The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-04-30
TRADE AND CoMMERCE.

tend to prove what, we freely admit, we are
very anxious to beiieve--that the trade and
commerce Of Norfolk are increasing Being
the natural outlet Of Virginia, and of all the
northeastern counties of North Carolina, it
should be the point TO which al their pro-
auctions tend for market and for shipment,
as well as the reliable depot from which all
their wants should lie supplied
1t is, Of course, impossible for any editor.
or any political economist, to write UP the
advantages or prosperity Of any seaport, with
out having facts upon which to base his ar
guments and deductions. And, in enforcing
on public attention the facilities and advan-
tages of Norfolk, a twofold subject is pre-
sented for our considerations Demand and
Supply.
Under these two heads, therefore, we shall
proceed briefly to consider this subject
/, Can the merchants and shippers of Nor
folk buy and dispose of all that the people of
the surrounding country have to sell; and
2. Can they supply, in return, in cash or
barter, all that the agricutursta and produ-
GERS need?
In reply to the first question, we have to
say, that in our short experience since the
war, we think we have seen evidences OF en-
terprise and ability which are certainly en-
cour; glng. Many Of the old houses which
did large business have been re-esta6lished;
and though it may be, just at present, their
arnr otoSb ,yt ba7
fortunes of war, the same spirit and enter
prise animate those who are conducting the
business, and gradually increasing means and
ultimate ability will be the certain result.
They will naturally conduct business in the
old channels, until they reach that point of
prosperity which was broken up by the war;
and theace onward, with still increasing
means and enlarged facilities.
But, we think we may aaduce o.her facts
bearing upon the question of supply, which
are entitled to great weight in our view of the
general subject. We mean the measures
which have been taken to build up direct
trade with foreign countries. They are now
in progress, and rightly encouraged and fol-
lowed up, no one can doubt their complete
success. The trade has already been estab-
lshed to the West Indies, and it las been our
pleasure, from time to time, to call public at
tention to the marked results of successful
traffic in this direction. Careoes brought here
have realized fully the expectations of the
projectors of the enterprise, and have even
brought Wholesale dealers from more Northern
cities to compete with our own merchants and
obtain supply in the Norfolk market.
This West India trade had always, before
the war, been great source from which sup
plies were furnished to the retail trade of
Virginia and North Carolina IN heavy gro
ceres. the cost of transportation is great and
proximity is of the first importance to the re-
tail trader. The nearer to his own door he
can obtain his supplies, the cheaper he Can
afftrd them to his customers. If grocer in
Weldon, or Edenton, or Williamson. OF Ply
mouth, OF Richmond, Petersburg, CT Danvl!e,
can buy lis sugar, noasses, salt. &c, in Nor
fox, at anything naar the same price at which
he can get them i'll Baltimore, philadelplia,
III 4'CT OihS is ~ iiOG eC4l-SH INlSEb,-dlu re-
quires no argument at all to prove--that he
can sell them much cheaper, as well as make
a greater profit on them 2
It is the interest of Norfolk, therefore, land
men are always governed in their action by
their interest-to supply the wants OF the
people of the surrounding country; and we
proceed further to show that exertions are be-
ing made in this, the right direction.
We expect, in q few days, to welcome into
our port the long-talked Of steamer Ephesus
direct from Liverpool The merchandise she
will bring, being delivered free of any charge
of inland or coastwse transportation, it is evil
dent, can be sold here at q very reasonable
advance upon ,he foreign cost; and that is a
very great inducement to country merchants
to seek their stock supplies in this market
This leads us to the second inquiry Can
Norfolk supply all that the asricultursts and
producers need
We have already indicated above, some Of
the sources of this supply. Our stores and
warehouses are full of goods, waiting for pur-
CudSeTS, Caplldl ID slOWly, though stedOlly IT.
creasng activity is sprnging up ali over the
city; aud business of every kind is daily en-
argiug. We have no fear of placing the
capacity of supply of our city in clear and
strong light; but the subject grows upon om
hands. and we must defer until another day
the calculation of this branch Of our subject
Gen. r. Il. Lee isexpected to be present at
the June commencement at Chapel Hill, N.
rDh;.. &. .;Il In, aAA;ti1,nol i,tornSt