The Washington times., 1906-08-19

citation, on July 16 last,
marked a long step for
ward in the commercial
prosperity OF Washington. 1t filled
want long felt-supplied an
agency in the city's business life
the more energetic and enterpris-
ing members OF the business com
munity had come to see was largely
needed.
It's beginning was modest enough.
Committees from elder organiza-
tions-the Board OF Trade, the Bust
ness Mems Association, and the
Bankers Association - had been
named to counsel together and de-
wise some means by which the job
bing and shipping business Of
Washington could be brought to the
degree OF dignity and Importance
20 which the geographical position
of the city, it's extensive railroad
and water transportation facilities.
and the thriving and prosperous
character Of the people OF the sur
rounding sections Of country give
it a clear and perfect title.
It was sufficiently obvious that
jobbing and shipping on a large and
profitable scale could be done in
Washington, the jObbing houses al
ready in operation here Offering
final testimony on that point. Built
up by their energetic and enter
prising heads from small begin
nings, these houses, sending their
representatives and their goods into
every section OF the South, were
glowing illustrations of what could
be accomplished. If there were dis
advantages in the way Of success.
these houses history and existepce
showed how these obstacles could
be and had been surmounted.
The Committees Work.
The committee of nine took up its
work promptly and vigorously. The
suggestion that an association
should be organized. having for
its special function the Increase Of
the jobbing and shipping business
OF the city, was offered-at first,
tentatively and a bit timidly. but
with Increasing confidence as the
idea began TO take root IN the pub
lie intelligence and expand and de-
velop under the genial influence Of
the public enthusiasm.
For it was enormously popular
from the very first. Business men
jumped at it eagerly. The press
OF Washington gave its best assist
ance and offered a forum for the
discussion Of the topics correlated
70 the central theme. There was
considerable complaint OF the
freight rates to and from Washing
ton, but an investigation of that
subject by The Times revealed a
general situation by no means un-
favorable. On the contrary, it was
shown. Washington could do busi-
ness with all the towns in its i'm
mediate territory on a basis of
equality with all competitors, and
at a decided advantage over most
OF them.
There was more valid and gener-
al complaint as to delays In ship
ments. but another investigation de-
veloped that this condition, while suf-
1iciently serious and annoying, is not
confined to Washington, but extends,
practically, over the whole country.
Appeals TO the railroads have already
been made and their highest officials
have agreed to give consideration 10
this matter and 70 make every change
for the better that is possible.
Cho-- of Approval.
a chorus Of approval
l.. ems Washington in every
su. n, and walk OF life,
continue ~a d. Men everywhere
al- 9-.4,ou the general good the pro-
posed association might accomplish
and bade its organizers godspeed.
Manufacturers looking for locations
for their factories began cOrrespon-
---ae Washington real estate
and .-t representatives came
- r-H . look over the ground
.H. .-H. ready in business were
t-e most V Die sOuled advocates of
the plan y. expansion.
Under such conditions and amid
such general enthusiasm the organ
ann4irr, r,ontirr, r-na hold On, a. roa