Evening Star Newspaper, April 1, 1882, Page 2

a - THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON, SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1882-DOUBLE SHEET. Wer the Evexive Stan A Lyric for All-Fools’ Day. On me young April sweetly Ard Dcl: nod with her Singer: “Come, ict us wander in the wild— Nay, come, and do not Inger, “The metlowing earth, the biue above, The budding leaves Just sult us: Came, pce:, gather fer year lore ‘The trailing, swavt arbutus.” My putses ‘yan to eap an4 bowsd; Suck smstve speech @urraied m7; ‘We went, put srvute none I town; The mad-cap maid had fooled me. She laughed till tears ran down her face: “Let this expertemce school you: ‘You rhymesters are a silly race— You April—April-fool, you! “I knew there were no arbutes yet; "Tis seldom March brirg3 any: ‘The first of April don’t forget: Ah, fools to-day are manyt “But look not now so blank, so glum: ‘The flowers—you shall not lose ‘em; For I, ere long, will bring you some ‘To grace your truelove’s bosom. “But you're too warm—so speaks that sigh— Pray, pray old Time to cool you: Beware, I say, less worse than I The mati you love befool you.” ‘Then o’er the hills and dales she danced With blithesome, young Apollo; Backward at me-her bright eyes glanced, But her'l could not follow. ‘My truc-love’s face "twixt her and me Made dim that beauteous vision; But on the breeze came tauntingly A laugh of ight derision © April, April, fair you are, And sweet, Apolio’s new lovel Be not so proud, for fairer far, And sweeter, is my true-love. W. L. Suommaxen Schaaraffenland, D.C., April 1, 2881. SRA = ie THE CITY POST OFFICE. THE NECESSITY FOR A NEW BUILDING—WHAT POSTMASTKR AINGER SAYS ABOUT IT—HIS ‘VigWS AS TO THE LOCATION AND PLAN OF ‘THK PROPOSKD STRUCTURE, &C. The condemning of the building now oceupied Dy the city post by & commission of ex- perts has drawn public attention somewhat to the character of the accommodations which are provided for that necessary public office in this ity. Still, while people will admit whenever their attention happens to be called to the mat- ter, that the post office is not the handsomest,or even the most convenient, building in the city, sthere has not been a sirong feeling expressed ‘against the present state of affairs. This ts large. ly due to the fact that a large tion of.the Citizens never go to the post office at all, and so they are not personally cognizant of the real con- dition of the building and the obstructions ex- isting in the transaction of business. This fact, ‘as well as others of value in regard to the post. office. was extracted yesterday from Col. Ainger, the city postmaster, in conversation by a STAR Feporter. The er was asked: “Do you think that the present location is the dest for the post office?” “The location of the office is not material to the public. That is of really very little conse- nce.” “Why is it of little consequence?” “Well, with our carrier system we deliver the con apap in Washington. There is no YY @ permanent resident to come to the office for his mail?" “Except on Sunday! es on Sunday. Yougee that there are four deliveries each day between 8 and 5 o'clock, and that obviates the necessity of any one com- ing to the office. This site is as good as any, a8 far as the location is concerned.” “Apart from the fact that this building has been condemned, what objection is there to it?” “It is inconvenient and not fit for the pur- Poses of a post office. It was built in the first ~——— a hotel, and a very badly arranged one = Nhat is your idea of the plan of a new build- My idea is this. I think that there ought to be a builaing exclusively for the city post office. It is-a sinczular fact that there is no building erected by the government in the United States exclusively for this purpose. Public buildings aceommodate’the custom house officers and the courts, and other United States officials besides the post office. Here in Washington there is no such need. A building is needed here that is provided with all the conveniences that expe- Tience has suggested ; one that will be the em- bodiment of the American idea of a Past office, and one that the department will take pride In showing to visitors from other countries as a model of the system as carried on in this coun- “In other words, it would improve the char- acter of the office here?” “Yes, that is it. It is almost impossible to have a model office here. We cannot do the me work on account of restricted facili- tiessand, as the inspector says, it is a wonder that we are able to give as good service as we do. I notice that the committee on buildings in the Heuse, I think, have reported in favor of erecting new post office buildings in twelve towns, none of them equal to this in import- teed facilities are needed for carrying on ork 2?” “Well, our working space is divided up in va- ‘lous smail rooms that are approached by nar- Yow passages. Some rooms are on the second ~floor, when they ought to be on the first and easily accessible. Such, for instance, as the money-order office and the registerad letter office, which the public ought to have ready @ccess to, are hid away in the second story. The money-order office is especially dif- ae The present arrangements are and tempo. your idea about the style of a new ‘What is building?” “The new building ought to be two stories, and the lower floor one large room, so thut a man can stand and see every man at work in the office. There should be light on all sides, And so arranged that the mail wagons could ap- proach without biockading the sidewalks.” “What is the prospect of Congress taking ac- tion in this respect this session?” “The committees so far as I have talked with them aud the members seem favorably inclined. I see no reason why an appropriation could not WOILDING PROSPECTS THIS SEASON, | tatton.of the question of wages und texts | WILE. THE: ROOM BE: KEPT WP?—THE BLILDERA DURE —THE REAL. ESTAS SS See THES WO UE 2 OPERATE ‘Wie activity im the real extute market lest your, andl the great: member of houses ereried, give unneusl interest te the opesiing ef the present seamm. The spertiator, fhe real estate broker and fhe methanit are closely stedying the sigus af fhe fimes The ren) estate man tulks hopefally of fhe measca frou kis point of view. Tho fature is net quite so bright for the buiider, who fears that the inerease in the cost of inbur amd material will check the building boom Jnéstes from consuitations held by reporters of Tux Stax with builders and contractors and Aevgpr Bnygrpn athens —, Lr bagg so timabcarop tie ie prospects private building an = provements, it seems to bea general opinion that there will be some falling off in the amount of work done in consequence of this advance. Several large jobs of work laid out for this sea- sen have been abandoned by their projectors until the prices of material, etc., are moderated. Tue large number of fine dwellings erected in this city last year has attracted many wealthy ng to this city to obtain winter homes, and e coming season had been fixed upon to erect such homes by even a larger number than availed themselves last year of the opportunity. = counting 4; bes cost Cpe Lisbon fale e conclusion pone building until the c shall come down, while others =a have plans and permits, will go on and finish under pon- tracts made last year. It isalso true that while several large expenditures in this direction will be postponed for a time, there will be many im- provements of a less expensive quality made. THE ADVANCE IN LABOR. ‘This general advance in material and labor 1s explained by the most intelligent architects and mechanics by the fact that there has been a large increase in the demand for building ma- terlal and for labor all over the country. They state that statistics will show that there never has been a year in the history of the country when there was so much building improvements as last year. Another fact is also to be remem- bered, that several hundred of mechanics left this city last year for Chicago, and in the west where wages were higher. Ina majority of these cases. the mechanics have not re- turned, but have found permanent homes or employment elsewhere. Good mechanics are therefore not so plentiful as in the early part of the building season last year, and the had dng are, therefore higher. The cost of living which continues high, also furnishes a. m for the bullifing material of ail kinds ts hmving the ‘effect ofatieck. We do nut éliiik the building this will be up ‘to Inat.” DE, ‘ou base Opinion,” said fhe Srataman, “Yes,” anid Mr. Baldwin, “bat fhe fact that there are so many houses for rent now. teerytgns Bhar any ioe in mill work, and mah to es eee ‘the ‘manner thoy talk, that the outlook is not so bright as it was.” “What ge yee Rape Seon OA SSS OE % asked the reporter. “About the only work we are doing now,” answered Mr. Baldwin, “‘is the residence of Mr. W. M. Galt, on Vermont avenue, between Land M streets, and we expect to finish it this sea- son. This house will be finished with hard woods and will cost about $35,000. We are busily enzaged, however, making estimates, but the advanced prices frequently stand in the way of orders being given. In afew days now the price of labor will be advanced about 20 per cent. Hard woods, as also all the finer grades of lumber, have risen in price. We are, howt ever, hoping that many who are now talking of building will soon give tlieir orders. If there should be no further advance in wages and ma- terial the season may be at least a fair one.” MR. ROBERT DOWNING. “Mr. Downing,” asked a Star reporter of Mr. Robert Downing, of Downing Bros., “has the work opened with you for the season?” “Oh, no; it is rather too early yet. We have nothing on hand yet except figuring.” A “What are the prospects for building as com- pared last season?” was the next question. “The outlook,” said Mr. Downing, “is as bright as-last year at thistime and fully as much work will be done. The work will be of a good clase—fine first-class buildings.” The reporter inquired if the increase of prices—labor and material—would affect the amount of building here. Mr. Downing replied; ‘‘Perhaps that will have some effect, but Ido not anticipate that there will be a great falling off, or that the prices will deter those contemptating building long. Lum- ber was rather too low last season, but it is up now probably twenty-five cent, and sois labor—carpentering and brick laying. The price of plastering is not settied yet and hardware has not advanced much. I should say that the cost of an ordinary house will be not over 20 per cent above the cost last season. There are a number of people from other partsof the country investing here and some ladies to- day are having estimates made. By the first of June itis likely that there will be plenty of work doing. If the cost of building does not Tise im theprice of labor. Itis also stated by the architects that the real estate speculators are holding ground at too high rates, especially in those parts of the city where it is most de- sirable to locate. ‘THE SPIRIT OF SPECULATION in ground has been too much in advance of the demand for it. The advance in mechanics’ wages and building material is estimated by some to be 25 per cent and by others at 80 per cent, while the advance on desirable lots has far exceeded these rates. These figures given probably hold good in the matter of mechanics’ wages, with the exception of bricklayers and plasterers, which have been greater—some say as high ag100 percent. Mr. R.I.Fleming states that he knows of $150,000 worth of work which will be left out of the market this year in conse- quence of the .advance in es. There area considerable number of buildings contracted for last year yet unfinished which will, as a general thing, be completed, but ipsome cases the work will be postponed. some 6f the architects, how- ever,say that they have no fears,as all these things will adjust themselves. If the work stops, the Prices must come down. THE INCREASED COST OF MATERIAL. As a contrast in the rates of material, a prom- nent contractor gives the tollowing list: Bricks, which last year cost $5.50, are now selling at $7.50 a $8 per 1,000; timber, such as scantling, cullings, &c., which cost $15 last year, now costs $19 a €20; slating has advanced from $7 to $10 per square ;tinning has advanced $1 per square; white pine‘and other high grades of timber are about the same; hard pine for flooring, from $30 to $40 per 1,000; Virginia pine, from $18 a $25; hardware has advanced about 25 per cent generally ; ten-penny nails, worth $2.75 last year, command from $3.50 a $3.60; rough stone is about the same, but the labor to work it into shape has advanced; very little advance has been observed in lime and cement, but it is ex- pected they will go up too. IMPROVED STYLES, The styles of both outside and inside con- struction and finish, will differ very little from those of last year ; some new features are how- ever noted, especially in the patterns of tiling, terra‘cotta work and in moulded brick. Some very handsome features have been made in these and it is likely that continued improvements will follow, as these things are now entering largely into the internal finish of the best build- Inventive genius seems to haye drifted In this direction to a considerable,extent within a few Years past and with immense success. A build- er told a Star reporter that within the last ten years there have been produced more designs in Wood, mastic and terra cotta ann in cut stone, all of which enter into"the construction of build: ings, than ever before in his recollection. Some of the handsomest designs in these things are manufactured in this city, and are furnished at @ less cost than those sent here from abroad. WHAT THE BUILDING INSPECTOR SaYs. Building Inspector Entwisle, in conversation with a Star reporter on the subject of building generally, stated that prices have advanced all along the line, both for building materials and labor. He thinks the rise will not go above 20 per cent on the average, with the exception of brick work and plastering. Brick work in the wall has taken a jump from $12 last year to $14.50 per Mthis year.and the same rate will ap- ply to plastering. This has been done by a combination of all kinds of trades, extending even to hod carriers and laborers. The combi- nation has been effected in such a way us that mechanics will stop work in case the ad- vance isnot paid the hod carriers and laborers, and vice versa;also,{f any outside of those belong- ing to the union are employed upon work, those belonging to the union will quit and the con- tractor fs left in the lurch. He thinks the effect will be to deter many from building this season; that when these advances affect the erection of a fine dwelling to the extent of $10,000, which is the fact in many instances, the owners will fold be. secured for the building, if a site could be selected without a contest. The only difficulty on that score is that the real estate interests wiil [eu into aconflict overit. My idea is to pass a bill, ving the selection of asite to acommittee con- sisting of the chairman of the House committee di General and the city test, if there is any, be miseion, and not Lefore Congress; and then have an appropriation made subject to the de- cision of the commission. This will be sure to give us a post office somewhere.” “Will it be done this year?” “I hope so. We will try to bring about that “How does the post office building here com- Pare with those in other cities?” “there ts no post office building anywhere that I know of so poor and ‘unsuitable. Teought to go without saying that this city should have the best Instead of the worst. There are but few that realize, even among the members of Congress, that there are but six post offices in this country that handle a greater volume of matter. and only one a greater weigitt.” “Why is there not a better building here?” “The post office used to be located in the building occupied by the Post OMtce 4 ment and remained there until about two years ding was taken as a tem- new building would be erected. Of course I no morednterest in this matter than other citizen of Washington. I have, iyouter, a in the service and in the city. It is poz sible that my term of office will expire before the is and I might never. erected, per. _Sonally, enjoy the uy. 4 convenience of it. But I up their plans and postpone their execution until prieescome down. He states that thus far quite a large number of building ‘its have been given out, but for a class of houses much inferior to those built last year. The heaviest permit thus far is $33,000 for a single dwelling, and he knows of many sone contem- plated dwellings which have been withheld by the projector on account of the expense. HOPEYUL BUILDERS. Some of the builders do not share in the alarm, and state that they have no fears bat that work will be lively enough this season. They state that these advances in material are the natural results of general demand through- out the states, and the increase of 20 per cent in wages of mechanics is reasonable and Just. The increase of more than that. except ina few in- stances, is too much, and will soon find its level; that persons of large means are not ed, as general thing, to build houses, and can wait: when they are obliged to build the advance will make no difference to them. MESSRS. BRIGHT & HUMPHREY, builders, state that they have about as much as they can do in filling their contracts for the new school houses, therefore are not so mich in the | way of private work. They, however, are bid- ding on all work and have several private jobs, bat do not see much moneyin them. They think the advances have been too heavy and Canunvt be maintained long. MR. JOHN H. HOWLETT, builder, states that thus far he has not got a Job to do on private work; he stifl continuegto put in his bids, but gets “beat every time. He says he doesn't propose to work for nothing, and un- less he gets fair prices he prefers to rest. The . He proposes to do his work welland exceed the ele figures, those contemplating building will not mind it much.” WHAT ANOTHER BUIEDER SAYS. “What isthe prospect in your line this sea- son?” a reporter asked Mr. John Henderson, builder. “The outlook Is very dull just at present.” “What is the cause?” “The advance in prices operates against build- ing.” "Eewhat prices do you refer to?” “The prices for material and labor. The brick makers will give no satisfaction as to prices or say what they will furnish brick for. The brick- layers also want an increase after the Ist of April. The hod-carriers demand an advance, and so do the nters, but the latter are rather more reasonable.” “Will this demand for increased wages be sus- tained?” “I think not, unless there is bal rush of work. A large number of heavy buildings are delayed on this account. The movement will a and with ‘hin are ‘The Silent Harp. ncn af the tart i high ee ——— growth ts very solid ok of Tith and Estreeta. The interior of the old corner house will be entirety remodelled, and the exterior improved with new store fronts and an oriel window projecting on corbelliiiz, con- strosted to form a corner bay inthe upper Ewer feneral, and a great deal of | stories, and fulshing above the roof with a bell- the brick company eve start out | cfowned tower. Two new buildings are to be Without & buck. Ther Lene cout | built on 11th street, adjoining the corner, three out a brick. They have sold | stories hich, designed for business. purposes, eos making the whole front on 11th street 75 feet 4nd 50 feet on E street. The colonial features of the old corner will be preserved, and the im- provements carried out in the same quaintstyle. This row of**ye olde tyme shops” will be a great addition to the architecture of this part of the ‘The work was designed and is being ex:- cuted under the direction of Gray & Page,archi tects. Langley and Gettinger are the coutract- ors. Admiral Murray is building two dwelling houses on I street, near 19th street, four storie= and basement, 36 feet front by 72 feet . The rong og bas parior, dining-room, butler's pan- Ty, to central moath—and they pay a ‘VIEWS OF WRAL ESTATE MEN “There is mare bosmess doing now,” said Mr. Robert 0. Holtzman, theresl estate broker, whea asked about the state of the real estate market and the outlook, “than there wasatthistime last year. There hayebeen more transfers, the con- siderations muchYarger, and the outlook much better. The property in the northwestern sec- tion of the city is going up. There would bea good deal more building if it were not for the belief that the cost of building is too great. Still there are more small houses being built than at this time last year, and the general outlook and prospects are inch better than last year. Every yearthe city is becoming more and more the Sea stages winter resort of the country. It is rapidly becoming to the country at large, for winter, what Newportand Saratoga are for sum- mer. People are coming here from the north, south, east and west this spring, and are looking: at property with the view of purchasing. In some Instances they say they are only coming to stay here for two or three months during the winter, but they want a house to live in while they are here. TI have made more sales this month than I ever did before during the month of March. Yes, the ontlook is first rate. I never knew it to be better.” #NOTHER HOPEFUL VIEW. “The talk about malaria during Gen. Gar- field’s illness,” ‘aid Mr. Brainard H. Warner, real estate broker, to a STaR Teporter, “may have had some influence upon the purchases by rich capitalists, but all that would be removed by the passage of the river front bill. The peo- ple are looking to the passage of the water sup- Bly and river front bills. Capitol Hill property will advance 20 per cent the moment the water supply. bill is passed. However, a good many purchases have been made of both improved and unimproved property, and more Benele are investing in property as a means of investment than I have ever known%befors. A good many small priced lots are being fold, showing that confidence has returned to the minds of people Quenched is another tight of deathiess song! He leaves a world that hearkens uuto these Lamenting voices in the air, and sees The shadow creep from land to land that long Shall brood in silence over this last wrong Done to that Harp whose broken string the breeze stock 01 THE OUTLOOK Goon. Mr. Fitch, of the real estate firm of Fitch,Fox & Brown, was placed under the receiver of the interviewing exhaust pump, with the following result: “What is the outlook for real estate this spring?” “It Is now good and promises to be still bet- ter as spring advances. Attention is being largely turned to the suburbs of the city and a demand is springing up for the many handsome villa sites overlooking the city.” “Arp these transactions confined to residents or visitors at the capital 2” “ Real estate purch: are largely made by strangers who are attracted by the unusual ad- vantages of our city as a place of residence. Much is bought, too, as an investment. The number of men of large wealth who have settled us during the last twelve months has led that of any previous year.” “What Is the indication for building opera- tions this season ?” “The late advance in the price of material. and of labor, will, somewhat affect building 3] lations this summer, but a large number of fine residences are contracted for, and the usual number of buildings will probably be erected.” “How does the activity in thig direction com- pare with that of last year ?” “Tt is quite equal.” “Is the demand for houses lively?” “It was never bettes—the demand being quite in excess of the supply.” “What is the character of this demand ?” -“The greatest demand is for houses ranging in value from #40 to $75 per month.” “In what locality have some of the handsome Shall wake no more, but leave ft, In surcease Of music, wreathed with flowers, unto a throng. Touch not the Harp! it ts the master’s, gone ‘To that assembiy, in the sacred choir, Next him he loved for those immortal airs Witch clothe song's Tuscan sire in that red dawn, Where eartars pure singers breathe but one de ire, Waiting to add his music unto thera Jou~ Savary, = AT HAMP. The entrance hall five feet wide, leads | "© SOLDIERS ax hall 12 by 17 feet. There is a Blace in the corner of the hall with stained gl: windows over, so planned that it is seen from entrance hall and parlor. The main staircase at the end of the hall is halfsoncealed from view by a screen formed of columns and arches filled in with spindle trarcey. The rooms and halls of the first story are arranged with sliding doors, so.as to make a vista from the lor through to the dining-room, of 60 feet. rooms will be finished in polished hard woods, door and window trimmings of brass, and tile and terra- cotta fire-places and hearths. The upper story chambers are conveniently arranged, with dress- ing-rooms and bath-rooms, finished throughout in — woods. The front of the houses is flanked on either side by square bays—these bays finished in the third story with a “loggia” opening from the adjoining rooms by large win- dows. The fronts between bays is spanned by wrought iron balconies for The entrance to the houses is emphasized by a porch of light wrought fron columns and erna- mental raili The fronts are to be built of terra-cotta and Opening of a New Amusement Halla Special Correspondence of Tre Evsxrva STAR, Nawonat Souprers’ Home FoR DisaBLED VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS, NEAR Fortress Monnor, Va., March 30, 1883. ai The purpose to open the new amusement hah in the building knownas “Ward Memorial Hail” last evening, was happily consummated, and the program as arranged for the occasion car- unteer soldiers, by a worthy English gentleman named Ward, who havi vation become residences been built recently.” fit, these national institutions were to the old of limited means.” “Of course the greatest building is towards vel gave a tangible evidence of his appre- While the eerer was_present Mr. Warner | the northwest, bgt all parts of the District are onston ciation of them by jneathing a large amount closed a transaction with a purchaser. now sharing the Improved feeling in to | the erection of a fine dwelling of money to be expended at the-different homes “That lot which I have just sold,” he sald to | real estate. On K street there bas recently been | L. Anderson at the corner of K and 16th to improve and beautify the same. the reporter, “was purchased Inst yeaf for 37 | commenced a handsome residence by Gen, Nich- |.This will be a superb honse, being 54 by 60 feet | On’ the occasion of the opening last evening cents per foot, and now it is sold for 60 cents. | olas L. Anderson, of Ohio, which will cost about | with basement, two stories, and alge pitched | the hall (which is an one, fitted up with A good many more lots are being sold this year | $40,000. Another fine residence in the same lo- | rooms, with fronts on both streets, highly orna- all the appointments of a first-class theater) was in other localities than the north and west end | eality hasbeen contracted for by Mr. B. H. War- | mented, circular windows, and will be | crowded. Many of the of the ct he bier casing, — Sone a Daigarees es aps See a of K t 2 at —_ Soper aes best hotel” at Old Point and and their ladies quiry for 1) roperty, ant is antici- | as far west as Li will soon dsomely im- ni . Be » | from (ress Monroe resent. General pated that the Garttaes to be made there by the | proved.” = J between 17h and 18th, which Mr. Edmonston is | g, ashy government for the National Library will cause @ large movement there, as well as in other localities, as those who part with their property there will have to be supplied elsewhere. Property is cheaper now on Capito! Hill than in most small cities of the country, and there is no reason why prudent purchases there should not yield a large return. The passage of the river front and water supply bills would be ef great benefit. Continual large in- vestments of money~ by the government in public buildings-must greatly enhance property. The government Is talking about a new post office, and of*a pension office and a record office. The passage of the Senate bill providing for 150 more clerks in the War department and auditor's office, as is required by the enormous pension business, will involve expenditures of a large amount of money. Everybody who comes here is delighted, and the rich’ people who have come here to live are determined to bring their friends. A much better class of buildings are 'HINKS THERE WILL BE A GOOD BUSINESS THIS SEASON. Mr. Thos. J. Myers, real estate broker, sald in reply to a query on the same subject: “I think that there is a prospect of a good real estate busi- ness this season. The only dificulty in the way is the great rise in the value of labor and mate- rials.” “Do you re; this rise as permanent?” “No, I don’t think that it is. I don’t think that they can hold it. The carpenters have been gotting, $2.50, now want: e bricklayers from and $3.50 now demand $4, and the hod-car- tiers from $1.25 and $1.50 want $2. «The effect of this adyance is to make the purchasers of unimproved property wait for lower prices In- stead of going on with the improvements. This lt in @ measure, serve to stagnate the mar- building, is nearly up. This building is of ‘three stories and eeiide of 27 feet front and 70 Mr. Edmonston is erecting for Col. Totten a fine brick back ouilding on I street, between 17th and 18th streets. The fine Col. Sitgreaves, corner of 13th and N streets, Mr. Edmonston is about trimming out. This is a fine two story attic and basement dwelling, costing about $15,000. Mr. W. M. Poindexter, architect, has now in course of erection one of the handsomest and most substantial in its character of the many fine improvements being made in our city inthe new residence of W. M. Galt, esq., on Vermont avenue, between L and M streets. This build- ing is now being roofed in. It bas a frontage of 40 feet, and a finished side elevation of 80 feet in depth, exclusive of the rear extension, which is 20 feet additional. The principal rooms, in number, besides kitchen, pantry, baths, &c.. at the Hygia hotel with his family, honored the opening with his and it must have made his heart glad to receive the h which were given ashe entered the the home band, stopping short in the strains of some sympathetic air, out in full lung wer with “Hail to the Chief.” Surely the ys in blue will never forget him. The plece selected for the occasion was “Waiting for the Verdict,” and with the exception of Miss Jennie An from Baltimore, the cast was made up entirely of home talent, and for amateurs it is conceded that they commanded favorable rec- ognition by reason of their ability. Entertainments ami and instructive will hereafter be given in the hall, and it is certain that the inmates of the Home appreciate the interest Captain Woodfia has taken all re the erection of this new building to make it all respects complete, and a place where H “How is rented property?” “There isa great demand for medium-sized not check the buildings already begun,*but will délay the commencement of new buildings. The building operations will probably not be as ex- tensive as last year.” PROSPECT NOT 80 GOOD AS LAST YEAR. Holtzclaw Brothers, builders, in answer to the question, “what is the prospect in the pullding line for the coming season?” said: ** The outlook at preseat isnot good, owing to the fact that the advance in all building mate- rial and labor has had the effect of deterring a great many from building at present. We think, however, that it will be better later in the season.” “Is the outlook better or worse than last year?” “Ido not think the ontlook is so good as last year, althouth there are fewer mechanics idle now than at the same time last season.” “What are the character of the buildings going up?” rill pass many happy hours. Captain Woodfin has nm in charge of this Home for ten y. and when one takes a retrospective glance what the place was when he first took charge and compares it with its present beauty and comfort, he cannot but believe that Woodfin Is the right man in the right place. Tree-Butchery and the Like. To the Editor of Taz Eventse Stam: The laborers who go about the streets and hack off just so many branches from each tree they come to, whether or no, should not hide their scieritific and artistic talents in such a ple- belan napkin. They might be employed in hos- pitals and gymnas‘uins, for instance, to strength- en the human rysiem by cutting out the lungs. If you cut out one's lungs, will not all his strength then go to the rest of the body? Cer- tainly. Or they might be engaged in the art schools to show our young painters how trees being erected now than ever before; the style of architecture is more attractiye and the mot- ern improvements more perfect. The rates of interest on sales are very low and the terms very easy. The rates of interest on deferred payments are but five or six per cent, and in some cases as low as 4}¢ per cent.” A SCARCITY OF SMALL HOUSES. “The general prospect of building,” said Mr. Wn. E. Burford to a Srar reporter, when asked &general question as to the prospects, “is not so flattering as it has been in former seasons The majority of builders build a small class of property for sale—a class of houses that sell to people wanting small homes, and to investors. Several handsome houses are going up, and will continue to go up. In substance, a great deal three months agd, more than thirteen hundred of wealth is represented in fine homes, built inthe Jast year or eighteen months by Senaters, Repre- tativesin Congress and judgesof the Supreme rt that have come here during that period. are contained intthree stories,-besides which there is a basement under the entire building and avery ample finished attic above. Wide piazzas will extend along the side and rear. The side lot, of 56 feet frontage, will be enclosed and laid out asagarden, The front and side elevations are finished in pressed bricks, brown strone, and terra cotta from the Boston ‘Terra Cotta Company, the whole surmounted by a igh-pitched | slate roof, which, in connection with the gables (one over the griel window, the other over the Square projection on the side and the elevated chimney), form a striking outline. The interior of the building, in its present unfinished state, fully confirms the impression of stability made by an Inspection of the exterior, as all the bear- "ing partitions are heavy “briek walls the entire height of the building. " The interior will be fin- ished in hard woods; comprising mahogony, walnut, oak, and ash. The main staircase wi be of mahogony, occupying a space of 183¢ by houses this spring. This demand is far in ex- cess of the supply, and it would be a paying in- vestment to erect more houses of this character. The tendency has been to erect large and expen- sive houses.” DEMAND FOR HOUSES. Mr. J. V. N, Huyck says that the increase In price of building materials and-labor has caused a great falling off in*the building boom, but has greatly increased the desire for houses already built. Two little advertisements in THe Star afew daysago for two small houses for sale -brought over a hundred people desirous of pur- chasing to his office in two days. Men who have plenty of money are not de- terred from building by an_ increase in cost of a tew thousand doilars, but persons of moderate means are inclined to hold off a while. Building lots are considered good in- vestments, and are purchased by people who think it more profitable to put their money into “The better class predominates most decidedly both as to finish and size.” “Is the demand for small or large houses?” “There is no lack of demand for either small or large houses. Let the capitalist put upa house and finish it in good style and he will have no difficulty in renting it. Although it isa matter over which the master builders haye"no control, it strikes us that the heavy advance in labor, &c, is unfortunate and will react to the detriment of the working classes. Its effect has already been noticed by all observing people.” HOPES FOR PLENTY OF WORK. Mr. Charles Edmonston, builder, is under the opinion that the recent advance in labor and material may deter building for a time at least, but he hopes that it will not be longbefore there will be plenty of work. What the President of the Buildee.’ Asseciation Says. AN ENCOURAGING REPORT. In conversation with Mr. W. H. Johnson, (of the firm of Deering & Johnson, builders,) presi- dent of the Builders’ Association, upon the sub- ject of butiding, Mr. Johnson told a Star re- porter that the Builders’ Association and the Journeymen Carpenters’ Association were get- ting along very harmoniously, and their action was entirely mutual. Thejourneymen had shown good judgment and good sense throughout, and had performed their obligations toward the builders and themselves in an honorable man- ner in most cases, and the contractors were, to a man, disposed to act in kind. The carpenters had given the builders six months fair notice that they would expect an adyance of 20 per cent upon the present wages atter the first of May, and the builders have assented to it, and mean to live upto it. No onehas been deceived and Sey have all had fair notice, and in esti- mating for work have added this to the cost. ‘Do you think this is too much advance?" A fo, indeed; it Is unreasonable to suppose that mechanies, with familles to support and rent to pay—hardly ever less than $15 per month—can live at the old prices.” “Then you approve of the advanee in wages? A. “Certainly, Ido, so far as the carpenters are concerned, and most of the other trades. I think they should be paid living wages?” Q. ‘How about the other trades?” A. “There are some of Shen, perhaps. that are rather bi; I think the bricklayers are a little ‘previous’ for their own good, and the plasterers have been a little too close in making their rules, but I do not complain, as they have but a few months in the year in which to work, and most of them are idle the of the year. All other trades have advanced their prices moderately, but I don’t think unreasonably. The advance in work has not been in proportion to the advancein material.” Q. ‘Then there is no antagonism between the contractors and journeymen?” A. “None whatever: that is, between the legitimate builders and the workmen. There is a new class of real estate ators and their workmen and laborers, of which the members of the Builders’ Association and the Carpenters’ Union know very little and have nothing to do with them.” Q. “How many builders are there in this city?” i. “There are about sixty-five regular build- ers, that men engaged in contracting for buildings, who are m but there are only about of them who have ae the association. of is 18 more’on account plan of organi jon." Q. “How about the cause of rise in builders’ material ?” 22 feet, lighted from alarge light shaft by tripled | muHioned windows of cathedral glass of special design on each floor. All of the man- tels, bookcases, and buffet are designed, and will be built in, thus forming a part of and com- bining with the genera! standing finish. Every modern appliance for comfort and con- venience, inclusive of most approved methods of plumbing, steam-heating, and ventilation, will be carried out inthe most thorough and complete manner by the most skilful mechanics. Mr. Poindexter has several sets of plans in course of preparation, the projectors of which are unwilling to give them out to the public at resent. i Dr. Marmion has closed the contracts for fin- ishing the interior of his new house on Q street, between 17th and 18th streets. The first floor will be very rich in design and material. The parlor and lib finish will have pilasters, and cornices enriched with capitals, minute mould- ings, &c., of mahogany. The dining room walls will be entirely panelled in oak, excepting a space for a decorative frieze of illuminated Jeather under cornice. The timber ceiling will be of oak relieved with prepay 4 moulded ribs. A large oak buffet ten feet high to be built in with the panelling—carved, and en- riched with tracery, &c., will occupy ought togrow. The @fficutty which these in- telligent public servants have in killing the most valuable trees is wonderful. Year after year the mangled stumps protrude, pleading trum- pet-tongued against the deep damnation of their taking off, and recuperating only to be cut off again. A tree that had any sense would soon see that it might as well die at once. Yet the senseless things not only drag out a deformed existence for several »years, but what is more preposterous, they try to maintain their original character. This is their worst offence. Itis a pity all the trees cannot be manufactured to or- der by some patent process. We will never have any satisfactory uniformity among them till this is done. Nature is altogether too per- verse and lawless in the way she makes her trees grow. It is yo What isa tree good for unless it is ex ly lke every other tree ea of a presuming to haye a character of its own! When, as rarely happens, light and air are too much fi ; When a tree is so top-heavy that it must be shattered by the wind; when it injures adjacent buildings, prune it. And do it with an eye single to t! Otherwise, let it alone. Let it alone if practi- C We have also had's great deal of capital invested here by retired wealthy men from all over the country. The building in small property is, however, much behind former seasons, owing: to the scarcity of cheap lots in good locations in the northwest section of the city. Owners are holding lots so high and building materi’ has advanced so rap- idly, and mechanics are asking so much, that builders that formerly put up houses that would sell from $2,500 to #4,000 cannot afford to build and sell them tor that amount ef money. I find that there is a growing scarcity of that class of property. Every day I have half a dozen eters for property from $2,500 to $3,000, $4,000 and $5,000. I cannot begin to fill them. I suppos@if one hundred houses of this class were placed with me for sale I could find ready purchasers, cous emons investors. I have now applications for houses of this class, and have made inquiries and advertised, but there are very few to be had. “The scarcity of small houses has been grow- ing for the last three years, and now, with the increased boom in property in the northwest section and particularly with those lots formerly held at 25 to 50 cents a foot, has driven ple to building larger houses, and, as a rule, the real estate than to hold government bonds. OPENING VERY WELL, “It is opening very well,” said Mr. Chas. C. Duncanson, the auctioneer, when a Stak repor- ter asked him regarding the situation in the real estate market, ‘but the tronble is with the workingmen. Contractors are chary about tak- ing contracts, owing to the uncertainty of prices, on account of the rise in material and labor. One great trouble is that labor got down to such a low ebb last year in regard both to prices and to competency in every Tom, Dick and Harry going into it—that skilled laborers were forced out of competition. I am told that @ great many of the best skilled mechanics have gone to other places.” THE SPRING OPENING ENCOURAGING. “The spring opening,” said Mr. Mark Latimer, the well-known salesman at Dowling’s, when askedabout the real estate market, “Is en- couraging. The market is pretty steady in real estate, and will be healthy and active. The best indication we have is that we always make sales. There are ready bidders and first rate ices, both in Georgetown and in this city. Rt one side of the room. The fireplace opposite— | cable. Let it alone if possible. Trees cannot be class of purchasers that want to buy large | When the spring season really opens after the | built spacious for an old time crane—will | pruned without injuring their beauty. In a houses prefer to buy their own lots and build | weather setiles, I have no doubt real estate bus- | be framed by an elaborate chimney ten | city, where they are under unnatural condi their own houses, as they are able to pay extra prices to gratify their tastes. I think, however, that a great many ownersof lots are realizing the scarcity, and. pecogining the great element and more ready sale of that class of property, will come to the rescue. I find that there is a large class of buyers of the better class of lota, but principally confined to the northwest sec- tion of the city.’’ “What do you think of Washington as a place for investing in real estate?” asked the reporter. “I do not consider,” replied Mr. Burford, “that there is any city in the country that offers better inducements to investors than Washing- ton, in not only in ground, but in houses; first, because our assessment is $1.50 on the hundred, lower than in most any other city of equal im- pees: 2d. because the renting class here is largely in the majority, and, as a rule, are reliable, and 3d, beeause the general improve- ment of Washington is assured, from the fact that Congress is beginning to realize that there should be no stint in making the capital city what it should be. The demand for property to rent here is unprecedented, and if capitalists would come here and buy ground and build houses they would have no trouble in the world in renting them at prices that would yield them a handsome interest. Money is a g at six os cent. We cannot invest it. There is vi ittle property, espectally at the prices mentioned, but would pay, at least, 8 per cent. I consider, the way improvement is going on, that the time is not far distant when the corporate limits of the city of Washington will purchasers now looking for ‘suburbas propery. now ing for sul pri é A great many sales have been made, taking the Stone estate, Meridian heights, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding section. “ALWAYS BUILD ON A RISING MARKET.” Mr. A. L. Barbor, of the firm of Barber & Langdon, interested in developing the Columbia. heights property, said to a Star reporter: “There are many inquiries for property, and a number of residences to be built there. The death of President Garfield and the uncertainties regarding the t office, not only of prom- ‘3 3 under them, had the of inent officials, those effect of ae ation in all kinds of business. Now is about over, and there ia a revival.” “WHL the rise in Inbor and materia! have an injurious effect on the build: ag “I have heard that talked about, but perience is that build ona et, and do iness will be good.’ WHAT AN ARCHITECT SAYS. A Star reporter called upon Mr. C. H. Reed, the architect, and asked him his views on the building boom. He replied: ‘The prospects for a splendid season were good, but the prices of the different tradesmen have advanced so much that the work has been checked.” ‘You see,” said Mr. Reed, ‘‘there is plenty of work to be done and I have ty of it, on paper, but the builders were so elated with the success ot last that they have advanced the prices at least twenty-five per cent. It may look as if I were eeke a against my own interest, and per- haps Iam; but I don’t like to havea client of mine pay an unreasonable price. Builders say we want Chicago and New York Fr , but they don’t realize that the cost of living in those cities is much more than here, and beside the building is of an entirely different character. There the work often must be done. A man wust have his store finished by a certain time, and he is obliged to pay the price. But in this city residences mostly are built, and the re- tired army or navy officer or the man who has put his little fortune in bonds thinks he would like a comfortable residence. ‘Mr. So-and-so,” he says, “built that nice house of his for $10,000, and I guess I will build one similar.” But when he comes to investigate the matter he finds it will cost him $15,000. “What is the matter?” he asks. ‘‘ Prices have ad- vanced.” ‘Well, then, I guess Pl wait. P'm in no hurry. Government bonds are good enough ferme, and I will wait till prices are down.” see,” said Mr. Reed, “the building boom which was predicted stand-still. and nearly has already and oo woul gatlied vould begin Aad a fox, Rel antd, thore is plenty off it todo." : THE GROWTH OF THE CITY. “A remarkable feature of the material growth of this city,” said Mr. Smithmeyer, the architect, toa Star reporter, ‘is the fact that nearly all the houses designed and built in thiscity during feet wide and reaching to the % floors will all be of polished hard woods, laid in various designs. The other rooms of the house will be finished in Harmony throughout in vari- ous woods, as the use of the room make most fitting. Gray & Page, architects; Langley & Gettinger, builders. The interior woodwork is furnished by Joseph Thomas & Sons, of Balti- more. The new residence for Col. Jerome N. Bona- parte, on K street, also Commanaer Kellogg's ouse on N street. aud W. S. Pitken’s house on Dupont Circle by the same architects, are rap- idly Spurosninng: competion and will soon be ready for occupancy. SOME RECENT SALES. Messrs. John Sherman & Co., have recently sold the following of the buildings erected by them last season: No. 1145 Connecticut avenue to Mrs. Bloomer for $10,000. This house has 21 feet front; con- tains eleven rooms, furnace and conservatory; finished in natural woods. No. 1141 Connecticut avenue to Gen. W. B. Rochester, paymaster eral -U. 8. A., for) $15,000; fronts 22 feet. 6 inches on the avenue; has fourteen room; finished in natura! woods. No. 1347 Q street to Alfred Wood, esq., secre- tary Inland and Seaboard Navigation Company, for $7,000; house of eleven rooms; all modern improvements; finished in natural “ ‘To the Editor of Tux Evexixe Stax: The cool impudence of an ‘Insolent Woman” in her reply to an “Indignant Citizen” shows her to have been one of the aggressors in his Barrow escape from death. Personally I have little interest in this matter, for when I choose to walk I realize that “I take my lifein my ~~ ard must gy eqn sacrificed. in our wide streets it can very greatly pre- served. As a rule, these priceless comboreers and teachers are pruned by laborers, who have scarcely more conception of what they are really doing than have the trees ives. Go to the Government Printing gee close to the building, and Aap the opposite side of H street; and choose between them. For some inscrutable reason the latter have been (paey! well let alone. The older ones around the building have been haggied nearly todeath. We bore the loss of the old trees about the Capitol philosophically, but what can- not beso well borne is the inexorable licking of those left into prim, eut-and-dried forms. What larly moved us to make these re- marks was the fact that the past week saw a & i | Be BE i A. “Well, it is easily explained. There sang Kinks ak ter et ee eee high, and never. will be lower in ‘white pie For fi ‘and the pine, wainu' in accordance with specifications, and will not slight it for the sake of coming cut within too close figures. up fine dwellings ee Talk ol ig Tdo tent than wlee-and judicious investments tn real estate here.™) +