Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-05-12
PUBLISHED DAILY AND TRLWEEKLY BY
--@p STowJDEN
SATURDAY EVENING.......MAY r. 1911
IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURERS We are

IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURERS We are
cratiGed to notice that q movement is lu pro-
vress and efforts have been initiated. looking to
the improvement of the business relations and
enhancement of The general Interests OF TINS
community. How to accomplish this desirable
result is matter that appeals With much force
both to the personal interests and localized pa
t1iotism of our citizens, aud Is we'll worthy OF
their best consideration. What measures should
be adopted or means organized to produce the
desired results is the object of tho present en-
quiry.
The prosperity Of cities and towns is chiefly
derived from commerce aud manutactures-
either as separate or combined elements OF pro-
fit and value. Tho profits of commercial rela-
tious depend upon tho advantages Of location
and the facilities Of receiving, handling, and
exporting the products ofthe fields, the Mines
and the forests, as compared with the capacl.
ties of competitive cities seeking the same ar
ticles oftrafiic. This competition has necessarl-
~ tended to reduce profits derived from this
source, and thrown the more valuable COM
meroe of the country into the hands OF few
large cities. The facilities Of transportation
and inter. communication are SO extended and
general that it is very much question OF &C.
cumulated capital which can be secured and
employed to control and eugross this business
for any particular commercial centre. 10 the
commercial competition referred to, where so
much depends upon capital and Fictitious cir
cumstances, it would be idle to disguise the
fact that Alexandria is at disadvantage, and
cannot compete 90 equal terms-other aud larg-
er cities have got the start and must outstrp
her 10 the race. Philadelphia with her large
means years ago had to recognize this fact 10
her commercial competition with New York.
Her solid men comprchended the situation and
conceded the commercial supremacy to her great
rival, but at once took steps to organize the
manufacturing elements within reach, which
have created the vast resources and population
Of that city, and made Philadelphia what she is
to day in the scale of material wealth.
If any progress is to be made on cur part we
must learn the practical lessons derived from
the experience of other localities We must
establish manufactures, create new and addl-
,ional industries 10 our midst, and afford EN-.
ployment and the means Of a profitable Ilvell-
hood to the working masses-the bone and
siuew Of every community. 1t is certainly wise
to secure for Alexandria all tue agricultural
products which can be obtained for her mer.
chants, and make all that can be pro6tabIy re.
allied from the business, but it is obvious that
this source of value is too limited and conhned
in extent to dispense general prosperity to the
community, or to build up our waste places
1t is matter ouly Of charges and commissions,
passing from the pockets Of one class to those
of another, useful and necessary as to business
agency, but which creates no new values nor
adds anything to rational wealth per se In
manufactures it is otherwise. There the raw
article is purchased at ow prices, given new
and additional value by the process OF manlpu.
lation and conversion, and the profit thus Gre
ated remains 10 and belongs to the community
for its own use and appropriation. By taking
up the crude material and the incorporation
with it of skilled labor, by which additional
values are created, new sources of profit and
prosperity are opened up, you give the capl.
taist employment Tor his money, the mechanic
and working man gets wages for his skill aud
labor the merchant is furnished with material
for sale and distribution. aud the general pros
perity of the community promoted and en-.
couraged. Of course, in selecting any special
ties of manufactures, due regard must be had
to our peculiar advantages and proximity to
the proper raw material to be utilized, as com
pared with other manufacturing towns and CT
ties. We have various mineral products along
the lines Of the several railroads running into
Alexandra. We have direct access through
he same source with the fine forests of West
Virginia, and Southwest Virginia. aud with
the cotton region Of the South at DanVille, or
of the Southwest at Lynohburg, some Of which
values surely can be utilized Oh as good terms
and favorable conditions as exist elsewhere.
We have cheap fuel and ample facilities by
rail and water for distribution Of the manuac.
tured products. Why should not Alexandria,
with such advantages, become on important
manufacturing ceutre, and make new depar-
ture in he march to wealth and prosperity
Is there not sufficient enterprise and capacity
among her people to SEIZE the opportunity and
point the way towards the realization Of such
important results ? The destinies Of communi.
ties, like that of individuals, is in their own
hands.
The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has
issued circular directing Collectors to SEQ that
assessments are hereafter made in accordance
with tho opinion of the Attorney General to
the effect that "a banking house purchased
aud used for banking purposes either with part
Of the authorized capital Of corporation or as
ISOLATION, or the personal funds of private
h,,Lor much bo danmo1 ca initial omnloved in