Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-12-30
SATURDAY EVENING. DEC. 30. 1906.
THE CLOSING YEAR.

history by the dawn of the year 1000.
Since the advent of 1900 many startling
scenes have been enacted. The dogs OF
war have been turned loose in certain
sections, while civil strife has distracted
other places.
The year 1905, now nearing its close,
has been made historical by the san
culinary chapters which have been added
day by day. The greatest naval battles
in the worlds history we're fought in
which all the modern implements OF de-
s!ruction were used and the naval pow
o. of a great nation virtually destroyed.
The conflicts on land we're equally fierce
aud sanguinary. And now, after peace
has been declared, the country which
emerged from the conflict secOnd-best
finds itself confronted by internal trOub-
les more serious than those incident to
the tug of war against hostile nation.
The passing events of the year have
been faithfully chronicled in the Ga
ze,te: hence there is no need of recapit-
ulating any OF them here. Most OF
them are fresh in the minds of all
readers.
As the year 1905 draws TO close it
leaves the world in FESTIVE state with
virtually no indications of an immediate
change. The storm centre is still con-
fined TO iar-away Russia, although It's
effects are visible elsewhere. Disorderly
elements in other nations are becoming
holder and holder every day, and the
spirit of discomfort is rather on an in
crease.
The coming year, from all appear
ances. will not enter as a lamb, as
this country is to be confronted with an
unfortunate labor issue in mid-winter.
The movement for an eight-hour law on
the part Of many artisans is to be resisted
by the employers, and the cloud now grad
ually forming is OmiuOus.
As an accompaniment of the above
the stir in money circles is regarded
naturally with apprehension, as there IS
no telling what straw is to break the
back of the camel now Overburdened
with fictitious values. These condi-
tons are not confined to the United
States, as the foreign bOurses are show
ing nervousness at the rapid growth Of
dangerous democracy in the older
countries with the incidental disorders.
The United States has, so faT, been a
spectator only of the troubles which
have and are now besetting other ma
tons: hence there is much for which to be
thankful.
For nearly q decade the nation has
prospered and the tide is still high, al
though there are at times signs of recess
sion. 1t is hoped conservatism may
rule in all classes, that each and every
one will appreciate present conditions,
and that the clouds which seem TO be
gathering may pass away.
Alexandria has kept pace with the
transitions of the year, and the city is
undergoing slow but steady and healthy
growth. There is more animation on
the streets than at any other time in
wears past. The trade of the city is ex'
landing all the time and the facilities
for conducting business are being in
creased.
Casual interviews with Dumber OF
the merchants and business men bear us
out i'm this statement and show that the
business of the city for the year was
most gratifying. Business men gen.
orally will close the year 1905 with a
better showing than was made in 1904.
Not business failure of any importance
has occurred in the city during the year
The mechanics and labOrers have
all been kept busy and every in
dustrious man that wanted to work
had no difficulty in securing position.
The best evidence Of the improved
conditions in Alexandria is the fact that
it has been necessary in the past few
years to increase the banking facilities
of the city by the organization of new
banking institutions and the expansion
of the banking business. The new
and handsome buildings now oc-
cupied by these institutions are OrIa'
ments to the city aud reflect credit upon
ahe community.
New sewers have been laid during
the gear, while Alexandria's vitri6ed
brick rosdways have been extended and
other substantial street work constructed.
During the year union depot
has been constructed just beyond the
western borders of the city and opened
to the travelling public. The Wash
ington- Alexandria and Mount Vernon
Railway has been double-tracked and in