Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-02-11
Stauntot, Speetatog.
"WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY lltn. 1891.
development Increases The Revenues.


"WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY llth. 1881.
Development Increases The Revenues.
To 90 no farther in search of the evil
dence Of facts to substsntiate the above
statement, We can find abundant proof of
it at home. The Augusta County Govern.
ment has been engaged for several years in
the work of improving the highways and
byways of several COMMUNICATIONS pre-
senting claims the most urgent for safe
and improved travelling facilities. Take
for example the five elegant iron bridges
erected upon stone foundations, impregna-
Bile aud secure for all time, and the public
Judgment must award these agents of the
people the highest need of praise for pru'
dence and sagacity. To alleviate appre-
tensions of danger, and secure safe transit
along the public highways are considera-
tions of the first Importance. How well
these cares attaching to the public respon-
sibility have been provided for in the
measure to which the bridges can con-
tribute, must bring forth from all men the
commentator, "Well done, good and faith
full Servents'' of the people.
Augusta county will soon be in COL
dition-may we not say it is now, SO far as
it is necessary to arrange financial sys-
tem-for improving the grades and
Matchmaking the county roads. Another
bridge which is necessary oyer the South
river near Crimora Station on the Norfolk
6 Western Railroad, will about complete
all that is required in bridges. The progress
made in investigation of the other branch
of the subject-the road-ways-may be
summed up as conclusive of the general
desire of the people to have an improved
system of roads inaugurated as early as it
may be practicable, and let the entire
county keep pace in advance movements
with the communities which have united in
large and comprehensive and profitable de-
velopment.
Macadamized roads will greatly enhance
the value of lands through which they
pass, and this realiz alton will also branch
out through the trjbutory neighborhoods.-
Nor is this all in summing up the leading,
to say nothing of the minor benefits accru
ing because of good roads. A team will
draw with more ease, and with less wear
and tear, double the weight of the allotted
load at present upon the ordinary clay
road. Thus the argument can be pushed
through many avenues that lead up to the
balancing of the account of profit and
loss. We may say innconclusion, on this
branch of the subject, that it is hardly
creditable to the intelligence and sound
practical sense of the people of Augusta
county to repeat arguments favoring con
illusions, which we believe they have al
ready reached, for how else could it be
with the experience not only OF the past
winters, but also of this winter of quag-
mire roads.
As far as we can observe the tenor OF the
reflections and minds Of the people, they
are ready now to concur in and support
system of road-improvement, and we think
it is only necessary for the County Govern
ment to mature such plan. There las
been much discussion and investigation,
and the sum total Of it all arrives at one
conclusion and the people say, "We wish
the County Government would provide US
with better roads" Of course it follows
that the people are willing to sustain the
progress, because it directly enhances the
value of their property, and in numberless
ways increases their incomes, and in the
controlling matter Of transportation re-
duces more than half the expenses on that
account.
AS regular reporter and attentive OBJ
server of the proceedings in the City Coun'
Gil of Stauntop, we have been impressed
with the facts stated as the advocates of
improvement presented the evidences OF the
ability of the city to 60 forward in the
policy which is fast winning for it the
substantial benefits of new energies and
the active cooperation of the citizens, to
say nothing of the decidedly favorable i'm
preston which is made upon strangers.-
All this is done without asking any in
crease of the rate of taxation-that is not
thought of. The ability Of the Council to
accomplish so much for the growth and
prosperity of the city is traceable to the in
Dressing revenues derived from enlargiDg |
values subject to taxation.
Deyelopment-as the broad field covered
by the expression is viewed-is wonder
full lever in the growth and prosperity Of
communities. 1t gives new life to every
interest. Agriculture, finance, industries
of every kind, trade and commerce are
stimulated, and not man worthy OF the
name but can fall into line and work and
reap and enjoy tho fruits Of bis labor.
The Empire County takes great pride
In the fact that her seat of government Is
the largest and fairest of the cities OF the
Valley of Virginia. The people of both
are one in association and interest, and
united in their respective spheres for utili-
zing opportunities in achieving substantial
results, can present to the world the grand |
est picture the imagination can paint.
The underground system of telegraphs OF
the German pire, it is reported, hss q
total length of 5000 miles.
Georse Graham Vest is the first Senator