The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-05-17

The election OF q Bishop will also excite an
active interest in the proceedings. We hope
the entire proceedings will be controlled by
a brotherly love, and the work Of the session
be promotive of the great cause for which
the church is organized.
immigration to Virginia.
The Washington correspondent of the
Alexandria Gazette, of a recent date, says
that there is proposition made in that city
to assist French emigrants to locate in Vir-
ginia. In view Of the probable call for troops
in Europe generally, it is thought that there
will be large emigration this year. 1t is
understood that the Dunkers of the Virginia
Valley are about to take some measures to
assist their brethren In Russia, who will be
forced into the army or compelled to emf
CRATE.
The Dunkards do not believe in war. 1t
is in conflict with the teachings of the Great
Master they serve, and consequently their
church creed lnhibits the bearing Of arms for
hostile purposes. Several years ago the con-
scription OF the Russian government for the
army caused great commotion among its
Dunkard subjects, and several very wealthy
colonies emigrated to this country and located
in the Northwest. Subsequently the order
of the government was modified so as to
meet the religious convictions of this desira
bile population, and further exodus was
thus prevented. The necessities of the war
upon which Russia has just entered will
doubtless cause more severe CONSUMPTION
order than has yet been issued, and the pro-
liability is that all of the Dunkards, who can
get away, will direct their steps to the United
States, where they have a large religious
sympathy, composed of our most useful and
thrifty citizens. The Valley of Virginia con-
tains considerable number of the bunker
faith, who are numbered among our most
prosperous people, and whose simple habits
and conscientious lives command universal
respect and admiration. It would be very
desirable accession to our population, il
those Of this belief, who may determine to
leave the war stricken countries OF the East,
should seek peace and quiet in this beautiful
Valley, where their convictions would be
respected and their citizenship appreciated.
We hope that the statement of the Gazette
may prove true, and that we may soon hear
of colonies OF the Russian Dunkards casting
their fortunes with our people. They would
receive cordial welcome, not only from their
church brethren, but from all classes of our
people.
Bridgewater.
Bridgewqter is a beautiful little village,
nesting on the banks of North River, in
Rockingham county, about eight miles south
west Of Harrisonburg. 1t contains popula-
ton noted for their intelligence and thrift,
and the public spirit which stimulates them
in material enterprise. Recently there has
been organized there Manufacturing Com
pany, composed exclusively of the citizens
of the town and its vicinity, with a capital
of 10000. much Of it paid in, the object Of
which is to manufacture farm implements OF
various kinds and wooden goods, and to form
the nucleus of still more extensive enter
prises in the near future. The splendid
water power that invites industries Of this
kind; the prolific country which surrounds,
and the animation which has been infused
into the people, by reason of the operations
on the Marrow Guage Railroad, and the coal
mines eight or ten miles distant, give prom
Use Of prosperous future for this attractive
town. There are already number Of in
dustrial establishments in the village and
vicinity. Within radius of one mile there
are several wooden factories, a foundry, bone
mill, several Touring and saw mills, and
probably other industries that we do not
know of. The enterprising citizens are now
utilizing mineral spring located about
mile from the town, by piping the water
for the use Of the place; and it is the pur-
pose to lay out park at the spring, and i'm
prove it for the pleasure and health OF the
neighborhood.
With the development Of the coal and iron
Interest at the mines OF the Dora and Royal
Land Company. and the completion Of the
Marrow Guage Railroad to North River Gap,
where the mineral deposits have been deyel-
oped, Bridgewater must necessarily become
. point where, if the proper energy is mani
Tested, large industrial establishments will
be operated. The citizens seem to UNDER
stand this, and have taken the first step to
derive practical advantage from it, by the
of home company, with home
capital, to open the way for manufacturing
interests. This will encourage other capital
sor people to put their own shoulders to the
wheel, for that will bring other assistance,
aud, In course of time, an important manu-
centre may be created. There is
everything to attract the attention Of those
who may visit the Valley with view to
purposes. 1t has the finest
OF wator power; coal and iron In easy reach
an affluent agricultural surrounding, and
sober, industrious, and pushing population,
whose hospitality is proverbial, and whose
good sense and energy will readily avail Of
any advances that may be made.
Not the least of the progressive indications
about this lively town is the active spirit
manifested In educational interests. They
have one Of the best High Schools in vir-
ginia, teaching all the modern languages,
and conducted with remarkable success.
Where schools are encouraged, and the pride
VI the people stimulated to the attainment
,f high order of mental training, we may
safely assume that there is future for them.
Briagewatcr is the home Of Col. E. j.
Armstrong, one Of the representatives in the
legislature OF Rockingham county-a true
I'D Roman, whose services to his State have
'un through many years, and always level
ng up to the highest standard of official in
egrity and efficiency. He is man OF con-
1ietions, and the courage to follow them,
through evil as well as good report, believing |
hat it is the best policy to be honest, whether
popular or not. His sympathies are all with
he people, because he is Of them, and his |
ahars sad energies are directed to the pro-
notion Of their interests. He is now, we |
re sorry to bear, suffering from severe in
butwe hope to soon hear that he