Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-15
HIGHLAND.
The Proposed Electric Road from
Staunton.

MONTERREY. HIGHLAND COUNTY.
VA, August H.-(Special. .)-Apropos OF
the hot season, a reference TO Highland
county as a health and pleasure resort
and the feasibility Of constructing an
electric railway thereto. over the line OF
the Staunton and Parkersburg turnpike.
much interest has been excited amongst
the newspapers and citizens OF the two
counties, through which the proposed mad
Will run.
people that have been deprived OF the
benefits and advantages Of railroads are
quick TO approve OF any scheme in this
direction. but 90 the mind OF any consid-
crate person this proposition gives more
promise OF success appears more pract-
cable, and promises a better return than
any scheme yet proposed; and inasmuch
az II would give the health and pleasure
seeking population OF Richmond almost
an airline TO the highest, coolest, health
lest, and most picturesque section OF the
old Dominion, the question cannot fail
to elicit from them some concern. II II
be properly brought 20 their attention.
The Staunton Street-Car Company
through its manager Mr.. Apperson, has
expressed a willingness to construct the
road half way. and, going upon the pre-
sumption that the cost has been carefully
approximated It would only be neces-
sary to raise a sum OF So 900 or $4,000
TO complete the line.
If a right OF way can be secured (and
there IS no serious doubt IN the way
the present turnpike could be made TO
answer, with but comparatively Few
changes, and over much OF the way If
teen or twenty miles an hour could be
made. The distance IS forty-siK miles.
and over line unsurpassed for It's
grand. natural scenery. 1t would be
difficult 10 even approximate the extent
Of freight traffic such line would have
but its pre-eminence would consist In the
great attraction IT would offer the tour
ist, whether I'm quest Of health plea
sure, or sightseeing.
Let all who have ever trayersed this
great thOroughfare. either by stage
wheel. or on horseback. think OF trip
across Shenandoah in an observation
carl Even those OF us who have been
reared in the mountains. accustomed TO
their fastenesses and their grandeur. are
thrilled with ecstacy as we contemplate
such a pleasure From this elevation
the eve can take in almost the entire APP
palachian system, with its thousands Of
spurs and rock-capped peaks. Sounding
Knob. the Devils Back Bone" Paddy's
Knob. the Peaks Of Otter-all Of these
present a panoramic view at once so
grand, 80 wild. so rugged, and so impress
sive as TO call into constant play the
"safety-valve" to his emotions.
The attractions that Highland county
would offer, under these conditions. 10
every lover of natural scenery. and 10
the enervated and overworked OF the
large towns and cities. cannot easily be
overdrawn or exaggerated For pure.
cold spring water. and healthfulness. her
claims are undisputed a climate from
April TO November with a mean tempe
ratUrc Of about 60 degrees; sans mos
quitoes, tramps. and the new woman;
within n mile of her borders. one OF The
finest medicinal springs I'm the State; ex-
cellent trout fishing and game for the
sportsman: wild flowers and evergreens
for the aesthetic. and an honest. refined
moral people, with whom 20 mingle and
worship. In truth, with the facilities
which this electric road would afford.
the people OF Richmond, stanton. and
other adjacent cities would find Highland
all we claim for it-a veritable park.
where, tired ont. burned out, crowded
out. they can find rest, new energy, new
life.
sequcntly. this source Of revenue, would
only exist during the summer season, as
a matter OF course. but the extent Of
freight express, and mail traffic. from
the section from which such n line would
be fed. is far greater than many would
suppose, and could be intelligently and
clearly approximated by any one who
would investigate along the proper chan
nels for such information.
Staunton seems to realize what such
road would mean for her. and her busi-
ness-men are awake TO their interests.
To-day the City Council will consider a
proposition to subscribe S2j. 600 to the con-
struction OF the road, and favorable
report Is expected
About all that Highland county may be
called upon 10 do viii be 10 grant the
right Of way over her great thorough
fare-the Staunton and Parkersburg pike.
This she can do through the Board of
Supervisors or by vote of the people, and
It is safe 10 predict that there will be but
little opposition TO a grant so arranged
as TO protect the people from imposition
and extortion.
Our people are anxiously awaiting de-
velopments.