Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 125 of 196

128

TEXAS IN 1850.

render them more valuable than any other lands in the
south.
The looks of the country is fast improving, and a
traveller could not but be favorably impressed by the
appearance which is every where manifested. Farms
and plantations are becoming opened and improved, and
buildings are being erected in much better style than
formerly, both as it respects comfort and appearance.
The propriety of going into manufacturing business
is beginning seriously to be considered by the intelligent
capitalists of this region of country. Some parts
possess great facilities for this purpose, by having an
abundance of water power.
In order that Texas should advance to an elevated
degree of prosperity and wealth, she must, to some
extent, become a manufacturing State, and it is now
time that she was declaring her independence of
other countries in regard to the manufacture of articles
of necessary use. Not until this branch of industry and
enterprise is duly appreciated, will the citizens of Texas
really become, in the legitimate sense of the word, " a
free and independent people." Will not the wealthy and
enterprising citizens commence those operations upon
as extensive a scale as circumstances will justify ? An
example is necessary to be set, and as this portion of
the State possesses ample advantages, the claim appears
to be upon it.
Cotton, woollen and other manufactories might be successfully
carried on. Many of the farmers of this section
are turning their attention to the rearing of sheep, in