The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 25, 1896, Page 39

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1896, 36 THE OUTLOOK FOR REALTY Opinions of Various Brokers on the Future of the Market. Many Improvements of City Property Expected During the Coming Year. An Optimistic View Taken by the Majority of the Brokers. With a view to offering some useful sug- gestions on the real estate outlook for the pew year, THE CALL presents herewith a series of communications from the brokers whose experience and judgment qualify them to discuss the topic intelli- gently. The opinions will be found un- usually interesting, dealing as they do with living issues, while their conclusions will have all the weight that comes from intimate knowledge of the subject under consideration. REALTY AS SECURITY. The most notable fact in connection with the real estate situation at this time is the manifest restoration of confidence. It appears to be universal; and it promises to make an active market during the com- ing year. Values, both of City lots and country lands, have been tending down- ward these past three years; bottom has been reached, and the symptoms of bet- terment are now plainly to be seen. The real estate market does not, like the Bond Exchange, respond immediately to new conditions, The element of time enters into every transaction, great or small; but already there is a visible in- crease both in the number and weight of the transactions in hand. In my judgment there has not, within recent years, been a time so favorable for reai egtate investment as just now. The prices at which property may be obtained are in many instances from 25 to 40 per cent less than the prices ruling prior to 1893, while the outlook for future values is better than at any time in the past. All the outside conditions upon which the profitableness of City property is depend- ent are now for the first time in several years wholly favorable. The mining 1n- dustry is pouring more than a million and a half dollars each month into the busi- ness life of San Francisco. The better prices for agricultural products mean an increase of business of at least 20 per cent. The revival in these lines of industry is alreaay stimulating local manuiacture, and every establishment which turns out mining or farming machinery is now working on full time. The new Valley Railroad is just beginning the business of actual transportation, and its immediate projects will distribute several millions of dollars in channels which lead direct to San Francisco. All these facts are bound to be reflected in the better conditions ai- fecting City real estate. The value and the demand for property is based upon its earning power; and with increasing activity in business there is bound to be an increasing demand and better prices for real estate. - A marked feature of the present time is the inquiry for homestead lots of moderate price. Apparently many persons of small means have been hoarding their savings auring the period of uncertainty and are now seeking small investments. 1t isa wholesome movement bound, in the very nature of things, to extend the area of the districts of small homes. In the line of large investments there are many inquiries on the part of conserv- ative people, so many that I feel safe in predicling a heavy business in 1897. 8. C. BuckBEER. A PROSPEROUS FUTURE. The clearing of the political atmosphere has had great beneficial effect on both the City and State realty market. Many of those who were doubtful as to the future financial policy of the Government are now fully satisfied that the incoming ad- ministration will safeguard the interests of its citizens and will make no attempt at experiments which would either com- pel us to apologize for their failure or keep us guessing as to the final outcome of the policy of which even the instigators, many of whom are entirely without prac- tical” experience in financial matters ex- cept such information as they were able to gain from reading of books and pamphlets which were issued during the past year by men with a ready pen and some thought, are doubtful. Many of these were issued as catch- penny affairs by men who have never been able to amass even a small competence, except possibly by deluaing willing theo- retical students to purchase these wild efforts. Believing that the author’s theory was a practical one, these would-be theorists were ready to plunge into a whiripool that every practical and suc- cessful financier insisted meant utter ruin to our interests. Now that we have passed through this peculiar so-called campaign of education our people are again sauisfied to resume their usual tenor and the termination has brought to us a renewed feeling of con- fidence. With this renewed feeling loans are being freely made by the banks—the realty masket, both in the City and State, js showing much activity, income and business property is in great demand, and money is being drawn irom the safe de- })osit vaults and the holders are looking or legitimate investments in all avenues of trade. The general outlook is bright and full of promise, and I predict that for some years San Francisco and the entire State will enjoy a period of great prosperity. A. J. Ricy & Co. BRIGHT PROMISES FOR 1807, The teal estate market in the past year hes been in an uncertain condition, owing principally to the unsettled finan- cial conditions which have existed, and partiaily due to general depression ana duil times. It is evident that the dullness of the mer- cantile business affects real estate ma- terially and especially rents, which gov- ern to & great degree the value of prop- erty. The banks declining to loan money on real estate prior to the past election naturally affected the sale of property and assisted in creating a sluggish market; be- sides, intending purchasers were slow to invest, being uncertain of the outcome of the election, This being removed at the present time has improved the conditions of the real estate market, and the demand for, especially first-ciass business prop- erty, has materially increased—in fact so much so that the demand is greater than the supply. There is also a good demand for small improved property on good re- tail streets. Money has become ‘plentiful, the confi- dence has been restored, and I believe the year 1897 will be a very prosperous one; that values will materially enhance, and a much larger business can be ex- pected than the past year. Interest on money is low, taxes are less than they were & year ago, and one important feature which has presented itself is that within the past month a great many busi- nesses are changing locations, and in every instance are leasing larger quarters, show- ing that they anticipate improved busl- ness. Of course it cannot be expected after four or five years ot dullness that within the next few months business will revive to a great degree. It takes years todepre- ciate property in a town as large as this, and it will take a few years Lefore full re- action takes piace. 3 San Francisco is being divided into dis- tricts, and certain retail trade being con- fined to one portion and certain wholesale trade to another, and se on. 1t is evident, and in my opinion, that the present time is the best time to invest in real estate; that real estate will never be so low again in San Francisco, and intending purchas- ers can expect a big improvement and in- crease in the value of real estate for the year 1897. HENRY P. SoNNTAG. A BRIGHT FUTURE. The result of ine iate clection has cer- tainly led to a return of confidence among bankers and the majority of investors in real estate, and the market has been thereby much strengthened. The open- ing of the Valley Railroad for business and other noticeable improvements in Stockton and throughout the State have all united in the same direction. Of course, the recovery of prices upon a sound basis is bound to be gradual, and it will be some time before there is an active demand for outlying residence property, but for downtown business proverty and for property upon business thoroughfares uptown, inquiry is increasing daily and presages good business for the cuming year. In my opinion Citv real estate, except- ing perhaps the extreme outlying dis- triets, will find ready sale in 1897 at ad- vanced prices. There are several reasons upon which {I base this conclusion. The principal local reason is the aroused public spirit of all classes of citizens as evinced by the concerted action of the several im- provement ciubs, electric lighting of many streets by private enterprise, etc. In rela- tion to the latter I would suggest that shades or reflectors be added 1o the eiec- tric hights. By this means the lights might be rendered much more effective for the purpose jor which they are de- sired, viz., to light up the streets and stores. Another reason is the fact that a very considerable requction has been made in the rate of taxation, and it is a well- known fact that nmothing will deter in- vestors from buying realty more' than an unduly high rate of taxation. Whiie we are well aware that there is a great neces- sity for many improvements in this City, and that such improvements would eventually greatly enefit prope owners, they must be made graduallysby the honest expenditure of the money raised by a fair tax rate, or should 1t be desirea to make them at once, then bonds covering the expense of the work should be issued. In the matter of permanent improve- ments, such for instance as the laying down of a proper and scientific system of sewerage, it seems to me to be unjust to force the present generation of tax-payers to raise all the money for work which will benefit many succeeding generations. Of course there isa limit to the issuance of | bonds, as there is to a tax levy, if reai es- tale owners’ interests are to be properly protected, and I am only in favor of such issnance for imperatively necessary im- rovements, such as the sewerage system. Ve can look forward to an honest and clean municipa! government by which these interests will be properly conserved, and therefore believe that this, coupled with the return of confidence in financial circles, willinsure for 1897 an acuve real estate market at advanced values. HENEY P. UMBSEN. CALIFORNIA’S SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES. 8o much has been said from time to tithe in regard to the future of real estate in San Francisco and in the State of California generally that it seems like a useless repe- tition to be repeating what every one has thought tpon the subject and unquestion- ably knows well. The adyantages of California in climate and natural resources are superior in vari- ety and aggregation to those of any Gther State in the Union. They are only wait- ing develobment. This development re- quires population. Sull, the character of the population is very important. We wantonly a population that is able to take | care of itself while it is developing the re- | sources of tue State. We want an active, | aggressive independent people. There is abundant room for any number of this kind. The wealth of the community is the ag- gregated wealth of individuals. If the individuals are self-reliant, strong and independent the community will be the same; if the individuals are shiftless and become involved in debt or otLerwise the community wili be similar. If, therefore, every .individual in the State of California will do that in which he is engaged in a way to make himself entirely independent of others, and earn- ing first his own living and then prodnc- ing some surplus wealth, the prnsg:rity of the State or any part of it will as- sured. This is what every resident of the State should aim at, and those whose business it is to bring new settlers to the State should have this end in view. Our farming lands are now so cheap and the choice so great that any man in the city with the averace brain and physical ability, if he is not making a living in the city, can certainly do 8o with proper en- ergy in the country. Therefore, every citizen of our State who is earning his living where he is and adding something to the increasing weslth of the State, is doing his duty; and he ‘Wwho is not doing this should consider his circumstances and see if he cannot so change them or go elsewhere so as to earn bis living, and if possible also add to the wealth of the State. If this spirit would imbue all of our people, it would not be long before California and every part of it, city and country alike, will forge shead in & Prospergus career. L. C. McAFEE. THE STUDY OF REALTY. Animpression prevails ikat when a per- son has failed to demonstrate bis capacity toearn a living in any other calling he is still good enough to be a real estate agent, hire an office, buy a desk and a few chairs, have a sign painted and you are in business. Or, if you are too impecunious to produce a month’s rent, or lack the ready cash to psy the first installment on your furniture, you are not entirely barred, for why may you not carry your memor- anda in your hat, have a movable office on the curbstone, and do your correspond- ence by borrowing papér and envelopes at the barroom, the free-lunch counter of which you favor with your patrona-e? ‘When meéting such nomadic specimens of humanity, who call themseives real estate brokers, I have occasionally wisbed that some one might rise to say a word for the importance and dignity of a calling which deals in transactions of greater magnitude than almost any other, and ti:e correct conduct of which requires not only a general education and strict intee- rity. but a special training which experi- ence alone can give. It is a well-known lact that the percentage oi real-estate owners to the population is greater in San Francisco than anywhere in the United States; hence light cn that subject is needed nowhere more than here. Some one suggested recenily that in our high schools and universities an occa- sional lecture on realty would not be amiss. Some of the following questions mieht be discussed: Why is a real estate investment advan- tageous for a man of modest means? Is 1t prudent to buy when a mortgage has t'a be given for part of the purchase price ‘Why must all contracts bearing on real estate be made in writing? What are the obligations and rights or a tenant toward a landlord, and the land- lord toward his tenant? ‘Why have the choice localities for resi- dence and business property changed four or five times since the settlement of this peninsula? And are these several locali- ties now permaneatly settled, and if so where are they? How can our present tax system be im- proved ? ‘What influence would the adoption of th: ;inglo-mx theory have on real prop- erty Is it in the interest of real estate to have a new charter? ‘What has caused the periodical seasons of dullness, followed by periods of pros- perity, which have characterized the real estate market of this City during the last forty years, and what {ana this wouid be # seasonable topic for a lectura at this moment) has caused our present depres- sion, and when is it likely to end ? 0. F. Vox RHEIN. COUNTRY LAND PROSPECTS. The outlook for improvement in coun- try realty we consider most promising. Our country has decided that we are to have protection to American industries, and California will be greatly benefited by a revised tariff law that will protect our wool, wine, raisin, sugar and dried fruit industries. Already there is a marked improvement manifest in the numerous inquiries, since the election, for country properties. It is well known that our State is producing more gold than ever be- fore, and our miniug interests are attract- ing world-wide attention. The Wibe- growers’ Associstion has advanced the price of wines, and the growers of wine grapes have a bright future before them. Raisins and dried fruits haye advanced in price, and the crop of this present year has been marketed at a satisfactory profit. The advance 1n grain_and the prospect of its continuance have helped the farmer to look for a brighter future. The large amount of money that will be expended 1 completing the 8. F. and S. J. V. R. R. to Bakersfieid and connecting Stockton to S8an Francisco; the compleuon of the Corral Hollow Railroad o tidewater, bringing cheap coal to our market, and the connection by the S. P. R. R. of the coast line connecting Santa Barbara to this City by rail, will put money in circu- lation that will stimulate all our indus- tries. Our country lands offer great in- ducements to our overcrowded cities. A small farm, judiciously selected and de- voted to_ general farming, intelli-ently cultivated, cannot help but prove remuner- ative, and certainly offers greater induce- ments than the vicissitudes of business in our overcrowded cities. We bespeak a bright future in country realty. Davip Busa. INQUIRIES INCREASING. ‘While the greater part of the last two years has been distressingly quiet and the market dull we certainly predict a pros- | perous year for real estate. It is eafe to say that prices of property are lower now than they ever will be within the next ten years. Not only the number but also the | cuaracter of business and residence im- provements lately erected are awakening an interest in real estate heretofore un- known. The number of inquiries for prop- erty within the last two months is in- creasing wonderfally. Eastern capitalists are beginningto interest themselves in our City, which 1s evidenced by the recent purchase of some of the large downtown properties, Owing to the present rate of taxation banks will be obiiged to reduce the present rate of interest paid to depos- itors; in consequence of which persons having money on deposit wiil withdraw it and invest it in real estate, from which they will receive better returns. The “signs of the times” surely augur well for 1897. A. M. Seck & Co. AN ENCOURAGING MARKET. The outlook of the real estate market is somewhat of a task to predicate, but from the indications of the past year it appears to be encouraging. There has been more unity of action the past year than for- merly—more enterprise, too—people have not waited for something to happen, but have set about doing whatever they could find to do with the best advantage. In my opinion opportunities iong ex- pected in the real estate marketare coming soon—when they come they will come in manifold shape. Immigration will bave set in as a resuit'of enterprise on the part of the people and liberal inducements offered by the railroads. The stranger will be among us and new life, new blood, more people, more money, more industries will be the resalc. As we increase in numbers we will in- crease in strength and financial import- ance. The time is nearer than most of us imagine. There are grand opportunities { in this City and State compared with other States and towns, ana I predict a much larger volume of business in real estate transactions the coming year thau the last has shown. JacoB HEYMAN. OF PRE-EHINEAT SKILL The Honorable and Successful Career of Dr. F. L. Sweany. It Has Stamp:d Him &s One of the Few Great Men of His Profession. To become a successful physician, one who is recognized as a man pre-eminent in his profession, is one of the most ex- alted stations in life to which any one can aspire. Itisa positivn that cannot be at- tained except through great personal sac- rifice and by a thoroughly unselfish devo- tion to the well-nigh interminable labors that are necessary before the healing art is so thoroughly mastered that the treat- ment of disease is an accurate science rather than a doubtful experiment. Among the doctors of renown residing in San Francisco there is one who is recog- nized as one of the comparatively few great men of the medical world, For many years past Dr. F. L. Sweany, the distinguished specialist, has been en- gaged in the practice of his profession in this City, and his career has been one of honor and success that is without a paral- lel in the medical history of the coast. He is regarded by all as a great physician and & skilled surgeon, whose mission on earth, as daily demonstrated in nis practce, is to inteiligently treat the sick, to relieve pain and suffering and to cure disease. He benefiis humanity in a manner- that wins for him the undying gratitude of his pa- tienws and the congratulations and plaudits of the world. In the treatment of diseases of the ner- vous system such as nervous debility and its train of atiending evils he has been particularly successful, and there are scat- tered all over the land thousands of young, middie-aged and old men whose hearts thrill with joy and pleasure at the mention of the famous doctor's name, for they recall in bim a friend who wasa iriend in need. He reStored to them by his skillful treatment manly strength and vigor and with them the necessary strength and energy to successfully en- counter the battles of lhife. This great doctor is a man who is deserving and re- ceives the greatest honor from his fellow- citizens. He is likewise one of those rare nien whose life’s work in the cause of hu- manity will leave its everlasting impress upon the world’s history. e — Dr. Hall’s Reinvigorator, The resources of science have been tried in vain to furnish a remedy for those wasting drains that sap manhood’s strength until the Hall Medical Institute furnishetl a remedy sure and powerful that will stop all losses in twenty-four hours. The evils which follow in the wake of secret vice and excesses bave been banished by its use. It is sent sealed by the institute at $2 per bottle, or three boitles for $5, which is guaranteed to cure any case. The 565 Brosdway, Oakiand, Cak. Send for 4 roadwi a iree books NATORE GIVES POWER TO HEAL Medicine and Instruments Discarded by a 19th Century Doctor. “To Do Good Is My Religion, to Cure the Sick My Mission.” Men and Women Prominent in City and State Teil of Health Restored. Ring out the old, ring In the new; Ring out the false, ring in the irue. Has a wider avplication perhaps than the poet knew when he penned the famous lines. In the healing art book knowledge derived from the schools and so-called scientific institutions has signally failed to conquer the diseases which prey upon mankind and make desolate countless homes. The old regime of nauseous medicines, the surgeon’s knife and the whole paraphernalia of instruments of torture, have been weighed in the balance ana found wanting. At the ciose of the century a more ra- tional method of treatment, evolved from Nature's Arcana, like a ray of light pierces the gloom and meets with instant and widespread success. This revolution, fraught with so much of hope and blessing to poor humanity, has been accomplished by the work of one woman, who has resided with us for the last seventeen years, but so modest, so un- assuming have been her ministrations among an army oi the afflicted to whom she has brought health and happiness, that our community little knew that in Dr. Nellie Beighle, or “The Lattie Doctor,” as her patients endearingiy term her, San Francisco possessed the most successful healer of our day. _ Tne story of her discovery of the heal- ing power developed, in her rightarm to touch the sick and’bid them be whole is familiar to our readers. Within that po- tent right arm ‘*the giver of every good and perfect gift”’ has made the seat of an occult force which science has often es- sayed to describe, but as often failed *“to pluck oat the heart of its mystery.”” A CarL reporter paid a visit to her beautiful offices on the sixth floor of the Bpreckels building yesterday. A throng of patients awaited their turn in the re- ception-room. The doctor obeys the in- junction, “Physician, heal thyself,”” for the glow of health sparkies in her eye and its roses mantle in her cheeks. There is something masterful, yet tender, in her manner as she accosts her patients and their first step on health's highway is taken in confidence and love. The doctor is a charming conversation- alist and in answer to a question said she treated forty patients a day. Being urged -eept cancer,’”’ she continued, to describe her method of treatment she modestly said she was afraid she couldn’t, for no two persons were treated alike. “The power which God has given me,” she said, reverently, “enables me to treat the patient through natural laws. In nervous diseases I am especially inter- esteqa, and the numberiess expressions of gratitude from sufferers of this cruel form of disease restored to health by my instru- meniality are among my most precious possessions. *I treat all diseases of the stomach ex- “together with kidney, liver and rheumatic affec- tions—in fact, all diseases.” Bhe stated to the reporter that her charges were $5 for a single treatment, or $15 for a course. It is a remarkable fact that the doctor diagnoses a case without asking a question, and it is conceded that in this regard she stands without a peer. The reporter wanted to see some of the testimonials from prominent peo- ple about which so much has been said. “That I cannot permit,”’ she said, and a look of firmness came into the kindly eyes and a tone of severity to the gentle voice. *The letters of patients are inviolate, and can only be shown with the consent of the writers. However, here are the names of a few prominent professional and business peo- ple whom you mey interview, if they de- sire. But in any case, their names must not be published.” “You may say for me,” said one of the best-known real-estate men in the City, “that Dr. Beighle saved ry life. Ireceived a fall 1n 1849, which compelled me to give up my business. I tried the best physi- cians Bast and in Europe, without benefit. I went 1o her and got cured. You can’t say too much in her praise.” “I have been a sufferer from nervous trouble for yeurs,”’ remarked the wile of the foregoing, *‘and Dr. Beighle has restored me to first- class health. For nervous troubles, Dr. Dr. Beighle has no equal.” Both of the above volunteered enough information of cures effected by ‘‘the little doctor” to fill columns. A well-known ex-Senator testified to stomach and liver complaints which made iife a burden. He tried, without success, the most eminent physicians and the best springs. “Dr. Beighle restored me to per- hfi nealth,” he conciuded enthusiasti- cally. A public man who once held the second highest office in the State had an affection of the eses and was fast becoming blind. His experience with the most noted spe- cialists in diseases of the eye here and elsewhere brought him no relief. *At last I applied to Dr. Beighle, with the re- sult that she completeiy restored my sight.”” These are a few people taken at random out of scores that live to testify to healtn and happiness restored, And surely these grateful voicas must fall like a benediction on the uncrowned queen of the divine mis- sion of healing. ASTHEMA cure guaranteed, Dr. Gord’son Chocolate Emulsion. 221 Davis, S.F.Cal. $1a bot. 6-§5,sam be e “Mamie go. a diamond ring for her Christmas.” “How aid she get it?” “Hung up her stocking.” h'hsk' of course; but how did Jack et it?”’ g “Hung up his watch.”—Illustrated Monthly. ————— Tumblers of nearly the same shape and dimensions as those employed to-day have been found in great numbers in Pompeii. They were of gold, silver, glass, azate, marble and other semi-precious stones. ———————— The science of biology dates from Tre- viranus’ work on the subjectin 1802. He dealt, according to the kunowledge of his time, wiih the science of life. LABORERS HAD THE PREFERENCE Petition to Declare 0’Connell & Lewis Insolvents Rejected. Judge Slack Said That the Peti: tion Should Never Have Been Filed. One of the Most Groundless Cases, He Remarked, That Had Ever Been Brought Before Him. 1t appears that the statements made by the attorneys for the labor creditors of 0’Connell & Lewis, to the effect that that firm owed more than $6000 to fourteen men employed on the construction of the City Hall dome was destitute of truth. Oscar Lewis of the firm of O’Connell & Lewis said yesterday that all the men who worked on the dome of the City Hall had been paid in full, with the exception of only one or two to whom wages for a very few days’ work remain unpaid. Mr. Lewis does not deny the indebtedness to the men, but claims that it accrued while the men were working on other contracts. On October 12, five months after the dome had been finished and accepted by the City, O’'Conneill & Lewis made an agreement with all their credilors except two, turning over the assets of the firm to three trustees, one of whom, James V. Powers, was. selected by the laborers as their representative. The firm was to be allowed to continue in business for at least twelve months, and if at the expira- tion of that period it should be found that the business was not profitable, it should be wound up. The commercial creditors, the heaviest being for only $800, agreed that the laborers should be paid first out of the assets. Notwithstanding this agreement some of the creditors, including laborers, pre- sented a petition in the Superior Court praying that 0’Connell & Lewis be thrown into involuntary insolvency. Thereupon O'Connell & Lewis in seli-defense were obliged to file a petition in voluntary in- solvency. Judge Slack yesterday morning threw the petition in involuntary insolvency out of court. In doing so he said that the pe- tition should never nave been filed, and that it was the most groundless case that he had ever had to consider in a matter of insolvency. The court granted the petition of O'Con- nell & Lewis in voluntary insolvency. The peach was originally a poisonous almond. Its fruity parts were used to poison arrows, and for that purpose was introduced into Persia. Transpiantation and cultivation have not only removed its poisonous qualities, but turned it into the delicions fruit we now enjoy. ——t———— WHITE HOUSE ETIQUETTE. The Unwritten Laws Which Govern (he President’s Social Position. When the Prssident and his wife drif out the President sits on the right hang/ seat and his wife on the left. If there are others in the carriage, whether ladies or gentlemen, they must sit with their backs to the horses. When Mrs. Cleveland was first married she trieq the experiment of placing her mother opposite the President and herself in the Presidential landau, but the people laughed at it so_immoderately and pro. fessed to think Mrs. Folsom (as she was then) to be the maid, that it was speadily dropped. When the President’s wife drives alone she sits in the right hand corner—the place of honor. The lady of the White House cannot set foot within those splendid houses in Washington whose flagstaffs mark the for- eign embassy or legation. She could not go without the President, and asan em. bassy or lecation is technically a part of the country it represents the President could not go, so that she never sees the inside of a diplomatic house as long as she presides at the executive mansion, The President dines only at Cabinet houses, and wife cannot dine anywhere with- out him. President Arthur dined with Judges of the Supreme Court and with Senators, but as he had no wile the whole system was very much sim- plified for him. The President’s wife may if she chooses go toluncheons where there are no gentlemen, or to teas, both being regarded as stricily informal; but the dan- ger of giving offense by accepting one in- vitation and declining apother is so great that it 1s seldom or never risked.--Illus. trated American. A FRONTIER LANDMARK. The Little Log House Onee Ceeupied by Jefferson Da \ At the oid abandoned military post o, Fort Gibson, Ind. T., there stands a lith log house. It is now rapidiy going decay and is uninhabitable, but once, long ago, it honsed a man celebrated in the world’s history, and to-day is pointed out as one of the sights of the country, says a writer in the Illustrated American, The house is none other than the gquarters of First Lieutenant Jeffer<on Davis, First Dragoons, United States army. In the fali of 1834 Lieutenant Davis re- ported with his trooo of dragoons for duty at Fort Gibson, then in what was called Towa Territory. Quarters were assign€l him in a little log house situated on the bank of the Neosho or Grand River, which flows by the old post. In this modest habitation the young lieutenant lived, and, it is said, there en- tertained Washingion Irving and Eleazur Williams when Irving was making his trip through the West. The house is built of black walnut lo:s, the chinks between the logs being filled with mortar. There are two rooms, each containing a laige fireplace capable of burning cordwood of full length. Such was the abode in which the young lieutenant spent his last days while in active service, for in 1835 he left Fort Gib- son on leave of absence and resigned from the service at its expiration. Although over s:Xtv years have passed since the young lientenant occupied the cabin, it bas, on account of the almost in- desiructible material of which 1t is made, managed to withstand very well the rav- ages of time and to-day is pointed out to strangers who visit tuat part of the terri- tory as ‘“‘Jeff Davis’ house.”” NEW TO-DAY. i | THE | CALL S PRINTED UPON PAPER MADE BY WILLAMETTE 2 PAPE o