The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-02-03

AVohi'ss. ucaiCt hoIc We SCI CHiL ttle Cu0o-
apeake & Ohio r. R., that great improvement
that highway of wealth and prosperity,
which is to empty into the lap of Virginia,
not merely the treasures of our own noun
tains, but the accumulated stores of the West,
and of the countries beyond the Pacific, is
now on the eve of completion. In little more
than month the contracts for the work will
be let out. Between the Ohio and the falls
of Kanawha probably five or ten thousand
hands will be at work within the year. And
at the eastern base of the Allegheny between
Marlborough and the White Sulphur, we shall
in less than three months, have two thous-
and men with a full complement of mules
and horses, employed on Lewis Tunnel, and
the great fills at Millborough and Jerry's
run.
The employment Of such large number
of men and animals, will open an extensive
market for our agricultural supplies. Staun-
ton will be the base of supply and Augusta
and Rock bridge must furnish the grain, the
meat, the -four, the hay, the potatoes and
everything for their support and comfort.
Let our farmers then be of good cheer.
Let them put out large crops of oats and
corn. Let them raise all the hogs they can.
Let them cut and bale all the hay their farms
Will produce. All will be needed and more
than they can supply. The railroad gives
ready means Of transporting all wo have to
sell. The new company proposes to deal on
cash principles 1t has houndless means, and
it will pay as it goes, The old picayune style
of doing business under the auspices of the
old Central road will be repudated. The
purchase of horses, mules, provisions and
supplies of implements of all kinds will
throw vast amounts of money into circula-
ton This will infuse new life and energy
into our community. Business Of all kinds
will be more active and cheerfulncss will take
the place Of gloom.
Nor is this all. In two years from this
date the entire work will be done. And
what then? Who can venture to tell We
venture to predict that within three years
from the completion of the road we will have
not less than so trains per day passing along
the line, freighted with passengers and with
the wealth not merely of the great West,
but of "Ormus and of Ind."'
By that time the iron works west Of us
will be in the full tide of successful opera
ton and will be pouring their rich tributes
into the Eastern cities-our coal fields will
be opened furnishing the power which is to
operate hundreds of factories along the line
of the Improvement. Our own town will be
the centre of a great iron, and coal interest,
and the site of rolling mills and other manu-
factories. A large coal trade will spring up
here and way-side traffic in all the commod-
tiles brought along the line.
Now is the time to prepare for this trade
Now is the time to erect the necessary build
ings and be ready to catch the trade IS it
flies.
But we feel that it is hardly necessary to
say anything on this subject. A word to the
wise is sufficient. We have an enterprising
and live population. Their past history
proves it. What community has displayed
so much energy and industry and keen in
teliigence as ours? what people have made
s1ch good use of their means, or done SO
much to improve the advantages Of their po-
sition Where have so many buildings been
erected and so many improvements accom-
plished Where can be found better churches,
better schools, better public institutions, BET
ter buildings, better society," better people?
But We must stop. Our citizens will
doubtless understand the future, that is be-
fore them, and will not fail to improve every
opportunity Of adding to their wealth and
prosperity. ~