The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-09-03
which we command is the very best for Its


which we command Is the very best for its
easy grades and short distances OF all '''o
lines that connect the Atlantic waters
with the Mississippi. Upon this llhe-
which is depressed line along the James
River and Kanawha valleys-lic IN mex
haustiblc supply the two great m'nei"'S
which chiefly constitute the wealth. anu
mower of communities, viz, iron ana coai.
Richmond itself is bounded as 1t were on
The west and south by q coal deposit OF
rrcat value. The canal is dotted with iron
mines of great richness, and the moment
we cross the Blue Ridge the deposits of
iron ore are incxhaustible. By the Chesa-
ncakc and Ohio railroad we shall pierce
the Kanawha coal measures, and draw 10
our city the rich splint and camel Goals OF
that vast deposit, which will make Rich
mond a coal depot that will add largely 10
her wealth. 1t is impossible that these
articles of great tonnage-whlch VIII IN
few years swell to million of tons-can
be drawn from the line Of depressed trans
portation-the line of easy grades and
short distances, along the kanawha and
James River valleys. They must hug the
James river and come to Richmond. Inc
tobacco of the West, too, will seek this
market to get the advantages of that ma
nipulation and branding which enhances
its value in foreign markets.
When the products of the mines and OF
Western agriculture come here, does any
man suppose that nothing is to be done
with them With our vast water power
and with all the facilities of supplies OF
fleetwood and coal-from the tide and
the interior, shall we be mere shippers, ana
Richmond but way station t? what man
per Of men will be they who live in Rich
mond if that should be the case! The
idea should be secuted as unworthy OF the
people of Richmond of any people
who have industry enough to earn salt
to put in their bread.
No, when these elements are fairly COM
bned our people will make the best use
of them. Stimulated by the new order
of things, so encouraging to commerce and
manufactures, they will display an energy
and enterprise worthy of Virginians.
Capital will flow in; population will be in
creased the James river will be illumi-
mated by the fires Of hundreds Of FORCES,
and manufactures Of all kinds will fill the
air in all directions with the hum of in
dustry. Both sides the river will exhibit
the results Of thrift and expansion. The
| free bridge across James river, and street.
cars that cross it radiating from the abut-
ment on the south side, will transport to
and from the places of commerce and Ia
Dor q busy and prosperous population
Manchester, with its pleasant grades and
fair landscapes, will become another city,
and Richmond, Queen Of the James, seat
ed on her seven hills, will look with de-
light upon her beauteous and happy sister
Of the south side.
This is a practical picture, and old men
now live who will see it. We have but to
appreciate our advantages and estimate
our own energies and talents at their real
value and it is done.
In this article we have not referred to
that large commerce which must accumu-
late in an extensive manufacturing com,
munity, and that prosperous Rio and South
American trade to grow out Of our foul
shipments, which was once extensive, and
will be revived. Richmond has wanted
neutrality-suspicious.. She has had none
She has been like dismasted ship at sea-
at the mercy of the winds. She should
have had population Of 100000. By
organization and harmony among her citi-
zcns-by taking care of her interests and
warding off dangers-by wise forecaste
and proper enterprise, she must be great.
There now live those who will see popu-
lation of two or three hundred thousand
here on this lovelicst and most favored
site for great and prosperous city.