The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-02-14
THE POTOMAC STEAMBOAT COM
PANY

THE POTOMAC STEAMBOAT COM
PANY.
This company is organized under the
general law of Virginia, with capital
stock Of fifty thousand dollars as its ex-
treme limit. Its purpose is to build and
operate swift, light draft steamboat for
the mutual accommodation of the citizens
of Washington and the people living along
the banks Of the upper Potomac. 1t is
the aim of the company to supply the
want now felt by the numerous residents
of the river front for easy and rapid COM
munication with the city, both for them
selves and the products of their farms and
orchards. The fruit and dairy interest is
rapidly outgrowing the means Of transpor.
tation, Fresh fruit, vegetables and coun-
try milk are most important element of
comfort and health for the city. They can
only be obtained chiefly from the country
lying Immediately around Washington.
The river lands are pre-eminently adapted
to their production, while the river itself
furnishes by far the cheapest mode of trans
portation.
NJ river in the world possesses more
beautiful sites for suburban homes than
the Potomac. The landscape is unsur-
passed for beauty, and the opportunities
for water sports are excellent. The soil
is adapted to ornamental and market
gardening, and to the production OF the
finest fruits. The banks of such a river
near any other city on the continent would
be studded with lovely homes and delight
full resorts for those who seek rest and
recreation. Such resorts outside are us
essential to great city as any institution
inside its limits. They form a very i'm
portant part of its attraction. and increase
the value of its properly just as certainly
as its streets, its blocks of stores, or its
fine theatres and churches. To make the
Potomac front available, reliable commu-
nication at least twice day is needed.
This the Upper Potomac Steamboat
proposes to furnish. They set
out with the correct idea that steamer
should leave the city late in the afternoon,
remain below all night and return early in
the morning. Another trip is arranged at
a time to accommodate day excursions.
The boat makes the second circuit of her
landings also, receiving light freight and
passengers. This gives two opportunities
to communicate between city and country
daily. The enterprise is farther sound in
adopting short route, not over twenty
miles in extent, consuming little time, and
the boat to accomplish it at the
minimum expense.
The value Of such communication in
Fastening the advent Of desirable popula-
lion will be evident at once. Colonies are
now organizing in the North to locate
South. With such means of communion
ion the lands lying along the upper Poto-
mac would furnish most desirable locations.
Washington and Alexandria have q most
'ital interest in the improvement of the
ands now lying waste and useless along
he river below these cities. If filled with
\ good population it would speedily react
lpon the city by increasing its trade and
prosperity. Every citizen Of Virginia and
Maryland is vitality interested in the Access
lion of population which will assist in
our waste lands. The state is
Interested in the enlargement of its taxable
,lsis. The cities need the back country
and densely populated.
All interests should unite to sustain
his enterprise. 1t is an effort based |
lpan sound business principles, but
lso cooperative as between neighbors
n city and country. 1t is in the hands
4 capable and honest men, whose
haracter is guarantee that funds SUBJ
cribed to the company will be honestly
nd wisely applied. We can heartily
cmmend it to those already living in the
egion Of Alexandra and Washington, and
3 those abroad who want to locate here.
The opening Of this daily line will make
he upper Potomac the most desirable
egion in the country for settlement. Its
lnds can now be bought at prices below
hose asked for government lands in the
Vest, considering impro vements and loca-
on. Colonies can procure large tracts on
ne most liberal terms. A Cooperative
ettlement company is already formed to
nb.diyide these large tracts for settlement,
nth headquarters at Washington. This
Enterprise will afford opportunities to
nose who wish to settle among us, but
estate to go to sparsely-settled regions.
ociety will thus be organized at once,
nd by the cooperative feature persons of
nall means may obtain credit upon these
ONES. The daily boat will enable such
J choose, to do business in the city and
ave homo in the country.
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