The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-02-19
Items from Waynesboro.
Reported for the VALLEY vIRGrNrAN,l

Reported for the VALLEY VIRGINIAN]
The South River Bridge. = Strangers,
visiting Waynesboro no doubt often Won
der, If they do not inquire, why there is
no bridge across the river at this place.
It is not only shame but disgrace TO
the county to GLOW thoroughfare that
is so much used by the travelling public, who
use private conveyance between your city
and the eastern side Of the mountain, to
remain without safe means of crossing
South River. Since Nov. 1877, we have
been deprived of a bridge here, although the
most strenuous efforts were made by some
of those who felt themselves more interested
than others, in trying to haye bridge
erected here, but our Elk County Judge al
ways saw proper to limit the proportion that
the county would pay towards the structure,
the balance to be raised by private subscrip-
ton. The argument has always been advan-
ced that only this section OF the county was
interested in having a bridge at this point,
and that the burden OF the expense OF It's
erection should be borne by those who the
more frequently use it. While this argu-
ment may be very plausible, as far as 1t
affects the pockets of certain ones, yet It
does not in the least lessen the disgrace chat
attaches to the county for the penuriousness
that has been manifested in this matter
throughout. Thescost of good substantial
bridge at this point, built in such manner
as to be less liable to destruction from
floods than heretofore, would entail on the
county but an Insignificant outlay compared
to the convenience that 1t would be. 1t is
to be hoped that the new county judge VIII
exercise Ii berality In matters OF this kind.
With no means of crossing the river at
this point for foot passengers but the rail-
road bridge. those who are OF necessity
compelled to take advantage Of that way, are
always in danger Of being killed or MANNED
for life. by the frequently passing trains.
1t has been but two or three weeks since
man was caught on the railroad after dark,
by one of the through freight trains, and haG
only time to save his life by extending him.
self full length on the out edge OF the bridge.
frequently during pleasant weather, per-
sons residing on the eastern side OF the river
desire to attend night service at one OF the
ether Of the churches, and they have either
to come and 60 by way OF the railroad |
bridge, and thereby run the risk OF being |
caught by passing train, or they have to
forego the privileges of divine worship.
These facts are sufficient, think, to induce
the county to make an appropriat ion OF at
least enough to erect foot way across the
river here, If it does not feel called upon to
put up substant ial bridge.
The S. 2, Railroad.-I have learned,
since my last, from very reliable source,
that the prospects for Waynesboro to sue
coed in getting the S. V. Railroad Company
to make this town point on their route are
at this time very fattering. The resolutions
adopted at the meeting of the citizens here
several weeks ago, were pres ented at the
last meeting OF the Board of Directors Of the
company and favorably received. A COM
mittee has been appointed by the Board to
confer with the committee of citizens of this
place, wi tn instructions to report at the
next meeting of the directors the result of
the conference and the availability of the
route suggested to come into town. 1t is
said that there is difference of fifty thou.
sand dollars in favor Of the route to this
place over the route to Fishersville, which
when taken into consideration with the
development of the mineral resources of the
Blue Ridge, will 60 far to induce the compa-
ny to come here.
The Drama tic Club Of this place, under
stand, is in great danger Of going by the
board. They experience difficulty in pre-
vailing upon sufficient number of the fair
sex to take part in the programme that has
been selected. This is to be regretted, as
our town ce rtainly needs something to en-
liven it.. But then you know those ''half
dozen respectable funerals haven't taken
place yet and our enjoyment loving citiz ems
will have to wait. S. e. W.