The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1892-03-03
Tho Town Charter.

The Town Charter.
Capt. L. Hartman and Capt. R. II. Da-
Wis, in behalf OF the people of Clifton
Forge and to carry into effect the
action Of the Town Council, went to
Richmond last week to procure an
amendment to the Charter of the town
Of Clifton Forge. The object of the
amendment was to enable the people
here to assist in charging the depot ac-
comm cd ations at this point, in erecting
q Y NJ G. a. building, and to pave
walks and streets and adopt sewerage
system The limits of Clifton Forge
were to be enlarged SO as to include sec
tons and Of the Clifton Forge Com
pany's property. The proposed amend
ment to the Charter was adopted by
unanimous vote of the Council and the
citizens recognizing the necessity for inn
proved streets and walks, generally APP
proved it. Opposition, however, sprang
up from the Loan and Building Com
pany represented by Mr.. John Lloyd, as
general manager, whose property has
been mostly improved on the west side
OF jackson river-lnore than a mile from
the present depot and the point desig-
II ated, or generally understood, for the
erection of the Y. NJ. G. A. building;
and from some Of the citizens of the old
town. who delegated DR., Il. S. Wiley to
represent their views. The object of
this movement, as we learn, was to have
-, I Of old
house. Notwithstanding this opposi
ticn, Capts Harman and Davis, through
the valuable services of Senators Jones
and Echols, had the amended Charter
passed through the Sena tie. In tn e
House Mr.. Withrow gave it his active
support, but it met opposition from sew
eral members from Richmond an d
Lynchhurg and probably other locali
ties, whose constituents are interested
in the G. 81 O. Development Company
an the Loan Company represented by
Mr. Lloyd The matter coming up in
the last days Of the Legislature, any dill
atory motion would have the effect to
defeat the passage Of the bill. which
could only be placed on the calendar by
unanimous consent
Capt. Hartman returned from Rich>
mond on Tuesday last, as far as Staun.
ton, leaving the subject in the hands of
Delegate Withrow and Senator Jones.
He was followed Tuesday night by
large delegation of property owners from
Clifton Forge, who are deeply interested
Io Of int of a nd
who doubtless have presented strong ar
guments in favor of the amended char
ter, which stipulates its provisions shall
be voted on by the qualified voters OF
the town and receive three fifths majo
ity, before it becomes effective. Why
such u reasonable request should be OPP
posed by any interest in this locality is
incomprehensibie to us. The improve
ments proposed would be of value to
this entire community and could not
possibly do harm to any interest. West
Clifton Forge has large depot, and it
is not proposed to erect a building for
the Y. NJ. G. A. there The railway au-
thorities would not consider a proposi>
tion to build depot at the old round
house, as they have one at Ridgeway
street, which it is proposed to enlarge,
and in sight of which the Y. M. G. A.
house would be built, and at 5th street.
on the G. & O. Development plat. I'm
der the crcum stances to oppose allowing
the people of Clifton Forge the privilege
of saving whether they would tax them
selves to improve their own lands and
to make i'm provements that would bene-
fit ill other interests, partakes OF tn e
policy of the dog in the manger-he
cou Id not eat hay himself, nor would he
allow other animals, which could, to do
So 1t is an unfortunate spirit, and if
not curbed and modified, will interfere
with the progress and prosperity of the
town to q lamentabe degree.
The chances are not favorable to the
adoption of the anne ndment, for want OF
time, Wednesday being the last day for
the introduction and consideration of
business, although the session will not
close until Friday. If the charter should
not pass, then, so far as street improve
ments, Or any other kind by the city,
are concerned, VIII be Impossible TOT TWO
years.
Since the above was placed in type
the following telegram was received
from Dr. G. T. Lewis
RICHMOND VA, March 3.
JAMES a. FRAZIER. Clifton Forge:
Prospects very bright. VIII have the bill
through to day. e. T. LEWIS.
DR. Lewis and his coadjutors are work
ing on the House of Delegates. The bill
has passed the Senate.