The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-06-12
THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE RICHMOND CHAMBER or
COMMERCE YfSTfEDAY.
President =. u. Halves submits HIS An
nual Report \ New Foard of Direc-
tors Elected

President ;. II. IawCs submitted his
report reviewing the period covered by
the business situation and work OF the
Chamber OF Commerce for the fiscal year
OF the Chamber and continuing n number
Of important recommendations the report
here follows:
La submitting. on behalf Of the Board
Of Directors. the customary annual re-
port II must be admitted that the period
undor review has not been characterized
by such improvement IN business as
would have been gladly welcomed after
the depression Of the several preceding
years. Occasional symptoms u revival IN
special branches OF business have en-
oourascd at intervals the hope of a re-
turning tide OF prosperity. but the situa-
ton sull seems to demand a spirit OF
foriitude ana perseverance to which I
focl confident this community will fully
respond as we are experiencing this pro-
uactcd dizziness OF trace In common with
all other commercial and manufacturing
centers OF the country.
1T would be Improbable On the present
occasion TO consider the causes Of this
condition OF affairs. which are for the
most part beyond your immediate control.
ana. with respect 10 which there may be
some divergence OF opinion. | beg rather
TO direct your attention briefly to the
work OF the chamber. to events which are
Transporting here In which you have an i'm
mediate blerest and also 10 certain
matters calling for some action at your
hands in the near future.
PUBLIC MEASURES.
The year Just ending has been most
anxious one IN regard 10 subjects Of both
Federal and State legislation. Whenever
ii was deemed cApodicnt the chamber has
taken an active part in favoring or oppos-
ing, as our interests or the occasion
required. measures OF this chaacter
Laws pOposed relating to commerce,
navigation. manufacture. finance. TAXA
ton, debt, etc. etc, have had the earn
est consideration OF various committees
Of the Chamber. its Board Of Directors.
or its members In general meeting While
circumstances in many Instances have
not admitted Of the full accomplishment
OF the objects desired by the Chamber,
its action has been vigorous as well as
conservative. and has demonstrated con-
cusively. by substantial results attained.
the value and necessity OF active public
spirit and concerted effort, asserted
through the medium OF such an organiza-
ton.
Full and contompOranoous publications In
the press obyiate the necessity for any
detailed review Of its proceedings: but
i'm one notable instance i should omit
duty and pleasure If | failed. as your
presiding officer. TO make public and time
ly Acknowledgement Of the obligation feit
to the special committee of the Chamber,
TO the papers Of our city. and 10 our
patriotic citizens for their faithful and
vigorous support OF the amendments 10
the city charter proposed by your organl-
zation. While these amendments were not
adopted. the movement had its legitimate
outcome in the organization of the Demo
cratic League for Good Government
which. I'm its laudabe undertakings met
with signal success. No local event could
be pregnant with more beneficial results
II gives the full and unqualified support
OF the community 10 our representatives
I'm the legislative branches of the city
government I'm the difficult task OF econ
omical municipal administrations Is long
stem in tho direction of promoting the
healthy growth Of the city, and tends 10
establish some OF the necessary condl-
lions precedent to our general welfare
and prosperity and to development OF
business and industrial enterprises.
MEETINGS IN THE CHAMBER.
Tbis. ms well as other important move
ments: had origin In the public discus
sions held In the Chamber. Too much
stress can not be laid upon their Nalue
in arousinc and directing public sentiment
and act.cn. They should unquestlohdON
be continued. and shall venture later 0n
TO suggest a few topics the discussion OF
which may possibly quicken into new
life and vigor certain latent but Naiu'o'e
resources Of this community.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
7, g. most gratifying 20 note the nc
complished and prospective improve
rrents i'm number of institutions Tor the
q. commodation and service OF the pun
uc In addition 10 the Jefferson Hotel.
Cpcned since our last annual meeting
which is almost daily developing its uses,
benefits. and attractions. the Richmond
Telephone Company promises an enlarged
and improved telephone service TO Inc
community. at greatly reduced hgures,
IN the immediate future. the ldchmohu
Traction Company, with lines extending
from the Reservoir Park, Hollywood and
the Exposition Grounds on the western
borders OF the city. down the entire
length of Broad street TO thmboIazo
park and lakewood Cemetery on the
vice this month, with a splendid equip
ment and road-bed adding about fifteen
miks Of track TO the extensive system
OF street railway already in operation;
the ordinance authorizing the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railway COmpany's viaducts
and its splendid Main-street depot. has
lust been passed and the authorities OF
the line promise an carly commence
ment OF this costly and extensive work,
and assurances have been received from
the Southern Railway Company that the
problem of constructing adequate depot
accommodations &c. has been referred
10 It's operating department.. with the
purpose OF providing these much needed
terminal facilities. This is a record OF
most substantial progress. Some of
these improvements Will supply DEFICIENCIES
that have long operated as serious draw
backs TO the reputation and advance
ment OF the city. and are most timely
IN view of large gatherings TO shortly take
place in our midst.
NEW MANUFACTURING ENTER.
PRISES.
As might have been anticipated. dur
ing the past twelve months but few ad-
dtional manufacturing or business en-
terprises have been established in this
section. This however, should but serve
20 stimulate consideration OF what can
be done 10 foster existing and encourage
new Industries.
With a favorable climate and healthy
city. geographical position giving easy
access both to much valuable raw ma
terial and most important markets OF
the country shipping facilities by both
water and rail- an industrious. intelligent.
anu laW-dhiding people. With these