The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-02-21
Communicated.

Messrs. Editors.-There has been no one who
has done more than yourselves to arouse the
people of Staunton to the necessity of doing
something for the place. And as an article for
the people to consider by Erie in the VIRGINIAN
attracted my attention and careful perusal,
respectfully ask that.you will give space in your
valuable paper to the following. It is evident
that Erie is alarmed for the future OF our city,
and justly. fully concur with him. that unless
something in the line of manufacturing Is soon
inaugurated, Staunton, as place of some i'm
portance in commercial sense, is literally
nothing. She is retrograding, prospecting back
ward, losing ground, a thrifty, goa head,
business inland city. She had better standing
one year ago, and was so appreciated by the out
side observing world, than she has to-day. The
question is what shall be done to impart new
life to the place. Why! new blood. How? By
offering inducements for practical artiZaus to
become citizens of our city. How can these in
ducements be offered and artizans drawn here I?
l offer the follow ing as q means of accomplishing
my humble Judgment, does not necessitate the
increase of taxes. Let.the city Council petition
the LEGISLATURE now IN session to pass general
to issue manufacturing bonds for the purpose
of starting and maintaining manufacturing pur-
suits here in Virginia, these bonds to be ex-
empted from state and municipal taxes, for the
term of 10 years from date of their issue the
enterprise en- 81 Whatever character, to be under
the members of the board to be chosen from
among councilmen by the voters at the time of
their election the board to elect the manager
who is to give bond for the faithful discharge of
the duties pertaining to his office; the manager
10 make under oath TO the board, an 1tem1zed
statement, every quarter, of all raw material on
hand with cost: also manufactured articles in
store with their cost and market value, also
bills. notes and other evidences of debt due the
corporation: the board to publish, every six
months q tabular statement, showing in full
detail, the condition and progress of the enter
prise; the constitution and bylaws for the gov
eminent of the same to be framed and passed by
the whole Council of which the board are men,
pers and all amendments to the same to have
the approval of two-thirds of the city council.
am fully persuaded in my mind that the city
of Staunton, at least as one of the many cities
of the State can throw her bonds on the market,
bearing per cent interest, and get their face
value. All dividends arising from the enter
prise to go to the payment of interest on these
bonds and to constitute O sinking fund for this
final liquidation. Such scheme as this, having
the sanction of q legislature would in my judg-
ment inaugurate q new'era in the old State and
make OF her q manufacturing State second to
none on this continent. Eries informer is cor
rect as regards Georgia and her railroad system
The State controlledsand managed the roads
and their earnings went into the State Treasury
out.of which she inipart paid her obligations
The State did this MISUNDERSTANDING the people
with increased taxes. And If o State can &C
comDlish such benedcent'results as these, why
can't city or town under wise and judicioul
management do the same? We will not at pres
emit discuss what line of manufacture will bt
the most profitable. Let us first ascertain
where and how the necessary funds are to, bs
cotton. and.after these are secured, it will b,
time to- look about as to what is the best to b.
done.
There is nothing; jim the scheme here propcs,
calculated to alarm and frighten the most tfmit
with the apprehension of higher rate of taxes
1t is one of those simple, practical questions
easily comprised and understood by the mos
sluggish minds. So that an attempt to'simplif.
1t tends only to mystify the whole. Therefore
without discussing the matter further in it
practical bearing, offer the suggestion for VIVA
Il. is worth hoping that. at least, it may Gauss
purified corpse,-a stencil Fin the nostrils O
all wide awake enterprising' firms "A CITIZEN.