Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-03-25
G. 1T s

Alexandria, mas pa5seu the ccuate Vi w
GINA. Among other things, it provides for
al extension of the corporate limits of the
city, and gives to the City Council the power
to impose a tax for the paving Of the streets,
&c., upon the property-holders on the paved
streets, equal to two-thirds Of the cost OF
paving; the tax to be assessed upon the pro.
perty-holders, according to the number OF
feet owned on said street by each. The
amended charter disqualiies members Of
either branch of the City Council from being
elected to any Office of trust or emolument.--
We understand provisions have also been
inserted in regard to contested elections be-
tween officers of the city, elected by the peo-
pie, and enlarging the qualifications of voters
as to the general Offices.
THE PROSPECTS OF ALEXANDRIA, in a bust
ness point Of view, which for some time past
have been gloomy, from q combination OF
circumstances, almost unparalleled in the
records of d city, but from many OF which
eyerv city in the Union suffered, and which
were unforeseen by the wisest and most expe-
rienced in the land, are improving, and again
we have the bricht side of the picture OF our
future growth and prosperity turned towards
US, better delineated, and in colors stronger
and more durable than before. An unusual
stringency in monetary affairs, a great fall
ing off in trade, and a general stagnation IN
business, all conspired to cast an unwonted
gloom over our whole community, and those
who, in her darkest hour, had ever upheld
Alexandria and prophesied for her a high
commercial position, began to waver and to
doubt, but yet did not di5pair; ard when al
fairs assumed their worst aspect, and the
clouds Of adversely hung heavy and dark
above and around US, there was no such word
as fail heard, and come what would, "Slnk
or SWIM" all had determined TO stand by the
good old town, and at all risks and ucder
any circumstances, to sustain her tar repu-
tation. We passed through the ordeal no.
bly,, and now the clouds have broken and the
sun of prosperity is once more shedding his
gladdening rays full upon US, filling every
heart with new life and fresh courage
First, the Legislature in its wisdom, passed
the "Relief BILL" which affords immediate
relief in monetary circles; and then the
House of Delegates, with most comtnenaole
liberality, passed bills making appropri-
ations-aot large, but sufficient Tor the
time-for carrying on our Railroads.
There seems to be no doubt that these bills
will pass the Senate, and thus, in a short
time, there will be put in circulation, in our
midst, a million of capital. Next we have
this spring the prospect of an abundant
fishery on the Potomac (for which Alexar-
dria is the depot and the failure Of which,
last year, was so severely felt, and caused
many heavy losses. The weather, thus far,
has been most propitious, and the prospect
for a large quantity Of fish, was never better.
This will create q brisk business, and bring
to our city a good deal of capital. Then
TIL Canal is already in navigable condition,
and we may expect early next month to
chronicle the resumption Of the coal trade,
which is of such great interest to US, and
should be carefully fostered. The crops in
the neighboring counties are looking well, ard
from the Valley, where for several years they
have been so unfortunate, we have glowing
accounts OF the prospect of abundant yield.
And we have also fair prospect for having
the National Foundry located here, which
would at once 50 largely increase orr popu-
lation, and in every way benefit us. These
things all give Us an assurance OF q good
time coming, and though we may not pre-
press with such rapid strides as some expect,
vet our growth will be steady, and we have
made another and a better move on our
march to commercial greatness.
The CAMPBELL INsTRELs.-This celebrated
troupe give their first entertainment at Llber-
ty Hall tonight, and will doubtless meet with
a liberal patron age. Their great success in
Richmond a few weeks ago, prevented their
visiting this city when they were last an
nounced, but there will be no disappointment
this time, and a rich treat will be given to
those who attend tonight.
CuuRcn FEsrIvAL-To-day is celebrated
by our Catholic fellow citizens, as the "An'
nunciation Of the Blessed Virgin Mary" and
is kept with great solemnity, in honor of the
Incarnation of our Savior. 1t was ancientIy
called Lady Day"
There will be services at st. Mary's Church,
at G. and 10 o'clock, 4. NJ, and Z. NJ.
SuAp.-But few SLad are yet Offering IN
our market. About $50 we're caught at the
Marbury fishery on Monday evening. They
were sold for Washington consumption at
81! cents each. A contract has beeI made
with a Washington huckster to take all that
are caught at the landing between this and
the lst of April ct that price. Fresh Her
ring are plenty in our market At 20 cents a
dozen. Rock Fish are also abundant, as well
as other varieties.-FIcd. HTQia.
There is very little business doing as yet
o. G.