The Democratic advocate., 1883-08-11
Select Storg.
THE TOWN LOT.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

1t happened many years ago that the
men who governed in municipal affairs OF
a certain growing town in the West resolv-
ed, in grave deliberatiOn assembled, to
purchase a five-acre lot at the north end of
the city-recently Incorporated and have
it improved for park or public square.
Now, it also happened that all the salable
ground lying north of the city was owned
by man named Smith, a shrewd, wide
awake individual, whose motto was "Every
man for himself" with an occasional addi-
ton about certain gentleman in black
taking ''the hindmost.'
Smith, it may be mentioned, was secret
ly at the bottom Of the scheme for apublic
square, and had himself suggested the mat
ter to an influential member of the Council;
not that he was moved by what is denomi
mated public spirit-no; the spring of ac-
tion in the case was merely private spirit,
or regard for his own good. If the
Council decided upon a public square he
was the man from whom the ground would
have to be bought, and he was the man
who could get his own price therefor.
As we have said, the park was decided
upon, and Committee Of two appointed,
whose business it was to see Smith and ar
range with him for the purchase Of suita-
BILE lot of ground. In due form the Com
mittee called upon the landholder, who
was fully prepared for the interview.
"YOu are the owner of those lots at the
north end 2" said the spokesman of the
Committee.
II am replied Smith, with becoming
gravity.
"Will you sell portion of ground, say
five acres, to the city?'
For what purpose?" Smith knew very
well for what purpose the land was wanted.
ave have decided to set apart about
five acres of ground and improve it as
kind of park, or public promenade p
"Have you, indeed Well, [ like that, "
said Smith, with animation. at shows
the right kind of public spirit
1--WE have, moreover, decided that the
best location will be at the north end of
the town
"Decidedly my opinion, returned Smith.
"Will you sell us the required acres ?"
asked one of the Councilmen.
"That depends somewhat upon where
you wish to locate the park.
The particular location was named.
"The very spot" replied Mr. Smith,
promptly, "upon which [ have decided to
erect four rows of dwellings,"
IGp,,+ - g G., o,,t e., b,+ ,,-,e ,,o+
urally objected
"Oh no. Not rod. The city is rap
idly growing in that direction. | have
only to put up the dwellings referred to
and dozens will be anxious to purchase lots
and build all around them. Won't the
ground to the left of that you speak of
answer as well?'
But the Committee replied in the mega
tive. The lot they had mentioned was the
one decided upon as most suited for the
purpose, and they were not prepared to
think of any other location.
All this Smith understood very well.
He was not only willing, but anxious for
the city to purchase the lot they were ne
gotiating for. All he wanted was to get
good, round price for the same-say four
or five times its real value. So he feigned
Indifference and threw difficulties in the
way.
A few years previous to this time, Smith
had purchased considerable tract of land
at the north Of the then fOurishing village
at fifty dollars an acre. Its present value
was about three hundred dollars an acre.
After good deal of talk on both sides,
Smith finally agreed to sell the particular
lot pitched upon. The next thing was to
arrange as to price.
DAT what do you hold this ground per
acre ?"
1t was some time before Smith answered
this question. His eyes were cast upon
the floor and earnestly did he enter into
debate with himself as to the value he
should place upon the lot. At first he
thought five hundred dollars per acre. But
his cupidity soon caused him to advance on
that sum, although a month before he would
have caught at such an offer. Then he
advanced to six, to seven, and to eight hun
dred. And still he felt undecided.
III can get my own price" said he to
himself. "The city has to pay, and I
might just as we'll get large sum as
small one"
"For what price will you sell?" The
question was repeated.
II must have a good price"
awe are willing to pay what is fair and
right"
"Of course, No doubt you have fixed a
limit to which you will CO.
"Not exactly that" said one of the gen.
tlemen.
care you prepared to make an offer ?"
"We are prepared to hear your price
and to make report thereon" was re-
piled.
''That's very valuable lot of ground,
said Smith.
"Name your price, said one of the
Committeeman, little impatiently.
Thus brought up to the point, Smith,
after thinking hurriedly for few moments,
said
zone thousand dollars an acre
Both the men shook their heads in a
very positive way Smith said it was the
lowest he would take, and so the confer
ence ended.
At the next meeting of the City Coun-
ellis, report on the town lot was made
and the extraordinary demand of Smith
canvassed. It was unanimously decided
not to make the proposed purchase,
When the decision reached the land
holder he was considerably disappointed
He wanted money badly and would have
dumped al" two thousand dollars for the
Gno -aaro Lot if satisfied that Il yrnr1ld bring