Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-04-05
HOMES RoR THE HOMELESS.

The LIST of April, . memorable dsv for
"movers" in many cities, hss past and gone. |
II BY no means follows that that day would
have been much more memorable in Rock
Island for change of residence than some
other days that could be mentioned, If there !
were only houses into which to move.
Gladly would many have put up with cold
dinners on moving day, lent hand with
beds up TO atlics, corded up and struggled
with heavy boxes, and consented to be made
thoroughly uncomfortable for the time, i'll
only they could, as reward, have suited
themselves with house. But the fact is
that we have no superauous houses into
which to move, and in consequ ne nee families
have to be thankful If they get house q,
all, and that ct o high rate of rent. 1t is
not the case that tenants do not need to
move, which might be sdduc.d as an au-
swer to she never ending migrstions of
some in cities where the chance of houses
those wishing to change their places Of resi-
dence in this city appear to have the good
and reasonable excuse that they are round
persons in square holes" Their houses are
too large, or too small too far away from
business, mot near enough the country; and
ell say they were Obliged" to rent them, be-
cause they could get none others, and that
the rent is too high for the accommodation.
Economists may point to these facts as an
indication of the prosperity of the city.
This is one.sided. It's welfare would be
offer TO would be citizens. People are de-
TERED from living with us, because we have
no place for them to live in. And there
are people in the world who have no objec-
ton TO get the worth Of their money, and
have some choice in house accommodation
vheL they settle in city. Without being
understood to advocate q superiority of
houses-of which we forsee 70 dsnger-we
would point out to the attention Of builders
and capitalists that one Of our leading house
agents informs US that his daily list Of house
seekers averages from one to ten, the higher
figure prevailing for the three weeks pre-
eeeding the LIST of each month, and that
their requirements, in nearly every,insssnce,
are reasonable as they are ungratifed, for
he has not houses for them. The same
ratio is found in the Offices OF other agents
and owners. In the present state of things
If man just hints his possible removal, 8
number of applicants instantly scent it out
: and make = grand descent upon the premises
to be vacated, and Notwithstanding
S they are informed that they are
, ''too lats,' liuger about the spot
as If it possessed some fascination for them.
Without intruding into the details of any OF
humorous, cases which have come under
our notice Of seekers for private residences,
= we will mention one instance in which the
place of business and residence are under
the same roof. Scarcely was Harry Strong
arrested on Wednesday than. in less than
an hour, there were four applicants to tenant
the house and run the business. Il is not
known how many of the workers IN Rock
Island srs driven to reside in Davenport
and Moline, for literal wait of houseroom
here, and to go all that distance to and
from work. Even the most miserable little
tenements here are eagerly sought for. nay
almost fought for, and ouirsgeously high
rents given for them with readiness, some
times ten dollars q month for two poor
rooms, lesky roof, no water, no cellar, no
coal or other outhou5es whatever, windows
and doors which will not shut or open from
their wrecked condition, and most of other
incou veniences.
How willingly would such a tenant give s
= few dollars more for decent house 50 live
f in, losing sight of the fscs that the rent
{ which he now pays ought TO secure him
' every reasonable comfort. Il would well
{ repay those OF our citizens who have few
> thousand dollars to spare, to pot up some
= decent houses Of suitable dimensions, and
T. reap thersfrom q large annual profit upon
{ the Investment. Monisd men of Rock
f Island, see to this. We have so many large
3 Mills, Works, industries and enterprises so
: many work people, such increasing demand
for houseroom; and none to offer. How can
yoa expect the prosperity of your city to
permanently increase when you have no
places for the poor man to live into say
nothing Of those who are richer and better
able to provide tor their own necessities.