Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-06-02


and winning campaign brighter than
ever before.
THE CALIFORNIA SPIRIT.
Reports from San Francisco indicate
that the work of reconstruction is be-
Ing pushed forward rapidly and with
enthusiasm. Californians have recoy-
cred from the shock of the appalling
disaster and are determined that the
city shall be rebuilt and on the most
improved methods. They hope to make
the great metropolis of the Pacific
coast larger city than ever before.
The best achitects in the world
have been called upon for ideas.
and so far as is humanity possible the
danger from similar catastrophe will
be reduced to minimum. AS was in
the case with Chicago after the big fire
and Galveston after the tidal wave.
their efforts will no doubt be crowned
with success. A most hopeful sign
was the reopening of the banks of the
city few days ago with more money
on hand than before the earthquake
and fire. 1t was expected that there
would be run" on all the banks. but
this did not materialize. In fact. it is
claimed that the deposits are exceed
Ing the withdrawals. A recent bulle-
tin issued from San Francisco takes
an optimistic view of the situation. It
says:
California is prosperous; it Is
year OF bumper crops; the fruit prom
Use is good and all business is on
sound basis Perhaps no city in the
land was better able to withstand such
catastrophe.
The ability to cope with a disas-
trous situation was strikingly shown.
In no other Instance of a calamitous
fire was city so quickly placed under
control There was entire harmony of
action between the state and the city
authorities, and the response in the
cities round about was prompt and
helpful.
"The story of each day as It passes
is full of encouragement While TEN
porary offices and store rooms are 60
ing up, the owners and architects are
busy planning permanent structures,
building laws are being shaped. the
widening of streets discussed. and
every feature of the situation as con-
Germs new and strong city is well in
hand
''The work Of reconstruction will be
done in the best manner. AS far as
human skill can do it, theGcity to rise
will be; safe-guarded for the 3 future,
The Citizens committee Is large and,
able and is supported by the people in
the determination to make the most of
the city INTELLECTUALLY.
/ The secretary of commerce and
labor, Victor H. Metcalf, said: There
has been no depression, no pessimism
the undaunted spirit of the Califor-
MAN is ubiquitous And one of the
foremost bankers of the city said that
San Francisco would be rebuilt in
the shortest possible time, and be
greater, better and weather. city than
before
Real estate values are an index. A
year ago prominent citizens paid $780,
900 for the Lick House and other prop
fire this syndicate is creditably re-
for the naked ground.
/ Several large sales negotiated prior
to April Is have been consummated,
more sales are reported and negotia-
tons are in progress for others.
I'll VIII US dpdlls
able for investment Street railways,
telephone, government buildings, the
extension of the sea wall, the avail
able city bonds of 1904. will provide
more than s2OO,OOO,OOO for rehabita-
ton. Private capital and money de-
rived from insurance will increase this
sum two fold. In the whole history
of America no such opportunity was
ever before offered to men Of enter
prise and courage. A great building
era will affect every section, and
California may anticipate years of I'M
precedented business activity and bust
ness profit.
"a lesson in methods of construction
| is being learned, and careful observa-
ton shows poor foundations, yielding
ground, rotten wooden supports Of old
houses, poor concrete, stone veneers,
gables unsupported and much faulty
methods of building. The tall buildings,
all of which remain substantially I'M
harmed, though interiors are burned
out, are so many object lessons.
Cali this will be taken into account,
and the experience will result in max
ing San Francisco and it's neighbors
| the safest cities in the world in which
| to reside"
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THE "BIGGEsT SHIP"
Not only is there keen competition
T. AZ : ,@oks