Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-12-09
Stauntotl Spectator.
WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 8, 1885.
THE OUTLOOK.

There are some encouraging signs to be
observed in the future business outlook, but
many valuable interests are greatly depress
ed. In viewing the situation, we cannot
disconnect it from local bearings. In our
section of country, which derives so much
of its income from the cereals and livestock,
all of which are quoted at low figures, the
regret is, when casting the mind forward
in hopeful anticipation, that our immediate
interests cannot have a share in that gen.
eral prosperity which is said to be coming.
We felt for a brief period in the past
the powerfully reviving effects which fol-
lowed development in our iron interests
In our present condition, any sign which
comes with its cheerful hopes to brighten
again that picture, should be hailed with
grateful feelings of gladness. If the genial
warmth which is again manifestlng itself in
other sections of the Commonwealth, and
largely SO in other Southern States, diffu-
sing there general prosperity, may not its
blessings be within our reach in earlier re-
alzation than expected? With such results
springing from the revival of one OR two
great interests livelier agriculture will re-
gale the scene, and, grouped with man
ufacturing and commerce, will fill meas
ure of prosperity for the old State greater
than ever before known.
To develop the iron and coal-resources OF
South west Virginia has been the steady
and determined purpose of the manage
ment of the Norfolk and Western Railroad
Company. The results of building its
branch-line to the Tazewell coal region, has
already revolutionized the source of fuel
supply to many cities and towns at reduced
rates, and made the port of Norfolk to &C.
cupy a new and grand relation to coastwise
and foreign commerce.
All this is known, but it is to new
movement-or rather, we should say, COM
mencing to complete previous design, par
TALLY set on foot in 1982-that is now to be
considered in its relation to more than the
section of its location.
Along the valley of New River, and its
tributary, Cripple Greek, embracing sec
tions of Pulaski, Wythe, and Smyth, on the
South side of which counties are the lead
works of historical associations, and i'm
menseiy profitable to long line of heredi-
tary proprietors; the ENCORE beds, which
are sustaining manufacturing works and
enterprises on grand scale at Pulaski City,
and fifteen or more iron furnaces and
FORCES, all now remote from railroad trans
porsation AS remarked, in 1882 the con-
struction of branch road from the main
tation at the doors of all these important
industries, was commenced; but mainly
from the depression which overcame the
iron interests, the work was suspended
Recently Mr.. Kimball the President of the
Norfolk and Western Company, completed
his arrangements for means, and the work
of completing the branch road has been
commenced.
The development of the coal on the North
ern side of the main line was great
achievement in its commercial bearings,
and now it will assume, perhaps, greater
functions as an element in the grand strides
on-manufacturing is to take in that r.
gion, and not only in iron, but the lead,
zinc, and other industries to be developed
will feel its quickening power in new and
genuine progress.
The Lobdell Car and Car-wheel Works,
located at Wilmington, Delaware, own sew
eral of the furnaces in the above-sk etched
group. The iron of that region is highly
approved for car-wheels, and similar es
tablshment to that of the Lobdells', located
at Indianapolis, is always heavy customer
of these furnaces when their products arr
to be obtained.
Apart from the leading industries t.
which reference has been made, this branch
or loop railroad, as it will in the end be, il
to be valuable auxiliary in advancing ag
riculture and other interests of that section
PORTIONS of Floyd, and the whole of Car
roll and Graysen counties will have, through
it, their nearest railroad transportation; and
by the way. these counties are making rap
id progress in many other industries, a
will ultimately connect again with tn
main line about forty miles West of Pulaski
City-perhaps on the beautiful plains a
Seven-mile Ford in Smyth county.
This subject has been introduced witt
the view of making direct application O
its teachings in the interest of our own sec
ton of the State. If the iron interests il
only section of three counties in tn
Southwest has stimulated such progress
why may not something of the same kin'
be continued more generally-and especial
ly where as is the case in our region, trans
portation already exists through the chic
iron-belts? The Chesapeake and Ohio, tn
Shenandoah Valley, the Richmond and Al
leghany. and the Valley Railroads are al
ready at the doors leading into the natura
resources in iron, and it needs only the ex
istence Of spirit akin to that which LA
brought out the determined action of tn
Robinsons, the Grahams, the Crocketts
McGavocks, and others of the South west
to give start here. Mr.. Kimball and hi
associates in the management of the Nor
folk and Western Road met the local inter
est and the local spirit on high grounds
and soon new prosperity will spring fort
as the result-enduring, too. it will be; be
cause it is established by the people of tina
section in firm alliance with foreign capital
which has come to them for Investment
In rejecting further on the subject, let II
go back only short while. Not five year
since, the Norfolk and Western line wa
bought, and the Shenandoah Valley Rail
road constructed by foreign capital. TIL
manufacturing city of Roanoke has beel
built. The great coal and coking resource