The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-10
INCREASED PROSPERITY IN EVERY LINE.
Wonderful Development, Splendid Progress,
Magnificent Achievement.
4 FLLTTERING FINANCIAL SHOWING
millions of Dollars Increase in Deposits and
CIeArancos- Unlimiteds Facilities TOT the
Receipt and Distribution Of Manu-
featuring and Agricultural
Produets-Tonnage
and Freight.

Rivaling the populous cities of the North
and surprising her sister cities OF the South
the marvellous growth and development Of the
mercantile industries of Richmond stand to-
day a wonderful monument to the unfalter-
ing confidence the certain sagacity, and the
business genius which have characterized her
merchants during the past few decades
AN UPHILL TASK.
The links of commercial enterprise, rudely
and ruthlessly snapped asunder by the mo-
mentous conflict which terminated in 1865
were to be Joined again; who were TO do 1t?
body of men saddened by the loss OF as
sociates, crippled by dearth of capital, and
whose very vitality was depleted by the
severity of the struggle they had endured
The sites of former enterprises in many IN
stances by relentless flames had been swept
away. and it was truly time when the most
energetic and venturesome spirits might have
stood abashed; when even hope had lost her
roseate hue, and in the face of discouraging
circumstances stood, colorless as the ghost of
dead sunbeam. Nothing had been left save
the magnificent geographical location which
God in the beginning had given, and the
probity, integrity and honor OF those who
were to do the work.
RISING FROM HER ASHES.
Slowly, year by year. the commercial monu-
ment began to rise. Venture after venture
placed its stone, until now the colossal struc-
ture rears its head proudly above the clouds
of possible defeat and basks in the perennial
o. ocur,,,1o+ipe, ,,rOc,,oritv
The conscientious dealing of her merchants,
the rectitude which has marked all business
representations, tho untiring energy which
eagerly sought new avenues of trade, and the
honesty which yielded the just equivalency in
goods for the purchase price demanded have
all been cardinal colors III the rainbow of
commerce which spans the city of Richmond
to-day, magnificent prophecy and promise
of further glad fruition which the revolu-
tons of time shall lay at her feet.
WONDERFUL DEVELOPMENT.
Wonderful development Glorious progressl
Grand achievement! Throughout tie length
and breadth of the South, wherever enter
prise has marked a spot, or industry estab-
lished home. there can be found representa-
tives of Richmond houses successfully con-
peting with the markets of the world.
GREAT DISTRIBUTING POINT.
p There are good, valid and sufficient reasons
why this point should, and is surely TO be-
come one of the greatest distributing points
onthe American continent Situated it is
at the head of tidewater, and with numerous
railway systems centering here, 1t draws alike
from the manufactured articles of the North
of every description and the products of the
Western mills and factories. and then over
the great trunk lines which leaving here tray
erse the entire limits of the Southern States
the distribution Is made. No city could be
more favorably located. and none has expe-
rienced more material advancement within
comparatively few years.
BRILLIANT OUTLOOK.
But even with the great attainment of trade
already accomplished the outlook for the
future is more brilliant. and every indication
points TO large increases III almost every
branch of mercantile pursuit. The territory
which Is now constantly travelled by represen-
tatives of the ]obbers here embraces the States
of Virginia. West Virginia. North Carolina,
South Carolina. Tennessee, Georgia, and in
fact all the Gulf States TO Texas, and even TO
some extent Ohio. This is in very
marked contrast TO the crcumscribed
limits which characterized the trade of a
few years ago. and still this is not the end: a
reasonable prophecy, sustained by every in
.dication, places Richmond, as a base of sup
plies in many lines, in direct communication
with all the trade centres of the Mississippi
Valley. The time is not far distant when the
flags of the nations which produce cohees
sugars, DC, will float in long procession in
the quiet harbor of Newport News, then Port
Richmond, and the stately ships that bear
these commodities ride at anchor in close
proximity 10 this commercial centre TO which
they are consigned.
PORT OF ENTRY
Again, the Federal Government. recocniz-
ing the superiority of the situation here, and
the inevitable benefits which will accrue, not
only to the people of the South, but TO all the
country lying TO the westward. have by acts
Of Congress given positive evidence of an in
tention TO make this city port of entry, and
II Is but reasonable 70 presume that these re-
Quislte appropriations will be continued until
seagoing vessels of all descriptions Will dis
charge their cargOes at our very docks.
GATEWAY or AN EMPIRE.
Richmond is to-day the very gateway TO an
imperial country. Through her wide portals
flows the great stream of mercantile necessi-
ties, Injuries, and requirements which go to
meet the demand of the Southern States
jealousy she guards this entrance carefully
as 10 the superiority of the product and con-
servatiyely as TO her assessment of profit No
city OF the Union. IN comparison with the
number OF inhabitants, eau boast Of a more
sagaclous. energetic. and prosperous business
community. 1t Is pleasure always 10 record
Their names and repeat the story of their
prosperity.