Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-06-30
v-,boxv-Room for Richmond.

: The gratifying increase In the valuation
NJ real estate in the city of Norfolk IL
rue in large part. we beueve, 10 the new
buildings erected upon the territory last
annexed TO that corporation.
Norfolk is looking forward 90 the an
hcxatlon Of yet other territory. and. we
believe. will accomplish her purpose be-
fore many years have passed. Her peo-
aie believe that the city is now on
The eve Of the realization OF their bright
xst dreams OF greatness. especially since
ahe Southern Railway Company has de-
1errnined to make Norfolk its ceep-watcr
terminus.
While Norfolk Is so active and far
flehted, what are we doing here? How
arc we planning to develop Richmond and
secure from the world the recognition
fhat is ours by right? Are We going to
Unite Richmond and Manchester? Are
he going 10 take in our Henricc suburbs,
Or are we going to be content to be
Chased with cities Of between $500 and
f0ooo population. while our real urban
population here ct the falls OF the James
Is between 10000 and 10000?
The Dispatch has never urged hasty
ection with respect TO the extension OF our
corporate limits We are willing to wait
Rear or two provided that We are mean
while gaining. not losing, ground in the
matter of converting our people to the
opinion that we hold. The friends of
annexation ought TO keep constantly at
Hvorl,. We should regard it as a great
blUnler on our part. II we permitted an
other census 10 be taken before We have
extended our corporate limits. Not only
ought we 10 make the extension before
she next census is taken, but We ought
90 make 1t in time TO build Up and popu-
Gate some Of the new territory before the
United States enumeratoys come around
o. DO their work.
In cur opinion. the majority Of the
people Of Richmond are in favor Of the
Nnlon Of Richmond and Manchester.
nhoy see in such "a union the promise OF
lnc-eased prosperity for both cities. With
ouch population as would then
b. uaquestionably ours, we would think
bnore Of ourselves; would more clearly
Bee the possibilities OF Bigger Rich
tnond." and would be inspired with
Greater enthusiasm for our city.
, We have, OF course. expected oppo-
titlon from Manchester. Annexation OF
Manchester 10 Richmond would overturn
The city government OF Manchester. and
in the "shake-up" no officer could know
Exactly where lie would land" These
officers are neither more nor less selfish
than other people. and we are not dis
posed 20 blame them for viewing the
tnatter through their own spectacles
rather than through ours But should
khe consensus OF Manchester opinion BE-
THAT Manchester would be greatly ad-
Eantaged by the union. We cannot but be-
Ueve that these gentlemen would yield
very gracefully.
And why should not Manchester wish
70 become part OF Richmond? In the
tecent discussion which took place In
bur Chamber OF Commerce hail. the over
@helming opinion was that the benefits
10 Manchester from annexation would
be vast. There seemed to be no cues.
Zion at all on this point Every doubt.
ing Manchestcrian ought to have been
convinced by the arguments advanced at
that meeting.
So far az objection comes 70 union
from Richmonders. we think that 1t can
be gradually removed. The judgment
pf men who believe that II is q matter
Or great consequence TO Richmond that
we should secure our true rank In the
fensus-iabes win have much influence.
eride In our past. aspirations for our
Vuiure. VII b. effectual for good In the
direction o: controlling public opinion.
eticnnond Is large. wealthy. and pros
porous city. This we know; but we
ueSire The world 10 know II, too, and we
mould have the right 20 exhibit the facts
IRON The Official figures. and be no longer
compelled 10 present a statement from
eNehmond. another rom Manchester, ana
another from our Henrico suburbs In
prder to make the true total.
Let all the friends Of annexation, OF
0hion, rather, continue their work with
1000 heart. Let them call TO their as
instance the men Of progress, OF hopeful
1ess-the puolic-spirited men,-and let al,
So'or'h arguing that In no other way than
W 'he union OF Richmond and Manches.
yer Is II possible for this city 70 secure
Hhe station and recognition 10 which abe
u entitled.