The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-10-16
BY Richard HattOn-

The progressive spirit. of Wash
ington merchants was highly praised
today by Fernand Petit, cashier Of
the Citizens Savings Bank, in esti-
mating the prospects, for general
business here during the remaining
months of the fall and winter.
THE diversified mercantile bust
ness carried on in this CITY," said
Mr.. Petit, land the progressive
spirit Of the merchants, especially
in extending their territory, has
had a great deal to do with the
business expansion which has been
so marked in recent years.
'"That this business expansion
has been possible continued Mr..
Petit, sis, of course. in a large
measure due to the great expansion
in population within recent years
and the opening of new suburban
territory for residential purposes.
The development of outlying Sec
tons of Maryland and Virginia has
been rapid and a very large pro-
portion of those who have gone
beyond the city. limits to establish
their homes are permanent resi-
dents Of the best class.
THAT they have been able to
establish themselves in the beautiful
sections Of the nearby States and,
at the same time, carry on their
business or their work in Washing.
ton is, of course, due to the ex-
pansion of transportation facilities
which have kept pace with the de-
mands of the expanding community.
I'm fact, it seems that the
growth of the population has been
completely met by Increasing Trans-
portation routes and by business
expansion in the heart of the city
where, very naturally, the outlying
communities seek the major por-
ton of their supplies.
Another factor in the increasing
business of this city," continued MIR.
Petit, land another example of the
forward-looking business practices
Of our merchants is the system now
generally in vogue whereby pur-
chases made. in the city are prompt
ly delivered to all outlying sections.
"All of this Is but the natural
business development that must fol-
low the growth of population and
the spreading of the home section
Of the city into overwhelming terri
tory. :
'''The limits of the District of Co
lunbia are no longer the limits Of
the business territory supplied by
the merchants of Washington.
Taking the past few years as a
criterion" said Mr.. Petit, land there
is no reason why we should expect
any change in conditions here, it is
perfectly safe to conclude that
Washington will continue to re-
@pond in the immediate future TO
the same influences which have
marked the progress Of the jmmedi-
ate past.
"In other words, there is no rea-
son why the prediction that Wash
ington will expand in population
and in business opportunity in a
steady. rational and constructive
manner in the next decade should
not be as certain as is the fact that
the city has expanded in population
and in business. opportunity in the
past ten years.
> las to the immediate present, /"
continued Mr.. Petit, cit Is evident
that we have passed through the
usual period of summer business
depression in better shape than is
usually the case and, also, that
business is, at least, quite normal
at the present time.
Moreover, there. is q very gen.
eral feeling of optimism regarding
business in all parts of the coun-
try. and this feeling must be felt
here and must have it's effect upon
the local outlook
I'm addition to this, Congress
will soon be in session and it is
traditional that business in Wash
ington is always stimulated by the