The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-01

RI Flood and storm and IRE and war ala their
lest to make the year 1918 one of horror. A
radical change In government and in govern.
pnsntal policy tariff reduction and the reorgani-
oation Of our currency system, accompanied by
o1sines. depression did it's best 70 make Tor
hessimism in the industrial world and there
1ware not lacking those who we're willing TO give
d impetus.
.s The year was one of catastrophe. 1t was one
~ war: ii was one OF business depression. and
1T with 1t all il was a year which marked an
advance In all lines OF endeavor. In science, IN
medicine In business and in the movement to-
Qnxd world peace. In government and In progress
NWard better business conditions and greater
ooctal justice much has been accomplished. The
~ Of the pessimist is unheeded and, exemplify-
- the growing faith of man in man and in
- destiny of the race. 1t not heeded greatly
zen when the outlook was darkest The war
0res but shoulder in the Balkans; they have
g11t been extinguished. In Mexico battle Is
aSngiug at this moment and tyrant dictator
m holds the reins Of government But who
1eaieves that great strides have not been made
s4nxard universal peace? Who doubts that
11nnyson's vision OF the future is not clearer
Andy than ever before?
The year began with business depression. The
sadical REDUCTION in the tariff made even those
n sympathy with the operation doubt Its first
e1ects But today business is beginning to show
ssnnrke1 Improvement The situation in Rich
anpnd ID typical. Bank clearngs for the year
1n1p boz t|1
A1ns III during the frst eight months of the year
WITH September they began to grow and with
each month rose steadily until December when
~ largest cearings in the history OF Richmond
Aanks were reported In manufacturing there
n decrease for the year. but during the last
lhree or four months operations were larger
scale and many workmen who had been laid
N were able to secure work again. In 1oobing
kho increase for the year was below the increase
3cr ~1912, but here. too. It was the lean eight
nncuths which accounts for 1t, the close OF the
par showing resumption in trade. Postal re-
es1pts in Richmond In December we're larger than
tor any other December In the history OF the
postoface So II Is practically all over the coun-
ny. The promise OF disaster held out during
&14 greater part OF the year Was NOT iAiliiIeu'
fas skies arr clearing and the ontieeh fer 1914
= bright
Il Richmond has grown and progressed during
khs twelve months which ended yesterday In
same lines the Increases smaller than has
1een the case; in others there has been actual
decrease. but EVEN here comparison with other
cities Of similar size give us cause for hope and
ponddence. The increased manufacturing output
The increased jobbing trade. the increased
&niI trade. the increased bank clearings-all with
&uo great governmental policies intimately affect
ing business in the process OF radical change
tive promise OF better things to come. Looking
6Ack upon the last twelve months and especially
apcn the concluding months of the year Rich.
mond is encouraged and is prepared to face the
coming year with confidence born Of knowledge
e6 Richmond's advantages. NJ Rlchnond's spirit
II Richmond's determination.