Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-11-19
TON SPECTATOR AND GENERAL ADVERTISER
completed, afrording shelter, when necessary

completed, affording shelter. when necessary
and, with seats for rest and comfort. It be-
comes favorite esort. and during the sum-
mer months Will draw expressions of gratitude
from many for the pablo care taken for the
benefit of the people.
At the last session of the City Council a pro-
position was received from Mr.. NJ. Erskine
Miller, President OF the Baldwin District Fair
Association. inviting the consideration OF the
Council to the proposition of the purchase Of
the Fair Grounds by the City. 1t received
proper attention, and is now in the care Of
committee of the Council for consideration, In
connection with the Executive committee OF
the Association. These grounds adjoin those
Of the City park on two sides, and, from every
consideration, there Is entire appropriateness
in the City's becoming the owner of the prop
erty. These grounds would form most valu-
able addition to the park, and should be under
the control OF the Council. especially with re-
ference to the water supply.
For a week, once a year. the grounds would,
OF course, serve their present purposes for the
annual exhibit of the Fair an institution in
whose prosperity the City is most vitality in
teretsed. and in the yearly decreasing patron-
age which our citizens bestow upon 1t. is man.
ifested the degree of attachment which adheres
enclosures on the sides adjoining the Park
could be removed entirely and the expense Of
keeping them up dispensed with. a small
special Police-force during the hours of the ex-
hibition would be more effective and cost much
less than is now experienced in main aiming
the long lines of fence. The sheds and stalls
for live stock on one CT those lines would, If
removed, improve.the general appearance of
the grounds. They could be grouped in the
low places on the grounds and become orna-
mental to the general design as well as afford
better room and accommodation to exr
hibitors.
The Lake at the Fair grounds needs only at
tention to makeit charming one. The outer
lines are right, but the vast accumulation OF
debris at the upper end should be removed and
the deposit prevented in the future. This is
requisite as lake for its pleasure purposes. II,
indeed. it is not as a sanitary measure. Some
useful work to the race track and embank-
ments on its sides, and little artistic expen-
diture in the way of ornamentation, and the
City would have, in the enlargement of Its.
park an addition worth much more than the
price for which 1t can now be purchased, In
connection with maintaining accomm odations
for the annual fair.
The Park is settled progress of this city. 1t
with the water supply. The additions made
to the city in the lots laid off and now selling
for building purpose on the watershed above
the Springs which supply the City with water.
must have the very best and most complete
drainage In order that the Springs may not be
injured, and for that reason, If no other, the
possession Of the Fair grounds by the City
would seem to be right thing to accomplish.
There Is no disposition on the part of the
Council to increase the rate of taxation. In the
discussions which take place when the public
interests are considered, the strongest advo-
oates for all the Improvements going on and In
contemplation, never hint at, or express any
desire for, more means than are available uG-
der the present lows. If then the City can,
without increasing taxation, CARRY OIL the
Improvements which are advancing it, the
proprIety OF so doing is unquestionably right.
The City government is in harmony with the
sentiment of the people, who are fully alive to
the situation and the times. The public spirit
of the people should second the efforts making
for charging our business-pursuits and for
that progress in Its positive results which in
creases population and locates enlarged money
resources. These objects secured. the old town
will enter the lists of generous rivalry with her
younger sisters and will participate and glory
In the progress which enriches all.