The Settler's Guide in the United States and British North American Provinces (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1862. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... RHODE ISLAND. This is the smallest State in the Union. It lies between 42 and 43 north latitude, and contains an area of only 1,306 square miles. The interior, with the exception of the intervales along the streams, is generally rough and hilly, and better adapted to grazing than to the raising of grain. Anthracite coal is found in large quantities in Rhode Island, and is fast coming into use. The State is divided into five counties and thirty-one townships; it was first settled by Roger Williams in 1636, when he was banished from the settlement of Massachusetts. The right of suffrage, by the Constitution of 1843, is conferred upon every male citizen of the United States of the age of twenty-one years, who has had his home and residence in the State for one year preceding any time of holding an election, and must have resided six months in the town where he claims to be a voter, and own real estate to the value of $134 above all liens, mortgages, or encumbrances; or it must rent for $10 00 per year, to give him legal qualification. Capital and industry are chiefly used in the pursuit of manufactures and the mechanic arts. Calico printing was commenced here as early as 1796, on cotton cloth imported from the East Indies. Samuel Slater, the father of cotton manufactures in this country, set up his first cotton-mill in this State in 1796. Now, more persons are engaged in the State in cotton manufacture than in any other pursuit. The cotton factories in the State in 1850 were 158, with $6,675,000 capital, employing 5,000 male operatives and 6,196 females. In woolen goods there are 45 establishments, consuming 4,103,370 lbs. of wool, and employing about 1,000 male operatives and 900 female. There is scarcely any wheat or Indian corn raised in this State; ...