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The John Thorp Tablet

JOHN THORP SESSION

[picks up at page 115

Mr. AMORY: Mr. Chairman and members of the National Association of Cotton Manufacturers: We are gathered here today in the Slater Mill where cotton manufacturing in the United States was born in 1793. In the next thirty-five years this industry spread throughout New England and the country with tremendous rapidity.

Around the cotton mills started town after town, which have since developed into great cities. The prosperity of New England, which had been due to merchants and to shipping, changed to a prosperity based on manufacturing, and this change practically occurred within one generation. One hundred years ago John Thorp, of Providence, invented the ring spindle, whose history has been so ably described by the previous speakers. ' In the century beginning with this patent and following John Thorp, countless other inventions were made by the men working in our great industry. These inventions, and the work of the men operating them and managing the plants, mark step by step, the growth of the factory system in the United States. Today we should all solemnly resolve that the industry which John Thorp did so much to make possible shall not languish, but shall gather renewed energy to the end that the textile industry so vital to New England shall again regain the leadership to which it is entitled.

We should all today be proud to be permitted to honor the memory of John Thorp of Providence, by dedicating this tablet, which you shall see. (Draws cord 'slipping aside American flag unveiling memorial tablet.) [Much applause.]

Chairman DEXTER: This session is now adjourned.

(Whereon the session adjourned until 2.30 P.M.)