Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-04-20
Grain, Agricultural. and Mechanical Exhibition

Grain, Agricultural. and Mechanical Exhibition
To the editor of the Alexandria Gaectte:
I take the liberty of calling the attention
of the readers of the GAZETTE to an iDpor-
tant enterprise about TO be started in O!
near your city, and to ask your cooperation
and that of the Intelligent business men OF
| Alexandria.
The District Grange of Northern Virginia
last September held an exhibition of imple-
ments and stock at Fairfax c. FL. Although
but little effort was made outside of the
members OF Central Grange at that place,
the exhibit of stock, fruit and handiwork
was most crediiable.
The implement exhibit was small, but the
blowing match was very good. The crowd
that gathered to listen to the speakers was
not far short of 900. Altogether the meet
ing and exhibit was decided success.
Encouraged by the result Of this meeting
the District Grange, at its annual meeting
in February, decided to make an effort to
establish au annual exhibit worthy of the
agriculture of the section. Not Wishing to
exclude others from the great benefits of
| first class exhibit, it was decided that mer-
chants and manufacturers generally and the
citizens of Alexandria especially, be asked
| to unite with US in our effJrt to advertise
our State aud Section.
We did not inteud to appeal to others for
aid until we had assured ourselves that we
could succeed creditably without assistance.
Having succeeded in making all The necessa-
ry preliminary arrangements, and adopted
plan of procedure aud set The time, (Sep-
TENDER II TO 10, inclusve) we feel justified
in stating our object and asking the co-ope-
ration of the citizens ofAlexandria, to whose
financial benefit the success Of our meeting
will naturally and necessarily rebound.
We do not believe that the citizens of AL
exandria would be willing to leave to their
country friends the whole business and risk
Of such an enterprise. We nave too much
respect for your good city to doubt fora mo-
ment the generosity of its citizens, and their
ability to appreciate good thing when they
have the opportunity.
The District Grange proposes to hold an
agricultural and mechanical exhibition
within reasonable distance of Alexandria.
There will be no charge of admission, no
premiums Siven-tha receipts will depend
mainly upon charge for space, placed at
a low figure. not over $40 to any exhibitor,
and the sale Of privileges. The expenses
will be small-viz., lease of grounds and
buildings, bands, police and few minor
expenses, the services of the committees
being free.
1t will be seen that but little money will
be needed. and if the weather is good this
will be more than supplied by legitimate
receipts. 10 case of bad weather, to meet
deficiencies, conditional subscriptions of
from 81 to So would be gladly accepted by
the committee.
We desire that every merchant and man
ufacturer in Alexandria take part in the
exhibit. Such space as will be required
can be obtained now before other cities
come in and ELL the space. If the merchants
of Alexandria fail to avail themselves of the
opportunity afforded To them first, they
will find that others will occupy the space
ohtanable to their exclusion, " hich, in view
of the crowd that will gather from Virginia,