The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-05
REVIVAL OF ACTIVITY.

Probably the most interesting question 10
very large number of people in all the towns
of Virginia lust now is What is the prospect
of renewal Of activity in the different
branches Of real estate? So far the long spell
of falling weather has given to the season the
character Of winter rather than that Of spring.
The country has been buried IN mud. the
roads have been impossible. and every form Of
business has been in state of suspension.
The towns have in n measure suffered from
the same Disadvantages. profound quiet
has reigned, which, owing to the prolonged bad
season, has remained unbroken, although the
spring is rapidly advancing.
The outlook for clearer and more genial
weather has now approved, and already indl-
cations of future activity are TO be observed.
Two weeks Of mild and clear weather would
have a very marked effect in promoting an
alert and hopeful spirit in those who are in
terested in the growth of our different towns.
Whether the approaching season Of open
weather will be attended by rs great activity
rs prevailed in the corresponding period in
1899. remains 10 be seen. There has been no
falling of in the confidence which is enter
tanned as TO the future Of real estate. Nothing
whatever has occurred that is calculated
10 diminish this confidence. On the con-
trary. there are moro reasons to-day to
sustain the belief that Virginia is destined 10
attain to an unexampled industrial greatness
than there were six or twelve months ago.
thousand signs. some most conspicuous,
others hardly palpable, point to an enormous
development Of her unusual variety of in
terests.
The period of comparative depression
through which we have been passing has been
due to causes that are Independent of over
| speculation. Indeed. there has been no over
speculation in good properties. Here, for in
stance. in Richmond. real estate is estimated
below its true value if the general outlook for
the city is considered. The same thing is true
of real estate, certainly in all of the leading
centres Of the State. if not in the towns that
are just springing up. The disturbed condition
of the money market. produced by extrane-
Gus Influences originally and the obstructive
character Of the season, have been the leading
causes of the quiet which has prevailed for
number of months.
The revival of activity. based as it will be
upon the existing and prospective values of
property. and curbed by the moro conserva-
tive feeling that has very naturally been Gre
ated by the more cautious attitude assumed
in financial circles. promises to be of sound
and trustworthy nature. With the growing
interest of Northern capitalists in our re-
sources, and with the very just confidence
entertained by our people in the future of our
different communities, it would be indeed
phenomenal if the opening season was not fol-
lowed by an activity hardly less great in its
proportions than that which made the course
OF last year 50 memorable in our economic
history.
Every condition would seem to justify IT,
Not one is to be observed that is radically OBJ
structive in It's character. Any timidity that
may exist in financial circles will only foster a
spirit of prudence and caution. which is not
at all inconsistent with q strong and active
market, however much opposed to extrava-
CANT speculation, which. under all circum
stances. should. for the welfare Of the commu.
nifty, be condemned and checked. if possible.