Virginian in 1909--More "it is stated" reporting

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
June 23, 1909

TWENTY MILES HARDLY DROP IN BUCKET
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Virginian Railway to Build Line Through Tazewell, Bland and Russell Counties
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MAY CROSS CLINCH VALLEY REGION AND REACH BRISTOL
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Possible Connection With Cairo and Norfolk Project Said to be in View--Rich Coal Lands to be Opened Up
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Hinton to East River Right of Way Purchased
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    The Daily Telegraph's exclusive story yesterday regarding the building of a branch line by the Virginian Railway from Rock in this county to Pocahontas, Va., has been practically verified, but according to those who claim to be in touch with the railroad situation, this proposed twenty-mile feeder is hardly a drop in the bucket from a relative standpoint compared with what the Virginian intends doing in this section of the country.
    It is stated that it is the ultimate intention of the company to extend the line from Pocahontas through Tazewell, Bland and Russell counties, across the Clinch Valley region to a possible connection with the projected Cairo & Norfolk road at Bristol, Tenn.
    This will take the branch through the Merchants Coal Company's leases, the Pocahontas Consolidated Collieries Company's leases near Pocahontas and possibly touch the New River and Pocahontas Coal Company's leases.  Passing out of Tazewell, the line will go through Bland, Russell and Buchanan, tapping a region rich in gas coal.
    A railroad survey was made through Clinch Valley some time ago, and it was given out that it was at the instance of the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio, but it is now believed that the Virginian is behind the project.  The Virginian has been nosing around all through the outlying territory making preliminary surveys for branches into areas which promise business.  It has made surveys down Bluestone to its junction with New River to Glen Lyn, Va., The company has even gone so far as to purchase a right of way from Hinton to the mouth of East River.  And there appears to be no reason to believe, according to those who claim to know, that the activities should not extend into the Clinch Valley also.
    If the road should go through the country outlined, it will be practically virgin territory.  It is rich in coal, and there is at present little outlet.  There is not a mile of railroad in Buchanan county--and it is claimed not a negro [sic].  It is said there are signs tacked up on trees for the colored race to keep out.  The people, however, are not said to be averse to railroads.
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Gordon Hamilton
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