The Rising Costs of Second Street

The Chinese a short time since secured a lease of the Sherlock block, corner of Oak and Second streets. It is now learned that they have leased the corner diagonally opposite, embracing 100 feet front on each street and owned by H. Winehard, and also the southeast corner, owned by J. W. Cook. Mr. Winehard receives, it is said, $500 per month rent for the ground as it lies, the lessees to build when they please. Mr. Cook leases his lot, seventy-five feet on Second by ninety feet on Oak, and will build a three-story brick building thereon, for $400 per month. The lease is for fifteen years. The building will be first class, and constructed with a view of conforming to those adjoining and of adapting it to the use of white men when the present lease expires. Notices to vacate have been served upon the parties occupying the old buildings on this lot, and the work of excavating for the new building will be commenced at once. The Chinese, it seems, are bound to have Second street, and by securing one piece of property the owners of adjacent lots are compelled to lease also. The opinion among property owners, however, is that by the time these leases expire they will be able to oust the Chinese from that part of town altogether.