The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-05-21
THE CAPITAL CITY HAS DONNED IN
HER LOVELY SPRING ATTIRE.
SIZING RACE MBElNa,
A Modern Picnic-Planked Shad--The
Marine Band--Ecumenica1 Coun-
cil-Other Interesting
Notes.


comfort. Ominous glances were cast
at the tender bloom on apple and
cherry trees, and knowing ones said,
"the fruit will be ruined" Now we
are quickly transported to the torrid
zone, and old Sol blazes away in pris
tine strength and brightness. The
busy housewife is eager to commence
that annual nuisance-house- cleaning,
and camphorated moth balls are large
ly in demand for the preservation OF
woolens, which must be packed away
till winter shall come agina. The city
is never lovelier than when in new
spring dress, the long avenues lined
with shade trees of every variety make
a delightful drive, even though it be
only in street car at five cents a trip.
The air is perfumed with the sweet
odor of locust blossoms, and the rose
has message for every lover. TO old
residents the increasing beauty of the
capital is as marked as to strangers
who view it for the first time. There
is growth, progress, development ev-
erywhere, and a union of elegance
with utility in decoration which give
glowing promise for the future.
Look at Franklin Park, one of the
most charming spots in the whole
city, yet can remember how drove
over its barren hillocks given over to
the meditative COW, in 1.-THE days OF
the wah." Now its grassy carpet is
like rich green velvet; a sparkling
fountain losses its glittering spray
high in the air, and on every side flow
ers of rare beauty give color and frag
rance to the spot where happy children
with their nursemaids congregate, and
men and women steal q few moments
from the busy tramp of duty, to rest
beneath the grand old shade trees. In
all sections buildings are being erected
and the click of the hammer is con
tinually heard. During the week just
passed more houses were contracted
Tor than in any previous week of this
season, and now upward of fifty new
houses will be in course of construction
in few days.
The National Republican league is
contemplating the erection of a hand
some new club house, in which perma-
nent headquarters will be established,
and if the plan shall be executed il
will prove another ornament to the
city, in size and the character of its
appointments. mention one single
transaction to show the growth in real
estate. Six or more years ago Mrs. N.
l.. Anderson bought the property at
the corner of Ninth and d streets for
$65, 900; now she has sold it to the Lin
coin National bank for $3.50. 900. Come
up, Austin syndicates, and invest in
this fair city; there is broad field to
cultivate, and money in it,"
In connection with building, one
question is disturbing the public mind.
i. e.: how far shall private own
ers tire the patience of their neighbors
by maintaining nuisance in the way
of stables. These spring up in the
handsomest sections of the city, and
what with manure pits, swarms oil
flies, rats aud stamping horses, night is
made hideous and day unbearable
Soon someone will rise and call for q
prohibitory law.
SPRING RACES.
The men of the turf have had two
good weeks in which to test the speed
of their pets. Many Improvements
have been made by the Jockey club
for the comfort and convenience of
spectators, and this year the feminine
element was especially patrouizing.
The desire to witness these sports
seems to be growing among American
women and they not only lend their
presence, but in many cases speak
boastfully of what they have won, or
regrettully of what they have lost. 1t
is intensely English, don't you know
During the week two of the winners
ran their last time, Fergus dropping
dead just utter passing the wire, and
Little Redding breaking his leg so al
to necessitate shooting. Poor beasts
How sad, they should be urged to theil
death for mans amusement.
A TooTHsoME MoRsEL.
Picnicking in the old days meant q
long tramp TO some adjacent woodland
strip, a search for stream which would
UCll vi lUb lOuuUdiu Dcdu, uiidCh away
in some messy dell the unloading
of a big hamper filled with fried
chicken, hard boiled eggs, home
made pies and apple sauce,
and the mixing Of a good big bucket
of lemonade.
Now street cars by land and steam
boats by water offer easy facilities fol
reaching some favorite camping spot
where the energetic caterer has estab-
lished himself and is ready to serve
the hungry excursionist with most
appetizing meal. Harken to the whistle
OF the Macalister! She is off for Mar
shall Hall, fifteen miles down the
river, where the grounds are beauti-
iu ly fitted up with cosy hooks, where
tired ones can sit and read or medi-
tate, where merry go-rounds, swings
pop guns and all the othe devices dear
to children's hearts are in full blast
Best of all is the dinner of planked
shad, which, to be fully appreciated
must be eaten. Connecticut and Della
ware both claim honors in preparing
this delicacy, but down the old Poto-
mac is good enough for any ordinary
mortal.
Here huge fire is set blazing ant
u l. Il L. 4