Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-03-27

Mr.. HERALD:

NM L1EtALbs
Two weeks ago we heard
1t currently rumored that our city
fathers would proceed without delay to
pave and improve our sidewalks in ac'
cordance with determination they had
made some time before. The bare an
nouncement Of such an intention gave
rise to talk and comment in every little
crowd, at all the corners, in all the
stores, and other places of assembly,
and every man who was heard to speak
out signifed his approval. A broad
grin Of satisfaction overspread every
countenance, and the inquiry on every
hand was, show soon will they begin :"
As our good women heard Of the enter
prise they were seized with kind OF
spasmodic delight which permeated
every household and started up the
piano aud organ almost simultaneously
with the hope-inspiring old song
There's life in the old land yet"
The conversation in the family circle,
at breakfast, at noon and at night was
about our sidewalks A; but the cup of
felicity was ever run when DIR. Irwin
bought the old corner aud pledged HIM
selfin the article Of agreement to put
up handsome edhce in the place of
the rickety old fire trap that gazes visit
ing strangers out of countenance as they
wend their way from the depot to tie
main street.
Hope deferred maketh :he heart sick"
Now We are told that the Doctor
must wait three years and the city
fathers have concluded that, as their
term Of office expires very soon, they
will leave the mud holes and break
neck walks of the old town as legacy
to their successors. What pity, Sure
ly nobody wants them to have any
successors but themselves if they will
Just 20 on with their original design. |
What the citizens want is not new
council, bat improvements that will
keep the county seat apace with the
progress Of neighboring towns and make !
her the pride, instead Of the reproach,
of the county.
Gracious! is il not all a mistake ?
Sincerely do We hope it is, and that
Irwin will make some mutually agree
able arrangement to 90 on with the
building, and that our council will start
the good work if only to commence the /
burning Of bricks or getting cut OF
curbing
1t is shame Since this report our
children DO nothing but stroke the old
cats back; the "old woman" has not
put up her back hair in style nor futed
her new apron, and the music OF the
whole family is after the style Of the |
Isvaelitish mournings on the banks Of the |
Eupharates.
A few nights ago the mite society |
met at our house, and the subject was
introduced When the new determine
ton was announced every woman but
one set up a wall; that one had just
noted little in cident that lily prepared
her for any feminine tears over the
runor. With an Indignation that re-
stored the equilibrium of the whole !
society she said Il just wish Jim !
Rodef1er, and Phil Fravel, and Phil |
Magruder and Billy Bargelt, and Bob |
Chahoon and Dave Gillock would stump |
their toes of and fall down and roll !
over like l did =; then they wouldn't talk |
about such nonsense as legacies and |
successors. l just wish l was one OF
their wives long enough to Caudle them
awhile Oh these pavements, and they
would wish they hal never been born."
This fired the society. Away they all
went at once, and we thought, 10 ! the
poor office-holder!
We could not help feeling glad these
men did not hear what was said, but we
resolved then and there to tell just
enough Of it to let them know how public
sentiment among the women is, ON this |
question of Improvements.
Mr.. Editor, cant something be dsnc
to bring the council back to their first
conclusion The people want it, the |
town is able to do the work, and all
that IS necessary is for our city fathers
to form the resolution and start the
machine. Springis upon us; procras-
innate now, and we must then wait for
another spring. What our hands find
to do, let us do with all our might.
TowNsMAE.
- 80. s.--------------