LOS ANGELES, CAL., April 16—For the time being the former Premier of Poland is a California rancher. A rancher de luxe, it is true; possibly one had better say a “gentleman rancher.” Only, the Eastern “gentleman farmer” does not expect to make money—while Rancher Ignace Paderewski is preparing to garner wealth from the California soil and sunshine.

Immediately after his return to Paso Robles, Paderewski visited his land holding in the neighborhood. He has taken up his residence, as formerly at the Paso Robles Hotel, where he has beautiful quarters.

First came a visit to the San Ignacio Rancho five miles from his hotel, on the Adelaide road. On this ranch he has 12,000 bearing almond trees. Farther out is the Santa Helena Rancho, the property of Mme. Paderewska, which was visited next. And nearly every day since Paderewski has visited these properties, consulting with his manager and ranch foreman, “Daddy” Hemphill.

The pianist-statesman does not view things at long distance, either. He gets right in among the horses, cows and chickens and talks farm lore with his old farmer like a confirmed ruralist.

Paderewski first came to Paso Robles about 1913, seeking rest and the curative properties of the hot springs for a troublesome neuritis. He came back year after year and finally made large investments in the neighborhood. These were followed by the acquisition of other ranch lands farther south, in the Santa Maria district, which are thought to contain oil.

Shortly after acquiring the Paso Robles lands, he planted the largest portion with almonds, thus becoming a pioneer grower of that tree in his section of the country. On the San Ignacio rancho there are 250 acres of orchard, largely almonds, but with areas devoted to pears and walnuts. Of course there are the usual farm buildings and live stock, in which Paderewski takes much interest; and he is no novice in the game as he has raised blooded stock and prize winners on his country place in Switzerland.

No more is the sound of piano heard from his room at the hotel. He says his piano lid is down permanently—but who can tell? In these two months on his estates he is resting—and making plans for his beloved Poland, for he is a member of the Polish Diet from the Warsaw district, and is absent only on three months’ leave.

He must return to Poland in the autumn for the session of the Diet at which a president is to be chosen. Pilsudski is the provisional president, but the office is to be filled this fall for the seven-year period. If Paderewski’s name is presented, he may be chosen, in spite of the non-support of the Socialistic party and the antagonism of all with pro-German leanings. The name and fame of Paderewski and the affection in which he is held in Poland may make him a still greater figure in European politics than he has been.

Meanwhile he is resting, farming, attending motion picture shows in the evenings, rambling with Mme. Paderewska and playing a game of piquet with his companion and quasi-business manager, Mr. Strakacz. —W. F. G.