The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1866-02-28

paper, would be the result, the bill for the
construction of Railroad from Hafrison-
burg to Salem has become law. It's true
proviso was appended to the bill pro-
hibiting an actual connection with the
Virginia and Tennessee Road, until after
the Covington and Ohio road has been fin
ished to the Ohio River. This however is
hardly a straw in the way Of the Great Val
ley Enterprise. IF the Covington and
Ohio and the Valley Roads reach their re-
spcctive termini cotemporaneously, so much
the better for both. But if, unfortukste-
u, the Covington and Ohio should lag be-
hind, and the Valley Road should come
within 20 miles of the Virginia Road, the
magnetic power of an irresistible attraction
will bring them together. There need be
no fear on that point In truth the pro-
viso was merely put in to save point of
honour, and to enable certain gentlemen,
gracefully, "to accept the position"
We May then say with assured conf
dencc, that the Valley has her own destiny.
in her own hands. The agencies to accom-
plish success must now be set to work
No time must be lost no efforts be spar
ed and no sacrifices be declined. The prize
is of priceless value; and our manhood
must be reused to win it. Our people must
put forth all their energies: our best men
must think, plan, devise and labor to achieve
this grand enterprise. In our humble way,
we intend to do, with our might, what our
hands find to do in the glorious work
Let others do likewise; and the power Of
united wills and minds will remove all OBJ
stacles and ensure success.
Thefrst practical step to be taken, is the
organization of the Valley Railroad Com
pany. We have not copy of the act be-
fore us; but we understand that the sub
scription of only small amount of stock,
is necessary to enable the Company to be-
come a living, legal Corporation. Let
steps promKly taken tohavea adequate
amount Of stock subscribed and to this
end, we propose that Convention of dele
gates, from the Counties interested be held
in Staunton on the first Wednesday Il.
| April neat. Let that Convention adopt a
plan Of vigorous action, and proclaim a
liberal policy of cooperation with the Ma
nassas Gap and Winchester and Potomac
Companies. Augusta will have her strong
est men in such Convention We trust
our Editorial friends elsewhere, will second
this suggestion and will see to it that the
whole Valley be ably represented.
The next practical step, after organi-
ling the Valley Railroad Company, will be
to bring the Manassas Gap, the Winches-
ter and Potomac and the Valley Compa-
MES into concert-so as to make them work
together as one Company, and to enter into
such arrangements as will render them in
fact, and ultimately IN lar, but one Com
pany. This, as we have heretofore argued
is a sine qua non to success. Can this be
accomplished? We have no doubt of it,
Alone, each of these Companies will be
powerless, helpless and friendless united
they will, as one Company, be strong and
have many friends to aid the new and sin
gle organization. No real interests need
be sacrificed rights ofproperty in eth
er company need be annulled. Start at
the Potomac and move forward to Salem
and whatever is found on the way, of val
ue to the common enterprise, let it be
thrown into the common stock, at its fair
valuation and with this foundation sure
ly laid, let additional stock be subscribed,
which shall be counted as stock in the whole
line. We think that to all practical in
tents this can be done without further
legislation in any event, if by judicious
counscls, the three companies are made
willing, their union can easily be le-
galized. One great point has been gained !;
the crust Of ancient prejudice has been
cracked and the right-of-way for a con-
tinuous line of railroad through the Val
ley has been granted by the Legislature.
C'est le premier pas qui coute-it is the
first step which is difficult in every great
undertaking; after that, progress is more
free and easy. So in this case, even if new
legislation should be necessary, the united
wishes and requests Of the entire Valley
would be acceded to without hesitation, in
respect to the mere form, the substantial
right having already been granted.
We repeat, in union is ourstrength and
hope And if this be accomplished, either
by compacts between the companies or by
further legislature then? Why,
we have more than one reason for believ-
ing, that the money will not be lacking to
build and equip the road. The inestima-
BILE value Of the straight line through the
Valley Of Virginia, is appreciated in Cen