The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-11-16
THURSDAY EVENING, NOV. 1e, 1871
THE CHEAP LANDS OF VIRGINIA.

A large portion Of the best lands of Viz
gnia are to-day offered in the market at
prices less than at any time since the war. !
Considering quality, improvements, and
location, they are the cheapest lands on
this continent. The apparent difference
in favor of government lands at the West,
disappears when we examine closely the
relative conditions. The advantage of SUI
peror fertility, is more than balanced by
our proximity to market, our fine climate
and feasibility Of renovating the soil, so as
to fit it for every production OF the tenn
perate zone. se t5.a ff .7F o. 4
Here are not less than II 900 900 of
acres offered. Much Of it, improved with /
buildings and orchards, are covered with
valuable timber. It is unproductive, and
in most cases positive annual expenses are
incurred by holding it, in the way of in-
terest, taxes and care.
s This is property actually lost to the hold
ers and to the State If the land could be
sold to parties with adequate capital it
would be renderd productive to all parties.
Nothing is more desirable than to secure
this change of ownership promptly, for with
every years delay the aggregate loss in
creases, and both the State and the individ-
ual grow poorer. To release this vast
amount of buried capital and render it pro-
ductive, would confer priceless boon upon
the people Of Virginia. This should be the
great effort of the State, and of all Corpo-
rations now interested in its settlement and
improvement.
The Legislature last year took step in
the right direction, when it authorized the
purchase Of lands by the Orange and Alex
andria railroad, and the payment therefor
in bonds to be again received in payment
for any portion of these lands after resuryey
and subdivision. We are astonished that
there has not been more general accep-
lance of such terms along the line of that
road. We can only account for it on the
ground of insufficient information among the
people, as to the true character Of the trans.
action. We have before alluded to it al
length, and published the circular Of the
Company to the, land owners on the line o
that road. The safety of the bonds offer
ed is unquestionable, and they are render
ed marketable by the proviso, making then
a legal tender for any portion Of the land,
offered, at par. The resuryey by the com.
pany into convenient small farms and vii
lage lots, would impart new value to larg
tracts and make them readily salable. Thu
company has every motive to settle tn,
country with good men. 1t has also extraor
binary facilities to offer in the way of cheal
freights and transit fares for settlers, an'
large opportunities to advertise its property
The railroad company can safely be trustee
with the disposition of these lands, for
has every motive, as well as the best posi-
BILE facilities, for securing their sale to &C
tual settlers, who will improve them. 1t
way freight and travel, constituting tn
valuable source Of profit to every corpora
ton, depend upon the number of people t
the square mile, and their productive capae
ity.
Every acre Of land that is well improved
SWeilS the pToHtS Vi tlc IOdO, Wlltlc, at vi
same time, it broadens the taxable base:
and adds to the value of every other acre
making an accession to every mans wealth
Thus the private interest of the lano
owner, the interest of the railroad, and tn
prosperity Of the State, are all promote
in harmony by this plan. We hope to Sc
it accepted by the people, and widely eA
tended. If the people could be induced
trust Mr.. Barbour with the sale Of the
~ surplus lands, they would soon see the n
mainder appreciate in value.
The Legislature should take up this ma
ter at an early day Of the session, and SC
what further legislation, if any, is needle
to aid the people in selling their unprodu
tive Lands. They sorely need capital
make improvements, to inaugurate ne
industries, and enable them to use some pc
ton of their landed property. Notwitl
standing the high rate of interest, nobod
will lend money upon Virginia real esta
outside the cities. The great work of +
day is to release our vast mproducti
capital now tied up in land, Let OF
people give their minds resolutely to tn
subject, and we shall find way out
these difficulties. a ~
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