The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-03-05
GROMTH OF RICHMOND.

The message Of Mayor Ellyson, presented
10 the Common Council on Monday night
and briefly referred 10 in THE TINES Of yes
terday. II a document Of unusual interest
and value. To a certain extent il is retro
spcctiye in It's scope, thus presenting a
means Of instiiuting an industrial compari-
son between the present and the past Of
Richmond.
when we look back 20 the position Of this
city a quarter Of century ago, there is
every reason 10 Justify our useful and vigil
liant Mayor in the congratulations which be
extends 20 the people Of Richmond on the
notable progress which they have made in
the interval. The population Of the city in
1861 was $1,000 and il has now expanded TO
81, OO0 The banking capital has grown
from zero TO two and one half million
dollars. and our taxable values, real and
personal from twenty-five millions. have
mounted up 20 over fifly-one millions.
In 1865, to quote the exact language Of
Mayor Ellyson, sour manufacturing estab
lshmonts were few in number, and for the
most part with capital so insufficient as to
make it appear almost hopeless that they
would be able 10 successfully meet their
competitors in the markets Of the world
vet. now we can boast Of 724 manufacturing
establishments with a capital Of Sl3,429,-
74J, which give employment TO 20 i53 hands
and whose annual sales are counted at $751;
OSS, 96O.'
This is a very creditable showing, and
it's mere statement in so important docu-
ment as this message, is a form Of adyer-
tisement that must rebound to the advan-
tage Of the city.
There gan be no doubt Of the truth Of the
Mayors assertion "that q city that gives
employment in her manufacturing estab-
lishments TO nearly one-fourth Of her entire
population may confidently expect future
greatness as a manufacturing centre"
It is in this direction that the greatest ad-
vance Of Richmond in wealth has Teen made.
and il is this direction that gives the most
distinct promise not only Of further az
emulation Of property on the part of our
people, but also furnishes the most ample
assurance Of the enormous expansion of
our population in the course Of time. Rich
mond is certain 10 become the leading man.
ufacturing city of the South, if IT'S citizens
will show only an average degree Of en-
ergy and enterprise. Already its manu-
featuring interests are Of an unusually
varied character, and these interests are
capable Of an almost unlimited develop
ment by wise management and a iudicious
system Of advertisement.
There is one most important manuiac-
turing field, however, which Richmond has
not yet entered as far as she should have
done and as she is yet destined to do. Why
should this city not be the seat Of a great
number Of cotton factoresf In short, why
should not Richmond become one Of the
most important centres Of cotton manulac-
ture south Of the Potomac? Let this industry
but take as firm foothold here, as il has al
ready done in Danyille, and the manufac-
turing possibilities Of Richmond in this di-
rection will be Of the most brilliant, yet Of
the most substantial character.
There are a number Of other manufacture
ing interests which might be introduced
into this city which would prove more ard
more profitable as the diversified resources
of the South are developed.