Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-07
Midsummer Dulno1s Prevails at Pres
ent, but ProspsstsAre Bright
A REVIEW OF HfHE CONDITIONS
The Effect of President Mckinley S
Civil Service Order is Apparent.
HOPEFUL SIGNS FOR FUTURE

Real estate movements have been slug
gish during the past ten days. but this con-
dition always exists, even in the liveliest
years, at this time in the summer. Agents
who make 1t their business in life to bring
together the buyers and sells OF property
are absent from the city in large numbers,
and the property owners and capitalists
who might make investments are also en-
joying rest in the mountains or at the
seashore. So the solstice brings quietude to
the operators in ground and brick and stone
and mortar just as it does to all other lines
of business. The Indications before the
present lull were all propitious for q very
active time WREN the dog days are gone,
and even those who were pessimistic about
revival few months ago are constrained
to admit that the future looks particularly
promising now.
Inquiries for Renting.
stroll among the offices which devote a
considerable portion of their business to the
rental of residence property developed an
unusual amount Of inquiry for this time of
year for eligible residences. Letters are
being received from representatives in Con-
gTeSS who are on the lookout for homes
during the next two years, and it Is known
that several Of the new senators contem-
plate buying well-located lots and building
thereon in the early future. Department
clerks who have hitherto lived in boarding
houses because of their doubt about the
tenure of their offices are also looking for
houses, now that the recent civil service
order of President Mckinley has assured
them that good behavior and proper atten-
ton to duty will establish them permanent
ly in their positions Many of them are
also inquiring about making purchases Of
homes, being inspired by the same feeling
and knowing that any equity they may Sc
cure in realty will not be jeopardized by a
sudden loss of income, which under former
conditions was very apt to occur to those in
the public service. All these signs point to
a steady Improvement in real estate condi-
tons.
Building Operations.
Autumn building will be more general
than for several years past. There were
but few permits issued during the week.
but many architects are working on plans
which will be placed in the hands Of build
ers tefore many days.
Joseph A. Willard, as heretofore an
nouro ed in The Star, will not build his
proposed apartment house at the corner Of
l4th street and New Work avenue for some
time yet. His architectyzMr. w. G. Peter
has prepared plans for,tw simple struc-
lures of one-story and cellar, each to be
erected on the southi end of the lot, and
the apartment house Twill be matter for
further consideration. Two very attrac-
tive dwellings will be numbered 1893 and
1875 22d street Architect A. Goener has
planned them and they will cost about
$1,000. They will be eighteen feet front
by fifty feet deep and have three stories
and cellars The fronts will be press brick:
stone trimmed, with half mansard roofs,
metal tiled. The vestibules and baths will
be tiled. and there will be cabinet mantels
on the lower floors. open fireplaces and
all modern conveniences'will be introduced.
]. p. Sprecker viii erect three-story
and cellar brick dwelhngsat 1918 Massachu-
sets avenue southeast, sighteen by thirty
one feet in Dimensions. with press brick
front, having a! fiat rbay-window running
the full height. AL the modern conve-
niences will be introduced, the heating to
be by furnace. The cost will be about
5000. B. F. Judson has made the attrac-
tive plans and 8. Carr will build the resi-
dence
When the excavation for tie foundation
Of the new Washington Hebrew synagogue
was commenced it was found that thick
strata of sand underlay' the subsoil Expe-
rmental boring under the direction of
Architects Stutz and Pease reached hard
passed thre ugh. and the work. which had
been delayed, will now~be prosecuted Wig
orously.
Crandan MacKay is to build a two-story
and basement brick DIV cling at No. 3O3 C
street southeast, II by 40 feet in dimen-
sions. A square bay window will run to
the fiat roof. Latrobes will furnish the
heat. and the interior will be tastefulIy
appliances.
The residence of Charles A. Spaulding, at
No. 1903 Rhode Island avenue, is to be i'm
proved by a rear addition. three stories
above a basement. Builder c. A. Langley
will erect 1t.
Transfer of Large Interests.
An agreement has been entered into by
Wilton j. Lambert, attorney for Messrs
Carolan o. B. Bryant and Reeves T.
RI lyIo
agent for Mr.. John H. Walter and others,
by which large property interests in this
city and Maryland, together. 1t is under
stood, with. considerable cash, will ex-
change hands. BY the terms of the agree
ment which has been executed Mr.. Reeves
T. Strickland, who recently purchased most
Of the old Bryant estate, known as the
Labyrinth situated about two miles
from Takoma Park, Nd, will convey one
hundred and seventy-eight acres of the
property. Including the palatial residence
erected thereon by Mr.. Bryant. to Mr.. John
H. Walter, in exchange for which Mr..
Walter Is to deed to Mr.. Strickland the
large building known as the "Tayistock
flats" located at the corner of Sd and G
streets northwest, In this city, and it is
also understood, will pay a considerable
sum H. cash.
About five years ago Mr.. Bryant pur-
chased the Labyrinth" property from the
Beale estate, and subsequently began the
erection thereon of what is now one of the
finest country houses In the state of Mary
lard. The interior. consists of some twenty
five large rooms. and is finished off entirely
with hard wood and STEEL no laths or
plaster being used. The roof is surmount-
ed by large revolving dome. within which
Is placed telescope. The entire structure
covers. probably, more than an acre ct
ground. and 10 set Off by three handsome
Conservatives. 1t is said that the building
cost over $4,000. and that the consideration
received for the entire place Is 10000.
Mr.. Strickland win take possession Of
the "Tavistock fatst on the 18th of this
month. and proposes to make extensive
improvements upon them
The contract for baildtng the new brick
and iron Dorchester county court house at
Georges. s. c., has beenaawarded to RI n
Smith Of this city. The new structure win
cost 5000.
John Brown. who. s1ls fruits from a push
cart in front of thesTrhmont House. was
arrested last night secaase he cried cha
mana" while on his away home He was
anxious to dispose OF his stock, and Thought
TO one would make m objection II he dill
a.. - Rs<rSS