Page 21 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

20 SAN ANTONIO-HER TRADE,

San Antonio lie lands rich in the production of agriculture and minerals.
That entire territory must be fed from one centrally located mart. As
far back as her history is known, she was a center of trade to a territory
larger than all the New England states; and, with its increase of popula-
tion and production, it is only natural that San Antonio's increase should
be in proportion as the country settles. Artificial forces will accomplish
many things, or, in fact, wealth and perseverence will do anything; but
the reasoning mind will always direct those forces to the place where
nature has begun the work. She has done this for San Antonio, and the
residents of every other city in Texas appreciate the fact.
Many instances could be cited where the merchants of sister cities
have either established their branch in San Antonio, or re-established
themselves entirely. Far-seeing men realized years ago that all
necessary to making San Antonio the supply center for Texas and Mexico
was quicker and cheaper connection with New York and Europe. The
International & Great Northern and Sunset railroads have partially ac-
complished this purpose; but, with the San Antonio & Aransas Pass
Railway in operation, wool and all other staples of this section can be
placed in New England factories at a difference of nearly one-half the
present rates. These advantages cannot be overcome by new competition,
except in a greater reduction or cessation of the exports and the establish-
ment of home factories, rendering the staples into a more valuable form
for shipment and a greater amount of home receipts.
New Braunfels, which is the present objective point of extensive wool
manufactories, is situated but a short distance north of San Antonio, and
unless they consume what the section produces of that staple, instead of
an all-rail route north and thence to Eastern factories, it will pass to the
hands of San Antonio's buyers, thence to Corpus Christi, and by water to
eastern destination.
The productions, which will be innumerated in their importance as we
continue, will not, in most instances, be compelled to seek sale beyond
San Antonio's door. The extensive factories of the New England states
have their agents stationed here the year through, to buy as soon as in a
marketable shape; and, being thus collected into large quantities, will reap
the benefit of another saving in rates of shipment, placing part of the dif-
ference at command of the producer.
It must create a better feeling among residents, workers, merchants
—in fact, everybody—for we know that prosperity and good-will is the
source of all lasting successes.
Every city, to gain a support at all, must have a certain amount of
country near, which, however thickly dotted with smaller towns, forms
this immediate support. The city of size and importance, which is cen-
trally located, in one of the older and densely peopled districts, has already
reached its meed of opulence; and it is into the west that we must look for
new and natural growth.