Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-14
THURsDAY......OCTOBER IA, 1897.
RICHMoxD's OPPORTUNITY.

The experiments In beet culture re
Gently made in Virginia have proved
highly satisfactory. The average guam
tity of saccharlne matter found IN them
is large especially when we consider
that they were grown by persons having
no experience In this line
with greater experience In selecting
land for planting and in working this
cop. we doubt not that better results
would be obtained.
Not only has II been found that beet
culture may be successfully carried on
in this State, but II appears that suita-
BILE lands therefor may be found in each
of our geographical divisions. Thou
sands Of acres Of land in the vicinity of
Richmond. now unmarketable, would
bring very good prices indeed, IL beet
culture should become commercially sue
cessful here. But our farmers cannot
find their account In raising a crop for
which there is no demand. II there were a
beet sugar factory here. they could well
afford 20 plant bects for sale. Moreover,
II the beet crop should succeed here as well
as It has succeeded In the average State
of this Union where the experiment has
been tried. it would give landowners
much ready money. And thus. IL a
sugar-factory were established here,
Richmond would become a great bene-
ficiary. Not only should we then see
direct employment given to 100 or 200
hands. but we should see our farmers
in possession OF a great deal OF spending
money. much of which we might expect
them TO lay out In goods from the fac.
tories anG stores OF this city.
But while orr agricultural friends are
quite willing and able to undertake beet
culture, they must rely upon the people
OF Richmond to provide tho factory. And
this we ought 10 do
Richmond needs morc manufactures
Whenever the changing tide of business
takes one industry from us. we ought &c
start another TO more than take It's place
This is what many other cities have
had to do 1t is principle tina
we ought TO be quick to understand and
act upon. IL will not do for us to con
sent TO stand still; no, that has never
been Richmond's way and never ought
to be. We ought always to have "ar
spirit and willing hands. we should be
ever ready to put 1t into Commercial
form. And here is our opportunity. Our
information, I'm short, is that official
tests prove that Virginia beets are much
richer in saccharine matter than tho
average. and that Richmond may have
factory II our citizens VIII cooperate
with outsiders to raise the needed money
Yes; II we really wish TO see such al
enterprise started here, and are willnl
TO do our part In subscribing TO the com
pany's capital stock, we may have 6
sugar-factory in operation in time 10 use
next years beet crop.
We commend this subject TO our mel
Of capital and public spirit. and ask then
to inquire into 1t. IL the case be as w,
believe II Is. Richmond could not make {
better investment 1t Is a project tina
offers advantages 10 town and country
people alike, and IL. therefore, OF tn,
class that gives most promise of endurinl
success. We may not be able TO com
pete with some other cities in some othel
industries. but unless all OF our informa
ton Is at fault. a sugar-factory woul
pay as we'll here as In any other part, o
the country.
We urge our men of business to show
their faith IN Richmond and Virginia b,
giving this movement favorable eonsi
deration. i ~