Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1865-12-22

" this line,
nn our first page will be found an extract
~ from the report Of Mr., Garrett, Presi
dent of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Co., which favors the construction of rail
road, by that company, through the Valley
of Virginia, from Harper's Ferry to the Viz
gnia and Tennessee Railroad. A somewhat
similar proposition was made h,ahy years
since, but was rejected, @ald we have looked
forward to the revival of the proposition, for
some tSlme. There is no richer region of
county in the United States than the Shen-
andoah Valley, and none which would more
amply repay the expense Of building & road
through it. 1t possesses a climate unequaled
gu this continent, soil rich and productive,
and abounds in mineral resources, but being
deprived Of an easy access to market, the
greater portion being many miles by wagon
transportation from railway communication,
1t is, as yet, in comparatively undeveleped
condition We believe it to be- to she interest
of Virginia, to intersect the crrGire State with
network Of railways, and thus bring every
portion into direct communication with the
markets of the world States of far less nat
era[ resources than the g Old Dominion, ;"
have passed her in the race Of progress, by
the facilities of trade and travel they have
created, and now is the time for Virginia to
profit by their experience. Systems of rapid
intercommunIeation viii greatly increase the
value Of her lands, and induce rapid and
healthy emigration. Particularly will this
be the case in the Valley. With railroad
running through the entire length of the Val
key, it would be but a few years before it
would not only be the most populous, but
most productive region in the Union
There seems to be fear in the minds of
come, that Richmond will suffer by the build
ing Of such road. This is poor logic indeed
tlHst the Valley lay dormant, because, in
advancing her interest, the interest of Rich
mond, or some other locality, may suffer :?
Did Richmond consult the interest Of any
other locality when her own interest was con
oerned, unless she was to be advantaged there
by? If she had, we would have considered
Richmond very foolish. We do not beAeve,
however, that the building Of such a road
would be- detrimental to the interest Of Rich
mond 1t is true, Richmond would have to
compete with Baltimore and other cities, for
the trade Of this section, but such compe-
would give her a vitality which she has nev-
er had. The trade which the Valley now
furnishes, would be small, compared with
what she would then furnish. To secure
this trade, Richmond would put forth vigor-
Gus efforts-she would, as Baltimore is do
ing, import direct from foreign countries, in
etead Of being the middle man between the
country merchant and the importer. If she
did not put forth efforts to induce trade
from the interior, she would not deserve the
trade. But she will do SO. She only needs
live coal On her back to make her move
This road would unquestionabIy add greatly
TO the wealth Of Richmond, Baltimore and
other cities, but what is Of more Importance
TO tss it would add greatly toour own wealth 4
to the interes. of the entire State. Virginia
has lain long enough in Ter undeyeloped
condition. Her resources must be brought
out-must be made available for the general
good. Project railroads in every direction
complete and equip them, and her resources
will be developed, and her wealth and pros
perity greatly enhanced.
AS commencement, we know no better
undertaking than to build a railroad through
the Valley, & We say, with all our heart, ION
with the good work"
The Legislature should facilitate the con-
struction Of railway commune ltion through
the Valley, and in other available directions
IN the State. BY no other means can it add
50 much to the welfare of our people, or so
rapidly promote the general interests of Vir-
ginia