The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-08-02
A WORD TO THE MERCHANTS.

s'''~ - 10y ~ SSSHutuS w i"'
that we intend to make on matters not only
concerning their interests, but which relate
seriously TO the welfare OF Richmond.
Perhaps there is no city ofthe size OF kIch-
mond where intercommuncaton among mer-
chants is so restrict ted as it is here-w heie
there is so mu-h individuality OF pursuit and
interest, and so little OF harmony OF under-
standing and action with regard 10 their inte'
rests and those of the city generally in cons
uerciaI point of view. We do not wish to be
understood as rejecting upon the character OF
our merchants in calling attention 10 this want
of communion and combine ton among them
for the promotion of common objects. 1t is
the result OF circumstances, not at all display
ing any indisposilion or unftness on their parts
for such combination. But we must endea-
vor to change these circumstances.
Richmond wants those institutions which
bring our merchants together and invite inter-
changes of opinion, which more clearly settle
commercial rules and establish current prices
of the staple articles of trade. Library, an
Exchange, and an intelligent and energetic
Board of Trade are the things needed. Rich
mond Fas certainly reached that point in sizs
and commerce that renders these institutions
necessary, and they are every day more and
more needed. We have found the utmost diff.
fculty in preparing a prices current for the
want Of some tribunal where rates are settled
some place where transactions are known and
become the basis of quotations. After using the
best exertions we could we have Incurred com.
plant after complaint, and must continue to do
so, so long as we have 10 rest upon the indlvl'
dual statements that are made to US. The diff
ficulty we experience is only an instance Of the
obstruction in the way of full and fair under.
standing of the true condition of our market
There are occurrences and movements con-
stantly taking place in the country which, if
we intend TO keep Richmond advancing along
with the neighboring cities, demand the atten'
ton of our city public generally, and the mer.
chants in particular. Every movement of
trade, every project of road CT canal, deserves
their attention, and the interchange of their
opinions, as to what effect it will have upon
the commercial interests OF their city-if favo-
iobicf tlO OCst idooho Va pIOAlIi-S,
unfavorable, how the apprehended injury may
be avoided. These are questions for our mer-
chants to consider and discuss among them.
selves, and when they have arrived at conclu
sions 10 which they all agree, they will be hard
ly so wanting in the energy and enterprise that
belong to their enlightened class at this day,
and in our country, if they do not take mea-
sures to accomplish what they may deem inns
portant for the interests Of the city in which
they live. There are, at this very time, most
important movements which demand their at"
tention-and no: only their attention, but their
action.
Under present circumstances, there are no
opportunities afforded here for the consultation
and union of effort, which we regard as indis,
pensbe 10 the proper management and pro;ec-
ton ofthe commercial interests of city. In-
dividually, the views and opinions of our mer-
chants are as wise and display as much intell
gence as will be found in the mercantile classes
in other cities; but the mere entertainment Of
these views and opinions individually, and the
individual pursuit of them, cannot bring much
SCACfot l. " OC VI fdIuty ttlcy IuuSt D6
made harmonious, and to be efficient, the &C.
ton must be united. No where is there more
earnest devotion to business-nere industry
among merchants-than in Richmond. Yet
with all this application and labor, without the
intercourse, the union Of purpose and effort
with regard TO the general commercial interests
OF the city which we have spoken Of the high.
est degree ofcommercial prosperity will not be
attalned-l. e-the advantages which position
affords will not be made in the highest degree
available. We know that commercial com.
munltIes, by this kind of union of design and
action, prosper in spite of the most serious OBJ
staeles-what may they not accomplish under
favorable circumstances?
We hope our merchants will give the subject
their consideration.
CAPT. STRINGHAM.-We give full account
OF the conduct of Capt. Suingham in the at
lar at Smyrna. The London Sun in mott.
eng the matter, exclaims:
All honor to Captain Stringham-all honor
to the nation whose officers cause its flag to
be respected on whatever land or sea il may
foat and whose Ministers steadily and cheer
fully defend its officers for the acts which they
may consider just and proper in the high.
minded and chivalrous discharge OF their du-
ties. We venture to assert that there will be
no attempt at bullying or brow-beatlng Ameri.
can diplomatsts. Our transatlantic brethren
are too prompt and ready to notice and resent
any insult-too well prepared for war, and too
willing to resort to hostilities on any fitting oc.
casion, to have their peace disturbed, their
public tranquility invaded, on any trivial or in
adequate ground. And what is the conse
quencei Inc meanest citizen in the United
states Is respected wherever he goes, and treat
CD WIN respect and consideration.
n1ohiLE'-Ihe people of Mobile have just
s VOC upon The question of subsc riding $780,.
oOO in aid of the Mobile and Girard Railroad
"e ,esu' was 425 for and 80 against We
90 not know where Girard is /; but suppose
'ae .0ao runs in the direction of Montg omer,,
~ Tbs ~
- :. ne Columbia Banner has been united
latter only being continued Columbia. s South s
n.na. VIII therefore only have one daily
paper 1t is very we'll conducted.
hsiDE RAupaAn