Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-02-08
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1925.

We have devoted, of late, so greata porhor
of our columns to matters of general interest,
that we hope we shall be readily forgiven by
our distant readers, for apProPriating so hber
ally to-day to local concerns.
To those Immediately involved in the pros
perity of the town, We recommend an attentive
reading of the communication signed VINDEx'
It's theme is subject of vital importance
the Improvement of our trade-and although
the author had no time to polish his periods,
his arguments are forcible; and we can speak
flor the sincerity of his intentions, as well a!
for the deep interest he feels in common witt
his fellow-citzens.
We are aware that ominous predictions arr
at all times unpalatable, and that he who ma
bitually INDUCES in them, is, by some, rathel
viewed in the light of an enemy, than friend
to the place. Not so however. We are sa
tisfied that many, and among them we class
ourselves, look upon our present apathy with
the most serious apprehensions; more espe'
cially when we come to contrast 1t with the
laudable and enterprising spirit now manifest
ing itself every where else.
Turn our eyes whichever way me may, and
they fall upon states, cities, towns and villages
struggling with their utmost exertions, to en-
nance their trade, and rival each other IN the
great work of internal mprovement-while
we, and we alone, are abandoning ths most
bountiful gifts of nature as reward to the en-
ergy and wisdom of our more active neigh
bors. A few thousand dollarswould secure to
us, what Banks of money and years OF labor
have transferred to them. To be inactive, Is
to help our rivals and ruin ourselves. Our ma
tural advantages are great, and much reliance
is Justly placed on them but, experience has
shown, that they viii not sustain us without
cultivation. All seem convinced of the fact,
and yet no one puts his hand to the plough
What can be the cause Does each wait fol-
another to lead' Or is it that the thief Of time
has so far stripped us of reflection, as to leave
only the daily belief that Tomorrow toiH do II
a leaders, all that is wanted, let yindex be fol,
lowed till betterb be found, and we tender GU,
humble services in aid Of any who may real
the standard pro bono pubkeo.
Let the old and influential citizens meet
and devise plan Of operation, and as far a:
we know the sentiments of tie people, all are
ready to support them. If the means are
doubted, let the subject have complete in
yestigation-let every stream be explored to
its source-hear the suggestions of every one,
and we venture to prophecy, that the most
sceptcal will yield. No rational man can ex-
pect participation in public benefits that he
does not contribute to produce or maintain;
and if our situation calls for heavy expendi-
lures of money, it is only necessary to satisfy
the people that the result will be propitious,
and we have the fullest confidence that every
purse viii be cheerfully opened. lfan enter
prize be set on foot, promising great general
advantages, but holding out no inducements
for capitalists to invest their money with q
view to private gain, the power should be
granted to our Council to borrow and expend
the necessary amount-to tax the citizens for
the payment Of the interest, and at suitable
time to refund the principal, however distant
the day. 1t is the duty of the present genera.
ton, to do all they can for themselves and
their posterity, and it will be no hardship up,
on that posterity to leave them share of the
debt, when we leave them all the benefits a.
rising from it.
Taxes are curse whenwe have no interest
in their appropriation, or when we pay money
for which We have no hope Of receiving an
equivalent but when our welfare is Palpa
bly, advanced in proportion to what We pay
the greater the taxes, the greater our prospe
rity. The inhabitants Of New-York, Boston,
Philadelphia, and Baltimore, pay five time,
the taxes, in proportion to their numbers, thai
we do, and the ability to do it is wholly the
offspring ofthe actitself-they pay for the i'm
provement of their cities, and the improve
ments repay them with tenfold interest
Could we Immediately get a road to Leesburs
and Canal to the running water ofthe Poto
mac, we are satisfied that property would ad
vance hundred per cent-rents would keep
pace with the rise, and every description o.
tenants would be epabled to pay. But we see
no use in Disgusting our conviction, that fpu'
off much longer, the opportunity will have es'
capped forever.
h.yill certainly not be denied, that it is ca.
sier to keep the current Of trade in its natural
channel, than to make new ones and turn it
into them. The natural channel of the trade
of an extensive back country leads to our
town, and every nerve should be strained to
keep it free from distractions five allow ii
to ell up, and by our own negligence, lessen
the labors of others to turn it away from us
just in proportion to their success viii we
weaken our ability ever to regain it.
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