The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-08-02
THE FUTURE OF NORFOLK.


The, old citizens of Norfolk will all re-
memberothe, frequent discussions which
took place on our streets, as to the cause
Of our want ofprosperity, and the absence
ofthat go-aheadltiveness, which was found
in cities north of us. 1t used to be said
that we were so Immediately under the
shadow Of New York, that we could buy
our goods there cheaper than we could
import them hence we could never be-
come an importing mart-the want of
direct and continuous line of ommunica-
tion with the far interior, was given as a
reason why we could never expect to do
a heavy trade with the adjacent states
We had nothing like water power to aid
US in building up manufactures, and the
water we had for steam purposes was Of
the worst sort The wide spread preju-
dice against our system of labor, kept
both foreigners and northern men from
settling amongst us and casting in their lot
with ours. .s
Now that we are about entering upon
new career, it may be well to cast q
glance ahead and see if one can divine
what the future has in store for Norfolk
and her business men.
Slavery as an institution has gone to
to the wall. All prejudice on that score
must cease, aud the effect must be to
throw our port open to the emigration Of
the world. We may expect to see but
few foreigners of capital settle amongst
US for some time. The history of the re.
suit of the freeing Of the slave is yet to
be developed, and until labor seeks and
finds it's regular channels, foreigners, who
have the fate Of st. Domingo before them,
will not hastily settle IN our midst. We
shall find heavy accessions to our popu-
lation from the Northern States. They
have confidence in the results of emanci-
patton. The chances of success at the
South, is better than in their crowded
communities. The climate is fine Our
port is accessible by water to all the
denizens of all our great cities. Our
communications with the great interior
by rail are now being repaired and in a
short time you will scarcely change cars
between this point and Memphis, Tennes-
see.
And then the great coal fields of wes-
tern Virginia ! We MUST GET AT THEM.
Immediately before the war, French
company had contracted with the State
of Virginia to finish the James River Ca
nal to the Ohio. Surely we can now
find enterprise and pluck enough, either
here or at the North, to undertake and
complete this great wo-k. Give as the
Canal to tho Ohio, and the future greatness
Of Norfolk IS certain. Let the men Of
enterprise in our midst, look into this i'm
portant line Of communication with the
great west. If Frenchman could over
Come the engineering difficulties supposed
to exist, we may safely aver that an Amer.
lean can be found, who would walk right
through all difficulties, however formida.
BILE.
y We shall revert to this subject again
in the meantime, we give hearty invi-
tation to all, North and South, East and
West, to come and take look at our fair
city. We have the location and facilities
for ballding up mighty city. We want
the spare energy of the entire country, to
help us. Come and cast your lot in with
ours, and in few years fortune will
crown your efforts