The Washington herald., 1912-09-10
BY VI. r. LEWIS,

Socky Mount, N c., Sept. 1T is said
of Rocky Mount that it is the fastest
growing city in North Carolina.
In presenting this story Of the sio-
ganless city that does things" it Will be
our aim to set forth some facts that VIII
prove the truth Of the statement.
First. and what is probably the doml-
mating factor in the development ana
growth of Rocky Mount, let 1t be SAID
that the young man" is at the helm VI
IS per cent of the commerclal enter
prises CT the city. 1T Is not our lhtehtloh
TO dispaIage the '-old man, but on the
contrary, laud his wisdom in placing the
younger man to the front to hsht The
battle of commerce; night that re-
quires youthful Vigor on the nrins iine'
and wise old heads in the rear to ADVISE
against traps and snares-
IL is inspiring to note the young man
al the head of every enterprise IN hochy
Mount; il IS fortunate for the to"h' anu
the old settlers who struggled against
ha1 dshirs in the early days to bulld the
town tnat they possess the hlsn Spe
C young man TO whom they may intrust
the realization of their early Dreams
it is commendable of the older man In
p.ssing over the reins of commerce, IN
stead of clinging on and retarding the
progress of the town, because he Is no
longer able 10 cope with present-day con-
ditions
That is why Rocky Mount is growing;
because the older man recognized the
spirit of progressiveness with Which the
younger man is imbued, and encouraged
il rather than try to throttle 1t, as is
often the case.
The young man is the most important
factor il the development of every COM
rnunity The Rocky Mount young man
IS keenIy alive to the opportunities that
will tend to build greater city, ana Is
quick to grasp them. He is aggressive
and progressive; energetic and full OF
i6-as He is not a dreamer, but
doer-always on the older mans counsel,
willie the old gentleman sits in the rear
with his bag of wealth, ready to hnance
the younger man $ energy.
EVERYWHERE is the well-groomed, wide
awake young man; in the tobacco ware
house: the factory, the bank. the whole
sale house, retail store, and professional
life The physician. the dentist, and the
lgwver. each and all are young men.
Every municipal position of Importance
is filled by a young man Of sterling char
acter. brimming over with pluck, courage.
honesty and self-reliance. He is the
brains the blood and the heart Of all
that is in Rocky Mount. and all that has
placed Rocky Mount in its present po-
and progressive cities of the South. So
much for the young man and his part in
thu painting of an attractive front and
preparing an inviting interior.
Unlike many cities of the South, the
sidewalks in front OF the stores of
Rocky Mount are neither graced nor dis
graced with benches whereon the vii
lage whittier sits for many an hour,
strewing the pavement with shavings
and tobacco juice.
Like many of the bustling commercial
centers of other sections of our coun-
try. the store are well kept, being clean
and inviting, and brisht-faced clerks
greet you upon your entrance. soliciting
your patronage. instead of standing or
sitting in one spot. gazing idly out upon
the streets. until you awaken them from
their lrthargy by making known your
desire to spend money in the place
As matter of course there are yet
scme of the old guard left in business,
but they are in the minority and occupy
obscure locations.