Reconstruction of 

 San Fran cisco 



S. H. KENT, PreMldent of the Buildem* Exchange 



I ARRIVED in San Francisco early in 1851. In the spring of that year 

 the city was visited twice by fire, one immediately following the other 

 so closely that practically the entire business portion of the city was 

 consumed. At that date there was but a very small residence district 



and this was located on the site that in later years became the cele- 

 brated Chinese quarter, and many of the old homes were still standing at the 

 date of the recent fire. 



Now everything is changed. In those days we had very little com- 

 munication with the outer world; while to-day we are in touch with every 

 part of the earth worth speaking of. The fact that so many of our business 

 men of to-day are going ahead and establishing themselves in business 

 in temporary quarters simply means that San Francisco is the business 

 center of the Pacific Coast. With its fine harbor and deep water and central 

 location, it will force itself to the front and be recognized as one of the 

 business centers of the world. For a time no doubt the city will lose some 

 of Its prestige, and the fact must not be lost sight of that it will take 

 many years to rebuild to its former grand proportions. In rebuilding and 

 making new building ordinances great care should be taken not to make 

 them burdensome on the masses of the people, as there are many more of 

 the middling class as compared with the very wealthy. I agree that all 

 care should be taken to build substantial buildings. The owner, of course, 

 at all times is governed by the amount of money he has at his command, 

 and all owners cannot afford to build Class A buildings; but let it be a B or C 

 building, — not cut the price down below cost and then expect first-class 

 work and material. I think it is oftener the owner's fault, and not the con- 

 tractor's, that he does not get first-class work; it is simply because he never 

 paid for a first-class job. 



There is a section of the city that I think might be improved, and now 

 that the land is clear of buildings would be a very good time to take it up. 

 I speak of the location bounded by Folsom, Brannan, Third, and Spear 

 streets. This means the grading down of Harrison Street. I think the city 

 should condemn and pay for all the property that is not now graded to a 

 uniform grade with Second Street and sloping down to Spear Street; then 

 by a uniform system of grades level the property and sell the lots for 

 business purposes. I think all widening and extensions of streets should 

 be paid for by the public, as the change is ma.de for the benefit of the 

 people. 



On the water question I can say but little, as there seems to be but 

 one universal opinion, and that is that the city should have a first-class 

 water system and plenty of water. I am not in favor of municipal owner- 

 ship to be controlled by new officers every two years. My idea would be 

 to have a Water, Gas, and Electric Commission. To create this commission 

 I would have all superior judges elected for life terms, with powers invested 

 in them to appoint all important commissions. The city had a very efficient 

 fire department, but was powerless for want of water. I would suggest 

 that the city have two fire-tugs on the water-front for the exclusive use 

 of the Fire Department, and not to be used for any other purpose. 



Now a few words to the people in the Eastern States, who are freezing 

 to death in winter and dropping dead in the summertime. Come out and 

 try our California climate — never too hot and never too cold. You can 

 select a location that will suit the health and conditions of any man or 

 woman. There is plenty of work at good wages and every day in the 

 year at that. If you are thrifty, there is plenty of land to be had at reason- 

 able prices by the acre, or you can secure a little homestead. 



