The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-12

ss~s@ WAth tHC PVSthhhaAVis CARNA-s'
tendent Of railway mail service, and
others. A full report has been made
by the postoffice officials. and 1t is
hoped that better connections and
quicker service may be obtained. Es-
pecially is this necessary at some
junction points in Virginia. where
these connections are so poor that
both trade and travel are diverted.
and our newspapers which are
pioneers Of trade are seldom seen
| and read. The question of additional
space and facilities for the Richmond
postotfice. Is a pressing one. and was
taken up by the Chamber over twelve
| months ago. 1t Is hardly necessary
| Tor me to say anything on this sub
ject, as at a general meeting of the
Chamber on the -25th ultimo. n full
report was made and the matter ably
! discussed.
STREETS. ROADS AND PARKS.
This committee has had number
or meetings to consider approaches
to Mayo Bridge and the improve
nent OF the Ninth Street bridge; inn
provement of the Richmond and Pet
ersburg turnpike. link in the Quebec
and Miami highway. The question
If the approach to Mayo's Bridge has
about reached a satisfactory concm-
sion and the other matters are still
On the calendar.
SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES
This committee and the board have
given most Interested attention To the
matter Of establishing Il public IL
br9ry under municipal "ontr"ll and
while they urgently advo cated the be-
ginning OF such an institution. in
view of the present demands upon
The treasurer of the city. and the pros
pect OF provision being made fer "a
public library and auditorium IN Il
City Hall annex, the matter has been
! held on the calendar A most in
I tere:ung and important conference
was held hero upon the subject Of
Vocational Education" previous to
which a vocational survey has been
made. A thoroughly instructive re-
port of the proceedings of this con-
ference has been published, and T is
confidently felt that a stimulus and
practical direction of education will
he given which will greatly tend 10
fit graduates from the public schools
OF Richmond. to make more rapid
progress and achieve greater success
In the ca'lngs which they may
choose
EMPLOYMENT BUREAU.
a new bureau has been added 40
the city. knuown as the employment
bureau and liberal appropriation
was made Tor its support This bu-
reau was referred tn by my pre.te-
Cessor, Mr.. Darlington, as one ~ the
things needed by Richmond. and is
susceptible OF beins made most
worthy institution, but In order to
achieve its objects it should he en-
tirely Independent of political intiu-
ence and conducted upon strictly bus
mess methods. Under such manage
ment. in many ways it may prove Of
high value to the municipality ana
/ community In giving directions 70
our Industrial forces. In my opinion,
however % accomplish this result.
| Is office should he removed from
the basement CT the city Hall: in facr,
to some other building.
BETTER -ACQT AINTANCE WEEK.
For years there has been operated
by the Chamber q plan for Undue
ing merchants to visit Richmond ard
inspect our merchandise, by refund
ing 70 them in part, or whole, their
travelling expenses, according TO the
amount OF purchases on such visits
Year before last special time was
selected, known as "B2tter-Acquaint-
ance Week" and merchants on this
occasion were entertained ard ahown
other courtes.es. / am glad to report
that Notwithstanding these merch ants
came largely from the cotton-e grow
ing sections fhe number who came to
ft}t.fIt t}'1At t5F & . . ana f0Clf purchases
WEI nan the year before.
81 a. "a iicateS the value and
- this plan.
~ III CENTRAL. AND
80 TH-AMF,RICA&
COUNTRIES
''D september 20, 1914 "A confer
vltee was called at the suggestion of
the southern Settlement and Devel-
opment Organization. under the aus
v4te.r ..F hi
sorne plan of trade expansion In Gem
trail and South -American countries
There were q mum Der Of distinguished
speakers. and the personnel of the
attendance was all thnt could he de-
sired The conference resulted in the
. formation Of a committee to perfect
and carry out the plan tn develop
these trade relations with Central and
South American countries, and to sub
nit the same to the manufact isrers
and shippers of the southern States
for their financial support. The pro-
ceedngs of tie conference were pub
hshed and the secretary of the Cham
Der can supply limited number TO
parties who are interested.
] am glad to report III this con-
uecilon that have had several con-
terences with a gentleman who at
fenced the meeting. and also a mer-
hope at an early date to present n
concrete plan that will largely in
/ terest dozen or more Richmond
manufacturers, with view OF get
ting business in these South-Ameri-
eau countries.
THE RICHMOND COAL FIELD.
one of the standing committees OF
the Chamber is a Committee on Mines.
( This committee has had heretofore
little moi hing n hut no.
kept upon The list with ii hope that the
time might come when important
duties would be imposed upon II.
My predecessors In office have fire.
auently called attention to the Rich
mond coal field as an important
though dormant asset. and efforts at
/ intervals and at different locations,