, 1860-04-06
RENT S.

Previous to the rcvuls:on Of 1867, rents in
Chicago had hcen steadily advancing and in the
Spring Of that year they reached fearful eli
max. Shrewd business men saw and derlor-
cd the evil, but like many c,her diseases Of
our inauci"l and political system, they were
satisfied thu: in few years it would cure itself.
The disease reached crisis sooner than was
expected, md the euro has been propo.dona1}y
"a i'd.
For several years previous to 81 houses
anc st"Fes Of I'LL kinds were put up with u.s.
touishing ralidity, for the rents in two, and at
most IN three years. would replace the eDtiro
investment Since tie crash came the price
OF 1abor has fallen oil very materially, and
lumber, brick aud most other materials scarce
Il command half the prices formerly realized.
Hence, our capitalists ard substantial citizens,
confident Of the future Of Chicago, have taken
advantage Of the times TO improve their real
property, and. building operations have
gone Gu steadily, till now stores and dwellings
can he had at reasonable figure. Indeed,
from present appearances there will be de-
cidcd panic among landlords to procure good
tenants, and those who have them would do
well to make nj. reasonable concessions 10
keep them As compared with the rates Of
'57, eren twenty-five per cent. is far better
taan 10 let rooms and buildings stand idle. If
our information is ut all correct, landlords in
some parts Of tho city will he very glad to ac-
cept that in order 10 secure or retain good
paying tcrants.
People at a distance must not infer from,
this statement that Chicago is decreasing in
population, or that business is sadly depressed
here. Tue number 0! votes cast at the last
municipal election settles the question that the
city is steadily growing. Asto business, it is
not pretended that it is rushing on in golden
currents as it did previous 10 Isl; hut that the
channels Of trade nro promising and healthy
there can he no question whatever. Fur
years past the opportunities to commence any
Legitimate calling in Chicago have not been
half 50 good To manufacturers Of almost all
kinds the chances were never 80 numerous and
inviting. Take all those that require hand
work, cheap room aud cheap food; for IL
stance boots and shoes, clothing business,
hats and capR, etc, etc.
The upper stories Of tue large business
blocks all over tho main streets Of the city can
be rented at merely nominal figures, on The
prices once obtained. aud Of course, food Of a1
kinds, vegetables perhaps excepted, rules at
tho lowest possible figures. 1t is believed
that the movement to Improve the vacant
lands about Tic city, will eoon reduce the
price Of vegetables TO the prices paid in other
Cities Without entering into all the minutia.
any man ne belieyc caa satisfy himself that
there has not bcen for years past so good
time to commence business in Chicago as the
spring Of 1860. Lands are cheap, 1cnls are
cheap, and the demand for all articles Of pro-
ducive industry is large and constantly il
creasing. ~
-Ihesc remarks are not made at the instance
Of landlords, though the tendency Of course is
to secure them tenants. II is quito likely,
however, they will bs disposed to censuro us
for stating the facts as they arc, claiming that
shey will tend to depreciate the price Of rentals.
We shall risk their d:splcasure in view Of t1,o
benefits likely to accrue 10 that large class Of
persons whom Chicago now E.ost needs to ell
gage in the pursuits Of productive industry.
Thousands Of tie cnterprisius and the indus
trious should cmbEaco this opportunity 10 set
tie in Chicago. They should bo satisfied with
small profits ut first; but that fortunes in nj
most any number can be made here within the
next decade scarcely requires moments ar
gument We say, therefore, to al who haro