The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-03-18

One OF the most representative
gatherings OF business men ever as
sembled gathered in the courthouse
Thursday night TO hear the address
OF Mr.. W. T. Dabney, manager Of
the Chamber of Commerce of the
city of Richmond. When Mr.. Dab
ney appeared. accompanied by the
committee in charge OF the arrange
ments. at SIS there were assembled
$50 OF the most representative bust
ness and professional men Of the
city. i'm which were included several
of our ministers.
Mr.. Dabney was accompanied to
the speakers stand by Mr.. Henry
Dannehl and DR.. J. G. King. presi-
dent and secretary Of the Business
Mems Association. under whose au-
spices the meeting was held.
President Dannehl in few well
spoken remarks introduced Mr.. Dab
ney as the one who possibly more
than any other person had made the
city of Richmond the progressive
city that she is today
Mr.. Dabney was received with ap-
plause. lie prefaced his remarks
with an illusion to the kindly man
ner i'm which he had been received
here and the many advantages
which this city offered The ad-
dress Of Mr.. Dabney was in sub
stance as follows:
A more prosperous city is brought
about by practical planning. COM
bined energy. backed by sufficient
financial assistance on cooperative
basis
Concentration of effort in a well
Organized, non-poiitical, non-partisah
commercial association. is the most
economical method in the upbullding
OF city.
The first organization OF this char
acter in our country was formed III
New York City in 1868. its oo-
iect being TO preserve and promote
commercial interest and maintain
bureau of commercial statistics. A
few years later like institution
vas established in Boston; shortly
thereafter most Of the large citles
followed the example. They nave
grown in numbers and importance
until today. covering a period OF
ZAP years. with rare exception you
will find such an institution IN every
city, town and village
All commercial bodies are useiul.
Some are more productive thah
others. especially is this true oil
those having sufficient funds TO
properly operate Such an institu-
ton should employ at least one Of
ficer who is capable TO keep the in
terest in your association active.
Business men holding positions OF
honor in your organization cannot
make the sacrifice of time necessary
TO keep up the interest such was
possible in former years when COM
netition in business was not so ac-
tive and money making less diff
cult. Your salaried officer should
be capable of advancing ideas Tor
Improvement and. carrying out the
the result Of your deliberations
he should know how to economically
advertise your city's advantages.
without such equipment your or
ganization cannot hope to measure
up to its full usefulness. Inactive
commercial bodies produce criticism
and Indifference to cooperation.
II YOU want Fredericksburg 10
grow in keeping with its possibiii-
ties thereby improving the opportu-
lnity of every citizen, producing
greater prosperity, resulting in en-
hancing property values and otnel
investments. let every citizen II
Fredericksburg who can afford the
payment of dues give this CONNER
cial association the support 1t de-
serves. direct its energy in carrying
ont we'll designed plans for better
ment and you will be amazed al
fredericksburg growth. Such hat
been the experience in other commu
mites.
For many years the citizens OF
&ichmond and Manchester thought
ethe consolidation Of the two cities
would be mutually beneficial. The
subject was considered in the legis-
llative branches Of the two NUM-
cipalities during the life OF several
administrations, but failed of ac
complishment, due to the resistance
of political and selfish interests. Fl
, nalIv the Richmond Chamber o
Commerce and the Business Mems
Association OF Manchester under
took to have the cities consolidated
and in twelve months it was accom-
plished. This illustration is of
fered in support of what well
organized and properly supporte'
commercial association can do ior