The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-07
DUrY OF our RAILNoADs.

That the people of Virginia are in favor oil
the Legislature. when it convenes, sppro-
priating as large an amount as the eondi-
tion of our finances would appear to justify
for the purpose OF enabling the state tc
make a highly creditable showing at the
Worlds Fair would seem TO be assured, 1t
would be most unfortunate if this were not
the case, for the opportunity whic this great
occasion in our national history will fur
nish for the exhibition Of our resources, Il
utilized with the proper degree Of energy
and intelligence, is of wholly unexampled
importance.
Not only should the State Itself make an
appropriation to the utmost limit OF its
financial ability, but there is not "A large city
in the Commonwealth which should no
seek TO De represented Individually in that
grand Display.
Above all, there is not railroad IN the
boundaries of Virginia upon which the OBJ
legation is not binding to make an eNhaus-
tive exhibit at Chicago in 1892 OF all the
different resources Of the sections OF coun-
try from which it draws its support. The
Norfolk and Western Railroad Company
has already publicly announced its inlen-
ton Of making such an exhibit, and If that
intention is carried out with the thorough
ness proposed, il alone will confer the very
highest benefit upon the people OF the state
Now let the Atlantic Coast Line, the
Chesapeake and Ohio and the Danyiile sys-
tens on their owe account take steps to
supplement the action Of the Norfolk and
Western. II all Of these powerful railwa'
companies, acting independently OF esch
other. but acting for a common purpose
were 90 20 energeiically to work and spend
the large amount of money which they can
well afford TO spend with this object III
view, the general exhibit which they could
make. as the result of their separate un-
dertakings, would be in itself an advertise
ment Of the magnificent advantages OF TINS
state, which could not be surpassed by any
southern exhibit in the great Fair.
With such an exhibit by our railroad
companies, supplemented by the eXhiDi.
which the State would be in position TO
make in case the appropriation by the Leg
i.lature is sufficiently large, Virginia would
present iu the eyes Of the world at the Chl-
cago Fair an appearance that would pro-
foundly impress all whose attention 10 Ike
Nv 10 be attracted 10 the South as a Held FOR
inYesnmen, and immigration.
Under no circumstances should this Stale
allow any Of its sister CommGIwealths IN
this section OF the Union to surpass il in the
STATE exhibits 10 be made in 1892. Upon
the character OF these exhibits will, in some
measure, turn for many years 10 come, the
material destiny OF each Of the southern
states. Tho people who Will be in attend
anee upon the Chicago Fair will be simply
enormous in number, and they will be
drawn not only from the North, but also
from all the natioualities o! the globe, but
especiaIIy from the English speaking popu-
latiop abroad. IL 10 To the North and Eng
land and the English dependencies that the
south must look for its chief assistance in
the development Of its resources. Virginia
occupies In many respects position Of
peculiar advantage in soliciting this aid
from the outside world, but the strength OF
that position will be very much increased
by the very favorable impression which II
can make by a representative exhibit at the
Fair OF 1892.