Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-12-31
ALEXANDRIA IN 1898.

again rolled around TOT the GaZeGte 10
give resume of the business affairs
of the city, as it has done for 80 many
years. Its reporters have talked with
in every line of trade and
give below summary of what they
have cleaned in respect of Alexandria;s
business.
1t cannot be said that the "wave of
prosperity" has yet reached this sec
ton, but hope is q cardinal virtue, and
all hope that better days may again be
in Store for old belle Haven" which
has weathered so many storms of ad-
versity, and that she may, after all her
bufetings by adverse winds, be near
ing a more satisfactory epoch when the
sun of prosperity will again rise and
bring better days to US all.
That the year 1898 was dull one, in
the general acceptation of the term,
but few will dispute. The business de-
preston was not confined to one section
of the country, but was quite general
throughout the land. The Spanish
war" benefited few rich contract
OILS, manufacturers and corporations in
the north, but in this section its effects
were more injurious than beneficial,
causing stagnation in business and en-
forced idleness for many men. Not
withstanding this it will be surprising
to many to learn that the volume OF
hu .iness done in the city this year ex-
ceeded that of the preceding twelve
months. This is proved by the reports
of the railroads centering in Alexan'
dria and by tie steamer lines touching
here, which reports show an increased
tonnage both in receiving and forward
ing business. This, it must be admit
ted, applies principally to such heavy
articles as lumber, coal, fertilizer, etc,
but these 60 to make up the volume OF
business and on this basis is city's
jrade reckoned. When it is shown
that during a year more goods are re-
csived in city aud more are shipped
therefrom than during the proceeding
year, it follows that the volume OF
trade increased, but whether more
money was made in Alexandria this
year than last is an open question.
The conditions of trade seem to be
changing as the trusts get greater
power. Sucn articles as oil, salt, ETC.,
which formerly were big items in the
wholesale merchants sales, are now
furnished direct by the trusts to the re-
tail dealers, thus reducing the sales OF
the middle men. The oil trusts now
have tanks in many of the small towns
and the salt, sugar, coffee and other
trusts are also beginning TO supply re-
tail dealers in the towns and villages
direct.
Several branches of trade show @
fair increase and in but few has there
been falling OF, so Alexandria mas
reason to congratulate herself on the
showing she is able to make at the
close of year of such general business
depression.
The financial affairs of the city are in
good condition and are we'll managed,
while the city's credit is most excellent.
During the year the corporation bonds
have reached the highest point since
their issue-the 8 65's selling at 90.
Alexandria in several ways labors
under the disadvantage of being close
to the capital of the country. Invid-
Gus comparisons are drawn, but this,
of course, is unfair, as Washington has
the wealth of nation at its command,
while Alexandria can only depend on
the efforts Of it's own citizens. On the
other hand, however, numbers of Alex
andrians find employment in Washing
ton AMI spend the money made there
at their homes in this city.
What are most needed in this city
are manufactures or branches of bust
ness which give employment to labor.
Many Alexandrians are compelled to
seek employment elsewhere, while
many others spend large part of their
time in enforced idleness. The natural
advantages of Alexandria as manu-
featuring city are generally admitted,
while the railroad and shipping facili-
ties are as good as the best. Manufac
tories would not only give employment
to the idle labor Of the city but would
attract ether people here. A manufac
turing community is thrifty COM
munity, for the money paid out to en-
ployees is kept in constant circulation
ana all classes more or less feel the ben
eft.
During the year no business failures
of note have been reported. This
shows good and prudent management on
the part of the city merchants, and is
regarded by business men as the surest
sign of healthy state of affairs.
Though there has been no extensive
street improvements during the year
some improvements have been made
and the streets are in better condition
than they have been for some time.
The repaying of King street with vitr-
fed brick will be com menced early in
the year, and the Lee street repaving
northWard from Duke has been order
ed by Council.
The real estate market has been dull
during the entire year. The sales have
been comparatively few and prices as a
rule snow no improvement. Rent, too,
continue low and quite a number of
houses are vacant. But this state of
affairs exists in most of the cities of the
country and change for the better is
not soon expected, though most people
think the prices are about as low now
as they will be and that this is GOOD
time to buy property as an Investment.
The three Alexandria banks continue
in prosperous condition, both the de-
posts and the discounts showing an in
crease over last year. The object of
their management is, as far as possible,
to conduct them for the mutual benefit
of the stockholders, owners and the
Their policy is to be as
liberal aud accommodating IS possible