The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-02-17
staunton's Opportunity.

Lexington; the extension of the Valley road
from Staunton to that point; the purchase of
the A. M. & O. road by the authorities of the
Shenandoah Valley and the continuance of
this last named road to its Southern connec-
ton with It's recently acquired line; the re-
sumption of work on the Washington & Gin
cinnati road; the completion of the western
connection of the G. & o. and its new straight
shoot to the sea at its eastern terminus all
point to an activity in public improvements
never before equaled in this State. As result
of this railroad building there must necessarily
follow vast amount Of development of min
eral lands. All along these lines the raw ma
terial abounds Great mountains Of iron and
coal are actually penetrated by these enter
prises and are ready to yield their treasures
for comparatively little more than the asking.
Added to these are the splendid deposits OF
marble and the vast quantity OF excellent tim
Der with which the mountains are underlaid
and covered. These must all be walked into
active values. They need only skill and CAPT
tai to put them into marketable shape, and the
transportation facilities to enable them to
reach the centres ofcommerce. This last con-
dition is being rapidly supplied by the various
enterprises above alluded to, and want of cap
ital will not operate as bar to their utiliza-
ton long When the national government is
enabled to negotiate its 81 per cent. bonds to
the extent of $670000,000 without an effort
ample proof is afforded that there are millions
upon millions of money in the country
which will quickly find investment if the as
surance of its returning even five or six per
cent. interest can be given. By careful esti-
mate it is demonstrated that iron, which costs
$40, $40 and $21 per ton in Pennsylvania and
along the Lehigh and Susquehanna valleys,
can be manufactured in Virginia, at from
$1100 to $3.50 per ton. 1t is known that
within radius of twenty miles of Staunton
are splendid ore deposits; coal seams of I'M
usual thickness and tested value; marble Of
the most beautiful shades and finest quality
and timber in abundance and of the most de-
sirable kinds, whilst intervening these great
sources of wealth are rich and productive grain
lands and pasturage, valuable water powers,
and extensive sheep and cattle ranges These
natural advantages have been improved for
the whole surface of the country is dotted over
with school-houses, churches, mills, dwellings
and barns, and it is cultivated by a people
noted for their industry and sterling virtues.
1t would seem then that all the conditions for
the successful establishment of manufactures
are here found, and when it is remembered
that Staunton is located at the junction of two
roads, and that two others will probably enter
the lists as competitors for her freight there is
little that could be added to make it attractive
to the eye of the capitalists. What is needed
at once is that start be made in the direction
of manufacturing industries. Our own people,
who have the means, should be more active.
All acknowledge that our future hope is in
manufactures; all agree, that no time should
be lost,and yet none seem to have nerve enough
to take the initiative. When it comes to in
vesting in stocks and calculating SIX eight and
ten per cent. interest, numbers are ready, and
but little effort is required to start a banking
or loan institution, with fund which if put
into some productive enterprise, would return
good per cent. and impart new life to the
town.
1t has just gotten down to this, and men
who own property in Staunton and want that
property to increase in value, might as well
understand it at once. We will be compelled
to establish manufactures or else in short
time Waynesboro or some other favored point
will get the start, and Staunton will never be
much more than it is now. What is needed is
a commencement. Get one mandatory of
iron or other material into active operation
and Others will spring up around it.
Nothing breeds faster. They multiply and Gre
ate demands for others of like and different
kind. Not long ago business which would
have brought tens and perhaps hundreds of
thousands of dollars annually into our midst.
was sold out and transferred to anotherState, be-
cause its requirements of material could not
be supplied here as fast as needed. And thus
it is. Around us are iron, marble, slate, lime
stone, coal, timber, wool and all that ma ture
could bestow to encourage manufactures, and
yet there is scarcely an establishment in Staun-
ton in which any of these resources are shaped
into marketable values. This condition ofthings
cannot continue much longer. The develop
ments going on around us, give warning that
there must be an awakening, or some other
locality will lead off, and Staunton will be left
to hug her banks and loan associations, until
even they are drained
1t is time our monied men were making
beginning. 1t is.time they were taking step
towards adding to the permanent value of
their properties. II some gentleman of means
and known business capacity and integrity
would undertake to start bank in Staunton,
100000 would be subscribed in less than
month. With such an amou4 paper mill,
shoe factory, and wooden factory could be put
under way, or rolling mill established Each
of these would soon beget others, for the his
tory of all manufacturing towns is that COM
petition improves trade and in a short time,
with the advantages afforded in unsurpassed
climate, abundance Of supplies, cheapness of
labor, and the conservative character of the
people, Staurton would double in population
and taxable values.
There is an immense surplus of capital seek
ing employment, but unless we make an effort
ourselves and show our faith by our works,
we cannot expect strangers to come among lis,
and invest their money. Without some special
inducement those who would feel disposed to
put their capital into manufactures, would be
apt to seek some location equally favored by
nature,I where land could be purchased cheap,
and taxes were low and with the facilities it
offers,ev Waynesboro may yet prove rival
which Staunton cannot afford to disregard.
Let our business men awake to the importance
of making start. There was never more
opportune season, and perhaps it may be too
late when other places have taken the lead.
Capt. Fl. H. Riddleberger, in long, and we
will say able letter, addressed to some inquir-
ing friends, published in the last Woodstock
Vsayinsaaa, gives number ofsore thrusts to the
late Conservative party and its management of
the affairs of the State. Of course he writes in
the interests of the Re-adjusters, and in stating
facts had to unearth the corruptions and inf
deity of the party of which he was a promi-
nent member to the trust confded to it by a