The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-03-14
CHEERING PROSPECT.

The FAELEY RAfEaoAD.-We are inform
ed that tile board of directors OF the Valley
Railroad Company, which was in. session in
this city for several days last week, which
adjourned on Thursday, transacted a large
amount of business. The public WILDE pleased
to learn that tue chief engineer was directed
70 contract promptly for the construction Of
she roadibetween Harrisonburg and Staunton,
swenty-six miles, and at as early period as
possible to let the contracts for the heavy
sections south of Staunton. With the open
ing spring the work will be earnestly COM
menced, and under the auspices Of those who
haac' the enterprise in charge, it is believed
will be prosecuted to successful termination
IN brief period.
1t appears from the report OF the President.
Robert Garrett, Esq, that great success has
bean achieved in adjusting those difficult
arises connected with land damages The
right of way for forty-two miles has already
been secured by contracts, and on the most
reasonable terms. James L. Randolph, ESQ.,
we'll known for his skill in his profession, was
appointed chief engineer, aud Messrs. Shelley
and Bumbgardner, Of Staunton, counsel for
che company.
The above is taken from the Baltimore
San, of the 11th. From parties who were in
Baltimore attending the meeting ofthe Direct
ors, We learn that there was considerable feel
ing arising out Of the probable route that
would be adopted through Rockbridge county.
The subscription of that county of $685., 900
stipulates that Lexington shall be made a
point on the main stem of the road. The re-
port of the Engineers in their preliminary
Surveys shows that it will require grade OF
over 100 feet to the mile to carry out that
stipulation. This Mr.. Garrett is not willing
to encounter. He agrees, We understand, to
conform to the letter of the stipulation, if
Lexington could be reached at maximum
grade of IS feet; and corps Of engineers will
be placed on the route from about Midway
the dividing line between Augusta and Rock
bridge-to ascertain whether such line can
be found. Failing in this, it was proposed by
Mr.. Garrett to build branch from the main
stem, about FIVE miles east of Lexington, to
this latter point and to construct four or five
turnpikes from Lexington to the western por-
sioas of the eouaty-the most productive-so
a. to develop and bring the trade of that Sec
tion to Railroad connection. The represent
atives of the Rockbridge interests did not
pledge the county to this proposition.
It is in contemplation by the people Of
Lexington and western portion of the county
if an accommodation cannot be effected with
the authorities Of the Valley Railroad. to take
their subscription and build narrow guage
Railroad from Lexington to Goshen, point
on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, about
forty miles west of Staunton. This they
eiaim will be Of much greater Advantage to
the county, and will better subserve the pur-
poses of the subscription, than branch from
Lexington to the main stem Of the Valley
road, should the route to be adopted leave
Lexington the distance indicated.
We earnestly hope the whole matter will
be satisfactorily adjusted, and that the road
viii be speedily placed under contract and
work commenced. With the opening spring
trade, the money thus thrown among the peo-
pie of Augusta and Rockingham will give 3
cheerful impetus to business, and relieve the
people from the oppression incident to an un-
preeedepted scarcity of the circulating me-
dun.
We learn that the entire road from Staun-
Pleted at as early day as possible. Five or
six sections of the heaviest work have already
been let, but we have not at this writing learned
who are the contractors.