Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1894-05-04
Another Letter from 2. W. Craig, in
which he tells of California.
The Fruit Crop of That State is Re
ported in Fine Condition.
Port Costa, Cal., : pril p, ,9l.

others of its class. 1t may be that the
Midwinter fair has something to do with
relieving the depression there, but it is
hardly probe BILE that it figures to any
great extent, although there are thous-
ands OF visitors going and coming every
day. 1t is possible that il it were not for
the fair that half the dwellings in the
city would be vacant, as it would seem
adorned with signs "Rooms to let;" yet
San Francisco can suffer no very serious
collapse "after the fair is over" as none
of these numerous buildings are now or
seem to have been especially prepared
for the occasion. The bank clearances
are probably the best critarion of the
business situation; for the week ending
the l4th the decrease compared with the
same week a year ago was something
ike 13 per cent, while last week it was
but little more than per cent These
figures taken in connection with the de-
creased values, compared with those of a
year ago, would indicate that the volume
Of business must be nearly as great.
Fifteen million dollars, above the neces-
sary requirement, is the amount lying
idle in San Francisco banks the papers
compare it with Coxey's army, and say
it is "out Of work." Ii confidence could
be restored in some way it would appear
that this amount would pretty effectually
lubricate the wheels of industry in this
part OF the country. A syndicate is put
ting an immense amount into wheat,
and prices in the "pit" have reached ten
to twelve cents per GENITAL above export
value. Barley is also booming, owing to
the severe drought in the southern coun-
ties of this state, and almost any kind OF
barley is now in good demand. There
was light rain here this NOR hing, the
first in 48 days, yet crop1 in this vicinity
do not seem to be suffering. Barley is
heading out and other crops are in COM
paratively the same stage OF advance
ment. Fruit of all kinds is reported to
be in excellent condition. Washington
Naval oranges sell at retail in San FIR H.
cisco for from 10 to 20 cents per dozen,
and lemons about the same. The most
beautiful of roses of all colors are drug
on the market at from five to 10 cents
for large bouquet; flowers are every
where in profusion, and calla lilies, ge-
raniums and other plants that are con-
sdered a rarity in any northern CLINE
here are as common, and receive but
in other states. All OF these plants grow
in the open air the year round, and a
greenhouse seems to be an unknown
affair in California. New vegetables OF
all kinds are on the market now and at
very reasonable prices.
Port Costa is the principal terminal
point for wheat in this state, and some
gain is shipped here from Oregon and
Washington at a conservative estimate.
There are two solid miles OF dock front
in this immediate vicinity; the Port
OObLd W dIclOuEt anu DOSh SOs1 ANlJll
whom the writer is employed) the Ne
vada Warehouse and Dock Co., the CAL
ifornia Wharf and Warehouse Co. are
the principal operators. An immense
amount of wheat is still in store here
and at other points; but little shipping
is being done at present, the principal
part OF the work being the putting up OF
what is called "option piles" contairing, |
approximately 100 tons each, certified
sample Of which furnishes a basis for
speculation on the San Francisco Pro-
duce Exchange. 1t is said to be the dull
season here, yet there are probably up |
wards OF 200 men on the pay roll OF the |
various concerns at the present time.
In the busy season it is frequent that
upwards of 900 men find employment on
these docks; common laborers get $3.50
per day, weighers, samplers and other
skilled workmen receive from $500 up. |
Men have to work very hard, however,
and unless man is willing to 'rustle,"
in all that the word implies, his career
will be very short. If anyone has an
idea that Californians do not have as
much energy and disposition to work, as
other states, he could easily have the
illusion dispelled by visiting the ware
houses at Port Costa. This is also quite
a railroad center, it being the main di-
verging point east of San Francisco for
the lines OF the Southern Pacific north
and south and the Union Pacific to Og-'