The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1892-06-02
Virginia at the Worlds Far.

1t is the purpose of the management
be held at Chicago, the most extensive
and magnificent affair of the kind that
the world has ever seen. On account OF
the Importance of the occasion, the vari-
Gus States of the Union are anxious to
lead in the display, both as a matter of
pride and of policy it being well un
derstood that no better means could be
found for advertising the special advan-
tages of any section than by making
creditable showing of local products.
In order to make such an exhibit it is
absolutely necessary to make consider
able outlay of money and labor. Many
of our sister States have made liberal
and what would seem to be extravagan'
appropriations. Virginia, however, has
at her command for such purpose only
$4,000.
1t is not our purpose to criticize the
State Legislature for fixing the appro-
priation at that amount, nor even to say
that it should have been larger: but to
suggest, if we can, some way by which
ttAeppropriation may be supplemented
and our State display rendered more
complete and effective.
1t is readily understood that $4,000
would not go far towards telling the
story of Virginia achievements and un>
developed wealth. With the most eco
nomical and judicious expenditure OF
that sum, our display would be compar
atively unworthy along side the exhibits
of other States with resources vastly n
ferior. There is no Virginian who does
not believe that we are unexcelled in the
excellency of our native treasures, and
no true Virginian can contemplate with
any degree of pleasure the idea of our
State display at Chicago ranking among
the poorest Such classification, how
ever, is inevitable, unless prompt and
active steps be taken by our people to
add to the exhibit already being pros
vided for. That cannot be done by any
additional State appropriation but the
end may be substantially reached by in
dividual and local endeavor. Every
county, every city or town, every local
ity, and for that matter, every individ
ual should contribute to the work. Each
section should see that it's own attract
i've features are properly advertised, and
in this manner we may be able to accu-
mulate a collection that will be repre-
sentative and one of which we may be
proud.
1t is particularly desirable, we think
that some steps should at once be taken
by those interested in our own locality
to display our marvellous and almost un
known resources Clifton Forge and her
neighboring towns and surrounding
country should not allow this opportu
nifty to pass by unimproved. Nothing
of very considerable Importance can be
accomplished though. without hearty
cooperation and organized effort. just
what steps ought to be taken we are mel
ther able nor authorized to state; but it is
the purpose of this article to bring the
subject to the attention of the public,
that it may be thought upon and dis
-cussed, and thereby plans may be ma
tured for the execution of the work in
view. Would it not be well to call
meeting of our citizens, and those closely
identified with us in local interests, for
the purpose of exchanging views and
devising means by which this richly ell
dowed section may be fittingly brought
to the notice of the multitude that will
visit Chicago during the year 1898. What
say you?