Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-05-22
trrrE STATE PRESS CONSES.
TION-KALEBGH

Our readers have been advised OF
the business details Of the North Caro-
lima Press Association. The report OF
its proceedings, however. cannot 1uliy
explain all the benefits which the edl-
torial fraternity derive from these
meetings. The pleasant intercourse
the interesting debates upon the more
important business features OF the pro-
fession. the collecting together IN a
common treasury the experience and
wisdom of the publishers and editors
lend to elevate the dignity and tone
of the press, and place it upon moro
stable foundation. The mere detailS
of what is accomplished would he I'M
interesting to the general reader pu'
it is to be hoped that the benefit they
will derive from the elevation ana III
proyement Of the newspapers CT the
State will be duly appreciated.
Tt does become us, however, 20
speak of Raleigh and the hospitality
with which her citizens received ana
entertained the members of the AsSo-
citation.
In the first place. as frequently as
we have visited Raleigh, and as
familiar as we are with its past history,
we were really astonished at ITS won
derful growth, especially in its busi-
ness. The most casual visitor to the
Capital is struck with the number and
the magnifcence Of The new dwelling
business and banking houses which
have been built during the last few
years. and those which are now ID
course of construction. But 1T is
necessary to visit the city rs we dId
last week TO learn Of its substantial
growth and improvement. MIR. A. M.
McPheeters, in replying to the toast
THE Cotton Trade," at the banquet
given by the Board Of Trade to the
Press, made some statements III re
gard to the growth of this trade
which will throw some light upon the
wonderful improvement in the business
OF Raleigh. The cotton trade of RAJ
eigh commenced about thirty years
ago. Purchases were made only from
parties in Wake--no cotton being
brought to Raleigh for sale. bnt the
purchasers went into the country,
from farm to farm, weighed
aud received the cotton and
sent wagons for it. Upto the close OF
the war the purchases of cotton did
not exceed two hundred to six hundred
bales. In the first five Years after the
war the sales increased from fifteen
hundred to nine thousand bales, then
to twelve thousand, then to fifteen
thousand, and last year to nearly TWEEN
ty-tiye thousand. bales.
The effect Of this vast increase OF
trade is shown N the great improve
ments to be seen III Raleigh. Mr.. Me
Pheeters, on this sane occasion in
formed us that at the present time
there are thirty-five reside. ,,es build
ing, and besides there are s.x large
warehouses now under contract. One
Of them, when comoleted, will be TIE
largest Ill the State, storing five thou
sand bales Of cotton. 1t will cost tC
complete the buildings now under con
tract, over six hundred thousand dol
lars.
The Increase, too, III the value o
real estate III Raleigh has kept paet
with everything else. Quoting aSail
from Mr.. McPAeeters, We learn tina
OF the square on which the larbor
ouGh House is situated, d lot wiIicl
sold few years before the war fol
eight hundred dollars has recently
been sold for ten thousand dollars cash
and the purchaser has been offered
large profit.
Another lot on the same square
bought some years since for twenty
five hundred dollars, has recently beer
sold at twenty-five thousand dollars
and stranger yet 4 corner lot on one
OF the back streets was, some months
ago, sold at the rate Of 1913, 80 pei
acre.
1t gives us great pleasure to publish
these figures of Raleighs prosperity
Her citizens have shown the enterprise
and pluck necessary to build mp the
great business which has crowned
their efforts with success. We hope g
vet brighter future is in store for that
city.
We shall hereafter speak of the hos
FATALITIES We received during our visit.
al the public and private institutions
OF the place, and other matters Of in
terest noticed during our visit.
VIZ. ~ e y I'll AND7SiS ERIE :,