The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-05-03
CITY SHOULD PUSH
FOR LARGER TRADE
IFS Facilities Perfected for
Splendid Growth.
CONCERTED WORK IS NEEDED
Business and Industry I'm No Sense
Accidents-Can Be Secured Only by
Adopting Wise Means to Weu-de-
fned Ends-What Has Been Accom-
pIished-shouId Cultivate Trade.


Certain fundamental principles lie at
the basis Of the commercial and indus
trial progress Of a city like Washington,
which, in the light OF foregoing discus
sions in these columns. may be now
considered. Trade and Industry are in
no sense accidents. They viii not come
by waiting. but must be sought for with
great effort and the wise application OF
means 10 ends.
Trade and industry depend primarily
upon advantageous geographical position,
upon transportation facilities, and the
enterprise of merchants. The accessible
lily of Washington TO the markets of the
world, through railroad transportation,
and the natural outlet to the ocean
through the Potomac River was the
subject Of a recent article in these pages.
Il was there shown that the Capital is
at the head of tidewateF, that its rail-
road facilities are 100 per cent better
than they were seven years ago. and that
from every point OF view relative to its
geographical position, Washington is
prepared TO take its place among the
trading and manufacturing cities OF the
country.
Should Cultivate Trade.
The final subject for consideration is
the cultivation of the field Of trade One
or two splendid efforts have been made in
a large way to bring trade to Washing
ton from the outlying territory.
one of these was made by the whole
sale merchants by means Of a special
train sent into the South with a carload
of sample goods. The local merchants at
the time and since expressed great salts
faction over the results achieved. and
some Of them say they have not yet got
ten through with the enlarged orders Incl
dent TO that single trip.
The other effort was made by the retail
merchants last fall in the way of inviting
buyers 10 the city and Tefunding their
ear fare if they bought a certain amount
Of goods in the local stores. This move
n.ent was Of sufficient success TO inspire
the committee on retail trade Of the
Chamber Of Commerce 10 effect q perms-
nent organization, with view to making
its results.
The NOV ement to advance wholesale
trade has been discussed extensively by
the committee having It in charge in the
Chamber Ct Commerce, but so far with
out positive plans or g Well-diTected
movement. It is likely that with the en-
pioyment OF a permanent secretary by
the Chamber Of Commerce, both these
movements may take more definite shape.
al least this is the hope expressed by
many Of the merchants IN both fields Of
trade.
Need OF Organized Effort.
In the light OF what has been accom-
piished in the way Of the expansion Of
business in other cities. such as Rich
mond, DanviIle, Atlanta, Baltimore. and
Philadelphia, it would seem that the
pressing need OF the hour IN Washington
is organization. unity OF action. and
determined purpose TO win the trade OF
the nearby States and OF the whole
South, for that matter, for this city. To
GO it means an aggressive campaign.
gone into with determination to win at
whatever coat, within reasonable limits
1t needs every mans shoulder 10 the
wheel and q hearty push 10 send the
wheel OF progress along.
Individual merchants, with their sales
men. their advertising, and their special
means of catching trade. can do much.
but business grows slow in that way.
What is needed is some larger effort that
will enlist the entire business element OF
the city, with such contributions Of cash
and brains as viii bring things to pass.
get larger trade. establish industry. and
enlarge the commercial outlook Of the
city
Within two years public interest TO this
end was aroused TO fever heat Public
discussion was had, and the news went
to every point Of the compass that Wash
ington was at last awakening, and was
about to enter into its own. Many believe
that this awakening was not a spasm.
and was a real fact, which viii become
apparent as time goes on
Movement Sometimes Slow.
All movements have periods of prepara-
ton, and sometimes things move pain
fully slow, and that is about the condition
the plans for extending trade are now IN.
There ought 10 be further discussion Of
ways and means. further organization OF
effort, and renewal Of the determination
to bring business TO the city.
The Washington Herald believes this de-
is not wanting: that it only
lacks some small incentive to bring II
rapidly to the front again. and make It
as effective and sympathetic 10 the posi-
biities Of the future as It was in the
summer Of 1906
The Washington Herald believes in the
policy, in keeping an eyeOpen
to the main chance, and in making use Of
the facilities at hand in the way of trans
portation TO push outward into the
worlds markets for such things as Wash
ington has to sell. It IS useless 10 say
that it cannot be done; and about al
that is needed in its accomplishment Is 4
general getting together and taking of
of coats and setting 10 work for the gem
eral upbuildiHg.
The press will be with the city in such
effort and no better time will ever come
for the start than this early summer. az
ter the financial depression, when bust
ness Of all kinds is feeling new life, and
are experiencing new hope In
the future.
Lot Sells for 81 a Square Foot.
A lot on Biltmore street, next TO the
corner Of CIinbourne place, has been sold
by J. V. \. & T. B. Huyck. for ]. How
ard Gait The price was in the neigh
borhood Of s. square foot. The lot Is
q by 112 feet to an aIlev and contains