Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 January 1905 — FROM SUNNY CALIFORNIA. [ARTICLE]

FROM SUNNY CALIFORNIA.

fir. L. Strong Writes an Interesting Letter for Democrat Readers. 315 South Bunker Hill Are., 1 Los Angelas, Cal., Jan. 30,01. f Editor Democrat: Many friends asked me to write something concerning oar trip to California, and what we have seen. We left Chicago the 2fith of December, 1904, at 6p. m; arrived here the 7th of Janurary, Our first stop waa at lola, Kan., where weviaited Bro. L. L. Poneler and the Robinsons. lola is a city of seven or eight thousand, surrounded by prairie lands, good to look upon but not very suitable for agriculture. Oil and gaa are plenty, and manufacturing is extensive/ which comprises brick, cement, zinc and other less important ones. It is estimated that the monthly pay roll in the city, including everything, is not lees than $150,000. Our next stop was at Lamar, Colo, where we visited Wallace Robinon, George Burk and T. J. Sayler, This is the arid region of Colorado, and is high and dry. The soil is well adapted to ihe raising of sugar beets and alfalfa. The only thing to be feared by the farmers is the water supply or irrigation. A costly law-suit is on hand now to determine the right of Colorado to direct the water in the Arkansas river to her own use, to the detrimont of Kansas. *

Soon after leaving Lamar we began to 6ee mountains looming up in the distance. At Lajunta our course changed somewhat to the south. At Trimdad we began climbing the mountains with an additional engine. It was interesting to sit and look out of the car window and see the front end of our train rounding towards us as though there was another train and track. We soon passed into New Mexico, across that into Arizona, where we reached the highest altitude, which affected all on board in the same way by causing a roaring sensation in the head; some lost their hearing for a short time. The great American desert is rightly named. We traveled for tweuty-four hours without much change in the general appearance of the country. A vast level surface with here and there a mountain looking as though it had dropped down. Occasionally we would come to a group of mountains, making it necessary to wind around until we came out on the other side. I understand there is a project on foot to irrigate this desert, using the Colorado river as a water supply. If that can be done there will be no end to the productions, as the soil is deep and rich. We could easily tell when we were in the orange and lemon groves by the perfume, as we neared our destination. Los Angeles is a city of surprises Laid out in every conceivable way without regard to the compass, some of the streets run into each other at both, ends. The oldest inhabitants dont know the directions, yet they do business just the same. To pass up and down the business streets puts one in mind of Chicago or some eastern city. The street car service is unsurpassed. Parks abound and are well kept. Sightseeing is one of the main features of the tourist business and it requires a vast amount of equipage to carry it on. Here you can walk the streets when the temperature is at 65 or 70 degrees and glance up along the top of the mountains and see snow. Here you can see the ancient Spanish adobe buildings as well as the modern American. Here you will meet representatives of, almost every nation. The Chinamen with his joss house; the Jap, many of whom are holding themselves ready to go to war at the call of their country. I doubt if there is another city iu the United States that has as much to interest you while sojourning in it. While we have been here the temperature has ranged at 60 to 65. Have had two rains; grass growing flowers blooming. Respectfully Yours, L. Strong.

Young men and women wanted to learn telegraphy. Railroads need operators badly. Total cost six mouths’ course in our school, including tuition (telegraphy and typewriting) board and room, SB9. This can be reduced. Catalogue free. Write to-day. Dodge’s Institute, Monroe St., Valparaiso, Ind. $17.75 Lafayette to Washington, D. C. and return, account of Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies, March 4th. Tickets on sale March Ist, 2nd and 3rd; returning, good leaving Washington March Bth with provision for extension to March 13th npon payment of fee of SI.OO, For time of trains, etc., call on or address, Thos. Pollen, P. & T. A., Lafayette. Ind.