Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-12-05
ALEXANDRIA.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER ;

The PRESIDENTS MESSAGE, the more it is
seen and read by the people, is the more prais-
ed 1t IS, indeed, under the circumstances Of
the country, and of the President himself, very
commendable in tone and spirit, very judicious
and calm, and very acceptable and satisfactory,
in most of its views and recommendations, to
all conservative men in all the States It says
what it has to say briefly mildly, firmly, and
candidly. There is no clap trap about t-no
Defiance no hectoring, no appeal for popular
applause. It is state paper, without preten-
ton, and therefore to be received with favor.
In the midst of wild passion and the excite
ment of parties, the message appears to have
been conceived and written, by one who is IN
moved by the heat and clamor around and
against him, and who seems to be intent only
on doing his duty, according to his own honest
convictions Of what are the requirements Of the
constitution and the laws. Would that those
who now hold the legislative authority could
exhibit the same disposition aud manifest the
same spirit, which animate almost every para
graph of the message In that case, the re-
turn of peace and prosperity to the country
would not be distant! And how lamentablc
it is to think that while one department of the
Government is seeking to build up, revive and
restore, another seems obstinately bent on con-
tinuing hatred, discord, injury, oppression and
ruin -;rs. ..4-.
BUSINESS. If our citizens are disposed to
complain Of dull times, they have only to go
to other cities, or to read the newspapers in
other places, to satisfy themselves that they are
not "a!one in the world, and that the same
complaint is made in cities far surprising this
in size and population We see and hear more
of it, comparatively, here, than elsewhere, be-
cause every man has, so to speak the whole
field of trade under his own eye, and knows
pretty much what business his neighbor is DO
ing, as we'll as what he does himself. We are
of those who think that putting and JloocMg
never does community any good, but on the
contrary, frequently is the cause of mischief
and harm, and often excites ridicule instead OF
increasing trade; but still, We are equally, If not
more opposed to all ''downheartedness," or
evil forebodings, or failure of eXertion. We
have always believed that better day for AL
exandria is coming, and that with little pa.
thence and with little time her revival in
trade will commence, her business be renewed,
and her prosperity, reasonable and gradual, be
secured We know it is hard to walt-but i'm.
possibilities cannot be expected. We mist
have the patience we recommend; and We
must be willing for a time longer, to endure
the day of small things" looking forward
with hope and confidence, in a few years, to see,
not an cvergrown town, but a thrifty, thriving
community, engaged in manufactures aud the
mechanical arts, busy in the pursuits Of com
merce; or actively employed in the various de-
partments Of trade. All Balloon prospects of,
expression may as well be dropped; but all
may hope and expect solid, substantial I'M
provement.