The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-07-12
Its Manufactures, Trade,
Finances, Schools and
Resources.

Dtan coysspondeno., New England
Newspaper League.)
RICHMOND. Va. June 7.-Rlch-
uond. tho capital Of Virginia, is
one OF the most flourishing cities OF the
United States. It's location and natural
advantsges designated It as a great COM
mercial and manufacturing centre from
ehe beginning. 1t is situated on the north
bank or the James river, az the head OF
navigation. and Is surrounded by Il
country renowned for fertility and re-
sources. besides being on tho line OF
great railroads connecting the East and
West with the South. But for the fact
khat Jamestown was better adapted for
colonial defense against Indian attacks Il
y probable that Richmond would have
oeen the seat OF tho first settlement IN
Virginia Richmond was rrst visited by
white men in May. 1907, when Captain
John Smith explored the James river to
The falls. The first Enslishmen who
viewed Its seven hills were impressed by
bhe beauty and the location, but Il was
, hostile country and not settled until
kI3l, although IN l645 Fort Charles was
erected there as colonial outpost
Colonel William Byrd was tho protector
OF the settlement The Indians called the
site OF the present city Shscco. Rich |
Enond was incorporated as q town IN l742 |
but was even then 80 much OF q frontier
outpost that It's growth was slow. At the
end OF the war for independence II is es-
tmated that It's population did not ex-
coed over 1900. From tho beginning Il
had a war history. 1t was tho scene OF
bloody conflicts between colonists and
savages in the last half OF the i7th CEN
tury. II was raided by Generals Arnold
and Tarleton and their British troops
during the revolutionary war, and al
the world knows that II was the storm
centre OF the great conflict between the
states. During the civil war, Il is stated, /
that scores OF fierce fights occurred In tho
region around Richmond. the capital OF
the Confederacy, and In April. 1855, one |
week before General Robert E. Lees |
army surrendered at Appomsttox. the |
city was fired when evacuated by the |
Confederate government and troops, and |
one thousand business and other houses
were obliterated by 1ame. The property |
loss occasioned by this confagration was |
valued at more than IS. 900. 900. Indeed,
few cities have ever been 80 crippled by |
war as was Richmond. but its inhabi- |
tants were OF indomitsble courage and 1
began at once TO erect upon devastated
homes and ruined marts the foundations
OF q finer. more substantial and more
prosperous community.
Richmond has never had q boom" It's
residents never desired any growth or
development that would not be enduring.
Its business men were conservative as
well as enterprising. They preferred to
gain ground slowly and surely rather
than 10 make haste and IN the end for
felt confidence and retard legitimate ad-
vaucement. What has been accomplished
fn this war-strlcken city In the period OF |
sS years past Is remarkable even In a
country OF phenomenal development. In
1870 five years after the war, the popu-
bation was $1,000. Today, urban end sub
Urban, u IS 125. 900. The assessed value Of
eersonaf= property In Richmond in fsss
was s22.sl4is0. and that OF real estate
was s44. ss5, ,2s2. while total taxation. state
and city. Is sls0 per 500. II has ample
Illuminating facilities both by gas and
electricity. and IL miles OF electric street
car and ten miles of horse car lines. the
city streets extending all told over lie
miles. AS a matter OF fact Richmond
built the first electric railway In the
United States.
Pure water Is another OF the advantages
Of this csty. tho storage capacity Of the
reservoir being 52.Ooc.00e gallons and the
daily pumping capacity A,o00, 900 gallons.
The water supply. moreover. Is practical
ly inexhsustIble and can always be In
creased without greatly taxing engineer
ing ingenuity.
It's Social Advantages.
Az an educational centre Richmond
commands attention. for aside from It's
Is public school buildings. 23s teachers
and over 1900 pupils II has many private
for learning. This IN but a
natural sequences OF the cultivation, re-
nnement and social character OF the peo-
pie OF this city. As q place Of I. resi-
dence. In fact. ~ offers many advantages
other than manufacturing and business
opportunities. Richmond people cultivate
m sffability OF manner that Is charming
TO the stranger. and hospitality Is in
deed a virtue In Virginia. A person who
takes up abode IN this city, II he be OF
Engaging personality and good character,
viii find society at once accessible and
II IL a community with an
eieyating moral Atmosphere. and there
10 much IN the social environment that
Il stimulating and inspiriting to literary,
musical and artistic tastes Food is OF
high quality. IL cheap and abundant, and
house rent is exceedingly reasonable. Be-
sides such advantages there Is tho cll-
mate 10 be considered. It II never ex-
not m Richmond ana never ex-
tremely cold. while the drainage Is ex-
csiisnt and the air clear and wholesome
Most OF the horses are built OF brick. and
The whole town has a sturdy and sub
Dtsntiai appearance. while the public
'sfs'fd'rr- recently erected are IN some