New-York tribune., 1919-03-17
Increasing Demand
For Houses Shown
In All Section ms
S. W. Straus Tells of Value
of Owning a Home and
Declares Country Is in
Need of 100000

Reports from all parts of the coun-
try indicate the difficulty of obtaining
homes. The demand for houses, said
S. W. Straus, of S. w. Straus e. Co.,
yesterday is estimated at over 1000.
He declares real estate and financial
interests should give all possible en-
couragement to home owning.
1.-THE COST" he says, "of building a
home is higher to- day than it was prior
to the war. There is every indication
that rentals will continue to rise, while
the prices of building materials, with
the tremendous amount of building
work Immediately ahead, canno. be ex-
pected to reach much lower levels than
the present. This is a most propitious
time, therefore, for the DEVELOPMENT of
great home owning movement, which
should be given special encouragement.
because it will help in the solution of
our great social and economic prob
lens"
Makes Better Citizens
Mr. Straus thinks that widespread
home owning activities in this country
would help more to "alleviate social un-
rest and build a bulwark against the
encroachments of Bolshevism than any
other single movement" He says that
men who own their own homes have a
sense of stability, an appreciation of
property rights and a respect FOR the
orderly processes Of society that pre-
clude the possibilities of their being
mlsled by any fanatical or over radical
Influences"
Continuing further on the value Of
owning a home, Mr.. Straus says:
III ONE owning is a constructive ma
ton building process. AS result of
our war time economies there are mill
ions of Americans to-day who, for the
first time in their lives, are saving
money. A continuation Of these prac-
tices of thrift, so necessary to the ma
ton, can best be assured through the
Introduction of popular homecoming
impulse.
"It is easier to save money for
fixed purpose than it is to save it mere
ly for accumulation, and no object
could be more worthy of the practice
of economy than ones own home. The
home that has been bought and paid
for out of mans savings will impart
feeling of substantial possession and
concrete accomplishment that can be
acquired in no other way. 1t will stand
as permanent monument to his in
dustry and frugality, and will serve as
constant inspiration to gain still fur
ther possessions.
Thrift in Home Owning
"rhe fact that family owns it's own
home will do much toward impressing
on the minds of the children the prac-
tical value of thrift. Through this
medium, as in no other way, can they
be made to realize that independence,
comfortable surroundings and whole
some happiness are the rewards of
frugal practices. The value of these
lessons alone in the added mental and
moral equipment given to the children
as they start out in life will be worth
any sacrifice assumed by the parents.
even those who have passed the
days of their early younth should re-
member that it is never too late to be-
gin saving money for a home. In fact,
advancing years should serve as added
incentives, because when the period is
reached in life where the income be-
gins to diminish, the possession Of a
home as place of refuge and security
will be all the more necessary to ones
comfort and peace Of mind"