The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-11-19
A Volume In It.

There was q volume OF meaning II
the remark of Gen NJ E. Ingalls, las
week to a reporter OF the VIRGINIArs
when he said: ''We are paying out wages
at the Clifton Forge shops, now amount
ing to 100000 year. and we are COINS
to increase it to $1,000 a day." THAI
would mean over $4,000 for the work
ing days of the year. OF course, this
meant that as soon as additional shop
room has been provided, the working
force Of skilled mechanics will be cor
respondingIy increased, until the amount
of their wages reach the sum named.
This cannot be done in day, nor in q
year. But the plans can be prepared
and their execution commenced, to be
increased as the plant is enlarged and
the purposes Of the Company given
shape and substance. 1t further means
that Clifton Forge is and is to be a GEN.
ter of effort-that the great corporation
of which Mr.. Ingalls, is president, is to
direct its policy to building up an indus
trial city at this point, and that by de-
grees the work will progress until the
prediction made heretofore of the "Al-
toona of the South being located here
will be realized.
Those of us who are present and daily
have under observation the improve
ments that are going on are not as much
impressed with the progress of improve
lnent as are strangers. or those who come
here only occasionally. Within the past
three weeks, there have been at least
a score of men here who have ex-
pressed their surprise at the extent and
character of the improvements that
have been made and are making. When
they see a double bridge leading from
Main street to the new depot; three or
four large three>story brick business
houses, either nearing completion or
being contracted for; the hundreds of
fine buildings that have been erected;
the changes in old buildings that have
been effected; the renovation of others,
and the general building and improve
ment activity that is observable in ev
cry direction; these casual visitors be-
come enthusiasts over Clifton Forge and
be a town of no mean proportions.
The reason for this is that the condi-
tions here are solid. Whilst there was
something of boom feeling here a year
ago, it did not reach the dimensions that
was experienced at other new towns.
The brief day of panicky speculative
transactions was soon over, and now
lots are purchased for the purpose of
improving them. Fair prices are OBJ
tanned, with the understanding that Ell
Their q residence or business house will
be erected; and thus is the foundation
being laid for the growth and prosperity
of the place,
There is no other new town in the
State that possesses SO many important
advantages as Clifton Forge It's natu-
raj Surroundings; the enterprises in OPP
GRAFTON; the purpose of the railroad, and
the activity of some of our people point
to rapid, permanent and healthy pro-
gress. Indeed, there is no place in the
entire South where investments can be
made with better assurance of liberal
returns. 1t IS simply question of time
and that not very long. The influences
at work must, in the nature of things
cause steady advancement, and as the
town enlarges values will increase and
profits be realized. We speak of invests
ments and not booms-of legitimate res
turns from business venture and enter
prise, where there can be no mistake and
no loss. Every day adds to the value of all
the buildings in Clifton Forge. Every
dollar placed here in real estate or le-
ultimate business is safe; and if we do
not read the signs and facts amiss, there
will be gratifying result ia the conf
dence implied in locating capital here.
We look for a lively. yet conservative,
policy to pervade all business lines next
spring. Buildings will be multiplied
enterprises increased and enlarged, and
general thrift ana prosperity attend
those who give to their engagements
good judgment and energetic applica-
ton.
There was volume of meaning in the
remark Of Gen. ingalls,, which we quote
at the head of this article.