The San Francisco call., 1896-04-08

lshed or moved to make room for a mag
niicent modern building seven stories
high. The Wigwam can hardly be classed
as an old landmark, but it possesses a
history closely identified with many ex-
citing political campaigns. From its spa
cious auditorium marched the Iegions of
the Garfield Invincibles in that memo orable
campaign in which General Hancock car
ried California by the smallest majority
ever recorded in Presidential election in
this State. The Morey forged letter did
the work and cheated the Republicans of
the State electoral vote for their candi-
dates
In the Wigwam rallied the followers of
Blaine and Harrison, and there the San
Francisco Republicans shouted for Estee
wnen ne ran against Stoneman, and ap-
plauded Swift when he campaigned against
Bartlett
Many orators Of State and National re-
nown have addressed audiences in the
historic building. Ratification meetings,
nominating conventions and informal
audiences meeting to hear and cheer elec-
ton returns have assembled at the Wig
wan. Often Republicans, elated with the
news OF victory, formed IN line and
marched triumphantly along the principal
streets. On other occasions they waited
until the last hope of success had van
lshed and went home gloomy and dis
pirited.
The building was used as Republican
headquarters from the Garfield election of
1880 until the Markham campaign. When
Markham was nominated the leaders of
the party erected the Wigwam. now
known as the Auditorium, at the corner
of Eddy and Jones streets. Since then the
IQac for- a
and varieties of public entertainment.
The present lessee keeps it closed now, so
that patronage may not be diverted from
the Orpheum, another place of amusement
which he controls.
The 5O-vara lot, on which stands the old
Wigwam. belongs to the Spring Valley
Water Company. It was purchased from
James Keene, the noted stockbroker, in
1876, and IS regarded as one of the choicest
pieces of real estate in San Francisco.
For, years the directors of the SpringVal-
lev Water Works have discussed from time
to time the proposition to erect on the big
lot building commensurate with the ex-
panslon of the City and the wealth of the
water corporation. Conservative directors
at first glance opposed the plan. fearing
that the building enterprise would impose
additional burdens on ratepayers, but
finally their objections were overcome
when facts and figures were submitted
showing beyond reasonable doubt that the
income from a modern edifice six or seven
stories high would justify the outlay and
return handsome profit on the invest
ment.
In due time the well-known architect,
Clinton Day. was requested to prepare
plans in accordance with the suggestions
of the directors and submit the same to
the board. The plans were accordingly
drawn and have been accepted, subject to
some slight notifications.
The new building will afford ample office
accommodations for the president, engi-
neers. cashier. collectors and superintend-
ents of the company. AS the building will
cover tifty-vara lot there will be many
apartments for rent, and in this location
it will not be hard task to secure desira-
bic tenants. The offices facing north and
west will command fine view of Union
SQUARE.