The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-01-01
r.yE gRowrH OF RICHMOND.

Nj. w. HaZeWo0u, esq, Vi hicnuonu'
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TaHE GROWTH OF RICHMOND.
The very full and laboriously prepared
statistics published in the morning papers
show an exceedingly satisfactory exhibit
of the progress Of the city during the past
year. The Enquirer says editorially:
sour city has been unusually prosper
Gus during the past year and free from
every misfortune; and though slightly
affected by the financial arrangements OF
the past few months, yet, we are proud to |
say, our people have at all times shown
themselves capable of rising superior to
such minor ills, and at no time have they
yielded to those weak and timid instruc-
tons Of fear which caused panic and con-
sternation in other and richer communities.
"We enter upon the new year with new
energies and buoyant with hope. 1t seems
to all Of us the inauguration of new era |
in our one common countryside ''era of |
GOOD feelng;" and let US all endeavor to |
Tealze its bright promises. Old prejudices
have almost entirely disappeared, and we
are again beginning to feel that we are one
people. Under the happy influences of
these kindly sentiments. let us resolve to
move forward, in the true path Of duty. to
the achievement of the grand destiny which
awaits our state and country under the
reign of peace and good-fellowship."
The Dispatch makes an editorial review
of the situation, from which we quote the
following:
"When we look back and remember how
recently our city was in ashes, and with
what labor she was rebuilt, and how she
has gone ON to recover strength until now
she wears the undoubted appearance of a
rich and thrifty city, we cannot repress
just sentiments of pride, and must feel a
fresh and vigorous impulse to spur US on to
energy and confidence in our pursuits.
IAN important item in our statistics is
that relating to the buildings of the past
year. During the year there were $50
buildings completed and IS are in various
stages Of progress. The sum of 81 ,092,-
$50 was expended upon these buildings,
notwithstanding that the pressure put a
stopin good degree to building projects for
third of year. In this estimate is not
included several churches and expendi-
lures of the city in buildings at cost of
s238.000. J,,. $780,
In great part the causes which occa-
stoned this increase of building were Just
beginning to operate. We may infer that
the disposition to build was growing, and
that had it not been interrupted it would
have gone on steadily, and we should have
had much better exhibit for our readers.
SIN manufacturing, also, we have a fiat
tering account. For the first eight months
of the year the amount of products of our
manufactures was larger than in the cor
responding months of any preceding year.
But for the panic, we should be able to
show an increase upon the value of fabrics
of 1872; whereas there is falling off of
$l,318,734 as compared with that year,
when the total amount was SIG, 199,S7O
"The stoppage of the sugar refinery at
the beginning of the year, whose product
in 1872 was $803, $50, accounts for good
part of the falling off in 1878. There was
decrease in iron, tobacco, agricultural
implements, and leather goods, but an in
crease in nearly all other branches. not
withstanding the panic. The aggregate of
manufactures for the year is s14, 881 1885.
I'm the list Of statements will be found
one of interest concerning the churches. 1t
is ascertained that half the population Of
Richmond is enrolled in the churches-i.e.
half of the people are members of churches.
This is creditable exhibit for the morals
Of the city, and, it is copjectured, has hardly
parallel in this country.
"We repeat, that upon the whole the
annual review presented by us to-day will
afford satisfaction. With the proofs that
we have of the solid growth of the city, we
may justly conclude that as soon as the
money market returns to state of ease
and confidence Richmond will resume it's
rapid improvement. Our railroad commu-
nication southwardly is greatly strengthen
ed and extended by the completion of the
Richmond and Atlanta air-line, and it il
certain that the Chesapeake and Ohio rail-
road company will now 60 on with its
Louisville and Cincinnati connections with
an expedition that will soon give railway
communication direct and rapid with every
great Western CITY,. ga
sin the mean time James river is steadily
being improved. and our facilities fol
maritime commerce will be ade-
quate to any amount that could
possibly concentrate here.
"The manufacturing advantages are in
creased by the opening of new sources oil
supply of minerals and fuel. Not day
passes that does not bring to our city
strangers who are here as prospectors, OF
intelligent travellers who are filled with adj
miration at the peculiar adaptation OF
Richmond to the purposes Of manufacture
ing. We cannot doubt that the next year
will add decidedly to the aggregate manu-
featuring power Of the city,. -
$50 we begin the new year with i'm
proved prospects and q faith in the future
Of the city better and more solidlY sup
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