Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-14
New Prosperity for Eastern Virginia

WAR deplorable as it is, brings in its train
w commercial, industrial and financial ac-
tivity which spells prosperity for those COM
munities most nearly affected. In this wave
OF reihvigoration the South, and particularly
Richmond and Eastern Virginia are receiv-
ing their full share. Richmond never has
turned envious eyes upon Norfolk, Newport
News, Portsmouth and Petersburg. which
have proSpered most markedly during the
past year but heir capital city and their
big brother has rejoiced in the fact that their
location and facilities were such as to render
them indispensable to the Federal govern
ment in the pursuance Of its war aims and
plans.
Richmond already has derived great none
taiy gains by reason OF its proximity to Camp
Lee. 1t is neither cold FLOODED nor un-
patriotic TO discuss dollars and cents in this
connection. for, while there is not city in
this broad country that would not gladly
torego any material advantages in the happi-
ness OF seeing the conclusion OF just and
honorable peace, il is fact that the govern
m1nt must spend billions Of dollars in per-
iect!ng its war establishment. and there is
bound 10 be friendly and legitimate rivalry
imong the various communities not only for
the recognition Of their respective merits
alons many lines, but for such industrial adj
NahtaSes as may accrue to them thereby. In
this respect Virginia has been peculiarly for
tunate. Its climate. despite the unfortunate
exhibitions OF the past two months anu sea
board. with harborS where the navieS OF the
world might ride in safety, make it perhaps
the nations most desirable site for activities
preparatory 10 foreign conflict
Newport News. Hampton. In fact the whole
lower Peninsula: Norfolk and Portsmouth are
thriving and growing through addition of
many thousands of inhabitants drawn there
by wars activities and the many millions OF
dollars poured forth upon them in seeming
~ endless golden stream. While their pre-
eminence among Atlantic seaboard cities
would have been recognized in time. they are
thus earlier coming into realization OF
their dreams
While other cities have thrved in manner
without precedent. Richmond has not been
ia' Its merchants have received their full
share OF money expended at Camp Lee; it has
felt the beneficial effect Of the aviation camp
at its southern border, and now it seems about
to come into its own with the establishment
OF a great signal corps captonment with ac-
commodationS for 10000 men destined to
serve in France. This means many millions
OF dollars more that will be put into circula-
ton in local channels. In brief, the whole
scaboard OF Virginia is prospecting materially
10 On extent not even dreamed of few
!'':rs ago. Some of it. OF course is tenn
porary. and will disa ppear when peace comes
but such a measure OF recognition of its pos
'''+'"'''" wi ihuu anu shipping mas Deen
gwen that even with the taking away Of its
works Of war it will continue to go forward
even more abundantly market place of
peace With the worlds arms laid aside
Eastern Virginia will be ready TO take IFS
rlghtful place in the sending forth of those
peaceful argosies which will carry the prod
ucts of the United States TO Europe, South
America and to the uttermost corners of the
earth. and to do its full share in the upbuild-
ing OF the arts OF peace which have been
forced aside before the demands Of war