The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-10
could wen AFFORD to increase their sun


scr1ptions.
Shall this small contribution be With.
held from 50 useful and Indispensable an
agency? say no. Every progressive
city OF the South has found It Necessary
Z to establish such a bureau, and = assert
without fear OF contradiction that NOT
one has been operated more economically
and that not one has accomplished more
important results. And these results
once accomplished. remain a continuing
benefit, so long as not disturbed. II "
impossible within the compass of this re-
port to convey to you any adequate IDEA
of the benefit derived, but with the earn
estness that comes from profound convtc-
ton I invoke your cheerful and liberal
support of the bureau that its usefulness
may not be impaired. its efforts not Grip
pied and the reputation OF the Chamber
for influence, and that OF the business
community for enterprise, may not DO
prejuoiced by lukewarmness and tndtner.9
ence about this matter; on the contrary
I pray you by every consideration 70 re.
spond to his appeal. To more efSectuat-
II accomplish the object OF placing tho
bureau upon a more efficient and perna-
nent basis, I suggest the appointments
again OF a large and influential connmft-
tee, to cooperate with the incoming
connection. feel it only necessary to
bring conviction home to the minds of our
business men to solve this problem at
once and to relieve my successor ana the
other executive officers OF the Chamber Ok
the distressing burden. which I and my
predecessors have experienced In this COM
nection 1t is doubtful compliment ana
honor to impose the responsibilities OF
these offices in the Chamber upon isS
members and then to withhold the moral
and financial support necessary to mee4
them fully.
I again urge you to be liberal In suy-
tanning this useful adjunct of the Chant-
Der.
I would suggest that the Chamber ought
to always be officially recognized at any
public function. In making this SUCCESS
ton. am actuated by no selfish motives,
because as am about to sever my official
relations I cannot be accused OF self-con.
ceit, or desire for personal advancement,
but 7 fully believe that 1t will add to the
dignity and Importance of the Chamber
this suggestion shall be in future carried
out.
1 also suggest the creation Of a standing
committee on Schools and Colleges
Richmond is now recognized as an edu-
ca tional center, and q committee compos-
ed of men thoroughly acquainted with tho
needs for higher education can accom-
plish great good for the advancement OF
our welI-Soverned institutions of learning.
I further suggest the adjustment of all
unnecessary standing committees. so THAI
the standing committees of the Chamber
shall be composed only of such as have
questions to handle that are for the good
of the city or the Chamber.
To my colleagues on the Board beg to
return my sincere thanks for their loyal
support, and to our able secretary ana
deeply grateful for his invariable cour-
tesy and kind assistance
And now, gentlemen. my work Is done.
and my record your president for tho
past two years becomes part Of the hiss
tory of our organization. I trust shall
retain your confidence and respect. which
I nave enjoyed during my incunbency Of
this high office. When I reflect upon
my lators. I feel conscious of having
done the best could My time aud
thought has been constantly employed In
the great cause of our organization, and
as I now again take my place In tbs
ranks. I wish to enlist your cordial sup
port of my successor. with an earnest
hope that the Chamber will go on to in-
crease in usefulness for the advancement
of this our beautiful and historic city.
Very respectfully sut mitted.
fsigne0 l. T. MORRIS.
President