that from the river may be entirely excluded. Connected with the dam and guard- wall there is a stone lock by which boats pass into and out of the canal. The first level is passed over the valley of Rae's Creek, by an aqueduct 132 feet in length, constructed of wood. It is passed over several smaller streams, by culverts of stone and brick, and is now connected with Rae's Creek by means of a dam across that stream. At a short distance above Rae's Creek there is a waste way, 420 feet in length, which is intended to regulate the height of the water in all that part of the first level beeween it and the terminus in the city. West of McKinne street the canal is so enlarged as to form a basin and landing for boats. All the bridges are made of wood, and those of the first level are so elevated that the towpath and boats pass under them. The water was .let into the first level on the 23d of November, 1846. Last year [1848] there were about 13,000 bales of cotton landed at the basin, and it is probable that the number of bales this year will be extended to 20,- 000. Besides cotton, flour, corn, peas, bacon, and staves, several thousand cords of fire- wood have been landed; also granite, gneiss, and mica slate for building. Thus far the advantages anticipated by the promoters of the enterprise bid fair to be realized."

In this sketch, written about 1848, Mr. Phillips fails to mention that Hon. John P. King and Colonel Henry H. Gumming themselves advanced the money to pay for the preliminary surveys which demonstrated the practicability and value of the canal, and were the basis of its construction.

The Augusta Canal, however, was not built without running the gauntlet of litigation. In 1848 Martin Frederick, John W. Houghton. Thomas J. Walton, Philip McGraw, Benjamin F. Chew. David L. Curtis, and John Phinizy filed their bill in Richmond Superior Court to enjoin the collection of the canal tax which had been levied on their property under the ordinances we have mentioned. The bill set out the ordinance authorizing the construction of the canal, the ordinance changing the direction of a portion of the route, the act approving those ordinances, and the ordinance increasing the amount of the canal tax, and then proceeded to say that complainants were owners of real estate in Augusta, and that executions had been issued against them to coerce payment of the canal tax levied upon them under said ordinances. They claimed that the Legislature could not constitutionally make them stockholders in the Augusta Canal Company as the act of 1845 contemplated, they never having consented to become such ; that the city council had no legal authority to raise money by taxation to be expended without the corporate limits whereas the canal was to be constructed from a point called Bull's Sluice, some seven or eight miles from the city; that the canal had not been constructed according to the provisions of the ordinance authorizing it, inasmuch as that ordinance prescribed it should be constructed along the high ground between Jackson and Washington streets, south of the Beaver Dam, whereas the work had been stopped at the street above the upper market, so that owners of real estate in the middle and lower parts of the city were deprived of whatever advantages might result from the construction of the canal ; and that council had no right to levy a tax upon one kind of property and not include all taxable property. Complainants prayed that the collection of the canal tax should be enjoined, and Judge Holt, then presiding in Richmond Superior Court, granted an injunction. The city council moved to dissolve the injunction, which motion was granted. PVancis H. Cone, the celebrated advocate of Greensboro, represented the complainants, and Hon. Andrew J. Miller appeared for the city. The case was carried to the Supreme Court of Georgia and the judgment of Judge Holt was there afiirmed. Judge Warner delivered the opinion. The Supreme Court held that under the broad language of the city's charter, whereby the city council was " vested with full power and authority to make such assessments on the inhabitants of Augusta, or those who hold taxable property within the same, for the safety, benefit, convenience, and advantage of the said city as shall appear to them expedient," the council was authorized to construct the canal. If any doubt existed as to its power, the act of the Legislature ratifying and confirming the ordinance providing for the construction of the canal operated as a new and sufficient grant of authority. The authority of the Legislature to pass the act of 1845 was indubitable. As to the argument that the Legislature could not constitutionally make complainants stockholders in the canal without their consent, the court said that the tax was levied on them as citizens, under competent authority. The provision that each taxpayer should receive a certificate of stock in the canal company in proportion to the amount of canal tax paid by him was for the benefit of the taxpayer. It was not compulsory upon him to receive the stock certificate. The objection that the tax was partial as being levied only on real estate, thereby subjecting the owners of that species of property to a burden not imposed on those owning other kinds, though the object of the tax was the benefit of all, was not noticed by the court further than by inference in sustaining the legality of the assessment on the grounds just mentioned.

The canal, as originally constructed, gave six hundred horse-power, but in course of time it became apparent that this was too small for the growing demand. The first device was to raise the banks so as to give a depth cf seven feet of water and thus increase the quantity of water, but the additional supply thus obtained was in turn speedily exhausted. It became apparent also that from natural accretion, washing of the water, etc., the water area was lessening by gradual filling up of the waterway, and in 1869 the idea of an enlargement began to take shape. Pending active steps to this end the city and the Augusta Factory purchased a steam dredge, which made some improvement. It soon became manifest, however, that the time for expedients was passed, and steps were taken looking to an enlargement and remodeling of the entire work.

On the 3d of December, 1869, Mayor J. V. H. Allen, in his inaugural address to the council, said : " The question of the enlargement of the Augusta Canal has been respectfully referred to you by your immediate predecessors. They are of the opinion that this public work contains the germ of the future greatness of our city, and needs only to be developed to bring a large increase of industrious population, millions of additional wealth and profitable labor for our poor. I would recommend mature reflection upon the matter, and that we avoid hasty action concerning it. Free and full consultation with our citizens should be held, and their matured views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the work should be ascertained, and only after being assured of the hearty co-operation and consent of our people, and that no embarrasment would result to our finances should we commit ourselves in this behalf" Three months later (April, 1870). he read a special message to the council, showing the benefits to be derived from manufactoiies, alluding to the fact that the city was threatened with law suits for failure to comply with its water con- tracts, aiul urging the council to take the matter of enlargement into careful consideration. ihe subject was referred to a committee of four, one from each w.ird. On hViday, April 29, 1870, this committee, consistint^ of Messrs. Lewis, Hissell, ]51ack, and Walsh, held its first meeting. There were also present several prominent citizens, who were invited to attend and participate in the deliberations. A resolution was passed instructing the mayor to appoint a committee of five citizens to co-operate with the select committee from council, and to repoit at a subsequent meeting. Under the resolution that the mayor appointed the following committee : Dr. W. H. Tutt, Dr. L. A. Dugas, VV. V. Herring, J T. Hothwell, and Thomas G. Barrett. The movement progressed gradually. The cost of enlargement from the then ca[)acity, fifty feet wide and seven feet deep, to a width of one hundred and fifty feet, and a depth of eleven feet, was estimated at $384,093, and the citizens, then just emerging from the reconstruction period, hesitated to shoulder the burden. In thespringof 1871 Mayor Estes asked for authority to have a siuvey of the enlargement and an estimate of the cost of the work made. The authority was granted and the survey made by Mr. Oimstcad, and on August 7, 1871, the mayor submitted it in a special message to the council. August 2 1, 1871, the c.mal committee reported in favor of submitting the question of enlargement to the people, and it was accordingly submitted and adopted by a large majority. The work was commenced in March, 1872, and completed in July, 1875, at a cost of $972,- 883.15. ^^''- ll<^>ll'-'y was the engineer in charge, and the enlargement was done under the immediate supervision of Mr. h.stes, who was mayor during the entire time.

The dimensions and capacity of the canal are as follows: Length of main canal or first level, 7 miles, and including second and third levels, 9 miles. MinimuiTi waterway. 150 feet at surface, 106 feet at bottom, and il feet deep, making an area of cross section of 1,408 square feet. The bulkhead, locks, dam and other structures arc composed of stone masoniy formed of granite rock, laid up in hydraulic cement mortar, and are of the most substantial character. The area of openings for the supply of the canal amounts to 1,463 square feet, and the entire waters of the Savannah River are made available for maintaining the supply. There are about 275 acres of reservoirs exclusive of the canal proper and the pond above the bulkhead and dam. There is a bottom grade or descent in the main canal of one hundredth ot a foot in 100 feet, giving a theoretical mean velocity of two or seventy-four one hundredths feet per second, or a mechanical effect under the minimum fall between the first and third levels, or between the first level and the Savannah River, below Rae's Creek, of upwards of 14,000 horse-powers, theoretically, not including available supply from the surface of the reservoirs. This constitutes a work in width and depth in excess of any similar work in the world, save the Suez Canal. Of the immense power available, 5,700 horse-power is in use on the first level and 1,700 on the second - the third being waste water. The fall varies from 33 to 33^ feet on the first and 1 1 to 9^ on the second level. The entire cost of the work from the first has been about $1,500,000, the enlargement alone costing $972,883.

Mr. Charles Estes, the mayor under whose administration the enlargement was carried on, had from boyhood been familiar with canals, and had supervised the construction of a section of the Genesse Valley Canal, and with untiring energy pushed the work until, in all except length, Augusta had a canal of dimensions equal, if not indeed superior, to the famous Erie Canal.

This enlargement resulted in the establishment of a large number of new factories. The cotton was grown at the mill door, and the mill had cheap and reliable power. In Augusta the relative advantages of the North and South as the location for cotton factories are well demonstrated. We cannot better speak of those advantages than in reproducing the substance of some interviews published a few years ago of some prominent Augusta experts. Mr. Francis Cogin was for many years superintendent of the Augusta Factory, and when asked his experience in regard to the relative advantages of the two sections for cotton manufactories, replied as follows:

"There is no question but that the South possesses vastly superior advanta ges in many ways. We have one of the best climates in the world. The atmosphere has just the proper humidity for manufacturing purposes. Now at the North the air becomes so dry that steam has to be introduced into the weaving room to dampen the atmosphere, so as to prevent the threads from breaking. We never have any such trouble as that here Again, the mills North often have to stop because the water courses are frozen up. This never happens at the South, and we can therefore run uninterruptedly. We can get a plenty of excellent white labor. In fact it is much better than that which the Northern mills now have. It is equal to the "Yankee labor" the Northern mills used to have, but which they don't get now. We can make more yards of cloth per loom than they can, running the same number of hands that they do, and we can, therefore, afford to sell it cheaper. Our water-power is plentiful and cheaper on the average than at the North. They can't begin to compete with us where they use steam. It costs less than six dollars per horse power here for water, while at Fall River, where steam is used, the cost is forty- two dollars per horse-power. It wouldn't pay the Augusta factory, for instance, to use steam instead of water if all the necessary fuel was put down at the factory free. The operatives in the Augusta factory work eleven hours a day. There is a superabundance of white labor here, and we have never had a machine stopped for want of help during the nineteen years I have been with the Augusta factory. If we were to start a mill the same size as ours to-day, we would have sufficient skilled labor in two weeks to run it."

The Graniteville F"actory, heated in South CaroHna, a short distance from Augusta, and largely owned by Augusta stockholders, is a very successful institution under the careful management of Mr. H. H. Hickman, of Augusta. His views coincide with those of Mr. Cogin. He sa3's there could be no comparison between the North and South as respects advantages for cotton manufacturing. The South would eventually drive the North out of the market in brown goods, standard sheetings and shirtings. Practically, it was doing it now. The North is building no new mills for the production of these goods. When Northern mills were compelled to sell their goods at cost, he could sell at a fair profit. He had no commissions to pay agents to buy cotton as Northern mills did, because he bought it himself half of it right at the mill. Getting the cotton right here he had, of course, no freight to pay as was the case with the Northern mills, and he was satisfied that he could buy cotton to a better advantage than the agents of those mills; in fact he was assured he made a half a cent a pound that way. He could get a plenty of white labor, and cheaper than Northern mills could. His operatives could live on half the expense of those at the North. The latter used four times as much fuel, at twice the price per cord, while provisions were as cheap here as in Massachusetts.

To sum up therefore, labor was cheaper ; second, the operatives can live cheaper; third, he has no commissions to paj- to buy cotton; fourth, the larger proportion of goods are sold without paying commission ; and, fifth, he can run his mills all the year. The Graniteville Mill has not stopped work two weeks in eleven years on account of water or weather. He finds sale for eighty per cent, of his products at home. He had sold $60,000 worth of goods to Knoxville alone in one year. He has built a new mill at Vancluse with the surplus of the Graniteville Company without cahing on the stockholders for a dollar, and will be able to run it at three-fourths the expense in proportion to its size that it costs to run the Graniteville because it is a modern mill, with all the modern improvements. Graniteville is one of the most difficult mills in the country to run because it has been pieced from time to time, and yet peo pie can see how successful it is.

Mr. William C. Sibley, president of the Langley Mills for a number of years after their organization in 1870, says: "I have no difficulty in getting as good and reliable white labor as there is in New England, and who cheerfully work eleven hours a day, and could obtain more if we had any use for them, and many of them are Southern born and have learned their trade in our mill." He thought the South had the best climate for manufacturing, and would challenge any mill in New England to show as great a production of goods per loom and yarn per spindle, on the same style of goods, or a cheaper cost of manufacturing. In brown sheetings, shirtings, and drills the South has com- peted successfully with New England. Some years since the United States awarded the contract for sheeting needed for Indian supplies to the Langley Mills for three years.

We have already mentioned that in 1845, the same year in which the Legislature incorporated the Augusta Canal Company, a cotton manufacturing company was chartered under the name of " The Augusta Manufacturing Company." Martin M. Dye, John P. King, John Bones, William M. D'Antignac and Amory Sibley were made commissioners to procure subscriptions. The capital stock was fixed at $500,000 in $100 shares, and for the first three days after the opening of the books, of which notice was to be given in the newspapers of Augusta for one week, no one was to be allowed to subscribe for more than one hundred shares. After the expiration of that period the limit was to be removed. At the time of subscribing, the subscriber was to pay to the commissioner a sum to be fixed by them of not less than five nor more than ten per cent, of his subscription. As soon as $50,000 had been paid in the company was authorized to commence business. It was "authorized to manufacture, bleach, dye, print and finish all goods of which cotton or other fibrous materials form a part; also to manufacture flour from wheat or grain of any kind, and all machinery used for such purposes or any other; and may erect such mills or other works as may be necessary to carry on their business " The stockholders were made liable for the debts of the incorporation in proportion to the number of shares of stock held by them, provided the debts did not exceed half the capital stock paid in; if they exceeded that amount, the stockholders were jointly and severally liable for the entire debt. It was further provided that no transfer of stock within six months of a failure of the company should exempt the transferring stockholder from liability; and, further that the proper officers of the company should semi-annually, in April and October make a return on oath to the governor, of the amount of capital actually employed, with the names of the stockholders and number of shares held by each, and a statement of the condition of the company.

In 1847, or immediately after the completion of the canal, the Augusta Manufacturing Company was organized. As originally constructed, the" factory was 218 feet long. 50 feet wide, and five stories high, with 200 looms and 5,280 spindles, turning out 9,000 yards of cloth a day. The pickery was three stones high, and comfortable houses were provided for the operatives. At first the enterprise flourished. In 1849 the home demand exceeded the supply and an increase of spindles to 10,000 was necessitated. The capital stock paid in seems to have been $200,000. The success of this experiment, the first on a large scale, to emulate Northern manufactures, led to an agitation in favor of a second factory, but after a while the opening promise of the company failed to sustain itself The business began to fall off, and difficulties thickened around It. In 1858 a number of capitahsts of Augusta, firmly assured in their own minds of the ultimate success of cotton manufacturing in the South, and believing tliat the difficulties environing the Augusta Manufacturing Companyarose from causes which they could obviate, associated themselves for the purchase of the corporate property. The price agreed on was $140,000, payable in ten equal annual installments. To provide a commercial capital the new company put in $60,000, and in 1859 obtained from the general assembly an act conferring upon them the charter privileges of the old McBean Company. The purpose in so doing was evidently to obtain a greater freedom of corporate action than was possible under the Augusta Company's charter. As will be borne in mind, the McBean Company was incorporated in 1850 for the purpose of engaging on the waters of McBean Creek, "in the manufacture of various fabrics composed of cotton or wool, or both ; also for working in wood or iron, or other metal, and for operating a grist-mill and saw- mill." The charter did not contain the personal liability clause found in the charter of the Augusta Manufacturing Company, nor the requirement of semi-annual reports to the governor.

The act of 1859 provided " that from and immediately after the passage of this act, James Hope, William E. Jackson, and their present associates in the manufacturing business, to wit: James Hope, Artemus Gould, and Joseph E. Fargo, as executors of the last will and testament of George M. Newton, deceased, Henry H. Gumming, William M. D'Antignac, Lambeth Hopkins, Edward Thomas, Germain T. Dortic, Thomas Barrett, Benjamin H. Warren, William A. Beall, George W. Evans, and Charles J. Jenkins, and their successors, be and they are hereby authorized to conduct their manufacturing operations under the charter of the McBean Company within the limits of the city of Augusta, in said State, and that their corporate name be, and is hereby changed to that of the Augusta Factory."

The Augusta Factory was therefore established in an unique way, namely, with the stockholders and equipment of the Augusta Manufacturing Company, with the charter of the McBean Company, and with a new name dififerent from the corporate style of either one of those companies.

On the re- organization in 1858 Mr. William E. Jackson was made president of the factory, and held that position uninterruptedly until his death in 1882. From the first the Augusta Factory was a success. The $60,000 paid in as a commercial capital by Mr. Jackson and his associates named in the act, was all they were ever called upon to pay. The purchase money of $140,000 was paid out of the profits. In 1865 a stock dividend of 200 per cent, was declared, increasing the capital stock from $200,000 to $600,000, and for a number of years a quarterly dividend of five per cent., or 20 per cent, per annum, was regularly declared and paid. The financial stress of 1873 and several succeeding years injuriously affected the dividends, but from 1865 to 1876 dividends in an amount equal to 198 per cent, on the capital stock, or 18 per cent per annum, were paid the stockholders, whilst investments in real estate, new buildings and new machinery were made in the sum of $460,000. All this without the sale of new stock or a call on the stockholders. From the ist of July, 1865, to the ist of July, 1880, inclusive, the dividends actually paid to stockholders aggregated $1,470,000, or 234^ per cent, on the stock of $600,- 000 in sixteen years, which is an average of 14^2 per cent, per annum. In addition to this, out of the earnings the buildings have been twice enlarged, immense quantities of new machinery bought, and long rows of operatives' houses built of brick, at a cost of $460,000, so that now the factory, with its real estate, is valued at $1,000,000, while a surplus of over a quarter of a million stands on the credit side of profit and loss.

It has been sometimes said that the success of the Augusta Factory has been due to a combination of peculiarly favorable circumstances. In the first place the new management obtained at a cost of $140,000, on very long time, an immense amount of valuable real estate, and buildings and machinery in good order, which must have cost at least a quarter of a million dollars. Then the new management had scarcely taken hold before the war broke out. Cotton goods at once rose enormously in price, and a ready market was offered for every yard that could be produced the instant it left the loom. The currency became highly inflated and out of this currency the factory was readily enabled to pay the purchase money in full, without waiting the times of the installments. While there is truth in all this, it is also true that the capitalists and business men of Augusta did not attribute the success of the factory to these peculiar and abnormal conditions. It was and is felt that the real cause was the natural adaptability of the city to cotton manufacturing operations. The success of the factory continued unabated after the war. It continued to sell every yard and to pay its regular quarterly five per cent, dividend long after the war, and while with the increased number of mills its profits was not what they were, it is still a solid and prosperous institution. The present value of the factory, with real estate, is $1,000,000. The following figures relating to the mill, and showing its large scale of operations, will be of interest: Capital stock, $600,000; bonded debt, $200,000; number of hands employed, 700; average pay roll, $170,000 annually ; average consumption of cotton, 13,000 bales ; number of looms, 800 ; spindles, 26,000 ; average pieces made, 3 1 5 ,000 ; average yards, 15,000,000; average yearly product, $1,000,000.

The next cotton- mill was The Enterprise Factory. Before 1873 the site of the present mammoth Enterprise Cotton Factory was a small old stone mill, which had long reposed on the old canal, and ground for its neighbors its slender lots of flour and meal. Following the widespread financial paralysis of 1873 the construction of this Enterprise Factory - most fitly named - was at once a gallant rally from the depression of a panic, and for the city the first utilization of her enlarged canal and water power. It was the evoking from disaster a vital cotton factory of 14,000 spindles, using annually 6,500 bales. In February, 1881, it was resolved to increase the capacity of the mill. The capital was enlarged to $500,000, the spindles increased to 30,000, and the looms to 640. In the latter part of 1882 the work was done, and the finished factory stood ready for the operatives. The cost of this great establisment, over 500 feet in length, was the astonishingly low figure of only $660,000. There are several marked advantages in the construction and operation of this superb cotton-mill. It extends from south to north, and thus gets ihe benefit of the earliest and latest sunlight, saving gaslight morning and evening - a matter of economy and comfort. The wheels of the factory are located in the center, affording a better distribution of power over the establishment. The goods manufactured are four yards to the pound, instead of three to the pound as is the general practice of our Southern mills. The yarn is 18 to 20, instead of 12 to 14 as is custofnary. This is the finest cloth made m the South, and being an exceptional grade and excellence of goods, finds a readier market. Another especial advantage is that the looms are made for yard wide goods, but can be changed to manufacture narrower goods if desirable, and thus can vary the product to suit any demand.

For the fiscal year 1884 the figures of this mill were: Average number hands, 466; average number of looms running, 573i; average number of yards a day made, 31,295 ; average number of yards per loom, 54-n)-o- ; production, all 4-4 goods, 9,670,160 yards; production, pieces, 192,332; production, pounds, 2,500,311 ; cotton bales consumed, 6,312. The present figures are, hands, 412; spindles 31,000; production, 10,803,809 yards of cloth, and 6"] ,- 881 pounds No 18 and I9yarn; consumption of cotton, 6,593 bales, 3,106,401 pounds.

The Sibley Manufacturing Company was organized May 26, 1880. This factory stands next above the John P. King mill, on the canal, and occupies the site of the old Confederate powder-mills, the lofty chimney of which still stands as a memorial obelisk of its former use. The structure is 532 feet long. 'j6 feet wide, with a picker- house separate, 164 feet, and furnished throughout with automatic sprinklers and the electric light. The motive power is gained from two large turbine wheels, each of which furnishes six hundred and fifty horse-power, thirty-three and one half feet fall being applied to the wheels- The machinery includes 35,136 spindles, 880 looms, equal to about 1,000 plain looms, of which 224 are for colored and 650 are for plain work, the former being of the Crompton and Bridleburg pattern, the remainder the Lowell, varying in width from thirty to sixty-four inches Also a fine dye-house and a full plant of the most approved machinery for reeling, dying, winding etc., for colored warps. The goods manufactured include checks, chevoits, plaids, ticking, convict stripes, and cottonades, awning stripes, sheeting, drills, and ducks, convict drills, and kersey. The value of the annual product of the Sibley is al-

The John P. King Manufacturing Company was organized in 1882, with Hon. Charles Estes at its head. When this enterprise was inaugurated there were those who doubted whether the mill would ever be built, but with Mr. Charles Estes, to whom, by universal consent, the work of organizing the company was intrusted, there is no such word as fail, and in an incredibly short space of time the John P. King Manufacturing Company was an accomplished fact. The majority of the stock was secured in Augusta and the balance in Northern cities, and in a few months the King Mill lifted its walls along that canal which is another monument to Mr. Estes's judgment and foresight. The King Mill stands to-day one of the most perfect cotton factories in all its details in the United States. It is four stories high, 453 feet long, and 'j^ feet wide, a splendidly proportioned building, admired and commended by every architect and manufacturer who has seen it. The precautions against fire and the facilities for extinguishing it are such that the danger from this source is reduced to the smallest minimum. All the machinery is of the most improved description, and it was bought with the greatest advantage to the company. It is a noteworthy fact that the actual cost of the mill and machinery was within the original estimate; something that doesn't often occur. The capital stock of the King Mill is $1,000,000 and its capacity is 26,500 spindles. The first bobbin of yarn was spun October 18, 1883. CapitaHzed in $1,000,000, the King is situated just east of the Sibley Mill, 454 feet long, 'j6 feet wide and four stories high. Brick and wooden houses are provided for operatives, and the Augusta and Knoxville Railroad runs immediately in its rear. Manfacturing was fairly commenced in the latter part of 1883, and has continued uninter. rupted and successfully ever since. The product consists of sheeting, shirting and drills in 7-8 and 4-4 goods, which are of the best quality, and have already achieved an excellent reputation on the market. Six hundred hands are employed, and the pay roll averages $130,000 per year; 96,500 spindles and 880 looms are operated, and a total of 10,000 bales of cotton consumed annually, turning out a product of about 15,600,000 yards a year.

The Riverside Mills, located picturesquely upon the Savannah River, at the foot of Eleventh (Kollock) street, and on Bay, between Marbury and Tatnall streets, holds a peculiarly prominent, valuable and exceptional position in our suberb cotton-mill system of Augusta. It affords an opportunity for utilizing in a convenient way the waste of our galaxy of large cotton factories, and thus fills a momentous place among our industries.

Some twenty years ago, in 1869, Mr. Charles W. Simmons did a small business in waste, corner Kollock and Ellis streets. Mr. Simmons then built a waste factory, corner of Cumming and Bay streets, in 1872, which was burned down in 1875. In 1876 he built the nucleus of the present splendid establish- ment, the lower section of the factor)', 117 by 74 feet, in which he made only waste and batting. He failed in the latter part of 1878. This factory was called Riverside Factory. Mr. W. E. McCoy bought out the establishment early in 1879, and has been the creative spirit of this useful enterprise. He added a jarn mill, 80 by 70 feet, three stories high, and a picker room 60 by 30 feet, two stories. In October, 1881, he organized a stock company, and put the enterprise upon a lar^e basis, changing the name to the Riverside Mills. He immediately added 105 feet to the main building, and constructed an engine and boiler-room 80 by 24 feet. In 1883 he enlarged the main structure by an addition 40 by ^6 feet. The mill is now a large and thoroughly organized, well conducted and profitable establishment. It is run by steam. It has a Harris- Corliss engine of 250 horse- power. It consumes 200,000 pounds weekly, or 10.400,000 yearly. Its capital stock is $200,000; hands employed, 250; annual wages, $56,640; yearly product, $414,284. The articles produced are cotton waste for wiping machinery and packing boxes, journals, etc., paper stock, cotton batting of all grades, hosiery yarn, cotton rope and pieced bagging.

The Warwick is a new name for an old mill - the Shamrock that was. The mill has jjassed into new hands, and is splendidly equipped in every way. It was built in March, 1882, at the he.id of Lake Olmstead, at a point known as Rae's Creek, and is furthest up the canal of the mills. It has 2,500 spindles and 1,000 twisted spiiulks. The mill is a one-story brick building, employs fifty hands, and the annual output is 180,000 pounds. They manufacture only 2o's to 40's, I, 2, 3 and 4 ply. In the addition to the manufacture of fine yarns, connected with the Warwick mills is a roller covering shop, which does an extensive business, covering 200,000 spindles, and is patronized by the largest mills in the South.

The Algernon is one of the best equipped yarn mills in Augusta. The building is three stories high of brick, with metal roof, 200 x 50 feet, with djehouse, picker-house and boiler house, all complete. The mill operates 4,410 spindles and 1 50 looms, and employs 160 hands. It manufactures check plaids, seersuckers, vvra[)ping twine and cotton rope. The yearly product is 234,000 yards of cloth, 143,000 pounds of rope and twine, valued at $213,823. The annual pay roll is $46,148. The mill has just completed a large brick metal roof, one-story building, to be used for office, dyeing and storing purposes - size I I 5 -x 35. The company owns its operatives' dwellings, which are occupied solely by its employees.

Situate on one of the most eligible sites on the canal is the Globe Mills. They manufacture yarns, etc., run 4,600 spindles, and employ 80 hands. The value of their aimual product is $125,000, and they pay out in wages from $15,000 to $20,000 annually, and consume about 25,000 bales of cotton.

ing is a three-story brick building, 200x70. In the upper story 9,100 spindies are at work, one pair of mules, spooling machine and twister. Everything in the mill is complete, the machinery being selected from the best of a number of mills. It pays out in wages annually about $25,000, and employs one hundred hands. The mill is valued at $150,000, and the annual product is in the neighborhood of $150,000. It manufactures yarns alone, numbering from eight to twenty-six.

This long list of flourishing mills is the work of the past ten years, and is largely due to the Augusta Factory. During all the period of depression from 1873 to 1878 it manufactured cotton goods profitably, to say nothing of the large profits made before and since that time, while Eastern mills did not make profits during that period of depression.

We call attention to the results achieved by the Augusta Factory during the memorable years of the panic - 1873 to 1878, inclusive. In the studying this table, which is correct to a cent, the reader should bear in mind that some of the best established Northern mills were forced to suspend during this period.

The Graniteville and Vaucluse Mills, while located in South Carolina, are not far from Augusta, and are generally mentioned among the Augusta mills, so large a portion of the capital involved and so many of the gentlemen interested in their management belonging to Augusta. In reality while there are two separate establishments, both are one property, the Vaucluse being simply a new plant belonging to, and built out of the earnings of, the Graniteville. The history of this mill puts in a strong light the adaptability of the South to cotton manufacturing.

In 1847 the Graniteville Mill was built at a cost of $375,000. Additions were made to it and the capital stock increased until in the year 1867 the capital stock had been swelled to $716,000, the shares had fallen in value to $62.50, and the company owed $50,000 debt. The mill was run down, the stock depreciated and the industry languishing. It was in this bad condition in 1867 when Colonel H. H. Hickman was elected president of the company, starting it on an unparalleled career of recuperation and prosperity. His work was marvelous. He put the enterprise upon its feet. He infused new life into its management. He cut down expenses, increased its business, re^^ulated its operations, handled it with vigor and skill, and gave it a bouyant financial vitality.

Second. He canceled $i 16,000 of the capital shares, buying them up at a cost of $162,000 their enhanced value under his management, and thus permanently reduced the interest-bearing stock of the company from $716,000 to $600,000, its present amount.

Third. Five years ago, out of the surplus of the earnings, he built a new factory, the Vaucluse Mill, at a cost of $361,513.24, without calling for one additional dollar of assessment from the stockholders, and added this incomeproducing property to the value of the original $600,000 of stock.

Fourth. He has now a cash surplus in reserve of $220,831.86, which added to the $361,513.24 put into the Vaucluse Mill, makes the regal amount of $582,345.10 that he has created and i)ut on to the property of the company, as a test of his thrift, skill and enterprise as a cotton- mill manager.

Fifth. He has in addition to these splendid betterments and accumulations, running over half a million dollars, paid regularly a ten per cent, dividend to the stockholders.

Sixth. He increased the production of the original Graniteville Mill just double, swelling it from 240,000 yards every fortnight to 480,000. The two mills now present the following condition of strength :

On April 3, 1885, the owners of Southern and Southwestern cotton-mills met in Augusta and organized the Southern and Western Manufacturing Association, and Mr. Hickman, president of the Graniteville Mills, was made its presiding officer.

The building of the milis had, as might be expected, a marked effect on the population of Augusta, and the disbursement of nearly a million dollars a year in wages has been of great benefit to the trade of the city. It has been found that the concentration of a factory population has not been injurious to the health of the operatives. The only contest between capital and labor occurred in 1886, when upon a strike at one of the factories, all the others combined in a " lock-out." Both sides remained obstinate from June to November, when mutual interests happily brought about a reconciliation.

Prominent among the manufacturing interests of the city is the Georgia Chemical Works, organized May 5, 1877, with a paid up capital of $200,000. The manufacture of fertilizers, the specialty of this company, began in December, 1877, and the works have been in constant operation ever since their establishment, the demand for their fertilizers becoming so great as to require an enlargement of the works to nearly double their former capacity, increasing it from 10,000 to 17,000 tons per annum. The manufactory proper is a huge building, three and a half stories high, 130 feet long and sixty feet wide, its tall chimney being 1 14 feet high. It is supplied with an elegant lOO horse-power engine and the best machinery. The acid chambers are the most interesting and expensive portion of the works. These are lined with lead, in order to resist the action of the sulphuric acid used in the reduction of the ground phosphate rock and bones, the principal ingredients of the fertilizer. The lining of each chamber weighs 120,000 pounds or sixty tons. Two new chambers have been recently added, one of which is 106 feet long, 37 feet wide and 22 feet high; the other being 32 feet long, 32 feet wide and 25 feet high. The building containing the acid chambers is seventy feet high. On the first floor of this build- ing is the furnace for burning the sulphur in the preparation of the acid. In the manufacture of their fertihzers the company use sulphur from Sicily, potash salts from Germany, phosphate rock from the West Indies and South Carolina, bone and other animal matter from the slaughter-houses of the North, West, and South, fish from the Virginia coast, and nitrate of soda from South America. The process, in brief, is as follows : The phosphate rock is crushed by a powerful crusher, then ground into a fine powder by burr mills, and is then carried to the third floor by machinery, where it is weighed into the mixer. The bones are crushed by separate machinery, ground into a fine powder on the third floor, and go into the mixer. The mixer holds one ton of fertilizer, every ingredient being carefully weighed before going into it. From the mixer it falls to the second floor where it is subjected to the action of the acid and dries. The disintegrator and screw finish the work. The grounds occupied by the works consist of twenty acres. There are also several large warehouses, four new ones having just been built and one being in contemplation. The largest of these new warehouses is 200 x 50 feet, two others being 150x50 feet, and the smallest being 100 x 50 feet. Two railways carry material to and the products from the works. The products of these works are the Mastodon Guano, Grain Fertilizer, Lowe's Georgia Formula, Dissolved Bone Potash and Acid Phosphate. These products have already acquired a widespread reputation. This company also import and sell all kinds of fertilizing ingredients. This company also import all of their material by the cargo. Their phosphate rock they bring from the Navassa Islands in the Caribbean Sea ; their nitrate of soda they buy from Peru and Chili ; genuine Leopoldshall Kainit comes from Germany ; the sulphur direct to their chamber from Mount Vesuvius ; dried blood, they bargain for at Western slaughter-houses, and bone drifts into their mills by the carload from every section ; all of these important and costly ingredients go to make up one of the finest fertilizers manufactured, adapted to every crop, and suited, by different brands made, of different quality, to every kind of soil. No dirt or foreign substance is put into these compounds to fill up in bulk or weight, the base of the fertilizer is dissolved bonephosphate in every instance. The original capacity of the works was 10,000 tons of commercial fertilizer. Since then the capacity of these successful works has been nearly doubled, and they can now mannfacture 18,000 tons of fertilizer.

The success of this enterprise has been based on the idea of manufacturing a fertilizer suited to the soil on which it is to be used. P'or some ten or twelve years prior to the organization of the works the progress of Southern planting had been marked by the general introduction and intelligent use of commercial fertilizers. The adoption of artificial stimulants for the soil did not spring from unnatural causes any more than their continuance has led to unprofitable methods of farming. The acceptance and use by Southern planters of prepared guanos was necessitated by the demands of the soil. For generations the lands of this section had been worked upon their own resources and drained of the best elements of plant food. Season after season the most exacting crops have been gathered from these fields, and so exhausting had been the cultivation of anU belluni days, that even the most skillful rotation of crops would not have built up the worn out lands. Thousands of acres were being deserted or allowed to lie fallow, while much time and labor were being sacrificed to prepare new lands for cotton. Another cause contributed to the adoption of some method of recuperation for old lands or of securing continued productiveness on the new. Labor, after the war closed, was neither as plentiful nor as reliable as before. The land cultivated by the cotton planter, although reduced in area, had to bring the same returns as the liberal acreage and diffusive methods had before commanded. Every acre then had to be doubly productive at least.

Such was the planting status of the South. The utilization of good stable manure or of home-made fertilizers, so far as they went, were wise expedients. Obviously, though, no farmer could make enough by home composting, raking or scraping, for all his worn out lands. Stock could not be kept for this purpose alone, else the stables be as expensive as the stalls of Lorillard ; and the preparation of home fertilizers could not be made as simple or as complete as would have justified its employment in the planting economy of the South. What, then, was to be done ? The planter recognized that he must draw elsewhere for those factors of plant-food which his crops had been annually carrying ofT and which he had not the resources to replace. Such, then, was the time and such the season for the introduction and use of commercial fertilizers, the tonnage of which, year by year has been increasing over our railroad lines, and the use of which, despite various abuses and impositions of importers and dealers, is enlarging with the pitching of every crop. That the farmer has had much to contend against in the past use of commercial fertilizers, cannot be denied. The first shipments were concentrated articles from foreign shores or Northern factories, mixed up with acids and bone dust, high priced and intense, and no more adapted to the needs of the Southern farmer's lands than to the lining of these farmers' pockets. These guanos, made upon theoretical formula, and mixed upon general principles, could not be entirely satisfactory. They supplied articles in excess which were not needed, and left out constituents which were very important. They were sacked indiscriminately for use in New York, New Jersey and the tobacco lands of Virginia, the wheat lands of Ohio, the black loams of Mississippi, the clay lands of Alabama and Georgia, or the swamp bottoms of Florida and the Carolinas. Such planting processes, could not hold their own, and when the farmer found himself taxed heavily to pay for these homogeneous failures his condition seemed nearly as deplorable as first. But even this difficulty was destined to be met. It occurred to Mr. George W. Graflin, of Baltimore, and General M. Stovall, of Augusta, in 1875, that a home-made and a home adapted fertilizer was what the farmers of Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas needed. To supply this the works were established, and by their success have vindicated the foresight of their founders.

Nearly sixty years ago the first ice company in Augusta was incorporated. Augustine Slaughter, William M. Rowland, Charles Labuzan, Joseph Wheeler, John C. Holcomb, and George W. Butler were incorporated in 1832 as the Augusta Ice Company. No capital stock was named and the act gives no hint as to the modus operandi of the company.

In 1837 the Jackson Street Ice Company was incorporated. The preamble of the act states that the persons thereinafter named had " formed an association for the purpose of supplying the inhabitants of the city of Augusta with ice." The capital stock was $10,000, in shares of $50 each. The corporators were Noah Smith, Oswell E. Carmichael, Kerrs & Hope, Benjamin W. Force, Lewis D. Ford, Martin Frederick, Thomas J. Walton, Samuel Clarke, Samuel Hale, John G. Winter, Robert D. Hamlen, Kitchen & Robertson, Peter Golley, Isaac Henry, Snowden & Shear, Pleasant Stovall, F. Lamback & Co , Elisha Foster, Noah B. Cloud, Albert W. Smith, J. S. Clarke, Sacker P. Turpin, Thomas Richards, Hubbell W. Risley, Thomas H. Plant, Augustus B. Longstreet, Augustine Frederick, John V. Cowling, George M. Thew, Isaac Moise, James Frazer, John Moore, Benjamin B. Kirtland, Frederick A. Morgan, John J. Jones, Benjamin Sims, and B. L. Nehr.

The business of these early companies was doubtless the importation and. sale of natural ice from the North, but during the war, when that means of supply was cut off, necessity, the mother of invention, led to the manufacture of artificial ice in the city, and by 1864 a factory on a small scale was in active operation. The works were on Greene street, near Wilde or Forsyth streets, and were managed by Major I. P. Girardey. The product was exclusively devoted to the hospitals and the sick, and would doubtless be now derided as a very poor article of manufacture. In those days it was priceless. It was veritable ice, and carried comfort to many a fevered bed-side and to many a wounded soldier. The ice was made in cylinders about two feet long and from five to six inches in diameter. The chemical agents used were not strong enough to convert the entire cylinder into a solid block, and it came out in the shape of a pipe about an inch and a half thick. Probably not more than 500 or 600 pounds were made per day, and in fact the manufacture was not carried on with much regularity. The time chosen was late in the afternoon, and then the few cylinders were eagerly seized and carried ofT. Lucky was the well person who could manage to secure a piece three or four inches long. This primitive ice was only semi-transparent.

Now two ice companies, the Polar Ice Company and the Augusta Ice Company, do a flourishing business, turning out huge blocks as clear as crystal at a rate which supphes the city and has cut off the importation of the Northern article. The Polar Ice Company was organized in 1888, and the Augusta Company in 1887.

As early as 1850 an effort was made to utilize the Augusta Canal for the manufacture of machinery. In that year William M. D'Antignac, John M. Adams, Lambeth Hopkins, James M. Poe, and William H. Turpin, jr., were incorporated as the Augusta Machine Works, " for the purpose of manufacturing agricultural implements, cotton, wool, and the machinery necessary for the fabrication thereof, locomotives, etc." The act states that the works were to be operated by water power, and that a site had already been secured

The works of this company operated in a small way for a number of years, and about twenty years ago fell into the hands of George R. Lombard & Co., who have made them an immense establishment. The shops are among the largest and best equipped in the South. Everything in a mechanical way, for use or ornament is turned out, from the finest, most delicate and intricate factory work to the heaviest railroad material. More saw- mill work is done here than at any point in the South. Gin ribs and gear, never heretofore made in this section, are manufactured, as also many classes of fine work heretofore ordered from the North. The work for the Augusta, Langley, Graniteville, Enterprise, and Jewell's factories, for the Georgia and Port Royal J^ailroads, for the Georgia Chemical Works, and the Augusta Flour Mills is done here. An immense variety of machines is kept, among them some of the finest in the South Connected with the shops is a foundry. The iron ore is brought from North Georgia, and is considered as pure as any in the world. About 3,000 pounds of castings per day are made. Bed plates of 6,000 pounds weight have been cast, but one of 10,000 can be made. The assortment of patterns in this foundry is said to be one of the finest in*- the United States, and the railing work is quite celebrated for neatness. There is also a boiler shop, where boilers are repaired or built.

The Pendleton Machine Works, managed by Charles F. Lombard, have been in operation since 1865, and manufacture steam engines, brass work, piping, turbine wheels, agricultural machines, gins, gearing, belting, and a large variety of mechanical appliances. Both these establishments use the waterpower of the Augusta Canal.

Close by the Augusta Factory are the Augusta Flouring Mills, with an annual capacity of 50,000 barrels of flour, and 200,000 bushels of meal. Among the established manufactures of Augusta of honorable age, highest repute, and admitted excellence are the Excelsior Flour Mills, a strong five-story structure located on the second level of the Augusta Canal. The mills were built in the year 1859 on an extensive plan. They ran upon the old stone system, making 200 barrels of flour a day until the year 1881, when the patent roller process, so extensively used in the North and West was adopted. The mills use

The Perkins Manufacturing Company and Jesse Thompson & Co., do an immense lumber business. The former employs 500 men, pays out $150,000 annually in wages, and sells 16,000,000 feet of lumber every year. It has mills in Burke and Screven counties which supply it with lumber transported over its own railroad to the line of the Central Railroad, and thence to Augusta. Jesse Thompson & Co. have large saw- mills at Midville, Ga., which are constantly at work turning out lumber for this market from the best pine timber that the State affords. This lumber is brought to Augusta by long train-loads to meet the constant demand for doors, sash, blinds, moldings, brackets, newels, balusters and similar articles.

For nearly forty years Augusta has turned out a brick acknowledged to be superior to anything made south of the Potomac. The main establishment known as the old Delaigle brick-yard is situate upon the southeastern border of the city, being a broad expanse of land, bounded on the west by the Central Railroad, east by the Georgia Chemical Works, South Boundary street and the Port Royal Railroad track. There are worked within these yards three steam revolving brick-makers, which are fed with finely prepared clay, which is obtained in richness and profusion. Indeed so inexhaustible is the supply that for several generations to come ample material will be afforded to run these works. The brick are evenly and substantially shaped in this steam press, and automatically turned out at the rate of sixty a minute. They are then carted away upon smooth platforms and piled up in the sun to dry. After three or four days these brick, which are of yellowish tint and moderate degree of hardness, are skillfully arranged in intcrsticial layers within the great kilns, which are fired from beneath, and this enclosed, is allowed to burn for seven days, then cooled down, and the strong, well- tempered, we may say, red fire-bricks, are ready for shipment. Several furnaces, or kilns, are in use, which alternate, the one being fired up while another is in use or cooling down.

It is well known that Augusta- made brick are the finest and best manufactured south of the Potomac ; and these yards furnish two-thirds of the brick used in Augusta in private and public buildings, not including the factories; they supply the cities of Charleston, Savannah and Atlanta, and all intermediate points. Visitors to Atlanta have only to notice the fine business block between the Kimball and Markham Houses, opposite the Union Depot ; the magnificent new store of Moore & Marsh, and the rising walls of the new City Hall, to detect the fine brick of the great Augusta manufactory. These yards employ 150 men and turn out about 15,000,000 brick a year.

Outside of the main interests which have been mentioned there are many minor manufactories, the total manufacturing capital being $8,000,000, of which amount $5,525,000 is in cotton.

Augusta is emphatically a cotton town, and destined to be even a more important center for the staple than it is now. The increased receipts year by year are a notable feature. This increase is not caused, as in many other markets, by any extension of railroads or by much increased facilities of transportation. On the contrary, some of the cotton which formerly came to this market was diverted by unjust railroad rates, obtainable in the northwestern and western portions of the State ; not only on direct shipments north and east, but even to the South Atlantic sea-ports. The increase is due mainly to the admirably intelligent progress made by a majority of the planters.

First. By a more universal and more discriminating use of fertilizers, wherein happily home-made composts and manures are assuming a larger proportion every year.

Second. By the more general distribution of labor, through the slow and gradual, but, therefore, the more certain extension of the small farm system, naturally producing a more thorough and careful cultivation.

Third. The energetic and determined efforts the planters make to save the crops earlier, of which fact the picking of the last crop was an astonishing proof

We venture to say, without fear of contradiction, that in no section of the cotton belt has agricultural science made greater progress than in this section of the State of Georgia, of which no further proof is needed than, that, while before the war the average production was about one bale to 4^ acres, now 2^ acres produce the same amount of cotton. The destination of cotton from Augusta points to almost every market in the world.

Some years since the destination of the year's receipts was ascertained and the same substantially obtains now save as to the mill demand. The figures were: To mills north and east, 44,000 bales; to foreign ports direct, mainly to Liverpool, Havre and Bremen, 72,000 bales ; to Savannah and Charleston, on account of exporters' orders, and free on board, 54,000 bales ; to cotton mills in and about Augusta, 33.000 bales; total, 205,000 bales.

Of the cotton sent to foreign ports, large quantities are on orders received from spinners direct in all parts of Europe, including England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria and Russia, through agencies established by exporters in the leading ports. The home demand for mills is largely over double figures above given.

We have already spoken of the great progress of this section in cotton culture, and must now speak of the quality and handling of the cotton sold in Augusta. In no part of the cotton belt do planters use more perfect gins and presses than in the one we are treating of, it being seemingly the ambition of all to possess the best. Small sized gins, driven by mule or horse-power, are being discarded, and the gfciieral tendency is to use laig;er gins, driven by steam or water-power. The natural result is a greater uniformity and smoothness of the staple, making it far more desirable for spinning th.in under the former method, when the movement of the gin w. is jerky aiul uneven. Hy this means cotton is ginned tuore rapidly, as well, and the earl\' movement of the erop is promoted. Ihe quality of our staple is excellent, and is being constantly enhanced b\' improved seed, and the enrichment of the lands by manures, rhouiih, perhaps, not as strong and wiry as the staple produced in the Mississippi \^ille\', or in parts of Alabama, Louisi.uia and Te.\as, it is usually brighter, smoother, tleciiledl\' cleaner, ami much freer from leaf Many a spinner, who prefers the so-called western staple for its strengtli, buys the handsome cottons we can sent! them to mix with it, and thereby secure a color and brightness of the goods which western cottons tlo not give. And experience has denionstrateii that owing to the more perfect handling of our cottons, their superior ginning and cleanliness, there is no more wastage in oui- cottons than in the average run of western cottons.

That this cit\- is the best inlaiui cotton center in the United States is due to a variety of favoring causes in addition to those just mentioned. Some we may state. First, her factors guarantee prompt sales and settlements. The rule among our ci^tton men ditVering from the methods of procedure in all inland market^ ami at the ports, in that cotton sales are for cash, enabling the factor to settle at once with the planter, and at the same time rendering all transactions perfectly safe It is .i tact worth)- of note that no planter can get his mone\' in Charleston or Sa\ annah iov sever.d days after effecting a sale.

The influences which combine to create the demand for cotton in Augusta, and which in every month throughout the year uphold a strong tone in the market and a stiff quotation in prices, putting us within a small fraction of the coast thiring the reguhir cotton season, and advancing us beyond the piM'ts the rest of the time, are peculiar to Augusta and <ire of paramount value.

In the first place, then, in common with all other markets, we are open tor ordeis tVom Northern mills, and have buyers here who ha\'e been )-ears in the business ; are well known to all the prominent spinners north, and are energetic to bring to this market ortlers for cotton. Cotton is purchased in Augusta for New England spinners, and the advantage of this market will not be ignored in this res[KXt. Connected with this interest are buyers who fill orders for exports loc.ited at the ports and various points.

Hut the cotton market here is not solely dependent upon these agencies. Ten years back ci>tton houses in this city opened correspondence with foreign markets direct. The result was that our advantages were readily recognized and there is now a large market for direct export to Europe. Half a dozen houses here have correspondence with Europe, and fill orders for spinners in Great Britain, Russia, Italy, France and Germany, etc.

Augusta has advantages of five ports to draw from - Norfolk, Wilmington, Charleston, Port Royal and Savannah - and if cheapness and accommodation in ship freights cannot be secured in one place, competition opens up storage room and places a variet}^ of sea bottoms at our disposal. This position is of value inestimable. The fact that Augusta is nearer the coast than interior points gives her advantages over them in rates to the coast ; the fact that she is just far enough from the coast to spread out before her this wide choice of tonnage is saving facility.

One element which has sprung up of late years to bolster up Augusta's cotton market, and which has given it a reputation throughout the Southern States, is our local milling demand. With the extension of our long established cotton mills, and the building of new ones, this demand for home consumption has grown to be a factor which has worked phenomenal results. Not only do the buyers for Augusta factories get tbeir takings from the Augusta market but the three large factories in Carolina are also dependent upon our supply. Throughout the year this demand continues. In the active cotton months it is a competitive agent with Eastern and export buyers, and gives a variety as well as strength to the demand. A constant seeking for lower grades is offered for all mixed packed, irregular or light bags. At no point in the South are irregular cottons and low grade goods so high-priced relatively as here.

One of the incidents of the cotton business is "futures." The courts frown on and moralists denounce this practice. Some years since a cotton man furnished the press of Augusta the other side of the question, and we here give the matter from his standpoint.

Many persons have a prejudice against dealing in cotton futures under the idea that it is all pure speculation, believing that the contracts represent no value at all, but are only a kind of bet on the market, whether prices will advance or decline.

inclusive. The delivery within such time to be at seller's option, in lots of not less than fifty bales upon five days' notice to buyers. The Cotton to be of any grade from Strict Ordinary to cents per pound for Middling, with additions or deductions for other grades according to the rates of New York Cotton Exchange existing on afternoon of the fifth day previous to the date of the Warehouse Order.

Either party to have the right to call for a margin, as the variations of the market for like deliveries may warrant. And which margin shall be kept good.

This Contract is made in view of, and in all respects subject to the rules and conditions established by the New York Cotton Exchange, and in full accordance with Article II., Title IV., Chapter Second of the By-Laws.

By study of this contract it will be seen that whoever buys this contract when the month named therein arrives will leceive the cotton, and have it for sale or use as surely as if he had bought bales and stored them away, the fulfillment of all contracts being secured by the margins put up. And on the other hand, any one who sells such contracts against cotton he expects to produce or receive, when the month named arrives, can deliver his cotton on this contract and receive the price named with perfect certainty.

The contract is simply a contrivance of the mercantile world, by which parties dealing in or producing any article may secure a fixed price, at which, on a certain date in the future, they may buy the articles desired or sell the articles produced. And so far from being purely speculative, they afford a means of eliminating speculation from very many business operations.

For instance - first, the producer. Intelligent planters generally know at about what price their cotton crops pay them fair profits. If, during the summer months, contracts for delivery during October, November, December, should be saleable in New York at a figure that will secure to the planter the net price that he has found profitable, is it not a prudent business transaction to assure himself of this by selling a contract for the probable amount of his crop ? If he does this, then his profit is certain ; if he does not, then he speculates as to what price he will get when the great bulk of the crop is pouring into market with its tendency to depress prices. His selling the future contract is not speculation ; it is an avoidance of speculation. When the months arrive he can deliver his cotton on the contract, or, if more convenient or profitable, can sell his contract for delivery in New York to other parties there and market his cotton at home. To merchants who supply planters the contract system offers a valuable safeguard against loss. The merchant furnishes to the planter fertilizers and the supplies necessary to run them during the summer, for which he is to receive in return a certain quality of cotton. Knowing the cost of supplies furnished he knows what price for cotton received will give him a fair profit, and, should he at any time be able to sell contracts for fall delivery at such price by making sales to the extent of his profitable receipts, he secures his profits and relieves his business from one of its most serious risks. The planter or merchant who wishes to store and hold cotton with the hope of higher prices produced by local scarcity in the summer can often make sure of his profit by selling at once contract for delivery in summer to hedge his purchases. These contracts always bear a premium at least equal to the expense of carrying cotton. This premium disappears as the cotton months arrive, and while in itself in the local market commands as good or a better price, the contract can be sold at a good profit. Besides the.se dealings in contracts thus far mentioned, none of which are speculative, there is a very large business done by parties who buy because they think the market will advance, or sell, expecting a decline.

They operate in contracts for cotton rather than in cotton itself, because the expenses are infinitely less. The contracts pass from hand to hand, and one contract may cover many transactions - but when it matures it is good for the cotton.

These dealings are speculation only so far as it is speculation to buy or sell anything, not for or»e's use, but from an expected profit from advancing or declining markets, whether the article dealt in be cotton, grain, stocks, houses, land, or anything whatsoever. The man whose correct judgment and prudent management bring him fortune out of such transactions is esteemed a good business man, whilst the one whose judgment was faulty, or whose operations were top extended, resulting in loss, is condemned for speculating.

Transportation

Early Epoch - Pack Animals - Peltry Trade - Indigo - Tobacco - Inspection System - Tobacco gives way to Cotton - Wagon Trade - "The Georgie Cracker"^ - Chief Justice Stokes's Account - Wagon Yards - The River Trade - Hammond's Sketch of the Savannah - Neglect of this Great Waterway - Disputes as to Boundary - South Carolina vs. Georgia in the Continental Congress - A Federal Court Ordered - Convention of Beaufort - First Improvement Act in 1786 - The Savannah Navigation Company Incorporated in 1799 - Concert with South Carolina Solicited - Navigation Acts of 1802, 1809, and 18 12 - Another Appeal for South Carolina Co-operation - River Commissioners - Appropriation of $30,000 in 1818 - The River Improved - South Carolina Co-operation - The Convention of 1823-25 - Congressional Assent not Obtained - Co-operation Fails - Operations from 181 5 to 1826 - South Carolina Prefers to Rely on Railroad Transportation - Collapse of the Inter-State Convention - Fisheries Acts - Sketch of South Carolina Legislation on Savannah River - Federal Appropriations from 1826 to 1838 - The Anti-Internal Improvement School of Politics - The Savannah Valley Convention - Its History, Personnel, and Action - The Augusta Chronicle Suggests Such a Convention - Memorial to Congress - Hammond's Topographical Sketch - A Trip Down the River - Picturesque Scenes - Danger Points on the River - Regulations of the Pole Boat Trade - The Steamboat - William Longstreet, its Inventor - The First Crude Model - Steamboat Act of 1814 - The Steamboat Company of Geoigia Chartered in 1817 - History of the Company - Complaint of its Monopoly - South Carolina Competition - Legislative Investigation and Report - Hamburg vs, Augusta - The Steamboat Company Given Canal and Railroad Franchises in 1833 - Charter Extended in 1834 - The Iron Steamboat Company - The Savannah and Augusta Steamboat Company - Union Steamboat Company - Augusta, Petersburg, and Savannah Steam and Pole Boat Navigation Company - Augusta Steamboat Company of 1887 - Phases of Steam Navigation Development - Roll Call of Steamboats for Seventy Years - List of Casualties - Burnt, Blown Up and Sunk.

IN the matter of transportation Augusta has, in the long course of one hundred and fifty years, experienced the same succession of epochs as are often crowded into a twelvemonth out on the plains. In the far West the pack horse and flat-boat first appear, then the wagon and steamboat follow, and, lastly, the railroad furnishes transportation to the city which yesterday was not and to-day is a populous center crowded with spires and domes. What happens there as if by magic, was slowly wrought out here in the lapse of many years. The first trade of the city was by long trains of pack animals which brought peltries, and some few other articles, from the Indian hunting grounds into town, whence they were shipped by boats of about a ton burden down the river to Savannah, and thence to England. From the nattire of the articles dealt in, spring was then the busy season of Augusta, as fall and winter are now. that cotton is the staple. It appears that the early trade was from 300 to 500 tons of peltries annually, making, with the Indian goods, such as cali- coes, powder, rum, salt, ironware, etc., brought up the river for barter, a trafific of some 1,000 boat-loads a year. It is quite probable, though we have no positive information on the subject, that the boats employed at this early period were somewhat on the barge or flat-boat order, and considerably more capacious than the Petersburgh boat of the present day. They were worked by means of poles thrust to the bottom of the river, and, as will be hereafter seen, the first crude idea of the steamboat, as worked out opposite Augusta some half century later, was the propulsion of vessels by the use of poles worked by steam instead of hand.

After the Indians had been pressed back from the country on the west bank of the Savannah until the peltry trade became of minor importance, indigo and tobacco rose into importance and formed the bulk of the city's export trade. Just prior to the Revolution the cultivation of indigo, or indico, as it was sometimes termed, was quite general. Two objections were urged to this crop, first, that it impoverished the soil, and, secondly, that the rotting of the steeped weed engendered diseases. The first objection, in a new country where virgin soil could be had almost for the clearing, was not much considered, but in 1774 an act was passed in relation to the second. By this statute all persons concerned in the planting or making of indigo were required to bury or destroy the weed within forty-eight hours after the same had been taken out of the steeping vats, under a penalty of five pounds sterling for each failure. By subsequent legislation this act was continued of force until some time after the independence of the United States had been recognized by Great Britain. The process of manufacture was by obtaining a strong solution by steeping and then reducing this by evaporation to solid form, when the indigo was packed in barrels or casks and so shipped.

Tobacco was much more extensively cultivated than indigo, and was, in fact, the great staple of Georgia until the invention of the cotton-gin brought cotton into overwhelming prominence. The main tobacco area was the country immediately contiguous to Augusta, or the counties of Richmond, Columbia, Lincoln, Elbert, Franklin, Warren, Jackson, Oglethorpe, Greene, Wilkes, Hancock, Warren, Burke, Jefferson, and Washington. In this territory fourteen warehouses for the inspection of the leaf were ordered to be established, but it appears that the three warehouses at Augusta, which were known respectively as Call's, Richmond, and Augusta, and were in active operation prior to 1791, did the bulk of the business. The inspection season opened on the 1st day of October in each year, and closed on the 31st day of July following. The grades at first established were three in number, called respectively Oronoco, Sweet Scented Leaf, and Stemmed Leaf. Subsequently the classification was in four grades, called grade one, two, three, and four. If the inspectors found the leaf " good, sound, merchantable, and clear of trash," they were to weigh the same and see it packed, or repacked, in hogsheads or casks not to exceed forty-nine inches in length and thirty-one inches in the raising head, to be well coopered with at least six hoops, and to weigh at least 950 pounds net. The inspectors were to brand the cask " Georgia," and mark thereon the name of the warehouse where inspected, the quality of the leaf, the net weight, and tare. Hogsheads thus passed were called "full crop; " if of less than the required weight were marked "light crop." All tobacco failing to pass inspection was to be burned or otherwise destroyed. The inspector's fees were two shillings per hogshead, and the coopers were entitled to one shilling and sixpence. Where it was necessary to pick over tobacco in order to save that of standard quality, the pickers were entitled to a salvage of ten per cent. There was also what was known as " transfer tobacco," that is, tobacco delivered at the warehouse by the planter to order of his creditor. This was inspected and casked in the ordinary manner, and delivered to the creditor on production of his transfer receipt, less a commission of eight per cent, for "cask, shrinkage, and prizing the same," prizing being the addition of sufficient tobacco to " light crop " hogsheads to bring the same up to the standard of 950 pounds net. The inspectors and pickers were sworn to a faithful performance of duty, and were subject to prosecution if they purchased, or engaged in the manufacture of tobacco while in office. Much of the tobacco was brought to market by the unique device of " rolling hogshead," that is by a hogshead stoutly coopered, to which a pole or shafts were attached, so that the cask was trundled along by horse- power like a large garden roller.

With the rise of cotton culture that of tobacco decreased. The present square cotton bale fastened with iron ties was then unknown. Cotton came in in round bags of from 200 to 250 pounds weight, about ten feet long and eighteen inches in diameter. A strip of bagging about ten feet long was cut off and sewn together at the side and bottom. Into this the lint cotton was packed and pounded as closely as possible and the top then sewn up, not forgetting that at the top and bottom ears or lugs were made, and ordinarily filled with cotton seed, for convenience in handling. With the rise of the cotton crop it became necessary to wagon the bales to market, and hence great attention was paid to the making of roads. Law after law was enacted with a view to good roads, and the wagon trade of Augusta became something immense. We have heard old citizens say that they have seen Broad street so closely packed with cotton wagons during the season that from market to market, a distance of a mile, one could walk on the top of the bags. Six mules or horses was the ordinary equipment of a wagon, and the lead animals were not thought well harnessed unless each had a chime of bells attached to his collar. The drivers of these long caravans had also further music to beguile the way. It was considered an accomplishment to be able to crack the whip so as to keep a sort of time, and as at the end of his long journey the jehu drove into town, it was his pride to come down the street snapping the lash first on one side of him and then on the other in a perfect fusilade of pistol-like reports. PVom this peculiarity some have supposed the name 'cracker" has its origin, but this is a mistake. The "Cracker" was known in Georgia as far back as Colonial times, and in the interesting work of Anthony Stokes, royal chief justice of the province, there is a curious account of those then known by the term. It is by no means complimentary, and was doubtless deeply colored by the recollections of the royalist judge of the deadly work of the "crackers" rifle in the war against King George. He says: "The Southern States are overrun with a swarm of men from the western parts of Virginia and North Carolina, distinguished by the name of "Crackers." Many of these people are descended from convicts that were transported from Great Britain to Virginia at different times, and inherit so much profligacy from their ancestors that they are the most abandoned set of men on earth, few of them having the least sense of religion. When these people are routed in the other provinces they fly to Georgia, where the winters are mild, and the man who has a rifle, ammunition and a blanket can subsist in that vagrant way which the Indians pursue ; for the quantity of deer, wild turkeys, and other game there afibrds subsistence; and the country being mostly covered with woods, they have it always in their power to construct temporary huts, and procure fuel. The eastern coast of Georgia, in which they plant rice, is at this time thinly settled on account of the emigration of loyalists, and the greatest portion of the inhabitants are negro slaves; whereas, in the western parts the inhabitants are numerous, and daily increase by the accession of the Crackers from the other provinces; and it is highly probable that these people will in time overrun the rice part of the country as the Tartars in Asia have done by the fruitful cultivated provinces in the southern parts of that country. What induces me the rather to think so is that during the king's government these Crackers were very troublesome in the settlements by driving all gangs of horses and cattle to Virginia, and committing other enormities. They also occasioned frequent disputes with the Indians whom they robbed and sometimes murdered; the Indians in return, according to their custom, murdered the first white man they met by way of retaliation. . . . During the civil war the Americans lost much of that apprehension which they formerly entertained of the Indians, for the Crackers who are destitute of every sense of religion which might withhold them from acts of perfidy and cruelty, have been discovered to outdo the Indians in bearing hunger and fatigue, and as they lead a savage kind of life, they are equally skilled in the arts of bush-fighting and discovering the enemy by their tracks. These men will naturally settle fast in the western part of North Carolina and Georgia, and as the Indians dwindle away before them, they certainly threaten ruin to the civilized parts of the rice colonies, which have not now a common parent to call to their assistance."