The Western Journal

ART. VIII-THE CANNELTON COTTON MILLS. It is gratifying to observe that every year affords additional evidence to refute the opinion, long entertained by many, that the manufacture of cotton, wool, iron and other necessary commodities, cannot be profitably and permanently established in the southern and western States. It has been urged, as an argument, that owing to the want of capital and skill tn these States they could never compete, successfully, with New England, where both were abundant, and, where manufactures have already been established upon an extensive scale. These were plausable arguments: and, have doubtless tended to retard the commencement of manufacturing in the southern and western States for many years. But since a few sagacious and enterprising individuals have lead the way, and manufactures have gained a footing, men begin to discover new principles in political economy which, as it would seem, had not occurred to them before.

And now it is generally conceded, we believe, by all who have carefully examined the subject, that the surplus products of the southern and western States, constitute a capital, amply sufficient to enable them to enter into successful competition, with any part of the globe, in manufacturing many, if not all the great staple commodities which are required for the comfort and convenience of the human family. Nor has any material inconvenience been experienced, as far as we are informed, in obtaining both skill and labor wherever it has been required. The following extract from the "Economist," shows with how much alacrity the operatives of New England embrace the opportunity of removing to the west.

OPERATIVES FOR THE COTTON MILL.-We are informed by Messrs. Cole and Beebe, who have just arrived here from Providence, R. I., and who come to this place at the instance of Gen. C. T. James, for the purpose of superintending certain operations connected with the cotton mill, that arrangements are already concluded by which the entire corps of operatives necessary to run the mill, consisting of some three hundred and fifty hands or upwards, is secured. The alacrity with which eastern help agree to accept the offers extended to them on the part of the cotton mill company, is evinced by the fact that when it became known among them that their services would be needed here, there were in a few days, enough applications received for situations to operate three or four such mills as the one in this place. Those operatives who have stipulated to come hither, have been selected with great care; particular reference having been had to character and efficiency. The

agent, or superintendent of the mill, Mr. Cook, is expected here by the 1st of next month.

Here is a practical illustration of the economy for which we have been contending for many years-a transfer of the operatives to the raw material, provisions and bread-stuffs. By

this simple and cheap operation, instead of going to distant markets, we bring them home to us, and locate them in our midst, at such points as are found most convenient and beneficial.

The members of the Cannelton Cotton Mill Company, are entitled to the gratitude of the people of the western States, for their efforts in building up a manufacturing city in the valley of the Ohio, and we sincerely hope that they will reap a rich reward for their labors.

ART. IX.-VALUABLE INVENTION.

Letters have recently been issued from the Patent Office at Washington, to Mr. E. G. Pomeoroy, of St. Louis, for an invention by which he professes to coat iron with copper so as to fit it for many useful purposes to which it is not now suited. By Mr. P's process, which is described as simple and cheap, the iron is first immersed in sulphuric acid or some other acid, to remove all impurities from the surface. When dry, it is dipped into clay sufficiently moistened to leave a thin coating on the iron. It is again dried over a brisk fire, and then immersed several times into molten copper. Enough of the copper adheres to the iron, it is said, to cover the surface completely, after which it may be passed through rollers to reduce it to the required thickness, and the result is a smooth surface, fully equal in brightness to pure copper or brass. The coating is perfect, and appears not simply to adhere to the iron, in a thin layer, but to be completely amalgamated with it, so that on hammering it, the coating does not separate, but remains as firm and durable as the iron itself.

The editor of the St. Louis Intelligencer, who has seen some samples of iron coated by this process, speaks of the matter as follows: "If this invention is what it purports to be, and what we believe it is, it will be found useful in an infinite variety of forms; in the sheathing of vessels-the roofing of houses-in steam boilers and chimneys-and a variety of other things. In the single article of spikes and bolts, and other fastenings for ships and vessels, the saving will be enormous. Iron spikes and bolts are much better and stronger than copper. Coated by this process they will resist the action of the salt water,-Cannellon Economist.

COMMERCIAL STATISTICS.

The following Statistics of the Commerce and Manufactures of Cincinnati, are taken from “a review of the trade, commerce and manufactories of Cincinnati, for the commercial year ending August 31st, 1850,"

IMPORTS AT CINCINNATI,

For five years, commencing September 1st, and ending
August 31st, each year.

'45-'46 '46-'47 '47-'48 '48-'49 '49-'50

ARTICLES.

Apples, g. bbls.

17502

26992

28674

22109

6445

Beef,

2420