The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1909-11-02

shopping with the merchants of Fred
ericksburg.
In the farmers Of this vicinity the
association has recognized its stalwart
and staunch supporters, and on its part
has always, whenever the opportunity
presented itself, done what il could for
their convenience and betterment. Its
aid to the good roads movement has
been noted; il appointed committee
TO aid in securing stock to the telephone
lines through Essex and Caroline coun-
ties. thus assuring the success OF the
now indispensable necessity. II brought
to the attention Of the farmers the
great advantage and benefit Of the COW
pea. and purchased and distributed
large quantity of them in 1901. These
seed were well sown and their great
commercial and beneficial value has
proven of incalculable benefit to the
farmer. and so universal has their use
become that today there is not farm
of any size in any Of the surrounding
counties that does not have its pea acre
age.
The establishment of the canning fac
tory, which pays out several thousand
dollars each year into the farmers
pockets. was located and brought here
solely by the Business Mems Associ-
alton. and at cost to the association
of over hundred dollars. 1t conducted
a farmers institute, at which there were
present ovor 100 Of the best farmers OF
the State, and thus were the producer
and buyer brought into closer rela-
tionship.
II endorsed the college school con-
tract; raised and sent funds to the
jamestown Exposition for the Virginia
building: had published and distributed
a handsome handbook Of Fredericks-
burg; secured the observance of Thanks
giving in the city by general closing
of the stores; took an active part IN Sc
curing the Federal building through its
late president, Mr.. +. w. Mills, and
early in 1902 passed resolution urging
our representative to endeavOr to Sc
cure one of the normal schools for
Fredericksburg. Its part in the work
was. according to our representative,
most valuable to him and greatly helped
i'm the final selection Of this city. THIS
association for three successive days
sent a committee to Richmond to aid IN
whatever manner they could the work
and the entire cost was borne by the
association. II favored the repeal OF
the X. f. & ?. railroad parallel bill, and
sent a committee to Richmond to work
in its favor.
For some years past the Rappahan-
mock river has been gradually filling
until finally its channel became navlg-
able only on high tides. The Business
Men, Association took this matter up
with Mr.. Jones, the Congressional rep
resentative and soon convinced him OF
the necessity Of prompt action, or ere
long this river would cease to be navl-
gable TO Fredericksburg. thus cutting
the city Off from any water outlet IL
was necessary TO show the government
the shipping value of this river, and
under the Craftsmanship Of Mr.. A. T..
Rowe, the tonnage from our wharf on
both sides Of the river was obtained and
made into a statistical report; repre-
sentative was sent at the expense OF
the association 10 obtain this; com
mittee of the association was appointed
TO accompany Mr.. Jones and an en-
gineer down the river with the final re-
suit that appropriation aggregating
about $500, 600 has been obtained,
dredges have been almost con-
tinuaily at work for three years,
and the channel of the river has
been so broadened and deepened as to
render il now navIgable without dlfil-
Guilty and with safety.
This association points with especial
pride and satisfaction to its manutac--
turing record. 1t claims that two of
the city's most profitable enterprises
are its direct offspring. have already
called attention to the canning indus
try, which was the result OF the Essoc-
iation's labor.
The second. the Virginia Shirt Com,
many is one of. the most valuable ahd
necessary adjuncts Of Fredericksburg.
This institution was organized IN the
Business Mems Association, and by a
committee of three from the associ'
alton. who solicited the stock and or
ganized the company. This institution
now is indispensable TO Fredericksburg
Ii now employs 100 hands, and pays
into the pockets of its employees 81, o5e
every month. Its total sales last yea
amounted to $l04, 500 1t paid out fol
coal $3.50. and for railroad treigh
81. $50. %. 1t is now running full tm'
with all its force, and expects TO rui
continually, without interruption
throughout the year. frederlcksour
and this association have right TO d.
proud of this establishment.
This association further claims tina
; it had a large share in assisting tn
Washington Wooden Mills to keep thel
plant operating in Fredericksburg. Nh
Melville, the president of the company
, contemplated enlarging his plant an
received fattering offers from othe
places if he would move his plant there
With generosity he notified the citizen
OF Fredericksburg that if they woul
: take the necessary stock in his com
> pany to furnish the capital for M
plants enlargement the plant woul
/ remain here. There was some delay
3 securing the necessary amount: rlna
/ ly time was up and Mr.. Melville, the
= out of the city, telegraphed that IN
o amount would have to be raised With
4S hours. This association was cal
n ed together, the matter fully oil,
. cussed. the disaster that wou
o avert to Fredericksburg should 1t los
: this plant was plainly shown. A con
q mittee, composed of Col. +. ID. Col
! chairman; David Hirsh, WI. Brannal
n ]. T. Gouldman, Jr., was a
o pointed to solicit subscription
& and within twenty-four hours the r
i nader had been subscribed, and
i telegraphed back to Mr.. Melville. II
value Of this plant is inestlmable,
v Fredericksburg. 1t now employs l.
IS hands; it manufactures yearly 2oO,V
# Yards of cloth valued at $40. 600, al
? its monthly pay roll is 50, 5OO;its treigl
! bills amout to over S4,0O year, al
n il uses over 500 tons Of coal. AIT
,e January lst they will have 5S bro
le looms. 10 sets cards, 4,42O spindles a.
n other accompanying machinery: i
r Pants Factory connected with this co
l. Germ employs IS hands and the week
J. nav roll is about $500, and weekly OF
as put is from 1900 to 1880 pair PAM
s. The yearly output amounts from $ll'
D. 600 to $l25, 900. The plant will dout
VS. its output next season.
"a This association has recently spe
Il Sl25 in advertising Fredericksburg.
4 manufacturers through the Manufi
as lures Record of Baltimore, which
he yertisement is now running. This
y. -.:.. l.. ottroct;xa form free sit