The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-07-11

Smiths map He fought a battle ont
here with the Indians in 1908, when
Richard FeatherstOne, Gent, was killed
and buried. Long before fredericksburg
was laid out, in 1927. in fact as early as
1876, a fort was built here for protection
against the Indians, but have never
been able TO ascertain it's name
Capt. Quinn has lot Of other inter
tanning historical statements which are
written in the manuscript OF his history,
to be published by the city council. The
statute Of religious liberty was written
here, afterward incorporated in constitu-
tions of States and Of the United States
A declaration of independence was adopt
ed here twenty-one days before the Meek
lenburg Declaration And so on about
men and affairs. Capt. Quinn is able to
throw new light as To many an histori-
cal incident
fredericksburg il expectant over the
process by which it will soon be modern
lied Great sewer pipes now penetrate
the ancient soil Of the main thorough
fares, where giant trees throw their
shade over passers-by. The house con
nections were being made and cross lines
laid till the medical authorities called n
halt. They feared the breaking OF the
surface in extreme hot weather would
cause much sickness, and the sanitary
improvements will not be resumed till
the cooler months.
Then ere long the sound OF wagons on
paved streets will echo about the aged
structures here for the first time in the
city's history, Of almost two centuries
Now binding clouds of dust follow every
horse team on hot days, and when 1t
rains one must wade through seas of
mud. But this state OF things has been
for lack of local enterprise. Heretofore
fredericksburg has not been able to bear
the expense and for good reason. Fol
lowing the Civil war, during which the
city was the center of a battlefield, the
railroads connecting it with the outside
world were torn up and the channel oi
the sinuous Rappahannock was blocked
with the hulks of sunken ships. The city
bonded itself TO raise money TO clear
AWAY the distractions. Now it is NOV
ing on to other things. The citizens are
doubly divided as to what the paving
shall be. Some want rough granite
blocks. some smooth granite block
set close together, and still Others
want macadam. Committees are now
studying the subject. Anyhow Freder-
icksburg is going to have modern streets
and streets that will he a credit to
modern city
HON. A. T. EMBREY.
The business men here are not asleep.
They are reaching out to take crimp
in Baltimore" thereby bringing more
trade here ard incidentlly sending great
deal of traffic through Washington which
now goes to the Monumental City. The
merchants .here have pledged several
thousand.dolar for one or two steam
boats to ply up and down the Rappahan-
mock and to bring trade from the river
towns up here 80 the head OF tidewater.
Negotiations for the boats are now IN
progress.
"Even our bankers are taking hold to
help this plan along" said Mr.. Alvin 1.
Embrey, young lawyer, who has served
two terms in the House OF Delegates at
Richmond. "They see the advantage OF
having the deposits OF people down the
river which have hitherto been placed IN
Baltimore banks. Already the deposits
here. one gentleman recently told me,
have increased between 100000 and
$3.50 600 on the strength OF this proposed
line of steamships. Baltimore people
now operate boat on the river, but the
trims are not frequent and they take all
the trade possible away to their own
city. The fishermen have promised to
send their catch daily up the river, and
TO forward it on to Washington and TO
Northern cities by rail- In this way they
can gain over five hours in time, getting
TO market that much earlier. Our Balti-
more friends are declaring that under
new dispensation Republican Congress
men from Maryland will not help US to
our small annual appropriation for tine
Improvement OF the river. We need the
appropriation, but are not going to be-
discouraged by any such gloomy lore
casts"
MR.. A. p. ROWE.
Money is pouring into the publiccofiers
of fredericksburg this year. The total oil
annual revenue is greater than ever be-
fore in the history of the city all ofwhich
is encouraging in view of the large ex-
pense Of a sewerage system and street
having. not to mention the new electric
| light plant, which is nearlycomplete, and
which will make the streets light as day
and likewise furnish electricity for the IL
Elimination OF private residences.