Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-04-04
Stauntot1 Spectator.
WEDNESDAY. APRIL A, 1888.
Progressive Development.

progressive Development.
A feeling of RELIEF is experienced through
the country as the news comes from Rich
mond concerning the future of our State
Agricultural Society. The young and able
President, Mr.. Ashton Starke, when &C
cepting the Office, announced his purpose to
ask for an enlargement of the aims of the
Society, in this, that whilst maintain ing
all its former relations to our agricultural
and soil-producing interests, it should at
the same time become more direct and dis
tinctive in its patronage of the mechanic
arts and manufacturing industries, and
that it's influence should be more largely
felt in promoting the commerce OF the
State.
Submitting to the life-members of the
Society carefully considered views which
he had formed after thorough investigation,
he received from them an unanimous en-
dorsement, and the public in the meantime
having been carried along with the conclu-
sions reached, a united sentiment sustained
his progressive ideas and recommendations
for the future conduct of this institution so
intimately associated with the people of
the State in all their fondest recollections
of the past and hopes for the future. The
old organization gave place to the new of a
State agricultural and Mechanical So
ciety'' to enter upon it's career on the plan
of an exposition. The new Board of Di-
rectors, chosen in accord with the views of
the President, entered at once upon an &C.
tive and efficient discharge of the public
duties they had assumed, and all Rich
mond, and, to some extent, the country are
responding literally in means and en-
couragement, and the announcement has
been made that the scheme is no longer
problematical.
A grand exposition of the resources of
Virginia in all the departments in which
they will have showing will be no COM
mon or everyday event. 1t will prove a
powerful stimulant to DIR own people and
astonish visitors from other States and
from abroad with their variety and extent
They will learn too that Virginia has more
than the supposed phantoms of the past
and hereditory State pride to allure them
to an association with the people of the
Oldest of American Commonwealths.
Whilst not contemplating the establish
ment of the exposition at any other place
than upon the old grounds dedicated here
tofore to the State Fairs where all needed
enlargement of space can be easily obtain
ed, the public spirit manifested by Man
chester to obtain the location of the expo
sition there is cause of admiration every
where. 1t demonstrates a degree of en-
thusiasm in behalf of material development
there akin to that which has taken deep
hold in other cities and localities of the
State which in a short time will place all
upon the high road of a grand prosperity.
Passing then from the limited opportuni-
ties Of a State Fair, too short in its dura-
ton aud too circumscribed in its plans to
do justice to the displayed evidences Of our
natural resources and the products Of our
artizans and our manufacturing enterprises,
to the larger design Of an exposition not
restricted in time Of continuance nor in the
extent of collections and information, We
begin to realize the existence Of brighter
hopes that great progress has dawned
upon the State.
The exhibition will not be limited in
duration to this or dozen years. 1t will
expand with development in all parts of
the State. Around it and for it, there will
be concentration of purpose worthy Of
our people. 1t will accomplish great things
for US and brighten the way as years roll
Oh. Young and old can contribute to IFS
aims and be the happier for SO doing.