The work of "Reconstruction."
While there is in progress the work of political "reconstruction" of the late dismembered
United States, there is another kind of work of "reconstruction" of a purely local character, of the utmost importance to the communities interested.
The sooner they address themselves to their several undertakings, the better.
In the war, the means of the country have been nearly exhausted; but that which consists in the energy and industry of men, and their integrity, which can never be alienated or robbed, and which is the surest basis of credit and resource, as well to nations and communities as individuals, is still left our people, and can and should be employed actively.
This city has a heavier labor before it than probably any Southern town, owing to the destruction of so large a part of its business district.
In this way, not only is the work for it to do increased, but the means from taxation seriously diminished.
Rightly viewed, our misfortunes impose upon us the duty of exertion in proportion to the demands they create.
To stimulate the enterprise of our corporate authorities, they may feel assured that the great revolution just accomplished, whatever of evils it may have brought upon the country, will certainly ultimately largely increase the aggregate wealth and population of this city.
Whatever of outlay a wise expenditure for the improvement of this city may involve will, therefore, be easily paid at a day not very remote.
There need be no hesitation on the part of the city authorities to proceed at once to the work plainly pointed out to them.
One of their most immediate duties, and which cannot, with economy or prudence, be postponed, is the widening and grading of certain streets.
In a few months the vacant lots which now are in the lines of several much-needed improvements, will be built upon, and then, if condemned, the cost of the houses will swell damages enormously.
It would, too, subject owners of property to inconceivable inconvenience and loss to grade streets after their buildings are finished.
Indeed, we imagine the city would have no idea of undertaking such an improvement then; and we should have to conduct our trade for another half century, perhaps, with all the inconveniences of bad grades.
These, and many other matters that readily suggest themselves, require the promptest attention.
The low state of the Treasury is not a sufficient excuse for leaving things where they are. A proper system of improvement would bestow immediate advantages, and so promote the general prosperity as to return a rich compensation to both citizens and corporation.
The State and the people of
Virginia have herculean labors before them; but the stimulants to exertion are in proportion to the magnitude of the things that are to be done.
The people have to change their systems of culture, they have to diminish the area of tillage, and to do what they do more carefully and more economically.
They will have to keep fewer horses, fewer cattle, and to keep them better.
Many will have to diminish the extent of their household, to compact their offices, to keep their gear and
agricultural implements carefully sheltered, and to attend in person all the work and movement on their farms; nay, to
do no small amount of it themselves. Many will, we regret to say, have to be more economical and less hospitable — to live plainer, less extravagantly, and to entertain fewer guests.
By selling their excess of land and resorting to these means, they will live quite free of debt and independently.
Perhaps they will have more cash than they were wont in days gone by to have in hand.
It is true they may become more selfish, and less genial; but then, upon this kind of economy through the country, there will be a larger aggregate yield, and a larger aggregate surplus to support and maintain a very much increased population.
There will be, indeed, under this state of things, more people and more general wealth, but less happiness — less individuality and personal dignity of character.
But since old things have passed away, and never to be recalled, we should, as wise and true men, make the best of the "situation."
Virginia, in her Legislative and Executive Departments, has to put her shoulder to the wheel and push the car of State out of the slough into which it is sunk.
The most liberal policy and the most energetic measures should be adopted, in order to invite capital to the
State and develop her resources.
Virginia is the richest State in the
Union.
The fertility of her soil, the variety and extent of her mineral resources, and the abundance of her water power, excite the wonder of every intelligent traveler.
By a wise employment of these great natural gifts, and the inviting of emigration and capital to assist in the work, in a year or two we shall have gone far towards lifting up State and people from the condition of prostration in which the war left them, and to restore the vast wealth which that war and its disastrous termination swept away from us.
We must extend our improvements and increase our manufactures, and the
Government policy should be as liberal as possible with regard to them.
We must have, in short, wise, economical and thorough tillage, our mines must be developed, and our railroads and canals extended and multiplied.
Money will flow in as soon as we show the proper dispositions — so will population.
This is the "reconstruction" to which we are urged, by every consideration, to direct now all our efforts.
