Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-11-08
Virginia and Chicago.

n
which met at Pulaski City in July. adj
journed to meet at Norfolk, and 1t will re-
assemble there on the 18th instant.
It's purpose is to arouse the Legislature
and the people generally to the Importance
of having q cfeditable State exhibit at
Chicago in 1898, and to organize therefor.
A great opportunity will then and there
be afforded of advertising to the world tho
resources aud capabilities Of Virginia
The scheme properly projected and skill
fully carried out ought 10 bring to US many
times over the money that il viii cost. Ii
the Legislature will provide building
and send thither the collection which Is
now under the charge Of the Commissioner
of Agriculture, the railroad and improve
rnent companies and private individuals
may be relied upon to do the rest, and TO
do it handsomely.
The power to make such an appropria-
ton seems TO be lodged in the hands OF
the General Assembly. If 1t determines
that it is necessary to further our inte-
rests there is an end Of it, and the money
can be applied.
IL we were 10 undertake TO argue this
matter in behalf OF the Exposition, OF OF
Chicago per SO we doubt If we could get
the ear of our people. But we do not pro-
pose to do that-we shall urge II from
business motives; from selfish motives, IN
fact, so that while the favors OF the Fair
are being distributed the Old Dominion
shall be in position to claim her share.
Very erroneous ideas as to Vireinlas re-
sources exist in many minds. Not few
persons who are otherwise we'll informed
believe that this is very poor State-a
place where it is next to impossible To
make living, and where capital and labor
are seldom fairly rewarded. True, good
deal has been done within recent years to
dissbuse tn. outside world OF this impress
sion, but what has already been done but
convinces us that the work should be con-
tinued diligently. We want new settlers
and capital. At Chicago We Will have OPP
portunitics of putting in train measures
that may secure both. Then why not avail
ourselves Of them?
In addition to all the reasons that may
be given on this line wo should like to see
Virginia house at Chicago, 90 that 1t may
serve as q rendezvous for the thousands
and tens of thousands of Yirginlans and
descendants of VirGinians who are now
scattered broadcast over this whole coun-
try. To meet with home people would DC
a great inducement to them TO 60 to the
Fair. and when there we could most GER
tainly rely upon their good Offices to aid
US in all the purposes that We have IN
view in arranging for State exhibit.
At the Centennial Exposition held IN
Philadelphia In 1876 we had 10 EXHIBIT as
q State. But hr. BoorH, out OF his own
means, erected Virginia cottage (Which
was afterwards brought to this city and
rebuilt on the Falr-Grounds), and 1t be-
came the gathering-place OF nearly oil OF
tho people of Virginia blood who attended
such visitors, and all of them were grateful
that exhibition. 1t was q great boon to
to Mr.. BoorH for his goodness. We should
do better at Chicago. We must have the
repdezyou. and exhibit too. To this end
we need legislative help. 1t is not in the
mower of tho General Assembly to give
us much money, but it should give what
it can, and this will encourage corporate
and individual enterprise to make up the
balance.
1t is expected that the Norfolk conven'
ton will be attended by about 1900 dele.
gates. The Norfolk and Western Railroad
Company, with that iberality Characters
TIC of it, has made low round-trip ticket
rate, and the citizens Of Norfolk and
Portsmouth have arranged programme
of pleasure for their guests after the work
of the convention Is over.
Richmond and ell of our other cities and
towns will be represented, but what we
are most anxious for now is that the conn
try shall send full delegations so that the
conclusions Of the convention shall be re-
ceived as the verdict of the entire Com
monwealth.