The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-31

The Tin es to-day presents 10 its read
ers complete review of the business
enterprises, manufacturing and CONNER
cial interests, city departments charitable
institutions. and various other statistics
showing the work in the city Of Richmond
during the year 1898. The capital Of
the Old Dominion, ever true 10 the mem
CRY of her glorious past. and energetic
In her efforts TO realize the brilliant future
in store for her. has every reason to feel
proud Of her former career. her present
advantages and the bright and encourage
ing outlook which is in store for her.
With thrifty and enterprising citizens,
a splendid climate. unexcelled religious
influences and educational advantages,
Richmond may be justly called the most
attractive city in the South. not only
as a place of residence, but as a CONNER
cial centre. tempting capitalists from all
quarters TO invest their money in some
OF the substantial business enterprises of
a steadily growing, wide-awake city.
Against the incaIculabIe disadvantages
arising from vital sources all over the
United States the city has exhibited that
thrifty spirit which has always character
lied her as a great commercial and manu-
featuring centre. and now she invites the
outside world to witness the manner in
which she has overcome many of the
terrible financial troubles which have
rendered almost PROSTATE number OF
cities of similar size in the North and West
as well as In the South.
The Financial Depression.
Richmond, as well as other cities
throughout the country. Is and has been
passing through the most demorahzing
financial depression which has fallen upon
the country for twenty years The lack
OF confidence in the money market, the
expectation OF immense quantities OF
gold, the unsettled condition of great
money-leuding corporations. the over
production OF agricultural products in
many parts OF the country, and the sus.
pense upon thousands OF business men
by reason OF the condition Of the tariff
all these Influences. it cannot be denied,
have left strong impress upon the bust
ness interests OF this city.
Yet Richmond has every reason 10 feel
proud of her commercial and manufac-
turing record during the year just closed.
The capital OF the Old Dominion has
done well, and there are few II any cities
OF equal size which can boast OF such a
record. While other cities were being
visited by Immense fires, disastrous floods,
and the great sufferings of thousands
OF the iaboring classes by reason of the
flA a ~
heavy and numerous failures on the
part OF banks and business enterprises.
Richmond has been largely spared from
these calamties. There have been no
bark failures, comparatively few impor-
tsnt failures among the mercantile inter
est OF the city. and the collections have
been equally as good as the great majority
OF the business men had expected.
Manufactures and Jobbing.
The manufacturing and iobbing trades
OF Richmond have fallen off considera-
bly, during the past year. II was be-
heyed. however. by those who are able
70 speak authoritatlvely on these subjects
that the deficit would be much more
pronounced tEsn 1t actually was. The
hgeres are carefully prepared under the
supervision OF the Chamber OF Commerce.
and Mr. c. +. johnson. OF Bradstreets.
gives much more favorable showin,
than many OF the most sanguine bust
ress men had expected. IL was. OF
course. conceded that there would be
general falling off. but s,iH there have
been some few lines OF trade which have
had an Increase In spite OF the terrible
financial fFingency
In the manufactures OF Richmond and
Merchtster The number OF Embellishments
for 1898 were DIS as against OOs for 1899
"A decrease OF eiEhty-eight. The number
OF hands employed in these manufactures
during the year 1898 were 393S as
against 200 the previous year a de-
eFtase OF 2.x22. The amount of capital
irytsted IN manufacturing enterprises for
lSC was $i5.5i9750. as against ST., $4,000
Tor ih2. falling off OF $9lg25O. while
the amount OF sales for 1893 were
s's.hosS as against i2.256,75Q for 1892.
a decrease Of S.4S5s5l.
An several lines Of goods there was
considerable increase. an The manufac-
tsfe OF fertilizers and chemicals. the
Increased capital invested was 500 900.
while the increased sales over the pre-
vious year amounted 10 500. 000 The in
creased sales IN ice. coal tar products.
and the like. amounted TO $4,000 while
that OF packers and curers ran I'D 70
$4,000 more than In 1852
In the Johbers line there was also a
general decrease. bat not so large as
was generally expected. The total
amount Of capital invested in the whole
eaie business OF this city IN 1925 Was
espHfop a. against ssle7o.eeo for the pre-