Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-06-12

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,,e Year Just Closed. and Makes
several Recommendation for the
Tuturc-Omccrs Elected.
Tho annual meeting OF the Richmond
,ramner OF Commerce was held yostor-
s.v evening at 6 O'Clock.
president $. H. Halves submitted hts
r.a.r reviewing the business situation
OLD. work of the Chamber for the period
covered by the fiscal year Of ;he Cham
Der. ana containing number Of impor-
t.nt recommendations. The report reads:
I. submitting on behalf OF the Board
, Directors the customary annual re-
,.t. u must bee admitted that the period
,.ser review has not been characterized
D.. such Improvement In business as would
i,r. been gladly welcomed after the de-
,-s.on OF the several preceding years.
..-asioual symptoms q revival in special
i..5ehcs Of business have encouraged at
Intervals the hope OF a returning tide OF
--..rrrlty. but the situation still seems
,...manI a spirit of fortitude and porse-
..-.rrc TO which. ] feel confident, this
community viii fully respond, as we are
,,-crencue this protracted dulness Of
i...e Boo common with all other CONNER
,l and manufacturing centres Of the
rurtiy.
4. would Do Improbable on the present
occasion 90 consider the causes Of this
condition Of affairs. which are for the
mos. part beyond your immediate control,
and with respect 10 which there may be
some divergence Of opinion. / beg rather
g.. direct your attention briefly TO the
work of The Chamber, 10 events which are
TRANSMITTING here. I'm which you have an
,rmcIatc interest. ana also 20 certain
matters calling for some action at your
hands On the near future.
PUBLIC MEASURES.
Tho year just ended has been most
anxious one in regard 20 subjects Of both
r ..rll and state legislation. Whenever
a. v.s deemed expedient, the Chamber has
taken an active part I'm favoring or oppos-
trr us our interests or the occasion re-
..rlf measures of this character.
LAWS proposed relating 20 commerce
r.leatIou. manufacture finance, taxation
don't. etc.. etc.. have had the earnest con-
alteration OF various committees OF the
tf4nber. fits Board Of Directors. or its
members u general meeting While cir
instances in many instances have not
lfmittcd Of the frll accomplishment or
.r. objects desired by the Chamber, It's
notion has been vigorous as well as con-
.arlafiye. and has demonstrated conclu-
fgaly hy substantial results attained, the
..lue and necessity of active public spirit
mad concerted effort asserted through the
a.I.um of such an organization.
Ful and contcmpor publications
g. The press obviate the necessity for any
detailed review of its proceedings; but IN
me notable instance I should omit a duty
HuI pleasure If 1 failed. as your presiding
-fcer. 20 make public and timely ac-
Acknowledgement of the obligation felt to the
special committee Of the Chamber 10 the
ilucrs of our city. and TO our patriotic
r.fz,ns for their faithful and vigorous
support Of the amendments 20 the city
Charter proposed by your organization
While these amendments were not adopt
DI the movement had its legitimate out
rome iu the organization of the Demo
cratic League for Good Government.
which in IFS laudahle undertakings met
with signal success. No local event could
A.. PREGNANT with more beneficial re-
.llts il gives the fun and unqualified
..rrort of the community TO our repre-
t.rtatlvcs in the legislative branches Of
t.- city government i'm the difficult task
ST. economical municipal administration;
is % long step in the direction Of promot-
lr~ The healthy growth OF the city. and
ierlslto establish some of the necessary
conditions precedent to our general wei
fare and prosperity and 20 development
y business and industrial enterprises.
MEETINGS IN THE CHAMBER.
This. as we'll as other important move
r..ut.. had origin in the public discussions
r.Ii 'l The Chamber Too much stress can
DOT Doe laid upon their value in arouslng
and directing public sentiment and action.
TH.v should unquestionably be continued,
and shall venture later on TO suggest a
joss topics. the discussion Of which may
possibly quicken into new life and vigor
certain latent but valuable resources Of
oils community.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
10 is most gratifying 10 note the ac-
couuushci and prospective improvements
u number Of institutions for the ac-
o0mm0IaHol and service of the public.
I'D addition 90 the Jefferson Hotel. opened
since our last annual meeting which is
almost daily developing its uses. benefits,
and attractions the Richmond Telephone
Company promises an enlarged and inn
proved telephone service TO the
community al greatly reduced fl
cures n the immediate future;
She Richmond Traction Company.
with lines extending from the Reservoir
Park Hollywood. and the Exposition
Grounds. 0u the western borders Of the
,v down the entire length Of Broad
street to Chimborazo Park. and lakewood
Cemetery. ON the eastern borders. VIII
..r ueuce fits service this month with a.
splendid equipment and road-bcd. adding
about fifteen miles Of track TO the eNtcn-
size systems of street-railway already IN
operation. the ordinance authorizing me
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company
y4ileta and lbs splendid Main-street de-
f0t has just been passed, and the author-
r.s of the line promise an early com
N....ucnt of this costly and extensive
N.f,. and assurances have been received
trm the Southern Railway Company
lt.t the problem OF constructing adequate
..l0t accommodations. &c. has been re-
f.u.I 90 its operating department with
fI. purpose OF providing these much
i..IoI terminal facilities. This rs ie-
... of most substantial progress. Some
H these Improvements win supply deh-
."ao- That have long operated as Sc
-0.- drawbacks TO the reputation ana
enhancement OF the city. and arc most
timely. 600 view of large gatherings 10
t..rly take place in our midst.
NEW MFG ENTERPRISES.
49, might have been anticipated. during
o.. rl-l twelve months hut few atdiii'n-
manufacturing on business enterprises
t.ta boom established in This section.
l.s however. should bat serve 10 slim
..fe consideration of what can be done
foster existing and encourage new in