Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-09-12
Two Kinds Of Citizens.

4
situated towns and small cities con-
tinue at a standstll year in and year
year out, while other places less favor
ably situated grow and prosper, has
long been a source of oujecture. The
same measures will not remedy the
evils in all such cases any more than
one particular mode Of treatment will
cure all the ills Of humanity; but as
there are some diseases more common
to the human family than others, so
also there are some causes which hln-
der industrial growth more than others.
While II IS not necessary TO enumerate
The numerous causes which effrc uallv
check advancement 10 tins direction.
there ls one cause in particular which,
more than any other, brings about this
state OF affairs.
There generally live in every small
city a few wealthy Individuals who own
ALL or nearly all. the desirable properly
within mile or two of the place.
These men usually either compose the
local government or exert a great in-
fuence over its members. Like the
rest of the race, they are either greatly
interested in public affairs, or are en-
tirely disinterested, as the case may be.
The former is ever ready and willing
to do all 10 thei- power for the perma-
neut good of the place. If a manu-
featuring concern seeks a suitable loca-
ton for factory or mill buildings, they
eudeayOr by all honest means 10 in-
duce it TO stay with them, In many in-
stances donating either money or lands.
and securing other inducements like
low taxes, etc. Other places are uu-
fortunately handicapped with leading
citizens who seem opposed to anything
like Industrial advancement, who make
no exertions for their clty's welfare, but
possessing plenty of worlds goods for
themselves and families, settle down 10
a dreamy, monotonous existence, car.
ing for nothing, and think OF nothing,
apparently, but themselves. The fol-
owing instance may illustrate the
latter. The proprietors of large nail
mauuiactory sought suitable location
for a new establishment, and asked
certain reasonable concessions from
the owners Of suitable lands adjoining
pretty little city now unknown to in-
dustrial fame. Not only were the con-
cesslons refused, but, under mistaken
idea that they were determined to but
at any rate, a price far above the real
value of the laud was demanded. DIS.
gusted, they located in neighborins
CITY, where they now employ scores Of
workmen, besides adding greatly to the
clty's interest. The place whose ciIi-
zens for the sake Of gain frightened
them away, will probably remain iust
what il now is-'a nice place to live for
a man who can afford to be idle, but no
place for buslness;' at least, 50 long as
the present generation shall live.
The mistake of placing nctitious
values on desirable sites for manufac'
tories IS a common one, owners SEEM
ing to lose sight Of the fact that the
enhanced value Of their remaining lands
would amply compensate for selling
the few acres wanted at reduced rates
or even donating it. While useless
extravagance is always to be con-
demned, wise oullays for the good ol
your fellows is always to be commen-
ded. OF course. every man has a per-
feet right 10 do just as be pleases
about such matters; but the city which
10 thus borne down by thsse human
dead.weights Is indeed deserving OF
sympathy.