Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-02-13
THE.CENTEyNIAL.

We nave Oeen SHOWN letteT auueSo-
ed to Hon. A. j. Sweeny, of this city,
one of the Commissioners of the U. 5.
Centennial for this State. This letter
after calling special attention to several
subjects connected with the Exhibition,
says, "But there remains large classes OF
objects, whose collection is essential to
complete representation OF the materl-
al and social condition of the commu-
nity. vet which it is not 10 the interest
or within the power of an individual to
collect. Of this description are the I'M
wrought natural resources Of the land,
such as its minerals, soils, woods, vege-
tation, &c. 1t is largely upon their
wealth in this direction that the growth
of States depends and this department
of the Exhibition will be certainly stnd-
led by those interested in the problems
of immigration, and of the investment
of capital.
1t is further suggested that con
merely economical grounds, every State
would do. we'll to provide literally for
the thorough and exhaustive represen-
tation of the actual and possible pro-
ducts Of its SOIL"
Another department, whichis desired
to be prepared under the direct auspices
of the State, is designated the histori-
ical and statistical This is thorough
presentation Of such matters as the
early settlement of the State, it's physi-
cal features, geography, &c, &c.
All OF these are very necessary to be
portrayed, so as to have the status of
each State properly defined, and under
stood but it is the first that is matter
of more immediate interest to West
Virginia This State is exceeding rich
in her minerals and her timber. OF the
former alone, she contains sufficient to
secure her great and substantial wealth;
but she labors under two great disad-
vantages; the lack of proper apprecia-
ton OF her resources in the eyes of the
world because they are unknown, and
the lack of proper capital to develope
them. Here an opportunity will be
presented to overcome both these OBJ
stacles, for with thorough and COM
plete portrayal of this mineral wealth at
the international Exhibition, the eyes
of the world will be opened, capital and
immigration will flow in, and general
prosperity will prevail.
Her timber, too, is of superior quail
ty, and already much sought after for
ship building purposes. In this another
niue OF wealth is contained, and is sim
( ply waiting to be utilized by capital
and labor.
No such fine opportunity will be pre-
sented again, in this generation certain
Is, for SO thoroughly advertising, as it
were, thes. great natura! advantages OF
this State, and the Inducements which
she offers for immigration. Therefore
ii bchooyes every citizen who has his
own welfare, and also that of the COM
muuity 1T large, at heart, to exert him
self As far rs possibly that these induce
menls may be well presented. The
Commissioners of the Centennial for
the State are Hons Alexander t..
Botelrr AMI a. J. Swceny Statistics,
specimens, and, in fact, everything of
like nature which can be furnished,
should be seat to these gentlemen,
whom we are assured will do everything
in their power towards accomplishing
/ the desired object. -Uheeiing Register