Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-01-23
Angusta's Progress.

Mr.. Editor:-We noticed in your paper few
weeks since that another iron bridge within
the limits of our grand old county had been
completed. This makes the fourth bridge OF
this kind that has been completed within the
last three years. These bridges. with many
other Improvements to the public highways,
are placing US IN the front rank of the counties
of the State. There is nothing that enhances
the value of property more readily than good
roads. and good bridges over the streams, and
nothing speaks more 10 idly of the enterprise.
and thrift of a people: not stopping with thrift
and prosperity, but is q sure mark that civiit-
zation, enlightenment and Christian fellow
ship have attained high stand ard. Now that
we are progressing SO nicely. let all good citl-
zens lend a helping hand, until We have good
roads, and good bridges in every locality. This
bridge recently completed. at Humbert's Mill,
was the result of an order of court in June,
1887. At the same time. there was an order
made for bridge at Mt. Meridian. Humberts
Mill had precedence. because it was nearer the
centre of the county and, on that account, like
~ to accommodate more people In the county.
Mt Meridian is one and a half miles from the
Rockingham line. and is in the midst of a
farming community, the fertility OF whose
lands are second to none in the county, and
whose taxes nave cOnGrlUuteu largely 10 LuC
improvements already completed.
We have waited patiently our turn, and we
hope that no time will be lost in getting to
work on the bridge as per order ofCourt. June,
1887. We feel that we do no violence to any OF
the other points where they have bridges,
when we say that We have tie deepest. rough
est and miriest tcrd in the county. And also
re do no violence, when we say, that we have
4 I,fa Int 11
any Of tho other places favored with bridge.
We have the Stanton, Waynes5oro, Browns
Gap, and Port Republic roads on the east side
of the river and Weyer's Cave and Old Fur
mace roads on the " est. which two roads inter-
sect the Valley Pike, four and five miles re
spectively from this designated point for
bridge. We have at Mt Meridian post office
of long duration, and persons on the west side
of the river, are greatly inconvenienced on &C
count of it. So. also. the blacksmith shop.
carpenter shop. merchant mill, and churches
of nearly all denominations. are Inconvenience
ed to such an extent that bridge is almost
indispensable. Speaking of the ford, we have
only to say that it is now Inn passable, and has
been so for ten days. on account of mud and
mire, baffl ng the road overseers and commits
sioners whilst the anxious community are
waiting day after day, to hear OF the ford being
opened, only to be disappointed with the sore
message: "lmpossible o get hands to work In
the water this time of year." This is not an
Isolated occurrence, but it Is one that often
comes, and will till we be SO fortunate as to get
some son of Adam, who can brave the cold
icy touch of Winters Stream. and who Is as
fearless ofpneumonia as duck is of water. to
wade in and with scraper and team remove
the mire at the peril of self and team stick
ing fast in the mud.
Oh! a bridge is necessary! It is necessary for
the protection of property and life, for persons
will venture in deep water; will wade through
ID I'D and mire when Necessity demands 1t.
foot bridge, 1t is trae, we have; but that has
been rendered unsafe by the late freshet, SO
that one has to tase ais life in his hand when
he goes across it. When we succeed In right
ing these troubles. perhaps it is only to see it
all thwarted by another freshet, and the work
all to do over again.
It seems to me that these facts ought to
stimulate special effort, aud that wagon
bridge should be begun at once. Let the good
work. SO satisfactorily done at other points, be
resumed here and " e feel sure that 10 money
can be more judiciously spent.
MT, MERIDIAN,