The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-25
HAVE ECONOMIC
SURVEY Of STATE
That is Wish of Mr.. Rison, Who
Offers Bill Providing
Funds for 1t.
VIRGINIA RICH in MINERAL
Argued That to Set Forth States
Wealth Will Be Great Ad-
vertiscment.

Plans for the establishment of a State
geological and economic survey at the
Virginia Polytechnic Institute for the
preparation and publication of reports
and maps to illustrate the natural re-
sources of Virginia, determine the prop
critics of the soil. and by proper exploit
tatioa thereof attract capital and immi-
grants to this section, are set forth in
detail in a bill presented in the Senate
yesterday by Mr.. Rison and calling for
an annual appropriation of 100000
That Virginia lands offer fertile field
eral wealth of the State is scientifically
and officially determined the develop
ment of these now hidden resources
will follow quickly to the substantial
benefit of the people generally is be-
lieyed by the advocates of the bill and
all others who have given the matter
any consideration. These objects. 1t is
claimed, will be accomplished by the
proposed survey. Under the act, which
was referred to the Committee on Cen
eral Laws, the survey will be under the
supervision of a commission to be known
as the State Geological Commission,
composed of the Executive Committee OF
the Board OF Visitors of the Virginia
Polytechnic Institute, which commission
will appoint competent director to be
known as State geologist, who may. with
the approval OF the board. name his own
assistants. The commissioners will serve
without compensation, but will be re-
imbursed for actual expenses incurred
in the performance of their official du-
ties Reports will be made regularly to
the Legislature, and such special reports
will be issued as the commission may
direct. Tho specific purposes of the
survey are set forth in the bill as fol-
lows
ID An examination of the geological
formations of the State, with special
reference to their economic products
namely, building stones, Goals, ores. clays,
soils, cement, materials 1lTable for use
in the construction of roads, mineral and
artesian waters, and other mineral sub
stances.
(2) An examination of the road building
materials and the best methods of utiliz-
ing the same.
(8) An examination and classification
of the soils and a study of their adapt
ability to particular crops.
"a An examination of the streams and
water powers of the state, with special
reference to their development for manu-
featuring enterprises.
(5) An examination of the water sup
plies OF the State, with special reference
to the sinking of deep or artesian wells
90 An examination of the physical
features of the State, with reference to
their practical bearing upon the occupa-
tons of the people,
"a. The preparation Of special geologi-
cal and economic maps to illustrate the
! resources of the State.
| (S) The preparation of special reports
with necessary Illustrations and maps
which shall embrace both n general and
detailed description of the geology and
natural resources of the State.
| (a The consideration of such other
! scientific and economic questions as In the
! Judgment OF the state Geological Com
! mission shall be deemed of value to the
/ people of the State.
d0) To arrange with the director or
/ the representatives of the United States
! Geological Survey in4regard to co-opera-
| ton between the said United States
| Geological Survey and the said State
| Geological Commission In Topographic,
geologic and photographic work in such
| instances as may be deemed necessary
and of advantage to tho State; provided,
that in ali cooperative work sum of
money shall be expended by the said
| United States Geological Survey equiva-
i lent to that expended by the said State
/ Geological Survey, and that the said COM
y mission may accept or reject the work
of the said United States Geological Sur
vcS.