Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1888-01-20
COMMUNICATED.
KING STREET DISTRACTIONS.

Mr.. Editor:-In the proceedings of
the Town Council meeting, as pub
lished in your last issue, apears an
item in regard to the proposed cree
ton of a Toper. in the rear of-what
is dignified with the name of-the
Town Hall.
Not the Tower itself, but the pro-
posed place, prompts this communica-
ton. Not in any spirit of discourage
ment or opposition to the rather COM
mendable enterprise of the Fire Com
pany, but in spirit Of protest-from
a public interest Acknowledgements ex-
pending another dollar in perma-
nently establishing that which has
occupied the place it does. too long
already.
That street, the property on which
has been considerably improved in
recent wears, and which from its very
location naturally affords convenient
and eligible business sites, has already
three too many eyesores and hinder
ances to further improvement.
To erect such Tower now in the
place prepared, would only tend TO
perpetuate an obstruction 10 the
street, which ought TO have been re-
moved long ago-not at private loss
and expense, but upon just compen-
sation and fair equivalent for any
damage occasioned thereby.
This is not suggested in the slightest
degree by any unfriendly feeling to-
ward any individual, order, or organi-
cation that use any of the buildings
referred to, but in the earnest hope
that proper thought and consldera-
ton of the subject may lead to the
development of some plans that will
afford Fire Company and all con
cerned still better accommodations,
and at same time, better subserve the
general interests of the town.
1t is prompted, however, by what
the writer has long felt as the utter
inconsistency by the common and fire.
quent comments about our lack OF
progress and Improvement a town,
with at the same time the apathy of
our people is, in not actually aiding,
at least silently submitting 10 the
imposition Of what are well known as
literally barriers to such improvements
There are still enough vacant and
waste places left TO meet all demands
for building sites-public or private
without any necessity for actually
fencing up, and longer barricading
the central and main cross street III
town. with Cattle-Pound, Lookup
BODYBUILDING, defund Market-House,
and now adding thereto IN the same street
as it were to perpetuate the memory
of the stupid public policy that not
only planted but has so long tolerated
them-a Tower?
Observant home people as well as
strangers are unfavorably impressed
with these street distractions, and it is
idle to attempt to shut our eyes to
their unfavorable influence.
But don't think all the ills of the
town are to be heaped upon these
not at all. There are various other
serious and glaring hindrances to our
improvement as a town, which may
be referred to later, if doing so will
tend to correct them-but the location
of the proposed Tower comes as
last straw in the line of King Street
obstructions forcing the call of public
attention to them, and the considera-
ion Of the inquirers, How long are
what are already there to be borne?
And has not the time surely come to
at least call halt? Let us have frank
and open expression on the subject.
G.S.