Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-03-26
Stauntott Spectator.
Augusta County.

Augusta County.
The people of Augusta, through all the
history of the county, have taken leading
part in every movement for the public well
fare. In material development, as in the
calls and duties of patriotism, and for all
the ennobling objects of our civilization,
their aims have illustrated the best charac-
teristics of citizenship. Not to 60 forward
is to 60 back. AS community, the peo-
pie Of Augusta should realize that truth in
its fullest sense. Blessed with climate
which confers almost unlimited advantages
for health and outdoor pursuits, and with
their genial and fruitful soil, our people
can judge of their good fortune in these re-
spects as compared with other far-of To-
calities that have tried and failed to
secure that full realization of success and
the reward assured to industry and good
habits enjoyed by our section Of the Old
Commonwealth.
We have commenced to 60 forward in
the improvement of our highways and by
ways. and we cannot turn back. We
should rather say, the people have no de-
sire to, and will not turn back. The neces-
sity for safe bridges over the streams of the
county at the principal crossings is about
completed by permanent structures. The
neighborhood as well as the general inter-
views between the people have for some
time turned upon the roads. Every con-
versation, every expression Of sentiment in
assemblages, and the spirit of the district
and county governments having the roads
under their care, may be said to be of one
mind on the leading topic of improving the
roads.
The people are looking forward with
anxiety to the report and conclusions and
recommendations which the special Board
of Commissioners, having the general sub
ject Of improving the roads in hand, will
make on that important branch OF county
progress. No new argument or fuller de-
moDstration touching the proposition is
needed. A judicious, liberal expenditure
ia the wisest economy, and that viii be ap-
parent to the county government after the
report and recommendations shall come IN
aud be carefully considered.
We are not of that class who deem it
proper and expedient TO refer TO the prog
ress Of our people and dispose of their
ways by saying, "They are behind the
times" and too slow in their movements.
Neither the district nor the county govern
nents should act fashly, snd until fully
prepared, should not enter upon schemes
OF improvement, ard not even then unless
the people will approve them. When the
well-diges'ed and matuFed plans for a
general improvement of the roads shall be
presented, we believe the spirit of the peo-
pie, in accordance with their already we'll
balanced convictions, will approve the
policy, and desire their public agents to
move forward with the earliest practicable
development. 1t, therefore, behooves every
Citizen to realize the responsibility resting
upon him to aid in advancing the pubic
veal.
Competent and faithful pnblic officers
and agents of the people, such as Augusta
county has, will not be backward in carry
ing forward an enlightened and liberal
policy for the public good. Because they
are such, should and does draw them nearer
to a full and proper estimate of the views
people.cannot too often, nor too decidedly,
signify their earnsstness il pressing
forward and advancing in every proper
way the great interest of good roads. Such
course avails for much good, the details
of which have often been specified and
commented upon. Enterprising men, with
money for investment, are, as it were, out
en- grand visits for disposing of some of
their great accumulations. Handsome in
stitutiors that are backed up with good
progress of the people in extending them,
are most potent elements of attraction
Good roads are worth more in that respect
than might at first thought take hold of
the mind.
If called upon to express special inter
est for any of the good people of Augusta,
We would say that the extended stretch of
country along the base of the North Noun
tain which has no near railroad transpor
tation, would be entitled to that claim
All other portions of the county have rail
road transportation, and that only as the
Chesapeake SE Ohio line crosses it at right
angles. We cannot always discern the evil
deuces Of coming events nor speak con-
clusiyely of the future, which often excels
T. H.
tions.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad is a
strong corporation, and it's managers are
progressive and their aims not circum-
scribed. 1t has been extended out OF
Pennsylvania across Maryland and into the
Valley of Virginia, to Winchester. That
will not be its terminus. The fact that the
Valley railroad with it's northern connec-
tions was building southwardly, did not
deter the Shenandoah Valley railroad from
extending it's line parallel along the base
Of the Blue Ridge Mountain. Who will
say that the Inducements which existed
for the building of the Shenandoah Valley
line at the time it was done along the
eastern side were superior to those now il
existence and assured along the western
side of our great Virginia Valley? Another
Buena Vista may come forth along the
shores of the North River of Augusta as it
has arisen on the stream of the same name
10 Rockbridge. The mineral and lumber
resources on the western borders of
Shenandoah, Rockingham, Augusta, Rock
bridge and Botetourt, are as inviting for
purposes of development as any elsewhere.
A railroad on that route coupled with the
longitudinal commerce Of the country in
the strides it is destined to make, should
be looked after, and, we believe, will be by