ASHEVILLE 133 
began to wane, its beautiful climate was declared 
not suited to the disease in its more advanced stages, 
rivals grew up in various parts of the country, the 
sick deserted, and the well were afraid to come be- 
cause so many invalids had been harbored there. 
But this reversal of fortune was short-lived, and 
Asheville, marked for a bigger destiny than that of a 
mere health resort, is beginning a new era with a fast 
increasing population whose interests are centred 
there. The prophets who cast roseate lights over the 
future are again predicting, and the only mistake 
these soaring souls are likely to make is that they 
may fly too low. For besides the suddenly awakened 
lumber industry, already representing millions of 
dollars, and the many new mining operations that 
are starting, the fine water-power is attracting man- 
ufacturers to the mountains, of which Asheville is, 
and always must be, the centre. 
That Buncombe yet exerts her old power over 
those who fall under the spell of her magic is shown 
by the presence of the Vance Monument in Pack 
Square, erected to the memory of Zebulon B. Vance, 
of Buncombe, governor and senator, but given by 
the people of to-day, largely assisted by Mr. George 
W. Pack, after whom the square is named, for though 
not a native of Buncombe Mr. Pack has enhanced 
the beauty and advanced the interests of the county 
with the greatest generosity. 
New men are coming, and new names are being 
added to the long list of enthusiasts who have worked 
and talked "for Buncombe," but the names of those 
