National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-10-20

culture, Manufactures an Mining, il
taking the preliminary steps toward
obtaining n photographic survey OF
Vermont, similar to the one recent
~ completed in Maine.
The immense importance of this
measure in securing the development
of our material resources, can hard.
ly be over estimated; but although
it has been frequent topic of 'pri.
vate discussion, il has never, we be.
lieve, been brought prominently be
fore the people of our Legislature.
Within our borders, and readily
accessible, are many water powers,
comparatively unknown and wholly
unimproved, and many others are
but partially occupied, which offer
20 capitalists and manufacturers I'M.
surpassed advantages. Raw mate.
rial in abundance, also exists in va.
rious localities, inviting the skill
necessary to render it available. A
survey, such as is contemplated, by
attracting attention to and thus
bringing into use these immense
natural forces now running to waste,
will greatly increase our strength
and productive power as cOmmu
nifty, and cannot hut work to the
advantage Of all classes OF our peo.
PIE; furnishing to capitalists knowl-
edge whereby they may make safe
and lucrative investments; to Ia
borers greater variety of occupa
ton; and to producers a ready
market. 1t will prove a permanent
benefit to cur railroads and other
means Of transportation. And it
will furnish to the young men Of
Vermont abundant opportunity for
the full development of their pow
crS, without going beyond her bord |
ers. Thus far, for the most part,
our rich pastures and farming lands
have claimed our care and attention,
30 the comparative neglect OF the
other interests, while our sister
States, with natural facilities Ger
tainly not superior to our own, have
built up great manufacturing indus
tries, which have added greatly to
their population and their wealth.
1t is high time for Vermont to fol
low their example.
1t is not intended that the entire
ok necessary to complete sur
rcy of the State shall be done at
-he expense Of the State though
considerable as would be the amount
required to carry through such a
survey, We think that our legiSia-
ture would be justified IN making
HE necessary appropriations. 1t Is
thought that in many eases, towns
md villages possessing superior wa
er powers, may see it TO be for their /
to appropriate small sums
or the purpose Of having an accu |
ate survey and description Of them
,oepared for publication III the re-
,ort, thus distributing the expense !
Imong those more Immediately to
Ne benefited by their development. '
Il nearly every township there are ,
few persons competent to give III =,
desired, and there are al
o eXtant, although at present una
allable, many accurate reports OF
uryeys made under direction of -
abroad corporations or local manu-
lctureTS. sufficient, when obtained,
o furnish 4 reliable and extensive u
for such a survey as is
OF course, it is Of extreme i'm
o!tdnce that this work be done
uickiy, and that our unsurpassa- 4
lie advantages in these respects be
t once made known; and it de
ends upon The press of the State
nd public spirited citizens to urge W
pom the people its Importance.
The Secretary of the Board, Prof
eJer CoIycr, Burlington, VT, will
nd suitable blanks, to be filled up,
} amy body, in any vicinity, who al
Jay address him, and it is hoped
Ia. town officers receiving such
tanks will. If unable to reply to the
lrious questions, select from among :,
leir citizens some competent per>
ms who may fill ont the blanks
MT return them as soon as practl- "
lble to the Secretary.- Burling~
IN Free Press.
y