Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-12-06
SHOWING THAT will surprise q g,


A SHOWING THAT will surprise great
AAmany people will be made by the statistics of
manufactures Of this city. They are now being
collected under the supervision of Mr.. Harrison
Dingman, and he has made such progress that
he is able to give, in a general way, some facts
showing the expansion of the manufacturing
interests Of the city during the past decade.
1t seems ridiculous to speak of the manufac-
turing interests Of Washington. Every one is
80 accustomed to hear the remark: ooh, WASH
ington has no manufactures" that this state
ment has come to be accepted as a literal truth.
When the census statistics Of ten years
ago are considered and when the figures
OF the present year are known then it
will be understood that this remark
only meant in the sense that Washington
has no large manufactures with buildings
covering acres and an army of employees. How
ever, the manufactures of this city, although
not making a great figure in the industrial
world, still give employment to a very respect
able number Of people, and the output is of
considerable value. What is more gratifying
still is the fact that the manufacturing interests
OF the city are expanding. Mr.. Dingman has
about completed the collection Of statistics re-
CURED by the eleventh census, and he is Of the
opinion that the number Of manufacturing
establishments located in this city will show an
increase as compared with the number re-
ported ten years ago Of rs per cent. That is
not bad showing. Ten years ago. according
to the census reports, there were 81
places where manufacturing business
was carried on. There has already been re-
ported to Mr. Dingman as now located in this
city over ZOO such places and his special
agents have not as yet completed their work.
One place was found where they had 1926 en-
ployes at work, which is the largest number re-
ported as connected with any one mandatory
here 1t is pretty safe to say that the majority
United States census official that there was
such an establishment in this city would po-
htely but firmly decline to believe the state
ment. OF course, all the places enumerated
are not extensive establishments-some are
very small. Perhaps man is engaged in max
ing some kind of tools in his own house or even
cigars; he is, however counted as a manufac-
turer. In fact, the list embraces every place.
both great and small, from the work room
where false teeth are made to a foundry where
great iron castings are turned ont. Still the
number OF manufacturing establishments re-
ported in the official books of the eleventh CEN
sus az located here will give Washington a
standing in this respect which heretofore she
has lacked. not only in the estimation Of
strangers, but also to large extent of her own
citizens.
THE GROWING CITY.
1t is gratifying to note that this expansion in
one phase only Of the life Of the city has kept
pace with the development which has charac-
terized the city in all its activities. The popu-
lation, shown by the census returns has in
creased at the rate of 5000 each year during
the past decade. The business of the city has
grown rapidly, as is evidenced by the large
buildings that have been erected and the
demand for property in the business sec
tions. This latter continues to be an interest
ing feature o. the real estate market and, per-
haps, there is no one thing that is so generally
discussed as is the present activity in business
property. The large prices that have been
paid for property and the continuation of the
demand are circumstances that a great many
people find hard to understand This very
point was touched upon by q competent
authority in the course Of a conversation with
a STAR man.
THE VIEWS OF AN EXPERT.
He said: There are two reasons why men
who have lived in this city for a number of
years are unable to appreciate the present stu
alton. They are inclined to regard the present
activity in business property as merely specula-
tive. There H. OF course, q speculative phase
of the movement but this is to be expected.
The truth that people fail 20 grasp in the pres
ent situation and which gives to it the substar-
tial character which, I believe, the future will
show that it possesses, is the great increase
in the business of the city, and that pcople of
means are investing here who are perfectly will
ing to buy property that yields an income of
and per cent u year. There is no question
about the increase in the business of the city.
"The great establishments here which did not
exist ten years ago even five years ago, is
pretty good evidence. The business men
themselves will tell You that the volume OF
their business has doubled two or three times
and, in some instances more during the same
period. This means more stores and larger
stores. Then, again, it was formerly the case.
and it is not many years ago, either, that it was
regarded necessary for property purchased as
en- Investment to pay at least eight per cent net.
Then such Z thing rs loan. even gilt-edged
loan, for less than six per cent was unheard of
All this time. however. property in such cities
as New York and Philadelphia paid
four and five per cent and plenty
of money could be obtained at five per cent
and even less. We are now simply coming
to the basis upon which all real estate stands
in other places. People pay high prices for
property because in the majority OF cases, at
least, where the purchase is made for invest
ment, they find that the rents which thew can
obtain will give them return upon their money
equal to that-and perhaps better-than they
are accustomed to obtain in other cities That
is one reason why outside capital flows hero.
and it il the recognition Of this state of affairs
that have made our own citizens SO larpalv