Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-12-31

e-al business of the city and brings the
Alexandria merchants in direct contact
with those in the towns for many miles
around.
The hardware business has grown to
considerable importance, and this trade
also shows q gratifying increase over
that of last year. Everything in this
line can be purchased in Alexandria
and the merchants are building up quite
wholesale trade. Those engaged in
this business have handsome stores,
which are at all times kept we'll stock
ed. and some who have sent on. edrum-
mers" have been much encouraged at
t he result.
In speaking of the wholesale trade
of the city the fact that there are no
strictly wholesale dry goods, notions,
boots and shoes, hats and clothing
houses here is much to he regretted.
Merchants in other lines of business say
that with such establishments here the
city's business would be largely aug
neDted, for then country merchants
could buy all their stock of goods in
Alexandria.
The fertilizer business continues to
increase and so does the size of the
manufacturing plants in the city which
are all modern establishments, we'll
fitted and equipped. No fertilizers of
he same grade stand higher than those
made in Alexandria and the farmers
who have used them know that they
buy honest goods. The best evidence
of this is that the Alexandria fertilizers
have run nearly all others out of the
market in this section of country. In
this business large amount Of capital
| is invested.
The grain and -four trade shows
falling off for the reasons given above,
but this is no loss to the general busi-
ness of the surrounding country as the
money is not lost but is kept at home.
The real estate men report an en-
couraging outlook, though the business
in this line during the year has been
rather dull. Prices hold quite firm,
however, and there are always men on
the lookout for bargain, as all believe
that real estate in this city and imme-
date vicinity is sure to advance in price.
The Alexandria tannery reports an
increased business for the year while
the quality of the leather made here
holds a high place in the market. Dur
ing the past few months there has
been u general depression in the
leather business and many tanneries
have closed down, but the one in this city
has not stopped for day. In addition
to the branch tannery in Sperryville the
Messrs. Smoot will soon have another
in North Carolina, in the midst of the
back country, where they will operate
on an extensive scale. The principle
business of both these branch tanneries
will be carried on through the main
office, in this city.
The foundries have done an increased
business during the year, doing much
work, for Washington. The work at
the Southern Railway shops is also
steadily increasing, and, ss stated
above, these shops are soon to be
greatly enlarged.
There was decided increase in the
CO business during the year. Ice is
now one of the necessities and is used
il many branches of trade. This city
last summer was made the point for re
filling the refrigerator cars loaded with
vegetables and fruits being shipped
from the southern to the northern mar.
kets, and much ice was required for this
alone.
The trade In sugar, syrup5, molassfs,
etc., continues good, Notwithstanding,
as stated above, the quantities of cheap
European sugars which were distrib-
uted through this section from q an
other market early in the year:
The oil trade continues to- increase
also, and the Standard Company has
just erected large store house here in
place of the one burned last summer.
The coal trade increases yearly and
this city is now distributing point for
a large section, extending as far south
as North Carolina. The business in
salt and plaster keeps pace with other
branches of trade in this line,
The furniture dealera report an in
creased business while the quality of
| the furniture sold here now, as q rule, is
handsomer than formerly.
The commission business (barring
-four and grain) has increased, as many
country people who had tried other
markets now ship here, finding that they
get just as good prices in this city as
elsewhere.
The liquor trade has increased, par
ticularly that In wines which are now
coming into more general use. Some of
the wines made in this section of the
State have won quite reputation and
find q ready market here. Alexandra
has an excellent Wholesale liquor trade
and the best brands can be purchased
here,
The fruit trade of the city continues
to grow and this market now supplies
large territory with both foreign and
domestic fruits of all kinds. Quite
large amount of money is now invested
in this business.
The confectionery business is on the
increase and Alexandria made candies.
cakes &c., are now sold in all the cities,
towns and villages for miles around.
As the use OF tobacco increases so In
oreases this business here, and beside
Alexandria made cigars find ready
market wherever introduced.
The dealers in clothing, hats. shoes,
etc., report that this years business has
fully equalle that of last year.
The dealers in furnaces, stoves, tin
ware, etc., report fair business during
the year.
The jewellers report no falling off 10