Alexandria Gazette

THE PROPOSED WHITE WAY.

The suggestion made recently by the Chamber of Commerce that Alexandria should have a "white way" has enlisted the sympathy of many, and the plan of making certain portions of King street suggestive of a fairy paradise after sunset is producing enthusiasm.

The plan of the projectors of this enterprise is to have six powerful electric lights on certain blocks--that is four at the intersections and two in the centre of the square.

In many of the larger cities this plan has been adopted on principal business thoroughfares, and it is believed by many, the time has come when portions, if not all, of Alexandria's busiest street should have this modern adjunct.

In this day of electricity light is easily obtained. Our suburban villages enjoy the blessing of electric light at a moderate cost, while a few years ago small places had to be content with a few oil lamps. At present wires can be strung anywhere, and electric bulbs are now illuminating country roads.

Electric signs are common. On the front of a certain public house in Norfolk bulbs form a billiard table and players, and visitors view an imaginary game of billiards from the street.

Some older residents may remember scenes in Alexandria in 1862, shortly after the original Sarepta Hall was destroyed by fire. A stationary frame circus building was placed upon the site of the hall. A balcony was erected over the main entrance from which a band discoursed music early each night. Over the balcony was a gas star. In windy weather most of the jets were extinguished, but the conception was viewed nightly with interest, as it was a new departure.

Wind has no effect upon electric lights, and the proposed "white way" would be in evidence under any meteorological conditions.