Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-12-05


generally of peaceful nature, &C., &c. The
Message is before our readers. 1t should re-
,eive q fair and candid consideration from the
people of the country.
--..-..=z=s--.---.--a--.
TIE COMMERCE or ALEXANDRIA. 1t has
been with the greatest pleasure, that during
the year now drawing to a close: We have ire
duensy noticed the Improvements that have
taken place iu acknowledgements OF
character that show a steady and healthy
growth, and give promise of permanent pros
perity During the past season upwards OF
scventy-ive new, and in many Instances, elegant
brick dwellings and stores have been built,
while an equal number Of old ones have been
repaired. remodied and modernized and Jet
the demand for houses is such, that but very
few are unoccupied. and in most cases these re-
main so on account of their untavorable con-
ditiop. Upon an examination Of the registers
Of the hotels, it will be seen that The number
Of strangers who visited the city, largely exceeds
that Of the preceding years, for Tour or I'VE
back: while trade and commerce have, since
the war, gradually revived aud Increased BE-
yond what had been anticipated; aud now 10
many instances, are greater than prio: 10 1851.
when Alexandria received an impetus that bid
fair to make her thrifty and business city.
In looking over the reports presented 10 the
meeting Of the Stock holders OF the Orange,
Alexandra and Manassas Railroad Company,
held here last week it is very gratifying to note.
that Of all the freight passing over that linz:
from the South nearly thr-e-tourhs stopped
here, while cities North received the remainder,
consisting principally, however, Of cattle for
share of which trade Alexandria is in quiet
&ay;eontending, and With, we arc pleased 10
learn from the stock brokers, fair prospect Of
success, The number Of cattle received and sold
here weekly, showing steady increase, aud at,
tracing the attention Of buyers from other
places OF all the freight going South over
the same line large part is from Alexandria.
thus giving practical illustration Of what has 20
often. been repeated, that all things taken into
consideration, this market presents inducements
not exceled BY those held out by other cities,
aud incidents are not untrcquent, where mcrch
ants and dealers living along the lines Of COM
municatiou with Alexandria, after having gone
on to the North to purchase goods, have been
convinced that they could deal more advantage
ously in home city, and have returned here
to buy better articles at less cost.
With the construction Of the Lynchburg and
Danville Railroad, a new avenue of trade will
be opened, and as the management OF the
road will be principally in the hands OF those
who have, for years past, ably controlled
the O., 4. 4 NJ. r. r., and who will, in all
probability, continue the REST feeling towards
this city, granting her the facilities and ad
yantages, of which by her location. she is
possessed, large portion Of the products Of
the rich country, thus to be brought into I'M
mediate couuection: will doubtless centre here,
where ready market will always be found,
while the citizens Of that section Of the State
will have the advantage Of choosing between
Alexandria and Richmond, two Virginia cities
that ought to he fostared. aud preferred by
Virginia people.
Its gratifying, also, 10 note the proposed
speedy resumption Of work on the construction
Of the Washington and Ohio Railroad Il road
that has been of so much benefit to Alexandria.
and which is destined, in its onward Westward
progress to be of incalculable advantage max
ing, should it be completed to the coal fields, this
city one of the greatest coal depots in the couu-
try besides bringing here, as We hope, the im
mense products OF rich, and what will then
soon: be, most productive region.
The trade of the Canal this season has been
good, Notwithstanding the frequent Interrupt
lions on account IF breaks, &c, and although
the mills at Georgetown consume the principal
part Of the grain that comes down that chan.
mel, yet the shipping demand here IS beginning
to attract the attention If the farmers, aud
rext season. with the large quantities Of coal
that will come down, may be expected flour and
grain. The return freight from here is steadily
increasing, aud the canal trade. exclusive Of
coal, is getting to be considerable item
The River trade which in BY gone days, was
large aud reGunerative, is slowly, but We hope
surely, returning to its legitimate market, while
the import and export trade this season will
have been greater than for auy year since The
var.
All these signs OF prosperity sre mo>t Gu
vouraging and should stimulate our people IL
diligently persevere 10 The endeavor 50 sue
>essfhly begun. Of making Alexandria u real
h4siness place; and to do this more assuredly,
every inducement should be held out to at
tract capital aud manufacturers. the latter Of
which are 81 essential, aud are always the
harbugers Of prosperity. giving employment TO
~ many aud ulore than anything else, enliren
10y and Increasing, with honest, Industrious
people. the population OF i city