256 [Assembly 



Mi*. Van Epps then remarked — 



Now that this report has received the approval of this Convention, 

 I wish to add a few brief suggestions, comprehending the subject of 

 silk culture generally in the United States. Within the last few 

 months I have spent some time in eight or ten of the most important 

 states of the union, and have neglected no opportunity of acquaint- 

 ing myself with the extent and prospects of the silk business. These, 

 with an extensive correspondence, and the facilities to which I have 

 had access, enable me to judge somewhat accurately of the whole 

 enterprise. 



As far as I can learn, the number of persons engaged in it, and 

 the quantity of the raw material produced are about the same as dur- 

 ing the last three or four years. In every state more or less is doing, 

 attended by success corresponding exactly with the care and judg- 

 ment by which it is conducted. The importance of the business is 

 universally acknowledged, as also the congeniality of all the natural 

 facilities of our country for its prosecution. None doubt that silk 

 can be produced and manufactured here as well and better even than in 

 China or France. This we have taken for granted in our report, and the 

 Convention have acquiesced in the view. But still the business pro- 

 gresses slowly, if indeed at all. 



And why is it 7 - 



This question covers the whole field before us, and notwithstanding 

 it has already a thousand times been answered, I would have it re- 

 iterated in this hall, and placed conspicuously on the proceedings of 

 this Convention, and read by the tens of thousands into whose hands 

 our report shall be thrown. 



The silk cause in this country has been wholly without guardian- 

 ship, an orphan, so to speak; for no systematic action has ever been 

 put forth by government for its benefit. 



I do not hesitate to say, that had Congress properly fostered or 

 followed up the course Great Britain had commenced, we should this 

 day have been independent of all other nations for this beautiful 

 fabric, besides saving annually from twelve to fifteen millions of dol- 

 lars to contribute to the comfort of our own people, and add to the 

 wealth of the nation at large. What occasional encouragement has 

 been extended by Congress or state legislatures, has been so trifling 

 and uncertain, that they have failed to inspire confidence, and in the 

 end rather retarded the cause they designed to benefit. The tariff of 



