Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-12-31
ALEXANDRIA IN 1900.

Another year mas rOijeu arOunu dnu
has brought with its close the close of
the century and added another chapter
to the history of Alexandria. Let all
hope that the new century may bring
blessings, that peace and
plenty may be vouchsafed by kind
and that old Belle Haven
may live long and prosper.
II has been the custom of the Gazette
for number years to close its annual
yolume,with resume of the business
OF Alexandria for the year. Following
this custom its representatives have had
interviews with the most prominent
merchants, and give the following sum
mary of what they ascertained in refer
ence to the business of the city during
this, as compared with that OF last
year: -,
1t will be admitted by the most opti.
MYSTICAL that shat wave OF prosperity"
has not rolled very high over this Sec
ton, but il it reached here at all some
AlexandrisDs, it is quite probable, Sc
cured saare OF it--at least it is hoped
so. and all will be glad to know that
the total volume of business this, eX-
ceeded that of last year. Whether the
total amount OF money made 10 Alex
andria equalled that of last year is q
question, for few people boast OF their
profits or tell OF their losses. Still it is
known that the bulk, or wholesale busi-
ness, increased and that the retail trade
was as large as that of last year.
The reports OF the agents of the big
railroads centering here, and those OF
the steamer lines show that the tonnage
OF freight shipped both to and from
Alexandra was larger this than last
year, which is conclusive proof that the
volume of trade has increased, but
numbers of merchants admit that
while they did more business than they
did last year, they did not make as
much money. This Ia accounted for
by the advance in prices by the trusts
which now control most of the staple
goods, and the smaller profits which the
dealer can now make. Year by year
harder work is required to earn q dol
lar, and constant vigilance and atten'
ton is necessary for every man now in
business to maintain his place.
The financial affairs of the city are in
good shape and are we'll managed, those
in charge using their best efforts in this
direction. There have been no unusual
drains upon the treasury this year, and
the city's credit is good. Alexandria
corporation bonds are now 10 demand
at par.
Although there has been no building
boom this year, the number of houses
erected or In course OF erection is larger
than that of last year, and the buildings
are chiefly handsome residences with all
modern mprovemenls.
Comparatively little street or sewer
work has been done during the year,
but as soon as spring opens consider
able amount of this work already out
lined will be done.
For several consecutive years no busi-
Dess failures of importance have occur
red in the city, which is an evidence oil
good management, thrift and safe
methods on the part of Alexandria's
business men.
The banks have done a fourishipg
business aud have earned larger divi'
dends at the same time continuing their
liberal policy to their patrons-aidine
and encouraging them to the limit Of
their ability in all business affairs. The
Alexandria banks are rated among the
solid institutions of the Slate, and they
are most excellently managed. Their
statements published ten days ago show
ed what excellent condition they are 10,
The building associations, as q rule,
have not done 80 well. The borrowers
have not been go numerous, nor the
amounts OF the loans so large, as in pre-
vious years. S}me OF the associations
have had to buy in property on which
they had made loans, and one. rather
than redeem part OF it's stock, is now
engaged in erecting several handsome
residences. 1t is hoped that this will
pay the stockholders fair dividends.
The values OF real estate have slight
ly advanced, according to some deal
ers, while others only say there is no
falling of. More sales were made this,
than last year. though the transactions
have not been large. Rents have not
materially increased, but there has
been better demand for houses than
for some time and there are few, if any,
medium sized residences with mod.
ern improvements now for rent In this
city. The low prices of real estate are
complained of all over the country,
while all kinds OF stocks and bonds
have increased 10 value. Some of the
biggest failures of the year are accred-
tied to loans made on real estate which
has deprecated in value.
The fertilizer business shows large
increase over that OF last year, both in
sales and in manufacture, the two COM
panies owning large plants here, now
being in the big combines, doing much
shipping for other houses in the COM
Dine located in other cities. One
OF the manufactures was damaged by
fire last summer but was promptly re-
paired and both are considered model
plants, being equipped with the most
modern machinery, etc., and are con.
stantly being enlarged to meet the
growing demand for the high grade and
reliable fertilizers made here.
The coal dealers report fair in
crease in sales. Their territory has not
increased for the reason that they now
cover all the territory they can reach
by the railroads centering here. They
ship hard coal as far south as Alabama
and but little Of that kind of coal is
used south OF that State.
The high tariff has almost obliterated
the plaster trade, which but a few
years ago was a fourishing business,
plaster then being shipped here direct
ly In large quantities from Nova
Scotia. where Alexandrians own quar-
ries. The business in lime and cement
has slightly increased.
There is little change to note in