The San Francisco call., 1896-06-21

bert Tompkins was living quietly on his
ranch near San Leandro, playing granger
and horse-raiser, just as though he was In
earnest. Not very long ago he got it into
his head that fresh fruit for breakfast was
the only thing compatible with longevity.
Acting on the thought, he put on line OF
wagons between Oakland and San Lean
dro that came in every morning during
the season loaded down with apples,
peaches, pears, grapes, nectarlnes, etc.,
which were disposed of to the Oaklanders
on the ground that they had only left the
trees few hours before. 1t was all very
nice for the retailers, but Mr.. Tompklns
lost money on his venture and called OH
the occupation. One setback for man
who thinks is really nothing, so he
got it into his head that the only
way to train trotters was to teach
them to swim. He thereupon built an
immense tank, sufficient in depth and
width to permit a horse to swim around
and have a nice bath and healthy exer-
else twice day. 1t had the effect OF keep
ing the horse clean, but just about that
time a crash came in trotting stock and
the poor brutes had to give up the luxury
of bathing. Shortly after that Mr.. Tomp-
kins decided that his forte was sentimental
song-writing, and here he is to-day bring
ing tears to the eyes OF thousands and
singing sentiment to the exclusion OF all
else. He has composed three songs al
ready, and is slowly coming TO the front In
his last-chosen profession. He still has
some ideas left, which he is ready to spring
at a moments notice. He deserves to
succeed.
Mr.. KIau of the firm of Haas Brothers
has returned from Europe and will take
the overland flyer for San Francisco in a
few days.
Jacob Baruch of the grocery firm of
Haas, Bowen & Co., Los Angeles, is visit
ing relatives here, but will return in
short time.
Mrs. Charles B. Alexander (nee Crocker),
now in Russia with the General McCook
party, is expected back to New York the
latter part of June. She will join her
children in Tuxedo, New Jersey, imme-
diately on arriving. Mrs. Alexander
writes friend that Americans have been
unusually well received by the Russians
H Nappenbach, a San Francisco news
paper artist of the Examiner staff, arrived
in Gotham yesterday and went immedi-
ateIy to the Journal Office to see his friends
before leaving for Munich, where he goes
to study. Nappenbach was attired regard
lessly and swung his dude stick with the
proper twist. Before he had time to ex-
press his delight at seeing old faces
Manager George Palmer pounced on him
and he was put to work. He labored far
into the morning and threatened to take
the first steamer going out OF New York.
Who remembers Ben Teal, at one
time reporter and all-round newspaper
man on THE CALL? He used to trot in
the same harness with George Barnes and
the two used to have a very decided love
for the theaters. Teal has carried it with
him up to date and is soon to become one
of the builders of entertainment instead OF
a spectator. 1t appears that Benjamin
has adapted French comedy to American
qualities, and that same is to be presented
very shortly at McVicker's Theater in Chi
cago for spell of weeks, after which 1t
will come to New Y ork and occupy the
Fifth-avenue Theater. Critics promise
that it is the comedy hit of the season
and great elevation is spoken of for the
play and its sire.
Oh the Bowery, the Bowery,
They do such things
And they say such things,
On the Bowery, on the Bowery,
Ill never go there any more.
Who would believe that those words and
the rest of the song has had the most
disastrous effect on property values in that
section 1t may seem queer statement,
but nevertheless real estate men regard it
as the most destructive bit of refrain that
has ever been turned out of New York. 1t
has been sung all over the United States
and while the Bowery proper is wide,
well-kept and busy commercial street, it is
now pointed TO with q sneer among
business men, and the ominous ditty is
sung in explanation. The fall in values is
between 20 and % per cent.
Those who possess liking for dinner
fads will find it advantageous to note that
champagne is no longer served from the
toweIed bottle fresh from the ice receiver,
but is poured instead into enormous
pitchers that hold from three to FIVE bottles
each. 1t is then served in tumblers, and
looks very much as though one was drink
ing clear cider. 1t is wonderful how well
drinkers get along under the new system.
Just think what chance for the San
Francisco clubman gifted with a colossal
mouth. ROBERT II. DAVIS.