Los Angeles herald., 1892-01-28
CHICAGO CHAT.
Growing About the Very
Cold Weather.
An Execrable Winter Driving
Fasteners Here.
Progress in the Work of the Great
Fair.
Thermometers Drop = Facts About the
Permanent Exhibit = What Can
Be Seen About the Expo
sitien Grounds.
Especial Correspondence to the HERALD.

Especial Correspondence to the HERALD.
CHICAGO, Jan. 81, 1892.
This is winterl At least it seems so
to Californian, and that seems to be
the impression among all classes OF
people here. The past three winters in
this eastern country have been exceed
ingly mild, though not really salubrious
nor by any means healthful. But 80 far
as temperature was concerned, they were
an improvement on the winters previ-
ously experienced. The impression has
prevailed and the statement has been
made that the winters in this country
had ceased to be objects of terror. In
other words, that the climatic condi-
tions we're so changed that no one need
fear any more severe winters. That
beautiful dream, however, is now dis
PEELED. With the new year 1892, there
came decided change of programme.
New Years day was warm enough for
the latter part of March, and up to that
date there had been but little cold
weather, though much that was wet,
changeable and disagreeable. That
night, however, the mercury dropped,
and kept on dropping until it registered
change of about 40 degrees within
twenty-four hours. Cold blasts from
the northwest swept through the city
and over the surrounding country, driv-
ing many into their habitations and
compelling those who were obliged to
be out doors to envelop them
selves in heavy wraps, Alaska
overshoes, fur caps and ear-muffs.
Ever since then we have had solid win
ter weather, the mercury ranging from
few degrees above zero down to six
below, in this city, and in much of the
surrounding country showing still
colder weather. What with the low
temperature, fierce blasts from the west
and north, and frequent snow storms,
everybody has been thoroughly con-
vinced that the Ice King has not lost his
grip upon this country.
AS might have been expected, this
change in the climatic programme is
having the effect of increasing general
interest in California. 1t is said to be
an i'll wind that blows no good. These
winds, with the accompanying storms
and severe cold, are blowing good
toward California. Travel to the Pacific
coast ia large already, but indications
point to greater volume Of travel west
ward during the months OF February
| and March. Very many people whose
business seems 10 require their presence
here most of the winter declare they
| will not remain here through the much
dreaded month of March, though that
is mentioned in the almanac as the first
month of spring.
The Santa Fe road continues to do an
immense business in the way of over
land travel. Pullman sleepers and
tourist cars west bound are alike filed
with passengers going to the Pacific
coast, where for time at least they will
neither feel nor see such climatic condi-
tions as are here meet with every day.
Competent judges, including Santa Fe
railroad officials, inform me that from
the data they have on hand they have
every reason to believe that this tide of
travel to California will continue, with
an increase in volume, until quite late
in the spring. Quite large percentage
of California-bound people whom | have
recently met are men of means and are
going there with the intention of invest
ing more or less largely in realty, either
city or acre property, or both. And
what is true in Chicago in this regard is
| true also OF other cities and towns
| throughout the northwest.
| The California permanent exhibit, SO
efficiently handled by Major Truman
and his genial assistant, G. +. Cole,
continues to do splendid work for our
country. Even during the recent cold
and stormy days hundreds of visitors
drop into the exhibition room in the
Rialto building and spend some time in
the warm, fragrant atmosphere, exam
lining the products, asking ques-
| tions (Which are always politely
answered) registering their names, fill
ing their pockets with literature, and in
many WAYS showing the interest they
| feel in the "better land" that lies be-
| yond the mountains. l noticed today
among the attractive products on exhi-
bition two beautiful watermelons,
weighing respectively eighty and ninety
pounds, and looking as fresh and green
| as if just picked from the vines. They
were sent in from San Diego county, and
attract very general attention. In every
department of the exhibit there is
creditable display and very good va
riety of products; but our people at
home should not forget that fresh sup
plies are needed every few days, to keep
the exhibit in the condition required to
make a satisfactory showing. Once
more would urge upon our people the
necessity of keeping this exhibit well
supplied with money and fresh products,
for it is the greatest, best and most tell
ing object-lesson the coast region has
offered to the wondering inhabitants of
| this frozen country,
Worlds fair matters seem to be pro-
crossing in good shape. The army OF
contractors and workmen engaged on
the various buildings do not stop on
account of storms or cold weather. The
work goes on steadily and rapidly. and
there is no room to doupt that all Will
be in readiness when the time for open
ing the great Columbian exposition ar
rives. l dropped into the headquarters
OF the exposition, where Director Gen.
eral Davis and his immense corps OF