Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-12-08
JAMES RIVER VALLEY.
The PLEASANT HoMEs 1T OFFERS TO
IskIeRANTA
meeting Held ct the Tobacco Exchange
Yesterday In the Interests Of the
City and Country.

Aeeordiog TO previous notice there was
meeting at noon yesterday at the Tobacco
Exchange in the interest OF the james. River
Valley Immigration Society. II was we'll
attended, aud was called TO order by DR.. r.
A. Patterson, president OF the Exchange,
who asked Colonel Randolph Harrison.
president Of the Jsmes-Rivcr Valley IInmi.
graiion Society, to explain It's object.
THE IDEA.
Colonel Harrison gave a succinct account
o, The meetings which led to the organization
% his society, the object and purposes had
n view, the work which has been accom-
phshed 40 far, and what il Is proposed to do
IN The future. He spoke OF the fertile soil
and healthful climate OF the James River
valley, and yet declared that It's produc.
ions were annually decreasing instead
OF Increasing. The owners Of the lands
have not the means to cultivate them pro.
periy, and In ths state Of affairs the intro
duction OF immigrants and capital from
other States and from foreign countries
seems to be the only solution Of the problem
we have TO solve. That can only be done by
cooperation, and that was the object for
which this society had been organized.
PROGRESS.
Colonel Harrison said no people were more
interested in the building up OF the James
River Valley and the development OF its
varied resources than the businessmen Of
Richmond, and 1t would clearly be TO their
own interest 10 aid the society in the work
it had undertaken. This they could do by
subscribing TO the stock Of the company,
which is a chartered corporation.
One farm mad already been sold, and negO-
N..str -, fo.s rf a.,
many inquiries are being received. lie
thought II a sufficient amount Of money
could be raised 10 enable the society TO
tide over until the opening Of the spring il
would then become seli-sustsining, and
would confer lasting benefit upon the
state, in which Richmond would be large
participant.
GENERAL ANDERSON.
At the conclusion OF Colonel Harrison's
remarks General Joseph Il. Anderson adj.
dressed the meeting briefly, heartily en-
dorsing the movement as one deserving the
encouragement and support OF the people Of
Richmond.
He, too, spoke OF the Inducements which
the James-Riyer Valley offers TO settlers, and
said he thoughtit was only necessary TO make
them known in order to induce immigrants
to come and occupy them.
THE CENTENNIAL.
Mr. George A. Ainse, president Of the
Chamber Of Commerce, next addressed the
meeting, saying that il Afforded him pleasure
TO endorse the enterprise as one promising
good results to this city and to the State.
lie spoke OF the preparations being made at
Washington TO celebrate in 1892 The fourth
centennial OF the discovery OF America, and
| expressed the opinion that million OF peo-
pie would DIss through Virginia At that time.
| lie thought the society would tnen have
an excellent opportunity OF dong good and
effective work.
CONFIDENCE n THE COLONEL.
Mr.. Ashton Starke. president OF the Vir-
ginia Agricultural ard Mechanical Society,
who has lust carried through the great EX.
position so successfully, was next called on
by Colonel Harrison, aud gave his hearty en-
dorsement to the enterprise. He said the
presence OF Colonel Harrison at the head OF
the society gives confidence 10 all that it Will
be properly conducted.
WHAT We NEED.
Mr.. G. W. Clarke, OF Scottsville, submit,
ted some remarks showing how other States
have built up by immigration, and how a
similar result might be expected IN virginia
il we make the proper effort to attract i'm
migrants.
THE TRADES BODIES.
Mr.. M. A. Macmurdo then moved that the
president Of tho Tobacco Exchange appoint
a committee TO confer with similar commit
tees appointed by the Corn Exchange and
the Chamber Of Commerce, and Tx time
for holding q general meeting Of the citizens
OF Richmond 10 consider and act on the sub
jec.. The motion was adopted. and the
Chair said he would announce the committee
to-day.
THE MEETING,
II is thought that the meeting OF citizens
Will be held in the rooms OF the Chamber OF
Commerce some time next week, perhaps on
FRIDAY.
From the interest manifested 10 the sub
ject by prominent citizens it is believed
that the movement will be distinct sue
cess