The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1890-05-15
Pull Togather

The Boston Manufacturers Gazette.
of recent date, has the following forci-
BILE and sensible article, which has
application in Virginia at this time.
Not only in Staunton, but at Waynes
boro, Clifton Forge, and other places.
of which we have personal knowledge.
the spirit condemned by our Boston CO.
temporary has been too prevalent. We
know it only requires little reflection
on the part of the citizens of these places
for them to see the folly of such a mar
row, indefensible spirit, and to influence
every well-wisher of the State to rise
above local iealousies and personal feel
ing to an appreciation of the results of
un "a action, and in a pulling together
OF all the people OF each community.
1t is only in this way that success can he
assured, and benefits to all classes effect
ed Read the article and think over it:
How different the methods and results in the
Weil-eStablished communities OF New England.
AS an illustration, thrifty manufacturing
town, with iifty years history of success and
prosperity, seeks to encourage new Industries,
conditions, to stimulate growth to increase
wealth. population and comfort A few enter
prising citizens organize a committee or board
OF trade, solicit contributions to advertise the
advantages OF the town, attempt to aid new en-
terprlses. to create new demands for real estate
HOW are they met! By unanimous cooperation
OF all the capitalists, all the real estate owners
all the citizens Of the place? Not often More
frequently the town divides up into petty fac
lions, local jealouses develop, selfishness crops
ont rival leaders disagree, numerous conflicting
plans are proposed, resulting in chaos, failure,
disappointment and bad blood
What might be victory proves defeat; what
might be development proves set back; what
might secure new population, new wealth, new
muscle, proves Intellectual, and largely from the
fact that the citizens do not work together. Ii
any GOODNESS exists between members of any
society or organization, ice water is he result,
and the flame of enthusiasm is extinguished
Because Mr. A. or Mr.. B. comes to the front
and is active in the good work of development
is no good reason why Mr.. c. or Mr.. ID.
should hold back and condemn the plan and
method. 1t is difficult to harmonic conflicting
interests yet withont harmony the work must
suffer, the new enterprise must be postponed,
the projected mill or shop remain unbuilt. Be
cause Squire Jones's vacant land is going to be
advanced in value through some public i'm
provement more than Lawyer Smith s f1ve-acre
lot is poor reason for the abandonment of a
wise scheme of Development 1t is ever thus in
the race for wealth. All cannot Qccupy front
seats. All cannot be officers But one man can
be the smartest or richest in town. However,
che man cannot mOnOpolize all the good things
OF life, though for while he may seem to enjoy
more than his share. There is room enough and
opportunity for all.
10 secure proper appreciation of our New
England towns, to reach the highest develop
ment, to utilize apparent resources, to create
new enterprises, the citizens must sink local
jealousies, wipe out social distinctions bury
selfish scheming forget slight dsappointments
and all work together tremendously for the
common good. Run your shop or mill or factory
on your own plan if you please, but when you
meet with your fellow members of the board of
trade sink the shop for an hour and become a
public spirited citizen, ready to put your
shoulder to the wheel and to advance the car Of
progress. Give the community in which YOU
live part of your thought and heart and wealth.
Show the world that youl town is an example
IF enterprise, progress, thrift and public spirit.
show the world that your town is q good place
in which to do business and to make a home a
place free from local jeaousies and overlooking
with welcome and encouragement for active
intelligent and enterprising citizens.