Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-12-30

fneries has heretofore been mentioned,
and this city appears on the list of dis
tributing points in the retiners' circu-
lars.
The traffic in molasses and syrups
has been steadily increasing for some
time and this years trade shows great
gain.
The trade in oil has also increased,
and Alexandria has become a distribut-
ing point of some Importance for this
product.
What is said above is equally true
concerning the trade in agricultural
implements, seeds, china, glass and
crockery, plaster, coal, salt, furniture,
hardware, bricks, building material ,
ice, cigars, fruit, sc.
The transactions in real estate dur
ing the past six months have fallen oil,
as might have been expected during a
season of business depression, but there
has not been corresponding falling OIL
in values. Owners have an abiding
faith that property will never be lower
than now, and rather than sell at sacri-
flee they will hold on till, as they say,
"the clouds roll by. 1.-THE real estatedeal-
ers are looking forward confidently to
an active business in the spring, and
already Washington investors are look
ing at various pieces of property with a
view of purchasing in the near future.
The tannery reduced its working
force during the summer, because of
the depression in trade in many places
where its leather is sold, preferripg not
to take risks of making collections; but
recently the men have been re-employ-
ed. and it is the intention Of the Messrs,
Smoot to further increase their force
early next year. At the Chicago fair
the exhibit made by the Alexandria tan
merry was most creditable and experts
attested the excellence of the leather
manufactured here.
For some reason some Of the manu-
facturers have not succeeded as we'll as
was expected. while others have
gone ahead. With her facilities and
natural advantages, there is no reason
why, with proper management, Alex
andria should not become manufac-
turing city OF some note. 1t is expected
that the wood vulcanizing company,
which is now engaged in fitting up its
extensive plant, will soon commence
operations on q large scale, and this
will necessarily infuse new life into the
river front.
The transportation Companies state
that there has been an increase in the
trade of the city during the year, The
railroads have brought to and carried
from the city an increased tonnage,
while the river trade is growing con-
stantly. Goods are now shipped from
this city to many of the river landings
which were formerly supplied FROM
Baltimore and the city derives di-
rect benefit from the trade from these
points.
The GAZETTE recently, in large
illustrated industrial edition, set forth
the advantages of Alexandria as man,
ufacturing and shipping point, so these
matters are not dwelt upon in this arti,
Gle, being still fresh in the minds of oul
readers. That edition was sent broad
cast over the country, attracted much
attention and it is believed will greatly
aid in advancing the material interests
of the city. AS place of residence AL
exandria has many advantages
healthy climate, fine schools, pure wa
ter, many churches, &c.,-alI of which
facts were likewise mentioned in the
Industrial edition Of the GAZETTE.
The building of the electric railway
between this city and Mt. Vernon has
as was anticipated, advanced the price
of land along its line and HIS tr lught
the people of that section of Fairfax in
hourly communication with the city
In addition to the passenger business
the road is now building up quite Q
freight traffic which is direct advan-
tage to the city merchants as well as tc
those residing on the line of the road
The officers contemplate the extension
of the road to Woodlawn, which would
prove an inestimable convenience to al
that part of the country and still further
expand the city's trade. The company
now has bill before Congress to allow
the building of bridge across the river
and the extension Of its tracks into
Washington. A strong effort will be
made to have the bill passed at an early
day and all may rest assured that with
electric railway connection between
Washington and this city Alexandria's
rapid and healthy growth would imme.
diately set in.
The above reflections in no wise ex-
haust the present condition and pros
poets of Alexandria, but with close
inventory much more could be said to
the point.