Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

COMMUNICATION.

A part of a city being on fire would create much dread of their persons and property on its citizens the whole and it would if the inhabitants should fold their arms and look at the progress of the devouring flames without making any effort to prevent its extension. Such a situation the town of Alexandria is at present in—many acknowledge it, but will not lend the helping hand to prevent its further destruction. What I would wish to call the attention of our citizens to, are the evils that will result from the system that is now carried on by the purveyors in the payment of their debts—the bank papers is not of any use to the sellers of produce in giving for it such laws of the state of Virginia have rendered it necessary that none but the notes of sections of the country are receivable in chartered banks and those of particular payment of debts. A stranger to be in the town of Alexandria, would suppose himself in almost any other town, from the bank notes that are in circulation. Part of the country from which almost the whole of the produce that comes to our market is brought, that will not answer the demands, in the market. What is the consequence that at present has resulted from it, that many have sought other markets where they can obtain the currency they want—and it is to be feared that it will extend much farther than we are willing to allow, so as to drive the whole away: then we shall deplore the evil but be unable to rectify it. The current of trade has turned another way. To bring it into its right channel again, we will ardently desire but be unable to effect. Our wisdom would be to prevent the breaking down of the barriers, and so preserve the natural course. This can easily be done by having recourse to the receiving only such bank paper as will answer for the purchase of produce. It may be painful to some to do so from motives that are personal; but the safety of the community loudly calls for a redress of the evils we are laboring under.— These few remarks I hope will call forth a more able pen in support of what has been suggested.