The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1909-10-19

Gregory. Tex, oct. 19.-This is Pres
ident Tafts first day of rest and en-
joyment on his brothers 25OOO-acre
ranch. After the strenuous days Of his
long tour the president for the first
time has an opportunity to lay aside
all cares and seek rest and exercise.
serious occupation or amusement ac-
cording 10 his taste and whim, not IN
strict accordance with time tables and
iron-clad programs. He has a mag
nificent place in the east 10 roam over
at will, either on horseback or in an au-
tomobile. A fine steam yacht is ready
for his pleasure, should he feel like go
ing fishing or taking a sail along the
picturesque coast. He has only TO
step out of the front door and walk a
few steps to the finest golf links in
Texas. laid out especially for his use
by two Texas golf experts, should he
wish to indulge in his favorite exer-
else. 1t is true, there are no 'possums
to hunt, but, should the president have
an inclination for more strenuous pas
time, there is bigger game for him TO
shoot, not lions or elephants, but prair-
lie wolves, coyotes, deer and wildcats.
Wildcat shooting is one of the favorite
lpastimes of the sportsmen i'm this part
of the country and "A hunt of that kind
has been arranged for tonight. A pack
of "cat dogs" was obtained for the pur-
pose and If the president is not too
tired tonight, he may enjoy fine sport
and a novel experience.
Brings in Million a Year.
The ranch, which forms part OF the
400 OOO-acre estate which David Sinton,
Charles =. Taft's father-in -in-law pur-
chased many years ago. when Texas
ranch land was worth about 81 an acre.
is located in Can Prairie county. near
the bays Of Corpus Christi and San
Patricio. The ranch, which includes
the towns of Sinton. Taft, Gregory and
Portland. occupies the greater part OF
the county and is one of the finest
properties i'm Texas. Ii is well stocked
and cultivated and brings Mr.. Chas.
=. Taft round million dollars year.
When il was decided a few months
ago that the president would spend
four days of rest upon his brothers
farm. Mr.. Chas. p. Taft began TO make
extensive preparations for the occa-
sion. The old ranch house. known by
the Spanish name of LaQuinto, was
, torn down and in its place a magnifi-
cent palace was built, equipped with
everything that the most fastdious
taste may desire in a modern dwelling
1t has SO rooms and crowns 100-foot
cliff. beneath which the surf breaks
with an eternal roar. For the accom-
I mediation Of the presidents travelling
$ party another building. resembling a
5 seashore hotel with wide veranda, was
built a short distance from LaQuinta.
| Many Notable improvements.
< Some distance in the rear garage
d was built, large enough to shelter half
!. dozen automobiles and 1t was stocked
with four brand new machines. To
= supply the house with sea water for
y bathing purposes. a pumping station
9 was erected and also an electric power
= plant for Illuminating the building. In
e the bay a long pier was constructed to
o provide a mooring place for the steam
c yacht added TO the equipment of the
n ranch. The final touch to the prepara-
$ tions was given by the laying out of a
e golf course Of nine holes. The super
intendents in charge of the ranch and
is different departments knew of golf
Y only from hearsay and when they re-
= received orders from the presidents
. brother to provide for suitable golf
:, links. they were stumped. But the or
r der had to be obeyed and. as expense
G was not to be considered they engaged
two of the finest golf experts in Texas
to come TO the Taft ranch and lay out
the course i'm accordance with the tra-
dtions of the game. 1t is conserva
s tive estimate that the improvements
y made on the ranch in anticipation OF
d the presidents visit cost his brother
= not less than s5O0,O0O quite a nice little
= fortune. but not exorbitant consider
u ing the annual profits derived from the
k ranch.