The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-19

SOUTHERN CITIES.


In our article of yesterday. commenting on
the contents of the recent contribution OF tho
Superintendent of the Census 10 the Manu-
facturers' Record on the subject of Southern
development in the course of the last decade,
we called particular attention 10 the truly
astonishing growth in population of our prin-
cipal Southern cities. A remarkable eXpan-
sion in urban population, itshould be remem-
bered, however. has been observed in every
part Of the United States. it being estimated
that at least one-fourth, If not more, of the
American people reside il town. The urban
population of this country is set down as
1925, $50. or 29.l2 per cent Of our total popu-
lstion.
1t will be seen from this statement Of fact
that the peculiar influences which have led TO
the enlargement of our American cities have
not been confined in their operation 10 the
Southern States. They have been universal.
But while this is true. the growth of Southern
cities has been greater than that Of Northern
and Western cities. because in addition to the
influences which have operated to increase the
urban population everywhere in the United
States. there have been other influences. not
exactly confined 10 the Southern States. but
still operating more notably in this section Of
the Union than in any other
One of the most powerful of these infu-
ences has been the practical cessation Of emf
grafton to the West and Northwest a drain
which formerly diminished in the most seri-
Gus way the population of the South, cur
tailed its wealth, and crippled its energies.
The only how Of population now to be seen
in the South is from the country 10 the cities,
and as this stream represents the most active
and enterprising elements in our Southern
communities. the cities not only increase in
population bat are also more and more dis
tinguished for a stirring and determined
spirit.
As our Southern cities have a more extern
sive reputation than any other local points in
our territory. very naturally they are the first
to attract the attention Of persons in North
ern and Western States who wish TO change
their homes. An eyer-increasing number Of
such persons are being annually drawn to the
South, and with very few exceptions as yet,
they are settling in our towns, and are there
either investing their means or earning a livei-
hood by the eNertion of Their physical powers.
From these two sources. immigration from
the country districts and immigration from
the North. our Southern cities are receiving
those enormous additions 10 their population
which have become one of the most astonish-
Ing facts Of the present day The history Of
the Western towns is being repeated in the
South, and in the light of what we observe
going on before our eyes, it requires no stretch
Of the imagination 70 foresee the time when
the Southern States Will be as thickly dotted
with magnificent cities as the North and the
West are now.
Richmond, Atlanta and Birmingham, not TO
mention other Southern cities which enjoy al
equal number of advantages, are destined 10
becomein a comparatively short period, when
the age Of towns is considered. as large as st.
Louis, Cincinnati. and Pittsburg. and extend
ing the period still further into the future, as
large as Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Chicago
The prospects of Southern industrial develop
ment are unlimited. and on the future issue OF
these prospects the growth Of our cities ex-
clusively depends. This being the case. there
is no substantial obstruction in the way of
their expansion in wealth and number OF in.
habitants to degree for which no precedent
exists in the history Of any part Of this coun-
try up 10 the present TINA