Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-02-04
Staunton Spectator.
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY A, 1885.
"MAsTERLY INACTIVITY VS.. PROGRESS.

There are instances in history wherein
mastery inactivity was deemed most
iudicious in matters of diplomacy and State
affairs pending certain stages of important
questions, but it is certainly not a policy
which should rule in any matter associated
with the advancing era, nor do circum-
stances call for its exercise on any field over
which the moving column of enterprise is
marching.
The most experienced agriculturists in
their practice, and the writers on the
chemical influences which govern the ele-
ments of production, have demonstrated
that if the soil is left inactive, no improve
ment of it's capabilities will be realized.
Good culture, rotation of crops, and en-
riching aids are essential to permanent i'm
provement, increase of yield, and enhance
ment of value. These facts illustrate theo-
ries which should govern in progress, and
as the face of the earth furnishes lessons
without number for practical instruction,
the one now employed is most effectual in
giving tone to cities and trade centers carv-
ing their way in the career of prosperity.
To stand still is to retrogade; and as the
inactive soil yields but little production, SO
the town which slumbers upon its past pros
perity is binding letters upon its own weak
ening strength. =
Agriculture, commerce, and manufactur-
ing are the chief corner-stones of prosper
ity, upon either of which it may exist, but
when resting on all, it has the combination
at its base for the largest growth. 1t can
be said of this city that it can fortlfy Its
future with all three. Its commerce and
sustaining agriculture are good; its manu-
featuring future has to be created. In re-
lation to agriculture, the city is most highly
favored, and, like queen in her jewels, to
the extent of its tributary producing do
main, has no richer rival. Staunton is TAI
behind the times in manufacturing. The
forward movement here has not been as
progressive as in other Virginia towns, ano
locations with fewer advantages than this
place. This is repetition Of an old song.
That is true. The ways and means for III
Producing manufacturing plants have been
again and again pointed out. That is also
true. But to be satisfied with the existence
of purpose, merely trusting to some 1u'
ture fortune, is not even mastery mac
tiyity." 1t is worse. 1t is fatal; for 1t
will arrest whatever latent ENERGY might
be exercised and turn it back to nothing.
If inactivity will not yield the arena to en-
ergy and progress, the last Indifference will
be more fatal than the first and hasten
waning opportunities to decaying realities.
The need then is organization and action
on well devised plans. A movement has
been set on foot by the business men OF
this city, which, if matured upon com
prehensive plan, will be the groundwork
in sustaining efforts that will eventually
succeed in planting productive industries
here. There is no institution which can be
organized that will develop and carry for
ward an industrial center so rapidly as a
Board of Trade set to work in its full
equipment for that object. 1t is the focus
of mind, energy, and tact. 1t takes charge,
under enlightened ideas and purposes, o
all the material interests, just as the su
perior, thrifty, cautious, and emiaentlJ
successful farmer does of his possessions
which yield rich rewards and bestow bless
ings on every hand. If the Commercial
interests drag in their onward course, the
cause is ascertained, and the remedy to Sc
cure proper results is set in motion. L
considers the welfare of agriculture, anc
offers its timely aid when its chief products
languish, and will eventually foster its In
terests. 1t is the center of information
and diffuses knowledge which makes it the
benefactor of all industries. 1t takes W
with especial guardianship the early efforts
in planting manufacturing enterprises L
ascertains the resources In conveniently
located materials, and makes known thei
values and their advantages for turning ou
fabrics. 1t not only searches at home fol
capital and talent with which to inaugu
rate proper schemes, but it goes abroad
with concentrated information, and through
its ablest representa-, to make known
the situation and to invite foreign resources
to profitable investments in our midst.
Leaving out of view the larger cities o.
the country, take our State capital and
chief city, Richmond, to illustrate the ad
vantages which have been realized under
the workings of her Chamber of Com
merce, which is but another name for 9
Board of Trade. Trace it from it's organi
cation in 1867 forward, and note the daily
influences it has exercised in promoting al
departments of her industries 1t gives
high tone to intercourse, and fosters il
union and energy every worthy object, moi
by any drawbacks on agriculture or any
other pursuit, but by its creative power il
the diffusion of benefits to all. That great
and conservative organization is presided
over by manufacturer, and Richmond is,
with it's large manufacturing industries,
also commercial city largely dependent
on agriculture, which it fosters with liberal
and enlightened care.
Staunton has large interior tributary
country, which, as yet, has no advanced
means Of transportation. Those sections
are not only rich in agricultural resources,
but are especially so in forest and lumber
values which are dormant. If, under pres
ent circumstances. it cannot step forth with
a system of improvements in transporta-
tion worthy Of its associated interests with
that interior, the time is approaching when
it can and will lead the way 1t will moi
have to look far for an illustration of this
view, and which, in the practical workings
of organization, has wrought wonderful
change, and quadrupled in three years time
the values as they originally existed. Il
is only necessary to read the publications
devoted to our forest and lumber interests
TO learn of the new importance which the
Southern hard woods have risen to. A
trade in them, centering in this city, would