West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1903-03-26

cnal development industrially,
which can be observed in almost
every county of the commonwealth,
we are inclined to consider our own
outlook and prospects, as a town.
1t is concensus of opinion among
the progressive men of the town
that now or never, Kingwood must
forge to the front and grow with
other West Virginia towns. Already
strong evidence OF new develop.
ment is apparent. This spring is
the mos, promising OF any year, in
the towns history. for new en-
terprises, new capital and greater
possibilities. Therefore, discuss
ion of the subject is timely.
What is Kingwood1 The county
seat of one OF the best counties IN
West Virginia, which has healthful
condition of county finances, a
general freedom from individual
Indebtedness, increased individual
capital and remarkable growth in
industrial development. 1t is ideal.
ly located for town Of large di-
mensious. 1t is surrounded by
rich coal fields now being exten-
sively developed. An unsurpassed
climate, and surrounded by rich
farming lands able to support and
maintain city of many thousands.
Kingwood is ideal as residence
town, and can boast Of its pure air,
water, and valuable resources. Its
institutions are strong and flourish
ing, schools, banks, stores, church
cs, etc. It's buildings are good,
and rents and real estate values are
within the bounds Of prudent and
sound speculation. Its residences
are remarkably handsome and its
society of the highest> rder. None
of these claims can be discounted
whatsoever.
Where is Kingwood1 Situated
upon wide plateau, surrounded by
beautiful mountains which form a
natural panorama Of scenic beauty
and splendor, three miles from
Cheat River valley, rich in mineral
deposits, the natural and inevitable
course of great railroad. Located
as it is at the terminus of a good
railroad, fed by numerous coal
mines representing hundreds of
thousands Of dollars in capital in
vested, connected to the great Bslt.
imore and Ohio main line, King
wood is between breakfast and sup
per or supper and breakfast of the
leading cities OF the east and west.
Kingwood is in the direct line OF
another railroad now in process Of
construction, which will bring the
town within few hours of Pitts
burg, "The Workshop of the World. "
What sils Kingwood1 Nothing
but a lack OF confidence in its own
commercial and industrial merits
and disinclination upon the part
of its monied citizens TO invest in
public enterprises for the public
good. Conservatism is well enough
in its way when applied to check un.
healthful and reckless ventures. Blu,
extreme conservatism has done more
than anything else to hold back
towns and cities, and this is proven
by no better illustration than Wheel
ing itself, where the writer is told by
the secretary of its board Of trade,
that conservatism has kept Wheeling
back IS years, and nov she is just
beginning to break the sbackels
which bound her hands and feet,
industrially speaking.
The best evidence that can be cit
ed that Kingwood is "good thing
is the willingness and effort Of out
side capitalists to Inyes, here and
take a chance with as. Observe
the recent favorable actions Of
Senator Elkins, Hon. George G.
Sturgiss, Senator Robinson and
others. Must we wait for others Ia
: point out our advantages and move
us along9 If even so, and outsiders
are quick to see our advantage anG
hasten to promote enterprises fol
the welfare Of Kingwood, we can do
nothing less than give them our sup.
port and aid, rather than retard and
discourage such helping hands
But that is not alone the propei
thing. Not only encourage the in.
hux Of outside capital, but.act by a
! co ncerted movement ourselves, to
promote Kingwood and make il
such town that before many year.
il must take out city charter.
When the statement is made thai
Kingwood is rich in prospects and
opportunities, and can become 4
city Of consequence, the idea is dc.
rided If not scoffed at by scores oil