' }Mi^^ii^^ ;; MEN AND B/ENT£ BY GEORGE-H-TI N KHAF«1 ILLUSTRATE-D fj^mirwwW^ ■"'i:#s... Class. Book. F2GI i C-^' :J CoRyilghtF "^fi COPYRIGHT DEPOSro GEO. H. TINKHAM CALIFORNIA MEN AND EVENTS TIME 1769-1890 By J GEORGE H. TINKHAM Author of "History of Stockton," "Monterey County, "San Benito County" and "Half Century of Odd Fellowship." PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION EDITION 1915 I Copyright applied for, 1915, by Geo. H. Tinkham Print by the Record Publishing Company, Stockton, California Halftones, by The Sunset Photo Engraving Co., from old prints. WAR 13 1915 K DEDICATION To my Father and Mother, pioneers of 1849 and 1853, this history is sacredly dedi- cated, and to the Pioneers, in general, of whom Joaquin Miller said, "The cowards stayed at home, and the weaklings fell by the way- side". PREFACE In this little volume the compiler has made no effort to write in the so-called*ltterary style. He has simplj- attempted to record, in a brief and an interesting man- ner, a few of the many e't'ents in. the days forever past. To save space, he has crowded many of the impor- tant incidents into tlie notes and so do not overlook the notes. Authorities, yes. he has not forg-otten tliem. Tiie author, during the past thirty years, has read or glanced through, everything that "came his way" regarding California history. Nearly all of the events that have l)een written, save from books of individual experiences, have been taken from Bancroft's, and Hittell's histories, and from Span- ish and pioneer manuscripts. They are the original sources of general information. The autiior occupies a rather unique or peculiar position. It is between the twilight and the sun-rise, so to speak. In boyhood he mingled with the pioneers. He attended the public schools and grew to manhood, with other pioneer sons. He has seen the majority of the '49ers pass on to the land whose streets are paved with gold. And he now sees a second generation of native sons, spring into birth and active life. Hence enjoying the greater part of his days in California atmosphere, he knows whereof he writes. PRAYER BOOK CROSS In Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, this cross was erected in commemoration of the first religious service on the Pacific Coast. It was the gift of Geo. W. Childs of Philadelphia, and cost $10,000. With imposing cere- mony, it was unveiled January 1, 1894. CALIFORNIA'S PASTORAL DAYS, 1769-1834 LEADING EVENTS Beginning of Civilization. Founding of Missions. Slavery of Indians. Priestly Rule. Crude Form of Government. Plenty of Food and Drink. Peace, Contentment and Happiness. Mexican Independence. Freedom of Indians. Agriculture and Horticulture. II ILLUSTRATIONS Page Prayer Book Cross 10 Carmelo Mission 14 Serra's Monument 25 Father Junipero Serra 25 Gen. M. G. Vallejo and Wife 37 Ex-Governor Pico, Jose Castro 37 Christopher Carson 50 John C. Fremont, General Kearny 50 John W. Marshall 66 Captain John A. Sutter 66 Sutter's Mill 70 Sacramento, 1850 77 Sutter's Fort 87 Colton Hall • 96 Spanish Old Custom House 96 Stockton in 1849 113 San Francisco in 1850 113 State Capitol, 1854 179 Vigilance Committee Rooms 179 William M. Gwin 198 David S. Terry 198 David S. Broderick 198 James Woods 202 John Swett 202 Bishop Kip 202 Thomas Starr King 218 Edward D. Baker 218 Ruel C. Gridley 218 Home of Charles M. Weber 224 Ex-Governor Peter H. Burnett 240 Ex-Governor Henry H. Haight 240 Senator Leland Stanford 240 Stage Coach and Big Wagon 283 Driving the Golden Spike 285 George C. Pardee 308 Hiram W. Johnson 308 Wm. C. Ralston 312 Bank of California 312 John W. Bidwell 322 12 CONTENTS CHAPTERS 1 — Following the Padres. 2 — The Spanish Conquest. 3 — Mexican California Events. 4 — Conquest of California. 5 — The Cry of Gold. 6 — On to California. 7 — Organization of State. 8 — -Administration of Bigler. 9 — Commercial Events. 10 — The Foreigner and the Slave. 11 — Crimes and Criminals. 12— Exciting Events, 1850-60. 13— Political Events, 1854-56. 14 — Pulpit, Press and School. 15 — California During the War. 16 — Political Revolutions. 17 — Chinese vs. Kearneyism. 18 — The Railroad Age. 19 — Unplaced Events. 13 CARMELO MISSION The Home and Burial Place of Father Junipero Serra. CHAPTER I. FOLLOWING THE PADRES The desire for fame, power and wealth is one of the strongest ambitions of individual and nation. And in the last half of the fifteenth cen- tury we find the four most powerful kingdoms — Spain, Russia, France and England — either through conquest or discovery, seeking new lands. Spain had come into the possession of the entire Pacific coast, because of the discoveries of Balboa (1513) and Cabrillo (1519). The navi- gator last named sailed as far north as Cape Men- docino. All nations acknowledged the Spanish claim and her title was undisturbed until 1580. Then the famous English navigator, Sir Francis Drake, claimed all of the land north of San Fran- cisco bay for Elizabeth, his Queen, on account of his explorations. Two years previous Drake sailed into the north Pacific, in his ship, the Golden Hind. He captured many Spanish gal- leons, as they sailed from Manila to Panama, laden with valuable treasure. Having filled his ship with vast wealth, he sailed northward and expected to reach England through the reported northwest passage. The strait of Annan was a myth. Turning southward, he sailed along the California coast, where he discovered and an- chored in the bay now known as Drake's bay. He landed and took possession of the soil in the name of England's Queen. While on shore Fletcher, the chaplain, on June 24th, 1579, held divine service. This was the first religious serv- ice on the Pacific coast. The British Queen paid no attention to the new land and Alta (upper) California remained 15 16 MEN AND EVENTS unexplored, almost forgotten, for nearly two hun- dred years. In the meantime Raja (lower) California had been settled and explored by the Jesuits. They had occupied the peninsula since 1697, but in 1767 they were driven from the soil by the govern- ment. The Franciscans were put in full posses- sion of all the missions and Jesuits' property. In the following year (1768) King Phillip learned that the Russians had crossed Behring's straits and were encroaching upon Spanish soil, for Spain claimed all the territory south of the strait of Juan de Fuca. Immediately the King got busy. He com- manded Jose Galvez, the Inspector General of Mexico, to colonize upper California. According to national law, all claimants to land must occupy the soil. The government could not compel citizens to immigrate to the new land and Galvez sought the assistance of Father Juni- pero Serra, then president of the California mis- sions The good padre quickly assented, as he was anxious to carry the gospel banner to the Indians. In the colonization work it was agreed that the Franciscans were to found the missions, at- tend to the religious work, and have full control of the Indian converts. The government was to found pueblos (towns), presidios (barracks) and have full charge of the military and the civil power. They were to guard all mission property and, when required, provide a military escort to the friars. In carrying out so large a work Galvez planned four expeditions to San Diego bay, two overland and two by water. The vessels were to be loaded with agricultural implements, seeds of various kinds, food supplies, and sufficient church furni- ture to found two missions. The land parties were to take with them cattle and pack animals. After much preliminary work, the ship San Carlos was fitted out. Father Serra blessed the vessel, the crew and the flag. Leaving La Paz January 9th, 1769, she arrived at her destination April 14th. It was a voyage of suffering and death. The companion ship of the San Carlos, FOLLOWING THE PADRES 17 the San Antonio, sailed from Cape St. Lucas February 15th, making a quick trip and arriving April 14th at San Diego. The first land party, that in command of Captain Rivera y Moncada, reached their new home May 14th. March 24th they left Yelecata. In command of Caspar de Portola, then Governor of California, the second land party on March 9th left Loreto. President Serra accompanied this party. After four months of travel they arrived July 1st, and were greeted with salutes and cheers, a party going out to escort the Governor into camp. There had been much suffering and loss of life. In the four expeditions 219 soldiers, In- dians and sailors started for San Diego ; 126 only survived. On the morrow, however, July 2nd, this little pilgrim band celebrated a solemn high mass. The "Te Deum Laudamus" was sung, accompanied by salvos of musketry. Mourning not for their dead nor delaying any longer than necessary the work of the church, the zealous padres immediately began prepara- tion for the founding of the two missions, one at San Diego, the other at Monterey. The ship San Jose, loaded with supplies, was despatched to Monterey harbor. Unfortunately, however, she was lost on the voyage. The mission of San Diego de Alcala, July 14th, 1769, was founded by Father Serra. Gov- ernor Portola was then on his march northward, accompanied by Fathers Crespi and Gomez and 64 soldiers, muleteers and Indians, he having left the harbor July 12th. In this famous march, now twice celebrated by San Francisco, his des- tination was Monterey bay. Portola had neither guide nor map, but he believed he could locate the harbor by the description of it as given by the navigator Viscaino. This famous navigator discovered the bay in 1602 (a). But when the Governor reached Monterey he found no vessel at anchor. Thinking the harbor was farther north, he continued his journey. Three months later the party was in great dis- tress. Their supply of food was fast diminishing. Starvation seemed not far distant. While trav- eling in what is now San Mateo county, Novem- 18 MEN AND EVENTS her 2nd, a few soldiers clim1)ing a hill to look for. deer discovered on the east a big body of water, San Francisco bay. Immediately they rejoiced, for they believed that they had found Monterey bay, and soon would have a supply of food. They hastened back and reported. The next day the entire party traveled along the shore looking for the ship San Jose. The In- dians by signs communicated with the party. They understood the savages to say a vessel lay near the ocean. Traveling to what is now the Cliff house, they saw and recognized in the north Point Reyes and San Francisco (Drake's) bay (b). They now returned to San Diego (January, 1770), and announced their arrival by the firing of guns. In the meantime events were very discourag- ing in the mission. There had been no prog- ress. The Indians had attacked the Spaniards, badly wounding the blacksmith and killing a boy. The food supply was fast disappearing, (iovernor Portola commanded that March 20th the entire party should return to La Paz unless relief came. Fathers Serra and Crespi declared that they would not leave San Diego, but would take their chances of life with the Indians. All (a) Father Ascension, who was with the Viscaino expedition in 1603, celebrated mass in this historic spot. Again was mass celebrated in 1769 by the Por- tola party. Father Serra was the third padre to there celebrate mass. A small wooden cross hearing upon its arms the date June 3. 1770, together with the small oak tree, stood there for many years. I saw it in 1884. Later tlie tree and cross were cut down and a full-sized marble statue of Father Serra was erected. There is a similar statue in Golden Gate park. Mrs. Jane L. Stanford also erected at Monterey, upon the summit of the hill, a very handsome and costly marble memo- rial. It represents Father Serra stepping from a boat to the beach, hearing in his arms a large cross. (b) This bay (Bodega), together with Point Reyes, was discovered in 1595 by Sebastian Ceremon, a Ma- nila pilot. He named the bay San Francisco and the point, Reyes. Hence the misunderstanding of the navigators and padres in 1769. They confounded the two names and believed that the soldiers had re-discov- ered the bay named by Ceremon. FOLLOWING THE PADRES 19 of the padres began a novena. or nine clays of prayer. The novena ended on the evening of March 19th. Strange to say, the following morning a ship was seen upon the ocean and a few hours later the San Antonio entered port laden with food supplies. The ship's captain brought goods news to Father Serra ; Galvez commanded that a mis- sion be founded at Monterey immediately. The San Antonio was sent on with food and church furniture. The party (April 17th, 1770) again began their march for the historic spot, and, arriving May 24th, ' they camped on Carmelo bay. Fresh water was plentiful there. The bay vvas so named in honor of the three barefooted Carmelite padres who accompanied the \^iscaino expedition. As soon as the vessel arrived the entire party moved down to the beach at Monterey. "Be- neath an oak tree near the water's edge," wrote Father Crespi, "a brush wood shelter was erected. An altar was arranged and the bells suspended. The celebration began with the loud ringing of the bells. Then President Serra, vested with alb and stole, the entire company knelt and sung the hymn of the day, 'Venite Creator Spiritus' (Come, Holy Spirit). The President then blessed the water and the great cross which had been erected. He then sprin- kled the shore and all of the surroundings with holy water 'in order to drive away all infernal enemies.' Thereupon High Mass was celebrated at the altar of Our Lady. At the close of the mass 'Salve Regina' (Hail to Our Queen) was sung, and the whole ceremony closed with the 'Te Deum Laudamus' (Thee. O God, We Praise)." In this manner (June 3rd. 1769) was the mis- sion San Carlos founded. It is now in use as the Catholic church of Monterey. Father Serra was not pleased with the mission location. There was no fertile soil in that localitv. and it was too near the soldiers' barracks either for the best interests of the Indian converts or the young women. Permission was given by the King, and in November, 1770, the mis.sion proper 20 MEN AND EVENTS wa^ removed to the beautiful Carmelo valley. A temporary building erected upon a high knoll was used as a mission until 1791. The corner- stone of the present mission was laid in 1793. Four years later the church was dedicated, (c). Father Serra was a great admirer of Francis de Assisi, founder of the Franciscans, and he was anxious to have a mission founded in his honor. When Galvez named the mission to be found- ed. Father Serra exclaimed : "Is there to be no mission to our Father Saint Francis?" Galvez replied : "If St. Francis desires a mission, let him show us his port and we will build one there." Serra, learning of the discovery of the bay, believed that God had guided the Portola party to that point, and he declared: "Our Father St. Francis has made known to us his port, and we will build a mission there." Serra knew not that the port was on the north side of the Golden Gate (d), a point inaccessible to them ; so they transferred the name to the present San Francisco bay. Fathers Cambon and Palou, the latter a very intimate friend of Serra's, were sent to San Francisco in June, 1776, to find a mission site. They selected the spot then known as the Do- lores lagoon (a spring of water) having there (c) This mission ijuilding was the largest and best in California. Its walls were built of a soft yellow sandstone, found in that vicinity, which hardens in the air. The cement between the blocks was made of soft mud mixed with finely powdered sea shells. The roof timbers were constructed of small oak trees, transported from the hill upon the shoulders of the Indians. The roof timbers were fastened together with nails imported from Spain. As the supply was limited, the padres made use of long narrow strips of cattle hide. The roof covering was of sun-dried brick, oval shape. Stone steps gave access to the two square built towers, the one a bell tower, the other opening into the choir loft. The halftone shows the old mission in its decay, before it was restored by a redwood shingled roof. (d) The Golden Gate was so named in 1844 by John C. Fremont. FOLLOWING THE PADRES 21 been found in 1773. As the day set apart for the founding of the mission drew near, padres, sol- diers and Indians assembled at the presidio. It had been several months established. When all things were ready the company marched along the winding horse path from presidio to mission. The distance was about h\e miles. An Indian led the procession, bearing a banner of the cross. Behind him marched a second convert carrying an image of St. Francis, raised high upon a pole. On arrival, Father Palou planted and blessed a large cross. He then celebrated high mass, as- sisted by three other padres, who had come north from Monterey. The ceremony closed with a discourse upon the life of St. Francis. A temporary church was erected and thus used until 1787. In 1795 the present mission building was completed. Until 1888 the old landmark was a place of worship. In that year the present modern edifice was built. Remark- able as it may appear, the great fire of 1906 de- stroyed not this venerable mission. Upon reaching the edifice the flames suddenly changed their course. An event very unusual took place in this state November 24, 1913, for the Governor, Hiram W. Johnson, declared it a legal holiday in honor of "the 200th. anniversary of Father Junipero Serra. It was a commendable honor, for Junipero Serra was California's first and most remarkable bene- factor. Born on the Isle of Majolica, Spain, November 24th, 1713, he at the age of 17 joined the Fran- ciscans. Serra studied for the priesthood, and in 1749 he sailed for Mexico, there to labor with the friars of the San Fernando college. He was assigned to missionary work among the Indians of Serra Gorda. In 1768 the Franciscans were placed in possession of the peninsula missions, and Father Serra was appointed president. He arrived at Loreto- April 1st, 1769, and re- mained in full charge of the Alta California missions until 1784. Then 71 years of age, he was rapidly failing in health. The death of his intimate friend, Father Crespi ; the news that the college was unable to send him more padres for 22 MEN AND EVENTS the founding- of new missions, and the fact that his authority to confirm converts ended in July hastened his death. He died August 28th, 1784, and was buried in the "sanctuary fronting the altar of Our Lady Dolores." It' was thus re- corded in the church record (e). Two days previous to his death, although very feeble, he insisted on taking communion before the altar. There he knelt during the entire serv- ice, and he made confession to Father Palou. At his death the bells were tolled. Weeping Indians came and placed flowers upon his body and half- hour guns were fired at the presidio, Monterey. Father Serra was a religious fanatic. His entire thought and talk was of a religious nature. Fxtremely austere in habit, he always slept upon a board. He would wear neither shoes nor ^tockings, sandals only keeping his feet from the earth. He would drink no wine, and ate only the plainest kinds of food. He was also extremely penitent. Often he would inflict self-punish- ment, after the manner of St. Francis. And Father Palou, his biographer, wrote that Serra at times would beat himself with a stone or chain upon the breast, while in the pulpit, until, bleeding and bruised, he sank to the floor uncon- scious. Sometimes he blistered his flesh with a burning torch. The missions of Alta California were all planned by the padres, the Indians performing the manual work. They were located in the most fertile spots along the coast, the padres being good judges of soil. Some of the missions had a crude system of irrigation. They were about a day's journey apart, and the well known pathway over which the friars trod is now known as "el camino real," the king's highway. In regard to the mission inhabitants, they were all Indians, and in charge of priests, two (e) Some thirty years ago Father Cassova was in charge of the Monterey parish. In looking over some oUl records he found the register of the death of and burial of Father Serra "on the gospel side." To prove the record correct, workmen were called. Digging at the recorded spot, they found the bodies of Fathers Serra, Crespi and Lasuen. The padre last named was the successor of President Serra. FOLLOW] XG THE PADRES 23 padres to each mission. In number they varied, recording to the zeal of the fathers in charge. For instance, La Soledad at one time had 493, San Antonio 1,046 and La Piirissima L500 men, women and children. To obtain converts the soldiers were sent out into the surrounding country to capture and drive in the wild Indians. On one occasion they were unsuccessful. General M. G. Vallejo was sent out with a company of soldiers to bring in a band of Indians. The savages, however, were commanded by a chief named Stanislaou, who was a runaway mission neophyte, and, making a severe fight on the vStanislaus river, Vallejo was compelled to retreat. Life in the mission was somewhat similar to that of the slave in the south. The padre was master and overseer and the Indian was obliged to go or come as he commanded. He was awak- ened at daylight and compelled to attend mass. Then breakfast was eaten. From sunrise until eleven o'clock the males labored in the fields, sowing or reaping grain ; in the orchards, culti- vating vines and fruit trees ; on the pasture lands guarding stock, and in the mission build- ings manufacturing clothing, blankets and vari- ous other goods. The women also labored, en- gaged in housework, making blankets, sheets, tablecloths and towels. After they labored until five o'clock the angelus bell rang out at sunset. For a moment the padres and Indians stood with heads bowed, then to church they hastened for evening prayers. The women of the mission were confined in a "mojerio," nunnery, and they were closely guarded by an old female Indian. The padres encouraged the marriage of the young girls to the soldiers. Hence it was that many of the dusky maidens married at a young age, twelve years, just to obtain their freedom. Every per- son, Indian or Mexican, upon conversion was baptized. Each new born child was also bap- tized into the church and the name of every bap- tized person was placed upon the church register. In their splendid work for California the mis- sion fathers were prosperous and content. The 24 MEN AND EVENTS missions were not only self-supporting, but they exported hides, tallow and foodstuffs. Wine and brandy they also exported in considerable quantity, and in 1830 San Fernando mission alone manufactured 2,000 gallons each of brandy and wine. Their property was principally stock. But in 1826 the four missions, Soledad, San Juan Baptista, Carmelo and San Antonio, all now in Monterey county, had $136,000 worth of food- stuffs, 220.000 cattle, 18,000 horses, 45,000 hogs and 240,000 sheep. The independence of Mexico in 1821 sounded their death knell. The Mexican constitution de- clared the freedom of all citizens, but the polit- ical power of the church succeeded in keeping the missions intact until 1834. First the church and then the anti-church party ruled the govern- ment. In 1833, however, the anti-churchists, in power, passed a law secularizing the mission. They appointed as Governor of California Jose Figueroa, himself a half-Indian. Following his instructions in 1834, the mission Indians were given their freedom. With astonishing rapidity the missions crum- bled. The buildings began their decay. The stock was stolen or wandered astray, and in a few years nothing was left save the fast falling walls, rotten timbers and broken tiles. This sudden destruction of California's first civili-za- tion may be shown by a single example, that of San Diego de Alcala. In 1831 the mission reg- ister recorded the names of 1,506 Indians. At that time the fathers had 1,196 horses, 8,822 head of cattle and 16,581 sheep. Twelve years later, 1843, there was left not an Indian and 48 horses and 110 head of cattle. In that year the Mexican government sold the missions and the remaining mission property to private individuals at ridiculously low prices. The United States boundary commission of 1854, of which Edward M. Stanton, Secretary of State under President Lincoln, was a member, restored the mission churches and surrounding land to the Archbishop of the Catholic church, Joseph Ale- many. ^ pi 3 ^ 2 n 3 c 0) n 3 3 P-2 o 3 CALIFORNIA'S PASTORAL DAYS. 1769-1834. Leading Events. Beginning of Civilization. Founding of Missions. Slavery of Indians. Priestly Rule. Crude Form of Government. Plenty of Food and Drink. Peace, Contentment and Happiness. Mexican Independence. Freedom of Indians. Agriculture and Horticulture. CHAPTER II. SPAIN COLONIZES CALIFORNIA. The King of Spain had long desired a harbor on the western coast where the Manila galleons could obtain wood and water. When he learned of the discovery of San Francisco bay he com- manded that it be explored and that a presidio be founded there. Lieutenant Ayala was direct- ed to explore the bay. Sailing from Monterey July 14, 1774, in the San Carlos, on the evening of the second day he entered the Golden Gate, (a) The ship was anchored ofif what is now known as Black Point. The party remained in the harbor nearly forty days, and Ayala explored the waters as far east as the mouth of the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers (b). The presidio, or barracks, was to be the quar- ters of the soldiers and their families ; for it was decreed that all of the soldiers must be married men with families, healthy and robust , and likely to lead regular lives. Thus they would set a good example to the natives. They must be recruited in Mexico. Single maidens could accompany the soldiers, provided they were will- ing to marry the single soldiers and bring up families: Captain Anza was sent to Mexico to find re- (a) This was the first vessel to enter the San Fran- cisco harbor. Some years later the San Carlos was stranded on the mud flats of San Francisco bay, and in our time workmen digging at the corner of Clay and Battery streets found the old hull deeply em- bedded in the mud. Spikes from the old relic are now on exhibition in Golden Gate park museum. (b) These rivers were discovered in 1772 by Father Crespi and Lieutenant Fages. At this time they were walking along the Contra Costa shore looking for a crossing to Port San Francisco. 29 30 MEN AND EVENTS emits. He succeeded in persuading 207 soldiers and colonists to make California their future home. In (Jctober, 1775, they left Tubac, Mex- ico, and traveling overland, March 10, 1776, they arrived at Monterey. Several weeks later, start- ing June 17, Lieutenant Morgan in charge of 17 soldiers, each with large families, together with seven married colonists, journeyed to San Fran- cisco. They arrived June 27 and camped near :.; spring of water, which is now the corner of Howard and Valencia streets. The following (lay the party moved to the bay shore to the point now known as Fort Mason. A few days later the San Carlos arrived with supplies and building material. The following month, Sep- tember 17, the presidio was dedicated. The ceremony included the celebration of mass, ac- companied by cannon salutes Presidios were founded at different places along the coast (c). They were so located as to protect the padres from Indian attacks, and also protect the coast from a foreign invasion. The presidio points were Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey and San Francisco. Pueblos or towns were also established. They were located at the presidio points, also San Diego and San Jose. The pueblos were governed by certain rules and regulations prescribed by the King (d). California was an unknown paradise to all the world save the Spaniards until 1785. In that year the French diplomat Jean Galaup de la Pe- rouse, in his exploring expedition around the world, arrived September 14 at Monterey. He remained ten days and was cordially received by the mission fathers. Several scientists accom- panied the expedition, and during that time they (c) The presidios were all built alike. The walls usually were built of adobe, twelve feet in height and four feet in thickness. Their length and width was from 300 to 400 feet. A cannon was planted at the corner of each of the four walls and at the only en- trance a fifth cannon was set. Inside the inclosure family houses, a church, padres' home, storehouses and corrals for stock were built. SPAIN COLONIZES CALIFORNIA 31 took copious notes of the flora and fauna of Mon- terey and sketches ni the mission. Eight years later (November 14, 1792) George Vancouver, an luiglishman, sailed into San Francisco hay. During his stay he visited the Santa Clara mission. He was the first for- eigner to travel that distance inland. A few weeks later he visited Monterey. Two years later he returned and was coldly received. The S])aniards wanted to know why he so quickly returned. The Russian ship Rurick, in command of Otto Kotsebue, touched at San Francisco October 2, 1816. It was another world exploring party. One of the scientists, Johann Eschscholtz, dis- covered the golden poppy. It was named esch- scholtzia after its discoverer. It is now the state flower. In the latter part of the century the merchant- men and other vessels sailing in the north Pa- cific began touching at the California ports for wood and water. The first vessel to arrive was the United States man-of-war Otter, Captain Ebenezer Dorr. She carried six cannon and a crew of twenty-six men. Entering the port of Monterey, her captain was supplied with wood and water. When ready to sail he asked per- mission of Governor Borica to land eleven Eng- lish sailors who had secretly boarded his vessel at Botany bay. Australia. The Governor re- fused his consent. It was a violation of Spanish law to land any foreigners. The shrewd Yankee captain, however, that night forced the sailors at the point of a pistol to go ashore. He (d) Each colonist must live within the bounds of the pueblo, which was six miles square. The govern- ment provided him with a house, lot, farming land, seeds, agricultural implements, horses, mules and cows, two of each kind. The animals were pastured on common lands. In return the farmer paid the gov- ernment from the profits of his rancho. After the debt was paid he must sell his produce to the soldiers at a fair profit, if they wished to buy. Each colonist was compelled to build a house and irrigating ditches. He must do his part in working on the roads and streets, keeping them in condition for travel. He must hold himself in readiness at all times for military duty. ^2 MEN AND EVENTS then speedily put to sea. Borica was very angry. Making the best of the situation, how- ever, he put the men to work as carpenters and l)lacksmiths. Their wages were 19 cents a day. Spain was at all times suspicious of foreigners and the Californians were prohibited from trad- ing with foreign vessels as an almost prohibitive custom house tax was imposed. This, however, did not prevent the custom house officers from receiving bribes, nor did it prevent the citizens from secretly buying goods. The smuggling of all kinds of goods was extensively carried on under both the Spanish and Mexican govern- ments. The first vessel to engage in this illegal traffic was the Alexander, Captain Brown. He entered San Diego harbor February 26, 1803, giving as his excuse his supply of water and wood was limited. The commandante gave him water and ])ermission to cut wood, but he seemed to re- quire an extra large amount, for his men were eight days at work. During this time the cap- tain was also busy. With the natives he was exchanging goods for otter skins. He suc- ceeded in getting 490 fine ones. Then the cus- tom house officer caught him and confiscated the entire stock. The skins were stored in the government warehouse on the beach. Brown was ordered to leave the port. He sailed directly for San Francisco bay. The second ship entering that port was the Eliza, 1799, Captain Rowen. A few days after the sailing of the Alexan- dria (March 17, 1803) the Lelia Byrd, Captain Shaler, entered the San Diego port. The cap- tain came for the express purpose of seizing the otter skins taken from Captain Brown, Shaler having heard of the afifair at San Bias. The Lelia Byrd, 175 tons, loaded with general mer- chandise, rounded Cape Horn, and, touching at the ports of Mexico, exchanged $10,000 worth of goods for 1,600 otter skins. The custom house officer with an escort of five soldiers boarded the vessel. The captain made known his wants, and the officer promised to furnish wood and water the following day. Rodriguez, the lieutenant, left the ship, leaving SPAIX COLOXIZES CALIFORNIA 33 the guard on board. Shaler in conversation with the sergeant, punctuating his remarks with coin, learned that over 1,000 skins lay in the warehouse exclusive of those taken from the Alexander. This was indeed a rich prize, and that night Shaler set out two boats to get the lav of the land. One of the boats, containing a mate and two sailors, was captured. The pris- oners, strongly bound, were left upon the beach under a guard of three dragoons. Early in the morning First Mate Cleveland, accompanied by four sailors, each armed with a brace of pistols, easily released their shipmates and rowed rapidly to the ship, which immediately set sail for the open sea, with the Spanish soldiers on board. The gunners at the fort, seeing that the enemy was about to escape, fired a 9-pound ball across the ship's bow. The ship then answered with a broadside from her 6-pounders. Cannon balls rattled lively in the rigging of the vessel, but she ran beyond the range of the battery without receiving any serious injury. The captain then landed the terrified guard upon the beach and put to sea. So happy were they because of their release, they shouted "Vivas los Americanos!" (Hurrah for the Americans). The Russians, in 1803, crossing Behring straits, settled at Sitka, Alaska. The country was cold, barren and unproductive and the colonists came near starving to death. They were saved, how- ever, by the timely arrival of the American ship Juno, 206 tons, loaded with foodstuffs and other goods. The colonists bought the ship and cargo for $8,000 and the provisions gave them a partial relief. As Alaska was then a desolate, un- producing soil, the Russian Ambassador, Resa- noff. sailed to San Francisco in the Juno in April, 1805. His object was to open up trade with the Spaniards. As he entered San Fran- cisco bay, April 5, and attempted to sail past F'ort San Joaquin, the sentinel on duty shouted in Spanish. "What ship?" "Russian." was the reply. "Let go your anchor!" "Si, senor; si, senor!" The wise captain ran out of range of the old cannon ; then he cast anchor. 34 MEN AND EVENTS The Ambassador was accompanied to San Francisco by the famous naturalist, Langsdorff. ,J\s the two men stepped from the boat to the shore they were received by Commandante Luis Arguello, with an escort of 20 dragoons, and Father Uria. Langsdorff, speaking in the Latin tongue, explained the mission of his party. This explanation was satisfactory to the command- ante. Later the Ambassador and his officers were entertained by Luis Arguello and his family. Governor Arrillaga at Monterey was immedi- ately informed of the ])resence of the Russians. He came up from the capital on horseback and in the French language greeted Resanoff. The trading proposition was discussed, and although ResanoiT was a suave talker and a keen diplo- mat, he could not persuade the Governor to per- mit any violation of the Spanish law prohibiting trade with foreign nations. Even the clink of coin failed to swerve him from his duty. The Commandante Arguello was a close friend of the Governor. Learning this, the shrewd ambassador began making love to the Commandante's daughter, and succeeded in winning her hand in marriage. Through Ar- guello, Resanofif then succeeded with the Gov- ernor and an exchange of goods was permitted. Resanofif, unloading the cargo of the ship, took in exchange such goods as he required — beans, peas, tallow, butter, flour and wheat — $5,000 in value. Sailing from the harbor May 21, he fired a salute while passing the fort. The guns of the fort answered. Russia even in that early day had no fear of Spain, and in 1809 a company of Russians, land- mg at Bodega bay, during a six months' hunting and trapping season obtained over 20,000 otter skins. Kuskofif, the leader, also explored the country with the object in view of establishing there a Russian settlement. In January, 1810, he again landed at Bodega, accompanied by 95 Russians, 25 of them being mechanics of various trades. They erected log cabins and block- houses for defense, and lived there and flourished for thirty years (e). At that time, September, SPAIN COLONIZES CALIFORNIA 35 1841, they packed their household eoods in ships and returned to their native land. They sold over $30,000 worth of property to John A. Sutter. In the collection was the famous Sutter cannon, now in the museum. Golden Gate park. We are now approaching that time when the Mexican nation will no longer shout "Hail to the King!" The last Spanish Governor was Lieutenant Pablo Vincente de Sola. He arrived at the capital, Monterey, August 30, 1815, and priests, soldiers and Indians came from all parts of the territory to welcome him. A celebration and reception was given him on the second day of his arrival. The twenty padres, forming in procession, marched from the mission to the presidio, led by native musicians and singers. On arrival the friars sang a "Te Deum" because of the safe voyage of the Governor from Mexico. Then followed a mihtary review on the plaza. Sola then addressed the troops and was greeted with "Viva! Viva los Sola!" The social reception was the most pleasing as the Governor was quite a "ladies' man." The women took charge of the executive mansion, a one-story adobe house, and as the Governor arrived he was welcomed by twenty young and pretty senoritas. Each girl in turn kissed the Governor's hand and received from him gifts of bon-bons. An address of welcome was then given by Dona Magdalena Estudillo, the wife of the commandante. The reception concluded with a feast. The tables were laden with various (e) General Marino G. Vallejo visited Fort Ross in 1833. bearing instructions from the Governor de- manding that the Russians leave the territory. He found a happy, prosperous community of nearly three hundred persons, men, women and children. They en- joyed all the comforts of life, and, the high ofhcials, its luxuries. They had expensive furniture, a fine library, a piano, and the music of the best composers. The colonists raised all kinds of stock and fowl and har- vested wheat from 20,000 acres of fenced land. They had in bearing peach, cherry, prune and apple trees, also grape vines. They manufactured their own lum- ber with a pit and whipsaw, tanned their own leather, ground their own flour and made all kinds of iron tools. 36 MEN AND EVENTS kinds of meats and game, olives from San Diego, oranges from San Gabriel, and the famous "oven fruit" of San Antonio flour. The dishes were decorated with beautiful flowers from the gar- den of Felipe Garcia. After the banquet the militia, dressed in full costume, gave exhibitions of horsemanship. Then followed a bull and l>ear fight. The festival ended with a grand ball in the commandante's house, tendered to the Governor by the ladies of Monterey. In September, 1821, Mexico declared her inde- pendence of Spain. She established an imperial government, and Iturbide was declared Empe- ror, to be hailed as Augustin I. The news of the change in government was not known in California until February, 1822. The militia and the California junta (legislature) then assembled ;it Monterey and took the oath of allegiance to the new government. Then followed religious services and a sermon by Father Padres. The evening closed with illuminations, the firing of salutes and cheer.s — "Viva la independencia Mejicana !" ( Hurrah for the independence of Mexico). The citizens and the majority of the priests in mission and pueblo took the oath. Some padres, however, strong royalists, refused to take the oath of allegiance. They were ban- ished from the territory. Governor Sola, although he had boasted of his strong loyalty to Spain, turned traitor imm.edi- ately, and was rewarded. He was the first Mexi- can governor. His full name was Augustin Fer- nandez de San Vincente Sola. In August several flags of the new republic were brought to Cali- fornia by a high church official. Then the flag of Castile, which floated over the capitol and the custom house, was lowered and the standard of Mexico broken to the breeze The citizens and the militia again shouted "Viva la independen- cia ! — Viva el Emperor Augustin I !" It ended with a feast and a ball. Two years later the Mexicans dethroned their Emperor Iturbide and established a government similar in some re- spects to that of the United States. Reading from left to right: General Marino G. Vallejo; Mrs. Benicia Vallejo (after whom Benicia was named) ; ex-Governor Pio Pico and General Jose Castro. CHAPTER III. MEXICAN CALIFORNIA EVENTS. The Mexicans were intelligent enough to free their country from Spain, but they could not jjeacefully govern it. And during their twenty- five years' possession of California there was an almost continuous quarrel over civil and church affairs. One cause of trouble was the location of the capital. In February, 1825, the Imperial Con- gress appointed Jose Escheandia as Governor of Baja and Alta California. For convenience he selected San Diego as the capital seat. Monterey up to this time had always been the capital. When Luis Arguello, the retiring Governor, left Monterey to deliver the official documents to Escheandia he appointed no person as Governor. The council at Monterey, however, appointed Jose Estudillo Governor. There was a quarrel over the question of the capital, which continued for several months. The Congress then, to avoid all further dispute, appointed Manuel Victoria Governor. He selected Monterey as the capital seat. After a short time in power, however, he left California. Before his departure he appointed ex- Governor Escheandia as Governor. He returned to San Diego. Then Monterey rose up in arms. Captain V. Zamaro of that pueblo raised a force and declared himself Governor. Los Angeles now came into the fight. The "junta" of that town elected Pio Pico as Governor and congrat- ulated him on being "a son of the soil." Again, to settle the fight, the home government sent Jose Figueroa. Three years in office, Figueroa died at San Juan Baptista mission on September 29, 1835. Before his death the dying official appointed General Jose Castro, of Monterey, 38 ^ MEXICAN CALTFORXIA EVENTS 39 Go\eriK)r. The Los Angeles citizens refused to recognize Castro. Doing politics, they suc- ceeded in having their citizen, Nicholas Gut- terrez, appointed Governor. They also succeeded in having the Mexican Congress pass a law that henceforth Los Angeles should be the capital of the territory. The Los Angeles Governor was driven out of the country by Juan Baptista Alvarado and his army from Monterey. Alvarado was then pro- claimed Governor. San Diego and Los An- geles, joining forces, revolted and proclaimed Carlos Carrillo Governor. He declared Los Angeles the capital. On the day of his inau- guration. December 6, 1837, salutes were fired from the big cannon brought over from San Gabriel. "The city," says Guinn, "was illumi- nated for three successive evenings. Cards of invitation were issued to the people of the sur- rounding country to attend the ceremony, they to be dressed as decently as possible." As the Governor took the oath of office the artillery thundered forth a salute and the bells rang out a merry peal. The Governor made a speech, then all attended church, where high mass was celebrated and the "Te Deum" sung. An inau- guration ball closed the celebration. Outside the ballroom the tallow dips flared and flickered from the portico, bonfires blazed in the streets and cannon boomed salvos from the old plaza. Then Alvarado arose in his wrath and charged upon the happy Los Angeles people. He had as his assistants Jose Castro and Piu Pico, two of the best commanders in the terri- tory. Organizing an "army" of 200 men. by forced maVches they soon reached Los Angeles and routed the enemy. Soon after the surrender of the pueblo, word^ was received that the su- preme government had appointed Alvarado as Governor. At this time the Mexican government became alarmed at the rapid increase of foreigners. To check this immigration General Jose Mitchelto- rena was sent to California with an army of 400 men. They were recruited principally from the jails and streets of Mexico. 40 MEN AXD EVENTS Mitcheltorena came as Military Commandante and Governor of California. He landed at San Diego September, 1842. On his march to Mon- terey he was given an ovation all along the route. Los Angeles paid him high honors, for the peo- l)le believed the Governor would make that jHieblo the capital. The national fiesta, Septem- lier 16 (independence day), was postponed until his arrival. Then salutes were fired, speeches made and for three days the city was illuminated "that the people might give expres- sion to the joy that should be felt by all patriots in acknowledging so worthy a ruler." The gen- eral remained in Los Angeles nearly a month. The citizens were glad to see him go, for his army of criminals had been committing all man- ner of thievery and other crimes. The citizens of Monterey submitted to the criminal acts of this vagabond army until No- vember, 1844. Then they arose in rebellion. They formed an organization with Pio Pico and Jose Castro as leaders. "Drive out the cholos!" was their battle cry. The Governor quieted the tumult and promised to ship the criminals from the territory. He broke his ])romise, however, when he learned that Captain John A. Sutter with 100 men, the Sutter rifles, were coming to his assistance. Sutter, leaving the fort with his company January 1, 1845, joined the Mitchel- torena forces near the Salinas river. Marching south near the Cahuenga pass, February 28 they were confronted by General Castro. Each gen- eral was in command of about 400 men, includ- ing many foreigners. The leading Americans persuaded all of the foreigners to withdraw from the fight. This so crippled Mitcheltorena's army that after six hours' cannonading, in which no one was injured, he surrendered. A few weeks later Mitcheltorena and his 200 men were ban- ished from California. They marched from Los Angeles to San Pedro "with all the honors of war. trumpets playing and drums beating,' and embarked on the American brig Don Quixote. The citizens paid the captain, John Paty, $10,000 to carry the "army" to Mexico. The cause of Mitcheltorena's banishment was MEXICAN- CALIFORNIA EVENTS 41 liis encourag;ement and the importation of crimi- nals into California. That was not the first time that the government had sent criminals into the territory, and the citizens were determined to resent it. As early as 1816 a band of pirates burned and pillaged Monterey. The Governor, Pablo de Sola, had not sufficient soldiers to de- fend the capital, and the following year he re- quested the government to send him troops. Mexico sent him soldiers recruited from the lowest class of population. Sola shipped them back to Mexico as soon as possible. In 1829 the Mexican Secretary of Justice advised that all convicted ])risoners be deported to California m stead of Vera Cruz. Carrying out that advice, in 1829, 130 criminals were sent into the terri- tory. Early in the century hunters and tra])pers began moving westward ; hunting and trapping, they opened a pathway over the trackless desert and blazed a way across the mountains into the great San Joaquin valley. Ofttimes they dis- covered safer and shorter routes of travel. In fJter years Kit Carson. Jim Beckworth, Jim Bridger and others acted as guides to immigrat- ing parties. The trappers opened up trails and traveled to California, some by way of Santa Fe, New Mexico ; others followed along the Platte river. Fort Laramie, Fort Bridger, Salt Lake, the sink of the Humboldt, Truckee and Sutter's Fort. One at least, Joe Walker, entered Cali- fornia through the pass which bears his name. The first of these "men of the forest" to enter California was the trapper, Jedeid Smith. He arrived at San Diego in December. 1826, over the Santa Fe and Colorado route. Smith vi.sited the settlement for a supply of food, and having no passport, he was arrested by Governor Es- cheandia as a spy. At the request of several foreigners he was released. The following year Smith was killed bv Indians The same year. '1827. James Pattie. accom- panied by his son. a boy of 13 years, led a trap- ping party into California. Visiting San Diego, Pattie and the boy were arrested as spies While in prison the father died. The .son on 42 MEN AND EVENTS being released returned home. A minister, bearing a recital of the terrible suffering and hardships of the party, published a book. Presi- dent Monroe in his message to Congress gave a .'■hort sketch of the trapper's life. Ewel Young, another well known trapper, in 1828 came into the territory in command of thirty men. Young returned in 1830. accompanied by the trapper, William Wolfskill, later one of the first fruit growers of Southern California. The party came from Santa Fe. They brought with them a large quantity of closely woven colored Idankets. Mexican manufacture, which they pro- posed trading to the Indians for beaver and otter skins. The trappers were preceded by many for- eigners, who arrived in trading ships and whal- ing vessels. The first to arrive was the Scotch- man John Gilroy, after whom the town of Gilroy was named. Gilroy landed in 1814 from the brig Isaac Todd. He became a naturalized Mexican citizen, married a Spanish senorita and grew up with the country. Thomas Doak, arriving at Monterey in 1816, was the first American set- tler. There were fourteen foreigners in the country in 1822, coming from England, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and America. This number included Robert Livermore, after whom Liver- more valley was named. Among these foreigners there were a number of bright business men, who located in California for various causes. William Gale, an American, located at Mpnterey in 1821 for the purpose of opening a direct trade between Monterey and the Boston house of Bryan, Sturgis & Co. (a). This was the first foreign-established house in the territory. The next year, 1822, two English- men, W. E. P. Hartnell and William Richardson (b), the mate of a ship, located at Monterey. Hartnell came as the agent of the English firm, John Begg & Co., with a branch house in Lima, Peru. He was a fine scholar and readily spoke the English, Spanish and French languages. He (a) Up to this time all merchant_ ships touched at Chinese ports before coming to California. MEXICAN CALIFORNIA EVENTS 43 established a trading house and, marrying one of the Carrillos, raised a family of twenty-seven children. He was followed in 1824 by the' second American trader, Jacob Lesse (c). He was the first house builder in Yerba Buena, San Francisco, and the father of the first white child born there. David Spence. the Scotchman, came to superin- tend the meat-packing establishment of Begg & Co., 1826. He was naturalized, married, ob- tained a large tract of land in Monterey county and held several government offices. John Marsh, arriving overland in 1836, located on a grant at the foot of Mt. Diablo, the Devil's mountain (d). Pierre Sansevain, a French car- penter, in 1839 arrived direct from France. Years after he became one of the leading vineyardists and winemakers of California. In that year, 1839, W. D. M. Howard, after whom Howard street, San Francisco, was named, arrived by water, and John A. Sutter came overland. In 1840 there was considerable excitement in the western states regarding California. Many letters had been received by residents and the western press published articles and letters re- garding the land beyond the Rockies. They told of the warm climate, the fertile soil and the land free of cost. It created a desire among the ever restless rovers to emigrate to the far west. One of the first parties to cross the plains was the Captain Bartelson company of 32 persons. It included Mrs. Benjamin Kelsey and her child. (b) William Richardson became a naturalized citi- zen and married into a prominent Spanish family. He opened up a general merchandising business, but in 1833 he removed to Yerba Buena (good herb). His reason for the removal. Governor Figueroa made him a warden of that port. Richardson was also given a pueblo lot, 100 varas square. A vara is 33 1-3 feet. Richardson selected a lot on Dupont, now Grant street, midway between Clay and Washington. He carried on an extensive business, exchanging goods for hides, tallow and furs. Whaling ships now began entering the harbor in large numbers. They anchored in what is known as Richardson bay. The enterprising Eng- lishman removed to that point, and purchasing two sailing vessels of the mission fathers, began an ex- tensive business with the whaling ships. 44 MEX AND EVENTS josiah Belding, later judge of Santa Clara county ; John Bidwell, founder of Chico and later nominee for Governor and for President of the United States, and Charles M. Weber, founder of Stockton. The party left Kansas May 18, 1842. They reached John Marsh's rancho November 4. Then followed the J. B. Chiles party of 1843. It comprised 28 persons, male, female and children, and included Samuel J. Hensley, who became prominent as a steam- boat owner and San Jose capitalist, also Pierson B. Reading. In 1844 there was an immigration of 36 persons to California from Oregon. In that same year Elijah Stevens brought overland a ])arty of 30, including the famous Murphy fam- ily of San Jose. In 1846 the tide of immigration was moving towards the Pacific coast and, says Bancroft, "from May to July some 2,000 emigrants with about 500 teams of oxen, mules and horses plodded their way over the plains between Inde- (c) Jacob Leese first began business in Los An- geles. Governor Chico and many ship captains ad- vised him to remove to Yerba Buena, and in 1836 he located there. Selecting a lot 200 varas square on the southwest corner of the streets now known as Clay and Grant, he erected a small one-story building from lumber shipped from Santa Cruz. It was the first wood-built structure in California. It was com- pleted July 4, 1836, and in it was held the first 4th of July celebration. Upon one end of the roof floated the stars and stripes, and upon the opposite gable fluttered the Mexican standard. About sixty persons from across San Francisco bay came to the celebra- tion. Leese provided a dinner and the event closed with a dance, which continued throughout the follow- ing day. While in Santa Cruz Leese met the sister of General Vallejo and xA^pril 7, 1837, they were inar- ried. The following j'ear at Yerba Buena, April 14, 1838, a daughter was born, Rosalie, the first white child in California. The merchant was doing a $12,000 business and for accommodation he now erected a two-story building. He also took in as partners William Hinckley and Na- than Spear. After the gold discovery Leese, visiting China, purchased a costly lot of China goods and in the bay town opened up a magnificent bazaar. He 1:)uilt the first wharf at the spot known as Clark's point. Later he established a line of steamers between Yerba Buena, China and Japan. MEXICAN CALIFORNIA EVENTS 45 l)enclence, Missouri, Fort Laramie and Fort Bridger." Some were traveling to Oregon, others were bound for California. Among those traveling to California was the Donner party, comprising a company of ninety persons, over one-half being families. George Donner, the captain of the train, was quite wealthy, and, with an eye for business, he was carrying a stock of merchandise to California to be placed on sale. The company left the frontier. Independence (e), Missouri, in the spring of 1846. As they jour- neyed along, other emigrants joined their train as a protection against Indians. At one period the train was over two miles in length, and con- sisted of some 200 wagons and about 500 per- sons. The train divided Jvily 22, about one-half turning north for Oregon. On arrival at Wadsworth, now a railroad sta- tion, the Donner party was in a pitiful weak and starving condition. They had lost much time, twenty-two days, by the unfortunate mis- take of trying to pass through Hastings cut-off. The Indians had stolen many cattle and horses, and, leg-weary and weak from starvation, the animals could only travel slowly. Fortunately, at this time, however, William T. Stanton, ac- companied by two Indian guides, met the party with seven mules loaded with beef and flour, generously provided by Captain Sutter. Realiz- ing some weeks previous that the entire party would starve if relief were not obtained, Stanton (d) Regarding the origin of this peculiar name, there is an Indian legend and a Spanish story. The Indians said that many moons ago fire belched from the mountain top and the mountain split asunder. It is of volcanic formation, say the geologists. One day a party of Spaniards camped there. The devil came out to drive them away. They lassoed his majesty, but he •w-iggled out of the riatas and ran back into the hill. The Spaniards named it because of this event. El Diablo. (e) St. Louis and Independence were the two cities from which all emigrants started for the far west. Thousands of pioneers would gather there during the winter preceding their emigration and purchase goods, food, etc., for the long journey. These were known as the frontier towns. 46 MEN AND EVENTS and William McCutcheoii started for Sutter's fort. McCutcheon was taken sick and could not return. Arriving at what is now Reno, Nevada, they camped four days to rest. This was their most unfortunate mistake, for on arrival at Donner lake, October 30, that night two feet of snow fell. They tried to move out of the valley and failed. On the third night a heavy, blinding storm fell. The stock wandered away and per- ished in the drifting snow. The men succeeded in finding a few of the animals by ineans of long poles. They were saved for food. For three weeks the party endeavored to leave its snow-bound prison. Every effort left them weaker and less liable to succeed. Finally 14 of the immigrants, known as the "forlorn" party, concluded to start for Sutter's fort and obtain assistance. The party included William .Stanton and five mothers of families. They said the food supply would last a little longer if they were gone. They left the camp December 16 on snow shoes which they had made. They took six days' supply of food only, this consisting of slices of beef, a little cofifee and sugar. They suf- lered terrible hardships from cold and starvation. During a heavy storm they were compelled to lie buried between their blankets under the snow for thirty-six hours. Christmas day six of the band had died of cold, weakness and starvation, this including the brave and self-sacrificing Stanton, a bachelor, who had not a relative or kin in the party. The food supply had long since been eaten and they subsisted on human flesh and pieces of moccasin. Seven of the party on January 27, 1847, succeeded in reaching John- son's rancho. Word was sent to the fort that a party of immigrants was in a starving condition at Truckee Meadows. A relief party of trappers was immediately organized and with pack mules loaded with food they started for the lake. On arrival, February 19, they saw a terrible scene. The cabins were covered deep with snow. With- in, many of the occupants were dead, and those alive, scarcely able to walk, were living on hu- man flesh, cattle bones and rawhide, softened in MEXICAN CALIFORNIA EVENTS 47 boiling water. The party carried with them twenty of the survivors to the settlement. The second and third relief party brought out all but five. The fourth relief party found only one person alive. Ninety persons that eventful night camped on the shore of beautiful Lake IJonner, so named after the party ; only forty-eight lived to see the settlements. General Stephen Kearny on his way east in 1847 camped at that spot and burned all of the evidence of that horrible trag- edy. The most useful population immigrating to California at this time was the Mormons. Driven out of Nauvoo in 1845 because of their polygamous practices, they were seeking some place of rest. Thousands marched westward and located at Salt Lake. About 500 joined what was known as the "army of the west." Under the command of General Stephen Kearnv they left Council Bluffs July 20, 1846. Traveling by the Santa Fe route, they arrived at Warner's rancho, near San Diego, January 21, 1847. Ac- companying the battalion were nearly fifty wom- en. It was a march of great danger and suffer- ing. On several occasions the army came near starving to death. From Santa Fe the army was under the command of Colonel St. Cooke and Lieutenant (jeorge Stoneman, in 1887 Governor of California. Another party of Mormons, comprising 70 males, 68 females and 100 children, left New York February 4, 1846, in the 370-ton ship Brooklyn. They were in charge of Elder Sam- uel Brannan (f). The ship was loaded with everything necessary for founding a colony, such as agricultural implements, tools of every kind, seeds and plants, the machinery for three flour mills and the complete newspaper plant of Bran- nan's New York paper, "The Prophet." After an uneventful voyage around Cape Horn, the Brooklyn anchored in San Francisco bay July 31, after a ten days' stop at Honolulu. When the ship left New York war had not been de- clared, and they believed that they were going to Mexico, and when the Mormons saw the United States flag flying over the fort and the 48 MEN AND EVENTS custom liouse the}' were bitterly disappointed. Brannan is reported as exclaiming", "There is that damned flag again !" This immigration was, as I have stated, of great benefit to the territory. They were all in- dustrious and of the hard-working class. If a pick and shovel man was wanted, there was a Mormon ready to do the work ; if a blacksmith, carpenter or painter, there was a handy man. The women were also industrious, and they did sewing, washing or housework. For a season the Mormons in Yerba Buena were in the ma- jority. At that time, 1847, William Leidsdorff gave a ball in honor of Commodore Stockton, and nearly all of the women present were Mor- mons. Trouble with their leader, Brannan. soon after their arrival broke up the colony. Some trav- eled south and founded San Bernardino, making it a beautiful town. Brigham Young in 1858 called all of the faithful home to Zion. Selling- all of their property at a sacrifice, they returned (f) Samuel Brannan, born in Saco, Maine, in 1819, was a natural speculator, and early in life he traveled in every state of the Union, speculating in land. On arrival in San Francisco he immediately took the lead in every social, commercial, political and reformatory event. He surprised thousands of persons by his reck- less extravagance of money, his bold speculations, his bravery in defying the criminal class and finally his dissipation, for he became a continuous boozer. He spent thousands of dollars for and with his friends, and died a pauper, crippled and diseased, almost alone, in Escondito, Mexico, May 7, 1889. His enterprises were many. He established a store at Coloma, founded a colony on the Stanislaus river, l)uilt two flour mills, engaged in the China trade (1849), purchased a large number of San Francisco lots and built houses upon them. "They were distinguished for their strength and magnificence," said the Annals, "and formed some of the most striking and beautiful fea- tures of the city." In that same year, 1851, he visited the Sandwich islands, bought land and built houses. He gave liberally to churches, schools, individuals and various charities. He imported breeds of sheep and blooded horses, reclaimed tule lands, invested in rail- road, telegraph and express company stock, stimu- lated small farming, opened Calistoga springs, Sonoma count}', as a health resort. MEXICAN CALIFORNIA EVENTS 49 to Utah. Quite a number of colonists under Brannan's direction founded a settlement on the Stanislaus river, which they called New Hope. They built a sawmill, cabins and fences and planted 80 acres of grain. They irrigated it in ditches from the river water. They soon quar- reled, however, and abandoning the place, in 1851 returned to Salt Lake. w J3 a o W O c o >—> a ■*■> a O CHAPTER IV. THE CALIFORNIA CONQUEST. The American immigration to California was no chance movement, but a well understood scheme to colonize the land and make of it an independent territory like Texas, or at the proper time assist the United States in its acquisition. It was well known that the South desired Cali- fornia, and the government, says Rhodes, was "goading on to war" the Mexican nation. The object of the war was aptly explained by Lowell in his Biglow Papers: "They just wanted this Californy So's to lug new slave states in, To abuse ye and to scorn ye, And to plunder ye like sin." The United States was not alone in this de- sire for Mexican domain. France had upon this coast eight naval vessels, and her Vice Consul, M. Eugene Dufiot de Mofras, declared "Califor- nia will belong to any nation that will take the trouble to send a ship of war and 200 soldiers." From 1842 until 1846 he remained in the terri- tory working in the interest of France. Did England desire to annex California? The Hudson Bay Company's agent, George Simpson, declared "San Francisco will, to a moral cer- tainty, sooner or later fall into the possession of the Americans unless England takes it." And England at that time, 1842, had four men-of-war cruising the Pacific waters. Each of these na- tions had a Pacific coast fleet superior to that of the United States, and for what purpose is not publicly known. The United States believed that 51 52 MEN AND EVENTS they had been sent to this coast to seize the ter- ritory as soon as Mexico declared war. In the spring of 1842 Commodore Ap Catesby Jones in command of five vessels of war was lying at Callao, Peru, "awaiting events." His instructions from the government were to imme- diately sail and seize California if war be declared between Mexico and the United States. He was cut ofif from all conimunication with Washington, and he had no means of knowing if war be declared except by reports. Early in September, however, he believed the fight was on. Sailing September 7, on October 19 he an- chored in Monterey bay. The following morning 150 marines landed on the beach and took possession of the pueblo. The Mexican flag was lowered and the stars and stripes broken to the breeze. Commodore Jones then issued his proclamation. It was read to the people in English, then in the Spanish lan- guage. The following day Jones learned that all of the newspaper reports were untrue. Neither Thomas O. Larkin nor any of the Mexicans had heard of any war. The Commodore, now believ- ing that he had been over hasty, ordered the marines to again board the ships. The Mexicans again raised aloft their flag. Jones, firing a sa- lute to the Mexican standard, October 21 sailed from the harbor. After the Monterey afifair the Californians be- came very suspicious of the Americans, and when, in January, 1846, Captain John C. Fremont appeared at Monterey dressed in the full uniform of a United States officer. General Castro in- quired his business. Fremont replied that he was engaged in an exploring (a) expedition. His men were on the frontier of the department. (a) Fremont's explorers comprised sixty rough, hardy pathfinders, together with twelve Delaware In- dians. The men were all dead rifle shots. Each man was armed with a tomahawk, two pistols and a rifle. They were led by the famous scout, Christopher (Kit) Carson. THE CALIFORNIA CONQUEST 53 They were out of supplies, and he had come to purchase food and clothing. Fremont asked permission, which was granted, to winter his men and animals in the San Joa- quin valley. Two months later Castro was sur- prised to learn that Fremont and his "explorers" were camped at Hartnell's rancho, in the Salinas valley, Monterey. A messenger from General Castro the following day commanded Fremont to leave the department,' such being the orders of the supreme government. Instead of complying with the request, Fre- mont rode to the summit of the Gabrilian moun- tains. Selecting a good location near Hawk's peak, he erected a strong earthen fortification and raised "Old Glory" and awaited events. General Castro at San Juan raised a company of some 200 horsemen. They maneuvered back and forth over the plains in sight of Fremont's command, loading and firing three pieces of can- non. They made no movement towards attack- ing the camp. As Bancroft states, "it would have been foolish for Castro to lead his men up the steep sides of Gabrilian peak against a force of 60 expert riflemen, protected by a barrier of earth and logs." . . Fremont remained in camp until the night oi March 9. He then began his march for Oregon. While in camp on Lake Klamath he was much surprised late one evening to receive private dis- patches from Washington. The bearer, Archi- bald Gillespie, had come direct from the seat of government. What were these dispatches? The public has never learned. They were of suffi- cient importance, however, to cause Fremont to retrace his steps. May 28 he was in canip at the Marysville buttes, just north of Sutter's fort. On arrival Fremont found the settlers in that vicinity were greatlv excited over the report Ihat General Castro intended to drive all of the Americans from the country. A second rumor '-.aid that he had instigated the Indians to massa- cre all of the families and burn all of the crops. This was indeed alarming news, but it was not true. . , For some time previous the trappers in tliat 54 MEN AND EVENTS vicinity had been talking of making California an independent territory. Many of them were daring, reckless men, anxious for a fight, and they declared it a good time to seize Sonoma and declare their independence of Mexico. Un- der the command of Merritt, who had been elected captain, the party left the buttes at mid- night, June 14, 1846, and at dawn the following day they reached the pueblo. The number had increased to 32, and Robert Semple declared "all of them dressed in leather hvmting shirts, many of them very greasy and as rough a looking set of men as one could imagine." The Merritt company easily captured the town. Then, quietly surrounding the home of General Vallejo about daylight, four of the party entered the house and took M. G. Vallejo, Victor Prudon and Salvator Vallejo prisoners. The general, with his accustomed liberality, brought out his finest wines and liquors, and soon the entire party was sleepy drunk (b). Later Jacob Leese was arrested and all of the prisoners were taken to Sutter's fort. Some of the party became much alarmed when they learned that Fremont had not commanded the capture of Sonoma. They wanted to retreat and fly with their families into the mountains, fearing the vengeance of the Mexicans. Then the hero of the occasion, William Ide, arose. He defied the enemy (c). His bravery gave encour- agement to his companions and they elected Ide captain. The town was then fortified, the bear flag manufactured (d) and with cheers it was raised upon the Mexican flagstaff. That night (b) In writing of this afifair Ide said: "As he en- tered the house, there sat Dr. Semple, just modifying a long string of articles of capitulation. There sat Ezekiel Merritt, his head fallen; there sat Wm. Knight, no longer able to interpret, and there sat our new captain, Grigsby, as mute as the seat he sat upon. The bottles had well nigh vanquished the captors." (c) Ide shouted, "Saddle no horse for me. I will lay my bones here before I will take upon myself the ignominy of commencing an honorable work and then fleeing like a coward, like a thief, when no enemy is in sight. We are robbers or we must conquer." THE CALIFORNIA CONQUEST 55 Ide wrote his famous proclamation, and it was sent all along the coast. Some time after this William Todd, who was going to Yerba Buena on business, was taken prisoner by the Mexicans. As soon as the set- tlers learned of his capture a party of 19 picked men were selected to effect his rescue. Unex- pectedly the company under the command of Lieutenant Ford came upon a body of 60 Mexi- cans under the command of Lieutenant Joaquin de la Torre near San Rafael. The Californians charged upon the Mexicans. The trappers were dead shots. Eight riderless horses galloped over the plains. Torre's men then turned and fled at full speed. Ford's men quickly followed. In the running three more Mexicans fell dead. Two badly wounded fell from their saddles. The Americans found their companion in the camp uninjured. This was the first battle of the Mexi- co-California war. In the meantime very important events were taking place along the coast. Commodore John D. Sloat, who had been lying at Mazatlan in command of the Savannah, Cyane and Levant, left that port June 2, 1846 and, sailing to Monte- rey, July 7, took possession of the pueblo. As the flag was raised over the custom house the man-of-war hred a salute of 21 guns. Word was sent to Captain Montgomery, then at Yerba Buena, to take possession of the place. Landing 50 marines, they marched up to the custom house and, lowering the Mexican flag, broke to the breeze the starry banner (e). Flags were also sent to Sonoma and Sutter's fort. The courier (d) The flag was made of unbleached cotton cloth. A strip of red flannel about four inches in width was sewn lengthwise along the lower edge. In the upper left hand corner Wm. Todd with India ink outlined a grizzly bear; beneath the bear he painted the words, "California Republic." In commemoration of this event, June 14, 1914, a bear flag monument was un- veiled at Sonoma. (e) Montgomery street, San Francisco, was namfed after Captain Montgomery. Portsmouth square, where now stands the Stevenson monument, was named after Montgomery's flagship Portsmouth. 56 MEN AND EVENTS reached the fort just before dark. The next morning, July 12, "Old Glory" was flung to the hreeze and given a salute of 21 guns. Commodore Sloat was relieved from duty July 15 by the arrival of Commodore Robert F. Stock- ton in the famous man-of-war Congress. He was received with great enthusiasm. His fame was national and his exploits known throughout the world. He was a brave and conscientious com- mander, but extremely self conceited, hot headed and imprudent. He believed that force only could accomplish results ; and refusing to listen to the peaceful measures proposed by the leading Americans, he caused the California war and blood was unnecessarily shed. The policy of the government was not in ac- cord with the actions of Stockton. Commodore .Sloat declared when he took possession of Mon- terey : "I declare to the inhabitants * * * j do not come among them as an enemy ; * * * 1 come as their best friend * * * and its peaceful citizens will enjoy the same rights and privileges as those of other territories." Ban- croft, then Secretary of the Navy, wrote to Sloat, June 24, 1845: "You will be careful to preserve, if possible, the most friendly relations with the inhabitants." It was this same peace policy which the Americans such as Thomas O. I.arkin, Charles M. Weber, John Marsh, Alexander Forbes and others were trying to adopt when they persuaded the Americans in the Castro and Mitcheltorena armies to withdraw. They pointed out the fact that if the settlers fought in the lactional fights they would make enemies of each side and thus destroy the peaceful settlement of the territory later on. General Castro was on the parade ground with his company when he learned of the capture of Monterey. Turning to his men, he exclaimed: "What can I do with a handful of men against the United States? All who wish to follow me, right about face; I am going to Mexico." Later, changing his mind, he and Pio Pico fortified Los Angeles. When Commodore Stockton learned of Cas- tro's stand at Los Angeles, he immediately made preparations to capture the town. Fremont, who THE CALIFORXIA CONQUEST 57 had come to Monterey from Sutter's fort with his battaHon (f), was ordered to San Diego. He was to take that place, and marching north, meet Commodore Stockton near Los Angeles. Fre- mont sailed July 26 on the Cyane. The Commodore a week later, August 1, in the Congress with 350 marines and sailors, left for San Pedro. After a week of drilling land tactics, they began their thirty-mile march to Los Angeles. During the march messengers from Castro tried several times to effect propo- sals of peace. Stockton, however, rejected all terms of peace. Then Castro tried a blufif, and sent word to Stockton that "if he marched upon the town he would find it the graves of his men." Then came the Commodore's laconic reply, "Tell the General to have the bells ready to toll, as I shall be there tomorrow." That night the Californians made a hasty retreat. The follow- ing afternoon, August 13, with band playmg and colors flying, Commodore Stockton and Major Fremont entered Los Angeles, thus far not a man killed nor gun fired. A few days later Stockton declared the town under martial law (g). Leaving Captain Gil- lespie in command of fiftv marines, the Commo- dore sailed for Yerba Buena. He was there re- ceived with distinguished honors, a procession, a collation and a ball forming part of the cele- bration. The ball took place in Leidsdortt s house, September 8, 1846, and it was the first (f) Walter Colton in describing this cavalcade as they entered Monterey says: "Fremont riding ahead dressed in a blouse, leggins and felt hat was followed by his men, riding two and two, the riHe held in one hand across the pommel of the saddle. Their dress was a long loose coat of deerskin, tied m front with thongs, with pants of the same material, i heir long knives, pistols and rifles glittered in the sunlight, while their untrimmed locks, flowing out from under their foraging caps, and their black beards and white teeth gave them a wild, savage aspect. 1 hey \yere allowed no liquor and their discipline was very strict. (g) This law prohibited any of the inhabitants from carrying arms, and all persons must be in their houses from ten o'clock at night until sunrise in the morning. 58 MEN AND EVENTS one under the stars and stripes. About 100 Mexi- cans and Americans were present, including the officers of the Portsmouth. The placing of the pueblo under martial law greatly angered the Californians. A revolt was started by General M. Flores, and over 300 Mexi- cans took a solemn oath not to lay down their arms until they had driven out "the accursed Americans." A few days later nearly 600 well- armed Mexicans surrounded the town and de- manded its surrender. As Gillespie was caught in a trap, with a few men only, and no supplies, September 30 he surrendered. He was permit- ted to march out with all honors. He retired to San Pedro. Before his surrender John Brown, an American, called by the Mexicans Juan Flaco (Lean John), succeeded in breaking through the Mexican lines. Riding with all speed to Yerba Buena he delivered to Commodore Stockton a dispatch from Gillespie. It was rolled in a cigar- ette paper and fastened in his hair (h). Immediately Captain Mervine in command of 400 marines was ordered to Los Angeles. Land- ing at San Pedro, he began his march for the pueblo. Before traveling many miles he was at- tacked by over 200 Californians. A severe battle was fought. The result to the Americans was disastrous. They lost some fifteen or twenty (h) This life and death ride is one of the most re- markable on record. Juan Flaco rode the entire dis- tance from Los Angeles to San Francisco in six days, and with scarcely any rest. He left Los Angeles about eight o'clock at night, pursued by the Mexicans, who mortally wounded his horse. Carrying his spurs and reata in his hand, he traveled 27 miles and there ob- tained a second animal. Riding over rocky mountain pathways and swimming streams, he reached Monte- rey, says Colton, on the evening of the 29th. He had then ridden 460 miles in 52 hours. He expected to find Stockton at Monterey. Taking a little cofifee only, and sleeping some three hours, he was up and away for Yerba Buena, 140 miles distant. Gillespie in the Los Angeles Star said. May 28, 1858: "Before sunrise on the 30th Brown was hiding in the bushes in front of the Congress, waiting the arrival of the early market boat from the frigate. Before seven o'clock Commo- dore Stockton had the dispatches." THE CALIFORNIA CONQUEST 59 men and Mervine was compelled to retreat to the Cyane (i). A few days later Commodore Stock- ton arrived at San Pedro on his way to San Diego. He wisely concluded to continue on his course and retake Los Angeles from the south. As Stockton's future movements will end the CaUfornia war, as briefly as possible we will re- view the events in central California. It was feared that the Flores revolt would incite the northern Mexicans to kill the settlers' families, and also the incoming immigrants. Scouts were sent out to inform the immigrants of the war be- tween the two nations, and guide them as quickly as possible to the Santa Clara and San Jose set- tlements To guard the towns two companies were organized, Joseph Aram, an immigrant of 1842 being in command at Santa Clara, and Cap- tain Charles M. Weber (j) of the San Jose volun- teers guarded that pueblo. While the companv was out "rounding up" horses for Fremont's battalion, word was re- ceived by Captain Weber that Lieutenant Bart- lett (k) of the sloop Warren had been taken pris- (i) In this battle, Captain Weber informed me, the Mexicans fired copper bullets and many of the ma- rines died in terrible agony. The day -vas very ho and over-heated, thirsty men, findmg a barrel ot aguardiente, a vile Mexican liquor, drank large quanti- ties of it and became beastly drunk. Many died from its effects. (i) Captain Charles M. Weber, a naturalized Ger- man came to California in 1842. For several months ITe worked at Sutter's fort. In 1843 he opened a gen- eral merchandise store at San Jose, and also engaged in the cattle and horse raising busmess. His commer- cial relations with the Mexicans placed him on very friendly terms with them, and at one time General Castro offered to make Weber a captain of the Mexi- can militia. He refused, as he believed to be an Ameri- can was the highest honor that cou d be conferred He also wished to avoid any troublesonie alliances with the Mexicans, as he foresaw the trend of events During the war Weber was commissioned as captain by Hull of the sloop Warren He obtained a racto land in the San Joaquin valley, there ,b.">lt /he hrst house and founded Stockton He named it afer Com- modore Stockton. He was born in February, 1814, and died in May, 1881. 60 MEN AND EVENTS oner by Francisco Sanchez. Captain Hull re- quested Weber to rescue Bartlett, if possible. As Sanchez had over 200 men under his com- mand, Captain Marston with a company of ma- rines and artillery was sent to assist the San Jose volunteers. Sanchez heard of the coming of the marines and anticipating an easy victory, he exclaimed: "Now we will have good Ameri- can rifles and overcoats." In a summer dry creek near Santa Clara grew a thick, heavy growth of mustard. It was im- possible to proceed except by roadway. The Californians made no attack until the marines entered the mustard patch. Then the Califor- nians made an assault, firing and then retreating around the hillside. This nearly demoralized the regulars. They could neither open fire, nor could they rapidly advance. Upon reaching the open ground a battle took place. After a two hours' fight Sanchez withdrew with four killed and four wounded. The Americans had only two wound- ed. This was the famous battle of Santa Clara (1), fought January 8, 1847. Sanchez was soon after taken prisoner. Lieutenant Washington A. Bartlett was found and he and his men were ex- changed for Mexican prisoners. Later Bartlett was mayor of San Francisco and Governor of California. We left Commodore Stockton on his way to San Diego. On arrival he found himself in a peculiar position. He had no supplies, and the Californians would not sell anything to him. Hence he had to skirmish for food. While the men were engaged in making repairs, word was brought to Commodore Stockton that General Kearny wished to open communication with him. Captain Gillespie with 26 men was or- (k) Bartlett with five men went on shore to pur- chase cattle for food. They were warned by the set- tlers to beware of the Mexicans, and soon fell into Sanchez's hands. (1) The women stood on the housetops at Santa Clara and anxiously watched the battle. After the battle the regulars marched into the pueblo and were given a rousing reception and a dinner. THE CALIFORNIA CONQUEST 61 clered to meet Kearny, and that evening, Decem- ber 3, 1846, he left for Kearny's camp. In May, 1846, General Stephen A. Kearny was instructed by WilHam G. Marcy, Secretary of State, to organize what was known as the "Army of the West." This army was in two divisions, the Mormon battalion forming the first division. The second division comprised some 300 dra- goons. Leaving Fort Leavenworth July 6, 1846, the dragoons arrived at Santa Fe in Au- gust. The pueblo surrendered to Kearny with- out any resistance. Continuing on to California by way of the Rio Grande, he was surprised, Oc- tober 6, to meet Christopher Carson. The scout, accompanied by 15 men, was on his way to Washington, bearing dispatches from Commo- dore Stockton, then in Los Angeles. The dis- patches were sent on by Lieutenant Fitzpatrick. Carson was commanded to act as Kearny's guide to California. Two hundred dragoons were or- dered back to Santa Fe, as Carson stated that the California war was ended. With 100 dragoons and two mountain how- itzers Kearny rode on. The march was long and weary and men and animals almost starved. On arrival December 2 at Warner's rancho seven men alone ate a full-grown sheep, so hungry were they. Captain Gillespie, meeting General Kearny December 5 at the Santa Maria rancho, informed the General that a force of Californians were camped about seven miles away. Kearny was rashly anxious to rout the "stupid Mexicans," as he called them. Kit Carson strongly advised him not to make such a foolish attack, for his men and animals were in no condition to rout a strong body of mounted Californians. Kearny, like Stockton, was overly wise, and made his attack at dawn, December 6. Through- out the day they fought, and that night both sides rested. Kearny, however, had met with a heavy loss, two captains, four non-commissioned officers and twelve dragoons being killed. Early on the morning of December 7 he began his march for San Diego. The Mexicans now began a guerrilla warfare and during the day 62 MEN AND EVENTS Kearny lost five men. That night he camped on the San Bernardino river. The next day the Mexicans, now 230 strong (100 more having come from Los Angeles), made a furious charge. Kearny, retreating to the hills, found himself trapped. He was surrounded on all sides by Mexicans and the men could get neither food nor water for themselves or their animals. In the consultation regarding their situation. Carson declared "If we stay here we are all dead men," and he offered to go to San Diego for assistance. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Edward F. Beale and the two brave men that night started on foot on their dangerous journey. While they were absent the Mexicans at- tempted to drive a band of horses into the Kearny camp. Their object was to stampede, if possible, the animals of the camp. The effort tailed, but three fat horses were killed by the Americans, and "they formed, in the shape of gravy-soup, an agreeable substitute for the poor steaks of our own worked-down brutes, on which we had been feeding for a number of days." The Americans could not have withstood the siege very long, but fortunately Carson and Beale succeeded in reaching Stockton's camp, and December 11 Lieutenant Gray arrived in com- mand of 180 marines, with plenty of food and clothing. Kearny the following day resumed his march unmolested and December 12 he was cour- teously received by Commodore Stockton. The combined army now numbered nearly 600 men. On December 29 they began their march for Los Angeles. At two points on the march while crossing the San Gabriel river and upon the "Plains of Mesa" the Mexicans, 600 in num- ber, tried to rout the troops. They were each time repulsed, the Americans losing three killed and nine wounded. The Mexican loss was nine killed and fourteen wounded. Stockton again took possession of Los Angeles January 10, 1847, the Mexicans making no resistance. Two days later Lieutenant Colonel Fremont ended the California war by his treaty of peace at Cahuenga. After the war was over troops continued to THE CALIFORNIA CONQUEST 63 arrive. In January, 1847, the Lexington an- chored at Monterey. She had on board company F, Third artillery. In the company were several notable men, among them Lieutenant William T. Sherman and Henry W. Halleck, both famous generals in the Civil war, and Private Benjamin Kooser, editor and newspaper proprietor for many years. The famous Stevenson regiment, numbering over 800 men, also arrived a few months later. The first ships to arrive were the Thomas Perkins, March 6; the Susan Drew, March 19; the Loo Choo, March 30, and the Bru- tus, April 2, 1847. In the following year, Feb- ruary, 1848, the ships Isabella and Sweden ar- rived. A lieutenant on the vessel last named was Colonel Thomais E. Ketcham. He was a colonel in the Civil war California Volunteers, and is now living in Stockton, 92 years of age. The population of California in 1842, as given by the Frenchman Duflot de Mofras, was about 5,000, not including the Indians. He classified them as follows : 4,000 native sons or Califor- nians, 90 Mexicans, 90 Germans, Italians and Portuguese, 80 Spaniards, 80 Frenchmen and 360 Scotchmen, Irishmen and Englishmen. Ban- croft says at the close of 1847 the population had increased to 14,000, the natives counting 6,000. The only pueblo with a population of any size was Yerba Buena. In August, 1847, Edward Gilbert, a lieutenant in Stevenson's regiment, found the population to be 459. Six months later, says the Annals, the population was nearly 900, with merchants, mechanics and professional men numbering 157. One of the leading firms of the town previous to 1846 was the Hudson Bay Company, an Eng- lish corporation dating back to 1808. Employing several thousand men, French-Canadians princi- pally, they trapped throughout Canada and Brit- ish Columbia, and as early as 1825 found their way into California. For several seasons they trapped and hunted in the San Joaquin valley, near Stockton. The Mexicans named the locality Campo de los Frances, "the camp of the French- men." Their headquarters were at Vancouver, Brit- 64 MEN AND EVENTS ish Columbia. In 1841 Sir James Douglas, com- ing from that point to Monterey, succeeded in establishing trade relations with the Mexicans, with headquarters at Yerba Buena. William Rae, a brother-in-law of Chief James McLaugh- lin, was sent to the bay to take charge of the new firm. Rae purchased the two-story Leese building. He was not a commercial success. He was, however, a good customer of John Bar- leycorn. After losing about $15,000, on January 19, 1845, he shot and killed himself. His was the first inquest in San Francisco. The body was buried in the yard, and in 1854 uncovered by workmen digging a sewer. This was one of San Francisco's historic spots, as later the banking house of James King of William was located there. THE DAYS OF GOLD Leading Events. Discovery of Gold A Riot of Crime Scarcity of Women Organization of State Founding of Religion Corruption of Politics Enforcement of Lynch Law Organization of Political Parties Religious and Fraternal Societies . Mercantile and Commercial Activities Restless Condition of People Captain John A. Sutter John W. Marshall. CHAPTER V THE CRY OF GOLD The cry of gold, Around the world It rolled. And legions of men All young and bold Rushed to the Golden State. The battle of Molino del Rey closed the Mexi- can war. In the treaty signed at Guadalupe Hi- dalgo, February 2, 1848, Mexico ceded to the United States, for $18,000,000, all told, all of the territory then known as California. Bounded on the north by Oregon, the east by the Rocky mountains and the south by Mexico, it was a vast empire ; yes, it was greater than several em- pires combined. It was larger than Italy, Spain, Wales, Scotland and England, and as large as France, England and Germany. The accession of this vast domain caused great rejoicing throughout the South, for it gave the Southerners a new field for the extension of slavery — so they believed. The discovery of gold, however, des.troyed all of their plans; for in the rush of immigration there came thou- sands of those opposed to slavery. They or- ganized California as a free state. The man to ruin the slavery men's cherished hopes was the eccentric, unlearned immigrant, John W. Marshall (a). He was a volunteer in Fremont's battalion, and at the close of the war he visited Sutter's fort looking for work. Mar- shall was a good mechanic, and Sutter gave him a job making spinning wheels. Later he 67 68 MEN AND EVENTS sent Marshall into the mountains to find a good location for a sawmill. The employes selected a spot at the place now known as Coloma. Ox teams and men were sent to the place. In Jan- uary, 1848, the carpenters had partly completed the frame of the mill. A mill race was also dug and January 24th Marshall, accompanied by Wiedmer, while walking along the race noticed something shining in the sand. What it was they did not know, as they had never seen any gold. It was a very scarce metal in that day. After an unsuccessful attempt to break it they took a piece of the gold to Mrs. Wiedmer and asked her to boil it in salaratus water as a fur- ther test. .She was making soap, and, throwing the gold into the boiler, the following morning- it was fished out brighter than ever. Marshall, still doubtful, concluded to saddle his horse, ride to the fort and ask the Captain's opinion. Sut- ter was an oracle among the settlers. His wis- dom was certainly correct in this case. After testing it with acids and weighing it according to the formula in the encyclopedia, he declared it pure gold, 24 carats fine. Sutter was not sur- prised at the discovery, as gold in considerable quantities he knew had been found in other parts of the territory (b). Marshall, now greatly excited, hastily re- turned to the mill in a heavy rain, although Sutter tried to persuade him to remain over night. Marshall on arrival found that Wiedmer's two little boys had found about four ounces of gold. He was very angry. He wanted to keep (a) John W. Marshall was born in New Jersey in 1819. He learned the wheelwright trade. Immigrating to the west in 1845, he crossed the plains with his wife and children. Locating at Sonoma, he began raising horses and cattle. When the war broke out he joined Fremont's battalion. In the gold rush he was entirely forgotten. He made no money by his discovery of gold, and later several legislatures voted him monthly pensions. Finally he was left alone. Idolizing the spot Avhere he found gold, he built a little cabin and lived there until his death, May 10, 1885. Several years after his death, at a cost of $9,000, the state erected at Coloma a life-sized bronze statue of Mar- shall. THE CRY OF GOLD 69 the discovery a secret. The laborers on the mill, mostly Mormons, soon learned the secret and began digging- for gold. Marshall ordered them from the land, claiming that he owned it. Traveling down the river some 15 miles, they found plenty of gold. In less than six months over 300 Mormons, with roughly constructed cradles, tin pans and Indian baskets, were av- eraging each man 8 ounces, $128, per day. The place took the name of Mormon Island. Mrs. John Wolfskill says: "Sam Brannan came riding breathless into our place in Benicia, and asked my husband for a fresh horse. He said that gold had been discovered and he was going up there to locate all the land he could and then go to Monterey and file on it." Sut- ter, however, was ahead of him. The Captain first made a treaty with the Culloch Indians. He then sent two couriers with specimens of gold to Monterey, with a request to give him (Sut- ter) a pre-emption claim on the land. The cour- iers showed Governor Mason the specimens, and Sherman declared it looked like Georgia gold. Mason refused the favor, saying he had no au- thority to dispose of Mexican lands. The news reached San Francisco some time in February. Parties at that time offered gold in payment for goods. The jewelers, testing it, pronounced it pure gold. The merchants re- (b) It had been known for many years that gold existed in California. General Vallejo said that in 1824 he saw a Russian digging gold in Kern county. A priest informed Wm. Davis, author of "Sixty Years in California." that Indians found gold in Sacramento valley in 1840. Mexican vaqueros in 1841 accidentally found gold on San Francisquito creek, near Los An- geles. The place was worked and over $6,000 worth of gold taken from the creek. It was gold dust, however, and sent east in payment for goods. The Philadelphia mint declared it pure gold. (c) The Indians with whom Sutter made his treaty were known as the Culloch tribe, hence the name Coloma. By the terms of the treaty Sutter agreed to give them food, clothes, ornaments and beads yearly to the value of $200. They in turn promised not to kill the stock or game nor burn the grass within the limits prescribed, 12 square miles. Sutter's Mill, Where Gold Was Discovered. THE CRY OF GOLD 71 fused to accept it, believing it worthless. Finally they took the metal at a 50 per cent dis- count, and they added another 50 per cent to their selling price for good measure. The citi- zens also were skeptical. They declared the re- ported discovery was one of old Sutter's schemes to populate the wilderness. Day after day, how- ever, the gold rolled into Yerba Buena. At last they were forced to admit the truthfulness of the discovery. Then the merchants hurried to the mines. Seeing gold by the ton, they hurriedly returned to San Francisco, nailed up the doors and windows of their business houses and started for Coloma. For several weeks launches were seen loaded with merchandise and house- hold goods, oft times the family sitting on top of the truck, sailing up the San Joaquin or Sacra- mento rivers. Some of the merchants mtended opening stores, others to dig for gold. The two newspapers of Yerba Buena, the Californian and the Star, changed their opinion in less than 60 days regarding the discovery. In a two line article March 5th, the Californian said : "Gold dust is an article of traffic at New Helvetia, Sutter's fort." Then it declared the discovery a humbug. Two months later, how- ever, the proprietor published a small extra, say- ing "the editors, the printers, even the devil himself has gone to the mines. The whole coun- try from San Francisco to Los Angeles resounds to the cry of gold, gold, gold!" In September the same paper said: "Explorations have been made sufficient to prove that gold was to be found on both sides of the Sierras from latitude 41 as far south as the waters of the San Joaquin, a distance of 400 miles in length and 100 miles in width." The men from the fort on their way to Mon- terey stopped overnight at Tuleberg, now Stockton. This was the half-way point between the fort and the pueblo of San Jose. Sutter in- structed the men to keep secret their mission, but they informed the settlers of the discovery and showed them specimens of the gold. The trappers, much excited, under Captain Charles M. Weber's direction, organized the Stockton 72 MEN AND EVENTS Mining Company. It was the first corporation in the territory Procuring picks, shovels and food supplies from Weber's general merchandise store, they traveled to Coloma, and locating on Weber's creek, began mining and trading with the Indians. They obtained "banks of gold." W^m. H. Carson declared "they daily sent out to the settlements mules loaded with gold." Hall, the San Jose historian, further declares that in December, 1849, Daniel Murphy, one of the partners, had as his profits for one year $2,000,- 000 in gold. News did not then, as now, flash over the land in a second, and the discovery was not known along the South California coast until the mid- dle of May. In Monterey the news greatly ex- cited the population. Merchandise, horses and wagons immediately advanced 500 per cent in price. They were quickly purchased, however, and the buyers hurried to the mines. When the teams were all sold, the citizens started for the mines on foot, their blankets on their backs. They also hastened, fearing that the gold would all be dug before their arrival. The town was depopulated and, said Walter Colton (d) in his diary, June 20th, "I have only a community of women left and a gang of prisoners." The old San Jose settlers laughed at the report. They declared it foolish, the rumor of so much gold being found. When they saw their fellow citi- zens returning week after week, actually loaded with gold, they also caught the fever and has- tened to the gold fields. San Jose was soon de- populated, and it was feared that the Mexicans would organize and destroy the pueblo. Governor Mason as a United States ofificer be- lieved it his duty to visit Coloma and report to Washington the extent and value of the wonder- ful discovery. Accompanied by Lieutenant, later General, Wm. T. Sherman and four soldiers, June 7th he left Monterey and rode horseback to (d) Walter Colton as alcalde was the first official in California to empanel a jury. He was also the first architect, he planning and building Colton hall. THE CRY OF GOLD 73 San Francisco. Crossing the bay to Sausalito, swimming- their horses, they traveled to the mines. All along the road the Governor found the mills idle, the houses unoccupied, the grain fields overrun with stock and the gardens in ruins. Al, Coloma he saw 4,000 men, all digging for gold, and taking, per month, from the river bed "from $50,000 to $100,000. Their only tools were butcher knives, shovels and shallow pans. Two miners finding a "pocket" of gold in Weber creek cleared up $17,000 in one week. The In- dians working for John Sinclair brought in $19,- 000 in ten days (e). Satisfied regarding the richness of the gold mines. Governor Mason sent Lieutenant Loser with dispatches to President Polk. He took with him an ovster can filled with gold nuggets. The Lieutenant was instructed to reach the capital before the assembling of the thirtieth congress, so that the President could announce the discov- ery in his annual message. He failed to reach Washington in time, because of many delays (f), but on arrival at New Orleans he tele- graphed the President. The following day, No- vember 24th, the news of the gold discovery was published in the New Orleans Commercial Times. The gold from the mines of California revo- lutionized the finances of the world. At that time the gold production was exceedingly lim- ited and financiers were seeking for some means (e) The Indians at first had not the slightest idea of the value of gold. They willingly worked and dug gold for food, clothes, flimsy trinkets and beads, which they prized highly. John Swain of Monterey relates that, taking from his store a quantity of beads, he traded them to the Indians for gold nuggets. The beads were worth 25c, the gold $100. Joaquin Miller, later the California poet, says that on one occasion an Indian gave $25,000 worth of gold for some glass beads worth SO cents. (f) At this time there was no direct communication with the east. Hence Lieutenant Loser was compelled to sail from Monterey to Payta. Peru; from Payta he took an English steamer to Panama; crossing the isthmus, he sailed to Kingston, Jamaica, and from there by vessel to New Orleans. 74 MEN AND EVENTS of commercial exchange. The gold output has been so enormous it is impossible to give its value. From 1847 up to and including 1901 the custom house reported an exportation of $1,345,- 512,689. This is a part only, for there is no rec- ord of the millions of dollars carried from the state by miners in trunks, tin cans, boxes and in gold belts (g). The largest known amount taken from the mines in one year was that of 1854, $69,433,512. From that time on the amount gradually decreased until from fifteen to thirty millions a year was the limit. The aver- age annual amount, however, for the first 53 years was $25,387,032. Of late years dredger mining has kept the average yearly product at $20,000,000. (g) These gold belts were made for the purpose of carrying gold dust. The material was buckskin, and they were usually fastened around the naked body just above the hips. In this way the gold dust was hidden, and a large, strong man could easily carry $3,000 worth of gold without inconvenience. There were no gold notes in those days, nor paper money of any denomi- nation. CHAPTER VI. ON TO CALIFORNIA. The news of gold in California was carried along the coast as far south as Peru, then to Australia, Manila, China and Japan. The first foreign port to learn of the discovery was Manila. The captain of the ship Rohne succeeded (a) in sailing from San Francisco for the Philippines early in the spring of 1848. The schooner Louise carried the news to Honolulu June 17, 1848. She also carried a few specimens of gold. The Polyne- sian published the news June 24 and immediately freight and passenger rates rapidly advanced. In less than five months over 300 natives, "Kana- kas," as the pioneers called them, sailed for San Francisco. Australia also heard the news in June. The streets of the principal cities were billed with posters announcing in big headlines "Gold in California." In a short time it was difficult to obtain passage on the many ships that were bound for San Francisco. Many of the emigrants were "Sydney Ducks" and "Botany Bay" convicts. They caused an endless amount of trouble. Canton, China, learned of the dis- covery in October, 1849. In February of that year fifty-four Chinamen arrived. Before the close of 1850, 4,000 Chinese had landed, all bound for the mines. Oregon in July, 1848, first heard the news. They did not believe it. Later a second vessel (a) When the sailors on board the merchantmen in San Francisco harbor heard of the gold discovery they immediately deserted and started for the mines. It was very difficult to get sailors. The captain of the ship Rohne, however, bound for Manila, succeeded in getting a crew, he agreeing to pay them $200 per month. 75 76 MEX AND EVENTS arrived. They not only confirmed the first re- port, but they had a copy of the California Star containing a full account of the discovery. An overland party just from "the diggin's," they said, rode into Oregon. They had specimens of gold and they declared that "the rivers were full of gold." The news thrilled the inhabitants. The people went wild, abandoned farms, houses, stock and everything and rushed away to the gold fields (b), over 6,000 of Oregon's population emigrating inside of a year (c). The gold excitement was not confined to the western coast. Upon the Atlantic shore the agi- tation was equally great, as in a short time the people believed the exaggerated reports that California's "streams were rivers of gold" and that it "sparkled in her coronet of cliffs." The papers were filled with the news of gold (d) and everywhere the conversation was upon that subject. The pulpits discoursed upon the evils of gold, and as soon as possible the preachers started for California. A song composed upon this subject Avhen sung in concert or theater was loudly applauded (e), long after the author, Jonathan Nichols, had started for California. (b) Peter Burnett, later California's first gov- ernor, standing- on the streets of Oregon City, pro- posed the immediate organization of a company to emigrate to California. It met with a quick response and eight days later, September 1st, 150 men in wagons drawn by oxen and horses started for Coloma. In November they reached Long's bar and there, camp- ing, began mining. (c) 'I think," said Burnett, "that fully two-thirds of the population of Oregon capable of bearing arms left for California in the summer and fall of 1848." The Oregon Spectator affirming the same report, said "almost the entire male and a part of the female popu- lation of Oregon has gone gold digging in California." (d) The first paper to publish the news was the Baltimore Sun, they receiving a letter September 20, 1848, from their California correspondent, B. P. Koo- ser. About the same time Bennett of the New York Herald received a vial of gold, 10^ grains, from Thomas O. Larkin. On receiving it Bennett ex- claimed, "Let us see if this be gold." An assayer tested it and declared it was almost pure gold, 21i/2 carats fine. 78 MEN AND EVENTS In November, 1848, the movement of vessels first began. In December, says Bancroft, "it had attained the dimension of a rush." All of the eastern ports sent out their quota of ships, and in December, 1848, and January, 1849, sixty- one vessels left for California, each vessel aver- aging- fifty passengers. In February, 1849, sixty ships sailed from New York and seventy from Boston and Philadelphia. Before the spring of 1850 vessels to the number of 250 had cleared from eastern ports bound for San Francisco. In one day forty-five vessels entered the Golden Gate. Many of these vessels were notable, among them the Edward Everett (f), which sailed from Boston in December, 1848, with 152 passengers. Others were notable because of their smallness (g), scarcely larger than the car- (e) This was one of the favorite songs among a certain class of pioneers, and one verse read as fol- lows: "I'll soon be in 'Frisco, And then I'll look around, And when I see the gold lumps there I'll pick 'em ofif the ground. I'll scrape the mountains clean, my boys, I'll drain the rivers dry, A pocket full of rocks bring home, Susannah, don't you cry." (f) The ship, which was chartered by 152 well edu- cated young men, was named after the famous states- man, Edward Everett. At that time he was president of Harvard college, and he presented the company with 300 volumes of standard authors. The vessel left Boston January 10, 1849, and arrived at San Fran- cisco July 7th. The company brought with it a knock-down steamer hull, cabin, boilers and engine. She was put together at Benicia and launched August 12th. Five days later, August 17th, says William B. Farwell, the little Pio- neer sailed up the Sacramento river, reaching that point early in the morning, August 19th. The miners cheered the first steamer until they were hoarse. The day was given up to jollification and whisky. (g) In December, 1849, a party of seven persons left Nantucket in a vessel of 44 tons measurement. She was called the Mary and Emma and she arrived safely at San Francisco after a voyage of 149 days. The San Francisco Call, June, 1901, says the schooner Polly that sailed around Cape Horn in 1849 was only 61 feet long and 13 feet wide. ON TO CALIFORNIA 79 aval in which Columbus discovered America. Some of these ships were chartered by com- panies, and they were fitted out with provisions sufficient to last two or more years. Others were loaded with gold-digging machines, fire arms and ammunition (to kill the wild Indians), house frames, brick, in fact, hundreds of articles the emigrants believed would be necessary in a new, uncivilized country. On arrival at San Francisco hundreds of pio- neers abandoned their vessels and hurried to the mines, leaving in charge the captain (h). Oth- ers sailed to Sacramento or Stockton, and leav- ing their ships there, hurried on, fearing that all of the gold would be dug before their arrival. Some of these vessels in San Francisco were purchased and used as store ships or stores, among them the ship Apollo and the famous Niantic, over which the Niantic hotel was built. At Sacramento a few were used for lighters, and one was a prison brig. In Stockton over one hundred of these ships were destroyed by fire, as they obstructed navigation. There was, as I have stated, a positive belief that the gold product was limited. This belief caused a feverish desire on the part of the im- migrants to get to the gold mines in the quick- est time possible. Hence many of them on reaching Panama left their ships and tried to purchase tickets for San Francisco on the north- bound steamers. This was almost impossible, unless some passenger died on the voyage (i) as every steamer from New York to Aspinwall was overcrowded. Immigrants were continually pouring into Panama from New Orleans, Ja- maica and other points, and finding a steamer delayed, would charter sailing vessels and start (h) One illustration as to results: My father came around Cape Horn in 1849 with a company of fifty Bostonians. They chartered the bark Lenark for a two years' voyage, and placed on board sufficient sup- plies to last them during their short visit to California. Leaving the bark at San Francisco in charge of the captain, the entire party hurried to the mines. The captain immediately after their departure sold the pro- visions for a large sum of money and sailed for China. 80 MEN AND EVENTS for San Francisco. Without any knowledge of the distance, the adverse winds and tides, or ex- perience in saiHng a ship, these crazed voyagers suffered terribly from thirst and hunger, and hundreds perished miserably before the ship reached San Francisco (j). The voyage around Cape Horn was long and tedious — seldom less than six months and some- times a year. After the first excitement had quieted the immigration came by steamer, the Panama Steamship Line putting on a line of steamers from New York to San Francisco by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. Those, how- ever, who came by the isthmus found the suf- ferings, dangers and hardships as bad or even worse than by the Cape Horn route. The steam- ers were frequently overcrowded, their accom- modations very poor and their connections with the Pacific line very uncertain. Panama was a (i) On one occasion there were over 3,000 passen- gers in the dirty, unhealthy town of Panama, await- ing passage to San Francisco. Offers were made of $600 for a steamer ticket, but the offer was not ac- cepted. Finally one of the passengers died. A Mr. Adams, hearing of the death, immediately sprang from his chair, exclaiming: "Had he a through ticket?" (j) An eye witness at San Francisco of one of these arrivals said: "A sailing vessel reached here yester- day from Panama, having on board 130 persons. They were 114 days from that port, and 30 persons had died of hunger. I saw several of the poor fellows and they looked horribly emaciated and famished." One party of foolhardy men left Panama in the log canoes of the natives. They had no idea of the dis- tance to California, and they believed that they could reach San Francisco in those frail boats. Nearly all of them perished of hunger and exhaustion. Another party chartered the small schooner Dol- phin and without captain or pilot put out to sea. Be- cause of head winds their progress was very slow, and at Cape St. Lucas they left the Dolphin, expecting to make San Francisco on foot overland. They nearly starved to death and after living on cacti, herbs and rattlesnakes, naked and nearly famished, the party succeeded in reaching San Diego. Some of California's best citizens were in that company, among them A. W. Schmidt, later one of San Francisco's famous civil engineers, and James W. McClatchy, sheriff of Sacra- mento county and founder of the Sacramento Bee. ON TO CALIFORNIA 81 very unhealthy town because of the miasma and the raging of the cholera (k). Until 1856 the passengers were compelled to cross the isthmus riding on a mule and by small boats propelled up the Chagres river by natives using long poles. In that year the forty-three miles of railroad was finished. It is said to have cost over $7,000,000. The money was paid out principally for labor, as thousands of laborers died of diseases contracted while working in ma- larial swamps. Today Panama is one of the most healthful places, made so by the govern- ment under scientific and sanitary enforced laws. Although previous to 1869 the majority of California's population arrived by water, thou- sands braved the dangers of an overland jour- ney. They were the pioneers who had settled up "the Far West." Ever restless, ever on the move, the cry of gold in California reaching their ears, they again packed their families and their household, goods into their wagons and "on to California." The frontier towns of Independence, St. Jo- seph and St. Louis would be their winter camp- ing places. In those towns they would pur- chase their supplies for their long six months' journey. In the early spring they began their march, hoping to reach the western valley be- fore the winter snows of the Sierras blocked their way. The emigrants, seldom knowing anything of the route, followed the trail by the general di- rections given them, trusting to luck and Provi- dence until they arrived at Salt Lake. Beyond that point those who were wise engaged guides. These guides were always necessary, for so many were the horses and oxen on the trail, feed and water were very scarce. Then there was (k) The passengers from the Atlantic side were at one time compelled to wait three weeks at Panama for the long delayed steamer California. The crew had deserted the vessel and gone to the gold mines, and it was difficult to get sailors. At this time the cholera was raging and from twelve to fifteen deaths were daily reported. 82 MEN AND EVENTS great danger from the Indians, for they would attack trains, especially small trains, and steal the stock and murder the travelers. Another source of danger, ever present be- yond Fort Laramie, were the hot desert winds. They shrunk the wagon wheels until they fre- quently fell to pieces. They dried the emi- grants' bodies, causing them great suffering from thirst ; and so weakened the animals that they could travel but slowly. Because of these manifold evils, destruction followed in the track of every emigrant train. In their weakened con- dition they could not stop for rest nor linger to even bury the loved ones stricken with disease (1). Time to them meant life, and they were compelled to hurry on, leaving the dead upon the desert to be devoured by wolves and coyotes. (1) This disease was the cholera. It raged fear- fully in the border states the first year of the overland emigration, 1849, and later in California. As the emi- grants entered the wilderness they carried the germs of the disease. Persons were suddenly seized with the most violent symptoms of the disease. There was no possible cure, and they were left behind to die. The emigrants hastened on to reach, as soon as possible, the high altitude beyond Fort Laramie, as the pesti- lence disappeared in the high mountain air. From cholera alone the first 400 miles west of the frontier was marked with dead bodies and newly dug graves. Over 4,000 persons of all ages died of disease. The disease reached California in the spring of 1850. Because of the unhealthy conditions, such as poor food, bad water, a lack of comfortable houses, cloth- ing, medicines and attendance, the disease raged fear- fully. This was particularly true of Sacramento. Al- though 90 per cent of her population were young and strong men, in November of that year "the deaths ranged from thirty to fifty a day for nearly twenty days," said Dr. John Morse. "The daily mortality became so great as to keep men constantly carrying away the dead." The plague raged to some extent in San Jose, about 10 per cent of the population dying. Stockton also suffered about 5 per cent. In San Fran- cisco 5 per cent of the population were stricken and died. John C. Pelton, the first public school teacher, said in his report in January, 1851, that one-fifth of his pupils, 39, were orphans, "many of them made so by the recent ravages of cholera." The mountain towns were not affected, as the disease dies out above the 1,000 foot level. ON TO CALIFORNIA 83 The entire trail, it has been stated, 2,000 miles, was at one time marked with broken wagons, dead horses and cattle, household goods and hu- man bones. Every immigrant rejoiced as he drew near to Sutter's fort, for it was "the Mecca" of his long weary journey. General Sutter always gave the newcomers a hearty welcome (m) and if destitute and starving he often provided, food and clothing free of cost. To none was he a greater benefactor than to the Donner party. Without his generosity all would have perished. In the summer of 1848-49 California saw a greater change in its population and trade than history has ever before seen in any period. The population in 1847, excluding Indians, was 7,000. The centers of trade were the pueblos of Monterey, San Jose and Yerba Buena. San Diego, Los Angeles, Sonoma and New Helvetia contained a small population. Then came the cry of "gold," and in a few months the population had increased to nearly 100,000 persons, people from every land and every clime. Over 32,000 sailed through the Golden Gate ; 42,000 crossed the Sierras, and thousands came by the Santa Fe and other trails. Day after day steamers and sailing vessels landed their passengers at San Francisco and they hurried on to the mines, up the San Joa- quin river to Stockton, then by stage or on foot to the Southern mines, or up the Sacramento river to Sacramento, then by stage to the North- ern mines. What was the result? Sacramento and Stockton, from small, unimportant settle- ments, became hives of business and industry. Mining camps came to life in a day. Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia, Murphy's Camp, Chinese Camp, Big Oak Flat, Mariposa, Snellings, Pla- (m) General Sutter, one of the most active, enter- prising and benevolent of California's early pioneers, was born in the grand duchy of Baden. March 1. 1803. He was born of religious parents and received a com- mon school education only. Engaging in the wine business, the wine growers in 1834 sent him to the 84 MEN AND EVENTS United States to buy land. He located at St. Charles, Missouri, and became an American citizen. Then came the reports of the fertile land in the far west, and in April, 1834, Sutter with six others joined a trapping party bound for the Rocky Mountains. From this point horseback they rode to Vancouver, reaching that point in December, 1838. Sutter's desti- nation was California; the only way of getting there was by some trading ship. In the brig Clementine he sailed to the Sandwich Islands, then to ^Monterey, ar- riving there in August, 1839. Learning that land grants were given free to nat- uralized citizens, Sutter became a Mexican subject. He then selected and was given a grant of land, 33 miles square, on the Rio del Sacramento. He called it the New Helvetia, after his own native province. Why he selected that locality is a problem. It was 100 miles from San Jose, the nearest settlernent, and his neighbors were wild Indians and wild animals. Sutter reached his grant in a small schooner seven days from Yerba Buena. He had a happy faculty in making friends with the Indians. He made with them a treaty and then employing them with the assistance of a few white men he built Sutter's fort. The walls, built of adobe, were two feet thick and fifteen feet high. It was mounted with cannon, purchased from the Russians. A sentinel constantly stood guard at the only gate. Within the fort he built dwellings, storehouses, workshops and manufactures. Sutter had in his employ about thirty white men, mechanics of various kinds, together with several hundred Indians. They were engaged in the manufacture of leather blankets, soap and various other articles, also in rais- ing vegetables, wheat and stock. When gold was discovered he had as a part of his property 8,000 head of cattle, 2,000 horses and mules, nearly 1,000 sheep and 1,000 hogs. Then came the gold rush, and Sutter lost everything. The lawless class stole his stock, cut down his timber, trampled over his wheat fields and "squatted" upon his land. The man who had assisted hundreds of suffering irn- migrants was to die a pauper. Finally losing all of his property through bad debts and swindlers, he applied to the state legislature for a monthly pension. The legislature voted him a pension for several years, and then subsequent legislatures refused further assist- ance. The grafters were then taking everything in sight. The old man then returned to Pennsylvania and petitioned Congress for assistance. While they were debating the momentous question of granting the old pioneer $100 a month, June 17, 1880, he passed away. Not even a decent monument today heads his grave. ON TO CALIFORNIA 85 cerville, Marysville and a hundred other camps became busy marts of Hfe and trade. Stockton was founded in 1849 by Captahi Charles M. Weber. When first he saw the land he believed in some future time it would become a city of great commercial importance because of its deep water outlet to the sea. Weber as early as 1844 obtained this land, some 10,489 acres, from his San Jose partner, Wm. Gulnack. The land was designated by the Mexicans as Campo de los Franceses, the camp of the Frenchmen. Gulnack, being a naturalized Mex- ican citizen, obtained the grant free of cost. Weber obtained it for a mere song. In trying to populate the grant in 1847, Cap- tain Weber offered any settlers a lot in the town and 160 acres of land. They laughed at the offer, and one immigrant, Thomas Doak, de- clared he would not give 10 cents an acre for all the land between Weberville and Sutter's fort. In 1847 the owner succeeded in getting some twenty settlers, trappers and sailors, to settle upon the grant. Then came the discovery of gold, January, 1848. In the fall of that year he built the first house in the San Joaquin valley. In the spring of 1849 he saw the realization of his dream and resurveyed the town. In this re- survey he laid ofif a city one mile square, divided into blocks 300 feet square. Each street was open to the channel, and streets ran along the water front. Two years later speculators offered him thousands of dollars a front foot for lots on the water front. He refused all offers, saying the water front must be kept open for the use of the general public. Today the citizens appre- ciate the wisdom of the founder. In the spring of 1849 the incoming immigrants began arriving, and as James H. Carson declared, "a rush and whirl of human beings was con- stantly before the eye and a city had arisen at the bidding of the full-fledged Minerva." A tent city of 1,000 people had arisen as if by magic. Christmas morn, 1849, the city was in ashes, swept by a half-million dollar fire. Again was the town rebuilt. Ship after ship entered the harbor. The navigation of the channel was ob- 86 MEN AND EVENTS structed by the incoming vessels, and in Feb- ruary, 1850, merchants, 107 in number, peti- tioned Captain Weber to remove the obstruc- tions. In the spring of that year there were over 2,000 people living in Stockton, more than suffi- cient to incorporate a city. The citizens began discussing city incorporation, and in less than two months, August, 1850, the city was incorpo- rated and city officers elected. Captain Weber then deeded all of the streets, alleys and public squares to the new city of Stockton. Six months later Stockton had her local government and laws and ordinances governing commerce and society, a well equipped fire department, private schools, religious and secret societies and two daily news- papers. Steamers ran daily to San Francisco and stages to the mines. She had her banking and express offices, post office, hotels, stores and shops, commission houses and traders, all doing a thriving business with the merchants of the Southern mines. Stockton and Sacramento are the only two cities in California founded by individuals. The former, as we have seen, was founded by Captain Weber, and the latter by Captain John M. Sut- ter. The enterprising Swiss on his arrival in the territory became a naturalized Mexican citizen. He then obtained a grant of land on the Rio del Sacramento, which he called New Helvetia. Building his fort some three miles from the west river bank, it was previous to 1844 the only trad- ing post in northern California. Sutter then es- tablished a ferry across the Sacramento river. It was much traveled, as the distance to Yerba Buena by the way of Semple's ferry, Benicia, was much shorter than by the way of Tuleburg. Sutter also became a town builder. He founded a town on the river bank, three miles below Sacramento. He named it Sutterville. The little burg flourished until the gold discovery, then faded away. In the spring of 1848 Sacramento consisted of two houses, a whisky shop and a small cabin, both upon the river bank. In the latter part of the year it contained sixty houses and a population of three hundred 88 MEN AND EVENTS persons. Lieutenant Warner, an army engineer, obtained a leave of absence from Governor Ma- son and, employed by Sutter, he laid off Sacra- mento. . Most of the surveying was done near the fort, Sutter contending that no permanent town could be founded upon the river banks be- cause of the high waters. When the sale of lots took place in the spring of 1849 the greatest de- mand was for land along the river front. These were sold and a transfer of business then took place from the fort to First, Second, Third and K streets. The citizens elected their first alcalde in the fall of 1848. In January, 1849, they held their first regular election, choosing men to fill the offices of magistrate, recorder, alcalde and sheriff. They also appointed a board of commissioners to frame a code of laws for the government of the district. They met the citizens assembled under an oak tree, then at the foot of J street, and made their report. Their code was accepted and by these laws Sacramento was governed until after California's admission as a state. During the floods of 1849 and 1852 they learned to their sorrow that Sutter was right. Then began the expenditure of millions of dol- lars in filling up the land. They spent on J street alone, one year, 1855, over a half million. The population of Sacramento in July, 1849, numbered some 1,500, which had increased in he summer of 1850 to 10,000. The main streets were constantly crowded and immigrants by the hundreds were in camp upon the outside of the town. In September nine lines of steamers ran up the Sacramento river ; stages left the town every morning for the mines, and the banking and express offices together with the merchants were carrying on an immense busi- ness. Before this time they had adopted a city charter, elected a town council and were holding political meetings. The Placer Times claimed a circulation of 500 at $12 a year subscription rates, and their job and advertising work was over $2,000 a week. Real estate had advanced in price far beyond its real worth, and choice lots sold at $3,000 each. Rents were very high and ON TO CALIFORNIA 89 Sutlers' sawmill at Coloma was removed in sec- tions to Sacramento and finished as the City Hotel, rented for $30,000 a year. The proprietor charged $5 a day or $20 a week for the plainest meals. The completion of the hotel was marked by a ball July 4, 1849. The tickets were $35. All of the women of the town were present, eighteen in number. Each lady had ten dancing partners and a few more. Business was very brisk. Merchants were taking in over $3,000 a day across their pine board counters ; clerks were receiving from $300 to $500 a month, and gambling and whisky sa- loons were doing such a profitable business that they were paying $1,000 a month rent. San Francisco until 1847 was known as Yerba Buena (good herb). That year, however, the al- calde, Washington A. Bartlett, by official procla- mation changed the name to San Francisco. At this time the population was about 900. Four years later the census marshal reported a popu- lation of 56,871. When the first survey was made, in 1835, a Mexican surveyor believed one street sufficient for all purposes. He laid off a single street, call- ing it "La Callade la Fundacion." In 1839 a new survey was made by the Frenchman, Jean Vioget. He gave the town a frontage upon Yerba Buena cove. He laid off as the boundary of the new town what is now Post, Leaven- worth and Francisco street. He included the water lots theh just east of Montgomery street, between the two land marks, Rincon point on the south and Black point on the north. The land at the time was one or two feet under the water; nevertheless it was divided into 16}4 by 50 vara lots. A vara is 33 1-3 inches. When General Kearny arrived in San Fran- cisco the speculators, looking to the future, re- quested him to place on sale these water lots. He had them put up on sale. In three days over 200 lots were bought up, ranging in price from $50 to $600 each. In August a second sale of lots was made. These were sandhill lots, and they sold from $12 to $25 a lot. The gold dis- covery sent those dry lots a-booming. Before 90 MEN AND EVENTS the close of 1849 they arose in value and $10,000 was paid for corner single lots. Then the wise ones made their fortunes by the same methods in which, in later years, speculators grabbed all of the best California lands. One of these spec- ulators was Captain Joseph Folsom, at that time quartermaster of the custom house. The limit of purchase was three lots. Folsom bought the limit. Then he bribed his clerks to buy more lots for him. In this way he obtained many lots and cleared, by selling lots, a million dollars. Folsom advised Lieutenant Wm. T. Sherman to buy lots. He thought it a waste of good money. Some years later Sherman in relating the incident said : "I felt insulted that he should think me such a fool. They were not worth $16 before the gold discovery, and are higher now than they ever will be in the future. The mines will be exhausted and the country will become a desert again.' The rapid growth of San Francisco was as- tonishing not only in its sudden increase in pop- ulation but in its increase in improvements and in wealth. Within the four years the streets im- passable in winter because of mud were planked and nearly two miles of wharves built. They had already begun to cut away the hills and business had extended into Happy valley, now a part of Market street. Upon every side the sound of machinery was heard and steam en- gines were busy. The streets at night were lighted with whale oil until 1854; then gas was the lighting material until electricity took its place. Omnibuses began running to North beach in 1854 and they were the public convey- ance throughout the city until 1860; then the first horse car line ran up Market street to the "Willows." The cable cars were first started on Clay street. Oakland. — All of the country around about Oakland was owned by the Spaniard, Don Luis Peralta. Governor Sola gave him the grant in 1820. Peralta lived in the foothills with his fam- ily and raised horses and cattle. When the state was organized in 1850 he divided his land among ON TO CALIFORNIA 91 his four sons. Vinceiite Feralta obtained that part where now Hes Oakland. The first settlement was by the Patton broth- ers, in 1850. They located at what was then known as Brooklyn, now a part of Oakland, and began raising wheat. They had good water communication with Yerba Buena by the way of San Antonio creek, and they built an embarca- dero at that point. Since 1847 the mission fath- ers had been using that creek, and in small boats they had been shipping hides, tallow and a few vegetables from San Jose mission to the deep water vessels anchored in the bay. A trading store was opened near the mission after the gold discovery, and at once a line of travel was estab- lished to Yerba Buena over the Brooklyn line. The point at this time was known as the Con- tra Costa landing. Edison Adams, A. J. Moon and H. J. Carpentier, observing that the embarca- dero was a good shipping point, in 1850 squatted upon the land. That is, they took possession, claiming that Peralta had no right to his father's estate. Upon the spot now known as Broadway they located 160 acres and, erecting a small dwelling, they named the future town Oak-land. The ground was thick with live oak and syca- more trees. The town prospered and in 1852 Carpentier succeeded in inducing the legislature to pass a law incorporating a city. The three men then became the town trustees. These hon- est fellows then deeded to Carpentier the whole of the Oakland water front. In consideration of this gift, Carpentier built a wharf for public use, and a public school. Amusing as this transac- tion appears, it has cost Oakland millions of dollars, and was finally settled less than four years ago, after ten years of litigation. The city was laid off in blocks 200x300 feet with streets 80 feet wide. Broadway, however, is 110 feet wide. The bounds of the town were Fourteenth street on the north. West street on the west, including 300 feet into the bay; Oak- land creek on the south, and Lake Merritt on the east. Communication was made between Oakland and San Francisco in early days by a small 92 MEN AND EVENTS steamer which made two-hour trips. Opposition in 1857 reduced the fare and increased the num- ber of trips. The San Antonio creek route was abandoned in 1863 and a long wharf was built over the mud flats to deep water. Then two large steamers, the Contra Costa and Oakland, began making two-hour trips. The fare was 50 cents each way. In 1869 the Central Pacific rail- road obtained control of the ferry, and running their trains through Seventh street, made the steamer ferry trips conform to the running time of their trains. The Oakland climate, less foggy and chilly than that of the peninsula, appealed to the wealthier class of people, and building houses in Oakland, they began making it their home. Thus Oakland grew until it became known as the sleeping room of San Francisco. The destruc- tion of that city by fire in April, 1906, was Oak- land's oi)])()rtunity. Its population, now over 300,000, nearly equals that of the bay city. New York of the Pacific. — It was the height of the ambition of many pioneers to found a town, and among them was Colonel J. D. Ste- venson. He founded New York of the Pacific on San Pablo bay, south side. Stevenson had an idea that his town would become a miniature New York, his native state. As ocean ships could sail to that point, he believed Tuleburg (Stockton) and Sacramento would become de- serted villages. Stevenson engaged William T. Sherman and Richard P. Hammond to lay ofif the town. He promised them for their work $500 cash and ten town lots. They surveyed and sounded San Pablo bay and found a depth of thirty feet of water. Quite a number of lots were sold. When it was learned, however, that 400-ton steamers could easily ascend the rivers to Stockton and Sacramento throughout the year, New York of the Pacific and Benicia found their Waterloo. Vallejo and Mare Island. — The island was so named because the early settlers there found a number of wild mares. In 1849 six government officers from the army and navy selected Mare island as the site for the establishment of gov- ernment works. The state legislature in 1854 ON TO CALIFORNIA 93 deeded the island to the government. Then com- menced the construction of the works. No government employes were permitted to reside on the island. The enforcement of this rule gave birth to Vallejo, on the opposite side of the strait. The land belonged to John Frisbie. Laying off a town, he named it Vallejo, his wife's maiden name. The town is principally populated with government employes, their wives and children. Jamestown. — Jamestown was named after the first discoverer of gold in that vicinity, William James. Its growth was rapid. Carson, visiting" the spot in May, 1849, after a year's absence, said : " * * * On the large flat we found a canvas city under the name of Jamestown, which, similar to a crop of mushrooms, had sprung up in a night. A hundred flags were flying from restaurants, taverns, rum mills and gambling houses." Cornelius Sullivan and his companions at this time were on their way from Monterey to Col- oma. In camp one night a Spaniard came along and said : "Oh, my friends, there is lots of gold, chunks as big as my fist, on the Stanislaus." The party then turned from Coloma to Jamestown. "Never will I forget the impressions of the scene before us," said Sullivan to the writer. "Under a brushwood tent supported by upright poles sat James D. Savage, measuring and pouring gold dust into the candle boxes by his side. Five hundred or more naked Indians with belts of cloth bound around their waists or suspended from their heads brought the dust to Savage, and in return for it received a bright piece of cloth or some beads." Sonora. — Sonora was located in 1848 by the Woods party. It took its name, however, from a number of expert miners, natives of Sonora, Mexico, who. finding gold, located there in large numbers. They were quickly driven away by the Americans. The place grew rapidly. In No- vember, 1848, they elected a town council. In the following year, 1852, Sonora had 100 business houses. They carried a stock of a half million dollars. In 1856 with its population of 5,000 it 94 MEN AND EVENTS had its secret organizations of Masons, Odd Fel- lows and temperance societies, public and pri- vate schools and four religious denominations of Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopal and South Methodist, each holding weekly Sunday serv- ices. Upon a Saturday night the street was crowded with miners from the hills and gulches, seeking their mail, the news and their weekly supply of provisions ; and music, heard from all sides, attracted the curious to the gambling ta- bles, where was seen the miner with his hard- earned gold "bucking the tiger." Columbia, three miles from Sonora, was cre- ated through the accidental discovery of gold. A party of prospectors bound for other diggings in March, 1850, camped there for the night. While drying their blankets the next morning after a heavy rain they began prospecting and found gold. The news flew upon the wings of lightning. In four days there were forty tents upon the ground. Eight months later 8,000 min- ers were at work. Prostitution and gambling ruled the camp. One hundred and forty monte banks, with capital of $500,000, carried on their favorite game. Late in the spring of 1851 water for mining was very scarce. The entire population save ten left the camp. That winter they returned. In 1852 Columbia had 152 places of business, this including 30 gambling saloons, 40 grocery and dry goods stores, 4 banks and 3 express com- panies and a brewery. That year the Tuolumne Water Company brought a stream of water three feet wide and two feet deep into the town. This gave assurance of prosperity. In 1854 the town was incorporated and George Sullivan elected mayor. The town cast 9,858 votes. In July, 1854, the place was destroyed by fire, loss $600,- 000. The gold output began to decrease, and in 1858 the inhabitants began leaving "the gem of the mountains." Real estate fell in value rap- idly. Ten years later the camp was almost de- serted. Murphy's Camp, on the road to the famous Calaveras big trees, was founded in 1849 by a prospecting party. At one period over 3,000 ON TO CALIFORNIA 95 miners lived in that locality. It was a remark- ably rich spot. Ground sixty feet square yielded over a half million in two years, and from that vicinity over $2,000,000 was taken. The place was named after Murphy, one of the prospectors. He later opened a hotel. In 1858 lames Sperry erected a stone building and opened a hotel for tourists. In the destructive fire of 1860 it was burned out, but was again refurnished. Placerville. — The place was first known as Kelsey's Diggins. A party of friendly Indians guided Kelsey to the place. About Christmas, 1848. the miners hung Irish Dick and two other murderers from an oak tree. The place was then known as Hangtown. Later it was incor- porated under its present name, Placerville. In 1852 the wealth, population and the polit- ical power of the state centered in the gold mines. The census marshal that year reported a population of 224,435, and of this number the seven counties of Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Tuolumne, Placer, Sierra and Yuba contained 126,853 inhabitants. Early in the '60s because of the gradual de- crease of the gold output the gold diggers be- lieved "the mines were played out," and they began leaving by the hundreds and locating in the valleys and coast towns. Soon the small camps and then the largest diggins were desert- ed. Stores were closed, families left their pretty little cottages and gardens and thousands of dol- lars' worth of property was left to ruin and de- cay. In one camp a brick building erected at a cost of $4,000 rented for $100 a month. Later it found no tenant at $5.00 a month. In one town in 1853, 5,000 miners crowded its streets every Saturday night. Ten years later not 500 people could be found there. Now the camps that con- tained the population, highest intellects and wealth of the state are but the skeletons of their early life. They await the prosperity that will again come, through the electric railroad and horticulture. For fruit raising no soil in the state equals that of the mountain lands. Colton Hall. Old Spanish Custom House. CHAPTER VII. ORGANIZATION OF STATE. Government in some form is indispensable in every community. Therefore, soon after the w^ar the citizens of San Jose, San Francisco, Stockton and Sacramento assembled in mass meeting- and adopted the Mexican system of gov- ernment. They were familiar with this form of government and it served their purpose, as the population was limited and the citizens peace- ful and honest. The rush of immigration, how- ever, caused a complete change, not only in the morals of the people, but in the commerce and trade of the territory. Life and property became unsafe because of the criminal element. Busi- ness was in an unsettled condition, and, to make matters worse, the government demanded gold or silver coin for all custom house duties. As there was but little coin in the territory, gold dust depreciated over 50 per cent. Hence it was necessary to organize not alone local, but a ter- ritorial or state government. A clash took place at this time between the military governor and the town council of San Francisco, this fight showing another reason why a government should be organized. Gen- eral Bennett Riley, "Hero of Contreras," as he was called, arrived at San Francisco April 12, 1849. He came in command of 650 soldiers. Nearly all of them deserted and hastened to the mines. Riley came as California's Civil Gov- ernor, but soon after arrival he dissolved the town council of San Francisco. He gave as his reasons that they had no right to elect any offi- cers without the consent of Congress. Commo- dore Sloat took the opposite view. He advised them to "elect their own magistrates and other 97 98 MEN AND EVENTS ofificers for the administration of justice." Peter H. Burnett, then a well known lawyer, assailed Riley's position and maintained that as Con- gress had failed to give California a form of government, the people themselves had a con- stitutional right to organize a government for the "protection of life and the pursuit of happi- ness." It was a question of people's rights, and Burnett was ably seconded by Senator Wm. M. Gwin (a), who arrived in California June 4, 1849, for the express purpose of assisting the (a) The name of Wm. M. Gwin was well known in politics long before he saw the state that elected him its first United States Senator. Born in Tennessee, October 9, 1803, he received his education in the Lex- ington, Kentucky, University. He then began the study of medicine. His father being an intimate friend of President Jackson, the latter appointed young Gwin his private secretary. In his new position he learned the tricks and schemes of politics. A "natural born" politician, from that time on he gave his entire atten- tion to the lust for power. After the retirement of President Jackson, Gwin in 1833 located in Mississippi and was appointed United States Marshal. Seven years later he was elected United States Senator from that state. While engaged as superintendent of the New Orleans custom house there came to him the breezing report of gold in California. With far-sighted judgment he saw a new state looming up in the Far West, and in Willard's hotel, Washington, he said to Stephen A. Douglass: "On the morrow I shall be en route to California to urge that policy (the organization of a state), and to become a candidate for United States Senator, and within a year I will present my creden- tials." He arrived in San Francisco June 4. 1849. He sat upon his trunk on the hillside as the flames swept over the town, San Francisco's third great fire. He was elected as one of San Francisco's five delegates to the convention, and at once became its leader. From then forward until 1862 Gwin was the leader of the South- ern California wing of the Democratic party. In that year he was arrested by the United States authorities and imprisoned at New York. When released he went to Mexico as an ally of Maximilian. From that time on he was known as Duke de Gwin. Gwin was a man of impressive personality, tall, well formed, polished in manner and in speech, positive in his opinion and a fine orator. He made many friends and held them with bands of steel. He died in New York, September 3, 1885. ORGANIZATION OF STATE 99 people in forming- a state government, and re- turning to Washington a United States Senator. Although Riley opposed the people taking any action without the approval of Congress, he finally gave way to public opinion and called a convention to assemble September 3, 1849, at Monterey ; the delegates to said convention to be elected June 3 by the people of the several districts. The territory was divided into ten districts, the number of delegates in each district being governed by the district population. San Joaquin was the largest district, "all of the terri- tory south of the Consumne lying between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range" (b). This convention, which assembled at Monterey at the time appointed, was in some respects the most remarkable body ever in session. The dele- gates came from every state in the Union, and five from foreign parts. The seven native Califor- nians could not speak a word of English. For their benefit an interpreter, W. E. P. Hartwell, was appointed. He received $23.00 a day for his work. None of the delegates had a two years' residence, and four had resided in the territory less than five months. Forty-four of the forty- eight delegates were under 50 years of age, and 9 were under 30. Politically, by states, 17 fa- vored slavery, 20 opposed slavery and 11 were neutral — being either foreigners or native born. According to occupation or profession there were 14 lawyers, 11 farmers, 8 merchants, 2 printers, 3 soldiers and 10 of other occupations. Assembling on the appointed day, Monday, September 3d, in Colton hall (c), then the only (b) San Joaquin was a good sized election pre- cinct, 40 by 100 miles. The district was allotted five delegates. So rapidly did the population increase in number, they elected fifteen delegates. Through the efforts of Gwin they were all seated. (c) Colton hall, now kept in repair by the state, was built by Walter Colton by prison labor. Colton was the chaplain of the man-of-war Congress. Com- modore Stockton appointed him as alcalde of Mon- terey. While thus acting he would make the prisoners woric out their punishment. The building is con- structed of the same material as Carmelo mission, and the masonry was done by men of Stevenson's regiment. 100 MEN AND EVENTS l)uilding- in the territory large enough for such a body, they organized by electing as president Robert Semple, an anti-slavery delegate ; Will- iam A. Marcy, a son of the Secretary of State under President Polk, was elected as secretary and J. Ross Browne was made reporter. Browne was later Minister to China and one of Oakland's wealthiest citizens. One of the first questions before the conven- tion was, "What kind of a government shall we create?" Burnett, who assisted in the formation of the Oregrn government, wanted a civil provi- sional government. Three districts favored that form. A few delegates wanted a monarchial government, and many an independent govern- ment. General Riley asserted that Congress would not sanction the form of government last named. Some wanted a territorial government. This was quickly voted down, however, and finally they decided upon a state form of gov- ernment. The boundary of the state caused a long and heated discussion. The friends of the South, defeated in their effort to make California a slave state, now endeavored to make a state so large that later it could be divided into six states. Each state was to border upon the Pacific ocean, and it Avas proposed to have two of the states south of Mason and Dixon's line. After many days of wrangling, Robert Semple ex- claimed : "Take the Sierras as our natural boundary!" Major Hill definitely outlined Sem- ple's idea, and the summit of the Sierras was adopted as the state's eastern boundary line. Before the convention had been many days in session Wm. Shannon of New York introduced as one of the sections of the declaration of rights, "Neither slavery or involuntary servitude unless for the punishment of crime, shall ever be tol- erated in this state." Many believed that this section would cause a hot fight. The Congres- sional House had turned down Stephen A. Doug- las' California bill because of this provision. The delegates knew that a Whig Congress would not admit a slave state. Therefore, two of the dis- tricts, San Francisco and Sacramento, had ORGANIZATION OF STATE 101 pledged their delegates to oppose slavery ; in fact, the district first named passed a resolution instructing their delegates "to oppose any incipi- ent act that might tend to its (slavery's) intro- duction." The Shannon section was passed unanimously. Many of the delegates had no love for the Ne- gro. While the slavery question was being dis- cussed McCarver of Missouri ofifered an amend- ment prohibiting the immigration of Negroes, free or slave. At once party lines were drawn. The anti-slavery men contended that the Negro would compete with white labor, and that slave owners would bring their slaves to California by the thousand, work them in the mines and get all of the gold. The pro-slavery men laughed at this absurdity. They declared that the Negro would be a benefit. Slave owners would not dare to bring them to a free state, as then they would be free. The amendment was defeated by a strict party vote. The pro-slavery men, fifteen in all, voted aye ; the twenty-two anti-slavery men voted nay. The color line in another form created quite a breeze when the committee reported that all Negroes, Indians and their descendants be de- prived of their right of sufifrage. They quickly found that they would have to amend the re- port. Several of the Mexican delegates were of Indian blood and Mani Dominguez, a delegate from Los Angeles, was a pure-blooded Indian. The convention provided for the organization of public schools and made a provision for laws against dueling and gambling. Before adjourn- ment sine die, they declared December 15, 1849, as the time of meeting of the first legislature_at San Jose. They also selected November 15th as tlie time of ' election for state officers, the people to elect for a term of two years a Gov- ernor, Lieutenant Governor and a legislature. They were to declare their choice for two con- gressmen and vote for or against the constitu- tion. The convention finished its work October 13th and each delegate signed his name to the constitution. As they began signing about one 102 MEN AND EVENTS o'clock in the afternoon, the United States flag was broken to the wind and the cannon upon the hill began its welcome salute. The delegates were all very tired and sleepy for the previous evening they had been dancing in the first state ball. The convention that day had adjourned long before noon. The room was cleared of benches and tables and the walls deco- rated with pine limbs, Monterey cypress and flags. To give light to the gay and festive scene a wooden chandelier in the form of a cross was made and suspended from the center ceiling by a rope. The lights were candles, home-made. About 200 persons were present, this including twenty American women and some sixty Span- ish and Mexican senoritas (d). At midnight supper was announced and the dancers marched to the banquet hall in the first story. The tables were loaded with meats, fish, bread, cake, wines and liquors and cigarettes. After supper they danced until daylight. The first political campaign was in some re- spects similar to the present campaign of 1914. There were no political parties, and each ofiice- seeker was obliged to "paddle his own canoe" — the words of a song of that day. There were two candidates for Lieutenant Governor and five candidates for Governor : Peter H. Burnett (a well known lawyer), John Sutter (the founder of Sacramento), Wm. Sherwood (an Irish legis- lator from New York), John Geary (postmaster of San Francisco, who was sent out from Wash- ington) and Wm. Steuart. At this time there were but three newspapers (d) The women at this ball were dressed in hand- some silk goods. The men, many of whom had gone to the convention dressed in their hickory shirts and flop hats, were at their wits' end for a suitable dress. They borrowed from one person a white shirt, from a second a pair of pants, from a third a vest. Not a pair of kid gloves could be found, and $50 was offered for a pair of patent leather boots. The orchestra comprised two violins and two guitars. They had but three pieces of music. Before dawn the dancers were humming the tunes. ORGANIZATION OF STATE 103 and job offices in the territory, the Placer Times at Sacramento and the Pacific News and Alta (e) at San Francisco. These offices were kept busy- day and night printing ballots and the consti- tution. The candidates, taking copies, visited every county in the state and so far as possible distributed the ballots and constitution. It was an unusually wet winter and the mud in both mountain and valley made traveling almost im- possible. For this reason many voters had no knowledge of any election, while others received no ballots. On election day it rained heavily in the Sierras and three-fourths of the American miners did not leave their tents to go to the polls. Thousands of the voters had never seen nor heard of the candidates, and as one miner remarked, "I went it blind when I came to Cali- fornia, and I guess I'll go it blind now." Peter H. Burnett was elected Governor (f). The vote was: Peter H. Burnett 6,716, Wm. Sherwood (e) The Alta was the child of the Californian and the California Star. The Californian, the first paper ever published in the territory, was first issued August 15, 1846, as a four-page weekly. The paper was pub- lished by Walter Colton, who had had some experi- ence as an editor, and by Robert Semple, a printer. In 1847 Colton sold his interest to Semple, and in May Semple removed to Yerba Buena, believing that was the coming town. Semple in removing to the har- bor came in competition with the Star, Samuel Bran- nan's paper, first published January 17, 1847. E. C. Kemble was the editor of the Star and he and Edward C. Gilbert, purchasing both papers, then brought out the Alta. (f) Peter H. Burnett was born in Tennessee, No- vember IS, 1807. Burnett with his wife and six chil- dren removed to Oregon in 1843. He there assisted in organizing that territory into a state, and acted as a legislator. In 1848 he removed to this territory and became Sutter's agent, taking charge of his lawsuits, collecting rents and selling townlots. Two of his children were young ladies when he arrived in Cali- fornia, and this fact increased his popularity among the young voters. Retiring from office, he later be- came a banker and organized the Pacific bank. In middle life he became a Catholic and wrote a second book, "Why Am I a Catholic?" He lived a quiet, temperate life, and died in San Francisco, May 17, 1895. 104 MEN AND EVENTS 3,188, John M. Sutter 2,201, John W. Geary 1,475, Wm. Steuart 619; John McDougal was elected Lieutenant Governor, 7,324, and Edward Gilbert and George W. Wright members of Congress. The total vote was 14,229. Twelve hundred voted for the constitution and 811 against it. The legislature assembled at San Jose Decem- ber 15, 1849. Five days later they met in joint session to vote for United States Senators. It was one of the most important of joint sessions, for upon their choice depended perhaps the state's admission into the Union. The legisla- ture was non-partisan. Its first choice for Sen- ator, however, was the Whig, John C. Fremont, as it was presumed he bemg the son-in-law of Thomas H. Benton, that famous leader would work hard for California's admission. Their second choice was Wm. M. Gwin ; he would have great influence with the Southern members. The candidates, seven in number, were John C. Fre- mont, Wm. M. Gwin, Henry W. Halleck, John W. Geary and Butler King. The latter had come to California in the interests of President Taylor and Thomas J. Henley. Each candidate worked for the honor. Money was freely ex- pended and high-priced wines, liquors and ci- gars were free to legislators and friends. For a two-year term Fremont was elected upon the first ballot. Gwin was elected upon the second ballot, his term four years. Before the final vote for Congressmen several legislators resigned from office, for, as we say, "there was nothing in it." The first to retire was Senator Nathaniel Bennett from the San Francisco district. He resigned to become Asso- ciate Chief Justice. The vacancy was filled by David S. Broderick (g), who had had considera- ble political experience in the Tammany Club, New York. Soon after taking his seat January 8, 1850, Governor Burnett resigned to go into busi- ness. He was the only governor to resign ex- cept to fill a higher place, as did Milton S. La- tham and Newton Booth. The succession of John McDougal as Governor caused a vacancy in the chair of the Senate. David S. Broderick ORGANIZATION OF STATE 105 was elected. As president of the Senate Brod- erick had a strong pull and he now began that political warfare which ended in his tragic death. The first legislators were fond of perpetrating jokes, and one member introduced a bill, which went through the usual course, levying a tax of twenty-five cents per month on all bachelors (g) David Colbert Broderick, the man who by his indomitable will and forceful tactics compelled the Democratic party to acknowledge his power, was born of obscure parents, February 14, 1820, in the city of New York. The father, a stone cutter, died when the boy was but fourteen years of age, and young David then learned the same trade, that he might the better assist his mother and younger brother. In 1844 Brod- erick was alone, his mother and brother both dead. Long before this time he had become an active Bowery leader and foreman of Engine Company No. 34. He \vas a great favorite, for none could cope with him in wrestling, and he was also an excellent boxer. At that time in the Eastern cities, later in California, the fire department were active workers in politics and backed their candidate to a man. Broderick even at that early day was ambitious to laecome a United States Senator, for as he later said in California, "My goal is the United States Senate and I will arrive^ if living. Why, to sit in the Senate of the United States as a Senator for one day, I would consent to be roasted on a slow fire on the plaza." Broderick, although but one year over the consti- tutional limit, received the nomination from his dis- trict for United States Senator, but was defeated by the "plughat uglies," as the aristocratic friends of President Polk were called. Broderick's anger was intense and, says James O'Meara in his book, "Brod- erick and Gwin," in June, 1849, he left New York for California and swore that he never would return to it until he should go as a Senator of the United States. Eight years later he made good his word. Broderick on arrival in San Francisco immediately found two old friends, Jonathan D. Stephenson and Charles D. Kohler. The last named was engaged in coining money, and Broderick became his partner. He also took an active part in the organization of the fire department and was elected foreman of Em- pire No. 1. After the fatal duel it was renamed Brod- erick and so remained until the dissolution of the department in 1869. A few months after Broderick's arrival he was elect- ed to the Senate, and from that time on until his death his life forms a part of the political history of the state. 106 MEN AND EVENTS between the ages of 20 and 60 years. Wherein lay the joke : The census report shows that in the year 1850 the population was 120,000. Un- der 20 years of age there were 7,791 males and 3,606 females; between 20 and 30 years, 44,720 males and 1,569 females; between 30 and 40 years of age, 21,460 males and 986 females. Five hundred and seventy-six men were found over 40 and less than 60 years of age. This census included the whites, Mexicans and Chinamen. From this we see that between the ages of 20 and 60 years there were 75,796 males and 3,110 females. To escape that penalty, where would the batches find wives? The Senate had no love for the colored man and they passed that unjust law sent up from the Assembly that all men of color (h) could not, in a court of justice, give evidence against a white. Under this law a Negro, Indian or Chinaman could be beaten, robbed or murdered by a white man and no punishment could follow unless there were white witnesses to the act. Petitions were sent up from various parts of the state to subsequent legislatures to have this bru- tal act repealed. Yuba county at one time sent up over half of her votes, but so bitter was the prejudice against the Negro that no legislature would take action (i). Assemblyman James T. Farley, later United States Senator, in 1857 en- deavored to remove the disgrace from Califor- (h) The Supreme Court at that time declared that all men of color included the Negro, the Indian and the Chinaman. (i) The colored men of San Francisco in 1853 sent a petition to the legislature asking that the law be repealed. It created as much excitement in the house as would a sizzling bomb. One member moved that it be thrown out of the window; another member moved that the infamous document be thrown aside. The legislature of 1854 received from some Quakers living in London, England, an abolition address in pamphlet form. So foolish and angry was that dig- nified body that on April 14th a resolution was intro- duced to burn the documents. The resolution created a long discussion and finally it was indefinitely post- poned. Henry A. Crabb, a pro-slavery man, said it should have been received with silent contempt. ORGANIZATION OF STATE 107 nia under the cover of a bill to quiet land titles. It declared that all persons could testify in a court of justice. The pro-slavery men of the Assembly speedily crushed it. If passed it would have given the Negro his rights. The capital was the cat's paw of many a scheming politician, and not until its final loca- tion at Sacramento did it cease to be such. When the constitutional delegates began dis- cussing a capital location the citizens of Monte- rey endeavored to have that town selected, but the delegates were so dissatisfied with the poor accommodations that they selected San Jose as the first capital seat. The San Joseans had also made many promises, among others the dona- tion of thirty acres of land, worth $60,000, and suitable legislative buildings thereon, if San Jose became the capital seat. The legislature found the accommodations at San Jose worse than at Monterey. Speculators had engaged all of the rooms and they were renting them at exorbitant rates. The streets were muddy and well nigh impassable ; and, to make matters worse, the buildings were unfin- ished. Citizens hired a small building for legis- lative use. They paid $4,000 a month rental. In less than three days after the organization of the legislature Tingley of Sacramento offered a re- moval bill. It was tabled, however, as the citi- zens bribed the members by tendering them, De- cember 27th, a grand ball. The Governor, his stafif and the state militia were present. There was still much grumbling, however, and January 29th Selim E. Woodward of Monterey, son of the poet who wrote "The Old Oaken Bucket," introduced a resolution (which was passed) that the chairman on public buildings (Broderick) report a bill for the location of the capital (j). The legislature, however, left the matter to the people. They voted for Vallejo. The legislature assembled at' Vallejo January 5, 1852, under anything but pleasing conditions. The streets were almost impassable because of mud ; the state house was incomplete, and the hotel accommodations so poor that there was a scarcity of chairs, food and beds. The legislators 108 MEN AND EVENTS were compelled to use boxes for chairs, and sleep upon the floor. Over a hundred persons slept on the steamer Empire, which brought the Southern members from San Francisco. Under these conditions, especially as golden ducats were in sight, about the first subject of debate after organization was the removal ques- tion. Sacramento now came to the front with a strong and influential claim for permanent loca- tion (k). In the previous year she had made a strong fight for the capital. Pierre B. Cornwall, a leading Sacramento merchant, had resigned in the interest of capital location and a strong booster had succeeded him. The Assembly after a short debate, by a vote of 29 to 27, resolved to meet in Sacramento Jan- uary 13, 1852. The Senate balked, nor could Sacramento's friends win out, for Broderick was fighting their claim. He was pulling in another direction, and January 8th and 9th (Friday and Saturday) they fought. On Sunday some potent influence moved its magic spell over the Senate, (j) After the legislators passed the resolution fa- voring a new capital location, free whisky, cigars and champagne were nowhere to be found. Not a single citizen said "Come, let's take a drink." At that time the members were paid their salary and mileage in state script, worth 50 cents on the dollar only. The merchants and hotels had been taking the scrip at par value. Now they had no use for it, and members were compelled to pay coin or gold dust. The mem- bers did not forget this, as it was an actual hardship. The legislators were all poor and at times they were compelled to borrow money to pay board and lodging bills. The City hotel was the only lodging and meal place in San Jose. For board only they paid $5 a day, $2 for a bed and $1 for space to sleep in your own blank- ets upon the floor. As the members received $16 a day only, in script, their legislative lives were one of trouble and philanthropy rather than pleasure and wealth. (k) During the year the county had erected a fine two-story brick building and the Court of Sessions tendered the legislature the use of it. The citizens then appointed a committee, and visiting Vallejo they offered the legislature the free use of the building, free tickets to the American theater and to a grand ball, a welcome to their homes and the freedom of the city. ORGANIZATION OF STATE 109 and on Monday l)y a majority of two they voted to meet in Sacramento (1). On arrival Tuesday morning they were met at the wharf by a large crowd of citizens. The bells were rung, salutes fired and a hearty cheer given for the state legis- lature. That evening the members were ten- dered a ball and supper in the Orleans Hotel, the citizens putting up $20 each for tickets. Over 100 ladies and 300 gentlemen from all parts of the state were present. Finishing the session in Sacramento, they adjourned May 4th to meet in January, 1853, at Vallejo. It was during the session of this legislature that Broderick, March 17, fought his first duel, and by a singular incident he saved his life. In the Democratic convention held that year in Sacramento to elect delegates to the Baltimore convention, Broderick in a speech ofifended ex- Governor Smith of Virginia. His son, J. Caleb Smith, challenged Broderick. He accepted the challenge, and the duel was fought on the day mentioned. The spot selected was Alameda county, now about the center of Oakland. An excursion Ijoat was run from San Francisco to the Oakland embarcadero, and over two hundred persons were present, including the sheriff of the county and the father of young Smith. The weapons selected were navy revolvers. The men's distance apart was ten paces. Just before the pistols were handed to the principals, Broderick, taking his gold watch from his fob pocket, held it out to his second. "Put your watch in your pocket," replied the second. "If you are shot, die like a gentleman." Broderick smiled and returned the watch to its place. After exchanging six shots without injury to either party, the sheriff stopped the duel. The onlookers were disgusted with such poor marks- CD Said a correspondent to the San Joaquin Re- publican: "On the afternoon of that day on board the steamer Empire the legislature took passage for Sacramento, and if all the champagne and whisky which was drunk on that occasion had been poured into the channel, the levee city would have been as badly overflowed as in '49." 110 MEN AND EVENTS manship. They, just as are the automobile race spectators of today, were looking for blood and a killing. Upon examination of Broderick's clothing, it was seen that Smith's second bullet had flattened against Broderick's watch. It was found in his pocket. The watch had saved his life. His work was just begun, fighting for Cali- fornia and the Union. The California Senators, Wm. A. Gwin and John C. Fremont, arrived in Washington late in February, 1850. They found Congress fiercely fighting over the state's admission. President Fillmore in his annual message had recommend- ed that California be admitted, and Stephen A. Douglass had again introduced his California bill. The Southern leaders fought it with all of the influence and power at their command, as the admission of California as a free state would give the north the balance of power. There were at the time fifteen free and fifteen slave states. John C. Calhoun declared it was an infamous act, the organization of a state without the consent of Congress. Robert Toombs boldly asserted that if California were admitted the South would secede from the Union. During the struggle Henry Clay introduced his celebrated compromise, or omnibus bill. It pro- vided for the admission of California to the Union as a free state, and conceded certain measures to the South. Daniel Webster's famous seventh of March speech in favor of this bill became his- toric. The Clay compromise passed the Senate August 13th by a vote of 34 to 18. In the fol- lowing month, September 7th, by a vote of 150 to 56 it passed the House of Representatives. All of the Southern members voted against it. The President on September 9th signed the bill and it was a law. The new state constitution was delivered to John Bidwell, who had gone east to work for the admission of the state. It was confi- dently believed in this state that the bill would pass. Anxiously the people awaited the arrival of the news. Months passed, however, and there were threatening talks of forming an independent state. "In Sacramento," says Bancroft, "Judge Thomas of the district court openly reproached ORGANIZATION OF STATE 111 the government for neglect, and Bear Flag senti- ments were heard in the streets." The press, however, counseled patience and happily averted great confusoin, if not anarchy, had such a move- ment taken place. For weeks the lookout on Telegraph Hill had been unusually vigilant awaiting the news. On the morning of October 18th he was rewarded, as a steamer entered the Golden Gate covered with bunting and flags from stem to stern and at her mizzen mast bearing the pennant, "Cali- fornia is a state." Immediately the watchman knew the meaning, and throwing out both arms of the semaphore, which indicated an approach- ing steamer, he raised aloft the Stars and Stripes. The steamer fired a signal gun and continued firing. Citizens, hearing the cannonading, wildly rushed to Clark's point (m) to learn the news. When they learned that California had been ad- mitted to the Union, they embraced each other, yelled, shouted, threw high their hats in the air and danced around as though insane. The news quickly spread through the town. Merchants, some of them hatless, left their stores unattended and came running breathlessly to the steamer. As the hours passed the excitement seemed to increase. Flags of every nation were run up to ship's mast and housetop, and cheers were given again and again for Henry Clay. Thomas Benton, the Union and California. The flagstaff hal- yards of the Plaza were then out of order, and $200 was quickly contributed "for the fellow who shinned up the flagstafif" and fixed them. Then the two cannon of the revenue cutter were hauled to the plaza and during the day they sent forth their welcome reports. In the evening the pub- lic thoroughfare was crowded with smiling faces. Almost every public building and all the sa- loons and places of amusement were brilliantly illuminated, music from many bands assisted the excitement, balls and parties were hastily got- (m) Clark's point was so named after Wm. Clark, a pioneer of 1846. In 1850 he built the first wharf in San Francisco, and there the steamers landed. It is now the corner of Sansome and Clay streets 112 MEN AND EVENTS ten up, l:)onfires blazed upon the hills and rockets were incessantly thrown into the air until the dawn of another day. The San Francisco press issued papers con- taining the news, one hour after its arrival. They sold for one dollar each, and the New York papers brought five dollars per copy. At that time two lines of stages were running to San Jose, Crandall's and an opposition line. Both stages filled with passengers, the drivers drove furiously for their destination. As the stages were drawn over the road, bounding from side to side, the farmers came hurrying to the road to see what was the matter. The passengers would shout "California admitted to the Union." In a cloud of dust the stages rolled on to San Jose, one beating the other five minutes only in their sixty-mile race. Again was the event celebrated, October 29th, by a procession, oration an illumination and a grand ball. The procession comprised bands of music, five fire engine companies, military com- panies, the California pioneers, civic and secret societies and a body of Chinamen dressed in their gorgeous costumes. They carried a banner in- scribed "The China Boys." They were the prin- cipal feature of the procession. The orator was Nathaniel Bennett and the poetess was Mrs. N. P. Willis. -ower, Stockton in 1849. Upper, San Francisco, Corner of Clay and Kearny. Showing the two famous gambling houses and the water of the bay washing Montgomery street. CHAPTER VIII. ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BIGLER. The first political conventions in California were held in 1851, the Democrats assembling May 19th in Benicia and the Whigs May 26th in San Francisco. The Benicia convention was composed of a solid body of Democrats who in after years became famous in state and nation. In their platform they censured the government because it had not, as they claimed, guarded the frontier against the Indians, provided postal fa- cilities for California nor built a mint at San Francisco. They glorified the party and declared Thomas Jefferson was its founder. Alexander Hamilton was the father of "Whiggery," de- clared the Democrats. The Whigs found no fault with the government, for, if the Democratic platform told the truth, the President had filled all of the federal offices of California with Whigs from other states. The Whigs in their platform favored giving subsidies to steamship companies running steam- ers from San Francisco to the Sandwich Islands, and to railroad promoters who would build an overland railroad. They favored a pre-emption law that would give 160 acres of land to actual settlers ; that the government should preserve the mineral lands for the miners free of cost, and give to the state liberal grants of land for edu- cational purposes. The Democratic nominee for Governor was John Bigler (a), because of his big heart, gen- erous nature and strong sympathy for the unfor- tunate (b). He was unpolished, gruff in man- ner and ignorant in many respects, and because of this the Southern wing of the party dubbed 114 ADMINISTRATION OF BIGLER 115 him a "Northern mudsill." The Southerners worked and voted for the Whig nominee, Pier- son B. Reading, a man of Southern birth, a quiet, refined and educated pioneer of 1844 and a large landholder of Northern California. The miners voted for Bigler and he received 22,613 votes to Reading's 21,531 (c). It was the closest guber- natorial vote in state history. Bigler in his inaugural address severely de- nounced the Chinese and recommended that laws be passed checking the immigration of "coolie labor." In only one way could such immigration (a) John Bigler came to California overland in 1849. He was of German birth and having to work in early life he obtained a limited education only. Persevering and industrious, however, he first learned the printer's trade, and then began studying law. Locating in Sac- ramento, he found no opening as a lawyer and he became an auctioneer. Then for a time he chopped wood, and later he took a job unloading freight from the Sacramento steamers. He received $2.00 an hour for his work. Soon after this he was elected to the Assembly and then received the Democratic nomina- tion for Governor. (b) In recording this period of suffering and death Dr. John Morse says, "Bigler braved every danger and with his own hands administered relief to the suffering. On the 23rd of October, 1850, the deaths were many and John Bigler stayed at the cemetery until dark, with an assistant, burying the dead." (c) It was said that the moneyed power of San Francisco sent over $200,000 into Tuolumne county to beat Bigler. The people's nag, he cant' be beat, It matters not how long the heat. Let the moneyed power bring on their tin. The mountain boys will rope it in. The manufacturers' groveling press May all pitch in and do their best; The working men are wide awake And honest John will win the stake. Chorus: We're bound to run all night. We're bound to run all day. We'll bet our money on the people's nag And win on election day. — Miners' Campaign Song. il6 MEN AND EVENTS be checked and those who were here forced to emigrate, and that was by taxation. Then the cry went forth from merchant and citizen, "tax the Chinese." There are two ways of persecut- ing a people or race, by law or by physical force. In the case of the Chinaman both ways were employed. The civilized and intelligent used the law ; the ignorant and degraded made use of brickbats, stones, clubs and fire. The legislature again enforced the "foreign miners' tax," with this difference, Chinamen only were the victims. As a starter, in 1852 they enacted a law taxing all Chinese miners $3.00 per month. John kept on digging gold. Then the legislature passed a law taxing all foreigners $4 per month, the Chi- naman's tax increasing yearly $2 per month. The Whig legislature of 1855 passed a uniform tax law of $4 per month. Then came the cry for a Chinese law, and it was enacted that all aliens upon arrival must pay a $50 head tax ; if not paid within three days the ship was made responsible. As this touched the ship owners' pockets, they made up a test case. "Unconstitutional," said the Supreme Court. In 1858 the legislature tried it again, by passing a law prohibiting all Mongolians from landing upon California's shores. Any captain landing an alien was guilty of a misdemeanor. The ship owners again sent a case to the Su- preme Court, with the same decision, "unconsti- tutional." That words appears to be the shibbo- leth of capital, the knell of labor. The legisla- tors apparently discouraged, the subject was not again under discussion until 1860. Then a petition with 8,000 signers came up from San Francisco asking the legislature to pass a "coolie bill." The petition was laid upon the table, as there were questions before them of far greater importance. The Chinese question did not again claim legislative action until 1871. We will again consider its history. In the earlier history of the Chinese question the opposition to Chinese immigration was lim- ited. The constitution prohibited slavery, but it said nothing about cheap labor. The mer- chant wanted more customers to buy his goods. ADM I -\1 STRATI ox OF lUGLER 117 the capitalists wanted cheaj) labor to work in the gold mines, huiUUng bridges and flumes and dig- ging canals. The immense tule and marsh lands of the interior are splendid rice fields awaiting development. Across the water, a four weeks' journey, there is an army of cheap labor ready and willing to come and do the white man's work. Why not import and work them? It was the question asked by the pro-slavery pioneers. A bill was passed by the Assembly "to enforce the observance for labor contracts made without the state." It was intended to apply to Chinese only, and it made valid, in California, contracts made in China for coolie labor, the wages run- ning from $8 to $10 per month. The time of servitude was not to exceed five years. Had the bill gone to Governor McDougal he would have signed it. In his inaugural he declared that the Chinese were the most desirable of adopted citi- zens. The Senate voted down the bill. Brod- erick strongly opposed it because he disapproved of slavery in any form, negro or Chinaman. Phil- lip Roach, one of the leading Democrats until his death in 1889, contended that cheap labor, especially of the servile class, had a tendency to degrade white labor, and a wTong to the work- ing class was an injury to the state. This was the only bill ever introduced into the legislature in the interest of the Mongolian. In the state election of 1854 Governor P.igler was again elected Governor. He was the only Governor twice elected to that office. Bigler's popularitv was great, but that of his running mate, Samuel Purdy, w^as even greater. His in- tegrity was tested and true. At that time sev- eral parties in San Francisco had planned what was known as the "big steal." It was their purpose to grab a large part of the water front, have the legislature legalize their act and give the state a few lots for salvage. The Governor. "Honest John," favored the scheme, for the state was heavily in debt and he believed if the bay were filled in a distance of 600 feet the newly made lots could be sold for a round sum and a l)art of the state debt ])aid. The Assembly passed the bill. The Senate gave a tie vote. Broderick 118 MEN AND EVENTS denounced the bill, and asserted that in previous schemes of water lot extension the state had been robbed of over $2,000,000, while Captain J. L. Folsom, Talbot H. Green and others had made millions out of it. President Purdy of the Senate had the deciding vote. He had been of- fered $50,000 to vote "yes," but he voted "no." The fourth session of the legislature assem- bled at Vallejo in January, 1853. General Val- lejo had not been able to fulfill his promises and the friends of suitable locations began agitating the removal question. Benicia, Sacramento and San Jose sought the honor, but the legislators had no love for San Jose because of their past experiences in the City Hotel. Sacramento was not favorably considered, as during one session the capitol was surrounded by water for two weeks. Benicia now held out very favorable in- ducements. The citizens promised to pay the entire cost of removal, give the legislature the city hall rent free, and introduce them to their twenty or thirty marriageable young ladies. The legislature voted to meet in Benicia. Wagons were provided, and February 1, 1853, the capitol equipment was moved to Benicia (d). The legislature of February 2, 1854, met in Benicia, and the most important questions of dis- cussion were the Senatorial and the removal question. "There is only one thing certain," said a writer, "you need not look for much legis- lation for the people until the capital and the Senatorial questions are settled." Sacramento (d) Benicia was founded by Robert Semple, the owner of the "Californian," and named Francisca. It was believed that it would be a fine location for a big city. It was on the direct route to Stockton and Sac- ramento, there was plenty of deep water and ocean ships could there safely anchor from any storm. Semple removed to the place from Yerba Buena, and he and General Vallejo began town building. The town was laid off and lots sold from $20 to $50 each. Semple built a sidewheel ferryboat, propelled by horse power, to run across Carquinez strait, and made a for- tune. Just previous to the gold discovery over twenty houses had been erected and over two hundred lots sold. ADMINISTRATION OF BIGLER 119 had been spending money freely among certain doubtful members of the Assembly, and in spite of all of the tactics of Benicia's friends they passed the removal bill bv two majority. There was a heated debate in the Senate over this question. Broderick now favored it, for Sacra- mento had promised him assistance in his Sena- torial tight. Broderick was a power in the Sen- ate and February 25th that body voted for Sac- ramento. For the second time the legislature sailed up the Sacramento river (e) and March 1st reassembled in legislative session (f). Five davs later Governor Bigler was inaugur- 'ited The letter writers tell us that "the scene was imposing and impressive." The Helen Hens- The discovery of gold greatly increased the popula- tion, but a change of name injured somewhat the growth of the town. Semple chose the name l-ran- cisca because San Francisco was known all over the world Many ships were chartered for that ponit and sailing past Verba Buena they touched at Brancisca_. Benicia was then the rival of Yerba Buena, and m 1»4/ Washington A. Bartlett, then Alcalde of Yerba Buena, proclaimed through the "California Star" that hence- forth the bay town would be known m all othcial docu- ments as San Francisco. Semple was very angry be- cause of Bartlett's action. He could do nothuig, how- ever, but swear. He then changed the name to Benicia that being the name of General Vallejo's wife. In 1^49 the army commissioners selected Benicia as the arsenal and military headquarters, and it is still in use as gov- ernment barracks. It was also the storage or laying up depot of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. (e) In the Wilson G. Hunt they landed at Sacra- mento, 110 miles distant, in six and one-half hours. They were welcomed by a joyous crowd, mcluding the Sutter Rifles. Marching up the street preceded by a band of music, they broke ranks in front of the Orleans Hotel. (f) Immediately the wide-awake citizens began dis- cussing the question of locating the capital at Sacra- mento" They succeeded in preventing any further removals. In 1860 a law was passed making ^^acra- niento the capital seat. A law was also enacted for the construction of a capitol building. The grand lodge of Masons laid the cornerstone May 15, 1861 ihe Legislature on December 16, 1869, formally took pos- session. This l)eautiful granite structure cost $2,590,000. At that time it was one of the finest capitols in the United States. 120 MEN AND EVENTS ley came up to Sacramento from San Francisco with a large crowd on board, the number in- cluding the new military company, the San Francisco Blues. The (io\ernor in his address recommended the speedy reduction of the state debt ; the encouragement of education ; the ex- clusion of coolie labor, and an amendment to the constitution, making the legislative session bien- nial. He declared that in one session alone the clerk hire had cost the state over $100,000. The change would save the state over $175,000. In this session Broderick tried to force what was known as an "election bill." In the legis- lature of 1852 he ran for United States Senator, but was defeated by the Whigs. They at the last moment voted for John B. Weller, the Dem- ocratic nominee. Broderick's scheme was bold, audacious and startling. He sought to have the legislature pass a bill authorizing themselves to vote for a United States Senator, two years be- fore he could take his seat. It was a very un- usual proceeding, as United States Senators had always been elected the previous year. None could say that such an election was illegal and Broderick believed that if such a bill were passed his election as United States Senator was as- sured. The Assembly was safe for him. His Sacramento friends did not forget his work for the capital. The Senate only was doubtful. The Democrats, who had been split asunder in a po- litical feud, now united to defeat this audacious ]:)k^tter. He was not alone, for behind his politi- cal friends stood the bank of Palmer, Cook & Co. The opposition, led by Wm. M. Gwin, anxious to succeed himself, also had a strong money pull with the Panama Steamship C(^mpany. Money was freely used. Palmer offered Senator Peck of Butte $5,000 for his \-ote. he being opposed to the bill. Peck in open Senate declared Palm- er tried to bribe him. An investigation and trial was held, but nothing came of it. The bill was to come up in both houses Marcii 6 and the previous day, Sunday, was a very ex- citing Sabbath in Sacramento. Senator Peck was a prisoner in the Magnolia hotel, guarded by friends from the Broderick men. Two days ADMIXISTRATIOX OK IMOLER 121 previous supposed friends liad taken Peck car- riage ridini;-. Purposely upsetting the vehicle, they tried to cripple Peck so that he could not appear in his seat. Severely lamed, he hobbled back to town. Another Senator, Jacob Grewell, a \Miig from Santa Clara, was also a prisoner in the Fo\intain house, closely guarded by Broder- ick men. Grewell had opposed the election bill, but had been persuaded to change his views. The Gwin faction, learning this, hastened to Santa Clara, whither he had gone, and brought Grewell back to Sacramento. The Broderick men then took possession of Grewell and kept him a prisoner. The Assembly quickly settled the "election bill" bv a vote of 41 to' 38. In the Senate the contest was to take place. They were nearly evenly divided upon the question, and none could tell how Lieutenant Governor Purdy would vote. When the bill was called up Broderick was present. Says an eye witness, James O'Meara, "pale, eager, nervous, but with jaws firmly set, his deep blue eyes gleaming with the hre that possessed him, and all of the forces of his mind at their extreme tensit)n." The Senate began voting amidst the deepest silence. A hun- dred pens recorded every vote. The result was a tie. Samuel Purdy voted "aye." With shouts and ringing cheers, the Broderick men rushed to congratulate their leader. The victory was not vet w^on. The Gwin men were extremely angry at the result and they resolved to kidnap Grewell. The friends oi Broderick, suspecting such a plot, had again put Grewell under guard.. The Gwdn fac- tion hired a desperate character named Allrich to kidnap (kewell. Allrich entered the room wdiere Grewell was confined and found his watchman stupidly drunk. Putting a pistol to Grewell's head, he commanded him to follow. On the street he was quickly pushed into a hack in waiting and driven to the Magnolia house. Gwin's headquarters. He was there interviewed by Henry A. Crabb. the Whig leader, who bit- terly opposed Broderick. Grewell for some rea- son was in mortal fear of Crabb. and he promised 122 MEN AND EVENTS to recant. The next day at the proper moment Grewell arose and inoved a reconsideration of the election bill. The motion carried by a vote of 18 to 16. The following day the Assembly passed a bill fixing March 20, 1855, as the day for electing a United States Senator. Broderick stood face to face with his second defeat. In the constitutional convention one of the questions which frequently came up for discus- soin was that of state division. The South strong- ly opposed the boundary of state as it now stands. The only occupation of the Southerners even as late as 1870 was stock raising. They declared that they had no common interest with the North, and they feared their large acreage of land would be heavily taxed while they received no benefit. In 1854 the legislators from the South voted for Sacramento as the permanent seat upon the promise that the state would be divided. In July of that year a paper called the California was established and devoted to state division. It asserted that all of that part of the state south of Mt. Diablo, meridian 38, north latitude, would form a part of the new state. Slavery, it declared, could not exist in the new state. In the following year a state division bill was introduced to the Assembly. The pro-slav- ery members tried to introduce a slavery clause. That killed the bill. The legislators from the south of the Tehachapi mountains in 1859 strongly opposed Sacramento as the capital. During their opposition they succeeded in hav- ing a law passed permitting San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties to vote upon the propo- sition of a new state. It carried almost unani- mously, and through Governor Latham their petition was presented to Congress. That body refused to permit any change. The matter then rested until 1886, when Wm. Vandever, Con- gressman from that district, tried to revive the state division question. He was unsuccessful. The Native Sons of the Golden West stand on record as unanimously opposed to any division of state. ADMINISTRATION OF BIGLER 123 The sixth Democratic legislature assembled jii Sacramento January 1, 1855. It was a remark- able body. It was a legislature a half century ahead of its time. For they defied public opinion and enacted four moral laws prohibiting the most pernicious vices of the state, namely : Gambling (g), intemperance, the social evil and Sabbath breaking. At that time virtuous women were coming into the state in large numbers, and they sent up petitions requesting the repeal of the license gambling law. Their prayer was heard, and April 17th Governor Bigler signed the law prohibiting any form of gambling (h). Another vice worse even than that of gam- bling was liquor drinking. Liquor was drunk as freely as water, and it was sold by the quart, - gallon and barrel to consumers. The liquor drinking habit began to increase to an alarming extent, and the better class of citizens began or- ganizing temperance societies. They petitioned the legislatures to pass prohibition laws and close up the saloons. No heed was given to their prayer until 1855. In that year petitions were sent up from the women of El Dorado county, from the citizens of Tuolumne, Santa Cruz and 500 residents of Iowa hill, praying the legislature to pass a prohibition law. A bill was introduced (g) When the first Legislature convened, they found the state expenses very heavy. Believing that a large revenue could be derived from the gambling fraternity, they passed a law licensing all gambling games, from $10 to $15 for each table. The saloon keepers quickly paid the license, for it protected the game. They rented each table, sometimes getting as high as $1,000 a month. The attic of the Parker House, San Fran- cisco, was used entirely for gambling purposes, and the proprietor from the rent of gambling tables alone received as high as $60,000 per annum. Gambling was engaged in by every class of citizens, judge, lawyer, mechanic, clerk, merchant and laborer. Gambling was carried on continuously day and night, / and persons have been known to lose as high as $20,000 on the turn of a single card. As soon as the gambling law passed, then lotteries sprung up. They were suppressed. Then the people began gambling in stocks and betting on the results of elections. These after a tiine were prohibited. Pool selling on race tracks was then prohibited and all the state obeyed the law save the capital city; Sacramento 124 MEX AND EVENTS prohibiting the manufacture of any spirituous or intoxicating Hquors except for medicinal, chem- ical, mechanical or sacramental purposes. It was a fake bill, introduced e\idently to deceive and quiet the agitation. It did not prohibit the sale of liciuor. As all of the liquor was imported (20,000 barrels of whisky, 13,000 barrels of brandy, 4,000 barrels of rum, 9,000 hogsheads of beer and 3,400 cases of champagne in a single year), how would that ])rcvent the drinking of intoxicating liquors? The wise solons, either l)lind or serpent wise, l)itterly fought the bill. They contended that the wine consumer should be exempt from its provisions ; that each county should regulate the liquor traffic, and that the people should decide the question. The legislature so decreed. In the election, September 5, 1855, by a majority of 5,362 the people voted against prohibition. The mining districts voted in favor of the law, the cities against it. Even in that day the saloon controlled politics. One measure along prohibi- defiantly broke the law. In 1883 the council passed an ordinance permitting public gambling during the state fair. Again in 1888 she permitted public gambling. When Chief of Police Rodgers in 1890 declared that he would stop the game under state law, the president of the Agricultural Society endeavored to prevent him from performing his duty. There is now no gambling at the state fair. (h) The heavy winter rains would stop all travel. Then two-thirds of the miners, taking with them thou- sands of dollars in gold dust, would visit Sacramento, Stockton and San Francisco to spend the winter in amusements, gambling and riotous living. There were no homes, no societies, no place to go save the saloon. In these saloons the miners always found company. There assembled the judges, the clerks and the office seekers, to discuss politics and the questions of the day. The saloon proprietors knew well their business. There could be found all of the latest papers, warm, comfortable rooms, bars fitted up in costly style and hung with tine French mirrors, lewd pictures upon the walls, first-class musicians to play and sing, and beau- tiful women imported chiefly for their beauty to deal out monte, and supply drinks to customers. Thousands of men became gamblers, drunks and outcasts, they taking their first downward steji in the saloon. ADMINISTRATION OF BIGLER 125 tion lines the legislature approved without any dissent. A bill was introduced, passed the Sen- ate and was approved by the Assembly {2)7 to 16) called the saloon law. It prohibited the sale of liquor within two miles of the state's prison! The next question that came up for legislative action along moral lines was a Sunday closing and amusement law (i). Citizens protesting against "high carnixals" on the Sabbath peti- tioned the legislature of 1852-53 to pass a Sun- day law, but without effect. The mountain counties cried out for relief in 1854. The Assem- bly then enacted a Sunday law, i7 to 14. The Senate killed it. More petitions were sent up to the 1855 legislature. They passed a Sunday law which was signed by the Governor prohibiting all barbarous or noisy amusements, and all Sun- day exhibition of shows. This law was repealed in 1883. In the meantime several state and local laws were passed. It was found impossible, how- e\er, to convict any violator of the law. Trappers who have taken the trouble to esti- mate the Indian population of California liave stated that never did it exceed 100,000. Dis- eases and pestilence would at times carry the Indians oft' by the hundreds. Then they would increase until the next scourge came. One of these death-destroying periods was in the winter of 1832-33. A trapper, J. J. Warner, states at (i) The ]\Iexicans engaged in many of their national sports on Sunday. The Americans continued the prac- tice, and it became a day of high carnival, licentiousness and barbaric sport. It became the most disorderly day of the week, and the day was given over to bull and bear fights, horse races, cock fighting, drunken brawls and a murder or two. The Legislatures of 1850-51 passed laws prohibiting these barbarous amusements and then largely patronized them. In 1850 the Assembly discharged the doorkeeper for neglect of duty. He en- joyed a prize fight. Later a resolution was introduced appointing a committee to obtain the names of the meml)ers who attended a bull and bear fight the Sunday ])revious. They sat down on that resolution by a vote find him on the Stockton steamer. They found him not. Suspecting, however, that Stovall was playing a strategic game, Deputy Sheriff Thompson kept watch of the outgoing steamer. As she passed Angel Island a boat put out from the shore. In the boat was Stovall, the Negro boy and four friends. The deputy inter- cepted them and served upon Stovall two writs, one for Archie Lee, the other for Stovall, the latter being charged with kidnaping. Stovall and his friends drew their revolvers and Stovall ex- claimed, "The boy has been given to me by the Supreme Court and I'll be damned if any 'state court shall take him away!" 160 MEN AND EVENTS The deputy, however, returned to San Fran- cisco with Stovall as his prisoner. Upon a tech- nicaHty of the law he was acquitted of kidnaping. The writ for Archie Lee came up before Judge Freelon on March 17th. The colored men had engaged Edward D. Baker to defend the boy. He was given his freedom. Immediately he was again arrested under the fugitive slave act of 1858. In the meantime Stovall, facing a suit for damages, had left the state. Archie was again brought before Commissioner Johnson, under habeas corpus No. 4, and was discharged. The question of slavery in California was settled. CRIMES AND CRIMINALS. CHAPTER XL The lure of gold attracted to California thou- sands of criminals of every degree, from the petty thief to the bank forger. The convicts from Mexico already here were joined by convicts from "Botany Bay" and New South Wales, the "Syd- ney Ducks" from Australia, and the vilest of women from New York, New Orleans, France and England. Some of this class came to carry on anew their criminal work in a larger and less hazardous field, others to escape recognition and punishment for previous crimes. The time and the conditions were such that crimes could easily be committed with but little danger of being detected. There were no build- ings or store houses for the safe keeping of goods, no banks, vaults or safes for the deposit of money or valuables. There were no prisons or jails, no well organized police force, either local or state, no telegraph lines, no quick communication be- tween town or camp. No man had any knowl- edge or acquaintance with his neighbor. Ever restless, ever on the move, men would be in Sonora today and gone tomorrow. No one paid the least attention to their coming or going. It was very easy for the criminal to escape punish- ment unless caught in the act. The pioneers or first gold seekers were as a rule honest, law abiding and industrious citizens. Governed by no law save that of honor, they promptly paid all debts, fulfilled all contracts to the letter, sacredly regarded the rights and prop- erty of their neighbors and cheerfully submitted to arbitration all disagreements of rights. In the towns merchandise was left unprotected upon the streets or in the little canvas tents. Gold dust was deposited in old tin cans, boxes, buckskin purses and trunks and left exposed in all manner of places, without either locks or guard. In the mines the same degree of honesty was seen. 161 162 MEN AND EVENTS Miners left their shovels, picks and crow bars (then worth sixteen dollars each) for days at a time where they had been working, and return- ing they would find them unmolested. Thou- sands of dollars in gold dust the miner would carelessly leave in his cabin or place it under the cabin floor, while thousands of dollars would be left night after night in the sluices. All were honest, the better class from principle and the rascals because of the fear of the swift and severe punishment that awaited the guilty. Those were the few months of peace and harmony and it was of these few months that the Argonauts ever praised and sung : Oh cherished be forever, The days of auld lang syne, Those golden days, remembered days, The days of '49. The "reign of terror" inaugurated by the crimi- nal class compelled the law abiding citizens to take some measures to protect their property and lives and they called upon Judge Lynch to pre- side. He held office in some parts of the state for many years. His decisions were not always im- partial or just, and his punishments were oft- times severe, brutal and excessive ; nevertheless they were efifective and over-awed to some extent the criminals. The miners' criminal laws were simple and easily understood. They were con- densed in one sentence, "touch not that which belongs not to you." Their trials of criminals were short. From their decision there was no appeal and their sentences were speedily exe- cuted. In the trial of every person accused of crime a competent person was appointed judge. Twelve good men were selected to act as jury- men. Attorneys, the most able in the district, were appointed to defend and prosecute the criminal. Witnesses, both for and against the defendant, were compelled to appear and testify as to the guilt or innocence of the accused person. It is perhaps a strange incident that the first person hanged in the mountain camps was a woman, she being the first and only woman thus punished. This was in Downieville, July 5, 1849. CRIMES AXD CRIMINALS 163 The town at that time contained a large number of Mexican residents. Among this class was a woman, Juanita by name, quite pretty and small in stature. She was a woman of the camp, a monte dealer, and lived in a shanty with a com- panion. Late on the evening of July 4, 1849, a number of men who had been celebrating passed the woman's tent. One of the number, Joe Can- non, in his drunken mood kicked in the frail door. The following morning, calling at the tent, he insulted Juanita. Drawing a bowie knife she drove it "deep into his breast. The Scotchman reeled backward to the street and died in a few minutes. The woman ran to the saloon of one Croycraft for protection. A large crowd soon gathered and the mob, rushing to the saloon, soon found the murderess and dragged and carried her to the plaza. A Judge Lynch court was organized and tw^elve jurors were quickly found willing to bring- in a verdict of guilty, regardless of any extenuat- ing circumstances. Two young lawyers, anxious to strengthen their friendship with the miners, volunteered to prosecute the victim ; but not a lawyer ofifered or dared to defend her. "One citizen attempted to speak in defense of Juanita," says Calvin B. McDonald, "but he was kicked off the platform, and the crowd below opening a gangway, he was beaten off the ground and driven across the river, fleeing up the hill and leaving his hat and mule behind him." The evi- dence was quickly presented and the jury brought in a verdict of guilty. The judge sentenced her to be hanged by the neck within four hours. As soon as sentence was passed a number of men began the construction of a rude gallows on the bridge across the Yuba river. At the hour named the woman was taken to the scaffold and- placed upon the trap. Calmly and quietly twist- ing and fixing her long black hair, she smoothed down her dress and with her own hands placed the rope in the proper position, the knot just under the right ear. Then wath a ringing laugh and a graceful salute of the hand she exclaimed, "Adios, Senors." Immediatelv the signal was 164 MEN AND EVENTS given for the men to cut the ropes that bound the trap to the bridge. One of the men bungled his work and the poor victim, instead of falhng some four feet straight downward, rolled from the plank and was strangled to death. Brutal and cowardly was the execution of the woman, but right was the mob which in Septem- ber, 1850, took the life of the sporting man of Placerville. "Irish Dick," in a gambling game, stabbed and killed a companion. The news of the murder ran like wild tire throughout the mining camps and in a few hours over one thou- sand excited men armed wih everything deadly, from a rifle to a pick handle, assembled in Placer- ville. In the meantime Dick had been arrested and placed in prison. His preliminary trial took place that afternoon, and while the prisoner was sitting in the courtroom some one dexterously threw a lariat over Dick's head. He was quickly dragged from the room, through the street to an oak, and the lariat being thrown over the limb of a tree the criminal was strangled to death. In the following year, February 25, 1851, a similar execution took place in Sacramento. A man named Frederick Rowe was gambling with a stranger in the Mansion house. About 2 :00 o'clock in the afternoon a dispute arose regarding the deal and they began fighting. Charles Myers, a blacksmith passing by, stopped and requested them to cease quarreling. Rowe immediately ex- claimed, "What the hell have you to say?" and whipping out a revolver shot Myers through the head, killing him instantly. Rowe fled, running into a friend's house near by, but was soon caught and taken to the jail. A large crowd of people gathered and crying for revenge they shouted, "Hang him, hang him !" A committee of twelve of the best citizens were selected to investigate the affair and after exam- ining witnesses, found that it was a cold blooded murder and so reported. The mob remained at the jail awaiting the report. As soon as they learned the verdict, they broke down the door and seizing the young man, ran with him to Haymarket square. It was now dark and the mob, increased to about four thou- CRIMES AND CRIMINALS 165 sand in number, built a large bonfire and erecting a stand under an oak tree, placed the criminal upon it. A clergyman was then called and after brief religious exercises they fastened the rope around his neck. It was then thrown over the limb of the tree and three men drew him from the platform into the air. Several citizens pro- nounced the man dead and the body was lowered. The first legal execution did not take place until May 9, 1851. Then Charles Baker, a young man of twenty-two, was hanged for stabbing George Turner in a drunken quarrel at Stockton. On the day of the execution young Baker — seated upon his own coffin, his hands tied behind him and accompr'.nied by a clergyman, the Rev. James Wood — was drawn upon a two-wheel dray to the place of execution, followed by a large crowd. Baker made a short speech, the black cap was then drawn over his head, the rope placed around his neck and poor Baker's body was left to dangle in the air. In June, 1850, the citizens of San Francisco concluded that it was aliout time to form an organization to check if possible the rule of crimi- nals. Robberies and murders were almost of daily occurrence. Threats had been made to burn the town. The press (a) asserted that the courts were friendly to the criminal class, and perjured evidence was always ready when re- quired to acquit a prisoner. With no other re- course, the people were compelled to take the law in their own hands. The organization was quickly formed and nearly two hundred of the best citizens were in the ranks. Each man took a solemn oath to assist in the protection of life and property, and they declared that no criminal should escape punishment either "through the quibbles of the law, the insecurity of prisons, the carelessness of the police or the laxity of those (a) The Stockton Times said: "It is idle to preach about the sanctity of the law. The courts do not do their duty, and sentence in their hands has been onb^ a legal farce for the past year. We fear that California will become a land of murder and highwaymen worse even than Mexico." 166 MEN AND EVENTS who pretend to administer justice." Their head- quarters were on Battery street and day and night a guard stood on duty either to give assist- ance or sound the alarm (b). After the committee was organized the ques- tion was asked again and again, "Dare they break the civil law?" It required men of nerve, brave and fearless, to carry out the work they had attempted; but when on the 10th of June, 1851, the alarm bell summoned them to duty every man hastily responded. They had been called out to try one John Jenkins for the stealing of a safe (c). The prisoner was a "Sydney Duck" and a well known brutal and foul mouthed des- perado. The trial took place that evening in a little dingy room, corner of Bush and Sansome streets. As the evidence of his guilt was posi- tive, he was sentenced to be hanged before day- light. When asked if he had anything to say he replied, "No, I haven't anything to say, only I want a cigar." This was given him, also some brandy and water. A clergyman talked and prayed with the doomed man until 2 :00 o'clock. At that hour the bell upon the Monumental engine house began to toll. Soon the march for the plaza was begun. The committee, each with a drawn revolver, marched in the form of a hollow square, with Jenkins closely pinioned in the center. Again the police tried to get posses- sion of the prisoner, but Captain Ray was quietly told to stand back. On arrival at the plaza a rope was placed around Jenkins' neck and thrown over a projecting beam of the old Mexican custom (b) The alarm was a quick stroke on a bell then hanging in a tower on the Monumental engine house on the west side of the plaza, now known as Ports- mouth square. Three strokes were given, a minute pause between each stroke. This was the first bell in the city and cost its weight in gold, 180 pounds weight at one dollar a pound. (c) Jenkins late that afternoon, rowing under Long wharf, cut a hole through the floor of the shipping ofifice of George Virgin, and stealing the safe took it into the boat and rowed away. Seen by several men and pursued, he threw the safe into the bay. It was recovered with grappling irons and Jenkins arrested was hurried to the committee rooms. CRIMES AND CRIMINALS 167 house, then standing upon the nt)rthwest corner. The signal was given, and for two hours Jenkins' body hung dangUng in the air. The members. reHeved each other as they tired holding the rope. During this time there lay in jail a desperado named Stewart. He was charged with an assault with a deadly weapon upon a storekeeper named Jansen (d). In the trial of Jenkins evidence was brought out showing that Stewart had murdered Sheriff Moore of Auburn, and knocked insensible a captain of a schooner while trying to rob him. The authorities made no move towards trying Stewart. The vigilantes resolved to try him for the assault. How they got possession of Stewart is not known. However, on the morning of July 11, 1851, the Monumental bell sent forth its short, quick alarm. The members hastened to head- quarters and the trial took place. Throughout the trial Stewart appeared indifferent and uncon- cerned and sat chewing the tobacco given him by a member. The verdict was guilty. Stewart was sentenced to be hanged at 3 :00 o'clock. At mid- night the prisoner was given the services of a rector, the Rev. F. S. Mines (e). A gallows had been erected upon a lighter at the foot of Market street. At the appointed hour the committee marched three abreast to the wharf, each man carrying a loaded revolver in his right hand. Stewart was strongly bound and upon reach- ing the scaffold he made a short speech acknowl- (d) Stewart and a companion named Winfred on the evening of February 19, 1851, entered the store of Jansen, Bond & Co. They informed C. J. Jansen that they wanted to look at some blankets. As he turned they felled him to the floor senseless, struck by a slung shot, then robbing the store of some $2,000, the men fled. (e) Stewart said that he had received a Christian education in the English Episcopal church and would like to see a clergyman of that denomination. One of the guard was a member of Trinity church and he went to the home of Rev. Flavins S. Mines, then the onlj' Episcopal in San Francisco. The family being aroused, Mrs. Mines came to the door and opposed her hus- band's going out, as he was quite ill. The rector heard the conversation and called out, "I will go with you. Wait until I dress." 168 MEN AND EVENTS edging that his punishment was just. He died without a struggle. In August the committee came in conflict with the county officials. At that time they held as prisoners two men named McKenzie and Whit- aker, found guilty of murder and arson. The time set for their execution was August 20th. The officials, however, were warm over the acts of the vigilantes and Governor McDougal issued a writ of habeas corpus commanding Sheriff Hays (John Calhoun Hays) to produce the bodies of McKenzie and Whitaker in court. Hays by a complete surprise of the guard (f) obtained possession of the two men. They were placed in a hack and hurriedly taken to the county jail. Three days later the committee outwitted the brave "Jack" and again had the prisoners in the committee rooms. In less than twenty minutes from the time the men were taken from the Broadway street jail they were hanging from the end of the beams. The com- mittee was firmly determined that no civil au- thorities should this time checkmate justice. These four executions caused an exodus of all of the worst criminals from the city. For a season the citizens rejoiced. The press in their editorials asserted that law abiding people could now walk the streets after dark or live in poorly defended houses without fear of the assassin or the burglar. The committee remained in active operation until September, then they disbanded. Five years later they were again called into exist- ence, and went through precisely the same record on a much larger scale. (f) Hays accompanied by a policeman hastened to the committee room just before sunrise and knocked at the door. The guard, completely taken by surprise, unfastened the door. Hays pushed his way in. The ])risoners were quickly found and taken to the jail in a hack. EXCITING EVENTS FROM 1850-56. chapti-:k XII. The value of land depends upon three condi- tions, the richness of the soil, its productiveness, watered by natural or artificial means, and the density of the population upon and surrounding the land. Under Mexican government the land had no commercial value. It was given indis- criminately to Mexican citizens, regardless of bounds or location. Then came the gold seekers. The land now became very valuable, especially along the water lines and in the more productive valleys. Many grant owners extended the boundary of their lands beyond the prescribed lines. Hun- dreds of persons claimed land to which they had no title. And so great were the complications and difficulties regarding property rights, the government in 1853 sent a boundary commission to California to clear up the tangle. The chair- man of the commission was Edward Stanton, later Secretary of War under Lincoln. The com- mission found that a lifetime could be spent in clearing up titles. They rejected six hundred claims, however, and confirmed many hundred titles. Among them was the title of Charles M. Weber to the Campo de los Franceses grant. When President Lincoln in 1862 signed the patent he thought "it a pretty big farm." The unsettled condition of lands led to the creation of what was known as "squatters" or land jumpers. These men, finding a title defec- tive or imperfect, would "squat" upon the land and claim or attempt to hold it, either by law or force of arms. For more than twenty years these land troubles existed and thousands of dollars were expended and many persons killed in defending or settling land. The first of these squatter disputes occurred in San Francisco. Rincon hill, then a government reservation, was rented to Thomas Shilaber. When he went to 169 170 MEN AND EVENTS take possession February 18, 1850, he found it occupied by a band of "Sydney Ducks." They refused either to pay rent or leave the hill. Shila- ber notified the Presidio commandante. Captain E. D. Keyes, with a squad of infantry, then marched up the hill, tore down the shanties of the squatters and drove them to the street. The "Sydney Ducks" and an organization called "The Hounds" caused a great deal of trouble and it was this gang that set the six ter- rible San Francisco fires previous to July, 1851. The last of these fires June 22, 1851, caused a loss of $3,000,000. It burned over the whole of ten blocks and a part of six other blocks. The fire swept away the last of the old buildings of Mexi- can days, including the old city hotel on the plaza. Thomas Maguire's theater, the "Jenny Lind," was for the sixth time destroyed. In the fire of May 4, 1851, the burned district extended one-third of a mile west from the water front, then Montgomery street, and three-fourths of a mile north and south. Over 2,000 buildings were destroyed, many of them of brick from three to five stories in height. The streets were planked and the fire ran along the streets, says the "An- nals," almost as if they were a train of gunpow- der. Every printing ofiice, save the Alta on Clay street hill, was destroyed. The following morn- ing, said A. C. Russel to me, "a solid stream of type metal ran from the office to the bay." One man by the use of vinegar saved his warehouse. He had no water and he threw 80,000 gallons of vinegar on the flames. One year previous Sacramento saw its first flood. Captain Sutter warned the settlers against locating upon the river bank. They laughed at his fears. The waters of the Sacramento river began rising January 10, 1850, at the rate of six inches an hour. The people persisted in remain- ing in their shanties and many were drowned. At midnight the entire town was flooded and the next morning hundreds of persons were upon the house tops awaiting deliverance. That day many took their departure by steamer for San Francisco. EXCITING EVENTS FROM 1850-56 171 In the flood of March, 1852, Sacramento was the Venice of California. Gondolas, in the shape of rafts, tubs and boats, floated through the streets bearing some sedate Senator or some gay senorita, the boatman singing "Over the Ocean Wave," or "A Home on the Boundless Deep." The water for two weeks covered the entire city and stood two feet deep around the capitol build- ing. The flood was disastrous. In the mountains it swept away flumes, water wheels, gold dust tools, provisions, in fact, everything movable, and carried all that was floatable to the Pacific ocean. At sea for miles ships passed the wreckage. The whole valley of the San Joaciuin was for a time under water, so immense was its volume. Sacramento lots at this time were very valuable and Sutter had sold a large number. The claim was made by a party that Sutter's title was im- perfect. Taking possession of several lots, one of the squatters remarked, "If those speculators are ready to fight, so are we." The court decided in favor of the Sutter purchasers and August 14, 1850, the sheriff, driving the squatters from the house they occupied, placed the lawful owner in possession. Soon after this a party of armed men, led by one Mahoney, marched to the house and drove out the occupants. Mayor Bigelow, springing upon his horse, rode to the several corners of the streets reading the riot act. He called upon all good citizens to arm themselves and defend the law. There were then several hundred law abid- ing citizens ready for a fight. Assembling at the prison brig (a) they placed themselves under the command of the mayor and sheriff. Marching up the street they found the rioters drawn up in line. The mayor called ui)on them to lay down their arms and consider themselves as prisoners. The only response was a brisk but wild fire from the rioters. The citizens then opened fire and in a few minutes the squatters were disarmed and taken prisoners. In the short skirmish Mahoney (a) The jail at that time was on hoard a vessel that lay near the river hank. 172 MEN AND EVENTS and three of his men were killed, and one wounded. Seven citizens were wounded and two, including the mayor, died (b). During this excitement Sacramento's first military company was formed. Completing their organization, they were known as the Sacramento Guard. The squatting on a few lots at Sacramento was insignificant in comparison with the land grab- l)ing scheme of William Walker, the "grey-eyed man of destiny." He wanted an entire kingdom. William Walker (c) imagined that he was des- tined to establish the dominion of the United States over Mexico and Central America. To obtain funds for this scheme, bonds were issued and sold, payable by the "New Republic of Sonora and Lower California." Headquarters were established in San Francisco. Hundreds of people enlisted under the banner of the new re- public. As the Arrow was about ready to sail with a large company on board, she was seized (August, 1852) by General Hitchcock for a viola- tion of the treaty law. He was immediately re- called by President Pierce (d). (b) The news of the riot reached San Francisco that evening b}- steamer. Mayor John W. Geary called upon the citizens to assist Sacramento "at the earliest possible moment." The following day at noon two military companies in command of Captain Geary left San Francisco for the capital. All was quiet on their arrival at midnight. Royally they were feasted by Sac- ramento's citizens. They returned home the follow- ing day. (c) Born in Tennessee in 1824 of Scottish parentage, Walker graduated from one of the best southern univer- sities. He then spent several years in study in the best medical schools and hospitals of Europe. Returning, he located in New Orleans and there practiced medi- cine. He then began the study of law. Soon tiring of this profession, he became editor of the New Orleans Crescent. In 1849 he came to San Francisco. As editor of the San Francisco Herald he poured hot shot into the criminals and corrupt judges. He then became a filibuster. Walker was a man of light complexion, light blue eyes, freckled features and red hair. He had a fascinating eye, great power to command, and although small in stature, weighing less than one hundred pounds, he had no fear of man or beast. EXCITING EVENTS FROM 1850-56 173 The filibusters now openly and actively carried on their work. The Caroline, a larger sailing vessel, was purchased and all of the arms and equipments were transferred to the new vessel. Walker, in command of forty-six men. sailed (October 16, 1853) for La Paz. Proclaiming Lower California an independent republic, he marched inland to Muerta. From that point he sent to the California press glowing accounts of his victories. The effect was as he intended — hundreds of men now hastened south to fight for the new republic (e). With an increased army his troubles were many. Food was scarce ; the Mexicans harassed them in every possible man- ner. Many of his followers deserted, and finally, with a handful of men, Walker retired from the field. This ended the filibustering farce until 1860. At that time Nicaragua was engaged in a civil war. The fight was between the Spaniards of Granada and the Indians of Leon. Walker, with sixty men, sailed from San Francisco to assist the Leonese. He was placed in command of the "army" and October 15, 1860, captured Granada. The Spanish government was then overthrown. Cornelius Vanderbilt was then running a steamer line across the territory and Walker demanded certain concessions. Vanderbilt refused to grant them. Walker then seized the steamers running on Lake Nicaragua. Vanderbilt now took part in the fight. He succeeded in uniting the two factions. They seized the steamers, cut oft' Walker's supplies and prevented any recruits reaching him. (d) His successor, John W. Wool, arrived in Cali- fornia February 15, 1854. He was instructed to not interfere with any illegal expeditions. The military headquarters were removed from Alcatraz island to Benicia. He there could see no violation of interna- tional law. (e) The news of the revolutionist victories rapidly spread over the state, and the stages and steamers for San Francisco were crowded with adventurers eager to join Walker's army. Upon their departure from the town, they would march to the steamer with banners flying, life and drum, cheering and yelling for the new republic. 174 MEN AND EVENTS For nearly two years skirmishing took place upon the Isthmus. They fought regardless of the passengers that were traveling back and forth from New York to San Francisco ; at different times several passengers were killed and others wounded from stray bullets. Walker, nearly starved out, was driven to the town of Rivas. There he surrendered to Lieutenant Charles Davis, in command of the St. Mary, then lying in that port. No effort was made to punish Walker. Keen for another season of warfare in Nicaragua, he sent Colonel McKewen to the south. McKewen recruited an army of nearly eight hundred men and began making arrangements for their trans- portation to Central America. The news received ended the movement. Walker, sailing to the scene of his former triumphs, landed at Honduras. He was immediately arrested and tried for his crimes. Found guilty (September 3, 1860), he was shot. Thus ended the history of California's most er- ratic and impetuous pioneer. In times of great danger, fear or distress, the people are justified in taking extraordinary meas- ures of relief. Times of danger and fear were those of 1854-56. Crime throughout the state was on the increase, and in three years over 538 per- sons had been murdered. The San Francisco Herald, commenting upon this fact, asserted that "in striking a balance from the homicide calendar of 1854, we have come to the conclusion that one person in every six hundred will be killed in 1855." This condition of affairs was the result of corrupt courts and judges. The grand jury reporting this fact (February, 1854) said, "There are those among us who boldly assert that no man, however criminal, who has money or friends who will advance it will ever be hanged in this county." The San Francisco Chronicle declared "crime, drunkenness and degradation reign in San Francisco. The theaters at night are the halls of unblushing vice. The Cyprian walks the streets in open day. The rowdies engage in their drunken orgies and defy the law." Under these conditions the law abiding citizens must either leave the city or reform it. The reform could be EXCITING EVENTS FROM 1850-56 175 accomplished in only one way, organize and en- force the law. The newspaper editors everywhere fearlessly denounced the corrupt officials and the criminals. None, however, were more fierce in attack than James King of William (f), editor and proprietor of the San Francisco Bulletin. The Bulletin of May 14, 1856, contained an article declaring that James Casey, editor and proprietor of the Sunday Times, a disreputable sheet, "had been an inmate of Sing Sing prison, New York, and had stuffed himself through the ballot box when elected supervisor" (g). Soon after the paper appeared upon the street, Casey entered the Bulletin editorial room. Approaching King, he asked, "What do you mean by that article which says I was formerly an inmate of Sing Sing prison?" "Is not that true?" inquired King. Casey replied, "That is not the question ; I don't want my past life raised up. On that I am sensitive." "Are you done? There is the door," said King, pointing in that direction. "Go, never show your face here again !" An hour later King started for his home, where a wife and six children awaited him. Casey had already planned to kill King. Meeting him on the corner of Montgomery and Washington (f) James King of William was born in Virginia in 1822. He received a good education and came to Cali- fornia in 1848. After the failure of the bank of Haskell & Co. through the rascality of one of the partners, King resolved to publish a new paper and show up the criminal acts of the "higher ups."" The result was the San Francisco Bulletin. (g) Casey was a convict from New York, having been in Sing Sing prison. Immigrating to San Fran- cisco, he added a middle letter to his name, making it James P., and resumed his former occupation, that of politician. He was appointed twelfth ward ballot box inspector. In 1855 Casey, with accomplices, elected himself supervisor of the twelfth ward by means of a ballot box with false sides and bottom. Until elected it was not known that he was a candidate. The vigi- lance committee in 1856 found this box. In it were 800 votes for James P. Casey for supervisor. 176 MEN AND EVENTS streets, Casey exclaimed, "James King of Wil- liam, are you armed? Draw and defend your- self." King slowly folded his arms, looked Casey in the eyes and replied : "Are you in earnest?" "Yes," answered Casey ; "draw and defend yourself." Casey then fired. The shot penetrated King's breast. Staggering into the Pacific express office, he fell to the floor. Casey then entered a hack in waiting, in which sat David Scannell, the sheriiY of the county, and was driven to the Broadway jail for refuge from the angry crowd. They had followed after the hack shouting, "Hang him, kill him !" On arrival threats were made to break into the jail, take Casey and hang him. Before they could put their threat into action, the building was strongly guarded by the police and city militia. That night the vigilance committee of 1851 was reorganized, with Wm. T. Coleman as chairman of the executive committee, Charles Doane as marshal and Isaac Bluxome as secretary. In a short time Doane was in command of over forty companies, one hundred men to each com- pany. They were well armed and had plenty of ammunition. Nearly every company of the city militia disbanded. They joined the vigilantes, carrying their muskets with them. Taking pos- session of the building on Sacramento street, the hall of which had been formerly used as the "Know Nothing" headquarters, they turned it into an arsenal and day and night a company of vigilantes were on guard. Three days after the shooting (Sunday, May 18th) King's wound was reported fatal. The vigilantes then resolved to take possession of the two prisoners, Cora and Casey. Early in the forenoon two brass cannon had been placed in front of the jail. About noon the vigilantes, two thousand in number, marched to the spot. A few minutes later Doane and Coleman demanded of Sheriff Scannell the two prisoners. He refused to comply with the demand. EXCITING EVENTS FROM 1850-56 177 "Mr. Scannell, we give you five minutes and no more." said Mr. Coleman, holding his open v^^atch in his hand; "if at the end of that time the two men are not surrendered we shall take them by- force ; the doors of the jail will be blown open and you will be taken, Mr. Scannell, as well as Casey and Cora." The sheriff hesitated until the fourth minute. He then unlocked the jail door. The committee then took charge of the prisoners and in closed carriages they were taken to the vigilante rooms. King lingered until May 20th and died that day soon after 1 o'clock. The excitement was in- tense. The courts adjourned. The merchants closed their places of business and draped their buildings in mourning. The bells of the city began tolling and the flags were lowered at half- mast. In all parts of the state the same signs of sorrow were seen. King's family was left desti- tute. Before the funeral, however, $30,000 was raised by subscription and given to them. The funeral took place on the 22nd. The pro- cession comprised the seven Masonic lodges, the California pioneers, the fire department (save Crescent City No. 10, Casey being its foreman), the Sacramento Guard from the capital, and hun- dreds of citizens. They marched to Lone Moun- tain cemetery, the bands of music silent. As the procession wound its way up the hill, some look- ing back to the vigilante rooms saw a thrilling sight — two men hanging by their necks. When King's death was reported Cora was tried for the murder of Richardson (h). That night Casey was tried ; he also was found guilty. (h) Charles Cora, a well known gambler and sport, came from New Orleans to California in 1849, locating at Sacramento. His bold gambling bets astonished the natives, he often winning or losing $20,000 on the turn of a single card. Later he removed to San Francisco and (November 4. 1855) in a drunken fight shot and killed William Richardson, the United States marshal. His trial took place in January, 1856. His consort, Belle Cora, employed eminent counsel to defend him, includ- ing the gifted E. D. Baker. The result was a disagree- ment of the jury. She expended oyer $.30,000, her entire fortune, including her jewels, in his defense. 178 MEN AND EVENTS The sentence was death l)y hanging. The time fixed was the hour of King's funeral. By the request of the two criminals. Archbishop Ale- many and Father Hugh Gallagher attended them. Casey was absolved. Cora was refused absolu- tion until after his marriage to Belle Cora. They were married by Father Alcoty shortly before the execution. As the hour of death drew near the two men were pinioned, then placed upon two platforms built out from the second story windows. The ropes around their necks were fastened to the projecting beams above their heads. The l^eams had been used in early days for the hoisting of freight. Suddenly the sound of tolling l^ells was heard. The funeral cortege was moving. A small piece of white paper fluttering in the air falls to the earth. "Present arms!" The com- panies salute. The two men were pushed from the platform and died without a struggle. The vigilantes, continuing their good work, l)anished over thirty gamblers and politicians, some judges and a few lawyers. The sudden departure of over eight hundred criminals was also noted. Among the banished was Charley Duane, chief engineer of the fire department ; Wooly Kearny, a ballot box stufifer : and Billy Mulligan, the right hand man of Dave Scannell. Ned McGowan, a notorious rascal, could not be found, and Yankee Sullivan saved himself from banishment by committing suicide. Early in June the vigilantes arrested a distin- guished person, David S. Terry, justice of the Supreme Court. His arrest was occasioned by a singular event, the capture of a schooner con- taining one hundred and fifty muskets for the law and order party. The two men on board. Jack McNabb and Reuben Maloney, were arrested but later released. They threatened to shoot the men who arrested them and boasted that the vigilantes were afraid to keep them prisoners. Police Officer Hopkins was seiit out to arrest them. He found Maloney in the office of United States Naval Agent Dr. Richard P. Ashe, but fac- ing the revolvers of Ashe, David Terry and (ieo. ® M A UHWCMkAJPMfc MUUaOMMUfi rrrrfiiiii 1. Fort Vigilantes. Notice the fort made of bags of sand. The two crosses mark the windows from which Cora and Casey were hung. 2. State Capitol from 1855-69. 180 MEN AND EVENTS Bowie, he quickly retreated for assistance. In the meantime Ashe, Bowie, Terry, Rowe and Maloney, each armed with a double barreled shot- gun, left the office and hurried towards the ar- mory of the Blues, corner Dupont and Jackson streets. Hopkins, returning, met the party on Jackson near Dupont and attempted to arrest Maloney. In the struggle someone fired a shot. Terry, it is said, thinking that Hopkins had fired at him, drew a large bowie knife and drove it into Hopkins' neck. The party then ran upstairs into the armory and slammed shut the iron door. A little later the organization was summoned 1)y quick taps upon the bell. Draymen in the middle of the street stopped their teams and rode to the rooms, storekeepers and merchants closed their places of business and hurried on, black- smiths left their anvils, carpenters their benches, and in a short time company after company was formed and ordered to the Blues Armory. Coleman, on arrival, knocked loudly upon the iron door. In response Richard Ashe appeared at the second story window. Marshal Doane then demanded the immediate surrender of the armory. Ashe replied, "I will open the door on condition that our safety be guaranteed." "There is no condition about it," replied Doane ; "open the doors or I will blow up the building." Judge Terry declared to his friends, "It is I they want ; 1 will surrender to them." After parleying for some length of time the doors were opened and Terry and Maloney were arrested and taken as prisoners to the vigilantes' rooms. Terry was held six weeks a prisoner in "Fort Gunny Bags," awaiting Hopkins' recovery or death. After his recovery Terry was tried for three different crimes. The two committees could not agree upon a verdict (i). Terry, therefore, (i) The executive committee found Terry guilty of resisting an officer and an assault on Evans, another member. The board of delegates believed him guilty of the higher assault to kill. They demanded that Terry be hanged. Terry at this time was a Mason and Rhodes, a Mason, newspaper man, vigilante and inti- mate friend of Terry, saved his life. So declared Geo. K. Barnes in the Bulletin, June 2, 1896. EXCITING EVENTS FROM 1850-56 181 being a Supreme Judge, was discharged. That evening he took passage on the steamer Helen Hensley for Sacramento. In the capital city he was honored by a torch- light procession and speeches of congratulation by Volney E. Howard, Edward D. Baker and Mayor Gregory. The ladies also showed their appreciation by presenting him with a handsome silver service set (j). From Sacramento he went to his home at Stockton. A delegation of citizens on horseback and in carriages met him upon the road and escorted him into the city. Flags floated from a few buildings, the cannon boomed, speeches were made, and that night three of the principal hotels were illuminated. (j) The inscription on the set was as follows: "Hon- orable David S. Terry, from the ladies of San Francisco, who admire his courage, honor his patriotism, and take the highest pride in h''s heroic resistance to tyranny." Soon after the vigilantes arrested Cora and Casey, it was reported that the law and order party intended to release their friends. The fort was built of a poor quality of brick and could easily be destroyed. The vigilance committee had no defense except their guard, and that night they began strengthening the fort. Two hundred of their strongest men were then summoned. Going to a sand hill near by, they filled "gunny bags" with sand and these were taken to the building in carts and drays. A shot proof barrier five feet in height, thirty feet in depth, and two hundred feet in length, was then erected. Portholes were left in the walls, cannon obtained from ships in the harbor, and the artillery was so planted as to command every part of the street. This fort was built in a night and it was l)oth bullet and cannon ball proof. POLITICAL EVENTS— 1854-60 CHAPTER XIII. In California's political history, four times only have the two great parties, Democratic and Republican, met their Waterloo, defeated by a third party. Five times, however, from the same cause, the Democrats have been dethroned. The first of these defeats took place in 1855, the American, or "Know Nothing" party, sweep- ing the state. The old Whig party had passed from history and the new party was composed of Whigs and Democrats, many of them desert- ing the old party to ride into office and power in the new hybrid. The Americans held all of their meetings in secret. They had secret pass- words, signs and grips, and when inquiry was made regarding the origin or purposes of the party, they knew nothing, hence their nickname. "Know Nothings." Hailing each other as brothers, they assembled in convention August 7, 1855, in the Methodist Episcopal church at Sacramento. J. A. Benton was then pastor. They adopted a platform at that time strange and unusual. They declared for the Union and the constitution ; they favored universal religious toleration, the purity of the ballot box, registration laws, and Americans only in office ; they opposed the union of church and state and fraud and corruption in high places. One of the candidates for Governor was W. W. Stow, later one of the high employes of the Cen- tral Pacific railroad. The convention's choice for Governor was J. Neeley Johnson, he receiv- ing the nomination on the fourth ballot. The nominee was born in Indiana in August, 1825, and before he was twenty-one years of age he was admitted to the bar. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California and arrived at Sacramento "dead broke," as was the expres- 182 POLfTlCAL EVENTS 183 sion. Me received his first money by hauling flour from Sacramento to Stockton for George Belt. For his team and four mules he received $16 a day. He opened a law ofhce in a tent. Sacramento in her first city election, A])ril 1, 1850, elected him city attorney. The election September 5 came as a complete surprise to the Democracy. They believed them- selves invincible. They would have been vic- tors had their adherents stood by the party. Many of the Southerners opposed Bigler be- cause of his Katisas-Nebraska sentiments. The mountain camps also polled a heavy vote for Johnson, as they had no love for the foreigner (a). Bigler took his defeat good naturedly. be- came Minister to Chili under President Bu- chanan, returned to California in 1861, estab- lished the State Capital Reporter and w^as its editor at the time of his death, November 29, 1871. The state legislature appropriated $1,000 for a monument over his grave. The money was expended under the direction of (jovernor New- ton Booth. The Democrats realized the fact that they had to fight no common foe, for the several local elections the previous year indicated to some de- gree the "Know Nothings' " strength (b). They assembled at Sacramento June 27, 1855, and about their first business transaction was to ex- clude from nomination any candidate who was a "Know Nothing" or had any sympathy with that party. In their platform they declared that (a) As an illustration of the popularity of the American party principles in the mining camps, we give the vote of one county, EI Dorado: In 1851-53 that county gave Bigler a majority of 42,151, but in 1855 they gave Johnson a majority of 4,937; the county vote of that year — Johnson 51,157, Bigler 46,220. Note the exceedingly large number of voters in a single mountain county. (b) The new party had figured somewhat in 1854 and in 1855 in Sacramento the entire city "Know Noth- ing" ticket was elected. In Marysville March 5, they elected their entire ticket, although their nominations were not publicly known until the morning of the elec- tion. Every town and camp in the state had its Ameri- can party organization. 184 MEN AND EVENTS the powers of the government were Hmited, and Congress had no right to interfere with state institutions. They asserted that the efforts of the aboHtionists to interfere with slavery would lead to dangerous consequences, and they would oppose all Congressional effort to renew the slavery question. They believed that sober men, and sober men only, should be presented for the suffrage of moral and intellectual freemen, and they declared that "we will respect the moral sentiment of the state in the nominations we are about to make." It will be observed that the Democratic party was on its knees, so to speak, pleading for the support of moral men. Heretofore they had dis- regarded that class of men, especially the "tem- perance cranks," and had ofttimes elected to office men unfit for their positions either in mor- als or intelligence. The result of this awakening we have already noted ; for the legislature of that year, timing itself to the moral sentiment expressed in the resolution, passed the first mo- rality laws, those prohibiting gambling, prosti- tution and Sabbath-breaking. The shameful proceedings of the Democratic convention of 1854 clearly showed the necessity of a more dignified body of political leaders ; for of all conventions that have come down in his- tory, it was the worst. Broderick was the cause of the fight, and he was making it very warm for the Southern, or secession, wing of the Democratic party. Neither day nor night did he cease working for the ambition of his life, a seat in the United States Senate. Failing to pass the election bill, he now planned to elect delegates favorable to him for Senator. The convention assembled Juh^ 18, 1854, in the First Baptist church, Sacramento. There were two factions claiming seats as delegates, as the party had been split asunder two years previous over the recognition of Stephen A. Douglas for President. The Broderick faction opposed Doug- las because he was then catering to the slave owners. Broderick was then chairman of the convention. He planned to have his delegates POLITICAL EVENTS 185 seated in the front rows of the church before the arrival of his opponent. His scheme failed, for about thirty of his opponents, breaking in the church door, marched in. At the same time they met the Broderickites entering the back door. When the convention was called to order T. L. Vermule, a Stockton lawyer, was, according to Broderick's program, nominated for temporary chairman. Immediately the other side nomi- nated ex-Governor John McDougal for chairman. Broderick gave no attention to McDougal's nomination. He called the vote and declared Vermule elected. Then both factions attempted to seat their chairman. They crowded around the platform, many of them with drawn revolv- 'ers, violently gesticulating and shouting. Finally one of the officers was seized. At that moment Reuben Maloney, in his excitement, dropped his pistol and it exploded. Then there was a rush to get out of the overcrowded building as soon as possible, and doors and windows were broken. As soon as order had been restored efforts were made to unite the two factions. All efforts failed. Throughout the day and until 9 o'clock at night the double-headed convention sat, and, said the Historian Winfield Davis, "each side tried to sit the other out." The trustees of the church finally persuaded the delegates to ad- journ. They met the next day, the Broderick men in Carpenter hall and the Southern men in Music hall. Both factions nominated Congress- men. The Music hall delegates nominated for Congressman, Jas. W. Denver, later the founder of Denver, Colorado, and Philip T. Herbert, who dishonored the state by killing a Negro in Washington. In the state election these two men were elected. Broderick knew no such word as defeat. Foiled in his election bill, outnumbered in his convention scheme, his next move was to pre- vent or cause to be postponed the election of the United States Senator until 1856. He then believed that in the American party he could win his fight. In the legislature of 1855 in joint ses- sion the Whigs numbered 43 and the Democrats 68. The Democrats could not elect their nominee 186 MEN AND EVENTS unless they voted solidly for one man. The Whigs would vote solidly for their nominee, hence it was Broderick's move to split the Demo- cratic vote. The Democrats met in caucus and named \Vm. M. Gwin as their nominee for Sena- tor. This offended the eleven legislators who favored John W. McCorckle. They left the room. In joint session January 17, 1855, the legislature began voting for United States Sen- ator. Fifty-six ballots were necessary for a choice. On the first ballot the vote stood : Wm. M. Gwin, 42; Colonel Edwards, the Whig nomi- nee, 36; J. W. McCorckle, 13; D. C. Broderick, 12. Voting every day until January 26th with- out making any choice, the Democratic press now began to berate Broderick. They asserted that he was wasting the people's money, and that he, the man of one idea, was leading and controlling the faction. After balloting fifty times without making any choice, February 26th they adjourned sine die. Broderick was on the march to victory. He must next unite the party. John Bigler sixty years ago sounded the alarm against monopolies and exorbitant corporation rates. Had the people then honestly and intelli- gently acted upon his advice, it would have been unnecessary for Hiram Johnson to go automobil- ing through the state crying "We'll kick the Southern Pacific out of politics." Bigler in a special message to the legislature April 8, 1854, declared that the legislature under the constitu- tion had the right to carefully guard the mani- fold public interests, and calling attention to the defects of the corporation law, he recommended "that they be so restricted * * * as to pro- tect the people against unreasonable and exor- bitant charges." The people at this time were crying out against the monopoly of the newly organized corporation, the California Steam Navigation Company. The merchants of Marysville, Sacra- mento and Stockton held indignation meetings and bitterly denounced the company. They de- clared that the progress of those towns had been retarded by the company's exorbitant charges. To remedy the imposition, opposition boats were roi.ITICAl- EVEXTS 187 placed uptin ilic San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers. The merchants pledged themselves to patronize none but the opposition boats (c). No legislature took action until 1856. The agi- tation against the steamboat company had in- creased because of their methods of destroving any competition (d), and the legislators be- lieved that if they passed a freight and fare bill they could lower freights and fares. A bill was therefore introduced into the assembly prohib- iting the California Steam Navigation Company from charging more than three cents a mile for passengers nor more than one and one-half cent a hundred for freight. When the bill came up for action the newspapers openly published the fact that "Mr. Briber is well supplied with rocks and he knows where to fly them." The bill was easily voted out of existence and the same paper informed the public how easily it was accom- plished: "Every approachable man was ap- proached according to his temper and price. If brandy cocktails would take him, cocktails he had to his heart's content; if oyster suppers, ci- gars and champagne, they took him off in his mood; if it took gold to buy him, agents were ready to pay it down." History has been repeat- ing itself for the past fifty years in the bribing of legislators to vote for or against the passage of bills. In the mines the people also had their trou- bles over the monopoly question. The spirit of greed is the one great besetting sin of commerce and trade. In 1854 the so-called Tuolumne (c) The opposition line reduced the fare to $3.00 for cabin passage and $1.00 on deck. The old line had lieen charging $5.00 cabin and $2.00 deck, but when they reduced their passenger fare to $2.00 cabin and 50 cents deck the opposition was compelled to withdraw for want of patronage. (d) The company's method was to purchase, buy oflf, lease or run off by lower rates any opposition. At this time the California Steam Navigation Company had over 18 large passenger and freight steamers lying idle on the Yolo side of the Sacramento river. 188 MEN AND EVENTS Water Company (e) began charging the miners from six dollars to ten dollars a day for the use of water in mining. They complained bitterly of the extortion. An opposition company was or- ganized. In September, 1855. they began their work on canals and ditches. The miners re- joiced, and they held a celebration over the event. They had music, a procession and speeches. One orator, James Coffreth, during his spread-eagle speech prophesied that there would be no more water monopoly. One year later the Tuolumne Water Company bought out the opposition. The high rates were again enforced. The vigorous protest of the miners was unheeded. Then they declared war. The citizens were assembled in Columbia, March 13, 1855, from the surrounding gulches and ravines, by the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells ; to the number of 3,000 they came. Organizing in mass meeting, they de- clared that their claims were paying poorly and so high were the water rates they could not pay their honest debts, the merchants, boarding house keepers and others. "Many of us are nearly reduced to a starvation point and have families at home in an equally reduced condi- tion." They declared that they would not pay more than four dollars a day for water nor allow others to do so if they could prevent them by any lawful means. "Resolved, That we place a notice on our claims in large letters, '$4.00 for Water and No More' as a tombstone denoting that our claim is buried for a season." This they did three days later. With music, flags and banners flying, the miners of Columbia visited Shaw's Flat. Yankee Hill and other mining camps, firing their six-pound cannon as they ap- (e) To the miner water was of the greatest impor- tance, for he must have it for daily use and for the washing out of gold. Sometimes it was scarce, often far distant, and so it became necessary to build large reservoirs and many miles of canals around steep mountain sides and by pipes across deep chasms. So heavy was the expense it caused the formation of small companies, they in time being absorbed and bought out by the Tuolumne Water Company. POLITICAL EVENTS 189 proaclied the places, and urged tliem to resist the "monster water monopoly." They were ev- erywhere received with approving cheers. So unanimous was the determined resistance to pay- ing more than $4.00 a day for water, the com- pany yielded to their demands. The sweep of the "Know Nothing" party so astonished both Broderick and Cjwin that these two champions, who had been continuously fight- ing each other, concluded to form a partnership. Gwin's term in Congress expired March 4, 1855, and he desired a re-election. John B. Weller's term as Senator expired in 1857 and Broderick was seeking his position. Both men knew they had no look-in with the new party. Hence they became partners to prevent if possible any elec- tion of United States Senators that year. In joint session the Americans were largely in the majority. There was no law, however, compell- ing the two bodies to assemble in joint session. Neither body could independently elect a Sena- tor. The Senate was Broderick and Gwin's field of operation. After a ten days' skirmish over the Senatorial question, Ben S. Lippincott, a Brt)d- erick adherent, offered a resolution which was carried. 19 to 14, that the election of United States Senator be postponed until [anuarv 18, 1857. The Democracy was ju1)ilant. The assembly, however, composed principally of "Know Noth- ings," raved and swore. They refused to abide by the Senate action, and March 6th came near reversing the Senate vote. On that day the most of the Democratic legislators were attend- ing a state convention a few blocks distant from the capitol. Their absence gave the "Know Nothings" a Senate majority. The question of electing a Senator was introduced and Senator Oxley proposed a concurrent resolution that they meet with the Assembly March 12 to elect a United States Senator. Immediately the few Democratic Senators present began to talk against time. In spite of their efforts the reso- lution passed, 48 to 21. As soon as the vote was announced Judge Hahn of Nevada county ran with all speed to the state convention and ex- 190 MEN AND EVENTS claimed, "The Senatorial question is sprung at the capitol !" A roll was then being called upon a vote, but waiting not the result, the conven- tion hastily adjourned and with a fierce yell, fol- lowed by a crowd, the delegates ran to the capi- tol. The Senatorial vote was reconsidered and again Broderick and Gwin were happy. Brod- erick now began to curry favor with the friends of Gwin and make future plans for his election. The vigilance committee interfered with his ar- rangements for several months, causing him to leave the state, but he returned in time to seat several of his friends in the legislature of 1857. The triumph of Broderick and Gwin was a bit- ter disappointment to Henry A. Crabb, then leader of the Whig party. He had long aspired to the office of United States Senator, but his opportunity never came, until the "Know Noth- ings" carried the election. He was a Mississip- pian of bright intellect, and so honorable in char- acter that even his opponents acknowledged it. "Gentle as a woman," said James O'Meara, "yet lacking in her qualities of persistency to win or die, Crabb retired from the Senate a heart-broken man." The fates gave to him a tragic death. Crabb in 1853, then but 26 years of age, married a .Stockton senorita named Filomela Ainsa. Her father, a Spaniard, belonged to one of the wealthy and influential families of Mexico, and claimed a close relationship to Captain Ainsa, the leader of the first land expedition to San Francisco. The re\(.)lution in Mexico in 1857 involved Ignacio Pesquerira and (jovernor Gandara. The former, raising an army, drove the Governor Irom power. Ainsa at this time was an officer in the revolutionary army, and he wrote to his son-in-law, Crabb, to raise a filibustering army and join the revolutionists. Yielding to the l^leadings of his beautiful wife, Crabb raised an army of 200 men. They sailed to Mexico, ex- pecting to meet him at Liberdad. Crabb, lead- ing a second company of 100 men, marched over- land by the way of Los Angeles and Fort Yuma. POLITICAL EVENTS 191 In the meantime the Mexicans had settled their quarrel. Crabb, not knowing of their agreement, pushed on to Cavorca. He was there attacked by the Mexicans, but repulsed the en- emy with a loss of twelve men. He then entered the town and took possession of several dwellings opposite the church. He expected that the com- pany of 200 filil)usters would there meet him. The government had stopped the sailing of the vessel. Crabb and his men were trapped. For eight days he and his men, fighting against an army of 700 Mexicans, made one of the most heroic battles of history. During this struggle twenty-five men were killed. The Mexi- cans then set fire to the buildings which had been their fort. Compelled to surrender, the sixty-four living then marched out bearing a white flag. They expected fair treatment as pris- oners of war. Now was shown the cruelty of a Mexican's revenge. Their arms were pinioned behind them, and taken to a corral, they were there confined without either food or water until the next morning. Then in squads of five they were taken out and shot. Crabb was reserved for a more cruel death. He was permitted to write to his wife; then, led to a post.* his hands were tied above his head, and in this position his body was filled with a score of bullets. His head, cut from his body, was then placed upon a table, and the populace jeered and scofifed as they passed by. It was then preserved in a jar of mescal. This ended the history of the filibus- tering expeditions. The "Know Nothing" party died, but one year old. In its place arose the Republican party. The first assembly of the new party took place at Sacramento, April 19, 1856. When the speaker, George C. Bates, attempted to address the small audience present, the rowdy element rushing for- ward overturned the stand. The meeting then adjourned. A public discussion was advertised in the capital city. May 10, between George C. Bates, Republican, and J. C. Zabriskie, Demo- crat. Rotten eggs flew fast at the Republican speaker. As this had been anticipated, the pti- licc were present to restore order. The first Re- 192 MEN AND EVENTS publican state convention assembled in Sacra- mento April 20, 1856. So insignificant was the party that only thirteen counties sent delegates. One-half of the number came from San Fran- cisco and Sacramento. They elected delegates to the national convention, which met at Balti- more June 17. and they refused to indorse John C. Fremont for President. The defeat of John C. Fremont in no manner discouraged the California party. Assembling in state convention in July, 1857, they nominated for Governor a North Carolina Whig. He was about the poorest candidate they could have named, although he was an old politician. They had much stronger men in the body of the ticket, among them Leland Stanford for treasurer and A. A. Sargent for attorney general. Their plat- form indorsed the national platform of 1856, de- clared slavery within the control of Congress, asserted that "the Dred Scott decision merited the reprobation of every freeman," favored the speedy construction of the overland railroad and a subsidy for it, approved of the speedy settle- ment of land titles, and welcoming the honest, industrious immigrants from Europe, denounced all attempts to persecute them because of foreign birth. The Democrats also met in July. They named John B. Weller for Governor. For Supreme Court Judge they nominated Stephen J. Field. Indorsing the Cincinnati platform, they advo- cated the building of wagon and state roads, favored giving every settler a home, and consid- ered the state debt an obligation that -should be paid. So heavy was the state debt, the legisla- ture considered repudiation the best way to pay it, and left the question to the people. They voted by a big majority to pay the debt. The Democrats swept the state and John B. Weller, 57,661, received more votes than Stanley and Geo. W. Bowie ("Know Nothing") combined. The Governor-elect, John B. Weller, was a man of high character and a clean political rec- ord. Born in Ohio, February 22, 1812, of Ger- man parentage, he received a splendid education and then studied law under Jesse Corwin, the POLITICAL EVENTS 193 famous W'liiii lawyer. He was twice elected to the House of Representatives. In 1848 he was defeated for Governor because 400 electors voted for John Weller, not John B. Weller. In 1849 he was selected by the government to run the boundary line between California and Mexico. Reaching San Diego in June, 1849, by way of New Orleans, he began the survey. He was later received by Mayor Emory of the topo- graphical engineers. Weller then located in California, became United States Senator, then Governor, and retiring to private life, died August 17, 1875, in New Orleans. When the Democratic legislature assembled in Sacramento, January 5, 1857. there were twelve candidates in the field for United States Senator. Among the number stood John B. Weller, for re-election; Milton S. Latham, elect- ed Senator in 1859; Stephen J. Field, later of the Supreme Court; A. P. Crittenden, killed by Laura Fair; John W. Denver, Henry A. Crabb, Wm. M. Gwin (for re-election), Aaron A. Sar- gent, later Congressman, and David C. Brod- erick. The political complexion of the legisla- ture stood : Senate — Democrats 19. Americans 11, Republicans 3; Assembly — D'emocrats 61. Americans 8. Republicans 11. A. A. Sargent, the only Republican in the bunch, expected the vote of the Republicans and the Americans. Not one of them had a ghost of a chance, however, save Broderick and Gwin. They had the elec- tion in their pocket, so to speak, for the two men, deadly enemies two years before, had formed a partnership and united their supporters. It was agreed between them that Broderick was to have the long term Senatorship, six years, and Gwin the shorter term, four years. Brod- erick wanted two votes to make his election se- cure. Meeting two of Latham's friends, Brod- erick said: "If you will give me your support for Senator for the long term, I will give Latham my support for the short term and defeat Gwin." Latham's friends accepted the dishonorable proposition. Broderick had no intention what- ever of fulfilling it. The legislature met in joint session January 194 MILN AND EVENTS 10th. After voting down a motion to elect both Senators at once, they began balloting for Sen- ator for the long term. Broderick upon his tirst Ijallot, 79 votes, was declared elected. Two days later Gwin was elected. To Broderick "it was his hour of glory, the presage of his doom." The newly elected Senators sailed for Wash- ington a short time after their election. Both men wished to see President Buchanan inaugur- ated. On arrival both men began scheming for political influence and official positions for Cali- fornia friends. Gwin was among his friends, for Congress was then strongly in sympathy with the South. Broderick received scarcely recogni- tion, for his views regarding slavery met the dis- approval of Southern senators. This, for Cali- fornia, was unfortunate. Gwin, receiving most of the state appointments, filled the custom house, postoffice and other federal positions with men who favored slavery and state rights. The legislature of 1857, favoring the Kansas- Nebraska bill, which favored slavery, instructed its United States Senators to vote for it. Nat- urally Gwin gave the measure his vote. Brod- erick, lining up with Stephen A. Douglas, not only voted against the bill, but defied the party. In his Congressional speech he declared that the administration's policy towards the territories was due "to the failing intellect, the petulant ])assion and the trembling dotage of an old man, just on the verge of the grave." This speech against President Buchanan so aroused the in- dignation of the legislature that it called on Broderick to resign "from the high oftice he so unworthily fills, as he no longer represents the state" (f). Again in 1859 the legislature de- manded his resignation. Giving no attention tn the demand, however. Broderick remained (f) So indignant were some of the rabid Demo- crats that language was scarcely strong enough to ex- press their feelings. The Del Norte county conven- tion, June 23, 1858, resolved that Broderick "by his votes, by his treachery to the party which elected him * * * and by his league with the Republicans * * * should only receive at our hands the scorn and con- tempt which he so justly merits." Even the press, POLITICAL EVEXTS 195 throughout the session, lie returned to Califor- nia in time to take a very active part in the state election. In the campaign of 1859 the Democratic party was hopelessly split asunder. It had divided over the question of slavery or no slavery in Kansas. The Lecompton party, led by Gwin'and Terry, declared that Kansas must accept the slavery constitution provided by President Bu- chanan or none at all. The anti-Lecomptonites, led by Broderick and John C. McKibben, es- poused the Douglas doctrine, that the territory had the right to accept or reject slavery. The Lecompton con^•ention, assembling in the Con- gregational church. Sacramento. June 22. nomi- nated Milton S. Latham for Governor and [ohn Downey for Lieutenant (Governor. Latham was a Northern-born Democrat and in his speech ac- cepting the nomination, he mystified his friends by declaring he "indorsed the Democratic princi- ples, and above all things I stand by the Union." The anti-Lecomptons. meeting in the same place June 15, nominated John Curry for Governor. He, a Republican, nominated by a Democratic convention. The Republicans also assembled in the Congregational church at Sacramento June 8. They nominated Leland Stanford for Gov- ernor. The party opposed slavery. Being the weakest party, however, Horace Greeley, who had arrived in California in July, wrote a letter to that party advising them to unite with the anti-Lecomptonites. In case they united it was presumed that Stanford would withdraw. He refused to withdraw, and he declared that his party would maintain an unbroken front. Frank Pixlev, denouncing both Tiwin and Broderick, the Sacramento Mercury, roasted the Senator: "Let the Broderick and Stanley men go over to tlie Re- publicans, where they properly belong; let us wipe out this incubus that has been festering and eating out the very life of our party * * * since its first organiza- tion." The state Republican convention, meeting August 5, resolved that Broderick's conduct is worthy of appro- val "and evinces a regard for the interest of free labor and free men equally becoming the state which he rep- resents and the station he occupies." 196 MEN AND EVENTS urged the Republicans to stand together. H. H. Haight, then chairman of the anti-Lecompton state central committee, said no coalition would ever take place. The campaign as it progressed was one of the most bitter and personal of any in California history. Curry challenged Latham, and togeth- er they stumped the state. The greater interest centered in the speeches of Gwin, Terry and Broderick. It was the first time that Broderick ever made a state campaign. In their speeches the three men were very abusive and personal, and they gave out much of the political tricks and schemes of past years. The vote given La- tham on election day (62,255) exceeded the com- bined vote of Curry (20,847) and Stanford (10,- 110). Stanford's vote was less than that of Stanley in 1857. It was a complete political sur- prise. The politicians inquired, "Where do we stand?" The reign of the Lecompton party was of short duration, its future defeat being due in part to the tragic death of Broderick. In the Lecompton convention David S. Terry sought the renomination for Supreme Justice. The nomination was given to C. C. Cope. In his speech (h) Terry took occasion to abuse his for- mer friends, those of the anti-Lecompton party. Broderick resented the insult. A few days later, June 26, Broderick met D. W. Perley, a friend of Terry. During the conversation Broderick called Terry "a miserable wretch." 'T have hith- erto spoken of him * * * ^g ^-j^g only honest man on the bench of a miserable, corrupt Su- preme Court. * * * Hq [^ j^ist ^-^g ]^2.d as the others," said Broderick. Perley, quite indignant because of this assertion against his friend Terry, challenged Broderick. Broderick refused to ac- cept it, saying in his letter of refusal : "When (h) Terry asserted: "Who have we opposed to us? * * * A miserable remnant of a faction, sailing under false colors, trying to obtain votes under false pre- tenses. * * * They belong heart and soul, bodj' and breeches, to David C. Broderick. They are ashamed to acknowledge their master and are calling themselves, forsooth, Douglas Democrats." POLITIC. \I. EVENTS 197 I entered this cani])aij4n it was suggested to me that efforts would be made to force me into diffi- culties, and I determined to take no notice of attacks from any source during the canvass." The day following the election, September 7, Terry, losing no time, sent Broderick a chal- lenge. He accepted. Some of Broderick's friends tried to persuade him to refuse to fight. They declared that he had l)een engaged in a long and tedious campaign and was in no condition to stand before the cool, calculating Southerner. ( )thcr friends, knowing Broderick to be a dead shut and a brave man, urged him on to his death. They argued, "the fight has got to come some time ; it might as well come now." It was to be a duel royal between two offi- cial giants, an ex-Justice of the Supreme Court and a United States Senator. Everything w'as arranged for the duel. They met, principals, sec- onds and about sixty i)ersons, at sunrise, Septem- ber 12, near Lake Merced, San Mateo county. Chief of Police Thomas Burke of San Francisco appeared and stoi)})ed the duel. That night, secretly, arrangements were again made, and the following morning about the same time principals and seconds met about two and one-half miles southeast of the lake. As the duelists took their places, about ten paces apart, "Broderick appeared nervous," says James O'Meara, "and, straining his nerves to the ut- most tension, stood stiff' and unnatural. His opponent, cool and calculating, stood erect and firm and in an eas}' position awaited the com- mand to fire." According to the arrangements the second cho- sen was to repeat the words "Fire — One, two." Neither duelist was to raise his pistol before the word "Fire" nor discharge it after the word "two" had been spoken. Near the hour of seven David Colton, Broderick's second, exclaimed : "Gentlemen, are you ready?" Both men replied "Ready." Colton then sj^oke the fatal words. "Fire— One, two." With the word "One" Brod- erick's pistol was discharged. The ball struck the earth about nine feet in front of Terry. Just before "Two" was sixiken Terry fired. His l)all Political Event 1854 to 1860. David C. Broderick, David S. Terry and Wm. M. Gwin. POrJTICAL l-:VE.\TS 199 penetrated Broderick's right breast, piercing the lung. Broderick slowly dropped to the earth. Terry, addressing his second, said : "The shot is not mortal ; I have struck two inches to the right." Broderick was taken to the home of Leonidas Haskell, then living on Black Point, which is now the United States Presidio. He lingered between life and death until September 17th. He then died from internal hemorrhage. The body was then taken to the Union Hotel, on Kearny street, near the plaza. Broderick's head- quarters. It there lay in state until Sunday, Sep- teml)er 18th. and was visited by thousands of citizens. The funeral service was held on the plaza, Portsmouth square. The speaker. Edward D. Baker, a warm friend of Broderick's. pronounced the funeral oration, today one of the classics in California literature. Every society and every official in San Francisco attended the funeral. The fire department was out in full numbers, led by David Scannell. Broderick was then foreman of Emi)ire No. 1. The body was buried in Lone Mountain cemetery, on top of the highest hill. The citizens erected a plain marble shaft, and Governor Leland Stanford laid the cornerstone. Dueling was an unlawful act, and the farce of trying Terry for murder was played. He was ar- rested and placed under $10.0(30 1)onds and held to answer before Judge M. C. Blake of San Francisco. Terry's friends wanted the trial held in another county. The case went to the Su- preme Court. Stephen J. Field. Chief Justice, and Joseph G. Baldwin and W. W. Cope, associates. They decided that a duel was not murder, and the case could be tried in any county. The case finally reached Marin ct)unty. San Rafael. The judge of that county went on a \acation and Judge J. H. Hardy of Mokelumne Hill, a close friend of Terry, was chosen to preside. The trial was set for July 6, 1860. The witnesses were called to appear at ten o'clock that day. As the time drew near, some honest yeoman set the court clock ahead one hour. At nine o'clock, true time, ten o'clock, court room time, the innocent 200 MEX AND EVENTS judge called the court to order. The judge, offi- cers of the court and jury were all present. The judge asked the prosecuting attorney if he was ready for trial. He replied, "Ready." The names of the prosecuting witnesses were then called. None answered. They were then in a sailboat on San Francisco bay bound for San Rafael. Joseph P. Hoge, counsel for Terry, then de- manded that the case be given to the jury. The judge read his charge, instructed them to bring in a verdict acquitting the prisoner. Without leaving their seats the jury gave in its verdict, "Not guilty." Terry walked from the courtroom a free man in the eyes of the law. Not so with the general public, however. They branded him as a murderer. Wherever he went he was point- ed out to strangers as the man who killed Brod- erick. He outlived every man present at the duel save one spectator, and yet he was shot down and killed (August, 1889) by the bodyguard of Chief Justice Stephen J. Field. PULPIT, PRESS AND PUBLIC SCHOOL. CHAPTER XIV. Religion is the foundation of civilization, and far in advance of civilization we find the banner bearers of the cross. They were with Balboa (1519) when he first saw the Pacific, and with Cortez. \'iscaino, Cabrillo and Ferrello when first they saw the land, bays and islands of the far west. The Jesuits settled Lower California, the Franciscans built up .\lta California, and in the rush of '49 there came ministers of (iod to found churches, schools and societies in every town and mountain camp. To the F.piscopal denomination l:)elongs the honor of the first Protestant re])resentative upon the coast, Chaplain Fletcher of the Sy Francis Drake expedition holding service in L^79. Again the Episcopalians led in 1847. In that year (April 12th) the ship 15rutus arrived at San Fran- cisco. Her chaplain, Rev. Thomas M. Leven- worth, had a two-fold position. He was the acting surgeon and ordained rector, he haxing letters from the Bishop of New York to found an Episcopal church in California. His sermon in Yerba Buena on May 12, 1847, was the first Protestant sernn)n preached on the coast. Dr. Levenworth l)uilt a frame house of worship. No ])arish was organized until the arrival of F. S. Mines. July 8, 1849. Then July 22nd, Trinity church was organized and ( )ctober 8th the rector preached his first sermon. In 1852 the rector died. His body now lies in a vault of the present place of worship. In 1853 Leonidas Kip, a rector of New York, then forty-two years of age. was consecrated as Bishop of California. In December of that year he arrived and for nearly forty years he filled the position. Old in years and nearly blind, he was succeeded by Bishop Nichols, and died in April. 1893. The first Episcopal church was in a sheet iron building on Pine, l)etween Montgomery and 201 O O O « •-! o E £ w -^ JJ o Ji - o pq u I'ULPIT. PRESS AND PUBLIC SCHOOL 203 Kearny, now California Market. Purchasing a lot at the corner of Powell and Post streets for $30,000, they erected a handsome brick church, which was dedicated in September, 1867. The lot was sold for $243,8.^0 in 1890 and Trinity was removed to Bush and (iough streets and the handsome stone edifice, costing $90,000, was dedi- cated in September, 1891. It was outside of the great fire zone. There is now in process of build- ing at the corner of California and Jones streets the magnificent Grace cathedral. It will be com- plete in 1920. It stands on the mansion location sites of Charles and William Crocker, the lots being a gift from the heirs after the fire that swept away the mansions. The first Protestant missionary was Walter Colton, a Presbyterian minister. He preached no sermon so far as known nor organized no church. The Rev. John C. Damon, seaman's chaplain at Honolulu, arrived and visited San Francisco in July, 1848, and held services. Then sailing to Stockton, July 12th, he delivered a sermon on board the vessel. In November, 1848, the Ameri- can Board of Missions sent several young theo- logical students to California, among them the Congregationali.st, Samuel H. Willy, and the Presbyterians, Sylvester Woodbridge, Thomas Douglas, Albert Williams and James Woods, and the Baptists sent O. C. W'heeler. The Rev. Woodbridge going to Benicia, April 18, 1849, founded the "first church society. The first San Francisco church was organized May 20, 1849. Its first pastor was Albert Williams. The second church in tlie order of time was the First Baptist. It was organized Jul}^ 6th by O. C. Wheeler. In August they built "a meeting house" and October 21st the first l)aptism took place at North Beach. Early in the summer of 1849 St. Francis church on Vallejo street was founded by two Jesuit priests from Oregon. Two years later St. Pat- rick's church was founded by Archbishop Ale- many, he succeeding Archbishop Gonzales. Father Joseph S. Alemany, living in Rome, was consecrated Archbishop of California in 1850, he being thirty-six years of age. He labored faith- 204 MEN AND EVENTS fully in the work until seventy-one years old. Then returning to Spain, his birthplace, Patrick ^V. Riordan assumed the duties of the office. Archbish(jp Riordan died in San Francisco December 27, 1914, aged 74 years. During his thirty years in California he performed a valua- ble work, not alone for the church, but for the state. The little wooden church, St. Francis, was called the cathers of the Union. The procession, the largest ever seen, was composed of all the military, civic and benevolent societies of the city. Piatt's hall was crowded and the strong Union sentiments of the speakers, Milton S. Latham, General Sumner, John McDougall and General Shields, were loudly applauded. The Fourth of July, 1861, was the day of days. No such patriotic celebrations have since been seen. It seemed as if the spirits of 1776 had again arisen to insi)ire the people with patriotic fire. Every heart beat to the "music of the Union," save a few thousand secessionists who were seeking to destroy. A Democratic school teacher had remarked "that the Fourth of July was played out," but the demonstration on that day proved California's loyalty. There were a few local difficulties, but cool and wise heads pre- \'ented anything serious happening. At Stockton a Miss Davis boastingly declared that when the procession passed she would wave a Confederate flag from the balcony of the hotel. Her friends prevented her from attempting such a rash act. The militia that day marched with muskets loaded and three extra rounds of cartridges. In Sacramento a newspaper editor raised a flag with thirteen stars only, upon the plea that it was the only flag he possessed. He later raised a thirty- five star flag. The colors of the Masonic Temple were raised, but soon after lowered upon the plea that Masonry did not interfere in politics. All day, however, Old Glory waved over the hall. CALIFORNIA DURING THK CIVIL WAR 223 During the early morn some individual spiked the cannon of the city guard. It required some two hours' work drilling' another hole before they could fire the national salute. During the after- no(Mi two men marched past the St. George hotel carrying a cane with a rebel flag. They were promptly knocked down and the flag captured. In Oroville a horseman rai)idly rode through the streets waving a rebel standard. He was imme- diately shot and the trophy secured. At Snelling, Los Angeles and other southern points the three- barred flag waved throughout the day unmo- lested. The Union men were far in the minority. In the United States marshal's office, San P>ancisco, a small Confederate flag waved from a miniature man-of-war named Jeff Davis. A change of marshals (April 30, 1861) hauled down the Confederate flag. August 16th a secession flag was discovered waving from the window of the Portsmouth house. The owner withdrew it before the police could capture it. (Jn the morning of October 1, 1861, early risers in Stockton noticed rebel flags flying from several public buildings, including the court house. The stars and stripes had been taken down. The new colors had been run up during the night by the southern sympathizers. They were hastily hauled down and the old flag refloated. One of the flags was hoisted on Banner island. This so enraged the owner. Captain C. M. Weber, that, lowering the standard, he rammed it into his canni^)n and blew it into a hundred pieces. Then, hoisting aloft "Old Glory" 120 feet in height, he fired a salute of thirty-five guns. At this time the quickest news that could be received was by the "pony express" (g) which (g) The pony express was established in 1860. the I'lrst "pony" leaving St. Louis April 3cl. The riders were light, wiry men, and they traveled the entire dis- tance, 2,000 miles, in from eight to ten days. They rode day and night, each man traveling 25 miles. As a rider arrived at the station, another rider was ready and waiting. Jumping into the saddle, he grabbed the mailbags and hastened on. They carried nothing but special letters and dispatches, written upon tissue pa- jicr of very light weight. Letters were carried for $5, c.'ich not exceeding one ounce in weight. CALIFORNIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR 225 arrived every eight days from St. Louis, Missouri. Strange as it may appear, the same day as Gen- eral Sumner's arrival (April 24th) the "pony" brought the news that the south (April 12th) had fired upon Fort Sumpter. Shortly after that event President Lincoln called for an enlistment of 75,000 men for a term of three months. Cali- fornia was expected to supply her quota of 6,000 men (h). So threatening was the situation, how- ever, "not one loyal man could be spared from the state." Volunteers, however, were received for state and coast duty. Recruiting offices were opened and men enlisted for garrison duty, pre- venting Indian massacres, guarding the overland mail and keeping quiet the secessionists in south- ern California and Nevada. For these purposes eight regiments of infantry and three regiments of cavalry were organized (i). Hundreds of citi- zens went east and joined the regiments of other states. Many of them had been prominent in public life. None, however, was more prominent than Colonel Edward D. Baker (j), who was killed at Ball Blufif (October 21, 1862) while leading his regiment. (h) When the war broke out there was a general commotion among the state militia. Many of the mem- bers of the various companies were friendly to the South, while others stood lirmly for the Union. The Marysville Rifles took the oath of allegiance to the government. They expelled their Captain, who re- fused to take the oath. The National Guard, San Fran- cisco, offered their services to General Sumner for three months' time to guard the forts. The Stockton Blues disbanded. Immediately the Union members or- ganized a new company, the Union Guard. The ranks were soon tilled, and they tendered their services to the government, to serve where called. (i) Among those who enlisted and went east was a company of cavalry known as the "California Hun- dred." Their Captain was Salvator Vallejo, and they were engaged in twenty-three battles. (j) Born in London, Enghind, in 1811, his family in 1816 moved to America and later settled in Illinois. .\t the age of 19 years young Baker was admitted to the bar. Two years later he took part as a private in the Black Hawk war. Later he fought in the Mexican war, 1846. He served the state in the Senate in 1840 and in 1844. Defeating Abraham Lincoln, he was sent 226 MEN AND EVENTS His death was California's greatest loss during the Civil war. Many friends blamed him for thus sacrificing his life upon the battlefield. They de- clared in living he could have been of far greater service to the Union, the party and society. Baker believed in practicing what he preached, and that it was his duty to go to the front. When Baker arrived at San Francisco, October 19, 1861, from Oregon, salutes were fired from Fort Point as the steamer passed. He was then on his way to Washington as Oregon's United States Senator. The citizens asked Baker to de- liver an address, and in the American theatre (October 26th) he delivered one of the most masterful orations ever heard, his subject being "Freedom and the Republican Party." Men came from all parts of the state to hear him. William Kennedy, author of the book "Baker in the Days of '61," came all the way from Marys- ville. The lecture was printed and sent broad- cast over the state. Many believed that this address "broke the backbone of the rebellion in California." Upon arrival in New York, Baker there re- cruited a regiment, taking command as colonel. At the same time he performed his duties as United States Senator. I will close this brief to Congress. In 1848 he again entered the United States Senate. With Abraham Lincohi he stumped the states of Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota for Taylor for President. In San Francisco he landed with his family in 1852. His fame as a lawyer and public speaker had preceded him and he at once took rank with the leading lawyers and speakers of that day. In almost every celebration of note; he was the orator. "For," said Attorney Gen- eral-Williams of Grant's cabinet, "Edwin D. Baker was the most eloquent man I ever heard speak. He had a clear, ringing voice, with an easy flow of beau- tiful language, and withal was an exceedingly hand- some man." I have been informed that speaking in a whisper, it could be heard in all parts of the house. Baker was a leading Whig politician, and he was desirous of representing California in the United States Senate. But, popular as he was, the Democratic ma- jority wanted no Union man to represent them. Fail- ing to reach his goal, in 1860 he located in Oregon. The "Webfoot" state that year elected Baker as its United States Senator. CALIFORNIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR 227 sketch in the words of James G. Blaine, as given in his work "Twenty Years in Congress." "From the far-off Pacific came Edward Dickerson Baker, a Senator from Oregon, a man of extraordinary gifts of ek^quence. In personal appearance he was commanding, in manner most attractive, in speech most irresistibly charming. Perhaps in the history of the Senate no man ever left so brilliant a reputation for so short a service. Baker was in command of a California regiment and on August 1st he entered the Senate and took his seat in uniform. He laid his sword across his desk and for a time listened intently to the debate then in progress. The discussion was upon a bill to suppress insurrection and sedition, and Breck- enridge of Kentucky was then strongly reflecthig the sentiments of the Confederate convention then in session at Richmond. Baker became restive and excited under the stinging remarks of the speaker and when he closed Baker sprang to his feet. In his eloquent reply he said, 'Are not the speeches of the Senators from Kentucky intended for a disorganization? Sir, are they not words of polished treason even in the very capitol of the republic?' It was impossible to describe the effect produced by his magic words, for in the history of the Senate no more thrilling speech was ever delivered." He went out from the Senate and a few months later lay dead in the camp, killed by the blundering charge of Ball's Bluff'. His body was brought to California. He was buried with imposing ceremony in Lone Mountain cemetery. Thomas Starr King de- livered the funeral oration. The population of the southern portion of the state at that time was composed principally of Mexicans and immigrants from Missouri and Arkansas. The country was thinly populated. Their occupation consisted in the raising of cattle and sheep. Nearly the entire population were in sympathy with the Southern Confederacy, and several months before the firing upon Fort Sump- ter bear flags were waving in the breeze in Los Angeles and San Bernardino county. Los An- geles was so bitter against the government that General Sumner stationed there three companies 228 MEN AND EVENTS of cavalry. In his report he declared "there is more dissatisfaction at that place than any other in the state." Their Assemblyman, E. J. C. Mc- Kewan, was arrested in October, 1862, "for utter- ing treasonable language and confined in Alca- traz. Two weeks later he took the oath of allegiance and was released on giving a $5,000 bond. Another hotbed of secession was Snelling (k), Visalia and Merced. In Merced county Union men were very much in the minority and in every campaign P. D. Wigington stumped the county speaking for the secession candidates. He was accompanied by Jim Wilson, who sang songs with violin accompaniment. Two of his favorite songs were "We'll Hang Abe Lincoln to a Tree" and "W^e'll Drive the Bloody Tyrant Lincoln From Our Dear Native Soil." The Merced Ban- ner said (April 24, 1862) "the United States offi- cers will go to any length to sustain their master, Abe Lincoln, whose cringing slaves they are." Soldiers were also stationed at Visalia, the Visalia Delta declaring (August 22, 1861) "trea- son against the government constitution is preached from the pulpit, printed in the news- papers and openly advocated in the streets and public places of Visalia." The Expositor printed an abusive rhyme regarding Lincoln. Two days later the soldiers mol:)bed the office, completely destroying it. Sympathy for the south was also expressed in religious circles and traitors were found in the Methodist (South), Catholic and Episcopal de- nominations. They asserted that religion had nothing in common with politics and the church was a place too sacred to be polluted (1). (k) When the news was received August 9, 1861, of the federal defeat at Manassas Junction, the rebel citi- zens of Snellings tired cannon salutes and rejoiced that 10,000 Yankees had been killed. (1) One pastor of tlie Methodist cliurch. South, Stockton, believed the church so sacred that even the bell should not be rung on July 4th morning, although that had been the usual custom. It had l)een reported that the pastor, a rabid secessionist, would oppose the ringing of the bell. And the citizens had obtained per- CALIFORNIA DURING TMK CIVIL WAR 229 There were thousands of loyal Christians, none more loyal, however, than in the Methodist (North). They not only preached loyalty, but at all times they displayed the flag and publicly rejoiced over every Union victory. Most of the clergymen who believed in state rights had the good' sense to publicly remain silent. The only exception to this rule was the Rev. William Scott (m). the famous pastor of Calvary Presbyterian mission of the trustees to ring it. The pastor, how- ever, locked the doors and refused to give up the keys. A Yankee pioneer, however, crawled in the window and at sunrise the old bell pealed out. The minister, hurrying to the church from the parsonage across the street, attempted to stop the ringing by hanging to the rope. The shipbuilder twisted the bell rope around the pastor's wrist with a vise-like grip, and he soon let go his hold on the rope, crying out with pain. The incident was soon the talk of the town. It caused great excitement, for the secessionists had boasted that the bell should not be rung at sundown. One of the number, Thomas Laspyre, foolishly asserted that if the bell was rung it would be rung over his dead body. The Union men declared that at sundown the bell would be rung or the building would be torn down. During the afternoon a small cannon loaded with pow- der and scrap-iron was placed in front of the editice, ready for the fight. At sundown a large crowd began to assemble on the street. Union men smashed in the doors and the bell began its joyful peal. Laspyre at- tempted to stop the ringer, but a John Sullivan blow sent him reeling through the door onto the sidewalk, (m) The Rev. William Scott, of Scotch-Irish de- scent, was born in Tennessee. A highly educated scholar, especially in the classics, he came to California in 1854 and at once became an associate of the leading minds of San Francisco. Accepting the call of the Calvary Presbyterian church at a salary of $5,000 a year, his popularity rapidly increased until 1856. He then made many enemies and caused a division in the church by denouncing the acts of the vigilance com- mittee. He not only denounced the committee, but he prayed for those who had been persecuted. One morn- ing an effigy was found hanging over the front door of the church. The doctor was so grieved over the event that he sent in his resignation. The congregation refused to accept it. Soon the incident was forgotten. He arose to his former position as one of the ablest divines of the coast and one of the most beloved. After the close of the war Dr. Scott returned to the United States and for several years preached in New York. Strong was the love of many of the members 230 MEN AND EVENTS church, located where now stands the St. Francis hotel. In his prayers he insisted in praying "for all presidents and rulers and all officers of the army and navy." As the feeling over the war grew more intense, it finally created trouble in the congregation and the reverend gentleman resigned and visited Europe. His resignation Was caused l)y an incident which took place in September, 1862. In that month the San Francisco Presbyterian synod by a vote of eight to one passed a series of union resolutions. Dr. Scott voted against them, he declaring "that Jefferson Davis was no more traitor than George Washington." On the fol- lowing' Sunday morning an effigy of the pastor was found hanging from a sign board opposite Calvary church. It was placarded "Death to Traitors." The same party had raised two small flags upon the church and fastened a large flag to one of the lamp posts at the front entrance. Soon after this a woman church member tore down the large flag. The crowd rushing forward to capture it, by mistake severely beat the owner of the flag. His only regret was that the crowd took him for a secessionist. The crowd continued increasing until the hour of service drew near. In the number were 500 Union men, sent there by the Union secret club to assist the police in keeping order. Dr. Scott's friends, fearing that personal harm would befall their beloved pastor, used every possible argu- ment to prevent his preaching that morning. The building was crowded, but only a few women were present. Dr. Scott entered by a side door and in his prayer, carefully guarding his words, made no allusion to magistrates. He delivered as usual a masterly sermon ; everything was quiet, and of Calvary for their old pastor. Receiving dismissal cards from that church, they organized in 1870 St. John's Presbyterian church. Dr. Scott accepted their call and he remained in charge until his death in January, 1885. When the congregation removed to the corner of California and Octavia streets, they placed within the building a magnificent memorial window for their late pastor. The church was re-dedi- cated July 13, 1889. CALIFORNIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR 231 after the Ijenediction was pronounced, the con- gregation poured out into the street. The crowd outside opened a passageway for them. They immediately closed the gap, however, when the pastor appeared, leaning on the arm of Mrs. Thomas Selby. In the meantime the large flag had been refastened to the lamp post. As the pastor descended the steps to the carriage in waiting, a person catching hold of the corner of the flag stretched it across the steps, thus com- pelling Dr. Scott to walk beneath Old Glory. This pleased the crowd and they hooted and yelled. Soon after this event Dr. Scott received several anonymous letters threatening his life if he remained in the state. The trustees accepted his resignation. In October, on the Uncle Sam, he sailed for New York and then to Europe. In marked contrast to the actions of Rew A\ . Scott were those of Thomas Starr King. At the time when some Union men were paralyzed with dread because of the actions of the south, and others undecided which way to turn, Thomas Starr King from pulpit and rostrum traveled over the state bolstering up the weak hearted and urging the loyal men to stand firmly for the Union. In his lectures, "Washington," "Daniel Webster," "Lexington and Concord," "The Great Uprising" and "The Rebellion in Heaven," in unanswerable arguments and matchless elo- quence he kindled the patriotism of the people into a glowing flame. He considered his country next to his God, and it is conceded that no indi- \idual did more to keep California in the Union than did Thomas Starr King. He did not live to enjoy the result of his labors. He died March 4, 1864 (n). (n) In Golden Gate park there stands a handsome bronze statue of Thomas Starr King, erected at a cost of $15,000. He is regarded as one of the greatest patriots in American history, and he is the only civilian whose memory was officially honored by the federal army and by foreign nations. At the time of his funeral March 7, 1864, minute guns were lired from Alcatraz island and answered by a battery on Union square. The Governor and his staff were in the line of parade. Flags were at half-mast upon all of the private and public 232 MEN AND EVENTS When it was learned that the south was deter- mined to secede there could be but one result, a civil war. Thousands would be wounded and die upon the battlefield or in the hospitals. To relieve their suft'erings as much as possible the loyal northern men organized the three commis- sions. They were known as the sanitarv, the Christian, and the freedman's commission. The leader of the movement was Henry W. Bellows of Massachusetts, a co-laborer in Christian work with Thomas Starr King. In 1862 he wrote to King asking him to organize branch commissions in California. The movement was started and in the fall of that year California sent east to the sufifering soldiers $480,000. All classes con- tributed, even those who favored the south, for the sanitary or Red Cross commission, which later developed, made no distinction in assisting l)uildings and government buildings, including all of the foreign consuls of the city. The shipping in the harbor was also at half-mast, this including the ships of Eng- land, Russia, Hamburg, Colombia and France. The pastor thus honored for his work and loyal devo- tion to his country was born in Boston, Massachusetts, December 16, 1824. His father, a Universalist minister, hoped to see his son enter the ministry. With that object in view his education was planned. He learned rapidly, especially in language. At the age of ten he could read in French and in Latin. When nineteen years old Theodore Parker said of him, "King's a capital fellow, who reads French, Latin, Italian, a little Greek, and now begins German." During this time he was the only support of the family, his father having died in 1K49. The young man taught school, did clerking, etc., until 1844. He then entered the ministry and four years later took charge of the famous Hollis street church, Boston, organized in 1732. He there remained until 1859. He was then given a leave of absence because of failing health. Calls were then given him from Chicago, r>rooklyn and Cincinnati, but accepting the call from San Francisco, he arrived in April, 1860. Thomas Starr King's fame as an eloquent speaker had preceded him and at every service the edifice was crowded. In the latter part of 1863 a tine large stone church was erected through Starr King's efforts, the congregation during that time also paying of? a $20,000 church debt. The new building was dedicated January 10, 1864, and the pastor preached eight sermons within its walls. He died Marcli 4, 1864, wliile repeating tlie twenty-third ])salm. CALIFORNIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR 233 the wounded. In October. 1863, Mr. Bellows tele- graphed to King, "the sanitary funds are low. We have already distributed over seven millions of dollars. California has been our main support in money, and if she fails we are lost." King responded, "We will send you $25,000 a month." And Mr. King, putting both body and soul into the work of collecting funds, made good his promise. California contributed over $1,200,000 gold to the sanitary fund and $34,000 to the Christian fund. The amount was equal to over a million and a half in currency, for nothing but greenbacks was in circulation in the eastern states. California with her gold helped to save the Union. Of this amount $275,000 was collected by Ruel C. Gridley (o) through the repeated sale of his; Austin sack of flour. When the news of the threatened Civil war reached California, the southern wing of the Democratic press sneered at the idea of any war and declared the reports untrue. During the time that they were denying the reports of war, their friends 'were secretly planning to secede. Wlien the fact was undeniable that war existed, (o) Ruel C. Gridley in April. 1864, was engaged in the grocery business in Austin, Nevada. As the city election came on he bet a sack of flour with Dr. Her- rick that the Douglas-Democrat would be elected mayor. Gridley lost the bet. Its conditions were that the loser was to carry the flour from Austin to Clifton, a distance of a mile and a quarter. At the appointed time Mr. Gridley appeared carrying the flour on his shoulder, neatly trimmed with ribbons and flags. A procession was then formed of citizens of both parties and preceded by a band of music they marched to Clifton. On arrival the saloon keeper invited the crowd in to take a drink. While in the saloon there was much joking regarding this tifty-pound sack of flour. At last Mr. Gridley said. "This crowd of people have had their fun at my expense; let us see now who will do most for the sick and wounded soldiers. We vi^ill put this sack of flour up at auction to be sold for cash, with the understanding that the buyer is to return it, to be sold again for the benefit of the sanitary commission." Ready for any kind of excitement, the proposition was c|uickly accepted. The chairman of the local com- mission acted as auctioneer. It was sold and resold 234 MEN AND EVENTS then they began abusing the government. The majority of the Democratic press took good care to keep within the bounds of martial law. The San Jose Tribune, San Joaquin Republican, Stockton Argus, Visalia Expositor and Merced Express abused the government and the United States troops. They were excluded from the mails by the orders of General Wright and thus suppressed (p). During the war this press continued its abuse, and it culminated April 15, 1864, in the destruc- tion of several San Francisco offices by a mob. When the news was received of the assassination of President Lincoln, on the morning of April 15th about 8:00 o'clock, it created intense excite- ment throughout the loyal state. In San Fran- cisco a body of men rushed to the Democratic Press and smashed things generally, and ended by throwing all of the type out of the window. The crowd howled. Beriah Brown, the editor, started hurriedly for San Leandro. The police dispersed the crowd, but again forming they served the Catholic religious paper, the Monitor for $4,400. Then taken to Gold Hill, it was sold for $5,225. Taken to other places the sales were lifeless without the inspiration of Mr. Gridley. This patriot then, leaving his business and paying his own expenses, traveled throughout the Pacilic coast and a few of the eastern states, selling the famous sack of fiour. Mr. Gridley died in Stanislaus county November 24, 1874, of consumption, the result of overwork and ex- posure during his travels. He was later buried in the Soldiers' Grand Army plot at Stockton. Rawlins Post erected over his grave a magnificent marble monument and life-size statue. (p) William Hall, of the Merced Democrat, July 24, 1864, was arrested by a squad of United States cavalry for uttering treasonable language and confined in Alca- traz prison. The following day C. L. Weller, ex-postmaster and president of the Democratic state central committee, was arrested in San Francisco for uttering treasonable language in a public speech. He also was imprisoned. The Democrats held an indignation meeting in Hays park and violently denounced the federal government. After three weeks' confinement Weller took the oath of allegiance and was released. CALIFORNIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR 235 (q) as they had served tlie Press. Then followed in turn the News Letter, edited by the English- man Frederick Marriott, and the Occident, pub- lished by Zachariah Montgomery, one of the bitterest secessionists in the state. Burning the printing cases of these papers in the streets, the mob started on the run for the office of the French paper, the Echo de Pacifique. The Alta, owned by Fred MacCrellish, was in a part of the same building. MacCrellish succeeded in pacifying the mob and thus saved a part of the French paper. The police now succeeded in driv- ing back the mob and soon after General Mc- Dowell put the city under martial law and United States soldiers guarded all of the streets. The ships Sawnee and Saginaw were sent to California in August, 1865, to capture the rebel privateer Shenandoah. She had been preying on the commerce of the Xorth Pacific and obtained many prizes. The Panama steamers ran each night without lights and were armed with Daphl- gren guns, revolvers and cutlasses, for they were in constant fear of this privateer. No steamships were captured. They would have been a rich prize, for every steamer carried from $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 in gold. In the spring of 1863 an attempt was made by a party of secessionists to tit up a vessel for privateering purposes and capture the gold of one or more steamers. They also believed that they could stop the exportation of gold to the east (r). The leaders in the plot were Aubrey Harpending, Ridgley Greathouse and Alfred (q) The Monitor was founded by James Brady, so said his son in the Bulletin, 1913. He was a passionate advocate of secession and every issue of his paper bore flaring articles in support of the south. The evening- following the assassination of Lincoln, he jumped upon a stand in Montgomery street and making a speech said, "It served Lincoln right because he had gone to the theater on Good Friday, thus insulting one-third of the population of the United States, the Catholics." "The crowd dragged my father from the stand and would have hanged him, but he was rescued by General McDowell and a company of soldiers then marching down the street. The mob then rushed to the office of the Monitor, on Clay street, and wrecking the office, tried to burn the building." 236 MEN AND EVENTS Riibery. Letters ■ of marque and captain's com- mission were issued to Harpending and $250,000 subscril)ed to finance the scheme. The three men purchased for their purpose a very fast sailing \'essel called the Chapman. She had made a record breaking voyage from New York and was bought through an agent named Edward Travers. The \essel was loaded with two twelve-pound cannon, ammunition and small arms ; everything was heavily boxed and marked "machinery," and to a^■oid suspicion, as they supposed, the}^ took (in a large quantity of general merchandise, goods that were salable in Mexico. An able body of seamen were engaged to man the Chapman and twenty picked men, all southerners, were invited to take part in the work. Everything being in readiness for the voyage, the men on the night of March 14th boarded the vessel. "Our clearance papers,'" said Harpending, "we received from the custom house with a readiness that might have suggested suspicions to more alert minds and the Chapman was certified to sail for Manzanillo with a cargo of machinery and mixed merchan- dise." The entire plot had been revealed and be- fore the Chapman could put to sea Chief of Police Lees and the naval officer, William Farwell, ])oarded the schooner from a tug-boat. About the same time two boatloads of armed marines boarded the vessel from the sloop of war Cyane. All of the men were arrested but soon after released, except Harpending, Greathouse and Rul)ery. They were tried in the federal court and convicted of an attempt to commit piracy on the high seas. They were sentenced to ten years in a federal prison. Greathouse and Harpending were shortly released under the amnesty procla- mation of President Lincoln. Rubery was par- doned by the President through the intercession of his uncle, John Bright, the great English labor leader (s). (r) Jefiferson Davis realized the importance of shut- ting off the great gold shipment and said, "It would be more important than many victories in the field." (s) Aubrey Harpending, now^ seventy-four years of age, wrote up this story for the San Francisco Bulletin, October, 1913, together with the famous Arizona -dia- mond swindle. THE WHEAT AGE, 1865-1890 LEADING EVENTS Labor Strikes. Concentration of Wealth. Persecution of Chinese. Formation of Labor Unions. Settled Condition of People. Adoption of New Constitution. Organization of Corporations E.xportation of Food Products. Building of Overland Railroad. Rapid Increase of Population. Building of Beautiful Homes. Opening of Nevada Silver Mines. Development of Southern California Grabbing of Mineral and Timber Lands. Higher Intellectual and Moral Living. Founding of Libraries and Universities. Increase of Benevolent Societies. Organization of Workingmen's Party. Construction of Costl}' Pulilic and Private Buildings. 237 POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS. CHAPTER XVI. When the Legislature of 1861 assembled at Sacramento, members true to the Union were in the majority. And they resolved that no disloyal man should again represent California in Con- gress. Senator Gwin's time expired March 4. 1861, and the aspirants for the office were Timo- thy G. Phelps, Republican ; John McDougall, Douglas Democrat, and John Nugent, Breckin- ridge Democrat or secessionist. The Legislature stood in joint session : 57 Douglas Democrats, 33 Secessionists, and 24 Republicans. Neither party could elect without votes from one of the other parties. In the voting Phelps took the lead. John Nugent was a close second and gaining rapidly. On the twenty-first ballot the vote stood: Phelps 55, Nugent 44 and McDougall 22. IMielps, fearing that Nugent would be elected, withdrew his name (a). Phelps' votes were then given to John A. McDougall and he was elected (b) Senator to serve, until March 4, 1867. A series of Union resolutions were introduced early in the session. They indorsed the Repub- lican administration and denounced traitors. These resolutions caused some very heated de- bates, especially from the friends of the south. Four of the Senators were natives of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, and they (a) In withdrawing his name Mr. Phelps declared, * * "I believe this is a time when patriotism should be above party, and when all party considerations should l)e made subservient to the greater interests of our country." (b) As soon as McDougall's friends learned of his election, a salute of thirty-four guns was rired on the river bank in his honor. Then hauling the cannon to the front of the Orleans house, it was again fired. The concussion broke over one hundred windows in the Orleans and Union hotels. Before the smoke had rolled away everj^body was invited into the saloon. Then 238 POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 239 made strong secession speeches (c). Henry Julgerton, a native of \^ermont, was the Union leader in the Senate, and he made an unanswer- able argument in support of the resolutions. His speech caused a sneering remark from Thomas Laspyre in the Assembly. John Conness came to the defense of Edgerton and it caused a sensa- tion (d). Another difficulty occurred in the Assembly l)etween Showalter of Mariposa, a secessionist, and Percy of San Bernardino, a Douglas Demo- crat. The result was a challenge by Percy, a duel and a tragedy. The preliminary arrangements were made in Sacramento. The duel was fought May 24th near San Rafael. The weapons used J. M. McCleary offered the toast: "The health of Gen- eral McDougall, whom no poor man ever applied to for assistance in vain." James A. McDougall, if reports be correct, was the brightest Senator ever in Congress from California. Born in Albany, New York, in 1817, he early in life emigrated to Illinois. At the age of twenty-live he was elected Attornej^ General of that state, and there came in touch with such men as Thomas Corwin, Edward D. Baker, John A. Logan, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. He came to California in 1849 and the following year was elected Attornej' General. At the time of his election as United States Senator he was a very intemperate man. He was often drunk in the Senate, sometimes picked up from the streets of Wash- ington and carried to his hotel. He deeply disgraced the state and died soon after his term expired in Al- bany, New York, September 3, 1867, a victim of the social drinking custom. (c) One of the speakers, R. D. Critten, of South Carolina, said in closing an eloquent speech, "Heaven's blessings attend her. Whilst I live I will cherish, pro- tect and defend her. And when this tongue fails to speak in her behalf, or when this right arm fails to strike in her defense, palsied be the one and withered the other." (d) Conness remarked that Laspyre had used "unpar- liamentary and discourteous language in speaking of a member of another house." Laspyre replied, "You tell what is false." Conness then replied, "You are a dirty dog." An inkstand then tlew at Conness" head. It missed its mark, but ink was spattered freely over the members. Conness then hurled an inkstand at Laspyre. More spattering of ink. Laspyre then, drawing a dirk knife, started for his assailant. He was quickly held and disarmed. Political Revolutions. Peter H. Burnett, California's First Governor. Leland Stanford, Governor and Senator. Renry H. Haight. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 241 were rifles. Tlie duelists stood forty paces apart. At first fire both duelists missed their mark. Percy's bullet, however, whistled close to Sho- walter's head. Percy was shot through the mouth at the second fire. Falling heavily to the earth, he died in a few minutes. Showalter was then thirty-two and Percy but twenty-four years of age. Showalter was a rabid secessionist and in 1862 he was arrested and confined in Fort Yuma, on the Colorado river. In 1866 he was shot at Mazatlan, Mexico, while engaged in a drunken fight and died from the effect of the wound. The election of a Union United States Senator was but the commencement of the fight. The next and most important contest was to elect none but Union state officers. The Republicans were first in the field. Assembling at Sacramento June 11, 1861, they nominated Leland Stanford for Governor. For Attorney General they nomi- nated the staunch Republican, Frank Pixley (e). The southerners called him "the abolition editor." The Republicans in their platform repudiated the doctrine of state's rights and they resolved that "the doctrine that a state is superior to the fed- eral government * * * and has the right of secession * * * j^ repugnant to the constitu- tion, of every principle of our system of govern- ment, and can only result in the destruction of our Union and the establishment of general anarchy." The Union Democratic convention composed of Douglas men July 4th assembled at Sacra- mento and organized. The following day they adopted a platform. It indorsed the government. It dilTered from the Republican in this very im- (e) Frank Pixley, then editor of the San Francisco Herald, was thus stigmatized as an abolitionist by the secessionists because he wrote, "I am in favor of giving a pardon to every Negro belonging to a rebel in the Union." Pixley, who was a pioneer, in partnership with Frederick Somers, a writer, in 1877 established the Weekly Argonaut. Pixley was a very able but pungent editor, and in later years he injured the popularity of his paper by his repeated attacks on the Pope and the Catholic church. He was the editor at the time of his death, August 11, 1895. 242 MEN AND EVENTS portant principle : They opposed any coercion of the south. For Governor, John Conness, John Bidwell and John G. Downey were placed in nomination. Ex-Governor Dowaiey (f) was their choice. The Breckinridge, or secession convention, as it was called, assembled July 11th at the capital. The platform presented by the committee and adopted by the convention was so permeated with treasonable sentiment that some of that committee presented a minority report. It de- clared "that we are opposed to the employment of force against the seceding states. * * * Resolved that if the union cannot be preserved by constitutional guarantees which will be ac- ceptable to both sections of the Confederacy * * * then we are in favor of the recognition of the Confederate States * * * and a treaty of amity and peace between them and the United States." For Governor they nominated the well known secessionist, John R. McConnell. The speakers in nominating the various candidates gave ex- pression to many treasonable sentiments, rhcy were all heartily applauded. None received greater applause, however, than the passionate (f) John G. Downey, born in Ireland June 24, 1827, came to America at the age of fifteen years, to live in Virginia with his two sisters. He had a good schooling, and the sisters again sent him to school. They wished him to study for the priesthood. He learned to com- pound drugs, however, and arrived in California in 1849 with only $10 in his pocket. Purchasing a shipload of drugs at a 20 per cent discount, he shipped them to Los Angeles and cleared $3,000 on their sale. The election of Milton S. Latham placed him in the Gov- ernor's chair and he won the plaudits- of the state by vetoing the bulkhead steal bill and for his loyalty to the Union. Retiring from politics, he invested in land, cattle and sheep, and dying March 1, 1894, left a half million. At the age of twenty-six he married a Spanish girl, daughter of Don Rafael Guirdon. She was killed in the Tehachapi railroad disaster January, 1883, and he was badly injured. In his old age the ex-Governor again married, a young woman named Rose V. Kelly. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 243 address of Edmond Randolph (g). In closing he said, "Gentlemen : My thoughts and my heart are not here tonight in this house. Far to the east, in the homes from whence we came, tyranny and usurpation, with arms in its hands, is this night perhaps slaughtering our fathers, our broth- ers, and our sisters, and outraging in every con- ceivable way shocking to the heart of humanity and freedom. To me, it seems a waste of time to talk. For God's sake, gentlemen, tell me of battles fought and won. Tell me of usurpers overthrown, that Missouri is again a free state, no longer crushed under the armed heel of a reckless and odious despot. Tell me that the state of Maryland lives again, and oh, gentlemen, let us read, let us hear at the first moment that not one hostile foot treads the soil of Virginia. If this be rebellion, then I am a rebel. Do you want a traitor, then I am a traitor. For God's sake speed the ball, may the lead go quick to his heart — and may our country be free from this despot usurper, that now claims the name of President of the United States." The campaign of that year was the hottest and most bitter of all political contests. It was a struggle for union or disunion. On the one side stood the Republicans for the Union, one and inseparable ; upon the other side fought the southerners, determined if possible to make of California the leading state in a Pacific republic. Halting between two opinions were the Douglas Democrats. Broderick had split asunder the Democratic party over the question of slavery (g) Edmund Randolph was of the famous John Ran- dolph family of Virginia. He inherited the good and bad qualities of his ancestors, a bright, active mind, generous, hot headed, erratic nature, a strong love of state, and a noble character. He was a loyal citizen un- til the secession of Virginia. Then he became a strong secessionist. In this speech he concentrated all of the energy, sarcasm, bitterness and eloquence of a Ran- dolph. His friends were astonished and one of them exclaimed, "Great God, did you ever hear eloquence like that; Randolph seems to be on tire." It was the flame of wasting vitality (tuberculosis) brightening be- fore its death. At the age of thirty-five years, he died September 8, 1862. 244 MEN AND EVENTS or no slavery in Kansas. For this he was chal- lenged and died for the Union. The southerners, knowing their cause was weak, now attempted to reunite the old party. But when news came of the attack on Fort Sumpter all further efforts for reconciliation were useless. The Douglas Democrats were true to the Union (h) and al- though they still held their party intact, thou- sands of them, deserting their standard, voted the Republican ticket. As a result Stanford (i) polled 56.056, McConnell 32,750 and Conness 30,944 \'otes. The loyal men were now assured that Cali- fornia was safe for the Union. The Republicans had elected their complete state ticket and they had a strong majority in the Legislature. To keep the state in line, it was necessary to con- tinue none but Union men in office. Early in April, 1863, the Union state committee published a call "to all citizens who were willing to sustain the national administration, in its effort to sup- press the rebellion," to meet in state convention. The party assembled June 17th in Sacramento. In their platform they favored a continuation of the war "without regard to cost or sacrifice until the last rebel is disarmed, and with no party advocating 'peace upon any terms' while there is an enemy of the Union in open rebellion against the government." Still further they called "upon all loyal citizens to unite with us in rebuking and defeating at the polls in September next, the malignant tribe of copperheads (j) who, falsely claiming the name of Democrat, seek * * * ■ (h) The day following the news of the firing on Fort Sumpter, May 8th. the state committee of the Douglas Democrats met and resolved "that the people of California in the past have been most anxious for peace throughout the land * * * at the same time they are, above all things, for the Union, the country and the flag; against all assailants." (i) California's war Governor was born in New York, March 9, 1824. He received a common school education and when of age began the study of law. Soon after this he moved to Wisconsin and there met and married Jane Lathrop. In 1852, following after his brothers who preceded him, he came to California. POLITICAL REVOLUTION'S 245 to discourage our armies in the tield and to cor- rupt the patriotic sentiment of the people." Their nominee for Governor was Frederick F. Low, and for Congressman from the middle dis- trict William Higby was nominated. He had been expelled from the Douglas state committee because of his endeavor to form a fusion with the Republicans. The desertions of the Douglas Democrats from their party and the small following of the Breck- inridge Democrats so paralyzed the leaders that both parties failed to materialize in the election. A number of Democratic clubs uniting, organized and formed a fusion Democratic party. They held their convention July 8th and bitterly op- posed the continuation of the war. In their plat- form they denounced the emancipation, the arrest of civilians by the militia, the suppression of free speech of the press and the "fanatical" attempt to place the Negro on an equality with the white man. Believing that John G. Downey would poll thousands of Union Democratic votes, they nominated him for Governor. Their belief was not well founded for Downey received only 44,843 votes. Low received 64.447. After engaging in mining a short time, he and Charles Crocker established a general merchandising store in Sacramento. One of the founders of the Republican party in 1856, he later became a Republican leader. Defeated for State Treasurer in 1857 and for Governor in 1859, he was chosen in 1860 as a delegate to the Republican national convention and cast his vote for Lincoln. In 1861 he was elected Governor, in 1885 United States Senator, and in 1891 re-elected. He served the full term, and died June 21, 1893. His politi- cal life was highly commendable. As Governor he did everything possible to maintain California as a loyal state and he gave freely of his money and time to the Union cause. In the Senate his "loan land" bill indi- cated his sympathy for the laboring man. In the indus- trial world none accomplished more for California than he. As one of the four who built the Pacific railroad he was abused and vilified beyond measure. Ten years later he was praised by press and people. His work ceased not with the building of the overland railroad. He purchased and began improving three of the world's largest ranches, Palo Alto. Vina and Gridley, and tinally deeded them to the state for the cause of education, Lcland Stanford Junior University. 246 MEN AND EVENTS An amendment to the constitution that year provided that state officers thereafter should hold office for four years. Hence there was no state election until 1867. In the meantime events v^ere taking place which disrupted the Union party and again gave the Democrats full control. One of these events was the formation of labor clubs and their agitation against Chinese immigration. Another e\'ent, more serious to the party, was the formation of a political machine with John Con- ness and his friends in control. The trouble first began in 1865 in San Fran- cisco. Governor Low was then an aspirant for the United States Senatorship to succeed John McDougall. Conness was his backer, and he so endeavored to "gerrymander" the districts as to elect legislators favorable to Low. For his pur- pose he called to his assistance the tough or "short haired" class of citizens. It was a renewal of the Broderick tactics, with this difference, however, an educated political man was in the lead, and secret, silent work was to succeed the l)old faced public work of Broderick. Each county was manipulated in the interest of Con- ness. "Federal officers. Governor Low's ap- ])ointees and two-thirds of the county officers," said the Placerville Mirror (July, 1865), "have ])een steadily working for months trying to carry El Dorado county for Conness and Low." When- ever the Conness faction were defeated in any county convention, they bolted the party and affiliated with the "copperheads." (j ) The two factions, the anti-Conness men being known as "long hairs," had a lively fight July 25th at Sacramento. The result was that the (j) The men designated as copperheads were of that class not willing or courageous enough to fight for the south, but in an underhand, sneaking manner they did everything possible to injure the Union cause. The name was derived from the copperhead snake. It crawled through the grass keeping itself continually liid and hissed at every object. One evening while Starr King was lecturing he expressed a sentiment not I)leasing to a secessionist and he hissed. The lecturer (|uietly remarked, "There's the hiss of the serpent now." J'"or several tninutes he was unable to proceed because of the laughter and applause of his audience. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 247 "long hairs" suddenly left the convention, some of them by the window route. The county con- ventit^n assembled in the assembly room of the capitol, then on J street. The desks were re- moved and chairs substituted. The Low men were all seated together ready for a scrap. After the calling- of the convention to order, two per- sons were nominated for temporary secretary. The chairman announced that W. H. Burton, the "long hair," was elected. The "shorts" said the election was irregular. Then the trouble began. As the secretary started for his desk, the "shorts" bh)cked his way. Then the two factions clashed. Finally solid hickory canes came into plav on the heads of the "long hairs." Spittoons flew like bomb shells on a battlefield. Ink- stands took the place of solid shot. Pistols were drawn and used as clubs. Several of the anti- Low men jumped from the windows and the "shorts" took possession of the room. After the l)attle, which continued fully five minutes, the "shorts" were called to order. Nominating their elective candidates, they instructed their legisla- tive nominees to vote for F. F. Low for United States Senator. Two weeks later Low declined the honor, saying that after such proceedings he could not htmorably accept the position. Those persons who have read this history from the beginning will remember that previous to the Civil war the leading political issue was slavery. During the war it was union or disunion. In the campaign of 1867 the two issues were Chinese immigration and the Central Pacific railroad. Anti-coolie clubs had been formed and they were an important factor in the contest. The railroads were now asking for everything in sight. They now entered politics for two reasons: First, to block a band of legislative grafters who endeav- ored to legislate them tnit of existence unless they "put up." Second, to elect if possible men to the Legislature who would further their plans. As the campaign opened three Republicans announced themselves as candidates for Gov- ernor; George C. Gorham, up to this time un- known in politics; John Bidwell. pioneer and farmer, and Caleb T. Fay, a nonentity. The Anti- 248 MEN AND EVENTS Coolie Club addressed a letter to each of these candidates asking their views on the Chinese question. In answer, John Bidwell replied, say- ing that he was "opposed to slavery in any form." Caleb T. Fay declared that he was opposed to Chinese immigration and labor. The letter of George C. Gorham was remarkable because of its honest ring, free from any misconstruction or subterfuge, a quality seldom found in politicians. He declared, "I am opposed to human slavery * * * Because I am opposed to the cooHe system, I am not the enemy of its victims. I believe in the Christian religion, and that rests upon the universal fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. I am as emphatically op- posed to all attempts to deny the Chinaman the right to labor for pay, as I am to the restoration of African slavery whereby black men were com- pelled to labor without pay." The Republican convention assembled June 12, 1867, in Sacramento. The contest for Gov- ernor narrowed itself to Gorham and Bidwell. The San Francisco delegates, sixty-three in num- ber, were solid for Gorham. He had worked the wires in the workingmen's convention and by the promise of an eight-hour law had cap- tured their votes. In that convention they had outnumbered the people's and the Union party. The delegates from many interior counties, "cow" districts, Pixley called them, were pledged to Gorham. The people in general opposed Gor- ham. They believed him a "railroad man" (which he was) and a dictator bound to rule or ruin. Their choice was John Bidwell, "the honest farmer." The convention organized for business. It was then learned that Sacramento had two sets of delegates seeking admission. It was the faction of 1865, the "short" and the "long" hairs. The former were pledged to Gorham for Gov- ernor and they favored W. W. Stow for chair- man. The latter intended to vote for Bidwell, with J. G. McFarland as chairman. The conven- tion by a vote of 142 to 132 elected W. W. Stow chairman. The vote indicated Gorham's strength. The "shorts" were admitted. Gorham was nomi- POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 249 nated for Governor and with him his entire state ticket. For the first time in CaHfornia pohtics party nominations were forced down the throats of the people. It was a nauseous dose and they soon cleared their stomachs of it. As a result thirty- six of the Union papers, among them the Sacra- mento Union (k), San Francisco Bulletin, Alta and Call bolted the party and, uniting, formed a National Republican party. They nominated John Bidwell for Governor. He declined the honor, saying, "Having been in the field once, I cannot consent to be a candidate again." The party then nominated Caleb T. Fay. He had no following, and as he campaigned the state he was jeered and ridiculed by the small audiences assembled. At this time the old line Democrats had re- turned to their party, for they asserted that "the question involved in the late rebellion had been settled by the war." Assembling in San Fran- cisco June 19, 1867, they nominated for Governor the war Democrat, Henry Huntley Haight (1). Said Judge Crockett while nominating Haight, "I have never known a better, more honest, more (k) Said the Sacramento Union, then the leadnig Union paper of the state, "If the Union party is to be run for the benefit of corrupt schemes, we must expect to see the people take passage in a safer political con- veyance." It called Gorham '"a fraud" and Josiah Howell and William Parks, candidates for Secretary of State and for Controller, "no better than Gorham." (1) The Governor-elect was in 1860 chairman of the Republican state central committee. And throughout the terrible struggle he was a war Democrat. At its close he returned to the party of his early life, the Democracy. Of English descent, Rochester, New York, was his birthplace and Yale college his alma mater. In 1844, then nineteen years of age, he began the study ot law; two years later he was enabled to practice before the Missouri Supreme Court. Forming in California a partnership with James AIcDougall in 1850, the year ot his arrival, he took no active part in politics until 1864. He then declared that McClellan was his choice for President and for him stumped the state. He was nomi- nated for Governor by the convention, unanimously, as they believed him opposed to the Chinese and the rail- roads. 250 MEN AND EVENTS upright man than he." The Democrats advo- cated the cause of the hiboring man and "favored making eight hours a legal day's work." They, however, believed it impractical to maintain re- publican institutions based upon the suffrages of Negroes, Chinese and Indians. This was an arrow shot at Gorham's (m) doctrine, "the brother- hood of man." "We regard the right to regulate suffrage as belonging exclusively to the several states of this Union," they declared. State rights again loomed up, and they held "that the power to regulate foreign immigration is vested in Con- gress, and it is the duty of that body to protect the Pacific states from an influx of Chinese and Mongolians." The Republicans in their platform deemed the passage of an eight-hour law emi- (m) In my boyhood days J heard every speaker on the stump, the rough, coarse nominee Broderick, the refined and polished orator Milton S. Latham, the handsome, tall, suave candidate Wm. M. Gwin, the fiery elo(iuent debater Henry Edgerton, and the orator sub- lime in eloquence Thomas Fitch. George C. Gorham was my hero. Handsome in appearance, tall, but thirty- two, vigorous and ambitious, the honest ring of his voice convinced his hearers that in him there was no deceit. He preached that which he honestl}' believed. Hence his defeat. Xo honest politician has any place on earth. 1 he millennium is far distant. Gorham was born in New London, Connecticut, in 1833, and coming to California in 1849 became a clerk in Stephen J. I'ields' office, Marysville. In 1855 he was editor of the -Marysville Herald, in 1856 editor of the San Francisco -Vation, and in 1861 associate editor of the Sacramento Union. In 1856 he was citj' clerk of Marysville. In 1862 clerk of the United States Circuit Court, and in 1864 private secretary to Governor Low. Soon after his defeat Gorham was given the position of secretary of the United States Senate, one of the best offices in the nation. In the following campaign he stumped the state for the Republican Governor. Another defeat. For the third campaign he was again coming, but the Republican leaders wrote back, "For God's sake, don't come." Gorham for twelve years, says the Oakland Tribune, was one of the most influential inembers of the national Republican committee. In 1884 he retired and engaged in literary pursuits, writing the biography of Edward M. Stanton, Secretary of State under Lin- coln. "He was one of the brightest and most potent of the galaxy of brilliant and brained men who figured in the early history of California." He died February 21, 1909. POIJTICAL REVOLUTION'S 251 nently proper, declared that the Chinese immigra- tion sliould be restricted by legislation and be- lieved that the future primary elections of the party should be held under the primary election law and all persons not of the party should be excluded from voting. The result of the election was at no period doubtful. The Democrats swept clean the entire state. The cause of the defeat of the Republican party was clear enough. They entered the contest with the mistaken idea that the war had settled not only the Cjuestion of slavery, but the question of state rights and suffrage. They declared in their platform that the importation of Chinamen or any other people of the Mongolian races * * * "is in every respect injurious and degrading to American labor." Then they declared that this was a free country, the Chinese were here by treaty and we must make the best of it. They appro\-ed of cheap labor because it was impos- sible to build the railroads without the indus- trious Chinese. They approved of railroad mo- nopoly. And a few days later the convention accepted a free ride to Chico. They were pre- sumptuous enough to believe that the rank and file were so well broken to harness that they would pull anything, even a railroad. Then the machine was mistaken. Some years later, how- ever, the party began pulling the railroad and they so continued until 1910. Tlien s(^mething happened. Governor llaight's inaugural was the finest of the state up to this time. Accompanied by Lieu- tenant Governor Holden, ex-Governor Stanford, Downey Low and Bigler, he was escorted to the capitol by the Sacramento Hussars Light Artil- lery, the City and Emmett Guard, together with the San Francisco McMahon Guard and Ells- worth Zouaves. The oath of office was adminis- tered 1)y Judge Lorenzo Sawyer of the Supreme Court. The inaugural address from the steps oi the new capitol, then nearly finished, was de- livered before thousands of people from all parts of the state. A grand ball in the capitol com- pleted the event. The Governor in his address not only surprised but pained many of his Union 252 MEN AND EVENTS friends by his disloyal sentiments. He graciously accepted the results of the war. But he opposed the reconstruction policy of the administration as destructive of the end of federal government. He disapproved also of the act of Congress in keep- ing the ten rebel states under military rule and declared "it was a disgrace to our country and the age in which we live." The politicians at this time first began to notice the laboring man because of the strength shown by the Carpenters' Eight Hour League (n). In San Francisco they were strong enough to elect several Democratic legislators. They were pledged to an eight-hour law. The legislative body, believing it good policy to favor the league, February 21. 1868, passed an eight-hour law (o). The people are fast learning that party plat- forms are not worth the paper on which they are printed, unless they voice the sentiment of the general public. They are simply created to de- ceive the ignorant and catch votes. The working men learned this when they voted by the thou- sands for the Democratic ticket. Governor Haight declared "it is a short sighted policy which consents to curse our children * * * with a swarm of Asiatics whose presence will be (n) The Carpenters' League in 1867 demanded of the San Francisco Supervisors that they pass an eight-hour ordinance, and that body December 16th passed an ordinance that eight hours should constitute a legal day's work. At that time Wm. C. Ralston was building the Palace hotel. He refused to comply with the law. The mechanics then refused to work. Ralston then, sending east, imported several hundred mechanics. Upon learning of the condition of afifairs, they struck for eight hours. They made a compromise on nine hours. Before the building was completed, hard times came on. There was no work and the men then were willing to labor at any price. (o) The law declared eight hours a legal day's work, unless otherwise agreed. Agricultural, horticultural and domestic labor were exempt from the law. The law also made it a misdemeanor, punishable by fine or imprisonment, to work any child over eight hours. As early as 1855 the Assembly passed a ten-hour law. It declared that any employer requiring a person to labor more than ten hours a day or sixty hours a week could be fined $100 for each offense, or imprisoned until the fine was paid. POLTTICAI. REVOLUTIONS 253 a moral leprosy." And the party platform de- clared that the importation of Mongolian labor was degrading to the American race "and an evil that should be restricted by legislation." Yet they passed no restrictive law nor a single Chinese law until 1870. In that year they passed a law prohibiting the kidnaping of Chinese females and bringing them into this state. They passed a second law authorizing the appointment of a Chinese commissioner of immigration (p). James Mandeville, a prominent Democratic poli- tician, was appointed commissioner. In the newly created office he made a fortune. In the state campaign of 1871 the principal and only issue was the subsidizing of railroads. The Republican party, profiting by their experience in 1867, now turned right about and opposed all subsidies. They asserted in their platform June 17th that "the subsidizing of railroads or other private corporations by grants of public land or taxation of private property * * * j^ produc- tive of gross corruption and abuse * * * and we hereby pledge the Republican party to uncom- promising opposition to any and all legislation for such purpose." In discussing the leader best fitted to carry Republicanism to victory, the}' selected Newton Booth (q) by acclamation. He was an eloquent speaker, a man of fine educa- tional attainments, and strongly opposed to the (p) The law authorized the commissioner to issue certificates to all Chinese immigrating to California of good moral character. (q) Newton Booth, born in Salem, Indiana, Decem- ber 25, 1825, received a good education and began the study of law. Immigrating to California in 1850, he located in Sacramento and opened a general merchan- dising store. In 1860 he began campaigning the state in favor of the Union, and courageously he championed her cause. In 1863 he was elected State Senator, in 1871 Governor, and in 1874 United States Senator. At the expiration of his term as Senator he traveled for several years in Europe. Returning, he again settled in Sacramento and then, an old bachelor, in February, 1892, he married the widow of his deceased partner. In that same vear, Tulv 14th, he died of cancer. 254 MEN AND EVENTS railroad because of business (r) and political interests. The Democratic convention, believing that H. H. Haight had given good satisfaction to the people, again chose him as their banner bearer. As he walked upon the platform the delegates, all save San Francisco, rose and greeted him with cheers. They opposed him because he signed the tide land bill. He had further opposition also from those who declared that he was a rail- road man, because he signed so many railroad bills. Other divisions followed and finally the party was divided into three wings, the one led by Isaac Friedlander, the wheat baron ; Eugene Casserly, United States Senator, and Frank Mc- Coppin, ex-Mayor of San Francisco. The result Avas the defeat of Haight, he receiving 57,520 votes and Booth 62,581. Governor Haight had made himself very un- popular. One of his acts causing much dis- approval was the signing of the bill reducing the state militia to 2,000 men (s & t). The Democrats had no love for the militia, and when they ob- tained control of the state government, under the plea of retrenchment, they cut the military appro- priation bill fifty per Cent and limited the local companies to 2,000 men. The military men con- (r) Booth in 1865 ran for State Senator from Sacra- mento against a candidate slated for the office by the Central Pacific railroad. Fearing that Booth would be elected secretary, they threatened to withdraw all pat- ronage from the firm if he persisted in running for State Senator. Booth & Co. were then wholesale mer- chants and liquor dealers in Sacramento and they were carrying on an extensive business with Stanford & Co. Booth in reply said, "My goods have always been on sale, my principles never." Booth was defeated. He lost the trade of the Central Pacific and ever after he fought that corporation. In 1862 the Legislature passed a law giving the commander-in-chief the power to recover from any company its arms and equipment. The object was to prevent traitors from getting possession of state arms. Tn 1865 the Legislature amended the law of 1862 by giving the commander-in-chief authority to disband any company evincing a mutinous, disobedient or dis- orderly spirit. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 255 strued this as an insult (u). During the Civil war they had freely given their time, money and services in the saving of California to the Union and many companies disbanded (v). The Legislature of 1871 posed as the opponents of the Central Pacific, yet by some mysterious means thev elected as United States Senator the (u) Among the pioneers the spirit of militarism was in the blood. Thousands of '49'ers took part in the Mexican war. Captains and colonels were numerous, and these men organized local military companies in various parts of the state. There was. for instance, the Columbia Grays, the San Francisco Hussars, the Stock- ton Blues, the AIcMahon Guards and the Sutter Rifles. The companies held their picnics, target shoots and grand balls. They were the top-notch of societies. Ball tickets, including supper, have been sold as high as $10 per couple. The Civil war caused an estrange- ment. Many companies disbanded. When Governor Downey called for troops in August, 1861, many of the disbanded companies reorganized with none but Union men in the ranks. Many new companies were recruited and in 1865 the state militia comprised 140 infantry. 20 cavalry and 5 artillery companies, all told 8,250 men. (v) One of the five artillery companies was the "Stockton Light Artillery." They were hard hit by the reduction of appropriations. Being, however, men of fair means and having great pride in their company, they resolved to keep up their organization and pay the extra expense from their own pockets. They had a full battery, four six-pound cannon and caissons, and upon every proper occasion they would tire salutes. These being the only cannon in the city, they offered their services to the Democrats. They refused to accept them. In the presidential election of 1868 Grant and Colfax were the Republican nominees for President. May 23rd the artillery company fired a political meeting salute. The local Democrats believed it the height of impu- dence, firing salutes for Grant, the general who had whipped their friends. They made complaint at Sacra- mento. Three days later, June 16th, there came an order to disband the Stockton Light Artillery for "dis- orderly conduct." At the time Adjutant Allen of the Governor's staff arrived. He was received by a salute of eleven guns. That evening all of the property of the company was turned over to him. As soon as the battery was delivered "the citizens" gave three rousing cheers for Grant and Colfax. 256 MEN AND INVENTS railroad's best friend (w), Aaron A. Sargent. He was no novice either in politics or Congress, for he had been a Representative in 1861 and 1868. A printer in 1850, he vv^orked several years at the trade. During his term as Senator he was charged with all manner of jobs and tricks in the interest of the Central Pacific. One of his put-up jobs was the "tape work" ticket at Mare Island (x). Sargent again ran for United States Senator. He was defeated by James T. Farley. His candidacy was bitterly opposed by the San Francisco Chronicle, because he sued them for libel (y). He l)egan suit in several different counties of the state. Sargent, after his defeat for the Senatorship, was appointed as Minister to Germany. Serving his term, he retired to private life and died August, 1887. In the campaign of 1871 a new feature in poli- tics was the campaign of Mrs. Laura de Force Gordon, a candidate from San Joaquin county, for State Senator. At that time woman suf- frage organizations were in existence in the tw) Collis P. Huntington from Washington in 1877 wrote to D. D. Colton regarding Sargent, "If he comes back to us as our friend, he is worth to us as much as any six new men." (x) In those days it was customary to print the elec- tion tickets in colors. Each ticket had a party distin- guishing mark on the back of the ticket. By this means a person could tell the party ticket voted. The Sargent ticket, however, was printed in such small type, set solid with scarcely any margin, that it was impossible for the voter to substitute any other name. The em- ployes on the island were compelled to vote this ticket or lose their situations. (y) The Chronicle did not forget these several county suits. David S. Terry was their attorney. He also was the leader in the constitutional convention and his hand is seen in article I, section 9, which declares, "Indictments found for publication in newspapers shall be tried in the county where such newspapers have their publication ofifice, or in the county where the party libeled resides." The vindictiveness of the Chronicle was not confined to Sargent alone. One of the suits was tried in San Joaquin county, the District Attorney being a young man named Wm. H. Hosmer. Later in the city election May 1, 1882, he ran for police judge, and to defeat him if possible, the Chronicle April 29th declared him dishonest in the newspaper suit. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 257 larger cities and the San Joaquin organization nominated Mrs. Gordon for Senator. She had been lecturing in Oregon on woman suffrage. In a newspaper card she accepted the nomina- tion and gave her reasons for so doing. Mrs. Gordon stumped the county, although she knew she could not serve if elected, and sarcastically stated that the law excluded from voting, "Idiots, paupers, Chinamen and women" (1). After her acceptance she began stumping the county and August 28, 1871, delivered her first speech for woman suffrage. Mrs. Gordon at that time was about thirty years of age, pretty and of hand- some form. Her hair was cut short and in curls. Her speeches were all delivered with her head uncovered. One of the Republican papers, a little worried, declared that she was speaking in the interest of the Democratic party. She could not fill the office, as the constitution de- clared none but qualified electors could serve. Mrs. Gordon was the most interesting feature of the campaign, but she polled only 116 votes. At this time there had been organized what was known as "Patrons of Husbandry" or farm- ers' clubs. There were clubs or granges m every farming community in the state, and they were organized to fight monopolies, corporations and railroads. x\ssembling in convention in Sacra- mento September 24, 1872, they declared that "the freight rates on our railroads are ruinous to our interests." They believed that the corporations were the creations of law, and therefore the maximum of rates on freight should be so fixed as to prevent extortion. They declared that the state's prison labor should be utilized in the pro- (1) Without any fanfare of trumpets or even a gen- eral advocacy of the movement the Legislature of 1911 submitted to a vote of the electors an amendment omitting the word "male" from the state constitution. It was a special election October 10th upon twenty- three amendments, among them home rule for counties, equal suffrage, recall of state officers, initiative and referendum, working men's compensation, municipal ownership and a state railroad commission. They were all approved, the woman suffrage having a majority of nearly 4,000. 258 MEN AND EVENTS duction of grain sacks, to be sold to the farmer at cost. They believed these matters were politi- cal, hence "we will cast our votes and send to the Legislature such men as will carry our views into effect" (2). Newton Booth was the farmers' hero, for he made them many promises. The goal of his am])ition when nominated for Governor was the United States Senate. Winning out on the anti- railroad platform, he worked that platform for all there was in it. The Republican party was then under the control of the railroad machine, run by George C. Gorham and A. A. Sargent. Many of the leading Republicans now received no pie. Because of this they were sore, and with the cry, "anything to beat the railroad," led by Newton Booth and John F. Swift, they organized an Independent Republican party. They adopted an anti-monopoly platform from top to bottom, and they welcomed into their ranks "sore heads from any party or by any name." The Repub- licans called them the "Dolly Vardens" l)ecause they were most decidedly mixed (3). The election of that year (1873) was for legis- lators and county officers only. That Legisla- ture, however, was an important body as two United States Senators were to be elected. One to fill the unexpired term of pAigene Casserly, who had resigned. The other to succeed Cas- serly. Although Booth was Governor, he began his diplomatic work for the Senatorship and suc- ceeded in electing quite a large number of farmers to the Legislature. It was the most motley legis- lati\'e body ever assembled, as it comprised men (2) As we know, their recommendations were adopted by the Legislature and for nearly thirty years the farmers have been nsing state's prison - made grain sacks, sold at cost. A railroad commission was created. But for twenty years they accomplished noth- ing and only wasted the farmers' coin. In 1910, how- ever, a railroad commission was created by the pro- gressive Legislature that gave results, and now cor- porations and railroads are the servants, not masters of the people. (3) About this time a new pattern of calico was put upon the market. It was composed of many colors and figures and called bj' the trade "Doll}- Varden." POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 259 who four years previous had been known as Re- publicans, abolitionists, war Democrats, peace Democrats, secessionists and copperheads. When the time of the election was at hand (December, 1873), the Democrats nominated James T. Farley, the Republicans James M. McShafter, later Su- preme judge, and the "Dolly Vardens" Newton Booth.' On the fourth ballot Booth was elected to succeed Casserly by a majority of one. His (4) term began March 4, 1875. When his elec- tion was announced a yell went up from the gallery and lobbies, which were densely packed. Ladies within the bar waved their handkerchiefs and men threw up their hats, for Booth's agree- able manners, handsome features and splendid ability as a speaker made him popular with both sexes. Governor Booth then astonished all modest men by his staying qualities, as he stuc_k to the Governor's chair until February 27, 187o- He was then compelled to resign in order to reach Washington by March 4th. His successor was the Lieutenant Governor, Romaldo Pacheco, who occupied the Governor's chair nine months only. The Dolly Varden Legislature on the question of temperance stands pre-eminent. In its two sessions it passed seven liquor laws. And Gov- ernor Booth, although engaged in the wholesale liquor business, signed every law. All honor to him ! The laws were aimed directly at the liquor traffic. Three of them made it a criminal offense to sell liquor to minors under sixteen years of age, within two miles of the state university, or within one mile of the Napa asylum. They de- clared that no saloon keeper could collect a liquor debt over $5.00 in amount. They prohibited the selling of liquor on election days during the vot- ing hours. Then, to feel the public pulse on the temperance question, March 18, 1874, they passed (4) Before Booth's election as Governor it was whispered that he was seeking the United States Sena- torship. Booth promised that if elected Governor he would seek no other office while acting as Governor. The breaking of that promise led to the passing of a law that session making the Governor ineligible to the United States Senatorship while in othce. ihis law was repealed at the state election held November 3, 1914. 260 MEN AND EVENTS the 'iocal option and civil damage bill" (5), but the Legislature found that they were fifty years ahead of public sentiment, for they found that not only the Supreme Court, but the people "sat down upon it" heavily. Wherever a local option election was held whisky came out ahead. De- feated in Alameda county by a vote of 2,382 to 2,331, the temperance people carried the case to the Supreme Court. "Unconstitutional," the court declared. In the state election of 1875 both Republicans and Democrats worked hard to defeat the Inde- pendent Anti-Monopolists. There were four parties striving for state control, the three men- tioned and the Temperance Reform party. The Republicans nominated Timothy G. Phelps for Governor, and then many of the rank bolted the party and joined the Independents. The cause, Phelps was a monopolist and big land owner. The Independents, however, nominated John (5) This law declared that where one-fourth of the legal voters of a city or precinct by petition called upon the Superior Court so to do, said court should call a special election to vote upon the question of license or no license of saloons. If the majority voted against license, then the saloon must close. Drug stores selling liquor for medicinal purposes were exempt from this law. Although this Legislature passed these laws, it was by no means a non-liquor drinking body. A saloon was near every capitol building and in the second Legis- lature many of the members became beastly drunk, even during session hours. At Vallejo the saloon was too far distant and a new saloon was opened directly opposite the capitol. At Sacramento the saloon was too far distant and in 1871, the Governor being a whole- sale liquor dealer, they opened a "well"' in the base- ment of the capitol. That "well"' continued to flow until 1893, notwithstanding the fact that in 1880 they passed a law prohibiting the sale of liquor upon the capitol grounds or within a mile of the building. The Legislature of 1886 and 1890 disgraced themselves and the state by their drunken carousals and licentious acts with women clerks. When the attention of the Legis- lature of 1890 was called to their violation of law, morality and decency, the Senate refused to even take action upon the resolution. In the session of 1893 the "well" was again opened as usual, but Assemblyman Bledsoe, of Sonoma, succeeded in having the infamy closed. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 261 Bidwell, "king of Tehama county" and owner of 10,000 acres of fine land. The Temperance Re- formers wanted Bidwell for their candidate also, but he telegraphed them, "I stand upon the peo- ple's independent platform. Believing fiirmly in temperance, will accept no further nominations." The temperance people nominated W. E. Lovett. The Democratic standard bearer was William Irwin. The Republican party now played the baby act and cried out that the Central Pacific had caused the defeat of the party by their "past schemes and political intrigues." George C. Gorham received more than his share of denun- ciation, they asserting that he was a better friend to the Central Pacific than to his party. The new issue, freights and fares, was touched upon. They declared that the government had the right to regulate them. Candidates, they asserted, should pledge themselves "to oppose any dis- crimination between places." They opposed cor- porations and monopolies and then nominated the wealthy land owner, T. G. Phelps. Now gra- ciously greeting the farmer, they earnestly in- vited his co-operation in the cost of transporta- tion and a reduction in taxes and the inauguration of a plan of irrigation by representatives of their own selection in the Legislature. For the first time in California politics the color line was erased and they adopted a resolution "that all citizens, without distinction of color, are entitled to equal advantage of public school edu- cation." Four years previous one of the features of the campaign was the Republican colored clubs, and they declared "in the future our politi- cal watchword must be admission to our public schools for every child in the state, without regard to color" (6). (6) There was much trouble over the school ques- tion and in other ways. On the Fourth of July the colored men accepted a position in the parade. The firemen of Sacramento and Stockton, learning of their acceptance to parade, declared, "We won't march with the damned niggers." The colored men then withdrew. In Sacramento, however, they replied, "Well, we would have been humiliated anyhow to march with copper- heads, secessionists and traitors." 262 MEN AND EVENTS Neither the RepubHcans nor the Independents touched upon the Chinese question, which was of far more importance to the working man than freights and fares or corporations. The Demo- crats, quick to notice this oversight, in conven- tion June 29th asserted that the local government was sufficient to stamp out the Chinese evil and it was not necessary to go to Congress. They demanded an amendment to the Burlingame treaty which would make it a treaty for com- mercial purposes only. They opposed all mo- nopolies. They favored irrigation. And they recommended the calling of an election for dele- gates to a constitutional convention. The meas- ure had been opposed by the Republicans. Wm. Irwin (7) was elected by a big majority, the actions of Congress over the Chinese question defeating the Republicans. The vote stood, Irwin 61,509, Bidwell 20,752, Phelps 31,322. As the Legislature had l^een elected upon cer- tain issues, they catered to their party and passed, first, a law authorizing the supervisors of San Francisco to appropriate $5,000 from their general fund. The money was to be expended in sending delegates to Washington to solicit Congress to modif}' the Burlingame treaty and check Chin- ese immigration. They also passed a cubic air law applying to San Francisco only (8). Its (7) William Irwin, a verj- honest and conscientious Governor, was born in Ohio in 1828. Graduating from Marietta college, he began studying law. To Yreka. California, he immigrated in 1852 and for several years lie published the Union. In 1862-63 he was in the Assembly from Yreka, then locating in Siskiyou county he was their Senator in the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth sessions. As the new constitution was adopted during his term he held office four years and nine months. At the time of his death March 15, 1886, he was harbor commissioner. He was buried in the state plot at Sacramento. Not a monument, not even a headstone, marking his resting place until 1892. Then Senator Price called the attention of the Legislature to this shameful neglect of the honest, faithful Governor and $5,000 was appropriated for a suitable monument. (8) This law prohibited any person from sleeping in a room having less than five hundred cubic feet of space. All police officers were authorized to search houses and see that the hiw was obeyed. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 263 object was to compel them to leave the city. It was declared unconstitutional. They also passed a law authorizing the Governor to appoint three railroad commissioners at a salary each of $5,000 a year. Soon after (ioxernor Irwin took his seat there came into existence an organization later known as the workingmen's party. It was com- posed of common laborers and mechanics and for a season they kept the citizens and politicians busy. They had no political strength except in the four largest cities. They succeeded in carry- ing several local elections and sending to the Legislature quite a large representation and caus- ing the adoption of a new constitution. Assem- bling in San Francisco October 7, 1877, they organized by electing Dennis Kearney, president ; John G. Day, vice president, and H. L. Knight, secretary. "The Chinese must go," was their slogan, and they denounced all capitalists, rail- roads and corporations (9). They succeeded in sending to the Legislature of 1880 ten Senators and sixteen Assemblymen. Among them was John W. Bones, a railroad con- ductor, elected from Alameda county. Nathan Porter, one of the brightest and best men of the state, died January 3, 1878, and January 22nd an election was held for his successor. Alameda was a strong Republican county and the Republicans anticipated an easy election of their nominee, W. W. Crane. It rained heavily that day. The Republicans polled a light vote. The working men, putting forth extra efforts, elected their man. In the previous September election the (9) They declared "the object of this association is to unite all poor and working men and their friends into one political party for the purpose of defending themselves against the dangerous encroachments of capital and the happiness of our people and the liberties of our country." Then followed a long list of the re- forms they proposed to carry out to wrest the govern- ment from the hands of the rich, to rid the country of cheap Chinese labor, as soon as possible to abolish banks, to destroy the land monopolj' and the great money power of the rich by a system of taxation, to provide decently for the poor and unfortunate, and to elect none but working men and their friends to ofhce. 264 MEN AND EVENTS working men polled only 118 votes out of a total of 7,118. In January they polled 2,730, the Re- publicans 2,138 and the Democrats 572. The San Francisco clubs were so delighted over the result that they tendered Senator Bones a rousing ova- tion. The monster parade indicated that the party possessed both numerical as well as physi- cal strength. Soon after this the working men of Oakland and Sacramento elected several can- didates in their local elections. A few of the newspapers, believing that they were the coming power, began assisting and advocating their cause (10). The most important work in which the new party figured was on the formation and adoption of the new constitution. They believed that a new constitution formulated by them would cause the millennium to appear. In 1873 the ques- tion of a new constitution had been discussed. No action was taken, however, until September 5, 1877. On that date the voters declared by a small majority that they desired a new organic law. The Democratic party, from which most of the working men had strayed, was anxious to again have them within the fold and if a new constitution would bring them back, well and good. So the Democratic Legislature (March 30, 1878) passed a law calling for a special elec- tion to be held June 19th for the election of 154 delegates to a constitutional convention. The working men now labored with great enthusiasm to elect at least a majority of the delegates. As their nominees were not qualified to fill such an important trust, the old parties were compelled to unite. Organizing what they called a non- partisan party, they gave plenty of time and money that they might elect men well qualified to form a new constitution (11). The convention convened in the capitol build- ing September 28, 1878, and adjourned sine die March 3, 1879. It was a fairly representative (10) Their principal advocate was the San Francisco Chronicle. It called Dennis Kearney "a great political leader" and gave him unstinted praise. After his re- fusal, however, to submit to their dictation, the Chroni- cle could say nothing mean enough of the party leader. POLITICAL REVOLUTIONS 265 body and contained some of the state's brightest minds. The lawyers (56) and the farmers (36) outnumbered those of all other occupations or professions. Among the working men the trades were well represented, there being one or more each of carpenters, plumbers, printers, cooks, tail- ors, gas fitters, butchers, etc. The president of the convention was Judge Joseph P. Hodge, a very able man and one well qualified to preside by forty years' experience as a lawyer. When we consider the circumstances, the constitution as adopted was a fairly good one. It was not framed by cool headed, reasonable, well qualified minds, but by a body of men, one-half of whom excited, strongly prejudiced and hating with a bitter hatred the very things upon which they were to legislate. In the beginning the most rabid Chinese haters, anti-monopolists and anti- railroad men tried to capture the convention. In this movement they were led by David S. Terry, who had been elected on the non-partisan ticket (12). The new constitution was ratified bv the voters May 7, 1879, by the following vote, 77,598- 67,134. The farming communities favored it, while the stock and mining counties were about equally divided. San Francisco, Alameda, Sacra- mento and Santa Clara opposed it. And San (11) It was fortunate that the two old parties united. As an illustration of incompetency, take Kearney's San Francisco nominees. Nineteen of the delegates were foreign born, and fifteen were non-taxpayers. Notwith- standing the poor quality of the San Francisco dele- gates, they carried that city. In the convention there were 51 working men, 81 non-partisans, 11 Republicans, 7 Democrats and 2 Independents. (12) It has alwaj's been a mystery, even to his inti- mate friends, why David S. Terry deserted his friends and^went over to the enemy. The only reason that can be assigned was his hatred for corporations and his desire to again sit upon the Supreme bench. As a leader on the working man's measures he believed he could command their votes. After the close of the con- vention he united with the new constitution party and in their convention he was placed in nomination for Justice of the Supreme Court. The spirit of Broderick, however, arose to confront him and during the heated debate his name was withdrawn. 266 MEN AND EVENTS Joaquin, Sonoma and Los Angeles counties gave majorities for it. As the constitutional convention was called l)rincipally by those opposed to the wealthy class and the Chinese, strong measures were adopted regarding them. The right of citizenship was denied the Chinese (13). No Chinese could be employed on public work. They also asserted that no corporation could employ them. This was a blow at the railroads. The Supreme Court quickly settled that question, they declaring that the Legislature had the right to regulate corporations ; they made the railroads common carriers. They created a board of railroad com- missioners with full power to regulate freights and fares. In order that they might tax the rich for full value, every taxpayer must swear to the value of his property at 12 o'clock meridian, March 1st of each year. Land and improvements were separately taxed. The holding of large acreages over 1,000 acres was discouraged. They also opposed women's suffrage, but after much lal)or, Clara Foltz and Mrs. Laura de Force Gor- don succeeded in having introduced and passed a section that no person on account of sex should l)e disqualified from carrying on any lawful busi- ness, profession or vocation. (13) The state constitution adopted in 1880 settled the question, for it declared a Mongolian was ineligible to citizenship; nevertheless in 1896 over 500 Chinese, native born, registered and as citizens voted at the state election. THE CHINESE VS. KEARNEYISM. CHAPTER XVn. In the Legislature of 1913 an event took place without a precedent in American history. Wil- liam Jennings Bryan, the Secretary o( State (April 28th), sat with the presidmg ofhcer m the Senate. During the session he spoke upon the Japanese question. He came direct from President Wilson at Washington to prevent, if possible, the enactment of an anti-ahen land law (1). It was the old, old question which has ap- l)eared in everv party platform and been threshed cult in manv Legislatures since that time when Governor Bigler sounded the alarm against Mon- golian immigration. At first the pioneers not only encouraged, but they petted the ' ittle brown man," as they called him. In the Admis- sion day celebration of 1850 they took part, and the ^'China boys" were one of the features of the procession. In 1846 the Chinaman first made his appear- ance (2). In 1852 they began arriving m large numbers. Thousands of them went to the mines to di o|. O 3 71 ^. •^ 3 O f5 ^^ o at o 286 MEN AND EVENTS were made by Charles Crocker, J. H. Warwick, the actor, and Leland Stanford. In his address Stanford predicted that in 1870 the road would be finished. In November, 1867, the road was in running order to the highest point of the Sierras, 105 miles, and 6,300 feet above sea level. An excursion train, bearing the officers, a half dozen editors and several ladies, was run to that point November 30th. In the winter of 1869 track laying was rapidly carried on by the Union and the Central Pacific, each company racing for the bonus given for extra road building. In May the Central Pacific were fast moving on Promontory point, and May 10th was the day set for the driving of the last spike. A celebration was arranged for the grand event. Sacramento was the place selected. The telegraph lines had been arranged, so at the first blow of the hammer driving the spike the news would be telegraphed to all parts of the United States. From 5 in the morning until 10 o'clock thousands began assembling in Sacramento from Reno, Nevada ; Stockton and San Francisco. The twenty-one locomotives of the company were drawn up in line on the water front and as the signal was given the engineers opened wide their whistles. The noise of whistles, bells and cannon for a time drowned out all human speech. There was an immense procession, an oration by Gov- ernor Haight, a poem and vocal and instrumental music. The day was also honored at San Fran- cisco by a procession, decorations, an oration and an illumination ; at Placerville and Yreka by bell ringing and illuminations, and at Stockton by bells and a salute of thirty-eight guns. October 31st the Pacific railroad was com- pleted from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Two months earlier the roadbed was laid to Stockton and August 11th Sacramento and Stockton for the first time extended friendly greetings. An excursion had been planned and the Sacramento pioneers became the guests of the pioneers of the San Joaquin. About a fourth of the popula- tion of the capital accompanied the pioneers, and about 11 o'clock a.m. forty-two cars, drawn by two locomotives, rounded the curve of the road THE AGE OF RAILROADS 287 into Stockton. The firemen, pioneers, mayor and council and "the town" were in waiting to meet their Sacramento brethren and with music and flying banners they marched on the principal streets. Collations were spread for all of the visiting organizations and at 5 o'clock homeward they returned. In 1860 a miner named William Reed, while prospecting for gold in the Sierras east of Stock- ton, discovered copper. The mines were opened and an immense bed of copper ore was found. A railroad project was next started and in 1862 the Stockton & Copperopolis road was organized. It was believed that the freight of copper alone would pay all running expenses. San Joaquin county gave the company bonds to the amount of $100,000. The government granted sections of land on each side of the road. In December, 1870, the citizens of Stockton were delighted when the first locomotive ran over a principal street to the water front (4). Ten miles of roadbed in good running order were laid. Then the bottom fell out of copper. The stockholders could not extend the road. It was then purchased by the Central Pacific. To obtain the bonds and the land, they built the road thirty miles to Milton. The Copperopolis line was the fourth railroad then running in California. The pioneer of the coast was the Sacramento & Folsom. It was l)uilt by the enterprising merchants of Sacra- mento to catch the trade of the miners of the southern mines. The twenty-two miles of road were completed in February, 1856, and February 22nd a free excursion was given. The Legis- lators were invited. They were also given passes for themselves and families. The road was a paying proposition from the beginning, as over 8,000 tons of merchandise was weekly (4) Years later this street roadl)ed, over which ran tooting locomotives and long trains of freight cars, be- came an intolerable nuisance. There was no law, how- ever, that could prevent it. Finallj' the merchants gave the Central Pacific $10,000 to remove their track. They expected, sharp enough, to have the council grant them much better accommodations along the west end of the street. 288 MEN AND EVENTS landed at the Sacramento wharf, consigned to the mining camps. The second railroad, known as the California Pacific, was projected from Sacramento to Val- lejo in 1857. County subsidies amounting to $120,000 were given to the road. Lack of money, however, retarded its progress. It was not com- pleted until 1869. Then a bitter fight took place between that road and the Central Pacific over the crossing. The Central Pacific had laid their line along the entire water front, and the Cali- fornia Pacific could not enter the city from the Yolo county side. Finally in April, 1871, the California Pacific, through its president, Milton S. Latham, sold out to the Central Pacific. The third railroad enterprise was the San Jose & San Francisco, which was chartered August 16, 1860. The citizens of the counties were desir- ous of a railroad and the Legislature authorized the people to vote upon the issuing of $500,000 in bonds to the stockholders (5). The contract to buird the road was led to A. H. Houstan and Charles McLaughlin (6) and January 16, 1864, (5) On the question of bonds, San Mateo county voted yes 7,309, no 1,932; Santa Clara county, yes 1,467, no 735. Later by a large majority San Francisco county voted $600,000 in bonds. The common council refused to issue the bonds. When the Central Pacific obtained possession of the road they commenced suit against the city and won it. (6) Charles McLaughlin, who later became a mil- lionaire and one of the Central Pacific's principal agents, was shot and killed December 13, 1883, by Jerome B. Cox, a sub-contractor who did thousands of dollars worth of work for McLaughlin, and he re- fused to pay Cox. Time and time again Cox obtained judgment in the courts, but new trials were granted the defendant. After nearlj^ twenty years of worry and trouble, Cox entered McLaughlin's office on the day mentioned and demanded a settlement for the $40,000 due him on past contracts. The men were alone. Out- siders, hearing three shots, rushed into the room. They found McLaughlin mortally wounded and dying. Cox declared that he shot in self-defense, as McLaughlin tried to stab him with a bowie knife. Cox was dis- charged in the preliminary examination. Public opinion justified Cox. After twenty-one j^ears of litigation the courts gave Cox the money due. To honor the man, September 28, 1886, the united labor party made Cox their nominee for Governor. THE AGE OF RAILROADS 289 the first train, an excursion, ran from San Fran- cisco to San Jose. The train was drawn by a locomotive built in San Francisco by H. J. Booth. In 1869 this road was extended to Gilroy. The first regular passenger train from the east arrived at Oakland November 8th. This was preceded some five weeks by an overland excur- sion train. It was chartered by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., assembling that year in San Francisco. The Grand Lodge at the state line were met by brothers from Sacramento, and tarrying in that city for a day, September 15th, they laid the cornerstone of the Odd Fellows' temple. Spending an hour with Nathan Porter, of Alameda, September 16th, they were then transported to San Francisco. There they were welcomed by the order in California and under the escort of the National Guard and a proces- sion of several thousand Odd Fellows they passed through the principal streets to the Cali- fornia theater, where several addresses were made. The next day they made an excursion around the bay and out upon the Pacific, and during their stay they were royally entertained by brethren and citizens. It was an important occasion, as they were the first national organiza- tion to visit California. Others were to follow, but many years intervened. Many years before the completion of the over- land, local lines were running and one of these lines ran from Oakland to Brooklyn, a distance of six miles. As Oakland lies upon the beach, to reach the ferryboat and deep water a wharf three-fourths of a mile was constructed. Trains were running over this line by September, 1863, and in April, 1865, Brooklyn was reached. Three years later (July 4, 1869) the first of those ter- rible accidents took place at the ferry landing. A large crowd from San Francisco visited the parade in Oakland. As the Oakland visitors were about to return to the metropolis by the 5 o'clock boat, they met upon the apron the crowd from the bay cit}'. Jamming and pushing, the weight was too heavy. The chains holding up the apron broke and over a hundred persons were thrown into the water. Two heroic Italians, 290 MEN AND EVENTS with others, jumped overboard to save life, and although the Italians saved a dozen persons, they were drowned, together with twenty more. The most fickle guide to things right or wrong, just or unjust, is public opinion. For twenty years the people were clamoring for railroads. When the opportunity was offered they gave liberally of their money and time to railroad propositions. In less than ten years the people were as bitterly fighting the railroads as pre- viously they had been praising them. For this change of sentiment there were man}^ causes. Some reasons were just, others unjust. The causes of complaint were all local, and the first came from Alameda county. That county gave bonds to the "Western Pacific," on condition that all of the money should be expended for road building in that county. The Western Pa- cific, unable to carry on the work, sold out to the Central Pacific. That company, building four hundred miles of roadbed, found it inadvisable to perform special work in Alameda county. They refused to deliver the bonds. The railroad commenced suit and for nearly forty years Ala- meda county was at enmity with the Central Pacific. I have not the space to enumerate one-quarter of the battles between the people and the rail- road. One only will I record, that of San Fran- cisco o\'er the Goat island terminus. The me- tropolis voted bonds in large amounts, but when they learned that Sacramento was to be the terminus of the Central Pacific the supervisors refused to issue the bonds. Later Stanford acquired the Western Pacific and the road was extended to Oakland. San Francisco was first jealous of the capital. Now she is jealous of Oakland, and fearing that Oakland would get all of the interior trade, San Francisco asked the Central Pacific to bridge the bay and run their trains into San Francisco. The company agreed to the proposition, provided the metropolis voted the company bonds to the amount of $3,000,000 to build the bridge. The citizens voted the bonds. Again the supervisors held them up. Then was begun a long contested lawsuit. THE AGE OF RAILROADS 291 Unable to quickly win the suit, and naturally- irritated because of the fight, the Central Pacific now sought a permanent terminus of the road. Oakland proper was out of the question, as the low marsh lands prevented the docking of steam- ers either large or small. Compelled to make deep water their terminal point, the company petitioned the government for Goat island. Then arose the merchants of San Francisco as one man and strongly protested. Searching dili- gently, they found engineers who asserted that the occupation of Goat island by a bridgeway would injure its military defense. And the Chamber of Commerce March, 1872, appointed a committee of one hundred to defeat the measure in Congress if possible. The government refused to permit the occupation of the island. Oakland was wise and some time previous (March 10, 1868) the Legislature, at the request of Oakland, granted the Central Pacific sub- merged and tide lands for depots and commer- cial facilities. The company at once took posses- ,sion of these lands, filling in a solid roadbed from Oakland to deep water. They constructed a depot of glass and iron and made further improvements amounting to millions of dollars. From that point ferryboats began running to San Francisco, steaming the four and one-half miles in fifteen minutes. Fifteen years passed; the animosity against the railroad was greatly lessened and once more the Goat island subject came before the people. Now public sentiment favored the Central Pa- cific; the citizens of the state and many in San Francisco said, "Let the railroad occupy the island." In March, 1893, the Legislature in joint session passed a resolution calling upon the Cali- fornia representatives in Congress to use all legitimate means to secure the passage of a bill ceding Goat island to California, that she might lease "it to the Central Pacific and not a voice was raised in opposition. Again in 1895 the sub- ject was brought forth in the Senate, and now the state is willing that the railroad should oc- cupy Goat island. It is well adapted for a rail- 292 MEN AND EVENTS road terminus and San Francisco could be reached by ferry in ten minutes. Completing the central division of the great overland railroad, the company in 1872 began building a railroad down the valley. It was their object to connect at Mohave with the Atchison & Topeka, then building westward from New Orleans. The Central Pacific, along their pro- posed route, demanded tribute of every farmer and of every town. If the farmer or the town refused to accede to their "hold-up," then the rancher was put to every possible inconvenience and new towns were founded in opposition to those already established (7). They began their Southern Pacific road at Lathrop, twelve miles south of Stockton. There they established a railroad center and built a fine large hotel. In the extension of the road the company in crossing the Tehachapi moun- tain performed a very remarkable piece of engi- (7) The farmer who gave the company the right_ of way free of cost received as a compensation a siding or side track, or perhaps a flag station. Towns that put up money and gave the right of way were given depots and perhaps terminal privileges. If they refused, opposition towns were founded. A town was founded in opposition to Stockton and named Lathrop in honor of Stanford's wife, her maiden name. It was built to "cause the grass to grow in the streets of Stockton." Fortunately, the city had deep water communication with San P'rancisco bay. Modesto was founded and named Ralston. Because of Wm. C. Ralston's modesty, he refused this honor. The name was then changed to Modesto, a Spanish word meaning modest. Then came the fight with Knights Ferry for the county seat. Rail- road money was freely used and Modesto won. Visalia with a population of 2,000 inhabitants was unable to pay the tribute. Then the railroad founded Goshen, six miles distant. Bakersfield was a large town. They wouldn't cough up and Sumner was started only two miles away and the people of Bakersfield were compelled to walk to the new station. When the Santa Fe track was laid they ran to Visalia and Bakersfield, thus compelling the Southern Pacific to extend their lines. For nearly twenty-five 3'ears the state, or a large part of it, was antagonistic to the Southern Pacific. There were hundreds of reasons for this antagonism. I will take Stockton to illustrate a few of these reasons. Stanford asked for a right of way through a principal THE AGE OF RAILROADS 293 neering work (8). After several years of labor and at a heavy expense, the natural obstacles were surmounted and upon reaching the desert "Mohave" was founded. A branch road in Sep- tember, 1876, was completed to Los Angeles. At all of their towns the company erected good hotels, comfortable depots and made them ship- ping or terminal stations. They laid their track over the sandy desert where roamed wild deer and jackrabbits by the thousands. The land was of no value except for pasture, and the traveler street near the water front. The council refused. He asked for another street. The council could not agree as to the street thej' would grant him. The company could not wait. They laid their track outside the city limits. Four years later the people extended the city limits beyond the roadbed. The coming of the railroad had increased the outside population. Stanford was compelled to pay city taxes and he was hot. Later a company of "honorable" citizens organized the Stockton & Visalia road. It was their agreed purpose to build a railroad from Stockton to Visalia. It was to be an opposition road to the Southern Pacific. The city and county went wild and voted them $500,000 in bonds. The citizens built a road ten miles south from Peters, a station on the Copperopolis road. Then they sold out to Stanford. He called for the bonds. After twenty years of litigation a compromise was made of $300,000. During this time the Southern Pacific did all things possible to injure the city. Maps were pub- lished; Stockton was not on the map. Lathrop, with less than two hundred inhabitants, was a large dot. Thousands of tons of wheat were then being raised and shipped. Stockton was a wheat depot, but the com- pany carried wheat to Port Costa, a fifty-mile farther haul, twenty-five per cent cheaper than they would bring it to Stockton. For years the city was a way station, not a terminal point, and freight shipped from the east consigned to Stockton merchants was not side- tracked here until it had gone to Oakland and returned. We had at that time a railroad commission. They were presumed to regulate these railroad grievances. But as Governor Johnson said in his campaign speech in 1914, "You had the railroad and the railroad was the commission. The railroad commission did one work * * * i^ drew its salary every month for thirty years." (8) The roadbed there crossing itself forms a com- plete loop three-fourths of a mile in length. The highest point of the road is 3,694 feet. In reaching the loop the train was compelled to travel fifty-five miles. 294 MEN AND EVENTS would journey for many miles, seeing no signs of civilization save bands of sheep and herders' tents. Twenty years have passed, and lo! what a wonderful change ! The land then worth but $2.50 an acre arose to $50.00, $100.00 and even $200.00 per acre, after the irrigation canals were l)uilt. The desert was literally made to ''blossom like the rose," gardens, orchards and vineyards covered the land. . The counties grew with aston- ishing rapidity. Stanislaus, with a population in 1870 of 6,497. in 1890 had 10,040, increased in 1910 to 22,522 ; Merced in the same time from 2,097 to 8,035, and in 1910, 15,148; Tulare in 1870 had 4,533, in 1890 had 24,574, and in 1910 had 35,440. Fresno in population exceeded all. In 1870 the population was 6.336, in 1890 it rose to 32,026, and in 1910 to 75,657. When the Southern Pacific, and a few years later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, entered Los Angeles the dawn of a new era arose in Southern California. They were no longer dependent upon the ocean steamer and the slow traveling coach for communication by the way of San Francisco with the outside world. The old Mexicans, born in adobe huts or upon ranches, living indolent, lazy lives, were to wit- ness under more favorable circumstances and under a higher form of civilization the repeated story of 1849. Again letters were sent east boasting of the climate, soil and wonderful pro- ductions of California. Tons of printed matter were there distributed, describing in glowing terms the "new south." Once again the name of California resounded along the Atlantic shore. Regarding the land of gold? No, the land of orange groves and health giving resorts. The distance was great, but the way was easy. No need now of an iron frame and a rugged con- stitution to reach the Golden State. No six months' journey across the plains or dangerous voyage upon the stormy waters was necessary. The pioneers, God bless them all, had made the way smooth and easy, and with only a five days' ride in a handsome palace coach the traveler could enter the new land and there find accom- modations equal to those he left behind. The TPIE AGE OF RAILROADS 295 judicious advertising of Southern California soon produced results. The people came by the thou- sands and the tidal wave of 1849 was again repeated. Were they seekers of gold? No, some came to purchase land, millionaires visited the coast to spend the winter, and the sick canie to regain their health. So large was this immigra- tion Los Angeles was for a season called the "one lung city." The old pueblo became a live, hus- tling, bustling modern city. Her population increased with astonishing rapidity. In 1850 her population was only 1,610, in 1870 it was 5,728. From that on it jumped by leaps and bounds, in 1880, 11.183; 1890, 50,395; 1900, 102,479, and 1910, 310,108. As the result of this "boom," which stopped not at Los Angeles, but spreading through all the smaller towns reached San Diego, the south grew with marvelous rapidity. The flush tirne which San Diego enjoyed in early days again returned, and awaking from her forty years of siesta she took on life, energy and enterprise, unparalleled by any other city of the coast, save her rival one hundred miles to the north. Her harbor, next to San Francisco the finest on the coast, was alive with steamers and ships, and her population, less than 5,000 in 1870, twenty years later had increased to 16,000, and in 1910 Was 30,578. The county population during the same period increased from 8,618 to 34,987, and in 1910 was 61,665. The limits of the old pueblo w^ere extended in every direction, fine blocks of stores and dwellings were erected, a magnificent summer resort costing a million and a half was built on Coronado Beach, and millions spent in constructing Sweet Water Dam, a magnificent piece of work. UNPLACED EVENTS. CHAPTER XIX. They tell us we ne\er can be a manufacturing state, as we are too far distant from the cheap fuel supply, coal, the market and cheap labor. This may be true, but we have an immense elec- trical power, which is cheaper than coal ; and we have an ocean of fuel oil. We need not go to the market to sell our manufactured goods. The market is coming to us. As to cheap labor, no man can foretell the results arising from the Panama canal. Admitting that we may not become a manufacturing state, we are rapidly becoming the garden spot of the nation. Today the exportations from California of fruits, vege- tables, cereals and wines (1) are enormous. Yet we have thousands of acres of mountain, valley and marsh lands, fertile and productive, not yet touched by plow or spade. As the men of 1849 landed in California they rushed to the mines, regarding not the fact that agriculture and horticulture were soon to become (1) I will give a few figures only, that of 1912. In that year California produced over 6,000,000 bushels of wheat and 41,700,000 bushels of barley, this being second to Minnesota. We grew 3,825,000 tons of hay for stock feed, including horses, notwithstanding the fact that Californians have expended over $50,000,000 for automobiles. Then of potatoes 10,000,000 bushels were raised. Most of the tubers were raised upon reclaimed tule lands, the haunts, thirty years ago, of millions of wild ducks and geese. Speaking of beets, we beat all states, 1,087,283 tons being raised, this prin- cipally in Monterey and San Benito counties. It pro- duced in sugar 163,300 tons, crushed for the greater part in the largest sugar mill in the world at Salinas. Fresno county included, we produced 120,000,000 tons of raisins. And Los Angeles county produced oranges and lemons valued at $25,000,000. Fruits were dried to the extent of 230,000 tons and 45,000,000 gallons of wine produced. 296 UXPT.ACED EVENTS 297 the greatest source of wealth (2). Those inclined to farming believed it impossible to raise grain upon soil that was dry six months of the yeai, and they wrote east to friends, "Don't come to California, for so rainless is this region it is im- possible to raise anxthing except along the river banks" (3). A few of the old pioneers, gaining wisdom from the mission fathers, planted grain and to some extent exported it. That the wealth of the wheat crop alone was far in excess of the value of the gold output is an undeniable fact, as a few figures only will show. In 1860 the state wheat crop was 2,530,400 bushels ; in 1870, 6,937,- 038 bushels; in 1880, 29,017,707 bushels, and in 1889, 40,869,337 bushels. This was the state's crown point in the production of wheat. It was the largest crop of any state in the Union save Minnesota. This immense yield, figured at one dollar a bushel (it was often worth more, never less), equaled the entire gold output previous to 1853, and nearly doubled the gold production of any two years succeeding 1855. This of wheat alone, to say nothing of oats, barley, hay, corn and other cereals. In 1852 the state produced 90,100 bushels of barlev ; increasing yearly, the crop in 1879 was 11,000,000, and in 1892. 10,000,- 000. Barley is never less than ninety cents a bushel. The long, dry summer of the San Joaquin valley permits the standing for two or more months of the ripened grain. So vast was the (2) The old Spaniard, Don Luis Peralta, realized this fact when his sons were anxious to hasten to the gold mines. He said to them, "My sons, go to your ranch and raise grain, and that will be your best gold field, because we all must eat while we live." (3) George C. Yount in 1836 raised wheat in Napa county. Wheat in 1848 was raised at Stockton. The Mormons raised wheat in 1847 on the upper San Joa- quin They also dug irrigating ditches and drew the water from the river by endless chain l)uckets. In 1850 a new settler, taking up land near Hayward, Alameda county, planted grain. The old settlers, laughing at his folly, said, "You are throwing away your time, you can't raise grain on these plains. A little grain can be raised on the creeks, but not here." Four years later, the county was one vast grain field, yielding seventy- live bushels to the acre. 298 MEN AND EVENTS yield, however, great improvements in agricul- tural implements were necessary. The Russians plowed their land with a long bent beam, to which was fastened a pointed flat piece of iron. The pioneers, cultivating from 400 to 1,200 acres in each farm, first used the single plow. Then two plows were fastened together. Next came the gang plow, one man and eight horses plowing ten acres a day. It cut a three-foot swath. Now they cut a furrow eight feet wide, sow and har- row at the same time, using an oil burning engine. Captain Sutter cut his grain with scythes in the hands of several hundred Indians, threshed it by driving loose horses over the grain. The chaff was separated from the grain by tossing it up in blankets in a strong wind. This was the work of several months. The pioneer first used the old fashioned mower for cutting the grain. Then was invented the "California header," which, cutting a swath twenty feet wide, sent a steady stream of grain into the wagon which accompanied it. Later came the immense hay fork, lifted by horse power, which quickly lifted the grain from the wagon and stacked it. After 1852 the McCormick thresher was used. Still later the steam power thresher was sent into the field. The engine was so constructed that straw, instead of wood, was used for fuel. It threshed 2,000 bushels a day, but that was not enough. In 1860 James Marvin, a farmer of San Joaquin, invented a combined header and harvester. It was not a success. After his death, however, improvements were made from time to time. Then this immense machine, drawn by thirty horses, cut, threshed and sacked fifteen acres of grain in a single day. Now the horses are gone and the huge machine is run by its own motive power. The farmers of the great Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys received a severe setback in 1862. It was' the year of the record breaking (4) The cause of the flood. It began snowing heavily December 22nd all along the Sierras and so continued until January 8, 1862. The entire mountain range was covered with snow, in many places thirty feet deep. During the same time heavy rains fell in UNPLACED EVENTS 299 flood (4). For nearly two weeks the entire basin from Sacramento to Visalia was under water. About fifty lives were lost and over $50,000,000 worth of property. The ocean of water running through the Golden Gate prevented sailing ves- sels from entering port, and the steamships could scarcely breast the swift running tide. So great was the property lost, for over twenty miles along the coast a continuous body of wreckage was seen. This wreckage comprised dead animals, houses, lumber, trees, cordwood, mining sluices, windmills, etc. The flood of 1862 was followed two years later by a dry year. Scarcely any rain fell in the winter of 1863 or during the following spring (5). As a result, the farmers cut but little hay. The wheat crop was a complete failure. Hay arose in value to $60.00 a ton, and wheat was scarce at $5.00 a bushel. Horses, cattle and sheep died by the thousands of starvation. Black beef, poor and scrawny, sold for food at twenty- five cents per pound. The horses of the cities and farm — poor and weak from hunger — stag- gered as they walked. The street car company of San Francisco had great difficulty in main- taining their service. Hay and barley were imported from Oregon and Nevada. There was stagnation in all kinds of business and thousands the valley, filling with water the dry, parched earth and the rivers. Then suddenly the weather moderated. The warm sun shone brightly on the Sierras' high clififs— Mount Whitney for one, 18,000 feet in air. The melting snow rushed on to the valley. Once only have we had too much irrigation. By the Newlands con- servation bill, now pending in Congress, it is proposed to hold back the heavy flood waters and give the state a given amount of water, in proper season. (5) From November to May are our days of rain. Three months of this time, November, December and January, we call winter. From January to November we have bright sunshine. During tlie rain-day months of 1863-64 less than seven inches of rain fell at Stock- ton. During the rain months of 1861-62 over thirty inches of rain fell. In 1871-72 it was another dry year, it was not disastrous. Irrigation had then been intro- duced. The average rainfall of the state varies accord- ing to locality. Along the coast from thirty to tifty inches of water falls. In the interior ten inches of rain is the average. 300 MEN AND EVENTS of men were out of employment. Now irriga- tion canals can offset a dry year to some extent, and thousands of tons of alfalfa are yearly raised. A great assistance to the state at that time was the importation of silver from the Nevada silver mines. The mines were discovered about the time of the decline in gold mining. Thousands of people rushed into the territory. Almost in a day Virginia City was founded and it became a large and flourishing capital. The Comstock, Hale & Norcross, Ophir and Gould & Curry silver mines were developed and worked, prin- cipally by citizens of San Francisco. There William Sharon, J- B. Haggin, Flood and O'Brien, Wm. C. Ralston, William Hearst and Adolph Sutro (6) made their millions and in San Francisco spent it like lords. Many of the finest buildings were erected and money flowed as in the earlier days of California's wealth. About this time was organized the San Francisco stock boards. They were a moral blight upon the state, a curse not yet destroyed. Stock gam- bling became contagious. All classes, from the child to the gray haired man, engaged in gam- ])ling. It demoralized business, disrupted homes, caused murders and suicides and ruined the lives of thousands of young men and women. Almost simultaneously with the discovery of Nevada's silver, copper was discovered in June, 1860, in the Sierras east of Stockton. Cornish miners were imported from Cornwall, England, to work in the mines. A town was immediately founded. Within five years Copperopolis had a population of 10,000 inhabitants. A new industry was created for the mule teams, and at one time 800 tons of copper in 100-pound sacks were daily loaded upon the water front. It was then landed upon a steamer built for the copper trade and (6) It was the silver from these mines obtained by the generous pioneer Frenchman, Adolph Sutro, that built Sutro Heights and the new Cliff House, San Francisco. Now it is a welcome resort for all visitors. He also gave to San BVancisco a very valuable library of ancient volumes and documents, valued at $1,000,000. UNPLACED EVENTS 301 in San Francisco bay the copper was transferred to a sailing vessel bound for England. Within six years copper was discovered in Michigan. A metal was also found that at a cheaper _ price would take the place of copper. The price of copper fell twenty per cent and the Copperopolis mines were shut down. Over a thousand men in the mines alone were thrown out of work and the town was deserted. One of the demoralizing effects of the gambling mania was the lottery October 31, 1870, of the San Francisco Mercantile Association. The asso- ciation, although composed of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of the city, became very heavily involved. As the creditors were about to seize the library and building, the association planned an immense lottery and concert to pay the debt. By law the lottery was prohibited, yet the Legislature February 10, 1869, passed a spe- cial act empowering the association to hold a lottery. The scheme was patronized by thou- sands of citizens throughout the state. The drawing for prizes took place as advertised and over a million dollars was distributed. The highest prize was $100,000. The concert included a three days' program, commencing February 22, 1870. It was the largest musical celebration of the Pacific coast and, later, once only has it been excelled. Singers, twelve hundred in number, from every singing society in the state took part, one hundred coming by special train from Ne- vada. The orchestra of two hundred instruments was accompanied by fifty anvils in the 'Tl Trova- tore" chorus and an immense bass drum. Ru- dolph Herold held the baton. Camelia Urso, the world wide famous woman violinist, was present and she was the principal attraction. An audience of twelve thousand each afternoon filled the Mechanics' pavilion. Two years previous, October, 1868, San Fran- cisco was given her first earthquake fright. The shock was first felt at 7 :50 a. m., and for a period of forty-two seconds the suspense was terrible. The cheeks of thousands of citizens blanched with fear. Hundreds ran into the streets scantily clothed. Six persons were killed by falling walls 302 MEN AND EVENTS and jumping from lofty heights. The city suf- fered a loss of over $500,000. Outside of San Francisco the loss was very small. In San Jose men reeled as if intoxicated. Many persons became deathly sick. The artesian wells in- creased their flow of water. San Leandro creek, a running stream two feet in depth, became dry. The earth opened in places several feet wide. In Stockton the shock was slightly felt at 7:51. The time of travel of the wave was just one minute. The city lies northeast of San Francisco some eighty air line miles (7). Inyo county on March 26, 1872, suffered the most violent shock in California up to that date. The terrible destructive wave ran along the base of the Sierra Nevadas, and it was felt from Red Bluff to Los Angeles. San Francisco, Stockton and San Jose knew nothing of it until the tele- graph reported the news. The principal build- ings in every town were destroyed. The face of the county was changed. In places the earth crust sank several feet ; in other places it was thrown up in ridges, forming embankments ten feet high. In places lakes disappeared and springs ceased their flow. In other spots springs were created. In the hills near Visalia trees were uprooted and immense rocks were thrown into the canyon. Over one hundred persons were injured and thirty-four killed in various ways. The shock came at 2 :00 a. m. It was preceded by a low rumbling. There were three hundred distinct shocks and for three days the earth trembled. The Legislature assembled at Sacramento January 5, 1862. At that time Sacramento was from two feet to ten feet under vvater, and in rowboats or high gum boots the legislators reached the capitol. They adjourned January (7) Earthquakes were lirst recorded in 1818-24. From 1850 to 1880 forty-six distinct shocks were felt along the coast. San Francisco was severely shaken in the earthquake of 1851 and again October 8, 1865. In the shock last named several persons were injured l)y jumping from second story windows. Property depreciated in value. Over one thousand persons re- turned to the eastern states to reside. UNPLACED EVENTS 303 23rd to meet the following day in San Francisco. The Legislature took passage on the Chrysopolis and they paid the company $1,000 for the trip (8). The year 1(S62 was a very disastrous one for shipping and the California owners lost over six and one-half million dollars from the destruc- tion of steamers and sailing vessels. Oregon at that time had no communication with the eastern states except by the way of San Francisco. Steamers ran semi-monthly between the last named port and Portland. The Northerner of this line was wrecked in January, 1860, and seventeen passengers lost. All of the women pas- sengers save one were saved through the heroic efforts of Arthur French, the third mate. Pull- ing to the shore, trailing a rope, he succeeded in fastening it. Two boatloads of women were safely landed. The third load was swamped and all were drowned, including French. Another marine disaster five 5'ears later was the loss of the famous steamship Brother Jona- than. As she left her San Francisco pier bound for Portland a heavy wind was blowing. She had on board one hundred and ninety passengers, including James Nisbet, one of the proprietors of the Bulletin, and Brigadier General Wright and family. The general was on his way to Oregon to pay off the troops and he had $2,000,- 000 in gold and greenbacks (9). On the second day at sea (July 31, 1865), the wind increasing to (8) Because of tlie removal, naany of the citizens of the capital were angry. The Sacramento Union in an editorial, sneeringly remarked that they thought the pioneers could stand hardships. Assemblyman Bell of .Alameda strongly opposed the removal. As the legis- lators gathered at the landing the crowd gave three cheers for Bell and three groans for Attornej- General I""rank Pixley. He gave it as his opinion that the transfer of archives to San Francisco was lawful. (9) The greenbacks were sealed up in rubber tubes and then placed in metallic cases. So large was the amount of treasure lost, several attempts have been made to recover it. Only within a year or two, said the newspaper February 14th. "Efforts to recover $1,000,000 in gold bullion and three hundred barrels of whisk}' from the wreck of the sidewheel steamer Brother Jonathan arc being made by several Oakland merchants." 304 MEN AND EVENTS a gale, Captain De Wolf concluded to put into port at Crescent City. Eight miles from the harbor the ship struck a sunken rock. She went down in forty-five minutes. The boats were launched, but they could not live in the raging sea and only seventeen passengers were saved. Later General Wright's body was washed ashore and with full military honors he was buried in the state plot at Sacramento. Had General Wright lived until this date he would have been despised by the laboring classes, as they declare they have no use for the militia. So declared the miners of the gold quartz mines at Sutter Creek, Amador county. They struck for higher wages in July, 1871, and the employers refused their demand and employed non-union labor. Then the miners, marching from mine to mine, threatened to beat up the non-unionists. They stopped work. The mines began to fill with water ; the employers then called upon the sheriff for protection. The county official called upon Governor Haight, and two companies of the National Guard of San Francisco, in com- mand of W. H. L. Barnes, sailed June 18th on the steamer Yosemite for the seat of war. The militia on arrival guarded the mines and the non- union men were set to work pumping out the water. The damage was in excess of $100,000. x\fter a month of these conditions the mine owners compromised with the "Union League." It was, they thought, a costly proposition paying non-union miners to pump water out of the mines and militia to guard them. During the trouble two men were killed, Edward Hatch, the book- keeper of the Amador mine, and John McManey. the leader of the strike. Hatch was killed by a stray shot. McManey, assaulting the bookkeeper at a dance that evening, was killed the following day in a quarrel by a friend of Hatch. The Amador war was succeeded two years later by what was known in history as the Modoc or Indian war. It was the last Indian fight, the end of the massacre of the poor savages, once the sole owners of California's soil. I can touch UNPLACED EVENTS 305 but lightly upon the cause and the result of this fight. The Modocs were a tribe of brave Indians who lived in Northern California on the banks of the Pit and Lost rivers. They had in early days been massacred and maltreated in every manner possible — and they retaliated in kind. In 1856 the government established a military post in Surprise valley. An Indian campaign was then begun, which continued until 1864. Then a treaty of peace was signed between the govern- ments and the Modocs. They were compelled to go to a small reservation near Klamath lake. There they were to be supplied with food and clothing through Indian agents. The agents stole all they could carry and the Indians were scantily clothed and only half fed. Then the settlers began encroaching upon their reserva- tion, killing their game and occasionally a Modoc. Finally the tribe was reduced to such a condition that it was starve or fight. Fortifying themselves in the center crater of the lava beds, they killed several settlers and then defied the whites to come and take them. After an encounter January 17, 1873, in which General Wheaton lost forty men and several muskets and one thousand rounds of ammuni- tion, the government concluded to again make a treaty of peace. Three peace commissioners were appointed, A. B. Meacham, then one of the Indian superin- tendents ; Rev. William Thomas, a Methodist pastor; Dyer, an Indian agent, and General E. R. S. Canby. Efforts were made several times to make a treaty. The Modocs, fearing treachery, would make no treaty which compelled them to leave the lava beds. Another conference was arranged for April 11th. Frank Riddle, a white man, was the interpreter. His squaw wife ad- vised the commissioners not to meet the Modoc committee that day. "They will kill you," she said. Heeding not her advice, on arrival they found seven Modocs sitting on the earth. Ac- cording to the agreement there should have been five only. Fearing no treachery, the commis- sioners dismounted from their horses. Dr. 306 MEN AND EVENTS Thomas addressed the Indians in a short speech and said in closing, "I know their hearts are all good (these Modocs). We want no more blood shed." Just then Meacham, observing a suspi- cious movement on the part of one Indian, ex- claimed, "What does this mean?" The commis- sioners were unarmed, and Captain Jack, drawing a revolver which had been concealed, shot and instantly killed General Canby. Three Modocs armed with rifles, who had been concealed in the bushes, now took part in the fight. Boston Charley shot and killed Dr. Thomas. Meacham fled, but as he ran he was shot in the shoulder by John Schonin. Dyer and Riddle saved them- selves by flight. From the bluff a squad of soldiers saw the massacre. Hastening to the spot, they found General Canby stripped of his uniform and clothing. Dr. Thomas' clothing was partly gone. Meacham was unconscious and badly wounded. Orders now came from Washington to drive out the Modocs with shot and shell if necessary. Their fortification in the lava bed was almost impregnable. General Gillem in a three days' engagement April 15th was surprised and nine- teen killed and twenty-eight wounded, over forty- seven men having been killed during this cam- paign. General Gillem was superceded by Gen- eral J. B. Davis. He fought the Modocs as they had fought, from behind rocks and barriers. He shelled heavily every point before he advanced, using mountain howitzers, and May 15th he reached their stronghold, an extinct crater. Not a Modoc in sight. They had all fled. Later Captain Jack, John Schonin and Boston Charley were captured. They were tried for murder, found guiltv and together hanged (October 3, 1873) at Fort Klamath. While the Modocs were causing considerable excitement around Mount Shasta, a band of Mexi- can desperadoes led by Timburcio Vasquez were making things lively in Monterey and other southern counties. Vasquez in some respects followed the plan of Joaquin Murietta. He would quickly ride from place to place, commit- ting robberies and murders. At one time the I -X PLACED EVENTS 307 band operated in San Joaquin county. At that time an Italian named Frank Medina kept a store some twent}^ miles east of Stockton. A teamster passing December 10, 1869, found the building burned to the ground. Search being made for the proprietor, he and five others were found murdered. Three of the Yasquez desperadoes committed the murder. In 1870 they were taken ]>risoners, tried, convicted and hanged. Vasquez, the chief, who had been committing robberies and murders for nearly twenty years, continued his depredations. In July, 1873, he committed what was known as the Tres Pinos murder in Mon- terey county. One Snyder at that town kept a store. Vasquez and two of his companions killed the proprietors and three others, and robbed the store. He was now such a terror to the southern country that the Legislature of 1874 appropriated $5,000 reward for Vasquez dead or alive. The money was placed in the hands of Harry Morse, of Alameda, three of the best officers of the state, Harry Morse, Thomas Cunningham and Benja- min Thorn of Calaveras working together. After several months of travel and dangerous experiences, they captured the outlaw (May 13th) near Los Angeles. During the fight, says Morse, "The bandit threw up both hands, crying, 'No shoot, no shoot!'" Almost instantly he fell wounded by a charge of buckshot. Vasquez recovered from his wound and was tried at San Jose for the Tres Pinos murder. He was found guilty and hanged in the courtvard of the jail March 19, 1875. Harry Morse was a pioneer and a member of the California Pioneers, that society that de- creases in number as the years fly on. On the 9th of July, 1850, President Zachariah Taylor died. The steamer California August 23rd brought the news. The citizens of San Fran- cisco August 29th honored the deceased Whig President by a procession, 'oration and music. All pioneers were requested to assemble and march in the procession. It was their first ap- pearance, those sixty founders of the state. .Samuel Brannan was the grand marshal. A few days later they organized a pioneer society, with 308 MEN AND EVENTS W. D. M. Howard as president. That year they celebrated CaHfornia's admission in grand style. During the day they were presented with a hand- some banner designed by George Derby (10). Since that time not a year has passed uncele- brated. And in processions, banquets, orations, poems, songs and dances they have kept alive that memorable event September 9th. In July, 1853, they reorganized with Samuel Brannan as president. In their ninth celebration they mourned the death of the gifted young poet, Edward Pollock, also the veteran pioneer, Thos. O. Larkin. That year (1858) the pioneers were deeded a lot on Montgomery, near Pacific, by James Lick. A handsome building July 8, 1863, was dedicated, with Thomas Starr King as the orator. Occupying this building until 1890, they then removed to a handsome building on Fourth, near Market, from money contributed from James Lick, deceased. In their room of "memor- able days" they gathered thousands of relics of California's past. The fire of 1906 swept nearly everything out of existence. In the early '60's pioneer societies were organized in every large city. Now the gray haired pioneers are but a few, "waiting the judgment day." The California Pioneer Society was the only body of its kind in existence. From its loins there sprung the Native Sons of the Golden West (10) Geo. H. Derby was a lieutenant on the staff of General Benett Riley. He was one of the most humor- ous men of that day and his book, "Phaenixia," was a classic of humor. He was always playing jokes. One of his most severe jokes was on Judson Ames in 1851, proprietor and editor of the San Diego Herald. Ames was a strong Democrat and favored Bigler for Gov- ernor. Visiting San Francisco for two weeks, he left Derby in charge. Then the fun began. Derby changed the politics to Whig and, being a good cartoonist and brilliant writer, he berated and made all manner of fun of Bigler. Ames on his return was boiling over with anger. He and Derby had a rough and tumble fight in the editorial room. They became friends, however, and Derby in the Herald gave a most laughable description of the skirmish. California's Native Son Governors GEORGE C. PARDEE The twentieth Gov- ernor of California was George C. Pardee. Born in San Francisco July 25, 1857, he attended the public schools of San Francisco and Oakland. He graduated from the University of California in 1879. Then studying medicine, in 1885, he graduated from the Lepsic German University. He was elected Governor No- vember 4, 1902. He is now engaged in state conservation work. Hiram Warren Johnson the oldest son of Grove L. Johnson, the well known attorney and politician, was born September 2, 1866, in Sacramento. At the age of 18 he graduated from the Sacramento High School. Two years later, 1886, he be- gan the study of law. and was admitted t(5 practice in 1888. He removed to San Fran- cisco in 1902, and he and his brother, Albert M., opened a law office. He first came into pul)- lic notice throngli the Abraham Ruef trial. By the citizens at large, lie was nominated for Governor at the first direct i)riniary election, and elected Governor November 8, 1910. He was re-elected in November, 1914. HIRAM WARREN JOHNSON 310 MEN AND EVENTS (11). The first parlor. California No. 1, was organized July 11, 1875, with twenty-five mem- bers, none less than seventeen years of age. This was the only parlor in the state until December. 1877. Then a branch was instituted at Oakland. A third parlor was organized March 28, 1878, at Sacramento. In 1880 (June 8th) the Grand Parlor was instituted and in April, 1883, the thirteen parlors then organized resolved to cele- brate each Admission Day (September 9th), the first celebration taking place in Stockton, and there were one thousand Native Sons in line. The celebration of 1880 in San Francisco was as fine perhaps as any that has been celebrated. The festivities continued three days, commencing on the evening of September 6th with a parade, open air concert and fireworks. The following day was Sunday. On Monday there was boat and barge racing on the bay. From all parts of the state the boys assembled and each parlor tried to outshine every other parlor. The parade of September 9th was grand. Every organiza- tion in San Francisco took part — • the militia, pioneers, veteran firemen, county officials, Mexi- can veterans and over thirty parlors. Twenty thousand were in line and sixty brass bands fur- nished the music. There were twenty large and handsome floats. Quite a number of them were contributed by the Native Daughters of the (11) The organization' is the outgrowth of the idea suggested by General A. M. Winn, that the native sons form a society. Winn in 1869 was grand marshal of the San Francisco parade. At his suggestion, a large number of boy native sons took part in the procession. Six years later the general worked out his idea, and in June, 1875, a notice appeared in the papers calling upon the native sons over seventeen years of age to assemble June 29th for the purpose of celebrating July 4th. A large number took part in the parade. Forming their organization July 11th, their first celebration was September 9th. On that day, forming in procession and escorted by the French Zouaves, they marched to Woodward's gardens. One of the features of the pro- cession was a moth-eaten stuffed bear which the boys had found, and a bear flag made of canvas and painted by John Steinbach and Paul Harmon During the day they were presented with a handsome Hag, the gift of the native daughters. UNPLACED EVENTS 311 Golden West. Their first parlor was organized in September. 1886, at Jackson, Amador county. San Francisco is the winter quarters of the floating population of the state. Naturally there is at times among such a class much suffering and hardships. In 1874, to partly relieve the distress. Charles Crocker gave employment to several hundred men. They filled up Mission bay, where now stands the Southern Pacific railroad building. The San Francisco Benevo- lent Association in 1876 expended over $10,000 in relieving distress. In the following year they fed over one thousand persons during the winter. In November a bread riot was threatened and a committee appointed cjuickly collected $20,000 for relief. The suffering continued and in Janu- ary, 1878, Dennis Kearney at the head of one thousand men marched to the city hall and de- manded of the mayor, "Bread or a place in the county jail." The winter of 1889-90 was another period of extreme destitution. The sum of $20,000 was raised and work was given to the unemployed in Golden Gate park. Married men were given the preference. So eager were these men to earn their "one dollar" a day, on one occa- sion for three days they labored in a heavy rain. Some of those men had but a crust of bread for their noon meal. Aside from the panic of 1855, the heaviest financial crisis of the coast was the failure Au- gust 26, 1875. of the Bank of California, the "King of California banks." It was incorporated in 1864 with a capital of $2,000,000. ^ Its directors were among the wealthiest men of San Francisco and behind them the Nevada silver mines. The bank immediately took rank with the leading banks of America and Europe, and its stock at all times brought a high premium. It exerted a strong influence in the state. Rival banks de- clared that the Bank of California was controlling the finance and the legislators of both California and Nevada. The assertion was true. In what manner the news became public I do not know. Near the hour of noon, however, on August 26th, the public began making a run on the bank. The few soon increased to hundreds 312 MEN AND EVENTS and the poorly dressed men and women pushed and crowded each other in order to reach the counter and withdraw their hard earned deposits. Finally so great was the press it became neces- sary to close the doors and compel them to enter one by one. The crowd continued increasing, but at 3 :00 o'clock, the usual time of closing, both door.s were locked. The doors were not again opened until October. The directors, now assembling, began an examination of the books. Much to their dismay, they found the bank had on hand $100,000 only, and that their liabilities (including their reserve fund of $1,000,000 and their capital stock of $500,000) amounted to $19,538,000. They had given full confidence to their president, W. C. Ralston, and he, presenting false statements, had exhibited for their inspec- tion money borrowed from other banks. He had been spending money lavishly, they knew, but he had also been making immense sums of money in speculation. Examining his accounts, they found his assets were $8,000,000, but his debts exceeded his assets by $4,000,000. The bank lost $5,000,000. This was a trifle only, for the direc- tors were each worth from five to twenty million. The bank again opened for business October 3rd. Every clerk was in his accustomed place and today the bank pursues the even tenor of its way. One officer only was absent from the bank on its opening day, William C. Ralston — the boldest, gamest speculator on the Pacific coast, the braini- est man of all state financiers. Born in Ohio in 1825, he received a common school education. Then he learned the ship carpenter's trade. His next occupation was clerking on a Mississippi river .steamer. In 1850 he started for California, l)ut remained at Panama as the agent of the (iarrison & Morgan steamer line. The company in 1853 transferred Ralston to San Francisco and he became a clerk in their bank. The young man, industrious, frugal and saving, soon had acquired quite a sum of money, and he purchased the bank of his employers. He now took in a partner named Fretz and they continued the banking business until 1858. 3' erq Dd U 314 MEN AND EVENTS Ralston now began planning for the ambition of his life, namely, to become the king of Cali- fornia bankers. With this object in view, he interested Darius O. Mills (12), William Sharon and others and in 1864 the Bank of California was incorporated. D. O. Mills was the first president and \\\ C. Ralston the cashier. The success of the bank surpassed even their highest hopes, as it paid a one per cent monthly dividend. D. O. Mills resigned in 1873, and the directors having great confidence in the ability, business tact and honesty of their cashier, elected him president. With gold unlimited at his command, Ralston now plunged into gigantic enterprises, schemes which fairly astonished his friends and brought forth praise from press and people. He built a beautiful and costly mansion at Belmont, San Mateo county (13). Then, with others, he en- gaged in enterprises and speculations far in excess of any other capitalist on the coast. Among his enterprises was the Mission woolen mill, the Cornell watch factory, the Kimball car- riage works, the San Joaquin and Calaveras irri- gation scheme, the building of the Palace hotel (14), the erection of the California theater (15), (12) In the rotunda of the state capitol there sits a beautiful group of marble statuary, costing $10,000. It represents Columbus at the throne of Queen Isabella. It was presented to the state by D. O. Mills. (13) This property after the death of Ralston be- came the residence of Mrs. Mark Hopkins, the widow of the railroad builder. She died in New York, August 7, 1891, worth $70,000,000. then the wife of Edward Sears. Ralston in his palatial home lived in sumptuous style. He there entertained all of the distinguished men who visited the state, and although married, he had mistresses not a few. With a beautiful double team of trotters, black and white, he would go to and from the bank morning and evening to San Mateo, making the distance, twenty miles, in just one hour. (14) This hotel, then the largest in the world, was built by Sharon and Ralston at a cost of $3,250,000. Seven stories in height, it had a frontage of 270 feet and a depth of 250 feet. In the center was an open court 120 feet in height frbm the marble floor to the glass covered roof. Work was begun in 1872 and the hotel opened in October, 1875. It had 750 rooms and would accommodate 1,200 guests. The great lire de- stroyed the building. The walls were dynamited and a new building erected. UNPLACED EVENTS 315 and the north extension of Montgomery street. It was customary at that time for bank presi- dents to borrow money from themselves, and as the directors knew that Ralston was a man of tremendous ability and unlimited credit, they did not worry. But he was too sanguine regarding his own ability. The crisis came and he could not meet it. Yet said Ashbury Harpendmg in 1913, had Ralston been spared another month, he would have emerged from all difficulties, as he had property and stock worth $15,000,000. The day following the closing of the bank the directors requested Ralston to hand in his resig- nation. He complied, and immediately leaving the bank was not again seen in life by the offi- cials It was about 4:00 o'clock and Ralston, rapidly walking to North Beach, entered the Neptune bath house, intending to take a swim in the bay, as was his usual custom. A boatman advised him not to enter the cold water, as he was too warm. Heeding not the advice. Ralston, who was a strong swimmer, plunged headlong into the bay from the end of Meiggs' wharf and struck out boldly for Alcatraz island. A few minutes later the boatman noticed the swimmer struggling in the water. Rowing quickly to his side, the boatman carried the unconscious man to the beach. A few minutes later he died. A hack driven at full speed up the streets stopped at the bank and a man running into the office shouted, "Ralston has killed himself." The news spread like wildfire and soon thousands were hurrying to North Beach. The suicide theory was prevalent among the enemies of Ralston, but the physicians declared that he had died of congestion of the lungs and brain. After a careful analysis no poison was found in the stomach, yet the Call and the Bul- (15) This theater on California street was the hand- somest and most costly theater upon the coast. It was opened January 18, 1869, by John McCulloch and Lau- rence Barrett. Among the performers were Annette Ince- Emelie ^Mellville. who died last week, October, 1914; Mrs. E. S. Sanders, John T. Raymond. Harry Edwards. Willie Edouin. John Terrance, Mrs. Judah Fancy Marsh and E. W. Buckley. 316 MEN AND EVENTS letin both declared it a case of suicide. The papers charged him also with forgery, fraud and embezzlement. The assertion created the great- est indignation and hundreds of San Francisco's best citizens fought the assertion. His death was looked upon as a common calamity, said one of his partners now living, and no spectacle has ever been witnessed in modern times such as his funeral presented. By common consent business of all kinds was suspended in San Francisco and thousands attended the last service. He was buried in Lone Mountain cemetery (16). Thomas Fitch, the silver tongued orator, delivered the funeral oration. The year following Ralston's death another notable figure died, a man the exact antithesis of Ralston, and yet he was to mankind a far greater benefactor. While living, the world called him eccentric, selfish and an old skinflint, yet after his death no praise was too lavish for James Lick (17), for in his will, leaving $150,000 only U) his son, not one cent to relatives, he left (16) Lone ^Mountain cemetery, now called Lanrel Hill cemetery, was laid ofif in 1854 for a burial ground l:)y a corporation. It was dedicated May 30th with ap- propriate ceremony. The lirst San Francisco burial places were Telegraph hill, Russian hill and Clark's point. In 1850 the town council designated Yerba Buena as the place where all bodies should be buried. Later it was the city hall site. When the announce- ment was made, long trenches were dug at Yerba I'.uena, and the bones by the shovelful were dug up from the old burial places and carted to the new ceme- 'tery. In the mountain camps so eager were the miners to get gold they had not even common decency. They tore down burial fences, undermined the graves and threw the dead to one side to get the gold In 1854 a law was enacted protecting graveyards. In 1860 a law was passed permitting the incorporation of ceme- tery associations. (17) Regarding the life of James Lick we have only a TTieager account. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1798 and, with a limited education, learned the cabinet making occupation. Then he fell in love with a wealthy miller's daughter. The little knowledge that we have of this love making seemed to indicate that the miller opposed the match because Lick was a struggling young mechanic. Lick then resolved to emigrate and make a fortune. He sailed for Buenos Aires and re- UNPLACED INVENTS 317 $4,000,000 to be expended for humanity. To the Old Ladies' Home he left $100,000, for the build- ing of a public bath house and free public baths $150,000, for statuary representing California his- tory $100,000, for a school of mechanical arts $540,000, a bronze statue of Francis Scott Ke}-, author of "The Star Spangled Banner," $60,000, and for an astronomical observatory with a tele- scope lens larger than any yet made (18) $700,000. The year 1878 was a notable one in many re- spects. Not the least was the death of five prominent men. Four of the number were mil- lionaires, and the fifth, ex-Governor Haight, was wealthy. Two of the deceased, Mark Hopkins and David D. Colton, were Central Pacific rail- sided there and in Rio De Janeiro several years, making about $10,000. Coming to California in 1847, he invested all of his money in San Francisco property. Lots then had but little value. He paid for the lot where now stands the Lick house $300. Its value now is above the half million mark. In a spirit of revenge, because of his rejection by the miller's daughter, he built a mill at San Jose, and making it finer than the "old gentleman's mill," he finished it in California laurel, the most expensive of native woods. This foolishness cost him $200,000. Aside from this extravagance, he spent but little money, dressed shabbily, and building in 1861 the mag- nificent Lick house, rented it and lodged alone in one of the cheapest rooms. He there lived in dirt and filth and would not even permit the washing of the windows. In carrying on his business, he rode about the streets driving an old horse, in an old buggy tied up with wire. The harness was tied with strings. The public laughed and joked about "the old man and his rattle trap." His yearly income at this time was about $250,000. (18) The making of the telescope was task beyond human experience. It was impossible, all telescope makers believed, to comply with the provisions of the will. Finally one firm undertook the manufacture of the world's largest instrument. After several failures because of defective lenses, they succeeded. The glass when finished was thirty-six inches in diameter, six inches larger than any previously manufactured lens. There are today only two larger than the Lick tele- scope. The tube is thirty-six feet in length. So strong is this lens it brings the moon within sixty miles of the earth. It was elevated upon Mount Hamilton, near San Jose, 280 feet above the valley. Beneath the tele- scope dome sleeps James Lick. 318 MEN AND EVENTS road directors. Michael Reese and William O'Brien became wealthy through the Washoe, Nevada, silver mines. O'Brien was an Irishman. He came to California in 1849 and became a ship chandler. He then became a whisky dealer, his partner being James S. Flood, who died in Eng- land in Fel)ruary, 1888. Among their patrons were many stock brokers and mining men. The two partners kept their ears open and they picked up considerable knowledge regarding stocks and mining. Finally they concluded to go into the stock brokers' occupation. They invested heavily and became partners with John W. Mackey and Wm. G. Fair, afterward a United States Senator from Nevada. The two last named were practical miners. They remained in the mines. Flood and O'Brien played the bull and bear in the San Francisco stock board. It was a firm almost in^•incible because of their united strength and shrewdness. In their first deal they made a half million dollars. Buying the stock of several mines, they consolidated two of the best mines. Wm. G. Fair, then going to Washington, offered to supply the government with $10,000,000 in silver per month. They put in circulation over $100,000,000 in silver. When the California bank failed, each partner was worth $20,000,000. In October, 1875, they established the Nevada bank with a capital of $5,000,000. They soon increased the capital to $10,000,000 and erected a handsome bank building costing $1,500,000. Andreas Pico in early Mexican days applied for and received a grant of land eleven square leagues in what is now San Joaquin county. It was known as the Los Moquelmos grant, which now includes Lodi, the "home of the Tokay grape." Farmers in good faith purchased and located on the land and improved it. The land commissioners in 1852 for some reason refused to confirm Pico's title. He continued selling lands, however, and nothing was said regarding a clouded title. The farmers builded fences, erected homes, raised families of children and remained in undisputed claim of the land until 1869. The Central Pacific then claimed the land under their twenty-mile subsidy. The settlers UNPLACED EVENTS 319 fought for their homes under the "Newhall vs. Sanger" case and won their suit. The Supreme Court of the United States sustained the state court and May 8, 1876, Senator Newton Booth wired their decision. This was among the first suits whereby the Central Pacific endeavored to drive from their homes farmers who had lived from five to twenty years upon their land. The settlers greatly rejoiced, and wishing everybody to rejoice with them, May 19th they celebrated at Lodi. The entire surrounding coun- try, including Stockton, took part in the happy occasion. There was a procession, oration, music, dancing and feasting throughout the day. The farmers paid the entire expense. Cattle, hogs and sheep were barbecued and the 15,000 people had plenty to eat and drink, Lodi furnishing an 800-gallon barrel of claret. The great social movement of national organi- zations was inaugurated in 1883. In that year (August 23rd) the Knights Templar assembled at San Francisco in their twenty-third conclave. As the Knights Templar of the metropolis were among the most intelligent, wealthy and influen- tial citizens of the state, the celebration was one of the grandest. The cit}^ was decorated as never before, and the buildings were one mass of ban- ners, flags, mottoes and Masonic emblems. The national guests were tendered a free concert and ball, excursions by steamer around the bay, and by cars to Santa Cruz and Monterey. During the week competitive drills took place for five magnificent prizes. The material of which they were made was marble, onyx, silver and gold. An immense parade was held, there being over five thousand Knights in line. The Boston and the St. Louis commanderies, with their $5,000 uniforms, were a special feature. Marching to Golden Gate park, the commandery with appro- priate ceremony laid the corner stone of the Gar- field monument. At all hours of the day and night marching bodies of Knights paid fraternal visits, and the music of the bands gave San Fran- cisco a week of melody. Before daylight on the morning of January 19, 1884, as the Los Angeles express approached the 320 MEN AND EVENTS Tehachapi mountain, the passengers were sleep- ing soundly. The night was cold. There was a heavy frost upon the rails. Slowly the two en- gines, rear and front, over the steep grade of 125 feet to the mile, moved the heavy train up the hill to the Tehachapi station. The relief engine then ran back to Caliente. The pulling locomotive ran ahead for coal and water. Sud- denly the train began moving backward. The air brakes had slackened. Efforts were made to use the hand brakes. They were out of order. The train, rapidly increasing its speed, was run- ning at a fearful velocity. Striking a curve, the train jumped the track and the cars fell one upon the other in the canyon below. The cars then caught fire and a terrible scene was witnessed. Twenty-seven of the passengers were killed or burned to death and a like number badly injured. The accident was due to careless trainmen and worthless brakes. The fortunes of politics are as surprising as the fortunes of war. In 1854 a young captain named U. S. Grant was stationed for a time at Knight's Ferry, Stanislaus county. Returning to the east, we heard nothing of him until the Civil war. Then rapidly rising in military rank from colonel to general, we see him finally accept- ing the surrender of General Lee's army. Now the people's hero, he was elected to the Presi- dency of the United States. California gave him, however, only a small majority — Grant 54,583, Seymour 54.077. Again elected President in 1872, the state gave Grant 54.020, Horace Greeley 40,718. Crowned as hero of the Civil war and as ex- President of the United States, in 1879 he made a tour of the world. He followed in the foot- steps of Wm. H. Seward in 1870. Everywhere welcomed with distinguished honors, he was no- where more royally welcomed than in his pioneer state. For many days previous to his arrival from China extensive preparations had been made for his reception. As soon as the City of Tokio, twenty miles at sea, was sighted from Point Lobos September 20th, the news was tele- phoned to the Merchants' Exchange. It was UNPLACED EVENTS 321 then telegraphed over the state. It was 3 :00 o'clock and in San Francisco as if by magic flags were run to every housetop and flags and stream- ers decorated every steamer, ship and yacht in the harbor. Bells were rung, whistles blown and cannon fired. Thousands of people then joined the multitudes upon the hillsides until they were black with the excited throng. Steamers and sailing \'essels now began moving toward the Golden Gate. Near 7 :00 o'clock the heavy black smoke over Fort Point indicated the arri\al of the Tokio within the bay. Cheer after cheer from thousands of throats now filled the air. The Tokio as she moved along the shore led the procession of shipping craft-crowded with people. The cannon of Alcatraz and Angel islands re- sponded to the signal salute from Fort Point and the air, heavy with powder smoke, almost ob- scured the triumphal parade. Upon reaching the wharf General Grant was welcomed to the city by Mayor Bryant, and a long procession of mili- tary, civilians and old friends escorted him to the hotel. The ex-President remained several days as the city's guest and excursions, dinners and entertainments formed only a part of the program arranged in his honor. Wherever he visited, San Jose, Stockton and Sacramento, he found the same joyful greeting, 3:nd his return from San Francisco to Washington was one con- tinuous ovation across the continent. FINIS. General John Bidwell, Pioneer of 1841; Strong Temper- ance Advocate; Nominee for Governor, 1875, and for President, 1892. He Died at Chico, Which He Founded, April 4, 1900. CALIFORNIA MISSIONS— WHEN FOUNDED San Diego de Alcala, July 16, 1769. San Carlos de Monterey, June 3, 1 770. San Antonio de Padua. July 14, 1771. San Gabriel, September 8, 1771. San Luis Obispo, September 1, 17 72. San Francisco de Assais, October 9, 1 776. San Juan Capistrano, November 1, 1776. Santa Clara, January 18, 1777. San Buenventura, March 31,1 782. Santa Barbara, December 8, 1 786. La Purisima, December 8, 1 787. Santa Cruz, August 28, 1 79 1 . Soledad, October 9, 1791. San Jose, June 11, 1797. San Juan Baptista, June 24, 1797. San Miguel, July 25. 1797. San Fernando Rey, September 8, 1 797. San Luis Rey de Francis, June 1 3, 1 798. Santa Inez, September 1 7. 1 804. San Rafael, December 14, 1819. San Francisco de Solano. August 25, 1823. 323 Spanish Governors. (}cispar (le Portola — 1767-1771. Felipe cle Barri— 1771-1774. Felipe de Neve— 1774-1782. Pedro Fages— 1782-1790. Jose Antonio Romeau — 1790-1792. Jose J. de Arrillaga— 1791-1794. Diego de Borica— 1794-1800. Jose J. de Arrillaga— 1800-1814. Jose Arguello— 1814-1816. Pablo Yincente de Sola— 1815-1822. Mexican Governors. Pablo X'incente de Sola— 1821-1822. Luis Antonio Arguello — 1822-1825. Jose Maria Escheandia — 1825-1831. Manuel Victoria— 1831-1832. Pio Pico— 1832-1833. Jose Figueroa — 1833-1835. Nicholas Gutterrez— 1835-1836. Mariano Chico — 1836. Nicholas Gutterrez — 1836. Juan Baptista Alvarado — 1836-1842. Manuel Mitcheltorena— 1842-1845. Pio Pico— 1845-1846. Jose Maria Flores — 1847. Military Governors. John D. Sloat— July 7. 1846. kol^ert F. Stockton— July 29, 1846. John C. Fremont — January 19, 1847. Stephen W. Kearny — February 23, 1847, Richard B. Mason— May 31, 1849. Persifer F. Smith — February 26, 1849. Bennett Riley— April 12. 1849. 324 GOVERNORS— WHEN INAUGURATED. hii M. iUiniett, Deo. 20, 1S49 : Democrat John McUougal, Jan. 9, 1851 Democrat John Bigler, Jan. 8, 1852 Democrat John Bigler, Jan. 7, 1854 Democrat J. Xeely Johnson, Jan. 9, 1856 Abolitionist [ohn B. Weller, Jan. 8. 1858 Democrat Milton S. Latham. Jan. 9, 1860 Democrat John G. Downey, Jan. 14, 1860 Democrat Leland Stanford, Jan. 10. 1862 Democrat Frederick F. Low, Dec. 10, 1863 Union Henry LI. Haight, Sept. 4, 1867 Democrat Newton Booth. Dec. 8. 1871 Republican Romualdo Pacheco, Feb. 27, 1875 Republican William L-win, Dec. 9, 1875 Democrat George C. Perkins, Jan. 8, 1880 Republican George Stoneman, Jan. 10, 1883 Democrat Washington Bartlett, Jan. 8, 1887 Democrat Robert W. Waterman, Sept. 13, 1887 Democrat Henry LI. Markham, Jan. 8. 1891 Republican James LI. Budd, Jan. 11, 1895 Democrat Henry T. Ciage, Jan. 4, 1899 Republican ( ieorge C. Pardee, Jan. 7, 1903 Republican James X. Gillett, Jan. 9, 1907 Republican Hiram W. Johnson, Jan. 3, 1911 Republican lliram W. Johnson, Jan. 4, 1915 Progressive 325 INDEX AgricuUiii'C, 296. American Party — Sweep state, 182; popularity of, 183 (a). Association, Mercantile — Lottery and festival, 301. B Hankers — Pioneers, 142; Palmer, Cook & Co., 143 (i) ; Page. Ba- con & Co. fail, 144 ; Bank of California, 311. Battles — First of ]Me.xican war, 55 ; on the "plains of Mesa," 58 ; Santa Clara, 60 ; of San Pas- quale, 61. Bear Flag — Party capture Sonoma, 54; description of, 55 (d). Baker, Kdward D. — Pronounces fu- neral oration over Broderick, 199 ; his great oration, 226 ; eloquent Congressional speech, 227 ; killed at Ball's Bluff, 225, 227; biogra- phy, 225 (j). Bigler, John — Biography, 115 (a); elected Governor, 115-117; inau- guration, 118. Bidwell, General John — Brings state constitution, 110; declines nomi- nation for Governor, 249 - 261 ; nominated for Governor, 260 ; biography, 325. Brannan, Samuel — Mormon leader, 47 ; biography, 48 (f) ; brings first newspaper plant, 47. 210. I'rodcrick, llavid C. — Elected Sena- tor, 104; biography, 105 (g) ; his first duel, 109; elected United States Senator, 194; defies his party, 194. Booth, Newton — Elected Governor, 254; biography, 254 (r) ; elected United States Senator, 258. Burnett. Peter H. — Elected Gov- ernor, 102; biography, 103 (f). California Steam Navigation Co. — When organized, 133. Campaign — First political, 102; an abusive, 196 ; hot, 243 ; railroad only issue, 253. Camps, jMining — Founded, 83 ; de- serted, 85 ; Jamestown, 93 ; So- tiora, 93 ; fire, 135 ; Murphy's, 94 ; Placerville, 95 ; Columbia, 94; Coloma, 69. Carson, Christopher — Guides Gen- eral Kearny into California, 61 ; saves lives of dragoons, 62 ; brings first mail, 138. California — Discovered, 15; King Phillip of Spain possesses, 16 colonized by the Franciscans, 16 King desires a harbor in, 29 Mexico takes possession of, 36 first native daughter, 43 ; foreign nations seeking, 51; acquisition of by the United States, 67 ; poinilation of in 1847, 83; fight over in Congress, 110; admission celebration, 112. Capitol, Location — San Diego, 38 Monterey, 38; Los Angeles, 38 convention selects San Jose, 104 removed to Sacramento. 109; at Benicia, 118; permanent location at Sacramento. 119; corner stone laid, 119; removes to San Fran- cisco, 302. Cholera— In California, 82 (1). Chinese — Governor Bigler opposes, 115; heavily taxed, 116; party I>latforms denovmce, 250, 251 ; Chinese must go, 263 ; denied right of citizenship, 266; first ar- rival of, 267 (2) ; stoned bv hood- lums, 269, 272 ; learn trades, 270 ; unjust ordinances against, 271 (8); railroad imports, 282. Chronicle, San Francisco — -Founded by De Young, 276 (14)j flip flop of. 277 ; attack on L S. Kalloch, 217. Cemeterv — L o n e Mountain. 316 (16). ■ Clark's Point, 11 1 (m). Copper — Discovered. 300. Colton— Walter, 72 (d) ; hall, 99 (c). Copperhead — Description of. 246 ij). Convention — F'irst constitutional, 99; first political, 114; second constitutional, 264. Convicts — Mexican, transported into territory, 44 ; immigration of from every clime, 161. Crabb, Henry .\. — Whig leader, 190; defeated for United States Senator, 193 ; his tragic death, 191. Currency — Changeable in value, 140 ; imj)ortation of foreign coin, 141 ; greenbacks at discount, 142; the China dollar, 142. 326 INDEX 327 D Democrats— Disgraceful convention, 184- the partv split, 185: agani split over slavery question, 193, 241 ; Douglas Democrats unite witli Republicans, 244. Diablo, Mt.— How named, 45. Disasters — Loss of steamer Inde- pendence, 132 (a); wreck of Tennessee, 133 (a); radroad, at Oakland pier, 289: Tehachapi mountain, -319; burnmg of (-.old- en Gate, 219 (e) : loss of Nortli- crner, 303 : wreck of P.rother Jonathan, 303. Doane, Charles — In command of vigilantes. 176; loyal to Lnion, 217. Donner -I'artv emigrate to Califor- nia, 45 : terrible snffernig and death. 46. Drake. Sir Francis— Discovers bay, 15. Downey, Tohn — Nominated for Gov- ernor, 242, 245 ; biography, 242. Duels— F.roderick-Terry, 197: pro- hibited bv law, 211 ; Gilbert-Den- ver, 212: Washburn-Washmgton. 213: Xngent-Havcs, 213: John- son-Furguson, 213: I'ercy-Show- alter, 239. E Earthquake — Of 1868, 301: Inyo county suffers from, 302 : number recorded, 302 (7): great San Francisco, April 18, 1906. Election Day— First, 103. Emigrants, Overland— Attacked by Indians, 82 ; die of cholera, 82 (i). Express — Pony, 223. E.xecution — First legal, 165. Foreigners -- .\merican, refuse to tight Mexican battle, 40: first ar- rival of, 42 ; peace policy of, 56 ; number of, 1842, 63. Foreigners — American hatred of, 148: heavily taxed, 149: leave mines, 150: abused and mur- dered, 151. Flood and O'l'.rien -- Millionaires, 318. I'remont. John C. — His expert rifle- men, 52"(a), 57: raises first Unit- ed States flag, 53 : names treaty of peace, 62 ; elected United States Senator, 104; Presidential nominee, 192. Floods— Of 1850-52. 171; of 1861- 62. 298: cause of. 298 (4). Gambling — A common pastime, 123 (9). Gearv, John W. — ^First postmaster, 128. Gilroy, lohn — Founder of Gilroy, 42. (Jold — Discovery of, 68; revolu- tionizes the financial world, 73 : amount produced, 74 ; belts, 74 (9) : tirst paper to publish the report, Id (d) ; lost on Brother Jonathan, 303 (9). Gorham, George C. — His fatherhood of God, belief, 248 ; nominated for Governor, 248 ; biography, 250 (m). Grant, \} . S. — Elected President, 320; visits California, 321. Grant, Moquelmos — Decision in fa- vor of settlers, 318; great rejoic- ing at Lodi, 319. Gridlev, Ruel C. — His famous sack of flour, 233 (o) ; death, 234. Gwin, William M. — Elected United States Senator, 104; re-elected, 194; arrested as a traitor, 220; biography, 98. H Hard Times — Speculation, 142; no work, 311. Haight, Henry H. — Inaugurated as Governor, 251; displeases dele- gates, 254 ; biography, 249. Hudson Bay Company — English corporation, 63. H miters and Trappers — Jedediah Smith, lames I'attie, 41. I Idc, William — A plucky leader, 54 (c). Immigrants — Overland first, 44, 45 ; colonizing scheme of, 51 ; hasten to mines, 83 ; Mormon, 47. Industries — Of Southern California, 227. I. O. O. F. — The Sovereign Grand Lodge visits California, 289. Indians — Xo idea of value of gold, TS (c) ; attacked immigrants, 82: population of, 125: abused and murdered, 126; murder l-'resno writes, 127; driven from the Yo- semite Valley, 128; the Colorado river massacre, 130; slaves, 158; Modoc war, 303. J lesuits Settle up Lower California, ■ 15. Tohnson. J. Neeley — Biography, 182; elected Governor, 183. Johnson, Hiram W. — Native son, 309. Tuan I'laco (Lean John) — His fa- niiius ride, 58 (h). 32cS INDEX Kallocli, Isaac M. — Pastor of 15ap- tist church, 277 ; his vitriolic speech, 278; shot by Charles dc Young, 278. Kalloch, I. M. — Kills Charles tic ^'oung, 279 ; acquitted, 280. K e a r n y. General Stephen A. — Marches to California. 61 ; de- feated by Mexicans, 61 ; joins Commodore Stockton, 62. Kearney, Dennis — His incendiary speech, 275; arrested, 275; biog- raphy, 274 (12). King, Thomas Starr — His patriotic work, 231; monument, 231 (n); l)iography, 232. Knights Golden Circle, 217. Knights Templars — Convocation at San I'rancisco. 319. I. a I'erouse — \"isits California, 30. I.ivermore, Robert — First settler, 42 ; valley, 43. I^iquor — l''ree use of, 123; saloons, 124 (h) ; capitol well, 260 (5). Lick, James — Biography, 316 (17) ; his splendid gifts to state, 317; his great telescope, 317 (18). Letters — Waitin'g for, 139; carriers, 140. Lesse, Jacob — Father of first born white child, 43 ; merchant, 44 (c). Legislature — First assembles, 104; pass moral laws, 125. Los Angeles — Rapid growth, 294. Lynch Law — Inhuman treatment of -Mexican, 151 (e) ; hanging a woman, 162; Irish Dick, 164; first execution in Sacramento. 164. M Marshall, John W. — Discovers gold. 67; biography, 68 (a). Mason, Governor — Visits gold field, 72 ; sends report to President Polk, 73. Merchants and Traders — First, 42. Mexico — Gains her independence, 36; quarrelsome people, 38. Merchandising — A gamble, 136; freight shipments, 136 (d) ; a big bargain, 138 (f). Mcl