Within the past year some very remarkable enterprises have been undertaken in this city, which have been from time to time noticed in this paper.
One which has very recently gone into operation is the Sugar Refinery, built by
Capt. Chas. Y. Morriss, one of our most public spirited as well as enterprising citizens.
The project is his own in every respect, and has been completed and put into active and, we doubt not, successful operation by his own means and active energies.
The establishment is planned on a large scale, and with a view to yet further extension, as the demands of trade may require.
The
refined sugars already turned out by it give the most perfect satisfaction, and are surpassed in quality by none in the market.
We consider the owner of this manufactory a real public benefactor.
If a few more of our men of means would emulate his good example, this city would grow much more rapidly in wealth and power.
We commend the
Richmond refined sugars to the friends of home industry at the
South, and trust that the manufacturer will find himself nobly sustained in his enterprise.
He will certainly be so encouraged if there is any sincerity in Southern professions.
In the department of woolen manufactures there has been recently much done.
The Crenshaw Woolen Manufacturing Company commenced operations some time since, and has been throwing into market some admirable specimens of its fabrics.
We notice, especially, very superb shawls, blankets, and fine cassimere.
The Manchester Cotton and Woolen Manufactory has gone earnestly into the manufactory of coarse woolens for
servants' clothing, which are much esteemed and in demand.
These two establishments are giving occupation to a great many hands, and in the matter of the trade and business of the city, are most valuable auxiliaries.
The Union Manufacturing Company is another large concern, which promises to be of great benefit to
Richmond.
It manufactures
sewing machines, of approved and popular styles, in the most admirable manner, and at cheap prices.
It also makes
planing machines of an improved pattern, and
steam engines, and among the last named a style of small engine that is very useful.
This establishment was one of the effects of the
John Brown raid.
It was gotten up with a large capital — planned on a liberal scale, and has gone into operation with a great deal of spirit — and thus far with admirable success.
The company recently effected a favorable arrangement with
Mr. Sloat, of
Philadelphia, who had matured a beautiful and excellent machine, and that gentleman has removed his entire force to
Richmond, adding it, and his own ingenuity and skill, and energy in business, to the previous means and capabilities of the company.
Thus we have an establishment of great capacity, and one that is destined to contribute much to the growth of
Richmond, as well as Southern manufacturing independence.
A new manufactory has been added to the list in our city, in the railroad car-spring manufactory, which recently commenced operations at the
Tredegar Foundry.
This manufactory makes those vulcanized
India car-springs, which are so popular.
It is needless to repeat what we have so often said of our iron foundries, steam and locomotive works, &c.
Anderson & Co.'s rolling mills, railroad spike factory, (whose reputation is national, and which has supplied almost the entire
South for years with spikes, as has the
Archer foundry with
railroad chairs,) their locomotive and steam engine works;
Talbott's and Rham's extensive foundries, Pae &
Sampson's do.,
Hunter & Co.'s foundry and steel works, and
Jordan,
Winn & Co.'s iron works.
These, with others that might be named, constitute a manufacturing power in various departments of
iron work, including all descriptions of railroad work, cannon and ball casting, &c., of which we may be justly proud.
The times are now oppressive, and our manufactories are suffering to some extent; but as soon as the troubles in which we are now involved pass by — whatever be their termination --this city will enter the field with a manufacturing energy and success that will astonish her warmest and most sanguine friends.
