The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-12-26
Encouraging Signs.

We notice Ill recent report OF sales OF
real estate in various parts of Virginia, that
there is a very perceptible increase in the
market value Of lands. The farm of l.. D.
Hess, in Loudoun county, last week, sold
for $40 per acre, and other sales, in the same
county, indicate a very decided improve
ment in prices. In Clarke and Frederick
counties, a nanber of land sales have taken
place of late, at improved prices, gong to
show that there is better feeling prevailing
outside of the State towards Virginia, and
tendency to investment and location here.
In Rockingham, we have the same encour-
aging indications to note, and the further
fact, that persons from distant States arc. di.
rectfng their attention not only to theta
v0red lands of that county, but of the Valley
generally.
In Augusta county, a single occurrence
shows the intimatiors of increasing conf
dence. Not long since, a Rockingham far
mer paid to an Augusta farmer over $15 200
in cash for farm, or $40 per acre-all in
greenbacks. The purchaser had not sold
another farm to do this, but it was the accu-
mutations he had on hand, from his farming
business. In the same locality, another
gentlemen refused $50 per acre for his farm
because he did not see precisely where he
could better himself. About month ago
the Fort Lewis farm, in Bath county was
sold at public auction, in Staunton, for $l2,-
500. An upset bid of $4,000 was placed ON
it, and at the resale on Saturday last the
same property brought ST., 400, and we are
satisfied that in six months from this date,
if We can get our State debt settled, and out
OF controversy, the same property, if offered
at public sale, would bring $40, 900
less than it is worth.
These are indications of returning conf
dence, and that transactions in real estate
are to become more active in the near flu
ture.
We point to them as the signs OF return
ing prosperity and the recognition of legit-
innate values. The fact is the lands Of the
Valley and all the interests of this beautiful
and fertile section, cannot be kept down.
The ordeal through W hich we have passed
since 1873, was, perhaps, necessary school
ing, and its ben eficent fruits will be realized
in the adj ustment of all kinds of business
to normal methods, The economy which
has been introduced into every department
OF domestic and business relations, has en-
abled the people to pay off old debts, add
comforts to homes, and improve landed In
terests. Farm houses have been remodeled
and dressed up. new residences and barns
erected, fences repaired, and modern i'm
proyements introduced in all the branches
OF industry, until now the great mass Of the
intelligent enterprise Of the Valley is pre-
pared to 60 forward in developing and utiiz-
ing disadvantages we possess.
What is essential to give browning finish
to these encouraging indications, and place
this portion OF the State uponit highway
to prosperity, is the settlement Of the State
debt in such way that nc. blush of shame or
imputation of wrong can be placed upon
Virginia. With this effected, we may look
forward, confidently, to the revival OF every
description Of business, based upon gen
uine foundation, and pressing forward
under the stimulated energies Of the people
growing out Of the cheering hope that will
beckon them on.