1. _Lead._--MISSOURI is famed throughout Europe and America, for the
extent and value of her lead mines. She would be able to furnish
all the U. States, the West Indies, Mexico, and South America, with
that article. In the meantime, the U. States are purchasing lead
from England! About $500,000 per annum is usually paid by Americans
to Englishmen for lead; last year, however, it was about $300,000.
The difference of the policy pursued by the two nations, is the
cause of this state of things. In England, foreign lead pays a duty
of 26_l._ 13_s._ 4_d._ sterling on every quantity of 100_l._ worth
imported; and the lead mines are private property. In America,
foreign lead pays but little duty, and the mines are monopolized by
the government.
2. _Iron._--Missouri has a great interest in the production of
domestic iron. She possesses immense beds of ore, exceedingly
rich, and well situated to be worked, and conveniently transported
to all parts of the valley of the Mississippi. The waters of the
Merrimac, and of the Gasconade are the chief seats of this ore,
although it is found in many other parts of the territory, and in
such amazing quantities, that it may be considered to be for ever
inexhaustible. Missouri could furnish not only herself and immediate
neighbours, but the whole valley of the Mississippi with iron and
its manufactures, yet she is purchasing these articles from England,
Sweden and Russia!
3. _Salt._---The state of Missouri abounds with salt springs. In
many places they are almost as common as fresh water springs. They
are found in every section of the country, but especially in the
Boon's-lick district, and on the waters of Salt River, a branch
of the Mississippi. Missouri would be able to furnish an empire
with salt, but heretofore she has purchased that article from
the Illinois and Kenawha, from Liverpool, St. Ubes, and Turk's
Island!--The government monopoly was one cause of this. Since the
purchase of Louisiana the government had reserved the salt springs;
but in the bill for admitting Missouri into the Union, 12 springs,
to be chosen by the Legislature, with four sections of land around
each, are to be given to the state; and the remainder will probably
be sold out, and become private property. These springs will be a
source of wealth to the people, and of revenue to the state. With
a judicious system of management, the whole expenses of the state
government may possibly be defrayed from the rents and profits
accruing from 12 selected springs.
4. _Hemp._--The soil and the climate of Missouri, announce it to be
the true country for the production of hemp. Experience establishes
the fact. Many farmers have raised it, as well under the Spanish
as under the American government. The quantity obtained from an
acre is prodigious, and by experiments made at New Orleans, under
the auspices of the Governor General, the Baron de Carondelet, it
was proved to be equal (the account says superior) in strength and
fineness of fibre, to the boasted hemp of Russia. Persons who have
looked to the resources of Missouri have always considered hemp as
one of its staples, and the encouragement of its growth one of the
first objects of our farmers and statesmen.