The herald., 1896-12-24
san FRANC|SCO'S TROUBLES
Snap Shots at Some of the Bay
City's Affections
THE CITY HALL INCUBUS
A Few Facts About the Capay Valley in
Yolo County
Street Lighting by Private Enterprise.
The Weather Man and His Ca
pacity Of "Hindsight.'

Especial Correspondence to Inc Heralo.)
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21st, 1885,
The people of San Francisco have
much to be thankful for. Among NUM-
erous other causes for gratitude is the
fact that the New City Hall. which was
in process of construction for period OF
nearly twenty years, now seems hkel!
to be absolutely finished before the eX~
plration of two decades more. AS Il
matter of fact the huge mass OF stone
brick, iron and mortar known by the
name above mentioned is not yet COM
plete in all its parts, though defective
root has become SO dilapidated that
new one is being put on. And yet the
tower has never been finished, but Is
now being extended to the height oriSi-
nally intended. Something over $6,OOo,-
900 of the taxpayers original money has
been invested in this tremendous ele-
phant, which is badly designed, and in
many respects inconvenient, uncomfort-
able and unhealthful. People here are
not at all backward in pronouncing the
city hall swindle one of the most bald
faced and stupendous frauds ever in
ficted upon a suffering community by
municipal government. And yet the
bleeding process goes on, for the huge
tower must be completed, though it VIII
cost, from first to last, the neat little sum
Of $3.50 900.
STREET LIGHTING.
Another cause for thankfulness may
be found in the fact that business men
on several prominent thoroughfares
whch-up to date-have never been ade-
quately lighted by the city authorities,
are kindly permitted to illuminate those
streets at their own expense AT fire.
quent intervals there is d grand noe
turnal celebration in some business
thoroughfare, when bands of music,
fireworks, and loud shouts of triumph
from enthusiastic crowds, are heard and
seen by countless multitudes. These
demonstrations have no political color
ing, nor do they mean that the Fourth
of July is at hand. They are simply oc-
casions for rejoicing over the fact that
the city fathers generously consent to
allow tradesmen and other private citi-
Zens to go down into their personal pock-
cts and raise funds for doing what the
city itself should have done long ago
instead of squandering the peoples
money, right and left, as though that
was the purpose for which they We're
placed In power.
1t is scarcely necessary to say that the
illumination of these streets by privat
enterprise is good thing financially for
property owners therein, as they will
promptly raise the rents, in a ratio cor
responding with the increase of business
resulting from better lighting.
SLlMAlIC SON NDl11ONS.
Considerable rain has visited this city
and the surrounding territory within
the past few days, and it was welcomed
by more people than those who sell UNI
brellas and rubber goods Though the
country up this way was not actually
suffering for moisture these latest rains
were needed. Speaking of rain suggests
the fact that the government weather
bureau in this city is by no means relia-
bic in the matter of predictions. 1t is
well known that the sO-called fore
caster at this point is not safe man to
bet on, tie to or swear by. His state
ments officially promulgated as TO
weather that has been are invariably
correct. He can tell the people today ex-
actly what the weather was yesterday;
| tomorrow he will be able to inform us
/ what kind of weather we had today. But
| when it comes to accuracy in forecastin g
meteorological conditions he is a du-
| bious failure. Evidently his forte is not
| that of a forecaster, but he was intended
! by nature and education as high cast
| er
SETTLING THE VALLEYS.
Without intending any disparagement
of the magnificent and fertile valleys of
the southern country. every candid in
vestigator must admit that there are
| many splendid valleys contiguous to
this metropolis. which for fertility, eli
mate and all the natural conditions del
sired by rural home-builders, are un-
surpassed anywhere in the world. One of
| the most promising and attractive of
these northern valleps is the Capay val
, ley, in Yolo county, where hundreds of
recent settlers are making for them
selves home which will combine the max
| imum of rural comfort with prosperity.
The valley is about 80 miles by rail from
| San Francisco, and is traversed in its
entire length by the Woodland, Capay
and Clear Lake railroad. the distance
| from Esparto to Rumsey being q miles.
The most glowing reports are heard from
| parties who have visited the valley, and
| those who are located there are more
| than pleased with the choice they have
! made. Already, within a compare lively
| small area, there are scores of cosy
| homes. well-tilled ranches and prolific
| orchards. The total number of fruit
| trees there, comprising many varieties,
| exceeds half million Several enter
| prising fruit growe\ from Southern
| California are now experimenting in or
ange growing in Capay valley. Thus
| far they are highly encouraged in their
undertaking, and are perfectly confident
of success. declaring that there are few
sections on this coast so well adapted
| in every respect to orange growing.
RALPH HOYT.