Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-01

must have yielded tc dealers very satis-
factory margins of profit. The lower
| price Of cotton has, 10 some extent.
tended TO lessen the purchasing power
ana volume of orders from sections in
which that article constitutes the chief
| staple and the depressing influence of
the yeiloU-fever epidemic where IT pre-
vailed, has curtailed or retarded the one
rations OF such of our manufacturers
and merchants as extend their transac-
tions TO that territory But notwith-
standing these drawbacks, It is believed
that the trado of Richmond has been
decidedly better during the twelve months
just ended than for the preceding year.
MERCHANTS EXCURSIONS.
In anticipation Of q decided revival of
trade, vigorous efforts were put forth this
year by special organization-the Mer-
chants Association. of New York-to at
tract TO that city the trade tributary to
other sections. and unusual concessions
In passenger rates having been secured
by New York from the roads in the Joint
Traffic Association, counter efforts were
made at other important trade centres
whose business was imminently threaten
ed by this movement. Early action
was taken by this Chamber through
special Committee on Merchants Ex-
cursons, Of which Mr.. l.. Il. Morris was
chairman. With most commendable zeal
and enterprise, the Chambers Committee
secured even more advantageous conces-
sions in rates from the roads entering
Richmond, raised a fund for the work
or the committee, and advertised most
extensively throughout all the territory
that deals with Richmond. not only the
special rates thus secured but the ad
vantages and resources of Richmond as
manufacturing and commercial centre.
On this occasion the Traffic Bureau rem
dered most efficient aid, aud the press
of the city gave their unstinted support
TO the Chambers committee. and bv
special trade issues which were widely
distributed. set forth In a most impress
sive manner the many advantages as
market for southern merchants of Rich
mond.
NEW INDUSTRIES.
While no large number Of new indus
tries have been started during the last
twelve months. certain enterprises of tho
greatest Importance to development In
this direction have been under conslde |
ration. and l am happy to say that some |
Of them are assuming definite and most |
promising shape.
In every report or the Chamber for |
years the necessity for the complete utili- |
zation OF the water OF James river has |
been strongly urged. not only as a most |
important measure, but as constituting |
In its neglected state a reproach TO the |
enterprise OF this community. Now, after |
full survey and study of the situation |
by parties enjoying the highest reputa-
tion for skill and strong financial back
ing. plans a@p being rapidly completed
for its electrical development by n COM
pany known as the Virginia Electric
Company. After due consideration OF the
scheme by the Chambers committees on
Manufactures and Business Enterprises
acting jointly, and by the Board OF Direc-
tors; after untiring efforts OF Mr. II. L.
Cabell chairman Of It's Joint committee.
and other friends of the enterprise. a
franchise has been secured for this COM
pany from the city OF Richmond. II the
plans contemplated are successfully car
ried out, II not only means large ex-