The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-06-15
CHAMBER OP CouurRcP.
RICHMOND, VA. June IA. 1889. {

population made Nv our city in the past
year, and on its entire exemption from the
losses by fires and floods that have been so
disastrous to other places. The trade
which YOU have secured by your energy has
been firmly held and largely increased. The
year closes with as fair prospects as we
have any right TO expect. The advice so
urgently given year ago, "not 10 rely on
railroad officials promises" but to work
for yourselves, has been needed, and the
results are shown in the busy warehouses
and workshops of Richmond. The rail-
roads transport your goods at the same pro
rata OF freight charges in most cases, and
in all cases give as prompt and careful
movement for yout merchandise as they
afford other cities; and this is all you may
ever hope for. Ii you expect more, disap-
pointment and modification will be your
portion.
The passenger and mail arrangements
over the Richmond and Danville system Of
railroads are worked TO your disadvantage,
and ii should he Your constant and active
labor to compel this combination to give
your city all the facilities that its popula-
tion and geographical position entities it to.
This can best he accomplished by direct
communication with the Post-Ofice De-
partment without the intervention OF rail-
road officials.
II the fast mail and passenger trains be
returned TO the Danville system ria Rich
mond | do not know OF any other railroad
matter requiring your especial attention.
4 union passenger den0t for all trains
entering and leaving Richmond is'needed,
and when the railroad companies are pre-
pared TO build one the city authorities
should be ready TO afford every assistance
to advance the work, and grant such rights
OF way through the streets as may be
necessary to secure the greatest benefit
to all parties intereSted-womeu and chill
dren as we'll as everyday working-peOple.
The rights OF way through the streets
have not in all cases been given that fair,
impersonal consideration by your aldermen
and common councilmen that their great
importance required. Petitions from citi-
zens most interested and best informed as
to the effects Of certain changes have been
ignored. and it is believed that sometimes
the wish OF an individual has proved OF
more weight in settling questions con-
nected with our streets than real public in
terCsts.
In opening new railroad connections but
little has been done since the last meeting.
The Che apeake and Ohio railway is now in
regular communication with the far West,
and the Danvlle system vid Asheyille with
Knoxville, Tenn.
The Beysville and Clarksville extension
OF this line is also being rapidly pushed TO
completion.
Work has been commenced on the Nir-
ginia and North Carolina railroad, and il Is
claimed that the connection between Rich
mond and Ridgeway, n. c., will soon be
made. This road will open a fertile and
wealthy section OF two States, and will ma
terially increase the trade OF Richmond.
am sorry to state that but little work
has been done for the Improvement OF
James river within the year, but inasmuch
as all river and harbor improvements were
delayed 10y the failure OF the last Congress
TO make appropriations for any Of them,
our James river is not singular, and we
have no cause to fear that the work OF i'm
provement will not be regularly carried on
to its completion.
Since your annual meeting great addi-
tions have been made to the manufacturing
interests of our ity-machine-Shops. foun-
dries. and mills erected, and many estab-
lished ones enlarged and improved by the
addition Of new tools and machinery. lt
is pleasant TO notice the revival OF an old
Richmond industry. and welcome the VOL
len-mill to its place in the line OF progress.
The community is to be especially
congratulated on the completion OF the
city water-works, and the work now
being done to better the quality
and cheaper the cost OF illumina-
ting gas. Few cities have suffered more
from insuflicicncy Of water supply and
poor and high-priced gas than Richmond,
and we hail the advances made a real and
enduring benefits. The system of grading
and paving our streets has added much TO
our comfort and convenience, while the
closing-in Of Shockoe creek from Broad to
franklin is great public benefit, which
will no doubt be steadily followed UP by
the extension OF a similar work north Of
Broad street.
The Chamber last winter appointed
committee TO cooperate with the Virginia
State Agricultural Society in making the
next exhibition of that Society a success
worthy of this city. You have pledged
Yourselves to this end; see that the pledge
is redeemed.
The financial condition OF the Chamber
is strong, but the membership is not so
large as it should be in city like Rich
mond. As every merchant and manufac-
t,rer is benefited 10y the result OF our Ia
bors. so every firm should help to sustain
and advance the work. Very respectfully,
II. +. BLANKENsnIP, President.
On motion OF Mr.. Wherry, the report
was adopted.
Mr.. j. III. Montague submitted his report
as treasurer, showing all bills paid and
sS3G. go cash in hand. Received and refer
red To the Committee on Finance.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
The following officers and members OF
the Board OF Directors were unanimously
elected:
President: r. +. Blankenship.
First Vice-President: Thomas Potts.
second Vice.President p. W. Grubbs.
Treasurer: J. II. Montague,
Secretary w. ID. Chesterman.
Directors Walter Bowie. Orin l.. Cot
trell. w. w. Crump. 5. VI. Hawes, Samuel
IIirsh, A. Judson Watkins, Is. {. Wherry.
George p. Stacy, X. A. Dunlop, 5. Blanch-
ard. Charles NJ. Branch. 4. o. N0lting,
Charles y. Hill, RO. Wendenburg, John
II. Gresham, +. A. Hoen.
Eight OF the last named are new MEM
hers Of the Board; that Is, they were not
OF last years Board. The other
eight. and all the officers, were reelected.
INLAND TRADE COMMITTEE.
Mr.. Jobn S. Elicit, chairman of the Com
mittee on Inland Trade, submitted letter
from General Wickham gratefully accepting
tbe subscriptions raised through the Cham-
her Of Commerce and Commercial Club
committees In aid Of the military prizes and
premiums for trials OF speed at the Fair.
Also. letter IRON Colonel 7. NJ. II. Talcott
expressing the hope that the present ar
by which the Richmond sleeper
leaves North Danville at 1910 L. NJ. Tor
will be satisfactory. Both COM