Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-01-30

cordingly prepared and concurred in by the
Board of Directors, not waiting for the
meeting of the Chamber, time being
Mr.. Dunsmore caused a large
number to be printed and gave wide circu-
lation to the document. At a meeting of the
Chamber during the succeeding session of the
college, Mr.. Dunsmore stated that he could
trace the presence then of at least twenty five
students who had entered the college in
virtue of the impression made upon theil
Der. Now we have not only the "Dunsmore
more College" but another, the ''Stauntor
Business College," of the same order and OF
like merit in evidence of the advancing enter
prises of Staunton. The gentlemen con.
Quoting both institutions are jealous members
of the Chamber of Commerce
The matter of engrossing public interest
the supply of fuel for consumption in the
city, had been one of much thought and dis
cussion in the Chamber and with the people
generally. Accordingly, at the March meet
ing, 1891, committee for that purpose was
appointed to confer with the authorities OF
the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad with the
view OF securing reduction of freight charges
upon the coal delivered here by that railroad
A long and continued effort followed with
varying phases as the subject was pressed
upon the attention of the railroad manage
ment. In 1884, the City Council also united
with the efforts of the Chamber and, during
the summer of that year new tariff was put
into effect by the Railroad Company, regula-
ting charges to Staunton. 1t has been esti.
mated that upon the then existing basis OF
the saving to the people here,
relying upon that class of fuel, is at least
eighteen thousand dollars per annum. and, as
q matter of course, as consumption increases,
a pro rata saving is secured
During 1890 and the early part of 1891,
when there was general awakening at
StaI1r ZION, NC had Hnn md hnr onr,-
tinuing throughout the Southern States, for
material development and the formation here
of several companies for that purpose, the
Chamber of Commerce duly considered Of its
duty in the premises. Accordingly. it was
deemed advisable that it should furnish the
opportunity which would call here leading
citizens of Virsislia and other States, expert
enced in the atials nf industrial development
and the interests Of commercial progress
Committees were organized and zealously
commenced their successful work of securing
the expected attendance Of a large number of
guests combining the elements of character
and ability adverted to, as well as the funds
necessary to make the occasion a public re-
ception, which would reflect honor upon the
business interests, the hospitality and the cult
ure of Staunton A grand and pleasant time
was anticipated but in the rapid movements
of thought and effort. it was proposed that
instead of appropriating the handsome fund
in hand to the purposes as originally in
tended it would be more practical and SUBJ
serve the objects to be obtained in the end
better that il be made to meet the expenses
Of a survey and report upon an early con-
struction of railroad from Stanton to the
interior of cur northwestern border country.
1891 came in with the signals of broken
from Europe, South America, and
own country. Our Chamber worked along as
well as it could amid the scenes of shrinkage
of values and the inertia rapidly spreading
In 1892 full force of energy worthy of the
highest success was applied. The address to
The business men of Staunton issued during
March was replete with earnest words and
The city
The Chamber responded to the call which
went forth for conference in Richmond for
The purpose of discussing the merits of a
State organization. Thither its representa-
lives repaired and participated in the proceed
ngs. A delegation also deHberated with
their brethren from various parts OF the State
at Old Point where the State institution was
organized.
The partial inactivity of the Chamber in
1893 was not peculiar to Staunton. The de-
preston IN business of every character and
was widespread in its influences,
and many similar associations to ours in
;ltlcS VI ldTSeT pOpuldGlOu dllu WluGT S6CtlODS
Of sustaining forces succumbed to the effects
Of increasing dizziness which came up from
all the ends of the earth. That our organiza-
ton was maintained. furnishes good record,
and is a source of congratulation.
The depressed condition of the country
as we emerged from the past into
The active duties of the year 1894, seemed not
to have fixed the seal of dependency upon
The hearts and minds of the few, who. still
,linging to the value of such an organization,
sought for its rehabiliment jan
1ary and February witnessed warming up
Of the DID, and substantial increase of new
with general preparation to lead
on and to follow on in the channels which
long experience and some successes lighted up
the pathway. Remembering that the past
history of our busting little city and the
splendid resources of country IN trade rela
lions with it, and that the effort for increased
development of the past was in a good
measure productive of valuable achievements
worthy of renewed concentrated effort,
realities and prudently suggesting methods as
it seemed proper within the limits of sound
and conservative estimates.
In these times, more than at any other peri
ID of our own or in the history of enterpris
ing towns. improved and rapid transportation
affecting their progress are themes of daily
discussion as the necessity is scrutinized for
benefits.
Our north western interior country from
which Staunton derived larger trade in the
past has been gradually turning away from
5taunton. This result is just the reverse of
what it should be. Staunton to day is better
by five fold to handle that trade
than she was when nearly all of its values
were hers to command. That commerce, too.
mas annually increased in country resources.
and its favors to US have gradually weakened.
This contrary state of affairs standing out in
evidence established by reliable statistics, is
sufficient to awaken apprehension
for the future, and furnishes motive, yea,
demand, for concerted effort to Ike ep the chan
nels of communicated open so that no com
petition shall deprive US of our old time asso
cations. ripening into the fullest of continu-
ing mutual benefits.
The Chamber reviewing the situation could
suggest no movement with any probability of
success at this time, other than improving
and shortening the country roads leading in
that direction. To that end an intelligent
and active committee of the Chamber has in
charge one of those routes-th which leads
in the direction of Pendleton county, West
Virginia. 1t can effect but little, however
without the cooperation of the Augusta coun
ty government and that of the adjoining
county of Pendleton in West Virginia
In September of last year, organized efforts
we're instituted at Roanoke in behalf of "Good
Roads, throughout the State and invited the
Chambers of Commerce and County govern
ments in all parts of the Common wealth to
send delegates to State convention to be held
in Richmond in October. The Chamber,
uniting with the movement in Augusta coun-
", participated in the deliberations of that
body by joint representation as an associat
ed delegation; also Joined in efforts in behalf
of immigration at the same time. The effort
to obtain State system for the improvement
Of the existing, and making Good Roads,
needed, as we'll as securing the set
Element within our borders of desirable popu-
lation, are matters challenging the support of
all our people, and for the accomplishment of
this end, the Chamber is on record
Whilst discussing the interests of additional
improved transportation in connection with
the continuing prosperity of the city, and the
actual needs of the same, it was natural that
should take in that long stretch of
railroad located along the eastern border of
Augusta county, with its own and direct con-
nections high up in the north, and with the
cities of the lakes and in the opposite direc
tons across different ATTITUDES to the seaports
of the South Atlantic and Gulf States. The
line of the Norfolk and Western railroad be
tween Hagerstown, Maryland, and Roanoke
Va, is within twelve miles of Staunton. and
with it. at some practicable point. the Cham
Der has preached the project of branch con
nection equal for all purposes that the main
route confers. Our Communication introduc
ing the subject was received by the manage
ment Of the Railroad cOmDanv and resnOnse