Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-09-03
FOR the Waterman.
Letter from MOrrisyille.

mokhlsNlLLhi August 50, 1919.
When the charter for the Gamuile Valley
railroad was granted, happened to be board
ing with several members Of the Legislature,
who, while voting for the charter, we're dis.
posed TO ridicule the idea Of any road being
built under II, for the reason, as they alleged
that there was I" no money up there, or any
possible way to get any" | thought myself
that it was large undertaking, but being
native Of Iamolle county deemed 1t my duty
to advocate her interests, and defend her against
the attacks Of those who would treat her with
contempt, and 80 | told the wel-to-do gentle
would succeed knew there was some wealth
and some enterprise in this valley, and that
some outside parties Of greater ability were
interested in the project, and so believed what
| said. And now have had the satisfaction
Of riding over the smooth track of a well-built
railroad through my native town, which re-
ioices in the gladsome neighing of the iron
horse, and is so to rejoice eyermore.
Whenever a railroad is constructed through
any section, the growth of certain towns along
its line seems ~ be largely stimulated thereby,
while others, though greatly benefited in the
way Of convenience, experience no very marked
increase in their growth or the amount Of their
business OF the former class, Morris7ille
seems to be one. Its growth does not depend
altogether on the railroad however, as that
has been considerable for several years, though
this has given it new impetus. ! was here
shortly after the road was chartered and asked
the owner Of a house and lot--a man Of some
reputation for his sharp sayings-if the build
ing Of the railroad was going to advance the
price of real estate much, when il should be
completed " Yes" he replied, in a half
hopeful, halI.desponding tone, Z" it has made
II so high now that we can't sell IT," lie did
sell his own afterwards, however, at price
which he hadn't thought Of asking then, and
built a better house. which he could now sell
at handsome advance from what it cost him
| am told, on what ought to be good au-
thority, that seventy-6ye buildings have been
erected here in the last two years. | have not
counted them, but see new ones all around,
and others in process Of construction, which
indicates that Morrisvie is prospering no less
than her sister villages along the new road.
and along this beautiful river. Some little
manufacturing interests are springingup here,
and there j. sufficient water power to increase
them indefinitely.
Some manufacturing capitalists came here
many years ago with the design of erecting
cotton or wooden mills, but the water power
was owned by men who either refused to sell,
or asked more than the parties could afford to
pay and so the water kept dashing furiously
over the rocks with nary wheel TO turn, save
those which carried the old saw and grist mills
which supplied the more immediate wants of
the people hereabouts in those days Of yore,
when the locomotive had not presumed 10 in
trude upon the secluded quiet Of any of our
northern villages But now the old proprie-
tors have mainly gone &c over the river, and
the younger ones have partaken Of the spirit
Of modern enterprise, and are more than will
ing that this swilt-running water should turn
them m honest penny as it goes.
Like so many others of the villages of Yer
mont and New Hampshire, this has moro or
less summerers and sojourners, and is not with
out attractions in the way Of scenery and nat
ural beauty. The fall in tho river here, in
GLIDING the famous " Pulpit" is worth a
\ journey Of many miles to see.
The construction Of the railroad is said to be
progressing finely beyond its present terminus,
but its progress and its affairs are so well
known to the reading public, that it is hardly
necessary to say anything more Of them. The
attempt Of certain outside parties TO get up a
war of feeling between this road and the Cen
tral will fail Of any great results, while the
road is an assured success, and will be good
road and a useful one. WLLouGuBY.
BARRE ACADEMY This time honored insti-
tuition, under the superintendent Of DR.. j. S.
Spauldiug and board of competent under
r teachers, commences the present term with q
very good attendance Of scholars. Quite q
large number of young gentlemen are here fit
ting themselves for higher course, and FOL
the business of life. Success to them
DESERVED CREDITS. - The Vienna CORE.
spondent of the ~ Y. Times states that Fair