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

For the year ended June 30, 1888. 49,. 1927
do do do 1889 1857
The figures of the two last years referred to,
show the relation Staunton holds to the aggre-
gated export of the county for the same years,
that nearly one-half of the hay during those
years exported from Augusta found its exit at
StauntOn.
The exports by the Norfolk and Western
route increased from 673 in 1884 to 2 489 tons
in 1888, and that was before its North Carolina
connections we're constructed. Now that its
own line penetrates the great interior of that
State, the advantages our product of flour and
hay will have by direct route from Staun-
ton, can be we'll imagined,
The route of the Norfolk and Western in
Augusta county is along the base of the Blue
Ridge with scarcely any agricultural country,
except that on the western side of the South
River Valley, to draw upon. and only opened
to commerce in 1882, and also without the adj
vantages of its now direct southern extensions,
achieved the prominence il 1888 of drawing
off one fifth of the hay tonnage. What then
will bethe result if its trains roll directly into
this city where nearly one half of the entire
crop of the county is concentrated for ship
ment?
Still another great interest IN our midst
stands out for serious consideration. The
Norfolk and Western railroad during its COM
paratively brief existence under the present
management, has developed one of the ]arg-
est, as it is one of the highest in value of the
coal fields of the continent. All the way from
Chicago to Norfolk and along its branch lines
from Roanoke to Hagerstown and into North
Carolina, the coal and coke from its south
western fields gladden. thousands of hearts
and light up the fires of great industrial prog
ress. From the abundance of these resources,
Norfolk already has become in its commercial
importance generally, the great coaling station
| of ho apti
erS.
The construction of few miles of railroad
will bring Staunton into direct association
with additional fuel supplies as they will for
the outward commerce in the staples of our
valley products.
l conclude this feature of the report by IN
Producing a reference to the wellestabllshed
policy of the Norfolk and Western Railroad
company, which has direct bearing on the
interests discussed and assuring to Staunton
and surroundings associated with its subStan
tial growth, full share of that splendid real
lzation which has been diffused all along the
main and tributary lines of that leading high
way in the commerce of the country. Mr.. F.
J Kimbail, the President, as early as 1884
issued an address, after having assured him
self of the value of the resources of the coun
try tributary to the system of railroads under
his direction from which l quote the follow
ing
1.-THE nelp management took hold, resolved to
make every mile pay its quota to the general req
enue and to develop every source of increase in
coal, iron rood cattle and miscellaneous bust
ness"
1t need not be stated that Mr.. Ki1nball is
still President of the system of railroads,
which since 1882 has grown into many hun
dreds more of miles of new track. and in
millions of dollars more of realized develop
ment of the tributary country, as the twelve
years of such policy, vigorously enforced
presents the facts of this day.
CONCLUSION.
There are interests which for some time
past should have received careful considera-
tlon whereas, but little attention has been
bestowed upon them. In the earlier years of
the Chamber. proper efforts were made to
accumulate library. Some valuable works
we're secured, but in the absence of a fixed
home, and the want of means for properly
arranging library and valuable collections of
that order no progress of late has been made
in this essential feature that contributes so
largely to the value of such an institution. /
cannot too earnestly press this matter upon
your consideration.
Apart from comfortable accommodations
in the hall for assemblages, there should be
instituted measures for the adornment and at
traction of the place in those evidences of Gull
ture and taste, which, whilst the medium of
conveying knowledge and pleasure, are asso-
ciated in high degrees with our aspirations for
the accomplishment of the work before u.s.
The maps and illustrations displaying the
| march of commerce and the many pursuits of
kindred progress would be valuable adjuncts
| to the permanency and vigor of the Chamber
of Commerce
This line of thought induces me to say, that
there is now awaiting the time when the
Chamber shall have made itself so firmly es-
tablished as to be beyond the fluctuations
| which spirit of inactivity engenders, that it
can realize donation, the associations of
which, at this period of its history, will prove
| to be the most elegant, the most to be admir-
ed and the most enduring in its influences
that can be exercised, as we renew our fealty
| to the cause of the general prosperity of this,
| the oldest town of the Valley, and as it has
grown into proportions of vigorous and
highly favored young city.
Our quicker advancement is often delayed
| for the want of funds. with which to defray
the expense of monthly. quarterly and an
| nual reports. The materials for such exhibits
are always at hand, and the proper display of
them will the sooner attract increased atten-
ton to this seat of varied pursuits.
l herewith furnish the report of the Treas
| urer for the year ended December 81. 1894
The Chamber has received at all times the
most valued aid from the press of the city.
Whatever of progress has been made, or in
future accomplishments that shall be realized,
we can well accord high praise to the gener-
| GUS and timely support thus bestowed.
Respectfully submitted,