The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-28
Our Richmond Correspondence.

RICHMOND, Va, Feb. 20, 1854.
Internal Improvements IN the old Dominion
Groscsh of Richmond-He, Commerce and Press
The Democratic Spln-Presemt Position Of thu
Lsading Neuspaprs-W Washington's Moxa-
nienf.
Business having detained me for several weeks iu
the metropolis of the Old Dominion, l have thousht
that few lines to your able journal would not provo
unacceptable.
The many railroads and other works Of internal
improvement recently commenced by the State N
conjunction with private individuals have already
excited wonderful spirit of activity among the ct-
zens OF this place. From the numerous indications
of commercial prosperity which have made their ap-
pearance within few years, fear that much Of ehs
trade with country merchants of this State. and f
other States south of Virginia, will soon be monop0-
lized by the wholesale stores Of Richmond. The
fall business Of these houses was unusually heavy.
and more than quadrupe, 1t is said, that Of any pro-
vious season. In my walks and rides have noticed
everywhere evidences of the rapid growth OF the
city; rev houses are being erected in very large
numbers, and the wages Of mechanical labor arc
advanced very greatly.
The great railroads now in progress will doubtless
make Richmond the first city Of the South. Re4
estate hear has doubled in value since 1850, and ID
still increasing in price. In consequence Of the
numerous distractions in James river, . raj
road will soon be built from this city to Q
point ON York river not more than thirty miles
from Richmond. This railroad is regarded IS tho
continuation Of all the principal railroad lines, aud
will place Richmond district only few hours from
the bay. II is impossible TO calculate the advantages
which will accrue to the city from this road when
completed.
The Legislature is now in session, and although
he dQh ri is pai n " M hnFs
twenty millions, there will be very heavy appropra-
tions made by this body. A ferce and angry war .
anticipated between the old and new banks this
sion as the charters of all the old banks expire dur
ing the year 1854.
No city in the United States is better supplied Win
newspapers than Richmond. Tnereare four peunD
papers ably conducted besides the organs Of the tive
political psrtf s-the Richmond Wh'g, aud the Ew-
girer and the Examiner, the organs Of the democra-
cy. The whig party OF Virginia Is so thoroughly de-
funct, that its organ, the Whg, does not attract
Enquirer and Of the Examiner have for some weeks
attracted the attention OF the Virginia politicians,
here and at Washington.
The EnqM,r, until recently, worked in concert
with the Washington Urio~, until that paper and
its tender the Star, spoiled Mr. Senator Hunter. Tho
Examiner, on the contrary, has from the commence
ment belabored the un'on until i has utterly
crushed and destroyed the influence of that paper ID
Virginia. Indeed, In severity, power and execution
the E1o uers articles the Union equal any that
have read To the aInazement Of every one that
paper has IN no way lallen Oh since tne appointments
Of its former editor. Mr. Daniels, to Sardiaa. Its
assaults upon the Cabinet have rendered Guthrie,
Davis, and Marcy particul aly odous in Virginia. Is
il regarded here the leading defender OF Dckin-
son and the hards. The EnqHuer Is also most ably
edited by Mr. Pryor, OIL connected with the Uasow,
and from the recent tenor Of that papers editorials
should think that II is not at oil disposed to coun
tenance the attacks that have been made upon Ma
son and Hunter, the two Virginia Senators. A 500
and brotberof the lamented John Hampden Peasants
are the conductors of one Of the most agreeable
little papers published in this city-7he Pe~ny Po9.
city, is now nearly finished, and merely awaits the
bror re statues Of Crawford the sculptor It s.anda
near the capitol, and will when finished be the most
attractive object Of interest in the city.
When return through this city from my visit to
the South, will write to you more fully Of Rich
mond her future greatness, and other matters Of IN
feSest. HoD0KyN.