The Mankato free press., 1898-12-23
SAN DIEGO.
Some Gossip About Former
MankatO People.
Gen. Baker Sends Another Newsy Let.
ter TO the Readers of the Free Press.

SAN DIEGO, CAL. Dec. Is, '9S.
Ten days ago we came down from
Los Angeles to visit the city OF San
Diego. We have been very indus
trious apd have seen much, and visit
ed delightfully."- with many Mankato
people who now. make this city their
home. San Diego is city of more
than 10000 population. Its improve
ments are modern, its streets and
sidewalks are generously wide, and
many of it's residences are fine.
Electric lights illuminate all por-
tions of the city, and an electric
street car system serves all parts Of
the town. The public schools are Of
very high standard. and the school
buildings exceptionally good. The
churches, libraries, and public build
ings are fully up to date. The city
has full equipment of hotels, flats,
restaurants, business blocks, and
newspapers. In fact, San Diego is a
modern American city, such as you
are accustomed to see, barring some
things incident to climate.
San Diego bay, on which the city is
located. is truly a magnificent body
Of water. The strength and future
of the city. lies in it's bay and harbor
The harbor is one Of the best IN the
world, and it's possibilities fer the
future are measureless. The climate
and bay will make the city eventual
ly great and prosperous, for other
advantages are moderate In compari-
son with these. There is a good
population of excellent character,
generally from the northern states
1t is Ian orderly, clean, pleasant city
in which to live. 1t has had it's
4'boom" times, and has suffered great
ly from that cause. Real estate is at
low ebb, and residence property is
very much cheaper than in MankaJO.
Living is very cheap, rents are low,
vegetab bles are abundant and cheap,
and with few exceptions, the cost of
living in San Diego, is comparatively
at very reasonable standard.
While the climate is in many re-
spects charming, mild and even, it is
by no means ''frostless." We had a
light, white, frost this very morning.
And yet, singularly enough to me,
the tomato vines, beans, and other
tender vegetables, escaped without a
mark. The mornings and evenings
are cool, really chilly. You require a
fire morning and evening, and rest
assured we have one. You want your
overcoat or good wrap after o'clock
ia the afternoon. We wear the same
clothing here as in Minnesota, and
sleep under two blankets and quilt.
How the flowers aud semi tropical
fruits grow and flourish as they do.
when the nights are so cool. is one Of
the mysteries Of this remarkable cli-
mate. Everyone here strives to get
into the sunlight. Houses are built
and windows are all arranged to
catch every sunbeam possible. The
battle of each day is to keep in the
sun. 1t is both medicine and fuel.
But don't fail to keep your morning
and evening fire or you will suffer.
There is no such thing as frost
less" belt or locality in California. II
you come, bring your winter clothes
and stick to them. Still, there is a
charm and geniality about the clim-
ate of San Diego, which it is difficult
to explain. It's perpetual flowers and
fruits bear ample testimony to the
fact that this is one of the favor ed
spots of the earth.
The Grants live here, U. S. Grant,
Jr., and Jessie. U. s. Grant, Jr., is
the Republican candidate of southern
California for the United States sem
ate. He is man of strong common
sense, like his father, quite practical
and sagacious in business, and per-
sonally very popular with Democrats
and Republicans alike. He is really
a man of more ability than l had
thought. He has magnificent resi-
dence and is the owner of large
amount OF valuable property in this
city. He married the daughter OF
ex-senator Chaffee. of Colorado, and
is independently rich.
Spreckles, the sugar king Of the
Pacific coast, is one OF the main sup.
norris of this city. He owns the street
car system, large wbarves and coal
bunkers, is building three million
water plant, and is the owner of the
Hotel del Coronado, one of the most
airy and graceful structures. of its
kind in the world. This is magnifi-
cent and luxurious resort, which sits
enthroned on the very edge Of the
Pacific ocean, while behind it is the
splendid bay of San Diego, and in full
view are mountains, crowned with
snow. With its balconies, galleries