Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1873-08-14
Our Letter ;frem. the Mountains.
WA1HA1IA, S. c., Aug. 4 '73.

WA1HA1IA, S. c., Aug. 4, '73.
Dear Advertiser,-For some time
past the columns of your excellent
paper have been generally filled with
SO much original matter from other
sources, that I did not consider it
worth while to trouble you with such
dry and dull letters as I might have
furnished. A newspaper correspon-
dent shows his wisdom and tact as
much in knowing w1sen to write, as
in auhat to write, especially when the
space he takes up may always be ad-
vantageously occupied by others.
But it is getting time for me to give
you the news, and let you know how
matters and things are progressing
in this quarter of the world.
Well, let me begin with the Air
Line Railroad, that great trunk rail-
way which is destined to develop the
resources and work wonders IN this
section of the State. The road is
rapidly approaching completion. All
the track is laid, I believe, except
perhaps some inconsiderable portions
in the vicinity Of the Tugaloo and
Seneca rivers; and as soon as the
bridges over those streams, which are
now in course Of erection, are COM
pleted, the trains will pass through
from Atlanta to Charlotte. 1t is con-
fdently anticipated that this will be
accomplished and the line SO far fin
ished by the end of the present
month, that regular through sched-
ule will be established, and passen-
gers and freight passed over the
road.
Nothing but the general course of
this road entities it to the name of
the Ai' Line. 1t has as many curves
and crooks, in traversing the hilly
and in. many places mountainous re-
gion through thich it passes in South
Carolina ard a portion Of the line in
Georgia. as any Railroad ever saw.
But that from the nature of the coun-
try was, I suppose, unavoidable. There
is no disputing the fact that it is
great enterprise, and is bound to be
one Of the most important and best
paying roads in the Southern country.
Though there is still a'considerable
gap over which the trains do not yet
pass, the travel over the road is al
ready large and steadily IL
The benefits which this ,loa
the State will derive from II g eat5'r
prise are incalculable. It ts d
ready given stimulus to t.r 9-2el-
opment Of. its resources Of eve'> ~"
which is sensibly felt in eve ''ii@.-
est of our section. Besides ailording
a market for our timber and thus
throwing money into the hands Of
our people, it has increased and will
continue to increase the productions
Of cotton in this upper tier of Coun-
ties. More corn and other grains
will also be raised by our farmers, as
ready market will now be afforded
almost at the doors of their cribs.
Towns and villages will be built up
along the line Of the road, and man
ufactories OF different kinds will
gradually spring up around them.
With these increased means and facil-
tiles the cause of education and reli-
gion will be advanced, and there will
be more mental, moral, and social
improvement.
And good many strangers and
travellers are passing every day
through our town, but the number of
health-seekers md visitors that are
here for the summer IS not large.
The health of Walhalla is as usual
very good-prudent people, who are
not worn out, never get sick here
the seasons are fine, and the crop
prospects excellent. 1t has always
seemed to me great piece of folly
that our people at this season should
aock to fashionable and expensive
summer resorts where they spend
their money with lavish hand, when
they could find here in the pure air,
splendid water. and pleasant quietude
of these mountain towns, both health
and pleasure, and at much cheaper
rates. But one half Of the world is
crazy on the subject of fashion, and
like flock Of sheep, they will follow
the bell-wethers, or break their
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