The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-01-03
KetINYA
sTAUgToN aesEIA
rhe nld ana thA new:

With this FIST ISSUE OF the New Lear. We
tender our congratulations and good wishes
to Our patrons. The gear from which we
have Just emerged was rife with events, al
fectjpg il. their nfluencc not only the civil
led world-not enly the Republic in which
We live, but, to- a more or less degree, the
life of each Of the minute factors which en-
ter into the SUN total OF existence. 1t Wit
messed the active Inauguration OF conflict
in the old world, the throes OF which are re-
yerberating throughout Christcndnm, ana |
threatening to annihilate at blow lnstitu-
tions OF alleged divinely appointed origin
institutions which, as participant or saecta-
tor, lave witnessed the rise, reign and fall
of dynasties-have seen Kingdoms spring up,
flourish and disappear like the shifting
scenes of drama-have noted revolutions
and outpourugs of human rivers as they
SWEPT by in their tumultuous passage,
and withstood conyulsive upheavals OF
mighty realms, and shock after shock
throbblng throughout the Barbarian world
and dying on the edge OF civilization"
And now with their centuries and their
sins they will pass into the pages OF
history and take their place in the grand
caravan which moves to the pale realms OF
shade
In our own l,ud less conspicuous, though
scarcely less momentous events inter- INTO
the records of the year. The struggle was
silent. but it was tremendous, and victory
L. tpi, IN
the turbid waters were stilled, and deeper
and firmer sank the roots OF the Repnhilc.
As il in commentator, nature poured forth
the richest treasures of her horn OF plenty,
and prosperity smiles from ocean to ocean.
And how has it been to each of lis as i'll
diyiduais? We are but an iniiniteslmal
atom, and yet ''ihe poor beetle which we
tread upon, in corporal sutferance lih6s a
pang as great as when giant dies. and
aur little struggles and triumphs measure
unfoldings OF time. anu pale in Importance
the mightiest commissions Of nations. Ii
fortune frowns and failure ends our efforts,
what consolation do rejoicing Kingdoms
bring? or if success be won, how compla-
Gently we read the story of Bulgarian hor-
rors. These daily battles, OF which the
world knows not and history "lil be silent.
are the true chronicles of time, and witness
Oft as much of heroism and dauEtless cour-
age as ever yet have been displayed on tent
ed field or in assault or siege. The struggle
with self-the conquest of those foes OF which
YOU only are aware. and which in secret you
erapple, with an energy almost akin TO de-
spair: the effort to deceive your fellowman
and never allow him to suspect that the
smile with which you greet him is not the
reflex of sunny life; the curling OF year'l-
ings and aspirations the strengthening OF
purpose and will. and the iron determi-
nation to press forward in the weary way
all these make up a volume which none be-
sides yourself can read, and WHICH, Poe said,
40 man dare ever write. But it will be lnstruc
tive, nevertheless. and as you look back on
the blotted pages of last year, that hope
which s.springs eternal will buoy you for
the coming fray.
Happily. of what the New Year will britig
we are ignorant. As people we Lave
reason to believe that the worst is past, and
new prosperity will gladden. tie land. The
harsh experience of the past few years has
left with lis a valuable store OF informa-
tion-has taught us to live more economical
ly, to spend less than We make and do With
out many luxuries once deemed indispensa-
BILE. Another cheering sign is q owing dis
caste for the old credit systematic curse OF
che South. We of Virginia have special reason
TO feel hopeful. New Developments have re-
Gently been made in the mineral deposits OF
our mountains, and the magnet has attract
cd the eye of capital. This, we confess, has
been long deferred hope, but its realiza-
ton must come, and each year brings us
nearer. The last was by no means an idle
one in this particular line, and We are richer
for it. The ball has been SET in motion and
ere long its rolling will be heard throughout
the length and breadth of the Valley. The
bottom has been touched, the skies are
brighter and we can look forward with con-
fileaee.
What the fruit OF the new year will be to
each individual depends more upon himself
than others. We can only hope that from
it he may gather happiness, cnntentment
and prosperity.