The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-01-01
The Vi glniaH lof 1880.

IAN for the liberal patrona ge that has been |
extended to it. There has not been day
during the year that we have not received |
testimonials of the kind wishes and approval
Of the people Of the county and the state |
Indeed we may safely say that the cash book
of no weekly paper in Virginia presents
more gratifying exhibit, whilst in every
department of our business increasing pat
ronage and prosperity have marked the
progress of the twelve months past. We
venture nothing in claiming as large, ii not
larger circulation than any other weekly
journal in Virginia, and especially in Au-
gusta county. and can point to our list Of
readers as among the most intelligent and
enterprising people OF the Commonwealth,
representing all parties aud classes of our
fellow citizens. Controlled by an earnest
desire to contribute whatever in us lies to
the development Of the material resources
of our section, and animated by the purpose
to do all in our power to place Virginia,
where she belongs, in the very Van OF pros
porous states, we have spared neither labor
nor expense in cur efforts to attract the at
tention of capital to the inducements that
are here afforded for its investment,
and to urge upon our own people the neces-
sity of Offering every encouragement to
those from whom we must look for our ma
terisl salvation. With persstency that at
times has amounted almost to monotony, we
have presented the incalculab,e advantages
i. =
wearied not in the work of bringing them
to the recognition Of the outside world. Nor
have these efforts been uprewarded. With
in the last half year, we have seen ten OF
thousands of dollars Of northern capital
planted in Virginia, and the assurance is
given that these investments are but preim-
mary to the movements of 1880. Our own
people. too, are awaklng from the lethargy
that entbraed them. and are bending their
energies to the work that lies before them.
We do not claim the whole credit for this
propitious condition Of affairs, far from it,
but assurances have come to us, that the
influence of the VIheiINE ms course has
been By no means unl1aportant in contrib
uting to that whic1/ has already been &C.
com lished, add III directing attention to
still more extensive fields of enterprise
which the nsar future promises to develop.
We mephon these things with feeling OF
pride; it is true, but we mention them with
a much higher object in view than mere
personal qualification. They afford evidence
of what individuals may accomplish in the
great work of lifting the old state from the
slough of despond, and give an earnest of he
achievements that would follow the united
efforts OF our people.
During the year upon which we are
now entering, we expect, more than ever
before, to devote our columns to Virginia.
material welfare and upbuilding, and we
shall look with confidence to an increase of
the encouragement and support which in
the past have been so generously extended.
The approaching twelve months will consti-
tute page in American history without a
precedent. From one end of the Union to
the other the wheels OF industry will be set
in motion, the rich soil will be called upon
for its ut ost products, the mines will be
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and under the impetus, every branch OF
trade will be endowed with new life. In
this section, especially. mountains Of iron
will be opened, furnaces located, manufac-
turtles established and the foundations Of
permanent wealth laid. The agrieulturiss
will find an increased demand for their pro-
ducts. and the laborer profitable employ
ment for his energy and muscle. To advance
all of their interests and to contribute to
their successful operations will be the para
mount aim of the VIRGINIAN, but at the
same time it will endeayor to meet the de-
mands CT ? live public journal presenting
the latest local and general news, and
dealing with all public questions fearlessly
and impartially.
Politically the year will be a marked one,
particularly in Virginia. It is impossible to
foreshadow with anything like accuracy the
drift of parties as now constituted in this
state. How they will be aligned with ref
erence to the great presidential contest.
which will come up for decision, the wisest
can only surmise. Together with the Pres
ident, the congressional representatives will
also be elected. Whether or not the coali-
tions now consummated will Withstand the
shock of that contest remains TO be seen
What new combinations will be formed,
what departures made from old landmarks,
is thing of the future. The anomalous
condition of politics in Virginia, not only in
regard to state, but also to national affairs,
presents a strange puzzle, the solution Of
which, by the slow processes Of time, will be
of absorbing interest.
Added to this, the year 1880, marking as
it does the completion Of four-ffihs of a
century by the christian calendar, and
starting upon the second century of Amer
lean independence, will witness grand
marshaling of the resources and population
OF our country, and the casting up Of our
national accounts. The work Of the census
taker will Doubtless develop startling facts,
as 1t brings within our grasp the vast wealth
power and improvement of the states, anC
the condition of their peoples.
To watch these changes, and to note the
unfoldings as the weeks and months shall
bring them about, condemning that which
merits condemnation, and encouraging al
that is worthy of it, will be the work of The
VIRGINIAN. We shall discuss all measures
of public importance without fear or favor
aud with what ability We may possess, Ell
deav0ring to present to odr readers intelli-
gent views of questions in which they fee
interested. and giving them each week
compendium OF events as they shall trans
pire.
Another attractive feature OF the VIRGIN
IAN for the coming year, will be origina
articles upon literary and other subjects
from some of the best wri tiers in the state
the first of which, from the pen OF Col. Jno
Lewis Peytcn, appears in to- days paper
The object of these articles will be to nstruc
as we'll as entertain, and we feel assured
that all who carefully read them will be