Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1919-03-25
BUILDING CAMP AIGl
Movement to Erect Homes Launched
by Civic Bureau OF Chamber of
Commerce-Working Capital of
100000 Proposed.

, Commerce, was held last night a
: eight o'clock, and it proved to be on
of the most interesting meetings tht
Chamber of Commerce has held since
its reorganization.
The proposed change in city govern
ment and the development of a hous
ing program were the main topics
of discussion. The meeting was large.
~ attended, and it was nearly mid
night when it adjourned.
The business manager reported that
the r. F. and p. officials had agreed
to make certain changes in improve
ments at the Union Station, this city,
y. VIM. May, chairman Of the COM
nittee on "white way" reported prog
rcss, and that his committee expect
ed to have all details of this matter
in shape in the very near future.
Robert S. Jones chairman of the
committee to investigate and report
on the conditions of the city schools,
reported that his committee and the
school board expected 70 invite Harris
Hart, Supt. of Public Instruction, to
come to this city and make a sur
vey of the situation, and advise with
the School Board and the committee
upon the matter.
The subject of city government was
freely discussed, and Carroll Pierce
president Of the chamber Of COM
merce, stated that he had appointed
steering committee to arrange for a
mass meeting of the citizens, to con-
slider this important subject. At this
meeting all phases of this subject will
be discussed, and arrangements made
for further publicity and the whole
proposition analyzed.
A report from the business mana
ger in regard to the housing PROPOSE
ton was received with great enthu-
siasm by the bureau.
Mr.. Roger in his report pointed out
that Alexandria had an opportunity to
develop and grow into large city.
but the way to take advantage of this
opportunity, and to build Alexandra
along permanent lines, was to builc
homes. He pointed out that newcom-
ers in the city of Alexandria, do not
become permanent citizens until they
are convinced that the city of Alex
andria presents proper conditions and
surroundings to make it a desirable
place of residence for themselves and
family.
The report showed that permanent
growth of Alexandria would be en-
actly commensurate with the amount
of home building Alexandria can de-,
and suggested that if the citizens Of
Alexandria wanted to build their city
along permanent lines, they sluld
build homes, in that if they wanted to
attract the right kind of newcomers.
they should build the right kind of
homes, under some plan whereby
those who occupied them wuld some
day own them.
1t was pointed out that there was
ample capital available for big
building proposition in Alexandria,
an dthat building operation conduct
ed along the right lines would be an
entirely safe business proposition.
Howard Smith addressed the bu-
reau in regard to the proposition as
submitted, and emphasized the Won
derful opportunity presented to add
to the permanent growth of Alexan-
/ dria, and stated that he hoped the
| citizens Of Alexandria would take
advantage of the opportunity pre-
sented, both as business PROPOSE
ton, and as an opportunity to beneht
Alexandria.
Mr.. Smith suggested that the Civic
bureau then and there laSnch a prop
osition to build homes. and that a
capital stock of 100000 be raised, in
shares of 81 900 each, to build homes
His plan provided that the PROPOSE
ton be handled along conservative
business lines, and the policy of the
building company be to provide suit
able homes to be disposed of t.
home seekers on easy terms, ant
with only a small margin of prof
to the building company.
The definite plan suggested by Nh
: Smith was enthusiastically received
; bv the business men present, and
: large amount of money was sub
e scribed at the meeting for this pur
0 pose
h A resolution was then introduced
requesting a special melting of tn
hoard of directors to apporve tn