The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-10
FRIDAY. JANUARY. 10. 1902.
n,cHMoNp.s PROSPERITY.

liks paper written in a clear, concise
style. and IS filed with valuable inforrna-
zion and suggestions, Mr.. Morris began
with general review Of the trade con-
ditsons OF the country during the year
1901. and refers TO the phenomenal pros
oertty OF that year, declaring that IN
this triumphant march OF progress ana
material prosperity Richmond had kept
pace, beginning tho new year with pros
poets more brilliant than ever before in
her history.
with this introduction he spoke OF the
movement to extend the corporate hmlts
OF the city, mentioning the fact that sub
urban residents are opposed to the pro-
feet. and at the meeting of the Chamber
In which the subject was discussed, pre-
scented strong reasons against annexa-
tion. He said that for himself he was in
favor of Greater Richmond. but that he
wanted to accomplish expansion upon
Just and equitable basis.
He made brief al1usion to the pre-
1irninary statement recently sent out
from the Census Office regarding the
manufacturing industries of the State OF
Virginia and the cities Of Norfolk, Pc
tersburg, Richmond and Roanoke, He
called attention to the fact that while
the three other cities named have in the
aggregate number OF industries about
BIZ per cent in excess of the number OF
Richmond Industries, those Of Richmond
have 6719 per cent. greater amount OF
capital, employ 42& per cent larger num-
Der of wage-earners, pay S6lk per cent.
more wages; and turn ont products valued
at about 81 per cent more than the in
dustries OF the other three cities COM
nined.'
He also pointed out that the above ex-
flibit for Richmond's industries included
only those within its corporate limits,
while a great number of industries are
just beyond those limits, embracing soIae
of the largest, such as the Locomotive
Works, the Chemical Companys plant,
the Cedar Works, and SO on. for the
most part owned and controlled by citi-
zens of Richmond and for all practical
purposes Jachmond enterprises. IF it be
burg's industries are within its corporate
limits; that Norfolk. in the recent ex-
tension OF its corporate limits included
most of the industries in that locality,
and that Roanoke, a comparatively new
city, was laid out in such generous pro-
portions as to accommodate the indus
tries there, and we take the figures from
our papers of January 1st, which include
the industries just outside of Richmond.
We find the statement radically changed
even froTntie fattering one above. Upon
that view, of the case. Richmond has a
larger niifiber Of industries by rs per
cent, a greater amount Of capital utilized
by 92ls per cent, more wage-earners en-
ployed by 1SS per cent, and an excess in
value of output by 100 per cent. over the
three cities mentioned combined. Indeed,
It employs ssh per cent. of the wage
earners. and turns out AZ per cent of the
manufactured products of the entire State
OF Virginia
Mr.. Morris also referred to the splendid
exhibit of Richmond industries and Rich
mond trade as made. by the city papers
on january list, and called special atten-
ton to the splendid banking system Of
the city.
"our bank clearings for the year 1901
sald he, reached the unprecedented sum
of slsS. 1,5S6. or s22,554 900 over the pre-
vious year, and in this respect Richmond
now ranks third among the cities Of the
leans and Louisville. The deposits by the
latest statements amounted to So 725 s44S3
and total assets to $50. 345, So2.14.
notwithstanding this large volume of
business. the number of failures in 1901
was only sixteen, with liabilities aggrc-
eating sl94.7Se, making the ratio of de-.
faults to the business of the year SIZE to
the $1,000
He referred to the number of large
buildings that had been erected during
the year. and especially to the Mechan-
les, Institute building, pausing just there
to pay high tribute to that splendid in
sttution.
He called attention to the Carnival and
Street-Fair, and the Horse Show, and
said that whether or not the Street-Fair
will be succeeded by some other form of
entertainment it is certain that the city
has never had more energetic and I'M
selfish body OF men engaged in the work
of advertising the city and extending its
trade than the Board Of Directors OF the
Carnival Association.
He spoke Of the proposed jamestown
ter-centenary celebration, and insisted
that Richmond was not making a fight
on Norfolk. He urged that there be no
Jealous feeling-no strife between section
and section. but that all communities in
interest unite heart and soul in making
the celebration great Virginia triumph.
sir. Morris has made the Chamber of
: Commerce most faithful and efficient
executive officer. and has during his two
terms OF Office, discharged all the duties