Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-04-16
Pleasant View Of Salem.
Hugh Hume Editor of Portland
Spectator.)

SPECTATOR
Salem Is a beautiful, busy city OF
fine homes, wide streets, lovely
lawns, well-kept gardens, and hos
pitable people. Were II not for the
brooding horror of biennial sessions
of the legislature, II would be an
ideal place TO live. AS II reluctant to
leave the charming place, the engi
neers on the Southern Pacific drive
their steeds at snail's speed
through the town. A new alderman,
Mr.. Haas, discovered an old ordi-
nance which says that trains shall
not be run in the city faster than
molasses In winter, and he had the
age-yellow measure put in operation.
The railroad talked of leaving Salem
OF the through-train map, which
would have given the state capital
people one chance a day to get to
Portland, but has thought better OF
II when legislature is in session, the
people will have two chances to es-
cape, as they formerly had.
When they speak OF trains. the Sa-
lem people have fallen into the habit
OF scowllng, shaking their fists. and
gnashlng their teeth. These signs
OF disturbed digestion are painfully
frequent they become positively
fearsome when n Salemite steps on
a car to make the journey to Port
land; he knows the chances are to
1 that he will have to stand, or suffer
the humiliation OF having a large,
blonde lady lean against his shoulder
and crush his hat over his eyes at
every curve In the track.
You can stand on one corner IN
Salem and note the fine architectural
beauty of eight churches, represent
ing as many different denominations.
For the population, the capital OF the
state has more houses OF worship
and larger number OF able preach
ers than any city In Oregon. That
n capital reputation 10 have, and
Salem is properly proud of Il. Clean |
Illness In streets is next to godllness,
and Salem has begun improvements |
that will make Il the cleanest and |
best paved town OF the state. The !
streets are broad enough TO give 80 |
feet sidewalks; the plan Is to devote |
the greater part OF that space TO
park; the lawn and trees will be ca. ed 4
for under the direction OF a commits |
sioner; II the property-owner does
not give the park proper attention |
the work will be done by the city.
and the cost viii be a lien on the
land. Before the Salem and Port
land electric road Is in operation y
september 1 Is the date set for this. (
State street will be the prettiest
street in the west. Court and Com
mercial streets will be improved
next.
The social life In Salem reyolyes J
about the churches; that makes early
the rule. In Salem, the girls
are all pretty; many OF the men are
good The Ilihoe club. which has a
charming home near the center OF the
city, has a large membership that in
cludes the leading men OF the state.
IL has a quiet. dignihed refined air.
due no doubt To the fact that Thurs
day Is ladies night. and that the re-
ceptions are wen attended. Unless
the stranger within the gates OF Sa-
lem knows the drug elerk-a very :
soeiahle man indeed. whose acQuaint- :
anee Is easily made, the wayiarer VIII
Ind that the Illihee club Is an oasis
In a dry, arid dosort-that one, only (
place whore on sunday gentlmeu
may assauge his thirst Twice blessed
Is the memher of the mlhee club: II
thrice blessed is the friend Of tho
An In all, Salem Is a charming
place. aud the people are as happy
As can be expected. considering the
'aet that the horror OF the legislature
constantly broods over them.