The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-04-04
MECKLENBURG COUNTY.
TCorres,Un6cncc of the Richmond Dispatch,]

~. .ADBYyILLE, VA. Aprif2, 1879.
But few people are aware that VIC have
located in this and the adjoining county OF
Charlotte thriving Catholic colony. Its
central point is GAINESVILLE. Arecent VISIT
there impressed me with tbe importance OF
Organized, well-rcgulated, and systematic
colonization societies to settle sparsely-
populated country. From this plan arises
more confidence, security, pei manency. and
co0peration. With united purposes. inter
cstS. and mutual advantages, obstacles are
overcome, harmony prevails, and content
meut and prosperity SuperScde disappoluE-
ment and adversely. \ unity OF religious
views also contributes to the general satis-
faction, good order, and success OF all ill.,
tcrested. ...s..-, g.
This purchase or seven thousand acres
was conSummatcd last year by The IRISH
Catholic Benevolent Union OF philadelphia.
The land was sold by Messrs. Samuel +. and
r. 4. Barnes, whose title to portion OF
this property dates back 10 a royal grant
from King George the III. 10 one OF theil
ancestors. ...
Mr.. +. G. IIannon. the president OF the
colony, has his headquarters at BarucsYile,
in Charlotte county, and he Informed me
that the success OF the undertaking was
lSS .ulN lIpt tbSIS 'FkiN ANNN'n WV
two hundred settlers from different SECTIONS
and constant additions. ... ,.....
| observed numerous new buildings
erected on what few years ago were ex-
tcnsiye and uncultiva.cd fields. There l.
now post-ofiicr, with daily mniIs, several
stores, tannery, saw and grist-mi!l, and
other industrial operations. No intoXicl.
ting liquor is allowed TO be sold within the
limits OF the colony.
All the lands have been surveyed, and
lots and tracts OF various sizes and prices,
with good water and open and Wood.land,
can be selected to suit the tastes and occu-
nations OF the new corners. l do not think
the same quantity OF land III contiguous
tracts, with all the advantages OF health,
Salubrinus climate, constant running
streams, fertile soil, and accessibility
to railroad facilities, could have been
more judciously selected in any other
portion of Virginia. The soil is admi-
rably adapted to all our staple crops,
and Irish potatoes, grapes, and fruits OF all
kinds flourish and mature to perfection.
They have already comfortable church,
with the Catholic cross surrounding the
apex OF tic front. The old residents OF the
community speak in comIncndable terms OF
the peaceable, industrious, and law-abldinS
disposition OF tue new settlers. MIR. IAN
non informed me That only one OF this col
ony bad expressed. dissatisfaction. This is
certainly a splendid exhibit; only one. in
several hundred. ,.....;.... "a.
So Quiet and business;like have this colo
nv carried out their enterprise, and with so
little ostenhiion, that there are really peo-
ple rot far distant from them in both coun-
ties who ase net aware OF the existence Of
6 nh ~, orrnnize1 ard Si1rcnSSfuI colony
But this is not remarkable. ,"''Tis distance
lends enchantnlent to the view" and Twas
recently asked -by-a gentleman residing in
fifteen; miles of the famous Buffalo Litha
Springs. whose waters have a-celebrity on
two continents, aud whose, wonderful
cures have rivalIed all hitherto known
in. materia medicd, !" it, there were
any buildings there for people to stay
in.'' I bave seen it related rs a fact
that persons living within short distance
disposition to behold it, while thousands
flock from all quarters, across vast plains
and over mighty waters to see The wonder
Jul freak of nature. No doubt there are
hundreds OF people Eear by who have never
visited the Mammoth cave OF Natural
bridge; and many. we are informed, with
have never stood where Niagara's thunders
wake the echoes Of the universe.
Mr. Jefferson said it was worth a trip
across the Atlantic to behold the natural
scenery near Harper's Ferry, and many
who pass it daily never regard it, nor was
the writer so greatly impressed with its
grandeur when he last bebeld it-uo doubt
a want OF appreciation or inopportune
time j.