Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1898-10-19
CALIFORNIA AND CONDITIONS
p. J. Layne Writes Instructiyeiy of the
Condition of the Golden state for New
Comers-He still has q Lurking for
Politics
SANTrE. Car, Oct 3 1soe

i SANTEE, CAL Oct. 1898.
/ FRIEND MuNsoN:-This is dry year
in California. I suppose you folks
would call all our years dry ones, with
the annual rainfall only 10 to IL inches
and six months Of the time with none at
all. But this is exceptionally dry.
Last winters rain did not exceed 6 inches
end we're not distributed to do the most
good. Consequently there is general
shortage, subjecting the people to much
Inconvenience and loss. But the expert
ence teaches some valuable lessons that
will go largely in mitigation OF damages.
First, 1t demonstrates the inadequacy
OF public water systems Ths. provi-
slons for storing and distributing the
supplies found in the mountains are not
equal to the demands OF year like this.
Rains and SHOWS in the mountains sford
unlimited quantities. and with ample
storage and distribution we would have
a surer dependence for water than most
parts OF the world Second, that ranch
ers need not be so dependent on public
water systems as they are Water can
be found almost anywhere by digging
from % to 80 feet, aud by windmill and
tank be made available for oil purposes
Many wells are now being dug by those
heretofore relying wholly upon public
supply, and the owners will not again
be caught ia destitute circumstances
Then the private reservoirs for saving
up water that rims to waste in the rainy
season, ALREADY quite common. will become
numerous. Third, it is shown that more
water has been used for fruit growing
purposes than was necessary. That less
water and more cultivation produces
fully as satisfactory results. So you
see there is a profit as well as loss
side to the situation.
The fact is more and more EN- phasizAd
that the knowledge for successful ranch
ing must be gained here. The imported
article is OF little value for practical pur-
poses The people are from every
part OF the globe and the eong'om
GRAFTON of wisdom ard experience brought
to bear in the solution of difficulties
peculiar to this section is little more
than babel OF Improbable knowledge.
But ali these things are working to.
gether for ultimate good, and the surer
and speedier Development Of the won
derful possibilities Of this beautiful land
A recent enterprise of vast LEGAL and
general Importance is the establish
ment of line of steamers from San
Diego via Honolulu TO Japan. Actual
work is progressing and steamers will
he put on about the first of December
This means good deal for San Diego
and all of southern California.
Notwithstanding the drouthy season
there is flee yield of excellent fruit
The peach crop, which began in June, 10
still on, but nearly gone. Picking ripe
peaches from the tree right along for
four months isn't bad living. And Of
grapes, score or more varieties, in
quantities to suit,at cent pound and
| less.
These autumn days, known to be such
| by the slmanac, shortened days and
cooler nights, do not mean to us the
closing of the fruit season We have
uninterrupted succession of fruits in
their season from January to January
| And to this fact, as we'll AS projections
of climate, may be attributed the health
fulness of the country. But with all its
pleasing features, advantages and pro-
spscte, the country is not satisfactory
to all corners. So much depends on
what people are looking for. Most of
them come with we'll formed ideas as to
the objects OF quest, but some do not
and are not satisfied with what they
find. I have had good many letters
since living here from parties in differ
ent sections asking my opinion and ad-
vice in regard to their coming My
uniform suggestion has been, "Oome
and see for yourself" 1t is impossible
to get correct idea of this country
without personal observation and inves-
tigation. 1t will take some time and
money to come on prospecting trip,
but in any event the trip will be worth
the investment, and no one can ever re-
greet having taken it. At present this
is not an inviting field for money max
ing, and no one is advised to come for
that purpose With competence,
there is no better place to enjoy it. II
sick there is no more healthful cline.
Poor people can subsist here under batter
conditions than almost anywhere else,
but those with limited means who want
to get start and improve their circum-
stances in financial respects car do
better think 10 many parts OF the east.
The first cost OF desirable aud, and the
expense of Putting it in productive
shape, is greaCer here than there, and
one must wait longer for returns from
these first investments But those who
come and spend year here, whether it
goes we'll with them in business or not,
generally become Californisns. They
may in their disappointment return to
the east, but not to stay. Nine out OF
ten will find their way back here again,
sooner or later.
We are having our turn at politics
the same es you and the rest OF the
G, untry. The three wings Of democracy
are trying TO close in on the g. 0. p but
with very doubtful prospects. I at
tended the republican county convention
recently, just to see the fun, and may
be, for lurking for that sort Of thing.
AuSIc WcI6 OFci ooO OCtcknoccs ohA shVy
we're in session two days. All was
harmonious and fair, and results gener-
ally satisfactory. 1t is lonesome day
in the back country now, when not
called on by a sleek looking candidate,
whose cordial greeting and solicitous
manner make you feel that You ought
, to vote for him as a matter Of humble
appreciation. Party lines are very
loosely drawn in county politics, but on
, legislative and state tickets forces era
in solid array. ~. s. Grant for United
States Senator" inspires unity and
activity among republicans. Big guns
are sure to be fred of in San Diego,
affording opportunity to hear the best
speakers out, and there is first-class
local talent in the CITY that is consider
ately sent out for the enlightenment
and entertainment of the ''rooral dee
! stricts" But you have politics enough
> of your own.
: We are in usual health and circum-
. stances. Mrs. Layne bnt just returned
: from long looked forward to visit with
: relatives ct Placerville in the east cen
. trail part OF the state. While there she
visited beautiful and famed Lake Tahoe
up among the tops of the Sierrss. The
a trip by ocean steamer and rail was en-
I ioysble, and seeing much OF the state
la+tar nat than this Nawt0r