Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-12-30
ALEXANDRIA IN 1899.


today gives compilation of what its
reporters have CLEANED from interviews
with the most prominent merchants
and business men in this city.
The concensus of opinion is that the
wholes ale business of this city during
1899 increased considerably, but that,
as a rule, the retail trade was not 80
large, though in some instances it was
as large as that of last year.
That the volume of trade decreased
is proven by the statements of the rail-
roads centreing in this city, which
show that both in receipts and ship
ments of freight the tonnage this year
is larger than that OF last year.
The statement heretofore made 10
this column, that the conditions OF
trade change as the trusts grow in pow
er is being more fully realized snd year
by year prominent firms find them
selves, in some respects, but little more
than agents for the big combines and
never before were they compelled to
sell on such close margins.
Though the majority ofthe merchants
have noe made as much money as they
did last year, the fact that the volume
of business done in the city increased
is a source of congratulation to all Alex
andrians.
The early part of the year was GER
taiuly dull and discouraging, but later
conditions 10 some respects changed,
several BRANCHES of trade began in
proving, the manufactures became
more active and by the ED Of the year
there had been au evening up" OF
business. Macy mechanics and labor,
ing men who had been idle or partially
so, for some time, secured regular en-
ployment aud better state of affairs
was the result.
The financial affairs OF the city con-
tinue in fairly good condition. The
recent tax sales brought several thou
sand dollars to the treasury, which was
heavily bled by the smallpox 6asco OF
last winter. During the year the city
bonds, the 3.65's, for the first time since
their issue, sold at par.
Considerable work in street improve
ments has been done, but most OF the
work was on side streets where 1t was
much needed. but where it does not
make much show. The vacancy in the
Office of City Engineer interfered ma
terially with street improvements, bui
it is believed that with the opening Of
spring such work will be resumed and
prosecuted more vigorously.
The outlook for the establish ment OF
g.. i- hoft 10
some time, and should the hopes Of
tho interested in such enterprises be
fulfilled material Improvement 10 the
city's condition will result. Indeed,
one of the chief hopes of Alexandria is
believed by many 10 be in making this
manufacturing city. All the manu-
fscturers here are doing well and the
natural advantages of the city should
be sufficient inducement for starting
more such enterprises. But the Alex
andria people should not wait for 9TH
ers, they should themselves take the
lead in such matters.
Again we note no business failures OF
importance in the city during the year
an excellent business showing.
The transactions in real estate have
been larger; more property has changed
hands this year than last, tut as q rule
values have not increased-the excep-
lions being wharf property or that near
the river front, Tor which there has
been better demand. During the
year several pieces of property which
have been lying idle for a long time
have been put to useful purposes, and
there is every reason TO believe that
other such property will in short time
be places of busy activity. Rants as q
rule have not advanced.
the city banks report al increased
business and somewhat larger profits
Reference to the excellent management
of these institutions has frequently been
made in this column. Their liberal
policy is most praiseworthy and they
rarely fail to ieuder assistance in legit
innate business affairs when called upon
by their patrons. The recently pub
lished statements of the banks show
them to be in most satisfactory condi-
ton and on solid basis.
The building associations have done
fairly good business and declared
quite satisfactory dividends. They COZ
,iGue to be of great assistance to people
of limited means 10 enabling them to
purchase homes, while others are en-
abled to borrow money on easy terms.
The management of the associations il
most excellent.
The lumber dealers report an in
crease in business of from Is to % per
cent over that of last year. Their
mills, too, which give employment to
many hands, are kept in constant opsr-
alton supplying the demand for sash,
doors, blinds and other mill work for
40 increasing territory. The dealers
here who buy extensively from the
southern timber field have been some
what hampered by their inability at
times to get enough lumber to supply
the demands made upon them, and but
for this their sales would have been
sven larger. The price of lumber has
considerably advaD ced, but this has not
lessened the demand, and the territory
covered by tie Alexandria dealers ls
being extended annually, lumber being
shipped from this city to Maryland,
Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as
we'll as throughout this entire section
of the State.
The grain and lower grades OF -four
trade show little or no increase. The
trade in high grade flour, however, is
fully as good as that of last year. The
building OF mills in ali this section IT,
creases annually and these mills grind
the grain raised in their respective
nainh hnrhnndS ond cnnnlu annr "a