The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-01-01
RELIGIOUS And OTHER STATISTICS.
Register of the Churches, Social and
Charitable Institutions. Neurology,
Military, Mortuary, Prisons.
Cemeteries,
&c, &C., &c.

AS we stand. upon the threshold OF this
new year and look back upon the twelve
months now added to the past; as we come
again with our annual exhibit OF the trade,
the manufactures, the schools, the churches,
the societies, the chief local events, and the
neurology Of the past year OF our city, and
as we take hopeful survey OF the augurles
OF the year upon which we are entering, we
have abundant cause to congrat ulate our
people upon the measure of prosperity
which has been granted to them, and to
thank kind Providence for the many
blessings which have been vouchsafed us.
What each prudent nun OF business will
do for himself in his own sphere we essay
for the whole city in making this annual
record and balance-sheet. Ii Is Intended to
. show the standing Of Richmond with the
world; to mark her progress; to note her
food for thought and material for estimates
in future transactions. The end Of the year
affords lis the very best opportunity. 1t
finds serious people engaged in reviewing
past and making plans for prospective ope-
ratons. 1t is the favored time for the inau-
guration OF new enterprises; the occasion
consecrated by immemorial usage to the
squaring OF old accounts and the opening
OF new ones, and for studying the lessons Of
experience, as stamped upon the face Of
carefully gathered facts and figures.
The country had by no means recovered
from the great panic when the angry presi-
dental contest burst upon it and prpstrated
anew for several months the few industries
which had shown some signs of revival.
The first quarter of 1877 was a memorable
period OF agitation, uncertainty, and dis
tresS. For weeks it seemed that we stood
upon the eve OF revolution. Upon many
Departments Of trade and commerce there
FELL stagnation compared to which the pre-
vous months Of dullness were as Plenty to
Poverty.
With the Government settled and peace
again reigning better spirit prevails. But
the Improvement in monetary circles was
very gradual, and at some IN oments almost
lmperceptiple. The dawn Of "the better
day. 80 long hoped and prayed for, has
been breaking but slowly. Manufacturers
and producers have been compelled to sell
at the smallest possible margin Of profit;
many mechanics and laborers have been but
irregularly employed, aud then at very
modest wages, and economy and close cal
culations to make both ends meet have been
necessarily the rule in nearly all walks OF
life.
Richmond, like all other cities, has had to
struggle hard and unremittingly. The in
activity prevailing in business circles gen.
orally has found no exception here. But
the city has taken no step backwards. The
pluck and energy OF her people have
passed ordeals none the less severe because
wholly unaccompanied by dramatic effect.
Her position in war was grand and glo rious.
All people looked on with admiration at a
city which, having dedicated herself to a
cause, could without fear hear the enemy's
guns batterlng her gates, and, through hor-
rors and losses innumerable, remain true
and steadfast-complaining at nothing,
begging no quarter. All that was grand
and beautiful, and the world said So, and SO
strengthened weak spirits and animated
resolute hearts. But not q few OF the yete-
rams whose heroic breasts made an impreg-
nable wall around Richmond have .sinee
had, In combating business trials, to dis
play equal courage. The man who could
stand and have bullet almost Craze his ear
and not wink feels like lodging when a
farorite customer serves him with bank
ruptcy notice. Many who have without
concern charged battery have since
almost grown weakened at the thought OF
note nnproyided for.
But, as we have said, there IL still abundant
cause for reongratulation. The gross sales OF
ourmanufactures 10 1910 amounted to s2a,-.
424,sS0, while during the year Just ended
they we're s2l.966. .aSS being failing of Of
si5s,2S3. The tobacco manufactures Of all