The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-01


president Chamber of commerce.
our command 20 support them? Have
our rents and taxes both been to high
10 admit of che most reasonable cost of
living. which cost is final debit against
net profits aud Incomes Have we con-
tented ourselves too much with the at
talnment of immediate success i'm our
own business. ass individuals and neglect
ed as "a community 90 Doe sufficiently acc
tive and alert in looking ont Tor the
general good and public welfare and thus
failed boo broadening and Strengthening
our base of operations sufficiently 20
Withstand the combined forces of outside
competition and the crucial test of hard
times. which come sooner or later anl
so ruthlessly illustrate the principle a.
the survival OF the httest?
THE OBJECT LESSONS.
The answer 90 these questions can Doe
left 10 those who have observed or re-
nectcd upon the recent condition of our
affairs 10 is freely admtted Chat general
causes operating throughout the entire
country. aad over which we have no OK
elusive control. have been most unfavor-
able 10 tho welfare and proeress of all
communItios but the point is. have We
sustained the ordeal ass we'll as We might
have done hau our own line of policy in
local matters been sOundcr?
TO the general causes of depression the
course of events haas directed most carn-
est aud profound attention and enforced
recognition of tho fact that radical de-
fects exist BOO orr monetary system and
other general laws. vitality cnccung am
material interests. Both the people ana
their representatives, have been admon-
ished Chat remedial legislation must bee
had And with confidence in the coun-
Try. its institutions and people. 30 is fair
90 assume that those causes of evil viii
be greatly arhehoratcd
II then hchooves us TO promptly take
such measures as viii correct any uufav-
orable factors. over which. as a COM
munity We have immediate control Such
lessons as have been taught lv expert
cnce should direct us 10 20 wiser course
for the future SOD that We. may bee ready
upon a return of more prosperous times.
20 regain fully any lost opportunities and
achieve healthier more symeir.cal and
greater material development
The usual statistical figures FOR tho
year are not as yea as hand. but the ass
Hertion may Doc venturcd that the show
ing will hear favorable comparison with
most other places. aud ull things taken
into consideration. Dee better than many
OF MS who feel such 90 profound concern
IN the subject ana may have become dis
plrited. are apt 10 anticipate.
The chamber in Cos affairs has sonsibly
felt the conditions cffecting the interests
A seeks 10 subsCrVc. bat 10 has thought
n all the more incumbent 10 Doe jealous
I'm doing whatever came within It's pro-
vince or the range Of SIS opportunities
In an matters relating 60 an increase
OF the transportation facilities and ad-
vantagcs OF Richmond a most essential
question az all times. bat pre-omincntly
50 at present Il has been vlgilant ana ac-
tive through its efficient traffic bureau.
an agency rapidly growing In IS practl-
cal uses and value 20 our merchants and
manufacturer.
The board OF officers and directors OF
the chamber and It's committees have
omitted no opportunity 10 advertise Ia