Evening star., 1926-03-07
ALEXANDRIA REDIVIVUS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

1t would appear that the prophecy
of George Washington, few years
before his death that in his opinion
Alexa ndria Va, would some day
become a city of consequence is on
the way to being fulfilled. At least
Alexa ndria is being transformed from
sleepy village into brisk, modern
town. 1t has long been the butt
of Jokes of comedians appearing at
the Washington theaters-they being
sure of getting laugh at any quip
directed toward Alexandria. even as
the mere mention Of Brooklyn Hobo
ken is certain TO tickle the risibilities
of New Workers.
It's greatest claim to the interest
of visitors has been in the fact that
in this town is the Old Christ Church
where George Washington was one of
the first vestrymen. Many tourists
on their way to Mount Vernon stop
in Alexandria long enough to visit
this picturesque and historic church.
The pew of Gen. Robert +. Lee Is
pointed out with as much pride as
is that Of Gen. Washington. Christ
Church is proud OF having had as
| communica nts such men as these.
Home of Old Families.
Alexandria has always been the
| home of many of the finest old fami.
| lies of Virginia, and 1t Is rather amaz-
| ing to note the decided difference
t In accent between these Virginians
and persons living In Washington.
1t seems incredible that people
living only : miles apart could
speak so differently. But a Virginia n
is Nirginian no matter how close
to the border he may live.
/ For a hundred years or more the
/ town has logged peacefully along
! content to rest in the reflected glory
of former citizens, and 1t was often
referred to as the one finished town
in America. In the early days the
| town itself contributed much history
to the Republic. 1t was at Alexandria
i that Gen. Braddock made his head
! quarters before marching against the
| French in 1855. In April OF the same
, year the governors of New York.
, Massa chusetts. Pennsylva mia. Mary
| land and Virginia met to plan that
| Inflated expedition. During the Civil
War Alexandria was occupied by
Federal troops and was the capital
| Of that part of Virginia which ad-
/ hered to the Union.
Takes on City Manager.
| In 1922 this town of cobblest one
| streets. grown up with grass, awoke
| from it's lethargy, took look around
and began plans for rejuvenation
! The obsolete form Of government was
cast aside In favor of the modern
! council manager form. On June 13
| 1922. members were elected to the
new City Council. These were chosen
from among the most progressive
business men Of the town. Under
this new plan the council elects one
/ Of its own members as ex-officio
mayor and he Is known as the execG-
tive head OF the city.
The honor of being the first mayor
under this new government was
awarded to William A. Smoot, whose
family has been intimately connected
with the history of Alexandria. He
Is a lineal descendant of the Wash
ington family and has in his posses
sion the original letter addressed to
Bushrod Washington. in which
George Washington makes his pre-
diction Of the future importance OF
Alexandria.
To Mr.. Smoot is given the credit
Of having brought about the radical
cha nges in the physical appearance
nd in the daily life of Alexandria
1t is under his enthusiastic leader
! ship that these changes have been
brought about. 1t is said that since
he has held this Office he has de-
voted a large part of his time to
| this work. The position carries no
monetary remuneration and he gives
| freely of his time and energy simply
from civic pride.
Alexandria now shows the results
! of the untiring efforts OF those who
| have brought about the change In
the method of government. 1t has
as many improved streets as has any
other city Of it's size in the country.
| These are kept Immediately clean
by the street-sweeping machines pur-
cha sed under the new regime. Traffic
regulations have been instituted and
| the streets are marked off for the
guidance of motorists and pedestri
ans in much the same fashion as
are those of Washington. Recently
up-to-date automatic electric signals
have been intalled at the principal
street intersections.
! The Police Department IS pointed
Ito with Qgida By the citizens, This