The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-07-04
STOOKTON's GLOWING FUTURE.


leading men published in this issue of the
GAEL present an uncommon and exceed
mgly interesting array of facts, and they
indicate future greatness that even the
residents of the city seem not yet to have
comprehended. Although it will be
year or longer before the Valley road will
pour its great benefits into the city, there
has: been already so large an increase of
the population that no vacant houses are
to be had, the hotels are crowded and
numbers of families are compelled TO live
in tents until houses can be built for them.
While the Valley road is to be the lead
ing factor in the development of the city
there are other enterprises afoot that will
have very important effect. First among
these is the railroad to Corral Hollow,
which, by bringing to the city an abund-
ance of cheap coal, will induce the
Installation of extensive manufacturing
plants. That this fact is well APP
preciated is shown in the active
movement for securing sites for these
enterprises. Next comes the irrigation of
about 3OO, 600 acres of choice fruit land near
the city. The canal is nearly completed.
This immense tract will at once develop
into great colony of small farms, which
must depend upon Stockton for their place
of business. Then comes the electric road
from Stockton to Lodi, now under rapid
construction, and it will tap an exceed.
ingly rich fruit region.
Besides these new industrial elements
which will contribute to the growth of the
city are certain superior geographical adj
vantages. First Stockton enjoys the rare
advantage of a waterway to San Francisco,
which means low cost for forwarding all
the manufactures and soil products, not
only of the city and its Immediate terri
tory but also, in connection with the Val
ley road, of the whole vast territory of the
San Joaquin. Next, it must always be
the receiving and distributing point of the
entire valley, by reason of its water facili-
ties. Again, in addition to the splendid
agricultural territory dependent upon it, is
the rich mining region lying to the east
of it.
AS some of the gentlemen interviewed
by. the CALL have truthfully said, outsiders
seem more fully to appreciate the indubit-
able fact that Stockton will soon become
one Of the leading cities of the State than
do the residents themselves. Although
the prices of property have risen greatly
within the last few months, there is moth
ing like boom, and prices are SO much
lower than they will soon become that
those contemplating residence and the
establishment of enterprises there are los
ing no time in securing land. 1t is highly
gratifying to know that property is offered
at inviting figures, and that no blighting
boom has occurred. AT the same time it is
evident that prices will soon advance far
beyond those which rule at present, and
that those who neglect to make their pur-
negligence.
One of the most comforting aspects of
Stocktons budding greatness is the fine
spirit of intelligence and enterprise that
animates its residents. The promptness
and generosity with which they extended
inducements to the Valley road were an
exhibition of broad and mastery under
standing and should serve as a lesson to
every community in California. After all
it is men that make a city. Identically
the same popular spirit that has made
Chicago so wonderful monument of
human sagacity is moving the people of
Stockton to-day, and the effect is bound to
be felt and seen. Abundant as are the
natural and industrial advantages which
Stockton enjoys, the leading factor of its
future is the high character of its people.
To-day the city will have the most eiab-
crate Fourth of July celebration in its
history. 1t will be a spectacle worth many
miles of travel to see, and its best feature
will be its evidences of a type of citizen
ship which should serve as an example and
an inspiration.