The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1897-05-15
A TRIP TO PORT ARTHUR.
Judge CatrOn Returns From That
Thriving New Town, and Gives
a Favorable Account of What
He Saw While There.

Judge Thos. A. Catron and wife re
turned last Tuesday from a trip to Por
Arthur, Texas, where they spent a couple
of weeks prospecting, with a view Il
locating il the country suited them. Mr.
Cutron is very enthusiastic in his praise
OF that country. In fact he was so wei
pleased with the outlook that he has
decided to locate at that place and engage
in the real estate business. He will leave
next Tuesday, but his family will remain
here for awhile. Mr.. Catron is one Of
Lexington's best citizens, and while we
regret to lose him and his family from
our midst, we extend them our best
wishes for a prosperous and happy future
in the new home they have chosen.
In an interview with MIR. Catron he
gave an INTELLIaENoER reporter the
following account OF Port Arthur and
surrounding country, its present resources
and future prospects as viewed by him.
self:
Reporter-Mr. Catron, what about the
location of Port Arthur, Its railroad
facilities, improvements, etc?
Mr.. Catron-Port Arthur is situated on
the northwest bank of Lake Sabine and
about seven or eight miles from deep
water. 1t is situate on a level, low prai-
rie (no timber at ALL. The town site is
about 400 feet above the level of the lake,
and is at the terminus of the Pittsburg
& Gulf railroad, which is putting up
very substantial improvements. They
have completed q very large roundihouse;
also one OF the most elegant hotels in the
south, which will compare with the best
in our large cities in bill of fare, and only
81 per day. The inside work of the hotel
is finished off in the most beautiful
ceiled pine l ever saw. 1t fronts on Abe
lake, with a fine park laid off in front,
aud about 200 yards from the lake shore,
from which point a pier extends one-half
mile out into the lake, where q naptna
launch and numerous sail vessels are kept
pleasure seekers. They have nearly
a large and elegant depot that
would be a credit to any city of 100, 900
inhabitants.
Rep.-Wkat is property selling at in
Port Arthur?
Mr.. C.-Lots on the lake front are SELL
ing for $1,000, In other localities from
81 900 Town to $3.50. The land about the
town site is selling for from SIS to $40 per
acre.
Rep.-What is the and best adapted to?
Mr.. Cit is said to be a great country
for raising pears. They do not blight
here. 1 interviewed a German fruit raiser
near Beaumont who has about twenty
acres in pears, strawberries and garden
who said that his income is about
;35 per day On IN average. His pear trees
brought him 20 per tree last year.
How does that strike you farmers with
go acres?-$3,500 a year on twenty acresl
Maffett, of the firm of Edwards &
Maffefft, sold thirty-eight acres of land,
III in bearing pear trees, or $4,000 last
all.
Rep.-How about the climate?
Mr.. Ca delightful breeze commences
bout 9 o'clock in the morning and con-
till early the following morning.
warmest part of the day II from sun
till about 9 O'Clock in the morning.
Rep.-Mr. Catron, lie you invest in any
while in Port Arthur?
MIR. CT bought ten acres of land,
which l intend to set out In pear trees
his fall. 1 expect to return to Port
Arthur next Tuesday, on which day there
Vill be an excursion by Edwards & Maj
EFT, at ; $3.50 per round trip, sleeper fur
Iished free of charge. 1 will remain in
'ort Arthur Of days. Sleeper will be
to sleep in while there. Any
ne desiring to make this trip would do
to place themselves under the charge
{ these elegant and efficient excursion
managers.
Rep.-Do you intend to engage In busi-
ess in your new location?
Mr.. CT will go into the real estate
~usiness. 1 am sorry to leave my old
ONE and friends of a lifetime, but l go
here l think there is a finer prospect for
money.
Rep.-What is your opinion of the
lture prospects OF Port Arthur?
Mr.. Cit is difficult to estimate the
disabilities and future of this place. In
~ humble opinion there is a great future
,r Port Arthur.