Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-01

came rather than the direct spprecia-
don Of OF interest I'm any special indus
tries 10 be established. But In contrast
With that movement most OF the enter
prses lust referred TO were projected
from Il realization OF the special faclll-
tics existing here for their successful
operation. and with the view ane expec-
tation OF direct returns from tho invest
ment. though. happily, 1t may be SAID
OF some Of these enterprises that they
are uecuhariy calculated to influence
and promote further Industrial develop
ment
TWO PROPOSED RAILROADS.
Among other notable prospects Of de-
velopment in which as a community We
are much interested. the two new ran
roads projected TO enter Richmond should
be mentioned namely: The Ricnmoho'
Petersburg and Carolina railroad ana the
Richmond and Tidewater railroad. The
former already has about twenty miles In
operation south OF Petersburg, and, as US
name indicates. when completed VIII az
ford another connection between Rich-
mond and the South. The latter Is pro-
jected TO run through Henrico Hanover
King william. and King and Queen coun-
ties 10 one or more objective points on
deep water, tapping Essex, MiddIesex'
Gloucester, and Mathews with Its main
line or branches The plan OF the incor-
porators Of the latter company Is 10
operate the road by electric power, and
the enterprise, as proposed, Is an exceed
ingly interesting one from that feature,
as well as from the fact that most OF the
counties named are now entirely without
railroad facilities. and their trade Is al
most exclusively by water transportation
with Baltimore, instead Of with IIch-
mond As the successful financing OF the
road is dependent upon the subscriptions
Of counties through which II Is TO run,
the recent intelligence that Gloucester had
voted a subscription Of $4,000 is mos!
gratifying. and IL is 10 be hoped the other
counties concerned will promptly follow
the example Of Gloucester
Such a long period has elapsed since any
railroad construction OF Importance has
taken place in which Richmond was i'm
mediately concerned that both Of these
projects should elicit the greatest amount
Of public interest. In connection with the
subject of railroad facilities II is 10 be
regretted that there appear TO be no signs
Of immediate steps in the direction OF
constructing tho lOng-expected new de-
pots Of the Southern railway and the
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, or the
viaduct Of the latter company. 1t has,
however, been intimated that as soon ~
the securities Of the Chesapeake and
Ohio Of a certain class could be favorably
marketed, work upon these important ter
minal facilities would be taken up, and il
appears that these securities have now
about touched the figures indicated as
necessary to warrant their use for this
purpose.
From the last published statements OF
the gross and net earnings frOm January
1st TO DecembeD Of the Chesapeake and
Ohio railway and the Southern railway
IL is hoped that the management OF both
companies will soon feel justified in
making these much-needed improvements
in their terminal facilities and depots at
Richmond.
WORK OF THE CHAMBER.
At a number Of the regular and special
meetings Of the Chamber questions re-
lating to the larger development Of our
manufacturing and other interests were
most earnestly considered and discussed.
The organization has cordially lent it's
influence to every movement considered
feasible for the promotion Of the inte-
rests OF The community i'm this as well
as other directions.
In view. however. Of the near approach
Of the annual meeting o. the Chamber
January r. 1890 when its proceedings
are reviewed end suggestions are in or
der for its future guidance and action, 1t
would be premature i'm tho present COM
munication TO discuss its affairs with
any degree Of detail though they are
indssolubly connected with the growth
and prosperity of the city. But it is
proper 20 avail of this occasion TO urge
4 larger attendance at our stated meet
ings and especially at the annual meet
ing of the Chamber. held at the COM
mencement Of each year. This attend
should consist not only Of those
40 are upon the Chambers Board Of
Directors. aid upon its most active COM
mittees. but also Of the businessmen
and citizens generally, irrespective OF
age and occupation. Some of our senior
members, who willingly contribute 10 the
financial support of the Chamber, are
prone to think that il behOOves the
younger and more active members only
to do all that is necessary with respect
! TO attending meetings and making them
| interesting and effective. This is alto
| cether an erroneous view. 50 long as
members sufficiently enjoy the blessings
OF health and vigor to attend to bust
ness Of their own, their matured
| Judgment their experience, and the en-
couragcment OF their presence is essen
! tial 10 insure a full accomplishment Of
! the Chambers mission Of usefulpess to
the business interests OF the community
S w. TRAVERS,
! President Chamber of Commerce.