The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-01
BRIGHT FUTURE
FOR RICHMOND
President Morris, of the Chamber Of
Commerce, Talks.
BUSINESS MEN DID WELL
Tie Work OF the Year Has Been Exceedingly
Gratifying, and the Outlook for
Improvement is Most
Favorable.
BUSINESS MEN DID WELL

Editor of The Times.
Sir:-In responce to your request for
my views, as President OF the Chamber
of Commerce, touching the business and
progress of Richmond during the last
Twelve months and as to the future out
look 1 shall have to reply with regard
to the past, as we'll as to the future, in
general terms, the exact figures not yet
being available from which the balance
must be cast, at once the record of the
year just closing and the basis of our
hopes, expectations and calculations with
respect to the new year at hand
But we know elrough to be positively
assured that the material progress and
prosperity OF Richmond, yea of the
whole country, IN this first year OF the
twentieth century bear no mean, but a
most favorable. comparison with that of
any preceding year. say of the whole
country because Isolated prosperity is
eyanescent, and when at this season we
are called upon either to rejoice or Ia
merit over the condition of our own i'm
mediate affairs, we should take due
cogniZance of those OF the country at
large and I am happy to believe. from
all indications, that what can be said of
Richmond, can be said to a greater or
less degree Of almost every section OF
our common country
Our manufacturers and merchants have
been busy throughout the year and the
volume of their transactions has never
been equalled. Their magnitude will be
reflected in Our Banks clearanceS and
statements and the tonnage and receipts
Of the railroads. Indeed the latter have
been taxed beyond their capacity to
move the freight rendered them by this
and other sections. The proprietors and
employees OF all mechanical arts and
trades have been constantly occupied and
the city has never before been such
hive of industry.
NEW ENTERPRISES.
A number of large and most important
enterprises have been brought TO compile
ton and are affording increased facili-
ties for business and development We
have the men, money and means to pro-
gress along broader lines than ever be-
fore, and in addition to all of this ma
teriaI prosperity, we as a community are
wisely using our increased resources. not
reproductively invested. in the promotion
of what pertains to a higher, a better.
and happier life
Besides the homes which have and are
being built in the substantial growth or
the city. which homes will compare favor
ably, for the wealth of their occupants,
with those OF any other city in all that
is essential the eleemosynary. etiuca-
tionaI religious and other institutions of
that kind in Richmond, are receiving
support probably not surpassed any
where. considering the ability OF our peo-
pie, and it speaks volumes for their
moral worth an character
AS a community we are. however.
lacking in some respects and In some
things. but this is not the time or place
to speak of them; and considering all
that has been said. am decided opsim-
list as to Richmond's future II we are
but true to ourselves and our oppor-
tunities.