Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1903-01-01
rELEPHoNE1.
SIC ITUR AID AsTRA.

SIC THUR AID ASTRA.
Richmond closes the volume Of 1902 with
pride and satisfaction. She opens that Of
1903 with hope and confidence. The one
Is filled with record Of well directed
energy and enterprise, which have borne
substantial fruit In all things that con-
tribute to city's advancement. Progress
iIluraincs every page. The other is full
Of bright promise. and assurance that VS.
can make still more notable and graft
Tying record. In 1902 we builded broadly
ard well end with unprecedented success
upon the foundation Of our natural ad-
vautages and the stones laid thereon in
previous years. For 1903 we have en-
enlargement for attempting far greater
achievements,
The past year. as compared with 1901,
witnessed wonderful strides toward the
realization of our manifest destiny, which
Is that of a great commercial. manufac-
turing and financial center. This morn
ing the Dispatch furnishes proof of this
in the form Of facts and figures which
go to make up the most complete, most
81.
valuable, and most interesting first of
January paper it has ever published. So
many factors demonstrativc of the city's
ntcady forward movement enlc, into the,
exhibit as whole. that a comprehensive
summary or review Of IT could not be
nonpassed in the space at our command
in this column, Besides, we would have
our readers study and analyze the statis-
tics and special articles themselves. We
urge them to do so; albeit that as a rule
figures and tables are dry pabulum." In
the present instance they will find stin1u-
lating food, and evidences Of Richmond's
development and possibilities, which can
not but enthuse and rejoice them.
However. ne cannot forbear touching
specifically upon the exhibits Of some of
the more prominent interests. that are the
arcaes on which the supersrructure Of gen.
ersl prosperity is erected. These arches
are the banking The industrial, and the
sobbing interests. In 1902 they were
tremendously strengthened and eH-
banded The hank clearings of Ricn-
.nond were more than lnose of
Norfolk and Atlanta combined, and
nearly SIS. oiN.o05 ahead of the clearings
for 1901. The deposit excess for 1902
Ferged on a million and a half.
Closely related to the banking bust
ness of q city in the matter of
enslIring its position as a financial
center. is the business of Its home insur
ance companies Indeed. not only here.
but elsewhere. the home companies have
on occasions been most decided source
OF help in times of monetary stringency.
more business in 1902 than all the similar
institutions Of the South combined, omit
ting those OF New Orleans: and more than
he local companies of Atlanta and the
crescent City together. 1t may, therefore,
Re remarked, par pareuthesis, that should
ur banking and currency system be so
,eyiseo as to create redemption districts,
ls contemplated in tho Fowler bill, Rich
xnond would have a strong claim to con-
eideration In the selection of the head
1arters OF cne Of the districts.
In the domain of Industrial enterprises.
money that goes into the channels of re-
tail trade. and sustains and develops that
important branch OF business, there was a
most encouraging and striking outstrip-
ping OF the year before. There was in
crease in capital, sales and number Of
emrloyees. and the 1850 plants did a
businAss of $5e, 4Sel III. The jobbing trade
rapidly and materially extended Its rami-
acatacns, with the result Of ang1neatins the
iales some 100000 over those OF 1901;
here was an appreciable increase in the
:uston house receipts and while the in
ernal revenue receipts fell off, owing TO
he abolition OF some OF the Spanish
american war taxes. the net revenue from
he postoifice was upwards Of 900.
last, but not least. the tobacco trade
experienced a revival that would seem to
ioreshadow the regaining of Richmond
old-tirne rrimacy as a market Tor that
great Virginia staple.
During the year there was considerable
activity in building. especially Of resi-
Fences. and the outlook is for continu-
ence OF Improvements in that direction.
within both the corporate limits and the
immediate suburbs. The further invest
nent OF capital in dwelling houses is a
necessity. seeing the difncuity OF housing
the increasing population.
The Dispatch might cite here from its
tables and special articles other testi-
mopy to juEtity the contention that ne
3 have reason to point WITH pride and sat
d Asfaction TO 1907. and anticipate with OPP
timism and confidence 1905. But, il the
public wtll respend e aar nzztnx and