The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-05-14
ANENT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

and tourists IN Southern. California which
have afforded instruction and entertain
ment ior many readers. But these rides
cent descriptions of that remarkable por-
ton q our country have naturally
embraced only those things which are
pleasing to think about, with no reference
to the Objectionable features, which in
this mundane existence are ever present
i'll all localities. Thus, in certain in
stances, perusal tends to stimulate that
feeling of discomfort over positions, CON
ditious or location, under which MANY
persons labor, regardless OF the actual
circumstances which surround them.
While the writer confesses to a strong
liking for Southern California, and fully
appreciates the charms of that country,
he is also sensible to the existence of its
many disadvantages, and is impressed
with the belief that sketch devoted ex-
cluslvely to the shadowy side may be
worth the space if it serves to dispel the
illusions Of even single reader.
One who is disposed to contemplate it
as an earthly paradise should first re-
member that Southern California is an
extensive territory, with many mountains
and valleys Of varying attitudes, the
diversified features If which cannot
coeXist III one spot. To speak of them
all in ore breath is like claiming absolu tie
perfection foI Penobscot Bay. through
having in mind the commercial activity of
Bocband, the historical associations of
Castine, Tie seQuestered quiet Of Eagle
Island. the social and educational advan-
tages Of Belfast, and the theological oppor-
tunities of Nolthport Campground. The
bracing aiI of the higher valleys cannot be
experienced amid the semi tropical pegeta-
ton, nol the dry air of the interior exist
ly tire ocean side. The gorgeous noun
tain .cenely cannot he beLeld from homes
among the wind bIedls' and fruit trees.
Neither can uibane conveniences be en-
j'ye} Ii remote ranches.
WIG t''lN>tSNSAt Afi Il ilItIdt income Can
make i.s lone in southern California and
find i-ts eft, within natural limitations.
tn le sired, which little he is free to
emh fo' elsewhere, But the man equip
god n2y with hade o. profession, WHO
wits '0e nom his former ase of sup
plies aud depends on such forage az he
max Ind asaiIal1e, VIII certainly have an
alduoHs campaign, with small opportuni~
ty tol 81 e7iencne tie tIauscendent de-
l'aA}s at his Eastern dreams BY such
self abuegation as lie believed intolerable
when in lis eastern home he may at
length gain solid foundation. and the1.
lie will discover that even as in Maine.
wien he saw perfect conditions only in
southern California, so is it some section
Of the state other than that in which he
is located which possesses the ideal at
fractions. Between the man no is able
to choose his own time for acting his own
pleasure, and the one who must lab his
nose Band against the first gIindstone he
can tno. there are differential contingep-
eie~ Which migration to Southern Cali
Iolnia cannot greatly affect
The manifold Industries of the East
whereby many men may find remunerative
employment, are wanting there. High
freight chalges paralyze the questions of
fuel and law material i'll he consideration
If many branches of manufacturing,
Easte1D houses. with agencies at San
Francisco OF Los Angeles, are left to SUP
ply the slope, which is gone mad over
Ianching.
I}anching is the main stay. and it often
happens that in the absence of means
with which 10 buy ranch a man finds
it necessary 10 cast aside his knowledge Of
some craft and labor on a ranch owned
by another. Hardly an ideal position.
The high water mark of apparent pros
perity was reached i'll 1890, when the
price ri orange groves touched 50. 500 per
acre and incomes Were reported as high as
1864 per acre. Little wonder that such
figures should prove intoxicating, but if
was logical to believe that a section no
more remote from the centers of ponula-
ton must soon fall into closer adiust-
ment with the rest of the States. The
third severe frost since the above date has
fastened the inevitable, and MANY grow
ers are ruined. The great depression in
all kinds OF fruit growing matters little
with the wealthy who have ranch for
winter resort, but the effect upon the
majority is incalculable
There is ceaseless fight against scale.
rust, blight, mildew, etc., in all lines of
ranching, and thousands have put their all
into some piece of ground and spent years
IN deleVopment only to have something
unexpected arise and sweep away the
efforts of years--and unearth the mort
gage Business is carried along with
brass band enthusiasm, as bridges are
sometimes built in Maine Conservatism
is swamped by waves of visionary schemes
The lew roll on to trumpeted success.
while the many have the experience of
unreported failure, and prescription awaits
those who have the temerity to express
their candid views.