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

ment OF a numbcr OF mechanics and
! laborers In our midst, but upon its com
pletion It will afford facilities as to power
for operating both large and small
plants In a shape highly conducive to
Industrial development OF the most varied
character. Two othe; companies are also
seeking franchises for furnishing electric
power and light in the city. which would
indicate the creation OF additional facili-
ties in this direction.
Tho Chamber has also had under con-
sideration the question of endorsing a
fuel gas companI', but as some features
Of this question render IL u difficult and
delicate subject 10 handle. as yet no de-
finite action has been taken. The matter.
however commended itself TO the favo-
rable consideration OF the Chamber from
the fact that fuel gas can be used TO
great advantage in certain Industries.
and also from the fact that the parties
proposing this enterprise contemplate
using exclusively the fuei OF the Rich
mond coal field. and. therefore. helping
10 develop another long neglected. but
most important, resource OF this vicinity
ARMOR-PLATE PLANT.
A special committee composed Of five
Of our most prominent businessmen was
appointed TO consider and present 10 the
Armor-Factory Board OF the Navy De-
partment the advantages possessed by
Richmond as a suitable site for this con-
templated government factory. In the
discharge OF this important duty the
committee prepared a pamphlet fully set
ting forth the resources and facilities
which this vicinity affords for the es-
tablishment and successful operation Of
such an enterprise, and presented the
same 20 the board having the matter
under consideration. The representatives
OF the Chamber were gratifed at the re-
spectfu and Interested attention with
which their statements were received.
and feel assured that due consideration
will be given 10 the strong claims OF
Richmond should the government decide
to establish and operate an armor-plate
plant Of its own. Many other cities are
competing actively for the plant. but It
is believed a careful study OF the sub
ject will reveal the fact that upon the
whole. no locality possesses superior, II
equal. advantages. Much OF what is said
In the pamphlet with respect TO a gov
ernment armor-plate factory applies with
equal force 10 large works Of a some
what similar character which might be
undertaken by private enterprise, and
the document is valuable as an advertise
ment OF our resources for the establish
ment OF iron and steel Industries.
IMPROVED PASSENGER FACILITIES.
Through timely effort and cooperation
Of the Richmond. Fredericksburg and
Potomac railroad and the Atlantic-Coast
Line the Inland Trade Committee and
the Traffic Bureau. facilities afforded tho
travelling public and northern tourists
desiring to stop at Richmond have been
materially improved for this winter.
Both the north and south-bound Florida
Special have been scheduled 10 run
through the city at most seasonable
hours. and an arrangement was also con-
summated by which the Atlantic-Coast
Line Train No 90, which Is an important
through train from the South, passes
through the city. so that now all the
passenger trains Of these lines come into
the city, whereas, heretofore, several of
them passed around Richmond by the
Belt Line. It is hoped these favorable
arrangements will induce many travellers
to make a sojourn at Richmond who
have heretofore failed to do so. despite
our many attractions as a tourist point.
The energetic chairman of our Inland
Trade Committee. Mr.. r. L. Traylor.
has been untiring in his interest and
efforts TO secure these facilities.
PASSENGER DEPOTs.
It is TO be regretted that no announce
ment can be NJ 'e az ~ when the work
OF constructing the Chesapeake and Ohio
viaduct and new depot will be commenced.
II IS understood that all necessary
action by the City Councils Of Rich
mond and Manchester has been taken,
but in response 10 an inquiry suggested
by the Board Of Directors Of this Cham
ber the president Of the Chesapeake and
Ohio, after thanking that body for its
proffered aid I'm the direction Of removing
any existing difficulties, advises that al
though the Richmond Improvements have
been constantly in mind, the conditions
are not yet such as TO justify a COM
mencement, but that just as soon as
practicable, the company will 30 on with
the work. II is sincerely hoped from the
increased tonnage and earnings Of the
company, as well as from the low rate
Of interest prevailing in New York, which
would ordinarily stimulate investment in
railroad securities, that conditions may
soon be favorable TO the negotiations
necessary on the part of the Chesapeake
and Ohio.
IL is also most desirable that some
steps should be taken in the near future
looking to the Improvement Of both the
depot and the passenger facilities OF the
Southern railway. which are entirely out
Of keeping with the size. the business,
and the Importance Of Richmond as the
capital city of the State, and also equally
out of keeping with what might be
reasonably expected from a railroad sys-
TEN of such magnitude, which has always
received so much consideration at the
hands Of our people.
PUBLIC MEETINGS, ETC.
The Chamber has put forth unusual
efforts TO foster and promote the mate
rial welfare and progress of the city in
every way that was possible. An unpre-
cedented interest has been manifested in |
all questions that relate to Industrial de- !
velopment from the profound conviction |
that the prosperity Of the community |
vitally depends upon the utilization and |
of all OF our natural re- |
sources and facilities for production. |
With the purpose OF encouraging enter |
prise along lines which would afford the |
best assurance Of success. a number OF /
public meetings have been held in the !
Chamber to discuss questions relating 20 |
our material progress. On all of these |
occasions impressive addresses were de- |
livered by a number of our most promi- |
nent citizens, relating to manufactures. |
transportation, taxes, the pub |
lie credit, and generally TO our Industrial |
resources and facilities. All OF these ad- |
dresses were well worthy Of the speakers |
and Of the important subjects treated,