The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-01

a comparison of the figures for this year
and those in the annual report twenty
five years ago indicates what progress
has been made in financial matters. Then
the entire appropriation bill was only
sI9,625, of which $500 was for debt For
all kinds of street work only 5000 was
appropriated. This year the appropria-
ton bill was sl29.6co, of which s32,11O was
all that was needed for the debt, while
$3.50 was appropriated for streets and
sewer work; $500 for public schools, and
$500 for the fire department. The real
and personal property listed for taxation
at present gives the aggregate value Of
S4.462.a 1J.
There has been an extraordinary stimu-
lation of real estate interests in this city
in the past year. Many fine private resi-
dences have been erected indications
pointing to the gradual extension of the
city toward the northwest. The city
council has made provision for the build
ing up of the city in that direction in the
next few years by making appropriations
for the Improvement of the streets and
sewerage system in that quarter. Dur
ing the year the new system of paving
with vitrifed brick has been extended in
several directions.
The Transportation facilities have been
greatly improved by the double track
ing of the line of the Washington. Alex
andria and Mount Vernon electric rail-
way between here and Washington, the
establishment of ferry system connec.-
ing Alexandra with Washington. and
the Capitalization of the freight and pas
senger service of the several steam roacs
entering this city.
4 fine modern union passenger sta.
ton. at the head of King Street. Just
outside the corporation limits. was opened
for public use n few months ago. The
urion freight depot Is close by. The
cost OF the new passenger station, to-
gether with its auxiliary buildings and
environments, was about $4,000. 1t is a
beautiful building. surrounded by orna-
mented grounds and extensive platforms,
and is properly regarded as q credit to the
city. The electric line connecting with
Washington has improved its service a
hundred fold by placing in operation on
the new double track fine modern
rollig stock equipment.
The opening of the ferry line, with the
handsome new steamer Woodbury.. in
constant operation. has proved great
benefit to the wholesale grocery trade
of this city.
The construction of the mammoth
freight yards. at a cost of about 100000.
Just north of Alexandria will assuredly
be of the greatest Importance to this
CITY. Inc yaTG VIII SOON ne competed
and it's opening will bring hundreds OF
railroad men to this locality.
The past year has been one of marked
advancement so far as the banking and
other financial enterprises of the city are
cocerned. Three unusually handsome
bank buildings have been erected on King
Street and are now. in use. One is the
home of the firm of Burke and Herbert
another is the seat of the Virginia Safe
Deposit and Trust Corporation. and the
third, which was recently opened. is oc-
cupied by the Citizens National Bank
This building was constructed by the
bank at IL total cost of $4,000
Advances have been made in the edu-
cational institutions of this city. A bic
brick structure is now being added to
st. Mary's Academy, which will double
Its already large capacity. Several vel
finished and equipped buildings have beer
erected on the grounds of the Episcopal
High School near Alexandria during the
year.
| The manufacturing and commercial
interests which have flourished III Alex.
| andria in the past several years are
being operated with Increased profit h
nearly all cases.