The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-01-01

kinds fell off ST.. .692, aud of iron S531 1926
but there ,was a gain Of S2,846, ,334 in ilour,
agricultural implements, bricks and build
inc. material, leather goods, cotton goods,
clothing, cigars and cigarettes, fertilizers,
and many kinds OF small wares. While
there has been an apparent falling OIL OF
about half million of doliars in the gross
products OF our manufactures, it will be
seen that we have gained in other branches
more than was lost in our great tobacco
trade, and that every year we are becoming
less dependent upon this great staple by
reason Of the introduction OF new industries
and the expansion OF old ones. It should
be borne in mind also that, owing in agreat
degree to the small profits realized over
the cost OF production, there has not
been any considerable diminntion in the
| amount manufactured, for we find that
nearly one thousand more bands were em-
ployed in 1877 than in 1876. In further
confirmation OF the foregoing fact promi-
nent manufacturer remarked to us that
the year has been the hardest known to
the iron trade OF this country, and prices
| barely covered cost Of production. The
volume Of our business in pounds is the
Isrgest we have ever made."
A larger number OF new buildings have
been erected than. during the previous
year-among them many handsome resi-
dences ana large warehouses.
We, have been unusually exempt from
disastrous fires, the loss during the year
being about fifteen thousand dollars, while
in the preceding year it amounted TO over
tbirty-eight thousand dollars. The health
Of the city has been excellent. While pes
thence has visited some OF our sister cities
OF the South, we have been spared. No
great calamity has clothed our people in
mourning, and, with the exception Of the
November flood, we have been free from
! disasters OF every kind.
Our municipal affairs have been well
and economically managed. Our credit was
never better or our bonds higher. And
although there is deficiency in the city's
finances this year, it is accounted mainly by
the fact that our taxes have been reduced.
Our public schools have grown larger and
larger until now there is demand for ad-
ditional school accommodations in all direc-
tionS.
In religious and benevolent matters Rich
mond continues to advance, as will be seen
from this branch OF our statistics.
A striking fact was called to mind in
looking over the books OF the revenue col
lector's office for this district, from which
it is ascertained that the enormous sum OF
29.OOO,O00 has been paid into the Golfers
OF the United States Government from this
district since May, 1S69-an amount nearly
equal to the entire debt Of the State OF Viz
ginia.
May we not now take fresh courage and
renew our energies for the year upon which
we enter to-day? That Richmond has held
her own, and taken positive step forward
even during the depressions of 1877, no one
can doubt. Each reader should consider
and digest the information we offer. In
doing so he will probably find that the city
is better off than he thought, and that we
have more of capital, business, and encour-
agement to commence the new year with
than he Imagined.