;..'" ^^ Glass F3^^ Book. OAKLAND ^^ATHENS OF THE PACIFIC^' THE CITY or CHURCHES A***' THE CITY or SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES W THE CITY or ART AND SCIENCE [[_ THE CITY or WEALTH AND INDUSTRY THE Cn"Y OE HEALTH AND HOMES ^ ALSO ^ racts and Tig u PCS of Alameda Couafv ITS CITES AND TOWNS FARMS AND FACTORIES RAILROAD AND SHIPPING INTERESTS PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, HARBORS CLIMATE, SOIL, PRODUCTS, ETC., ETC. PUBLISHED UNDER THE dOIMT AUSPICES OF THE MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE AND BOARD OF TRADE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, GAL., BY AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF SUPERUISORS OF ALAMEDA COUNTY. Copies of this book will be mailed free to prospective home seekers on application to Secretary of Merchants' Exchange or Board of Trade, Oakland, Cal. Copyrighted 1896 by G. W. Calderwood and G. T. Loofbourow. All Rig-hts Reserved. 1897 Q Z ■c o o r 1^ 5 tu lU >- LU h PREFACE. A "preface" from the publishers is unnecessarj^ The following is much better:- FROM EX-MAYOR WM. R. DAWIS. Davis & Hill, william lair hill. wm. r. davis. Attorneys at Lazc\ N. W^ Cor. Ninth and Broadway, Rooms 12, 13 and 14, Oakland, Cat. Oakland, Cal., June 17th, 1896. G. T. lyOOFBOUROW & Co. — Gentlemen: I have examined the proof-sheets of your book, "Facts and Figures" of Alameda County, and have no hesitancy in saying that in my opinion it promises to be the best and most accurate presentation of our resources and local attractive features, and as an advertising medium yet published in the interest of Al- ameda County. Very truly yours, Wm. R. Davis. "SO SAY WE ALL." W. V. WITCHER, President Merchants' Exchange. GEO. W. ARPER, Importer and Dealer in Oils. GEO. L. FISH (Ex-President Merchants' Exchange). JOHN A. BRITTON, Secretary and Manager Oakland Gas Light & Heat Company. THEO. GIER, Wholesale Wine Dealer and Vineyardist. J. H. MACDONALD, Real Estate, Ninth Street. A. H. BREED, Real Estate, 460 Ninth Street. MYRON T. HOLCOMB, Real Estate, Tenth and Broadway. W. J. SPENCER, Our Mothers' Milling Company, Second Street. HENRY P. DAETON, County Assessor. WILEIAM J. DINGEE, Real Estate and President Oakland Water Company. M. J. SCHARMAN, Importer Cigars and Tobacco, Twelfth and Broadway. And man}^ others. (Hi) SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. HKRE'is a book that will interest all persons concerned in the welfare of Oakland and Alameda County. It is not a "history " of Alameda County, neither is it a " directory " of the city of Oakland. It does not run in the beaten path of any other publication. The publishers received the most pronounced encouragement from the very start. When the high-grade character of our contributors was made public, subscriptions began to pour in from all sides. The people knew that something good was coming and thousands of copies were ordered before a single type had been set. As for ourselves we cut but a small figure in the matter. We came here as entire strangers to this peo- ple, and we are still strangers to most of them. We have tried to deserve the good opinion of all and to publish a book on correct lines. We believe that we have succeeded. Our book has cost us much hard work and several thousand dollars, but the money will all come back, for we expect to sell as many books as there are individuals in Alameda County — 125,000 at least. Our book is one that will not be thrown away nor dismissed with a glance. There is not a dull line in it, and every page tells of some important fact. We extend our thanks to ex-Mayor Wm. R. Davis for making us acquainted with men who had blood in them — the kind of blood that moves things along practical lines. We thank W. R. Ellis, editor of the Liv- ermore Herald, Prof. W. C. Jones, of the State University, Mrs. C. T. Mills, of Mills College, and C. C. Mclver, of Mission San Jose, for cuts loaned us with which to illustrate our book. We are under special obligations to W. J. Spencer, of "Our Mothers' Milling Company," for substantial favors shown us from time to time during the progress of our work. The President and Directors of the Merchants' Exchange are entitled to our thanks for the encouragement, and many courtesies shown us. We are more than thankful to the Oakland Enquirer for numerous kindly notices of our work during its preparation. To all our contributors and to each of our patrons we tender our thanks for their confidence in us and encouragement of our work. There are no advertisements nor paid locals in this book, — not one. Nor has any man paid us, or been asked to pay us, as much as a 5 cent piece for anything said of him or his business. If we have said what may seem to be "a good thing" for this or that person, you may rest assured that this or that person had been saying something good of us. We are human and feel and appreciate a kind word from whomsoever it may come. As a book for Eastern readers, for the homeseeker and investor, we are inclined to the opinion that "Facts and Figures" has no superior on the Pacific Coast. As an evidence of this fact several business men of Oakland have each subscribed for 100 copies of the book. One firm ordered 200 copies. A large number have ordered 50 copies each, while the names of those who have subscribed for 25 copies each would nearly fill a page in the book. We offer single copies of the book at $1.00. Special discount on 25 or more copies. Tubes for maiUng the book will be furnished free of charge. The postage on each copy of " Facts and Figures" will be 8 cents. G. T. LOOFBOUROW & CO., Publishers, Oakland, Cal. (iv) NDEX TO SUBJECTS Page Alameda County .9 Situation, Area, Population , Topography, Valleys, Products, Shipping facilities. County roads, Fruit growing. Vegetable growing, Farming in general. Number of crops. Gathering crops, Price of land, Land values. Apricots 12 Alameda County vs. the East i6 A Bankers' Start 20 A Pen Picture 21 Alphabetical Pointers 24 A Few Dont's 26 Alameda County Apples 28 Alameda County, Towns and Cities.... 37 Alameda, Berkeley, Livermore, Haywards, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Niles, Newark, Centerville, Pleasanton, Alvarado, Irvington , Mission San Jose, "Warm Springs, Decoto, Sunol. An Argument 88 Alameda County Gold 81 A Midwinter Ramble 84 Board of Trade, The 96 Big Farms 22 Best's Big Business 31 Beet Sugar Pulp 3;^ Beet Sugar 58 Barley, "Chevalier" 85 California Property and Taxation 98 Cucumber Pickles 12 Currants 12 Cherries 13 Cost of Living 41 Climate and Air Movements of Ala- meda County 43 Cork Trees 5° Climate, Different "8 Currant and Berry Culture 59 Elmhurst 93 Page Fruit Growing 10 Farming in General 11 Farming in Alameda County 19 Fish We Eat 32 Flowers 40 Fuel, Price of yi Fishing 51 Fernwood 86 Giants, California 33 Greater Oakland 89 How It Pays, No. i 11 How It Pays, No. 2 12 How It Pays, No. 3 12 How It Pays, No. 4 14 How It Pays, No. 5 14 How It Pays, No. 6 14 How It Pays, No. 7 15 How It Pays, No. 8 15 How It Pays, No. 9 15 How It Pays, No. 10 16 Horse Beans 12 Hay 13 Honey .. 60 Hop Picking 68 Health Statistics 85 Inexhaustible Soil 29 Irrigation 63 Investment 91 Lemons, Money in 29 Livermore Valley 30 Livermore Creamery 33 Linda Vista 40 Let There Be Light 64 Minerals of Alameda County 23 Manufacturing Industries 46 Mushrooms 85 Merchants' Exchange 94 Number of Crops Grown 11 No Answer 17 Oakland Exposition, The 60 Our Question Box 17 Our Prolific Soil 27 "Oakland" (poem) 34 Oakland, California 35 Ferry trains, Oakland harbors, Electric railroads, Resources, Wealth, Manufacturing, "Athens of the Pacific," Public schools. Societies, Climate. Onions, Huge Bed of 48 Oakland Water Front 51 Plan of improvement. Tidal canal. First appropriation. Pagb Present condition, Future operations, Small appropriations. Commercial progress. Oakland, Duty of Men of Wealth to... 55 Oakland To-day and To-morrow 61 Oakland, The New 66 Oakland, Ten Years in 67 Oakland Musically Considered.. 68 Oakland, Distance from 72 Oakland's Future 73 Six grounds of forecast. Comparative growth, Oakland's increase. The Nicaragua Canal, One more railroad ? or two ? The only deep water inlet, Omaha and Oakland, End of the centurj'. Ourselves a factor. Oakland, Healthiest of Cities 79 Outdoor Sports 8i Oakland Real Estate, the Rise in Value of S2 Oakland Iron Works 93 Oakland Preserving Company 93 Peas 12 Profits in Cucumbers 20 Profits in Raspberries 2e Public Schools of Alameda County 49 Rhubarb 12 Roses in Winter 45 Railroad Review 76 Race Track 92 Salt 27 Some Questions Answered 87 Sugar Making 31 Strawberries 81 The Deadly Parallel 19 Twelve Tons of Cherries 21 The Deadly Parallel 26 The Warm Springs 28 The Deadly Parallel 29 The Deadly Parallel 31 Transmission of Power 32 Tomatoes Every Daj' 48 Taxation, Rates of. 70 The Future Highway 71 Vegetable Growing 27 Values, Comparative 69 When Fruits Ripen 10 Weather Bureau Service 40 Winter Weather 48 Wine Culture 62 What Eastern Folks Can Not Do and We Can 85 Weather and Work 85 Worth Seeing , 94 What For? 92 What Is What? 90 (v) c 3 '|J':14^ An Alameda County "Alameda." DEADLY PARALLEL. When the atmosphere is freezing cold in the east, the citizens of Alameda County are basking in the sunshine. When the citi- zens of the east are suffering from heat, the citizens of Oakland and Alameda County are having glorious weather. The San Fran- cisco Chronicle reports the hot weather in the east on August 9, 1896, as follows; — "Fatal Heat in the East." 'Over One Hundred Deaths Reported." 'Fifty Victims in New York." 'People I'rostrated in Many Cities." Then the paper goes on for a column and a half, detailing the suflfering east, north, middle west and south. Let us compare actual facts with them: — EAST. August 9, 1896. New York.— Sevent}' deaths from heat in this city to-daj-, fifty of them on Manhattan Is- land. Prostrations everywhere; intense suffering. One hundred horses dropped dead. Philadelphia. — E i g h t e e n deaths. Thirty prostrations in this city to-daj-. Thermometer 96.6 at 4 p. M. Boston. — Seventy degrees at daylight; 92 at 2 p. m. The most uncomfortable day we've ever had. Washington City, D. C — Thermometer97^. Airstifling. Great suffering. Pittsburg, Pa. — Hottest day of the summer — 96. Many cases of sunstroke. Three deaths. Cleveland, O.— Fifty militia- men prostrated by the heat. At 7 .4.. M. mercury stood at 80; at 7 p. M. at 98. Cincinnati, O. — Temperature OAKLAND. August 9, 1896, Temperature 65. Look through the pages of this book, and you will notice that it is never hot nor never cold has been in the nineties for over a week. Many cases of sun- stroke reported, and several deaths have occurred from heat. WEST. St. Louis. — Worst we have ever known it. One hundred and ten prostrations; nineteen deaths. Thermometer 100 in the shade to-da\-. Kansas City.— Sweltering hot weather here and all around us. Thermometer for a week has ranged from 97 to 103 degrees. Omaha, Neb.. — Thermometer has played on both sides of the 100 mark for a week. The hu- midity has been something awful. Milwaukee. — Five days of the hottest weather known here since 1872. During the past week the death-rate has more than doubled. SOUTH. San Antonio, Tex. — Numer- ous cases of sunstroke. Business at a standstill. Little Rock, .'Vrk. — Mercury has stood at 100 mark for ten days. Crops all parched. Twelve to fifteen prostrations have occurred. Louisville, Ky. — Terrible mortality among horses. Many dropped dead in the streets. Baltimore, Md. — Heat almost unbearable. Thirty prostrations and nineteen deaths. in Alameda County. The mercury very seldom gets below 55. or above 70. No spot on earth is favored with finer summer vv-eather, or more glorious winter weather, than Alameda County, California. ALAMEDA COUNTY. Alameda County is situated in the western part of hood of 125,000. Four-fifths of the citizens reside in the Central California. It is bounded on the west by the Bay cities and towns of the county, of San Francisco, on the north by Contra Costa County, on topography. the east by San Joaquin County, and on the south by Santa The Contra Costa range of mountains is located on the Clara County. eastern side of the county, and extends from north to south Orange Qrave. AREA. The county contains 737 square miles of territory, or about 513,000 acres. It has a water front extending along its western shore a distance of 40 miles. There are about 8,000 acres of unentered government land in the county. POPULATION. The population of Alameda County is in the neighbor- the whole length of the county. Within these mountains are several of the most productive valleys of the world. THE ALAMEDA VALLEY. From the foot-hills of these mountains, westward to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, which come into the Bay ot San Francisco through the majestic Golden Gate, lies the famous Alameda Valley, the most productive garden spot on the face of the earth. (9) 10 ALAMEDA COUNTY. PRODUCTS OF THE VALLEY. Everything that is "growable" grows in this valley, and yields more to the acre, perhaps, than any other valley in California. This is saying a great deal, but facts warrant the statement. ■, SHIPPING FACILITIES. With 40 miles of water front, and 200 miles of steam and electric railways, the farmer, fruit grower, and produc3r will have no trouble in getting their crops to market. ^w.*:— '■ Four-Vear-Old Orange Tree. COUNTY ROADS. Nowhere west of the Rocky Mountains can better county roads be found than in Alameda County. During the sum- mer season these roads are sprinkled, and the dust is kept down to a large extent. FRUIT GROWING. Here is where fruit raising first began in California. Here is where the best fruits are grown. Here is where the nursery stock is sprouted for many of the great orchards of California. Here is the home of the sugar beet, and the first sugar beet factory in California. Here it is that the best cherries — the best cherries in the world — -are raised in the largest quantities. All other counties in California are pigmies compared to Alameda County in the production of high-grade cherries. Here are grown the largest and sweet- est currants. Here is the home of the fig- and the oranee, the olive and the grape, the lemon and the lime, the prune and the plum, the apricot and the peach, the strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and gooseberry, the apple, pear, and loquat, the nectarines, the guavas, and pome- I granates, the persimmons and the quinces. WHEN FRUITS RIPEN. ALL FRUITS BEAR IN SOME TIME OF THE VEAR, AND SOME BEAR ALL THE VEAR. During the twelvemonth, orcnards and vine- yards may be depended upon to yield as follows, with small changes as to altitude and location. January — Oranges, lemons, strawberries, and, occasionally, apples, peaches, guavas, and rasp- berries. Februaiy — Oranges, lemons, guavas, and stra\\berries. March — Oranges, lemons, limes, guavas, and strawberries. April — Loquats, oranges, lemons, limes, gua- vas, and strawberries. May — Currants, loquats, oranges, lemons, limes, gnavas, strawberries, and, occasionally, cherries, apricots, and peaches. June • — Cherries, plums, apricots, prunes, peaches, currants, loquats, oranges, lemons, guavas, strawberries, raspberries, and grapes. July — Figs, apples, grapes, cherries, necta- rines, plums, prunes, apricots, peaches, currants, loquats, oranges, lemons, guavas, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. August — Pomegranates, figs, grapes, quinces, apples, cherries, plums, prunes, apricots, peaches, oranges, nectarines, lemons, guavas, straw- berries, blackberries, and raspberries. September — Pomegranates, quinces, figs, nectarines, grapes, apricots, apples, plums, prunes, peaches, lemons, guavas, strawberries, blackberries, gooseberries, and raspberries. October — Pomegranates, figs, quinces, grapes, apples, plums, prunes, peaches, lemons, guavas, straw- berries, and raspberries. November — Persimmons, pomegranates, quinces, grapes, apples, figs, plums, prunes, peaches, oranges, lemons, guavas, strawberries, and raspberries. December — Persimmons, quinces, pomegranates, grapes, apples, figs, peaches, oranges, lemons, guavas, strawberries, and raspberries. This unimpeachable list demonstrates at once the great variety of fruits produced here, as well as the lengthy season during which they may be gathered fresh from tree and vine. FACTS AND FIGURES. II It tells the tale of the wonderful horticultural wealth of Ala- meda County, in the most convincing terms. VEGETABLES. Acres and acres and acres of ^'egetables are grown in this county. From north to south through the entire county is one vast field of vegetables. Many of the stockholders in the banks of the county made their money out of vege- tables. San Francisco's vegetable markets are supplied from the products of Alameda County. FARMING IN GENERAL. HOW IT P.\YS. No. I. George Smith owns 7 acres of land at San Leandro, in Eden Township. Two acres of this land is used for his home and domestic garden. Five acres are planted in vines and trees — 3 acres of which are cherry trees. He has 300 of these, and they are planted 24 feet apart. He crops 4 tons to the acre, or 1 2 tons in all. These cherries year in and While a farmer can do much better here than in the east, many of the best farmers of the county are turning their grain fields into orchards or vegetable gardens. A man who would be sat- isfied with $10 profit on each acre in the east, would find himself dissatisfied here with any- thing less than from $50 to $300 profit on each acre of land. PRICE OF LAND. Land costs twice as much here as it does in the east. But the price has to be paid but once and once only. The productive quality of the land in this county is from two to fourfold greater than the cheaper lands of the east. The good quality of this land is perpetual. LAND VALUES. These are not always gauged by the proxim- ity of land to cities and towns, nor wholly be- cause of the richness of the soil. What makes land worth as much as anything else in this county is the fact that it is always tillable. It can be plowed, hoed, or planted at any season of the year. In fact, there is no such thing as "plowing season" known in Alameda County. GATHERING CROPS. A landowner in this county may keep himsell busy every day in the year gathering fruit or vegetables. He need not store a pound or bushel of anything, for the markets are near, the roads good, and the weather always "peraiit- ting." TWO CROPS. In addition to gathering crops every month in the year, two crops are frequently gathered off of the same tree, bush, vine, or piece of land. If a man owns a lemon orchard, he never gets through picking the trees; for a lemon tree does not know what it is to quit producing. In Livermore Valley the finest quality of hay is raised, which brings a higher price than any other hay sold in the markets of California. It matters not what a man wishes to raise, he will find, as above stated, that anything "growable" will grow in Alameda County. 5ix-Year-0ld Orange Tree. year out average him $100 per ton. His cherries are the Black Tartarian and Royal Ann variety, and mature in May, and are cropped until July. Mr. Smith has j<( acre planted in rhubarb, which yields 3,000 pounds. This is sold in boxes of 30 pounds, at $1.00 each, making $100 for the crop, or at the rate of $400 per acre. Mr. Smith clears $1,600 a year over and above all expenses, and has the satisfaction of owning a good bank account, besides being one of the stockholders in the Central Bank, the largest one in Oakland. All of which comes from owning 7 acres of land in Alamed" County. 13 ALAMEDA COUNTY. HOW IT PAYS. No. 2. Mr. Smith's ranch, referred to above, shows what can be raised in this county on a small scale, and in this article we propose to show what can be raised on a large scale. The Meek estate (H. W. Meek, manager), near Hay- wards, consists of 1,000 acres of land, nearly all of which is in fruit trees. The following is a partial list of fruits raised there: Apples, crabapples, pears, cherries, plums, prunes, peaches, apricots, necta- rines, quinces, figs, al- monds, chestnuts, pe- cans, walnuts, oranges, lemons, persimmons, pomegranates, loquats, mulberries, olives, grapes, currants, goose- berries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries. VEGETABLES. In addition to the fruit product above named, Mr. Meek lias 250 acres of tomatoes, 150 acres of peas, and 150 acres of cucumbers for pickles. The tomatoes yield 18,000 pounds to the acre. The cucumbers average about 15,000 pounds, while the peas average 3 tons to the acre, and are worth $30 per ton. HOW IT PAYS. No. 3. Antone S. Vager re- sides at San Leandro. For several years after his arrival in this county he worked for monthly wages, and nine years ago he began business for himself. He com- menced on a small scale and increased his business from year to year, so that he is now one of the most independent men in San Leandro. His several crops for 1896 are as follows: — Tomatoes, 200 acres, 18,000 pounds to the acre. Total number of pounds, 3, 600, 000. Selling price per ton, $7 . 50. He has contracted to sell 60,000 boxes of tomatoes, 60 pounds each, at 20 cents per box, for which he will receive, all told, $12,000, or at the rate of $60 per acre. ' Horse Bea7is.^M.r. Vager raises a great many Jiorse beans, which he sells at $1. 15 per 100 pounds, or at the rate of $45 per acre. These beans are used in making coffee to some extent, but their principal value is in their nutrition as a feed for stock. Horse beans are always a more profitable crop than barley. Cucumber Pickles. — Early in the season these bring $1.60 per hundred pounds, but they drop down to 60 cents per hundred pounds before the season closes. Mr. Vager has only 4 acres for the market this year, but he has contracted his entire crop at the above figures. His usual plant- ing is from 30 to 40 acres, from which he gathers, on an average, 9,000 pounds per acre, and sells them so as to realize about $100 an acre for his trouble. Cucumber land is worth $300 per acre. Every acre pays for itself the third season. Peas. — This year Mr. : Vager' s pea crop will yield 180 tons, at $30 per ton, or at an average of $90 per acre. This land is worth $300 per acre. Apricots. — Mr. Vager claims that apricots are the most profitable fruit on his place. His crop this year will nm near 900 tons, 12 tons to the acre, and the price will range from $20 to $30 per ton. Currants. — These he plants between the apri- cot trees, and crops about 13 chests to the acre. These chests con- tain 1 20 pounds of cur- rants each, and they are sold all the way from $1.50 to $12 a chest, according to the ' 'season." At an average of $6.00 a chest each acre of currants fetches $90. Add these to the $300 per acre he gets for his apricots, and it is easy to see why Mr. Vager declares apricots to be the most profit- able of any fruit he handles. Rhubarb. —"This is also planted between the trees," says Mr. Vager, "and I have 6 acres of it this year; I expect to gather 1,400 boxes to the acre. These boxes will hold Olive Tree, 10 Years Old. FACTS AND FIGURES. 13 30 pounds each, and as I will get on an average go cents per box, the 6 acres will fetch $1,260, or $210 per acre." Land like this costs $300 per acre, and is worth every cent of it. Cherries. — Mr. Vager is a prolific producer of cherries. His principal brands in this line are the Royal Ann and the Black Tartarian. Some of his trees bear from 300 to 500 pounds, and others have yielded 800 pounds to the tree. He has 108 trees to the acre, planted 20 feet apart, so it can easily be figured out how he makes a small fortune out of cherries alone. Every pound of his fruit is contracted for year ahead. Hay. — He has 60 acres in hay, that crops 3 tons to the He also has a number of peach, plum, pear, and apple trees, from which he cleared $6,000 in one year. How is this for ID acres of land ? Raising Currants. — Mr. Rodgers has an eye to business. As his trees were planted 20 feet apart, he utilized the inter- vening space by planting 4 rows of currant bushes. For a period of 5 years these bushes have been producing nearly 1,000,000 pounds of currants each year. Yearly Contracts. — Mr. Rodgers never has to look for a market for his fruits. The market comes to him twelve months before he picks a single pound. In other words, as soon as he has sold this year's crop, he is offered so much ^.4 K^J i,}k%..-^i\^i:: -. y ,.■... -■■•■.4. ^ -•^■^^S».^>^ Almond Orchard in Bloom. acre. During the busy season he gives employment to 145 persons. What Mr. Vager has accomplished can be dupli- cated by any energetic man. HOW IT PAYS. No. 4. Antone A. Rodgers has a record for fruit raising that is surprisingly good. He located near San Leandro in i860. He bought 10 acres of land at $200 per acre. In five years his young apricot trees were bearing 50 pounds each, and they have increased their yield yearly e\'er since. After 22 years of bearing these trees now produce on an average of 500 pounds each per year. per pound for next year's crop. It is so with every other fruit grower in the county. Alia man has to do in order to get rich at fruit growing is to establish a reputation for rais- ing the best qualities of fruit, and picking it in due season, and properly packing it for the market. Rhubarb. — Mr. Rodgers, above referred to, planted rhu- barb here and there on 6 acres of his land, and his clear up this year on the 6 acres is about $1,300. Mr. Rodgers is a stockholder in one of the Oakland banks. His 10 acres ha\-e grown to 62 acres. What cost him $200 an acre is now worth $1,000 per acre. Ten acres in fruit trees in Alameda County is a fortune for any man. What Mr. Rodgers has accomplished is just what any energetic man may do. 14 ALAMEDA COUNTY. HOVS' IT PAYS. No. 5- J. H. Begier, of San Leandro, in conversation with the compilers of this book, said: "I have been raising fruit about ten years. I have 1,000 apricot trees on 10 acres of land. I have altogether 200 acres under my control, most of which I have leased. I contract nearly all of my fruit a year in ad\ance. It always pays to do this. A man knows then just where he is coming out. Nearly all of my fruit goes to eastern markets, and gets there about thirty days in advance of any other fruits from California or elsewhere." and will average 50 pounds each ; the sixth and seventh years, about 100 pounds each; the tenth year, about 200 pounds each, and from that up to 300, 400, and 500 pounds. A great deal of money is made in small fruit and vegetables that are planted between the trees. "Land can be had for $200 to $400 an acre in this town- ship, and if planted in cherries and apricots, will double in value in five years and increase every year after. Five acres is enough for any man unless he wishes to ship on a large scale. So far as living expenses are concerned, vegetables enough can be raised for domestic use and enough sold to On the Lawn, Linda Vista. Cherries. — "This is the best cherry-producing section in the world. The best cherries are the Royal Ann and Black Tartarian. I shall confine myself to apricots and cherries, as they are always in demand, and bring the biggest prices. I have raised considerable rhubarb and landed it in Chicago on Easter Sunday, two months in advance of other shippers. I expect to run my fruit shipments up to 100 car-loads a year. I have apricot trees on my place that are from twenty to twenty-five years old, and one tree that is thirty years old. This one tree alone produced 500 pounds of choice apricots. Apricot trees begin bearing about the fifth year. buy all the staple groceries required. There is no question about a man laying up a good bank account every year off of five acres of ground if he will only work." HOW IT PAYS. No. 6. Henry Curtner, Warm Springs, Alameda County: "I have lived in this (Washington) township for forty-two years. I consider the land of this county the most pro- ductive in the world. It is not alone good for one particular thing, but it is good for anything and everything that will FACTS AND FIGURES. 15 grow anywliere. It is a never-failing land. As I said a moment ago, I have lived here forty-two years, and I ha\e never known the soil to weaken or go back on any single character of product, whether it be hay, corn, barley, wheat, vegetables, or fruit. I raise from 23,030 to 25,000 sacks of peas and potatoes every year. Potatoes average from 100 to 250 bushels to the acre. Barley runs from 15 to 20 sacks (120 pounds to the sack) per acre. Hay yields fro^n 1J2 to 2ji tons to the acre. "String beans, peas, and sweet corn do well. Good grain and farming land in this section of the county can be had for $150 per acre. This is a good almond and prune locality. I liave known i }4. acres to yield $250 worth year after year. "Watermelons and muskmelons grow to enormous sizes. large olive orchard, the product of which brings him a small fortune annually. Olives, when converted into oil, are extremely valuable, since olive oil finds ready sale at $3-50, $4.00, $5.00, $6.00, $7.00, and $8.00 per gallon, according to quality. Mr. Gallegos has a standing offer for his lemons of one cent each, and as some of his trees yield thousands of lemons annually, the income is considerable. A hundred lemon trees can be grown on an acre of land, and currants and vegetables may be raised between the trees, at a profit of $ioo per acre, to which may be added the sale of the lemons. One hundred full-grown lemon trees will produce on an average 1,000 lemons each year, which, at a cent apiece, is $10 per tree, or $1,000 per acre. This is a con- servative estimate, when it is a well-known fact that there are many trees in this county that produce from 2,000 to 5,000 lemons a year, and in some cases 6,000 lemons per tree. HOW IT PAYS. No. 8. B. Fassler, of San Leandro, has a small cherry orchard — Snap Shots at C. C. Mclver's, Mission San Jose. "Tomatoes grow all through the winter season, and pro- duce again the following year. "This is a great grape-growing community. Many of my neighbors have grown rich from grapes alone. "Lemons and oranges grow abundantly. I have a lemon tree that is thirty years old, from whieh I can gather lemons every day in the year. It is always producing. "Flowers and ornamental trees grow here in profusion. ' 'All varieties of figs grow here abundantly. I have five varieties on my place. Some of my trees are twenty-five years old and yield two crops a year. "Peaches, plums, and pears grow to perfectness. Several varieties of peaches grow from 2J2 to 3 inches in diameter. "For richness of soil, salubrity of climate, and beautiful scenery the w^orld can not beat Alameda County, and Wash- ington Township in particular. HOW IT PAYS. No. 7. Robert Gallegos, Mission San Jose, in the southern part of the county, is the owner of several thousand acres of land, which is planted in vines and fruit trees. He has a only 2i< acres, but there is nothing small in his yearly income from the sale of his fruit. For instance, he gathered I ton of "Governor Wood" cherries from 7 trees, and sold the same for $100, or 5 cents per pound. He has 75 trees of the Royal Ann variety, the product of which brought $700. He picked 3 tons of Black Tartarians from 30 trees, and sold them for 5 cents per pound, or $10 per tree. Look at it in any light you please and you will see $1,000 per acre profit for Mr. Fassler. It is not worth while dis- cussing whether land is "high" or "low" priced when it produces a small fortune e\-erj- year. HOW IT PAYS. No. 9. It is a common thing for pear trees to yield from 500 to 800 pounds each of fruit annuall3^ One tree on the Galle- i6 ALAMEDA COUNTY. gos place, Washington Township, yielded 1,500 pounds. At 5 cents a pound that one tree produced $75 worth of fruit. At ICO trees to the acre, then what? — A fortune in pears alone. HOW IT PAYS. No. 10. We have all read of "some pumpkins" time and again, but some potatoes raised on the old Beard fami, near Irving- 5»^=" f.-X Olive Tree. ton, averaged 330 bushels to the acre, and many of them weighed 4 pounds and over. When it comes to digging from $200 to $250 out of each acre of ground every year, it looks as though potato raising was not to be sneezed at, especially when such land can be had for $75 to $100 per acre. ALAMEDA COUNTY VS. THE EAST. Eastern folks have no use for ice cream or lemonade in winter. Alameda folks enjoy them the year round. Eastern folks never go ' 'picknicking' ' in winter. Alameda folks can go picknicking every day if they like. Eastern folks don't raise any strawberries in the winter. Alameda folks pick them from the vines in winter. Eastern folks don't work in their gardens in viinter. Alameda folks do gardening the year round. Eastern folks can't find flowers growing in their wintry gardens. Alameda folks can find as many flowers in winter as in summer. Eastern farmers can't plow in winter. Alameda farmers can plow every day in the year. We have said enough about "winter," now let us com- pare "SUMMERS." The eastern summer is full of cyclones. The Alameda summer never has them. The eastern summer is full of thunder. The Alameda summer isn't. The eastern summer is streaked with lightning. The Alameda summer isn't. The eastern summer is full of flies and gnats. The Alameda summer isn't. The eastern summer is boiline hot. Eastern folks go sleighing and almost freeze. Alameda County folks never freeze, and have no use for sleighs. Eastern folks very often find their pumps frozen up. Alameda folks are never troubled in that way. Eastern folks have to burn "back logs" to keep warm. Alameda folks are comfortable without fire. Eastern folks have to shelter their live stock in winter. Alameda folks let their live stock feed on green grass all winter. Eastern folks lose five months each year on account of the weather. Alameda folks never lose a day on account of the weather. Eastern folks have to wear heavy clothing in the winter. Alameda folks wear the same weight of clothing the year round. Eastern ladies wear muffs and furs in winter. Alameda ladies carry parasols in winter. The The The The The The The The The Banana Tree. Alameda summer never is. eastern summer requires light clothing. Alameda summer doesn' t. eastern summer wakes up all kinds of snakes. Alameda summer doesn't. eastern summer demands palm-leaf fans. Alameda summer is full of sea-breezes. eastern summer strikes people dead with heat. Alameda summer fills them with vim and vigor. FACTS AND FIGURES. 17 The eastern summer is full of sleepless nights. The Alameda summer nights are full of repose. The eastern summer nights are full of lightning-bugs. The Alameda summer nights are full of fresh air and no bugs. OUR QUESTION BOX. NO ANSWER. Is there a county in California where better apples can be grown than in Alameda? No answer. Is there any county in the State that can beat Alameda on the good quality of any variety of fruit? Question — How far is San Francisco from Oakland? A?iswer — If you have business there, it is about six miles, but if you have no business there, it is about one hundred miles in expense, more or less — mostly more. Q. — What can a poor man do in Alameda County? A. — It all depends on what made him poor. If he has always been poor, there is little hope for him anywhere; but if he has good metal in him (with the accent on "good"), he can do as well here as anywhere. A poor man with a good reputation had better stay where he is known and take his chances there than to attempt to "catch on" among strangers. A poor man with a poor reputation isn't wanted in Alameda County, or anywhere else An Oakland Plaza. No answer. What county, if any, raises more and better produce of all kinds to the acre than Alameda? No answer. What county e.xceeds Alameda in the quantity of dairy products? No answer. Has any other county in California ever claimed to have as good climate for every purpose as Alameda? No answer. Can any other county in the state offer as many induce- ments to home seekers and investors as Alameda? No answer. Now. then, you have the whole thing in a nutshell. We've nothing to add. 2 Q. — Is Alameda County a good place for a young man who has just learned the trade of making fly nets for horses? A. — No; you will starve to death here; besides, all the equines would give you the horse laugh. Q. — Would you encourage a book agent to try his luck in your county? A. — Not at selling books. We have not only the best libraries in the country, but our newspapers are veritable books themselves — e\-ery one of them. Q. — Can a man make any money in your county selling palm-leaf fans? A. — He may sell a few as curios, but our folks have no use for them as atmospheric coolers; for the air here in summer time is cool enough. Q. — Is it possible for a j^oung man to get a situation in I8 ALAMEDA COUNTY. your county as a maker of fine linen clothes — especially vests and pants? A. — Not that we know of. Occasionally a negro min- strel troup comes through here, and some of the members wear such things on the stage, but for any one to wear them on the street would subject him to a great deal of ridicule. Woolen goods is the kind of stuff to wear in this county. What is comfortable one day here will be comfortable any day. 0. — What show is there in Alameda County for a good lightning rod agent? A. — None at all, unless he brings the lightning with him, as there is none here and never was. A streak of lightning and a bolt of thunder might be put on e.xhibition here, but whether it would pay is another question. Our climate hasn' t any use for atmospheric tomfoolery of any kind. Tobacco Plant in January. Q. — Isn't it awfully hot in Alameda County? A. — About as hot as it is east on Easter. O. — When do flowers bloom? A. — Every day in the year. Q. — What is land worth in Alameda County? A — All the way from $5.00 to a fortune. Q — Where is the best place to locate in County? A. — Any place; for it will be a "good town' arrival, a "better town" the next day, and in less than a week you will be writing back to your friends in the east that it is the ' 'best town' ' in America. Q. — How about the schools? A. — The world can not beat them. Q. — What's the price of vegetables? A. — About half what they cost in the east. Q. — Is there any work there for mechanics? A. — Yes, indeed, and at wages equal to the best in the east. Alameda on your Q. — Is rent high in your county? A. — Not as high as it is in the east. Q. — What is the politics of your county? A. — Very much mixed — so much so that the ins and outs are not certain which is which. Q. — Is Alameda County a good place for a lawyer? A. — It all depends upon the lawyer. As Justice Story said, "There is always room at the top." O. — If the climate is so healthy in Alameda County, what need have you for physicians? A. — When our people do get sick, they want a doctor quick, and they want the best doctor at that. The best of everything is always in demand here — doctors included. Q. — Suppose a man has a small income, how is he going to get a home in your county? A. — Buy it. He can do so on easier terms here than anywhere else in this country. Of course, he must pay from $100 to $200 down, the balance monthly, at $5.00, $10 or $15, as may be agreed upon. He can have a house built to suit himself on the same terms. O. — What is the price of furniture and all household goods compared to prices in the east? A. — About the same. Q. — How do household expenses in your county compare with the east? A. — Everything is in our favor. Some things cost more here, and vice versa, but, taken as a whole, a man can buy more food here of various kinds for $100 than he can in the east for $150. One can buy more fuel in the east for $20 than he can here, but $20 worth of coal will last four times as long here as $20 worth would in the east. O. — Have you any fogs in Alameda County? A. — Yes, indeed, and they are a thing of beauty and joy as long as they last — a joy to the grass, shrubbery, and flowers, leaving a dew just when most needed. There never was a fog too many in this county. Come out and try one. It will make you feel young again. Q. — Are there any steamships in your harbor? A. — Yes, hundreds of them, and thousands of other ves- sels. We have the biggest thing on earth here, right at our doors, too. It is called the Pacific Ocean. O. — What class of immigration do you desire most? A. — Any class that is intelligent, industrious, and thrifty — intelligent enough to stand head -high socially, industrious enough to go to work as soon as they reach here, and thrifty enough to own their own home. Home owners are the persons that build cities and develop the resources of a country. Q. — What can be raised on a farm in Alameda County? A. — Anything, and more of it than can be raised any- where else on the face of the earth. Q. — What is improved farm land worth? FACTS AND FIGURES. 19 A. — All the way from $50 to $500 per acre. O. — Isn't that pretty high for land? A. — Not for land in Alameda County, where crops yield the vear round. THE DEADLY PARALLEL BLIZZARDS. Chicago, Nov. 26, '95. — The wildest storm that ever was known is raging here. Snow has blocked travel on all street- cars. Wires are down east of here, and our news from the east is sent from Canada to San Francisco and back here. Louisville, Ky., Nov. 26, '95. — Awful wind. Terrible rain- storm. Turned to sleet and then to snow. Fearful blizzard. Heavy damages to vessels and barges; great loss of property. Nashville, Tenn., Nov, 26, '95. — The temperatm-e last night dropped from 63 to 32, and gave us an unlooked-for cold wave and a sheet of snow that causes us to shiver all over. Kansas Cit}-, Mo., Nov. 26, '95. — A blizzard of snow, with the mercury only ten above zero, is upon us. Trains delayed and wires down. Anderson, Ind., Nov. 26, '95. — X fearful hurricane struck this community and unroofed hundreds of houses and scat- tered them into the streets. Reports from Richmond, De- catur, Ft. Wayne, Jonesboro, Ell wood and Marion — in fact, all over the state, show evi- dences of the furj' of the storm. Buffalo, N. Y., Nov. 26, '95.— The worst blizzard for years is raging here to-day, and over fioOjOoo damage has already been done to vessels in the harbor. SUNSHINE. Oakland, Cal., Nov. 26, '95. — A lovely day; temperature 58. Splendid weather for an outing. We pity our friends in the east, but we can't reach them and they can't reach us just now. They will later on if they know what is what. Oakland, Cal. , Nov. 26, '95. — The gentle zephyrs of our per- petual May make us wonder why all the rest of humanity doesn't come to Oakland and help us enjoy life. Oakland, Cal,, Nov. 26, '95. — Come to think of it, the temper- ature of this city and county sometimes changes as much as eleven degrees — not enough to write about, much less to tele- graph abroad. Wonder what color snow is anyhow. Maybe some one in Nashville can tell us. Oakland, Cal., Nov. 26, '95 — What is a blizzard? Does any one in Oakland know? Mer- cury must be hard up for com- pany that it has to associate with zero. This will long be remembered as one of the pret- tiest of winter days. Oakland, Cal., Nov. 26, '95. — What beautiful weather we are having in Oakland! Now it is November 26, 1S95, and no one seems to be able to define the word "hurricane." It must be of "Hoosier" origin. Oakland, Cal., Nov 26, '95 — The weather is so fine to-day that thousands of persons are sailing in their boats on the lake and bay. Those in sail- boats are vnshing for a breeze of wind to rest them a little. They Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 26, '95. — Whew! What a cold snap has just struck here! Water pipes frozen, vessels stranded, barges wrecked, houses up- turned, and havoc all over this section of country. The ground is covered with snow, and on that is a heavy sleet which makes it difficult for pedes- trians to get about or trains to move. Everybody is housed up. will have to send to Buffalo, N. Y. , if they want to get more than a gentle zephyr. Oakland, Cal., Nov. 26, '95 — If some one from Cincinnati, Ohio, would come here and lec- tuieon "Frozen Water Pipes," he would draw a large audience. Our citizens are always ready to hear a discourse on the strange capers of the eastern atmos- phere. Couldn't some friend in Cincmnati send us a photo- graph of a frozen water pipe? It would be a great curiosity here. While waiting for the photograph, we'll step out into the garden and gather a bouquet of flowers, as they are prettier and more fragrant at this sea- son of the year than any other. FARMING IN ALAMEDA COUNTY. What advantages e.xist in farming in Alameda County, California, over the same line of industry in the east? This is an easy question to answer. 1st. Land here is richer than it is in the east. 2d. Five acres here will produce from five to ten times more than five acres will in the east. 3d. For every article that can be grown on eastern soil, three articles can be grown here. 4th. Only one crop can be grown on eastern soil, while it is a common thing to grow two or more crops here. 5th. The seasons in the east are always limited to a few months, while the season here lasts throughout the year. 6th. The ground in the east becomes frozen in the winter, during which time it is absolutely useless. Here the ground never freezes, and is always at the service of the plowman. 7th. The eastern farmer has to house up his stock in the winter time, while the Alameda County farmer lets his run to green grass. 8th. The eastern farmer loses from four to five months' time each year on account of bad weather, while the Ala- meda County farmer never has any bad weather to contend with. 9th. The eastern farmer has to go to the expense of burying his produce to keep it from freezing, while the Ala- meda County farmer has no such expense. loth. The eastern farmer can not produce values at all seasons of the year, while the Alameda County farmer pro- duces something of value each day. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES. A farmer by the name of Rogers, residing at San Lean- dro, this county, cleared $2,000 from 20 acres of land in 20 ALAMEDA COUNTY. Emden Geese. Cresswell's Poultry Yard, Livermore. 1890. In 1892 he cleared $3,600 from five acres of land, having sold a part of his land the year before. Last year he raised 6^^ tons of apricots to the acre, and sold them at i J 3 cents a pound. He raised 5 tons of cherries to the acre, and sold them atfroms}^ to 7^ cents apound, according to size, quality, and variety. He raised between 6 and 7 tons of prunes to the acre, for which he received i J^ cents a pound undried. He raised 6 tons of peaches to the acre, and received for them 2J3 cents a pound. He raised 250 pounds of rhubarb to the acre, and sold it at from i J/2 cents to 45^ cents a pound. This is, in round numbers, the exact statement of the crops and prices of the season recently ended. They speak for the whole county. PROFIT IN CUCUMBERS. At Elmhurst, a few miles distant from the city of Oak- land, a farmer by the name of Jones began on a capital of $150. That was fifteen years ago. Last year he paid taxes on $60,000 worth of property. Thus it will be seen that he rose from practical poverty to wealth, and his success is due to the fertility of the soil and mild climate of Alameda County. On his arrival, he leased a small plot of land, and planted it in cucumbers. By their flavor I and size they readily found a market. Selling | them to advantage, Mr. Jones could soon afford to purchase the land he had formerly leased. From one acre to three, then to five, and so on, he soon acquired the ownership of a large portion of the surrounding countrj-. His money was not made through investments or lucky deals. Each crop brought its gain. By busi- ness ability and industry he made the earth yield to him that wealth which she conceals. What man has done man can do. Others following in the footsteps of the fortunate man can amass fortunes for themselves. In 1883 Mr. Jones raised 14,000 pounds of tomatoes from 80 acres. In the same year he produced 400 tons to the acre of cucumbers for Dickies. After paying expenses, he found that he had realized from his entire farm $5,000. Since then, his progress to wealth has been steady and sure. For tomatoes the merchant will pay I Y2, cents a pound. For cucumbers the price varies, according to quality, from 10 cent ■jp^ij^gt, on the tree or may be stored or cured in any cool room or basement. They beat the egg and poultry question all hollow when it comes ^^^^Ki'-^ ' ' f^V" to trading them to the grocer for tea, coffee, and sugar. INDEPENDENCE. An owner of 10 acres of lemon trees can al- California Buttercups, Gathered Jan ways wear an air of in- dependence; for he knows full well that 1,000 lemon trees means $2,500 per year for thirty years, hit or miss. If this income is too small, he can buy 10 or 20 acres more, and double or treble his income. But 10 acres ought to satisfy any ordinary man ; for, with what vegetables he can grow between the trees, he is always sure of $100 per acre extra. Who will buy all these vegetables? might be asked. The question is answered in the fact that within a radius of 50 miles of the remotest corner of Alameda County, there are over 500,000 mouths to be fed. LIVERMORE VALLEY. This valley lies thirty miles from Oakland, in a south- easterly direction, and is a small empire within itself The soil is productive of every variety of fruit, vegetable, and cereal. The wine grapes grown in this valley have no superior in the world, since their vintage has received the gold medal at the Paris Exposition, and everywhere that they have been exhibited. The entire valley is a veritable garden spot. In the hills near by is the famous Corrall Hollow coal mines, from which 30,000,000 tons have been developed, with probably four times that quantity yet to be worked. There is no better coal in the world than this. Experience has demonstrated its usefulness in all the various lines of Industry. It burns clean, is Bootless, and makes but little ash. A railroad has recently been built into the mines from Stockton, and the purpose is to extend it to Oakland. When this is done, it will prove to be a won- derful stimulus to com- merce and industry in this city. It is esti- mated that the foreign coal that comes through the Golden Gate costs from $7,000,000 to $9,000,000 annually. This tremendous out- put of gold will now cease, and Alameda County, or, rather, Murray Township, will get the benefit. Near the above mines is plenty of limestone, fire cla)', and cement beds. The develop- ment of these industries will soon be under full headway, and the 300, - 000 or 400,000 barrels of German cement that comes to this market every year will cease, and local trade will prosper accordingly. THE TOWN OF LIVERMORE. In the center of the valley sits the town of Livermore, with 1,500 happy, progressive, and healthy people. Healthy, because they live where rheumatism, asthma, throat troubles, and blood diseases are comparatively unknown. Happy, because they can enjoy nature at its best; and prosperous, because the soil at their feet is the most productive in the world. The citizens of Livermore are naturally proud of their surroundings, and their spirit of progress is of the high- est order. Not only is Livermore one of the best trading towns in the county, but it is also one of the prettiest. Numerous private dwellings of a high-grade architecture adorn the streets, while there are several costly and impos- ing business blocks. uary IN, isyo, Li\erniore Valley. FACTS AND FIGURES. 31 The high school building is a commanding edifice, and the sanitarium of Dr. John W. Robertson is a commodious structure. Several illustrations of Livermore and valley appear in this book, through the courtesy of W. R. Ellis, editor of the Herald. Mr. Ellis has done more within the past year to advertise Livermore Valley than had previously been done in any ten years. He has issued several illus- trated editions of the Herald, setting forth the climate, soil, products, and possibilities of that section. No other man has performed one-tenth of the good work for that valley that he has. His traction engines will pull a load that will stall 100 horses. These engines find their way to England, Australia, Japan, Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, and South America. His harvesters have a capacity for cutting and threshing 3,500 bushels per day, and cover from 40 to 50 acres of ground — sacking all the grain ready for market, using 10 horses and 4 men, all told. He gives employment to 120 men. Mr. Best says he often finds wheat running 75 bushels to the acre, and barley from 100 to no bushels per acre. The expense of running his machines is about equal to the Livermore High School. ALAMEDA SUGAR CO. The factory of this company is located at Alvarado. The sugar is made from beets. The beets are worth $4. 00 per ton . From 18 to 25 tons per acre is the average yield. The company has 3,470 acres in beets this year. The output of sugar last year was 2,700 tons. BEST'S BIG BUSINESS. Daniel Best is a manufacturer of machinery at San Leandro. His machines are world beaters for strength. cost of twine on an eastern machine. He will contract to cut grain for 25 cents per acre. THE DEADLY PARALLEL. Sherman, Tex. , May 15, '96. Alameda County, Cal.— Cy- — Cyclone here to-day. Several clones unknown here, persons killed. Great loss of property. Frankfort, Kan., May 17, '96. .A.lameda County, Cal. — Cy- — Terrible storm raging. Many clones unknovim here. killed. 32 ALAMEDA COUNTY. Des Moines, Iowa, May 17, '95. — Cyclone started in Daicota has reached here, and consider- able damage reported. Ortonville,Mich.,May25, '96. — A cyclone has just passed through this section, lajnng waste thousands of dollars in property. Falls City, Kan., May 17, '96. — The entire town of Boda\-ille, in Riley County, was swept from the face of the earth to-day by a cyclone. Several persons killed. Frankfort, Ky., May 17, '95. — A cyclone devastated this city at 8 P. M. Nearly fifty build- ings were demolished. Benton, Ky., May 17, '96. — The cylone here to-day killed an entire family — John Ander- son, his wife and three children. Dec. 15, 1895. — A despatch from Redding, Shasta County, reports that King and Schlund , two men from that town, got caught in a snowstorm on Iron Mountain, and Schlund per- ished in the snow. Seattle, Wash., Dec. iS, '95. —Plenty of snow here. Coast- ing' is good. Moses Sommer- field, aged 63, was killed here to-day by being struck with a coasting sled. Alameda County, Cal. — Cy- clones unknown here. Alameda County, Cal. — Cy- clones unknown here. Alameda County, Cal. — Cy- clones uukuovvn here. THE FISH WE EAT. Alameda County, Cal. — Cy- clones unknown here. Alameda County, Cal. — dy- clones unknown here. Dec. 15, 1895. — This is Sun- day, and a lovely &.a.y it is. We pity our friends in Shasta Count}'. What a contrast be- tween that county and our glo- rious county of Alameda! There is nothing to prevent everybody in Shasta County from mo\-ing out of that snowy, blowy section into Alameda County, where the climate is always on its good behavior. Alameda Count}-, Cal., Dec. iS, '95. — Looks like rain to-day; hope it will pour down. Our farmers never get too much rain. Later: It rained a few April showers, just enough to lay the dust. What a blessing rain is compared to snow! The latter we never have. The former we never get too much of. TRANSMISSION OF POWER. "The Pacific Transmission Company has been organ- ized," says Trustee Fletcher, of Alameda, "and in less than twelve months from now electric power will be brought from Corral Hollow to Alameda and Oakland for mo\'ing heavy machinery, for lighting and other purposes. The company will start with 6,500 horse-power, and increase it according to demand." BY F. J. EDWARDS. [Dealer in and shipper of Oalvland harbor fish, 914 Washington Street and 464 Eleventh Street.] The citizens of Oakland are the most favored people in the world in regard to getting fish to eat. I doubt if there is a harbor anywhere that affords a more voluminous or greater variety of fish than our own harbor right here at Oakland. The rivers and streams that empty into this harbor are well supplied with the finny tribe, to which may be added the vast number and varieties of ocean fish that find their way into our ba)' from the great Pacific through the Golden Gate. I herewith append a partial list of the fish attainable in this market, namely, flounders, salmon, sea trout, soles, sturgeon, salmon trout, halibut, sea bass, brook trout, lake trout, striped bass, turbut, perch, black bass, grills trout. porg}% pike, barracuda, pomotis, shad, jewfish, mullet, slate, whitefish, eels, kingfish, octopus, rock cod, codfish, catfish, suckers, carp, squid, anchovy, sardine, herring, white bass, tom cod, smelts. We ha\'e also the largest and fattest clams, the beds of which extend the whole length of the northern shore of our county, or a distance of forty miles. In the matter of oysters the world at large can not excel those grown right here at our own doors. Our largest and best oysters were brought here from the east and trans- planted, and by virtue of our incomparable climate, they soon outgrew their original size, and improved in flavor at the same time. By reason of this fact I have no hesitancy in claiming that there is no oyster grown in the world to-day that is superior to the Oakland Bay oyster. I predict a wonderfully large shipping trade in this line within the ne.xt few years. shell-fish. Here is a list of our shell-fish ^^•hich I believe will com- pare favorably with any eastern fish market of which I have knowledge: Oysters, crabs, shrimps, crevisse, soft-shell clams, hard-shell clams, prouning, crawfish, mussels, soft- shell crabs, hard-shell crabs. I am free to confess that no special effort has ever been put forth looking toward the shipping of fish from this market to other places, but I am satisfied that capital will find this a most profitable line of investment. Here is a great industry for some one, and when it is firmly established, it will be as profitable, far-reaching, and enduring as any other industry on the Pacific Coast. The birds, beautiful warblers, are with us summer and winter. Many of them are birds of rare coloring, among which are the American pippit, pine finch, green-backed goldfinch, dwarf hermit thrush, California bush tit, Samuel's song sparrow, plain crested titmouse, bullock's onoli, etc. FACTS AND FIGURES. 33 CALIFORNIA GIANTS. Alameda County comes first in the production of giants. Joseph Jenkins, who stands seven feet four inches in his stockings, was born in Oakland less than twenty-one years ago. His parents do not exceed the average in height. At Bushnell's gallery, when he was photographed, he had to be placed in a corner in order that he could stand erect under the sloping glass roof When he travels around the streets, he has to duck his head under the awning and keep a sharp lookout for overhanging signs. Sonoma County comes second, with a seventeen-year-old boy, John Wiley Church, who stands skyward seven feet and one-quarter of an inch. John resides at Healdsburg, and is a fruit vender. San Joaquin County has a young man who parts his hair at a distance of six feet eleven and a half inches from his heels. His name is Joseph William Hyde. He is a black- smith, and also the drum major of the Sixth Regiment Band of Stockton. Geo. W. Peachy, of Los Angeles, is si.x feet nine inches high. He is the only man in the United States who is the child of a soldier of the Revolutionary War. His father, Benjamin Peachy, was born in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, 1746. Mr. Peachy weighs 320 pounds. Butte County has a giant by the name of Frank E. Peck, who is six feet eight inches high. He resides at Chico, where he has serv^ed several terms as city constable. Santa Cruz County also has a giant the same height as Mr. Peck — six feet eight inches. His name is Thomas Francis Patrick Leonard. His mother is five feet eleven and a half inches tall. His father, six feet two inches. He has a brother who is six feet seven inches, and a still smaller brother who is six feet four inches. Ventura County claims six feet seven and a half inches for Juan de Dios Valenci, and six feet six inches for Judge Benjamin Tully Williams, both residents of the town of Ventura. Placer County has a prize product in the person of Frank H. Depender. He is the deputy sherift" and jailer of that county, and tips the beam at 260 pounds weight, while he stands up in the air six feet seven inches. He is the most popular man in the county. Calaveras County is the home of Henry Zwinge, who is si.x feet seven inches, and is one of a family of eleven chil- dren, none of whom are under six feet. Henry resides at San Andreas and follows teaming. Nevada County's tallest citizen is William G. Shand, who is six feet six and a half inches high, and weighs 200 pounds. He resides at Grantville, that county, where he was born 39 years ago. He has a running mate by the name of Herman W. Brand, who is six feet four inches high. Both are members of Parlor 56, N. S. G. W. Santa Barbara County has a young man by the name of John Willis, who has to duck his head every time he passes through a door. His mother is six feet tall, and his three uncles are all over six feet. John's height is six feet five and three-quarters inches, and he hasn't quit growing. Sutter County's tallest man is "Uncle" Richard Barnett, who is six feet five and a quarter inches high. He is a native of Spencer County, Indiana, and came to California in 1864. San Mateo County has a boy who resides at Redwood City. His name is Thomas W. Horn, and he is six feet five inches high, and weighs 210 pounds. His father is also a large man, six feet high, and is the proprietor of a hotel in Redwood City. LIVERMORE CREAMERY. Among the enterprises in which Livermore is interested, and which are spurring it on to greater effoits for self- improvement, are the prospective opening of the coal mines, the building of the Corral Hollow road, development of water supply and electric power. Recently a creamery was erected at Livermore largely on the cooperative plan, in the success of w hich the citizens are taking a great deal of inter- est. The plant cost $4,100. It is fitted with a ten-horse power engine and a steam separator that makes 8,000 revo- lutions per minute. The tank churn has a capacity of 400 gallons. The plant started up on March 16, with less than 950 pounds of milk daily, and steadily increased, until it is taking at present about 4,000 pounds. The creamery takes milk and turns it into butter at a charge of 3j5^ cents per pound. The farmers take the milk after the cream is sep- arated, and use it with a little bran to feed calves. The milk residuum is about 85 per cent, and the calves flourish on it. Nothing is wasted, as the buttermilk is sold for hogs at 20 cents per hundred pounds. One result of the starting up of the creamery has been a desire to improve the grade of cattle, and N. D. Dutcher is starting a herd of thorough- bred jerseys. DISPOSING OF THE PULP. An interesting feature of the management of the beet- sugar works at Alvarado, has been the disposition of the pulp after the sugar has been extracted. The company has a dairy ranch, which it leases to parties who keep 150 head of cows, but this number of animals can devour only a frac- tion of the immense quantity of the pulp produced, and an effort has been made to sell the residue. Farmers are gen- erally not informed about the value of the pulp of the beet for cattle food, and have been slow to recognize it, e^'en at the low figure of 50 cents per ton. The company has been giving away the material to any dairymen who would go for it, and the manager states that he has seen as many as twenty-six farmers' wagons in line at 6 o' clock in the morn- ing, waiting for their turn to pass under the chute and obtain a load. OAKLAND. X. T\ HOU rose-land! Oakland! thou, mine own! Thou sun-land ! leaf-land ! land of seas Wide crescented in walls of stone! Thy lion's mane is to the breeze ! Thy tawny, sunlit lion steeps Leap forward, as the lion leaps ! And thou, the lion's whelp, begot Of Argonauts, in fearful strength And supple beauty yieldeth naught! Thine arm is as a river's leneth. Thy reach is foremost ! Thou shalt be The throned queen of this vast west sea! Yet here sits peace ; and rest sits here ; These wide-boughed oaks, they house wise men: The student and the sage austere, The men of wondrous thought and ken. Here men of God in holy guise Invoke the peace of paradise. Be this my home till some fair star Stoops earthward and shall beckon me ; For surely Godland lies not far From these Greek heights and this great sea. My friend, my lover, trend this way ; Not far along lies Arcady. — yoaqtiin Miller. (3^^ OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. The city of Oakland with its environments is the second city in the state. Population proper, 60,000; environments, 35,000; yearly increase, 4,000; total, 95,000. It is situated directly opposite San Francisco, on the eastern shore or continental side of the bay. Distance from a 5-cent rate for a ride of eight miles. The steamer ride across the bay affords a most picturesque view of Amer- ica's matchless harbor. Oakland is the actual terminus of the transcontinental railway, and the only way overland passengers can reach San Francisco is by "boating" it from Oakland. ? *...:^^ ^^kii^ ^ Noblest Koman. city to city, eight miles. Trains and ferry-boats make con- Freight and passenger service are separate. The passen- necting trips, one every fifteen minutes. Time across, ger boats carry from 2.000 to 4,000 persons each, thirty minutes. The number of passengers carried daily is about 20,000. FERRY TRAINS. The yearly increase of this traffic since 1873, is as follows: — These penetrate the residence and business portions of 'H^ 2,067,000 passengers '^ , ' 18S0 5,coo,ooo Oakland, carrying passengers on cars and across the bay 1885 8,000,000 " for ten cents a single trip. 'f^o n,ooo,ooo ;' f ^ 189s 12,555,000 ' Commutation tickets are sold at $3.00 per month, or at 1896 (estimated) 14,000,000 " (35) 36 ALAMEDA COUNTY. A full page appears in this book relative to Oakland as a railroad center, but reference here is made to the ' 'official report of the internal commerce of the United States, ' ' at page 178, as follows: "Oakland is in fact a great railroad center — the system which penetrates, there being local, suburban, state, coast, and transcontinental." Over 300 trains arrive and depart every 24 hours. OAKLAND HARBOR. Brief mention is made here, for the reason that this sub- ject is handled in another part of this book, in a masterly manner, by L. J. Le Conte, U. S. Civil Engineer. On the south side of the city stretches the only east side harbor — an arm of the bay. The gOA'ernment is now improving this harbor, and has already expended $1,534,000, and will expend $990,000 more before it is completed. Time required, about two years. In 1874, the freight traffic amounted to only 154,300 tons. In 1888, 2,590,000 tons. The traffic now amounts to more than 3,000,000 tons annually. ELECTRIC RAILRO.\DS. These are reaching out in every direction, city, suburban, and cross town, with a present trackage of 150 miles, with a prospect of doubling within the present year. There are 10 miles of cable road in the city; any fare with transfers, 5 cents. Steam trains from eastern to western city limits, 5 miles. No charge within city limits allowed by law. RESOURCES, WEALTH, ETC. The taxable base of real estate alone in the city, is $42,- 000,000; personal property, $4,000,000. One dollar on the $100 is the charter limit of the city tax. There are 150 miles of sewers in the city, and more than 100 miles of macadamized and bituminized streets. MANUFACTORIES. There are 98 of these, giving employment to 5,000 per- sons, including cotton mills, nail works, iron works, fruit- packing establishments, carriage factories, piano factories, flour mills, planing mills, potteries, shirt factories, tanner- ies, boUer works, paint works, boot and shoe factories, sash and door factories, brass works, jute mills, railroad shops, glass works, etc. , etc. There are seven banks, with capital stock paid in of $1,604,000; deposits, $10,513,530. "ATHENS OF THE PACIFIC." Because of educational and geographical resemblance, Oakland is called the "Athens of the Pacific." To the west lie the bay and island, like the Grecian Archipelago; eastward rise the slope and coast range foot-hills, of the same height and appearance as those of Athens. This slope rises gently from the bay shore. At from 3 to 7 miles inland, it rises into undulating foot-hills from 50 to 500 feet high. No view surpasses that here presented, facing as it does the bay and Golden Gate. SCHOOLS OF OAKLAND. Primary and Grammar Department:— Number of schools j, " " day teachers jgg '' " special teachers 6 " "pupils 7,:65 Average daily attendance 6,670 Evening Schools: — Number schools 5 " teachers 10 " pupils 296 Average daily attendance 216 High School: — Number regular teachers 20 " special " 6 " pupils 840 Average daily attendance 799 Yearly Cost: — Grammar and primary schools $225,000 High School 47,000 Total Ji272,ooo Value of School Property: — High School 1170,000 Grammar and primary 900,000 Private Schools: — There are several of these, with an average attendance of. 4,000 Four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) in bonds are now being expended to enlarge the common and high school facilities, now rivaling the very best in any land. California had the benefit of the experience of ether states, and has leaped to the educational vanguard at once. The State University, with an endowment of $5,000,000, lies at the extreme north end of the city, at Berkeley. Distance from the center of Oakland, 3 miles. Number of students, 1,300. Oakland has 66 churches, with a membership of 18,000. SOCIETIES. Oakland is blessed with as many social, fraternal, mu- sical and art societies, as any other city of equal size in the world. CLIMATE. Fresh, cool ocean atmosphere, with no harsh winds. Why? — Because west of San Francisco rises a range of hills 400 feet high; east of Oakland, a range at its summit from 700 to 900 feet high. This pitches the summer trade winds of the ocean upward, as they pass over Oakland, and to a height of (say) 900 feet. Oakland, cool, shaded, and fanned, but never wind-swept, lies in the triangle of repose, on the slope east of the bay, west of its own hills, and under the cloud-bearing trade-winds of summer. There is more difference between the San Francisco and Oakland climate than would be found in 500 miles travel in the Mississippi Valley. FACTS AND FIGURES. 37 OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS OF ALAMEDA COUNTY. ALAMEDA. J. C. Boatman, private secretary to Congressman Hilborn, calls attention to the fact that the appropriation of $100,000 for a post-office building for Alameda had been approved and recommended by both the sub-committee and the full committee on public buildings of the lower House of Con- gress. Alameda, therefore, feels quite elated on the chances of the appropriation being put through and the building being erected. The statement that Congressman Hilborn made before the Congressional Committee, as forwarded to a local paper by Mr. Boatman, is as follows: — The city of Alameda is located on a peninsula five miles long and one mile wide, opposite San Francisco, with theSan Francisco Bay on one side and the Oakland Estuary on the other. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful and perfectly arranged cities of its class in the United States. There are more than fifty miles of macadamized streets and seventy-five miles of patent stone sidewalks. On account of the singular beauty of its location, its magnificent climate and wealth of flowers, Alameda is the favorite residence spot of San Francisco business and professional men, who have adorned it with sightly residences and captivating lawns. In 1870 the population of Alameda was 1,557; in 1S80, 5,708; in 1890, 11,165; and since that time there has been an unprecedented increase, owing to the public spirit that has been manifested, so that at the present time, as shown by the school census and other reliable sources, there can be no less than 17,000 inhabitants. Alameda has a complete system of sewerage, constructed on the Wareing plan, which permits of automatic flushing of the pipes as often as three or four times every twenty-four hours, thus keep- ing them thoroughly cleansed of all sediment and decayed matter. The assessed valuation of all taxable property, as shown by the official returns, exceeds the sum of $12,000,000. The city has five graded public schools, of eight rooms each, and a high school attended by over 500 pupils. The valuation of the public school property amounts to I325,- 000. A very desirable site is being reserved for a free library, on which it is intended at an early date to erect a building worth $25,000. The city has an artesian water system that cost $500,000 and an inexhaustible supply of pure, clear water. Alameda has a paid fire department of five companies, splendidly housed and well equipped. A new city hall has recently been erected, at a cost of $50,000, on a lot valued on a low estimate at $40,000. The city owns its electric light service, embracing both the arc and incandescent systems. Two lines of the steam railroads enter and traverse the entire length of the city, connecting with two ferry lines, giving excellent ferry service to San Francisco. Three daily papers are published in Alameda, having large circulations and much influence. The principal industries embrace siiip-building and petroleum and borax refining. The gross receipts of the Alameda post-office for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1S95, were $16,516.63, the amount paid for rent, $392, and the net receipts were $5:855.17. BERKELEY. Berkeley, the seat of the University of California, pos- sesses a municipal individuality of its own, notwithstanding its close proxmity to Oakland. The distance from center to center of the two cities is about five miles, while the inter- mediate territory comprises the towns of Temescal, with 3,000 population; Emeryville, 400 population; Golden Gate, 1,200 population; Lorin and Peralta, 900 population; Clare- mont, 350 population, and Piedmont, 900 population. Berkeley has, according to the school census, between 11,000 and 12,000 population. VIEW FROM BERKELEY. Standing near the State University one may get a view equal to the fervent imagination of an Angelo, Raphael, or Titian. At an elevation of several hundred feet the Pacific Ocean is seen through the majestic Golden Gate. Alcatraz Island, the military guardian of the grandest harbor on earth, lies to the left, while back and behind it Goat Island rests, over which is seen the city of San Francisco, at a distance of eight miles. Looking southward, Oakland and Alameda are seen in all their panoramic grandeur, while beyond them for miles and miles stretch the waters of the bay, over which glide huge vessels from every port on the globe. THE state university. Nesthng amid the green foliage of countless trees, stands the pride of California — the State University. There are several immense structures within easy distance of each other that comprise the University as a whole. In ' 'college season" 1,200 young men and young women are settled in these several buildings, receiving their education. The branches taught are the same as those of Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and all the best colleges of the world. graduates. Since 1869, when the University was first opened, the graduates have been as follows: — Academic department i,oS6 Medicine " 423 Dental " 223 Pharmacy " 318 Total 2,050 LIBRARY. Number of volumes 65,000 " " periodicals and journals 400 • TEACHERS. Total number teachers and professors 167 Total yearly salary of same $229,374 12 financial basis. The University has property valued at $4,751,564 Real estate and improvements 2,240,000 Perpetual Endowment Fund 1,711,764 Personal gifts 799,800 Total $9,503,128 38 ALAMEDA COUNTY. The Livermore Sanitarium. The University receives for its support from tlie state all that I cent on every $ioo of the taxable value of property in the state will realize. Present assessed value of the state is $1,200,000,000. Its income from this source increases every year as the assessment rolls increase, as the following figures will show for 10 years: — 1887-88 % 76,580 1S88-89 93,48s 1889-90 101,205 1890-91 102,434 1891-92 115,575 1S92-93 118,123 1893-94 119,830 1894-95 120,126 1895-96 122,000 A RESIDENCE CITY. Berkeley is growing rapidly. New dwellings are con- stantly going up. Wealthy parents from all sections of the state are locating there in consequence of the splendid educational advantages afforded their children. Land is com- paratively cheap at Berkeley, and may be had at small pay- ments and on long time. As a ' 'home site' ' Berkeley can not be excelled in the whole state of California. The climate is always good — none better in the world. • LIVERMORE. This town is located in the valley of the same name, in the southeastern part of the county. The population is about 1 , 500. The Livermore Valley is 500 feet above tide- water and is therefore a very healthful section. The town of Livermore is in the center of this va!!e)% and, in addition to being the nearest trading point, is also a splendid residence place. Many public improvements have been made there within the past few months. The soil of the valley is adapted to every kind of fruit and nuts. HAYWARDS. Haywards, 16 miles from Oakland, is reached by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Haywards electric line. The town has 2,500 population, and is growing constantly. Several manufacturing enterprises are carried on there. It is also a great fruit-shipping point. SAN LEANDRO. This is also a great fruit-shipping town. It is right in the heart of the fruit section, and hundreds of persons have grown rich in that vicinity from fruit alone. Daniel Best employs 140 men in his machine shop at this place. Two railroads reach the place from Oakland — distance 8 miles. SAN LORENZO. While this is a small town of but a few hundred inhabit ants, it is a good trading point. The town is surrounded by hundreds of small fruit ranches, the owners of which have all become rich raising fruit. NILES. This town has 1,000 population. The railroad brancnes at this place — one line to San Jose, the other to Stockton and San Joaquin Valley points. The great California Nursery is located here, an institution chat supplies the \\'hole Pacific Coast with every kind of fruit tree known. NEWARK is but a short distance from Niles, and is reached by street- cars from Centerville, and from Oakland by the narrow-gauge railway. This is quite a manufacturing town. Several foundries are located here, as well as the car shops of the railroad company. FACTS AND FIGURES. 39 CENTERVILLE is a good trading point — a beautiful residence town, sur- rounded by splendid farms and prolific orchards. Popu- lation, 400. PI-EASANTON. This town contains 1,000 population, is 34 miles from Oakland, and is located at the north end of Livermore Valley. The sugar beet industry prevails at this place. ALVARADO. This is also a sugar beet section — the site of the Alvarado Sugar Refinery, the field of innumerable salt beds, and the source of the water supplied by the Oakland Water Company to the city of Oakland. Two immense artesian wells have been sunk here, the capacity of which is mentioned elsewhere in this book. The immense engines of the com- pany, and the pumps, together with all the necessary machinery of the company's plant, are also located here. Distance from Oakland, si.xteen miles, connected by rail- road — four passenger trains to the city daily. IRVINGTON. This is a beautiful place, surrounded by orchards, vine- yards, and farms. Curtner's Female College is located here. One of the largest grain warehouses in the state has been erected at this point. MISSION SAN JOSE. This place was settled by Catholic fathers 100 years ago. Taken as a whole, this section is the richest in the country. Olives, oranges, lemons, French prunes, and wine grapes grow here to perfection. Distance from Oakland, twenty- seven miles — two miles from railroad. WARM SPRINGS. A town of this name — three miles from Mission San Jose, four miles from Irvington on the railroad — is located in the best farming district of the country. Mr. Stanford's article tells what is raised here. SUXOL. This is a summer resort in the hills, at the mouth of a canyon. Beautiful scenery — splendid fishing — just the place for an "outing." There are several other minor towns in the county — all accessible by rail or good roads. less ^^-i"^-^ ' •;^-^' * ■ ^■-'^ ■'',^^^^^^-- ''''^"^~ m t%2Mi*^':^'\. -y^^.:c^ l-i"--^" ?>-:;. •■''>: J^. *-./^ L '«p- nissioD ban Jose. 40 ALAMEDA COUNTY. LINDA VISTA. Within a few minutes' drive from the quaint and histor- ical old Mission San Jose, in the center of Alameda County, is that beautiful place, the far-famed "Linda Vista," the home of C. C. Mclver. Some years ago Mr. Mclver, a wealthy eastern gentleman, came to California for the pur- pose of engaging in the culture of high-grade wines, and after a thorough and exhaustive investigation of the merits of various sections of the state, pronounced in favor of the superiority of Alameda County, and purchased the old Parker vineyard. In order that the very best results might be obtained, he dug up the old vines, and planted in their stead other varie- the date, the olive, the fig, the palm, the pomegranate, and the magnificent banana, all growing in their effulgence, and making a picture that once seen will never be forgotten. The lesson we learn is not so much ivhat has been done as what can be done. We turn from this beautiful picture, but it will not turn from us. We carry it away in our vision, and wonder why- there are not more "Linda Vistas" than there are. It is true there are other places in the country that vie with "Linda Vista," but there are not as many as there ought to be. Nowhere in the world, we believe, has nature been more lavish in her gifts than here; and every one who owns a half acre of ground can have a little paradise, with but little effort or expense; and he who owns a twenty-five-foot- front lot, can have a home fit for a prince. "^ Residence of C. C. Mclver, Mission San Jose. ties of acknowledged superiority, imported directly from Europe, for the purpose of producing certain desired types of wine that have achieved fame both in Europe and Amer- ica. He added largely to his acreage, until his holdings amount to over i,ooo acres, and his success in producing wines of a high grade is too well established to require com- ment. His wines have achieved an enviable reputation, that adds new laurels to Alameda County. Not only has he won well-merited success in his wines, but he has trans- formed the old homestead into a veritable paradise. From the entrance leading up to the house, you pass through a cypress alameda that is awe-inspiring in its magnif- icence; but the view that breaks upon the vision when you reach the end of the alameda, would inspire the stoic, and cause an exclamation of admiration from him who least appre- ciates the beauties of nature. It is here you see the broad and veh'ety lawn surmounted by the lemon, the orange. WEATHER BUREAU SERVICE. Neither the government nor the state has ever found it necessary to establish a weather bureau in Alameda County. The climate here being about one and the same thing the year around, a weather bureau would be nothing more than an expensive luxury. FLOWERS. When is the best time to pick flowers in Alameda County? Answer — Between 6 a. m. and 6 p. m. any day in the year. What are the best kinds to choose from? A. — Take your choice out of a thousand varieties and you'll hit it every time. FACTS AND FIGURES. 41 COST OF LIVING. BY GEO. L. FISH. [Ex-President of the Merchants' Exchange.] The cost of living in Alameda County will compare favor- ably with any other locality in America. Prices vary here, as they do elsewhere, according to supply and demand. Staple articles average in price with eastern markets. A iaw quotations will suffice : — • Coffee (Java roasted), per lb %o 25 Flour, per bbl 3 25 Graham, per bbl 3 00 Mustard, i doz. qt. botttles 2 00 Salt, per lb 01 Tomatoes, per doz. gal. cans 2 00 Tomatoes, per doz. qt. cans 60 Sugar, extra C, per lb 04J Dry granulated 05J Tea .15c to 50 Vinegar, per gal 08 Royal Baking Powder, per lb 45 Raisins, per lb 04 Palms at C. C. ndver's, nission San Jose. Butter, per pound |o 16 Pickle butter 12J Apricots, per doz. cans 100 Cherries, per doz. cans i 50 Com, per doz. cans i 00 Blackberries, per doz. cans i 50 Peaches, per doz. cans i 25 Peas, per doz. cans i 25 Plums, per doz. cans i 10 Olive oil, per doz. bottles 6 00 Coal oil, per gal 15 Com starch, per lb 05 Com meal, per lb 02 Beans, Lima, per lb 03 Codfish, per lb 04 Rice, per lb $0 04 Syrup, per gal 15c to 30 The above are the retail prices averaged for the year. FISH. Oakland, lying as it does on tide-water, is supplied daily with forty or more varieties of fresh fish, which sell at prices below those of New York, or any Atlantic harbor. VEGETABLES. By virtue of the fact that Alameda County is one of the most prolific vegetable yielding spots on the Pacific Coast — if not in the world — it goes without saying that the prices 42 ALAMEDA COUXTY. must necessarily be verj- low. Something like fifty differ- ent varieties of vegetables are raised in this county. There seems to be no particular vegetable season in this county, for the reason that fresh vegetables of some variety are marketed here daily. PRICES OF FRUIT. Since everj-kind of fruit that is known grows in Alameda County, and is marketed daily as it ripens, it is hard to set- tle upon an average of prices. Fruit is always cheaper to the consumer here than it is elsewhere, notwithstanding the fact that many producers have grown rich shipping it. The value to the producer comes from the immense quantities grown on a given spot. As to the quality of our fruit, the whole world can not beat it. may rest assured of being able to save more money in the cost of living here than can be truthfully said of any other city of equal size west of Chicago. AMUSEMENTS. Eastern cities have high and low price theaters and con- cert halls; so has Oakland. Carriage hire is as low priced here as anywhere, and the splendid roads leading to the country are unexcelled. There are numerous places in the country to spend the sabbath, or if a ride on the water is preferable, no finer body of water exists than the harbor of Oakland. LAKE MERRITT. If one does not care to ride on the water of the bay, then a row-boat on Lake Merritt will be just the thing. This is Lake Merritt. HOUSE RENT. Cottages of from three to four rooms can be had for$S.oo and $10, while five to seven room cottages come higher. Taken as a whole, no city on the Pacific Coast has finer residences or lower rents than Oakland. The same rule applies to other cities and towns in Alameda County. CLOTHING. The competition in clothing and the low prices of wool have reduced the price of clothing within reach of all. When suits of men's clothing may be had for $2.75 up, it is a waste of words to argue the case. MECHANICS. Oakland will soon be the largest manufacturing city on the Pacific Coast — if it is not already so — and mechanics a body of water right in the heart of the city, and boat riding on it is largely indulged in by thousands of persons. Boats may be had for twenty-fi\'e cents per hour. ELECTRIC CARS. Oakland is blessed with 150 miles of cable and electric car tracks. Some of these extend a distance of 18 or 20 miles into the country, and the price of the journey is from 5 cents to 30 cents, according to the distance. FUEL SUPPLY. Within a few miles of Oakland are beds of coal that appear to be inexhaustible. A railroad has been built into the mines, and hundreds of tons of coal are hauled away dail)-. Knowing ones predict that the coal will soon be marketed here at $2.50 per ton. This means a great deal FACTS AND FIGURES. 43 to Oakland as a manufacturing- center. It means also that ocean vessels will get their supplies at our docks. It means another great industry to be added to our already large list. Three thousand (3,000) men are now at work in the mines near here, and thus weekly wages will give additional stimulus to trade. Coal oil has been found in the foot-hills, and that means another industry. Gas beds exist just over the hills, within eight miles of the city, and that means another industry. The Merchants' Exchange of Oakland will see to it that a road is built into this oil and gas belt immediately. CONCLUSION. All in all, the expense of living in Oakland is as low as it is anywhere else, to say nothing of the grandeur of scenery, and the delightfulness of the climate. It never is necessary to lose any time or to spend any money going to the moun- tains or the seashore. Both are here and may be seen for the cost of looking. Five cents a day will carry your chil- dren to and from the University of California. It is cheaper still if they wish to attend the public schools of the "Athens of the Pacific;" for walking is always good in Oakland, whether it is spring, summer, autumn, or winter. "Sea- sons' ' cut no figure in the parlor city of the west, for May and December look enough alike to be called twins. CLIMATE AND AIR MOVEMENTS OF ALA- MEDA COUNTY. BY HON. W.M. R. DAVIS. Few residents and no strangers realize how it is that Oakland, on the east side of the Bay of San Francisco, has such an equable and delightful climate, in contrast with that of the San Francisco or west side, only eight miles distant. The accompanying diagram and explanation will make that fact clear. It is not only a fact, but the fact is demonstrable. From Oakland westward across the bay and peninsula to the edge of the Pacific Ocean is about fourteen miles. The first row of coast hills rises directly from the ocean shore. Their average height south of the Golden Gate is about five hundred feet, and north of it, about one thousand feet. The Golden Gate itself is a pass through this first rise in the Coast Range, and is about six miles long and from one to two miles wide, thus connecting the ocean and the Bay of .San Francisco. At the inner or eastern end of the Golden Gate the western shore line of the bay turns northwestward and southeastward substantially parallel with the ocean shore line, San Francisco being between the ocean and bay on the northeastern corner of the peninsula, south of the Golden Gate. Oakland is almost due east across the bay from San Francisco. From Oakland westward the width of the bay and of this peninsula are practically equal, six to seven miles each. On the Oakland side the land rises from the bay-level on a gentle slope extending back to the second row of Coast Range hills. This slope extends from Berkeley on the north (a town of 12,000 inhabitants, where the University of California is situated) down in a southeasterly direction a distance of thirty-five miles, to and beyond the Alameda county line. The width of this slope varies from three miles at the northern end to more than twice that width as it stretches southward. At Oakland its width is about five miles. The central and western portion of Oakland is from twenty to forty-five feet above the tide-level of the bay. The eastern and northern parts of the city are upon the first rises of the foot-hills on the east — beautiful rolling ground. The two rows of coast hills, one west and the other east of Xputt. of cSC'^ &f^L7£ ^T 0«)KJ-Pj/SD CiJ^i. the bay, run nearly parallel from southeast to northwest, both lying at right angles to the route of the summer trade- winds coming in from the southwest oflf the Pacific Ocean. These summer sea-breezes, or trade-winds, prevail annually from the latter part of May to the middle of September, passing from the southwest to the northeast, from the ocean across the edge of the continent. We are now ready to consider a fact the importance of which can not be overestimated. Look at the diagram. The large arrows show the course of the summer sea- breezes. The profile at the bottom of the diagram shows a cross-section of the two ranges of hills, the obstnictions which the sea-breezes encounter in their northeasterly course. As is well known, these sea-breezes are sucked inland- ward daily by the draft caused by the upward rising of the atmosphere from the sun-heated surface of the land lying 44 ALAMEDA CO UNTY. inland from the ocean, from one hundred to five hundred miles distant, the cooler air of the ocean rushing in land- ward to fill the vacancy caused by the rising hot air. Let us look to the arrows on the diagram. Commencing at the ocean, the landward-bound ocean breeze, bearing much or litrie fog, literally bumps against and pitches above the first row of coast hills. This throws the volume of the general breeze four hundred to eight hundred feet above sea-level in its flight inland. It has then only from ten to fourteen miles to go until it encounters the second row of coast hills. This second row is of greater height than the first. The result and the fact are that the general ocean breeze can not and does not descend in its course anywhere between these two parallel rows of hills. Being pitched up by range No. i, it bears its moisture and maintains its course over the top of range No. 2, just skimming that range as it passes on into the interior. This leaves Oakland and the slope of which I have spoken in an angle of repose, on the slope between the bay and the eastern foot- hills, far beneath the path of the trade- winds, which have thus been pitched up and are pass- ing over both rows of the Coast Range. In this angle of re- pose the air is free from fog, moving gently eastward with just enough motion, brac- ing coolness and re- freshment to make the temperature delightful and the at- mosphere healthful and bracing. No sanitary department can ever do for any other city what nature is steadily doing in this way for the city of Oakland. The fog clouds pass over Oakland at an elevation of from fi\'e hundred to two thousand feet. This is nature' s umbrella, catching the rays of the summer sun and casting cool and grateful shade on the land surface below, while it leaves that surface free from dampness and from being windswept. Oakland occupies another angle of repose. Through the opening of the Golden Gate this sea-breeze can and does come in on the Our Mariposa Lily water-level; but, by reason of the conformation of the inside hills, this tongue of wind becomes forked, one part continu- ing northeast across San Pablo and Suisun Bays, still on the water-level, and the other southeast down the surface of the Bay of San Francisco. The small arrows show the forking and course of this lesser current, the larger arrows marking the course of the general volume of the overhead sea-breeze. This forking of the sea-breeze coming through the Golden Gate on the water-level again leaves Oakland in a triangle of repose. These facts and the preceding diagram demonstrate plainly why it is that the cli- mate and temperature of Oakland, though only eight miles distant from San Francisco, is as different and as much milder as though a hun- dred miles distant under other circumstances. There is an interest- ing fact following as a sort of corollary from the foregoing general proposition, and that is this : Water flowing from the rough edge of a spout will curl under at the under side, the main volume of water passing over. Precisely so with this sea-breeze bumping against the first row of hills and pitching on over it. The under side of that current or sheet of air, in scraping over the irregular top of the first row of hills, curls under, and thus brings down the undercurling fog from that general fog-bearing trade wind passing overhead. This accounts for the fog-clouds being borne from five hundred to one thou- sand feet above Oakland, while at the same time a narrow sheet of fog curls down on the west side of the bay on the peninsula. This curling down and the two triangles of re- pose account for the phenomenal fact that Oakland (and the whole slope extending from Berkeley to the Santa Clara line on the south) has a climate and air at once fresh, equable, and balmy, while only five or six miles westward the land surface on the other side of the bay is wind-swept and the air foggy and chilling. FACTS AND FIGURES. 45 The views here given will account for six striking facts: — 1. Why the sea-breezes of summer bear down on the land surface of the peninsula on the west side of the bay. 2. Why they bring fog down to the surface over there. 3. Why the waves of the bay run higher on the north- easterly extension of the Golden Gate. 4. Why the strong summer wind maintains itself north- easterly across San Pablo and Suisun Bays. 5. Why Oakland and this slope on the east side of the bay are not wind-swept and have no fog down on the land surface, not^vithstanding the opposite is the fact on the west side of the bay. 6. Why fogs to the west of us become grateful summer clouds above us on this slope which stretches around the east side of the bay. ROSES IN WINTER. An Old Easterner's First Impressions of Alameda County — Raspberries in December. Oakland, Cal., Dec. 3. — Daniel H. Fisher, of Berlin, Pa. , is visiting his relatives in this city, and his impressions of California as he found it and as he expected to find it would fill a volume. Although Mr. Fisher is father of Dr. C. M. Fisher, of the board of health, throughout all his long life he has never been outside his native state before. "I have heard about California all my life," said Mr. Fisher to-day, "and my son and my brother, who was superintendent of schools of this county, have written me a great deal, but what I have seen just around the bay is a Roses in January— Residence of Ben Morgan, Berkeley. This favored slope and its environs duplicate the site ot Athens. The Athens of the Pacific is an appi-opriate name topographically as well as with reference to matters of learn- ing and culture. The hills about Athens and the Grecian Archipelago before it have their counterpart in our hills behind and the waters of our bay before us. The clouds, the temperature, the sky, the breeze, the landscape, the half-shadowed country, are nature's duplicate of the ancient Greece. There is an old Athens and a new. The resem- blance is not fancy — it is fact. The Pacific Oil Works, on Alameda Point, employ from 30 to 40 men, and produce 500 barrels daily of naphtha, benzine, lubricating, gas and illuminating oils. revelation. When I left old Berlin, which is in the Juniata River region, it was freezing and snowing, and I was actually glad to leave the old place for a time. But ^\■hen I got here, I never dreamed of what I should see. People who live in the east all their lives and read of roses in bloom at Christmas do not really believe it. I did not. I went a drive along the San Leandro road a few days ago, and I saw the last of the season's crop of raspberries. I did not believe such a thing possible, and when I saw the floral sights in Golden Gate Park, I was partly incredulous that I was actually looking at a natural scene. Now people tell me that this weather is really severe for California — that is piling it on rather too thickly. "I expected to find a great deal of exaggeration among California folks, but I think the boot is on the other foot. 4b ALAMEDA COUNTY. I see more real life and progress and more practical ideas carried to r. successful conclusion than I ever saw way back in Pennsylvania. Over sixty years I have lived at Berlin, and have been expecting to come out here some day and satisfy myself that a lot I had been told was not true. But when I got here I had to confess I had not been told half enough. "There are tens of thousands of people in the east who doubt nearly all they hear of California, but if they would just take a trip out here, they would change their minds." Then the old easterner said with a sigh, "I suppose I'll have to go back soon. As Mr. Fisher has returned to Pennsylvania, he will be able to verify all that is said in this book of Alameda County in general, and Oakland in particular. — 5". F. Call. OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. BY A. B. NYE. [Editor Oakland Enquirey.\ The United States census of 1890 contained the follow- ing statistics of manufactures in Oakland: — Number of establishments 342 Value of hired property % 956. 3S5 Direct investments 6,629,468 Miscellaneous expenses, 438,010 Average number of employes 4,438 Total wages 3.090.007 Average number of officers, firm members and clerks 520 Wages of same $521,073 Operatives, skilled and unskilled 3.345 Wages of same 12,319,452 Piece-workers 573 Wages of same % 249,482 Cost of materials used 4,687,699 Value of products '. 9,112,778 This statement includes only establishments within the corporate limits; the amounts would be considerably in- creased by including factories within a mile or two of the city. Since iSgo numerous small factories have been established, and, to exhibit the present state of our manufacturing in- dustries, moderate additions would need to be made to the above totals, but the exact figures are lacking. Taking the census figures as a reasonable approximation to the present facts, it is apparent that our manufacturing industries, both absolutely and relatively, take very respect- able rank. Excepting San Francisco, whose industries of this kind are larger, and Portland, Oregon, which is the in- dustrial center of the northwest, there is no other Pacific Coast city which Oakland does not rival or surpass. Los Angeles had in 1890 a considerably larger number of es- tablishments enumerated, but the capital invested was about the same. Sacramento, Stockton, San Jose, and Seatde were too far behind to be considered rivals. Comparison with a few eastern cities will give a better idea of our rel- ative rank in manufactures. City. No. establishments. Capital invested. Oakland 342 $ 6,629,468 Lewiston, Me 214 8,324,231 Nashville, Tenn 420 9,904,295 Peoria, 111 556 15,085,862 Portland, Me 662 6,887,557 Omaha, Neb 675 18,319,594 Lynn, Mass 1,369 17,919,025 All of these towns surpass ours in the extent of their business, but some of them, like Omaha, are more populous cities, and others are famous seats of manutacturing industry. Up to this time the business conditions of the Pacific Coast have not been favorable to the creation of Lowells, Fall Rivers, or Patersons; when the concentration of population invites a vigorous growth of manufactures, one of the centers will be in Oakland. Transportation facilities are the first factor in successful prosecution of manufacturing, and a glance at the way in which the factories here have clustered around the water front, with its shore lines of railroad, explains the first ad- vantage which we enjoy. Beginning with the northern suburbs, we have in West Berkeley a collection of thrifty industries, generally small, but considerable in the aggre- gate; they are favorably situated for shipping by rail or water. Between Berkeley and the corporate limits of Oak- land, following along the bay shore, we have factories of various sorts, including one of magnitude, the Judson Iron Works, at Emeryville. That was placed there that it might enjoy the advantage of having the railroad at its front door and the bay at its back door. In West Oakland we have iron foundries, wood-working establishments, and railroad car shops, and on the south side of the city, front- ing on the estuary and the First Street tracks, we ha^•e the largest assemblage of shops and mills to be found on this side of the bay. That is not merely, or so much, because it is the oldest portion of the city, as because the facilities for water transportation are the best. In the Twenty-third Avenue district, at the head of the estuary, we have another village of factories, — potteries, tanneries, planing mills, and the thriving California Cotton Mills. On the southern, or Alameda shore, we have a number of important establish- ments, — an oil refinery, borax refinery, and a great pottery. The same water front which will one day make Oakland an important shipping port, with docks, basins, and ware- houses, will also promote the growth of manufactures here. Every factory owner likes to place his business where he can, if need be, recei\'e raw materials and ship away finished goods by water. The first breach made in the solid wall of monopoly which, through an early mistake, was built around the water side of the town, was effected when the Pacific Iron and Nail Works were established, about 1882; the promoters of that enterprise were determined not to plant it \\here they could not have water transportation, and, although they experienced difficulties in acquiring con- trol of a piece of water front, they persevered until they succeeded. A water frontage, even if not used, is a good regulator of railroad charges. Some years ago the Cali- FACTS AND FIGURES. 47 fornia Cotton Mills were paying rates upon raw cotton brought out from Texas, which constituted an onerous tax upon the business, and the managers tried tiie experiment of bringing in a few cargoes from the East Indies and the south sea islands. As soon as it .was demonstrated that cotton could be obtained cheaper in this wa}', the Southern 'Pacific Railroad hastened to make a new rate on cotton, which would allow it to be shipped from Te.xas upon much better terms. A factory built in some inland town could not have brought such pressure to bear upon the railroad, and would have continued to pay the higher rates and to do business at a disadvantage. The next advantage enjoyed by Oakland manufacturers, and one of no small importance, is that of cheap sites. It is possible at small expense to secure as much ground area as may be needed to conduct any business; to arrange Orange Tree. buildings in such manner as to enjoy the greatest conven- ience, and to economize labor by increasing its efficiency. In San Francisco which is now the manufacturing center, a majority of the establishments are uncomfortably crowded, and they can not enlarge except at the expense of a heavy rent tax. Having plenty of room is an advantage of greater moment than may appear at first thought. The manager of an iron works, who has been a successful bidder on con- tracts in all parts of the Pacific Coast, considers this the greatest advantage which his situation in Oakland affords him ; as compared with San Francisco establishments of his class, he estimates that he can pay the same wages to labor and the same prices for material, and perform work from ten to fifteen per cent cheaper, owing to not being in cramped quarters or compelled to raise and lower heavy weights in a many-storied building. Oakland is bounded on two sides by natural manufactur- ing sites, the salt marsh adjoining the Sixteenth Street Rail- road station, that between the Peralta Street slip and Market Street, and the very large extent of marsh on the Alameda side, making, when filled, ideal sites for factories. Of the many hundreds of acres of marsh on the two sides of the estuary, fully one-half has now been filled by the harbor dredgings, and before the government's work is finished, there will be material enough available to make dry ground of the whole area. This land will not be in demand as residence property, and therefore it will constitute, as has been said, a reservation for manufacturing sites; and the ex- tent of the tracts is such that many cheap sites, in close proximity to ship and car, will be obtainable for years to come. Drayage, which is a large item of expense in estab- lishments on the other side of the bay, can here be either materially reduced or quite abolished, depending upon how close the shop is brought to the railroad. There is no reason why these future manufacturing districts, now given up to partially filled marshes on the western and southern sides of the city, should not be traversed in every direction by spur tracks, so that each of several hundred factories can have its own siding, leading into its warehouse. Even if San Francisco continues to do the office business, Oak- land is on the right side of the bay to build the shop. Time and expense can be sa\ed. To workingmen it is an advantage to be employed in Oakland rather than in the metropolis, because living is cheaper and social conditions more agreeable. An intelligent labor force is a need which is therefore easily supplied, and strikes and lock-outs have been of rare occurrence. As compared with cities in the hot interior valleys, our climate — pleasantly cool all the year around — has an economic value, because in it the workman can perform a greater amount of labor than he can where the extremes of either heat or cold prevail. Whenever manufacturing investments in Oakland have been unsuccessful, as they sometimes have been, they merely shared the vicissitudes which have made the history of this industry upon the Pacific Coast a checkered one. At the present time, which is one of some depression in all lines of business, the local factories are in as solidly solvent condition as any of their class anywhere. It is generally agreed that in competing for outside business, which they do to a large extent, the increasing reputation which our city is acquiring makes the introduction of their products constantly more easy. The proprietor of a leading planing mill, when speaking on this subject, said that seventy-five per cent of his business and that of other mills comes from San Francisco and other places more distant; that a few )-ears ago such business could be secured only with difficulty, because architects and managers of corporations distrusted the ability of Oakland mills to do good work ; that now their reputation is of the best, and that Oakland-built street-cars and house materials of all sorts are in demand far and near. The machine-made work for many of the finest residences in San Francisco is turned out in Oakland. The proprietor of an extensive iron foundry and machine shop stated that the proportion of his work which is turned out for the strictly local demand varied from five to fifteen 48 ALAMEDA CO UXTY. per cent. This fact is mentioned to show that Oakland manufacturing establishments are by no means merely small concerns for the satisfaction of a local demand. They go into all the Pacific Coast markets, and sometimes as far east- ward as Colorado and Dakota. One of the obstacles with which California manufacturers have had to contend is the high price of fuel; coal at $6.00 a ton is a heavy ta.x when factories must compete with Pennsylvania or Indiana, where the price is $1-50 or $2.00. But the light is now breaking; relief from excessive fuel prices is promised by the transmission of power from moun- tain streams, by the development of oil fields, and finally by the opening of immense coal deposits in the Coast Range near Livermore. This coal is a good steam producer, and the only questions are cheap extraction and transportation. These are about to be solved, and when manufacturers can buy therr coal for $3.00 per ton, no city -will derive more advantage than ours. A direct line of railroad from Oak- land to these mines is merely a matter of time — apparendy of a few months. It Is only about forty miles to the largest coal deposits in the state, and this is the natural point of shipment. Of the abundance of the stores of fuel in these mines no doubt can be raised. Last year a committee of the Manufacturers' and Producers' Association of San Fran- cisco, visited the Livermore mines, and in their report they said: — ' 'The inspection left no doubt in our minds of the immense quantity of available coal, and we are not disposed to question the engineer's estimate of 20,000,000 tons. . . . They (the managers of the mines) also say they will be able to mine, with proposed facilities, 2,000 tons per day, and to market the same in San Francisco for $2.00 per ton, and maintain a selling price not to exceed $3.00 and $3.50 per ton, based on handling coal over their own railroad to tide- water and thence in steel barges to San Francisco or accessi- ble river points. . . . San Francisco can hardly hope for cheap coal from any source but these mines, on account of the distance between the city and other coal fields." If) when the coal is shipped via Stockton and the river route, as the foregoing statement contemplates, it can be sold in market for $3.00 to $3.50 per ton, a direct railroad line to this city would make it possible to sell with profit at even lower figures. Another project which has been con- templated, and whose execution is by no means improbable, is the establishment of a power plant at the mines, the generation of electricity, and its transmission by wire. This is perfecdy practicable, and it might result in giving us the equivalent of coal at $2.00 a ton, or even $1.50. An article upon the industrial prospects of the city would be incomplete without reference to the discoveries which indicate the presence of oil and gas fields close at hand. Not more than a dozen miles away lie as promising surface indications of both oil and gas as have ever been found; the development of these possible riches has waited a longtime, but it will not be postponed forever, and the results may be far greater than are now apprehended. Last June representa- ti\'es of the Manufacturers' and Producers' Association also visited these oil fields, and were favorably impressed. K San Francisco paper, in reporting what they observed, said: "For half a mile along the bed of the creek, and experts say probably for two miles, the shale is saturated with petroleum. The crevices and seams are thickly coated with the brown substance, which resembles crude opium. At every stroke of the pick, oil oozed from the shale into the running water, and as it did so, the air was filled with the odors of gas and petroleum. . . . Natural gas was discovered on the property about four years ago, 500 yards from the place where oil was first found. Out of this spring, which has recently been deepened and enlarged, bubbles of gas arise continually, filling the air with fumes so strong as to make it dangerous to inhale. ' ' The introduction of cheap power in either of the ways here indicated, would wonderfully accelerate the growth of manufactures; but in any event their future appears to be assured. The mechanical industries will cluster around the bay, and San Francisco is too crowded to accommodate more than a moiety of them. Oakland is well adapted to receive them. She has no monopoly of the advantages, but she possesses a g;reater number than any other place on the bay, and that she will ultimately be a city of spindles and looms, of furnaces and forges, does not admit of doubt. WINTER WEATHER. When we talk of ' 'winter weather' ' in this county, it is only talk — it can't be anything else. The truth of the matter is that we have no winter at all. December, January, and February are "rainy months," but what of it ? We need all the rain we can get. We never get too much. Put all the rainy days together year in and year out, and they wouldn't average a full month; so it isn' t worth while calling it winter simply because it rains a little. Freezing weather we never have ana never look for. Snowstorms have no place in a book of this character, since they are unknown in this qlimate. TOMATOES EVERY DAY. James C. Kyte, 18 12 Market Street, Oakland, has a never-failing tomato vine. At least it hasn't failed for two years. There is always a cluster of tomatoes on it, and every week during the past two years he has gathered ripe toma- toes from it. A HUGE BED OF ONIONS. Wong Gee is a Chinaman, but he has an eye to onions in a business way. He has fifteen acres planted in onions, on a piece of land he has leased near the town of Newark. He anticipates harvesting seven tons to the acre, and mark- eting them at $8.00 per ton. FACTS AND FIGURES. 49 THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF ALAMEDA COUNTY. BY J. P. GARLICK. [Superintendent schools of Alameda County, California.] In the excellence of her system of public schools, Cali- fornia is one of the four or five states in the Union which take the front rank. And when a first place is claimed in the schools of the state for the public schools of Alameda County, the claim is one that might be justly expected from the large educational opportunities our people have enjoyed. The school system of Alameda County presents a remark- able growth and development, due in part to our locality and surroundings, in part to the men who have been the leaders in education, but more than anything else, due to the public and enlightened spirit of our citizens, who, with a large and wise liberalit\', have made our schools a chosen and attractive field to the best teachers of the state and nation. This growth and development may be exemplified in a remarkable way by a few figures from the records. By the report made to the state superintendent for the school year ending June 30, 1S76, the number of teachers in schools below the high school was 138. Of these only 39, or a little more than 28 per cent, held first-grade cer- tificates. In the school year ending June 30, 1888, there were, excluding high schools, 276 teachers, double the number of ten years before, and of these 276, 205, or more than 74 per cent, held first-grade certificates — a truly won- derful record of professional improvement. Again, in the report of last school year, ending June 30, 1895 — nineteen years from the first report quoted — the number of teachers in the county schools, not including high schools, was 389, and of these, 354, or more than 91 percent, were the holders of first-grade certificates. This in itself is a great advance. In the first record quoted, 72 per cent of the Alameda teachers held certificates below the first grade; while in the record of last year, less than 9 per cent of the teaching force held certificates of an inferior grade. 50 ALAMEDA COUNTY- This betterment of the teachers has resulted in an improve- ment in the character of the work done all along the line. * Another cause of improvement of the schools has been the establishment of high schools. No county in the state has taken advantage of the law for the establishment of union high schools to a greater extent than has the county of Alameda. Besides the high schools of Berkeley, Alameda, and Oakland, the county has three others, located at Centerville, Livermore, and Haywards, all well equipped and doing excellent work. Those high schools represent twenty-eight school districts outside of Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley, and may be reached by the pupils from every district in the county. They open the road to the State University to every girl and boy in the count}-, who is hun- Residence of Mrs. John Dean, Berkeley. gry for the higher education, and the best evidence of this hunger is the present crowded condition of both our city and union high schools. These high schools have made every primary school able to claim kinship with the Univer- sity, and the influence of the University is to-day a potent factor in the model primary class. These union high schools are also a great incentive to both the grammar and primary classes, while the State University, situated in our very midst, is an incentive and inspiration to all the schools of our system of education below it. Twenty-five years ago there was not a high school in the count) — to-day there are six, with an average daily attend- ance of over one thousand two hundred pupils, a large per- centage of whom aspire to the higher education of the State University. There is another important factor which has been at work in the improvement of our schools. It is the influence of the trained teacher — the influence of the state normal school. Everywhere in the county, though you may not find the normal teacher, you will find the influence of the normal school. There are a large number of the normal graduates in our schools, and, other things being equal, they are our best teachers. But many who have not had the advantage of the normal training, by coming into contact with these normal school graduates, have had their zeal inspired to do a higher class of work; and to this end many are taking special courses at our University, that they may have a better preparation to meet their classes. These are the teachers who are beginning to be in demand, and they will be more and more in demand in the near future. Another influence in mak- ing the schools what they are is supervision. Among the early superintendents ot the county are three men whose work in the formative period of our schools was of a character to insure the de- gree of excellence they have attained: W. F. B. Lynch, the pioneer superintendent, a man of large heart, quick sympathies, and great love for children; J. C. Gilson, a wise and untiring worker, whose eight years of service left every school in the county on higher ground; P. M. Fisher, under whose administration the schools took a new departure in the change of the course of study, by taking more of the best literature, which has re- sulted in giving to the chil- dren of the lower grades a taste for good books, which is one of the greatest influences in the moulding of character. In the grammar grades the masters of our language are being studied with profit and delight. To-day, pupils of the fifth grade write better compositions than pupils of the eighth grade wrote ten years ago; and this is the result of making language more prominent in the course of study. Teachers of primary classes are beginning to take courses in literature from University professors — not to prepare for higher grade work — but that they may do primary work better. Inspired by such men as Barnes, of Stanford, Brown and Bailey, of our State University, the child has been made the subject of study by many of our best teachers ; and this study is producing here, as it is among educators ever3rwhere, wiser and more humane methods of instruction. It is beginning to be understood that the schools are for FACTS AXD FIGURES. 51 the children. While there are schools whose teachers have not learned anything of the evolution of education that is abroad in the land, it is a pleasure to be able to say these schools are in the minority — a minority that is continually growing- smaller. There never was a time in the history of the state when there were so many good teachers seeking employment; and when we remember that the schools are for the children and not for the teachers, there seems to be no excuse on the part of boards of education and boards of trustees for retaining in their service poor teachers; and, while most boards of trustees seek to employ the best their funds will permit, there are some schools that might be greatly improved if no consideration other than the welfare of the children entered into the selection of teachers. This demand for better teachers and for better teaching is heard on every hand, and must be heeded. It comes from our high schools and our great universities. It comes from the foremost educators of our own and other countries. It comes from the great national assemblies of teachers. It comes from the dark days that are upon us, which demand from aU earnest teachers — both men and women — a solu- tion of the problems of social life. It is a demand for teach- ing that shall educate the heart as well as the head, the conscience as well as the intellect. It is a demand that the product of the schools shall be honest and upright citizens, who will not fall before temptation. More than all else, it is a demand that the children be taught to think for them- selves. Colonel Parker says, "When the children think, kings tremble." Right thinking is character; and in the character of our children is the safety of the republic. THE WATER FRONT. CORK TREES. The University of California, right here at our door, has distributed many bushels of acorns from the cork oak variety. Trees from these acorns have already grown up in the San Gabriel Valley. What will grow there will grow more prolific in this county. Statistics show that $2,000,- 000 worth of cork is imported into the United States annu- ally. Why not have the greater part of that come from Alameda County? GOOD FISHING. Any day is a good day to ilsh in Alameda County. Fish in salt water and you can catch smelts and a thousand other varieties of fish. Throw out your line in any of the brooks, lakes, or rivers of the county, and you will catch trout, perch, pike, sunfish, goggle eyes, and many other kinds. Hun- dreds of men in this county make more than average wages catching fish for the market. BY L. J. LE CONTE, C. E. [Resident Engineer Oakland Harbor Worlcs.] On the fifth day of April, 1872, representative men of Oakland held a meeting and addressed a communication to Gen. B. S. Alexander and Col. G. H. Mendell, U. S. Engineers, stationed at San Francisco, requesting them to examine into the merits of San Antonio Estuary as a body of water susceptible of improvement for commercial purposes, and asking for an opinion as to the proper method of improvement, and the probable cost. This communication was signed by F. K. Shattuck, N. W. Spaulding, E. H. Pardee, A. L. Warner, P. F. Ferris, Mack Webber, Franklin Warner, Thos. J. Murphy, Wm. S. Snook, H. A. Mayhew, Sam Merritt, R. W. Kirkham, H. H. Haight, W. A. Bray, Wm. H. Glasscock, John C. Hays, Jas. de Fremery, J. West Martin, James Larue, John J. Spear, Sam Woods, J. Ross Brownie, Chas. J. McDougal, Nathan Porter, John Crockett, S. B. McKee, Isham Case, Edson Adams, A. C. Henry, P. S. Wilcox. In reply General Alexander and Colonel Mendell sub- mitted an elaborate report, dated May 15, 1872, wherein the opinion was given that the estuary was capable of improvement, and the cost would be for complete improve- ment, $3,159,750, and for moderate improvement sufficient to meet all present requirements, $1,172,050. As a result an act of Congress was passed March 3, 1873, pursuant to which a board of engineers was appointed, con- sisting of Gen. B. S. Alexander, Col. C. S. Stewart, and Col. G. H. Mendell, which board was instructed to make surveys and plan a harbor for San Antonio Creek, Califor- nia. The designs for improvement were all prepared, and the report of the board submitted February 16, 1874, the estimated cost of the necessary improvements being $1,814,529. PLAN OF IMPROVEMENT. The earliest charts show only two feet of water, at low tide, on the bar near the mouth of San Antonio Creek. At that time, 1857, some attempts had been made to improve the depth of water on the crest of the bar by means of a double row of piles, about 100 feet between the two rows, 13 piles in each row, and covering a linear distance of about 1,400 feet. This work was of little serv'ice except as a general guide, the channel shifting from side to side after every storm. Vessels could only enter or clear at or near high water, and navigation was confined to small craft, hav- ing a draft of not over 6 or 7 feet loaded. In i860 the state of California made an appropriation for the improvement of the bar at San Antonio Creek, and placed the same under the control of Captain GUmer, U. S. Topographical Engineer. He recommended and built two crib-work structures on the crest of the bar, and also did some dredging work. The benefits derived were short lived, the effect being to form two bars in place of one — the 52 ALAMEDA COUNTY. depth on each being about the same as before, two to three feet at low tide. TIDAL CANAL. The plan of improvement recommended by the board of engineers in February, 1S74, consisted of two parallel stone jetties extending from the shore westward into San Francisco Bay about two miles, the channel between the same to be dredged to a suitable depth required by navigation. In order to maintain this deep-water channel — as well as the inner harbor channels — they proposed to bring in the tidal prism of an adjoining estuary (San Leandro Bay) by means of lock-gates and a tidal canal of such dimensions as to be of their own accord, and the entire tidal volume would thus be forced to find escape through the tidal canal, through the basin at East Oakland, and thence westerly along the city front of Oakland, through the jetty channel to deep water in San Francisco Bay. The scheme of improvement, as above outlined, has been followed in a general way, subject to such modifications as experience and new conditions have proved to be advisable and economical. FIRST APPROPRIATION. The first appropriation, $100,000, was made March, 1874, and the first contract entered into October 14, 1874, Scenes in Oakland Harbor. navigable. The addition of this auxiliary tidal volume to the natural tidal volume of San Antonio Estuary, would more than double the same, on ebb tide, and the increased scour thus induced would insure the maintenance of a first-class deep-water ship channel throughout the entire inner harbor and westerly into the Bay of San Francisco. To regulate and control the tidal flow through the canal, they proposed to build a dam with suitable tide-gates located at the site of the present bridge across the mouth of San Leandro Bay, these gates to work automatically, and so arranged as to allow the flood tide to pass through freely into San Leandro Bay; but as soon as high water is reached and the tide begins to drop and turn to ebb, the gates all close tightly, for stonework on the jetties. About this time the improve- ments were placed directly under charge of Col. G. H. Mendell. From and after this date work progressed slowly but steadily, under small appropriations, until October 5, 1877, when the trustees of a certain corporation, known as the Oakland Water Front Co. , held a meeting and adopted a certain map of proposed harbor improvements, showing a tidal water channel and scouring basin in San Antonio Creek, dedicating the same to public use and claiming title to the entire abutting frontage on the channel. This map was accompanied by descriptive resolutions, all of which were duly placed on file in the city clerk's office in Oakland. This proceeding led to a cessation of operations on the FACTS AND FIGURES. 53 harbor works, the government officer, Colonel Mendell, holding that if this was a private harbor, then public moneys should not be expended in its development. As a result all work was suspended for three years, or until the U. S. Attorney General, Washington, D. C, gave, on the twenty- eighth day of June, 1880, an opinion that the United States have already full righti' without cession from any parties, and on the sixteenth day of July, 1880, the War Department ordered that work should be at once resumed. This was a joyous day for Oakland. On October 5, 1880, a contract for stonework on the jetties was entered into, and operations were renewed, and have continued with few interruptions up to date. PRESENT CONDITION OF THE WORKS. The north jetty is completed; length, 9,200 feet; and the south jetty has been extended 12,000 feet, and a proposed extension of 550 feet is contemplated. The total amount of stone required so far approximates 340,000 tons. The channel way between the jetties, averaging 750 feet in width, has a dredged channel 300 feet wide and 19 feet deep at high water, the old original depth at the same stage of tide being only 8 to 10 feet. Thence easterly along the city front of Oakland we have a dredged channel 300 feet wide and 26 feet deep at high water and 20 feet deep at low water, sufficient to accommo- date most sea-going vessels. This 26-foot channel extends from the bridge westerly a distance of 10,000 feet, making 20,000 feet of frontage, or 3.8 miles of deep-water channel along the city front. Between the bridges and above as far as Sessions' basin, no work has been done in the main channel, for the simple rea- son that the natural depth in that portion, is, and always has been, nearly the same as that at the mouth of jetties, namely, 1 6 to 20 feet at high water. We now come to the Brooklyn basin, or the Tidal basin, where a large amount of work has been done in the way of dredging. The quantity of material removed is approximately 3,000,000 cubic yards, all of which has been placed ashore on the adjoining lowlands, filling in the same to such an extent as make them largely above overflow. This work has cost nearly $480,000, and as a result we have a fine sheltered basin 320 acres in area. On the Brooklyn side, a channel 200 feet wide, and 14 feet deep at high water, has been dredged, beginning at Sessions' basin and extending easterly as far as the cotton mills wharf. This channel in course of time is to ba widened to 300 feet and extended to the tidal canal. The grand total area of the harbor proper, east of the jetties, is approximately 700 acres, and is susceptible of being made a first-class landlocked harbor, furnishing room for 10 miles of docks and slips. The work done so far on the tidal canal comprises a large amount of excavation at the west end, and likewise at the east end. The middle section is yet to come out. When completed, this canal is to be 300 feet wide on the bottom — side slopes one on two — makingthe top width nearly 400 feet, while the total length fi-om end to end will be 9,000 feet. The material excavated from the canal has been all placed ashore to fill in and reclaim lowlands, raising them high enough to be entirely free from subsequent overflow, thus enhancing their market value. The total amount expended so far on the canal is approximately $280,000, including the handsome steel-iron bridge at Park Street, Alameda, which spans the canal. The present depth of water in the channel is 14 feet at high water, although it is more than likely that when canal navigation is developed along the Alameda frontage, this depth will be increased ro 20 feet at high water, at least, and possibly more. Future necessities will determine these points. FUTURE OPERATIONS. There yet remains to be executed the following work: — Completion of the 26-foof high water channel westerly through the jetty channel to deep water in San Francisco Bay. The extension of the south jetty 550 feet. Excavation of the canal, with suitable bridges at certain places. Dam and tidal sluice gates at the entrance to San Lean- dro Bay. When complete these harbor works will furnish a commo- dious haven for all classes* of sea-going vessels. The naviga- ble channel extending to deep water in San Francisco Bay will be 300 to 500 feet wide, and 26 feet deep at high water. A shipyard is already established, capable of building, clean- ing, and repairing vessels at reasonable rates. The amount of money yet required to complete the improvements now contemplated, is about $1,000,000. SMALL, APPROPRIATIONS. The extraordinarily slow progress made in this harbor improvement has been due entirely to lack of funds. The engineer officers in charge asked for $500,000 annually, and generally received but $100,000. It takes very Httle calculation to determine the reason why it will take about five times as long to complete the works as might have been the case had the funds been supplied when needed. Oakland harbor is not alone in this category; nearly all the harbor works in the union are subject to the same lack of funds, and no relief can be reasonably expected until the present system is modified so as to meet requirements, and permit of continuous and steady work. The latest news from Washington, D. C. , is that the New River and Harbor Bill now before Congress for passage, contemplates placing these harbor works on the contract list, which means regular annual appropriations until final completion. It is to be hoped that this happy result will be brought about speedily. COMMERCIAL PROGRESS. The average citizen has no conception of the truly won- derful growth of commerce at Oakland harbor, in spite of the hindrances and lack of funds to push the work ahead. 54 ALAMEDA COUNTY. The following tabular statement speaks for itself, showing an authentic record of the growth in water transportation, passing through the jetty channel from the beginning of operations up to date. Years. Tons. 1874, Before improvement 154,300 1876, After 187S, " 18S0, " 1882, " 1884, " 1886, " 1888, " 1890, " 1892, " 1S94, " 1895. " . 162,000 . 404,000 • 935,000 .1,400,000 .1,460,000 .1,745,000 .2,200,000 .2,319,000 ..2,643,000 ..2,428,000 ..2,600,000 This is a most flattering and demonstrative proof of the great and lasting benefits conferred on the city of Oakland by these harbor works, but these advantages will be vastly augmented when dredging work shall have been completed, and deep-sea vessels can enter and clear at all stages of the tide and conditions of weather. The port of San Francisco, across the bay, is the most important on the Pacific Coast. Her combined tonnage movement, annual arrivals and departures, sail and steam, has been placed at 2,500,000 tons register, which is proba- bly equivalent to 4,000,000 tons gross. Hence it would appear that the annual tonnage movement through the jetty channel at Oakland harbor, is now more than half that passing annually through the Golden Gate. These fects all go to show conclusively that the city of "Oakland" Ferry Boat. While the tonnage movement has made wonderful strides, San Francisco is naturally situated on the wrong fside of the it would not be proper to omit the very rapid increase in bay, and all that Oakland lacks, to make her a successful the annual passenger traffic across the ferries between Oak- rival, is deep-water channels of sufficient capacity to accom- land and San Francisco, making half-hourly trips. This modate deep-sea vessels. In a few years more this need ferry traffic is only equaled by that existing between New will be supplied, and Oakland will have a fine landlocked, York City and Brooklyn. But the ferry-boats at Oakland deep-water harbor, free from all dangers to navigation, and are, beyond all question, the largest, most comfortable, and completely sheltered against the heaviest gales from any h ighly finished models of public conveyance to be found any- point of the compass, where in the world. The great factor in the evolution of every seaport has The following statement shows the rapid increase in pas- been declared to be a comprehensive connection with the senger traffic, from the beginning of operations on the railway systems of all the adjacent country. Lasting pros- harbor works up to 1895: — perity depends largely upon this circumstance. The rela- 1873 2,067,000 passengers tion between the port and railroads should be in close con- ^^f° 5,000,000 " tact, and by this means avoid the terrible burden of drayage, 1885 8,000,000 " 1,- u • \4 jr 11 I A ■ j8do II 000 000 " which IS so dreadfully slow and expensive. 1895 12,555,000 " It follows that warehouses ought to be on the dock FACTS AND FIGURES. 55 frontage, with railroad tacks in front, next the sea-going vessels, and also behind the sheds where custom goods'are to puss. Local expenses can be thus reduced to a min- imum, which feature constitutes the life of the seaport. The railroad needs a good deep-vater harbor to keep them going, and likewise a seapoi-t nowadays can not be prop- erly worked in the interests of commerce without the helping hand of the railroad. This mutual interest should inevitably serve as the basis of agreements, and the parties should never lose sight of the fact that the increase of the annual tonnage movement is the true source of profit and prosperity. Shipping interests are not governed by sentiment; a vessel always seeks that seaport which furnishes the best accom- modations, the best facilities for handling light and heavy freight, thus unloading and loading quickly. This means a short stoppage in port for the ship, which in turn means that an extra trip can be made annually. Oakland is now the greatest railroad center in the state of California, being the real terminus of the following roads : — • Central Pacific Railroad (transcontinental). Southern Pacific Railroad (transcontinental), California and Oregon (interstate railroad), Napa Valley Railroad (state), Califor- nia Pacific Railroad (state), Western Pacific Railroad (state), Southern Pacific Coast Railroad (state), San Joa- quin Valley Railroad (state, west side). The larger portion of the freight handled on these roads is now transported across the bay by transfer ferry, and delivered at the depot in San Francisco, whence the goods are hauled long distances by teams at great expense for drayage, and delivered to the merchants, or taken further on to the deep-sea vessels at the diflferent docks located at the further end of the city front. This abnormal state of affairs can not last forever. First- class facilities for loading and unloading vessels, enabling them to make short stays in port, will always conquer in the end. Let Oakland have her deep-water harbor, with safe berthage for shipping, efficient means for the handling of freight rapidly and cheaply, the railroad trains brought close up alongside the deep-sea ships, thus saving all the cost of drayage, and we can safely say that Oakland is destined to be the Liverpool of the Pacific Coast. / The engineer officer now in charge of these harbor works is Col. Charles R. Suter, a gentleman of wide experience and mature judgment. He succeeded Col. G. H. Mendell in October, 1895, who has retired from active service. Col- onel Suter understands the situation most thoroughly, and will do everything in his power to push the work to an early completion. THE DUTY OF MEN OF WEALTH TO OAKLAND. BY REV. CHAS. W. WENDTE. October 17, 1896. — A blizzard in Chicago to-day; plenty of cold weather and snow for everybody. Glorious weather in Oakland, California. Plenty of sunshine and flowers for everybody. Keep your snow, Chicago, and we will keep our sunshine and flowers all winter. No one who studies the signs of the times intelligently can fail to see that civilized society is on the eve of vast changes. These changes will secure not only a more perfect equaliza- tion of political rights and social opportunities, but also a juster distribution of the products and rewards of human labor. THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION. It is altogether likely, at the rapid pace with which social revolutions move in our day, that the early part of the nineteenth century will witness at least the partial inaug- uration of this new order of things, and that many now living will be seriously affected by it. Whether the change shall come gradually and peacefully or be ush- ered in with scenes of disorder and violence, will depend on the enlightenment, conscience, and humanity of those who are now in control of the government, business, and social order. In this country, which is more nearly a plu- tocracy than any other yet known in human history, the rich men are in control. It is for them to decide whether, prudently foreseeing the storm, they will forestall its direful consequences to themselves and their families by such con- cessions to the increasing popular demand as reason and conscience shall dictate, and by displays of generosity and public spirit which will palliate if not excuse their existence as a privileged class in the community, or whether they will repeat the folly of the nobles in the French Revolution, and, deriding and cursing the people, will persist in self- willed and evil courses. Let them not, like the foolish ostrich, hide their head in the sand, or cry: "It will not happen in our time. After us the deluge, if it please you." For they know not the day or the hour when all this may come to pass. It is the unexpected that always happens. For a century and more the floods of social dis- content have been mounting higher and higher behind the old dams of political and industrial institutionalism. But it will not take them an instant to break their barriers when the fulness of unrest and happiness shall have come. Who shall then stay that vast and whelming tide? The people are the possessors of ultimate power. They may make or unmake the existing order. Laws and cus- toms have little staying power when opposed to- thinking, earnest men, with the ballot in their hands. Corrupt officials and panderers to the greed of the wealthy will go down like grass in a prairie fire, when the people are thoroughly aroused and united in their endeavors. The ideal of the new social commonwealth is rapidly gaining ground among the working millions of the world. The mechanics and tradesmen of the cities are combining forces with the farm- ing class, from whom they have been strangely enough alienated until now, although their interests are practically identical. Nothing can withstand such a federation. Fool- 56 ALAMEDA COUNTY. ish things will be said and done, mushroom parties will arise and go down again, demagogues will flourish for a season. But ultimately the educated classes will unite with the common mass for their mutual salvation. Brain and muscle united will win the victory over selfishness and money. The right will triumph, and humanity be king. No one who has a clear vision of the social movement to-day, no one who listens to the voice of his conscience, no one who has a heart in his bosom, can behold the present upward movement among the toiling millions of earth, and not say that their cause is just, their demand is righteous, and that, by the help of Him who is justice and righteous- ness, they will succeed. The imminency of the social crisis which is now upon us, should appeal to the enlightened self-interest of the rich men in the com- munity, and plead also with their better nature for a dis- play of human sympathy and public spirit. They can not hope to maintain themselves much longer by any methods now in use, but they can disarm their opponents, they can win for themselves a large share of the world's sympathy and applause, if they will remember their less fortunate brethren, and display a kindly and helpful spirit in their day and gen- eration. We have a right to expect this from them. Let them not wait, like so many, till the near approach of death compels them to close accumulating, and re- laxes their hold on their treasure — t hen to make tardy, half-hearted atone- ment by a grudging gift to the public. Let them give while yet they live, and put their heart into their gift. Ceasing the mere acquisition of wealth for its own sake, let them gain that they may more generously give, devoting to noble ends a goodly portion of the wealth they have accumulated. Verily, they will have their reward, a clear conscience, a happy heart, the love of their fellows, and the approval of God. No man is so happy as he who, with- out seeking worldly returns therefor, engages in works of beneficence that build up, in health, education, and virtue, the human family. In contemplating the lives of the noble rich, an ardent wish will sometimes arise within us that we, too, were pos- sessed of wealth. Residence of J. W. Ballard, Claremant. Permit me too to indulge a little in this day-dreaming, while I tell in briefest fashion what I would do for Oakland if I were a rich man. Ours is a very young city, yet there are among us men of large wealth, not in their own estimation, perhaps, or in comparison with the colossal fortunes of some of our Cali- fornia magnates, but amply sufficient for any of the bene- factions I shall indicate. So far as I am acquainted with the gentlemen in question, they are also singularly intelli- gent, well-educated, and humane men; and yet Oakland has received very few gifts or endowments of a public nature from her rich men. The generous bequests of Mr. Anthony Chabot to science and charity, deserve an honorable men- tion. But they are almost exceptional. The large gift of that kind and good wom- an, Mrs. Garcelon, for a public free hospital, is still in jeopardy. This is all that has yet been done in a public way for Oakland. There are still glorious opportunities for private benevolence. Let me indicate a few of P*'''^''*Vlfi^^^^^H ^^'^'^- '^^'^ would be for i Vlj^^^^^^l the ideal rather than the practical interests of our community. The relief of the poor, the support of the existing charities, the further endowment of the various hospitals and asylums, es- pecially the Fabiola, which seems to me the best ad- ministered institution in the state — these should be a common charge upon the well-to-do and generous people of our city. Every- body should give regularly to their support, leave them large or small bequests at death, and concern himself, so far as possible, with their management. If any one desires to make special endowment for a non-existing charity, let it be for a hospital for incurables, than which no institution of mercy is so urgently needed in Oakland. OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY. I shall plead especially to-day for the increase of intellec- tual and social culture among the people, for those literary, educational, and aesthetic interests which are so essential to the welfare of society, but which in a young community like ours are apt to be subordinated to the more immediate and passing demands of its material existence. I do not refer to our public schools and colleges. We provide abundantly FACTS AND FIGURES. 57 for them, and they will be ever precious to the American people. But I refer to great educating, civilizing, and humanizing agencies, like the free library, public museum of art, and public parks and playgrounds for the people. Nothing is more characteristic of the civilization of older communities at the east than the enlightened and generous interest taken by wealthy men in such institutions. In New England nearly every town boasts its public library, and scores of them are housed in beautiful structures, erected by the public spirit and enlightened interest of wealthy citizens. In our own public library is a book con- taining pictures and plans of a large number of these edifices, drew 100,000 volumes from its shelves, and that every day nearly 1,000 persons visit its various reading-rooms. What other institution, church or charity, can make such a show- ing of good accomplished at so small an expense, and with so slight an admixture of evil? But think, also, what it implies, that this great agency for good in our midst should be so feebly sustained, so shabbily housed, in a building not only too small for its growing needs, but in imminent danger of collapse, or conflagration. Our community suffers in character and repute from this discreditable fact. People from other cities who visit Oakland bear away a contemptu- ous opinion of our social culture and public spirit when Broadway Looking South from Fourteenth Street. superb monuments of the generosity and good taste of their donors. It makes one sad at heart to go out to Mountain View Cemetery and behold the costly but meaningless and useless structures erected there by family pride or affection, when a so much nobler memory is within their reach in the free public library. A public library in a city is a fountain- head of ennobling and refining influences. It is a stored reservoir of the world's knowledge and wisdom, culture and piety. In thousands of rills its quickening influences make their way into the homes and hearts of the people. None so poor, so humble, so wretched, that he can not find ample resources there for mind and heart, and be inspired and comforted by the world's best thought and life. Think of what it means that, according to the last report of our Oak- land Free Library, over 1,700 persons in the past year they see the lamentable neglect into which this great inter- est has fallen among us. Let us not, however, blame our city authorities too much for this. The whole civic life of Oakland has had to be created within thirty years. The material needs of a young and growing city like ours are all-absorbing. .Streets and sewers, lights, parks, wharves, and fire department, and the police, jails, and asylums, schools, courts, and financial administration, these need perforce occupy the first place in the attention of our city officials. The finer things of life are postponed or neglected altogether. Yet an unusually large proportion of our population has come hither from communities where these elements of culture and beauty are more generously fostered, and painfully feel their depriva- tion in their new home. There is a universal desire among 58 ALAMEDA COUNTY. the people of Oakland that its public library should be more suitably housed and supported, that it may enter upon the larger career of usefulness that awaits it. Here, then, is where the private beneficence of the rich must supplement the limited abilities of the municipality. Let some wealthy man among us take the initiative in this matter. He could not bestow his money to a better pur- pose, reach with benefaction so many people in all condi- tions of life, or so insure tor himself the gratitude of his fellows. A gift of $100,000 rightly expended would suffice for a handsome edifice, and also permit the creation of a fund for the annual purchase of books. The municipality would, without doubt, gladly give the site for such an edifice, and obligate Itself to levy a specified tax annually for the support of the institution. It ought, also, as in the case of the city of Baltimore, to permit the creation of a permanent library board composed of eminent citizens, with a few city officials added, and thus take the library administration for- ever out of local politics. The edifice should contain large reading-rooms for both sexes, alcoves for students, a gen- eral delivery room and stack rooms for the books. It should also include an art gallery and a small amphi- theater for literary, scientific, and art lectures. Such a library building of white marble and in beautiful Ionic pro- portions has been erected in our sister city of Stockton, at a cost of some $50,000. It is the gift of a generous rich man of that city. When I recently beheld it, I longed that his good example might soon be followed in Oakland. A CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. Another great need of our social and art life is a well- endowed conservatory of music. The climate of Oakland seems particularly favorable to the pursuit of this refining and ennobling art in its vocal form. The numerous organizations, orchestras, and choirs, the vocalists, instrumental performers, teachers and students of music, show how great a hold it has on our people. One might almost call it the characteristic art of Oakland. I believe great results might be obtained from its more thor- ough and instructed conduct among us. A living center is needed which should bring to Oakland a greater number of the best teachers and performers, and make them work har- moniously together in the furtherance of their art. The noblest forms of music would be heard. The kindred arts of elocution and dramatic expression would be cultivated. Hundreds of students would flock to our city. The whole community would be refined and uplifted. All this waits for the initiative of a wealthy man who to an enlightened love of music adds the business ability and means to found such an institution, and make our beautiful city the musical center of the Pacific Coast. The great Belgian violinist, Isaye, on a recent artistic visit to this city, was so deeply impressed with our musical possi- bilities that he was minded to surrender his distinguished position at the world-famed conservatory of Brussels, and found a similar institution in Oakland, To a representative circle of Oakland's musical people, he unfolded his brilliant and fascinating scheme. Eminent teachers were to be brought here from Europe and the nearer east, an orchestra organized, a thousand pupils enrolled, drawn from all the countries that border on the Pacific Ocean. Over half a million dollars would incidentally be added to Oakland's income, and her name made famous the world o\'er. It was not all a dream. It was a possibility which only lacked the one essential, an endowment, to make it true. Will not that lack be supplied in the near future by the wealth and public spirit of our rich men? PUBLIC PARKS. Let me speak of one more benefaction. I would fain have bestowed on Oakland a system of public parks. When the boulevard around the lake shall finally be built in a fair and sensible fashion, let it run up through the can- yons into the hills. There, by the side of Mountain View, the lowly resting- place of the dead, let there be also a playground and place of recreation for the living. Let landscape art add to the natural beauties of the region, and playsteads for the chil- dren make it a loved place of pilgrimage to them. Who can estimate the good that such a resort, with other subsid- iary ones in various parts of the city, would accomplish in the course of years? In the German city from which my parents came, there was such a park, the gift of two maiden ladies, 200 years ago. They have mouldered into dust, but their names and their gifts are held in affectionate remem- brance to this day. Happy thousands drink in refreshing sunshine and air, and fragrance of woods and fields, through their generous deed, and parents tell their children of the good women of old who made all this enjoyment possible to them. THE OPPORTUNITY IS A CALL. Such are some of the opportunities which await some of our rich men in Oakland. Will they not be equal to them? Every opportunity is a message from the Eternal Father of life to the souls of his children, seeking to rouse them from their sluggishness and apathy towards the right, to win them from self-seeking, and make them live for higher ends. If God's kingdom on earth is to be built, it must be through our faithfulness to the trusts committed to us. Of him who has received much, there shall be much required. BEET SUGAR. Many fortunes will be made in this country by raising sugar beets on the one hand and by converting them into sugar on the other. The beet-raising industry has already grown to wonderful proportions in the neighborhood of Pleasanton, and the beet sugar refinery at Alvarado was compelled to increase its facilities before it could handle last season's crop. As long as the human family uses sugars and syrups, the beet industry will exist, and nowhere in America will its prosperity exceed that of Alameda County. FACTS AND FIGURES. 59 CURRANT AND BERRY CULTURE IN ALA- MEDA COUNTY. BY A. D. PRYAL. [President Alameda County Horticultural Society.] Alameda County may now boast of being the home of the currant, and within the suburbs of San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and Hayvvards may be found the largest currant patches in the United States. The deep aUuvial soils, rich in sedimentary deposits, pro- duce extraordinary crops of currants. Within the above- named districts at least one thousand (i,oooj acres are planted in currants; of this number Mr. Meek, of San Lorenzo, has one hundred and forty (140) acres adapted to the currant culture. The average currant farm ranges from twenty to forty acres. The size, quality, and perfection of the Alameda currant duce large crops in this county. Many fruit growers con- sider the soil of the valley west of the Mission hills, espe- cially around San Leandro and Niles, preferable and possibly the best soil in the state for the growing of blackberries. Mr. F"arley, of San Leandro, has a large patch of this fruit grown and cultivated on the same ground for ten years, without irrigation, while the plants continue good and pro- duce large berries. There is hardly a garden without a row of this productive fruit, and the improved and finer kinds are cultivated in all our gardens. STRAWBERRY CULTURE. Strawberries produce large crops in all parts of Alameda County, and, like other berries, they are a sure crop; they need no protection in this mild climate. They produce two crops every year, while many varieties produce berries all the year round. This is no fiction, for most strawberry plants produce berries continually through the season. Home of A. D. Pryal; Pagoda Hill in background, sliuwing eucalyptus Forest. is known favorably throughout the Pacific Coast. The local market demands good shipments for this currant, while from eight to ten thousand chests are shipped yearly to Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The local canneries pack thousands of cases of this fruit, as the currant is always in great demand. When the canning companies make a specialty of putting up currant jelly and jam, there will be tons of this fruit disposed of in our own home markets. There are not many black currants raised for wholesale trade, but sufficient quantities of them are grown to supply our home market. The perfect hardiness and great pro- ductiveness never fail to produce a large crop every year without irrigation. The white currant is very productive, and is a few days earlier than the other varieties; the berries are large and are preferred for the table, and are less acid than the red currant. Enterprising horticulturists cultivate this berry, as its ■cooling, mild flavor is relished by most people. BLACKBERRY CULTURE. Blackberries, foreign and native varieties, grow and pro- The deep, loamy soils of our valleys produce excellent strawberries of the highest flavor; the soft, balmy atmos- pheric conditions of our climate, with uniform thermal moderation of temperature, naturally bring all our fruits to perfection. GOOSEBERRY CULTURE. Gooseberries of great size and of excellent varieties are produced in this county, but their culture has been some- what reduced during recent years. Though we supply the markets of Oakland and San Francisco, the canning com- panies put up all the gooseberries they can get when the markets are supplied. RASPBERRY CULTURE. The raspberry is another fruit that grows and produces large crops in this county. The red varieties are largely planted, and there have been as many as a thousand acres planted with this fruit. Alameda County raspberries have been shipped all over the coast, and, like the currants, are found in the markets of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. 6o ALAMEDA COUNTY. THE OAKLAND EXPOSITION. BY JOHN T. BELL. In November, 1895, eight men — ^J. W. Nelson, George Roeth, M. J. Keller, Chas. D. Booth, Fred Becker, Theo Gils, E. G. Buswell, and F. W. Spiars — as the result of a desire originating with a few public-spirited men, were chosen as an Executive Committee to arrange for and con- duct an exposition, designed to make prominent the manu- factures and products of Alameda County. Without a dollar in their treasury, and with a probability of coming out of the enterprise in debt, these men undertook the task. They rented the Mills Tabernacle, which has a seat- ing capacity of 3,500 people, built an annex 83x100 feet square, filled the two buildings with exhibits, arranged for a series of evening entertainments of a high order, and invited the public to the entertainment thus provided. And the public came, with the result that at the close of the two weeks during which the exposition continued, beginning with December 16, the committee found itself with about $1,700 in the treasury, and all its bills paid, including the cost of the annex — $1, 125. Associated with the gentlemen above named were Craigie Sharp, Supt.;J. T. Street, C. E. Evans, and H. M. Tum Suden, assistants; Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Trowbridge and S. H. Tacy, Committee on Entertainment; A. D. Pryal, Horticultural Committee; George A. Norton, Committee on Awards; Mrs. L. C. Kelley, Mrs. D. W. Gelwicks, R. D. Yelland, H. R. Hill, and C. C. Judson, Committee on Art; John T. Bell, Committee on Tickets and Admissions, and Mrs. C. D. Pierce, Mrs. Gilbert Curtis, Mrs. Walter Mathews, Mrs. Florence Hildebrand, Mrs. J. T. Corothers, Committee on Decorations. The following-named ladies, connected with the Ebell Society, also rendered valuable assistance in carrying the enterprise into effect: Mrs. W. C. Church, Mrs. A. W. Bishop, Mrs. G. H. Burdick, Mrs. G. H. Collins, Mrs. Paul Lohse, Mrs. G. L. Nusbaumer, Mrs. L. G. Judd, Mrs. E. W. Purington, Mrs. G. W. Bun- nell, Mrs. W. A. Childs, Mrs. H. Alston, Mrs. E. J. Cotton, Mrs. B. C. Dick, Mrs. James Evans, Mrs. J. H. Fish, Mrs. R. P. Gleason, Miss A. L. Grant, Miss Jennie Hill, Miss Mary Lambert, Mrs. A. McBean, Miss A. Miner, Mrs. E. H. Morgan, Mrs. H. C. Morris, Mrs. H. B. Pinney, Mrs. Daniel Titus. From the outset the Executive Committee met with the heartiest cooperation from the public generally. The Tele- phone Company made connection with the building and furnished service free; the Oakland Gas, Light and Heat Company, through its secretary, Mr. John A. Britton, agreed to light the buildings, and furnish moti\'e power for machinery free of expense. In order to do this the Gas, Light and Heat Company went to an expense of over $500. The newspaper publishers, also, of Alameda County and San Francisco, did all in their power to aid the enterprise, and to that end contributed, freely, advertising space which it would have cost a large sum to purchase. The Manu- facturers' and Producers' Association of California, head- quarters in San Francisco, likewise gave valuable aid, as the Exposition was practically carrying into effect the pur- poses for which the state association was formed, and at an early stage in the history of the Exposition proffered the services of Mr. S. H. Tacy, one of its promoters. This proffer was accepted, and in his capacity of corresponding secretary and member of the Program Committee, Mr. Tacy rendered the Executive Committee valuable assistance. In the building of the annex Mr. William Winnie, president of the Builders' Exchange, assisted the committee in a very efficient manner, without charge. Favors were also received from Burnham, Standeford & Co. and the Oakland Sash and Door Company. INCORPORATED. Animated by a desire to secure additional advantages to Oakland, the Executive Committee decided to incorporate with a view to holding expositions annually. On the 6th of January, 1896, the necessary papers were filed, providing for the issuing of capital stock to the value of $100,000, fixing the life of the corporation at fifty years, and making liberal provision for an extension of the plans and purposes of the incorporators. The following named signed the incorporation papers, each subscribing for $1,000 of stock: J. W. Nelson, M. J. Keller, Fred Becker, John T. Bell, E. G. Buswell, George Roeth, Craigie Sharp, F. W. Spiars, Theodore Gier, H. O. Trowbridge, and Charles S. Booth. January 29, a meeting of the stockholders was held, and a board of directors, consisting of the above named, was elected, and the directors elected officers as follows: Presi- ident, James W. Nelson; vice-president, M. J. Keller; sec- retary, George Roeth; treasurer, the Union National Bank. The following summer the second Exposition was given, in the buildings previously occupied, beginning August 3, and continuing for three weeks, with Craigie Sharp as superintendent, C. E. Evans assistant superintendent, and W. W. Moody assistant secretary. With some slight changes the working committees were practically the same as those of the year before, but the musical entertainment was put in charge of Mr. Alex Stewart. Additional space for exhibits was provided, the entire block of land, 200x300 feet (with the exception of a small space in one corner), being utilized. In point of attendance and every other respect, the second exposition far exceeded that of 1895. At the election held in January last, the same board of officers was elected, with the exception that Theo. Gier was elected vice-president, Mr. Keller declining a reelection. The Exposition for this year is to be held in July. Roses. — In 1853 the rose industry was in its infmcy, and full-grown roses were worth twenty-five cents each. In that year A. D. Pryal cleared $2,000 off his little patch. Now nearly every dooryard is supplied with many varieties, and while the prices are less in comparison, the demand is great and the profits very agreeable indeed. FACTS AND FIGURES. 6i OAKLAND TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW. BY A. H. BREED Nature has endowed Oakland witH wonderful natural advantages — advantages that are not fully appreciated by the average citizen — and the majority of us who do realize the great possibilities within our municipality and at our very doors, are apparently willing to allow them to remain unde- between high and low tides, girting our entire harbor, and up to recently we stood meekly by and offered no resistance. But, thanks to the awakening public spirit, two fearless city councils and honest lawyers employed by the city, we are likely to have restored to us this water frontage, of which we have been so shamefully depri\'ed these many years. Oakland is on the move, and she will not rest until the highest court in the land has given back to us our own. We shall then erect warehouses and whar\'es, and be a sea- port city and commercial center in fact. Corral Hollow Coal Fields, near Livermore, Cal. veloped. It has been said that Oakland lacked public spirit and enterprise, and that she never did do anything at the proper time. Now, while this may have been true in the past, I am sure it is not the case at the present time. Public spirit is beginning to make itself manifest, and will grow as our citizens seethe results arising from public effort and enterprise. Our Oakland harbor is second to none in the whole state of California, but it has been allowed to remain almost unused for the important puqiosefor which nature intended, simply because a soulless corporation, pursuing a dog-in-the- manger polic}', claimed a narrow stripof the harbor frontage This will happen during the next ten years. Another enterprise Oakland needs is the advent of a com] )eting line of railroad. This we will have by the new San Joaquin Valley Railroad, which of necessity must pass through or near Oakland. The awakening public spirit will demand and receive from the federal government a new post-office site and building, a custom-house, and the speedy dredging of the harbor where necessary, and the completion of the tidal canal. Oakland must see to it that a large and commodious hotel is erected for the proper accommodation of the traveling jjublic. 62 ALAMEDA COUNTY. Our public spirit wIH demand that the boulevard be com- pleted around Lake Merritt on an equitable adjustment of the cost between the landowners and the city of Oakland. This will attract many to our city and is needed at once. Before ten years, yes, before five years from date, the West Oakland marsh will be a thing of the past, and in its stead will be good land filled to the level of the surrounding territory. We will, during this and the ne.xt decade, experience a revival and enlargement of our manufacturing interests. This will be the result of the conclusion of the water front controversy, the advent of the competing railroad, the opening of the Corral Hollow coal mines. These mines will send their coal in immense quantities to large bunkers to be erected witliin the city of Oakland. the Athens of the Pacific, and it is my sincere hope that I may be permitted to contribute in a small way to the upbuilding of this beautiful city of homes, churches, and schools. WINE CULTURE. BY THEODORE GIER. In the production of a high quality of wine, two things are absolutely necessary: A proper soil and favorable cli- mate. These are the first requisites. After that comes the Qiersberg Vineyard, Livermore Valley, Theo. Qier, Proprietor. Before ten years shall h;ive passed, the territory lying between Oakland and Berkeley, as well as the latter town, will be included within the limits of Oakland, which will number at that time no less than 150,000. At that time the new stone city hall will have been com- pleted, an ornament to the city, and one of which we or any city may be proud. Another prediction I make advisedly is that, long before ten years shall have passed, we shall appreciate more highly than we do now our civic duties, and understand our obliga- tions to the community in which we dwell, by seeing to it that we elect men qualified to fill our offices, and men who will really represent faithfully and honestly the community in which we dwell. Oakland has a grand future. It will continue ever to be judicious selection of vines, and then the most careful manip- ulation of the product from the time the grapes leave the vine until it has passed through all the various operations of feiTnentation, blending, ageing, and clarifying. The numerous medals that have been awarded the wines of Alameda County in competition with American as well as foreign wines, both in America and in Europe, and the flattering commendations of connoisseurs, have established beyond a doubt the n.itural fitness of both soil and climate to the production of the highest grades of wines, especially of the Sauterne and Cabernet types. It is with pride that we speak of the numerous medals that were awarded our wines at the Paris Exposition in 1889, and latterly at our own Columbian E.xposition in 1893. The encouragement of our achievements has given the industry renewed impetus, FACTS AND FIGURES. 63 and shown possibilities of greater success than was con- ceived of. The marvel is not that we should e\-entually attain supe- riority, but that we should in the infancy of our industry reach such a degree of perfection that we can command exceptional notice when in competition with the highest grade of products from the oldest vineyards in the world. It is a known fact that the older the vineyard is the better will be the quality of wine produced. Yet from our young vines and our limited experience we are producing wines that are held in the highest favor by those who have other means of judging of quality than by the labels upon the bottles. It is a sad commentary upon the American wine drinkers that dealers at times, in order to get the higher grades upon the market, have been com- pelled to sell them under foreign labels. I have known of the higher grades of Alameda County wines being sold in the New York markets at enonnous prices under foreign labels. In my opinion the time is not far distant when California will supersede the world in wines, and Alameda County will be in the foreground. I have been associated with the production of wines the greater portion of my life, and have had experience in other parts of the state, but believe Alameda County to have su- perior advantages both in soil and climate to most any other locality, especially in the pro- duction of the French varieties of Sauterne and Cabernet types. In 1892, in company with two gentlemen from Rhode Island, by the names of Barker and Chesbro, I traveled through Germany and Austria, visiting the leading wineries, inspecting their methods, and studying their wines, with a view of acquiring such infor- mation as might be of service in this country, and brought back much valuable knowledge, some of ■\\hich I have been able to put to practical use; but, on account of the differ- ence of our soil and climate, everything must be modified to suit our conditions. In my vineyard at Livermore I have in bearing about seventy-five acres, and am now adding about thirty acres more. I have 113 different varieties of grapes in all, many of The Oakland library has 30,000 volumes. which are for experiaiental purposes. Among (he above varieties from which my finer grades of Vi'ine are produced are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Verdot, Petit Surah, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Petite Pinot, Petite Bouchet, FoUe Blanche, Muscatel du Bordelaise, Mataro, and Zinfandel. With two or three exceptions these grapes have been imported from France with a view of producing the Sauterne and Cabernet types, so popular among wine drinkers, and our success has far e.xceeded our expectations. There are in Livermore Valley about four thousand acres of producing vines, and the out- put last year in round numbers was 1,000,000 gallons. While we may pride our- selves on what we have accom- plished, I believe greater suc- cess awaits us, but it will only come through diligent and per- sistent effort. The man who is easily satisfied may be con- tent with the present state of 'levelopment, but the ambitious man will not rest until he has achieved the greatest possibili- ties, that come only by un- daunted courage and persistent L.bor. We should not cease • ur experimenting, but every \ineyardist should set apart a portion of his vineyard to be devoted to experimental pur- poses, and this should receive his closest attention. It will only be through such methods that we will eventually reach the ultimatum of perfec- tion. IRRIGATION. Entrance to Wine Cellar at Giersberg Vineyard, The question of irrigation bears small relationship to agri- culture in Alameda County, yet irrigation means a great deal to the farmer. The east- ern idea is that the reason a man irrigates his land is because the land is poor. That is a mistake. The richest land on earth will produce more crops and yield a greater volimie if irrigated. Irrigation is always a blessing, and when prop- erly done in hay-making sections is the means of obtaining three or four crops — a thing that is never thought of in the east. Irrigation means all the water one needs at the right time in the right spot. It never is too dry or too wet in an irrigation district. 64 ALAMEDA COUNTY. "LET THERE BE LIGHT." BY JOHN A. BRITTON. [Secretary and manager Oakland Gas, Light and Heat Company.] There are three essentials in the government ol munici- palities to the health and welfare of its citizens, — a good supply of pure water, perfect sanitation, and the proper illumination of its thoroughfares and dwellings; and as essen- tial necessities they stand in the order named. I purpose writing on the subject of lighting alone. Light is the creator of life. When chaos was, light was not; when light is not, then life is not, and chaos comes again. Crime used for illumination of streets in London, England. Its use was met with derision, and failure of such a substitute for oil predicted; but until 1S7S it steadily increased in use, and as a means of illumination almost entirely supplanted other agents. Li that year the first lighting of electric arc lamps was given in Paris. And to-day electricity is a for- midable competitor of gas, accomplishing in eighteen years a place that it took gas sixty-eight to occupy. The Oakland Gas Co. commenced operation in 1866, obtaining a franchise from the city council. Our city was at that time a hamlet of a few souls and fewer improved streets, and less than thirty-five gas lamps served to dispel the gloom. But as the city grew, and its natural beauty Office and Building of the Oaldand Cas, Light and Heat Co. and disease run rampant under the cover of darkness; and this is not only true of the body physical, but also of the body politic. The prosperity of a city or town, and the intelligence, wealth, and welfare of its inhabitants, is marked by the illumination of its thoroughfares. In ancient times, when sank the sun to rest, the glow- worm lighted the weary traveler's way, or the reflected light of stars taught his footsteps the path, the blazing torch or the flickering lamp at times sufficed, on gala days huge bonfires blazed, and at best the darkness was but visible. The most primitive lamps were probably skulls of animals in which fat was burned, and no especial improvements were made until the present century. About A. D. 1 8 10 gas was first distilled from coal and and attractiveness brought increased population, fine ave- nues were opened up, homes increased in number, and 1,000 gas lamps were found to be necessary in 1884 to supply the inhabitants with light for their feet. In that year the electric arc lamp was first used for commercial purposes, and, what seemed then passing strange, was introduced by the gas company. It was not, however, until 1886 that arc lamps were used for street illumination, the opinion prevail- ing that the low light alTorded by gas was superior to the high light from electric arcs. This feeling was soon over- come, and to-day the 1,000 gas lamps have dwindled to a meager 90, while there are required 422 arc lamps to light the same territory, while the incandescent lamp (first used in the United States in 1880) is freely used for house lighting. FACTS AND FIGURES. 65 The pnce of gas in 1867, in Oakland, was $7.50 per thousand cubic feet, while to-day it is selling for $2.00. To provide illumination for the city a plant with an invested capital of $3,000,000 is necessary, and more than 150 miles of pipe, and as many miles of wire are used; 120 men are employed at an average daily wage of $2.50, while thousands of dollars per annum are expended in the purchase of neces- sary supplies. Although not generally classed as such, and the omission in statistics I claim to be unfair, a gas or electric light works is as much of a manufactory as any other industry; as a rule it employs more men, pays better wages, and expends more capital than any other establishment, and is a promi- nent factor in the growth and development of a city. Its owners are usually local men and women, having the interest of their home place at heart, and when the product of their manufactory is made for home consumption, it should receive support. Capital invested and maintained in any munici- pality is its life; throttled, and the laboring class becomes the sufferer; destroyed, and an integral part of your govern- ment is lost. The oppression of capital becomes the depression of labor; proper provision by law should of course be made that capital does not become arbitrary in its dealings; but the dollar of capital is justly entitled to the same fair return, and no more, as the dollar of labor, and, contrary to general impression, it does not always receive it. The principal cities and towns of our country are fairly well supplied with artificial light. Alameda has a municipal system of electric arc illumina- tion for its streets, gas supplied for commercial purposes having been introduced in 1877. This garden spot for resi- dences was one of the first cities to adopt electricity for street purposes. Berkeley is also enjoying, in common with Alameda, the advantage of electricity for street illumination, and gas for house lighting, and in both places the incandescent electric light is available for house use. Gas was first used there in 1877. Haywards and Livermore are lighted by electricity, while San Leandro will soon be, gas being used at present for all purposes. Not the least of the uses to which gas is put is its appli- cation for heat and power. Gas stoves and gas engines are a product of the last decade, and are fast supplanting coal. The use of gas for purposes of this character is recommended because of the absence of the inconvenience of dust, dirt, and ashes. Economically managed a gas stove can do the household work at a less cost than coal, and its war cry of, "No soot, no ashes," is being at last appreciated. Gas engines of from 5 to 500 horse-power are being used for all purposes, their compactness, safety, and economy being their recommendations. The capital invested in the lighting business in our state amounts to $22,500,000; the humber of men employed, to 3,000, and the yearly expense of maintenance, to $10,- 000,000. Surely this is an investinent that should be fostered. I venture the statement that not one per cent of the pop- ulation of any city supplied with gas or electricity has any conception of the money invested for that purpose, nor of the outlays made in that line of business. It seems to them all income and no outgo; nor do they appreciate how much the endowment of science owes to the demand of the times for more light. It would not be credited if told, that one- third of the invested working capital of this country was invested in lighting enterprises, — the manufactories that make dynamos, engines, boilers, and wire, the coal mines, and oil wells that sell their product, the merchants, artisans, and professional men that directly and indirectly depend on plants for support, and the laborers that earn their daily bread in all these enterprises, and in the development of this great business of producing light. It would seem as if an all-wise and beneficent Providence had provided a way for the increasing population. I can not close this article without reference to a growing evil, namely, the attempt of municipalities to embark in the business of public ownership of lighting plants. To that as a principle I am strongly opposed. Where no private plant is in operation it would seem reasonable for the govern- mental authorities to create their own works; but for a city to embark in the lighting business, in opposition to capital honestly invested, strikes at the bulwarks of our liberties, and is in contravention of our constitution, which expressly states that private property shall not be taken except, etc. The operation of a public plant in opposition is a direct confiscation of property, not justified by the age in which we live. The streams of our mountains are being harnessed, and the coal mines in our country are being utilized for the production of that "Prime cheerer, light, Of all material tilings first and best, Without wliose vested beauty all were wrapt In oflooni." & %M 1 ^m^ i» m- ^m i^g^^Ki ?^'; i^gKOi Pi'- , r:;;^..-^ -W- mrw ^ f'i' >' mt mS S, • ■*'i-'^ HBBp"'-*'*CTH»y ^ m^ ''4 mw -^^^ mj' ^'" ■ - '*'%l'.t*':. .ipl y i^W L>r .iv HIE:. t^:,^'- f- ; ^ • ■f' ■' ' » Palm Tree at Residence of H. W. Meek, Haywards. 66 ALAMEDA COUNTY. THE NEW OAKLAND. BY ROBERT F. COYLE, D. D. Cities are very much like men; they come to have an individuality of their own. No two are alike. As they get away from the village period of development, their signs are out and can be easily read. Certain clearly-defined traits differentiate them from one another. Some are enterprising and progressive, some conservative and slow, some sleepy and stupid, and plastered all o^'er with, ''To let." One does not need to sniff the odor of the Chicago River, or of its immense piggeries, as a New Yorker contemptu- ously styled its huge pork-pack- ing establishments, to realize that he is in the Garden City. As he walks through its streets, he be- comes conscious of its vim at every step; it is impossible not to feel its pulse and throb. Nor does one need, I am told, to experience a London fog to know that he is in the metropolis of the world. In the case of young cities, their individuality develops faster or slower according to circum- stances. Push a boy out very early into life to hoe his own row, and he acquires individuality very rapidly, and especially if there is anything of promise in him to start with. Not so the lad who is petted and pampered at home, propped up and supported by his father, humored and helped and coddled. There is nothing distinctive and original about him, and never will be until he launches Now this may illustrate roughly the position of Oakland for many years; it has leaned up against San Francisco, out of which it has sucked its life, and has therefore partaken of the characteristics of a dependent. For a long time there was no self-assertion, no outputting of a separate organic life. But within the last decade the suburban temper has been passing away. There has been an awakening of a city con- sciousness, and with it a corresponding growth of individu- ality. Our citizens are beginning to take an interest in Oakland politics; they are coming to realize that, whether for trade or amusement, it is no longer necessary to go to San Francisco. Public spirit is gradually growing more pervasive and controlling, and the day is not far distant when beautiful Oakland will have a character of its own quite as pronounced and distinguishing as its bigger sister over the bay. This developing individuality is a fact big with promise. Artesian Well at Alvarado, Belonging to the Oakland Water Co., from Which Water Is Brought to Oakland. Bored in 1894. out for himself. There are some things which make it comparatively safe to predict for Oakland a brilliant future. Some two or three years ago a well-known gentleman of this city, a level- headed, prosperous business man, remarked to me that he expected to live to see Oakland as large a city as San Francisco. How long he counted on continuing in the flesh he did not say. Some conservatives might be dis- posed to charge him with being a little too visionary; perhaps he was. But when one reflects soberly upon Oak- land's splendid advantages, it does not seem like an opti- mistic or Utopian dream to look forward to a not-distant time when in population and in commercial importance it will be neck and neck with the city of San Francisco. Certainly, if there is anything in location, we have that. We are at the natural conti- ■ nental terminus of all the railroads which will yet converge to this part of the coast. Before us is one of the safest and most spa- cious harbors in the world. Be- hind us, over the foot-hills, are immense valleys, with unlimited possibilities. The teeming popu- lation which before many years will fill those valleys, will seek some convenient market and dis- tributing point for their products; and where will they be likely to find one more convenient than Oakland? When our water front controversy has been decided in our favor, as in justice it must be, our local trade will quicken its pace immensely, values will in- crease, manufactories spring up, electric roads penetrate the hills, tapping the rural districts, and bringing their products this way, to the mutual advantage of both city and country. Besides, the location of Oakland is picturesque. It is only necessary to go back to Vernon Heights, or Linda Vista, or Piedmont, and look down upon our city from any one of those points to appreciate the fact that it is beautiful for situation; there is nothing finer on the continent. The view from the foot- hills can not be surpassed in America. Moreover, it is a healthful city, remarkably so. Its death rate ranks among the very lowest of the cities of the United States: a fact which ought, and no doubt will, count for a good deal in building up the city. Our climate is free from the extremes either of heat or cold, and the air is bracing enough to stimulate to enterprise and endeavor. In addition to all this, our schools and churches and insti- tutions of learning are bound to play an important part in bringing in the Oakland of the future. We are justly proud of them ; for they are to-day much superior to those which are to be found in many a more pretentious city. FACTS AND FIGURES. 67 Not only, therefore, from the material point of view, but from the point of view of culture and education, and all that belongs to the higher life, Oakland has the elements which will yet make of it a great city. What it needs to hasten its greatness is more esprit dti corps. Every Oaklander should talk up his city ; he should sound its praises; and he certainly can do it with a good conscience. This is the spirit that has made Chicago what it is. Every man who hves in the Garden City conceives it to be his duty to "boom" Chicago, and he does it in no measured terms. Our city should be thoroughly advertised in the east. Long before I came to California I was the frequent recipi- ent of circulars and pamphlets from Los Angeles, setting forth the attractions and glories of that region; and who shall say how much that very thing has done to make Los Angeles what it is to-day? But I never saw a pamphlet or a circu- lar about Oakland until I came to it. A wiser expenditure of money than to invest in advertising of the kind just indi- cated, we could hardly make. Let our fair city be made known; let its advantages of location, of climate, of health- fulness, of education and religion, be heralded abroad, and very much will be done to hasten the coming of the greater Oakland which is to be. TEN YEARS IN OAKLAND. BY REV. E. S. CHAPMAN, D. D. If the future progress of Oakland and vicinity is to be like that which I have witnessed during the past decade, it will soon surpass all the hopes of its most sanguine friends. It seems to me like a fairy tale as I retrospect these ten eventful years. It was in September, 18S5, that my resi- dence in this city began. Times were then dull throughout the countr)', but in 1887 an era of prosperity began in Oakland, which has continued until the present time, not- withstanding the universal business depression in all the country during the past three and a half years. It will be seen that the decade of which I speak, from 1885 to 1895, includes less than five years of prosperous times in the country at large. There were very few well-paved streets in Oakland in 18S5, and the sidewalks were, if possible, in a worse con- dition than the streets. In East Oakland the walks were constructed of pine boards laid parallel with the streets. These well-worn and partly decayed boards would bend beneath the weight of an ordinary person, and during the rainy season the water beneath them would often leap glee- fully up to unwelcome altitudes, beneath the garments of the surprised and disgusted pedestrians. I have vivid recollec- tions of many such uplifting experiences while on the rounds of pastoral duties, or when on my way to or from the house of worship. When I engaged the house in which we first lived in East Oakland; the owner was engaged in improving the property by constructing artificial stone walks. It was the only work of the kind then in progress in that part of the city, and as I now remember, it was the only section of cement walk in East Oakland. The streets and walks in central Oakland were of a similar character, with more of cement in the business portions and very much of coarse rough gravel walks in the residence portions. How unlike the condition then is what we see and enjoy to-day! Finely graded and solidly paved streets, bordered by smooth cement walks, traverse every part of the city, and extend far out into new tracts that have been opened up and occupied. There are now very few blocks in any part of the city which are not surrounded by well-paved streets and broad cement walks. So universal is this con- dition that the remembrance of former times seems like the recollection of a terrible dream. Street-car lines were very few, and of limited extent, in 18S5, and upon these only horse-cars were in use. But one line connected East Oakland with the central portion of the city, and a slow-moving half-hourly horse-car struggled in unprofitable competition with the free local train. But, as upon the swift wings of a vision, this condition has all van- ished, and in its place there has come as by magic the most extensive, complete, and efficient electric car system and service enjoyed by any city in the United States, of the size of Oakland. More than two and a half million dollars were expended in the construction and equipment of 150 miles of electric roads in this city during the brief period of about five years. These finely-constructed electric lines trav- erse every section of the city, and extend for miles out into the surrounding countr}% and to adjacent towns and villages. From my home on Bella Vista Avenue there can be seen at night the beautifully-lighted cars on six electric lines. ]\Iany an hour, "in the gloaming" and later, I have watched these fiery chariots as they seemed to glide on magic pin- ions, bearing their precious freightage of human life in so many different directions, and they have seemed like so many heavenly messengers, bearing good tidings and blessings to our race. And these nightly visions have been preceded and accompanied by daily concerts of the sweetest music ever heard on earth — not the music of human voices blended in almost divine harmony, nor the music of skilfully- constructed instruments swept by deft and artful fingers, but the music of human toil and industry, the sound of pick and shovel, and the frequent roar and reverberation of mighty blasts tearing the needed paving rocks from the adjacent hills. To the heart that loves our race, there is no music so sweet, so inspiring, as these tuneful tones of human prog- ress, and for years the city of Oakland has been one grand concert hall, in which that music has been daily heard. Three times a daj" — in the morning and evening at six, and at high noon — is heard the deep-toned and repeated boom, and here and there the clouds of smoke are seen rising from the quarries upon the slopes and summits of the neighboring hills. The initiati\e in this material progress was taken by the 68 ALAMEDA COUNTY. churches in building new houses of worship. Ten years ago there was not in East Oakland a respectable church building, save the Catholic Church. The Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, and Baptists had for a quarter of a century or more had church organizations, and had attained consid- erable strength, but they were still worshiping in the little, unattractive, old churches of other years. Each of these denominations has now a large and beautiful house of wor- ship. A Congregational Church has been organized, and they too have built a fine house of worship. In 1887 the Brook- lyn Presbyterian Church in East Oakland were worshiping in a church which, with the lot on which it stood, they have since sold for $3,000. That same year they took possession of a new church property worth not less than $40,000. With other churches the advancement was of a similar character. During this period there were organized in East Oakland three Methodist, two Presbyterian, one Bap. tist, and one Congregational Churches, who built new church houses, and the Baptists founded and built up into strength and efficiency the California College. In other portions of Oakland the progress in church building has been quite similar to that in East Oakland. In central Oakland the Y. M. C. A. has erected a magnifi- cent building, with all modern departments and conve- niences. This decade has also been distinguished for the number of new and costly schoolhouses that have been erected. Nine magnificent schoolhouses, of the most recent and approved style of architecture, and with every modem con- venience, have been erected, which, with rooms added to other buildings, cost about half a million dollars, and provide accommodations for 8,000 scholars. Very few cities can show such a record within one decade. There is one respect in which I can not claim that much progress has been made, and that is in the matter of health. During the first five years of our residence in Oakland, not one scholar in my large and flourishing Sunday school was called away by death. I used every year to attend many children's funerals in the east, sometimes two in one day, often two or three in one week; but I lived in Oakland, with its thousands of little io\ks,, for jive years vi'i'CixonX. being once called to minister at a child's funeral. Almost as infrequent were the funerals of adults in the prime of life. Only nine times in six years was the membership of my church visited by death, and, with 07ily one exception, they they were all cases of death caused by accident, or by dis- eases contracted before coming to this coast, or by old age. One young man died in the prime of life, and from sickness, during those six years. My own health and that of my family has been far better during our residence in Oakland than at any other period in our lives. And I have been able to work more vigorously and constantly than ever before. Only three sabbaths in five years have I been out of the pulpit, and not once in eight years from illness. And much of that time I have preached three times each Lord's day. Our climate, "never hot and never cold," is so invigorating that one can work with \-ery little weariness. OAKLAND MUSICALLY CONSIDERED. BY A. M. BENHAM. The discovery of gold brought the early settlers to Cali- fornia, hence the descendants of the pioneers are a material- istic people, and the talk of the street is gold, silver, fruit, cattle, hogs, gas, oil, electricity, transportation, interest, investments, etc. But while these subjects have largely engrossed the attention, at the same time a mighty art revo- lution has been silently but steadily going on, and many have been lifted above the materialistic into higher spheres of thought, feeling, and expression. A number of our Oakland musicians have been favorably recognized in the art centers of Europe and the east. Not a few are now pursuing their advanced musical studies abroad. Several of our local teachers are graduates of the first musical con- servatories of Europe, and have enjoyed the best musical opportunities the world offers. Our musical composers are attracting attention, and not a few creditable songs and instru- mental compositions are the work of Oakland authors. We have an oratorio society and large chorus choirs in our churches, ably conducted and with well-stocked libraries. The Orpheus Club, numbering fifty male voices, well bal- anced and trained to the most delicate forms of musical expression, give several concerts each season, to large audiences of subscribing members. In musical art we are awake and are building on foundations broad and deep. It is no longer necessary for our sons and daughters (to whom we must look for the future of art in Oakland) to go abroad for average musical culture. It will take time for our art tree to come to full fruitage ; but our climate, our surround- ings, and our cosmopolitan composition, are all conducive to the highest forms of art. We have the passion of Italy, the grace and beauty of Spain, the vivacity of France, the pathos of Russia, the massiveness of Germany, and the strength and humor of Britain; all of which in combination should give us a distinct art life, born of beauty, strength, and originality. I can not do better than to close this article as I did a previous one, with the words of the distinguished English musical critic, Joseph Bennett: — "The whole civilized world is pouring ingredients into the American furnace. What will come in the day when the nation takes its mould ? Who can tell, save that in all probability it will be something rich and strange. So, from this new amalgam of humanity, may arise forms of art such as the world has ne\'er yet looked upon. ' ' And may its favored home be Oakland, the "Athens of the Pacific." Alameda is a hopping hop-raising county, and those that have hopped into the business have hopped into a good income season after season. Hop lands range in value from $30 an acre up, according to the distance from the nearest shipping point. FACTS AND FIGURES. 69 COMPARATIVE VALUES. SOME OAKLAND COMPARISONS. BY HENRY P. DALTOX. [Assessor of Alameda County.] There is neither poetry nor music in figures, nor can it be proven that statistical data of any character has ever yet been so compiled as to read the least bit romantic. However, figures are always interesting to those who love to see the growth of communities, and it is in harmony with that idea that I consented to submit the following tables for this publication. There has been a steady increase in the assessed values of property throughout the county for the past thirty years, but in order to keep this article within a reasonable limit, comparison is made from ten years ago to the present time, to wit: — Assessment on real estate other than city lots: — 1885 $14,161,072 1895 18,327,575 Increase $4,166,503 Improvements on same: — 1885 $2,392,470 1895 3.480,525 Increase $1,088,055 City and town lots: — 1885 $20,430,241 1895 40,337,500 Increase $19,907,259 Improvements on the above: — 1885 $11,617,407 1895 22,400,390 Increase $10,782,983 Personal property other than money and solvent credits: — 1885 $5,837,989 !' 1895 9,109,800 Increase $3,271,811 Money and solvent credits: — Assessed 1885 $105,038 Assessed 1895 484,782 Increase $379,744 Amount of mortgage deductions: — '885 $10,925,774 1895 20,921,375 Increase $9,995,601 Total assessed value of county: — 1885 $54,544,217 1895 94,140,572 Increase $39,596,355 It will be seen from the above that there has been a healthy increase in taxable values all over the county. A few pieces of business property— land only. Elk. 175 190 175 190 175 190 175 190 175 190 175 190 .\ssessed value 1885. $ 19,000 10,500 15.400 112,000 62,500 16,000 27,000 13,000 31,000 5,500 7,000 6,250 Assessed value 1895. Increase in 10 years. 100x100, N. E. cor. Twelfth and Washington $ 86,250 42,500 68,500 244,250 134,375 52,500 52,500 78,750 58,750 34,250 17.500 42,000 $ 67,250 32.000 53.'oo 132.250 71.875 36,500 2.5,500 65,750 27,750 28,750 10,500 35.750 looxioo, S. E. cor. Thirteenth and Wasliington 200x100, W. Broadway, Thirteenth to Fourteenth 150x100, S. W. cor. Thirteenth and Broadway... looxioo. S. E. cor. Fourteenth and Washington. 50x100, E. Washington north of Thirteenth 50x100, N. E. cor. Thirteenth and Washington- Total $325->50 $912,125 $586,575 Note. — The above described land includes the two business blocks bounded by Twelfth and Fourteenth, Broadway and Washington Streets, known as blocks 175 and 190. TEN BLOCKS MORE. The following ten blocks (200x300 feet each in size) con- stitute the best section of business property west of Broad- way. The east side of Broadway is not included in this table. Assessed BIk. 1885. Assessed 1896. Increase inlly'rs. 117, bounded by 9th and 10th, Washington and Clay 118, bounded by 9th and loth, Washington and Bdy. 144, bounded by loth and nth, Washington and Bdy. 145, bounded by 10th and i ith, Washington and Clay 157, bounded by nth and 12th, Washington and Clay 158, bounded by nth and 12th, Washington and Bdv. 175, bounded by 12th and 13th, Washington and Bdy. 176, bounded by 12th and 13th, Washington and Clay 189, bounded by 13th and 14th, Washington and Clay 190, bounded by 13th and 14th, Washington and Bdy. $ 57,200 190300 185,860 49,320 51.000 186,000 161,900 47.300 46,900 163.250 $194,875 368,250 372,400 193,600 216,875 387,500 441,250 217,100 222,350 494,250 $137,675 177,950 186,540 144,280 ■65,875 201,500 279..MO 169,800 175.450 331.000 Total 11,139,030 $3,108,450 $1,969,420 Note. — Broad north and south way, Washington and Clay are parallel business streets, 300 feet apart. running The above valuations are on the la7id onh'. The property is all improved with good business build- ings, assessed for over $800,000. Similar reports could be made of every other city and town in the county, but space forbids. A PROMISING FUTURE. While Oakland is solid to the core in property values, the fact should not be overlooked that the county in general is growing as well. Where there were but a few thousand fruit-bearing trees ten years ago, there are now hundreds of thousands of them. The ground in which these trees are planted had but slight taxable valuation ten years ago. Now that most of these trees are in bearing, the taxable value has increased many fold. The figures in my office have not been footed up yet as to this year's valuation of orchards in general, but it is safe to say there is an agreeable surprise awaiting the result. The happiest and most contented — most independent — citizens of our country are the fruit growers. They bear their assessments without a murmur and pay their taxes without grumble. There is a good reason for this, however, since it is an established fact that the man who owns land in Alameda County, and cultivates it, is sure to increase his income and the value of his land proportionately. I am not given, as a rule, to the dissemination of advice, but if there is one suggestion I would urge more than another, it would be for every person seeking an investment, whether for a dwelling site or business purposes, to invest his money in city lots or land in Alameda County. 70 ALAMEDA COUNTY. RATES OF TAXATION. BY JAMES B. BARBER. [Tax Collector, Alameda County.] The following are the several amounts of state and county ta.xes collected in this office, with the rate given for the past ten years: — 1885,$ 762,615.97, rate $1.05 inside, $1.45 outside. 1886, 602,188.44, " 1. 00 " 1-25 1887, 636,390.76, " 1. 00 " 1.30 t888. 677,480.70, " 1. 00 " 1-25 1889, 866,885.55, ' ' 1. 10 " 1-45 1890, 829,731.27, " 1. 00 " 1.30 1891, 777,425.68, " .85 " I-I5 1892, 787,252.93, " .80 1. 10 1893. 1,031,610.55, " 1. 00 " 1-35 1S94, 1,035,390-48, " ' 1. 00 " 1-35 1895. 1,109,813.97, " 1. 18 " 1-53 1896, Deal, Dumb and Blind Institute, Berkeley In addition to which we now have four sanitary districts, ta.x amounting to about $1,500,000 yearly. The number of ta.x sales for the past fi\"e years was as follows: In 1890, 419 sales; 1891, 528; 1892, 807; 1893, 794; and in 1894, 1,282, the last (1894) being the first year under the new law where all delinquent property is sold to the state, whereas formerly it was sold to individual pur- chasers bidding to take the smallest quantity of land, and pay the tax. In the year 1890, the system of collection of state and county taxes was changed by making the taxes payable in installments, the first installment becoming due the first Monday of October of each year, and becoming delinquent, and a penalty of 15 per cent added the last Monday in No\-ember of each year; the second installment becoming due and payable the first Monday in January of each year, and becoming delinquent and a penalty of five per cent being added the last Monday in April of each year; and also at this time an additional five per cent is to be added to any amount of the first installment that still remains unpaid and delinquent. Both installments may be paid at the same time, that is to say, the taxpayer may pay the second installment at the time the first installment is due and payable, if he so desires. Also, it must be understood that one-half the tax on realty, and the whole tax on personal property, constitutes the first installment, and the remaining one-half of the tax on realty constitutes the second installment Regarding the above described system, I would here express my individual opinion as to its benefits or disad- vantages. I have collected state, county, and municipal taxes for a number of years, \ and under both systems, and therefore have had the experi- j ence to be better able to judge • than would a great many who have had no opportunity to give it the required thought. I re- gard the present system as im- practicable in many particulars. In the first place, it was in- tended to assist the small tax- payer and also to relieve the money market (which was the main point in argument, at the time this system was adopted), in not drawing so much money out of circulation at one time; but the result has been diflferent; as, for example, this year, out of a total of $1,110,000 to collect in this county, at the delinquency of the first install- ment the last Monday in No- vember there remained only about $300,000, showing that a very large percentage of the second installment had been paid at the time of paying the first. So much for the point of relief to the money market. Now you will perceive that if the first installment is not paid in the short space of eight weeks, a penalty of fifteen per cent will be added (that penalty I call a cinch), which I declare is not consistant with the point of relieving or assist- ing the small taxpayer, necessitating him if he is short to either borrow the money or pay the fifteen per cent penalty. I would also state that out of the $300,000 remaining to collect, fully one-half I should judge is amounts to be paid by banks and loan associations, on mortgages, who could just as well pay the whole amount at one time; and that fully FACTS AND FIGURES 71 ten per cent of the $300,000 is amounts belonging to the first instalhiienl. Another disadvantage is that the taxpayer is continually at sea as to whether his tax is paid or not ; he loses this receipt and forgets whether he paid one or both install- ments, and oftentimes he starts out' to pay both, but just at the moment when he pays, he changes his mind and only pays the first, and ever after neglects to pay again, thinking he has paid all his taxes, to find, a year, or so after, that his property has been sold for non-payment of the second installment. There are a great many additional ways for mistakes to occur in the office which under the best man- agement can not be prevented, which entails losses to the tax collector and taxpayers which are unjust. THE THREE IMPORTANT LINES IN AMERICA. "The Bridge," Mills College. It costs a great deal more to prepare the books for col- lection, and also the collection, and yet does not accomplish the desired result. I could go on and give many more rea- sons showing the impracticability of the present system, and could make suggestions for its improvement, but I am deal- ing with the present and not the future in this article. Wood and coal costs more here than it does in the east, but fuel for heating purposes isn't needed to any great extent. This article is being written December 9, in a room without fire, and with the windows wide open. This is a warm day; parasols by the hundreds can be seen on the streets, and many children are barefooted. An article on "Oakland's Future," by ex-Mayor W. R. Davis, appears elsewhere in this book. The article was written for the holiday number of the Oakland Tribwie, and was revised somewhat for this book. The following extract from Mr. Davis' address on the occasion of the first ex- position held in Oakland, was taken from the Etiqnirer, but before being published by us was submitted to and cor- rected by Mr. Davis, so that both articles may be consid- ered new: — "Material prosperity lies at the foundation of all other prosperities. In poverty there can be no art; in penury, no learning. In poverty, penury, and want, there can be no maintained and advanced civilization. And yet I do not forget that, beyond ma- terial prosperity and money affairs, the end which they serve, and to which they are but instrumentalities, is the life, the growth, the freedom and prosperity of human beings. The state is not made up of acres, nor of harvests, nor wealth, nor commerce. The state is made up of men — of human beings. So that whatever we do in the way of achieve- ment, let us not forget those things which make for the development of the moral and intellectual life and growth of our country. It is the 'anima' which animates us that tells — not so much the animal, his raiment, his equipage, or his wealth. "Think of it; in less than the Hfe of one generation, sjnce 1865, this nation has increased in population by more than the total population of the nation at the close of the war. Then we were only thirty-four millions ; now we are seventy millions — over twice that number. In that same time California has trebled its population. And Oakland has not only trebled her population, but has in- creased it sevenfold. This is the prosperity, this is the de- velopment, the growth to look to, the human growth of the city, the state, and the nation. "We are not much, neither are we nothing. "We should not underestimate ourselves — no more tnan overestimate ourselves. We are of the constituent elements and forces that go to constitute population and government, that need Republican freedom, its opportunities and constitu- tional guarantees. Our own rights and duties are those which appertain to freemen upon this continent, with its opportunities, duties, and destiny. 'Freemen' is a compre- hensive word; it looks upon the slavery, traditions, tyranny, and shadows of the past, and also upon the highway, the 72 ALAMEDA COUNTY. march, prospect, and liberty of the future, in all things. Of that status of freedom and opportunity we are proud, and it is to that chiefly we ought to look to-night rather than our own local progress or material achievement. I do not underestimate these; but we are not to lose sight of the other, and of our relations in the perspective of things down time, and the later relations of things to-day. "This city, if it will but persevere in the course it has taken in the last year, will within five years surprise itself Within the present year three evidences of contributive cooperation have been shown in this city. I refer first to the voluntary contributions of numerous citizens of this town securing a quarter of million dollars to aid in the bringing of a new competitive railroad into this city. I also refer to what happened in this city last May, when a i^w men and women united their efforts to aid the Fabiola Hospital, one of our best charities, by whose exertions, and your support, it was made possible to hold the finest florer fete which has ever been held upon the Pacific Coast. "And, third, here is this splendid industrial exposition, conceived of, reahzed, and held within thirty days. This is cooperation. This is elbow to elbow in the march of munic- ipal progress. Let us stand by it — continue it in 1896, and every year until the end of this century, so that in 1900 it may be truly said of Oakland that she is the first city on the Pacific Coast, in the harmony and cooperative strength of her inhabitants. ' 'To do that we can not be whispering about one another. No courageous man whispers about his opponent. When such men differ, they stand face to face, eye to eye, and clash honest steel upon honest steel, and then the flash and blows are honorable. Let us out-countenance the whispering down of progressive men in the community, and uphold the hand of every man who lifts his hand for the advancement of this city's welfare. No man has a right to whisper down the good name of his city, no more than he has the right to whisper against the good name of a member of his own family. . "I suggest one other thought. There are three great lines of development in this nation. One is along the Atlantic seacoast. Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Char- leston are on that line. That is the stretch where land and water meet upon the eastern shore of this continent. The second line of civilization is also where land and water meet, down the center of our country, on the waters of the Missis- sippi. It is outlined by Minneapolis and St. Paul, to the north; Chicago, Burlington, and such cities, in the center; by St. Louis further down, and New Orleans at the south. These mean that significant line of American development and strength running down through the midland of this nation. And the third — in that we li\'e, in that we move, and have our own being. What shall that living and that commonwealth be? This line is Portland, Seattle, Tacoma, to the north; San Francisco and Oakland in the center; Los Angeles and San Diego to the south — the third great line of American progress and civilization. Here, too, land and water meet. "Shall we, here in Oakland, not be some part — a little, but still some part — of the recognizable and progressive forces that shall go to make up the power of this third line of national development, the Pacific Coast line of real American progress? The whole world knows of Athens and of her province, Attica, in Greece. But few remem- ber that all Athens and Attica are not as large as the single county of Alameda. One imprint of the hoof of devastation upon Attica would have obliterated her from the map, her people fi"om the earth, and her shining name from the rec- ord of the world' s civilization. "And yet Athens and Attica shine on to-day as they shone two thousand years ago. Empire coming down through the nations touched the sacred soil of Attica with the luminous torch of civilization, since when the inextin- guishable light of her philosophy, letters, art, and progress, has fallen upon and gilded all the recorded pages of man's advancement, as through the centuries they have been turned from right to left in the great record book of human history. "We may never be an Athens or an Attica, but we can be a sturdy Oakland, in a splendid California, contributing some growth and strength, some cooperative aid, to our commonwealth, our people, our land, upon which may the Almighty's favor ever descend, against which no power on earth shall prevail, neither by diplomacy, nor strategem, nor arms. TABLE OF DISTANCES. The distance from Oakland, the county seat of Alameda County, to each of the other county seats of California, is as follows: — County seat. Miles. Alpine, Markleeville 308 Amador, Jackson 146 Butte, Oroville 164 Calaveras, San Andreas 136 Colusa, Colusa 133 Contra Costa, Martinez 30 Del Norte, Crescent City 268 El Dorado, Placerville 142 Fresno, Fresno , ,....201 Glenn, Willows 145 Humboldt, Eureka 210 Inyo, Independence 555 Kern, Bakersfield 209 Kings, Hanford 258 Lake, Lakeport 118 Lassen, Susanville 277 Los Angeles, Los Angeles 476 Marin, San Rafael 18 Mariposa, Mariposa 187 Mendocino, Ukiah 114 Merced, Merced 146 Modoc, Alturas 193 Mono, Bridgeport 441 Monterey, Salinas City 118 Madera, Madera 179 Napa, Napa City 40 FACTS AND FIGURES 73 Nevada, Nevada City loo Orange, Santa Ana 508 Placer, Auburn 120 Plumas, Quincy 311 Riverside, Riverside 546 Sacramento, Sacramento 86 San Benito, Hollister 94 San Bernardino, San Bernardino 537 JSan Diego, San Diego , 655 San Francisco, San Francisco 6 San Joaquin, Stockton 86 San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo 246 San Mateo, Redwood City 35 Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 530 Santa Clara, San Jose 50 Santa Cruz, Santa Crviz 8r Shasta, Shasta 234 Sierra, Downieville 203 Siskiyou, Yreka 351 Solano, Fairfield 45 Stanislaus, Modesto 108 Sutter, Yuba City 155 Sonoma, Santa Rosa 57 Tehama, Red Bluff. 193 Trinity, Weaverville 274 Tulare, Visalia 244 Tuolumne, Sonora 151 Ventura, San Buenaventura 310 Yolo, Woodland 80 Y'uba, Marj'sville 136 OAKLAND'S FUTURE, AND WHY. Ex-Mayor W. R. Davis Draws Logical Deductions from the Present. To the Editor — Three thousand words you want upon "Tlie Future of Oakland." Two thousand must suffice. The classic ora- cles, in order to be safe, clothed their prophecies in fewer words, and those ambiguous and elastic enough to fit the future event, whether it turned out to be a giant or a dwarf. No forecast is worthy of reliance unless it is tlie projec- tion forward of forces and factors traceable from the past or recognizable in the present. We have such factors. From these this forecast is made. They are six. SIX GROUNDS OF FORECAST. 1. Naturally, the ground, the room, thecHmate, navigable water, and the surrounding eastern approach being favorable, and on the continental side of the bay, it stands to reason that such a city, comprising now, with its suburbs and immediate neighbors, 100,000 inhabitants, is going to be both populous and great later on. The continuance and projection of the old forces alone assure that fact. COMPARATIVE GROWTH. 2. The steady growth of the nation — an increase of over Young rien's Christian AssocUtion Building. 74 ALAMEDA COUNTY. 35,000,000 population during the last thirty years — is go- ing to contribute its quota to California in increasing ratio as the population east becomes more dense, opportunities less accessible, and the resulting struggle fiercer. Expecta- tion has a right to figure on the continuance and projection of that factor. Of course there can be no considerable growth of population in California that does not mean material growth for Oakland and its environs. Let us ob- serve footprints in the figures: — Population of the United States — la 1865 34,000,000 In 1870 38,500,000 In 1880 50,155,000 In 1890 62,600,000 In 1895 70,000,000 Oakland gained in population? how has she grown in com- parison with the national growth and the state growth? The fects tell. Population of Oakland — In 1865 (with Clinton, Brooklyn and San Antonio)... 8,000 In 1S70 (with Clinton, Brooklyn and San Antonio)... 11, 000 In 1880 34,500 In 1890 48,600 In 1895 60,000 Here is a sevenfold increase, for the same 30 years — from 8,000 in 1865 (including what was Clinton, Brooklyn, and San Antonio) to 60,000 in 1895, the present city. While the nation doubles, the state trebles, and Oakland increases sevenfold. And the force of these figures lies in the two facts that Some of Oakland's Oaks. In the 30 years since the war, we, as a people, have ac- quired an additional population numerous enough to consti- tute a nation by itself larger than the whole nation was at the close of the war. Follow California' s gain during that national growth : — California's population— In 1865 460,000 In 1870 560,000 In 1880 865,000 In 1890 1,208,000 In 1895. .. 1,335,000 While the national population since the war has doubled, with a fraction over — from 34,000,000 in 1865 to 70,000,000 in 1895 — California has trebled in population — 460,000 in 1865 to 1,335.000 in 1895. o.\kland's increase. In that 30-year period, less than a generation, what has there has been no standstill, an unbroken line of increase for thirty years, and not a force or factor tor that increase was transient, not one but that is still operative, still continu- ing. The ratio of increase, of course, varied, but an in- crease never failed from year to semi-decade and from semi- decade to decade. Our assessable values leave similar traceable footprints: — 1870 $ 6,000,000 1880 (the railroad had reached the bay) 28,000,000 1885 30,000,000 1890 39,400,000 1895 46,500,000 Here, again, is the sevenfold increase, with some to spare — from $6,000,000 in 1865 to $46,000,000 in 1895. These facts justify the oracle in foreshadowing that in 30 years the nation will be 130,000,000, the state over 3,000,- 000, and Oakland, with its consolidated suburbs and FACTS AND FIGURES. 75 annexed neighbors, a larger place than now, and a very much larger city, with 6 significant figures opposite her name. THE NICARAGUA CANAL. 3. There is going to be a canal for ocean ships across the isthmus, between North and South America. That means masts, a forest of them, in San Francisco Bay. That means commerce on the eastern as well as the western side of the bay. To the outside world it does not matter which side. By that time Oakland and the immediately adjoining popu- lation will be large enough, and so constituted as to have a voice and a hand in that commerce. Interests then here, with their eastern connections, will care less for the accidental prestige of the western peninsula than for the more favorable and broader opportunities of investment on the continental side of the bay. Such interests would as lief have the side values, arising from their own enterprises, accrue to invest- ments openly accessible here, as to have that benefit accrue to the peninsular property of others, the value of which is already too high to warrant widespread collateral invest- ments. ONE MORE RAILROAD — OR TWO? 4. Early, meanwhile, those other eastern interests will be here. It will not be a long wait, after the San Joaquin Valley Railroad reaches Bakersfield and the foot of the Tehachapi Mountain, till the reorganized Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe, now at Rogers, a few miles south of Mojave, will come over the hill and connect. The cost is moderate, in railroad phraseology. The survey has been made, the grade feasible. Then you have another transcontinental road from the heart of the country to Stockton. That is interior, and east of Oakland, not west. No transcontinental system can long stop with an interior terminus. Oakland lies in the path of all practical grades and convenient routes from Stockton to San Francisco, and, what is more, in the path of all such grades and routes to San Francisco Bay and its ocean waters and ocean commerce, first to be met on the eastern side precisely at Oakland. THE ONLY DEEP-WATER INLET. For there is no eastern deep-water arm of the bay, no eastern inlet, from the northern to the southern end of the Bay of San Francisco, e.xcept the Oakland Harbor — not one. Where will the temporary valley terminus of a through railroad be pushed to, except to Oakland and that one inlet, the Estuary of San Antonio? Add to this the fact that at the same point the local passenger traffic across the bay between cities is now over 1,000,000 passengers a month, and then consider again where the temporary interior termi- nus of a through railroad will be impelled and attracted — both. The first three factors signify slow growth; this one would mean speed, growth by leaps and bounds. And Oakland, with her suburban and neighboring population of over 100,000, increasing, is and will be strong enough numerically and financially to avail herself in ample measure of the obvious and manifold advantages of this speedy onset in her commercial future, and in her other future, greater than commercial. This new factor, another transcontinental railroad, competitive in more senses than one, leveling in more senses than one, regulating in more senses than one, with its new men, measures, and money, is to be added to the slower forces already noticed, — natural advantages of site, increase of population, and increase of maritime com- merce, to arise from the isthmian canal. This new factor is not of the distant future. The oracle does not need to address its prophecy, as to that factor, to a cross section of time 30 years, nor 20 years, nor 10 years hence. Oracle: The year 1900 shall see the metal of the Alle- ghanies and the pigs of Pittsburg advancing in the waters of San Francisco Bay. OMAHA AND OAKLAND. In the background it is possible there is another favoring omen — it is the hand of the republic pointing to the line from O to O . And does the oracle hear words of this import : This is mine, my moneys and my lands built it; I carry the burdens; henceforth its benefits shall be my people's. I pay, I take, I dedicate to commercial freedom. If that omen turns to fact, ten years will equal thirty, and, presto, the lesser O is greater than the larger O. END OF THIS CENTURY. 5. Five years of the century remain — for us the best of the hundred. Before 1900 the government will lay the foundations of a national building in Oakland. Before 1 900 all labor and briefs and arguments concerning the Oakland water front will have gone to judgment, superior, supreme, and federal. Oracle: And that which at creation was dedi- cated to the common use of mankind, will have been thus adjudged: Be thou dedicate, inalienable, common forever. One million dollars will complete the government's work in the Oakland harbor. Three years is ample time; it can be completed in two; five is an abundance. The automatic tide-gates at San Leandro Bay may be driving tide-water through the canal and scouring silt down the channel of the estuary and out at the mouth of the training walls in 1900, bettering nature. Oracle: In 1900 the waters shall leave their bed, a tongue of tide of one mouth shall cleave the upland and become a shovel in another mouth. OURSELVES A FACTOR. 6. Ourselves. Site may favor, numbers help, commerce aid, competition contribute, law secure, and improvements count, but we too are a factor. The individual carves his destiny, somewhat. It is not the chisel but the spirit of man that does the carving. Mallet and chisel lying alone on any landscape, though surrounded by numbers, in sight of commerce and competition, guarded by law and pro- tected by government, never carved one stone for any wall for any temple of man's progress. Towns have a spirit- or lack of it — as well as individuals. We have too many, not too much. The many must fuse into the one. We are 76 ALAMEDA COUNTY. learning. The \'alley Railroad subscription was evidence of the cooperative spirit. The Fabiola fete illustrated the value of association and evidenced again that convergent forces are better than divellant. The exposition shows what intelligent and ardent coiiperation can do, and that the spirit that upbuilds towns can work as well here through us as instrumentalities as through others else- where. Reputation has been whispered to death before now. The spirit of a town's neighborly cooperation is as sensitive. The whisperers of a town are worse, and worse for it, than its obstructionists. The neighborliness that sub- scribes for the common advancement, the cooperation that sandals the foot and fills the hand of charity, the spirit that stands for our joint welfare, are of right entitled, in this and RAILROAD REVIEW. A BUSINESS man, and especially a manufacturer, when looking for a good point to invest in a business enterprise, first investigates the facilities for transportation, the means for getting his goods, wares, and merchandise, or raw mate- rials, and the means of transporting his manufactured arti- cles to the markets of the country and the world. Investigation will demonstrate the fact that Oakland is one of the great railroad centers of these United States. This railroad ser\'ice may be divided into five systems — local, suburban, state, coast, and transcontinental. Horse- car roads are not embraced in this statement. First is the broad-gauge road, the oldest, a portion of Residence of James L. Barker. Berkeley. every other community, to out-countenance into silence the sinister whisperers. When men diflfer, men stand face to face, eye to eye, and strike honest steel upon honest steel, and the clash and combat are honorable. Let us munici- pally build, support, uphold, cooperate, advance — it is but the march of all of us. What better words those are than obstruct, object, fault-finding, suspicious, and whisperer? These stand for the bat and snake, those for the sky-lark and the eagle — and to the spirit of a city belong wing and flight, as well as to the spirit of the man. Oracle: And from the shadows of oaks grew granite into the air; in water came leafless forests; on shore the light of day hovered through the night. A larger people gathered there, the voice of whose assemblies always answered to the designers of their welfare — Yes. The oracle ceases, and the scrivener says: If I had a friend, and he had anything in Oakland, and could stay, I'd say to him, Stay, friend; it is the morning. which was established in 1863, starting at Fruitvale, out- side the city limits, running every thirty minutes to the end of the Oakland mole, some six miles, and connecting with the palace ferry steamers between Oakland and San Fran- cisco. Second, the broad-gauge line starting from Berkeley, and making thirty-minute trips to the end of the Oakland mole, accommodating Berkeley, Lorin, Golden Gate, Bay View, Emeryville, the western portion of Oakland, and connecting with the ferry steamers. Third, the broad-gauge line starting from Alameda, crossing the estuary at First Street, and nmning every half hour to the end of the mole, connecting with the same steamers. Fourth, the narrow-gauge line starting at the junction of Fourteenth and Franklin Streets, and running every half hour to the end of the long pier, connecting with another FACTS AND FIGURES. 77 line of ferry steamers, also with trains to Alameda, and the southern part of the county and state. On all of these lines, says the Tribune, the monthly commutation tickets are $3.00, and single fares 10 cents, to San Francisco. A line of ferry steamers leave' for San Francisco from Broadway wharf — same rate of fare, and tickets on all lines are interchangeable. The second, or suburban system, comprises the lines of railways connecting with the principal towns of the county. Seven trains leave Oakland daily for Melrose, Seminary Park, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Haywards, Decoto, and Niles. Five trams leave Oakland daily for Niles, Irvington, Mis- with trains for Marysville, Oroville, Chico, and Red Bluff, and intermediate points. Two trains leave Oakland daily for Sacramento via Liver- more and Lathrop, Stockton, and intermediate towns, con- necting at Gault with trains to lone, at Stockton with trains to Milton and Oakdale, and at Lodi with trains to Valley Springs and intermediate towns. Also with lines to the counties in the San Joaquin Valley and Yosemite Valley. Two trains leave Oakland daily for Port Costa, Davisvillej Woodland, Red Bluff, Redding, and intermediate towns, connecting at Willows with trains to Colusa and also to Lake County; also at Woodland with trains to Knight's Landing. Two trains leave Oakland daily for Vallejo Junction, At the Fountain, Hills College. sion San Jose, Warm Springs, Milpitas, and San Jose, and other sections of the state south of San Jose. Three trains leave daily for Niles, Sunol, Pleasanton, and Livermore — all broad-gauge lines. On the narrow-gauge lines, five trains leave Oakland daily for Alameda, West San Leandro, West San Lorenzo, Russels, Mt. Eden, Alvarado, Halls, Newark, Mowry's, Alviso, Santa Clara and San Jose. On the Nevada narrow-gauge line trains run from Oak- land via San Pablo to Contra Costa County. A line of railroad connects with the broad gauge at Fruit- vale, running to Laundry Farm and Seminary Park. The third system comprises lines of railroad connecting Oakland with the principal towns of the state. Three trains leave Oakland daily for Port Costa, Benicia, Suisun, Sacramento, and intermediate towns, connecting Vallejo, Napa, Calistoga, and intermediate towns, connect- ing with trains at Napa Junction for Creston, Cordelia, and Suisun. Three trains leave Oakland daily via Vallejo Junction for Santa Rosa, Sonoma Camp, and intermediate towns. Two trains leave Oakland daily via Lathrop, through the San Joaquin Valley, to Los Angeles, connecting with the southern California network of railways. Two trains leave Oakland daily via Niles for San Jose, Santa Cruz, Pajaro, Watsonville, to Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, and intermediate towns. One train leaves Oakland daily via Port Costa and Sac- ramento for Colfax, Placer County, connecting with trains for Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, and inter- mediate points. Oakland trains for Sacramento connect at Elmira with 78 ALAMEDA COUNTY. trains to Vacaville, Madison, Rumsey, and intermediate towns. Two trains leave Oakland daily by the narrow-gauge line for Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and intermediate towns, connect- ing at Felton with the Boulder Creek and Pescadero line, Big Trees, etc., and at San Jose with the New Almaden line. The transcontinental and coast system of railways are .virtually the same. The Central Pacihc sends out two trains each day from Oakland to Ogden, connecting at Reno, Nevada, with the Carson and Virginia line, and that with the Carson and Colorado line through southern Nevada, Mono and Inyo Counties in this state, to the Colorado River. Also at Reno, the Central Pacific trains connect with a line to Lassen County, and that with transportation lines to Modoc County, through Surprise Valley into Ore- gon. At Battle Mountain the Central Pacific connects with the Nevada Central line, running to Austin, Nevada, and at Palisades with the Eureka line, running to the rich mines in that section, and at Ogden with the Union Pacific, Denver and Rio Grande, Utah Central, LItah and Northern, and the Oregon Short Line — branching to all points of the compass north, east, south, and west. Ne.xt is the Southern Pacific system, reaching out in a far greater network of railways, and spanning far greater extent of territory than does the Central Pacific. Two trains leave Oakland each day over this route. These trains go via Port Costa, following the San Joaquin River via Lathrop, through the San Joaquin Valley to Mojave and the Needles, connecting with the complicated systems of the Atlantic and Pacific, the Atchison, Topekaand Santa Fe systems, and the St. Louis and San Francisco system. Or via Los Angeles and Yuma, connecting with the Mari- copa and Phceni.x Railway; with the Sonora Railway at Nogales to Guaymas; and at El Paso with the Mexican Cen- tral through the Mexican states to the City of Mexico; or to the Texas border, connecting with the whole Texas and southern system; or to Galveston and New Orleans and the great systems of railway traversing with their connections the whole continent. Lastly, the Oregon line, with its connections spanning the great northwest. Daily trains leave Oakland, travers- ing the whole length of the Sacramento Valley, via Sacra- mento, Marysville, Red Blutf, passing the very base of Mount Shasta, and at Montague, in the great Shasta Valley, connecting with the line of railway to Yreka, on through Oregon to Portland, connecting with two lines of the North- ern Pacific to Washington, and there connecting with its system of railways and the Canadian Pacific; through Idaho, Montana, Dakota, and Minnesota, with their systems of railways to the Great Lakes and the east. Certainly this is sufficient to establish our assertion that Oakland is the great railroad center of the Pacific Coast, if not of the continent. In addition to the steam railway systems, Oakland has a network of electric railways, and is, in fact, the electric city of the continent. Three lines of electric railway connect Oakland and Berkeley; virtually two lines connect Oakland and Alameda. The Oakland and Haywards line is the longest electric road on the coast — over sixteen miles in length, not including the branch lines — one to San Lorenzo and one at Twenty-third Avenue. Three lines connect the city with the steam railway system at Sixteenth Street depot. Two lines connect the central part of the city with West Oakland. A line runs from Broadway to the Her- mitage. Another traverses Fruitvale Avenue, connecting with steam cars on the Seventh Street ferry line. Four difierent lines traverse East Oakland, known as the Sessions- Vandercook system. Two lines of electric cars run to Mountain View, and a line to the Piedmont power house, and another line connecting the Telegraph Avenue line with the steam cars at Lorin. A charter has been granted for an electric road from Oakland to the Corral Hollow coal mines, in Livermore Valley — some forty miles in length — and will be pushed through at an early day. Besides the electric lines, Oakland has two systems of cable lines in operation. Certainly Oakland is well provided with transportation facilities. DIFFERENT CLIMATE. California is wonderfully diversified in climate as well as in other respects. Here in Alameda County the tem- perature is about the same the year round, while snow is abundant one hundred miles east in the mountains. South of us two hundred miles it is very hot in the sum- mer, and overcoats are nex'er needed in the winter. In the northern part of the state the four seasons are as regular as they are in the east. No other state in the Union is favored with such climate. One parado.x worth mentioning is the fact that snow- balls and figs can be gathered in California by the same person on the same day. When snowballs are ripe in the foothills, figs are ri]>e in Alameda County. The distance between the two is less than a day's journey. The shortest way to define the climate of Alameda County is by stating this undeniable fact, There is none better in the world. There are thousands of persons in Alameda County who never saw a pair of steel skates. Roller skates are the only kind ever used here. An overcoat is needed here as much in July as in Decem- ber. It all depends upon the style one wishes to dress in, rather than the weather. A parasol is as ser\-iceable in this climate on Christmas as on the 4th of July. The parasol season in Alameda County extends usually from January i to December 31 of each year. Oh, yes, people wear rubber shoes sometimes, but as a general rule they are not needed! FACTS AND FIGURES. 79 HEALTHIEST OF CITIES. Why Oakland is Essentially a City of Homes. BY CHAS. M. FISHEk, M. D. Is Oakland a desirable place for residence? and is it healthful? These are two questions that are undoubtedly frequently asked by people who contemplate taking up a residence here. With the waters of the San Francisco Bay at her feet, and the wide Pacific making attempts to crowd in through the Golden Gate to inundate her shores; with the foot-hills are kept clean by flushings during the dry summer months. The proper disposal of garbage was a question that occupied the attention of boards of health and city councils for a number of years. For a long time it was dumped on the marshes on the outer borders of the city. But as these lands were reclaimed, and the city expanded in growth, these dumps became a nuisance, not only because of their disease-breeding qualities, but by reason of the dis- agreeable and unhealthful odors that constantly emanated from them. This question has finally been disposed of by having the garbage removed daily on cars, far outside of the city limits, where a neighboring county is using it for fiUing in marshes. There is also in course of construction an odorless garbage crematory which its projectors say will Residence of John Carber, Berkeley. tossing high their tops and defiantly guarding the rear; with the beautiful University town of Berkeley but thirty minutes' ride to the north, demanding, as it were, an edu- cational passport before passing the stranger through her gates; with the large and fertile Santa Clara Valley to the south, teaching the newcomer lessons of thrift and plenty — with such a location and such surroundings, we naturally answer the first question in the affirmative. The truthful- ness of the statement is further attested by the presence of 60,000 people and 'their many beautiful homes. It is true that all these conditions might obtain and the city be in an unhealthful condition. This, however, is not the case; nature has been lavish, and man has not been idle, as a glance at our sanitary conditions and health statistics shows. The city has a complete sewer system, the sewerage being carried into the bay by natural drainage. The sewers consume many times over the quantity of garbage the city daily produces. This will solve the problem in a scientific manner for all time, and, if properly handled, will net the city a neat annual income, instead of being an expense to householders as its disposal at present is. About two years ago there was created the office of milk, market, and meat inspector, and a competent man elected to the position. This I consider the most important office in the city government, and the inspector one of our most valuable public servants. Without such an ofiicial, diluted and adulterated milk from tuberculous cows is delivered at your doors, and your infants poisoned and killed by it. Without this inspection the markets offer for sale canned meats and vegetables that are unfit for human consumption ; the peddler sells at reduced rates spoiled berries and fruits, and game that is oftentimes alive with vermin. During the 8o ALAMEDA COUNTY. Residence of P. K. Shattuck, Berkeley. past year 8 different parties were arrested for offering for sale tuberculous meat, one of them giving as an excuse that he expected to sell it only to the ' 'poorer people. ' ' The dairies are regularly inspected, and tuberculous cows con- demned and killed. For the year ending June 30, 1895, he made 166 inspections of dairies, examined 7,968 cows, and condemned 28 as suffering from tuberculosis. This, briefly, is what the inspector is doing for the public good — the public health. Who is doing more? With the establishing of a milk standard (the ordinance is now before the council) we expect to continue the work with renewed vigor. THE RAINFALL. The rainfall for the past six years, as shown by the records in the Chabot Obser\'atory, is as follows: — Year. Quantity. No. Days. 1889-90 46.95 inches 23.19 " 20.87 " 28.05 " 25.64 " 36.89 " 98 1890-91 59 70 t8q2— O'l 65 79 1894-95 74 This gives a mean annual rainfall of 30.26 inches, and an average number of days, annually, of 74. This is rather above the average, both as to quantity and number of days, for any previous six years. The records of the same institution give the following temperature for the year 1894-95: — Years 1894-95. July August .... September.. October November.. December... Januarj' February... March April May June Means.. Mean for month. Maximum for month. Minimum for month. 59.00 59-40 60.60 56.60 63.00 47.87 46.10 49.70 50.60 54.00 59-05 60.00 55-5 82.0 90.0 91.0 84.0 73-0 60.0 61.0 68.0 71.0 79.0 87.0 92.0 78.17 Monthly range. 50.0 45 -o 49.0 45-0 42.0 39-0 35 -o 36.0 37 -o 40.0 46.0 46.0 42-5 32.0 45 -o 42.0 39-0 31.0 _ 21.0 26.0 32.0 34-0 39-0 41.0 46.0 35-7 Mean daily range. 18.70 17.10 19.70 15-50 16.60 S.51 11.50 15.50 13-80 7.60 19.01 21.00 15-22 Season. Degrees. Mean temperature of spring 54-55 Mean temperature of summer 59-30 Mean temperature of autumn 60.00 Mean temperature of winter 47-89 We have endeavored to show that by reason of our loca- tion, sanitary and meteorological conditions, we ought to be a healthy city. The next thing to inquire is whether the mortuary statistics confirm that presumption. In a report recently published by the Health Department where the death rate per 1,000 from all causes was tabulated for 25 different cities in the United States, it was shown that Oakland's rate of 12.95 per 1,000 was the lowest of all, it ranging as high as 30.77 in some cities. The average annual death rate for the past 13 years is 13.32 per 1,000, from which we learn that life is longer here than it is in many other cities. This rate would be still considerably reduced if we could eliminate those consumptives who come here and are buried a few days after their arrival. While FACTS Ajyn FIGURES. 8r our climate is conducive to longevity, and has healing qualities for many diseases, it has no power to keep life in an individual with but a remnant of a lung left. The true index, however, of good sanitary conditions is the number of zymotic diseases in a city; for it is these that are produced by an unsanitary state of affairs. Typhoid fever is probably the best type, and its most common mode of conveyance is either by infected water or by infected milk; hence, if a city has a good water supply, a thorough inspection of dairies, and a perfect sewer system, the deaths from typhoid fever will be reduced to a minimum. While our water supply is not entirely above suspicion, and the dairj'men will well bear watching, and the sewers require an occasional overhauling, a comparison with other cities shows that Oakland's typhoid record is good, and that deaths from this disease are not a common occurrence. The percentage of deaths from zymotic diseases is very low, as the following comparative table will show: — Cities. Rate. Burlington, Vermont 09 Baltimore, Maryland iS Concord, New Hampshire 14 Cincinnati, Ohio 12 Fall River, ISIassachusetts 24 Hartford, Connecticut 28 Indianapolis, Indiana 21 Liverpool, England 16 Los Angeles, California 12 Memphis, Tennessee 16 Portland, Maine 11 Rochester, New York 25 San Francisco, California 14 Seattle, Washington 23 Toledo, Ohio 22 OAKLAND, Cal 09 While these figures speak very favorably for Oakland, the typhoid statistics are still more creditable. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, there were only 15 deaths from typhoid fever in this city, making a rate of 2.5 per 10,000 inhabitants. In 1890, the reports of all the cities in the United States having 50,000 or more inhabitants, ranked Oakland as having the fourteenth lowest typhoid death rate, it being 3.3 per 10,000, while the reports for similar cities for 1895, rank this city as the tenth lowest one. Trenton, Detroit, New York, and Brooklyn are a few cities having lower typhoid mortality statistics, while Denver, Pittsburg, Washington, D. C, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are cities having a higher rate. The following table will bring out these comparisons more clearly. The rate gi\-en is of deaths from typhoid fever per 10,000 inhabitants: — City. Rate. Denver, Colorado 26.4 Pittsburg, Pennsylvania 12.7 Lawrence, Michigan 12.7 Chariest' 11, South Carolina 9.8 Washington, D. C 8.7 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , 7.4 Chicago, Illinois 7.3 Los Angeles, California 6.7 6 City. Rate. Cleveland, Ohio 6.3 San Francisco, California 5.6 Dayton, Ohio 2.5 New York, New York 23 Detroit, Michigan 1.9 Lynn, Massachusetts 1.6 London, England 1.7 Glasgow, Scotland 2.0 Rotterdam, Holland 5 Hague, Holland 2 Berlin, Germany 9 Dresden, Saxony 5 OAKLAND, California 2.5 While these figures are a matter for congratulation, a glance at what sanitation has done in Europe to still further decrease the mortality from this dread disease, teaches us that the lives of many valuable citizens may be spared if we employ the knowledge the Old World has given us in this matter. OUTDOOR SPORTS. There is not a day in the year but one may indulge in outdoor sports if so desired. Boating may be done on the bay or on Lake Merritt (the latter body of water lies right in the heart of the city) night or day the year round. Baseball and football can be played without fear of a storm of any kind. Horse-racing is a great pastime here, to be indulged in without interruption on account of the weather. Every day is a good day for sport with the gun, and when it comes to fishing, the weather is always just right for it. If you want to skate in Oakland, you must do so on a smooth floor; for our ponds never freeze over. ALAMEDA COUNTY GOLD. Gold doesn't grow on trees in Alameda County. Don't come here with an idea that it does. Nor is gold to be found lying on the ground like boulders. The surest way of finding gold is to do something that has a gold value to it, for its usefulness to the community. If you will come here with that idea in your head and carry it out to the letter, you will have plenty of gold in a very short time. Come here with the determination of being useful to the community in which you reside. All useful men in this county have gold. STRAWBERRIES. Strawberries and nearh' every other kind of berries can be gathered most any day in the year. A strawberry farmer who attends to his busini^ss can get rich here in a little while. 82 ALAMEDA COUNTY. THE RISE IN VALUE OF OAKLAND REAL ESTATE. BY WILLIAM J. DINGEE. [President Oakland Water Company.] The rise in values is inseparable from public progression. Public spirit is the parent of municipal prosperity. Natural advantages give rise to public enterprise more than anything else. All great cities have great natural advantages. New York, Philadelphia, and Boston have been enabled to make use of their water fronts without litigation, and for a full century ocean commerce has paid financial tribute to those cities, and they have prospered accordingly. Chicago, for many years, had her prosperity curtailed because her greatest natural advantage — the lake front — was usurped by the Illinois Central Railroad. The courts, however, came to the aid of Chicago, and wrested her water front from the monopoly, and restored it to the city. Since that time, no city in America can show a greater increase in commerce and population than Chicago — and no city in the world can show a greater record for real-estate transac- tions, and the building of gigantic business blocks, than the "Prairie City of the West." Oakland's water front. Had Oakland been in possession of her water front twenty years ago up to the present time, my candid conviction is that San Francisco would now be the second city in Cali- fornia, while Oakland would be the first in size and com- merce, as it is the first in natural advantages. Notwithstanding the fact that our city has been prevented from using its water front — its greatest natural advantage — it nevertheless has made a remarkable record in the display of progress and enterprise by its public-spirited citizens. twenty years ago. In 1876 a single horse-car track was the only mark of progress at the corner of Broadway and Fourteenth Street. Now a hundred or more electric and cable cars pass that corner daily from sun to sun. Where then stood several frame buildings, worth in the aggregate but a few thousands of dollars, now stands some of the finest brick blocks on the Pacific Coast. He who was the owner of a $5,000 lot near that corner then, realizes the fact that the same lot is worth a fortune to-day. TEN years up. Looking at it statistically for a single decade, the rise of value in that time is astonishing. For instance: Block igo, bounded by Fourteenth and Broadway, Thirteenth and Washington Streets, ten years ago was assessed at $163, 250. This year it was assessed at $504, 250. A I'ise in value in 10 years of $4^4,2^0/ Nowtake block 189, bounded by Washington, Clay, Thir- teenth, and Fourteenth Streets. Assessed 10 years ago at $46,900. Assessed in 1896 at $222,350. A rise in value in JO years of $ ij3,4§o! Again, take block 117, bounded by Ninth, Tenth, Wash- ington, and Clay Streets. Ten years ago assessed at $57,- 200. Assessed in 1896 at $194,875. A rise in vahce in 10 years of $ijj,6'j^! Once more: Take block 157, bounded by Eleventh, Twelfth, Washington, and Clay Streets. Assessed 10 years ago at $51,000. Assessed in 1896 at $216,875. -^ ''"^ ^'' value in 10 years of $16^, Sj^/ I might add twenty more similar illustrations, but the above will suffice for the purpose. Now let us examine the STABILITY OF VALUES. Oakland has never had such a thing as a "boom," and for that reason, if no other, the rise in values is absolutely stable. In order to make this showing plain, I will quote Washin^on Street in 18S6. the assessor's records o{ land values only ox\ property in the city of Oakland in decades since 1873; — Block 175 — 1873 1 61,450 1883 146,400 1893 3251O00 1895 432,125 1896 441.350 Block 176— 1873 % 18,500 1883 48,100 1893 139.350 1895 185,350 1896 217,100 Block 174 — 1873 % 47,700 1883 99,775 1S93 205,000 1895 271,425 1896 282,250 Block 1.998 — 1873 1 24,500 18S3 116,800 1893 296,125 1S95 300,000 1S96 400,000 The above illustration of facts might be carried out so as to cover hundreds of blocks, but it is not necessary, since one fact of this kind is as good as a million. FACTS AND FIGURES. 83 MADE SOME MONEY. Ten years ago, when Washington Street was a residence street, property was selling at $100 per front foot. Now that Washington has become a business street, this same property is worth* $1,000 per front foot. Those who had confidence in Oakland then, and were wise enough to buy property on that street, now have more confidence, and con- sequently more riches by tenfold, than they had then. The same opportunities are here to-day on other streets for all who have the right kind of confidence. BETTER PROSPECTS. The truth of the matter is, the prospects for property owners in Oakland are better now than they ever were before in the history of the city. Why do I think so? may be asked. W^ell, I will tell you: — Ten years ago there were no electric railroads in Oakland. Now there are 150 miles of track, local and suburban. These roads not only permeate every part of the city, but they extend to all the suburban towns, and far into the interior of the county. This means rapid transit for the producer and the consumer, more local trade, and the latter means a rise in property values. PRODUCTIVE SOIL. Nowhere on the face of the earth can more productive land be found than that which backs up the city of Oakland. Everything that grows can be produced in this county, and Oakland handles nearly all of the fruit and vegetables grown in Alameda County. Ten years ago nearly all of this traffic went to San Francisco, but now it comes to Oakland, and helps to increase trade and the rise of values. WATER FRONT. Ten years ago Oakland had no water front that it might call its own, but Judge Ogden, of the Superior Court, has decreed several thousand acres of water front to the city, and if his decision is sustained by the United States Supreme Court (and there is every hope of its doing so), then will come a tidal wave of prosperity and progression seldom wit- nessed in any city of the American Union. Despite the fact that the city has been deterred from the control of this harbor, the commercial tonnage has increased from 154,300 tons in 1884 to 2,600,000 tons in 1895. The local passen- ger traffic between Oakland and San Francisco has increased likewise from 2,067,000 passengers in 1873, to nearly 13,- 000,000 in 1896. Half of the tonnage that now goes through the Golden Gate passes through the Oakland jetties. When Oakland controls its own harbor, things will be different, and the balance sheet will be in our favor. Hence, the only thing necessarj^ to make Oakland a successful ri\'al of San Fran- cisco is a deep-water channel under its own control. It goes without saying that this is the continental side of the bay — the side on which all continental roads must center — the place where all ocean docks should be built — the only natu- ral port where ocean steamers can meet the cars and cargoes of the overland trains. The day for all this is close at hand, and when it is settled beyond all dispute, there will come a rise ill values in Oakland real estate that will be the marvel of the world. PORT OF ENTRY. Ten years ago, Oakland was unknown in the marine world. It is only within a year that it has become a port of entrj'^a fact due to the energy and fidelity of ex-Con- gressman W. B. English, now collector of this port. Ocean vessels can now sail into this harbor with imports from China, Australia, Japan, Russia, Hawaiian Islands, and all parts of the globe, and unload their cargoes, and reload with the products of this country. This means a rise in foreign trade, and a rise in all local values. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. The world does not produce public schools superior to Washington Street in 1896. those of Oakland, and nowhere, to my knowledge, do school-teachers receive better salaries on an average than our teachers. Numerous private and select schools abound here, and they are all in a flourishing condition. The University of California — the pride of the state — with its 1,400 students and great teachers, is located within a half hour's ride of the heart of the city. The high-grade character of our schools, and the location of the State University in our midst, has been the means of drawing to thiscity many of the best fam- ilies of the Pacific Coast. These have built elegant homes — a fact indicative within itself of the stability in the rise of values in all parts of the city. CONCLUSION. San Francisco, all will admit, is a better advertised city to-day than Oakland, but few, if any, will go so far as to claim that San Francisco has any advantages over Oak- land, save and except its larger population at present. The educational facilities as a whole are better here than in San Francisco. The natural scenery is prettier. The climate is far preferable; and as a residence city, Oakland has no superior on the Coast. Better evidence of this fact can not be had, than that seven thousand (7,000) of the best business and professional men of that city have already taken up their residence in Oakland. If this fact alone does not insure the rise in values in this city, then I am willing to waive my judgment in such matters for all time. 84 ALAMEDA COUNTY. A MIDWINTER RAMBLE. BY JUDGE E. M. GIBSON. How delightful and refreshing it is for one who is tired of the worry and toil of business to spend a day in the country! I have just had such an experience, and I can not tell you how much I enjoyed it. Yesterday was the 28th of December, a calm, warm, sunny day. Irene and I decided that we would hie us to the dis- tant mountains, that looked so refreshingly green in the warm glow of the morning sun. The white, fleecy clouds which obscured the higher peaks were slowly disappearing, disclosing to view the whole range of hills that rise to the north and east of Oakland, and presenting a scene of nat- ural beauty simply inde- scribable. It was a spring-like day in midwinter. The air seemed fragrant with the perfume of flowers. Away beyond Piedmont, a mile or more, in the very midst of the mountains, is a charming little valley, and every step of the journey thither was invigorating and pleasant. On and up we went until we were far above the city ; we paused and turned our faces westward, and with exclamations of wonder and delight we were able to give but feeble expression to the feelings inspired by the scene before us. At our feet was the beautiful city of Oakland, spreading far over the plain toward Berkeley on the right, with Alameda and Brooklyn reaching away to the left. Lake Merritt, the estuary, the moving trains, the bay, the great city of San Francisco on the opposite shore, the steamers and ships, and the thousand small craft of every conceivable descrip- tion, flying hither and thither on the bay, the world-famed Golden Gate opening out into the great Pacific Ocean, presenting to view in one sweep of vision, from old Tamalpais on the north to San Leandro on the south, a scene not surpassed, if equaled, for beauty and grandeur on the round globe. But on we went, through Hayes Canon and over the hills to Butterfly Valley, I will call it, because I can not think of a more appropriate name. Just beyond the hill a beautiful road leads off, to the left. "The Rippling Brook." A Beautiful Road between rows of stately pines, and winds down to "Fern- wood," a perfect fairyland, beneath the sylvan shades of which flows a rippling brook. We get but a glimpse of the palatial abode that nesdes beneath the broad branches of the grand old trees that surround it. As we gaze from a distance upon the tranquil scene, the walks, the trees, the freshly blooming flowers, bathed in the warm sunshine of this per- fect day, we can see in imagination the golden- winged butterfly, and hear the hum of the honey-bee; this is the famed Hayes district — famed for its de- lightful and healthy climate, its many springs of pure cold water, its exquisite scenery, and, perched upon a sunny hillside on the left of the roaa, is the Hayes schooihouse, and, although small, it is a model of artistic beauty. There is no school now; for, although this seems like a June day, it is the midwinter vacation. Before we quite reach the schoolhouse, we turn sharp to the left, and pursue our journey down into the charming little valley that lies before us. A little further on we pass the Red Gate farm, and can now see, a short distance before us, the many- gabled Glen Kohler mansion, peeping out from behind the green hillside, and presenting to view a scene of romantic beauty. Here in this mountain castle, this home of art and beauty, of wealth and refinement, of books and curiosities, resides a lad}' who has traveled the world over, who has spent years in the splendid capitals of Europe, and in visiting pleasure resorts and places of note until there was nothing more for her to see. Here at the mouth of a sunny glen, with its tiny tinkling brook fringed with ferns and flowers, on a mountain roadside facing southward, stands the Kohler mansion. The beauti- ful flower garden and walks about the place, the sparkling, spraying fountain in the center of a velvety lawn in front, denote wealth, re- finement, and taste. But before we reach this oasis of beauty in the midst of the wild romantic mountain scenery that surrounds it, we stop at a quaint, commodious, old-fashioned farmhouse, with broad porch, that stands back from the road on the right, almost hidden from view by the orchard and old live oaks that stand about it. Between the house and the road a brook of FACTS AND FIGURES. 85 limpid water ripples on its way to the sea. We can not but pause upon the little bridge that spans it to admire the great walnut and balm of Gilead trees, whose branches so gracefully bend above us. The trees in the young orchard that extend far upon the hillside to the east- ward are nearly bare, but the carrots and red-top beets in the field near by look as fresh and green as if it were May instead of December, and even the tomato vines were still in bloom, as no frost has touched this secluded spot. At this charming, poetic place we passed a happy, restful day, roaming at will over the hills, with our faithful tousers, feast- ing our eyes upon the charming scenery far and near pre- sented on every side, pausing now and then to listen and look and rest. The brooks and birds were singing, the flowers were sweetly blooming, and the flies and bees were humming in the soothing, sunny air. This place may indeed be called poetic; it is the poetry of sound and scene. In listless reverie we rest. If you are tired and careworn, go to the country. A day in the hills is better than medicine; try it. We could hear the low hum of the busy city; it tells of toil and strife. These mingled sounds of nature tell of peace and rest. One is the voice of man; the other is the voice of God. WHAT THE EASTERN FOLKS CAN NOT DO AND WE CAN. HEALTH STATISTICS. With the temperature referred to elsewhere in this book, how could Oakland be otherwise than the healthiest city in America? Here are some comparisons worth remember- ing concerning the annual death rates per each 1,000 of inhabitants in the following cities: — Cities. Population Rate. New Orleans, La 216,090 30.77 Mobile, Ala 31.076 2S.43 Washington, D. C 230.392 25.26 Richmond, Va 85,000 24.S2 New York, N. Y 1,513,501 24.26 Boston, Mass 469,647 23.92 Baltimore, Md 434. 151 23.26 Detroit, Mich 206,669 23.08 Fall River, IMass 83,000 22.68 Brooklyn, N.Y 806,343 21.62 Milwaukee, Wis 204,150 21.53 Philadelphia, Pa 1,044,576 21.47 Manchester, N. H 48,000 20.06 Chicago, 111 1,099,850 20.01 Cincinnati, Ohio 296,308 19.72 Binghamton, N. Y' 36,000 19.02 St. Louis, Mo 460,367 18.85 San Francisco, Cal 300,000 18.30 Cleveland, Ohio 261,546 1S.02 Rochester, N. Y 150,000 1790 Louisville, Ky 200,000 16.92 Auburn, N.Y 28,858 16.31 Los Angeles, Cal 60,000 i4-50 Minneapolis, Minn 164,738 13.70 Oakland, Cal 60,000 11.88 The Oakland Board of Health is entitled to just credit for the most excellent sanitary conditions of the city, without which the above figures for the city might have been higher. They can't gather fresh cabbage in winter, but we can. They can't keep cool in summer, but we can. They can't keep warm in winter, but we can. They can't have fresh turnips in May, but we can. They can' t gather ripe strawberries every month in the year, but we can. They can't pick flowers out of the garden every day in the year, but we can. They can' t raise oranges. We can. They can't raise figs. We can. They can't raise lemons. We can. They can't raise olives. We can. They can' t raise raisins. We can. They can' t raise vegetables all winter. We can. They can' t graze their stock all winter. We can. They can't "picnic" in winter. We can. They can't enjoy the blessings of nature 365 days in the year, but we can, and we are so glad of it that we wish they would come out here at the rate of 10,000 a day and help us enjoy them. What is the use in living where you freeze in winter and roast in summer? Why not come to Alameda County at once and spend the remainder of your days in comfort and peace? WEATHER AND WORK. As a general rule the eastern farmers lose about five months' time on account of the weather. In Alameda County seldom a day is lost on account of w^eather, and when a day is lost here, it isn't on account of wind, snow, cold, or heat, but on account of rain. Residents of this county are so accustomed to nice weather that most of them pay no attention to the rain, but work away, with the assurance that it won't last long anyway — and it doesn't. MUSHROOMS. Fruitvale is an Oakland suburb. M. Maurier, a resi- dent of that place, raises Parisian mushrooms for the market. He propagates them in a huge cave in the side of a moun- tain, and has orders for more than he can supply. He intends to enlarge his facilities and go into the business on a big scale, as the profits are very great. E. B. Stone, five miles east of the city, on the Haywards road, says that his Chevalier barley crop averages 60 bush- els to the acre, has done so for 10 years, and sells right along at $1.30 per cental, or 70 cents per bushel. 86 ALAMEDA COUNTY. 'J ernuood*' — l^esidence of Wm. J. Dlnsfee, (*irL!!n'KU rit-ii^hts, o^iiJ.ind. The Ivy Vine. Steps Leading; from the Fountain. FACTS AND FIGURES. 87 SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED. "can't live on climate alone." The above is a favorite quotation with many easterners ■when they are told of the ' 'glorious climate of California. What about the glorious(?) climate of Chicago, Buffalo, New York, and many other locations in the east, where people freeze to death every winter? It seems from all reports that it is very difficult to ' ' live on climate ' ' or any- thing else when winter sets in there. No one is expected to eat the climate here — no, indeed. The one great object in asking for a consideration of the climate of Alameda County is to call attention to the fact that, in consequence of this climate, persons are enabled to gain about four months' time each year. What doing? might be asked. Raising products of the soil and market- ing them in the ' ' dead of winter. ' ' Let us not speak of the dead of the winters of the east. This book is not a grave- yard gazette to recite the death of those who "could not live on climate alone" — even in the east. THE MATTER OF CYCLONES. More persons are killed by eastern cyclones each year than die from all causes in this county. And another thing is this : There is enough property lost by cyclones each year in the east to balance the entire assessment roll of Alameda County. Here is a good place, then, to make money by saving your property from storms. THE BEST TIME TO COME HERE? We will make short work of that question by saying. Come NOW. When is ' ' now ' ' ? Whenever you read this article — any time between the ist of January and the 31st of December. "poor PEOPLE." Are there any poor people in Alameda County? — Yes, indeed. What made them poor? — Give it up. What makes poor people in any count}'? There is this much about Alameda County : Neither its climate nor its soil has ever caused a day's poverty in any family. On the other hand, climate alone has made tens of thousands of paupers in the east. WHAT ABOUT WAGES ? The person who travels from place to place in search of "higher wages" hasn't any more certainty of success than the crow that caws from field to field in search of corn that was eaten by the crows that preceded him. Wages are based wholly on "conditions," and these vary according to this, that, or the other, — mostly the other. The "conditions" are such in Alameda County that a wage-earner who has the moral power to keep out of a saloon on Saturday night and out of a "strike" on Mon- day, is as certain of owning a bank account as a young rooster is of ha\'ing spurs. "don't COME HERE." There are persons who say, "Don't come here; I've tried it and — failed. ' ' That is as true as the needle to the pole. Some persons were born tired. They came into the world with a spell of weariness on them which they were never able to shake off. A man that will not shake off this weari- ness in a county like Alameda is in danger of being buried alive by those who never get weary in well-doing. the well-to-do PEOPLE. There are plenty of them here. They knew when they came here that the State of California was buying 40, 000, 000 (forty million) eggs annually, and as eggs are frequently sold at fifty cents per dozen, it would pay them to go into the poultry business. There are a number of good-sized bank accounts in Alameda County credited to this one business alone. A BURNING SHAME. It is a burning shame for a farmer to buy eggs, chickens, mutton, pork, veal, beef, potatoes, cabbage, onions, in fact! all kinds of vegetables and fruits, hay, oats, corn, and even milk and butter, and very frequently bread. What does the reader understand by this?— The whole story is based on the fact that some ranchers, called farmers in the east, raise nothing— absolutely nothing but wheat. This sort of farmer (?) is disappearing with the incoming of east- ern farmers who start in on a small scale and raise hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables, and plenty of chickens, turkeys, geese, hogs, cattle, and sheep. Of course they soon get rich. something else. Nearly every pound of beef eaten in Alameda County comes from the State of Nevada. Beef raisers from the east, here's a field for you. We import lard, butter, wool, poul- try, eggs, meat, cheese, hay, potatoes, flour, starch. Think of buying these products away from home — out of the State at that, and sometimes order them from clear across the continent. Can't you see, Mr. Eastern Farmer, that we need you and need you immediately? we are in earnest. As an evidence of our earnestness in asking you to come to Alameda County it need only be stated that "Facts and Figures ' ' is indorsed by the Board of Supervisors (called County Commissioners in some States and Trustees in others) and published under the joint auspices of the Merchants' Exchange and Board of Trade of the city of Oakland. Every statement in the book is vouched for by these organizations. railroad rates. The question of railroad fare is a very small item to per- sons determined to better their conditions, but still it is a good idea to know something about the cost of it, and to that end we publish the passenger rates from the following places: — ALAMEDA COUNTY. First Class. Tourist. f73-25 $61.00 68.00 56.50 69.00 5750 68.50 58.50 66.50 56-50 64.10 54.10 57.90 47.90 62.50 5250 Pittsburgh, Toledo, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Paul, Chicago, With the exception of St. Paul these rates permit coming via New Orleans over the famous Sunset Route or via any of the direct lines. Freight rates are $1.10 per 100 pounds from each of the above-named points excepting St. Paul, where the rate is $1.00 per 100 pounds. A freight car will contain 20,000 pounds of household goods. THE "colony" question. When several families of the same locality have concluded to buy land in common and then divide it into colony tracts ("neighborhoods," we call them in the east), it will prove to be a matter of economy for them to state that fact to the local ticket agent at their nearest railway station, and ask him to report the same to the general passenger agent of the road. This being done, the way will be opened for a more economic rate than quoted in the table above. other information. If there is any information you desire that is not found in this book, it will be gladly furnished you on application to the Secretary of the Merchants' Exchange, or the Secretary of the Board of Trade, Oakland. Don't be afraid to ask them, for they will be glad to comply with your questions. The organizations of which they are honored officers were created for no other purpose than to give high-grade char- acter to all lines of legitimate calling, and to promote immigration to Alameda County, and to foster mercantile, mechanical, and every other line of industry that will pro- mote the welfare of all the citizens of Alameda County. AN ARGUMENT. "Why Alameda County in preference to any other county in California?" is sometimes asked. Alameda County doesn't argue against any other county in the State. It doesn't have to. It argues /t?/- a// of them as one incomparable whole. The State of California is an empire, and Alameda County is a dignified part of it; that is all. Doesn't this book prove it? We have asked poultry raisers to locate here. Why? Because $50,000,000 a month are spent in the United States for this product, and statistics show that in proportion to population California consumes more than any other state. Within a radius of 50 miles of Oakland there are 600,000 people. Why not feed these folks then with poultry raised in Alameda County ? The question answers itself. No other county in the State is so favored by location as Alameda. This isn't saying anything against any other county, is it ? — Not a whit. Population is everything in trade. The producer must have a market. Alameda County affords him the greatest market in the State. Doesn't that mean a whole lot? Of course it does. "But isn't poultry raising a sort of small business?" Do you think so ? If you do, turn to the statistics and you will find it is a larger industry than wheat raising. A larger industry than wheat raising located in the cen- ter of the largest population in California is quite an item, isn't it? What else? San Francisco alone sends $3,500,000 to the east yearly for poultry and eggs. London, the metrop- olis of the world, does not consume as many eggs as San Francisco. The greatest market means the greatest price. There you have it. Alameda County is San Francisco's vegetable mother. Green peas and January weather are kith and kin to each other. Among the first apples grown in California were those of Mr. Llewelling, of San Lorenzo, this county. The highest peak of the Contra Costa Range, in this county, rises 2,275 feet. Alameda County is shaped like a boot, the sole of which rests on the waters of the bay. Numerous small streams of water course the county, of which Alameda Creek is the largest. When it comes to raising potatoes and tomatoes, Ala- meda County laughs at the rest of the world. Of the 400,000,000 pounds of California fruit sent east yearly, Alameda County furnishes 3,250,000 pounds. Many of the large canneries of the State depend upon Alameda County orchards for a considerable portion of their supply. The largest and most complete winery in the United States is located at Irvington, Alameda County. Capacity, several million gallons. Alameda County barley is the finest grown on the coast, the Chevalier variety running as high as fifty-six pounds to the bushel. We never bury fruits or vegetables in Alameda County to keep them fi-om freezing. We don' t do business with that kind of weather. FA CTS AND FIG URES. 89 Cabbage every day in the year — great big heads — can be found in the Oakland market. ' 'Only five cents a head. ' ' Of what consequence is a cyclone? — Practically speaking, none. Then why have them about? — We don't have them about, in Alameda Countv. Prof. C. H. Allen, in his report to the State Board of Horticulture, says: "Alameda County has some of the old- est and most celebrated orchards in the State. The almost fabulous yield of apricots and cherries in this county, with the amounts realized per acre for the fruit, gave the first vigorous impulse to fruit growing in California." An average of three car-loads per day of green peas are shipped to market from Washington Township during the months of April, May, and June. In the production of cherries, Alameda County stands at the head, and it ships more of this kind of fruit than all other counties in the State combined. The history of Alameda County dates back to 1797, in which year the San Friscan friars Ysideo Barcinallo and Augustin Merin founded Mission San Jose for the conver- sion of the Indians then inhabiting the region, to the Roman Catholic faith. Forty-two years later 2,300 Indian converts were given employment by these friars. K- ■S.^' U hittier Way, Mills College. The finest rhubarb in United States grows here. San Leandro, a town of 2,500 population, gets from $200 to $300 a day for this product during the season. Difference between the coldest and warmest months of the year in a record of eleven years was only 12.47°. Spring temperature, 55.29°; summer, 60.46°; autumn, 56.72°; winter, 49.81°. What part of the world can beat this? The wines of Alameda County, especially the Sauternes and the Medocs, are equal to any in the world; and of four gold medals awarded to American wines at the Paris Expo- sition, three of them were carried away by products of Alameda County. There are now in the county the following partial list of fruit trees: Apple, 60,500; apricot, 375,000; cherry, 265,- 000; fig, 4,000; olive, 6,500; quince, 600; peach, 155,000; nectarine, 44,000; prune, 260,000; pear, 180,000; plum, 215,000; lemon, 400; orange, 2,000; almond, 131,000; English walnut, 4,600. What reason is there for believing that money invested in property in your county will pay big in the near future ? — Because the heart of California's population is located here, and the circulation of money, people, and their products means everything to the investor. Nowhere in the world do flowers of all kinds grow more profusely and with less attention than in Alameda County. Roses, heliotropes, fuchsias, magnolias, calla lilies, geraniums, violets. Lady Washingtons, pansies, sweet peas, nasturtiums, and other rare and delicate flower- ing plants, flourish and bloom the year round in the open air without any form of protection. The chrysanthemum begins blooming in October and continues to blossom through the winter months. GREATER OAKLAND. Berkeley, where the University of California stands, is but five miles away. Linked arm in arm with it are the towns of Lorin, West Berkeley, Golden Gate, and Emery- 90 ALAMEDA COUNTY. ville. Between Oakland and Berkeley lie Temescal and Piedmont. An observer standing on Piedmont Heights looking down will see the homes of more than 100,000 persons. These homes and these people are soon to constitute " Greater Oakland." Then what? — Unity of action. Along what lines? — Along the lines of commercial, social, educational and manufacturing industry. What a healthy hint to men of money ! The time to buy property in Alameda County is NOW. Artesian Well at AlvaraJo, Belonginn ti> the Oakland Waiter Cu Water Is Brought to Oakland. Bored in I809. from Whlcb WHAT IS WHAT. That is just what is puzzling us. When the Corral Hollow coal mines were touched by the iron horse, it looked as though coal was to be our leading industry. A ride through the county convinced us that a million bushels of wheat was surely the leading industry. We were convinced later on that the fruit industry couldn't be anything else but a ' 'leader. ' ' Then a trip to the Livermore and other valleys convinced us that the creamery industry was to soon outstrip e\-ery- thing else. Again we were convinced that vegetable raising was the greatest money-making industry in Alameda County. A visit to the many manufacturing enterprises-of the countv convinced us that nothing could hold a candle to these institutions that ga\'e employment to so many men, and placed so much money in circulation. Once more we were convinced that everything in Alameda County was going pell-mell to the front, and a million-mule team couldn't pull our people back from an assured pros- perity and happiness. HOT WEATHER. The value of the horses that drop dead from heat in eastern cities every year, would buy thousands of acres of land in Alameda County — a county in which the inhabitants would think the world was coming to an end if an animal of any kind or a human being should drop dead from heat. POLITICS OF THE COUNTY. Sometimes it goes overwhelmingly one way, and then it will back-track just enough to make everj-body stop guess- ing how it will go next time. But it keeps on going, and the crop of politicians is always ripe and more ripening, so that it is safe to say that no man knows the market value of the floating vote at any particular time. That makes it safe to bet on the ' ' other fellow. ' ' COUNTY OFFICIALS. Superior Judges: W. E. Greene, John Ellsworth, Frank B. Ogden, S. P. Hall. Board of Supervisors: J. R. Talcott, W. H. Church, Chas. Roeth, D. F. Wells, John Mitchell. Chas. E. Snook, District Attorney. Frank C. Jordan, County Clerk. Henry P. Dalton, Assessor. Calvin B. White, Sheriff. O. M. Sanford, Treasurer. Myron A. Whidden, Auditor. Chas. H. Spear, Recorder. J. B. Barber, Tax Collector. R. O. Baldwin, Coroner. J. P. Garlick, Superintendent of Schools. W. H. Knight, Public Administrator. Geo. L. Nusbaumer, Survevor. OAKLAND CITY OFFICIALS. Mayor, W. R. Thomas. Auditor, R. W. Snow. Treasurer, Z. T. Gilpin. City Attorney, W. A. Dow. Chief of Police, Chas. E. Lloyd. FACTS AND FIGURES. 91 INVESTMENT. A Few Facts about the Garden Spot of California. BY J. WALTER LAYMANCE 1/ the ideas here briefly expressed are suggestive and are observed by others as they have been by me, they will have subserved their purpose. Standing as we do on what is believed to be the financial edge of a business depression which has disturbed values and superin- duced stagnation in enterprises of all kinds for some time past, it is pleasant to speak of Oakland and its surroundings, because here one can observe evidences of prosperity and development that are so well founded that their continuity has never been interrupted even in the midst of the wave of financial dis- tress which has just passed over the state and country. It is safe to state that there is no section of the Pacifi: slope (and the geographical limit involved in the state- ment could, without impair- ing its accuracy probably, be expanded so as to include the entire United States) which has been so substan- tially improved, and so en- hanced in value, as has this section which embraces Oak- land, Alameda, Berkeley, Fruitvale, Brooklyn, San Le- andro, Piedmont,etc., during the past five or six years. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and other places have had ephemeral booms , which partially subsided and brought disaster and loss to many of those who were in- volved in them; but there has been nothing of the boom nature in the improve- ment and development along the eastern shore which is the subject of this passing notice. The last -mentioned movement was and is a sub - stantial, conservative and logical expansion and devel- opment, which is founded upon rational business prin- ciples and operates of itself in obedience to the well- known laws of cause and effect. Its starting-point was probably the splendidly- •equipped and comprehensive system of street transporta- tion which was inaugurated several j-ears ago, and which now pro\'ides rapid, comfort- able and economic communi- cation with the places of residence, which were possessed of a high degree of attraction when the difficulties of access were removed. The building of these lines of communication gave employment to large numoers of men, and put considerable money in circulation; their operation keeps a large number of men in remunerative emplojTnent. Their existence caused the erection of residences in all direc- tions, and the building of residences, of course, involves the em- plo^'ment of builders; when completed their occupation gives employment to the butcher, the baker, the milkman, the grocer, the tailor and the shoemaker, who in turn require the blatksmith, the wagon maker, the harness dealer and the cutler, the lawyer, the dentist, and the clergyman. Thus by the logical process of social evolution ,the community which is founded upon favorable surround- ings expands itself. That has been the method of the wonderful development in these sections of Alameda County during the past few years. It has been a natural and healthy development, and one which, instead of showing signs of abatement, gives indica- iions of growth. Property values here are steadily appreciating Residence of Capt. Geo. C. Ainsworth. on all sides, new industries are springing up; climatic, topographi- cal, educational, commercial, social and other advantages are continually attracting new and desirable residents from all parts of the world; and it is to-day the nost progressive and prosperous section of California. And let those seeking investments orperma- nent homes in communities possessing all these attractions and natural advantages ask themselves, Where is there a place under the sun so beautiful, so fair, so much like a paradise, as Oakland and her surroundings under the beautiful skies, and bright, yet not oppressive, rays of the sun. The landscape becomes a veritable Paradise. Never were tlie city and suburbs so universally appreciated for their loveliness as they are to-day. This is because the enterprising real estate men have placed parcel after parcel of land vt;hich was formerly inaccessible, within the reach of every individual desiring a home, within the past few years. Twenty-five or tliirty lines of electric cars have annihilated the distance be- tween the bay and the fairest sections of tie county, and liberal dealers have placed these sections on the market, and they have been seized so rapidly within the past few years as to indicate that before ten years more will have passed over our heads the "Athens of the Pacific" will have doubled its already extensive area. The unex- ampled rapidity with which the city of Oakland and sur- roundings have been devel- oped, has been so wonderful as to excite the admiration and astonishment of those who, having been absent for a few short months, returned to find localities which were vacant when they left, filled with well-built homes. This is true in no one locality; every accessible section has received the attention of the public, and by subdivi- sion and the extension of city improvements has been made ready for dwellings and been eagerly purchased by the people. Another fact: Picture a mead of rich land, leveled by nature as though the ar- tifice of man had accom- plished the work; for a back- ground, see a range of green- clad hills, making a setting on which the e3'e loves to dwell, and then gaze out in the direction from whence comes the cooling breeze, and catch a glimpse of the heaving bosom of Mother Ocean. It is an ideal scene, one such as artists love to paint, and just such a place Another Ainsworth View. ^^ ^ ^^^^ y,o^x\d. seek for in- spiration. Is it not a fact that a person possessing a home in such a place is indeed to be envied ? .\nd how much more so when, in addition to the scenic and natural advantages described, it is known that the site is just as valuable from a commercial standpoint as it is from a natural one. To the observer is it apparent that an era of devel- opment has come upon Oakland and its ^^cinity such as has never been seen before in its history, a development that is visibly trans- forming and remaking the beautiful city, and placing it not second or third in the march of improvement,'but in the very lead of all. Oakland to-day is enjoving a growth and prosperity that re- minds me of nothing so much as the marvelous spread of Chicago, the "Wind-swept Young Giant of the Lakes," or of Denver, the "Queen City of the Plains," in their palmiest days. Look where one will, and new buildings are seen rearing their stately frames in the valleys and upon the hillsides. Wherever there is an undue depression, it is being filled in. The roadways and ayenuesare be- ing macadamized, new ones miles in length are being laid out; handsome grounds are being planted, where grow exotics and the 92 ALAMEDA COUNTY. hardy eastern trees and plants side by side, but the latter expanded toa size and beauty that is typical of Alameda County soil and climate; this is going on almost everywhere, yet it is' a fact, in certain sections the advancement is still more marked. In the vicinity of Twenty -third Avenue, for instance, during the past few years, homes and business blocks have risen with magic speed, so that now a man going to his business finds himself shut off from his short cuts. The same is true of the country at and back of Fruit- vale. There is a difference in the sections; in East Oakland proper and along the high ground that stretches from the shores of Lake Peralta (Merritt) to and including Highland Park, are gathered those who would seem to be the wealthier; they have made and are making a superbly charming region of that portion of the city. As a fact, the most remarkable growth of this section is the large territory ]>-ing east of Fruitvale, to San Leandro, which in the past four or five years has been subdi\4ded and sold off into small holdings. To-day the entire territory is covered with beautiful homes, and within easy access to all parts of the city. School districts have been formed, magnificent public schoolhouses, places of worship and business blocks have been erected, so that to-day hundreds of families enjoy the luxuries of a home the same as if they had the metropolis of the state at their front door. In the city proper there is strong holding on the part of real estate owners, so that bargain hunters have circumstances against them. A feeling of confidence prevails among persons identified with property interests; people who are buying a home by monthly pajTnents care little for the movement of the market. They have selected a place for shelter, in which to bring up their children , and are content to have work enough to enable them to meet their instalments. Large and wealthy operators are apparently less concerned as to whether prices move up or down. It is" quite certain that none of their property will be sacrificed. They are satisfied that real estate will pay good interest on the cost price, though it may take a little longer time to realize than expected. Generally speaking, there is no better investment than land in or around our city of Oakland, if made with even a small amount of care and judgment. Time and opportunity are also to be con- sidered. Rich men, who constantly add to their landed possessions, take advantage of a dull and easy realty market to invest some of their idle capital. Land, as we all know, is the basis of all values. It is the foundation on which rests the financial fabric of communities and nations. Bankers and capitalists loan money on National Bonds simply because countries and working populations are at the back of them. The same application exists with regard to local securities, for which the credit of a community or district may be pledged. Realty is something that does not vanish; it may be handled with both profit and loss, by speculators it is true, but the substance itself still remains. Land investment in the United States has been the direct source of princely and even colossal fortunes for people who happily bought at the right time. Nerve to invest when property matters are rather neglected brings out both speculators and investors away a head on the profit side, sooner or later. The demand for land is an auxiliary of civilization, and it must be had to carry out human designs, in proportion as cities increase in population or the area of farming operations extend. Natural forces are also always working in favor of such conditions. In Alameda County there is abundant scope for the building up of orchards and vineyards; and an agricultural population, probably second in numtx;r to few counties in the state, can be comfortably housed on her hillsides and in her valleys. In Oakland the possibilities for building up a great city are greater than almost any growing city in the state. It is hardly possible for a buyer to go wrong in making an investment on a thoroughfare that is or can be brought into close contact with business centers by means of street-cars. That Oakland will be the second city in the state in wealth and population goes without contradiction, and as a fact is never questioned by any one that knows much of the splendid prosperity which Oakland is now enjoying, receiving impetus from far-seeing real estate men who realize Oakland's natural advantage, and know that if the opportunities are given, the people will eagerly flock to develop them. WHAT FOR? Seven thousand merchants of San Francisco own magnificent homes in the city of Oakland and near by. Why do they prefer raising their families here to raising them on the other side of the bay ? Because Oakland has better schools. Because the State University is on this side. Because the scenery is the prettiest in California. Because the cable and electric cars reach every section. Because the drives into the country are incomparable. Because the climate is the most perfect in the world. Because Oakland is the finest residence city in California. Because Oakland is constantly growing. Because it is fast becoming the greatest manufacturing city on the Pacific Coast. Because it is on the continental side of the bay. Because it is the literary center of the state. Because it is the greatest railroad termini west of the Rocky Mountains. Because it has the best harbor on the Pacific Coast, and will soon be the greatest shipping point between British America and Mexico. Because, if you wish to visit the Hawaiian Islands, Aus- tralia, Japan, China, India, or Eastern Europe, here is where you first touch the water that rides the waves of the great Pacific Ocean. Oakland has one of the finest race tracks in the world —full mile. Grand stand capacity, 5,000 seats. A Broadway, Oakland, merchant says: "The climate of Alameda County is so perfect that it never freezes butter in the winter, or melts it in the summer. ' ' Colonies. — No other county in California offers so many advantages to those who wish to join a " colony," as Ala- meda. Tracts of land of any size may be obtained here. The advantages of marketing products of the soil, tree and vine, are unsurpassed. The shipping facilities by train or boat are incomparable. There are numerous colonies in California, composed of persons from the same locality in the east, and the success of these colonies is based on the fact that the members knew each other before coming here. It is a good idea for twenty or more families from the same township or county to lump their expenses and all come together, buy together, and remain together after they reach here. A letter addressed to the secretary of either the Merchants' Exchange or Board of Trade of Oakland will secure all necessary information as to prospective colo- nies in- this county. Flax and Hemp. — A. D. Pryal, president of Alameda County Horticultural Society, says : ' ' While traveling in Europe I paid particular attention to the growing of flax, and nowhere did I find a single crop that was equal to the flax raised in Alameda County. Even the famed flax fields of Irelai;d are no exception to this fact. With our advan- tages in this respect I look for a great hemp industry in this county. In view of the fact that we annually import about $5,000,000 worth of foreign hemp, it is high time that we turn the tide in our own favor by meeting this demand by hemp industry." FACTS AND FIGURES. 93 OAKLAND IRON WORKS. While the people of Alameda County may justly boast of salu- brious climate, the fertilit}- of the soil , the delicious fruits from their orchards, the wealth of flowers that bloom every day of the year in the gardens, their institutions of learning and multitude of churches, it is with no less pride that the}- point to some of the hives of industry that flourish here. What brains and enterprise can accomplish is nowhere better demonstrated than in the late history of the Oakland Iron Works. After a period of several 3-ears of a struggling existence the business passed, on September I, 18S7, into the haads of the present management, who conducted it as a copartnership until August 26 of the following year, when thej' incorporated. Under the skilliul management of the incor- porators tlie institution has grown from insignificant proportions to one of mammoth magnitude. Misfortunes have visited them at times, but with invincible courage and enterprise that does not recognize obstacles, they met their discouragements and overcame them. Their business grew rapidly from the start, but in September, 1889, their buildings were destroj-ed by fire just when they were begin- ning to realize the possibilities of future success. Undaunted, they purchased more ground, rebuilt on a much larger scale, and greatly increased their capacity, but the continued growth of their business made it necessary in 1893 to purchase one quarter of the block on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Second Streets, opposite their works, on which they erected a large and well-equipped iron and brass foundry and pattern shop. On November I, 1894, they were visited by another disastrous fire, that destroyed their machine boiler and blacksmith shop. They immediately rebuilt, erecting much more substantial and modem buildings, with three large traveling cranes, enabling them to handle business with greater despatch and more satisfaction to themselves and their customers. It is gratifying to know that during 1895, notwithstanding the dull times to others, there have been no dull times with them. The}' employed more men and paid more wages than in any previous year, having had as high as 139 on the pay-roll, paying from ji5,ooo to jf8,ooo per month in wages. The output of the finished products of the works is from $200,000 to $250,000 per year. They manufacture stationary and marine engines and boilers, ice and refrigerating machinery. Architectural iron work of every description, sheet and wrought iron work; brass and iron castings, and in fact everything that comes within the scope of a first-class and well-equipped institution of this character. From British Columbia to Panama and as far east as Omaha, the products of their establishment may be seen, and an important and growing trade exists in Mexico and Central America. When the fact is considered that the present flourishing and largely patronized institution has been developed within a period of less than ten years from a concern of scarcely greater pretentions than a country blacksmith shop, itshows what well-directed energy and enterprise will accomplish. To the credit of the proprietors it may be said that during their success they have never forgotten loyalty to the county in which they live, gi\'ingit the preterence in everj-thing, and are always at the lielmin the promotion of Alameda County enterprises. ELMHURST. Between five and six miles from the City Hall, is a beautiful school building that cost about $25,000 complete. Around this schoolhouse are some of the coziest cottages in the county. A high-grade class of citizens have located there for the purpose of schooling their children. Several hundred persons have gone there recently and built their homes without making the least bit of noise about it. They found lots selling as low as $150, and that alone was a great inducement for many of them to stop paying rent in the city. They call their town "Elmhurst." The town is prettier than its name. Wide, level streets, cement sidewalks, beautiful shade-trees, perfect drainage, splendid water from both the great water companies, electric and steam car-lines, telegraph and telephone lines, post-ofiice, express oflSce, public library, public hall, churches, stores, hotels, etc., are the attractive featuresof the town. The soil is very rich and every home can have a garden of its own. There are many kinds of flowers raised there for the San Francisco market. A number of "the residents have paid for their homes in eggs and chickens — the product of home industry." While "Elmhurst" is out of the city geographically, it is certainly "in it" socially, religiously, progressively and educationally. We do not know of a more desirable residence location in this county than this thrifty young \'illage. . OAKLAND PRESERVING CO, There is no industrial institution in Alameda County to which the people are more indebted, or from which greater and more varied benefits accrue to them both directly and indirectly, than the Oak- land Preserving Co. , situated on First Street, between Filbert and Linden Streets, Oakland. In 1 89 1 the company was organized and incorporated, with F. Tillman, Jr. , as president, A. C. Baumgartner secretary, and J. W. Nelson manager, in which capacities the officers continued until 1895, when a single change was made, and Mr. E. H. Nielsen, assumed the management. The spirit of enterprise has characterized the institution from its origin, and even in the dullest season of the year there can be heard the clamor of hammers, as the workmen in the packing department nail the cases preparatory to shipment, and cars packed to the limit of their capacity stand upon the tracks ready to be transported todistant pointsin all directions. They can fruits and vegetables of all kinds, jams, jellies, marmalades and preserves. They pack largely in glass as well as tin, and every department is under the supervision of a skilled operator. Nowhere on the Pacific Coast is there a cannery where more care is exercised in the selection of stock or the manipulation of it than at the Oakland Preserving Co.'s establishment, and they A Country Residence— H. W. Meek, Haywards. have been one of the important factors in establishing the present high standard of our canned fruit abroad. The vigilance they have exercised has resulted in establishing for themselves a most enviable reputation abroad, until to-day there is perhaps no jobbing house in the United States that does not handle their goods, and through the commercial gates of Liverpool and London they go in vast quantities to England and continental Europe. Next to Liverpool and London in foreign demand, ranks Aus- tralia, who pays her compliments by large and regular orders. Central and South America also call for a liberal supply, and in fact there is no civilized country in the world where their products do not go. Their leading brands are: Oakland Extras, Del Monte Extras, Oakland Select Standards, and Swan Brand Select Standards. They packed in 1895 over 142,000 cases, of two dozen cans per case. They employ as high as 700 people in their cannery in the packing season, and their weekly pay-roll amounts to $5,500. The growth of their business has been constant from the start. They have increased their output from 80,000 cases, to the present large proportions in a remarkably short time, and have now in contemplation a farther increase in their capacity to 175,000 cases, in order to keep pace with the growing demand for their goods. Few people in Oakland have a proper conception of the magni- tude or importance of their business. If the yearly output were loaded in cars, with 300 cases to the car (which, by the way, is a large car), it would take 486 cars to hold it. Then if these cars were coupled into trains of 30 cars each, it would make 16 trains, and leave 6 cars to supply our home consumption. Again, if the product were loaded into wagons, with a ton in each wagon, it would take 4,866 wagons to hold it. If these wagons 94 ALAMEDA COUNTY. were arranged in a single train, allowing 30 feet for each wagon and team, it would make a train 30 miles long. If the cases themselves were arranged in a row, it would make a row over 43 miles long. If the cans were placed in line they would extend over 119 miles. If the material that is used in the cases were made into a single board one foot wide, it would be over 242 miles long. It would take 97 >^ days, or nearly 4 months of 26 days to the month, for a man to count the cans of a yearly output, counting at the rate of one per second, and working 10 liours a day. Such is the magnitude to which one of our infant industries has grown in less than five years' time, and the future bids fair for a more rapid growth than it has had in the past. ■W. V. WITCHER. In the early part of this year W. V. Witcher, member of the Pierce Hardware Company, succeeded Mr. Fish in the presidency, and George W. Arper, oil importer, was elected vice president. Under the new administration the good work goes on. Not only are the first principles of the Exchange carried out in spirit and in fact, but many new lines of work have been laid out and are being pushed to the front. The Exchange has become a veritable bureau of information for the homeseeker and investor, and to that end even,' effort will be strained to make public the resources of .\lameda County and the social, educational and industrial ad- vantages of Oakland as a residence and commercial city. The Exchange is composed of a membership of two hundred, in- cluding a board of twenty-two directors. Weekly meetings are Fig trees produce two crops a year. A fig tree never needs any care. Bugs and other pests leave it alone. It costs about $2.00 per gallon to manufac- ture olive oil, which sells all the way from $3.50 to 58.00 per gallon. Asparagus is cut from April to July. Prices range from 75 cents to $7.00 per box, according to season. The average crop is from 80 to 100 boxes per acre. Profits vary from $100 to $300 per acre. ToB.\cco. — There is scarcely an acre of land in this county on which tobacco can not be grown. It is one of the most promising and profitable of all our industries. There is no tobacco grown in Cuba but what can be raised in Alameda County. The cost of planting an acre of apricot trees (108 trees to the acre) is about $i8. Some per- sons will contract to care for them until they be- gin to bear, for $10 per acre per year. Currant bushes planted between the rows will afford money to pay all e.xpenses. Blue Gum. — This tree is better known by the name of "eucalyptus," and will grow on most any kind of soil. Many farmers plant these trees, and within five years have plenty of wood. The leaves have great medicinal value, and tea made from them is said to be a sure cure for pulmonary troubles. It is also claimed that tea made from the bark will cure consumption. Lumber from these trees can be converted into furniture of any kind and polished to a high degree. Shingles made of eucalyptus are very durable. A Double-Deck Car. held, public questions are discussed, and able men from the out- side are invited to address it from time to time on questions of public interest. The influence of the Merchants' Exchange of Oakland has been felt in every branch of trade, and the good work that it has ac- complished has extended far beyond the boundaries of this state. The portraits of the board of directors appear on the opposite page. MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE. Oakland is blessed with a body of ripe business men known as the Merchants' Exchange. It is not an old organization, but what it lacks in years it makes up in \'im, snap, push, zeal and enter- prise. Its first president was George L. Fish, member of the firm of Phelan & Fish, wholesale grocers and importers. Under the leadership of Mr. Fish, the Exchange at once became a factor for good in all lines of public profession. Business men were united for the common good of all. Ordinances of the "dead letter" kind were revived and enforced through their efforts; new ordi- nances were framed and passed upon their order against fraud and corruption; public improvements were advocated; music was heard in tlie parks and manv other live and wideawake propositions were placed on foot. WORTH SEEING. Every visitor to Oakland should take a trip over the Highland Park and Fruitvale Electric Railway. The ride is one of the most picturesque in the county. The double-deck cars afford the passengers the best view possible. Up hill and down, through the caiions and around the curves, the cars glide with wonderful smoothness. Diversified foliage is to be seen on either side. After leaving Twelfth Ave., in East Oakland, the car shoots down the hill and into the caiion, then around the curve past Beulah Park, up the hill in front of and then around the German Hospital, now down into another caiion and around another curve, and the car stops at Dimond Post-ofiice, upper Fruitvale and the "Hermitage." Here passengers may continue southward on the beautiful avenue to Fruitvale, or stop off and view the grand scenery at and about the "Hermitage." Up the hill a short distance is the home of Joaquin Miller, the "Poet of the Sierras." Scores of pilgrims can be seen daily winding their way to this beauty spot. -'•rSm ■c ^ '' Directors of the Merchants' Exchange of Oakland, Cal. (95) 96 ALAMEDA COUNTY. OAKLAND BOARD OF TRADE. Brief Review of Its Past Acliievements, Its Present and Future Purposes. BY M. T- KELLER. The Oakland Board of Trade, organized in 1886, con- tinues in active operation, having between five hundred and six hundred members at the present time. Among these are many of the most progressive and public-spirited citi- zens of Alameda County. The articles of incorporation under which the Board has worked and is now operating, declare : — ' ' That the purposes for which the Board is formed are to foster, encourage, and develop the mercantile, manufactur- ing, and home interests of Oakland and suburbs; to collect, preserve, and circulate useful information concerning the city ; to encourage wise and helpful legislation, and oppose the enactment of all laws which might injuriously affect our manufacturing or commercial interests ; to forward the improvement of our harbor, water front, streets, avenues, and public parks; to widen and extend our railroad and Directors Board of Trade. The present Board of Directors include James P. Taylor, President; H. O. Trowbridge, Vice-President; George B. M. Gray, Treasurer; Craigie Sharpe, Secretary; E. B. Norton, A. H. Breed, H.^C. Taft, M. J. Keller, A. D. Pryal, J. W. Nelson, J. Tyrrel, and Albert Kayser. In coiiperation with the Merchants' Exchange and Board of Supervisors, the Board of Trade has participated in the publication of this work. The scope of the Board of Trade's work embraces all that may conduce to the welfare, prosperity, and progress of Alameda County, of which Oakland is the chief city. transportation facilities; to aid and encourage the erection of needed public buildings, the establishment of new manu- factories, and the advancement of local improvements, and generally to strive with united effort to increase the w'ealth, industries, influence, trade, and population of the city of Oakland and its vicinity." Along these lines the Board of Trade has been and is working. At all times the Board has been alive to the necessity of a more perfectly developed harbor for Oak- land. The natural harbor of Oakland affords unexcelled anchor- FACTS AND FIGURES. 97 age for ships. Landlocked, the harbor serves to sheher from threatening gales at all seasons of the year. To deepen the channel at the harbor entrance so that ships of the larg- est kind might enter was a necessity. Through the efforts of the Board of Trade the General Government has now provided appropriations to immediately complete the har- bor as proposed by the United States Engineers. The development of systems of electric street railways has been specially advocated, with the result that Oakland and her suburbs are now abundantly supplied with these facilities of traffic. Naturally the territory in and about this city is admirably adapted for electric railway operations, being uniformly level, or gently sloping. The numerous street railways now in operation, penetrate in all directions from the heart of the city and bring in close touch all parts of the county. The improvements of streets and roads has at all times been commended, and at the present time this theory has taken hold of the public mind so that the betterment of our most important thoroughfares has been begun in earnest by the citizens of Oakland. The Board of Trade keeps a watchful eye upon National or State legislation affecting Alameda County interests, as well as upon the local official bodies, and seeks to encour- age that which seems beneficial, and discourage that which appears likely to prove injurious. In this connection it may be noted that the Board of Trade secured from the National Government the designation of Oakland as a port of entry, thereby enabling shippers to land importations from abroad direct at our wharves or railway depots. The encouraging of mercantile interests and the fostering of home products, are especially advocated. An exposition of Alameda County products, originated by the management of the Board, developed the fact that our manufactures and soil products, our artists' and mechanics' handiwork, were several times in excess of all preconceived ideas. The Board has now in hand, in cooperation with the Merchants' Exchange, the preparation of an exhibit of home products to be maintained permanently ; and in this same line of work, the Board will continue to cooperate with and support the promoters of the Annual Exposition of Home Products in Alameda County. Another important matter which the Board of Trade has in hand is the locating of a public park. This movement has been ad\-ocated and fostered by the Board of Trade until the project has reached a stage which will lead to the immediate location and purchase of a magnificent piece of land of five hundred to one thousand acres. Commissioners have been selected to secure such a tract of land for park purposes. This has been a theme long under discussion by the people of Oakland. It is designed to provide the people of Alameda County a public park which may prove a source of pride and pleasure ; where all may find recreation and freedom from the cares of toil or business. Near by the city of Oakland are numerous natural parks which require but comparatively slight expense to convert into resorts of rare sylvan beauty. The gently rising foot- hills immediately north and east of the city are intersected with ravines through which trickle the waters of pellucid brooks; native bushes and wild ferns clothe these partly- wooded dells in almost perpetual greenery; native song- birds flit from bough to bough; tropical and semi-tropical plants and shrubs grow here in the open air without fear of frost. Such a site the Board of Trade hopes to soon see presented for the people' s use as a park. The officers, directors, and members of the Board of Trade regard the past experiences of the organization as a groundwork for future usefulness. They believe the Board has only commenced its work. It is an active body of men, earnest in their desire to help develop this -city and county. It is prepared and organized to furnish any information respecting the material resources of Oakland and Alameda County. Eleven years of experience has given the Board a vantage- ground in this regard which is of inestimable value. So equipped, the Board of Trade turns its eyes to the future, willing to aid at all times in the upbuilding of the city of Oakland and county of Alameda. Copies of this issue of "Facts and Figures " will be furnished to those who address the Board's Secretary, Mr. Craigie Sharp, Exposition Building. 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