The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1906-06-23

"A California View Of Her Own Situa-
There can be no honest survey Of the
situation in San Francisco that excludes
certain element of discouragement
among those whose hopes may have been
unduly high, but whose disappointment
is none the less deep. A reaction from
the excitement Of The fire itself and
from the bnoyancy induced by d world
wide sympathy was inevitable, The com
slant spectacle oil gray and silent ruins
II Infinitely more depressing than actual
and urid destruction. The daily life
amid ashes and desolation must have
its influence even upon the most hopeful,
and the contrast between the past and
the present must for a time be intensi-
fed as memory gets leisure to assert it,
self These things are of course senti-
ment, but we are fortunate even though
it may bring its occasional discourage
ment.
But added to all other causes for de-
preston there is the allengrossing in
surance situation. While the city was
stilI burning the insurance money had
already become in most minds the prom
ice of reconstruction. Although those IN
d position to know something of the
facts were inclined to shake their beads
doubtfully, II never occurred To the or
binary householder to doubt that his
claims would be met, that he would re-
ccive what he had paid for, and that he
would at least have some funds in hand
with which to rebuild his home. Only
those upon the spot can appreciate what
the delay means to those who have moth
ing iii the world but claims that are
ignored. and who are therefore compell-
ed TO stand idle and helpless and even
dependent. They cannot leave the city
for fear Of prejudice to their chances !;
III many cases they have families for
whom they could provide If they had
an opportunity, and it Is small wonder
that the outlook to them should seem
to be gloomy one. The large concerns
can Of course afford To wait, although
10 their grave detriment but it is the
small homes that form the backbone Of
the city's life, and delay here is peculiar
IN grave. Delay means disintegrstion;
il means the dissolution OF civic habits
and organization, and il is to be hoped
that the resentment that il now being
felt against the delinquent insurance
companies will solidify into some coer-
Give measure.
There are of course many compensat-
ing features and large ones. The situa,
lion might easily be many times worse.
The refugee camps are rapidly dwindling
in size, and the drain upon charity has
been relieved. The health of the people
is everywhere Of the best in spite OF
reasonable fears to the contrary. The
moral effects of common misfortune,
the volume of fraternity that lightens
al burdens, are UNNECESSARILY crafty
ing and are in themselves an assurance
Of good times coming. Even the insur-
anee problem will be solved and its
worst features win tend to be smoothed
away. House rents are moderate and
accommodation can be found By those
who need it. Work has been delayed.
but il has not been stopped, and cease
ess activity is steadily having its trans
forming effect. There il discourage.
ment. but there is no slackening Of ir-
revorable intention to reconstruct, and,
while that remains the issue is not in
doubt. Sacramento Union.