The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-08-02
HABER'S ESTIMATES.

Another member of the finance commit
tee who has been specially energetic is
Ferdinand A. Haber. whose enthusiasm is
contagious. He has been working among
the fruit and commission merchants, and
has met with generous response. None
of his contributors are able to give large
amounts, but they have all subscribed
cheerfully according to their means. He
has secured $500 in a few days, so per
cent of the subscriptions having been ac-
companied by cash payments and all of
the sums promised being payable on de-
mand.
THE experience of the promoters of the
Worlds Fair in Chicago is being dupli-
Gated here" said Mr.. Haber. The real
supports of the exhibition are the middle
classes-the retail merchants, mechanics
and labOring classes. The capitalists and
large real estate owners nave done COM
paratlvely nothing. Some OF these big
men don't look beyond the threshold of
their own doors. but they will be obliged
to fall into line to AID the city'S progress.
1.-THE members of the finance committee
have reversed the usual order. and instead
of seeking large subscriptions for the head
of the list to make an impression. have
taken money as it was offered. The plan
has been productive of good results. Small
contributors, not being appalled, by the
large donations of the richer men, have
cheerfully given their share without any
feeling of chag,In over possible compari-
sons. Poor men, instead of delaying their
subscriptions until the end of the list was
reached. have come forward manfully and
the result is the splendid showing the COM
mlttee has been able to make.
II am fully satisfied that the Mid winter
Fair is practically an accomplished fact.
The only question now is, how large do
we want to make it? We have already
done good work by confirming the credit
of San Francisco. Eastern people have
recognized that 1t takes courage to under
take such big thing. Our city has been
run down too much for its lack of public
spirit. and now we have re-established its
credit. Every resident of San Francisco
is directly interested in the success of the
fair. We must work it ND, for it Is
gigantic insurance association.
Il am satisfied that unless some I'M
toward circumstance should intervene, we
will have a guaranty fund OF $500 900 by
the middle of August. The public does
not realize what wise investment this is
going to be. 1t will be like the grand
prize in lottery. | have calculated that,
as result of the Midwnter Fair, sSOOO,-
GOO will be put In circulation in this city.
Think of the result! our prosperity will
be certain enough. The amount which /
have named may seem like an exaggera-
tlon, out is not so. Let us see.
ALREADY from 1000 to 5000 foreign ex-
hibitors have announced their intention Of
bringing their exhibits here from Chicago.
Say only 1000 come. With their families
and attendants each NAV be counted as
bringing nine Others. That Will make
10000 persons who will remain here at
least eight months. Ordinarily about 5000
tourists visit San Francisco every winter.
Thousands OF Eastern people are anxious
to visit California, but are deferred by the
high rates of travel. Half rates will bring
lots to the Golden Gate. Say that only 80
per cent more come than usual. They will
remain month, and if they live at first
class hotels they will leave at least s., 2OO.-
600 behind them. The people of Cahf1r-
mia and the other States west of the Rocky
Mountains will save their money t6co,ue
to our fair. If you compute the number
you will see that So, O00,O is a moderate
estimate of the amount our visitors Will
give Us.
''Eyen il the fair should prove fzzle.
think how the enterprise will relieve the
unemployed. There are thousands in the
city now, and when the miners come in
from the mountains and the laborers from
ranches there will be many accessions to
the idle ranks. What are we going to do
with these people? They must be cared
for. They can go no farther west and we
cannot throw them into the bay. Is it not
better to provide them with work. at some
Individual outlay, than to spend tue same