Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-03-18

Virginia Spirit Not CIannish

ID RINTED in another column on this
y page is Il letter written by o. J. Schus-
ter, OF Spring Grove, Va, for which The
Times Dispatch beSpeaks n careful reading
by all who are interested not only in the de-
relopment of Virginia. but in the more COM
jprehensive exploitation of the whole coun-
.trys port resources and transportation ia
scilities. We are at one with Mr.. Schuster
in desiring that The Spirit of Virginia" he
not selfish one: that in the campaign for
the greater development OF Hampton Roads
and its contributory streams our vision be
not foreshortened by State boundaries. AS
he pertinently observes, IA narrow con-
ception of our ports and a cannish view of
trade relations with the people of other
States and nations is the one thing that
will keep the South from realizing its vast
opportunities and making it the most pros
porous section OF the country"
That is sound reasoning, and We agree
with ii 10 the letter. but Mr.. Schus,cr and
other readers OF The Times Dispatch should
know that its efforts have not been con-
fined to sectional lines. II has not been un-
able to see beyond Hampton Roads. or vir-
ginia, and TO view them in their relation
ship with the remainder of the country and
with other nations. The benefits that will
accrue to Virginia through local develop
ment are incidental TO the larger conception
although of vital Importance to the State
The Times Dis patch has been a leader in the
battle for development o! all Southern ports
In the demand that artificial restrictions i'm
the way OF discriminatory freight rates be
removed and that they he freed from the
railroad conspiracy which has robbed them
of their rightful share OF ocean traffic by
direrting il through 4 congested, narrow
|necked funnel for The benefit OF New York
and a few other NortheGn. ports. That bat
tie for the legitimate development of the
Southern ports is bearing fruit and Il will
pear more as the government and The coun-
Try at large come 20 realize that tho ma
[tional industrial and commercial welfare
Will be furthered only as shipping facilities
increase to meet the constantly growing dc.
mand. Ihat increase must come through
|ihe Souihs neglected ports and an cquit-
|aple distribution BY the freight carriers.
rs That, in its larger sense is the vision
which inspires the spirit OF Virginia" hut
to every great undertaking there must be Il
point OF origin. Virginia mus, Sc; its own
house in order before it can be of real as
distance in solving. the greater problem
with Its own great port undeyeloped. il can
hardly take the lead in lighting for dcyel-
fopnent OF other Southern ports II can best
lserfe the larger conception by turning its
hahc TO what lies within its own doors Let
u concentrate its present efforts toward the
creation OF its own famous port into n real
gateway ior the South through which shall
How the traffic not only 10 and from Europe
but TO Contra! and South America as well
with that accomplished with HAMPTON
Roads converted into one OF the greatest
|seaports for the whole United States vir-
Eginia will be in more logical position to lead
I'm the national Development Virginia's
view is not narrow or selfish, but the Vir-
|ginia spirit must be practical in its own in
[terest If it is to aid ultimately in bringing
about the desired national results