The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-04-04
Our "BOOm - Of 1883.

ltOr the Dispatcn.I
In November last, as the result OF meet
ings OF ga number OF our businessmen to
discuss the matter OF what we should pre-
sent next fall TO attract trade 10 the city,"
the Chamber OF Commerce and the Com
mercial Club, over the signatures OF their
presidents and Committees on Inland
Trade, in addition TO other attractions,
proposed TO utilize the State Fair for that
very important object, and to have a grand
military competition on the Fair-Grounds
between the militia troops from the various
States that they decided might be induced TO
make Richmond their purchasing point,
but whose people to great extent have,
principally from habit, heretofore passed
by Richmond and gone to Baltimore, Philn-
delphia, or New York for their goods.
Baltimore, to get this trade, inauguratcd The
Oriole, and last year Richmond, a. an
initiatory step, had grand Trades Parade,
which, though perfect success in itself, had
not been long enough advertised to effect
the full intention. Our businessmen have
properly concluded that there must be a
variety offered to draw visitors, aud that
il will be advisable this year to offer some
thing in the place OF a Trades Parade, and
for that purpose that it will be better to
take the time OF the State Fair, and by a
fine military display and improved racing
there, with beautiful fireworks and other
amlIsements and attractions in the city the
same week, to create boom" which,
through Offering pleasure and enjoyment.
will materially benefit and enlarge the gem
eral business interests Of Richmond. With
this view, after full understanding with
the Agricultural Society, collecting COM
mittces have been appointed by the Com
mittee on Inland Trade 10 carry out the
proposition, and these gentlemen are now
canyassing the city TO obtain the funds ne
cessary to make the occasion worthy OF
the business and enterprise OF Richmond,
so that our visitors may not only plrtake
OF our hospitalities and pleasures. but be
impressed by our vim and capacities, and
satisfy themselves OF our great advantages
as distributing centre. There Is no doubt
that the railroad and other transportation
companies will cooperate 10 facilitate this
object. and it now depends upon our busi-
ness-men to make grand success by vol
untary and liberal contributions. The
proposed plan promises fully a. much as an
Orlole or Trades Parade, with less expense
TO individuals or firms, and il is hoped and
expected that every man or firm called
upOn by the committees will contribute
according TO their means. The gentlemen
composing the committees are no more in
tcrestcd than the rest Of us, but are patrioti-
cally giving their time and hard labor for
the general progress OF business and the
prosperity OF our city. The programme
and particular details Of the gala festival
will be designed and formulated by the
Committees on Inland Trade and our best
businessmen, and we may safely rely upon
their doing their duty well; but ~ their
ability and the display must depend on the
amount Of funds raised, the importance OF
every one contributing is seli-eyident, and
we call on all to speed them in their good
work.