Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-03-27
ALEXANDRIA,, Y \.
THURSDAY, MARCH -, 1873.
Iron yIanUfa ctOrieS.

We have taken occasion heretofore to call the
especial attention of pitalsts to some of the
advantages afforded by Alexandria as site for
iron manufactures Il was then shown to pos
sess peculiar facilities for enterprises Of this
kind not more from its convenient location With
reference to the raw material to be consumed,
and the fuel necessary, than from the ample
facilities for shipping the products OF the Ia
bor In the first place there Is no point more
accessible by rail to the incxhaustible deposits
of iron ore than Alexandria, and when COM
pared with other cities, whose prosperity and
wealth have been built up by the most prof.
table industry of iron manufacture, the quick
and cheap transit OF the ore to this point lar
exceeds that enjoyed by any other city. How
this iron ore must hc utilized, is a mere ques-
ton of time the demand is ineShaustlble.
The first question that presents itself Is how
can it be most economically done? lit be con-
s,cred that works Of this kind constructed
nearer tie raw matcrial would be most advan-
tagcouly located. without estimating the ad-
ditonal expense which would necessarily accrue
by reason of their being SO situated, 1t should
also be taken into consideration that the pro-
duet of the manufactures will have TO be traus-
ported to market over the roads which would
supply the ore to ACKNOWLEDGMENT again, the
coal, or most ct it, Tor blast furnaces, would be
most conveniently ob;aned through A'ezan-
dria, aud shipped on these roads, with that adj
ditional freight as u heavy item of expense.
But Alexandria is 50 situated with regard to
the coal deposits Of Maryland, that it is the
natural Quiet FIR much Of that coal, and 1t Is
no. necessary, in order that it should be direct.
ed 10 this channel, that there should be con-
sumptivc market for it here. There is no extra
expense in getting coal at this poiut, from the
simple fact that the coal is directed thithcr for
shipment Nov, if this ore eau be- shipped to
the Northern cities, ana prohtably mauutactur-
ed with the Increased expenses OF transporta-
ton, and finally with inferior advantages for
its manufacture in other respects, why cannot
it be stopped in Alexandria, aud there trans
formed by mechanical skill AMI Industry into
those products which will secure wealth, to
Individual enterprise, and general prosperity to
our town?
4 further consideration, is the more convent
ent location Of Alexandria as Z market, and its
great facilities for transportation by water. There
are sites which can be obtained for this pur-
pose supplied, at present, with buildings that
may be made u.e Of, most conveniently situated
with reference to the railroad and river. Most
liberal arrangements could be made with the
authorities of the railroads. who are especially
DESTROYS to promote that which would ultimate
ly redouud so much to their own good, as we'll as
to that of the city. They would likewise fur
nsh demand for much Of the iron to be used
in their shops 10 constructing rolling stock for
their roads. and for rails for tracks.
With such natural advantages it is re.
markable that the attention OF capitalists has
NOT been successfully directed to Alexandria be-
fore this and it can perhaps only be accounted
for upon the ground that these advantages have
not been fully appreciated heretofore by those
in our midst who were able to turn them to
good account. In this line there has never been
duy culSTpIlSc III Jul iuIust w Co-opSialo Will
foreign capital that might be induced to cm-
bark, and the mere fact that there were and
are means here to put On foot such enterprises,
aud that nothing has or is being done, Is, of
itself, calculated to discourage foreign capitalists
from any inclination of this kind that they
may have. Capital from abroad will be needed
but if it be undertaken by those who are COM
pcten to direct aud control such works, there can
be no question but that the attention of capital
lists will be tavorably directed to it. In fact there
is already an iutimatioD that capital will be sup
piled BY parties abundanty able, who have
given this matter their favorable consideration.
All that is needed is an active and working
determination GU the part of our own citizens
to encourage and perfect this enterprise, and
there will be other and strong hands ready to
take hold of it with IloSt substantial assistance
OF the direct aud Indirect benefits which will
flow to the city in every department OF trade
if this work should Be successfully pushed for
ward, which are apparent to all, We need not
speak.