Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-07-09
Stanton Spectator.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9. 1890.
Confidence in our Opportunities.

Some persons express the opinion that
the effort for Southern development has
been overdone and that reaction will leave
hundreds of enterprises stranded which
should never have been commenced. This
is not new idea, nor is the currency given
to it, new phase. If we possess the re-
sources which justifies the efforts making
to give them vitality for the increase of
the general wealth, we can not gee that
the anticipated reaction will ever come,
because the zeal and determination mani
tested are proper and based upon sure
foundation. If the foundation is not in
existence the failure will follow for that
reason, and not because of good work exc
cuted at the right place.
Fluctuations in trade, in money affairs,
and in all branches of business occur as
naturally as the ebbing and flowing OF the
tides. But that is a state OF things
which the capital and energies OF the peo-
pie would have to encounter and they
would be just as liable to meet with re-
verses in other investments than those for
the great purpose of awaking our dormant
wealth into active life.
If we possess confidence in the various
opportunities that are presented, then we
should not be frightened off because there
may be some which have not the founda-
tion upon which to build. If the resources
justifying the effort exist, then there can
be no danger other than that which comes
from causes uncomfortable, and do not
arise from over-exertion at right locations.
Having examined the opportunities and
having confidence in them, the motto of
Davy Crockett is the right one and should
be steadily adhered to. In this way peo-
pie and whole communities often surprised
at the success which follows proper eff
fort. 1t is because the opportunities give
confidence, and the results derived follow
persistent and determined effort,
Our affairs would be free from ordinary
contingencies if every enterprise set on
foot should pan out bonanza. No part
of what we are doing should be condemned
in advance. Let the work 60 on. The
failures will be less than if the capital and
labor were bestowed in other directions.
There are two most prominent reflections
connected with this subject which should
impress us seriously and with the greatest
satisfaction. The South has awakened to
q just appreciation of the opportunities it
possesses for gaining great wealth, and its
young men, as they reach the ages requir-
ing and inviting them to effort and action,
are remaining in the land of their nativity
and taking their chances at home. 1t is
paying them better than anticipation or
realization elsewhere, and this is a mighty
lever for the success of our present under
takings.
Along with these two considerations
which so materially change the situation
from what it was years ago, we should
properly estimate the ability, enterprise
and liberality of those who have come
amongst us with their means and influence,
aiding in the great development which has
proved available for wonderful work in the
South. 1t has encompassed Virginia, and,
in a most remarkable manner, finds strong
assurances for genuine achievements in
our own community. We know we have
here at our own homes the best of resour-
ces, and we have the fullest confidence in
our opportunities. We should therefore
push them with all our might and with de.
termined purpose to reach great pros
perity.