The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-05-09
Industrial Awakening.

lctllljS VI tbli di-Nth 49,
viction that there is to be a remarkable
industrial activity in the old State within
the next few Years. The distrust which
has grown ont of the failure of several
iron enterprises, has been partially re-
moved, under mole practical and scien-
tile invest igati IN of our mineral resources.
A few years ago the impression was prev
alent that there WAS very little ore in this
the demand for a number of blast furnaces.
More recent examinations Eavesremoved
this prejudice, and now some OF the same
parties who manifested the utmost in
difference and incredibly when Virginia
ores were mentioned, have illustrated the
change that has taken place with them, by
investing their money in Virginia proper
ties They now believe that this portion
advantages for the manufacture OF iron,
than any other region of the South. And
as the iron industry is conceded to be
the basis of ma eIial prosperity and in
UuSl.IGI dCtINllS. ~ hihy w ittAooiispiJ
expeeted that other manufacturing inter
ests will follow, and that diversified en-
teiprises will be established. There is
not State in the Union that can boast OF
greater mineral resources: more abundant
and convenient water power; finer forests.
chealer labor, or more equable climate.
Take the Valley of Virginia as it stands.
and there is no section of the Union which
presents SO many attractions for enter
prise and capital, or where their judicious
use would assure more remuneratye re-
| turns. Iron ores of all kinds. manganese,
| hydraulic cement. fire clay, kaolin. min
eral paint building stone, glass. sand. bi-
| luminous and anthracite coal, limestone
| timber, and unsurpassed agricultural
lands. all combine to inspire the conf
dence and invite the cooperation of caps
i i.al in their development. With une
| qualled water power to accommodate al
most every locality for manufacturing pur
poses, there is no good reason why the
| Valley of Virginia should not be the seat
of industries of every description. MOI
why our lands should not command as higl
price as farms of similar formation II
ether States.
There is, however. an industrial awak
ening in the old Commonwealth, and the
indications point to crystaized effort tt
bring to the attention of the country The
| marvellous Daturai wealth we possess
Combined effort is being directed to diff
ferent localities, to utilize the advantages
presented. Roanoke is the result of bust
ness push and energy. Buena Vista ant
Iron Gate illustrate what afeW men can dc
when they try. Glasgow Is taking shape
and form. and we hope soon TO be able tt
chronicle moving of the waters about
! Waynesboro. There is feeling OF unrest
a sense of opportunity neglected pervad
ing the people. They have been stirred tt
thought; to a Giil conception Of duty
and are studying plans and purposes
which, when matured. will lead to some
thing tangible
With the natural wealth we possess il
Augusta county, and the advantages thai
are presented for the building up Of man
ufacturing centres. it is a rejection upon
the intelligence and enterprise of our PEG
pie that we are not abreast OF less favored
districts and States. There is not d Com
monweath in the Union that surpasses
Virginia in natural wealth, and there il
not one that shows less propOrtionate al
vance. We have everything to make Al
empire in population and aflluence, excep
the energy and the availible means. Ma
ture has been prOdigal in her gifts. l
men would 60 their part Virginia woul(
soon march to the front aS an industrial
Commonwealth, and take her proper po
stion as a political and material factor ii
the progress of the Nation.
Our hope is in Northern capital. 1t i:
moving this way. Experts are examining
our minerals and the localities suitable fol-
the invest of capital and The appica-
tioH of the agencies to make it useful and
remnneratiya. Il may he slow in coming
but it will come, ana will be amply re.
warded III the consummatons that will be
effected and The profits realized in proi~cts
and enterprises which our own people
could. il the would, manage, bmt he i'm
portanc, of which they will never COM
prehend or appreciate nmtli it is too late.
- >-
institute for the Feeble Minded.
On the Sd inst the Institute for Feeble
I lad hi drsrt of fort Il
totally destroyed 10y fire. Some of the
furniture and all Of the inmates were
saved. There were about 40 afflicted
children cared for in this asylum. They
were marched cut by The teachers, under
| the drill manual in the Institute, and by this
means alone could all of them have been
rescued. 1t was difficult to force them
away from their little possessions, as they
| would break back to the flames TO get them
| Several years ago we had occasions to Wis
| it Frankfort. and was the guest of that
prince of coed fellows and accomplish ed
gentleman, Col. c. E. Hoge. at his pleasant
hom3 few miles from Frankfort. On the
! way there from the town, the institute, just
UulUOU, Hdu w uC PdooCu. oui tpCthp'ob
was then called to the imposing structure
and attractive grounds, OrnatDented with
| flowers and eyergFeens. and shaded by
stately oaks. In the Institution, the mem
tai condition of each child IS studied al d
its capacities measured, In proportion to
the strength and aptitude of the mind.
sue 4 employment is given IS will make the
child useful in after life. Some of them
are-thus enabled to acquire knowledge of
variol, Industrial branches, sufficient to
make livir g for themselves. We were very
nue. impressed with the objects OF the
charity and the enlightened sentiment
which had suggested and cOnsummated
the Il Q tion of the buildings for the | ur-
poses namtd.
We thought then and think now that q
similar Institute should be stablished in
Vifginil. There are many fee BILE minded
children in this State, who Can lind no OPP
portunity to learn trade or acquire such
knowed &c as would assist them to support
them selves when grown up. An Insti
tute IF this kind would supply the want
and ct .ribute largely to the relief of III.
di .et t par 3ntS, as well as Com munlty and
I'VE from he pool-louse many who could
be tau ght to labor in some lines and thus
make living for themselves.