The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-03-26
An Example to Initiate.

Whilst Staunton seems content with the
occasional starting of a Loan OF Insur-
ance Company, our sister city of Roanoke
, is reaching out in all directions in the eff
fort to secure additions to the large man.
ufacturing industries already established
there. Through the public spirit of her
citizens-especially the men who have the
money and are willing to put it up in or
der to increase the population OF the city
and bring to it enterprises that will give
profitable employment to desirable class
the place has grown from village to
manufacturing centre and no opportunity
is allowed to pass that will contribute to
| it's further growth and Importance as a
producer of values. Recently it was re-
ported that the Oliver Plow Works, one Of
the most extensive manufacturing con-
Germs of this country, would probably move
its plant to, OF establish branch IN the
South, and Immediately the City Council of
Roanoke adopted measures setting forth
the advantages of their city and offering
unusual inducements to secure the plant,
whilst the citizens at large assembled in
public meeting to endorse the action of
their representatives and join in the effort
to advance the interests of the place. The
result of the meetings was communicated
to the Oliver Company through Mr.. H. S.
Trout, and in reply the proprietors ex-
pressed themselves as highly gratified at
the offer made, but stated that they had
not determined to move their works. If,
however, they should conclude to make a
change, they promised that Roanoke
should receive attention, as they were IA
vorably impressed with the advantages
described and the spirit manifested by the
citizens.
1t is this spirit of push and enterprise
this advertising of advantages and man.
Hesitation of desire to seize every pass
ing opportunity-thath has made Roanoke
what it is. 1t is the absence of such char
acteristics, that has brought Staunton to
a practical standstill. Our monied men
seem to think only of the percentages
gathered from bank and other stocks,
forgetful that such institutions, though
necessary and desirable, do not give
employment to idle labor, do not in
crease population, do not create demands
for stores and dwellings. do not distri.
butte money among the masses, do not
produce. Production is what we most
need. The creation of values; the trans
formation of the raw material which on
every side so abundantly surround us, into
the finished product; the bringing OF the
money of other sections thither in return
for the results of our labor, to these and
these only can we look for the betterment
of our condition, the enhancement OF
property values, the growth of our city
and the prosperity of our people. The
example of Roanoke cannot be initiated {
day too soon. Let our City Council and
; citizens arouse themselves to the neces
sity of action. Staunton has advantages
peculiar advantages. for the establishment
: of industrial. plants. But strangers are
not going to take the trouble to ferret
them out, whilst other cities are pressing
upon their attention equal claims to con
sideration. Judicious advertising followed
by liberal Inducements on the part Of the
authorities and cordial welcoming
spirit on behalf of the people must be en-
ployed ere we can hope to advance in the
face of the pushing, vi gorous competition
of other localities.