Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-14
NEEDS OF THE TRADE
srySBLE VIEWS OF A TOBACCO
MAN on THE BUSINESS.
SUGGESTION TO OUR MERCHANTS.
They should Help to Keep n Drum
mer In the Field for Richmond
Gracious Results Thereby-This IA
Good Year-Others Yet to Come.

Good Year-Others Yet to Come.
The present year, so far, at least, has
been one OF the most satisfactory TO the
virginia tobacco raiser and the Richmond
seller Tor several past.
Richmond tobacconists who have re-
Gently visited the tobacco producing dis
tr'cts OF virginia say that the people have
more ready money and are happier over
,hs.r lot than for many years. A reliable
wBrehouseman said not two weeks ago
that he had just returned from Caroline
county court and could have borrowed
$1,000 Of the very men whom two years
ago De was advancing money for. that
they might live while their crops were
growing. The bare recital Of this fact
IS sufficient 20 show what a blessing the
Richmond tobacco market is TO Virginia
people
RICHMOND A LEADING CENTRE.
Richmond is classed by all persons who
are capable Of judging Of such things as
a leading tobacco centre Of the world.
suncured tobacco is splendidly adapted to
the soil Of nearby sections Of the State
and dark tobacco is also raised with great
ease Some of the most scientific and
experienced tobacco raisers in the world
arc to be- found in Caroline. Orange,
buckingham. Nelson, and other counties
OF the State. Richmond is one of the
principal markets TO which the products
OF these counties are brought, and here,
too. the producers in consequence buy all
else they need. Richmond must always
be q great tobacco centre because OF her
splendid tobacco manufactories-amon
the largest in the world Government con-
tracts alone for navy tobacco have so
far this year been secured for $4,000
pounds.
That this year has been most crafty
ing In some respects, but that there Is
hope and the glorious possibility Of better
things yet in the future, all will admit.
RICHMOND'S COMPETITION.
Richmond finds herself bound to com
oete with two smaller but growing and
thoroughly awake Virginia cities-Lynch-
burg and Danville. She cannot afford to
let either Of these cities succeed her as
the metropolitan tobacco market or the
old Dominion. Another thing Richmond
49,
supporters. is to change to herself the
tide Of tobacco which is setting towards
the markets Of one or two other States
near us.
How may the Richmond market be i'm
proved? is a timely question just at this
time. when the lull in buying and selling
IS upon the dealer and he has time TO
think Of an answer TO 1t.
NEEDS A DRUMMER
A prominent warehouseman said to
representative of the Dispatch only day
before yesterday that the greatest need
OF the warehousemen at this time was
drummer to have tobacco brought to Rich
m0nd in yet larger quantities than now.
"Let me tell you something" he went on.
"Ttu years ago half dozen little cities
IN North Carolina, which last year sold
ten million pounds, then sold not ten hum
dred But this is what brought about
the marvellous change: Their merchants
came 10 the rescue of the struggling to-
tacco men and raised the modest sum OF
money TO support one good. live drummer
In the field. Almost Immediately gracious
results were seen. With the greater sup
ply came from other places the greater
demand. and this continues even unto
the present time. The benefits were
his money got IL back with good
interest Upon every pile of tobacco
10 the warehouse waiting for the auction
eer and the buyers were placed a number
OF business-cards of blacksmiths. srocers,
commission merchants. retail shoe-dealers
and every class Of merchants The result
Was that rarely indeed did country
man find a card on his pile that he did not
can on the person whose name appeared
on IL and buy something"
SUGGESTION TO MERCHANTS.
This same gentleman went on TO sug-
gest that It would be a great thing for
Richmond If her merchants would give,
say $1,000, TO help the warehouses keep
one man in the field for the next year.
When a farmer. whether from North
Carolina or Caroline county. in Virginia,
sends" his tobacco TO market. he very |
naturally comes with IL. bringing a very |
iong memorandum OF things to get. which !
MS wife has been thinking of and putting |
Gown Tor six months.
A REVIVAL OF THE TRADE.
Some weeks ago Mr.. e. X Victor offered /
sres0lution In the meeting Of the Tobacco J
lidde for a committee 10 be appointed |
70 recommend some measures by which |
new and stronger life might be given /
70 the trade here. Mr. Victor received |
,he unanimous support Of the body, and /
resident Boyd has appointed the commit
zee making Mr. Victor chairman The
e9hmittee meets in a few days to dis
enaIge It's duty. The report will be made
10y me annual meeting in the autumn.
at victor was asked by representative
~ me Dispatch along what lines he pro-
Yy.ed reform. but he said he preferred
~, 70 say until the committee met.
tal. Il. tn
already good; It will surely be made
.tuer and better. as more and more i'm
ss, and enterprise succeed indifference
Sae inaction-