PREFACE TO THE ARTICLE ON "THE NATURAL ADAPTATION OF ST. LOUIS TO IRON MANUFACTURES," BY GOV. THOMAS 0. FLETCHER. Professor S. WATERHOUSE of Washington University, St. Louis, has prepared the following article on the Iron Interests of Missouri. I have been so impressed with the public value of the paper as to authorize its publication in a permanent form, and its translation into French, German and Swedish. Indeed, I cannot better express my estimate of the article than by reproducing a letter which I addressed to the author immediately after reading the MS.: "PROFESSOR S. WATERHOUSE: "Dear Sir-I have read with care and with great interest the MS. of your article on 'The Natural Adaptation of St. Louis to Iron Manufactures.' It would be impossible to arrange more concisely the great amount of information it contains. The conclusions drawn from the vast array of facts are almost startling, and cannot fail to awaken new interest in the subject of Iron Manufacture, as well as to direct the attention of the ironmasters of the world to our great mineral resources and metallurgic capabilities. The more intelligent portion of the whole reading community would read it with pleasure and profit. I will take the responsibility, as President of the State Board of Immigration, of publishing it in pamphlet form for circulation in this country and in England, and of having it translated for distribution in France سط THOMAS C. FLETCHER, Governor of Missouri." I also append some OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENTS AND PUBLIC RESOKUTIONS. "From my personal knowledge of Professor S. Waterhouse of Washington University, and his ability to treat of the native wealth and capabilities of Missouri, as exhibited in the accompanying article, entitled 'The Natural Adaptation of St. Louis to Iron Manufactures,' I take great pleasure, as Mayor of the city of St. Louis, in in commending the publication to the favorable and thoughtful consideration of all who are engaged in the manufacture of Iron. I believe that the data therein contained have been carefully gathered from official and reliable sources, and that the deductions drawn from them are sound and trustworthy. JAMES S. THOMAS, Mayor of St. Louis." "Resolved, That the St. Louis Board of Trade recommend to the favorable notice of the public an exposition of the resources and capacity of Missouri in the important industry of Iron Manufacture, from the pen of Professor S. Waterhouse of Washington University. "This article is an elaborate statement of facts and evinces carefulness of research and scientific accuracy." "Resolved, That the Union Merchants' Exchange of St. Louis, recognizing the public value of a series of papers by Professor S. Waterhouse on the material advantages of Missouri, fully indorse these articles, and gratefully acknowledge their indebtedness to the author for his truthful and masterly exposition of 'The Resources of Missouri.'" These endorsements are introduced in order that this pamphlet in behalf of Missouri, going abroad as an authorized document, may produce conviction in the foreign mind and be read with that consideration to which official sanctions and the high character of its author justly entitle it. THOMAS C. FLETCHER, Governor of Missouri. Executive Department, Jefferson City, January 1869. |