8. Though great quantities of tobacco had been grown in many of the counties, and the soil and climate were suited to the production of the finest and costliest grades, yet the farmers were content to raise such as commanded but humble prices, and but a small proportion of this was prepared for use in the vicinity of its production. In a few villages and on some of the farms were to be found small factories, which, with the rudest appliances, converted into plugs of chewing tobacco such portions of the crop of the neighborhood as could be probably sold from itinerant wagons. 9. These vehicles were sent to the eastern counties and even to portions of South Carolina and Georgia, to supply the farms and country stores. This traffic continued until the strong arm of the Federal government, by means of "Internal Revenue Laws," was interposed between the peddlers and their ancient profits. The bulk of the crop was sent, before this, to be manufactured at Richmond, Lynchburg and Danville, in Virginia. The fine brands of plug and all smoking tobacco used in North Carolina were received from these cities. 10. If he who adds to the number of grass blades is a public benefactor, then the creators of new industries and towns may well claim consideration along with the warrior and statesman. In many towns and vast productions are modern States enabled to sustain the great and costly appliances of our new civilization. With the railroad and factory come population and those advantages that can never be enjoyed by the people who lack numbers and wealth. QUESTIONS. 1. What was a principle crop in North Carolina before the cotton gin was invented? What is said of the cultivation of flax? 2. Why did the production of cotton so rapidly take the place of flax? 3. How did the people invest nearly all their means? 4. What can you tell of the various cotton factories? 5. Why have not our people entered more largely into this class of industry? 6. What better future prosperity is yet to be attained by the State? 7. What other great industry is now considered? 8. What had been the production in North Carolina? 9. What is said of the tobacco peddlers? 10. What sentiment animates the people of North Carolina? CHAPTER LXXI. PROGRESS OF MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT. A. D. 1876 TO 1878. 1876. In this state of advancement as to her material interests, North Carolina again became excited in 1876 over the choice of new men for Chief-Magistrates, both of the Republic and of the State. 2. After eight years of service as President of the United States, General Grant was retired to private life, and Governor Brogden, who had succeeded Governor Caldwell upon the death of the latter in 1874, was also near the end of his service as Governor of North Carolina. No Gubernatorial election was ever more exciting to the State. It resulted in the choice of ex- Governor Z. B. Vance over Judge Thomas Settle of the Supreme Court. 1877.