Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va) 1886-1890, 1889-11-16
CITIZENS TALK
ABOUT AIDING THE GROWTH
OF ROANOKE.
RAILROADS AND FACTORIES, ETC.
Views OF Prominent Men on an ALI.
Important subject.-.A Plant for
the Construction Of Steel
Rails. ETC., Etc.

How rapidly and wonderfully Roa-
noke has grown in the last five years
is known to its people, and every citi'
zen is anxious for the city to continue
to grow and prosper.
In order to ascertain the views oil
our citizens as to the best means fol-
promoting the interests and welfare
of the city, the TIMES prints today a
number Of replies from prominent
citizens to the question propounded a
few days ago, How shall we aid the
growth of Roanoke?''
The expressions, which are given
below are full OF interest and contain
much that is OF value. Particular
stress is laid upon the need for more
railroads, and the advantages to the
town that would grow out of their
construction. The erection OF steel
rail plant is also cited as an industry
which would be both profitable to
those engaged in it and an impetus
to the city's business. Numerous
other industries are also mentioned
as desirable.
Mr.. j. H. Wingate, the civil engi-
neer, said: A cotton mill, steel-rall
plant and stove foundry would do
much towards increasing the prosper
ity OF Roanoke. The city is getting
along very satisfactorily as it ie, but
great benefit would arise from the
establishment OF a cotton mill here.
1t would give employment to
women and children and make
them self,supporting. In Charlotte,
North Carolina, there is cotton mill
with capital stock Of $l50,00O and
ia employees The stock was raised
on an assessment of Is cents q week,
and all of it except about $50, 900 has
been paid up. II this can be done
at Charlotte it can certainly be done
in Roanoke.
Mr.. c. W. Beckner. the Opera
House manager, in reply to the ques-
ton as to what Roanoke needs most
for her development said: The Roa
noke and Southern, if completed
would work wonders for the city.
Its completion would result in the
addition of many new industries, and
among these a steel railway plant
would be very desirable.
Mr.. Lee H. Simmons, manager Of
the Diamond Ice Company, thought q
machine shop and foundry for smaller
sized castings for rogs, etc, would
contribute materially to the wealth Of
the Magic City. Stove works and a
steel rail plant would also be most
desirable additions to the industries
of the city.
T. NJ. Woods. ESQ.,, the we'll known
attorney and newspaper writer: "Roa-
noke is growing rapidly, but the one
thing needed to make her grow
faster is competing railroad line.
Once get this and other things will
naturally follow.
Councilman r. A. Buckner, man.
ager for Adams Express Company in
this city, in answer tothe query, said:
The Baltimore and Ohio and the
Roanoke and Southern Railroads
centering here would do more to make
this city grow than anything 1 know
Of. Of course diversified industries are
needed, but markets are necessary for
the products of these industries.
When men have capital to invest in
manufacturing enterprises they
naturally first enquire as to material,
cost of transportation and the
markets for their products, and with
other railroad outlets Roanoke will
be in better condition to invite such
enterprises tolocate here.
Mr.. J. p. Maher, in answer to the
inquiry said: A mandatory of
heavy plate iron and steel rails Of all
sizes would add greatly to the wealth
and progress OF the city. This section
of Virginia and the Southern and
Southwestern States would furnish
excellent markets. A tannery and a
boot and shoe mandatory would be
good industries to locate here. The
latter would give employment to a
number of girls and young men.
MIR. s. A. Wick, proprietor OF the
Palace Hotel, thought good hotels
had contributed largely to theg growth
and prosperity CT Roanoke, and good
newspapers likewise; above all else in
Importance now was more railroad
outlets. Those who oppose the voting
OF an additional 100000 subscription
in aid of the construction Of the Ro-
anoke and Southern Railroad stand
very much in their own light.
The Neal Bros, real estate agents,
said a glass factory would do much
to promote the material interests of
this city. They know where an excel
lent quality of sand suitable for glass
making can be found, and they say
EN- ,loyes in the factory will be able
to make from IS to $40 day. Mr.. j..
W. Neal. of the same firm, says a
mandatory of portable engines
would be a great addition to Roa-
noke.
Mr.. J. l. Goodman, secretary of
the Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton: The best thing that could he
done for the growth and prosperity
OF this city would be the erection
of a $4,000 Christian Association
building. By adding to the moral
standing of the community it would
draw investors and industries from all
directions.
G. B. Moomaw, Esq, of the law
firm of Moonaw & Woods, was of the
opinion that cotton factory would
do wonders for Roanoke.
Mr.. Boswell. the real estate agent,
thought the completion of the Roa-
noke and Southern Railroad would
do more than anything else for the
growth of Roanoke.
Mr., W. P. Huff thought that more
building in the center of the city and
the location of more manufacturing
enterprises would do more for Roa-