Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1896-08-07
The Value Of Chambers Of Commerce.
RIVERSIDE, ROCKBRIDGE Co., VA.
July 28th. 1896.

RIVERSIDE, RoCKBRIDGE Co.. Va
July 2sth, 1896.
Editor Of the indicator:
The very kind reference you made to my
name in connection with the Stauntor
Chamber of Commerce. in the VIND1CA.
TOR of the Oath inst, think requires suit.
able acknowledgment from me. The eight
years I served that institution as it's sec.
rotary embraced as much pleasure as any
of the half century during which 1 have
labored in behalf of kindred interests to
those which are Of paramount considera-
tion by that body. I shall carry with me
| to the end of the journey of lite recollec-
tions that are only good without the
knowledge of solitary occurrence to mar
the pleasure that existed between the peo-
pie embraced in the reference and myself.
Here might end this communication, but
your friendship am sure will indulge me
under the circumstances, in the expression
of a few reflections.
The Chamber of Commerce was estab.
lished for the accomplishment of wise and
progressive purposes. Inproportion to the
zeal and constancy of effort manifested,
will the degrees Of success be measured.
Its history chronicles many valuable
achievements for your fair young city and
the country in trade relations with it. The
past Of it's career directs it's course for the
future in straight line, not only for at
tanning great progress, but to render it
worthy of it's place in the records of the
government, which in special manner is
the patron of such institutions, and to as
sumo it's share of responsibility in the march
Of commerce as it responds to opp0rtuni-
ties that constantly invite it's CO operation.
will only tax your space with one ref
erence to what has been accomplished by a
sister institution, the Cincinnati Chamber
of Commerce. which may serve as an argu
ment to support the views presented, select
ed from hundreds nay thousands of
instances which could be arrayed in bril-
liant splendor were it practicable to record
here the events that characterize the histo-
ny of these institutions.
The remarkable summer through which
we are passing, will be chronicled as one
which, with its ripenlng of the crops. has
visited us at the same time with excessive
rains, causing continuous embarrassment
and delay after delay in harvesting and
sheltering the products of the farmers toll.
Not only delay, expensive and tiresome,
but immense loss as the years work will
be summed up. In this dispensation of
Providence. which is all for our good, there
has been one fundamentally to the soil
tillers, who could and did avail them
selves Of it, that guided them in their diff
cult work when day or few hours Of
the day would he told in advance of the
appearance of the sun with it's drying and
healing blessings.
The reports of the Weather Bureau. Sc
cured to all the country having railroads
and Geographic ommunication, delivered
at every station, if watched and closely
and awaited of. were the kindliest |
agencies in guiding the farmer with his
work, especially in harvesting his grain |
and housing the fruit of his grass field. In |
my limited operations 1 can speak from
experience and testify to benefits received.
Now I presume the Weather Bureau is |
conceded to be a great blessing. Well, what |
is it's history? The conception of the great
good it could accomplish originated in the
Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. The
pioneers in this great movement outlined
it's advantages and proposed to other Or
CARNATIONS OF the same order to join in the |
effort of securing the boon from the gov
but were not aided with c0ope- |
ration by them. Strong in faith, prompt
in effort, the thought of disappointment
was cast to the rear, and straight forward
up to Washington the scheme was present.
ed and pressed till the victory was won,
and it was the work of the Cincinnati
Chamber of Commerce. Without addition
al words in support of my proposition,
think this one achievement scores many in
contestlble arguments in it's triumphant |
support.
One more reference, though not entirely
to the matter in hand, and l am
through. Mr.. Charles B. Murray, editor
If the Cincinnati Price Current, is now
and has been for long while the Superin-
,endent of the Cincinnati Chamber OF Com
nerce. The Price Current is the most val
liable journal of it's character within my
Its specialties embrace the
exposition of American trade interests in
grain, provisions, crops, live stock, pork
4 n IL
weekly, is to obtain Information from
which the farmer may derive benefit, as
we'll as the merchants and millers who so
highly esteem It's merits.
L @. Sc IELnS.