Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-02-25
BOOM THE OLD TOWN.

1HS CONVENTION Ot citiZenS ana bust.
ness men In Wheeling next week, to
devise plans and means to develop the
resources Of this State and put before
the ever-moving tide of emigration
the advantages and prospects of this
State as u place of settlement and in
vestment, Is step In the right direc-
ton too long delayed. There have
been local aud individual efforts 10
make known West Virginia induce
ments to outsiders, that have not been
without good in arousing interest and
inquiries, yet they were wanting in
effect because there was no unity or
combination and no organized pur-
pose. These wants the Wheeling Con-
vention is expected to supply by mark
lug out line of action and devising
plans to carry out the objects and pur
poses of the meeting. We have given
this question considerable attention
since we have been in business here,
and have done what little we could to
have something started TO further the
common interest of all citizens. There
is one conclusion we have come to that
will stand expression,-that West
Virginia isa State with great pussibili-
ties in industrial development, but if
left to itself as has been too much
the case heretofore, this generation of
business men will pass away in a
fruitless struggle for prosperity and
leave the dormant advantages and
benefits for wiser and more sagacious
successors.
Just what action the Convention
should take is not for one man to say;
but this suggestion we take the liberty
of making in two directions, that
committee ofthe most active and in
fuential public men he appointed to
secure from the Legislature some en-
couraging laws in the exemption of
settlers and plants from being assessed,
taxed and hampered the minute foot
Is put across our line; and another
committee Of well-informed and wide
awake men to prepare statistics of
every kind.-arranged in order easily
understood, -of the towns and coun-
ties of the Slate; soil, timber, mines,
farming sections, occupations, forest
land and cleared, prices. marketing
and shipping facilities,-of the differ
ent local and State laws, titles, fees,
licenses, taxes ;-of .he schools, church.
es, social organizations, population,
&c. all of which is useful aud sought
after by the newcomer, especially by
the thoughtful tilier of the soil, who
hesitates longand makes close inquiries
before he leaves the old homestead.
The State should express a broad
and welcome sentiment to all honest
and law-abiding people of whatever
and station of life to come,
take off their coats, and make them
selves at home among US. Our social
customs and political sentiments are
80 diversified that all shades of usage
and opinion can find ready accommo-
dalton.
Martinsburg should not look upon
this movement with Indifference, but
put her best foot foremost and blow
her own horn loud and long. With a
new railroad through here and south
ern extention, We'll occupy vantage
ground not offered by every town in
the State. Politics this year should
not engross our whole attention.
Business goes before that and after.
We shall give our readers full re-
port of what may or may not be the
outcome of this movement.