Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-01-21

practical information of "Farmer,'' as well
as his ability and the large share he has in
the progressive interests of Augusta county,
entitle his articles to careful consideration.
All acknowledge that the roads of the
county need more attention-that new roads
are, also, necessary, and that there is much
room for general improvement. In rela-
ton to these features, we propose to say
something, and in doing so it is proper to
remark that "Farmer" has not left them
out of his review. On the contrary, his ar
ticles abound in references which are time
ly and conclusive of the fact that he has be-
slowed much thought on all the subjects in
volved.
There is one leading consideration which
should impress every citizen Of Augusta
county. 1t is the high reputation as COM
munity she enjoys throughout the State for
the unity and commendable spirit of her
people in all public improvements affecting
her progress and the development of her
resources. The fact is, united purposes
have aided greatly, in connection with the
zeal and ability of their representatives in
the Councils of the State, in securing many
valuable advantages. Though it be true
that the questions now under consideration
may be considered more of a local character
than otherwise, yet we would not have the
people to forget the spirit of their former &C
ton, but to remember that in the end coun-
ty roads are of more than local concern, and
that in determining policy to be pursued
it should be one in consonance with that
which has achieved substantial progress In
the past, and which, if continued, will bring
enduring benefits in the future.
During the last few years. much Of the
face of the map of Augusta county has been
wonderfully changed by the construction of
new lines Of railway. Railway lines settle
questions of many minor highways, as do
the latter influence the points and courses
of the still lesser by-ways. To reach the
railroads at all practicable points, is public
right and must be provided for; and to
maintain and improve the avenues of con-
nection with the center of, and the cross
routes through, the county, is equally mat
ter of public concern. If, in the solution of
these questions, so as to gain as rapidly as
possible first-class roads, there should be
any difficulty, it will pass away in the exer-
else of large public spirit which will esti-
mate the real position of a community hav-
ing the advantages which have been secur-
ed to the people of three-fourths of Angus
ia county. ---~~----
hen the er2. of railway construction
enced in Virginia, it was considered
achievement by any county to secure
through its territory. Many were the
ruggles and hard-fought battles over the
prize. Railroad csnters were only thought
of then in connection with cities and large
towns on and near the coast. To-day tie
county of Augusta has two. Since the con
struction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Rail-
\ way, two other and parallel lines have pass
ed through the entire length Of the county
from North to South. functions with the
first named by the Valley Railroad at
Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley Rail
road at Waynesboro' necessitated changes
OF the old, and the making Of new roads at
those places, and on the lines of the two
last named, both South and North, the same
thing has to be done III order that the pub
lie interests may be fully served.
Taking up, then, as the county is about
to do, the whole question involved in road
ways, it is matter which greatly concerns
the general Interest that policy be agreed
upon which will carry with it liberal
style Of i'm provement in first-class avenues
of communication, and in thus properly
providing for a great public necessity, it
will rebound to the credit of a people, who
have always been foremost in enterprise
1t cannot be, that they will fail to continue
in the path way which leads in the direc-
ton Of continued pros7 gritty, nor to discard
as unworthy Of the times the policy which
secured enduring benefits in the past. The
resources of wealth, and the ability to make
the county worthy of its influence and its
! place on the map, are ample, and a gradu;
kprogress in completing a sfrst-class design
Il not impose heavy burthens.
t needs no illustration to prove that the
AOdIs u6NG dQHduCSu Ul0 COnUlblOR Vi Cue
nty far more than they have taken from
So it will be that every dollar spent in
cious outlay in securing good county
s, will return the expenditure many
with increased advantages.
,oner or later Staunton will do, as Dan
9 has done, in relation to valuable Sec
i of its interior country. The trade in
ests of North western Augusta and High
hd county, the upper Middle river, Walk
rs cIee..1 and Middlebrook ections, ars all
with this city. Narrow gauge railroads.
which, all uniting can build, would make
tho unien iIiGissolublo. Then the whole
county would be co,s9d with net work OF
railroads. 1t is needless to say that good
neighborhood roads will help to accomplish
all this. To the people OF the whole coun.
ty uniting heartily in purpose to make
their road-ways what they should be and
what every citizen really desires should be
accomplished, the future will be one of
pleasant reflections in contemplating the
benefits secured by timely and progressive
policy. As ''Farmer" says, if the law to
be tested shall not work well, do not aban--
don the purpose of having good roads, but
y another plan and rest not till that OBJ
It shall be accomplished.
here is no desirable object which pres
itself in the form of public usefulness
people of Augusta county which they
:. ! J ! ! Z: J: !"
\ secure without too heavy strains Oh
sources. Every man comedies that
needed public blessing is the one
ected. Let the people of the great
resolve that this shall be only
cir history and that the future
rof the memorable past.