Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-06-03
ALEX CAMBRIA.
WEDNESDAY EVENING. JUNE 3.
nh ,Vhe, 'e.rr.anaI...Traaae Prospects.

The Alexandria Canal is once more open, and
navigation on this important work has been
resumed-its beneficial effects being already
seen and felt in the trade and commerce of our
city. The Aqueduct, about which there has
been so much trouble and delay, is now consid-
cred, by those most competent to judge, to be
secure, durable, and perfectly safe--having
leen tested with pressure that is not likely to
lie put upon it again Under the supervision
OF Capt. VIM. j. Boothe, the efficient Presi-
dent Of the Canal Company, whose persever-
,nce and assiduity, deserve the highest CON-
,nendation of our citizens, the whole work has
!. leen put in thorough order by the Lessees-pro-
bounced by the boatmen to be in better order
than ever before,-an and without some unforeseen
accident, the coal trade may now be considered
as permanently re. established = -.
Our wharves that have, for some time past,
presented dull and deserted appearance, are
already looking much more lively, and the bus
lie and activity incident upon the arrival and
unloading of coal boats, and the loading and
departure of vessels, give cheerful and bus
i,ess-like aspect to our River front, that it used
to wear in other and better days. g
The spectacle presented at the Canal basin is
most cheering and gratifying to every well
q wisher Of our good old town. There,
where quiet and stagnation have so long held
sway, all is now life and animation. The basin
crowded with boats, arriving and departing ;
hundreds of horses and mules, the teams of
the boats, feeding and grazing on the hills and
in the bottoms adjoining; the boatmen-many
of them with their famies--glad to revisit the
iormer and natural terminus of their long Jour
ney-tented about, or with awnings spread
over their cabin homes, enjoying a quiet re-
pose, or indulging in merry dance to the en-
]ivening strains of violin the stores-big
and ittle-and the ''shanties' on either side Of
the Canal, so long closed, again open, filled
with goods, wares and merchandise, and all
doing thriving business;-this makes picture
that has often been painted in the imag CITATIONS
of our people, but not until now realized-and
may its realization never again be blighted
or marred, but the coloring grow brighter, un-
ill the full measure of our deserved recon-
liense mas Deen AWARDED
The revival Of the coal trade has already
greatly improved the commerce of our city, as
evidenced by the increased arrivals of vessels
::nd as consequence, business has received a
fresh impetus, and is improving in all branches.
Employment has been given to large number
of persons, and as the wages paid are remuner
alive, considerable amount of money will be
put into circulation here at once AS the trade
increases, and the other agencies make this
their shipping point, as will necessarily be the
case, at a day. not distant, the demand for labor
will be greatly enhanced, and the expenditures
increased The disbursements by the agencies
now here amount to nearly twenty thousand
dollars month, which, though comparatively
small, yet where capital is limited and money
scarce, must be considerable auxiliary and
produce beneficial effect and when these dis
bursements are doubled, or quadrupled, as it is
hoped will soon be the case, the benefits will be
proportionably great, and the prosperity of the
city advanced accordingly.
Since Saturday last upwards of one hundred
boats have arrived here laden with the rich
- pTOuuCCS VI tue COdi theli
cargoes transhipped and the vessels, with their
freightg, on their way to the various Eastern
ports.
With the Canal iu full operation; one of the
best harbors in the country; depth Of water
at our wharves capable Of floating the largest
class vessels; three railroads, penetrating the
richest portions of the State, and one Of them
great through line, connecting the North and
South, there is no reason why Alexandria
should not grow and prosper. She certainly
presents to capitalists attractions possessed by
few cities, and we"believe that under different
state of political affairs, and with an assurance
that the rights OF the people would be secured,
and that proper protection would be guaran
teed to business and property in the Southern
States, in short time Alexandria would grow
to be a thriving Virginia city. AS it is, we hope
for the BEST and can, with confidence, invite
emigration and capital Storehouses are al
ready built; rents are comparatively low; living
is much less expensive than in the larger cities:
the society is equal to any in the land the
climate is excellent health unsurpassed, and
everything here to make it attractive and
fourishing.
We hope that the apparent indispostion on
the part of many to engage In any thing that
looks like politics, is not an indication of
apathy, in reference to the approaching vote in
this State on the proposed Constitution.
If our people have made up their minds against
the constitution, and have reso2ced to vote
against it, and to let nothing hinder them from
roting--wel and good. Wehave nothing fur
Their to say. But, that, certainly is duty