The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-07-16
Editorial Correspondence.

This is, without doubt, one of the most
solilly progressive inland cities in the South.
Notwithstanding the depression pervading
every line of business in all parts Of tho coun-
try at this time, Charlotte presents a bustDing,
busy and prosperous appearance. Business is
business here, at all times and in all vocations
conducted upon strict business principles, con-
| sequently the increasing business and wealth
| Of Charlotte arc upon solid and lasting founda-
tions.
Upon every hand the spirit of progress, en-
terprise and prosperity is very apparent.
Within the past two years number of large,
elegant and commodious business houses have
been erected, not only on the prominent bust
ness streets, but on minor streets leading from
| them, which is one of the strongest and surest
evidences of the expanding business of the
| city. Whenever we see the business of city
| seeking room beyond the old business thor
| oughfares, pulling down private residences and
erecting in their places fine business houses,
driving, as it were the private dwellings far.
| ther into the suburbs, thereby expanding the
city by its business pressure, we may safely
pronounce that city to be in healthy, progress
sive and prosperous condition, containing with
in its own limits those nev er failing elements,
SO inviting to capital and encouraging to enter
| prisc-push, pluck, iberality and intelligence.
Charlotte has these elements in active perfec-
tion and although she sufferers from an unjust
and iniquitous railroad discrimination imposed
upon her by the II. s.. d. r.. II. syndicate,
similar to what Union groaned under o few
years ago, she cannot long be kept from occu-
pying an equal position with the most -four
ishing and attractive cities in the country.
Seven railroads now centre at Charlotte, and
her citizens, of oil classes, are becoming deeply
interested in the road from Augusta, via Union
| and York. When the time CO mes for Charlotte
| to put her shoulder to the wheel for that great
competing outlet, she will be found ready and
| willing; strong in her influence and most
liberal with her means.
AS indications of the enterprise, the progress
sive spirit, the attractions, and 'conveniences
of Charlotte, we may mention the beautiful
| Electric Light the Council has just substituted
for gas, in lighting the streets 4; the convenient
and pleasant gas for stores and residences, the
water-works conducting water to every house.
besides giving protection to property in case Of
| fire; while the city Council has inaugurated ed
system of sewerage that must add to the gem
eral health and comfort of the citizens. a
street railway is also in the near future. AL
ready the work of leveling by filling up, has
commenced on some of the streets, and we
shall not be surprised if the cars ore running
through her streets two years from now. If
the citizens take notion that it would contrib
ute to the general good of the city, you may
safely bet that it will be done, and that right
soon.
There are several large wholesale business
houses here. They oil do heavy business and,
we are informed, arc getting rich. we are also
told, by parties not connected, but who know
that goods can be purchased here so near New
York prices that country merchants can save
the expenses of trpvel by purchasing here. OF
that, Of course, VIC do not speak with cert taiuty,
but we believe it is worth trial Some of the
firms import goods direct from European
Factories.
The retail stores carry very heavy stocks, as
the trade here demands. Some of the dry
| goods stores have he ayier stocks than all the
| stores in Union com bincd. The wholesale and
retail drug house of w. NJ. Wilson & Co. is the
Baltimore, and is doing heavy business
There are two large fonndries and machine
shops, cotton factory, o furniture factory, a
steam clothing factory, and many other
smaller industries, and they are all fourishing.
AS far as can see, the only business oyerdone
here is the newspaper business. There are
two daily papers and a weekly published here,
and it does seem that il oil those orc oyon
making living. ono good, live, ably conduc-
ted daily would do much better.
The cotton business is heavy. Much of il
Is to fll orders which always creates compcti-
tion among the buyers, to the advantage 6f the
| Farmers.
Charlotte is surrounded with the finest farm
ing lands in the State, and the farmers are
thrifty and prosperous generally. Until the
introduction of chemical fertilizers, the cereals,
grass and stock, were then chief productions,
but now cotton is becoming the all-absorbinp
crop, aud, as one gentleman told me, the profits
Of farming are growing beautifully less every
year.
The leading men of Charlotte ore sbrewd
and enterprising, full of business tact and en-
| ergy, which infuses q go-ahead spirit through
the community There is no hanging back for
others to lead whenever any matter for the
| general good is proposed is there much
| figuring upon the score Of "will it benef. me -
but when the public good is assured, the COM
munity unite upon it zealously, each one feel
ing sure Of RECEIVING shape of the benefits.
With its pre- ent railroad facilities and other
natural advantages can see no reason why
Charlotte should not become equal in business,
population aud importance, to Atlanta, Finan-
cially it now stands much above Atlanta.
The Richmond and Danville II. H., Svndi.
cate' in discriminating against Charlotte, is Sc