Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-01-01
Richmond and VIRGINIA.

The balance-sbeet We strike of from
Richmond's account-books for 1890 shows
that the year was prosperous and happy
one. Nine hundred and thirty-nine houses
built; jobbers' sales to the amount of SS2,-
os7. 600. and manufacturers products of the
value Of S34,5S0.9i7 give, at a glance, an
Insight into the industrial operations of q
community which (including Richmond,
Manchester, and suburbs) has popula-
+ zion Of about 100000.
Richmond's growth since it rose out OF
che ashes Of the evaeuation-fire ia 1865 has
been remarkable for its steadiness, and
during the past FIVE wears for its rapidity
also. II is going forward all the time. Its
movements are made with little noise, and
its achievements, oftentimos in the face OF
difficulties, prove that We have an earnest,
safe, and solid set of businessmen, and
staunch population Of wage-workers.
The features of the years operations, as
disclosed by a careful examination OF our
crowded pages Of statistics, are that the
city is indebted for its increase in manufac-
tured products more TO the enlargement of
old plants than TO the acquisition of new
ones: that our capital in all sorts of enter
prises has been largely amplifed; that
building companies have thriven greatly
and that the suburbs have attained size
and importance never dreamed of few
years back.
We have the testimony of many visitors
that this is q pretty city. Tables Of vital
statistics show that it is healthy one.
Take it summer or winter the climate is
mild and pleasant. The world recognizes
its historical attractions. Now we come for
ward with facts and figures which demon
strate that we have become business CEN
ire second to few if any cities in our sec
ton of the Union. Let those who would
inform themselves thoroughly on this SUBJ
feet study the official statements contain
ed in this number of the Dipdtch concerning
population, taxables, manufactures, CON-
merce, transportation, ETC., and they Will
learn that our rank is what we claim for it.
The constant and unremitting growth of
Richmond makes it a safe place for invest
ments. We are established. Our methods
of business are conservative, and the high
credit we have ever enjoyed ia much
priced and is protected accordingly. We
have metropolitan "plant," and it only
requires faithful work and concerted ac-
tion to double its value. Here is the
groundwork of city of 200, 900 inhabitants.
MANY of the new towns of Virginia have
received help from Richmbnd people.
Thousands of our dollars have gone to
further enterprises in other parts of
III o,,1 10 a n
to see our whole State prosperous. This
community does not covet any good for
tune that comes to its nelghbors. As
nearly as is possible to human nature 1t Is
free from envy. There is room enough
for US all. The wealth that one acumu-
lates is not loss to another, but is an az
rrandizement of the family of Virginia
cities and towns.
The reassessment of lands made in this
State this year is conclusive of the fact
that the condition of our people is i'm
proving, though here, rs elsewhere in the
Union, the tilling of the soil fails to yield
that profit to which such lsborious and ex-
acting work is entitled. But the develop
ment of our mineral lands has been extra
ordinary. With il considerable impulse has
been given to railroad-building, and new
towns have sprung up in many portions OF
the State, while an unwonted activity has
possessed many of the old ones. The ca
reer of some of these Blooms" was chilled
by the disturbance of the money market
which began in September. but with the
opening of the spring and an easier financial
situation, which is predicted, those that
have solid merits will warm into life again.
1t is the appropriate season for felicita-
ting ourselves upon the blessings of the
old and the promises of the New Year.
We should do it heartily. We have been
abundently blessed and should be grateful
therefor.
The stimulus of past successes moves us
to look very hopefully into the New Year.
Out of il we expect heaping measure OF
prosperity. So may it be!
To sister cities--to our. kinsmen OF all
the counties-to virginians scattered
everywhere over this broad land-to the
world in general and the South in particu-
iar--the Dispatch gives voice to the hearty
hope OF Richmond that 1891 may be q pc
Rod of peace and prosperity, and that
when IL is rolled into the scroll OF time
past, 1t may leave no memories that are
not sweet.
A happy New Yearl
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