A most important factor in the prosperity and progress of Cornwall was the location of the great factories which now line the banks of the canal. It was a red-letter day when the immense water power, created by the building of the canal, was utilized for the motive power of the factories which were induced to locate here on account of it. The continuance of that prosperity depends wholly upon the continuance and prosperity of the factories, and the location of more industries in our midst. Too much could hardly be said on this subject, and while the town has undoubtedly dealt liberally with the Cotton Mills in the way of exemptions, yet the additions which the Company have made from time to time and have now under way and in contemplation, should merit a continuance of that wise and encouraging policy pursued by the citizens towards them in the past. Had the mills been left in their original condition and no improvements made, remarks of this kind would be out of place, but when you look around and see the immense additions that have been made to the buildings, until now they are more than three times their original size and capacity, employing an almost constant staff of builders, and then when completed giving work to so many additional hands, in every respect they are as deserving of continued encouragement as if they had started new industries.