The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-01-19
NORFOLK IN THE RACE OF
CITIES

There lived many years ago, in county of
in Eastern Virginia, two families, whose hsto-
ries afford an instructive lesson. The one held
possession of farm of unrivaled fertility and
beauty-the other had a barren property, and it
was only by dint ofuntiring labor that the fields
broughtsforth enough for the wants of the
household. Yet, as years rolled on, the par
ties changed positions: The poorer became the
more wealthy, and casual observers wondered
at the result.
But the case could not escape the notice OF
the careful inquisitor. The proprietor of the
farm so bountifully blessed by nature did not
feel called upon to put forth any great
effort. His neighbor, on the other hand, had
to labor or starye; stern necessity babe
him resort to the best mode of preparing the
soil, and made him eat the bread Of industry;
and so his lands became more productive, and
hia harms were filled with the fruits of the earth
The people of Norfolk may weigh well this
illustration; for, unless we err greatly they are
themselves an exemplifcation of the theme.
No city can boast so much natural aptitude
for great commercial emporium as Norfolk
New York, the great centre Of American COM
MERGE, has not been so highly favored. Mel
ther has Boston, nor Philadelphia, nor Balti-
more; and yet they have all outstrpped her.
While she has been moving with slow, slug
gish action, they have bounded forward and
won the prize. They have increased, and she
has decreased, and the first is last, and the
last first"
Had energy and effort been employed, Nor
folk, this day. would have held the rank which
New York now occupies. Everything was in
her favor. To reach her rival, ships coming
from the markets of the world We're compelled
to pass her doors. In years gone by, they first
came to her, and had she then taken the tide
at the food, no power could have staid her
prosperity. But Norfolk would not do her
duty; she thought her aouse stood so strong
that its foundations could not be moved. The
acute New Workers awaited themselves of her
apathy, and 10, the result! It might cause
our cheeks to tingle with shame.
But why contrast Norfolk with New York,
when she, with her natural advantages, has
been eutstripped by city so hedged in that it
seems miracle that she has commerce at
all? Richmond, at the head of tide-water
navigation, and compelled to fight against the
shoals and tortuosities of James river, has, of
late years, boosted commerce superior to
that of Norfolk. Richmond, in despite of
natural advantages, has triumphed; while
Norfolk, despite the kindly dealings of ma
turs, has lost ground. Richmond, it must be
allowed, has been much fostered by State pa
tronage, but she has backed it up with her
own public spirit, in manner that has told
upon her destiny.
The curse still clings to Norfolk-the lack
of public spirit. In past years there was no
want of capital in her midst; but unfortu-
nately it was always in hands that held it
with death grasp. Those who had the
money had not always the willing spirit, and
consequently our enterprises all languished.
If the citizens could imbibe the spirit which
actuates the people of Petersburg and Rich
mond, our city would soon keep pace with the
hurry of the times. But we almost despair
of Norfolk. and are half ready to conclude
that she will never awake to her true inter-
ests-that is, sufficiently to improve on past
errors.
And yet we will hope even against hope.
We will at least do our duty, and set before
the people high destiny and leave them to
their choice.