The morning call., 1894-12-29

day-the metropolis of the Pacific Slope.
Senator James G. Fair is one of these
old pioneers, who has probably done more
to improve various localities In Sah Fran
cisco than any other capitalist. The early
history OF MIR. Fair IL too we'll known to
require more than brief mention here.
Alter amassing an immense fortune in
gold mining the Senator sought for a field
in which to invest his wealth so as 10
secure the most advantageous returns
thereon. AT very early period Of San
Francisco's history his faIsightedness
con WINGED him that the field for invest
ment was here. He was not slow to act.
and to-day there are few streets in the city
on which some property owned by him has
no frontage. Most of this property was
purchased years ago. but many handsome
buildings and lots have beer acquired in
recent years at immense prices. All of
these purchases were judicously made.
and all of them yield satisfactory in
terest on the sums invested.
"Californians. as a rule, feel a reason
able pride when a man like Senator Fair
great invests the bulk of his vast wealth in
properties all over the State. Unlike other
capitalists. who, upon acquiring fortunes.
looked abroad for investments, Mr.. Fair
wisely selected the State of his choice as
suitable field in which to place his ven-
lures. The result has been the acquiring
OF vast ranches all over the State. the en-
ployment of an army of meD and the im-
provement OF neighboring towns and
properties.
Personally. Senator Fair is hail fellow
well met. The possession OF princely
wealth has not altered his nature trife.
but he is to-day the same jovial. kind
hearted, generous man that he was forty
years ago, when, IN top boots and pick and
shovel In hand, he was universally saluted
as 'Jim.' He has proved himself verb
table gOdsend to many charitable organ
izations. and no worthy appeal TO him for
aid remains unsatsfed. Few persons are
aware of the large sums bestowed by him
annually in charity, and indeed he does
not know himself. Being only IS years of
age and in the full vigor of ripening age,
his many friends indulge In the hope that
he will be spared many years TO life of
usefulness"
Another writer i'll morning paper gives
an extended biographical sketch of the
Senator closing with the following:
For a quarter of century past there
has been no man on the Pacific Coast who
has sustained closer relations with the
general public than ex- United States Sem
ator James g. Fair. Other notable men
have usually been identified with some
one political or commercial interest By
which they are known to the world. but
Senator Fairs name has been continually
prominent in many almost entirely diverse
directions. To give q detailed account OF
the various capacities In which he has
appeared and what he has accomplished
for the general welfare, or of his public
record, would require the space OF
volume. But it is not necessary 10 go into
minute details in this, especially for the
community of which he has so long been q
citizen.
"To Senator Fair Individually San Fran
cisco owes great debt, for by his enter
prise millions of dollars have been ex-
pended in the permanent IMPROVEMENT of
the city. furnishing annually employment
TO thousands IF laborers. He HIS dis
played abilities remarkable as financier
and diplomat and as judge of the COM
mercal possibilities of the metropolis of
the West"
The fortune he was accredited with
realizing IN the bonanza deal was no less
than $50. 600, 900. and the present value OF
his extensive possessions can only be
estimated.