The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-15
HARRIsON's TOUR.

The tour which Mr.. Harrison is now making
viii cover before its completion several Of the
most important sections of the United States.
and he will have an opportunity of acquiring
by actual observation an amount of informa-
ton as to the relative characters and condi-
tons of these sections, which. If he is wise, he
will hereafter turn TO account in his admins
tration of the affairs Of the country. Whether
he will do so or not is open to doubt. but If he
does not, the fault must be imputed to him
alone
The Southern people are only directly con-
cerned as 10 the impressions which his trip
through the South will make upon his mind.
The line of travel which he is following in
passing through the Southern States is the
one which enjoys the highest general adyant-
ages. and which. for that reason. presents the
most attractive appearance of any equal area
in this part of the Union. He will first see
the famous Piedmont division of the South,
extending from the vicinity of Washington
city to Birmingham, and his journey will
then take him across the valley Of the Missis-
sipp to the open plains Of Texas.
Nowhere in the Southern Statesare there TO
be found so many indications of increasing
wealth and population as are to be observed
on this line New towns are springing up oil
along it, new industries are being rapidly de-
veloped, and agriculture is in more thriving
condition than on other Southern soil which
has not been so much blessed by nature. The
magnificent Appalachian chain of mountain
peaks lie in the background the whole way.
The President will, therefore, have the very
best opportunity of studying the great South
in its most impressive aspects, and 1t Is TO be
hoped that he will not be regardless Of the
lessons which the great spectacle which will
be presented to him, is well calculated 10 en-
force upon q thoughtful and inquiring mind.
These lessons are of diverse character.
He will meet at every point people who are
as loyal and devoted to the Union AS the peo-
pie Of the States of the Pacific slope and
Northwest, through which he will pass before
his long journey closes. He will meet a peo-
pie who are equally as determined TO utilize
the enormous advantages which nature has
layished upon their section Of country, peo-
ple.who are even more confident of the gran
deur Of the material destiny which the future
extends them.
As he is borne along, he must be dull indeed
if he fails to recognize that division Of coun-
try so magnificent in the present. and so
infinite in its possibilities. can be ignored in
the administration of the general government,
OF treated with the Indifference or contempt
that properly belongs only 10 the narrowness
Of a petty mind. Will he take in the full
meaning Of the vitality significant scenes that
will everywhere fall under his eye? Or will
he. after all. return 10 Washington with n
spirit AS thoroughly preiudiced against the
Southern States as he has exhibited from the
beginning Of his tenure Of the presidential
Office up TO the present time.
II is difficult 10 believe it. but at the same
time, so completely absorbed is the man in
the effort TO secure a denomination. that even
if his views Of the South and its people were
to be made moro enlightened by his present
journey. it IS not at all unlikely that his ambi-
ton would only intensity the narrow policy
which he has so far pursued towards both.