Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-02-29
Stauntoit Spectacle.
WEDNESDAY. FEB. 20. 1888.
Opening The Way.

Some printed documents emanating from
the Wheeling, West Virginia, Chamber OF
Commerce, received by M. Erskine Miller,
ESQ, at his West Virginia address, were
handed to us by that gentleman for peru
sal. We had, about the same time, noticed
a movement among the people OF that
State in relation to the various interests
that are fully set forth in the publication
to which reference has been made. The
publication embodies well-digested plan
to increase general interest for the devel-
opment of all the natural resources OF the
State and to increase its wealth and intiu-
ence The Wheeling Chamber OF Com
merce took the initiative and invited
convention of delegates from all organiza-
tions in the State interested, and extended
the same to all individuals who might
choose to attend, to meet in deliberation,
at Wheeling to-day, the goth.
The objects to be attained in this way do
not always follow with the desired rapidity.
A gradual progress in opening the way fol
their coming is too often all that is reali-
zed for years of tedious effort, but it is
absolutely certain that with persistent,
systematic proceedings taken and pursued
without faltering, accomplishment will
sooner or later be realized. There are many
evidences showing that our young Viz
ginians on the Ohio slope are in deep earn
est-that this formal and strong concerted
plan is in the main the result OF the success
ses of hitherto detached efforts, and thai
their energies as a people in council con
corning their most important elements Of
wealth will attract the needed capital ano
the strong nerves necessary to bring out
the great latent wealth of the young
State.
This is not wholly q new plan for con
certed effort, but it is one which admits Of
scarcely any improvement, and needs only
to be followed up to realize assured success.
Applying its teachings to Staunton and oul
section of country in trading interests with
the young city of the Valley, we have often
expressed the belief of its feasibility on thif
table results would in few years be far in
advance of the most sanguine anticipa
tions.
Instances could be named showing sub
stantial results following single efforts, ano
the reason there are not more of them il
because there were none to lead the way.
but this has not been the case with the
Wheeling Chamber Of Commerce. We art
not prepared to say what amount of effor
is necessary, and how long it shall be dill
gently applied to produce desired results il
our locality; but if the initiative is thu
most that is necessary, we have here thu
organizations which should be equal to thu
occasion. The Baldwin District Fair ant
the Staunton Chamber of Commerce ca.
certainly map out sufhciency in the line
OF needed progress to insure a Response
from the people of Staunton, and the coun
try in trade relations with it, to inaugural,
CONCERTED plans essential to desired sue
cess.
If the scope of the suggestion appears to-
small to some minds, those who woul'
work to secure the desired ends will quickl
fall in with larger ideas, if practicable
There is SO much in the territory mappe
out deserving special effort, and to brin
the full fruits of development to maturit!
that its accomplishment would be of create
value and more enduring than wider di
used and less signaly secured progress,
The question need not be asked, "Whi
interests will be benefited, and how ?
The design would take in all of materi;
strength and prosperity and the effort
would accordingly embrace all. There
no reason why these organizations, both {
which are in good working order, shout
not lead the way, and then, receiving the
commission of duty from the people, tax
up the line of its discharge in conductin
both country and town in the plans {
larger development and increasing pros
perity.