The Big Stone post. (Big Stone Gap, Va.) 1890-1892, 1891-04-10
Friday, April 10, 1891.
Sanitaria.

able drift Of fortune carry the town for
ward to large prosperity. Nothing is
surer than the fact that on ourlittlc planet,
at least, things arc not accomplished that
way. Given the finest natural adran-
tagcs, without the application Of strenuous
human energy and push, they are Of little
worth. In the way Of commercial push,
along this line there has been considcra-
bic improvement of late, but in regard to
the sanitary condition Of the town there is
still too much lcthargy. Trusting i'll our
natural position, many forget that special
sanitary provisions must be made as the
town goes forward.
No doubt this trust is warranted by
many facts The same conditions that
make Denver and other Rocky Mountain
cities famous as health resorts apply here.
Our elevation, some 1910 feet above sea
level, renders the atmosphere naturally
pure and of great toncity. The album
dance oflargc trees that everywhere cover
our mountain sides is also constant sour
&C of oxygenated, pure air. The topogra-
ply of the valley gives us constant air
currents through the Gap and from the
south, while we are shielded from the d.
rect force Of the coolest winds by the hills
to the north cast The force of our
mountain streams furnish the basis, Mt Il
point below the city, for most admirable
and effective system Of drainage. We
have springs of the purest sulphur, chaly-
beate, lime, freestonc and other waters.
In addition, our water supply, from the
falls several miles above the city, will be
unsurpassed in purity and power, having
a head of more than 300 feet. This sys-
TEN is now nearly completed. There is
not space even to touch upon the features
Of great natural beauty within short dis
lance Of US and throughout our mountain
country, Of which the Gap itself, High
Knob and the Natural Tunnel constitute
but part These things always weigh
largely in determining the popularity of
health resort.
Another most important feature is the
way in which the valley is completely di-
vided up by the hills, SO that the mining
and manufacturing sections can be shut
off from the residence portion by great
natural barriers. The Importance of this
arrangement has been recognized by
some of our most clear sighted men, and
upon the strict enforcement of it, depends
in large measure the progress OF the town
as a centre of resident and tourist popula-
ton.
These natural divisions make it possible
to hare something more here than large
mining and iron manufacturing centre.
Unless these divisions are regarded, the
town will become another Pittsburg and
the possibility OF its being pleasant
place for residences, much less health
resort, be forever settled in the mega
tive Five years from now, those who
think these considerations unimportant
may wish that they had realized their
force earlier.
The natural mildncss of our climate, and
the protection from severe winds, together
with the great beauty of the mountains in
winter, could make this Il favoritc winter
resort with both coast and inland dwellers.
Our elevation and mountain scenery, with
the mineral water, and not least our cool
evenings, would be especially attractive
in the summer.
This recapitulation Of familiar advan-
tages should stimulate all who recognize
the Importance of these things to aid the
enforcement Of such measures as are i'm
medately necessary to secure our present
healthfulness and future growth. With
all eur brilliant possibilities in this line,
to allow any accumulation Of impurities
within the town to continue might easily
neutralize and even destroy them. The
first question is one of drainage and the
work already begun should be pushed
with the utmost possible speed and thor
oughness Before we arc aware spring
will be full upon us, setting free whatever
amount of noxious material we neglect to
provide for. Then, the dams must go
the consensus Of authoritative opinion is
too overwhelming not to make all delay
in the matter absurd, if not suicidal. 1t
has been pointed out before i'll these col
umns, that the reputation Of the town for
healthfulness will be largely established
within the next season. The completion
of the through line between the sea cost
and the west, along with the opening OF
the great coke fields and the il ION industry,
will bring to US many strangers and much
wider attention. Not only are first i'm
pressions extremely hard to eradicate,
but before the harm done can be remedied,
the development of the towns on other
lines will probably prevent the attainment
of what is now in its power. Take u par
ticular instance, should there be consid-
cradle amount of fever this summer, how
many people from Lee county would move
here within the next ten years? From
wider standpoint, leta town based OF min
ing get reputation for unhealthfulness,
aud the greatest advantages might be of no
avail. It's very reputation would have a
tremendous and constant influence over
its growth and character.