Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-05-01
Widening Development.

IN VlrRlnlas IuiS ConCiuSAoA ~ Aoo onsSA
tanned, because of the really substantial
evidences lately adduced sustaining the ex-
istence of our unrivalled resources. 1t dates
farther back for its warrant. The volumes
of specific information which could be COM
piled from the detailed facts now appearing
in the Virginia newspapers, and in the puo-
locations the various organizations Tor de-
velopment are issuing, are so much correi-
ative testimony to the wisdom and fore.
sight of the Virginia Internal Improve
ment party, founded during the decades
from 1880 to 1850, and that during the
following ten years of our history, was
moving on in splendid strength to the
achievement of a great destiny for the "Old
Commonwealth"
Not only in opening new, and then the
most approved lines of transportation, was
that era of eminent ability wisely dis.
played. Through its influences and direct
efforts, the Father of American Geology"
was called to the field to discover and
make known through scientific investiga-
tions the hidden wealth of which the prac-
tically informed operators of the time
knew to exist to degree beyond their own
researches.
Here is long chapter in our history not
only in close association with the plans and
schemes for present progress, but In many
respects can take its place in the base of
the structure which in after time is to il
lustrate the power and wealth of the State.
In all its productions on and from under
the surface; in streams and fountains, and
in rich scenery; in climate and in homes
for the visitor, and for her own people,
Virginia inspires themes made more grand
because the practical craftsmanship of her
sops was equal to the day in fashioning the
methods upon which future progress could
safely enlarge.
One scheme for progress recently ma
tured has, so far as our observation ex-
tends, received but little attention from the
press. 1t ia Immediately on the line of a
central route of transportation across the
State from East to West, and occupies a
point rich in historic associations, and was
tributary to the favorite and endowed
scheme by the Father of his Country for
an internal channel of commerce con-
Meeting the Ohio Valley with the Atlantic
coast. The water-lipe was abandoned,
that the advanced and more practical
method of transportation of the present
day, in the Richmond s. Allegheny rail-
road, might continue the agency in de-
velopment begun under the commendation
of Washington.
We remember to have read the outlines
of the scheme when the charter for the
"Rockbridge Company" was granted by
the Legislature some years ago, but did
not know the scope 1t contemplated, till
reading the prospectus and accompanying
memorandum, published in pamphlet form
with maps since the organization of the
Company. The prospectus, which is illus
trated, was prepared by Fitzhugh Lee,
President; William A. Anderson, Vice
President; and Francis o French and r
II. Catlett a Committee on behalf OF the
Company.
The land property commences with
several elegant river farms lying imme-
diately between the junction of the James
and North rivers at Balcony Falls, and ex-
tends up the East side of North river
several miles to the line OF the Buena Vista
property, and on both sides of James river
up that stream taking in the "Glenwood"
property. Embraced in this scheme also,
are the Packer lands OF Guys Run, near
Goshen, and, altogether, embrace ninety
five thousand acres of mineral, sgricultu
raj, and timbered land, with unlimited
water-power and every advantage for al.
most every kind of development.
Of the plans and details of this Com
pany, it is not expected that a full exhibit
will be made in a mere notice of its ex-
istence. Our honored Governor is the
President, and it is understood that so
soon as released from the cares of State by
the expiration of his constitutional term as
Governor, he will assume these new re-
lations to the people, and very large
interest 80 directly associated with our
material prosperity. His name and every
act of his life, whether as soldier, a
farmer, and as the Governor of the State
discharging the duties Of his high station,
inspire confidence. and all know the de-
votion and zeal with which he will deter
miuedly enter upon the work of enlarging
our wealth and setting forward the bounds
of our prosperity.
In the meantime, the more active of the
Directors Mr.. Anderson in Virginia, and
Messrs. Francis o. French aud E. A.
Packer, of New York, who are large CAPT
talists and large owners of the mineral and
timbered lands, are pressing forward th'
designs which will soon receive the CO
operative efforts also of Governor Lee.
OF William A. Anderson, who control
10000 acres of the lands, it is, in this con
nection, but simple act of justice to say
word or two. Of all the young men il
Virginia devoted to development and prog
ress, none are his superior in talents
energy, and devotion to these great objects
Experienced in legislation, thoroughly in
formed in the details of political economy
trained and cultured in the Law, splendid
debater and cherished champion of the
people, he adds these elegancies of hi
manhood to his Inheritance by birth Of one
supreme purpose to develop the very sec
tion of country and the rich stores o
natural wealth where he was born ani
where his ancestors won distinction al
among the most constant, the bravest anG
most liberal of the early Internal Improve
ment phaIanx of Virginia. Such mar
with all his heart and all his soul enlisted
in such great work surely deserves sue
cess-success not for himself alone, bu
that his section of Virginia may be thu