The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-01-10
Virginia Mines.

NOTWITHSTANDING tho uhSOisoihsy " sa>
political status of this State, capitalists
are making some investments in Virginia
mines. General IMBoDEN, in his interest
ing letter recently published in this paper,
gave an encouraging account Of the mea-
sures taken to develop some recently dis
covered wonderfully extensive mines OF
baryta and manganese in the county OF
Rockbridge. There are other important
discoveries in that county which are at
tracing miners and manufacturers. A
large body Of sand suited to the manufac-
ture Of glass has been discovered there,
not far from the canal, and we believe has
been sold for handsome sum by the origi-
nal proprietor.
Rockbridge is a county rich in minerals
and like very large part of the mineral
districts Of Virginia, is also remarkable Tor
the fertility of her lands, and the very
fine results Of her agriculture.
A very large survey of mineral lands on
New river, not far from Union, has been
recently sold by General "A. \. CHAPMAN,
Of Monroe, to wealthy company OF
northern capitalists. In this extensive
area are variety of minerals iron, gyp-
sum. and lead. The New River valley, 10
both Virginia and West Virginia, abounds
in minerals, and will one day yield great
deal of wealth to the people and the State.
A railroad is projected to run from the
salt mines in Smyth county, cia the plas-
ter banks, to the Virginia and Tennessee
railroad at Central Depot on New river.
This would facilitate the working of the
mines in that district, and add much to its
wealth. There is scheme for road ola
wider range to tap the rich coal measures
of which Bland county is the centre
measures said to be unsurpassed in the
auality as we'll as the abundance OF the de-
posit, by those more extensively known on
the Kanawha river. This road is also to
connect with the Virginia and Tennessee
railroad.
The whole West and Southwest of Vir-
pinia teens with mineral wealth. If We
turn our attention northwardly to the Blue
Ridge range, and the Valley on to the Po-
tomac, we find inviting fields for invest
ment. A few days since an iron mine OF
great richness was sold in the county Of
Page for a handsome price. When the
lines of railroad along the Valley are in
fair way for construction, We shall see
capitalists out upon Reconnaissance in
force" in that part Of the State for for
tunes are in store there for enterprising
men.
We do not mean in this notice to take q
view of the whole mineral fields Of Vir-
einia. We only allude to some of recent
reputation. This side the Blue Ridge
every section above tide-water has its
/ mineral wealth; and here at tide we have
the great bituminous coal basin, which has
been as yet but partially developed. There
Is occupation here for miners for ages to
come, and grand opportunities for profit
!, able investment Of capital.
Here in Richmond We should have the
mills, and the FORCES, and smelling furnaces
! 90 convert tho raw material Of the mines
into metals and fabrics. The James river,
the main artery of tho heart of Virginia,
vould be the medium Of transportation OF
The ores to the very doors of the manufac-
tories. There ought to be enough of these
establishments to employ thousands of ar
tisans, mechanics, and laborers. In this
j. way would Virginias wealth be made etti-
ciently tributary to Virginia-increasing
/, her population and her political power
building up large commercial and manu-
featuring communities to consume the pro-
ducts Of agriculture at home, and enrich
the rural districts-and swelling the re-
sources Of the State, SO that she would
have the ability to accomplish all the
: measures for her own advancement, and
the encouragement and protection of the
/, Industry and enterprise of her own people.
= II all 10 sent off but to enrich others, she
must be poor though Astounding in the re-
sources Of wealth and power. Give her
thebene1t of the enhancement Of the mine
( raj values from the mining tothe manufac-
: turing, and who can set bounds to her
wealth. "ts
~. n Covevnor Drr If aOuth Carolina Ia on