Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-01-31
Staunto1t Spettatur.
TMesd0y, J02sat0Y.u 81. 1871.
Railroad Subscription.

"oUlu dulHoIlAe Tue DupeTVlSCTS 10 SuUScrlpe
100000 on behalf of the county, to ensure
the construction of the Valley r. R., have very
suddenly changed front and shifted their posi-
ton. Then, it was thought and contended,
that it would be very oppressive to the people
to allow them to subscribe $780, 900. But noD
it has been decided that it is altogether right
and proper to authorize the same people to
subscribe $500, 1000, viz: 5000, 900 to the Val
ley r. R., and 100000 to the Shenandoah
Valley r. r. We must confess we do not ex-
actly understand how it would be less burthen-
some to the people to incur an obligation for
100000 than for 100000. We suppose,
however, that our failure to comprehend this
financial problem, results from our ''old fogy-
ism,' and the fact that we do not keep pace
with the progressive age in which we i've
Be this as it may, such is the behest of our
Legislative Assembly. We are not allowed to
vote on the proposition for a subscription to
the Valley R. R. of 5000, 900, unless we couple
with it a vote to subscribe 100000 to the
Shenandoah Valley r. r.
LII regard to the former, we have definite in
formation We know that near three millions
of dollars have already been conditionally SUBJ
scribed to the Valley r. R., and that our sub
scription Of 5000, 900 would render those con-
ditional subscriptions absolute, and ensure the
commencement and energetic prosecution of
the work, within sixty days from the time the
subscription shall be ordered.
In regard to the Shenandoah Valley Road,
We do not possess the same kind Of informa-
ton. Assurances have been freely made that
the Shenandoah Valley Road will certainly be
built, but we do not know from what source the
means Tor building it are to be derived. We
earnestly hope that both roads will be built
We are friendly to both. We believe that the
construction of both would be of incalculable
advantage to our county. We are therefore
disposed to give laid and comfort to both
roads. But at the same time we would wish
to act with prudence and circumspection. We
wish to know when, how, and where, our mon
ey is to be expended, before We subscribe. We
certainly would not be willing to have our mon
ey expended in the lower end Of the Valley,
where it would be productive of no benefit to
our people.
II, therefore, a subscription is to be made,
we think it ought to be distinctly provided,
that our money is to be expended in oar coun-
ty, and for the benefit of oar own people
Proper provisions should be inserted in the Or
der directing the subscription to ensure this
object. We should, also, have the proper
guarantees that the road shall certainly be
built, at least from Front Royal continuously
to the upper end Of our county
We would make this condition applicable,
alike, to both roads If that be done, no mis-
chief can result to our people, for if the roads
are not built through our county. we shall not
be called on to pay any thing If, on the other
hand, the roads are built, we can readily afford
to pay our subscription. It would certainly be
richly worth, to our county, 100000 to have
a road built from Harrisonburg, through our
county, to Salem, and it would be money well
laid out, to pay 100000, to ensure the con-
struction of the Page Valley R. r., from the
Rockingham line, through the eastern portion
of the county, to Rockbrdge
Either road should be entitled to It's share of
the subscription when it gives the proper guar
By adopting this course, We will stimulate
each company to extraordinary exertion to Sc
cure the portion Of the county subscription in
tended for it. The distinct understanding with
both companies will be, s'no road, no money. "
The construction of these two roads through
our county, would involve the expenditure of
over TWO MILLIONS, large part of which
would be spent in our county, and among our
people.
Any one can see, at a glance, what new
face the disbursement of such an immense a.
mount OF money would put on the condition Of
affairs Of cur people. For two years to come,
ready cash market would be brought to our
doors for every thing we have to sell, and a
permanent reduction Of freights would be en-
sured, which would greatly improve the condi-
ton of our farmers
We verify believe, that the profits that would
be made by our farmers, in the two years in
which the roads were in progress of construc-
ton, would largely exceed the whole amount
OF the subscription
As to the effects Of reduced feights, we will
offer but one single Illustration. The surplus
Hour annually sent to market from Augusta is
estimated at $4,000 barrels The average cost
is about 20 CENTS or $50, 900 for the whole
Now, if this freight were reduced to So cents,
the cost would be but one half, and we should
have an annual saving of $28, 900 on the single
article Of -four
What would be the aggregate saving On our
corn, oats, hay, cattle, hogs, sheep, whiskey,
potatoes, apples, butter, &C., we will leave for
others to estimate. Then we must remember.
there would be corresponding reduction on
the cost Of fertilizers, groceries, hardware, and
every thing that is brought into our county.
There is one other view which we respectful
ly submit Now, Richmond, with her limited
capital and 10000 population, is our only
market. Ii we get these new roads, in addi-
ton to Richmond, We will have Alexandria,
with her 1900 people, Washington with her
Ill,0OO, and Baltimore with her 2S3, 900 in
habltants opened up to us as markets In 9th
er Woros, to our present consuming population
OF $4,000, In Richmond, we would add con-
Stunning population of near 100000 souls in
Alexandria, Washington and Baltimore. This
is certalnly worthy Of consideration
HE whole subject is now submitted to the
sound discretion of our people. 1t will be for
them to decide, whether it is wise to secure
these great advantages by avaiing themselves
OF the opportunity now offered to them. We
shall await the res7,It ,p;4b ;a.oxoa4 IL III