The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-01
MONDAY. JANUARY /. 1906.
post thou love lIfc7 Then do not
squander time, Tor that Is the stuff
life is made OF. ~
Richmond in 1905.

Richmond IN 1905.
Taken ali in all. 1905 was perhaps the
most prosperous year in the history OF
Richmond. Every branch OF trade and
industry made gratifying progress. profits
have been the rule the people generally
are employed M reinunerative wages and
there Is abundance on every hand The
increase in the value of real estate and
in the stocks OF railroad and industrial
corporations held by Richmond citizens
has added enormously 10 the aggregate
wealth of the community Our local re-
ports show that the output of the various
manufacturing enterprises has increas-
ed about twelve per cent. over the s6i,-
10000 of last year. The bank clearnGs
are nearly nine per cent. over the clear
ances of 1904. which amounted to nearly
S23e, 10000 The postofiice receipts are
more than thirteen per cent greater.
Bank deposits show an increase of 81,
51o,ll2; assets, SS,0lS,3l7; capital stock, il0d,
2i5; surplus and undivided profits, $2oi,29s.
In 1891 the total deposits amounted to
1855, 4oi.is; to-day this total has reached
s2s,191sie6, showing an increase OF 49,,
sI5,sSIIS; in the year 1897 the total assets
were sl6,S2as, 35i6i. and in 1875, Si2o92. 6Go32,
an increase of S25,27o.3 o56S
The banks of Richmond are very liberal
and use their money in promoting trade
and industry in Richmond and vicinity.
The strength of our banks is one of the
city's greatest assets.A
Our manufacturing enterprises were
never in better condition. During the
year many new plants were located here
and 300 persons were added to the wage-
earners of Richmond.
The amount of capital invested increas-
ed s1,465,999, and the annual sales $751;
955. The total figures for the year fol-
lows: Number of plants in the city, 1881;
number of hands, 32,5o4; capital in bus
mess, s26s75.oo7: annual sales s6s, 2ol .354
In the jobbing trade. there was prog
ress in every branch. Capital employed in
this trade is so. 4ttst55s, an increase of $685.
1s3. The total annual SAFES amounted
TO S55,02,si, an Increase OF s4,92S,534 In
some branches Richmond leads the South
and is pushing the big markets OF the
North. Our location is frst-rate, and we
enjoy Shipping facilities surpassed by none
and equalled by few cities of the South.
The tobacco trade, was also pro.pelo Gus,
both in the handling and manufacture OF
the weed and there is prosperity in every
tobacco establishment. There is notable
advance in the trade in sun-cured tobac-
.l,,.
Famous.
Richmond never knew such :, building
boom as she had in 1906, Notwithstanding
the high cost of material and lie high
price of labor. In fact new city mas
been built up in Lee District, which only
few years ago was an old field, without
improvements or conyeniences.
1t is also worthy OF note That during
the year the Jefferson Hotel passed into
the hands OF a new corporation with am
pie capital. and the work of building
the hotel and restoring it to its former
beauty and commodlousness begun. The
capitol building has also been overhauled
and two substantial wings added. making
IL one Of the most imposing State build
tngs in all the South In addition the
Catholics erected a magnificent cathedral
and the Baptists handsome church
building on Franklin Street. Two grea,
Ollie ebuildings We're also completed dur.
Ing the year and there were new stores
without number.
During the year a scheme OF annexa.
ton was agreed upon which. il approved
s. 10y the court. will add valuable terrltor,
and thousands OF people to our popu.
lation, and, there was virtually agree,
rlent between Richmond and Manchestc,
on plan OF consolidation, involving tn,
building OF a modern bridge of stee
across the James. II these plans be car
ried out greater Richmond Will have Z
population of 1900 or more.
1t was q great year for this et,. an,
section. II Vas year rich with Bless
.ngs, and siigularly Tree from mlsfor
tune. Cur hearts should be full II graft
tude and hope. But we cannot live OF
past achievement. The Arrangement o
1896 should be Inspiration and indenty,
10 more earnest endeayor that we ma
have greater accomplishments in 1906
The Times-Dlspatch Is deeply gratine,
for the unprecedented patronage hestow
ed upon il by the people Of Riehmon,