The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-05-28
GALVESTON, TEXAS, May q, 1874


OF the city of Galveston your readers are
no doubt better informed than of any other
part of Texas, and yet they may not know
that its population has increased from 5000
at the close of the war to $4,000, as per re-
cent census. Galveston Island, on which the
CITY is located, is about thirty miles in length
and from two.to four in breadth The city
of Galveston is principally built at the east
end of the island, but is rapidly vending its
wav westward. 1t is connected with the
maiu land only by the railroad which crosses
Galveston bay by a bridge two and half
miles in length.
Galveston is very important barbor. In
the single item of cotton 35O, 900 bales were
shipped from the port Of Galveston during
the last year. An immense trade is done in
Galveston, as it has the great supply trade
for very much Of the State. Evidences OF
| thrift and growth are everywhere visible.
The South has nowhere such spacious stores
and costly blocks Of buildings as may be
seen on the Strand and many other streets.
! The ubiquitous Virginian is here in full
| force, and in some cases has amassed great
wealth. Living is extremely high, and
rents are enormous, but salaries and wages
| are larger than in New York. t.s
| All excursion on the Gulf was courteously
extended the tourists by the Clinton, one of
the finest steamers Of the Morgan line.
About 200 availed themselves Of this oppor-
tunity, which but few had enjoyed, Of being
at sea, and on returning, pronounced it the
climax of enjoyment and the capstone to the
princely hospitality which for two weeks has
been so nobly extended to us as the guests
of the State. After spending some time on
the beach and enjoying hugely surf bath
in the Gulf, with number of diyines, we
repaired to the hospitable homes which had
been furnished us in the city, and next
morning dispersed, having our faces turned
homeWard.
Thus came to its close an excursion eX.
tended to religious body by railroads, cor.
porations, and individuals, which has never
yet bad parallel. We have enjoyed rare
: chance of seeing Texas. Had regular rail.
road and hotel fare been paid by these sight
seers, more than $4,000 would have been
left there. Returns will soon be apparent in
the tide of emigration which will set in as a
result Of the knowledge thus gained of the
resources of this land. We know of three
, of those who were prospecting who have
located. Others are seriously contemplating
moving.
The great need of Texas is population. A
traveller wonders where the products Of
this inexhaustible prairie laad are raised
for he doesn't see one thousandth part of the
, sell in cultivation. 1t is estimated that
Texas has room, and would furnish work
: and living for the whole farming interest oil
America. To secure and to be ready the
influx of people who are needed and are
? coming, safety of person and property must
be assured in the interior as on the frontier
A fearless administration OF the laws, and O
firm support Of the people will soon rid
Texas OF its outlaws and desperadoes, and
make it, as it is destined to be from its soil,
its climate, and its rivers, the garden of the
West RANGER,