davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
City Generalities.

Under this head come a great
many expenditures and improve
ments of interest and Importance.
Nothing has gone farther to
show the stride the city has made
than the present improved system of
lighting the streets. At the beginning
of the year the electric mast was aid
ed by only nine electric lamps and
$50 gas and gasoline lamps. The
number of electric lamps has been in
creased to $50 and the post lamps to
1.5OO. The total cost of lighting
the streets was $43, 157. 40, which was
double that of last year with ten
times the result. A still further ex-
tension of the electric system will
result early this year.
The telephone system has grown
apace, keeping step to the general
procession. During the year the rec
ord made was as follows:
New subscribers. 347
Miles of poles erected. 49,. 81
Miles of new wire strung. ..... 800
Miles of wire transferred. ..... $50
Gel VI COuuuClOT SlTuux CsSUU
Total cost of improvements. $4,000
A handsome improvement of the
city hall has converted it into a
convenient. elegantly-fnished and
arranged headquarters for the city
departments, filled with electric lights
and elevator, and so enlarged as to
accommodate several departments
heretofore crowded into outside quar-
tiers. The total cost of the improve
ment was S25, -Four miles of
new trackage for the horse-cars was
laid during the year, making a to-
tai of fifty-one miles. Six miles are
in contemplation for next season.
The gross receipts for the year were
$3.50, 600. and the total number Of
passengers carried was 9, 3ss, OF.
Among the incidental expenses Of
the year was one Of A. 3S6.24 for
street-sprinkling purposes. The
amount is assessed ON property hold
ers and should be largely increased
next season. For quarantine hos
pital SO, $50 were expended.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
The Real Estate Record

For the year will loom up with something
over nine thousand deeds and considera-
tons slightly in excess of S25, 900, 600. 1t
looks at this date as though the aggregate
OF last year would be exceeded by few
thousand dollars. Sales and transfers are
now briskly proceeding and week remains
ct the year. The real estate business has
never been in 80 eminently satisfactory
condition. Never before in Minneapolis has
the traffic in realty been conducted upon so
strictly legitimate basis. There has been
no boom, no unhealthy fuctuation of val
ueS. Speculation has been noticeably alb
sent, the law of demand and supply being
the only regulator recognized. An espec-
tally gratifying feature has been the unusual
number of cash sales, as indicating not only
confidence but that the purchases are made
for improvement There has been any
amount of money sent here for investment,
and while the demand for loans can be said
to be sufficiently strong to encourage East
ern capital to find resting place in Mime
apolis, there has not been any urgent need
for funds to carry on Improvements and the
lenders have generally sought the borrowers.
The growth of the inter-urban additions
has been simply marvellous. Business and
manufacturing interests have developed
symmetrically, and no one locality seems to
have enjoyed boom at the expense of
another portion of the city. So prosperous
has the year been. and so satisfactory is the
condition Of business that real estate own
ers feel safe in predicting that next years
business will even surpass the gratifying
showing for 1885. The deeds fled with the
register of deeds have almest without ex-
ception represented bona fide transactions,
but few transfers made for trading pur-
poses.
Thus far sixty-fve plats have been filed,
as against 139 last year and 147 in 1883.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
The Banks.

The banking business shows just such
growth as would keep pace with the
increase of the wholesale. retail and manu-
featuring interests of the city. The year
will close with five national, eight state and
two private banks and two savings institu-
tions. The straight capital of the national
and state banks is 81, $40. 900, and the de-
posts and securities of the others would
increase the amount to nearly Sc, 600, 900, a
gain of nearly $500. 900 ever last year, ex-
elusive of gains of surplus. The clearing
house figures, which indicate the relative
business of years, were as follows for the
year ending Dec. 1:
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
Business Firms

At the close of the year will number 4, 500,
according to the commercial reports, which
exclude all professionals, real estate agents
and barber shops. Dun's books show 1, s45
additions for 1885, as against 921 new ones
for 1884. Of these 1,S45 changes 1,200 are
reckoned new firms. Additional capital in
vested during the year is reckoned at
81, 400, 600. including everything. These
figures pave the way for the calculations
which follow.
RETAIL TRADE.
The volume of the retail trade cannot be
definitely ascertaned at this time, and now,
during the rush of holiday business. the in
crease can only be estimated. Minneapolis
is essentially retail city. claiming to do
two-ffths of the retail business of the state.
This business has shown wonderful in
crease during generally depressed year
and the total volume is estimated at 5 per
cent. greater than last year. Leading firms
place their holiday trade as far in excess OF
last year. but many find themselves unable
at this time to separate the retail from the
jobbing business, and decline to make esti-
mates.
THE JoBBING TRADE
is peculiar one and requires correspon.
ding treatment. If the jobbing of grain,
lumber and -four were to be included, the
total volume of trade would exceed
500. O0O. 900, but such an inciu-
sion would be manifestly unfair. In
straight jobbing, which limits the figures to
those houses doing no manufacturing.
Minneapolis, while showing tremendous
upward movement, is content to yield the
palm to st. Paul, falling back on her WON
derful retail trade and manufacturing busi-
(Continued on Eleventh Page.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
aggregate expense for the year was $780,
,xhia h iralI1dad SSR RRd oyrfaandod on

aggregate expense for the year was $780,
S645, which included $50, 1854 expended on
permanent improvements. The freight
ing and life-saving appliances and apparatus
have been improved and strengthened by
the addition of engines, ladder-trucks and
hose-carriages, and the department faces
the new year admirably equipped for its
work. Two new hose houses have been
erected and one enlarged to double-capacitv
at cost of $22.S0 The summary oil
alarms, losses and insurance during the
year is as follows:
Alarms. Losses. Insurance.
1885. $500. 1908 $224,924 $780, $50
There has not been a destructive fire
during the year, the fact being largely due
to the efficiency of the department. The
greatest loss at any fire did not exceed $45,-
600. and in only one instance exceeded
$25. ZOO. The good record of the year also
includes the work of the Relief association,
which cannot be too highly commended.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
of the Eighth ward would make fine show
ing in distance, and is now loudly de-
The Public schools.

The city schools absorbed. in permanent
improvements. the next largest share from
the public purse and no single sum has been
expended to better advantage. The total
enrolment for the year has reached nearly
$4,000, keeping exact pace with the in
crease of population, and to meet the want
required greatly enlarged school facilities.
Two entirely new buildings were erected,
and additions. where possible, were made
to three of the existing schools. Addi-
tional land has been purchased for school
uses and permanent fixtures have been
added to nearly every building. And yet,
the increase in the number of eligible child
rem has been SO great that temporary half
day schools in rented rooms and the utiliz-
ing of Easements has been necessary. The
total expenditure for permanent improve
ments was $685. AIS, to which, for the gross
expenses of the wear must be added 5000 =
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
Loan and Trust Company Building

cided at once, so that another questions,
that of the reduction Of water rates, may
be considered, which is practically i'm
possible with so large and expensive an
undertaking in prospect. The use of water
should become general. and the cost be as
light as possible. The city can never afford
to make her water department a regular
means of revenue. Baths and the sanitary
use Of water should be encouraged by light
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
The Public Parks.

The parks of the city absorbed the larg-
est sum spent in any one direction, and the
outlay has met the general public approba-
ton. In reality but two years OF work
have been bestowed since the creation OF the
commission in 1888. but the system was
fortunate one, and the results most salts
factory. The history of the year includes
as its most prominent feature the practical
completion of the Central park at an ex-
penditure during the season of over $780,
000 The rhirty-fourth street boulevard
has been abandoned, and new one, inclos-
ing Lake of the Isles. substituted. Supt.
Berry became the executive officer, and his
work has given satisfaction. The expenses
of the wear were as follows:
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
CIrY MANUFACTURING.
A Year Of Unbounded Prosperity
and Ceaseless Industry.


Including under this head, the lumber
cut and -four product. besides the miscella-
ne0us manufactures of city unrivaled in
the Northwestern world, the showing is
marvellous. Throughout the general coun-
try, the condition of industry was de-
pressed; money was sunk in various enter
prises and labor troubles increased the de-
spondency felt at all great manufacturing
centers. Prices ranged down and business
was carried on at oftentimes certain loss.
What contrast to this picture is presented
in Minneapolis. 1t is time that prices were
low and the effect of hard times elsewhere
was felt here, but in spite of that, the
records show products to have been larger,
investments heavier, new enterprises more
frequent and sums paid to labor larger than
last year. 1t is difficult, in generalization,
to make clear the enormous change that has
taken place in one year, but the figures
compared in totals speak for themselves
and cannot be misunderstood. With the
promised return of good times elsewhere
and better prospects here, what may not be
the record at the close of 1856?
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
The Lumber Cut.

The lumber trade was remarkable in 1856
for variety of reasons. The season began
early and continued late, closing when
practically not log remained in the river.
The lumber market was down and the
prospect discouraging until the season was
over half gone and the hducement to
large cut was not pressing one. Lumber
was advanced 10 per cent. in September
aud the ease with which the new rate was
maintained encouraged the lumbermen and
put new face upon the prospect for next
year. The mills were steadily kept in mo-
when. for the second time in history, the
last of the drive was sawed out The cut
for the past three years, with the COMPARE
son between this and last year, is as fol-
lows:
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

600 for salaries and current
expenses. The new build
ings were Emerson, $45, 600.
and Notify, $50, 900; addi-
tons were made to Sumner,
$1,000 Franklin, $40, 900,
andHumboldt. $4,000. For
new and additional land,
$21,Q15 was paid and for
heating apparatus, IS. 400,
making the grand total Of
S135. AIS. The outlay next
season must largely exceed
this, if the proportionate
growth of the city continues,
and additional facilities must
be procured for the night
schools. the enrolment for
the winter having considera-
bly, exceeded 1000.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
ZEAL ESTATE AND BUILDING.
Structures Have Sprung Up Like
Magic and Realty Has Doomed.


After the phenomenal growth Of 1883 and
he corresponding and marvellous boom in
building for that year, builders and contrac-
tors found themselves pushed to the utmost
to keep pace with the demand for dwelling
houses. Determined that second year
should find them better provided. they went
through 1884 with at least 500 dwellings in
advance Is to say, they closed the year
with that many houses ready for the ex
pected demand of the year following The
intense boom did not continue and for 1856
no such provision was made. With the
''stock'' of houses then on hand it Is mat
ter of surprise to the most sanguine friend
of the city that during the building season
of this year 3,437 building permits were
issued and 81, 500, 900 expended in structures.
1t is worthy of considerable thought. The
building inspectors books for the year end
ing Dec. l. 1885, make the following exhibit,
oQ,,1, Md.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

question of pure supply, as well as plentiful
one. This feature will be the interesting
point of 1886. as the increased territory to
be permeated by mains has already been
considered. Doubtless the engineering
skill of the nation will be consulted to the
end, for with its wonderful advantages of
system. Minneapolis can ill afford re-
proach upon the quality of the water supply.
The total cost of the department was nearly
SO. 600 less than in 1884, though the ex-
tension of mains was 80 per cent. greater.
the difference representing the reduced cost
Of iron. for pipe. The comparative extern
sion of mains and the cost, for the past
two years, with the estimate for the coming
season is as follows: =
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
miscellaneous manufactures.

ing statistics of Minneapolis that heretofore,
in summing up the results of the year, OF
OF any one year, the value of the -four pro-
duct exceeded the value of the product OF
the combined miscellaneous manufactures
OF the city, including lumber. The feature
OF this years exhibit is that while the out
put of flour increased. the stride made BY
miscellaneous manufactures overlook il
and, without the aid of lumber, showed
surprising margin. The record of 1884 wa!
as follows:
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
sl,e27,37O IS
SI,OSI,oIU q
r1,h;, ,nnoroIIalad reoord is great as com.

This unparalleled record is great as COM
pared with past years and yet dwindles in
comparative insigniticance when the pro-
posed improvements for next year are con-
sidered. For the coming season the change
of system, in doing away with contracts,
will probably result in heavier expenditures,
but the benefit will be reaped by the work.
men, so the city is the real beneficiary after
all
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
THE PAST YEAR.
The Marvellous Progress IL Has
Shown in All Departments.

The Marvellous Progress IL Has
Shown in All Departments.
Another year has been added to the his
tory of Minneapolis. AS in the past five
years. 1880 was memorable as the dawn of
a new era extending over that period, so in
the next decade 1885 will be recalled as the
beginning OF a more important epoch-the
advent of ''boom" that made all previous
booms seem puny and Insignificant. liner
tia has been overcome and the city has ac-
quired momentum that will carry it head
long through and by all obstacles. The
year will be especially notable as having
witnessed the application of modern
methods to trade and commerce, the adap-
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
A Most Gratifying Exhibition OF
Commercial PrOSDerisv

Commercial Prosperity.
In no sense can the record of the veal
prove more gratifying than in a strictly
commercial way-the increased volume of
business at the banks, the comparative
work of the clearing house and the Leaf
taken by wholesale and especially the re-
tail trade of the city. The figures given
are strictly conservative, the result of
careful canvass to Dec. 1 and an unbiased
estimate for December-such work as
cold-hearted statistician, with no interest to
subserve, might do.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
.,,,.S37,S69,249

The figures used for this comparison were
obtained from boom" sources. and it is but
just to say that If handled in the same
style the total for 1885 would be larger by
nearly two million dollars. But such plans
are as dangerous as they are hurtful to a
citv's intarast
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

The business of the year is not what bet
ter and more encouraging railroad rates
could have made it, but there was profit
in the year. though small one. With
ascending prices the new year is feced by
lumbermen with the brightest hopes and
fairest prospects.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
City Water.

The wa er supply of the
city is attracting general at
tention, at this time, but NOT
more than its importance
demands. Heretofore, in the
great need of adequate sup
ply and in the pushing of
the mains to cover the gil
gantic territory now building
up. certain sanitary questions
were avoided, but now, with
the system so far perfected
and the department a source
of revenue. the commission
4 IL
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
For the coming season these plans will l

For the coming season these plans Will
probably engross the attention OF the COM
mission, viz: The McNair boulevard. the
Lake of the Isles boulevard and the plan OF
Thomas Lowry to extend the bounds OF
Central park to include the territory to the
west, extending to and including Spring
lake
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

ton figures from the mills. The product IL
ascertalned by adding to the shipments thu
local consumption and deducting the foul
received here The following table shows
the exports for the past six years. that Of
1885, to Dec. 1, having been estimuted;
EIorrp Eypopro
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

wards spread their landscape beauties
through and their ornamental lengths along
the city, and Minneapolis ended the
year 1884 as prominent member Of the
galaxy of the twenty leading cities Of the
Union
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

This figure is exclusive OF nearly $40, goo
expended for curbs and cutters. A round
500, 900 was expended for grading, but the
work was light as compared with the pro-
posed grading for the coming season. A
larger expenditure made on the level lands
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
The FIRE Department

This branch of the public service has
made record for the year that may well
be considered in complimentary terms. Its
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
Cut of 1888 i.
Cut Of 1854 (.
Cut Of 1885,.
1s,ses, 7O9 ESQ, sol a.5s7.2Oo

In this connection, as a matter Of interest
and worthy of preservation, is given the cut
for each of the past sixteen years, showing
the gradual development of this magnificent
I'M
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
The Police Department.

The police force has written history Tor
itself that will entitle it to a position in
this summary. The expense to the city,
beyond the current cost for salaries, has
been light one, even including the $500
spent upon the recent malodOrous investiga-
ton. A new system of stations has been
planned and partially carried into effect.
and it has been proposed to devote 10 per
cent, of the license revenue, or $25, 600 per
annum, to perfect and maintain the system.
The electric alarm system has been i'm
proved and extended, and the third pre-
cinct station in the lower town inaugurated.
Other expense was incurred in the line Of
repairs to existing appliances, and the cur
rent cost of maintaining the system. The
annual report of the department will not be
due for some time. and what changes and
recommendations may be made have not
yet been formulated. With notable excep-
tons, the morale of the police force has
been commercially good. and its effect upon
the general peace and welfare of the city
quite noticeable. In this connection may
be included the workhouse, very impor
tant adjunct of the police department. which
is we'll under way, and has cost about
$50. 900 thus far. The most modern ideas
have been applied to Its construction. and
when completed, next March, it will be in
every way a model institution.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
Grand tOtal.

As compared with last year, and with the
explanation given above. the result is en-
tirely in keeping with the general progress
Of the city. The building necessities of
1885 absorbed not only the actual building
of the year, but the 800 or more dwellings
carried over vacant from 1884. Compare
tive statistics are as follows:
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25

These tables will give the best concep-
ton of the character and extent of the
building operations Of Minneapolis for the
season. The figures given the building in
spector are only approximate as far as
value is concerned and experience. A care
full examination shows that in miscellan-
eous and large buildings the amount given
is too low, while in the large dwelling
houses too high. Where real estate men
and spectators erect dwellings, or where
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-25
dwelling is erected by other than an owner

dwelling is erected by other than an owner
for his own use, the figure given the build
ing Inspector is subject to a discount, but
as there was comparatively no speculative
building last season, the figures as given
for dwellings may be accepted as fair.
There certainly should not, however, be
any addition for shortage. With all large
buildings, churches, hotels, business
blocks etc., the case is different, and the
building inspectors figures are found short.
A careful revision of the figures on build
ings of this character places the shortage
at 1926, 600. Notable examples of this
shortage are found in the Temple Court
building, Window block, Barber block. st.
James hotel, St. Charles hotel, Lumber
mems exchange, Corn eXhange and others.
In the building Of the season must also be
included the unfinished work Of last year.
A careful canvass Of such buildings puts the
total at $275, 900, the larger amounts be-
ing: West hotel, 1000; Union depot,
$40. 600. and Free Baptist church. $50, 900.
The summary would then be as follows:
Permit estimates. Sc, 427, 274
Fire limits increase. $4,000
Work carried over. 275,O00