Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-10-15
Narrow Gauge Railroads.&c. Interests Of
StauntOn.

city. If not apparent now, the time is not
distant when Staunton may realize situa-
ton in association with her progressive in
terests which can be illustrated by refer
ence to the experience of other inland cit
les of Virginia. Time will prove that she
will not be an exception to the course of
events, and if profitable lessons presented
in studying the map Of the State as it was,
and now rapidly changing by the introduce
ton of the more unpretending, but nev-
ertheless really serviceable, channels of in
land commerce and travel, too much care
cannot be devoted to the task. Where
there are great iron and other valuable
mineral resources near the leading lines,
branches from them will be made for de-
velopment, but agriculture and miscella-
neous manufacturing enterprises will not
be able to attract similar investments of
capital, or receive the stimulating advan-
tages the more fortunate sections of our
country, on and contiguous to the through
lines, possess.
Until immense centralizing influences and
other resources are firmly fixed in any
centre of trade sufficient to render it indie
pendent of local and tributary agricultural
productions and traffic, no town or city re-
ceiving its growth from them can afford to
be Indifferent to the future of its surround
ing country, or allowing foreign influences
to take hold in such localities. 1t is only
necessary to observe the nervous, and, to
some extent, restless anxiety pervading our
agricultural districts and undeveloped sec
tions, which have not railroad facilities, to
be satisfied that the future of them will not
be content to repose quietly on the ways
and means for their progress, which have
not advanced from primitive times. For
all such country, possessing present and
future value, the advancing methods and
this practical age are developing facilities
of rapid communication within the reach
of all.
There is no one fact more clearly proven
than this: That if the town or city which
should naturally and for it's own interests
perfect, in association with the tributary
country, plans for mutual benefit, but shall
be content to disregard the moving spirit
Of the times, other and foreign enterprise
will step in and take possession of that
which of right by location and former in
tercourse belonged to the first. This prop
osition is true, and the changes made and
the new commercial lines now being run
by fixed interests are transferring whole
sections Of country from their former and
natural associations as they existed under
primitive modes Of transportation.
Narrow gauge railroads have proven
themselves in Southside Virginia the timely
and efficient agent in supplying the needs
Of agriculture-in developing forests, min
eral and manufacturing interests, not with
in reach Of the trunk lines, and that almost
any section of country, especially when a
thriving centre of trade shares in the en-
terprise, can build them.
Take for example the county Of Frank
lin, wholly producing community, except
some manufacturing of tobacco, and possess
ing iron and other mineral deposits and
considerable lumber forests. It has but one
town, the county seat, with about 500 pop
ulation. The county created fund of
5000, 900 and built the bed, superstructure,
depots. etc, and paid every dollar Of liabil-
lily on 40 miles of railroad. The Midland
trunk line put down the iron and operates
the work, on a rental which pays the inter-
est on the debt of 100000, and provides,
also, sinking fund for the extinguishment
of TIE principal. The traffic charges are
regulated in the interests OF Franklin.
The above statement is given only from
incidental knowledge, but it is substantially
correct.
Other and perhaps more striking illus
trations of>the cheapness in construction
and the utility of narrow gauge railroads
could be given, especially in reference to
the interests of this city, but if the subject
is deemed worthy of the consideration of
her business men, they can be produced
hereafter.
The question of the ability of any pros
porous community to build narrow gauge
railroad has been settled, and the figures can
be given. Their adaptability in promoting
the interests Of town and country-and
even more SO than is generally sup
posed-is likewise settled. Then the next
question is, has Staunton any back or trib-
utary country which has good resources
and which she would like to have bound to
her by indissoluble ties? There is no need
to ask the question. Take the whole north
side of Augusta county, Highland county,
and then on indefinitely to the interior of
West Virginia. Say nothing now Of the
agricultural, mineral, and manufacturing
resources, and the immense livestock trade.
Consider not, for the present, the develop
ment and concentration of all the resources
Of that wide, fan-shaped domain in associa-
ton with the growth of Staunton. But
there is one interest, and that perhaps now
inferior in the thoughts of the reader, which
deserves prominence. The forests Of North
Augusta, and Highland and Pendleton and
other sections in interest, are capable Of
furnishing the raw meterial from which to
shape and manufacture many new fabrics
in hard woods, which,, if once commenced
here, would soon startle the most composed
Of the stable men who take thought for
the future.
Oak, maple, walnut, wild cherry, sugar,
and mountain mahogany are select woods
which are creating new interests that are
developing into large proportions.
Parquetry, inlaid, and tessellated work
were in former times an extravaganza in
interior architecture, housed finishing and
elegant cabinet wares, which only the Roy
al household and the rich could enjoy.
Such beautiful and ornamental work has
attracted the highast artisan skill and taste
in both Pagan and Christian countries from
early times, and the inventive powers of
the progressive American has brought it
within the reach of people of moderate