The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-05-03
The Cheering Prospect.

The Cheering Prospect.
All present indications promise very
prosperous year. The settlement OF the
Southern troubles. followed by extraordinary
activity in the grain and flour market, and
the realization OF remunerating prices for all
the staple products Of the farm, have had
wonderfully cheering effect upon the people.
The season, too, opens propitiously. The
wheat fields promise an abundant yield; the
preparations for large acreage OF corn have
been completed, and, with no unforeseen
misfortune. we may safely anticipate year
OF almost unparalleled prosperity for the
farmer. With the farmer well paid for his
toll and labor, all other pursuits must flour
ish, for it is to the tillers of the soil that we
must look primarily for the degree of pros
2erity we enjoy.
OF course, we cannot predict with any
certainty the termination of hostilities be-
tween Russia and Turkey. The continu-
ance OF European war must necessarily
have marked effect upon the produce trade
of this country. Should the complications
involve other European nations, and HOSTILE
ties upon gigantic scale engage the atten-
ton of the great powers of the East, the
benefits to America, in material point OF
view, will be almost incalculable. However
much we may regret the real or imaginary
difficulties which have caused the hostile
array of the Russian and Turkish forces,
and the sad and desolating consequences
that must necessarily follow, even if active
operations are confined to these two powers,
We caunot be unmindful OF the fact that the
results will be beneficial to this country, and
the disasters that may attend prolonged
war there will work great advantages here.
For several years past, the tide of fortune
seemed to be against It's. The business coll
lapse of 1873, followed by short crops, and
political agitation and irritating troubles in
the South, had brought about condition OF
dependency with the people. Business
stagnation followed, property deprecated,
labor was unemployed, industrial enter
prises suspended, and everything appeared
to combine to create feeling bordering on
despair. Simultaneous, however, with the
adjustment of the political disturbances OF
the South, through the wise policy instituted
BY the national administration, we realize a
remarkable activity in the sources OF wealth
in this section Of the country; are cheered
by the rich promise of abundant crops; and
have our hopes stimulated in contemplating
a year of unusual prosperity.
There is no section of country within the
jurisdiction of our laws that can endure with
more fortitude the frowns of fortune than
the Valley of Virginia, and there are no peo'
pie who more readily catch in the spirit oil
renewed trade than those whose industry
and energy have given to this beautiful Val
ley its far-famed reputation for thrift and
enterprise. They know what labor is, and
what its results should be. They know how
to adjust their expenses to their income, and
how to practice self-denial when the neces'
stiles of the times render it wise to do So
During the prevalence of ''hard .fmes," il
is true our people have dealt closely and
incurred no unnecessary expenses. They
have, however. been improving their farms
rebuilding their fences, barns and houses
adding to their Stock and placing them
selves in a condition to profit by the revival
of business and the consequent enhancemen
of prices. that sooner or later had to come
They are now free to 60 forward in mate
rial progress. They have planted and sown
large crops, their farms are well stocked and
improved, much of their indebtedness has
been discharged, and with favorable season
and remunerating prices, we may conf
IDENTIFY look forward to year of abundant
results.
The farmer prosperous, then all Other
pursuits and branches of industry must par
ticipate in the prosperity that he enjoys
The mechanic and the laborer will be in
more active demand. Money will change
hands; the merchants and tradesmen OF al
descriptions will share in the revival pro
perty will find liberal buyers; and the ener-
gies of the people be enlivened with the
spirit of enterprise that will be infused into
ali industries.
We may reasonably expect, too, that CAPT
tai and enterprise from distance will seek
our highly favored section. We have every
thing to invite it, and with the passions o.
party abated under the influence OF the
catholic and just administration of President
Hayes, with nearly everybody in pleasant
frame of mind, and all hopeful and ever
confident for the future, there is nothing to
discourage an unexampled influx of active
business enterprise, to aid in developing oul
rich fields of wealth and share in the assured
rewards.
We have had no agency in instigating the
conflict between Russia and Turkey, nor in
weaving the complications which may drag
other nationalities into the engagement
We may regret that widows and orphans
will be made; that death will reap har-
vest; and desolation career over happy homes
and CHEEKY hearts. We cannot prevent thest
things, however. And if in the misfortune!
that visit ether people, a tide of prosperity
flows to us, we can only philsophically &C
cept, and make the most of it.
But should present anticipations be real
lied in the productions of the farm, ant
prices maintain the standard now ruling, il
will furnish occasion for the most careful
restraint upon the part of business men
ALL should look at the condition Of affairs
nationally, and not be carried away by the
stimulating influence of active trade. The
lessons of the past should not be forgotten
We should bear in mind that all excesses
must have their reactions, and that with the
subsistence of the abnormal activity of bust
ness, the result of abnormal causes, trade
will seek it's level. The first thing for every
man to do is to pay his debts. The nexl
ching is to create no new obligations, except
where the means are in reach to meet them
Men are too much inclined to bank on the
future. We do not know what the future
may have in store for us. Deal with thu
present, and make transactions with refer
ence to present resources to meet them. Dr.
not jump into speculations, and thus mort
gage your energies and time. Keep square
If then sudden reaction should come, yot
will be prepared for it.
The Eastern War.