The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-11-10
Railroads. Are TO the Country what
streets Are 20 the Citizens.

For the Richmond Dispitch.I
Modern history demonstrates that those
States have most rapidly advanced which
most literally constructed extensive sys-
TENS Of improvements. Thus those. conl-
munities checked off in all directions by
railroads have with giant strides increased
in commerce, manufactures, agriculture,
and population. These are conceded re-
suits attending such modern improvements.
Like improved agricultural Implements,
they have only to, be studied and known
practically to sweep away all opposition to
their universal use. Certainly It is too late
seriously to argue. the wide-spreading adj
vantages flowing from a wisely arranged
system of railroads. From our most popu-
lous interior cities they radiate in all direc-
tions, thus making them focal points Of at
traction, inviting by their facilities both
trade and travel from all sections of the
country. In the Northwestern States pass
ing North, South, East, and West, check
ing of in squares its agricultural, mine
raf, and manufacturing districts, they
resnergise the entire community, aug
ment production, advance civilization by
promoting social as well as business inter-
course between remote localities. Let the
citizens of Richmond study the railroad
systems the Western States-examine the
railroad maps of New England and of Geor-
gia. Behold how those thrifty-because
bold and enterprising-communities turn
all things to good account. Let the timid
property -holder-the tardv, wedded-to-old
habits, and the despondent croaker-repose
on old-fogyism." It is couch suitable
for :" "do-nothings," where, big with con-
|ceits, they can fully ventilate exploded dog
mas, and demonstrate their capacity some
times to act as brakesmen, but never as the
engineers to direct the locomotive.
The modern business men, the rising
Young men, the enterprising manufactu-
rers, the enlightened professional men,
must all admit that Richmond sleeps-that
her noble energies lie dormant-that inertia
has thrown its gloomy pail over her limbs,
mind, and body. How long will she list
lessly sleep under such deadening influ-
ences? Norfolk has her Malone, Alexan-
dria her Barbour; but to whom will Rich
mand point as their peer? Who has the
viii, spirit, dash, and mind TO conceive and
. lead in great undertakings? When the race
is run, and success crowns the efforts OF
those who dared to prepare for the contest,
the kill-joys, the do-notlIings, and the
croakers, no longer luxuriating in state of
inglorious dubiety, will sweep hither and
yonder, like bats amidst the crumbling
walls OF deserted city, cheering departed
yfuit.''
Who 80 fallen as to decline to identify his
name and means in all public efforts calcu-
lated to advance the prosperity of Rich
mond? Who SO reckless as to place his
dictum in opposition to the necessities OF
the country, the prosperity of the city, and
the experience of modern times?
The direct southeastern trade is to Rich.
mond 'tsine qua non." Will she grasp
it? The northwestern trade you will get,
Is Richmond aspiring only to be north
side city, OF will she nobly dare to be the
great central focal point of trade, manutac.
lures, and population? Let that be heI
boldly contend for the prize. Young men
of Richmond, rally to the rescue Arouse
and win success. May you inscribe your
names amongst the architects of her future
good fortune. F1AToR.