Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-12-03
Stauntoi, Spectator,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3. 1901


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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8. 1901
The East Side Iron Fields.
The scientific and the experimental and
practical tests in planning great develop
ment in varied industrial progress place
iron resources as solid base for the largest
and most complete success. There are
many sections of Virginia to which the
truth of the statement made will apply
The great Southwest and the central West
are, equally with the Valley, prominent in
sustaining the view presented, and the two
first under the influ ences of the new de-
velopment and Arst in realizing the
wonderful growth in prosperity which
follows, will soon claim the eastern side of
the Valley in full association with iron pro.
duction and leading the way in all those
elements of varied industries which build
towns and cities, increase population and
wealth and enlarge the fields of christian
work and diffuse into the surrounding and
interior of the country new hopes, new
energies, and new and enduring life OF
prosperity. Iron as the chief element or
basis for the commencement which thus
realizes, is admitted to be the most valu-
able. 1t is the foundation, 80 to speak, of
all, furnishing the solid basis upon which
to diversity, though it may not serve as
element in all manufactured products
Every days advance in much that is now
going on in Virginia and the South in
material progress demonstrates the facts
stated.
Following civilization and the opening
Of the country and settlements of people,
the east side of the Valley between Shen-
endoah and Roanoke was the first and the
most progressive in iron Development
u nder the new order of things, the new
and best methods Of transportation which
have quickened dormant resources into
great activity and stimulated the inhabi-
tants to efforts worthy of their opportuni.
ties, and with thousands of men from
other States and countries with unlimited
capital, far-seeing, strong and resolute In
action, applying their talents and energies
as desired, this old, but now, as it were,
new portion of the Valley is realizing how
great are its iron resources as chief ele-
ment of Its magnificent wealth.
Pass along the line now and see the pros.
pect as Luray, Stanley, Shenandoah, Elk.
ton, Shendun, Basic City and Waynes'
boro', Buena Vista, Glasgow, Buchanan,
and Roanoke present it, and then note the
condition of the same route along the
eastern side of the Valley counties before
the CONSTRUCTION of the Shenandoah Valley
Railroad. Whilst iron is chief element
of its wealth and will do all that is claimed
for it, the opportunities for other and most
widely diffused industries are equally Of
the inheritance of the people. Nor is this
Inheritance idle and falling short of it,
value. Almost every branch of manufac
tnring is finding advantageous locations
and all engaged in planting them are en-
couraged in the highest degree with tht
prospect Of bright future.
Encouraged by the wonderful progress
made at the towns named, as well as IL
other sections of the State and the South
other old communities, possessing tbs
same character of well.tested iron-orei
along the eastern side Of the Valley, inter
spersed between those named, are follow.
ing in the march of progress. The old and
historic iron-felds of Cotopaxi, and Vesu
vius and Irish Greek are joining the
onward course,-the latter already ongan
lied by charter with the largest portion Of
Its stock taken.
All of this character of progress is new to
our people, as it has been in other sections
and States. After Roanoke and Shenan--
doah, it commenced along the line named
at Buena Vista, quickly followed by
Glasgow. Nothing has occurred at these
two latter places or at Basic City or any
where else that partskes of the slightest
encouragement. All experience is to the
contrary, as the almost daily location of
new industries and constantly increasing
population and the introduction of new
capital demonstrate.
The existing homeopathic which dis
turbed the great financial centers and had
its efft cts at many points in the interior OF
Europe and the United States, which are
not by any means quoted, has not made
the slightest impression upon proposed
and maturing plans for investments at our
new industrial towns. The large install
ment which Glasgow has just received from
English capitalists, so handsomely aiding
in the plans for great development there, is
striking illustration of the fact men,
toned.
The locations between Roanoke and
Shenandoah that have within the past year
erected and commenced to erect iron.
producing furnaces are Buena Vista,
Basic City, Glasgow, and Buchanan, with
the probabilities that Elkton, Vesuvius,
and Irish Creek will enter the lists in the
near future; and, just north Of Shenan
doah, Stanley and Luray will certainly be
on the lists for that purpose. The Buena
Vista Iron Company is now about ready to
commence making iron, having fully.
equipped and acknowledgements estab
lishment in mining outfit, its own railroad
and rolling stock, as we'll as perfect fur.
mace arrangements. To follow in the way
of working up the iron product comes the
muck-bar mills, the steel works, tho roll
ing-mills, the engine and boiler works, all
-
will doubtless be the case at Glasgow,
Basic City, and other points on that line.-
1t requires no prophet to forecast the future
of the coming development in iron and its
products, as this highly favored region in
ores, furnaces, and every facility, including
transportation, will develop the resources
with which it is 30 richly endowed. Ad.