Excerpts from Sacramento Daily Union
California Floods of 1861-1862
(c) 2012, 2016, Mike Barkley
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Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3337, 7 December 1861 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
UNFORTUNATE--Indian Agent Hanson, while endeavoring to cross the mountains recently, with about three hundred head of cattle for the Nome Cult Reservation, was compelled by the depth of the snow and the exhausted state of the cattle to abandon the whole drove, being unable to save a single head.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
YESTERDAY -- A strong southerly wind prevailed in the latitude of Sacramento during the greater portion of yesterday, which, together with a lowering sky and a drizzling rain, gave promise of a severe and prolonged rain. The effect of the wind was seen and heard in the breaking down of swinging signs, the tearing of awnings, the loosing of tin roofs, etc. Notwithstanding the mud in our streets and the slight rains through the day, there was constantly dust enough in the atmosphere, gathered up from some unknown and unimaginable source, to blind temporarily the eyes of all who were not guarded in the use of it. . . .
A HARD TRIP.-- It is generally supposed that the climate of California is a mild one. So it is in many localities. The following case, cited by the Red Bluff Beacon of Dec. 5th, is an instance of severe weather and hard traveling:
L. C. Johnson, of the firm of Reis & Co., left the neighborhood of Downieville nearly four weeks since, and only succeeded in reaching here last Sunday. He reports immense quantities of snow on the mountains, almost down to the Sacramento Valley. For several days he was not able to make over five or six miles each day. Johnson is a stout and able man, and has been for many years engaged in driving cattle over the mountains, and the trail must indeed have been very bad to cause him to have been so long in making the trip. He says the "oldest inhabitant" represents that it has been the hardest storm, for the first one of the season, that has occurred for many years.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3338, 9 December 1861 p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The heavy storm of wind and rain has not only suspended telegraphic communication between. California and the East, but has obstructed most of the State lines. The fall of rain at the North of us has been very heavy, and the Yuba, Feather. Sacramento and American rivers are still raised to a threatening hight. All over the country the roads are bad, and in many places, unpassable. Bridges have given way before the freshets in several mountain streams, and altogether the rain is making considerable trouble .
The stage which connects at Lincoln with the railroad, and conveys passengers to Marysville, failed to reach the latter place up to a late hour Saturday evening, although due at one o'clock in the day. A portion of the Yuba has taken a short cut into the Feather river, leaving i's [sic] old course at a point a little above its mouth, and crossing the fields to empty into the Feather, farther down stream. If the Yuba river has drawn out from under the Yuba river bridge at Marysville, the approach to that city from the south side of the river will be rather inconvenient uutil ferry accommodations are provided. . The Yuba river was within three inches of high water mark of last [?]: winter, yesterday morning. We learn that the north fork of the American river at Auburn was higher last evening than it was ever known to be before.
At this point the Sacramento and American are up to a high mark, but not so high by four feet as they stood several weeks last winter. . . .
THE STORM.--The storm of the past week has been severe in the northern section of the State,
carrying away a number of bridges and rendering some of the mountain roads next to impassable. At Marysville on Friday the fall of rain was very heavy, and the Yuba and Feather rivers were rapidly rising. The Appeal of yesday [sic] ran [?] the following, in reference to the storm:
Night before last the storm of wind and rain increased to a great hight, and extended, it would appear, over a great circuit of country in this vicinity. The towns as far up as Strawberry Valley and the Columbus House report rain having fallen in large quantity, and, as a consequence, all the creeks and larger streams have filled up with astonishing rapidity. Nearly all of the stages were late, and some of them, the San Juan, Downieville and Lincoln,
failed to arrive at all up to a late hour last night. The Lincoln stage was detained by the rapid rise in the sloughs between this point and Johnson's, though it would have been impossible to reach town [?] by the road over the Yuba bridge at this place, as the Yuba was making a clean sweep across the tongue of land between the Feather and Yuba at dark last night. The Yuba's rise was about nine feet at that time, and the rise in the Feather something less. Should the rise continue we should have another disastrous freshet, but the sudden rise of the streams, so unusual for this season of the year, is not likely to be any greater, and, unless more rain has fallen in the mountains than here, the fall will be as. rapid as the rise.
In Trinity county, on the road from the Tower House to Weaverville, Lowden's bridge and two smaller ones have been carried away by freshets; and in Trinity Valley, one small bridge has been taken off in the same way, while several others have been so damaged as to be rendered useless until they can be repaired.
The road between Shasta and Yreka is well nigh impassable, and no mails from north of Shasta were received at the Post Office in this city during last week.
Samuel Langton, wno arrived at San Juan (Nevada county,) on Tuesday last, informed the Press that the recent rains have melted nearly all the snows on the mountains.
At Nevada the rain fell in torrents on Friday. The Democrat of Saturday says:
We are in the midst of another unusually heavy rain storm, which has continued without interruption for the last twenty-four hours, and as we go to press (at four P. M.,) there is no appearance of the storm abating. The great fall of rain has caused a sudden rise in the mountain streams, and an overflow of the Sacramento is anticipated.
The Transcript of the same date says:
"The greatest fall of rain we have known for some years fell on Friday night. The water actually [?] fell in torrents. Yesterday was emphatically a day the wettest among the wet. Deer Creek is higher than it was any time last winter. . . .
GOT THE START OF HIM.--The sudden rise of the river will bluff off the contractor to build a bulkhead at Rabel's Tannery. Rightmire has given bond to complete the work within a given time, but the river now promises to give him no chance to work during the Winter. The rise, too, is unprecedented for this season of the year, though our highest water in 1853--when the city was flooded--we believe was Christmas day. First of January calls were made in boats. The bank and levee at Rabel's are just as they stood last year, through all the very high water of the season, and therefore fully as able to withstand a flood. The only danger of injury to the levee is met when the river is at about half stage, and the Sacramento considerably lower.
The American under such circumstances runs with a strong current and cuts away its banks wherever a sharp bend occurs. But when the Sacramento rises, as it has this season, before the American, the danger of undermining the bank so as to drop the levee into the water ceases, and the water must overtop it before it can commit any ravages inside. The high stage of the American yesterday shows that we may look for a full tide here, particularly as it rained tremendously yesterday afternoon and until we went to press. From the appearance of our streets last night, it is safe to estimate that the high grade to-day is in the majority.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Storm -. . . .
San Francisco, Dec. 8th,
lt has been raining here all day, with high wind. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE
RISE IN THE RIVER.--During the past week the water in the Sacramento river has stood, at the foot of N street, according to the city guage, at from eleven to twelve feet above low water mark. At about noon on Saturday, a gradual rise commenced, which continued through the day. During the night and early yesterday morning the advance was more rapid, and at dusk last evening the water stood at seventeen feet eight inches above low water mark. The rise within thirty hours was about six feet. This hight is unprecedented at this season of the year. The highest point attained last year--later in the season--was twenty-one feet nine inches, or four feet one inch above the figures of last evening.
The Sacramento and the American rivers have mutually contributed to this result. During the past week the upper Sacramento has been so high that the banks at Colusa have overflowed. Within the past few days there have been heavy rains in the mountains, which through the melting of the snows caused the American to rise suddenly about midnight on Saturday night. At about that time it rose so high as to flow over the bank at Mrs. McKeon's ranch, opposite Seventh street, into Sutter slough. By daylight the slough was filled with water, up to within four feet of last year's high water.
A considerable portion of the river bank, in addition to that which was destroyed last year below Mrs. KcKeons house, was washed away in the night, inclnding several large sycamore trees. Yesterday afternoon the low section of road between Lisle's bridge and Hubbard's Garden, was several feet under water. The levee below R street, at a late hour yesterday afternoon, appeared to suffer little or none from the sadden rise. An active eddy is still formed by the old bark Ninus, but it appears to be leas destructive than last year. This point may, however, require attention from the proper authorities if the river continues to rise.
The melting of immense quantities of snow had swollen the Feather, the Yubas and the Bear rivers on Friday and Saturday, according to accounts from that region of the State. The Bear river bridge at Johnson's ranch was swept away on Friday night, and the Marysville stage from Lincoln was compelled to return to the last named locality with Saturday morning's passengers. We are informed that during the afternoon of yesterday several of the residents of the vicinity of Rabel's tannery were engaged in repairing and strengthening the levee at that point. . . .
Rain.-- After several days of threatening weather, we were visited yesterday afternoon by a heavy shower. The rain commenced about noon and continued until nine o'clock. At that hour, the clouds in the southwest gave indications of breaking up, and the moon made its appearance. At that hour there had fallen during the day as we learn from Dr. Logan, 1.550 inches. This, added to the amount which had previously fallen, since the first of the month, makes the amount for December 1.630. The amount which fell in November was 2.170. Total rain of the season, 3.800.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3339, 10 December 1861 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The flood has deprived us of the mails, and the telegraphic wires being very badly deranged, knowledge of affairs in the outside world is rather limited. The communication between any given block in the city and the next is attended with much trouble and some peril. We give as full particulars concerning the inundation as could be gathered at such a time. . . . .
DEER IN AMADOR.-- The Ledger says: We have been informed that the section of country between Jackson and Lancia Plana abounds with deer, doubtless driven out of the mountains by the recent heavy snow storms.
A GREAT CALAMITY - SACRAMENTO DELUGED.
Another calamity has overtaken our city. After having escaped for nine years--a time so long that many of our citizens had concluded the city was safe from damage by water--Sacramento was yesterday subjected to suffering and damage from the deepest and most destructive flood of those to which she has been exposed. It came, too, with the rapidity of a hurricane. In a few hours after the water crossed the levee, the whole city was under water. The flood precipitated itself upon us without warning, and found people totally unprepared. The levee is now an injury instead of a benefit, as it confines the water in the city, and has caused it to rise higher by probably two feet than it would have done had no levee existed on the south side.
Our system of levees embraces a line on the Sacramento from the mouth of the American South to Sutterville; a line from the mouth of the American along and near the river to a point east of Smith's Garden, some three or more miles from Front street. In 1853 a line was built for the better protection of the city, beginning on the Sacramento where R street strikes it, and running east on that street to about Sixteenth street, thence in a northeasterly direction along the slough by Sutter's Fort, until it strikes Thirty-first street--the eastern limit of the city--thence north with that street until it intersects the levee which runs up the American river.
The city is thus surrounded by a levee. All the floods which had devastated Sacramento previous to the time the levee on the south and east of the city was constructed, came from the American river, and broke over the bank and levee east of Thirty-first street and outside of the city limits. It was believed that the levee on Thirty-first street in connection with the one on R street would protect the city from any flood, caused by a break in the levee, east of Thirty-first street. The American, this year, true to its old habits, burst over, and through the levee east of the city limits, and outside the levee on Thirty-first street.
The water followed down that levee, on the outside, and would have passed harmlessly by the city, had it not unfortunately met with an obstacle in the railroad embankment. The railroad enters the city on R street, strikes the R street levee at Sixteenth street, thence down that levee to Front street. Before reaching Sixteenth street it crosses the old slough bed at the point where it was intended the water should pass, and the ordinance granting the company the right to enter the city, contained a provision that the company should build a bridge for so many yards in length. This was done, and the bridge kept open for several years, but within the past two or three the managing agents of the Company have taken the responsibility of filling up the space with earth and knocking away the bridge timbers.
This was an illegal act, and was the cause of bringing upon the city the present terrible calamity. Had the bridge been left as the law specified, the flood from the American would have passed the city and left it unharmed. But it plunged directly against the railroad embankment--which was nearly or quite as high as the levee--and, as a consequence, rose until it overtopped both the levee and the railroad embankment. Which first gave way, we are not advised, but believe a breach was made first in the railroad embankment. The water set back so as to flow over the levee and into the city for a mile or more in width. For hours the water was from four to five feet lower south of the railroad after the water broke over than it was north of it; such, too, was the fact as to the level of the water in the city and outside of the levee. But long before this it has doubtless found its level, as the R street levee, notwithstanding it has been cut in several places, still backs the water up to a considerable extent in the city.
The levee at Rabel's Tannery, which is inside the corporate limits, and which was considered the weakest of any other, was standing at last accounts last night.
It was relieved by the break above, though it seemed yesterday as if it would finally give way before the world of water which was pressing against it. If the levee gives way there, the depth of water will be considerably increased. After the water overtopped the levee above the railroad, it rushed through the southern portion of the city at a rate which in a single hour submerged many one-story houses to the roof. Before midday numbers of small tenements were floating, the inmates being rescued with difficulty. So powerful was the current created through the levee where openings were made, that houses were carried through them in several instances. The difficulties attending the removal of families surrounded by water have been very great. Several persons were drowned; and, had the water broken in during the night, the loss of life must have been fearfully great. Horses, cows, hogs, fowls, etc., have been drowned, but how many we have no means of ascertaining. The damage to property has been great and may be greater. Thousands to-night are houseless, while hundreds of families are in second stories, without the means of making fires.
The prospect is gloomy in the extreme for those who have been driven from their houses. The sad scenes witnessed and the sufferings experienced in a city of fifteen thousand inhabitants on such a day as yesterday, cannot be described. We are writing surrounded by water, and with the liquid element within a few inches of the fire under the boilers.
This is the fourth flood to which Sacramento has been subjected since 1849; one in the Winter of 1850; the second in 1851; the third on the 19th of December, 1852, which was renewed on the 31st of the same month. In that year people made their New Year's calls in boats. The fourth is now upon us. But Sacramentans never despair. They have always risen superior to all misfortunes by fire and flood, as they will above this when time has been given to recuperate. . . .
TERRIBLE FLOOD OF THE CITY. [all one paragraph]
It is our duty to record this morning the fact that our city has been visited by the most extraordinary flood ever known since the settlement of the State by Americans. We mentioned yesterday that the American, and Sacramento rivers had risen to a point about eighteen feet above low water mark--a point never before attained so early in the season. The rains of Sunday afternoon of course melted the snows in the mountains, which is the probable cause of the disaster from which or [sic] city has suffered incalculable injury. At about eight o'clock yesterday morning, it was announced that the levee had given way on the eastern boundary of the city, and that that portion of the city was being rapidly flooded. The report was treated by many, at first, as an idle rumor, but within an hour the fact become generally known that an immense volume of water was steadily advancing from the direction indicated.
It appears that during the night the water had overflowed and broken down the levee of the American river east of the City Laundry, and had flooded a large area of country southward from that point. An immense volume of water collected in the angle north of Poverty Ridge, and east of the the [sic] levee which runs diagonally from R and Seventeenth streets to the vicinity of Sutter Fort. The water commenced to come through the openings of this levee before six o'clock in the morning, but as the progress of the current was entirely checked by the embankment of the R street railroad, such a mass accumulated in the angle and along the line of the eastern levee that at about eight o'clock it commenced to flow over the top, nearly all along the line from R street and the fort, and at various points north of the fort.
All the streets of the city south of J were flooded by nine o'clock as far west as Eleventh and Twelfth streets, and many of them as far as Ninth and Tenth streets The tendency of the destructive current seemed to be along the southern section of the city--the R street levee damming it up and preventing its natural flow towards Sutterville. Residents of that section of the city, even when notified by their friends, seemed unable to realize their danger until their houses were surrounded by a rapidly rising current. Before nine o'clock many women and children in one story houses were entirely surrounded and hemmed in east of Eleventh and Twelfth streets, and in many instances their calls for assistance were distressing.
There were at that hour brought into service, and the only means of transporting this class to dry land, mules, horses, wagons, etc. As early as nine o'clock there was a very general movement among stock owners and livery stable keepers, to drive out of the city, horses, mules, cattle, hogs, etc. All efforts at exit on the east were unavailing, and throughout the day large quantities of stock were driven across the Yolo bridge and down the levee towards Sutterville. When the water at ten and eleven o'clock reached the low portion of the city, at Fifth and Sixth streets, north of the railroad, its depth was so great as to set afloat and turn over a large number of houses in that vicinity. From very many of these houses, for the space of from one to two hours, women could be seen from the railroad at doors and windows calling for boats, or any means of transportation to the higher portion of the city.
Boats were at first scarce, and for some time it seemed as though many lives must inevitably be lost. All the boats at the levee were soon brought into requisition; many were placed on wagons, and others were carried to the edge of the water, and were there manned and rendered heroic service in rescuing women and children from their perilous positions. We have heard the names of John Fisher and J. A. Duffy spoken of in terms of gratitude in this connection, as having rendered essential service. There are scores of others, as we know by observation, whose names we have not received, who did equally well.
As the water arrived at the vicinity of the Pavilion, corner of Sixth and M streets, many families were driven from their homes and had no place of shelter. The doors of the Pavilion were locked, and there was no one present with keys. C. L. Knowles, with an ax, burst open one of the doors of the upper story, and then put a notice inviting families to take refuge within. The invitation was not thrown away.
During the day. the Howard Benevolent Society accommodated in the building some two hundred persons, men, women and children--having kept four boats running constantly, bringing off from the flooded district those who were without the means of transportation. This number was fed by a cauldron being prepared for the supply of soup, and furnished with blankets at night for lodging. The water continued to back up from the R street levee, and flood in turn M, L, K and J streets. Soon after one o'clock these streets were from two to four feet under water. The inmates of one-story residences generally deserted them, while those who occupied two-story buildings engaged themselves actively in carrying into the second story all movable things.
The cellars in town were of course filled with water and large quantities of stores were destroyed. Boats, scows, rafts, and every imaginable kind of water craft was brought into play on our streets. Men, women and children, furniture, provisions and clothing, were removed by these floating craft, and many an amusing incident occurred from the upsetting of portions of the flotilla, and from foot passengers, while walking in two or three feet of water, plunging unexpectedly in newly washed holes in the streets. At about 11 o'clock in the forenoon, the chain gang, under the direction of Overseers Long and Dreman, cut an opening in the R street levee between Fifth and Sixth streets.
When the water first commenced to pass through the opening towards Sutterville, there was a fall from the city side of from eight to ten feet. It rushed through in a perfect torrent, almost equaling in volume and violence the mouth of the American river on the occasion of a sudden freshet in it when the Sacramento is low. A large number of houses in the immediate vicinity had been fairly afloat for some time, and the discharge through the opening in the railroad was such that from twenty to twenty-five of these houses, many of them two stories high, were swept through and dashed to fragments as they passed on their way towards Sutterville. Among this number was the large house of John Isaacs, which stood on Fifth street near R street.
It was carried from its mooring at an early hour, and stood for a long time in an angular position. The proprietor having early sent his family to the upper portion of the city, remained on the wreck of his building, telling the boatmen who came near to first save the women and children in the vicinity. When the house was about to clear for Sutterville he jumped into a boat and landed on the railroad.
Several openings beside that which was cut by the chain gang, were created by the natural action of the water, and the great discharge through them all resulted in lowering the water on J and K streets, at three or four o'clock, about a foot. Later in the evening, when the equilibrium of water on each side of R street was established, the back water filled up all portions of the city, and attained a higher point than that of the earlier period of the day.
At nine o'clock last evening Our business office, on the first floor of the Union building, was flooded by an inch or two of water, which circumstance had not occurred during the afternoon. Throughout the day there were many rumors afloat of persons being drowned. Although these stories were frequently unfounded, there is but little doubt that
they were, in several instances, too true. There is but little doubt that there was a teamster drowned somewhere this side of Sutter's Fort, a man and a child at Ninth and M streets,
and a man at Sixth and P streets. We have been unable to learn the names of either of these parties, but the accidents were witnessed in each instance by several persons. The man and child were in a wagon at Ninth and M streets, and the horses plunged into a cistern--the lid of which had doubtless floated off; before assistance could reach them, passengers and horses were lost. It is greatly to be feared that the lives of women and children have also been sacrificed, as in many instances they were hemmed in in one story buildings without any means of even getting on to the roofs of their houses.
During the greater part of the day the only dry portions of the city were I street, the river front, the R street levee and Poverty Ridge. I street and the levee were crowded much of the day with live stock, which was taken there for safety, In the evening many boats were occupied in taking passengers to and from the very few restaurants and hotels which were a le [sic] to furnish meals to customers, The most of them had their fires extinguished, and were therefore unable to do their usual cooking.
A steamboat accident remains to be added to the incidents of the day. At about three o'clock in the afternoon the Swallow from Marysville arrived and attempted to pass through the draw of the bridge. The current was strong, and the boat was of course difficult to manage. The boat struck the pier and had her port side shattered in a frightful manner. Two lady passengers were seriously injured by the accident. Their names were Miss Elizabeth Neal and Mrs. M. Wyer, both residents of the neighborhood of Marysville. Both sustained injuries on the head. Mrs. Wyer's husband was on the boat in a sick bed. On account of the general confusion prevailing throughout the city yesterday, and the difficulty of getting from one point to another, we are unable to speak advisedly of the condition of the various portions of the levee around the city.
At ten o'clock the bank at Rabel's Tannery was still standing, and no water of consequence had come into the city through the northern levee. At a later hour in the day it was reported that the banks at that point had given way. The cars for Folsom failed to go entirely through at any time during the day. The morning train went out beyond Poverty Ridge, passengers were carried a half mile in boats, and a second train carried them the remainder of the trip.
The railroad is carried away in many places. The road to Sutterville and Camp Union by way of the river was passable during the most of the day, but towards evening the column of water from the city had washed away the embankment between lower and upper Sutterville, which cut off the passage. During the early part of yesterday, the water at the city gauge stood twenty-one feet above low water mark. At sun down it had raised six or eight inches above that point. The Yolo side of the river had not overflowed to any considerable extent. At ten o'clock last evening the water in the city had receded an inch or two. The events of yesterday will render it one of the most memorable in the history of our city.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3340, 11 December 1861 p. 1
[reprint of "Calamity" and "Terrible Flood" from 12/10.]
p. 2
WHAT NEXT?
We are now in such a position that the public future of the city must be considered. The people will be called upon to reply to the question--What next, in the municipal history of Sacramento? The answer to this question may be obtained by replying to the following: Is not self-protection the first law of nature? Does not necessity demand obedience? Can Sacramento exist as a city without a higher grade and levees which will place our future beyond all contingencies? Can the people longer endure the consolidation system of government? Can Sacramento repair her levees and protect herself against the high water which may yet follow, upon any other basis than cash? Does not her future existence depend absolutely upon repairing and strengthening her levees so as to prevent further damage by water? Can she obtain the money to pay for this work, upon which hangs her fate, except from the Interest and Sinking Fund?
It must be conceded, however unwillingly, that as a city, Sacramento is bankrupt. She was nearly in that condition previous to this destructive overflow; its visitation has placed her in a condition where it would be folly to pretend that she is able for the present to pay either the principal or interest of her public debt. This conviction is forced upon us--though we have heretofore steadily and determinedly opposed everything which had the appearance of repudiation. But we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that the only hope for the city even to pay any portion of her public indebtedness is for her citizens to place her upon a foundation up to high water mark, and surround her with a levee with a base so wide as to insure strength and permanency, and an elevation which will bid defiance to the highest flood.
To do this, the city must have money, and where is it possible for her to obtain it, if she does not make a virtue of necessity and appropriate the $80,000 now in the Treasury to the sacred purpose of preserving her existence? She has no legal right to do this, we admit; but she has a moral and legal right to preserve .her own life, and is bound, morally and legally, to make use of such means as are within her power to accomplish that end. The necessity which may arise to save life, is above all law. Sacramento must act now, or be blotted from the map of cities. The untiring energy of her merchants, business men, mechanics and property owners, will enable them soon to regain what of individual property has been devoured by the flood, provided the city is so protected by a grade and levee as to give confidence in the future. To do this the city must act, and that with an energy and ability herefore unknown.
To repudiate an honest debt is disgraceful, because it is a refusal to pay when able; but when placed in a position by misfortunes which no human wisdom could have averted, where an individual or a corporation is unable to pay honest debts, it is fair and honorable to face creditors and the world with an avowal of the fact. This is precisely the position of Sacramento, and it is honorable on her part to admit her total inability now to pay her public debt, principal or interest, and to avow her determination to do so as soon as she is in a condition to discharge those obligations. No other course is left her, and her citizens will be forced to take the responsibility.
LAND HO!--One of the first sounds which greeted our ears yesterday morning was the rattle of wheels on J street. It was a pleasant sound, and a look from the window established the fact that we were again in sight of land. The night before we had been taken in a rowboat from Fourth to Seventh up the center of J, and found about two feet water in the street. in the course of the night it had receded, and left J and K again in a condition for traveling under the usual conditions. People were again moving up and down the sidewalks as if engaged again in business.
The condition of the streets, and the stores as they were opened, was indescribable, but the owners were busily engaged in cleaning the latter. Most of them wore cheerful countenances, apparently thankful that the misfortune was no greater. Probably no people in the world are more buoyant under misfortune than those of Sacramento. They have struggled with and risen triumphantly above circumstances more adverse and disheartening than those by which they are now surrounded.
With strong hearts and resolute wills they will vigorously set about replacing that which is lost in property, and while doing so intermit no exertions necessary to the prosperity of the city they have twice redeemed from fire and flood. Never despair has been the motto of Sacramentans, and will be still. Under this motto industry, energy and economy will soon place Sacramento where she stood three days since . . .
THE TELEGRAPH--The telegraphic lines were down last evening in every direction, but workmen were out placing them in repuir.
THE FLOOD.
DESTRUCTION IN THE INTERIOR.
The only news we were able to obtain from the North yesterday, was by the Marysville papers and passengers. The rise at Marysville exceeded that of any previous year. It was, if anything, more distressing than the inundation in this city, for the reason that the rise commenced at about eleven o'clock at night, and soon deluged the west end of the city. The rise was rapid from both the Feather and Yuba, and between the hours of six and seven in the morning, the Merchants' Hotel, a firm and substantial building, fell to the ground.
Another three story building on E street, between First and Second, fell also. The steamer Defiance sailed around the city picking up those in perilous condition. The banking house of Rideout & Smith (late Low Brothers & Co.), corner of First and High streets, was sixteen inches under water. The Iron Foundry of H. J. Booth & Co. was some four feet under water. The water stood about even with the city grade on Monday at noon. About one mile east of Marysville, seventy-five milch cows belonging to J. Hoffstader were drowned.
The following detailed account of the condition of affairs at Marysville is from the Appeal:
Marysville is now slowly emerging from a flood, more disastrous and extensive in character than any which has been known since the place was settled by white people. On Saturday, the rivers were slowly rising, but not rapidly enough to justify the opinion that there would be much of a flood, but by Sunday morning at daylight it was found that the Yuba had backed up into the slough to such an extent that all the lower part of the town below E street was in danger, and the flats were fast filling up with water. The rain continued to fall in torrents during all of Sunday, and by night one sheet of water was stretched from the slough above Third street to the Yuba, making islands of most of the buildings below E street, on both sides of the slough, below Fourth street. All night long of Sunday the rain fell in sheets, and the wind blew furiously, adding to the terrors of those who watched through the night.
About daylight on Monday marning the outer side wall of J. L. Eaton's store, on the Plaza, fell with a tremendous crash, the foundation having been completely undermined by the water, which had now risen to such an extent as to cover the whole of that part of the city, except where the street was higher than the adjacent lots. Mr. Eaton's family reside in the upper part of the store, and they were hurried out at once, in their night clothes, and taken to the Merchants' Hotel, around the corner, on First street, and in about ten minutes after, to the horror of every one, the floors of that building gave way, and a great portion of the interior of the hotel was precipitated in a ruin, the whole of the cellar supports being suddenly cut out by an immense body of water which rushed in.
The alarm which prevailed was frightful in the extreme, for at that early hour but few were up in the house, and the inmates, among whom were many families, were still abed, and came rushing out in their night clothes, and barefoot, in the rain and water. To add to the terrors of the hour, other brick buildings began to crash, a large brick store house in the rear of the Merchants' falling with a tremendous noise.
Then the interiors of all the stores on the upper side of First street, around the corner to Lennox & Elwell's on the Plaza, fell one after another. The fire alarm bell now rang, and numerous citizens went to the rescue with teams and skiffs, and began taking people and goods to places of safety.
Rev. D. Deal, of the Methodist Church, living near the slough, was awake all of Sunday night, and before the Merchants' Hotel fell, heard cries of distress from the west side of the slough, and, ringing the bell of the church, brought boats to the rescue, and some families were taken from the roofs or upper stories of their houses, half under water, and when morning dawned the entire flat which lies below Sixth street, on the west side of the slough, was one sheet of water, numerous small houses floating around, horses, cows and hogs swimming for dear life, and roofs covered with affrighted pigeons and poultry.
All that portion of town bordering on the slough which makes into the Yuba above A street was afloat by daylight, and as the water rapidly rose during the forenoon, house after house was submerged, many of the smaller ones going off with the rapid tide, which set toward the Yuba. Dr. Teegarden's family were early driven out, and sought refuge in the residence of A. D. Starr, near by, but were soon after driven to the upper floors, the water rising to a hight of four feet in the parlor story. Starr's mill, near by, was also under water to a disastrous extent, his brick storehouse being nearly filled with water.
Covillaud's and Hoffstader's ranches, up the Yuba, were early under water, the families being compelled to seek refuge in the upper stories, whence they were rescued by the steamer Defiance, which went around the Yuba bridge and took off the people in distress, who were destitute of the means of escape. Hoffstader lost all of his dairy cows, some seventy-five in number, all of them valuable American stock, which, with the damage to the property, stacks of hay, etc., floated off, will amount to a loss of $10,000.
The rapidity of the rise of the water was unprecedented, as when it began to break over the high ground next the river the rush was tremendous, but by noon the flood had reached the highest point, and news came in that a subsidence of two inches.
had been noted in the upper part of the town. At that time the only portions of the town not submerged were as follows: Oa the Yuba water front, from the corner of High street to the foot of A street; on R street to Eighth, on Eighth street from C to A street, and on A street to Seventh. The entire lower part of A street from Seventh down to Second, was under water, and all of the cross streets over to C street, except here and there in spots which were higher than others; and nearly all of the part of the town east of C street was navigable with boats. Southward, the whole plain toward Eliza was one sheet of water, dotted with trees, roofs of houses,
floating animals and wrecks of property of every description. The Yuba bridge, being supported at either end by high embankments, stood unshaken, but the water was up to its sills, and the steamer Defiance was able to navigate around its outer end, with ten or twelve feet of water over the turnpike. Westward, one vast water level stretched to Yuba City where a kindred inundation was raging--the entire town site being under water. Northward the plains were cut up into broad streams of running water, which were swiftly coursing toward the great sheet of water stretching between Yuba and Feather rivers, up as far as the residence of Judge Bliss, unbroken except by the upper stories of houses, trees and floating debris.
Any estimate of the total amount of losses must be necessarily vague, and not to be depended upon. We shall not, therefore, attempt even a rough estimate at present, though it must amount to several hnndred thousand dollars. Besides the losses on the Covillaud and Hoffstader ranches, above noted, there was a large amount of stock, mostly horses, lost from the Quintay ranch, many being valuable animals, belonging to parties in town. From the sheep ranch of Glazier Brothers & Co., a large number of sheep were lost, valued at ten or twelve thousand dollars, and a large lot of cattle belonging to Glazier & Thompson were supposed to be lost from a ranch in Sutter county.
The heaviest losses in town were, of course, the losses to the dealers on the Plaza and First street, near the Merchants' Hotel. R. E. Brewster, L. H. Babb, Lennox & Elwell, J. L. Eaton, and others, are heavy losers, their goods being precipitated in broken piles into the cellars, filled with water. The losses of boarders and the lessees of the Merchants' Hotel are also considerable, valuable furniture, pianos, clothing, cash and small valuables being involved in an inextricable wreck, smashed and wet; though, by great exertions, many articles were saved.
The loss falls very heavily upon small property holders in the northern end of town, where many small houses were torn by the strong current from their foundation and carried off beyond recovery, their unfortunate owners literally houseless and homeless, barely escaping, in some instances, with their lives. On Third street, below D, Hudson, Willey & Caine had a great quantity of lumber, which was floated off, though some of it was saved by being boomed between the houses at the end of Second street. Williams Co.'s flouring mills were filled with water up to three or four inches on the main floor, where all the flour was stored, and the loss to gardens, fences, out-houses and small sheds is scarcely calculable now.
Over the valley south of Marysville, which is lower land than north of the city, the flood extends for several miles, till it meets the first swell of the foothills, where it takes off in numerous sloughs, most of which impassable to teams and horsemen, some being raging torrents. This part of the valley was submerged very suddenly, and to a greater depth than has been known since 1853. All of the bottom land farms are flooded, and many were stripped of all the stock upon them. Forty horses were swept from Hedges' ranch, besides a large number of cattle and hogs.
Hedges' house stands on a high knoll, which is now an island, the water filling the cellar. Numbers of hogs were drowned on Low's ranch. Where Feather river sweeps past Eliza, stock of every kind could be seen yesterday constantly passing down stream, some alive and strugglmg, and bellowing or squealing for life. The flood was also very destructive to game.
Hare and rabbits have been destroyed by thousands. The hands on the stearner Defiance caught about a dozen large hare floating down stream on brush, hay and timber; and others were noticed perched on tree-tops, alone in a waste of waters. Several hogs were also caught for the steamer's table. The river was yellow with pumpkins and squashes occasionally.
Large quantities of these vegetables had been left in the fields ungathered. Portions of corn and potato crops, also left ungathered, were of course utterly destroyed. At Simpson's, three miles up the Yuba from town, the old bridge was carried away; but the new structure, recently built, was still standing yesterday afternoon, its sills about three feet above the water. It is seven hundred feet long, and the sills are secured by iron bolts to piles driven twenty feet into the river's bed. Mrs. Simpson's house stands on a high knoll, unaffected by the water, which sweeps along at this point in a current of fearful strength. Her poultry house and poultry, with some fencing, were swept off, and. some damage done to grain on storage in an outhouse. Turner's bridge, just above Simpson's, is reported to have been destroyed, and probably has been. The ferry boat at Simpson's was saved.
Passengers who came from Lincoln by stage, on Sunday morning, found Bear river so well up that one end of the bridge at Campbell's was partly afloat. The driver hesitated to go on, but the passengers insisted, and he reluctantly pushed ahead. Dry Creek was forded without difficulty, though pretty full, but, arrived at Eliza, just at evening, after a slow and laborious drive, our irrepressible travelers found a wide waste of turbid and swift water before them.
They went on afoot four or five miles to Simpeon's, hoping to cross to the city in a skiff, but the passage was too hazardous to be attempted, though earlier in the day the passengers and express matters by a previous stage had been boated across. Yesterday afternoon the steamer Defiance picked up the water bound travelers at Eliza, besides rescuing others along the banks. In going to Eliza, which is about six miles below town and the mouth of the Yuba, the Defiance did not follow the main channel of either stream but steamed straight across the submerged prairie, over fences, fields, telegraph wires, and perhaps houses. Within a mile of town the telegraph poles remained standing in calm water, their tops visible for a short distance only. From the deck of the steamer the city looked as though it stood in the centre of a vast lake.
Many persons living on the bottoms south of town narrowly escaped with their lives. Two Mexicans saved themselves by climbing a tree, where they remained several hours until rescued by a boat frem Low's ranch. The family of Hooper, above Simpson's, was rescued by a boat sent from the latter piece. Small boats could pass from Low's ranch to the city yesterday, the current not being very strong; but further up the Yuba, the flood could not be navigated without great risk, and boatmen refused to carry passengers at all, only going out to save endangered human lives. The country to the southward, as far as the eye can reach, presents a very melancholy spectacle, being one waste of muddy water, on which are floating houses, fences, lumber, hay, straw, and the dead and living bodies of hogs, cattle, and horses.
The Yuba is said to be sixteen feet above its usual level, and the suddenness of its rise is unprecedented, and surprised everybody living in the bottoms, who else might have prevented considerable less of property. The low land, sloughs, and creeks, between the Yuba and Bear rivers, are now quite impassable, and the Bear river bridge at Campbell's has doubtless been washed away. The stages and stage horses that were unable to reach the city from that direction on Saturday and Sunday, have been taken to the Yuba ranch, near the foot hills.
There are a great many stories current of deaths from drowning and falling walls, but we can hear of only two upon which any reliance can be placed, strange as it may appear, when we remember the crowded hotel in which the floors fell without a moment's warning.
A man, coming into the city on horseback, Sunday afternoon, was drowned near the Quintay ranch, and a woman was carried off in a small wooden house from the flat beyond the slough while a boat which had rescued her children was gone to town with them. The house went down the current so rapidly that it could not be seen when the boat had returned to the spot where it stood. The frequent sight of houses floating ark-like along the swift current was novel indeed, some of them being upright, some bottom up and some floating along lopsided. One house, full of furniture, lodged near Fourth street in a tree, and the furniture was saved by boatmen.
The foot bridge across the slough at the head of E street, was floated off early in the day and went up country for a mile or two on the rising tide, but came back en the ebb. Many narrow escapes occurred at the Merchants' Hotel, when the floors caved in; one lady fell through in her night dress, but was rescued without any serious injury. A gentleman lodging in the second story, next door, fell through to the basement, where he was held across the floor joists by his arms, the falling bricks rattling about him.
Two other gentlemen, Dr. W. P. Rice and Lambert, fell from the third story of the hotel to the basement, being bruised badly, but broke no bones. One old gentleman, whose retreat from his bedchamber was cut off by the falling of the stairs, escaped by tying his bedclothes together and letting himself down to the balcony below. But we could fill columns with such small matters without exhausting the catalogue of items.
Skiff building was the order of the day, and though a dozen boats could scarcely be found in the morning, before night the waste of waters was covered with a fleet more numerous than that which threatens the coasts of Secessia about these days. The steamer Defiance was made useful by her owners during the day in cruising up and down the sloughs and streams, taking off the housewrecked inhabitants in the vicinity. The Defiance went up the slough as far as the head of D street, and probably none of those who witnessed it will ever forget the strange sight of a steamer away up there, where the dust was blowing but a few weeks since. The Defiance blew a tune or two to congratulate the inhabitants on the subsidence of the waters, and snorted her way back to the deeper water. But nobody who lives in Marysville to-day will ever forget the great flood of December 9, 1861, unless we should be so unfortunate as to have its terror and disaster washed away by the rising wave of another and a greater.
The following statement in regard to the fall of the Merchants' Hotel was published in yesterday's Bee:
As there are so many erroneous statements about the falling of the "Merchants' Hotel" in Marysville, I am requested to write for publication what I saw and know of it.
Col. D. W. Welty, Judge H. H. Hartley, Mr. Wheatley and myself, went up on the Swallow on Sunday, and arrived at Marysville about five P.M. We all put up at the Merchants'. The smell in the house was very disagreeable, which satisfied me there was water in the cellar. I went out and examined to see if the joists rested upon a center wall--which is very apt to be constructed temporarily, when, indeed, it is a wall that bears twice as much weight as an outer wall, when the joists meet upon it.
I thought the joists extended to the main walls, but it was too dark for me to satisfy myself. I asked Mr. Low if the house was safe. He answered that he did not know the house had been sinking. If the house had been sinking, I concluded, as it was an old house, it must have sunk to a firm foundation, and therefore went to bed. Col. Welty and myself occupied No.28--partly over the office of the house. When we had stripped and were ready for bed, I looked for matches, but finding none, contented ourselves with a bell rope.
After talking some time we fell asleep. About five in the morning Col. Welty heard a crash, as if a wall had fallen; but knowing I had slept but little the night before, he would not wake me, thinking it could not be the wall of the hotel. But very soon there was another crash, which waked me. We both got up; it was very dark. A boy came to the door; we asked for matches or a light, and he went away. Col. Welty found his pantaloons; I could not find my clothes.
We stepped to the door to see if the boy was coming, Col. Welty says, "We must get out of this." Just then came another crash, and I went back, as I thought, to our room, to see if I could get some clothes; but found nothing but a gulf below, where the bricks were falling, and from which the dust and screams of women and children were mingling in terrible confusion. I went back, and the Colonel and myself ran through various passages, trying in the dark to find our way out. At length he found a window that opened out, so that by considerable effort we might reach the wall of another house.
The window was rendered very tight by the sinking of the walls, but we got it open, and he reached its wall, which was also sinking. After he had helped me over, we passed over that house and found it separated by a passage of about six or seven feet wide--the wall seemed to be cracking--the roof had partially sunk. He found a board about six inches wide that would just reach the two walls, over a chasm of about thirty feet in appearance. Daylight had just then appeared enough to show us our perilous condition, the board he laid on the two walls barely reaching them.
The Colonel instantly passed over and offered me his hand to help me over but I did not think it would. bear my weight, and I knew he could not hold up two hundred pounds in one hand; but he very correctly said, "It's the only chance" taking care not to step on the center of the board, I made the trip. On we went to another house, found a window fast, broke it, got in, and groping our way through the dark, finally found a staircase, down which we gladly made our exit into the street, amid an immense throng of anxious inquirers, with nothing on but a shirt and a sheet I had taken from some bed that we passed. We made our way to the Dawson House, where
Kelly kindly furnished me some clothes; and we returned to the scene of destruction. There we found every effort being made to relieve the sufferers and save the furniture. One of the busiest among them was Judge Hartley, who had escaped from the ruins by tying his sheets together and letting himself down out of the window. The cool, quiet and effective service of Welty and Judge Hartley was truly worthy of commendation.
I lost my clothes, watch, etc., all worth, perhaps, $400. Mr. Welty lost all his clothes, except pantaloons and boots, some books that he had taken with him, and some valuable papers that very fortunately for me can be replaced from the records. To Mr. A. M. Paxton I am indebted for cashing my check when I had dressed and was again all right. The water in Marysville was just going into the principal streets when we left.
Many of the children and ladies escaped from the ruins of the Merchants' with nothing but their night clothes, and it is most remarkable that no one was killed and none very seriously injured. Dr. Price got up and started to go down the steps, but they were not there--so he fell down and another man upon him. Both were slightly injured.
Some ludicrous scenes occurred that will do to laugh over in future--at present let them pass. Ladies that made such narrow escapes, and appeared in the streets in white, without hoops, will not forget the scene very soon, while my friend Judge Hartley, will always recollect some incidents that were rather thrilling to the nerves of a sensitive man.
We came down on the steamer Swallow. She waited until nearly twelve o'clock for those that were coming down. Down as far as Nicolaus the land on both sides was covered with water. Horses, hogs and cattle were wading around or standing in the water. The damage is terrible. The water below Feather river was not out of its banks.
As we passed through Sacramento drawbridge the boat struck and tore off the ladies' cabin. Two ladies were injured, but not seriously.
As I have already written more than you will want to publish, I must stop.
The Merchants' Hotel is a perfect wreck, but the outer walls were standing.
Yours, A. M. Winn.
Sacramento, December 10, 1861.
At Nicolaus, as we are informed by the proprietor of the American Hotel at that place, the water rose to a point three feet higher than at any time last year. The American was the only house above water on Monday--the average depth of water being about two and a half feet. We learn from the same source that the towns of Vernon and Fremont were also submerged.
The whole country between the Feather and Sacramento rivers, nearly up to Yuba City, is covered with water.
P. M. Norton, a teamster from Forest Hill, informs us that the Crandall and North Fork roads, in Placer county, are under water and impassable. Four stage horses were drowned at Auburn Ravine on Monday, and the driver narrowly escaped.
Mr. Milliken of this city, who arrived from Folsom yesterday, informs us that the Salmon Falls bridge at Coloma, and the wire bridge across the North Fork of the American at Whisky Bar, are all swept away by the flood.
We have been informed that the town of Oroville has suffered considerably, but have been unable to obtain any particulars.
James Street, of the telegraph line, arrived in the city yesterday forenoon, from Salt Lake.
He left Folsom in the morning train at the usual hour, and arrived by steam at the first break in the railroad, about three miles from the city. From that point half a mile of the road is washed away. Oa a portion of the track, wood and iron work had floated about a quarter of a mile to the southward. The water still passing through this break renders it impossible to cross except by boats.
Mr. Street chartered a boat, there being none provided by the railroad company, and crossed to Sutter's Fort. At Folsom the water had fallen yesterday morning six and a half feet below the highest point of the day before. The two bridges across the American remained uninjured, but the trestle work of the railroad bridge, used in its erection, was carried away.
No portion of Folsom was overflowed. The cars were running regularly to Lincoln, which point is also free from any indications of inundation. During the two days occupied by Street in crossing the mountains--Saturday and Sunday--it rained incessantly. The snow was nearly all washed away; the roads across the mountains were in the worst imaginable condition. The bridge this side of Placerville has been rendered impassable.
There was no snow on the road beyond Carson City for a distance of four hundred and fifty miles.
From all the information we can gather, it appears that the present inundation far exceeds anything that has been known in any of the valleys since the country was first settled by white men.
THE INUNDATION AT BRIGHTON--INJURY TO THE RAILROAD.
As an evidence that the American river was higher Monday morning than it ever has been since the city was settled by Americans, we offer the fact that it flowed over its banks at Brighton, five miles east of the city, and inundated that entire section of country. So sudden was the overflow, that farmers in that neighborhood were compelled to seek safety by taking refuge in second stories and on the roofs of their houses, until relieved from their perilous positions by men in boats. Most of their stock is reported drowned. After breaking over the banks, a circumstance which has never before happened within the memory of Sacramentans, the water spread south to the railroad, which it crossed in a number of places by effecting breaches in the embankment and carrying away the superstructure and track.
The road is passable from Folsom to a point about a mile this side of Brighton, and the cars came down yesterday to that point. From there to the city, passengers made their way as best they might. From where the cars stopped, to Poverty Ridge, there are a number of breaks, the largest of which is at what is known as Kip's Cut. Several were made a few hundred yards east of the ridge.
Large logs were floated across the country, a number of which were lodged on the railroad. Some of them are reported, by those who have seen them, to be from three to four feet in diameter. After crossing the railroad, the water submerged the upper Stockton road for some two miles, and then made its way westward into the tules between here and Sutterville.
One of the main bodies of water crossed south of the residence of L. W. Harris, on the ridge; another body crossed the lower Stockton road a short distance this side of the ridge near the Louisiana race track.
At this point, about three miles from the city, the water is reported to have been from ten to fourteen feet in depth; this road is still impassable. From the course the flood took at Brighton, we conclude that some of the water from that point made its way to the city; that which inundated it came principally from breaks in the old levee, near the Tivoli House, which is some distance outside of the city, and the overflow this side of Smith's Garden. These streams united and rushed down the old slough, to and past the Fort, and outside the East levee, until it met the railroad embankment. We are informed that the water was backing up against the railroad as early as five o'clock in the morning; if this statement is correct, it must have been a couple of hours in backing up high enough to run over the levee into the city.
Had the railroad embankment been cut when the water was first discovered, in all human probability the calamity of being again submerged would have been spared the city.
The crevasse made in the railroad embankment, between Sixteenth and Eighteenth streets, is reported to be about five hundred and fifty feet in length. This is where the trestle bridge was first built, and where one should be again constructed. We still adhere to the opinion before expressed that, had the railroad company kept the trestle bridge at that point, as the ordinance required. Sacramento would not have been submerged.
The breaks in the R street levee, upon which the railroad is located, are seven. The first at Fifth street, 100 feet; second, at Sixth, 200 feet; third, near Eighth, 350 feet; fourth, at Tenth,
60 feet; fifth, at Twelfth, 20 feet; sixth, at Thirteenth, 100 feet; seventh, at Fifteenth, 150 feet. Numerous breaks were also made in the levee from Sixteenth to Thirty-first street.
These breaks must all be repaired, as well as the trestle bridge built at Seventeenth and Eighteenth streets, before the cars can run into the city. The Superintendent thinks he will be able to make repairs in three or four days so as to enable the cars to run to the Ridge. For the information as to the effects of the flood on the railroad, we are indebted to the courtesy of J. H. Nevett, who, in company with J. P. Robinson, Superintendent of the road, examined the line from here to Brighton.
THE FLOOD IN SACRAMENTO.
The morning sun yesterday rose bright and beautiful over our city, but its beams fell upon a desolate and dreary scene. The waters had subsided during the night three or four feet, leaving L street and all the streets north of it beds of mud, strewn with planks from sidewalks and crossings, and amid which boats and rafts, used in their navigation the day before, lay helplessly stranded. South of L street, however, all the city was still submerged, and boats and rafts afforded the only means of locomotion in them. The scene in this part of the city, where the first fury of the flood was spent, was one of dismal devastation.
Scores of capsized houses lay where they had been lodged against trees or other capsized and toppling dwellings, great piles of stray lumber and wood were floating about, and carcases of drowned cattle, horses and swine here and there disfigured the general wreck, amidst which boats and rafts were plying industriously, filled with people in search of their damaged household effects. On Ninth street, between K and R, were the bodies of fourteen or fifteen horses, and the loss of property belonging to families, resident there, was especially large. It is still difficult to ascertain the loss of life by the flood with any degree of exactness, owing to the multiplicity of wild exaggerations, the still continuing bustle and confusion, and the great difficulty of locomotion.
The body of a man named Levefre, whose family lived at the corner of Thirteenth and K streets, was recovered yesterday afternoon from the cistern at the corner of Ninth and M streets, by George Lloyd and Pat. Callaghan. At the time he drove in with his team, he was accompanied by a boy, who has also been reported drowned, but the boy was safely rescued by J. C. Weston. The bodies of the two horses, with the wagon and harness, were also taken out.
J. Kyberg and his son, who resided near Sutter's Fort, are missing. They were last seen in some kind of a box, on the water.
J. Smith, the Bee carrier, has not reported himself. He and his family, a wife and three children, were at his house surrounded by water. Their friends thought they had left in a boat, but nobody seems to know anything about them. It was again reported last evening that they were safe.
Mrs. Mary May, wife of T. C. May, was reported drowned, but the report was a false alarm.
A rumor came from Sutterville yesterday afternoon that twenty or thirty dead bodies had been recovered there, but the story is utterly incredible, although it would not be surprising if several others were drowned of whom we have no account. During Monday night, persons, from one to three miles down the river, state that they saw a number of houses floating past, and there is also a painful, and we hope unfounded, report that in several cases female voices vainly calling for help, were heard in the floating houses.
The loss of property by the inundation is immense, probably amounting in the aggregate to a million of dollars. The principal losses are of buildings, household furniture, and wood. Many merchants on J and K streets suffered heavily in the damage done by wetting their stock, but very generally they succeeded in piling their more valuable goods on upper shelves and boxes out of the way of drenching. H. M. Bernard, carriage maker, lost about $3,000 worth of carriage lumber, which was swept away, but saved a large lot of carriages and seasoned timber uninjured. It is estimated that seventy-five or a hundred buildings have been washed away from their foundations, but it is impossible to state the number with exactness.
Two sections of Lisle's bridge, across the American river, were swept off by the flood at dusk Monday night, but lodged near the Sacramento bridge, and are now secured near George Cooper's, foot of I street. These were the new sections built to replace the portion of of the bridge carried away last Winter, and the proprietors state it was through no fault of construction or weakness of the timbers that the bridge was again affected, but because it was built too low, catching the drift wood swept down by the flood.
The reported rapid falling of the American river at Folsom gives ground for hope that we have seen the worst of this disastrous flood; for if the river should continue to fall the lower streets will be gradually drained off through the openings made in the R street levee. Gangs of men were at work yesterday in K street, at the corner of Ninth, cutting a passage for the water to run off from J and K. streets. On Q street, near Seventh, at dark last night, the water was two feet deep and still slowly subsiding.
At nine o'clock, last evening, the water in the Sacramento was, at about twenty feet, being a foot lower than on Monday night. We judge that the river has been falling very slowly during the day.
It is gratifying to record that those of our citizens who escaped the flood have exercised a generous hospitality .towards the sufferers. Governor Stanford and Dr. Nixon took into the second stories of their houses a large number of homeless women and children; so did Mrs. Van Every at her boarding house on L street, and so did many others whom we are not able to particularize.
The Howard Society took possession of the Pavilion, where, on Monday night, they accommodated about two hundred and fifty, and last night three or four hundred. The women and children were furnished with mattrasses, and all had blankets and an unlimited supply of excellent soup, prepared in a cauldron, and coffee and tea. This Society promptly furnished boats for the rescue of such as were in danger, and many others volunteered for the same benevolent work, with boats or such other means as were procurable at the moment.
A. P. Soule and crew, from the steamer Swan, were out all day Monday, doing yeoman's service, without fee or reward. But the flood has also served to exhibit the bad side of human nature. During the life and death struggle in that part of the city where the flood first spent its violence, a number of persons obtained boats from the Front street levee, under pretence of rescuing those who were in imminent peril of drowning, and then took advantage of their extremity to extort money from the sufferers.
One man had placed his wife on the roof of his house, which was already wavering and tottering in the flood, and, we are credibly informed, was obliged to pay one of these pirates $75 in gold before he would take her to a place of safety. In another house a man stood in the water nearly up to his chin, hailing a passing boatman, who responded that he would land him for $15. The man said he had not the money, and the unfeeling wretch thereupon retorted, "I'll leave you to drown, then." And he did leave the sufferer, but he was rescued by a boatman who was working without pay. In several instances men and women were obliged to pay $15 or $20 apiece for riding in a boat a block or two.
The traveling expenses of a young lady who was taken from somewhere up town to a house in L street between Second and Third, part of the way in a carriage and the rest of the way in a boat, amounted to $35. A stranger in the city late Monday evening was charged $25 for boating from the Levee to the City Hotel, on K street, above Third. Men who would thus take advantage of a great public calamity to extort money from the unfortunate would be guilty of any infamous crime, and are wholly unfit for civilized life.
At eleven o'clock Monday night two women were taken by a man named Selby, whose boat was already full, from the roof of a house on Eleventh street near L, where they had been six or seven hours, unable to find a boatman who would convey them to a place of safety. Many incidents of a distressing character are related connected with the flood. The Front street levee was thronged with men, women and children, cattle, horses and hogs, during yesterday, many of whom were sleeping to make up for lost time. It was reported that one woman landed at the levee in the afternoon immediately thereafter gave birth to a child, which lived but a few moments. Another woman (or perhaps the same) stated at the Pavillion, Monday night, that she had given birth to a child that day, but knew not where either her newborn babe or her husband were at that moment.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
MARRIAGE EXTRAORDINARY.--At about halfpast one o'clock P.M. on Monday, officers Yates and Mcintosh, in command of a boat, noticed two ladies and two gentlemen standing at the corner of Sixth and I streets, looking wistfully for some means of conveyance from the spot. The flood had just reached its highest point.
J street was inundated and the whole city was a scene of wild confusion. The officers stated that their boat was at the service of ladies free of charge to any part of the city. The ladies were unwilling to leave the gentlemen and all were taken on board. They had but little to say, but one of the men requested the boatmen to proceed to Seventh and K streets.
On reaching that point he timorously requested them to moor at the steps of the Catholic Church. The request was complied with and the officers had the pleasure of seeing two of the parties married by Father Cassin. "There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune." That of Monday may have been the tide, though that point can't be proven by our citizens generally.
A SAFE ELEVATION.--As necessity is the mother of invention, the pressure of the high water of Monday caused many an odd move on the part of owners for the preservation of their property. Three horses were blindfolded and taken up stairs into Stanford Hall, on K street, near Third. Last evening, a short time before dusk, it was decided to take them down again.
In this operation the blindfolding process alone would not answer so well. The horses would no doubt have reached the bottom if started right, but the owners thought fit to provide a large box into which they were placed one at a time and lowered down the stairway by means of ropes. They were all landed in this manner in safety.
THE RIVER.--The water of the Sacramento stood at sunset last evening about twenty feet above low water mark, having fallen more than a foot within the last twenty-four hours. It is generally presumed that the river will necessarily rise to-day, as the waters at Colusa and Marysville have been very high. Our front levee will stand a rise of several feet, and as the Yolo banks some distance north of Washington are overflowing, it is to be hoped--with all good feeling towards our Yolo friends--the outlet will be sufficient to save our city from another inundation.
BODY FOUND.--At About four o'clock yesterday afternoon, the body of a man named Lefever was taken out of the cistern at Ninth and M streets, having been drowned at that point on Monday afternoon. He was seen to drive to the spot with a span of horses and light wagon. A boy 13 years of age along with him was saved.
The man and horses were drowned. The Coroner impanneled a jury last evening to hold an inquest over the body, but after taking a portion of the testimony, the examination was postponed until nine o'clock this morning. . . .
THE TELEGRAPH.--James Gamble, Superintendent of the California Telegraph Company, started out yesterday with several hands and a boat to repair the line running east from the city. He succeeded in making all the connections to Poverty Ridge. The openings further east will be closed to-day so as to connect with Placerville. The San Francisco line will be looked to to-day.
NOT THE LAUNDRY.--In our account of the flood in yesterday's issue, we designed to say that the overflow of the American river occurred east of the city boundary; the types made us say "east of the City Laundry." As the City Laundry, if there be any, is located at some other point than the one referred to, it wont answer for a landmark in the present case.
RUMORS.--It is reported that a clergyman named Bailey, and his family, who resided in the lower part of the city, have all been missing since the flood of Monday. We are unable to learn anything definite on the subject. A rumor also prevailed yesterday that the wife of S. May had been drowned. The husband informs us that the report is untrue.
THE DEFIANCE.--The steamer Defiance arrived at the levee yesterday afternoon, from Marysville,. where she had been rendering important service in running through several of the most deeply flooded streets, taking off the inmates from second story windows. . . .
RISE IN THE MARKET.--Gum boots took a sudden rise in price about noon on Monday. When the water reached L street they were worth $8, as it came to K they went up to $9, at J to $10, and as the water reached its climax they were sold at $11 per pair. . . .
SLIGHTLY INJURED.--A portion of the plastering of one of the small rooms of the Pavilion fell from the ceiling on Monday night, injuring slightly several women who were sleeping beneath it.
DISPLACED.--A considerable portion of the lower floor of the Pavilion has been loosened and forced from its position by the force of the water of Monday afternoon and evening.
FORTUNATE.--Our neighbors at Washington, across the river, have so far been free from inundation this season, although their city grade is not equal in elevation to our own.
HIGHT OF THE FLOOD.
EDITORS UNION: Inasmuch as the calamitous flood that has just visited our city necessarily calls to mind, and would seem to impress more than ever upon our citizens the importance and necessity not only of establishing a grade that will protect our city from damage by sudden floods from the American river, but also the importance and necessity of a thorough and careful examination of our levee protections as well as the immediate surface drainage of the principal business streets in our city, I hand you a few observations:
Ist. The high water mark for 1853 on a sycamore tree, east bank of Sacramento river, at bridge across said river, as noted by Supervisor Granger, is twenty-two feet five and a half inches above zero of city water gauge.
2d. The water rose yesterday, at corner of K and Seventh streets, twenty-two feet eight inches.
At Lindley, Wooster & Weaver's store, corner of Seventh and J streets, twenty-two feet eight inches.
J street, between Second and Third, twenty-two feet eight inches.
At Huntington & Hopkins' hardware house, on K street, between Second and Third, twenty-two feet eight inches.
At George Schwartz's new market house, twenty-two feet eight inches.
Remarking that the granite coping or water table at Schwartz's house is above zero, city water gauge, twenty-three feet, one and one-third inches, then Schwartz, Gates & Co. were fairly five and one-third inches out of water.
The granite coping, or water table at your office on Third street, is above zero of city water gauge, twenty-two feet, seven and one-third inches; so that if my observations be correct, there ought not to have been more than two-thirds of an inch of water on the said coping or water table.
By reason of the press of other business, I am obliged to stop here, but at another time I will furnish you the elevation of other prominent objects in the city as compared with zero of city water gauge, flood just gone, and also the proposed Hite and Granger grades.
Respectfully, B. F. Leet.
SACRAMENTO, December 10, 1861. . . .
BROKE DOWN.--Among other damage done by the late flood, a portion of the Plaza fence, on Ninth street, has been washed away.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3341, 12 December 1861 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The water in the streets of Sacramento gradually subsided during the night of Tuesday and also yesterday. A slight break in the levee of the Sacramento yesterday, about two miles below the city, it was feared would be enlarged so much as to back up the water materially in a large portion of the city, but such had not been the case at a late hour last night. Wilson Flint and others were engaged last night in endeavoring to obtain a vessel and materials to repair the breach. If attended to promptly our city will be freed from much unnecessary water, which we can now do without very well.
A citizens' meeting was held in this city yesterday afternoon to take into consideration its present condition and to act in the premises. A Committee was chosen to prepare a plan for action. The meeting adjourned to meet to day at the Supervisors' room at eleven o'clock, A.M..
The Marysville papers report the drowning of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty Chinamen at various points on the Yuba, above that city, in consequence of the freshet, and some ten or twelve Americans are reported drowned and missing in the same direction. The flood on the Yuba has been more disastrous than elsewhere, so far as the destruction of life is concerned. . . .
The stage for San Juan and Nevada, with the mails, left Marysville yesterday on the Sacramento boat, for Eliza, from which point they were.transferred to the road.
The Overland Mail arrived in this city yesterday, and was a large one . . . .
ACROSS LOTS.--On Tuesday morning, December 10th, the steamer Governor Dana came down as far as Eliza; on Feather river, over the Sacramento road.
OUR CITY AFFAIRS.
A meeting, not numerously attended, was held yesterday in the room of the Board of Supervisors, to make some provision for obtaining the means to repair the levees and improve the condition of our streets. A Committee was appointed to report to an adjourned meeting which is to meet to-day at eleven o'clock in the room of the Supervisors. The question under consideration is one of such immense moment that it is to be hoped every man who feels an interest in Sacramento will be present. Property owners, business men, merchants, mechanics and manufacturers should take this matter in hand and see that something is done, and that right speedily.
The case of the city is so desperate as to require desperate remedies. Work to cost tens of thousands of dollars must be immediately done to. protect, defend and preserve Sacramento from future inundations. The levee, from Sixteenth street to Thirty-first, and up that to the American river, must be rebuilt; from that point it may be thought advisable to repair the old levee, which runs up the river to the high ground beyond Smith's Garden.
There are two bridges to be built across the slough at the end of J and and K streets. A new levee is also to be built at Rabel's Tannery, and for some distance this side. To accomplish this work and place the levees in a condition to defy high water, will require a sum of money which, in our judgment, cannot be obtained from any other source than the Sinking and Interest Fund. The act, in ordinary times, we concede would be illegal, and contrary to moral rules, but under the present circumstances such an act would be, in the eyes of all hnmane communities, pronounced just and right.
The people, by the action of the elements, are placed in a position where it is utterly out of their power to pay, for the present, their public debt, principal or interest, and we insist that it is honorable for them to frankly acknowledge the fact. As to the money in the Interest Fund, it is no more sacred than the promise made in the bonds. The time has arrived for speaking cut [sic] plainly.
If the interest is paid the first of January, and the city left in its present position, there will never be another dollar of principal or interest paid to the public creditors. The city will, from necessity, fail to pay next year, and the odium will be ten times greater than now, because we have before us the best justification for suspending payment, and appropriating money intended for creditors for the salvation of Sacramento. When her safety is secured, we shall then be in a position to talk about resuming payment.
In times of great pressure, banks suspend payment, contrary to law and good morals, and public opinion sustains them. Why ? Because the necessities of the community, as well as the banks, require it.
Sacramento is in a similar condition. She must suspend and apply the specie intended for her billholders to strengthening her position, so as to enable her to stand a heavier run than the one made upon her on Monday. She must save herself first; after that she will be in a condition to save her creditors. Ordinary rules of argument do not apply in this case. People feel as if self-protection was now the highest duty they are called upon to perform. That duty demands that they act immediately, and that they appropriate the money collected from them the past Fall in self defense.
AGENTS STIRRING.--We are informed that
the coupons due next January are most of them in the city, and in the hands of D. O. Mills & Co., as agents, and that offers were made yesterday to the Auditor to indemnify him in any amount required if he would issue the warrants to pay them.
This is rather taking the advantage, or trying to. It will be remembered that a law was passed last session or session before, authorizing the Treasurer to pay the coupons as presented. Until the question is decided as to what course the city is to take in reference to the money in the Interest Fund, the Auditor and Treasurer will be terribly censured if they consent to act for the bondholders and take snap judgment on the citizens. There will be a commotion in this city if such an act is consummated by secret engineering by the agents of the bondholders.
Vigilance is necessary.
MATTERS IN SIERRA.--The Laporte Messenger of Dec. 7th has the following items of local intelligence: . . . .
Nearly all the new fire proof buildings in Laporte leaked badly during the late severe rains. . . .
[for the Union.]
THE PROPOSED FINANCIAL MEASURE.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Not having been present at the informal meeting yesterday, where I understand that it was proposed that certain of our citizens, probably; all those who wish to, shall advance sufficient money to meet the present exigencies of the city, and in return therefor have their property exempt from taxation for a given number of years, I protest now, as I shall before the meeting to-day, against this measure. There cannot be a tenable argument advanced in its favor that is not equally good in favor of doing as you propose--taking the Sinking and Interest Fund; and there are many objections to it that do not rest against your scheme. As regards repudiation, .they are the same--excepting only that one is bold, open, manly; and the other, to use the mildest terms, covert and hidden.
Suppose we take $50,000 now out of our Sinking and Interest Fund. It will be diverted from its use, the law will be violated, and bondholders perhaps will suffer; but it is done openly, under the press of extraordinary circumstances; and if those who are injured cannot forgive, they can appreciate the necessity, and giving it its due weight in mitigation, feeling sure that nothing but the dread calamity under which they are suffering could cause a whole community to violate the obligations of its contracts. On the other hand, raise this $50,000 by a loan to be paid by the exemption of the loaned property from taxation--is it not equally repudiation; an indirect and attemptedly secret seizing of that same Sinking and Interest Fund? Is not 55 per cent, or $27,500 of that $50,000 of taxes which are to be released, as fully and as faithfully pledged to the Interest Fund as the money now in Mr. Bird's hands is?
And are not the other $22,500 as solemnly pledged to the home holders of our floating debt? And as it has not been usual in Sacramento for private individuals to trade with the corporation without getting the best of the bargain and making "a little something," is it not just possible that the property to be released from the $50,000 will be such as without such a stipulation would yield $100,000?
But taking the Interest Fund is illegal--it can't be done. For the sake of the argument, granted; though, by of parenthesis, it reminds me of the story of the lawyer and his quondam client whom he saw looking out of a jail window.
Lawyer--"What are doing there, Bob?" "Licked my 'prentice" "Why, they can't put you there for that." "There's no use your telling me that; I know they can't, but they did." Granting, as I said, for the argument sake, that the taking the Interest Fund directly is illegal, is it not equally illegal to take it indirectly? Is there any difference as to the fact of repudiation, though the manner of taking the money may be changed? The offense consists in diverting moneys from that fund, and it is immaterial whether they are so diverted before or after they reach the Treasury; and the same law that will be violated in one case will have to be broken in the other, with this disadvantage against the scheme for advancing taxes: forty-five per cent of the money unlawfully taken will come out of the fund applicable to our floating debt, out of the pockets of those who have given their merchandise or the sweat of their brows for their claims, and perhaps have them and nothing else to support their families with, whilst in the other case the whole money will come from the funded debt funds.
In either case the fact of repudiation has been committed, and our public credit will suffer the ignominy and disgrace necessarily consequent upon such an act; but such ignominy and disgrace will certainly be less if we openly avow our necessities, and acknowledge that we are compelled to use funds previously pledged, than if we attempt to hide the facts and conceal our depredations.
S. V. R. R. NOTICE.
[drawing of an engine, tender, 2 passenger cars] .
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE THE
Cars of the Sacramento Valley Railroad will be run as follows:
Leave Brighton at 9 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Leave Folsom at 8 A.M. and 12 M.
As soon as possible arrangements will be made to transport passengers from Sacramento to the cars, of which notice will be given.
J. P. ROBINSON. [Bee copy.] d12
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3342, 13 December 1861 p.1
OUR FLOOD ABROAD.
The San Francisco papers thus comment on the misfortune which befel our city lately:
Accounts from Sacramento represent that much suffering exists among the poorer classes there, who have been suddenly deprived of the ordinary means of subsistence. It is probable that none of these statements have been exaggerated. Many families are cut off entirely from their daily resources for food, and the few boats and flats plying in the streets are insufficient to meet the general requirements. The repeated calamities of flood and flame which Sacramento has suffered, enlist our sympathies cordially in behalf of her citizens in this additional affliction; The ties of humanity, and the fraternal feeling common to all Californians, point out to us the course we should now pursue.
It is not for us to direct the way in which relief should be extended. Let us first raise the money, and there will be no difficulty afterwards in determining what to do with it. Marysville, too, has some demands upon us, and in fact the Sacramento Valley, for the whole region, with the exception of the west bank of the Sacramento, is one sheet of water. Houses have been carried away, stock drowned, and clothing and provisions destroyed.
A public meeting ought at once to be called, and something done to relieve our citizens in the interior in their present distress. It is only necessary to have some sort of an organization in order to secure a favorable response from our citizens. Who will begin the good work? There is not much time to be lost.--Alta.
The accounts of disasters by the present unprecedented freshet, which seems to have ravaged to a greater or less extent nearly every part of the Sacramento Valley, and probably most of the valleys in the northern portion of the Coast Range, begin to pour in upon us from every quarter. The destruction of life and property has evidently been much greater than we were prepared to learn, and still the fear is that the worst is not known. It is quite certain that much suffering now prevails among the inhabitants of a very large division of the State, and the people of San Francisco, who have long enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity, should promptly take steps towards affording all the relief in their power to whoever may have been brought to want by this unexpected visitation.
Marysville appears to have suffered more in the destruction of property than any other of the interior cities, although Sacramento was most completely deluged, and there the most distress among the poorer families will doubtless be felt.
The water evidently passed over Marysville in a strong current, undermining the brick buildings and causing the complete destruction of several of them. The present misfortune, which has befallen so many of our fellow citizens, is one that could not have been provided against, further than to a limited extent, by human foresight. The formation of the country, with high ranges of mountains immediately adjacent to the valleys, will ever subject much of the most habitable portion of the State to frequent loss by freshets; although, from what is known of the past, we may reasonably hope not to see another overwhelming and un-looked-for flood like the present for twenty years to come.--Bulletin.
There is no doubt but that the recent flood in Sacramento--accounts of which are given elsewhere--has caused great want, destitution and ruin. Hundreds have lost their all; families have been, by the waters, driven from home and shelter and, to say the least, great destitution must be the consequence--destitution greater than has ever been caused by a like calamity in California. San Franciscans, who are ever secure from all dangers by flood, should, in their hour of trial and need, think of the people of Sacramento; and not only think of them, but they should contribute liberally toward a Relief Fund to be devoted to the relief of such poor families and persons as have been, by the flood, deprived of their, goods and homes.
We urge San Franciscans to come up liberally in this matter, for we feel assured their liberality will come in good time.--Call. . . .
THE FLOOD AT FOLSOM.--The Folsom Telegraph of December 10th, says:
Yesterday, morning an unusual roaring attracted many people to the river at the suspension bridge, where the river is full of great rocks and holes. Since our view of Niagara we have not seen such a wonderful display of water. It was a flying deluge of muddy water, seemingly so strong, so angry, so determined toward the valley, that a mountain dropped into its course would have been driven away.
Yesterday morning the American river carried away the temporary arch of the great railroad bridge of the Central Railroad, at Folsom. This arch was a lengthy and massive wooden structure, erected to enable the construction of the permanent arch above. The bridge itself is all right.
THE FLOOD AT THE NORTH.
The farmers of Colusa county were driven by the flood to the foot hills of the Buttes taking with them such of their stock as could be hurriedly driven.
Yuba City, opposite Marysville, was all submerged with the exception of the two knolls upon which stand the residences of G. M. Hapson, Indian Agent, and ex-Sheriff Kennard. It is thought that the new Sutter county court house at that place must fall, the walls being pushed out of line about a foot by the settling of the building. A large ranch belonging to the California Stage Company is located on the road to Marysville, four miles beyond Nicolaus. Not a single animal was lost from it. The Marysville Appeal of yesterday, has the following particulars in regard to the losses by the flood at various localities north of that city.
From Chico we learn that the flood at that point was extensive, and large numbers of cattle were drowned. It is reported that the amount of cattle drowned in the vicinity of Missouri Bend, near the mouth of Pine Creek, will reach three thousand, and that ranches and houses without number were submerged by the flood. At Bidwell's Bar the rise of water was said to be four feet higher than at any previous flood, and a great deal of damage was done to property, swept off or ruined by the deposit of sand or sediment swept down by the flood. Nearer Marysville, Bliven's ranch was completely covered, except one spot on which the house stood, untouched; the amount of stock lost from the ranch, however, is very small.
From this point to the Honcut, and around by the Feather river to Marysville, the loss was very large, sheep, cattle, and hay being swept off in a promiscouous wreck. The general loss however, is less than on the Yuba.
The rise of the Yuba at Downieville is reported to have been very sudden, as a flood which had caused some destruction had but just subsided, when the rains of Saturday and Sunday brought up the stream again to such a hight that the town was flooded in a very short time. From the Jersey Flat part of the town many
houses were reported to have been swept away, and every house is said to be gone from Durgan's Flat, while every bridge, flume, and wood work of the sort, in and around Downieville are reported as swept out by the flood which was as violent as sudden.
The first reports from Foster's, Long, Parks' and Ouseley's Bars were much exaggerated. We learn that at all of these places numbers of Chinamen were drowned, varying from eighteen to twenty five at each place. The flood has been very destructive of life to these poor pariahs everywhere, as they always congregate on the river bottoms where they work over old digging or cultivate vegetable gardens. At Foster's Bar the bridge went out, and Batchelder's and Flattery's stores went out, losing many goods.
Several small houses went out at this point, and also at Sand Flat, Long Bar and at Parks'; but except this and loss of flumes and other mining apparatus, the damage was not very large. The largest amount of loss on the Yuba is undoubtedly among the ranch owners near Marysville. The loss of life is not so great as at first reported, many parties who were reported missing having been found in out of the way places, where they had been carried by the flood and force of peculiar circumstances. The Barnes family and Thomas Brophy's family are found to be safe, though they experienced much suffering and discomfort in their perilous condition.
At Nevada many of the lower floors of the buildings were deluged by water, from the large flume which passes through the town. The flume choked up, and the water flowed back and ran over the town. The damage to ditches and bridges in that region was very extensive.
THE LATE RAINS AND OTHER MATTERS IN SIERRA.--A correspondent of the Union, writing from La Porte, December 8th, says:
The rain has been pouring down here for the past forty hours, and it is thicker overhead and looks more like a severe storm than it has at any time. Rabbit creek is higher than it has been known for years. The flume will only carry a small proportion of the water, and the torrent is fast tearing the flume up. We fear it will throw about one hundred men out of employment, who are working above on the creek; we also have grave fears that the bridge across the creek will go off. It is said that Slate creek is so high that the bridge between here and Port Wine is in danger. It has stood several years. Ditches have been constantly breaking during the past twenty hours, although no water is turned in at the head--the water all gathering from the side hills. . . .
THF [sic] FLOOD IN PLACER.--A correspondent of the Union, writing from Auburn, December 9th, says:
The late storm is the severest one I have witnessed since my arrival in this State, which was in '49. We hear of damage being done by the violence of the swollen streams in every direction. Crandall's turnpike road, leading from Auburn to Secret Ravine, will be impassable for heavy teams for at least a month. It will cost about $4,000 to make complete repairs, and the loss of toll will amount to as much more, making their total loss not less than $8.000.
I have not heard from Virginia and Gold Hill yet, but I presume, from my acquaintance with that section of country, that there is no claim or drain-race but what is filled to a level corresponding with the sides or banks of the ravine. On the North Fork I learn the water has been higher this time than it was ever known to be before--carrying away Rice's bridge, at Mineral Bar, on the road from Illinois town to lowa Hill. The North Fork bridge, just above Auburn, on the Yankee Jim road, is also in great danger of taking a sail to Sacramento City, as the abutments on one side are fast undermining, and should it go down it will cut off the whole "divide" from the county seat, except they take the circuitous route via Murderer's Bar Bridge and Folsom. Whisky Bar bridge has also disappeared amongst the wreck of matter, and will probably be picked up next Summer in Sacramento for kindling wood.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Our citizens are moving energetically for the future welfare of the city, and the Board of Supervisors are so acting in concert with them that there is a fair prospect that immediate and decisive measures will be prosecuted for security against any future inroads of the water. The sum of $75,000 has, in accordance with the recommendation made at the public meeting yesterday, been transferred by the Supervisors from the Sinking and Interest Fund to a Special Fund created by them for leveeing purposes. Reports of the several meetings in this connection will be found in our columns.
The break in the Sacramento levee, some two miles below the city, increased a great deal in depth yesterday and some twenty feet in width. The river must find its level very shortly, and its hight last night was within two feet of the highest water in the city on Monday. San Francisco has come to the aid of our sufferers most generously. Over six thousand dollars is now in this city from that source, for the relief of those who are in distress by reason of the flood. A relief meeting was held also last evening at Platt's Hall.
Telegraphic communication in the State is pretty generally suspended, and the Overland Telegraph is also disarranged. . . .
THE FLOOD IN NAPA VALLEY.--Private letters from Suscol--four miles below Napa writby Simpson Thompson to J. L. Sanford of this city, gives an account of the flood in that region. Writing on December 9th, Thompson says:
We have had a terrific storm. There will be no more trouble about dry ground in plowing. The Suscol creek was all over the nursery last night, washing out around some trees and filling up around others--doing, in my opinion, much unnecessary work.
Writing in the forenoon of yesterday, December 10th, Thompson says:
Since yesterday forenoon there has been such a freshet in Napa river, and so much drift stuff, the steamer was either disabled or afraid to venture out. [She arrived in San Francisco yesterday evening, twenty-six hours behind time] The flood has given some of the shanties Hail Columbia in Napa. A number of the houses in Cornwell's addition, or what is commonly called Texas, were entirely washed away. Lynch Brothers' wholesale and retail liquor store was carried away. Hathaway's men and the writer, with another man, were on the river opposite, when some of the houses were floating down. I caught the tin roof of a house, and with a rope made it fast to the bank.
This answered first rate as a raft. With a boat-hook we caught a large lot of lumber, posts--mostly new--also doors, chairs, tables, washstands, and poultry. On a door we picked up two chickens and a duck. We also secured three barrels--one full of cognac--besides a keg of "Old Tom," demijohns, etc.
The banks of the river for two or three miles are completely lined with lumber, both old and new, whisky barrels, etc. One lumber yard that was on the bank near where the old bark used to lie, was completely swept away. I suppose the people about Vallejo caught much of the drift, as much must have gone down in the night and early in the morning. We did not go to "wrecking" till ten o'olock [Tuesday morning], when we saw the house going down.
The ferry boat at Suscol was carried away in the night—supposed by a floating house or a pile of lumber.
Napa is inaccessible now with a team, as the embankments made this Summer have been washed away.--San Francisco Bulletin.
THE FRESHET IN AUBURN.--The Union Advocate of December 9th has the following:
The great rain storm which has prevailed for the past few days arrived at its greatest violence last evening. (Sunday), and continued with unprecedented violence until a late hour this morning. The river is said to have risen at a point near this place--the Ragged Staff Co.'s claim--to the hight of fifty-five feet above low water mark, carrying away houses, fluming lumber and everything standing upon the banks. As we write (twelve o'clock M) reports reach us that the North Fork bridge is in imminent danger of being washed away. The water is said to be running over it, and still rising, and though very strong, the stress upon it is so great that it cannot be expected to stand an hour longer.
We have just learned that the Mineral Bar bridge is washed away. A county official who has just returned to town from the lower part of the county hadn't time to give any particulars of damage beiow, but has authorized us to say in his name that "all the bridges from h--ll to breakfast were washed away."
Auburn Ravine is high enough to float the largest class steamboats, and affords water enough to entitle it to be declared navigable for any sized craft. Houses here in town have been carried off by the water, and from all points we hear of immense damage having been done to gardens, orchards, farms, fences, etc., the like of which was never heard of before. It is supposed that large numbers of cattle have perished in the low lands bordering on the Sacramento and Bear rivers.
Two men came very near losing their lives in the Auburn ravine, in Auburn, by having their houses carried away by the freshet, while they were confined in them, in the night, little expecting such an occurrence. The North Fork bridge reported gone has proved to be incorrect. Four horses, attached to the Sacramento and Gold Hill stage, belonging to Samuel Moore, were drowned in attempting to cross Auburn Ravine at Fort Tojam or Fox's Flat. The ranch or garden spot of Charley Morrison, one mile from town, was entirely destroyed and he driven away from home
in the dead hour of night. The valuable vineyard, owned by Geo. W. Applegate, and situated at Lisbon, has been destroyed. The bridge crossing the Middle Fork of the American, near Coloma, has been swept sway and become a total loss. . . .
PRACTICAL SYMPATHY.--The expressions of sympathy by San Francisco people with the sufferers by the flood in this city, some of which are copied into the UNION this morning, has been followed up in a substantial manner. At a little past noon yesterday a check was received in this city, by telegraph, from F. MacCrellish & Co., proprietors of the Alta California, for two hundred and thirty dollars, to be paid to the Howard Benevolent Association for the relief of the sufferers by the flood.
One hundred dollars of the amount came from MacCrellish & Co., one hundred from J. C. Beideman, and the remaining thirty dollars were left at the Alta office to be appropriated as above.
At a later hour in the day the following dispatch was sent from San Francisco by R. G. Sneath to Sneath & Arnold of this city: "Ten thousand dollars raised for your sufferers. Six thousand goes up to-night."
Such prompt and generous action is worthy of the commercial metropolis of the State, and the feeling which prompted it will be warmly appreciated by our people.
WHERE THE WATER CAME FROM--THE DESTRUCTION IT CAUSED.
All accounts from the interior unite in representing the late freshet as the most fearful which has visited the State since its occupation by Americans. The floods have been higher and more destructive on the Yuba and American rivers and their branchea than ever before experienced. The water has in many localities reached elevations confidently supposed to be far above danger from high water, destroyed immense amounts of property, and in some instances life has been sacrificed when persons were so sure they were beyond danger as to remain until too late to escape.
The loss of stock in the upper valley of the Sacramento, and on the Feather, Yuba and American rivers, has been fearfully great. Of course no estimate can yet be approximated. Many farmers have been stripped of everything except their land. Millions of feet of lumber and hundreds of thousands of cords of wood, and in many instances houses and barns have been swept away by the resistless current.
Between this city and Sutterville, houses and furniture including bedsteads, beds, mattresses, bureaus, looking glasses, chairs, sofas, and kitchen furniture of all sorts--are lodged in one indiscriminate mass on land a little higher than that which surrounds us. Bees and beehives may also be put into the list, for hundreds, if not thousands of them, have been sacrificed by the inundation. The destruction of horses, cows, hogs, poultry, etc., has been fearful.
The real loss to the city can never be known, for a great portion is in that kind of property which adds to family comforts, but which can never be estimated. Upon the industrious poor, the men who have labored for years to purchase and adorn homesteads for their families, the loss is crushing. The majority of this class of citizens were settled in the southern portion of the city where the water was deepest, and many have lost not only their furniture, clothes, provisions, flower gardens, etc., but their houses have been floated away and deposited on other lots or carried by the flood towards Sutterville, if not below that town.
Their all is gone. Houses were swept through the crevasses in the R street levee-- some of them two stories-- and so powerful was the current that when two met below the levee the commotion was so great that they would scatter and drop into the boiling flood as if built of paper.
The high tide of the American appears to have been precipitated into the valley in one great wave, as if produced by the sudden bursting of the walls of an immense reservoir. Scarcely a bridge on its branches is left standing. At Auburn the North Fork rose fifty-five feet above low water; at Folsom, the flouring mill of Stockton & Coover, situated on a bar in the wide canon above the town, supposed to be above the highest water, was submerged to the second floor, and came near being carried away by the force of the current. After the volume of water rushed through the canon at Folsom, it appears to have rolled over the county on each side in resistless waves, which prostrated everything before them.
The devastation of the water before it reached the city was terrible. It overtopped the bank at Brighton--a thing before unknown, and spread over the plain south of the river with a force which removed fences, broke over and through the railroad embankment, depositing in its course trees and logs upon the track, some of which would measure four feet in diameter. In some instances the superstructure of the road was lifted from the track with the rails, and removed to some distance.
On the opposite side of the river from Brighton, the flood took its way across the country towards the Sacramento, taking with it pretty near everything with which it came in contact.
Norris' ranch, of tens of thousands of acres, was completely submerged, an event which had not before happened within the memory of the oldest Indian on the ranch. Thirty miles of fence, made of redwood posts and boards, was lifted out of the ground, and with the lumber provided for building a new house, floated the owner knows not where. Hundreds of cords of wood, timber and uprooted trees have been deposited on the ranch, as well as incalculable quantities of sand. The water filled the houses on the place, one of them so full that the inmates were driven for shelter to a hay stack, which fortunately withstood the pressure.
About a mile or so below Brighton, and some three or more from the city, is the mouth of the slough which formerly discharged large quantities of water when the river was full, past the Fort, thence into the Sacramento through the sloughs below Sutterville. When the city levees were built the mouth of this slough was closed. The water opened it in 1851; it was again closed in 1853--and from that date withstood all the floods since until last Monday. But the water rose so high as to run over the top of the levee at that point, and eventually cut most of it away, again opening the mouth of the old slough.
The only water from the American which is now running past the eastern limits of the city, comes through this slough. The bank of the river from that point to the eastern boundary of the city, at Thirty-first street, is high, and rarely overflows, except at a few depressions. Through the garden and ranch of Smith, the levee was probably never over two feet high, and as no work has been done on it since 1853, except by individuals, it is now considerably lower than when first built.
Over this levee the high tide of Monday flowed, for probably a mile and a half. There is another slough near the Tivoli House, which opened in 1852, was closed in the winter of 1853, which we understand stood this high freshet. All the points of which we have been speaking, it should be borne in mind, are outside of the city limits, and really beyond its municipal control. We have before stated that the water which rushed out at Brighton with such force, did not flow towards the city; it passed down east and south of Poverty Ridge.
But that which came in at the mouth of the Fort slough, and that which ran over the levee at, and this side of Smith's, flowed directly towards the city until it reached the levee at Thirty-first street; it followed down that levee southward until the railroad embankment was met. As that had been, contrary to law and prudence, made solid, and as it was fully as high as the levee, the water was forced over the top of the latter and into the city, where it was dammed in by the R street levee. Sacramento was thus converted into an immense reservoir, and so remained with her inhabitants afloat in it until breaches were effected through that levee. We have expressed the opinion that the filling up by a solid embankment the space required by ordinance to be left open under the railroad, and was so left when the railroad was first built, was the cause of the inundation.
A prominent citizen, who resides near the point where the water first struck the railroad, and who saw it when it first began to tumble over the levee into the city, declares that, in his judgment, if the trestle work first built by the Railroad Company, as the law directed, had been permitted to stand, the flood would have passed the city, and left it not only unharmed, but a large majority of her
citizens would not have been aware that such a body of water was passing in the rear of the corporate limit. A little water might have made its way into the city where the levee had been cut down for road purposes, but not enough to attract attention.
The responsibility of this distressing and destructive overflow is, therefore, fairly chargeable to the selfishness of the railroad managers, and the neglect of the city authorities to force them to comply with the law.
The fact that the trestle work had been taken away, and earth substituted, because cheaper and more durable than wood, was presented to the Court by the Grand Jury some two years since; the authorities have notified the agents of the company to restore the trestle work, but neglected to inforce their instructions by legal proceedings. People often spoke of the danger, but as Sacramento had so long escaped, the subject was permitted to rest until the supreme folly and wickedness of the act of closing the opening have been demonstrated at a cost of more than a million of dollars and an amount of suffering which no one can estimate.
THE WORK TO BE DONE.
The first work to be accomplished is to obtain money. Without it nothing can be accomplished for the relief and protection of the city, and we have little confidence that it can be raised from any other source than the Sinking and Interest Fund. It is proposed to borrow it from citizens, to be returned in twelve months; but this would be a species of relief predicated on the contraction of another debt. No further debt should be contracted if it can possibly be avoided.
Almost any measure is to be preferred to adding to our million six hundred thousand indebtedness. The plan reported yesterday by the Committee, will meet the case if successfully carried out, and place the city in a better position than she has ever occupied for resisting the assaults of high water. In our judgment the late flood has proved that the city can at a reasonable cost be placed in a position entirely secure from the effects of high water.
But to effect this object a hundred thousand dollars in cash are required. With that sum our levees may be so repaired and improved as to render them impregnable. But no half way work will answer. We must adopt as thorough a system as they have in Germany, and perform the work in like manner. Patching will not answer the purpose.
Up to this time there has literally nothing been accomplished since the flood appeared, by the authorities. They seem to be paralyzed, probably for want of means or credit. A little energy on their part would have enabled them to stop the crevasse two miles balow the city, on the Sacramento.
It was then not more than ten to fifteen feet wide; it is now from sixty to eighty, and the river pouring a torrent of water through it. As the level inside is several feet below the level of the river, and unless it falls, the volume of water passing through the levee must increase until the level inside and outside are the same. This may take several days, but when that level is found Sacramento will be flooded from back water.
The prospect is not so pleasant as it might be. With force enough and means the crevasse could have been closed yesterday morning; it may be done still. The President of the Board of Supervisors was to have commenced work on it early yesterday, but did not for some cause.
Last Spring the Board of Supervisors did a silly thing in consenting that the proprietors of the St. George Hotel might cut the I street levee for the purpose of running a sewer through it into the slough. They agreed to put a good stop gate to it, but did not; and when the water rose the sewer was filled with sacks to keep out the water. But it is coming in quite liberally through the sewer, and unless attended to there is danger of a break at that point.
To put this city in a proper position for the Winter will give employment for a thousand men for a month. The levees are to be repaired and raised; one or two good bridges to be built over the slough at the Fort; the streets are to be repaired, the sidewalks and crossings are to be put into a passable condition, and provision made for draining the streets.
With the money all this can be done in a few weeks; without it not a thing will be effected, as the credit of the city is so low that men refuse to work for her if paid in scrip. Money must be had for these improvements or they cannot be made, and if they are not the fate of Sacramento any one may predict. Her destiny is now hanging upon the action of her citizens, If they are equal to the occasion all will be well, and Sacramento will soon be again in a proud position; if they fail her in this emergency they will have lived in California to little purpose.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.--This body yesterday took the responsibility of acting as recommended by the Committee of citizens, and nine-tenths of the community will applaud the act as intended to relieve suffering humanity. Legal or illegal, their motives will be approved by citizens and strangers. As the Board of Supervisors is the legislative body of the county, their orders by ordinance ought to protect the Auditor and Treasurer, if they obey them.
And they would be justified before any jury in the State. The Treasurer may do so, but he is not bound by the law to inquire into the authority of the Board of Supervisors to order him to pay a warrant drawn by the Auditor. If he pays, no jury can be found who would hold him or his securities bound to respond in damages. This would be done on the ground that the Supervisors were responsible to the law, and not the Auditor or Treasurer.
A CARD.--Elsewhere we publish a card from D. O. Mills & Co., denying that they have most of the coupons on the city debts, as agents. They have only two thousand dollars of the amount.
In giving the information, which came from a source in which we had confidence, our sole object was to call attention to what appeared to be a new feature in the case, so far as the Interest and Sinking Fund was concerned. It was not our intention to reflect upon D. O. Mills & Co., as, if those gentlemen had been the agents of the bond holders, we should consider them in the line of their duty when using all legal means to collect the money due their correspondents.
WARNING TO THIEVES.--Since the water has subsided, some thieves have left their tracks in thinly settled neighborhoods. They have visited some houses where the doors could not be shut, and committed depredations. Now that people have very generally either returned to their houses, or placed some one in charge, it is likely that there are as many well loaded shot guns and revolvers in doors as there are thieves on the outside, and if the latter do not go off, the former will. . . .
TELEGRAPH POLES WASHED OUT.--For a distance of one mile, commencing four or five miles below Marysville, the telegraph poles are washed oat of the ground.
THE MUNICIPAL CRISIS.
MEETING OF CITIZENS.
The meeting of citizens called on Wednesday afternoon to consider the present crisis in our municipal affairs, and adjourned till yesterday forenoon, reassembled at the rooms of the Board of Supervisors, at eleven o'clock yesterday morning, with a large accession of numbers. As the Supervisors' room was too small to accommodate the crowd, without calling to order President Shattuck requested those in attendance to meet in the County Court room.
President SHATTUCK called the meeting to order in the County Court room, and said the Committee appointed yesterday to report a plan of action, etc., had just informed him that they would be ready to report in a few minutes
J. H. WARWICK and several others inquired what had been done at the meeting yesterday, and at the request of the President, R D. FERGUSON read, for general informatlion, the brief report of the preliminary proceedings in yesterday's issue of the UNION.
J. H WARWICK said, while they were waiting for the Committee he desired to suggest that all persons present would take pains to ascertain the names of those individuals who had been profiting by this public calamity, by extortionate practices, with a view to giving them the benefit of a notice that should last during their miserable lives, and be a disgraceful entailment to their posterity. [Applause ]
Judge CROSS said he thought it would be well to have a Committee appointed to ascertain the names of all such parties, and moved that Mr. Warwick and twelve others be appointed such a Committee.
B C. WHITING said according to parliamentary usage Judge Cross should be appointed Chairman of the Committee, if raised on his motion, and he hoped the motion would be modified in that respect.
Judge CROSS said he would prefer not to be on the Commitee, although he considered it his duty to do all he could to relieve the distressed and punish offenders. He had made the motion because he took it for granted, from Mr. Warwick's making the motion, that he had some available information on the subject referred to, and as he was one of our Representatives elect, it would be very appropriate that he should serve on the Committee.
Mr. WARWICK said several instances of the nature referred to had been mentioned to him yesterday and to-day. Mr.Haswell had told him of one man charging fifty dollars for conveying food a short distance to a destitute family, and he had heard of a man in a boat threatening to leave a woman to drown unless she would pay him fifteen dollars to save her. He thought they owed it to society to make a dreadful example of such men. They were furnished with boats by charitable individuals to save lives and property, and then took advantage of their possession
of the boats to reap a golden harvest out of the necessities and the very lives of the wives and children of citizens.
GEO O. HASWELL said if such a Committee was raised, and would call upon him, he would give the name of one man who had charged fifty cents a loaf for bread.
WILSON FLINT said this was mere trifling; it was like fiddling while Rome was burning. This city was now in greater peril of flood than it ever had been before, and it was no time now to hunt up and punish offenders. Before to-morrow there was likely to be a break of from 300 feet to a quarter of a mile wide. It was no time for red tape or city ordinances; let them for the time being forget all about such things and go to work, every man of them, to avert the danger. If they had gone to work last night the break might have been stopped easily; to-day it would take four times the material and labor, and to-morrow it would require ten times as much, and probably the work could not be done at all.
There was a shallow flat between the break and the river, and a dam could be built around the break, if they set about it at once. Even those men who had extorted money had done some good, and they wanted even that class of men who would not work for anything but money. Yesterday a hundred men went down to the break and offered to work for five dollars an hour, and nothing less, and finally returned to the city, where, he had no doubt, they were compelled to beg their suppers. For his part, he had been hard at work for three days.
Mr. WARWICK said he had also been bard at work, and if there was work to be done, he was ready to go at it side by side with Mr. Flint, or any other man. He had only offered this motion while the meeting was waiting for more important business.
At this point it was announced that the Committee was ready to report, and
L. B. HARRIS, who had been chosen Chairman of the Committee, came forward and said: I have no written report to make, but will report verbally.
The Committee found a great many difficulties in the way. As everybody knows, this city and its citizens have been drained time and again by private subscriptions, for various purposes, and it is almost impossible to fix upon any plan by which we can raise money. If we have money, we can protect the city; there is no doubt about that. We have fixed upon, or rather decided to suggest two plans. One is to raise money upon the personal security of good men in the city--get them to give their notes as collateral security, and raise the money in that way.
I presume there are enough good men who would come forward and give money for that purpose, but that is to be ascertained only by trying the experiment. There is a question whether we would succeed in that way. Some have thought we could not, unless we got it from San Francisco, and that San Franciscans would be loth to lend their money to Sacramentans at this time. The other plan or suggestion is one that I must say I am a little loth to make, but under the present circumstances I do not think that I have a right to hold back on account of any feelings of delicacy.
The suggestion is, that we take some means of appropriating the interest funds, and it is proposed to do that in this way: I believe that if the Treasurer is indemnified, and the Board of Supervisors will pass the necessary resolutions, he will pay over the money on the warrant of the Auditor. I believe we could indemnify the Treasurer and take this step without the least injury to the bond holders; on the contrary I think it would benefit them, because if we do not raise the money to protect the city they will never get a cent of the principal on the original bonds. They may get the interest now on hand and that is all they ever will receive in the world; while if we take the interest money now on hand to protect the city we may hereafter be able to pay the whole of the principal if we do not pay the interest. I believe there are enough citizens willing to sign the indemnifying bond for the Treasurer.
I lay these two propositions before the meeting and let them choose between them. Several of the Committee are willing to go on the bond for $2,000, and I will for one, so that if the bondholders institute proceedings we can make it up to him. As to the means of protecting the city when the money is raised, that did not come within our province to report upon.
CHARLES CROCKER asked if the Committee had consulted with the Treasurer as to what he was willing to do.
Mr. HARRIS said they had not, but understood that he would acquiesce.
GEORGE ROWLAND asked if any estimate of the expense had been made, so as to know how much money would be wanted.
Mr. HARRIS replied that there had been no estimate, but they thought $30,000 or, $40,000, properly expended, would protect the city; two or three citizens should be appointed to act with the President of the Board of Supervisors, to see that the money was judiciously expended.
C. CROCKER asked if the Board of Supervisors would pass such an ordinance ?
Mr. HARRIS answered that the Committee could not learn that.
B C. WHITING said he thought there would be no difficulty on that point; he had heard several of them sensibly concur in the sentiment that self-protection was the first law of nature.
Mr. HARRIS said this would really not be taking the money, and leaving the bondholders without a remedy, because they would be secured, and he understood that unless there was enough money to pay all of the interest none of it could be paid.
C. CROCKER said it could be paid as fast as the coupons were presented.
GEORGE ROWLAND said he did not suppose it would cost one-half the money to do all the work necessary within the limits of the street levees. The Railroad Company must keep our R street levee in repair, and it would only be necessary to repair the levee to Rabel's tannery.
Mr. HARRIS said he had been of the opinion that $20,000 cash, properly expended, would protect the city. He had submitted a verbal report in behalf of the Committee, and the Committee asked to be discharged.
CHARLES CROCKER said the Committee had only suggested plans which had been the street talk ever since the flood. They had ascertained nothing, did not even know whether the Board or Supervisors would pass such an ordinance, whether the Treasurer would deliver up the money to the citizens, or whether they would have to take it by force. They knew that any such ordinarce would be illegal, and unless the Treasurer and Auditor would act in harmony with the citizens nothing would be effected by that course. They had not ascertalned whether if the bond proposed were executed, Mr. Bird, the Treasurer, would accept it; and, in short, they were as much in the dark as they were yesterday.
Mr. HARRIS said they could not ascertain whether the bond would be accepted until it was made out, but Mr. Bird had told a member of the Committee that he would accept a sufficient bond.
D. O. MILLS said he hoped the meeting would accept the first proposition made by the Committee. He had been charged with being interested as an agent of the bondholders, but his house was not interested in the coupons to the extent of one dollar, and his course here was not at all influenced by such considerations. He did not believe there was any immediate danger of another flood, as the snows were all melted from the mountains, and they would have probably two or three months to work upon.
The impression was that the city was poor, but there were plenty of wealthy men in it. They had just gone through a prosperous season, and everybody had made money, and it was only the people who were not worth much that had been ruined. Men who had the largest interest here had not been seriously injured, and their loss would have to come out of their profits, so that they would be able to afford it. Let them first try to raise the money among the citizens; and if $40,000 was necessary, he would put down $5,000 of it--[applause]--a proportionate sum if less was required.
Then they would only have to ask for a special tax to pay the money raised in this way back to those who advanced it. The city could afford to pay it, for it was a fact that property here paid as much interest as in San Francisco, and capital did quite as well here--the only advantage in San Francisco being that they had had a great rise in the value of property there. If they went ahead right in this matter and saved their credit, they would soon have a similar rise of property here.
Judge CROSS said these suggestions were good as far as they went, but did not reach the point.
He moved to adopt the latter proposition of the Committee because it was not taking the interest money, but only borrowing it. If the Legislature of last Winter had a right to borrow the Swamp Land Fund to pay themselves, the city certainly had a right to borrow this Interest Fund to protect the city and save the lives of the inhabitants.
GEORGE ROWLAND said they had better first make an effort at least to raise the money by subscription. They might lose their property and recover it again, but if their good name was once lost it would be difficult ever to regain it. If they failed to raise the. money by subscription, then it might be necessary as a matter of self preservation, to take the other course.
H. H. HARTLEY said he regretted that the Committee had not made a more detailed report. There seemed to be lacking in the first place an actual knowledge of the difficulties under which they were laboring, and secondly, a knowledge of the way in which these difficulties might be obviated, and the amount of money necessary for that purpose. He thought there should be a numerous Committee appointed in each ward, and these Committees subdivided, so as to get an accurate report of what was required to be done and the ways and means of providing the required funds. He was opposed to taking the interest money, at least till an earnest effort had been made to protect themselves by their own means.
They would then stand before the world in a better light than if they supinely took the first money they could find. Cities, more than individuals, lived upon credit, and if it was known that without an effort to help themselves they had taken the interest money on their debt, the city would never get credit again in the world. If after every effort to raise the money by other means had failed, they took this interest fund, they would be leas blameable.
CHARLES CROCKER said he thought the wealth of the city was pretty well represented there, and as a merchant of the city of Sacramento, her good name was dear to him. He therefore called on gentlemen present to state how much they would subscribe to raise the money according to the plan proposed by Mr. Mills.
D. O. MILLS responded. $5,000; H. H. Hartley, $500; L. B. Harris, $2,000; James Anthony & Co., $1,000; Goss & Lambard. $500; C. H Grimm, $500; B R. Crocker. $1,000; E. P. Figg, $500; Judge Cross, $500; L. H. Foote, $200; George Rowland, $200; Cohen Brothers, $200, and another party, whose name our reporter did not catch, $500, making a total of $12,600.
Mr. CROCKER said his idea was simply to feel the public pulse, so as to ascertain whether the difficulty could be overcome in this way, without resorting to, not exactly stealing, but taking the interest fund.
.C. H. GRIMM said if the public pulse was ascertained to-day, they would find two-thirds of the city in favor of taking this interest money. It was not proposed to steal it, but to give the Treasurer ample security for the bond holders. This sinking fund was cash on hand that could be used immediately, and if they raised money by subscription it would not be available perhaps for a month. It was only a question whether the bondholders should lay out of their interest for a few months, or the city go to ruin.
He thought the bondholders were better able to stand it than the citizens, and did not believe such action would at all impair the credit of the city. They did not repudiate by that action, they simply said they had a more sacred use for the money accumulated in their hands than paying the interest with it.
Judge CROSS called for his motion to adopt the last proposition of the Committee.
E P FIGG suggested that the President and County Assessor take from the assessment roll the names of fifty persons who paid the highest taxes, and allowing them to act as a Committee to devise ways and means for this emergency. If they had to take desperate means let that Committee decide upon it, and he had no doubt that all others would acquiesce.
Mr. GRIMM said the difficulty was that large Committees were notoriously inefficient, and such a Committee could not act before they would be stopped by an injunction.
CHARLES CROCKER said he saw no way to get hold of this interest fund; that was his objection, but by subscriptions they could raise the money at once, as every man's check would be good for the amount. This $80,000 was locked up by the forms of law, so that any man who should take it would render himself liable to the bondholders. If any gentleman could point out a way to get at the money legally, he said take it.
L. B. HARRIS asked why they could not go on with both propositions at the same time. Let them go on and take up subscriptions, and if they failed to raise money enough in that way, they could then resort to the other plan.
WILSON FLINT said what they chiefly wanted now was labor. Plenty of men were idle and living on charity, and let such men be informed that they could have food and shelter only by going to work on the levees . They wanted a provisional government--a sort of Jeff. Davis arrangement here for a few days.
Men were starving who yet had strong, willing hands. He did not think all the men of Sacramento were like those who yesterday refused to work for less than five dollars an hour.
J. H. WARWICK suggested that the Treasurer, Auditor and members of the Board of Supervisors . be invited to come before the meeting and state whether they would act harmoniously with the citizens in this matter. Then they would know exactly where they stood, [Applause.]
The PRESIDENT said so far as he was concerned he could not come before a public meeting like this and agree to do an illegal act. The members of the Board of Supervisors had sworn to support the laws, and they could not say go and take the money unless there was some legal way in which it could be done.
Mr. CROCKER said that was it--that was the very difficulty he had forgotten.
Dr. NICHOLS said he had no ready money, but he would be ready to sacrifice a portion of his property to raise what money he could on it to do this work by subscription, but he was utterly opposed to this project of robbery, by taking money from the treasury which they had no right to. It belonged not to their own citizens, but to people all over the world, and they had no more right to take it than to take money deposited in bank by D. O. Mills or B. F. Hastings. He would prefer to submit to a special tax, if it took half he was worth, rather than add to the names already given to the people of Sacramento that of robbery outright. He would give five hundred dollars to raise the money by subscription, if he could raise it, or, at all events, as much as he could raise.
Dr. J. F. MORSE said as a citizen of Sacramento, he repelled the remarks just made entirely and totally misapplied. [Applause.] He would say, with vehemence, that the plan proposed was not robbery. If it were robbery, then, although he had intended to live honestly, he was guilty of robbery when adversity some years ago drove him to bankruptcy. Sacramento city was in the same condition of adversity now.
She did not propose to commit robbery, but she was utterly prostrate by a succession of calamities, under which she had been struggling twelve or thirteen years with wonderful energy, but the charge of robbery was totally unapplicable. It is true that they were placed in an embarrassing situation. He had all his life abhorred the idea of repudiation, especially when applied to corporations, and he still abhorred it, but he could see no other resource than borrowing from the treasury that money which was to have been appropriated for interest.
CHARLES CROCKER said the difficulty was how to get the fund. There was no way but to wait for an Act of the Legislature, which could not be passed under a month or two. Mr. Bird had said he would not pay the money over without legal authority.
Dr. NICHOLS said they had already paid this interest money. It was deposited in the Treasury, but it belonged to the bondholders, and there was the robbery.
A GERMAN said he hoped the meeting would hear a few words from a Dutchman, and went on to give his views. He had lived in Sacramento since 1851, and paid heavy taxes, but there was nothing to show for it. The city debt had accumulated beyond all endurance, and he thought they had paid enough interest. The only way was to repudiate their debts and begin again.
Then let them build proper levees, run a sluice or a canal all the way to Sutterville, and give the river its course to the tules. [His remarks were not distinctly understood by our reporter]
Judge CROSS said he knew there were names on that subscription list of men who had not a dollar to provide for their families, and the plan of raising money by subscriptions would never succeed. He therefore appealed to the meeting to take action at once, for as Mr. Flint had said, there was no time to lose.
Let the Board of Supervisors pass the ordinance appropriating the money, and then appeal to the Legislature to legalize their act.
C. H. GRIMM urged that in taking this fund the city was only getting an extension of time from its creditors as a business man might do. The credit of the city! Why, the city had no credit today. This money was not yet due to the bondholders, and to take it for the purpose of protecting the city was no act of robbery, but simply getting an extension of time. How to get hold of the money seemed to be the question, but they knew where it was and Mr. Crocker knew as well as he how it could be got hold of.
D. W. WELTY suggested that if the Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance, and the Auditor issued the warrant, the Treasurer could not go behind the warrant and refuse the money, and the Legislature could legalize the ordinance as it had legalized many illegal ordinances of San Francisco.
CHARLES CROCKER asked the President if he would sign such an ordinance.
C H. GRIMM and several others interrupted, stating that this was no place to ask such a question.
Mr. CROCKER said then he would move that the meeting adjourn, and instruct the Board of Supervisors to meet immediately and pass such an ordinance.
WILSON FLINT said he wished to make a practical suggestion. He had two hired men with nothing to do, and he would go to work with them on the levee for a month. How many houses on J street would send a man each?
The PRESIDENT said the question was on the motion to adjourn and instruct or request the Supervisors to pass the ordinance.
J. H. WARWICK suggested that the motion should include the preparation of a bond to indemnify each officer.
Mr. CROCKER accepted the modification.
FRANK HEREFORD said if the ordinance was passed the money would be given up, and it should be done immediately. The Supreme Court had decided time and again that even a law of the Legislature attempting to divert moneys from the channel for which they had been appropriated, was unconstitutional.
CHARLES CROCKER--Dash the Constitution now.
FRANK HEREFORD said the Treasurer was willing, nevertheless, to be governed by what his bondsmen said, and if they were satisfied he would give up the money.
C. H. GRIMM said, as one of Mr. Bird's bondsmen, he was willing to instruct him to give up the money.
Mr. HEREFORD moved that a Committee of five be appointed to prepare an indemnification bond, drawn up so as to bind its signers, indemnifying Mr. Bird's sureties. Then let them request Mr. Bird to give up the money.
Mr. CROCKER withdrew his motion in favor of that of Mr. Hereford.
The PRESIDENT said the Board of Supervisors could not legally hold a meeting without five days notice.
Mr. CROCKER said they did not want legality.
Mr. HEREFORD said be was aware that the ordinance, if passed by the Board of Supervisors, would not be worth the paper it was written upon; but if they took the course we had suggested, it would open the doors of these vaults. All Mr. Bird asked was indemnity for himself and his bondsmen.
Mr. CROCKER suggested that the easiest way would be to let the Treasurer's bondsmen withdraw their sureties.
Mr. GRIMM said they could not do it.
The question was taken on Mr. Hereford's motion, and it was carried.
The PRESIDENT appointed as the Committee: Frank Hereford, Judge Hartley, L. B. Harris, D. W. Welty and E. P. Figg.
Mr. WELTY said his idea was to create a special fund, and transfer the money to that fund, and then provide for expending the money in a judicious way.
CHARLES CROCKER was added to the Committee to procure the names of persons willing [sic] to sign the bond, and nine gentlemen gave their names at once. The meeting then adjourned for an hour and a half, to give the Committee time to report.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The PRESIDENT called the meeting to order at twenty minutes after two o'clock, the attendance at that time being comparatively small.
H. H. HARTLEY read the following,
REPORT.
Your Committee to whom was referred the subject of the mode of immediately providing a fund for the purpose of protecting our city from further ruin and devastation, have given the subject as much consideration as it is possible under the terrible emergency in which we are now situated; and as the present moment is one which calls for action, we present the result of our deliberations, omitting the reasons which have led to the various conclusions:
First--We find it impossible to provide funds by direct subscription or loan, in consequence of the amount necessary and the short space of time in which it is required to be forthcoming.
Secondly--We recommend that the citizens as a mass should request the Board of Supervisors to hold a special meeting forthwith, and then and there to pass an ordinance instanter, temporarily transferring to a special fund to be created for that purpose, the Sinking and Interest Funds in the Treasury of the City and County of Sacramento; said fund when so created to be solely used for the purpose of protecting our city from further impending destruction.
Thirdly--That a Committee of five citizens be appointed to co-operate with the Board of Supervisors, to see that the said funds are faithfully and judiciously applied to their legitimate object.
Fourthly--That a sufficient number of our citizens do forthwith tender and give to our County Treasurer a good and sufficient bond, in an ample amount, to indemnify him and his sureties from any liability on his official bond, caused or to be caused by his obeying the ordinance of the Board of Supervisors as aforesaid.
Fifthly--That a like bond be prepared and given to the County Auditor (if desired by him), to fully indemnify him for performing any act he may be required to do in the premises.
Sixthly--That this meeting hereby unconditionally pledges itself to "stand by" the Board of Supervisors, County Treasurer and County Auditor, and all other public officers, in carrying into effect the above recommendations, and pledge ourselves to do all in our power to hold them harmless.
Seventhly--a Committee of ten be appointed in each ward as a Committee of Safety; as, also, a General Committee of ten for the city at large.
Eighthly--our Senators and Representatives be and they are hereby instructed to prepare and present to the Legislature immediately on its assembling, Acts relieving the County Treasurer, County Auditor, Board of Supervisors, and all other of the public officers who might be liable on their official bonds or otherwise, for carrying these recommendations into effect; and also, an Act to provide for the collection of a special tax to supply the deficiency in the county treasury which may be caused by the temporary diversion of the said Sinking and Interest Fund.
HENRY H. HARTLEY,
E P. FIGG,
FRANK HEREFORD,
LEW B. HARRIS.
The Committee also submitted a form of a bond to indemnify the Treasurer and his sureties, and a draft of an ordinance to be submitted to the Board of Supervisors, directing the Auditor to draw his warrant in favor of -------- for the sum of -------- dollars, to be paid by the Treasurer out of the Sinking and Interest Fund of the city of Sacramento.
The PRESIDENT suggested that it would be necessary first for the Board to pass an ordinance creating a protection.
Mr. HARTLEY said he supposed that would be necessary, but the Committee had only drawn the ordinance as a suggestion to the Board.
Dr. J. F. MORSE moved that the report be received and adopted.
Mr. CROCKER called on property holders present to come forward and sign the bond.
Mr. HARTLEY moved to amend the report so as to intrust the expenditure of the money to the President of the Board of Supervisors and five citizens. Carried.
Mr. CROCKER said during the recess he had been out on his own responsibility to see what could be done in the way of raising money by subscription. He had been unable to find many merchants, as some were at lunch, and others had gone to San Francisco, but he had obtained subscriptions amounting to $17,500, to be paid over provided it should be disbursed by a Committee of citizens, and provided measures can be taken making the loan receivable for taxes next Fall. He thought they could raise $80,000 on the same basis, which they could realize immediately.
He had done this, so that if they should fail, by lawyers' tricks or otherwise, to get hold of the Interest Fund, they would have something to fall back upon.
A Committee of three was ordered to be appointed to procure signatures to the bond.
Some one suggested that as the money could not be raised immediately, measures should be taken to put men at work on the levee at once; but no motion was made on the subject.
Judge CROSS moved that the Committee of Citizens to take charge of the fund, consist of L. B. Harris, C. H. Swift, Newton Booth, E. P. Figg and J. F. Morse.
Dr. MORSE declined, and suggested that the name of Mark Hopkins be substituted--which was done. The Committee was then appointed.
Mr. HEREFORD said there was another blank in the ordinance to fill, and that was the sum to be appropriated. He understood the amount in the fund was over $83,000. Judge CROSS moved that the amount be fixed at $50,000. He was informed by Mr. Crocker that the work could be done for $20,000, but they had better have enough.
Dr. MORSE said he did not think that sum would meet the necessities of the case. A sub Committee had been sent out to ascertain the extent of the damage, and had reported after as careful a survey as time allowed, of the crevasse above Smith's Gardens, and another bad place between there and R street, that it would require at least $25,000 each to repair those places. That would take $50,000, and much more would remain to be done. The city should be put in a condition fit for the Legislature, and not meet that body with muddy and broken streets, and everything else disheartening to legislation in their favor.
C. CROCKER said if the object was to fence in the whole of the State of California, they might as well give up. He was in favor of putting the levee on Thirty-first street, and the others right around the city, in good condition, and that was all they needed. Make those levees broad and strong and high and the city was safe, as it never would be by building miles on miles of half made levees. Let the Railroad Company never fill up the gap again in the slough, for it was that which had brought the flood upon the city.
L. B. HARRIS said he thought there were two ways of protecting the city. One was to commence where the north cross levee meets the American river levee, and make it secure, together with the R street levee, leaving the ground open above, so that the water could pass out that way; or if they were not going to do that, then build a levee plumb down to the mouth of the slough, doing away with cross levees altogether. Either way would protect the city, but he was inclined to favor the first.
Mr. CROCKER said he had no objection to drawing the whole fund, if they could get it. [Laughter.]
C. L. SWIFT said he was one of the party which made the examination, and they concluded that it would be impracticable to stop the mouth of the slough at Smith's. The only practicable way was to strengthen the Thirty-first and R street levees.
Mr. CROCKER said he was not a levee builder, but he would bind himself to do the work for $20,000.
On motion of Mr. HEREFORD, the blank was filled with $80,000 and the report was then adopted.
Mr. CROCKER moved to adjourn till eleven o'clock tomorrow to give the Board of Supervisors time to act. Lost.
H. M. STOW moved that a Committee of Safety be appointed to consist of ten persons from each ward and ten from the city at large.
The motion prevailed, and on motion of J. C. GOODS, the President was requested to appoint the Committee and furnish the names to the UNION for publication.
Judge CROSS said there were two parties in this matter, and the interests of the city ought to be considered. He understood that most of the bonds were held by persons wno did not reside in the county, but had agents in Sacramento and San Francisco who could act for them. It was proper to consult with them as to what they would do for the relief of the city, and it was their duty to do what could be done to sustain the value of their securities. He therefore moved that a Committee be appointed to confer with the bondholders and their agents, and entertain any propositions they might have to make for relief in the present extremity.
J. C. GOODS said he thought this was a singular motion at this time. The meeting had already decided to take this money and devote it to another purpose, and it seemed strange after that to propose to confer with them. He moved that the proposition be laid on the table.
Judge CROSS said he could not take that view of the matter. He wanted to ascertain whether they would be willing to aid in protecting their securities. It could not be disguised that repudiation stared this city in the face unless they got same relief. They had been ground down for twelve years with debts illegally contracted, and these bondholders were holding the evidence of those debts, which they had obtained at from twenty to sixty cents on the dollar. They could afford very well to come forward and give the city liberal terms.
He made the motion in good faith, and believed every bondholder would approve of it.
The motion to lay on the table was withdrawn, and Judge Cross' motion was lost.
L H. FOOTE said Mr. Crocker, a responsible citizen, had offered to do the work for $20,000, and also stated that he had obtained subscriptions to the amount of $17 500. He thought it was a shame to repudiate for $2,500, and he moved that the Board of Supervisors be authorized to contract with Mr. Crocker to repair the levees for $20,000. and that a Committee be appointed to raise the other $2,500.
L. B. HARRIS--Crocker would not take the job, "you bet."
The motion was lost.
Dr. J. F. MORSE said be hoped the Board of Supervisors would meet to-night, because he understood that before twelve o'clock to-morrow the funds would be placed out of reach by injunction. It would be nonsense to undertake to do anything unless the Board would act heartily with them.
The PRESIDENT said there were five members of the Board of Supervisors in the city, and he thought it would be possible to get a quorum to-night.
E. P. Figg, C. H. Swift, Paul Morrill, Frank Hereford and W. F. Knox, were appointed the Committee to procure signers to the bond.
J. W. COFFROTH said he was informed that before ten o'clock to-morrow a mandate would probably be issued by Judge McKune or Judge Robinson, to prevent the taking of this money.
The meeting then adjourned till eight o'clock in the evening.
The PRESIDENT announced that he would call a meeting of the Board of Supervisors for five o'clock, P.M.
EVENING SESSION.
The meeting was called to order at a few minutes after eight o'clock by President SHATTUCK, who stated that his business was such that he could not remain during the evening, and it would be neceaiary to elect a Chairman in his place.
Judge Swift was nominated and elected as Chairman.
The Committee of Safety, appointed by the Chair, was read as follows:
First Ward--R. T. Brown, E. M. Skaggs, -- Despecher, -- Lambard, Henry Trusler, -- Sanders, -- Wilson, James Doran, J. Pierson, S. Hunt.
Second Ward--C. H. Grimm, E. P. Figg, C. H. Swift, Mark Hopkins, J. F. Morse, A. K. P. Harmon, Louis Sloss, A. Boyd, D. W. Welty.
Third Ward--H. H. Hartley, F. Hereford, L. A. Booth, G. W. Mowe, M. McManus, E. B. Ryan, Charles Crocker, D. W. Earl, F. F. Taylor.
Fourth Ward--L. B. Harris, A. G. Richardson, R. C. Clark, A. Aitkin, R. J. McDonald, Leland Stanford, Peter Keefer, Dr. Montgomery, Benj. Crocker, R. C. Montgomery.
City at large--Henry M. Stow, B. F. Hastings, Newton Booth, C. J. Huntington [C.P.?], W. M. Harron, T. M. Lindley, -- Cushing, John Gillig, James Anthony, Dr. Harvey Houghton.
The ordinances passed by the Board of Supervisors creating a Protection Fund, and appropriating $75,000 therefor, were read. [See report of proceedings of the Board of Supervisors.]
Mr. BOYD said these ordinances met his full concurrence, and he saw no necessity for the large Committee of Safety. He therefore moved to reconsider the vote by which the Committee was appointed.
Dr. J. F. MORSE said he saw no harm in having this Committee of Safety, but he had no objection to the reconsideration.
After some discussion, the motion to reconsider was lost.
The CHAIRMAN called for a report from the Committee appointed to procure signers of the bond.
E. P. FIGG said Mr. Bird, the Treasurer, was to consult with his legal adviser and report at nine o'clock tomorrow morning, and by the terms of the ordinance a different bond would have to be prepared, so that the Committee had not deemed it necessary to procure further signatures for this bond.
Mr. BOYD moved that the meeting adjourn till ten o'clock in the morning.
Dr. J. F. MORSE said, in view of the fact that it was necessary to act to-night if at all, he was satisfied that there was no intention on the part of the officers to surrender this money to the citizens. He was sorry to see such a disposition evinced to defeat a measure essential to the safety and preservation of the city, and was satisfied that there would be no occasion for any future meeting. He had been charged by many persons on the streets with participating in a meeting which was doing illegal acts, and encouraging the idea of repudiation of the debt of Sacramento City. He denounced that charge as utterly, entirely and offensively untrue.
[applause] If their acts designed to save the city were wrong, he would rather participate in that wrong than stand in the place of those who would crowd this unfortunate city to the wall and extract the last drop of blood. He believed the course proposed was the only one to save the city from repudiation.
C. H. GRIMM said the Treasurer had told him that he wanted to do with that money what the people who placed the money there wanted him to do with it. He was willing to pay over the money, provided his bondsmen could be secured, but he was in a tight place, and did not know what to do, and had gone to consult with counsel about it. He would much rather a body of men should come over and choke him and take the money away from him than to take it in the way proposed. He had no idea that the Treasurer would throw any unnecessary difficulty in the way, and hoped the meeting would not adjourn till he returned.
Mr. FIGG said he was informed that the Auditor would not draw his warrant.
Mr. GRIMM said he understood the Auditor, too, had gone to consult his lawyer. He was more satisfied than ever that the course pursued by the meeting met the public approval, for every man he had met had commended his course. It was the only way to save the city from repudiation.
Judge GROSS repelled the idea of repudiation. He, too, had met citizens outside of this meeting, and they indorsed his course unanimously. They were borrowing this money in an extreme case, und [sic] pledging their words for its repayment. Yet he apprehended that they would not get the money. He was not afraid to take the responsibility of moving the adoption of the report, but they would not get the money.
A German said he thought it was very well to let the bondholders have the money. He was for building levees on every street, all over town, and let the bondholders do the best they could.
Mr. BOYD said he had no doubt if they sent a Committee of about a hundred of the highest taxpayers to the Treasurer's office, he would consent to let the money go.
Dr. MORSE said there was good ground for believing that an injunction would be served on the Treasurer before ten o'clock to morrow morning.
Mr. SWIFT, the Chairman, said the ordinance required the previous filing of the bond before the warrant was issued. For that reason the Committee had not thought it worth while to get the bond already prepared signed.
Mr. GRIMM said the Treasurer's difficulty was that no bonds would indemnify him for doing an illegal act.
L B. MARSHALL said he did not believe a bond could be drawn for such a purpose that would bind any man who signed it.
After waiting some time, during which gentlemen talked against time,
Mr. GRIMM said he was satisfied Mr. Bird was not coming back to-night, and be would wait for suggestions.
Dr. J. F. MORSE said he was satisfied, on reflection, that nobody would issue an injunction on this fund, and the citizens would get hold of it yet.
After several other suggestions, the meeting adjourned till nine o'clock in the morning.
THE FLOOD AT SANTA ROSA.--A correspondent writing to the Alta from Santa Rosa, under date of December 9th, says:
Santa Rosa creek overflowed its banks last night, and the water was eighteen inches deep in some of our streets. The floors of the Eureka Hotel and Santa Rosa House were covered. Part of the bridge across the creek has gone, and the bridge across the slough above town is gone entirely. The water is full of fence rails and other drift wood. So far as we know, no lives have been lost and no serious pecuniary damage has been done to any of our citizens. . . .
The undersigned offer their gratuitous services to all sufferers from the inundation needing medical assistance.
V. J. FOURGEAUD, M. D.
F. W. HATCH, M. D.
J. F. MORSE, M. D.
THOS. M. LOGAN, M. D.
J. M. FREY, M. D.
A. B. NIXON, M. D.
G. L. SIMMONS, M. D.
J. D. B STILLMAN, M. D.
GUSTAVUS TAYLOR, M. D.
dl8-lt H. W. HARKNESS, M. D.
. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE RIVER AND THE LEVEE.--At sunset last evening the gauge at the foot of N street indicated a hight in the river of twenty-one feet eight inches above low water mark, showing a rise within the past twenty-four hours of ten inches. This hight is but one inch less than the highest point attained last year, (twenty-one feet nine inches,) and ten less than that of 1852, (twenty-two feet six inches) It is the opinion of some or [of?] the upper Sacramento steamboat men that we shall have by or before to-night eight or ten inches more of water from the North, while others, with the same facilities for judging, think the river cannot be higher until we have additional rains. In either case we run some risk of another overflow of the city, at least in part, within a day or two, from the back water caused by the crevasse above Sutterville and the possibility of other openings in the levee near the city.
The crevasse referred to was about fifteen feet wide on Tuesday, about thirty feet on Wednessday, and fully sixty feet last evening. It is increasing in depth as well as width, and is discharging a large volume of water. The present fall is about two feet, and the natural effect will be to back the water on to the city to that extent, with the increased rise of the river added. Wilson Flint made an effort yesterday to take down a cargo of bricks in gunny sacks, bales of hay, etc., on a barge, and stop the breach in the morning.
He appealed to a number of merchants to send horses and drays to haul the brick from the Forrest Theater to the barge, but they were unfortunately all busy. He appealed also to a number of workmen to aid in filling the sacks, but they demanded $5 per hour. There was nobody to become responsible for that amount. Nothing was therefore done towards stopping the crevasse.
Wilson Flint states that he sounded the channel of the opening last evening, and that it is twenty feet deep at the center. Some forty or fifty feet from the levee, the river was but five or six feet deep, on which embankment he designed to build a circular levee to stop the current. It is constantly at that point wearing a
deeper channel, and cannot probably now be stopped until the river falls. The levee below R street is also in an unreliable position. It is wearing away gradually and may give way at any time. If it shall break open, the level of the water in the city will inevitably be governed by the level of the water in the Sacramento for the balance of the season. A decided effort should be made to-day to strengthen it.
THE FLOODED PORTION.--The water had so far receded from the western part of the city yesterday afternoon, that the inundated portion was limited to the section lying between Third and Seventh and south of M streets. On all the adjoining streets the late occupants of houses were busily engaged in cleaning out and fixing up those of their houses which can be made inhabitable again. The scene presented is one of confusion and desolation. Some of the houses are turned over, some lean sideways, some are turned partially around, some are broken and shattered, and all are covered inside and outside up to the high water mark with mud--mud of the worst kind, of a soft, slippery, greasy character, which it requires a great deal of labor to get rid of.
The streets are strewn with fences, doors, shutters, lumber, cord wood, broken furniture, dead horses, and lifeless cows and hogs. Fruit trees and shrubbery are greatly injured, if not utterly destroyed. Boats of various sizes are still actively engaged in the water, picking up whatever is worth taking possession of. Many families are evidently preparing to go into their houses in a few days.
"SABE, JOHN."--A man who had just narrowly escaped plunging down a submerged basement on Monday, turned around to warn a Chinaman who was wading immediately behind him. "Take care, John," he said; and John responded, "Me sabe, me sabe;" but keeping on, he had scarcely uttered the words when down be went plump over head and ears. The man grabbed the end of the pig tail, which was all of John that could be seen, pulled him out and placed him in an upright position, saying, "Ah, you sabe, John?" "Me no sabe much big dam," said the irate Chinaman, sputtering the water out of his mouth and nose, and then resumed his march, a wetter if not a wiser John. . . .
NOT INJURED.--On Thursday afternoon, when several children were playing on the balcony of the store at the southwest corner of J and Eighth streets, one of them, a boy about five years old, fell to the ground, a distance of at least fifteen feet. He would probably have been killed except for the great abundance of mud, into which he landed. He jumped up at once, uninjured, and very earnestly inquired, in a loud voice, "Where's my ma. Where my ma." His mamma, who was on the balcony above him, lost no time in satisfying his curiosity as to her whereabouts.
FERRY AT THE FORT.--A regular ferry boat was started yesterday from J street, near the Fort, to cross the new made channel, which had cut off travel from the county. Horses and wagons are ferried across. The proprietor has probably started his ferry without applying to the Board of Supervisors for a license. Ranchmen from Brighton arrive by that route, while those from further south were able yesterday to drive through the water from Poverty Ridge.
DAMAGED GRAIN.--The most of our grain stores and warehouses presented yesterday an animated appearance, resulting from the work of overhauling damaged wheat, barley, flour, bran, etc. Large quantities of these articles had been wet and were rendered comparatively valueless. Wheat was sold at six bits per sack, barley at two bits, etc. The most of it was sold for hog feed, but a portion was purchased by ranchmen for seed.
DEAD ANIMALS.--Complaint is made in all parts of the city of the presence of the carcases of drowned animals. A considerable number have been hauled out to Seventeenth street and left there, after taking off their hides, exposed to the sun. This should not be allowed in the neighborhood of dwelling houses. They should all be removed so far as not to be offensive to any one.
MORE OF THEM.--We are informed that R. W. Dunlevy, at Fourth and M streets abandoned his own property on Monday to the ravages of the flood, and devoted his time and efforts to saving those who were in danger. His own loss, it is said, amounted to several thousand dollars. We also hear the names of M. Cook and Constable Cartter spoken of as rendering generous and important service on that occasion.
INQUEST.--Justice Stephenson of Mormon Island held an inquest yesterday on the body of a Chinaman which was found lodged among the rocks on the south bank of the American river. The only witness examined was Samuel Davis, by whom the body was found. The jury found a verdict to the effect that the deceased came to his death by drowning. . . .
A RUNNING STREAM.--During the whole of yesterday a running stream of water passed along the north side of J street, from Fourth to Fifth. It evidently comes from the Slough, and is presumed to originate from the sewer which was cut along Fourth street last year for the benefit of the St. George Hotel. It may do serious injury if not stopped. . . .
NOT HE.--We have received a note from H. McCluskey, boatman, who states that he rendered essential service on the day of the flood with his boat. He charged but a dollar a head where he charged at all, and thinks that indiscriminate censure of boatmen is unjust. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Relief for Sacramento Sufferers--Schooner Burned--Body Recovered.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 12th. Citizens of Sacramento in this city met today, at the store of A. M. Winn & Co. On motion of Mr. Winn, Colonel Zabriskie took the chair, and on motion of P. B. Cornwall, A. M. Winn was appointed Secretary. On motion of Mr. Winn, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS, the people of Sacramento are suffering for food and clothing, and immediate relief is necessary; therefore
Resolved, That we request the citizens of San Francisco to ship such articles as they can spare, by the boats to the Howard Benevolent Society of Sacramento.
Resolved, That we recommend the appointment of Relief Committees by the Masons, Odd Fellows and Firemen of San Francisco, and the appointment of Receiving and Disbursing Committees by similar associations in Sacramento.
Resolved, That we appoint a Committee of thirteen to make collections and to meet with the citizens of San Francisco, at Platt's Hall, this evening at seven o'clock, and lay before them the condition of our citizens and ask for relief.
The following were chosen a Committee: J. C. Zabriskie, Chairman; S. C. Hastings, L. Krambach, G. Ambrose, E. F. Gillespie, Lloyd Tevis, S. Waterman, P. B. Cornwall, C. A. Johnson, Charles G. Jackson, G. K. Fitch, N. L Drew, and A. M. Winn, Secretary. At one o'clock to-day there had been collected five thousand dollars for the relief of the sufferers. The California Steam Navigation Company tender free carriage on their boats to all goods designed to relieve the people of Sacramento. Mr. Platt tenders the free use of his hall for the meeting to-night. . . .
The new grade of Filbert street, between Jones and Taylor streets, has been washed away by the rains. . . .
A meeting was held to-night at Platt's Hall, for the purpose of devising means for the relief of Sacramentans. Charles H. S. Williams presided. Speeches were made by Judge McAllister, General Winn and Colonel Zabriskie. It was stated that two thousand dollars worth of goods were sent up by the boat to-night, and five thousand subscribed by Front street merchants.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
SPECIAL MEETING.
A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held last evening, to take into consideration the recommendations made at the citizens, meeting held during the day. There were present President Shattuck, and Supervisors Woods, Russel, Hansbrow and Granger.
The following ordinance was introduced, the rules suspended and the ordinance passed by a unanimous vote of the members present:
ORDINANCE NO.--. Creating a Special Levee Fund.
The Board of Supervisors of the City and County of Sacramento, hereby order and ordain as follows:
Section 1. There is hereby created a special fund to be known as the Fund for the Preservation of the City of Sacramento from Future Inundations by Water, and the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars is hereby transferred from the City Sinking and Interest Fund, of any money now on hand in said last named fund, to said special fund,
Sec. 2. This ordinance to take effect from and after its passage.
The following ordinance was introduced and, the rules being suspended, passed by the unanimous vote of those present:
ORDINANCE NO 118--To provide for saving the City from total destruction by Inundatian.
The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento hereby order and ordain as follows:
Section 1. Upon the fixing [?] with the Auditor, of the indemnity bond, which at a public meeting of the citizens this day held in the County Court House, was ordered made, and which said bond shall be for at least seventy-five thousand dollars, the President of the Board of Supervisors and the Auditor of the city and county shall draw their warrant or warrants on the City Special Levee Fund, in favor of Paul Morrill, Mark Hopkins, E. P. Figg, C. H. Swift and L. B. Harris, who are the Committee appointed by the meeting aforesaid, for the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars; and the Treasurer is hereby required upon the presentation of said warrant or warrants, to pay the same.
Sec 2. The city and county of Sacramento hereby pledges itself, and requires that the aforesaid Committee, before receiving the money aforesaid, shall also guarantee to the President of the Board and the Auditor and Treasurer, that they the said city and county, and they the members of said Committee, will hold them and each of them, the said President, Auditor and Treasurer, and each and every of their several bondsmen harmless and free from any damage of any kind or nature whatever, that may arise or accrue from any act done or to be done by said President, Auditor and Treasurer, or either of them, in carrying this ordinance into effect.
Sec. 3. The Commitee named in the first section of this ordinance shall, before receiving the warrants herein provided to be drawn, file a bond satisfactory to the President of the Board, that they will expend the money only as herein provided.
Sec. 4. Said Committee shall have the sole and absolute disbursement of said money, and no portion thereof shall be paid except upon accounts properly audited by said Committee; and, provided, that said Committee shall report under oath, weekly, the amount expended, and the objects for which the same has been expended, and shall accompany such reports with proper vouchers.
Sec. 5 This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
The following resolution by Supervisor HANSBROW was adopted unanimously:
Resolved, That this Board recommend to the Committee of citizens having charge of the monies which have been drawn out of the Sinking and Interest Fund to appropriate the amount of five thousand dollars to be used and disbursed by them to relieve in part the suffering of the many poor and houseless families who are now destitute in our midst in consequence of the flood.
The following resolution by Supervisor HANSBROW was adopted:
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed by this Board to confer with the officers of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company as to the practicability of constructing and moving their track, so as to enter the city on the Northern portion of the same.
Board adjourned.
A CARD.
EDITORS UNION: An article appears editorially in yesterday's UNION, which we conceive does us great injustice. It stated, upon information, that we hold, as agents, most of the coupons due next January, and couples this charge with a very ungenerous intimation that we are seeking to obtain the payment thereof by clandestine means. The entire statement is radically false; we neither hold nor in any way, directly or indirectly, control, nor have we any interest in the coupons, with a solitary exception of about $2,000 left with us for collection when due, and entirely subject to our discretion. While our opinions respecting repudiation are decided, they are altogether unbiased by any personal interest; and we leave it to our fellow-citizens to take such action on this subject as they may deem judicious.
D. O. Mills & Co.
Sacramento, December 13, 1861.
FROM NEVADA TERRITORY.--From Nevada papers to the 7th December, we glean the following intelligence:
FRESHET IN THE CARSON--MILLS CARRIED AWAY.--The recent rise in Carson river carried away all the dams above Sproul's. This was built in the most substantial manner, and withstood the flood. It is thought nearly all the dams below are indebted for their safety to the stability of this one.--Territorial Enterprise. . . .
THE HIGH GRADE.--We noticed yesterday that a large quantity of damaged hams and other merchandise were being emptied into the street in front of one of our principal J street houses. The quantity was such as to raise the street nearly to the level of the high grade.
RELIEF FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--C. Crocker expects from San Francisco a large quantity of dry goods, clothes, etc., for gratuitous distribution among those who are in need. He was notified by telegraph to that effect by Frank Baker, last evening.
LECTURE--POSTPONEMENT.--The lecture of Rev. Mr. Hill, on "Henry Clay," which was to have been delivered this evening, is necessarily postponed. Due notice of the time of its delivery will be given.
REPAIRING.--A large number of workmen are engaged in repairing the railroad between Poverty Ridge and Brighton. . . .
p. 4
FLOOD ON THE COSUMNES.--A correspondent of the Bee, writing from Cosumnes Bridge, December 10th, says:
We had a great overflow of the river at this place yesterday morning. The heavy rain of Sunday night, and the previously warm day melting the snow on the mountains, brought down a freshet which raised the water fourteen feet in twelve hours!--overflowing all the low lands for miles around, and completely arresting all traffic. The rise of the river was at the rate of one foot per honr till two P.M.; remaining stationary till seven o'clock, when it began to recede. At the time I write this (five P.M., Tuesday), the roads are again open--the water having gone down about ten feet. We hear of great damage, loss of stock, etc, on all the low grounds in the vicinity, and the bridge at Michigan Bar was so strained that it was found necessary to cut away about eighteen feet to save the remainder
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3343, 14 December 1861 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .The sum of $38,507 was raised from citizens of Sacramento yesterday, for the protection of the city, $12,800 were paid in. It is hoped that those who have taken in hand the matter of strengthening our levees will act at once, and lose no more precious time by delaying operations. The Subscription Committee will resume their labors to-day.
The Sacramento and American rivers are about at a stand still, although it is said the former rose slightly yesterday, instead of falling, as was generally believed.
In our columns will be noticed an account of the efforts which have been made in San Francisco to render assistance to citizens of Sacramento who have suffered by the late flood. The amount contributed in money and the necessaries of life, has been quite generous and evinces a most benevolent spirit on the part of our brethren of the Bay City.
The Howard Benevolent Society, which has been made the trustee of a large amount of donations for the relief of the destitute of the city, had a meeting last evening, and took action as to the proper mode of distribution. They will guard against imposture, as will be seen by an advertisement elsewhere. . . .
. . .The late storm did considerable damage in Carson Valley, as we learn by telegraph.
THE PROTECTION FUND.--The following is a list of the subscriptions obtained yesterday by the Committee appointed at the Citizens' Meeting:
D. O. Mills & Co.. (pd) $5000 C. H. Grimm 500
B. F. Hastings & Co.... 5000 E. P. Figg 500
Gas Company 5000 Samuel Cross 500
Lew. B. Harris....... 2000 Dr. H. L. Nichols 500
H. W. Bragg & Co.... 1000 L. H. Foote 200
James Anthony & Co.. 1000 Cyrus Coffin 100
B. R. Crocker........ 1000 L. & S. Wormser 500
Leland Stanford (pd).. 1000 H. Kuham [?] 100
C. H. Swift (pd) 1000 Henry C. Kirk 50
Lord, Holbrook & Co. 1000 Greenbaum Bros (pd). 200
H. H. Hartley 500 --- Steudeman (pd).... 150
Charles Crocker....... 500 Locke & Levenson.... 100
Goss & Lambard 500 John Bigler.. 100
T. M. Lindley (pd).... 500 Booth & Co. (pd)..... 1000
Dr. J. F. Morse. 300 Hull & Lohman (pd) ... 500
C. H. Cummings (pd). 200 Berry Morgan (pd)... 75
H. O. Beatty (pd) 100 J. Hanks 50
Boyd & Davis.... -- George Rowland (pd). 200
D. W. Welty (pd) ..... . 50 McWilliams & Co . . . . . 200
C. C. Jenks (pd) 100 Thos. Findley ... 100
H. H. Spaulding (pd) . . 50 Ebner Bros. 100
A. O. Hinkson (pd)... 50 Barton Bros. 200
A, Greenbaum (pd)... 50 H. E. Robinson (pd)... 250
G. K. Van Heusen 50 A. Lamott (pd) 200
Beck & Ackley 50 Huntington & Hopkins. 1000
P. H. Russell (pd)..... 200 W. F. Knox (pd) 100
Hardy Bros. & Hall pd 500 J. B. Harmon (pd) .... 100
N. F. Turton ....... 50 J. E. Bateman .. ... ..
Jerome Dayton ... .. L. Elkus (pd) 25
Jared Irwin.... 50 W. L. Uhler(pd)...... 25
E. Black Ryan (pd). . . 100 L M Hubbard (pd).. . 50
J. H. Gass 50 W. G. English . 50
George R. Moore 50 J. W. Winans . . . ..... 500
Frank Hereford 25 Timothy Wilcox...... 200
H. Starr 10 G. W. Rlcker 10
C. Cole (pd) 100 J. Wetzlar (pd) 100
E. B. Crocker 50 Bigelow & Brooks (pd) 25
W. P. Coleman....... 1000 ---- Jansen ...... 50
T. A. Talbert (pd) .... 25 A. T. Nelson (pd) 25
C. B. Kenyon 100 Jesse Morrill ......... 25
Harmon & Co 500 James Faris & Co (pd) 100
O'Connell & Ryan 200 L. & S. Wormser 100
Massol, Merwln & Co. . . 100 Cash (pd) 500
C. L. Bird............ 50 ______
M. Greenhood 25 Total $38,570
M. Wachhorst... 25
The total amount paid in is $12,800. The Committee will resume its labors to-day.
THE PAVILION.--Yesterday was a busy day at the Agricultural Pavilion. The San Francisco steamer brought up about forty cases and bales of clothing, blankets, etc., donated by San Franciscans, to be distributed by the Howard Benevolent Society, and the goods were taken to the Pavilion, opened and arranged on temporary counters, and goodly supplies given out to needy applicants. Among other necessaries we noticed mattresses, blankets, comforters, boots, shoes, stockings, coats, pants, dresses (ready made), bonnets, under garments and shawls.
Many very costly goods for ladies' wear were among the lot, the donors probably considering them just as comfortable as poorer ones. Those who are in want of warm clothing, and unable to buy it, have only to make their wants known and they will be supplied by the Howard Society, until the means of relief deposited with them are exhausted. Large numbers of women and children still remain at the Pavilion, and are bountifully supplied with goodu sbstantial [sic] food.
THE UNION AND THE FLOOD.--The Nevada Transcript, of December 12th, speaking of the flood in Sacramento, says:
THE SACRAMENTO UNION office, on Fourth street, having its engines in the cellar, will not be able to turn out its immense edition, as the cellars must be full, and the engines of course stopped.
There are four errors or misstatements in the above. The UNION office is on Third street, not Fourth. Its engine is not in the cellar. It was able to turn out its " immense edition." The engine was not stopped, and the UNION lost no day in publication. We acknowledge, however, there has been quite a flood in Sacramento, and that it came up to the floor of our first story.
EFFECT OF THE FLOOD ON AGRICULTURE AND MINING.
The effect of the late flood upon the agricultural and mining interests of the State will be in the highest degree disastrous. The sudden rise and tremendous torrent of water which plunged from the mountains into the valleys demonstrates that gigantic works by human hands will be demanded before the flood which
our mountain streams empty into the valleys can be confined within and over the beds of the rivers in those valleys. Such a mass of water as was discharged from the mountains in the recent storm, demands and takes possession of all the low grounds in order to make its way to the ocean.
For some eight or nine years, the farmers on the Sacramento have not been very seriously injured by high water, and many of them had probably concluded that the day of floods had passed. They have, therefore, gone forward in improving their farms--building houses and fences, intended as permanent improvements. Hundreds of thousands have been expended in this manner, and for improved stock, by men who have applied to the improvement of their farms any surplus dollars realized since 1853. In a single day all this has been swept from them by the remorseless torrent, and they are left to begin again in the world, if they have the courage to undertake a second improvement on land so much exposed to the devastating floods.
A single case will serve to illustrate the general condition of the farmers in this valley: Below this city, and on the Sacramento, there is a fine farming section, in ordinary times, extending from thirty to forty miles in length, by a width varying from two to seven or eight miles. This whole section, with the exception of the tule portion, is settled by industrious and thriving farmers, who have not been overflowed since 1853. Last season--by a close and vigorous watch, they succeeded in keeping the Sacramento from overflowing the land for some ten miles below the city. By private enterprise the river has been leveed in a slight way, from the city to near the Georgiana slough. But, after getting some ten miles below last year, we believe the levees proved insufficient.
This year the section we are describing was mostly flooded from the overflow of the American river east of the city. The water which rushed into, through and past the city, spread over the country south of Sutterville and inside the levee of the Sacramento river. As a consequence, the farms for miles below here are
submerged, the fences of the owners are mostly washed away, and, unless the river falls within a short time, no crops can be safely calculated upon this season. In fact, unless the slough above Smith's Garden can be closed, the farmers below Sutterville cannot risk putting in crops; because they are liable to be overflowed at every rise of the American during the Spring and Winter.
No event so disheartening to the farmers on the Sacramento, Feather, Yuba and American rivers has occurred since this valley has been in possession of the Americans as the recent flood. It has destroyed the labor of years, deprived men of the means for continuing their farming operations, and, even if they had the means, the insecurity of their position is so great that few will have the heart to attempt to raise a crop.
From the mountains, the news received announces disaster after disaster from rushing torrents.
The damage inflicted upon miners can never be known, but it must reach in amount to a startling sum. Reservoirs have been destroyed, ditches cut away, mining claims filled up, flumes torn up, cabins floated off, fences demolished, gardens ruined, orchards washed out by the roots, the water leaving desolation in its track. The loss to the mountain counties in roads and bridges, will reach a figure which would astonish the country could it be correctly ascertained.
The fury of the flood extended to the north portion of the State, causing as great a freshet in the rivers which empty into the Pacific ocean, and as great a destruction of property on them, as on the rivers which discharge their waters into the Sacramento valley.
This flood has caused more destruction of property, and more suffering in California, than the various campaigns in Missouri have caused to the property and people of that State. It may be classed as a terrible visitation.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS.--The wretched condition of our streets and sidewalks calls for the immediate attention of the authorities, as well as of the People's Committee. The sidewalks and crossings ought to be repaired at the earliest moment; they are now in an impassable condition. Individuals have suffered so heavily as to render many of them unable to repair their sidewalks.
In all such cases the Citizen Committee should act and let the
expenses be paid by the owner at some future time. Drainage, too, must be provided for. It has been frequently asserted that the city is so flat as to render it impossible to drain off the water; but since the flood, ditches have been opened through J, K and L streets, through which water runs with a pretty strong current thus showing, as we have often declared, that the water on the streets would run off if drains were provided. The ditches through those streets are left unbridged--they should be bridged so as to render the streets passable, and the work ought to be done today.
Deep holes have been washed in numerous places on the main traveled streets, which should be filled. Something, too, ought to be done about providing means for people to enter and depart from the city with teams, stages, etc. The bridges at the Fort have been destroyed, and two good ferries ought to be maintained there under the supervision of the authorities. Private individuals have established one over the slough near the fort; but that is not sufficient, and besides, the matter should be regulated by law.
The draining of the streets is a matter which demands immediate attention. Lindley & Co. and some others employed Engineer Leet yesterday to lay a drain in Seventh street, to carry the water from their cellars. He thinks that not only the streets, but the cellars on J street, can be relieved by under drainage, and that without difficulty. Why not go forward and adopt a plan for clearing the streets of water?
THE MEANS OBTAINED.--Finding so many difficulties of a legal character in the way of obtaining the money in the Interest and Sinking Fund, a few leading citizens concluded to make another effort to raise the money by individual loans, to be returned within twelve months by a special tax. The sum proposed to raise was $45,000, of which about $30,000 was subscribed immediately. With such a prospect of means, work, under the supervision of the Committee, was commenced to strengthen the levee below R street, and, if possible, to close the crevasse two miles below the city.
Work was also vigorously begun at the point on I street where the St. George sewer was permitted to be put into the levee. Energetic measures will be taken to repair and strengthen the levee on all sides, and the people may now look forward with hope to the time when their city will be free from water, and protected from further encroachments from the American river.
There is much to be done, and the Committee has before it a laborious and responsible duty. But the members are men who are equal to the crisis. Our prospects are brightening.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Relief Measures--Arrest for Stealing--Libel of Vessel--Donation--Fatally Injured.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 13th
The Central Committee of Relief met to-day and provided subscription books for members of the sub-committees, to guard against imposition. The certificate reads as follows:
Mr. ------- is authorized to receive contributions of money and provisions, clothing or bedding, for the relief of the sufferers by the flood at Sacramento and other parts of the Slate.
Signed by H. F. Teschemacher, J. N. Risdon and W. C. Ralston. . . .
The Late Storm in Carson Valley--Damage to Property.
CARSON CITY, Dec. 13th.
The damage done by the late freshet is not as serious as at first anticipated. Gregory & Riddle's saw mill was damaged about $3,000--having gravel, logs and bowlders washed into it, completely covering boilers and engine. The foundation was slightly injured. Childs & Hunt's quartz mill was slightly injured.
Ash & Co.'s saw mill was carried away.
At Washoe, a slide took place, demolishing three houses. One man named Penrod, a brother of Mina Penrod, Clear creek, was buried.
His body is not recovered. The damage is confined to mills and ranches located at canons at the foot of the mountains. Carson river is very high, though not overflowed.
The water was from three to five inches deep in the streets here, but in lese than twenty hours all was dry.
At Gold Hill several mills were injured; none seriously. At Silver City all the mills were more or less injured, but none permanently. Kingsbury & McDonald's road, above Genoa, was washed and injured not less than $5,000. Stages, however, still pass over it. The weather is now delightful. . . .
THE FLOOD IN PLACERVILLE.--The storm of last Saturday and Sunday caused the waters of Hangtown creek to overflow its banks, doing a great amount of damage to property holders. . . .
THE MUNICIPAL CRISIS.
MEETING OF CITIZENS.
The meeting of citizens convened to devise ways and means for the protection of the city against inundation. reassembled, pursuant to adjournment, at the County Court room yesterday morning, Judge C. H. Swift presiding.
There was a very large attendance of the more [?] substantial citizens.
The CHAIRMAN said there was a Committee appointed yesterday to confer with the Treasurer and Auditor in relation to the probability of getting the City Interest and Sinking Fund for the purpose of appropriating it to the preservation of the city from future inundation. He was on that Committee, but would ask some other member present to state whether any definite answer had been received from those officers. He had seen the Treasurer this morning, and he was not prepared then to give an answer.
If he was present he would like to hear from him, or from his attorney.
J. B. HARMON said Mr. Bird was here a moment ago, but had gone out again. He (Harmon) had an interview with him last night as counsel, together with one or two other citizens, and he had no objection to giving the meeting his own views on the subject.
At this time Mr. BIRD came in and spoke to Mr. Harmon.
Mr. HARMON (resuming) said Mr. Bird desired him to state what passed between them.
What Mr. Bird would do was a matter that he would decide for himself, but before they reached the Treasurer they must go to the Auditor who, according to the plan proposed, must countersign the warrant of the President of the Board of Supervisors. If the Auditor refused to draw the warrant, that would let the Treasurer out, and whether he would refuse or not was another question. The question here was, Could the citizens get the money legally? Mr. Bird applied to him last night to consult upon that question with him, both as a lawyer and as a friend, two things which did not mix very well, perhaps, in these matters.
As a lawyer he advised Mr. Bird that there was no legal way of getting the money except by choking him and taking it out of his hands. [Laughter.]
He (Harmon) did not believe, in short, that the bond the citizens proposed to give the Treasurer was worth the paper it was written upon. They were in desperate circumstances, and as a citizen he was in favor of doing anything to bring relief that legally and morally they might do, but a bond to indemnify a public officer for a known violation of law, would undoubtedly be void. Where a public officer was in doubt as to his duty such a bond might hold, but here it was universally admitted, or ought to be, that the money could not legally be drawn out. In such cases the Courts would hold the bond to be void on the ground of public policy, because they might as well undertake to indemnify a man for stealing a horse, or committing a murder.
That was his decided opinion, although possibly he might be in error. This money was appropriated by law to pay the coupons of the bond holders, and in his judgment could not be reached even by an Act of the Legislature. In respect to her city debt Sacramento was placed in a worse position than most other cities, and if the Legislature were to pass a law to draw out this fund the Courts would enjoin it, because it would affect the contract between the city and the bond holders, and would therefore be unconstitational. In other cities the corporate authorities were usually authorized to levy a tax to pay the interest on the city debt, and if they neglected to levy that tax the interest would not be paid; but the law in relation to Sacramento declared that fifty-five per cent of all the revenue raised should be set apart as an Interest and Sinking Fund, so that if any money was raised at all for any purpose fifty-five per cent of it was bound to go for that purpose.
The bond holders took their securities with that understanding, so that this case would come clearly within the clause of the Constitution of the United States, (which he claimed still to be governed by) which prohibited the impairing of contracts. Again, would the Treasurer be protected by the warrant of the Auditor? He said no.
If there were money in the General Fund, and the Board of Supervisors appropriated for any purpose, for charity, or even to be thrown into the river, and the Auditor countersigned the warrant, then the Treasurer would be protected by the warrant, but in this case, the money was specifically set apart by law for this particular purpose, and the Treasurer or his sureties could not be protected by the authority of the Board of Supervisors. There was no way in which they could be legally protected if the Treasurer paid out this money.
CHARLES CROCKER said then let them do something else, and he was there prepared to make a proposition.
He thought yesterday that he foresaw the end of this affair, and on his own responsibility he went around yesterday with Mr. Warwick, and saw as many as he could of the citizens possessed of means. He had been unable to see Booth & Co., Sneath & Arnold, and some other large firms, yet he had met with a good degree of success.
This morning he saw Mr. McLane of the Gas Company, who proposed if the citizens would raise $40,000, they would contribute $5,000, provided steps should be taken to have the loan receivable for taxes next Fall, and B. F. Hastings had just now authorized him to say that he would lend $5,000 upon the same terms. [Applause] Let them stop talking about taking money that did not belong to them, and go to work to bring this city into safety.
They could do it and no mistake. [Applause ] There was money enough if they would only go about raising it, and he was prepared to double his subscription of yesterday. [Applause.] Let them stop harping about money that belongs to others, and that he was fully satisfied they could not get.
Let them resolve to rise superior to this emergency and overcome the difficulties before them. Let them appoint three or four influential men to take that paper and fill it up with subscriptions, and he was confident that in less than two hours they would get $40,000. He was told that they were threatened with a break right there on Fourth street,
and they could not get a dozen men to put a pick into the ground till the money was raised. He moved that a Committee of three be appointed to raise the money, pledging the citizens to take the necessary action to secure the passage of a law authorizing the reception of the evidence of the loan in payment of taxes. Then every man would feel safe in making the loan.
The CHAIRMAN said he thought that it would be better to repay the loan by a special tax to be levied immediately.
Mr. CROCKER said that would be still better, and no doubt it could be done.
J. H. WARWICK said he knew there were many who would willingly subscribe, and for one, though he had not money he had moneys worth, and if any one would advance the money on his watch and chain, he would put them down to the account of the fund. [Applause.]
Thereupon Mr. Warwick stripped off his watch and chain and laid them on the table before the Chairman.
C. CROCKER said that was the right spirit to redeem the city, and called for the question on his motion to appoint a Committee of three to solicit subscriptions.
The motion prevailed by a decisive vote.
The CHAIRMAN named as the Committee, C. Crocker, J. H. Warwick and Dr. J. F. Morse.
Dr. MORSE said his time was so peculiarly occupied in the city that he could not attend to the duty as well as others. He proposed that Mr. Boyd be appointed in his place.
Mr. BOYD said he must decline because he could have no faith in this movement and no heart to work for it.
He was for getting out this $75,000 anyhow. [Applause] That was money which had been contributed pro rata by every citizen, it would do no good to the bond holders at present for the Treasurer had assured him that he would pay out none of it till the full amount was there to meet all the coupons, and it was lying idle and useless as it would for months to come.
CHARLES CROCKER said they could not get it, and while they were wasting time about it the flood would be upon them.
Dr. HOUGHTON said the bond holders themselves would be in favor of their taking the money, because if they did not the bondholders well knew they would never get another dime.
This interest would be the last that this broken down city would ever pay.
Judge HARTLEY suggested that if an indemnity bond would be void, they could nevertheless get one or two hundred names of men who would feel themselves morally bound, and who, if any difficulty arose, would stand in the gap and save the Treasurer and Auditor harmless. He believed Mr. Bird himself would assent to it.
CHARLES CROCKER inquired of Mr. Bird if any amount of bond would induce him to pay over the money.
Mr. BIRD replied that he could not say what he would do; he had seen no warrant yet. But he would say that no bond and no number of gentlemen's words could protect him against a criminal prosecution, for in law it would be a crime.
Mr. CROCKER--lf the warrant is drawn will you pay it?
Mr. BIRD--I would not like to make such a promise.
Mr. CROCKER--Would it render you liable to a criminal action?
Mr. BIRD--l will let my counsel answer that.
Mr. HARMON said he had so advised Mr. Bird, but at the same time told him that he thought no jury could be found who would render a verdict against him. [Applause.]
Mr. BIRD said that might be so, but nevertheless it would go abroad to the world that he stole the money and deserved to be punished for it, although he escaped.
A gentleman suggested that if the Treasurer paid over the money contrary to an injunction it would be contempt of Court, and there would be no jury about it.
Mr. HARMON said he approved of Mr. Crocker's idea, that Sacramento had not yet gone down, and could rise superior to any calamity.
But if they wanted to indemnify Mr. Bird, he would suggest that the Supervisors, by ordinance, appoint a Board of Levee Commissioners, whom the citizens might approve, authorizing them to borrow the money dollar for dollar, and then call upon the Legislature to legalize their acts. That would be the only way.
Mr. BOYD said he knew something about raising money in Sacramento, and he knew that the very men generally foremost in subscribing were now many of them unable to do anything.
Mr. CROCKER said they only lacked $11,000 of raising the amount required.
Mr. BOYD insisted that it was wrong to call upon a few men to sacrifice their means for the public good when there was money lying idle in the Treasury.
Mr. CROCKER asked if it was any worse to ask individuals to contribute, than to ask an honorable man to become a criminal.
Mr. BOYD said there was another mode of getting the money, and he did not propose to ask Mr. Bird to do anything criminal.
Mr. CROCKER--Then for God's sake go and get it, you that want it.
W. W. UPTON said the city had already been flooded, and the water had done pretty much all the damage it was likely to do; let them not add to the calamity the destruction of the financial reputation of the city.
If this money should be illegally taken it might well be said that Sacramento had "gone in." The treasury was not the only place where gold coin
was lying idle. There was coin in Hastings' and Mills' banks, and by Mr. Crocker's plan it could be drawn out, saving the city and its reputation. This might not be repudiation, but the world would call it so; it would go to New York and to London that Sacramento had repudiated.
Col. SANDERS said he had come back to be a citizen of Sacramento again. He warned the citizens to be careful who they trusted their money with, for there were sharks among them who wanted to get means to make off. [Laughter.]
The CHAIRMAN said he would appoint as the third member of the Committee, on Mr. Crocker's motion.
J. Anthony.
Mr. Anthony declined to serve, and Mr. Boyd was appointed.
The CHAIRMAN said he would use his influence to have the Legislature pass an Act to raise a special tax to pay this loan immediately.
Mr. WARWICK said he would pledge the Sacramento delegation to do all they could to make that subject the first business before the Legislature.
R D. FERGUSON said he had just returned from the levee below R street, and it was in imminent danger. Some one with authority to act was wanted there immediately, or in two or three hours the water would be sweeping the country down to Sutterville, and backing up over the city.
Mr. CROCKER said be moved that the President of the Board of Supervisors go and stop all the leaks, and he would see that the expense was paid. [Applause ]
Dr. J. F. MORSE said as the determination to push the subscription and make that the mode of relief, he would move that the Committee appointed last night be the Committee to take charge of and lay out the funds raised.
The motion was modified so as to appoint six on the Committee, namely: Messrs. L. B. Harris, C. W. Lightner, C. B. Swift, W. F. Knox, Mark Hopkins and R. P. Figg, and then adopted.
Mr. BOYD .said, although it was against his idea of the best policy to pursue, yet as the course was resolved upon, he would consent to serve on the Committee to solicit and collect subscriptions with Messrs. Crocker and Warwick, and would do whatever it was his duty to do.
MR. CROCKER--Now, gentlemen, you do the work and we will get the money.
The CHAIRMAN declared the meeting adjourned sine die. . . .
HOWARD
BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
FOR THE PREVENTION OF IMPOSITION the Directors of the Howard Benevolent Association request that parties who have suffered by the late inundation would bring with them a note from one of the undersigned, vouching for them, or from some person known in the community.
Charitable people, both in the city and outside, are desired to use their efforts to hunt up needy and destitute families, and either send a voucher or call at the Agricultural Hall for such relief as may be needed.
The efforts of the active members or the Society are constantly exerted to meet all the wants of sufferers, but are not fully adequate to investigate cases and afford relief as promptly as may in all cases be requisite, and prevent imposition.
The Society, by the generosity of the citizens of San Francisco, Sacramento, and other places, is in a condition to relieve all cases of great destitution, and desires only to guard itself from gross imposters.
The Board of Directors will be in session at Agricultural Hall at all times.
GEORGE W. MOWE, Front st.,
L. A. BOOTH, J st.,
JAMES P. ROBINSON, Front st.,
JOHN McNEILL, cor. J & 7th,
JAMES E. PERKINS, J st.,
N. A. H. BALL, Agricultural Hall,
JOHN H. CARROLL, Front st.,
CHARLES ROBIN. J bet. 6th & 7th,
JAMES L. ENGLISH, J bet. 1st & 2d,
H. W. HARKNESS. K bet. 2d & 3d,
JOSEPH W. WINANS. J cor. 3d,
GEORGE L. LYTLE, K cor 4th,
SAMUEL CROSS, K bet. 6th & 7th,
T. M. LINDLEY, J cor 7th,
P. H. RUSSELL, J bet. 7th & 8th,
THEO MILLIKEN, J bet. 6th & 7th,
F. A. GIBBS, 7th bet. I & J,
JOSEPH M. FREY, K cor. 4th,
RICHARD DALE. J bet. 6th & 7th,
EDGAR MILLS. J bet. 2d & 3d,
N. GREENE CURTIS, 6th bet. I & J,
R. T. BROWN, J bet. 3d & 4th,
D. O. MILLS, J bet. 2d & 3d,
O. D. LAMBARD, I bet. Ist & 2d,
A. M. HAYDEN, at Wells, Fargo & Co,
REV. W. H. HILL, 7th bet. G & H,
DR. J. F. MONTGOMERY, cor J & 7th,
A. G. RICHARDSON, at Wells, Fargo & Co.,
LEW. B. HARRIS, Ridge,
N. L. DREW, 3d bet. N & O. d14 . . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE DANGER.--The Sacramento river has risen four inches since our last report, the city water gauge at the foot of H street marking at dusk last evening a trifle over 22 feet. During the day yesterday the rise was very slow, so much so that many people supposed the river had stopped rising; but an accurate measurement showed a rise of three quarters of an inch from one o'clock to half-past five. There were serious apprehensions during the day yesterday that the levee would give way at the weak spot just below R street, and a large crowd of our fellow citizens stood around the spot during the day, waiting for the catastrophe and not lifting a finger to avert it.
The only way to make absolutely certain of that point seems to be to build a new levee inside of it, but President Shattuck expressed the opinion that it could be secured by sinking a large canvas in the river so as to cover the threatened place and prevent the water from washing it. The canvas will probably be prepared some time next week, if at all, but perhaps that would be soon enough, as no immediate danger need be apprehended at that point. At the Halfway House the crevasse has, of course, continued to widen and deepen, and men have continued to look at it and invent plans to mend it, without doing a thing towards carrying out their numerous admirable inventions. The swirl of the rushing torrent through the gap seems to have the effect of paralyzing the energies of men.
Possibly it suggests to them the idea of an overruling Providence, and they wait and watch in vague expectation that Providence will in some inscrutable manner dam up the current. The fall of water through this opening is only about two feet, and consequently it cannot dam up the water in the lower part of the city so as to raise it more than two feet higher than it is at present. The rise in the submerged streets yesterday was six or eight inches.
At the breaks in the R street levee there was no perceptible current either way, the slough below filling up from the Half Way House crevasse just about as fast as the city filled from seepage, drainage, etc. Probably the most dangerous point at present is the threatened break in the I street levee, at Fourth street, where Hardenbergh was allowed to put in a drain from the St. George Hotel to the slough. As water has an irrepressible tendency to run down hill, when the slough was filled by the flood the drain worked admirably the wrong way.
During the day, yesterday, the end of the drain in the alley back of the St. George sent up a large bubbling fountain and in J street copious streams flowed eastward, threatening to inundate the floors of shops on the north side as far as Fifth street, where the water was carried across the street in a ditch. Yesterday afternoon men were set to work under the direction of the Citizens' Committee, and succeeded, it is hoped and believed, in finding the mouth of the sewer in the slough, and after surrounding it with canvass, filled in sand bags and earth till they succeeded measurably in choking it up and stopping the flow of water. Some uneasiness was felt late yesterday afternoon in regard to the Sixth street levee, between the Chinese chapel and the Ohio Brewery.
Considerable earth caved in, but by means of sacks of earth the place was made tolerably secure.
MEETING OF THE HOWARD BENEVOLENT SOCIETY--The active members of this Society met last evening at eight o'clock, at the banking house of D. O. Mills & Co., for the purpose of adopting proper measures for the disbursement, among the sufferers by the flood, of the large amounts placed in their hands. D. O. Mills stated that the donors of the $7,300 brought up by Louis McLane, from San Francisco, deputed that gentleman to make known their wishes in relation thereto. The Howard Society, being a city institution, they thought it necessary, in order to effect the end they had in view, that they should especially request that their contributions should go to the relief of any persons in distress, whether in or out of the city, whose cases come to the knowledge of the Society.
At an informal meeting of several active members, held in the morning, assurances had, he said, been given that the wishes of the donors would be faithfully fulfilled. Rev. W. H. Hill and Dr. Montgomery were elected active members. A communication was received from John G. Downey, inclosing a check for $100 for the relief of the sufferers. Doctors Harkness, Montgomery and Frey were appointed a Committee to superintend and have the care of such hospitals as may be found necessary.
A hospital will probably be provided to-day for the sick ones now at the Pavilion, among whom are three women, enceinte, another with a child two days old, and others in a weak and exhausted condition. R. T. Brown was duly elected Permanent Secretary of the Society. Edgar Mills, N. G. Curtis, W. H. Hill, and R. Dale were appointed a Committee to assist the Board of Directors during the present contingency. The names of Murray Morrison, and Dr. Blake were dropped from the list of active members, and that of N. L. Drew was added. Several motions, all of which are embodied in the advertisement of the Society, in another column, was carried, and after appropriating $500 to a Contingent Fund for the Directors, the Society adjourned until Saturday.
The meeting of the Society was a long one, and the exchanging of important information and suggestions consumed most of the time. The Society was so pressed with the duties of the occasion that no time was found for giving any acknowledgment, formally, by resolutions, for the generosity of the people of San Francisco. At the meeting, however, the reporter was requested to thus explain the apparent omission, and to say that the proceedings of the Society in reference to the matter would be published at an early day.
RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS.--Relief for the sufferers by the late flood came promptly and liberally to hand yesterday. The people of San Francisco upon the first receipt of the news of the disastrous inundation here, commenced moving in the matter. The bankers of that city, alone, immediately subscribed the sum of $7,300, and appointed Louis McLane their agent to bring it up. Forty cases and bales of clothing, etc., was also speedily raised, and these munificent donations reached this city by yesterday morning's boat, and were placed in the hands of the Howard Benevolent Society.
Further sums to a very large amount, $20,000 it is said, have also been subscribed, and will reach us in a day or two. The generous sum already named is, it should be remembered, from the bankers alone. Our people are overwhelmed with gratitude at this warm and substantial sympathy exhibited by the people of San Francisco, and would, if practicable, give it a suitable expression. The donations will be disbursed among the needy by prudent hands, and the pressing necessities of all who will make their wants known can doubtless be ministered to.
In addition to the above, a considerable sum has been subscribed by others. The California Steam Navigation Company paid over to the Howard Association $1,000 yesterday. Governor Downey, last evening, sent in a check for $100.
The San Francifco [sic] Bulletin Company forwarded to the Union office the sum of $100, to be applied for the relief of the suffering poor in Sacramento. The amount was handed over to the Treasurer of the Society. Three hundred dollars was given to the Treasurer unaccompanied by any name. The Association will soon publish the list of donations received from all sources.
CASTAWAY.--"A Sutterville Blacksmith" sends us an amusing account of the manner in which he and his friend passed the night of Monday last, "on a lone barren isle," as already mentioned in the Union. They at first climbed a tree for safety, and afterwards came down again, managed to light a fire, and cooked a chicken, which the flood brought them, and made themselves as comfortable as possible. During the night they saw floating by them "horses, haystacks, chickens, cats and pieces of boards, and household furniture of all kinds." Twenty soldiers from Camp Union were bivouacked on the other side of the flood, sent by Major Coult to render any assistance in their power, and the blacksmith says one of the soldiers swam three-quarters of a mile to get a boat for them.
He concludes his communication by expressing a hope that when Major Coult and his boys get after Jeff. Davis, they may run him on an island, surrounded as he was on Monday night, and never let him off.
THE CITY APPROACHES.--A ferry has been established at Lisle's bridge, and milk wagons and other vehicles were safely brought over yesterday from the part of the bridge still standing to the shore on this side, and vice versa. The road is good to this ferry down Twentieth street. A wagon loaded with wood, and drawn by four mules, came across Norris' bridge yesterday, and the wagon was only wet a little way up the wagon-body. The ferry at Sutter's Fort continues to run regularly.
Ranchmen frem the upper and lower Stockton roads cross from the north end of Poverty Ridge to M street, by fording on the line of Twenty-first street. The water is about four feet deep and more than a block wide. It is impossible to haul a full load across. Many are hauling out damaged grain, etc., and boating it across the channel and then reloading it.
There is a constant stream of water passing this point. It comes from the American river, where the first break occurred and runs down into the Sutterville slough. . . .
SUNDAY NOTICES.--There will be divine service to-morrow morning at the Rev. Mr. Benton's church, at the regular hour. As it is not certain that the church can be lighted in the evening, there will be no service then. Rev. Dr. Peck will preach to-morrow morning and evening at the Sixth Street Methodist Church. Subject in the morning, "The Flood." The church is in good condition. There will be divine service at the Presbyterian Church, Sixth street, between J and K, at quarter before eleven o'clock A.M. Sermon by the Pastor. Subject, " God's Providence in the Flood." All are invited to attend; no service in the evening. . . .
NEPTUNE HOSE COMPANY.--At a special meeting of Neptune Hose Company, held last evening, the following preamble and resolutions were passed: "Whereas, many worthy families have been rendered houseless and destitute by the late inundation of this city; therefore, be it Resolved, That we hereby tender the use of the house of this company to any families that may require it; Resolved, That we the members of this company do pledge ourselves, separately and collectively to do all in our power to alleviate the sufferings of those who may claim our protection. . . .
GOOD AGAIN.--We are informed that W. H. Taylor, agent of the California Steam Navigation Company, sent yesterday to the Howard Benevolent Society a check for $1,000. The Navigation Company have, during the past season, manifested great liberality in many respects. We are also informed that on Monday night, when the city was flooded, large numbers of homeless persons were taken on board the steamers Gem, Swan, Swallow and Helen Hensley, on each of which food was cooked and furnished free of charge all night.
NOT GUILTY.--It has been stated that the crevasse below the Halfway House was caused by a ditch cut across by direction of Supervisor Dickerson, to let the water in the slough run into the river. This, Wilson Flint assures us is incorrect. Supervisor Dickerson's ditch was cut at Sutterville, where it should have been, and the break at the Halfway house was caused entirely by the force of the torrent in the slough on Monday, which forced its way through into the Sacramento river, then much lower than at present.
A RAY OF HOPE.--We learn that the Calaveras, Mokelumne and San Joaquin rivers have not risen a great deal in consequence of the late rains, which extended mainly over the northern part of the State. This fact affords good ground to hope that the surplus waters of the Sacramento will be mainly carried off in the direction of these rivers, instead of backing up on the city as has been apprehended. Yesterday afternoon the water below Sutterville was passing off as freely as at any time "since the flood."
FENCES AND SIDEWALKS.--Wemmick, with all his knowledge of and love for "portable property," would be astounded to see fences and sidewalks included in that sort of wealth as they have been here during the past week. The owners of the wandering goods are quite successful in recovering them. Many who thought they had secured a good lot of drift wood have found themselves poorer by having to surrender a neighbor's fence, sidewalk, or porch. . . .
LIVES SAVED.--Police Officer Cody has stated to us that Adams, the proprietor of the Washton Bakery, saved from the flood on Monday his (Cody's) wife and three children. Cody's house was located on the corner of Eleventh and H. His family were in imminent danger, when Adams disinterestedly left his own affairs to attend to those of a suffering fellow citizen
MEANNESS.--We are informed that on the night of the flood, some eight or ten persons, who had been driven from their homes, were refused admission to the house or even the yard of a wealthy resident of Poverty Ridge. It is also stated that a man who was sick, crippled and penniless, was a day or two since refused admission to one of our hotels.
WANT TO KNOW.--Many of the ladies of the city are anxious to learn by what means they can wash successfully such laces, etc., as have been exposed to the yellow mud of the late flood. It cannot be disposed of by any ordinary means. Let chemists answer, or anybody else who knows.
AT WORK.--Almost everybody is busy. Those who can are at work for the public good, and those who have been badly wrecked, are setting things in order about their own premises. Such industry as is being exhibited will very soon restore our city to something like its wonted appearance.
PETTY THIEVES.--The presence of large quantities of goods at the Pavilion yesterday, tempted some suspicious looking strangers to that place. Chief Watson had a look-out for them and it is not probable that they met with any considerable success, if they were after plunder
THE LEVEL.--Parties who took the level of the Sacramento with instruments yesterday afternoon, report that the surface of the water is within one inch of the hight of the flood of Monday. This is all very well if it will keep on its own side of the levee. . . .
BACKS OUT.--S. Wormser, of the firm of I. and S. Wormser, on Thursday subscribed $500 to the fund for building a new levee. Yesterday he repudiated the act, but will contribute the sum of $100 to the fund.
CAMP FIRES.--At various points on the Front street levee, between I and R streets, camp fires are kept up all night, around which groups of sleeping men may be seen by taking a midnight promenade along the river. . . .
ADVICES FROM STOCKTON.--A dispatch to the San Francisco papers, dated December 12th says:
Woolf and Cohen returned last evening from a pretty tedious trip to Sacramento by land. From them we learn that the road is open to within a mile or two of Sacramento. Dry creek bridge has gone, but the creek is fordable, and the report that Hicks' bridge is broken is incorrect. The bridge is in good order, but the causeway for a long distance each side has been overflowed to a great depth.
The travelers left here on Monday morning, stayed over night at Riley's waiting for the water to fall, and reached Poverty Ridge--within two miles of the Sacramento river--some time on Tuesday.
We learn from William Hicks that the freshet has caused no damage to the long bridge over the Cosumnes. The main bridge over Dry creek is still standing, while the bridges on each side are swept away. The Mokelumne river is bank full, but no fears are entertained of an overflow sufficient to cause any damage.
The Cosumnes is even higher than the Mokelumne, but the water has more facilities for escape, the river being wide at points where otherwise it might cause much damage.
The Calaveras shows no signs of an overflow, the water not having reached within several feet of its banks at the bridge-crossing. . . .
The water in the main slough has risen rapidly during the past few days, and in Mormon Channel is running to a considerable depth, although showing no indication of an overflow.
The steamer Christiana left this city for French Camp early this morning. She will continue to ply between this locality and French Camp Slough--known during the high water of the Winter of 1862 [sic] as Ragtown--should the extent of the freighting trade warrant it. . . .
THE FRESHET NORTH.--A correspondent writing to the UNION from Red Bluff, furnishes the following particulars of the late flood in the North:
Charles Shafer, Express Messenger for Greenhood & Newbaur, was probably drowned on Saturday evening last, while on his way from Shasta to Volcano. The last seen of him was about four miles from Weaver, and he probably undertook to ford Brown's creek and was carried down. The machillas of his saddle were found about a mile below the ford. The body was not recovered.
Above Trinity Center, on the Yuba road, the bridge at Swift creek is gone; also Fitch's bridge. In Fitch's house the water was four feet deep, and he was obliged to take his family, with the corpse of his oldest child, who died the day before the rise of the water, on to a hay stack, where they remained part of two days. Of seven ferries and bridges on the Sacramento river from this place, (Red Bluff,) north, there is but one uninjured.
At Lewiston, Trinity river, two white men, James Dougherty and another, were drowned, and a little below, from fourteen to twenty Chinamen.
In all probability, the Stage Company have not a bridge standing on their road to Yreka. The Sacramento, opposite Shasta, was eight feet higher than in 1852-3. Swinford, Woodward & Co.'s mill, with twenty-five thousand feet of lumber was carried off. The loss was heavy. . . .
THE CONDITION OF SACRAMENTO.--Speaking of the present position of Sacramento, the San Francisco Herald says:
We are disposed to be as profane as Uncle Toby in the story of Le Fevre and swear that she shall not die. The energy of her business men and mechanics is deserving a better fate. We contend that it is the duty of the Legislature which will shortly assemble, to take her case in hand and rescue her from the calamitous position into which she has fallen.
DAMAGE IN GRASS VALLEY.--The Grass Valley National of Dec. 10th says:
The damage to property in and about Grass Valley has not been very large, although it has thrown some five hundred laborers in the quartz mines out of present employment. The Allison Ranch, Lafayette Scadden's and Jenning's mines have been compelled to suspend operations from the unusual influx of water. The damage in that way to both employers and employed is very great. Many other mines of smaller extent have also been filled with water
FREIGHT TO FRENCH CAMP.--The first load of freight to French Camp since the rains, by water, was shipped yesterday by James Pearson. The indications point favorably to a brisk trade in boat-freighting to French Camp ere the season closes.--Stockton Independent
GENERAL NOTICES.
Notice.--Consignees of freight are notified that all merchandise brought up by the boats of the California Steam Navigation Company, and now on the levee at this city, is at their sole risk. If desired, the freight can be stored on the steamer Eclipse. at the risk and expense of owners. A. REDINGTON, W. H. TAYLOR, } Agents Sacramento, December 12, 1861. dl2-8t
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3344, 16 December 1861 p. 1
THE REFORM SCHOOL.--Many apprehensions were felt by our people for the condition of the State Reform School, as it was generally supposed that the flood would certainly come into the basement floor, but from Pelton, who came down from there yesterday noon, we learn that the grounds were left untouched by the inundation, and stood out high and dry amid the surrounding deluge.
The Feather at that point was about level with the bank, which is high, but did not go over its edge. This demonstrates beyond a peradventure, that the site of the building is the best which could have been chosen. Marysville Appeal, Dec. 12th. . . .
BRIDGE CARRIED AWAY.--English's bridge on Bear river, between Auburn and Grass Valley, was carried away by the late flood. . . .
THE INUNDATION IN THE INTERIOR.
From our interior exchanges, so far as the same have come to hand, we condense the following statement of the disasters by flood in the several counties during the week last past:
EL DORADO COUNTY.
The bridges at Coloma, Uniontown, Salmon Falls and Chile Bar, on the forks of the American river, were all badly damaged. No mail from Georgetown or Auburn had reached Placerville for about a week, on Friday. No Sacramento mail reached there during three days of last week. The Democrat mentions the following losses in the county:
Center and Morrill's bridge over Weber creek was swept away, and the toll house of the Placerville and El Dorado Turnpike Company, on Hangtown Creek, a few hundred yards below our office, shared a similar fate. The rear wall of the new Methodist Episcopal church, in the basement, was crushed in by a bank of earth falling against it, making a hole about ten feet square, through which heavy bowlders rolled in on the floor. Three Chinamen near Uniontown, with their cabin, were swept away. Efforts were made to save them, but the current was too swift and strong for a boat to reach them. Nearly all the bridges over the little streams, so far as we have been able to learn, were destroyed.
Hangtown Creek overflowed its banks, and carried off some necessary but not very valuable property. The roads are represented to be in an almost impassable condition--in several places almost entirely washed away.
The following in reference to the condition of travel in the county is from the Coloma Times:
Communication from Georgetown, Greenwood, and in fact from the entire ridge between the Middle and South Fork of the American river to Sacramento, can be had by the way of Shaw's wire bridge at Mormon Island, which, we understand, remains uninjured. There is but one bridge across the Middle Fork of the American river--that is known as the Murderer's Bar wire bridge. We have not heard authoritatively, yet we presume that it escaped--it is a wire suspension, far above high water, and if the abutments stood, no other injury could be done it. The Rattlesnake Bar wire bridge, we learn, was not damaged at all.
PLACER COUNTY.
The miners in Placer have suffered severely, and the damage to roads and bridges has been large. The Dutch Flat Enquirer says the Mineral Bar bridge, on the road from Illinoistown to Iowa Hill was carried away. This was considered one of the most substantial pieces of workmanship in the county. Ford's Bar bridge was also carried away. This bridge was for horsemen and foot passengers from lowa Hill to Dutch Flat, and was one of the great thoroughfares from Placervilie, Georgetown, Forest Hill, lowa Hill, Dutch Flat, Little York on to Nevada and Downieville.
The water reached its hight on Monday. At Junction Bar, a wire-suspension foot bridge, several cabins, and a number of large waterwheels, flumes, etc., were carried away. Every house on Pleasant Bar was surrounded by water, but by means of ropes, stone ballast and other fastenings they were prevented from floating away. On Horse-Shoe Bar the damage was extensive, the place being nearly all covered with water. At this bar, and also at Mad Canon Bar, Poverty Bar, Maine Bar, and Oregon Bar, immense losses were sustained by the carrying away of water wheels, derricks, sluices, flumes, mining cabins, and lumber. At Volcano Bar, a wire-suspension bridge which cost $2,500 one year ago was destroyed. Large numbers of Chinamen are reported by the Courier to have been drowned at Poverty, Maine, and Oregon Bars, and at the confluence of the Middle and North Forks of the American.
The new "Dardanelles Ditch" has been greatly injured by the freshet, the earth on the upper side in many places caving in and filling it up. The dam at the head of the Dutch Flat Company's ditch is said to have broken on Monday last, on the Main Fork of the North Fork and also their dam on the Middle Fork of the North Fork, causing a damage to the company of a thousand dollars or more.
CALAVERAS COUNTY
Seems to have been touched lightly. The gulches and ravines were much swollen, but no serious losses are reported. The Chronicle says that some miners in Steep Gulch, back of Mokelumne Hill, had all their dirt carried away, and supposing that the Water Company's flume had broken down and emptied its contents into the gulch, went up to the agent and demanded some two thousand dollars damages. On being informed that there had been no water in the flume for the last ten days, they had to look to a higher source for their pay. At the Buckeye, the Gopher mining claim was entirely washed out. Loss about $800.
SILKIYOU [sic] COUNTY.
The rush of water which has swept the valleys did its work in the mountains, of course, some days before we felt it. The Yreka Journal of the 4th gives the following account of the overflowing of the creeks and gulches in that region on the preceding Saturday:
At five o'clock, water was rushing down Main street a foot deep, and Yreka creek was booming and flooding its banks from Main street almost to Dr. Wadsworth's residence. The water surrounded our office, and rushed in swift currents between the houses and barns back of us. At seven o'clock the Yreka creek bridge, on Miner street, floated off, stopping against stumps of trees about half a mile below town. All the buildings on the east side of Main street towards the creek, were surrounded if not flooded with water, and many gardens are completely ruined, being covered with sand and driftings from Greenhorn. Yreka creek divided south of Yreka, and one stream ran through town within fifty feet of Main street, flooding several premises in town and all along the creek to Shasta river.
Shasta river divided into several streams, at this time, and spread over ranches and claims, doing great damage and rendering the roads impassible for coaches. Scott river overran its banks and spread out over the adjoining country like an immense lake. In Scott Valley the telegraph poles were floated out for a distance of miles. The Journal estimates the losses of miners on McAdams creek alone, at $30,000.
TRINITY COUNTY.
The Trinity Journal estimates the loss on Trinity river at $150,000. The flood has made a clean sweep of the flumes, dams, mills and water wheels of miners, and has carried off many bridges, ranch improvements, fruit trees and much rich soil on the Trinity and its tributary creeks. Among the losses recorded by the Journal we find nine bridges--some totally destroyed, others badly damaged, and partially carried off--ten dams, several mills, and a long list of flumes and water wheels.
NEVADA COUNTY.
At the highest stage of the flood the South Yuba was twenty six feet above low water mark, and twelve feet higher than at any time last year. The Nevada Democrat of Tuesday had the following:
The Illinois, Webster's, and both of Freeman's bridges, were carried away on Sunday night, also the suspension bridge at Washington.
Considerable damage was occasioned by the tearing away of dams and flumes in Deer creek. The flume of Jeffrey & Co, coming into Deer creek at the Main street bridge was washed away, damaging the company to the amount of about $2,000. The bridge at the foot of Nevada street, Worrell's bridge at the Eagle saw mill, and the dams of Bovyer's ditches, the one above and the other below town, were swept off.
A gentleman from Jones's Bar informs us that great damage was occasioned by the flood at that place. At the upper end of the bar, where the channel is narrow, the water raised forty feet above the low water mark, being twelve or fifteen feet higher than ever known before. The foot bridge which crosses at the Bar, together with flumes, dams, sluices, derricks, and mining utensils generally, were carried away. One of the flumes destroyed was over a mile in length,
and cannot: be replaced for less than four thousand dollars. The quartz mill belonging to Fellows, at German Bar, was swept off.
The middle Yuba rose ten feet higher than at any previous time in the past ten years, and six feet above the highest water marks.
The Marysville Appeal has the following in reference to bridges in Nevada county:
We have before stated that Wood's bridge across the South Yuba, at Bridgeport, and Freeman's, across the Middle Yuba, near North San Juan, have been carried away by the freshet, as well as Webber's bridge across the South Yuba on the road between Nevada and North San Juan. Teams and stages are now crossing at Bridgeport by boat, and a huge ferry launch is being constructed for regular use until the bridge can be rebuilt. Freeman says he will have a new bridge by the first of January. Webber intends to construct a wire suspension this time; and so should all mountain bridge men hereafter.
YUBA COUNTY.
The Appeal says that the only street of consequence that was flooded was First street, and that the water therein was only from eighteen inches to two feet in depth--and adds:
On First street are built the Merchants' Hotel, and the few brick stores which fell in. The larger and best built portion of the town was not flooded at all, and the leading thoroughfares were thronged, with man and women gazing at the surrounding waste of waters.
The heavy losses in Yuba county are among farmers and miners. Many families in moderate circumstances, residing west of F street in Marysville, must have experienced losses, not large, but neverless distressing to them. Along the Feather and Yuba bottoms, many people, overtaken by the flood on the night of Sunday the 8th, fled to the tree tops. One man took his three children to a tree and tied them up in the branches, where they remained several hours in the cold before a rescuer arrived.
TEHAMA COUNTY.
The Beacon says the losses in the neighborhood of Red Bluff are but small. A slaughter house with some hides was swept off of the east bank of the Sacramento at that point. It is said.that Loomis Ward of Tehama has lost seven hundred sheep. In the town of Tehama the water was, says the Beacon, one foot in depth.
RUSSIAN AND EEL RIVERS.
J. W. Henderson arrived at San Francisco Saturday, and informed the Alta that the river rose as high there last Monday as in the Sacramento valley.
Eel river rose thirty feet above low water mark, and carried off many fences and much live stock.
Russian river rose fifteen feet or more. At Cloverdale the river cut a new channel, leaving the sawmill of Caldwell & Levy in the middle of the river. The mill was injured, and report says it will probably be abandoned. Between Cloverdale and Healdsburg the farmers lost much. Their fences and domestic animals were carried off, and in some places the soil was washed away.
At Big river two men were drowned.
BUTTE COUNTY.
At Oroville the Feather river had risen to a great hight on Sunday morning, the 8th, and boats had to be brought into use for the removing.of the inmates of houses on the bar. Many houses were made fast by ropes, but when night came few had withstood the violence of the torrent. On Monday morning the bar was entirely swept of every human habitation, and the flood threatened the town itself. The Record gives the metes and bounds of the inundation, there, as follows:
At the saw-mill and at the foot of Downer street, the water reached Montgomery street. At the foot of Myers street it was high enough to deposit quite an amount of drift wood immediately in the rear of Faulkner & Co.'s banking house. At Huntoon street it caused the hasty removal of the horses, harness, coaches, etc., from the stable of the California Stage Company, and giving it a pretty thorough washing out; while across the street, Nye's stable suffered the same fate. Chinatown barely escaped inundation, the water having just reached the street. The flood reached its highest stage about seven o'clock, Monday morning, and by ten o'clock its receding was perceptible.
The entire damage is estimated at $10,000. The farmers on the river, down as far as the Honcut, suffered severely, many being driven out of their houses, The Oroville Railroad grade was not disturbed, it being eighteen inches above the highest water mark. On Chico creek and the Sacramento river, within the limits of Butte county, thousands of cattle have been drowned, and ranch improvements carried off in great quantities. Major Bidwell of Chico has sustained considerable losses.
NEARER HOME.
The Folsom Telegraph says that at that place the American rose eight feet higher on Monday than at the time of the great flood of 1852.
The Stockton Independent of Thursday has the following:
We learn from Hicks that the freshet has caused no damage to the long bridge over the Cosumnes. The main bridge over Dry creek is still standing, while the bridges on either side are swept away. The Mokelumne river is "bank full," but no fears are entertained of an overflow sufficient to cause any damage. The Cosumnes is even higher than the Mokelumne, but the water has more facilities for escape, the river being wide at points where otherwise it might cause much damage. The Calaveras shows no signs of an overflow, the water not having reached within several feet of its banks at the bridge crossing.
SONOMA COUNTY.
The freshet was very destructive at Santa Rosa. On Sunday night the people of the town were aroused by the ringing of bells, and half the town was found to be submerged to the depth of from one to four feet, by the rising of Santa Rosa creek. The Democrat says:
The damages sustained by our citizens and the county from the destruction of bridges and injury to roads were considerable, but we have not space for details. Fences were swept away, hogs drowned, hay and poultry carried off; in short, everything encountered in force by the flood was destroyed or carried away. The bridge at the southern entrance of the town was damaged to the extent of $300.
BRIDGES CARRIED OFF.
The following bridges, not mentioned by us before, we believe, have been swept away by the deluge, viz: Rice's bridge, on the North Yuba; also the bridges at Downieville and Goodyear's Bar, in Sierra county; the bridges across the Yuba at Foster's Bar and Bullard's Bar, and the bridge at Johnson's crossing of Bear river; also Turner's bridge across the Yuba, a few miles above Marysville, and Wood's wire suspension bridge at Parks' Bar (Yuba river), have all gone by the board. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . The management at the Metropolitan Theater, San Francisco, gave a benefit for the Sacramento sufferers by the flood on Saturday evening. The theater was crowded.
In our columns will be found . . . and a condensed statement of the ravages of the flood in the interior of the State.
Under the head of "The Safety of the City," will be found an authoritative statement of the progress made by the Citizens' Committee in providing for the protection of the city. Several communications on the same subject will be noticed in this issue.
Colonel Bowie, of the Fifth Regiment sent a dispatch from San Francisco, on Saturday, to a citizen of Sacramento, requesting that, if more men were needed to work on the levee, word should be sent to Major Coult at Camp Union, expressing his (the Colonel's) wish that he would send up as many men as might be necessary.
The total amount of relief received in this city for the sufferers by the flood, from the citizens of San Francisco, up to the present time, is twenty-seven thousand seven hundred and ten dollars and forty cents, of which amount twenty-two thousand seven hundred and ten dollars and forty cents was in cash, and about five thousand dollars in well selected merchandise. Such instances of prompt and profuse generosity on the part of a community are of very rare occurrence.
The weekly report of the City and County Auditor exhibited the following balances as being on hand at the close of business on Saturday: In the County Treasury, $91,547.36; in the City Treasury, $81,425.55. Total, $172,972.91. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE STATE CAPITAL.--Before Sacramento had shaken the water, in which she had been submerged, from her garments, two or three papers in the interior and one or two in San Francisco commenced the work of urging a removal of the State Capital. If the people of the State should deem it inexpedient to retain the Capital here, Sacramento will not complain, but she protests against any [??] being made upon her in this connection before
she has closed her war against the watery element, which has been struggling to overwhelm her. We are pleased to see that some of our cotemporaries [sic] take the same view, and are too generous to participate in this vulture-like attack upon a suffering city. The Bulletin says:
If there has ever been a disposition in any portion of the State to remove the State Capital to some new place, the present misfortunes of Sacramento would cause such a proposition to be frowned down with withering scorn. The people of California have too much magnanimity, too strong a sense of justice, to countenance any attempt to take advantange [sic] of the misfortunes of one community to further the schemes of another. Not a single reason exists now for moving the seat of Government from Sacramento that has not existed in equal force for the past nine years; but, on the contrary, the entire safety of the State's property there is more completely established than ever.
The fourth and highest flood ever known has swept over the city, and not an ordinarily well constructed brick building is known to be damaged. The new State House, with its foundation eight or ten feet below the surface of the ground, and the walls laid in cement above high water mark, may stand through a hundred such inundations as the present without damage, while the halls of legislation and public archives will of course, be above the reach of water. The levee may be cut away, so that Sacramento will be liable to partial overflow every two or three years, and yet that city can grow and prosper, and still deserve to be the State Capital. These overflows, when anticipated, need not be calamities.
They deluge the city for a few days, cause suffering among the poor, and suspend business, but when the water subsides the damage is soon repaired. Many large cities in the world are subject to periodical overflows, and being prepared, suffer little more loss than other cities experience from the interruption of business by snow storms.
DEFENSES OF THE CITY.
A prominent citizen sends us a communication upon the probable cost of repairing the
levee from M street to the American river, as well as the work at Rabel's tannery. But his
estimate, it strikes us, would not put that levee in the condition it ought to be placed. It should not only be repaired, but made broader and
higher. What is done should be thorough. The Citizens' Committee is moving in the premises, as may be seen by a statement in another column. The members are moving energetically. They have generally selected the weak points for commencing work. As stated, the work near Rabel's tannery is important; the danger of a break was imminent, and but for the desperate efforts of those living in that
neighborhood, night and day, as we are personally aware, the city would have been flooded from that point before daylight Monday morning. A broad and high levee is needed at that point.
We regret that the Committee find it impracticable to stop the crevasse at the Halfway House, through which the water of the Sacramento is rushing. If it is impracticable to
close that crevasse, the people in the southern portion of the city are dependent upon a fall in the Sacramento for freedom from inundation. The residences of many of them are still so
submerged as to render them uninhabitable, and if the Sacramento continues high all winter they must remain under water. Certainly this will be the case unless the R street levee can be repaired so as to keep out back water.
There has for several days past been more or less talk of endeavoring to have the railroad come in on the north, rather than the south
side of the city. A correspondent from Nevada also advances the same idea. A railroad embankment on the north side, and near the
American river, would prove a very great defense to the city. It would not do away with the necessity of a levee, but it would add materially to our safety. When application was made to the City Council there were two railroad companies asking for the right to enter the city. Connected with one were such men as
ex-Governor Burnett, J. B. Haggin, and other prominent citizens the other was mainly represented by C. L. Wilson. Most persons were then confident that the Sacramento company would be most likely to build the road, and acordingly it wus granted the right of way to
come in on the south side. Burnett, Haggin, and others permitted their project to drop. Wilson & Co. went ahead and finally built the road to Folsom. This is the reason why the railroad happened to come in on the south instead of the north side of the city. As before remarked, a railroad embankment on the American river would prove a
very great protection to Sacramento, in place of flooding it as it did in its present location. The Railroad Company could, in part, make its peace with the people of Sacramento for having built a solid embankment on its present line, which acted as a dam to back the water into the city, thereby doing them an irreparable injury--by changing the location of the road to the bank of the American river. A railroad embankment, sixty feet wide on the top, from the high ground near Brighton to the
Sacramento river, would prove a breastwork to the water of the American, which it would be unable to surmount more than once in a century.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT.--Several of our cotemporaries [sic] are engaged in giving us friendly words of encouragement in the midst of our "sea of troubles," for which the citizens of Sacramento feel duly thankful. The Bulletin says:
Sacramento is situated just where commerce demands a city, and four floods cannot wash her out. If every man, woman and child now resident there, should pull up stakes to-morrow and depart, a colony would pour in before Spring and rebuild a town, for that is the place for one.
If the grade of the city has been put too low, that is a mistake which time will rectify. The building of levees is not a much more serious job than constructing streets on marshy, tidewatered ground. To do the thing up right requires money, and with time, economy, and the determination at all risks to pay every dime that is already borrowed, the money will be forthcoming. Sacramento has come out of repeated baptisms of fire and water, and is certainly now devoted--not to destruction, but to the high career that awaits those who take their burnings kindly, and their rude baths with good nature.
She has Resurgam branded on her flank, and the owners of that brand never suffer their sort to stray permanently into the lowlands or lack good pasture.
When the Legislature meets, however, it may be deemed sound policy for the State to unite with the local government in constructing a new levee around the city on a more limited circuit than the present--such an embankment as will defy the approaches of any flood that can be expected until Noah's experience is repeated. A comparatively small sum of money, if honestly disbursed, would build such a levee.
The Alta adds:
The people of Sacramento, however crippled their corporate finances may be, have wealth enough among themselves to repair all the damages occasioned by the flood.
No matter how they proceed, the money will have to come
out of the pockets of the citizens in the end, and it is just as well to fall back upon these receptacles of cash now as ten years hence, especially, as by so doing, disgrace and ultimate ruin will be avoided.
The Journal, speaking of the money raised by Sacramento for self-protection, remarks:
This noble action by the brave citizens of Sacramento relieves our State and all its components from the fear of a great evil, for repudiation by Sacramento would have been necessarily followed by the destruction of confidence in every species of California security. The course of the city under the severe pressure of suffering it has now to endure in thus maintaining its faith, will be justly appreciated, and every right-minded man will strive to proffer every assistance to the citizens of Sacramento in their noble efforts which can be constitutionally extended, and which a generous magnanimity can bestow.
The San Francisco Mirror also says;
The citizens of Sacramento have agreed to rebuild the levee and effect all necessary improvements by private subscription, and if $40,000 were raised on the spot.
The proposal to repudiate is not to be taken as derogatory to the reputation of those who favored it, but rather as the natural result of a panic in which all classes participated. This sober second thought action redounds, therefore, very highly to their credit.
The Marysville Appeal remarks: .
Energetic measures are being taken to drain the streets as fast as possible. May the beautiful and undaunted "city of homesteads" soon rise from the flood, higher and drier and securer than ever.
GIVE THEM LEGAL AUTHORITY.--As those who have voluntarily come forward and offered to loan the city from forty to fifty thousand dollars to be expended, and placed it in the hands of a Citizens' Committee, the Board of Supervisors might, by ordinance, authorize the Committee to act for the City as the agents of the authorities. By doing this, and then auditing the accounts for money paid for work, a claim with a legal semblance would exist against the City and in favor of the Committee.
A CORRESPONDENT makes some suggestions about cleaning and draining the streets, which are worthy of consideration. The business streets and sidewalks ought by all means to be cleaned, repaired and drained before the first of January. The Committee will have to give this matter consideration.
The Committee report it impossible to close the slough above Smith's until after the American falls. A contractor in the city offered yesterday to fill it up so as to stop the water and build a new levee for five hundred dollars. When doctors disagree who is to decide?
TAXPAYERS AND SUBSCRIBERS.
It is very well known that, when an emergency presents itself, and money is required for the public good--for the public safety--the few only respond. In most instances, too, the
same parties, probably because they always have done so, and because they are ready to meet an appeal in a public crisis promptly and liberally when first called upon. Such men
advance their means cheerfully, while many around them owning more property, and requiring more protection, do not subscribe a dollar. Sacramento is not an exception to this
general rule. In a crisis like the present a few of her citizens invariably have the heavy burden to bear, simply because they are public
spirited and willing. Since it was determined to raise the money demanded for immediate use in repairing the levees and strengthening them, by subscription, and the proposition has been circulated to obtain subscribers, we have taken the trouble to get a
list of fifty of the heaviest taxpayers in the city. The amount each man pays in taxes is placed in one column; the sum he subscribes
to the loan, expected to be returned by a special tax, in another. It will be seen that of the fifty heaviest taxpayers only six advance to the city more than the annual amount of their taxes, while twenty-seven--over one-half--have not subscribed one dollar. A good many taxpayers not included in the list of fifty have subscribed liberally; but a good many of the largest property holders have not yet subscribed anything. It may be that some of them are absent, and will yet respond. For their own credit we hope they will; in a time like the present, for those who are able, to hold back, is calculated to place the delinquents in a very unenviable position before their fellow citizens.
The majority in the late meeting finally determined upon the present plan to raise the money needed; it is one that involves some
risk of future payment, which should be shared generally by property holders. Those who decline will be adjudged worthy a place in a city black list.
The following is the list to which we have referred. Our readers can analyze it at pleasure:
Amount Subscrip-
City Tax. tion to Loan.
B. F. Hastings $3,048 $5,000
D. O. Mills & Co. 2,829 5,000
Sacramento Valley Railroad . . 2,781 000
H. E. Robinson 2,244 350
Kleinhans & Bro. 2,238 000
Boyd & Davis ....... 1,959 000
Cal. Steam Nav. Co. 1,883 -----
Hull & Lohman 1,719 500
L. B. Harris 1,644 2,000
Sacramento Gas Co. 1,427 5,000
Booth & Co. 1,405 1,000
E. P. Figg 1,278 500
R. H. McDonald 1,258 500
Stanford Bros. 1,225 1,000
Lindley, Wooster & Weaver. . 1,216 500
John Gillig 1,104 000
J. H. Carroll & Co. 1,039 500
Sneath & Arnold 1,034 250
Lanos & Co. 1,029 1,000
J. Carolan & Co 926 000
Lord, Holbrook & Co. 921 1,000
P. H. Burnett 879 000
A. K. Grim, for Samuel Norris 875 000
Rosanna H. Keenan 857 000
Lloyd Tevis 843 000
Ebner & Bros 837 100
Sacramento Valley Railroad . . 831 000
C. Crocker 827 500
Harmon & Co. 822 500
F. W. Fratt 813 000
E. M. Skaggs 786 000
S. Brannan, (Wetzlar, Agent) . 784 000
J. W. Winans 756 500
V. G. Fourgeaud 751 000
Milliken Bros.... 718 000
John McNulty 710 100
A. G. Tryon 708 000
Sacramento & Yolo Bridge Co. 702 000
C. J. Jansen 692 000
C. J. Hooker 677 000
A. C. Monson 672 000
S. P. Dewey.. 674 000
D. E. Callahan 667 000
John Rivett 665 000
James Anthony & Co. 660 1,000
Melvina Hoopes 640 000
H. M. Naglee 648 000
J. C. Jorghaus...... 647 000
P. Vertimer 644 000
C. H. Grimm 639 500
. . .
THE TELEGRAAH [sic].--To satisfy numerous inquiries as to the prospects of a speedy telegraphic communication with the rest of the country, we will state that Mr. Dent, the operator at this place is busily engaged in putting in order the line to Sacramento, which is in a much worse condition than was supposed. Between Eliza and Bear river there are miles of the line down, poles and wires prostrated by a strong current which appears to have swept over the ground. The line is all down to a point near Bear river, and it is probable that the connection will be made before our next issue.--Marysville Appeal, Dec. 15th. . . .
REGULAR.--The Mountain Democrat in closing an article on the flood, says:
But notwithstanding the violence and severity of the storm, the Overland Mail arrived with remarkable regularity, thus establishing the fact that the Placerville route can be safely and speedily traveled in the worst seasons.
DROWNED.--Jabez Atwood, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, was drowned at Marysville on Saturday. He was boating at the foot of B street with another man, when they were capsized, with the fatal result above recorded, . . .
THE BEEF MARKET.--The Marysville Appeal says the butchers there are quite uncertain as to the future state of the stock market, and adds:
But a short supply for beef is now on hand, and a movement of some sort must take place soon. No offers have been made by dealers as yet, but it is the impression that prices will advance as soon as any cattle come into market, as there must have been many hundreds of fat cattle drowned in the late floods, though it would seem, from all accounts, that the largest loss is among cattle of the poorer sort.
THE LEVEE AND STATE CAPITAL.--At a late meeting of citizens of San Francisco, Gregory Yale offered the following resolutions, which were passed:
Resolved, That in the sense of this meeting the next Legisature should take into consideration the necessity of adopting a system of levees to protect the State property at the Capital from damage or destruction by inundation from the American and Sacramento rivers, at the expense of the State.
Resolved, That in this day of peril to Sacramento we should not talk of adding to their calamities the removal of the State Capital to any other place. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
The benefit at the Metropolitan Theater last night for the Sacramento sufferers, drew a very crowded house. . . .
[Lodge symbol]. I. O. O. F.--At a Regular Meeting of the General Relief Committee of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows held in this city this day, it was Resolved, That the thanks of said Committee and the Order in general be tendered Bro. P. G. M , H. M. HEUSTON, for the very generous offer of the use of his Furnished Brick Dwelling, northeast corner of I and Seventh streets, for Brothers of the Order and their families now in distress. Infornation of cases of distress is respectfully solicited by said Committee.
JOHN TODD, Chairman. Sacramento,
Dec. 15, 1861. d16-6t
[Bee copy.]
One of God's Noblemen,
Mr. Norris Sullivan rescued my wife and child, and other helpless women and children, from a watery grave during the flood. In doing this he neglected HIS property, most of which was destroyed. I was absent from the city at that time, and have been unable to find him to acknowledge his heroic conduct. His name must be added to the list of noble men who saved human lives without charge.
dl6-lt* CHARLES R. SUMNER. . . .
[drawing of a cow] COWS LOST.
LOST--ON THE DAY OF
the Flood in Sacramento, TWO COWS one black and white, rope on her neck, and branded O on her right rump; the other red, with a white stripe on her back, and branded J B on her side. Whoever will return both or either of them to McDOWELL & CO., corner of Front and N streets, shall be suitably rewarded. d16-8t
[drawing of a horse] MARE FOUND--ON THE
9th of December, during the flood, a SORREL MARE, fifteen hands high, three years old, left feet white, white stripe on forehead, with brand on the right shoulder. The owner can get her at Toll's Stable by paying the expeses, d16-8t*
LABORERS WANTED,
THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED
by the Citizens on Friday last will require a number of Laborers to work on the Levee at Rabel's Tannery and Thirty-first street.
Apply on the ground to the Superintendent. Payment in cash. C. H. SWIFT, Chairman.
C. W. LIGHTNER, Secretary dl6 . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
FIRE.--A one story dwelling house, owned by William Hardy and occupied by Frank M. Chapman and family, on the north side of N street, between Seventh and Eighth, caught fire at half past eight o'clock last evening, it is said, from a large fire built for the purpose of drying clothing. The fire spread to the adjoining house on the east side, a two story house, owned and occupied by John F. Roberts. Part of the furniture in Roberts' house was saved, but Chapman's furniture and both the dwellings were destroyed.
Roberts' house was insured for $300, but was probably worth three times as much. He is a man about seventy-five years old, and will feel the loss severely, having but little to depend upon. He is the father of Capt. T. L. Roberts of the Washington Rifle Company, First Regiment California Volunteers.
The fire companies had a very hard time in getting to the fire through the flooded streets and over broken sidewalks. Engine No. 5 broke through the plank sidewalk on L street, and was pried out with great difficulty. Soon after it got mired and the firemen impressed a span of horses which dragged out the machine and took it to the fire in a hurry.
THE WEATHER.--ln consequence of the prevalence of fogs and clouds we have scarcely had a glimpse of the sun during the past week. There have been some indications of rain, which was of course to be dreaded in view of our muddy streets, high rivers, damp houses, etc. Yesterday a moderate northwest wind prevailed, giving the promise of clear weather. At about twelve o'clock M. the sun made a decided effort to take a peep at Camp Union through the curtain of floating clouds, and was very nearly successful.
In the evening, at about sunset, a golden gleam came through the gap of the Putah in the coast range, giving promise of light and warmth and prosperity, at an early day. Our sidewalks in many places, are becoming dry and quite passable. The glow of sunlight, a clear sky, falling rivers, liberal contributions to the protection fund, sound judgment on the part of our committees, and manly energy on the part of all our citizens: these are needed to meet the emergency of the day, and these combined will meet it successfully.
THE ROLL OF HONOR.--We have mentioned, from time to time, the names of those who were magnanimously and effectively engaged on Monday last in aiding those who were in need of aid on account of the destructive flood of that day. It is alike creditable to human nature that assistance was so generously given when required, and that those who received it are so desirous now to award the meed of praise to those from whom it came. We have been requested to say that Nathaniel Boice threw open his two story brick house in the northeastern portion of the city, and extended all the aid in his power to those who were in need. John McIsaacs, saloon keeper at Front and N streets, is said to have been very active with a boat throughout the day.
J. H. Warwick, member elect of the Assembly, and Charles Duret worked throughout the day and evening, removing from danger many who were perilously situated.
STAGE ARRANGEMENTS.--The stage office of this city has been removed from Second street to the What Cheer House, Front and K streets. Notice is given in another column that passengers are ticketed through from Sacramento to all parts of the State at the same rates as before the washing up of the railroad by the late flood. The cars at present come from Folsom to Brighton only. As the Railroad Company refuse to provide any means of transportation for passengers between that point and the city, the stage companies have put on a number of their coaches, established a ferry at Sutter's Fort, and send out and bring in passengers, without loss of time or additional expense. The traveling community will, therefore, suffer little or nothing by the injury done the railroad.
This arrangement went into effect on Wednesday morning last.
CONTEMPLATED SUITS FOR DAMAGES.--The subject of the liability of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company for the damage done to real and personal property in this city, is being pretty freely discussed among those who have suffered by the late flood. It is generally held--as the agents of the company stopped up the natural water course on R street, near Seventeenth, not only without any legal authority but in the face of the protest of the City Council, and thereby on Monday last dammed up the water until the city was deluged--that therefore the Company, as a company, and the agents individually are responsible for the injury done. It seems probable from present indications that several hundred suits will be commenced, and that our lawyers and Courts will be busy with the subject. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento had fallen at sunset last evening to twenty-one feet five inches above low water mark, having declined seven inches from its highest pomt--twenty-two feet attained on Friday evening. There is no reason to doubt that the river is going down, and that the levees will soon be in a condition in which they can be effectually repaired. The leak of the St. George drain at Fourth and I streets has been stopped, or nearly so, and the point on the Sacramento, below R street, seems likely to give no immediate trouble. . . .
NEITHER PROUD NOR PARTICULAR.--On the morning after the late inundation, a large hog was found in a well furnished residence in the eastern portion of the city, taking a warm and comfortable snooze in the best bed in the house. He was evidently neither proud nor particular as to where he slept.
ARRESTS.--The following arrests were made on Saturday:. . . John Doe, alias, by officer McIntosh, on a charge of petty larceny, in stealing a boat belonging to C. E. Wyman. . . .
MARYSVILLE.--Marysville Appeal, in noticing the relief meeting at San Francisco, says:
A monster meeting was to be held at San Francisco night before last, to take measures for the relief of sufferers by the flood at Sacramento and Marysville. San Francisco is always first in charitable deeds. We are happy to know that Marysville did not suffer beyond her own ability to afford relief.
[For the Union.]
THE CITY DEFENSES.
MESSRS. EDITORS:--Having spent most of the day in an examination of the condition of our levee, and in making some sort of an estimate of the cost of repairing it in such manner as to protect the city from immediate danger of another overflow, I propose to give the result of my observations to the public through the medium of the UNION.
Commencing my examination at the point where the east levee intersects M street, near Twenty-third, and following the levee eastward and northward to where it intersects the American river levee at a point near the junction of A and Thirty-first streets, I found the embankment broken through and washed away in many places.
But along this entire line the ground outside of the levee was high enough to enable laborers to procure all the earth necessary to repair the breaches.
There would be no difficulty, with an adequate force, in making that portion of the levee perfectly secure in one week's time, provided we have favorable weather.
I estimated, from merely walking over the ground--estimating it by my eye without stopping to measure it--that it would not take over ten thousand cubic yards of earth to repair it.
It would require some little ploughing, ditching, etc., to prepare the bed for receiving the new earth. But the cost of repairing all this part of the levee, could not well cost over five thousand dollars. Possibly, if the weather should be fair, it might fall considerably short of that sum.
From the intersection of the two levees, near the crossing of A and Thirty-first streets, the American river levee requires raising and strengthening for about two hundred yards.
This work could be done without difficulty and at a trifling cost--say not to exceed $500. Then at the lower extremity of this repaired levee it would be necessary to commence an entirely new piece of levee, gradually diverging from the old one, and extending inland to such a distance as to be entirely free from all danger of being undermined and carried away by the river, which at this point has been encroaching on the land.
After getting past this point of danger the new levee could be gradually turned back so as to connect with the old levee below. This is the point at Rabel's tannery, about which we have heard so much.
This levee would require about five cubic yards of earth per lineal foot. In my opinion it would not require more than eight hundred feet of new levee. Indeed, I would consider it safe with six hundred feet, if some work was done to protect the bank of the river, of which I will presently speak. But, putting it at eight hundred feet, it cannot reasonably cost over $2,000
The soil is dry and sandy, and may be removed with remarkable facility. From the last mentioned point down the American river to I street, the necessary repairs would be very slight indeed. Fifty or one hundred dollars' worth of labor on all this part of the levee would render it perfectly secure.
Coming down I street, of course the levee would be perfectly secure but for that wonderful piece of engineering connected with the St. George Hotel, alike indicative of the sagacity of its projector, and of the wisdom of the city fathers who sanctioned it.
But seriously, there is mere [more?] danger from that place than is generally apprehended. A straight piece of timber leading through an embankment, which is intended to hold water is always dangerous. The water is apt to follow along the underside of such a piece of timber, and if the smallest hole is formed there, the timber above makes a kind of arch to sustain the superincumbent earth, while the orifice is enlarging by the action of the water.
This place should be narrowly watched, and the first time the water falls sufficiently the street should be reopened, the trough taken out and the ditch refilled, ramming the earth well as it is replaced.
I will now return to the place at Rabel's tannery. The making of eight hundred feet of new levee at that place would not be sufficient unless some steps were taken to prevent the cutting away of the banks.
To protect the bank is neither so difficult nor so costly as is generally supposed. In this place it would probably require one hundred piles to be driven. I am told that Mr. Rightmire will furnish them at the spot, fifty feet in length, for fifteen dollars each, and that it will only cost ten dollars each for driving. This will make, for piling, $2,500.
When the piles are driven, the space between them and the banks should be filled up with willow brush, and broken brick, gravel, bags of sand, and whatever heavy material can be most conveniently obtained, should be thrown on the brush to keep it at the bottom. If this is done the bank will never wash behind the piles
The brush is cheaper than planking, can be obtained at or near the spot, and is far more safe, for this reason: The planking is frequently undermined, and taken off by the action of the current, whilst the piles are still left standing. Brush can never wash out whilst the piles remain. If it is undermined it simply sinks down and fills up the hole beneath, instead of floating off. When a bank is thus protected, the only question that need be asked is, will the piling stand? While the piling stands there is no question but that the brush will stay behind it and protect the bank if properly weighted down.
The interstices of the brush would soon fill up with the sediment of the still water that it would create, and thus would be formed a solid embankment behind the piles, which would materially assist them in sustaining the action of the current, and tend greatly to increase their stability.
In this connection, I am informed that there will not probably be found any gravel or hard substance to prevent the driving of fifty foot piles to such a depth that the tops will be even with high water mark.
This opinion is founded on the fact that parties who have bored wells in that vicinity have not met with gravel or bowlders until attaining a depth of over fifty feet. When other piles were driven there they were driven with great care, but they were only thirty feet long. I would be afraid that thirty foot piles would not stand, but would be torn out by the action of the current. With fifty foot piles there could be no danger.
Above and below this point the banks are protected by willow brush. A point on the opposite side of the river, which threw the current across, has been washed away, and the current is not now cutting at Rabel's tannery. The water is still there now, but it would not be safe to trust it in another rise without protection. The danger, however, is greatly diminished.
The cost of filling in the brush I am unable to estimate.
The labor of the chain gang could be well employed in cutting the brush, and the additional cost of filling it in could not well exceed $2,000, and might not cost even $500.
To recapitulate, the cost of repairing the levee from the crossing of M street up to the American river, and down the American to the foot of I street, so as to make it perfectly safe and reliable, ought not to exceed $12,000. or $13,000, and the work may be done without difficulty in the present stage of the water.
Commencing at the crossing of M street, and following the levee southward and westward to the foot of R street, there are numerous breaches, and so far as I was able to examine them, the water was too near on a level with the surface of the ground to readily obtain the material for repairs in the vicinity of the breaches. The only way to repair this portion of the levee (unless the water should fall considerably) is to get the Railroad Company to repair their track by building trestle work across the slough which runs between the east levee and Poverty Ridge, so as to connect the Ridge with the R street levee, and striking the latter at about the intersection of 18th street:
By this means the cars could bring down dirt from the ridge, and construct their track before them to the foot of R street. Another set of cars could be switched off the track at the junction of the railroad and the levee, and run back up the levee, making repairs before them until a point is reached where the repairs can be made from the earth adjacent to the breaches. What this would cost I have not been able to learn. But certainly there are ample means in the hands of the Committees to accomplish it. For the present I will conclude here, but will, in another article, present some further views on this subject.
H. O. BEATTY.
Saturday Evening, Dec. 14th. .
LEVEE SUGGESTIONS.
EDITORS UNION: Would it not be practicable for Sacramento to buy the right of way along the line of the eastern levee of the city--say
50 or 100 feet, or any width necessary, and dig a canal entirely across from the American river to the Sacramento river, below the R street levee, or as far down as necessary, using the dirt taken from the canal in building the levee.
The canal, of course, would carry but a small amount of water, but every little helps, and the dirt taken therefrom would be all sufficient to protect your city from the flood.
The top dirt or soil should be placed on the outside of the levee, and at the proper season sowed with alfalfa, blue grass or red clover.
Alfalfa, I think preferable, as it is next to impossible to kill it when once started; and as the roots run very deep and are tough and fibrous, would in two years, at furthest, make your levee impregnable.
These suggestions have probably been made hundreds of times, and probably others much more valuable; but as I have noticed no such, I give them to you for what they are worth, and expect you to treat them as you see fit.
Yours, truly, etc., JNO. PATTISON.
Nevada, Dec 12, 1861.
REPORT ON THE SAFETY OF THE CITY.
As many of our citizens are anxious to learn what progress the Committee appointed by them on Friday, December 13th, have made by providing for the safety of the city, the following, from responsible authority, will give them the necessary information:
In a matter of such importance, although the necessity of action is immediate, it is equally important that the whole of the danger should be thoroughly examined before coming to a conclusion. It required the whole of Friday, Saturday and Sunday to view the different breaches in the levees, inquire carefully into the manner in which the city was overflowed--not only recently, but on former occasions--and to consult as to the best method of providing against the recurrence of such a calamity.
The breach below the Half Way House, in the Sacramento, was found to be of such magnitude as to preclude all hope of repairing it, the water pouring in with great velocity fully fifteen feet deep and sixty feet wide, the water on the side from which the work would have to be done varying from five to ten feet in depth; no material at hand wherewith to stop it, and the levee on either side low and precarious. The extent of damage to be done the city by it could be easily calculated by the eye, viz: the backing up of the water through the opening in the R street levee to the hight of a few inches. This has shown itself to be small.
The Committee, therefore, decided not to spend any of the fund in attempting to close it at present, but wait until the Sacramento subsided a few feet, when repairs will be practicable, and will then be done.
Much alarm was felt by many about the threatened breach below the R street levee and the "Hardenbergh" sewer, at the corner of I and Fourth streets. The Committee considered the former place perfectly safe for the present, and expended some labor on the latter, and partially succeeded in stopping the flow of water through it. They are of the opinion that ne [no?] real danger threatens the levee at that point, although the water still flowing through it is a source of inconvenience to the property holders in that immediate vicinity.
The Committee have concluded to proceed at once to erect a counter levee at Rabel's Tannery, inclosing the entire portion threatened by the wearing away of the bank of the American. But few of our citizens are aware of the danger which existed at that point, it was owing to the great exertions of the few men residing in the reighborhood, and the providential bursting of the embankment above Smith's Garden, relieving the strain on the weak levee, that the city was saved a night of horrors. Had it broken at that place (the tannery) the water must have flown with a depth of six feet and a front of several hundred yards, the entire diagonal length of the city, and would have scarcely subsided at the present time.
Deeming this the weakest point in the city defenses, and the construction of a levee there the speediest and cheapest method of securing it, the Committee will proceed to-day to its erection. Men and tools will be sent out at once, and the work will be done under their personal supervision.
The breaches in the east levee, commencing at Thirty-first and B streets, following its line until it intersects the R street embankment will be repaired at the same time, beginning at the former point, where comparatively dry earth can be obtained to fill them, as it would be useless to repair them with new earth alone. The slope facing the east, or waterside, will be revetted with gunny sacks. Where that material is used in filling the openings, in order that it may not be thought "patched work," an additional width and hight will be given the section at these points.
At the present time it would be folly to attempt reconstructing the embankment across the slough above Smith's Garden, the water still running through it, and no dry material at hand for use. To construct an entire new levee of new earth, unless faced on one side with materials which would resist a current as well as a pressure, would be a useless expenditure. It can only be erected permanently during the Summer months and be of use, after having stood some time, having a chance to settle. After the expense of the first mentioned work is paid for, there ought to be still a large fund on hand which can be appropriated for that use, A large portion of the city will be left outside, which, if left without benefit by the levee, ought not to be taxed to refund the present subscription.
The Committee aim to do the greatest amount of benefit to the greatest amount of property, and a knowledge of these facts by those outside of the levee ought to satisfy them,
The Committee have had no conference with the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company as to their future plans in restoring the R street embankment and trestle work over the slough, but have appointed a Sub-committee to ascertain their views in the matter.
RAILROAD NORTH OF THE CITY.
EDITORS UNION: While the city fathers of Sacramento are assuming great responsibilities in this great crisis of your history--if not existence--allow me to ask them, through you, why they do not take the responsibility of stopping the reconstruction of the railroad embankment into the city where it has existed?
Do they want the city submerged again? It will surely be so. I would as soon have the city and State Capitol built in the bottom of a lake temporarily dried up. Let them say to the Railroad company-- "you may build your track along the bank of the American river, and come in on the north side of the city."
It would be no injury to the railroad, but it would be a great benefit and protection to the city. The embankment could be built of solid material brought down from the foot hills that no flood would wash away. Should a flood ever threaten its overflow large trains of earth could then be run directly to the dangerous point and dumped in, and thus forever protect the city. The cost will be but trifling compared with your present loss.
I have no doubt but the Legislature would make an appropriation to aid such an enterprise as an effectual protection to the State capital. On the drainage question I would say let large gates be constructed in the levee below the city, with large sewers leading from the lowest portions of the city to those gates--after the style of lock gates to a canal--to drain off the water, should any ever again flow into the city.
By constructing several such gates, and by removing the entire present railroad embankment to fill up the lower portions of the city, and then constructing a new, large and solid railroad embankment around the north side of the city along the river, you will accomplish a permanent protection to your city; otherwise I fear that the people of the State will demand a removal of the capital to some other locality.
These suggestions are respectfully submitted, with all due deference to the wisdom of those who are more intimately and deeply interested in this matter, for their consideration.
H. C.
Nevada, Dec. 14, 1861.
A PLAN TO PUT J AND K STREETS IN ORDER.
EDITORS UNION: The Levee Committee will, I am informed, have men at work tomorrow (Monday) repairing the levee on its northern and eastern line, so that in a few days we will be protected from any ordinary rise of water from the American river. It is of vital importance to our city that at least the business portion of it be put in order before the meeting of the Legislature; and I suggest the following plan: Let a Committee of business men from J and K and the intervening cross streets, collect a fund (two or three dollars from each business house will do), for the purpose of clearing the mud from the graveled and planked streets.
Let them hire a dozen teams, and men sufficient to haul the dirt into the low cross streets; keep open the present temporary drains, and make others where needed, and in two weeks those streets will be in better order than they have been for the past two winters. Let the Levee Committee spend a few hundred dollars in reconstructing the crossings within the limits mentioned, the citizens go to work promptly and reconstruct their sidewalks, and by the first of January we can present a better appearance to "the assembled wisdom" than we have done for years. Who of our energetic business men will set the ball in motion? J. H. N.
p. 4
DAMAGE TO MINING CLAIMS.--On Sunday night December 8th, in Nevada, considerable damage was done in the mining claim of Rogers, on American Hill, by the bank caving in and breaking up the iron pipes. The damage was about $400. The cave was occasioned by the heavy rains--the water soaking in the cracks and loosening the earth.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3345, 17 December 1861 p. 1
. . .
MINING ABOUT COLUMBIA.--The Tuolumne Courier of December 7th, says:
The late storms have overflowed the most of the mines with water, and but little mining has been done in this section for nearly a month, * * * In the early part of this week Manly & Co. took out of their claim, on Knapp's ranch, a nugget weighing forty two ounces, nearly pure gold, which was sold to Daegener for over $700. They also washed up forty-aeven ounces of gold dust; the whole valued at about $1,500.
THE SAN JOAQUIN.--The Stockton lndependent of December 14th says:
We are informed by Captain Bruns, who arrived in this city last evening frem the mouth of the San Joaquin river, that an immense quantity of drift wood, stumps of trees, and timber, are floating out under a heavy force from the water, and every appearance at the month of the river indicates a rapid rise above. . . .
THE FLOOD AT DOUGLAS CITY.--The Gazette published at Douglas City, Trinity county, saying, under date of December 4th:
From this point down to the North Fork, everything is reported as swept away, including the bridges at North Fork, McGilvery's, Sturdivant's, and the new one built this past summer [?] at Louis Raab's. Every wheel and flume from Steiner's Flat down to North Fork is gone. Every mining claim along the river has suffered to a greater or less degree in the loss of sluice boxes, etc., and taken all together, the late flood has destroyed fully three times the amount of property of any previous one. Since the above was put in type, we have heard that the new flume of McCampbell and Given, which crosses the river at Soldier's Bar, and the bridge at Sturdivant's are safe. , , ,
p. 2
GOOD PAY.--Walker & Co. took out of their claim on the Klamath river, near the mouth of Humbug, Siskiyou county, in four days, with four men engaged, the amount of twenty-two and a haif ounces. The late freshet has probably filled their claim at present. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The [?] benevolent ladies of San Francisco are making clothing, on an extensive scale, for the Sacramento sufferers by the flood. Collections were taken up in the churches of that city on Sunday for the same object. . . .
The Citizens' Committee broke ground yesterday upon the work near Rabel's Tannery, on the American. A levee, thirty feet wide at the base, [?] will be constructed inside of the weak point.
The Supervisors, at their meeting yesterday, appointed a Committee to confer with the Sacramento Railroad Directors upon the subject of removing their track to the north side of the city.
The laborers upon the new Capitol building resumed work yesterday.
CITIZENS' COLLECTIONS.--The aggregate amount of money collected from citizens up to last evening, for the protection of the city, was about $46,000 [?]. Of the fifty heaviest tax-payers whose names were published yesterday in the Union, only about three or four have come forward, in addition to those who had subscribed previously. To-morrow we shall republish the list, with the subscriptious of those who shall have put down their names up to that time.
We trust there will be no lukewarmness in this matter, and that these who have the largest interests to protect will not stand back, while men of more humble means are coming forward with commendable liberality, and setting so noble an example.
In this important crisis of our city's fate it is to be hoped that not only the heavy taxpayers will do their duty in this matter, but that others will give according to their means, so that our city may be amply protected and placed on a permanent basis of prosperity. Now is truly [?] the accepted time to give, and now is the day of our temporal salvation.
RELIEF IN STOCKTON.--The San Joaquin Republican of December 15th makes mention of a meeting held in that city, on the day previous, for the relief of citizens of Sacramento. J. M. Conley was authorized to take charge of all items [?] and articles contributed for the relief of the sufferers. and deliver them to the Howard
Benevolent Society of Sacramento. Rev. Mr. King [?] spoke of the great suffering and destitution [?] among those of the people of Sacramento, who have been driven from their homes by the flood and urged contributions of clothing, bedding and provisions. On motion of Sperry, all articles contributed were requested to be left at the store of S. T. Nye, for shipment, and Messrs. Barnes [?] and Pollard were requested to gather the articles and see to their shipment. Over one thousand dollars were collected by December 15th. [?]
THE FLOOD IN SHASTA.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from Shasta, December 15th, [?] gives the following particulars of the late flood in the vicinity of Shasta:
During.the past week we have experienced the severest storm and flood ever known by white men since California was settled. It commenced snowing and raining on Thursday evening, December 5th, and continued incessantly till [?] Monday evening; during which time, Trinity river rose ten feet higher than was ever known by civilized man. It swept away every bridge from Scott mountain to the month of the river. All the houses and stores situated on the banks and bars of the river were carried down the stream. Bell's bridge on Clear creek, was damaged, end Judge Landrum's bridge on the same stream, at Briggsville, was carried down to the Sacramento. Thousands of head of stock were drowned in this county. . . .
STAGE ROADS NORTH.--ln speaking of the travel from Shasta to Yreka, the Courier says:
The roads are in the worst condition. Immense slides of rock, trees and earth at some points block it up, and in others the road itself has [?[ slid away. There will be no more staging to Yreka for a long time. The mail will be carried through on mules.
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE CITY.
Some of our cotemporaries in San Francisco and elsewhere appear to misapprehend the position of Sacramento toward her public creditors. They jump to the conclusion that she proposes to repudiate her public debt, principal and interest. No such proposition has been submitted to the public, so far as we are advised. The Committee appointed by a mass meeting of citizens to report a plan of action, submitted a report, which was published; it contained no recommendation to repudiate, but in view of the extraordinary circumstances by which the people of the city were surrounded, the Committee did announce that the Sinking and Interest Fund was the only source from which money could be obtained to meet the public exigencies, and recommended that indemnifying bonds should be executed to the Auditor and Treasurer for their protection, provided they surrendered the money when ordered by the Board of Supervisors.
The action of this body in passing an ordinance to transfer the interest money to a "Protection Fund" was passed in accordance with a recommendation included in the report of the Committee, which was adopted by a mass meeting almost unanimously. The Board of Supervisors is, therefore, unjustly censured by some of our cotemporaries for the passage of that ordinance. It was subsequently found that no legal bond could be made to protect the Auditor and Treasurer from responsibility for performing an act admitted to be illegal, and the plan to raise money by subscription to a loan, to be returned by special tax, was revived.
The original idea was not repudiation--for that is a refusal to pay when able--but suspension for the time, and a forced loan from the Sinking and Interest Fund until the city could be placed in condition to again resume payment This has been the ground we have occupied since the city was overtaken by the late catastrophe. In our judgment the destruction of property was so great, the means of the people of the city so crippled, that they would be justified in the face of Heaven and earth in saying to their public creditors, "We are unable now to pay the interest of our public debt, and we ask an extension until we can secure Sacramento from floods, and thus place ourselves in a condition to resume paying our interest.
It is necessary for us to apply money we intended to pay interest with, to secure our existence as a community."
Had the creditors of our city been present, they would have said to each other, "It is for our interest to accede to this proposition--for unless we consent to let the interest run for a year or two the people of Sacramento will never be able to pay us one dollar of either principal or interest. But if we give them time--permit them to use the money now on hand to strengthen and enlarge their levees and so secure the city as to fix in the public mind full confidence in the safety of property, the people will finally be able,to pay their indebtedness." This would have been the reasoning of business men in their private transactions.
Do not the merchants of San Francisco adopt this process of reasoning as to their customers and creditors in Sacramento, and do they not act upon it? Do they not willingly and cheerfully extend to those who have suffered, further time? The man who would force a debtor to the extent of suing out attachments against him would be pronounced a wretch. So with holders of mortgages. How many hundred are there in this city, who, if they have not already done so, will say to their creditors, "We do not expect those who have suffered by this fearful visitation to pay interest until they can place themselves in a position to do so without inconvenience." When individuals or large firms or corporate companies are deprived of the means of paying their debts by the destruction of their means by fire or flood, they announce the fact to their creditors that "they are unable to pay unless the time of payment is extended," and the business world pronounces the act not only honorable but commendable; forty-nine times in fifty their creditors would grant the extension asked.
Why then should not the same policy be adopted by the creditors of the city for their own protection? Sacramento, as a city, has met with a disaster which swept from existence nearly or quite one quarter of the assessed value of the property of her citizens.
In view of this destructive calamity, she proposed to say to her creditors, that her people were unable to pay the interest on their public debt, and ask for an extension of time. In the presence of the devastation which surrounds her people is it dishonorable for them to acknowledge their inability to pay now, and to apply means provided to pay interest to preserving the existence of their city? In our opinion it is not, and, if our city creditors were here, they would take the same view of the case. They would see that no other course could be pursued to ultimately enable the people of Sacramento to pay their indebtedness. But as they were not here, and could not be consulted, we hold that the people were justified in making the effort to obtain the money in the Interest Fund--that they would be justified still in obtaining it in order to protect themselves and avert a much greater loss to their public creditors.
We reiterate the conviction, which has been fairly driven into our mind, that the only sure remedy against ultimate repudiation is to appropriate the money in that fund to raising and strengthening the defenses of the city against high water. The fund now being raised, though liberal, will prove insufficient for that purpose. There is more which should be done than most people are aware.
Persons at a distance may moralize and denounce "repudiation," but unless they come here, and stand among the ruin produced by this unprecedented flood, they are not at the right standpoint for forming an unbiased and impartial judgment.
Self protection is recognized as the first law of nature in all communities; it is this law which we proposed to apply to Sacramento. She must be protected before she can do full justice to her creditors. It is her highest duty to protect herself first, her creditors second, and when she accomplishes the first, she does protect her creditors.
This we have advocated the morning after the inundation. In an article published Tuesday morning, the UNION said:
To repudiate an honest debt is disgraceful, because it is a refusal to pay when able but when placed in a position by misfortunes which no human wisdom could have averted, where an individual or a corporation is usable to pay honest debts, it is fair and honorable to face creditors and the world with an avowal of the fact. This is precisely the position of Sacramento, and it is honorable on her part to admit her total inability now to pay her public debt, principal, or interest, and to avow her determination to do so as soon as she is in a condition to discharge those obligations. No other course is left her, and the citizens will be forced to take the responsibility.
The above is copied to show that it was not repudiation, but suspension for a time which we urged as the policy forced upon the people
by an imperious necessity, and as the only one likely to preserve the city as well as her creditors.
In an article published the succeeding day the subject was continued, and the opinion expressed that if, under the circumstances, the money in the treasury was paid to bondholders on the first of January next, it would be the last they would receive of either principal or interest This may prove to be a mistaken opinion, but we have seen nothing yet to justify a change. We copy from an editorial in Thursday's UNION:
The people, by the action of the elements, are placed in a position where it is utterly out of their power to pay, for the present, their public debt, principal or interest, and we insist that it is honorable for them to frankly acknowledge the fact. As to the money in the Interest Fund, it is no more sacred than the promise made in the bonds. The time has arrived for speaking out plainly. If the interest is paid the first of January, and the city left in its present position, there will never be another dollar of principal or interest paid to the public creditors.
The city will, from necessity fail to pay next year, and the odium will be ten times greater than now, because we have before us the best justification for suspending payment, and appropriating money intended for creditors for the salvation of Sacramento. When her safety is secured, we shall then be in a position to talk about resuming payment.
LEVEE SYSTEM.
There is a considerable diversity of opinion as to what plan should be adopted in the way of repairing and building levees for the protection of the city. Some are for repairing the Thirty-first street, and R street levees, and leaving the American river slough open, so that when the river rises it will divide and a part of it pass by the Fort, back of the city, and be discharged into the tule south of Sutterville. Another class advocate the repairing the levee along the American to the high land east of Smith's Garden--building it at least five feet higher than the old one.
Against the plan of repairing the Thirty-first and R street levees, and leaving the American to discharge a portion of its water past the city, it is urged that the work necessary could not be performed for some time, in consequence of the condition of the soil and the extent of the breaks. Another objection predicated upon the fact that the system of levees to reclaim the land below Sutterville, contemplated by the Swamp Land Commissioners, a contract for which was to be let in a few days, embraced a levee from the Sacramento river to the high land south of Sutterville. Such a levee would, of course, dam up the water and throw it back upon the city; but if the slough is left open east of Smith's, this plan is impracticable.
The plan of the engineer was predicated on the assumption that the city levees were safe and sure to keep the water of the American within its bank. But the recent flood has demonstrated that levees, strong enough to resist the floods of the American river, must be built from the city limits to the high ground east of Smith's, to protect the farmers between here and Georgiana slough.
These facts may cause the surveyor of the district below the Sutter grant to change his plan, so as to include a portion or all the work on the American east of Thirty-first street.
It is the opinion, too, of men of sound judgment, that the most practicable, as well as the surest plan of defending the city, is to build a broad and high levee on the American, from the high land east of Smith's down to I street. In 1851 the floods broke through the levee at a slough this side of the Tivoli House, and also at the slough east of Smith's. The City Engineer of 1852 recommended that a new levee be built from Thirty-first street, on the American, to the high land in a southeast direction, leaving the old levee, built in 1850, unrepaired at the sloughs. The first flood carried away the new levee, and the City Council was forced to fall back on the old line of levee on the bank of the river.
They filled the sloughs at the Tivoli House, and at the high land, in mid Winter, so thoroughly that they stood for nine years without ever having a dollar's worth of work expended on them. The levee did not break now, the water ran over it and finally cut it down. Had it been two feet higher it would have stood firm. If built new, broad, and five feet higher than the old one, we do not see why it should not stand for a half century.
That kind of a levee would certainly protect the city from the water of the American. A prominent citizen and heavy taxpayer has handed us a memorandum of his views on the system to be adopted, which we give for the benefit of whom it may concern. Whatever is done should be entered upon immediately. The views to which we refer are as follows:
Commence at the high ground above Smith's Garden, and repair the break at the slough. Make the levee from there down to I street an average of from five feet at the upper end to two feet where it intersects I street, higher than it now is, and proportionately stronger at the base and top. Continue the same, with either the additional elevation of two feet, or less, if thought advisable, to Sutterville; there unite with the levee to be built by the Swamp Land Commissioners. Let the levees be built of a width sufficient to make a carriage way on the top of them the entire distance.
It is believed by many that this work can be accomplished so as to make city perfectly safe from any overflow, at the same that the reconstruction of the system of cross levees would cost, and that most of the work could be done to greater advantage as the earth with which to do it, can be had in a much dryer state, and can be procured for building the inner or cross levees, most of the earth for building the latter being wet and difficult to obtain.
The advantages of protection to property by this plan is apparent; we not only protect all the city property, but also protect some sixty thousand acres of valuable land, tributary to the city, and which, as long as the water is allowed to flow through Sutter slough, is rendered almost valueless, destroying thousands of fruit trees and vines which could be saved. Another argument in favor of this plan is, that we obtain a level of the back water at the same level as the mouth of the slough below here, which would be somewhere about Sutterville, thus giving an opportunity of thoroughly and effectually draining the city. An argument against this is that we are building too much levee--that we must confine ourselves to a small space, and make that safe. Our experience shows that we have had no difficulty with any of the outside levees, except high up on the American river.
That must be protected and made safe. There is no difficulty in making a safe levee to protect us from the Sacramento. Let all the money be spent on one main outside levee, and the city can be thoroughly protected and drained without raising the present grade of the streets. Even the upper portion of the levee, along the American river, has to be raised ten feet higher than it is.
The soil there is convenient, the banks are high, and there is our only danger.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Death of J. A.. Monroe--Insolvency--Relief Movements--News from the South--Troops for Humboldt and the South--New Postmasters--Prize Fight--Alleged Case of Brutality. . . .
Platt's Hall, the chess room of the Mercantile Library and Odd Fellows Lodge room have been taken possession of by ladies engaged in making up clothing for Sacramento. One hundred and thirty ladies were at work to-day, employing a large number of sewing machines. A quantity of clothing went up to-night. The Sub-committee are still raising funds. The Odd Fellows' Lodges will contribute handsomely. The sums collected in the churches yesterday have not been ascertained. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE WORK BEGUN.--The Committee of Safety, C. H. Swift, L. B. Harris, E. P. Figg, C. W. Lightner and Newton Booth, appointed by a meeting of citizens a few days since, commenced work yesterday afternoon at Rabel's tannery. They have decided to build a new levee around the weak spot at the tannery. It will commence east of the tannery, and run about five hnndred feet in a direction slightly south of west, diverging from the present levee some five or six rods. It will then run in a northwesterly direction about three hundred feet, to the old levee.
It will be thirty feet wide at the base, ten feet at the top, and about five feet high. It runs through the lands of Rabel, Justin Gates and Hopping. The first and last named grant their land without compensation. Dr. Gates presents no objection to the use of his land, but thinks that, as a small tract cost him about $1,500, and as the levee divides it, leaving but little which can be used, he will, at some future time, ask that the matter of compensation shall be left to three arbitrators to settle.
Some fifteen or twenty men were employed during the afternoon. Four or five spans of horses were also employed with scrapers, drawing up the earth for the embankment. Of this number, a span of blacks and another of iron grays belonging to D. E. Callahan, and a span of grays belonging to L. B. Harris, were doing excellent service.
They all have been more accustomed to the carriage than to labor of this character. They work, however, with sprightliness and energy, as though they believe that labor is honorable, and that the city can be saved by "pitching in" with a will. They are furnished by their owners, for the service, free of charge. One section of this work is under the immediate control of W. Turton, and another of C. Farley, and the whole under the supervision of W. F. Knox.
There will be a larger number of men employed to-day. The Committee contemplate cutting brush on the opposite side of the river for the purpose of strengthening the levee. It was rumored yesterday that S. Norris, the owner, had threatened to get out an injunction to prevent
such action if attempted. This report must certainly be false, for we don't believe there is a man in the State, or a lawyer in the city, mean enough to take such a step under such circumstances. The brush is utterly worthless for any other purpose. The Committee will, of course, confiscate the brush,
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday afternoon at Patterson's, in Brighton township, over the body of an unknown Chinaman. Cicero Card, W. Hornback, A. A. Ellis, Aaron Piles, Moses Pingrey, and F. A. Judd were impanneled as Jurors. The only witness examined was E. G. Carpenter, who testified as follows: "About 10 o'clock A.M. yesterday I was.searching on the flat near this place for drift, etc , and I discovered the deceased, now before the Jury. I do not know the deceased, nor by what means he came to his death, though I am of the opinion that he was drowned.
I found on examination that the jaw bone was broken and scalp was all torn from the top of the head, which appears to have been done by drifting through the bushes and timbers. The deceased had no clothing on or any valuables about his person when I found him. I think he had been dead about six or eight days." The Jury returned the following verdict: "We, the Jury summoned to ascertain the cause of the death of the deceased, now, before us, do find that he is a Chinaman, aged about twenty-five years, and his hight is about five feet six inches, and that the name of the deceased and cause of his death is to us unknown, although we are of the opinion that he was drowned."
ADDITIONAL NAMES.--Several additional parties have been mentioned to us as entitled to special reference for their energetic and disinterested conduct on Monday last in rescuing the unfortunate from the flood. Stephen Butler, a drayman of the city, manned a boat at an early hour, and made good use of it throughout the day. W. Keefer, a young man living beyond the fort, on J street, jumped on a horse and rode several miles to the river, and tying a boat to the horse's tail, in the absence of harness, brought it in quick time to the district flooded, and rescued more than a dozen persons with it.
T. K. Stewart, near Rabel's tannery, at an early hour took off on a wagon from near the fort several persons who had no other means of escape. He afterward, with J. W. Dexter, manned a boat, and rescued a number of others. George Young, of the firm of Pike & Young, Fourth and L streets, and Samuel Ellison, of the schooner San Pablo, are spoken of in terms of gratitude for their generous services.
POLICE COURT.--The only business before the Police Court yesterday, was the trial of E. P. Veach for pety [sic] larceny of a boat built of rough boards, and worth from three to ten dollars. A German, who spoke as good English as he could conveniently on short notice, related how he built the boat the day after the flood and stood it up against his house to be ready for use next morning; how during the night he heard somebody run off with it; and how, after several days search, he fonnd it in possession of the defendant, who said he purchased it of a small boy. Justice Gilmer was personally cognizant of the general good character of defendant, who stated that he found the craft water-logged (jetsam and flotsam) in the street, and took possession thereof to subserve his locomotion. The Court decided that no larceny had been committed, under the circumstances, but awarded the boat to its builder.
WATER FROM THE PLAINS.--At an early hour on Monday morning of last week, W. H. Beatty, who lives in the eastern portion of the city, came in on horseback and asked the President of the Board of Supervisors to order the railroad to be cut through, as the water was damming up rapidly and would flood the city unless let through the levees. The President, with characteristic energy "didn't do it;" said a flood was impossible, and that the water was nothing but the water from the plains which had fallen the day before. It is interesting to our citizens at this stage of the affair to know that it was nothing but "water from the plains." . . . .
ARRESTED.--B. Cohn was arrested yesterday by Constable Cartter, for assault and battery on Henry Triechler, of the Mechanics' Exchange, on I street. Triechler and others were engaged on Sunday evening in digging a trench across I street, at the alley between Front and Second streets, to drive the water off. Cohn and others objected, and a quarrel ensued, in which Cohn siezed [sic] Triechler's shovel and struck him on the head with it, inflicting an ugly wound. The details of the case will probably be brought out to-day.
STEALING LUMBER.--A great deal of complaint is made on account of the larceny of sidewalks, fencing, etc., in the flooded district. A day or two since a section of sidewalk in front of the Blue Wing, at Fifth and M streets, was towed off from in front of the building, after the boatman had been forbidden to take it. Such men should be taught that larceny is the same in the eye of the law whether committed on the flooded or unflooded portions of the city.
BEING REMOVED.--Many of the dead bodies of drowned cattle, which were lying around in various parts of the city have, within the past two days, been drawn off by ox teams and thrown into the river. There are many yet remaining which should be similarly treated.
REPORTED MISSING. An elderly lady, named Huff, who resided near Sixth and O streets, is said to be missing since Monday last. It is feared that she may have been drowned.
AT WORK AGAIN.--The work on the State Capitol was resumed yesterday, having been suspended by the late flood.
STILL FALLING.--The Sacramento river is still falling, having declined about four inches yesterday.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Monday, Dec. 16, 1861.
The Board met at two o'clock P.M. President SHATTUCK in the chair, and all the members present except Supervisor Hall. . . .
Samuel Norris sent in a petition, stating that he is the owner of Rancho del Paso, on the north side of the American river; that the recent flood has carried off a portion of Lisle's bridge, cutting him off from access to the city; that being the owner of the land he is entitled to all the ferry rights, etc.; is well acquainted with the ferry business, and has the boats and other property necessary; that public convenience requires the immediate establishment of a ferry there; that there has not been time since the flood to give the requisite notices, and that he asks to be granted a license immediately to run a ferry across from Twentieth street.
E. B. CROCKER said, as there was now no means of crossing, it was a case of public necessity, calling for the action of the Board without delay.
Supervisor GRANGER said he understood a ferry had already been established, communicating with the remaining portion of Lisle's bridge. He moved that the petition be referred to the Committee on Roads, Bridges and Ferries. Carried, and the Committee requested to report on Wednesday.
Supervisor HITE said as a member of the Committee on Roads, Bridges and Ferries, he would report that the two bridges on J and K streets, to the east part of the city, had been taken away, and a ferry established there by some party, who was charging very high prices. He thought the man should be called upon for his license and stopped, or a reasonable scale of prices established for him. His prices were twenty-five cents for a single horse, fifty cents for a single team, and one dollar for a four horse team, and he had all the business he could do--crossing teams very rapidly.
He thought that was rather heavy on the public. No bridge could be built there just at present, but he thought a bridge could be built there very soon by making it a toll bridge, and he was going to offer a resolution on the subject.
Supervisor WOODS said two or three persons were going to run opposition to the ferryman, and they would soon bring the toll down.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he hoped there would be no toll bridge; better let the matter run a little, as it could not last long.
The PRESIDENT said the Citizens' Committee had raised about $50,000 to build levees, bridges, and such other work as might be necessary, and he thought they would attend to this matter.
Supervisor HITE thought that money could be laid out to better advantage elsewhere, and they could get this bridge built by authorizing some one to build it and take tolls.
Supervisor GRANGER suggested that the Committee establish a scale of prices for the ferry.
Supervisor WOODS said to do that it would be necessary to grant a license for a year. He thought the Board could do nothing better at present than let them work out their own salvation.
Supervisor WATERMAN said it was not likely there would be any opposition, and in two weeks the ferry would clear $2,000. One or two small boats were building, but not large enough for heavy teams, and the man could not be bought cut for $500 to-day; in fact, it was the best business in California just now. He was opposed to giving away an exclusive privilege of that sort, unless the Board regulated the prices.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that the Committee establish a scale of prices for the ferry, and the rate per month of license.
Supervisor DICKERSON said he hoped nothing of the kind would be dene [sic]. The ferry would not be required more than two weeks longer, and in the meantime it was a great accommodation to have a boat there. They had better leave this matter open for competition, and attend to more important and pressing business
Supervisor WATERMAN said it would be impossible to give any other man a chance to compete, for the ferry was altogether on the man's own land.
Supervisor DICKERSON said there was a crevasse in the levee just back of his ranch, down the Sacramento, and an old gentleman was there with a boat bringing people around. There was no competition, but he found it a great advantage, as it was the only way he could get into town. He would be glad to get the Board to shut up the crevasse, but until that was done he hoped the old man would be allowed to continue. This was a parallel case, and if seme man had had energy enough to start a ferry there, they had better let him go on.
Supervisor WOODS suggested that no license had been applied for yet.
Supervisor GRANGER replied that no one had a right to run a ferry and take toll without a license, and he would let this man apply for a license. He was liable to a fine of two hundred dollars if he took toll without a license, and if the ferry was worth anything, let him pay some revenue to the city for it.
The PRESIDENT said the Citizens' Committee had the matter under consideration, and contemplated putting a temporary bridge across the slough there. He had no doubt they would do it in a few days, and meanwhile it would be better to grant no license, but encourage competition.
Mr. KEEFER, an elderly gentleman residing in that vicinity, said he would like to make a statement. He would pledge himself to take fifty dollars cash and go and stop the crevasse at Burns' slough and dry up the slough in two or three days so as not to require any ferry. The slough was washed away for a short distance, but the water could easily be turned into its natural channel, and in a few days would do all that was necesssary to do
While he had the attention of the Board, he would like to make a statement in regard to another matter. He understood the Board had appropriated eighty dollars for plank on the south road in his District (Road District No. 6). and for some reason Mr. Jones, their Road Overseer, had not obtained the plank. He wished to cast no reflections upon Jones, but he would propose that if the Board would give the planks, the Stage Company and the citizens would take them up there and put them down, without farther expense to the county. There were several bad places where the old bridges had been washed away; one of them, above his house, was twenty or twenty-five feet wide.
The PRESIDENT said he understood this was beyond the slough, on the cut to the railroad, and outside of the city.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he would move that not exceeding eighty dollars' worth of lumber be granted.
The PRESIDENT said be thought the best way would be
to declare the office of Road Overseer in that district vacant, and appoint a new Overseer.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he would move that the office be declared vacant.
Mr. WATERS (a resident in the vicinity), said he was satisfied that the bridge alone would cost more than eighty dollars, and the small bridges and culverts would cost not less than twenty dollars for each one. He judged that two hundred dollars in cash would be as little as the whole work could be done for. The trouble was, there was no one to order out the people to do work on the road. He had not paid a cent of road tax, nor done a day's labor on the road for four years.
After a long discussion, the office of Road Overseer in District No. 6 was declared vacant, and Windsor Keefer was unanimousiy elected to fill the vacancy, his bond being fixed at $1,000.
Supervisor WOODS moved to advertise for three days for proposals to fix the bridges and culverts on that road.
Supervisor GRANGER opposed the motion, because under the present extraordinary circumstances it was their duty to violate the letter of the statute in order to have the work done immediately.
Supervisor HANSBROW took the same view of the case, and moved to grant not exceeding $200 worth of lumber.
Supervisor WOODS withdrew his motion, and moved instead that $50 worth of lumber be granted.
Several other motions were made, and the Board finally voted (5 against 2) to grant $100 worth of lumber.
Supervisor HITE said although he was on the Levee Committee he was not here at the recent special meeting of the Board; he was engaged in getting his folks out of the water, and did not get through till Saturday evening. Since that time he had been engaged in viewing the levees and learning the condition of the city, to see if it was possible to keep it above water. A great many had expressed the opinion that the city had gone in, and that it would require $100,000 or more to keep out the water; but he was of opinion that half the money already raised. if properly expended, would serve to render the city perfectly secure.
From Brighton to Patterson's the water was running over, but a two foot levee would keep it out. As a representative of the people who were to be called upon to pay taxes to reimburse this citizens' loan, he claimed that it should be properly expended and not fooled away in damming up the water after it got into the city instead of preventing its coming in. The water at the points he had spoken of was many feet higher than the levees they were about to build up, and one-half the expense in building a levee from Rabel's tannery to Patterson's would keep it all cut. He proposed, then, that the city should be taxed to build a levee from Burns' slough down the American and Sacramento rivers to Sutterville.
At Smith's Gardens and above it a levee of three or four feet would be enough, and it could be built now very easily. At Burns' slough, they had been told today that the water could be stopped for fifty dollars. He proposed to tax the county to make an old fashioned turnpike from Brighton up, and then the whole thing would be secured.
Supervisor WOODS suggested that the citlzens of the county would not consent to be taxed for such a purpose.
Supervisor HITE said he hoped this Board would appoint a Committee to confer with the Citizens' Committee, and request them to expend the money in that direction. He thought they had not viewed the ground as they should have done, and people in the city were not aware of the condition of things up that way. Besides the material for levees--sand and gravel--on the river banks was much better than elsewhere,
Supervisor HANSBROW said he was fally satisfied that the Citizens' Committee were entirely competent to perform the work it had undertaken, and he thought it was not the duty of the Board to advise, or interfere in any way, unless called upon. The citizens had appointed a Committee in which they had more confidence than in this Board, and he was fully satisfied with their action. Besides, he was opposed to the plans and schemes of Supervisor Hite. This city had sunk thousands of dollars already in that system of knee-high leveeing.
The best suggestion he had seen was that of having a railroad run along the river bank and do the leveeing, and believed it would be to the interest of the city to give the right of way and a large bonus with it for such purpose. He therefore called up the resolution offered by him on that subject at the last preceding meeting of the Board.
Supervisor DICKERSON called attention to the condition of the levee between the Half-way House and Sutterville.
Supervisor HANSBROW's resolution was read as follows:
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed by this Board, to confer with the officers of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company as to the practicability of ccnstructing or removing their tracks so as to enter the city on the northern portion of the same.
Supervisor GRANGER advocated the revolution as the initiation of a measure of the utmost importance and one which, if carried out, would give security to the city against future inundations. A railroad could build and maintain levees cheaper than anybody else.
Supervisor HANSBROW urged the importance of taking immediate action, before the Citizens Committee should expend money, perhaps uselessly in that direction. He had asked Mr. Robinson whether such a thing could not be brought about, and he replied, "Yes, possibly; but it will take a long time."
Supervisor WOODS said he would vote for the resolution, because he wanted to give the Railroad Company a chance to negotiate peaceably for coming in on the north side, and if they would not he would vote to stop them out entirely.
Supervisor HITE said Mr. Robinson would ask more than any sane man would be willing to give, and a railroad could not follow the river bends. The Placerville road would be sufficient protection.
The resolution was adopted, and Supervisors Hansbrow, Hite and Granger were appointed the Committee.
Supervisor WOODS said Mr. Rightmire wanted to make some explanation in regard to his contract to build a bulkhead at Rabel's tannery.
Supervisor GRANGER said he understood that there had been a very material change in the river at that point, and that the dangerous point was now some distance lower down.
J. W. COFFROTH, counsel for Rightmire, made a statement of the case, proposing in behalf of Rightmire, that the contract be cancelled, provided the Board would refund to him the cash already expended, amounting to about $1,000, more or less, for which he would produce vouchers.
After a prolonged discussion the Chairman of the Levee Committee was directed to confer with the Citizens' Committee, and ascertain whether it would be advisable to go on with the work, and report to-morrow morning, so that the Board could take action at once.
Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. .
[For the Union.]
THE CITY DEFENSES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In an article written on Saturday, and published this morning, I endeavored to show that the levee might be repaired in a short time, and with the means in the hands of the Committee appointed by the citizens. An examination of the lower part of the levee made yesterday, convinces me that it may be done even more readily than I then supposed.
The question that next presents itself is, would the city be safe if the repairs suggested were made? I have no hesitation in saying that all that portion of the city west and north of the east and R street levees would be secure [?] if these repairs were properly made. But it has [?] been often asserted heretofore that the city was perfectly safe, that it could not be overflowed, etc., and yet it was overflowed. That the city was safe, perfectly safe, upon the completion of the R street levee, from all danger except that created by the folly and madness of its own citizens, I have no doubt.
The first act of suicidal policy on the part of the city, after the completion of the R street levee, was to allow the Railroad Company to make a solid embankment of earth from the point where it leaves R street, near Sixteenth street, to Poverty Ridge, leaving only a few feet--sixty or eighty, perhaps--of open space for the outlet of all the water that might pass down back of the east levee, in case of a breach in the American river levee above Thirty-first street.
Instead of leaving an opening of sixty or eighty feet at this point, there should have been left one of a fourth of a mile. The railroad should have rested on trestle work from the point where the surface of the ground west of Poverty Ridge sinks below the grade of the road, until it struck the R street levee. This opening--I judge from mere inspection without measurement--would have been nearly a fourth of a mile, and amply sufficient for the passage of all water that could ever come through back of the city.
The next piece of suicidal policy was to allow the Railroad Company to take off about eight inches
of the top of the R street levee in order to lower it to the grade of the road, and then to lay the rails on top of the embankment made by the city. The city should have insisted on the railroad company making an embankment of their own for the rails to rest on. This should have been made on the south side of the levee, and resting against it. In this way ten feet of thickness, and so much of additional strength would have been given to the weakest part of our R street or inner levee.
The Railroad Company would have gladly accepted even this privilege. By building against the levee already built, they would only have required for the road an embankment ten feet thick at the bottom, and of the same thickness all the way to the top. To have built an independent embankment of their own, without the levee to lean against, it would necessarily have cost twice as much and been much less secure. The bottom in some places would have required a thickness of thirty or forty feet, instead of a regular thickness of ten feet.
The levee on the inside would then have been left from eight inches to a foot above the railroad, thus guarding against a very high overflow.
The next act of suicidal policy was in the Board of Supervisors permitting the levee to be opened on the line of Tenth street, to admit the passage of brick wagons under the railroad. This was deliberately destroying, at one blow, every possible advantage that could in any event accrue to the city from the construction of a levee--that cost, if I recollect rightly, over $150,000.
If we had a breach above Thirty-first street or below R street, that cut infallibly destroyed all advantage that the R street or east levee could be to the city. Why the Board of Supervisors thus deliberately destroyed what had cost the city so much, it would be hard for any sane man to even guess.
It is true that if the levee had stood everywhere else, and the water had not been thrown into the city by the railroad embankment, this cut might have been filled up in time to save the portion of the city above R street. But this would have been a difficult job on the spur of the occasion, and one of great uncertainty as to the result.
It is said that the Board of Supervisors did protest against the filling up of the cut between Poverty Ridge and the R street levee. This does not relieve the Board from the responsibility for our disaster; far from it. It is an acknowledgment that they saw the danger, but neglected to meet it. For they might have done more than protest--they might have enjoined. But why protest against the destruction of the levee by the Railroad Company while they were pursuing a similar course themselves by allowing it to be cut at Tenth street?
But it is asserted, and believed by many, that even if the R street levee had not been cut, and the railroad had not thrown the water into the city, still the Sutterville levee would have backed the water into the city. That is a palpable mistake. The whole of the R street levee (except a few places where the roads crossed, and which could have been repaired without difficulty, even after the water commenced running in,) was higher than the levee extending down the Sacramento towards Sutterville. The water from above would have flowed over the top of this latter levee before it reached the hight of the R street levee. This I know from personal inspection.
There are many wild and absurd stories about the water having risen above the top of the R street levee before it broke away, etc. I have examined the R street levee and find that there is no water mark on the top of it, adjoining the place where it has given away. Where the levee was left standing below its junction with the railroad the water was not nearer to the top than about one foot.
Our city will be perfectly safe from floods if we will hereafter elect men to office who have some little knowlede [sic] of the system of levees by which we are protected, and will endeavor to strengthen and keep them in repair instead of destroying them.
There are other matters connected with our levee system and a system of drainage for the city, upon which I may furnish an article or two for the UNION, if you Messrs. Editors should think them worth publishing.
SACRAMENTO, Dec. 16, 1861. H. O. BEATTY. . . .
FOUND--IN THE WATER
[drawing of a horse] in N street, a SMALL BAY HORSE, with one white spot on the face, and one white fore foot. The owner can find him at JOHN SKELTON'S, N street, between Second and Third. d17-6t*
p. 8
BURIED MONEY.--A Frenchman on Filibuster Flat had about seven hundred dollars buried in a yeast powder box, near the margin of the river, and when the flood came he became a little anxious lest it should be washed away. So he and four or five of his countrymen commenced diving for the treasure, which they finally fished up in about seven feet of water, some twenty feet from the spot where it had originally been placed. Monsieur was so rejoiced at the recovery of the money that he forthwith invested twenty dollars of the same in claret, etc.--Douglas City Gazette, Dec. 4th.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3346, 18 December 1861, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to cancel the permission originally given the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company to run their cars on the R street levee. . . .
MATTERS IN MENDOCINO.--A correspondent, Writing from Navarro, Mendocino county, December 9th, says:
The rain has been falling almost incessantly for three weeks, and the streams are now impassable leading from the valleys to the coast. As the very existence of California depends on rain, we must put put [sic] up with it, although it brings dark and gloomy days, with no rays of sunlight for weeks at a time. The flat at the mouth of the Navarro, where the Hendy sawmill stands, is nearly inundated, and the weather has been so rough that shipping lumber has become almost impossible, and dangerous to life and property. Two lighters (immense scows) got between the breakers and the vessel the other day, and could not get back to shore. One filled after having her deck load of freight washed off. No lives were lost. Millions of lumber in logs has been set afloat by the freshet, and reached the booms for supplying the mills above here. . . .
RELIEF MEETING AT MARYSVILLE.--A donation of some $1,400 having been sent to Marysville from San Francisco, for the relief of the citizens of the former place, supposed sufferers by the flood, a meeting was held in Marysville on the night of December 16th, and it was voted to return the money, thanking the donors for their liberality. A subscription was started and $500 or $600 raised for the relief of sufferers in Marysville. . . . .
WHERE OUGHT THE WORK TO BE DONE?--From the information we obtain, as well as from our own observation, we conclude that the first work should be done at the Tannery, and at the Burns slough, east of Smith's Garden. Whatever may be the determination as to repairing the Thirty-first and R street levees, it is evident that it is impracticable to do the work while water is flowing through the Burns slough. That flow of water should be stopped forthwith.
G. W. Colby, who formerly owned the land upon which it is located, and who has examined it, says that the water can be shut out for less than a hundred dollars. The work should be done forthwith, and preparatory to any improvements to be put on the cross levees. The Committee ought to have several hundred men employed in levee repairing. The levee built in Burns' slough, in 1853, was three hundred feet at the base, and about one hundred and fifty on the top.
It would have stood for a century if the water had not risen over it. By rebuilding and raising it from five to ten feet higher than before, it will remain firm until 1961. The ground there is favorable for work; it is not on the Thirty-first or R street levees, because they are more or less surrounded by water. Assistance to build the levee along the American may probably be obtained from the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund. There are 60,000 acres of land to be drained and protected between the Sutter grant and Georgiana slough, but the American river must be leveed before that land can be protected.
It is probable, too, that the farmers on that land who have been overflowed by the water from the American, if applied to, would subscribe liberally in work to be done by themselves and teams, to build a levee on the American which will secure them for all time against an overflow from that quarter.
We repeat, that, in our judgment, the first work ought to be done at the Tannery and at the Burns slough. Let a few thousands be expended at these points, and the city is safe for the Winter. Until the water is stopped at the slough, it is impossible to work on the cross levees.
RAILROAD ORDINANCE.
As a matter of interest just now, we republish the ordinance granting the right of way to the Sacramento Valley Railroad to come into the city on the R street levee. It was approved March 1, 1855, by R. P. Johnson, Mayor. On the same day the right to enter the city on the north side, either on A B or C streets, was granted to the Sacramento Railroad Company which was organized by P. H. Burnett, J. B. Haggin, and others.
Unfortunately for the city, this Company failed to go forward with their enterprise, while the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company went forward, and constructed their road on the south side of the city. It will be seen that the ordinance required the Company to "bridge all sloughs, east or outside the R street levee * * and they shall leave unimpeded the running of the waters of said ditch and sloughs which it may cross." Section 5 grants the temporary right to lay down rails from Sixth street to the river; and provides that the city authorities may, after twelve months, by giving the Company notice, have the temporary track from Sixth street taken up and removed. If the Company refuses to remove it when notified, the authorities may proceed to have it done at. the expense of the Company.
This notice the Supervisors may now give, if they deem it advisable. They may also pass an ordinance repealing that of 1855, granting the Company the right of way, on the assumption that it has forfeited all rights acquired under it by not keeping bridges over the slough east of the R street levee. But such an ordinance would be void, unless the Courts decide that the Company has forfeited its rights under the ordinance of 1855.
A good many citizens are anxious to have the railroad line transferred to the north side of the city, in view of the damage it has caused to the property of citizens by being on the south side, but we confess that we do not see how it is to be accomplished, unless it can be made the interest of the Company to remove.
A railroad embankment on the north side, on a grade to to correspond with the elevation of the levee, would as certainly add to the protection of the city as the present embankment did to its destruction.
Under no circumstances can the railroad be permitted to come into the city on the south side on a solid embankment. On the north side it would be required to build an embankment as solid as possible. It is possible that the donation of lots in Sutter Lake for a depot, machine shops, etc., as suggested by a correspondent yesterday, might be some inducement to the Company to assent to the proposition to remove its line north of the city. For years past the railroad has made use of Front street as its depot. It is probably the only railroad in the world without a depot at its main terminus.
But the people of Sacramento must not depend upon railroads for protection. They must act for themselves, and with energy and rapidity. If the R street levee is to be repaired the railroad will be compelled to do it, in order to relay their track and renew connection with the Sacramento river. This is a consideration which comes properly before the Board of Supervisors.
TAXPAYERS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS.
We republish below the list of names of fifty of the heaviest taxpayers
in the city, with the amounts which they have subscribed. Since our last
publication, six more have come forward and given in their subscriptions,
which will be noticed in the annexed list. It will be seen that nearly
one-half of the whole number of this class of taxpayers is still behind,
but they will undoubtedly respond when called upon. When the full amount
of the subscriptions shall have been rendered by the large as well as
other taxpayers, we will publish the list in fall:
Amount Subscrip-
City Tax. tion to Loan.
B. F. Hastings $3,048 $5,000
D. O. Mills & Co. 2,829 5,000
Sacramento Valley Railroad . . 2,781 000
H. E Robinson 2,244 250
Kleinhans & Bro. 2,238 000
Boyd & Davis 1,959 1,000
Cal. Steam Nav. 1,883 ----
Hull & Lohman 1,719 500
L. B. Harris 1,644 2,000
Sacramento Gas Co. 1,427 5,000
Booth & Co. 1,405 1,000
E. P. Figg 1,278 500
R. H. McDonald 1,253 500
Stanford Bros. 1,225 1,000
Lindley, of Wooster & Weaver . 1,216 ----
John Gillig 1,104 ----
J. H. Carroll & Co 1,039 500
Sneath & Arnold 1,034 250
Lanos & Co. 1,029 1,000
J. Carolan & Co. 926 200
Lord, Holbrook & Co. 921 1,000
P. H. Burnett 879 000
A. K. Grim, for Samuel Norris 875 000
Rosanna H. Keenan 857 500
Lloyd Tevis 843 000
Ebner & Bros. 837 100
Sacramento Valley Railroad . . 831 000
C. Crocker 827 500
Harmon & Co. 822 500
F. W. Pratt 813 000
E. M. Skaggs 786 000
S. Brannan, (Wetzlar, Agent) . 784 000
J. W. Winans 756 500
V. G. Fourgeaud 751 000
Milliken Bros.... 718 000
John McNulty .......... 710 100
A. G. Tryon 708 000
Sacramento & Yolo Bridge Co. 703 500
C. J. Jansen. 692 000
C. J. Hooker 677 000
A. C. Monson 672 000
S. P. Dewey 674 000
D. E. Callahan 667 250
John Rivett 665 000
James Anthony & Co. 660 1,000
Melvina Hoopes 640 000
H. M. Naglee 648 000
J. C. Jonghaus 647 250
P. Vertimer 644 000
C. H. Grimm 639 500
THE FLOOD IN SIERRA.--The late storm in La Porte and Downieville was very
severe. The Messenger of Dec. 14th says the damage to ditches,
bridges, roads and mining operations was almost universal. The Rabbit Creek
Fluming Company had their works badly injured. Greeley & Reed lost a dam
which cost $1,000. The Messenger adds:
Not a dam was left in the stream below the main bridge by our office.
The bridge is sufficiently undermined to render it unsafe. The one on
the Secret Diggings trail was carried away. In Clark's Ravine, Secret
Diggings, Lee & Matthews' loss is over $1,000, which is only a fraction
of the mischief occurring in that vicinity. The Feather River Ditch Company
may require $1,500 to replace their ditch in its previous condition.
Capt. A. N. Smith's, perhaps $700. But the loss of water money, which
these ditches would otherwise have brought in, will amount to more than
the repairs. A large number of hands are at work upon them, and the water
will soon be running. Quite a number of companies are anxious to commence
piping. It is safe to say that the freshet made a clean sweep of the
sluice boxes in all the creeks of this region; railroad tracks and dump
houses suffered furiously, in all directions. The four bridges crossing
Slate creek, between this place and Port Wine, St. Louis and Pine Grove,
were taken partly or wholly away.
The flood about Downieville was very disastrous. The Sierra Democrat
proprietors, fearing for the safety of their building, had all their
materials removed. The Democrat of Dec. 14th says:
It was estimated that two thousand cords of wood went by the Durgan
bridge, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday noon, after two houses had gone
under it on the current, Jersey bridge broke and swung round, heading
with the Jersey end down stream. Stout cables on the other end held
it long enough to cause the current to lift the structure upon a gravel
shoal near the right bank. Men then made for the bridge with more
hawsers, and it was soon made fast to the bank; and the current being
broken against it, soon commenced raising the shoal with deposits
of gravel, bowlders and sand. We here give a statement of losses, as
nearly as they could be gathered: J. N. Flandreau & Co., mill
logs, bridge, aqueducts, flumes, milldam, residence, barn and out
buildings, $10,000; Solomon Purdy, foundry and fixtures, dam, damage
to Jersey Flat water works, $2,500; Thomas Freehill, Durgan bridge and
Snake Bar water ditch, $2,000; and about fifteen others were damaged
to the amount of some $15,000. . . .
AN ORDINANCE
Granting the Right of Way to the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company to construct their Railroad within the corporate limits of the city of Sacramento.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Common Council of the city of Sacramento:
Section 1. The right of way is hereby granted to the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company to construct and lay down railway tracks and operate thereon, within the limits of the city of Sacramento, on the terms, conditions, restrictions, and subject to the provisions hereinafter mentioned.
Sec. 2. The said railroad may be constructed from the eastern bounds of the city in a westerly direction, on and along R street and upon the R street levee, as far as the west side of Sixth street, and along and across any streets or alleys within the following bounds of the city, viz: From Sixth to Twelfth street, and from L to R street, which may be selected by said Company to obtain a sufficient or necessary curvation for the purpose of communicating with and running their locomotive, passenger and freight cars to their depot, which they may erect within said described limits.
Sec. 3. The said Railroad Company shall have the right to lay down one or more tracks, with necessary and suitable turnouts, side tracks and switches, and to operate thereon with either steam or horsepower, within the bounds and upon either of the streets or alleys they may select, mentioned in the preceding section: provided, that said track or tracks be so constructed as to leave free from obstruction the passage of the streets and alleys so selected, for carts, drays, carriages, or other vehicles, horse and foot passengers;
to leave also unimpeded the running of the waters in the sewers and gutters which it may cross, and not run their locomotives over said track or tracks at a greater rate of speed than twelve miles per hour, and at all times provide their locomotives and cars with breaks [sic] and proper safety guards; and that the principal office of said Company shall be permanently located in the city of Sacramento, and otherwise conform to the provisions of this ordinance.
Sec. 4. The said Railroad Company shall at their own cost and expense, widen and strengthen said R street levee, and keep the same in good repair as long as they shall occupy it, and that said Company are hereby prohibited from cutting awsy or reducing the uniform height of said levee, without first obtaining permission from the Mayor and Common Council.
Se:. 5 The said Railroad Company may, and they are hereby authorized to construct on the R street levee, a
temporary railway track from Sixth street along the said levee to a point sufficiently near the Sacramento river to allow of a proper and necessary curvation to come on to Front street northward of their railroad, and that the said temporary railway track shall be constructed along said Front street to the foot of M street, at such distance from the back of the river as the Mayor and Common Council may direct, and the said track shall be laid down as not to obstruct the free passage of teams, carriages, drays, or other vehicles,
and to be used only for the purpose of transporting from the river to Sixth and R streets, by horse power, the materials for the construction and stocking of their road or roads, and also from said Sixth street to the river all lumber, lime, stone, produce, or other freight from the interior; provided, however, that the Mayor and Common Council shall at all times have the power, after the expiration of twelve months from the approval of this ordinance, to require the said temporary track to be removed at the expense of the said Company, by giving six months notice to said Company, that the said removal is by them required for the public good, and if upon such notice said Company neglect or refuse to remove the same at the expiration of six menths, the said Mayor and Common Council may cause the same to be removed at the expense of the said Company.
It is also provided further, that said Company shall at the time of constructing such temporary track, or wherever the same may be considered necessary by the Mayor and Common Council, to construct proper sewers or culverts to admit of drainage, and the unimpeded passage of water to the city draining machine, of such dimensions as shall be prescribed by said Mayor and Common Council, and approved by the City Surveyor; and also, to construct bridges or convenient crossings at all the intersections of the streets running at right angles of said railway track, to admit of the free passage across said track of wagons or other vehicles, and foot passengers, and they shall maintain and keep in good repair all said sewers and crossings.
Sec. 6. The said city reserves to itself the right to cause the removal of the said railway track or tracks specified or granted in section second of this ordinance, upon their giving six months notice in writing through the Mayor and Common Council to the said Company to that effect; and upon the payment to the said Company by the said city of the assessed cash value to the city, at the time or immediately after such removal may be made of all necessary improvements pertaining to the business of said Company contiguous thereto, together with the original cost of laying down said railway track or tracks, and the necessary expense of taking up and removing the same, said value, cost and expense to be determined by disinterested persons, who shall be duly qualified and be selected in the following maaner, to wit: One by the Common Council of said city, and one by said Railroad Company, and in case they are unable to agree, the two thus selected shall appoint a third person to act in conjunction with them--the decision of the majority of whom shall be final.
Sec. 7. The said Company shall bridge all sloughs east or outside of the R street levee within the corporate limits of the city; and also bridge the ditch or trench alongside and north of said levee, leading to the city draining machine; and they shall leave unimpeded the running of the waters of said ditch and sloughs which it may cross.
Sec. 8. The said Company shall fix upon the location of their road as aforesaid, deposit a map and profile of the same in the office of the City Surveyor, certified to by the Chief Engineer of said Company, and notify the Mayor and Common Council of said city in writing to that effect, within ten days after the approval of this ordinance.
Sec. 9. The said Railroad Company shall not construct or connect with any railway track or tracks terminating at or near the Sacramento river, at any point without the limits of the city of Sacramento, and within the limits of Sacramento county.
Sec 10. The said Railroad Company shall commence grading upon the road within thirty days after the approval of this ordinance, and they shall prosecute the work without delay to completion, and shall within one year from the date as aforesaid, complete and put in running order at least fifteen miles of said road from the western terminus of the same. If said company shall fail or neglect to comply with the provisions and requirements of this ordinance, or shall violate any of its provisions, then all the rights acquired by said Company under and by virtue of this ordinance, shall become void and of no effect.
Sec 11. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage.
Approved March 1st, 1855.
R. P. JOHNSON, Mayor.
I hereby certify that the above ordinance was passed by the Common Council, Feb. 19, 1855.
T. A. THOMAS
Secretary of the Common Council.
LOSE [sic] OF RESERVATION CATTLE.--It has been stated that Indian
Superintendent Hanson lost about 300 head of cattle on the coast range
in a storm. This is a mistake. Only some seventy-three cattle and two
horses were frozen. . . .
In compliance with a resolution of the Board of Supervisors, the
CITIZENS' LEVEE COMMITTEE hereby give notice that a Meeting will be held
in the County Court Room THIS DAY, at 11 o'clock A M , to take into
consideration the propriety of removing the Railroad to the northern part
of the city.
C. H. SWIFT, Chairman.
C. W. Lightner, Secretary. d18-1t
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that Sealed Proposals for building two Bridges,
one over the J street slough, and one over the K street
slough, will be received at my office until 12 o'clocck [sic] M
on the l9th instant. Bids must be separate, and state
the cash price, and the price if paid for in evidences
of the city's indebtedness. J. HOWELL, Clerk,
By W. M. Knox, Deputy Clerk.
Office Clerk Board of Supervisors. }
December 17, 1861. } d18-2t
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
HYDRAULIC HOUSE RAISING.--We understand that Edward Fell, of San Francisco,
has made arrangements to bring to this city his hydraulic apparatus for
raising brick buildings. He has already engaged to raise a building for
Isaac Lohman, and has a prospect of contracts enough to keep him employed
for some time. The owners of Ebner's Hotel, the Lady Adams Building,
Heywood's Block, the new building on the corner of K and Second streets,
and various others on J street, will in all probability raise just as
soon as Mr. Fell gets thoroughly to work, and the ease, safety and economy
of the enterprise are established.
By this means our citizens can avail themselves of a double security to
merchandise, such vast quantities of which have been recently destroyed,
and in due time we can raise our streets to an elevation that shall give
us drainage, dry cellars, and a much better reputation than levees alone
can afford as. In San Francisco, during several years past, brick buildings
of large size have been raised with entire success by hydraulic process.
The levee, grade and drainage questions should be looked at in all their
bearings, and the wise and practicable plan should be adopted, whatever
it may be.
GRAND LARCENY.--A man named Samnel M. Sidell, a German by birth, was
arrested yesterday, by Lieutenant Deal, on the steamer Nevada, at
half-past one o'clock, on a charge of grand larceny. The arrest was
made on a warrant sworn out by William Belsteatt, a German also, who
resides between this city and Sutterville, on the river front, by whom
Sidell had been employed. Belsteatt accuses Sidell of stealing $1,100,
which had been buried, and the locality of which was not known by any
body except the owner and the prisoner. The money had been buried in
a tin can, and was missed about a week ago, soon after the flood. The
prisoner had in his possession when arrested the sum of $350, which,
however, he claimed as his property. The remainder of the money. $750,
could not be found. The case will be more fully investigated in a day
or two.
REPAIRS COMMENCED.--It is gratifying to perceive that many of our citizens
have commenced the work of repairing sidewalks and replacing the street
crossings, which had been displaced by the water. It is highly desirable
that these improvements should be made without delay, wherever practicable,
and especially in the central portion of the town, where there is constant
travel. We are now out of all danger from another flood until there are
additional rains, and the Committee of Safety will doubtless have the
levees so far repaired in a short time as to insure security until permanent
protection can be afforded. The time for the meeting of the Legislature
is rapidly approaching. Order should be brought out of the chaos which
surrounds us before the meeting takes place. . . .
PROVIDING ROOM.--The Committee of Safety have commenced, at Rabel's tannery,
the erection of a building in which to feed and lodge the workmen who are
employed and to be employed on the construction of the new levee at that
point. About double the number of teams and men were at work yesterday
that were employed on Monday. W. F. Knox, who superintends the work, is
a member of the Committee of Safety, and receives no compensation for his
services, as might have been erroneously inferred from our reference to
the subject yesterday. . . .
FIRE.--At about a quarter before six o'clock yesterday morning, two one
story frame houses on the north side of I, west of Third street, were
destroyed by fire. They belonged to F. Fairchild. One was occupied by
Chinamen as a restaurant, and the other by the same class of tenants.
When the fire broke out there appeared to be no American in sight to
give the alarm. The bell of Engine Co. No. 3 was at length rung, and
one or two persons shouted in such a manner as to give the impression
that the levee had again given way.
SEALED PROPOSALS.--The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors advertises for sealed
proposals for the erection of a bridge on J street and another on K street,
over the slough near the fort. Bids must be handed in by, or before, twelve
o'olock to-morrow. An effort, it is said, will be made to obtain from the
Board of Supervisors a license to build toll bridges at these points. None
but free bridges should be built there.
EXAMINATION.--Those who desire aid from the Howard Benevolent Society, in
either food or clothing, are questioned so far as is deemed necessary
by the Examining Committee, as to their occupation, means of living,
character, etc. All who are not found to be unworthy are assisted. The
demands of a few only have been refused.
WATER AND WEATHER.--The water st the Sacramento gauge at sunset last evening
stood twenty-one feet above low water mark, having neither fallen nor
risen during the past twenty-four hours. The sky was clouded during a
great portion of yesterday, showing some signs of rain. In the evening
they presented a more broken appearance, promising a postponement of
rain and a period of clear weather.
ON THE SAFE SIDE.--At one of our hotels, yesterday morning, a boarder
called for mackerel for breakfast, with the remark: "I am darned sure
they were not drowned by the flood, but I don't feel so certain about
beef and pork." He had been around town considerably, and had seen so
many drowned cattle and hogs lying around, that he concluded to be on
the safe side,
DRAINAGE.--A number of workmen were engaged
yesterday in digging a trench in the center of Eighth street from I to
K streets, to drain off the water now standing north of I street. The
work is done under the direction of Civil Engineer Leet, and is paid for
by voluntary subscriptions of residents of that part of the town, collected
by A. C. Sweetser and others.
AID FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--N. A. H. Ball received yesterday, from
Rev. T. Starr King, of San Francisco, a check for $375, collected from
his congregation on Sunday last, for the use of the Howard Benevolent
Society. He also received from the ladies of the same congregation
twenty-four packages of clothing for the same purpose. . . .
THE FRANKLIN SCHOOL HOUSE.--Franklin school house has since the inundation
been occupied by the Howard Benevolent Society, as an auxiliary to the
Pavilion, in the good work of feeding and clothing those who are in need.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 1861.
The Board met at ten o'clock, the President in the chair, and all the members present. The minutes of yesterday were read and approved.
The bond of Windoar [sic] Keefer, Road Overseer of District No. Six, for the penal sum of $1,000, was recieved and approved.
Supervisor HITE offered a resolution that the Committee on Drainage
receive proposals for building bridges across Burns' slough, on J and K
streets, the bridge on K street to be made passable for teams in fifteen
days from the date of contract, and the work to be paid for in cash
received for tolls, under an ordinance to be passed by the board.
The PRESIDENT suggested that the resolution should properly go to the
Committee on Roads and Bridges.
Supervisor HITE said he preferred to refer it to the Committee on Drainage,
because the Committee on Roads and Bridges was composed, with one exception,
of members living in the country. He proposed to raise the money by levying
tolls on the bridges, the money to be paid over weekly to the party taking
the contract and the toll gatherer to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor GRANGER said he doubted the propriety of establishing a toll
brdge within the city limits.
Supervisor HITE said there was no money to build the bridges in any other
manner, and it would be a very light and temporary tax on the traveling
public which would not be felt. He proposed this as the only means of
building the bridges without embarassing the city by creating further
indebtedness.
Supervisor WATERMAN moved to amend by substituting the Committee on Roads
and Bridges.
Supervisor HANSBROW arid he was opposed to any project of establishing
toll bridges in the city. The policy was bad, and they had refused to
authorize toll bridges even in the country.
The PRESIDENT suggested that the Citizens' Committee should attend to
this matter. It struck him that they had more money than they could
expend on the levees just now.
Supervisor HITE said he had conversed with members of the Citizens'
Committee, and they seemed to approve of his plan. Mr. Swift told him
that he did not think the Committee had any authority to build bridges.
The city was now on the very verge of bankruptcy and they ought to take
whatever measures they could to have the work done without increasing
the debt.
Supervisor GRANGER said if the resolution was amended so as to receive
proposals at the same time for doing the work, and receiving evidence
of city indebtedness in payment, he would vote for it; that would show
what the difference would be, and the people would understand why the
Board established a toll bridge, If they decided to do so.
Supervisor HITE said he had no doubt the plan he had proposed would meet
the approval of the citizens.
Supervisor GRANGER said be might be satisfied that that was the wisest
course, but the public did not know it.
Supervisor HITE replied that he was not so very timid about the public.
If he did his duty the public would be satisfied.
Supervisor HANSBROW favored the amendment suggested by Mr. Granger, and moved
a further amendment, that the contract be made by the full Board, instead of
a Committee, as Committees were more liable to be influenced by pressure
brought to bear upon them, to lead them astray.
Supervisor HITE said he should be opposed to building this bridge in any
other way than by levying tolls, yet he would accept the amendment of
Mr. Granger, and would consent that the contract should be made subject
to the approval of the Board.
After further conversation, the resolution was withdrawn, to be presented
in a new draft as modified.
Supervisor HANSBROW said Mr. McLane, who had established the ferry acrcss
the slough at the point referred to, was present and would like to make
a statement.
Permission having been given, Mr. McLane said he inferred from the
proceedings of the Board yesterday that the impression was that the
ferry was established there to make money; but such was not the case.
He called on Mr. Robinson on Wednesday to make arrangements for bringing
their passengers by the stage lines into the city, but Mr. Robinson
declined to do anything in the premises, stating that the railroad now
ended at Brighton, and passengers must get in from there the best way
they could.
He (McLane) had thereupon had this boat made and put there to ferry the
stages and mails across, intending to charge tolls only for the purpose
of covering his expenses, amounting altogether to about $400. They
commenced running on Thursday morning, and had taken yesterday $306.
Probably by this time it would amount to $375. He dld not know that
there was any law requiring him to have a license; in fact, he did not
think of it.
He only put the boats there for the sake of transporting the mails and
passengers of the Pioneer and Overland Stage Lines. He considered that
the Railroad Co. was really bound to bring the passengers in according
to their contract, but as that company neglected to do so, he thought it
was his duty to provide some means of transportation. After the ferry had
paid for itself, he was willing the Board of Supervisors should take the
boats and fix their own rates of toll.
He thought the width of the slough there was not over one hundred feet.
Supervisor WATERMAN said teams were ferried across very rapidly, and he
thought the ferry must be making $200 a day.
Supervisor HANSBROW said this matter was up yesterday, but the attention of
the Board having been called to other matters, no action was taken. He
thought, after this explanation, it would look rather like extortion to
call on Mr. McLane to pay for a license. The Railroad Company had manifested
the same spirit in this case as in hundreds of other cases during the past
few years. He thought the Board need take no action unless the rates were
deemed extortionate, and in that case they might reduce the rates and give
a longer time. It was good policy to afford all possible facilities to
stage companies, and especially the Overland Company.
Mr. McLANE said he had proposed to sell out his boats to-day, and let the
party purchasing fix his own terms with the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor GRANGER said he would prefer to have Mr. McLane turn the
matter over to the city, after having collected enough to remunerate
himself; then let the city establish the lowest possible rates, and
pass McLane's stages free.
Supervisor HANSBROW said if the ferry was to go into the hands of
private parties as a matter of speculation, he would be in favor of
strenuous measures to prevent extortion.
Mr. McLANE said, very well; he would hold on to it, and await the action
of the Board.
Supervisor HITE verbally reported, as Chairman of the Committee on Drainage,
that he had conferred with the Citizens' Committee, and they thought it would
not be necessary to build the proposed bulkhead at Rabel's tannery, and that
the better course for the Board would be to rescind the contract with
A. D. Rightmire, as proposed by him.
Supervisor HANSBROW said: Then it was only necessary for Mr. Rightmire to
prepare his vouchers and accounts, and present them to the Board.
A. D. RIGHTMIRE said he proposed to go to San Francisco for that purpose
to-day, and would return with all the vouchers of his expenditures, but
he would like to have some definite understanding before he left that
the contract was to be rescinded. He only asked that the Board should
make him whole as to his expenses, and not a dime beyond that.
Supervisors GRANGER, HANSBROW, and the PRESIDENT thought no formal
declaration was necessary on the part of the Board--that the word of
individual members was sufficient
Supervisor HITE offered a resolution that on the presentation of
the proper vouchers the Board would proceed to cancel the contract,
paying Mr. Rightmire his necessary expenditures.
After a protracted discussion, in which all the members expressed
themselves in favor of accepting Mr. Rightmire's proposition, the
resolution was withdrawn with Mr. Rightmire's assent
Supervisor HANSBROW said, as one of the Special Committee appointed
yesterday to confer with the officers of the Railroad Company, in relation
to the removal of the railroad to the north side of the city, he would make
a verbal report. In the first place it was unfortunate that the President
should have appointed a Committee a portion of which was opposed to the
object sought. He had called upon Mr. Robinson, and that gentleman declined
to make any proposition, saying he was not authorized to do so, but he stated
that if the Board would make any proposition, he would immediately call a
meeting of the directors to take the subject into consideration.
He hoped some definite proposition might be made, by means of which they
could get at the subject, for he considered it one of the first importance.
The excuse Mr. Robinson made at first was that they could not get the right
of way, and that the Board had no right to do this or to do that. He
(Hansbrow) then asked him what they would do, supposing the right of way
was obtained on the north side. He replied that then it would take time,
and intimated that if they could have till next season, the Company would
give the matter serious consideration.
He then spoke of coming in on the R street levee, and Supervisor Hansbrow
told him that he should oppose that now and forever. Immediate action
should be taken on this subject, and he (Hansbrow) suggested that the
President should call a public meeting to get an expression of the views
of the citizens.
He was satisfied that ninety-nine hundreths of the citizens were opposed
to allowing the railroad to he rebuilt on the R street levee, and nothing
would protect the city and give the public confidence like a railroad
levee on the north side. The railroad was at first allowed to come into
the city only to Sixth street, then they were allowed a temporary track
to the river for the sake of convenience in building their road, then
they obtained permssion to run up to M street, and lastly to L street,
but never beyond that, though the Company had taken it upon themselves to
lay their tracks to K street.
Supervisor RUSSELL said he thought it was the place of the Company to ask
the Board on what terms they would allow them to come into the city,
instead of the Board asking them on what terms they would consent to
come.
Supervisor HANSBSOW said J. Mora Moss had threatened repeatedly to take up
the tracks and remove the road to some point below, and doubtless they had
often gained concessions by making such threats. He had no doubt that the
Board would dictate the terms; amicable negotiation would be the best
policy. He did not believe, however, that in any event the Board would
allow them to rebuild on the R street levee.
Supervisor GRANGER said if he had been present at the conference with
Robinson he should probably have concurred with Supervisor Hansbrow. He
was in favor of calling a public meeting to ascertain whether the people
were willing to allow the Sacramento Valley Railroad to terminate where
it has done; if so, upon what conditions; and if not, upon what terms they
would be willing to allow them to come into the northern part of the city,
follow the line of the old levee, and come into I street at about Seventh
street. His own opinion was that the city could well afford to pay the
Company $100,000 to come in that way. He did not want to take the
responsibility of acting, however, without first consulting the citizens;
because, if the railroad should eventually be driven to Sutterville they
would be blamed for it
Supervisor RUSSELL moved that the report be adopted.
Supervisor WOODS said he would vote for the report, although it looked to
him like child's play to call citizens meetings. The Board should be
capable of acting for itself, getting the opinion of its legal adviser.
Supervisor GRANGER repeated that he was unwilling to take the
responsibility of acting without first getting the sense of the
citizens by a public meeting. Then if the railroad should be driven
to Sutterville he would not be responsible.
Supervisor HITE moved to lay the matter over till to-morrow, in order to
learn whether the Board legally had power to prevent the rebuilding of
the railroad on R street
Supervisor GRANGER said there was no doubt they had the power. All the
ordinances granting privileges to the Company were conditional, and not
one of the conditions had they fulfilled.
Supervisor Woods said then the Board ought to rescind the ordinances at once.
Supervisor GRANGER said he preferred to get an expression from the people
first.
Supervisor HITE said, while they were consulting the dear people,
Mr. Robinson would have his railroad rebuilt coming into the city on the
old track,
Supervisor GRANGER said, in that case, thay would get him out again, and
he would be one to help do it.
Supervisor HITE said he was as much opposed to the levee on R street as
any man, notwithstanding that he had been unjustly charged with being
Robinson's tool.
Supervisor DICKERSON said this was altogether a city matter, in which the
country members did not feel called upon to take part; but when they knew
what the city wanted, they would take hold and help them out.
Supervisor WOOD said there were hundreds of idle men here who would now
be fully employed, if the railroad depot was on Sixth street, where it
ought to be.
Supervisor HANSBROW offered the following:
WHEREAS, The Sacramento Valley Railroad Company have, by the act of filling
up the gap in the R street levee, most flagrantly violated their contract,
in not complying with the same; therefore,
Resolved, That the privilege heretofore granted to them, in allowing
them to run their cars on the R street levee, is hereby rescinded.
The resolution was adopted by a unanimous vote.
Supervisor HITE offered a resolution, which was also adopted, requesting
the Citizens' Committee to call a public meeting of citizens to take into
consideration the propriety of removing the railroad to the northern
portion of the city.
Supervisor HANSBROW called attention to the condition of the levee on
Second street. He understood the water was seeping through an old sewer
there, and flooding the foot of J and K streets. The chain gang was
engaged in cleaning out the water tanks, but he supposed the Citizens'
Committee would attend to it.
Supervisor HITE again offered his resolution relative to bridges on
J and K streets, modified so as to read as follows:
Resolved, That the Committee on Roads, Bridge and Ferries will
receive proposals until 12 o'clock M on the 19th instant, for completing
two bridges--one across the slough at J street, and one across the slough
at K street--the bids to be accompanied by plans and specifications.
Bids for each bridge to be separate, and to state the time when each
will be completed under the contract--no bid for the K street bridge
to be considered unless it agrees that the bridge shall be passable for
teams within fifteen days from the date of the contract--each bid to be
accompanied by at least two sureties, of at least double the sum of the
bid--the bids to state cash price, to be paid out of tolls to be
received at said bridges as rapidly as it accumulates, and price if paid
for in city evidences of indebtedness.
Supervisor WOODS said he should vote against any man's receiving tolls.
C. H. SWIFT, Chairman of the Citizen's Committee, having been called upon
to make a statement on this subject, said the Committee had been receiving
every day numerous applications to build bridges and repair roads injured
by the flood, but he conceived, as did most of the Committee, that they
had nothing whatever to do with building bridges. He had no doubt that a
large proportion of the citizens were opposed to building up R street
levee, and it would be useless to build up the Thirty-first street levee
if that was not done.
Various plans had been talked of, but the Committee hardly knew what to
do. This morning he had an interview with some of the Swamp Land
Commissioners. Heretofore their action had depended on the idea that
Sacramento city would take care of itself, and therefore had proposed
to levee across this side of Sutteiville, leaving the whole county to be
flooded if the American river should break away again. Now he thought they
would see their error and join with the city in putting up a strong,
permanent levee down the American river.
That would be the only way to reclaim the tules below the city.
Supervisor HITE's resolution was adopted.
On motion of Supervisor WOODS, the Clerk was directed to notify the officers
of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company of the action of the Board.
Supervisor HITE offered a resolution requesting the Levee Committee to
confer with the Citizens' Committee, at the meeting of the latter today,
and request them to have all the labor performed by them for the protection
of the city expended on the banks of the American and Sacramento rivers,
as the Board deemed it unnecessary to repair any cross levees.
Supervisor GRANGER opposed the resolution, because he thought it looked
too much like begging a job, and Supervisor Hite withdrew it.
Supervisor RUSSELL asked what disposition was to be made of the ferry across
Burns' slough.
Supervisor GRANGER said he thought that matter had been disposed of. If
not, he moved that the Committee on Roads, Bridges and Ferries be
authorized to make arrangements with Mr. McLane.
Supervisor WATERMAN said the lumber in the scow out there did not cost
more than $75, and it was made in one day. He thought $400 was more than
the whole establishment cost.
Supervisor GRANGER's motion prevailed.
Supervisor WOODS said he was informed by the Auditor that the amount of
taxes to be collected by J P. O'Neill, the Road Overseer of the Twelfth
District, was $1,304. He therefore moved that the additional bond of that
officer be fixed at $2,000. Carried.
Adjourned till ten o'clock Wednesday morning
THE STATE CAPITAL.--The Marysville Appeal has the following remarks,
in connection with the noble and self-sacrificing spirit evinced by the
people of Sacramento, and the removal of the Capital, as contemplated by two or three hasty journals:
It is a creditable fact that the press generally speak sympathizingly and
generously of Sacramento, rejoicing in her determination not to repudiate,
and expressing hearty wishes that she may soon rise with unabated vigor
and beauty from her last and greatest afliction. The general opinion
seems to be that the State cannot afford to have its second city wiped
out, and that destruction is not its destiny. "All is not lost," so
long as the "unconquerable will" of her plucky citizens remains. But
some journals have taken advantage of her misfortune--a misfortune
that might have been averted, and that will be hereafter--to suggest that
the Capital ought to be removed.
The suggestion is ill timed and ungenerous, to say the least; though
this might be overlooked if it were supported by any good reasons.
The fact is, the last flood is no more an argument in favor of removal
than any previous one. After the experience of several floods, and
learning the full extent of the danger to which the city was exposed,
the almost unanimous sentiment of the State decided that Sacramento was
the most central and every way eligible site for the capital; and all the
machinations of her enemies, and of interested parties in other localities,
could not prevail against her. For many years she has protected herself and
the State property amply against floods, till a greater than all others came
to teach her what must be done to assure her security through the whole
future. The Legislature meanwhile contracted for the erection of a
splendid capital, which has already been commenced on a broad and
substantial foundation that defies the flood. The public mind has
settled down upon the quiet and comfortable conviction that the long
discussion as to the proper location of the seat of government would
not be revived, and that we are to have public buildings worthy of our
wealthy, vast and vigorous State, and sufficient for the use of many
generations.
Until it can be proved that Sacramento is unable to protect itself
against future floods, every suggestion for a removal of the capital should
be ruled out of order. Until then, we shall insist that the capital
remain where it is, and that, if necessary, the State shall aid
to make it perfectly secure. If Sacramento does not yet despair
of herself, the people and their representatives should not despair
of Sacramento.
GOLD HILL CAVED.--Gold Hill, a famous mining locality in Nevada Territory,
caved in December 13th, owing to the late storm. The Territorial
Enterprise says:
The principal cave occurred about noon yesterday, at the claims of
Mosheimer & Winters, and Hurd & Winters, situated at the southwest
side of the hill. There has been a fissure, occasioned by the ground
settling along the west side of the hill for some months.
The recent rains permeated the loose formation, and on Sunday the
indications of a cave became so obvious that the workmen ceased
operations. Yesterday morning the ground commenced settling gradually,
and about noon a huge mass, which rested on timbers--the rock having
been completely excavated--fell, leaving a chasm about forty by sixty
feet at the surface, and some thirty feet deep. One of the companies
have a tunnel running from the base of the hill and intersecting the
mine at a depth considerably lower than the cave, and it is probable
they will be able to prosecute the work by this means after the mouth
of the tunnel has been cleared. The tunnels of some of the claims
adjoining on the north have partially fallen in, and the bent state
of the timber indicates an immense pressure.
It is difficult to say whether the caving will stop now, or the whole
of Gold Hill proper fall in. The mine has been improperly worked. The
whole hill resting on timbers and it would not surprise us since what
might properly be compared to a portion of an arch, has given way, to
see the entire structure fall.
DAMAGED HAY.--Large quantities of hay in the city have been destroyed
by the late flood. The limited quantity of the remainder now in store
has caused it to rise rapidly in price. It sells at from thirty to
forty dollars per ton. . . .
Party Postponed.--The managers having charge of the social party, which
was to have taken place at the High School on Friday next, have decided
to postpone the party indefinitely, for reasons too obvious to require
mentioning. . . .
p. 4
DEATH BY A LAND SLIDE.--La Porte Messenger says a remarkable land slide took place at Cold Canon, on Monday last, resulting in the death of a man named Jack Smith. A ponderous mass of earth left its resting place of ages, and debouched down the ravine into Canon creek below, a distance of three fourths of a mile, leveling everything in its course, and filling up the mouths of the tunnels, to the serious annoyance of their owners. Smith and a companion were taking a leisurely stroll down to Poker Flat, and were about crossing the ravine, near the foot of the mountain, when the movement of the earth was first discovered by the latter, within thirty feet of where he was standing.
Not being so near the center of its course as his unfortunate companion, he just managed to escape; but poor Jack had no chance to elude its fury, and was instantly buried alive. Nearly twenty-four hours were consumed in exhuming the body of the deceased. So great was the amount of earth slid down that it dammed Canon creek dry for the space of fifteen minutes, notwithstanding the creek was at its highest flood.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3347, 19 December 1861, p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The colored people of San Francisco have held a meeting for the relief of colored sufferers by the flood in this city. They decided to forward their subscriptions to the Howard Benevolent. Society. . . .
The steamer Pacific is, to-day, four days overdue from Oregon.
Some sixty men are at work on the American river levee at Rabel's Tannery,
and twenty at the point above there, from which the water came into the
city, on the 9th instant. It is thought that by to-night all the water
of the American will be turned into its proper course. . . .
DRAINING.--The ditch dug in Fifth street proves that the city north of
L street can be drained without difficulty. Ditches dug through the center
of three streets, between Front and Ninth, with connecting cross ditches,
would carry off all the surplus water. Those ditches would of course be
cut through J, K and L streets, and substantially bridged; but on the
cross streets they might be left open provided a fence of short posts
and a single plank were put up on each side to keep people out of them.
A ditch in the middle of a street, if to be left open, is greatly to be
preferred to one near the sidewalk, as it leaves the houses on each side
so that they can be approached with wagons. The ordinance offered yesterday
is hardly specific enough; it gives too much unrestricted power to individuals. . . .
EAST WEAVER CREEK.--The flumes of Warren & Rueb, Henry and Sev. Jacobs, and Wilson, Carr & McGowan were completely demolished by the flood last Sunday. The water was much higher than the week previous. The damage cannot fall far short of $10,000. Another length of the East Weaver bridge also went away. . . .
TELEGRAPH TO MONTEREY REPAIRED.-- A telegram from Monterey says the
telelgraph line which was broken at the Salinas river, has been thoroughly
repaired, and is now in fine working order. . . .
LEVEES, RAILROAD, ETC.
It may be very well to call a meeting of citizens to exchange views upon the plan to be adopted for repairing the levees, and removing the railroad to the north side of the city; but we doubt whether many of our citizens are in the possession of the requisite information to enable them to form a judicious opinion as to what should be done under the circumstances. No estimate is had of the practicability or cost of repairing the R street and Thirty-first street levees, or the levee on the American. Before a public meeting can decide understandingly upon the subjects to be considered, it must be placed in possession of the proper data. The question is one of great moment to the people of the city; the future hangs to a great extent upon it; therefore it ought not to be decided upon the impulses which may rule the hour.
The original idea which governed in building the R street levee, was to protect the city against back water from the Sacramento. The year before it was built the water backed up from below Sutterville to such an extent as to inundate the city from the south as high up as K street. The water stood at that level for some three months.
As a protection from similar visitations in the future, the R street levee was erected in 1853. It was at first designed to extend across the slough to the ridge, but upon the suggestion that such a levee would turn the floods of the American into the city, should it break through or overflow the levee east of Thirty-first street, the plan was changed so as to turn the levee this side of the slough, running near its west bank to Thirty-first street, thence north on that street to the American river.
By running that levee along and on this side of the slough, it was intended to give to the city a double protection from the floods of the American, as it was confidently believed that if the levee ever gave way at the head of the slough, as it did last week, the Thirty-first and R street levees would keep it out of the city. And they would have done it, had not the railroad subsequently built a solid embankment from the end of the R street levee to the ridge, which forced the water into the city in spite of the levee on Thirty-first street. One of the main ends for which those levees were built, at a cost of about a hundred thousand dollars, was defeated by the railroad embankment.
The R street levee and the railroad embankment would have protected the city against back water from the Sacramento river.
If further protection from back water is considered necessary, that levee must be repaired, or the streets all brought up to the grade line proposed by Supervisor Hite. If it is not deemed necessary to defend the city against back water the R street levee may be permitted to remain as it is. If that levee is not reopened it will be useless to restore the one on Thirty-first street, as one depends upon the other.
But if the R street levee is condemned, it should be for reasons other than that it confined the water which was forced into the city by the railroad embankment, until every part was submerged. Those who built it, were very well aware that if the water ever came into the city the R street levee would hold it here until it was cut away. But the intention was, not to permit it to get inside.
Experience has demonstrated that, if the money expended on the cross levees had been applied to the building of a levee from Burns' slough, east of Smith's Garden, down the American to I street, sixty feet wide on the surface, and ten feet higher.than the old one, the waters of the American would have been confined to the north side of it for all time. A levee to correspond down I street, and along the bank of the Sacramento to Sutterville, would, in 1853, have effectually protected the city of Sacramento against floods for a time which we shall not offer to limit.
Would not the same character of levee on the American and along the Sacramento protect the city now against the highest flood which may come in a century? Upon this point there is no room for doubt; such a levee as we have described would insure the safety of the city beyond all contingency. Then why not build it? The answer may be because we have not money enough to do that and repair the cross levees, and the objector prefers to repair the Thirty-first and R street levees, if a choice is to be made between doing that and building a strong levee on the American. But cannot both be accomplished? Of course they can if the money is provided. The amount required for such a heavy undertaking has not been estimated.
It might take $100,000 or $150,000. Well, suppose it would, what is $150,000 when compared to the absolute safety of this city from overflow? A quarter of a million would be a light matter when placed in the scale against the existence of a city like Sacramento.
Situated as the people of this city now are--liable as they are to be inundated to a greater or less extent by every rise in the American--the common safety demands that the American be first shut out, and the levee so repaired, raised and strengthened as to keep it out. When that is done the question of repairing the cross levees may be settled at the pleasure of the people.
They can also determine the grade to be adopted for the streets. If a high one is determined upon, cross levees will be rendered comparatively unnecessary. With all our streets two feet above the present level of J, we should have nothing to fear from back water.
The proposition to withdraw the right, of the railroad to come into the city on R street, by Act of the Board of Supervisors, strikes us as neither fair, just, nor manly. It looks like an attempt on the part of a city in distress to benefit by the misfortunes of a railroad company. The city may negotiate with the railroad company, may offer inducements which will make it the interest of the company to change their line from the south to the north side of the city; but it would require months to move, and the cost would probably reach $200,000.
No reliance for defense this Winter can be placed on the railroad, even if it were practicable to move the line. The people must rely on themselves; they must build their own levees and then supervise them. They can never give up the control of one of them to a railroad company. But, if disposed the Board has no power to prevent the railroad from repairing its line and resuming its connection with the city.
If is has forfeited its rights under the ordinance of 1855, the Courts must so decide, and not the Board of Supervisors. If such forfeiture has been worked the Court would enjoin the Company from coming in on the R street levee, unless they obtained another grant. But until such a judgment is rendered no power exists to legally prevent the Company from repairing its line into the city. The Board may demand that it shall be built on trestle work east of the R street levee, and also over the breaks in the R street levee to stand until it shall be determined whether that levee is to be rebuilt.
Legally, the railroad would obtain no legal advantages by repairing its line, which it does now possess. A large portion of its property, including all its locomotives but one, is west of the break in the R street levee, and it would be an outrage to prevent them from connecting. Indeed, the Company would be compelled to make that connection before it could move the track to the north side of the city, were it ever so willing. Uniting the two ends of the road, if not a military, is certainly a railroad necessity.
If disposed, the Board can give the Company the legal six months notice to quit the levee below Sixth street. . . .
RAIN IN NEVADA.--The Democrat says, according to a rain gauge kept
by Ewer, at Grass Valley, the quantity of rain that fell there during the
late storm--commencing on Friday evening, Dec. 6th, and ending on the Monday
morning following--was a trifle over sixteen inches.
One or two rough measurements
were kept in Nevada, indicating a fall of about eighteen inches; and from
information derived from a gentleman who was at Jackson's Ranch during the
storm, the quantity that fell on the summit must have been twice as much
as fell at Nevada.
A correspondent of the same papar, writing from North Bloomfield,
Dec. 12th, adds:
It rained here without intermission for 72 hours--the longest duration of
time, for one continued storm, within my experience in this State. The
largest amount of damage done in this vicinity, I believe, has to be
borne by Marriott, McCaughan & Co., one of their ditch dams being entirely
carried away and damaging the other considerably, besides covering up
their tail flume to a great depth, and sweeping away all the tools
belonging to the company, in the shape of picks, shovels, barrows,
crowbars, sluices, etc. Their loss will amount to fully $500. The Union
Flume, belonging to Walters, Andrews & Co., is also damaged, probably
to the amount of $300 or $400.
FLOOD IN KLAMATH.--An Extra of the Yreka Journal dated
December 11th says:
By the exertions of Alfred Mallett, who swam streams to get here,
with a letter from George W. Sleeper, of Sawyer's Bar, we have
information of the losses on Salmon river, in Klamath county. Life
and property shared in the general whirlpool of destruction. The
first freshet passed off very well, although great damage was done
to many claims, carrying away flumes, wheels, etc. The last freshet
destroyed everything.
From Sawyer's Bar to the mouth of Russian creek, all the miners have
sustained losses, not only on Salmon river, but also on Eddy's Gulch,
from which we are unable to get any account of the full losses. On
Compromise Gulch, every dam and flume is gone. Every claim at Buckhorn
Bar is filled up, and all the machinery is wrecked or swept away.
At, Stewart's Flat, a gloom pervades, from destruction of life and
property. The place contained seven houses, and the occupants were
obliged to leave for high ground, being surrounded with water. August
Leek, a German, one of the first and best men on the river, was drowned
in attempting to swim to the shore, and swept down the river. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Passenger Suit--Heller Relief Meeting of Colored People--The Broderlck Will Case--John H, Stewart--New York Money Matters--Trade in San Francisco--Death of an old Sacramentan.
. . .
The colored people held a meeting last night to raise funds for colored
sufferers in Sacramento. It was stated that the Howard Association has
indiscriminately given aid to colored and white, and it was resolved to
turn the funds over to the Howard Society, without any special direction
as to employment. A Committee was appointed to make collections among the
colored population. A collection taken at the meeting amounted to $101.
The Committee will report on Friday. . . .
Telegrams from New York to-day announce that the suspension of cash
payments is discussed as the only remedy available. . . .
Steamer Pacific is three days overdue from Oregon. . . .
NO WONDER THERE WAS A FLOOD.--The Sierra Citizen, referring to
the storm at Downieville, gives this statement of the amount of rain fall
in a brief period:
A correct rain gauge of Dr. Kibbe says that in the short period of three
days--from nine o'clock on Friday morning until Monday morning at the
same hour--over twelve and a half inches of rain fell; and on Sunday
over seven inches. In November, 13.59-100, and in December, 14 46-100 inches
fell. It must be borne in mind that when over a foot of rain falls on a
level, the amount rushing from mountain sides, four miles high on either
side, the additional amount which must necessarily accumulate, is
incalculable. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE LEVEE REPAIRS.--The work of repairing the levee at Rabel's tannery is
progressing quite rapidly. The superintendent, W. Turton, had some sixty
hands, and nine teams with wagons, and eight teams with scrapers, busily
engaged on the work yesterday afternoon. The locality presents a lively
and business like appearance. C. Farley, with about twenty hands, commenced
work at ten o'clock yesterday morning at the head of Burns' slough.
This slough connects with the American river about one mile beyond Smith's
Garden, two miles beyond the tannery, and four miles from the Sacramento
river. This slough runs in a southwesterly direction past Sutter's Fort,
and running west of Poverty Ridge to the low lands above Sutterville. It
has furnished, since the flood, a constant stream of water, so large as
to make a ferry boat necessary at the fort and make fording near Poverty
Ridge quite difficult. The slough is about one hundred feet wide at the river.
The volume of water passing into it is about one foot deep. Two hundred
and fifty gunny sacks were taken out and filled. Theae are placed, along
the line of the embankment, one, two or three abreast, as the case may
require. They are followed up with earth from wheelbarrows. At half past
four o'clock last evening an embankment had been built about half way
across the breach, effectually stopping the current, so far as constructed.
It will doubtless be completed to-day. This work will have the effect of
stopping entirely the water now flowing from that point to Sutterville, at
the present stage of the American river. It will be followed up by a
substantial and permanent levee. The Committee of Safety met at nine
o'clock yesterday morning, and decided to direct their efforts for the
present to the river levees, leaving the cross levees for future action.
In accordance with this line of policy, they will at once set to work three
divisions of men on the American river. The first division at Rabel's,
already, under full headway, have been so far boarded in the vicinity.
For the accommodation of the second division, at Burns' slough, the
erection of a house 37 by 70 feet in size, was commenced yesterday.
The third division will commence between the two, and arrangements
are being made for the use of the Tivoli House for boarding the workmen.
The Committee pay $30 per month and board, for laborers, and, if necessary,
find blankets, and deduct the cost from the wages. They pay for teams--the
driver, two horses and wagon--$5 and board for the driver, he finding
feed for his horses. There have been more men and teams offering than
could so far be engaged.
Many more, however, will be needed in a day or two. . . .
RAILROAD MOVEMENTS.--It seems that the Sacramento Valley Railroad has not
fulfilled its contracts to the letter with the different stage companies.
It was under contract to carry the passengers of the stage companies between
Sacramento and Folsom, as well as the mails. The breaks in the R street
levee and the embankment east of that levee, rendered it impossible for
the cars to run into the city; they were obliged to stop at Brighton,
which is about four miles from Sacramento.
It would be natural to suppose that the railroad company would contrive
some plan to land their passengers both ways in Sacramento, and take
them from the city to the present railroad terminus. But they declined
to do this, and left passengers to get to and from their new depot as
best they might. Such an arrangement did not suit the stage companies.
When they booked passengers to and from Sacramento, and received the
passage money, they felt in honor bound to do what they promised.
Finding that the railroad agent was making no provision for landing
or taking passengers in the city, the agent of the Pioneer and Overland
lines--McLane--immediately put on stages between the city and the present
terminus of the railroad, to accommodate their passengers, and to convey
the mails. To secure his object, McLane was forced to build a flatboat
at the slough for ferry purposes. He has done and is doing work which
ought to have been done by the agent of the railroad company. From
Brighton to Lincoln we hear the cars make regular trips, as per schedule.
We also hear that the only locomotive the Sacramento Valley Railroad
Company have east of the break is the C. K. Garrison, and that said
locomotive is so disabled as to be unfit for use, thus forcing the old
company to rely upon the locomotives of C. L. Wilson, of the California
Central, to perform the service between Brighton, Folsom and Lincoln.
Outside of the city, and north of Brighton, the railroad does not
appear to have been injured by the flood.
RAILROAD MEETING.--The Citizens' Levee Committee, in compliance with the
request of the Board of Supervisors, called a public meeting, to be held
in the County Court room at eleven o'clock yesterday forenoon, to take
into consideration the propriety of removing the railroad to the northern
part of the city. Owing to the short notice given, only a few persons
were present, but the meeting organized by the choice of Dr. Harvey
Houghton for Chairman, and George Rowland, Secretary, and then adjourned
to meet at the same place this (Thursday) evening, at seven o'clock.
Doubtless the meeting this evening will be well attended, as the subject
is one of the greatest importance.
POLICE COURT.--In the Police Court yesterday, the following business was
disposed of by Judge Gilmer: . . . The case of B. Cohn, charged with an
assault on H. Treichler with a shovel, was continued until this morning.
The examination of S. M. Sidell, charged with grand larceny in stealing
$1,100, was continued until to-day.
HOWARD HOSPITAL.--Howard Benevolent Society has established a temporary
hospital in Van Winkle & Duncan's building, on Fourth street, between I
and J streets, for the benefit of the sufferers by the flood who are sick
and unable to provide for themselves. Doctors Harkness, Fray and Montgomery
have charge of it. There are now fourteen inmates in it.
ANOTHER CONTRACT.--The owner of the Bank Exchange, corner of K and Second
street, Mrs. Keenan, has contracted with E. Fell to raise the building
at once. The appearances are decidedly in favor of Second street being
made high and dry. Fell went down yesterday to expedite the speedy shipment
of his hydraulic apparatus.
GOOD TIME.--T. Bradley's stage, of the Accommodation Line, left Placerville
yesterday morning with eleven passengers. It arrived in this city at one
o'clock and forty minutes, beating the railroad passengers by the same
route. Crandall, the driver, says the roads are not the best in the
world, but still they are quite passable.
CLEAR EVENING.--We were favored last evening with a clear sky, a full moon, and an invigorating breeze from the northwest. . . .
A PROPOSITION.--There are a number of piles on Front street, near P,
and a pile driver in the American river, at Lisle's bridge. It is
suggested that by bringing both to bear the People's Committee could,
in two days, at a slight cost, with the aid of sacks of brick, etc.,
stop the crevasse above Sutterville. If this could be done, it would
relieve the lower part of the city of a considerable portion of the
water now standing on it.
INSOLVENCY.--George Harvey filed, yesterday, a petition in insolvency
in the District Court. It is stated in the petition that the petitioner
has been a resident of the county for ten years, and has been engaged
recently in keeping the "Mineral Point House." He has lost by fire,
flood, high notes of interest and bad debts, and asks to be discharged
from his debts and liabilities.
SUBSTANTIAL CROSSING.--A new crossing--probably the most substantial
in the city--was laid down yesterday at Seventh and J streets, between
Lindley, Wooster & Weaver's and Sneath & Arnold's corners. It is
constructed of plank ten inches wide and three inches thick, the
center being three planks wide, with an additional side plank on
either side.
LICENSE GRANTED.--The Board of Supervisors yesterday
granted a license to the parties who own the ferryboat at Sutter's
Fort to run the same and collect toll. As two bridges are to be built
in the same neighborhood, and as the Committee of Safety has now a
large number of men at work damming the water out of the slough, it
is not likely that there will be much use for the ferry.
MISSING.--A man named James Brown has been missing from San Francisco
for about two weeks. It is presumed that he came to this city, and it
is feared that he may have been lost by the flood of the 9th instant.
He was a native of Ireland, thirty-two years old, wore black whiskers,
and had on a heavy gray coat. . . .
PUMPING.--A large number of pumps are kept going in various portions of
the city, discharging water from the cellars. The pumps generally work
well, and the cellars too. So far as we have observed, it is about an
even thing between them.
DONATION FROM STOCKTON.--M. Conley and H. C. Patrick, who arrived in this
city on the steamer Christina from Stockton, on Tuesday, brought over to
the Howard Benevolent Society $600 in cash, and several hundred dollars
worth of clothing. . . .
SALMON FALLS BRIDGE.--We learn that this
bridge is now fully repaired, and that the travel
over it has been resumed.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18. 1861.
The Board met at ten o'clock A. M., the President in the chair and all
the members present. . . .
Supervisor HITE said he went down the Sacramento river yesterday at the
request of Supervisor Dickerson, and looked at the levee there. He
found it very weak in many places. At one point it was broken away so
that a large stream was running over from the river into the tules, and
at numerous other places it was almost broken away. He was informed that
the Citizens' Committee would repair these places as soon as the river
falls, when it can easily be done. He was also informed that the Committee
now proposed to expend all their money on the levees on the banks of the
Sacramento and American rivers, abandoning the cross levees entirely, and
they desired to learn if that course would meet the approbation of the
Board of Supervisors. It certainly met his approval, and he trusted the
Board would give some expression of opinion upon the subject.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he was hardly prepared for an expression as
definite as that, but would move that the Board concur in any measures
the Citizens' Committee should think proper to adopt
Supervisor RUSSELL said it met his approbation and he would move
that the Board heartily approve of that course.
Supervisor WOODS did not think the Board had any right to take action
on the subject, unless the Citizens' Committee formally communicated
with them, either by petition or in some other manner, so that the
matter could appear on their books.
Supervisor GRANGER thought the proper way would be for the Committee
to ask the Board to appoint a Committee to confer with them, and would
cheerfully vote for such a Committee if it was asked for. A verbal
communication was not sufficient and opinions or advice volunteered
sometimes was not received very gratefully. The public might think
they were still itching to have a hand in the outlay of that money,
and he desired to avoid any such imputation.
Supervisor RUSSELL withdrew his motion.
Supervisor HANSBROW said there was a hereafter to this matter, and if
the citizens wished the advice of the Board, they certainly knew there
was but one way to get at it properly. If the Board was to be implicated
in this matter, there should be something more than a verbal report to
appear on their books.
Supervisor GRANGER suggested that Supervisor Hite represent to the
Citizens' Committee that if they wished it the Board would be willing
to appoint a Committee to confer with them. The people had placed
confidence in that Committee, thinking perhaps that they were more
worthy of confidence than this Board, (he would not discuss the matter
now,) and he, for one, was not disposed to interfere unless called upon.
Supervisor HITE said he had full confidence in the Citizens' Committee,
and thought they had come to their senses. The work they were about to
perform he believed would be the thing that had been desired for years,
and he intended to subscribe all he was able towards prosecuting that
work. He did not intend to stand upon formalities. Yesterday he asked
for a Committee to confer with them, but some thought it would be
sacrificing their dignity, and to-day when the Committee asked if the
Board would approve what they proposed, objection was made that it did
not come in the proper form to please some gentlemen. The plan pleased him
well, and he intended to subscribe and go to work upon it. All he had
was under water this morning, and he wanted to get a sight of it as
soon as possible. If gentlemen would visit the lower part of the city,
which he represented, and which was now all under water, he thought they
would come to the conclusion that this was no time to stand upon
formalities or to exhibit any feeling of jealousy.
Supervisor GRANGER disclaimed any feeling of jealousy, and said,
although he was not a "hardshell," yet he was a little sensitive.
The citizens had preferred to intrust this matter to a Committee, whether
it was because they believed the Committee more competent than this
Board or not; and now, if that Committee wanted to confer with this
Board, let them ask it. He knew there were many who supposed that the
members of this Board had the privilege of going to the public treasury
and helping themselves to whatever they pleased, and that it was only
necessary to be a member to become rich in a short time. He had been
asked repeatedly what they had done with all the money, as if the members
of the Board had access to it. Such was not the case. He would not upon
any point of etiquette throw the least obstacle in the way of the
Citizens' Committee; but in the incipient stage they took this business
upon themselves, the people believing that they were either more honest
or more capable than the Board of Supervisors, which was the legitimate
authority; and though he did not complain of it, he was opposed to
interfering until properly called upon.
The PRESIDENT said there was no motion pending.
Supervisor HALL said he was on the Committee in relation to application
for ferry privilege across the American river, and although he had not
been to the spot he had heard the statements of both parties and several
citizens living in the neighborhood. From all he could learn, he was
rather in favor of granting ferry licenses to both parties for a month
or so. Both claimed the franchise, and the Committee was not able to
decide which was right. He thought it would be for the interest of the
public to have two ferries, and would so report. He was not informed
whether both ferries would run at the same point or not
The PRESIDENT said the same matter was before the Board last year,
and a Committee reported adverse to allowing Norris to establish a ferry.
Supervisor GRANGER said it was not necessary to establish this ferry,
and besides, the Board had no right to do it. Mr. Harris or Mrs. Harris
bought the bridge of Norris, and with it, according to the decisions of
the Supreme Court the bridge franchise, although Norris contended
otherwise. The city, therefore, had no power to grant a ferry franchise
within a mile of the bridge unless the public necessity required it,
which was not the case. Norris' bridge was two miles above, and Harris
& Pearls had established a ferry connecting with the remaining part of
their bridge, so that the public was sufficiently accommodated. Norris'
action was founded on his dislike to Harris rather than any desire to
accommodate the public. When Lisle's bridge was swept away last year,
Norris having the exclusive right of transit, raised his rates 50 per
cent, to the highest limit allowed by the terms of his license. Harris
& Pearls had their bridge franchise from the Legislature, and had
sacrificed $30,000 in two floods, and the Board should not attempt
to interfere with their franchise for the sake of gratifying private
pique. Harris had property here, paid his taxes, and asked for nothing
but what he was legally entitled to.
Supervisor WOODS said Pearls & Harris also raised their rates of toll the
same as Norris did, and only put them down again when compelled to by
the competition of Norris' bridge. They were all alike in trying to
make as much money as possible; nevertheless, he believed Pearls & Harris
had the franchise, and would vote accordingly.
Supervisor HALL said he had no sympathy with either party, but both told
their stories and made out a fair showing. Norris complained that he had
no opportunity to present his proofs before the Board, and he would modify
his report so as to set apart a day at the next meeting for the hearing
or both parties.
Supervisor HITE said he understood Harris had given his notices for a
ferry, and had his boats there now ready to accommodate the travel. It
would be unjust to allow another party to establish a ferry alongside
of him.
Supervisor GRANGER said Norris did not own the land on this side of
the American river, and he knew that some days ago wagons did pass by
means of the ferry at Pearls & Harris' bridge.
Supervisor RUSSELL said be had the papers showing that Harris owned six
acres, more or less, on this side of the river.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he had no doubt that Harris had the right,
but he thought courtesy required that a hearing should be granted,
as recommended by the Committee.
The subject was finally assigned for hearing at the first meeting next month.
. . .
Supervisor HITE introduced "an Ordinance for the cleaning and repairing of certain streets."
Sec. 1 makes it the duty of every owner or occupant of any building
fronting on any street that has been filled in and planked or gravelled,
or the owner or possessor of any vacant lot fronting on any such street,
to remove the surface mud from the whole front, from the line of the
sidewalk to the center of the street, and cause the same to be deposited
in some adjacent unfilled street or alley.
Sec. 2 makes it the duty of such owners or occupants to fill up all
holes occurring in such streets with broken brick, gravel or other
hard substance, to the level of the surrounding surface.
Sec. 3 provides that if any such person shall allow such surface mud
or holes to remain five days after the passage of this ordinance, or
five days after receiving notice from the Chief of Police to remove or
repair the same, he shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor and punished
by fine of from $5 to $250, or imprisonment from one day to three months,
or both such fine or imprisonment.
Sec 4 requires the Chief of Police to enforce the ordinance.
Supervisor GRANGER moved to amend section 1 by adding "to be designated
by the Superintendent of Public Streets." Adopted.
Supervisor WOODS moved to amend section 3 by striking out so much as
related to imprisonment.
Supervisor GRANGER said it was true that they could not imprison a man
for anything but a criminal offense, nevertheless he saw no objection
to allowing the provision to remain as it was.
Supervise WOODS said it would be of no use, and he hoped it would be
stricken out
The amendment was adopted and the ordinance was then read a second time
by title, and under suspension of the rule unanimously passed.
Supervisor HITE said he had another ordinance to introduce relating
to drainage.
SUPERVISOR GRANGER.--Will it drain the city if we pass it?
Supervisor HITE.--We will try it, anyhow.
The CLERK read as follows:
An Ordinance regarding the City Drainage.
The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento do
order and ordain as follows:
Section 1. The Special Committee on Drainage is hereby made a Standing
Committee on Drainage.
Sec . 2. Any private individual or individuals are hereby authorized to
cut at their own expense drains or ditches in any street, or alleys, for
the purpose of surface drainage, provided that the center of such ditch
or drain is not more than five feet from the sidewalk; and provided that
where any such ditch or drain crosses any street or alley it shall do so
through a suitable wooden culvert, or sewer, made of redwood plank, having
an iron grating at the upper end, and covered to the level of the surface
of the street or alley; all the material for the constructing of such
crossing sewers to be procured and furnished by the Committee on Drainage,
on the city's account.
Sec. 3 In such places as said Committee may, from time to time, deem
the most important to drain, the chain gang shall perform the work, or
so much thereof as possible, but the Committee shall incur no expense
on behalf of the city except for the drains at the crossings of streets
or alleys.
Sec. 4. It is hereby made a misdemeanor for any person to drive any
vehicle, or drive or ride any animal in any ditch or drain opened under
the provisions of this ordinance, or in any manner whatever to fill in
or destroy any such ditch or drain; and any person who shall be guilty
of any such offense, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a
fine of not less than $10 nor more than $200, or by imprisonment for
not less than five days nor more than three months, or by both such
fine and imprisonment.
Sec. 5. The Committee on Drainage is hereby authorized to procure
from time to time such materials as may be necessary to construct
the cross drains, including iron grates at the head of each of said
drains, and to make contracts for the necessary carpenter's work
therefor, but not to incur any expense whatever for digging or filling
in said cross drains.
The ordinance was read a second time by title and laid over.
Supervisor HITE also introduced an ordinance concerning the J and K street
bridges. The ordinance establishes the rates of toll on the bridges to be
built across the slough, near the head of J and K streets (the figures are
left blank however), and provides that the Board of Supervisors shall elect
a toll gatherer for each bridge, who shall pay the tolls received to the
City Treasurer, the Treasurer to keep the same in separate funds, to be
known as the J and K Street Bridge funds, and only pay out the same on
warrants drawn on accounts audited by the Board. Read a second time by
title and laid over.
H. Wykoff, Road Overseer of District No. 11, made a statement as to
the condition of the road between the Western House and the Prairie
House. Mining is done on each side of the road, and the rains wash the
stuff into the road, so as to render it impassable. By running the road
in a straighter line, over vacant lands, a bad place could be avoided,
and a better road secured, but in two places bridges would be required
and he asked an appropriation of $75 for lumber to build the bridges.
On motion of Supervisor WOODS, the request was granted.
Supervisor RUSSELL said P. Bannon, who was running the ferry on K
street, was present, and had submitted to him a proposition for fixing
rates of toll. He thought the rates were too high, and moved instead
that he be allowed to collect: For a man and horse, 10 cents; horse
and wagon, 20 cents; two horses and wagon, 25 cents; four horses and
wagon, 40 cents; each additional animal, 10 cents; foot passengers
to go free; and that Bannon be required to pay for a license $80.
Supervisor HITE asked if that would not interfere with the proposed bridges.
Supervisor RUSSELL replied that the man must take his chances of that.
He was informed that he had been charging much higher rates--half a dollar
for a foot passenger, and from a dollar and a half to three dollars for
a team. He has made money enough to well afford to pay for his license
and take the chance of the bridge being built or the slough dried up.
The motion was agreed to.
Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. . . .
RELIEF MEASURES IN MARYSVILLE.--Marysville Appeal of Dec. 18th
says of the damage by flood in that city:
After patient waiting for parties who have been damaged by the late flood
to ascertain their loss, and ascertaining from the parties themselves so
far as has been practicable, the amount of their damage, we have arrived
at what may be considered as a correct sum total of the loss of property
within the city limits from the effects of the late flood, and have
fixed it at $39,150.
The Relief Committee, we understand, have been about among the poor,
and have found some families who have needed relief, but the number is
not large, and the present destitution can be readily alleviated.
Yesterday two cases of blankets and bed comforts were received from
the Howard Association of Sacramento, to whom they had been forwarded
by Heynemann, Pick & Co., of San Francisco, for the relief of the needy
. The Committee concluded that they might, as well be kept, though it
would not have been necessary to send for them, but they can be at once
distributed where needed, and the funds raised be otherwise appropriated.
The amount raised by subscription had reached $1,120 last night, all of
the subscriptions being voluntary, or unsolicited
SECOND FLOOD IN TRINITY.--The Trinity Journal of December 14th,
has a long detail of losses by a second flood in Trinity. The damage
done to property is immense, but cannot be arrived at satisfactorily.
The Journal says:
It becomes our painful duty to chronicle still another flood in Trinity
river--the greatest ever known, even by the Indians, for half a century.
It is impossible as yet to estimate the damages, or to learn the exact
number of lives that have been swept into eternity by the maddened waters.
A sickness of heart seizes us as we pen this article. Several of our
acquaintances and friends, in their attempts to save property and brave
the perils of the flood to deliver news, have perished.
The river, in places where it was confined, raised seventy feet above
low water mark; in other places where it was wide the banks caved and
carried away well cultivated ranches. It became an ocean, spreading from
mountain to mountain--sweeping in its furious and resistless current
farm houses, miners' cabins, mills, men, women and children; in very
truth all that was animate and inanimate. All that the flood of last
week spared, this one swept away. Every single mining improvement on
the river for one hundred miles has been destroyed, and more than one
half the bar and river miners are utterly ruined.
Not a single ranch on the river bank has escaped damage, and many have
been entirely swept away, or ruined by the deposit of sand and tailings.
VERY KIND.--The Marysville Express says:
As it is, we presume there will be no objection to the Capital remaining
at Sacramento, and that no serious effort will be made to have it removed
to another locality, if the people of Sacramento will take proper and
energetic steps to secure the city from the encroachments of the rivers
in future. . . .
PIANOS! PIANOS! PIANOS!
[drawing of a piano] GEO. GREINER BEGS TO
inform the public that, finding it impossible to repair all the Pianos
injured by the late flood by himself alone, he has made arrangements
with Mr. J. ZECH, the celebrated Piano manufacturer of San Francisco,
in order to insure a quick and cheap renovation.
Parties desirous of getting their Pianos repaired in a speedy and thorough
manner, are requested to leave orders at GEO. GREINER'S Rooms,
117 J street (up stairs), as soon as possible.
Mr. ZECH remains for a few days in the city, and will examine damaged
Pianos with Mr. GREINER.
d19-3t . . .
p. 6
[For the Union. ]
THE LATE FLOOD.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The late destructive flood will be long remembered by
the people of Sacramento. The excitement and consternation attending that
" muddy flow of waters;" the bewildered appearance of those who beheld
their hard-earned homes washed away; the vast sheet of water, covered
with floating timber, costly furniture, and thousands of various articles
constructed by the hands of men, and, it might be said, by the hands
of the "fair sex," too--all hurried to destruction. All this, and much
more, will often recur to the beholders of that sad event. How sudden
was the flow of water through the doors and windows of houses! How many
persons during the flood struggled through water up to necks, who had
heretofore never entered it over ancle [sic] deep.
How many dashing dandies and belles disregarded mud, water and etiquette?
How frequent was the expression "'Tis awful!" exclaimed? and how many
strangers, too, were made familiar friends, on short acquaintance, by
their noble daring, assistance and sympathy? Who ever thought before
that the "hooped angels" of creation could appear so cheerful and display
so much fortitude in the midst of mud, water and danger? Yes, it is the
persuasive smiles and sympathetic graces of lovely woman that impart to
obdurate man courage and goodness of heart. Truly it may be said the
recent "rush of waters" has rushed out the good and the bad feelings of men.
The late inundation of Sacramento will be the means of giving her a better
foundation than she ever had before. She will surely survive this flood;
there are too many millions of money invested here to be permitted to
become a total loss. Money and a little common sense will give her lasting
beauty and prosperity.
The flood has desolated the homes of the poor in our midst; let the humane,
then, new display their humanity; let it be remembered that doing good
to our fellow-men is doing good to ourselves and to our final Judge.
Reader, have you suffered by the great flood? If so--
"Bear thee up bravely,
Strong heart and true,
Meet thy woes bravely,
Strive with them too;
Let them not win from thee
A tear of regret--
Such were a sin for thee,
Hope for good yet"
INVINCIBLE.
Sacramento, December 16, 1861. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3348, 20 December 1861, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The steamer Pacific has arrived at San Francisco from the North, with
news that Oregon has been visited by a most disastrous flood, which
has swept away whole towns and destroyed many human lives. Heavy warm
rains melted the snow on the mountains, as in this State, and the waters
rose to a hight before unknown by any of the present inhabitants of the
country. Washington Territory has also been severely visited by floods.
The waters were still at a high stage when the Pacific left. . . .
The Odd Fellows at San Francisco have contributed liberally to the aid of
their Sacramento brethren who are in distress by reason of the flood.
The Board of Supervisors, at their session yesterday, adopted a resolution,
expressive of the heartfelt thanks of the people of Sacramento, for the
generous aid extended, by the people of San Francisco and Stockton, to
the sufferers by the late inundation.
Resolutions adopted by the Howard Benevolent Association, in reference
to the future distribution of relief, will be found elsewhere; also a
report of the citizens' meeting held last evening. . . .
A BUSINESS PLEDGE.--The following wholesale cigar and tobacco houses in
San Francisco have agreed, in consideration of the general depression in
business caused by the late floods, that they will not commence actions
against any of their customers, except for the benefit of all making the
agreement: Weil & Co., Falkenstein & Co., Eppinger & Co.,
B. C. Horn & Co., Wm. Langerman, J. Frank & Co., A. S. Rosenbaum & Co.,
J. B. Romero & Co., L. & E. Wertheimer, N. Mayblum; St. Losky,
Levy & Co., John A. Drinkhouse & Co., L. Levinson. . . . .
LEVEES AND SWAMP LANDS.
The movements and plans of the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners, so far
as they are connected with reclaiming the district of swamp and overflowed
land lying between this city and the Mokelumne river, are of interest
to the people of Sacramento. The system which the Commissioners have
adopted under the law divides the State into a certain number of districts,
in most of which engineers have been employed to ascertain the number of
acres to be reclaimed, to define the natural boundaries of the district,
point out the line and hight of levee needed, and report an estimate of
cost. After this estimate is submitted, if it is found that the cost will
fall within the number of acres sold at a dollar per acre, the Board, if
it approve the plan submitted, advertises for bids to do the work. Not
over the dollars an acre for which the land sold can be expended for
reclamation purposes in any district. If a district cannot be reclaimed
for the dollar per acre, it must remain unreclaimed, unless the amount
which is lacking is made up by the people living in the district.
The engineer of District No. 2, which is located below Sutterville,
is B. F. Leet, who has submitted his report to the Board. His calculations
are based upon building a levee from Sutterville down the Sacramento, and
by strengthening the levee at Sutterville. This estimate is founded upon
the assumption that the levees above and around Sacramento are ample to
keep the water from encroaching from the American river. Since the late
overflow, it is likely the boundaries of District No. 2 may be so changed
as to include the American river east of Thirty-first street as it is
demonstrated by the late floods that District No. 2 can never be reclaimed
unless protected from overflow by the American river. To the President
of the Board we are indebted for an abstract of the report of engineer
Leet from which we copy as follows
According to the County Surveyor's report in the Surveyor General's office,
the district contains 41,790 acres of swamp land; of which 8,385 acres are
claimed by the United States--leaving 33,403 acres undisputed, which, at
$1 per acre, would give $33,403 for the reclamation of the district.
The cost of engineering and other incidental expenses up to date, is $2,404.37.
The length of levee necessary for the complete reclamation of the district
will be 37 35-100 miles.
The cost of examination, survey, levels, estimates and other incidentals
up to date, has been a little less than $65 per mile (of levee), or seven
cents and two mills ($0 7.02; per acre.
The legal sum for reclamation is $33,408. The cost of reclamation
(including the cost of engineering to date) will be $32,345.43; which,
when deducted from the whole sum, leaves for future incidentals $1,057.57.
Had not the late flood intervened, the contracts for leveeing this
district would probably have been let by the middle of February. The
surveys are so divided that every man owning land along the river may
take the contract for leveeing his own land.
It will be seen that the length of the line of levee proposed is 37 35-100
miles, running down the Sacramento to a certain point; thence easterly
across Snodgrass' slough, to a high point on the Mokelumne or Cosumnes.
The reason why the people of Sacramento are interested in the building
of this levee on the Sacramento is this: If a firm and strong levee,
two to three feet above the highest water ever known, is built down the
Sacramento to the Georgiana slough, Sacramento can never be troubled
with back water from that river. It would relieve our citizens of all
necessity for rebuilding the R street levee, as there would be no water
to back up into the city. But to build such a levee along the Sacramento
and across to the Cosumnes, without a levee on the American river above
Thirty-first street, would be placing the people in District No. 2 very
much in the position of Sacramento after the water was forced into the
city. This would be surrounded by a levee which would resist the passage
of the water until the whole country was submerged deep enough to drown
stock and float houses. A levee from the Sacramento to the high land
at Sutterville would not protect them, for the moment the water of the
American forced its way through or over the levee, the people of this
city in self-defense would he compelled to cut any levee built at or
near Sutterville. It follows, therefore, that District No. 2 can never
be protected against high water, unless the American river north and
east of this city is made secure by a levee which will set at defiance
floods several feet higher than any experienced since the country was
settled by Americans. The people living in District No. 2 appear, then,
to be as much interested in the levee on the American as are those of
Sacramento. Their safety is to be secured by the levee on the river east
of Thirty-first street. The estimate for building a levee 37 35-100 miles
in length is $32,345.43. The sum in the treasury, subject to draft for
the work, is $33,403.00; if the District is extended to the American
river, the fund will be insufficient, unless made up in the District by
subscription. There is, therefore, but little hope of obtaining any
immediate aid from the Swamp and Overflowed Land fund, except, as before
remarked, indirectly by the building of a good and sufficient levee along
the Sacramento river. Such a levee will materially aid the city,
because it would relieve it of all danger from back water. The people
of the city should, as they will, protect themselves against another
overflow from the American, and in doing so they will necessarily protect
the people in District No. 2. If the people living in that District, or
the Board of Land Commissioners are able to assist them in the good work,
it will be gratefully received. But with or without aid, the work must be
done, and from the movements of the Citizens' Committee we may safely say
will be done. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Agitation of the Sunday Law Question--Odd Fellows' Relief Fund.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 19th.
. . .
Five Odd Fellows' Lodges have contributed $721 to the Sacramento Relief
Fund. Two Lodges have yet to report. . . .
Arrival from the North--Terrible Flood in Oregon--Whole Towns Swept Away--Distressing Particulars--New Mines, etc.
The steamer Pacific has arrived from the North; she was detained by heavy
weather. . . .
There has been a terrible flood in Willamette Valley. The most important
mills in Oregon have been destroyed, together with a vast amount of grain;
in consequence of which there is a material advance in the price of flour.
The flood commenced on the 1st of December, and reached its highest point
on the 6th. It then gradually subsided until the 10th, when it rose again
three feet in a few hours. Two new wharves at Portland were carried away.
The lower portion of the town was under water. The saw mills lost 2,000,000
feet of logs. The water had been four feet deep in Miner street, Oregon
City. All the houses in Linn City were carried away. Houses were seen
going over the falls during two or three nights, with lights still burning
in them. All the houses at Champoeg were washed away; some of the
inhabitants took refuge in the tops of trees. The steamer Onward rescued
forty persons on the 5th of December. The great breakwater at Oregon
City is destroyed, necessitating a land portage of one mile. The roads
in every direction are impassable for vehicles. Every town on the
Willamette has suffered terribly, and ths [sic] loss of life must be very
great. Many families were rescued from the roofs of houses and barns
that had floated off. A small side-wheel steamer, under steam, went
over the falls on the 5th. Eugene City and Corvallis were reported to
have disappeared. As the latter is located on high ground, the report is
questioned. The flood was higher than ever known since the settlement
of Oregon, though it is said a similar one was once witnessed by
Canadian trappers. The rain had been continuous and warm, melting
the snow on the cascades. At latest account the flood was still up.
All the bridges in Yamhill county are gone. Many farmers have lost all
their cattle.
There had been high water in Washington Territory. The bridge between
Steilacoom and Olympia was carried away. . . .
AID TO SACRAMENTO SUFFERERS.--All day long yesterday the ladies continued
in their good work of cutting and sewing for the people of Sacramento
rendered destitute in consequence of the recent flood. Most of the
remaining garments were shipped to that city on last evening's boat.
The residue will go forward to-day. The citizens of the Capital, through
the press, have already acknowledged with gratitude the timely aid
rendered them by the very liberal donations of money and clothing already
received. And we doubt not the ladies will come in for their share of
thanks so richly deserved, for contributing so handsomely to the wants
of the needy in our sister city,--Alta, Nov. 18th. [sic]
We have already made mention of the benevolent zeal of the ladies of the
Bay City, and intend, as soon as the officers of the Howard Association
can furnish us with a list, to publish the names of all who have so
nobly resposded to the calls for aid to the sufferers by the flood. We
have several times applied for the list, but the humane labors of all
connected with the Association have so engrossed their time, that they
have been unable as yet to furnish it. We hope to publish the whole very soon.
REMOVING THE CAPITAL.--The Placerville Republican thus comments on
the proposition of a few narrow minded journals for removing the State
Capital:
For our part, and in behalf of the people of this county, who would scorn
to take advantage of a sister city's distress, we earnestly protest against
this cry of removing the Capital from Sacramento. If Sacramento were not
the best place for the Capital no generous man would seek to add to the
distress of a people already struggling under a fearful burden by taking
another prop from under their falling fortunes. The people of Sacramento
are as liberal and public spirited as any community in the State. Fire
and flood cannot paralyze their energy, Their answer to every appeal for
a public benefit has ever been prompt and liberal; their charities have
been as numerous as the suffering that called for their exercise.
This flood, the highest ever known in the State, will in all probability
never again be repeated. The Government buildings have not been injured
by it to any extent, and with the construction of new levees the danger
of further inundation will be effectually provided against hereafter.
To revive the project of removing the Capital now is cruel and unnecessary . . .
CITIZENS' MEETING.
The meeting of citizens, called to consider the subject of the removal of
the railroad to the northern part of the city, re-assambled at the County
Court room at seven o'clock last evening. The Court room was compactly
crowded and the meeting was quite animated.
Dr. HARVEY HOUGHTON called the meeting to order, saying that he considered
that he was only chosen temporary Chairman at the last meeting which
adjourned to that evening, and supposed the President of the Board of
Supervisors or Chairman of the Citizens' Committee would be here to-night.
However, somebody must preside, and perhaps he might as well. The objects
of the meeting were he understood to appoint a Committee of citizens to
confer with the authorities of the Railroad Company in reference to the
removal of the railroad to the northern part of the city, and such other
objects as might properly be suggested. This work, if it could be consummated,
would be very desirable. A levee must be made that will effectually
protect the city for all time to come, and he felt that if it was
neccessary to give half his property for that purpose, the remaining
half would be worth more than the whole without it. Eight millions of
property here must be protected. The Railroad Company had, doubtless,
violated its charter. One question would be, how much, if anything,
would the city give to aid in putting the railroad on the north side?
He waited for any proposition.
B. C. WHITING said while the wealthy property holders were deliberating,
and waiting for one another, he would try to make some practical
suggestions. He had called on J Mora Moss, President of the railroad,
in San Francisco, had a long talk with him on this subject, and found
he was favorable to the idea of removing the railroad to the northern
part of the city, starting in near the Water Works, and bearing around
in the vicinity of Agricultural Park so as to run passenger cars there
during the Fairs. That was an argument which would touch even a soulless
corporation. But Moss thought it would cost a pile of money, and seemed
to think it was important to propitiate Robinson, who knew all about
Sacramento and the interests of the railroad, and in whom the stockholders
had confidence. He (Whiting) thought the citizens would subscribe
liberally for the purpose, and perhaps the Legislature would appropriate
something, but condemned the peevish threat of Robinson to take the
railroad to Sutterville. That was like the boy that threatened, if his
mother did not let him have his way, he would go and catch the measles.
But it was too late now to find fault with the railroad, since the horse
was stolen; let them look out for the future.
Judge H. O. BEATTY desired also to make some practical suggestions. All
agreed that the safety of the city required a strong and high levee along
the American river. How should it be built? His opinion was that it would
do no good to have the railroad there, for the railroad's interests were
not the city's interests. They would not want a high grade nor a broad
levee, and a better plan would be a broad levee and a good wagon road on
the top of it. A railroad resting on timbers would not settle a levee as
much as heavy wagons on a road, especially one constantly traveled. Make
it four feet higher than this last flood and it would never be overflowed.
Double the quantity of water in the American would not raise it four feet,
because it would have to flow over miles and miles of broad plains. On I
street the levee need not be raised over two feet. He would make it thirty
feet wide at the surface, and the work could be done for forty to sixty
thousand dollars. The present levee was built clumsily, too high in some
places and too low in others. In some places on Thirty-first street it
was overflowed at its natural hight, and in others it had been cut down
by roads crossing it. He estimated that a levee on the American, such as
he proposed, would requlre 120,000 or 180,000 additional cubic yards of
earth, which would cost at this season some fifty cents per yard, but at
a proper season not more than twenty or thirty cents. The railroad would
not want its track so high. He would not waste money on the Thirty-first
and R street levees, but as they were already built, and could be repaired
for from $7,000 to $10,000, he said repair them, just to guard against
the possibility of accidents from gopher holes or otherwise. That brought
him to the R street levee, where the railroad was bound to come into
the city, and where it could come in cheaper than anywhere else.
A VOICE--Oh, you are a railroad man [Hisses.]
Judge BEATTY said he was not a railroad man and had no interest in it.
He charged the railroad with having destroyed the city. [Applause] It
had done the mischief, and if they could make it help repair the mischief
let them do so. [Applause.]
VOICE--They won't do a thing. [Confusion.]
Judge BEATTY said they could require the railroad to have an open
trestle work from the Point of Poverty Ridge to the junction of the levee.
VOICE--They did it once--Oh!
Judge BEATTY replied that they didn't. They had a narrow place open there,
and he exerted his influence and got the Mayor to promise to veto the bill
unless they agreed to open it all the way. He wanted to make them do it now;
then repair the R street levee, filling it in solid to protect against the
possibility of back water, and have a wagon road below the railroad to
strengthen it. He would have the railroad raise the R street levee a few
inches.
J. A. DUFFY--Do you honestly think, Judge, that the Railroad Company will
do anything?
Judge BEATTY honestly thought the city had the means to compel them.
The city ought to sue the railroad for the damage done, unless it would
act. In his opinion, as a lawyer, the railroad was liable for all the
damage done. [Great applause, and a fusilade of questions. A Voice--That
would swamp them.] He could not answer forty questions at once, but if
the railroad was obstinate, he was for suing the railroad. [More applause,
and calls for Dr. Morse.] That was all be proposed to say.
Dr. J. F. MORSE rose in response to calls, and remonstrated against what
seemed to be a disposition to treat gentlemen with discourteous
interruptions. He agreed emphatically and almost entirely with Judge
Beatty, having come independently to pretty much the same conclusions.
He spoke of the heavy responsibility resting on the Railroad Company for
the great calamity which had befallen the city, and the terrible amount
of suffering it had brought on hundreds of families. Had the flood come
at dead of night hundreds of lives would have been sacrificed, and all,
as he saw it stated in a San Francisco paper by a writer who apparently
sought to vindicate the railroad, because filling in with earth was
estimated to be $100 cheaper than trestle work. That was the contemptible
consideration which had wrought all this ruin and suffering. [Applause.]
And yet, with a flippancy that would excite the disgust of a popinjay,
the threat was made, that unless they had their own way, they would go
to Sutterville. ["Good bye," "Let 'em go."'] But he agreed to Judge Beatty's
plan, because the railroad could be held responsible for its misdeeds,
and he would do no act which could be construed into condonance. He would
not touch it with a forty foot pole. They had been not only ungrateful,
but absolutely oppressive. All sorts of favors had been heaped upon them,
and yet they had adopted a rule, he was informed, by which citizens of
Sacramento were compelled to pay $3 a ton for the transportation of
granite, while citizens of San Francisco paid only half as much. Let
them stop at Brighton, or go to Sutterville if they wanted to, and let
them rebuild their road and go to earning money to repay the damages they
had caused. Let the city build and maintain its own levee, and let the
railroad go where it pleased.
CHARLES CROCKER said all the overflows had come from the American river,
and that was the point to which they had to turn their attention. He, too,
agreed with Judge Beatty, and was opposed to having any partnership with
the railroad. They wanted the levee under their own control, so that if
it should prove to be necessary to raise it higher at any time, they could
do it without consulting the adverse interests of any railroad. They had
been trying too long to get other people to do something for them, and
now let them go to work and build their own levee, and build it strong,
broad and high. He was willing to put his hand in his pockets as deep as
any man, according to his means, and have the thing done as as [sic] it
should be, but he wanted nothing to do with the Railroad. Mr. Robinson
had endeavored to explain to him that the gap in the R street levee was
not sufficient, and the city would have been flooded just the same if
the trestle work had remained [VOICE--Lies like h--] but he did not
believe it. He believed if it had been kept open there would have been
but little water--perhaps three or four feet--in the lowest streets,
Yet he did not war upon railroads. He said give them all the facilities
possible, but do not go into partnership with them in the levee business.
He would not give them a red cent, but would not put anything in the way
of their going down R street to the river, where they must go. [Hisses.]
Supervisor HANSBROW--Are you in favor of the railroad keeping the whole
city front as it always has? ["That's It!" "Pitch In!"]
Mr. CROCKER replied that his experience was that everywhere railroads did
connect with navigation, and they ought to be allowed to. ["Nol No!" and
confusion.]
Supervisor HANSBROW--Did you ever see one fronting a whole city?
Mr. CROCKER replied that that was not the question here; the question
was whether the city should go into partnership with the railroad in
building a levee along the northern side of the city. The city could
and should do it alone; eight millions of dollars would protect itself.
The Committee had raised a little over $50,000 already, with a fair
prospect of making it $60,000, and if that was not enough they could
get more. The right spirit was aroused.
B. C. WHITING deprecated these wholesale denunciations of the railroad;
they would do no good in a meeting like that, better leave these legal
questions to be argued by paid attorneys in the Courts. When the present
levee was built, many men were made paupers by taking their lands without
compensation. ["That's so"] Had they considered where all these thousands
of cubic yards of earth were to come from? They wanted it high and
broad--oh, yes--but that took money and vast amounts of earth, and acres
of hard gravel on the top, if the levee was to be good for anything.
A railroad could bring the material cheaper than any body else, and it
was bad policy to denounce the railroad, and make inflammatory speeches
about it and its legal liabllity, when they might want to make arrangements
with it. Let them agree upon the best plan, and then go to work like men.
Supervisor HANSBROW explained that the object of his asking a question of
Mr. Crocker was to get an expression of this meeting, and especially the
working class, in regard to the ordinance passed by the Board of
Supervisors that day to exclude the railroad below Sixth street. If
the meeting was of the same opinion as Mr. Crocker, he would be in
favor of repealing that ordinance. He considered the railroad on Front
street as one of the greatest nuisances. [Applause ] It had kept truckmen
and hackmen out of their employment, and he had opposed the monopoly.
He wanted an expression, though he did not think it would be proper for
him to participate in the meeting.
J. H. WARWICK said opinions seemed to be pretty much all one way, and he
was sorry to differ with distinguished and honorable gentlemen, but he
was in favor of making the railroad build the levee. That was the policy
of the city of Chicago when she made a railroad company build a breakwater
to protect the front of that city, Gentlemen had magnified the difficulties.
Sixty feet to a mile was not a difficult grade, but to run the railroad on
a high levee they would not require more than a grade of six or eight feet,
and on I street the road would only terminate at the height of the I street
levee, not high enough to require ladders. He agreed with Hansbrow that
the railroad, on Front street was a nuisance. His experience was that
railroads were seldom or never allowed to run to terminate at a water
side, and he instanced the Hudson River Railroad, in New York, and the
railroads terminating in Boston. . [Voices in the crowd instance a score
of others amid confusion and mirth.] This Winter the Placerville railroad
would apply for a franchise, and he thought it would be a good plan to
let the two tracks come in parallel, but fifty feet apart. Then they could
fix the grade high enough and have two splendid levees, and fill in between
them hereafter if necessary.
ANDY BLACK said there had been much talk, but he hadn't heard a word yet
to benefit the city. He was opposed to the railroad, but the Supervisors
of Sacramento county were to blame for this flood, [Applause ] As our
agents, they didn't look after our interest, and keep the railroad from
filling in, and now they passed an ordinance to protect us after our
property is destroyed. In his opinion, they were a set of poor, miserable
old grannies. He could refer to old Mayors and Councilmen like
B. B. Redding, Mr. Dyer, Lorenzo Hamilton and Jas. R. Hardenbergh who would
do more for the city in a day than all of these old grannies would in
twenty years. [Laughter.] Then they had everything right; now it was all
wrong, and he called upon Mr. Warwick as Representative elect--and he
barred poltics in this public meeting--to go for repealing the
Consolidation Act, so as to have men at the fore who would be
looking for something besides their mileage and per diem.
A VOICE--What did you fellows vote 'em in for?
A BLACK.--I will tell yeu; It was ignorance, that is the reason
[laughter]; but there is a day of reckoning coming.
C. CROCKER suggested that Mayor Hardenbergh was not the man that allowed
the company to dam up the levee.
A. BLACK continued in the same strain at some length, amid applause and
laughter.
Supervisor HITE was called for, and gave his views as to the proper mode
of constructing levees, etc.
Supervisor HANSBROW said, after the remarks of A. Black he deemed it
necessary to explain to the meeting that the gap in the railroad was
stopped up long before the organization of the present set of old grannies.
Judge BEATTY gave his estimate of the plan suggested by him more in detail.
The distance from Burns' slough, above Smith's Garden, was 6.000 yards,
or about three miles and two-thirds, and he made it that to raise a levee
as it should be, and make it thirty feet broad on top, would take 120.000
or 180,000 cubic feet.
C. CROCKER moved that it be declared the sense of this meeting that the
city build its own levee on the north side without copartnership with
the Railroad Company.
B. O. HAMILTON made some remarks about the proper mode of guarding
levees and taking care in the rainy season that all necessary repairs
were made. Plenty of gravel, etc., could be obtained from the bed of
the American river in Summer as cheaply as if it were brought in by
railroad.
Judge BEATTY moved to modify Mr. Crocker's motion so as to instruct
the Citizens Committee to go on and construct the northern levee
without waiting for negotiations with anybody.
Mr. CROCKER accepted the modification, and the motion was carried,
with only a weak dissenting voice.
J. H. WARWICK moved that this meeting indorse the action of the Board
of Supervisors to-day, in repealing the privilege of the Railroad Company
to go below Sixth street. Adopted enthusiastically.
D. W. WELTY--I move that it be the sense of this meeting that the
Consolidation Bill be repealed.
Dr. MORSE and C. CROCKER objected that the meeting was not called for
such a purpose.
FRANK HEREFORD suggested a modification that the meeting declare in
favor of amending the Consolidation Bill, so far as to dissolve the
connection between the city and the county.
Mr. WELTY accepted the amendment, and the motion as amended was carried
by a large vote.
E. P. PECK announced that Burns' slough would be passable to-day.
[Applause and laughter.]
J. H. WARWICK--I move that the thanks of the citizens of Sacramento,
represented in this meeting, be tendered to the citizens of San Francisco
and Stockton, for the noble and generous manner in which they have
respended to our necessities in these hours of our misfortune and
disaster. Carried unanimously, amid great applause.
The meeting then adjourned.
HOWARD BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
At a meeting of the active members of the Association, held Dec. 19th,
the following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That the sessions of the Investigating Committee in
Agricultural Hall be discontinued, and the register of grants issued by
them be transferred to the Distributing Committee or the Stewards of the
Society, under their supervision.
Resolved, That no more certificates or grants for relief be filled
by the Distributing Committee or the Stewards, unless the same be signed
by some one of the undersigned thirty active members of the Society; such
certificate to state specifically the kind and amount of articles
recommended to be furnished; that the signer has personally investigated
the case, and found the applicant worthy; and whether the application be
an original one, or in addition to one previously relieved; provided,
that any three members present at the place and time of distribution
consenting, any recommendation may be modified or enlarged.
Resolved, That all persons knowing or hearing of families or
individuals in destitution or distress on account of the recent flood,
are urgently requested to make the same known to some one of the
foregoing named members of the Society.
R. T. BROWN, Secretary.
George W. Mowe, Front st,; L. A. Booth, J st; James
P. Robinson, Front st.; John McNeill, cor J and 7th;
J. K. Selden, K. between 2d and 3d; N. A. H. Ball,
Agricultural Hall; John H. Carroll, Front at; Charles
Robin, J, between 6th and 7th; W. P. Coleman; H. W.
Harkness, K, between 2d and 3d; Joseph W. Winans,
J, cor 3d, Gecrge I Lytle, K, corner 4th; Samuel Cross,
K, between 6th and 7th; T. M. Lindley, J, corner 7th;
P. H. Russell, J, between 7th and 8th; Theo. Milliken,
J, between 6th and 7th; F. A. Gibbs, 7th, between I and
J; Joseph M. Frey, K, corner 4th; Richard Dale, J,
between 6th and 7th; Edgar Mills, J, between 2d and 3d;
N. Greene Curtis, 6th, between I and J; R. T. Brown,
J, between 3d and 4th; D. O. Mills, J, between 3d and
4th; O. D. Lambard, I, between 1st and 2d; A. M.
Hayden, at Wells, Fargo & Co; Rev; W. H. Hill, 7th,
between G and H; Dr. J. F. Montgomery, corner J and
7th; A. G. Richardson, at Wells, Fargo & Co.; Lew B.
Harris, Ridge; N. L. Drew, 8d, between N and O. . . .
PROTECTION FROM OVERFLOW.--The Nevada Transcript has the following:
The Legislature of the State will assemble in a few days, either at
Sacramento or some dryer spot. No more important subject can possibly
be presented to the two Houses than the condition of the valleys of the
State subject to overflow. We are decidedly of the opinion that the
leveeing of the valuable lands of the State should be made a question
of State policy. The Legislature can do no wiser act than to make an
appropriation for the purpose of a scientific survey of these lands and
to procure a report from some competent authority upon the best mode of
protecting them against future ravages.
THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY RAILROAD.--The Placerville Republican has
the following:
The Sacramento Valley Railroad, through whose parsimony and negligence
the inundation of Sacramento occurred, in consequence of their filling
up their road bed with gravel, in place of building trestle work, as
the terms of their charter demanded, have not--although the heaviest
tax payers of the city--subscribed a dollar toward the fund for repairing
the levees. It is said that a number of lawsuits will be commenced against
them by parties who have suffered damage from the flood. . . .
HEADS UP AND OUT OF WATER!
Attention, Families
C. C. WARNER & CO. HAVING
had their store washed out! can furnish as dry GROCERIES as ever. Goods delivered EVERYWHERE. If our wagon cannot reach you a boat will!
C.C. WARNER & CO,
d20-1n3dp corner J and Ninth streets. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT.--. . . The case of B. Cohn, charged with assault and
battery on Henry Treichler, was tried by a jury. The testimony proved
that a quarrel arose from an attempt of the prosecuting witness and
others to drain the water from their premises. Cohn thought his own
property endangered thereby, and struck Treichler on the head with a shovel.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty.
The case of Samuel M. Slidell,
charged with grand larceny, in stealing $1,100 belonging to W. Belzteal,
was taken up for examination. W. H. Weeks, L. S. Foote and M. C. Tilden
appeared as counsel for the prosecution, and J. C. Goods for the defense.
After a partial investigation of the case, the Court took a recess, and
reassembled at two o'clock, P. M. A large number of witnesses were examined.
W. Belzteal resides between this city and Sutterville. According to his
testimony he had had the money buried under an out shed, in a salt sack.
He had not seen it for some time, and about the time of the flood, when
he concluded to remove it, he found it gone. On informing Slidell, who
had resided with him for some time, of the fact, and showing him where
it had been buried, the latter stated that that was where his money had
been buried, and if he had not removed it, it would have been lost also.
Slidell then showed witness a yeast-powder can, containing several hundred
dollars of gold coin--$20 pieces, stained and marked as were those of the
witness when he saw them last. He had seen the defendant have gold coin
in his possession on a former occasion, but of smaller size than those
designated. The defense proved good character, and also introduced
testimony to show where the defendant had received from Friend & Terry
and others, for labor, a greater sum than the $350 found in his possession
when arrested. The case was argued by W. H Weeks for the prosecution,
and J. C. Goods for the defense, and taken under advisement by the Court.
THE NIGHT OF DANGER.--Reference has been made on one or two occasions to
the efforts made by the residents at and near Rabel's Tannery, on the night
before the late flood, to prevent the waters of the American from breaking
through the levee and flooding the city. The facts are as follows: The
steady rain of Sunday afternoon, and the rise in the river, caused them
to keep out a guard all night to give the alarm if danger should approach.
At about two o'clock on Monday morning it seemed probable that the levee
would give way, and all hands were called from their beds. Frank Rabel,
W. C. Hopping, T. R. Stewart and Thos. O'Brien, with all their hired
men--about a dozen, all told--were busily employed from that hour until
morning. In repeated instances the water started over the embankment,
and would, of course, in a few minutes, have become ungovernable. The
men had provided and filled sacks with earth, by which means the water
was checked. In very many cases the water would start in streams through
gopher holes. These were stopped by wrapping canvas around stakes and
driving them in the holes. The struggle between the workmen and the
torrent until morning was an exciting one, and for a long time of
doubtful result. Had the workmen failed, we should have had the flood
in the night instead of the daytime. We should have had a direct
torrent through the heart of the city instead of a circuitous and
weakened current of back water. Instead of soiled clothes, and injured
property, and pecuniary loss, we should undoubtedly have had great
loss of life in our midst, and the death of friends and relatives
to bewail. The disaster was light compared with what it might have been.
THE NEW LEVEES.--There is undoubtedly a right and a wrong way of
constructing a levee. It is asserted, with a great deal of reason,
that our old levees on the river bank have not been properly built,
as they present an abrupt front to the water. The result is, that where
the bank commences to work away, the water causes the earth to cave very
readily, and the work of destruction is soon completed. Such has been
the action of the water on the levee at Rabel's tannery, and at the weak
point below R street. By setting the levee back from the water a rod or
two, and presenting a gradual slope, it is contended that any advantages
will be secured. The surface becomes hardened, and resists the action
of the water, and the force of the water is broken by the angle. On a
sloping embankment another result is secured. The freshets deposit
annually large quantities of dirt, which may be used for strengthening,
widening, elevating and repairing the levees. Ranchmen of forethought
and energy, in Yolo county, have for years, in this manner, secured
annually hundreds of loads of earth, for elevating the ground on which
their buildings are located. If there is anything to be lost or gained
by the specific arrangement or particular slope of the levee, the matter
should be well considered before the new improvements progress too far.
SAVED BY A DOG.--On the day of the flood, James Kyle, a carpenter residing
on P street, between Ninth and Tenth streets, found his wife and children
when he reached them, on the roof of the house, to which point they had
been driven to preserve their lives. They were gotten off with great
difficulty. At one time a child two years old fell into the water and
passed out of reach. The favorite dog "Nip " caught the child and held
it above water until the father was enabled to get to it. Subsequently
the foundations of the house, a one story brick, gave way, and the
building fell to a mass of ruins.
DRAINAGE.--At half past five o'clock last evening the water was let into
the main sewer which has just been constructed across Seventh street, at
the alley between K and L streets. The water-way is about two feet by
two and a half feet in the clear. It is thought by B. F. Leet, who has
charge of the work of drainage in that part of the town, that by
to-morrow night the water north of J Street and between Seventh and
Tenth streets, will be drained off two or three feet below its present
surface.
MORE AID FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--The General Relief Committee of the Order
of Odd Fellows of this city received yesterday from San Francisco the
sum of $350 for the benefit of sufferers by the late flood. Of this
amount $100 came from California Lodge, No. 1; $150 from Bay City Lodge,
No. --, and $100 from Harmony Lodge, #13. It is gratefully received and
will be duly appropriated. . . .
LET THERE BE LIGHT.--There are many points in the city at which the
sidewalks are out of order. Excavations are made, ditches are dug, etc.,
etc., which are exceedingly dangerous in the night to pedestrians. Can
not provision be made by the Board of Supervisors for lighting them up
temporarily, until repairs are completed?
SAFETY OF THE CITY.--The collections of the Committee who have it in
charge to procure subscriptions for the purpose of protecting the city,
had collected, up to last evening, a sum somewhat exceeding $50,000.
The names of the subscribers will be published in a few days.
RAILROAD REPAIRS.--A portion of a lot of heavy timber, twelve by twelve
inches, and forty or fifty feet long, was removed yesterday afternoon
from Front street, near L, to the railroad near Brighton. It will be
used for repairing railroad at the eastern breach.
LISLE'S BRIDGE.--Workmen were engaged yesterday at the levee on First
street in taking apart the sections of Lisle's bridge which had floated
down the American river and lodged near the Water Works. The timbers are
being hauled back to the bridge to be used in its reconstruction. . . .
UNTIL TO-DAY.--The Board of Supervisors will receive until 12 o'clock today,
sealed proposals for building bridges at J and K streets, near Sutter's Fort.
THE COST.--It is estimated that the levee improvement at Rabel's Tandery [sic],
now in progress of construction, will cost about $4,000.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, December 19, 1861.
The Board met at half past ten o'clock A. M., President Shattuck in
the chair, and all the members present. . . .
A. D. RIGHTMIRE presented his vouchers of expenses incurred in connection
with his contract for building a bulkhead at Rabel's tannery. The total
amount expended was $1,302.25. [?]
Supervisor GRANGER offered a resolution that the contract be, and the
same is hereby cancelled and declared null and void, and that his bond
be delivered to him. Adopted unanimously.
Supervisor GRANGER said they ought to take measures immediately for
reimbursing Mr. Rightmire. He supposed the best way would be to give
him city scrip equal to the value in cash.
A. D. RIGHTMIRE said be had been trying to find out what the city scrip
was worth, and could not find anybody who was willing to take it now at
any price.
Supervisor HANSBROW said be understood there were partes who would take
the scrip at twenty five per cent, but he was opposed to having this
Board set any such price on it. He would prefer the appointment of a
Committee to negotiate or raise the money in some manner. He thought
the Citizens' Committee might advance it upon proper representations.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that the President of the Board act as a
Committee to lay the matter before the Citizens' Committee. The motion was
amended so as to require the Finance Committee, together with the President,
to confer with the Citizens' Committee on the subject, and then adopted.
Supervisor RUSSELL moved that the action previously taken by the Board,
authorizing the construction of Hardenbergh's Sewer, from the St. George
Hotel to the slough, be rescinded. Carried. . . .
Supervisor HANSBROW introduced the following, which was adopted unanimously:
Whereas, the city of Sacramento has again been visited by a most
destructive flood, which has caused much suffering in our midst, and
which calls earnestly for relief from all who might have it in their
power, and whereas, the citizens of San Francisco and Stockton have
most nobly, and unsolicited on our part, come to our relief in this,
our time of need, by contributions in money, clothing and food, with
a liberalty never before equalled and in consequence of which much
suffering has been averted; therefore,
Resolved, That this Board, as the representative of the people
of Sacramento do return to them their heartfelt thanks, and we feel
and acknowledge ourselves under lasting obligations, which we fear it
will never be in our power to repay. We can only pray that God will
prosper the communities who have performed such noble works of charity. . . .
Supervisor HANSBROW said he was informed by the Chief Engineer that
two cisterns had been entirely destroyed by the flood, and another
badly damaged, He therefore moved that the Chief Engineer be instructed
to make such repairs as may be necessary on all the cisterns throughout
the city. Adopted.
Supervisor HANSBROW introduced the following:
An Ordinance relating to the Privileges of the Sacramento Valley Railroad.
The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento do order and
ordain as follows:
Section 1. So much of any ordinance or ordinances heretofore passed by
the late Mayor and Common Council of the city of Sacramento, or by the
Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento, as grant to
the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company the privilege of bringing their
road west of Sixth street, or using any street or part of any street
west of Sixth street for railroad purposes, are hereby repealed.
Sec. 2. The Sacramento Valley Railroad Company is hereby notified to
forthwith remove their road from Front Street, the Sacramento river
levee, and all that part of R street west of Sixth street.
Sec. 3. The Clerk of this Board shall deliver a certified copy of
this ordinance to the proper officer or officers of the Sacramento
Valley Railroad Company.
Sec. 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after
its passage.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he understood there was some objection to
putting the ordinance on its passage to-day, but he could see no reason
for delay.
Supervisor GRANGER said he should vote against suspending the rules for
that purpose, because there was to be a citizens' meeting to-night on the
subject of removing the railroad, and he preferred to wait for an expression
of opinion from them.
The ordinance was laid over for the present.
Supervisor HITE moved that the time for receiving bids for the brldges
on K and J streets be extended until to-morrow (Friday) at twelve o'clock,
and that the Clerk advertise accordingly. Carried.
Supervisor HANSBROW asked if the country members could be here to-morrow
to vote on the ordinance introduced by him relative to the privileges of
the Sacramento Valley Railroad,
Supervisor DICKERSON replied that he would be here.
Supervisor WOODS said he could not be here, and he was sorry to see the city
members of this Board so weak minded. Here was a plain duty for them to
perform, and they ought not to wait to have the people act for them. When he
saw such an exhibition he thought it was no wonder that the people rose en
masse and appointed Committees.
Supervisor RUSSELL said the ordinance did not go far enough to suit him.
He would prefer that they should should [sic] not allow the railroad to
come into the city at all in that direction.
Supervisor GRANGER said the Board had asked for the calling of the citizens'
meeting on this very subject, and it would be discourteous and unjust to
take action before that meeting had expressed its views.
Supervisor HANSBROW said the meeting was called only to consider whether
the railroad by negotiation or otherwise should be compelled to come
into the northern part of the city. This ordinance had nothing to do
with it; it only took away the privilege heretofore granted, to go to
the river. It was a measure called for by truckmen, lumbermen, merchants
and men in all kinds of business, except perhaps hotel keepers. He was
willing to take that responsibility, although he was not willing to take
the responsibility of saying the railroad should come into the northern
part of the city or not at all, which might have the effect of driving
the railroad to Sutterville. It was wrong, however, to allow the railroad
to monopolize the whole city front.
Supervisor Russell moved to suspend the rules so as to place the
ordinance on its final passage.
Supervisor GRANGER opposed the motion, insisting that this ordinance
covered a part of the subject to come before the citizens' meeting.
Supervisor DICKERSON said the people who sent him to the Board clothed
him with certain responsibility and if he was not capable of exercising
it, the people would find it out in good time and relieve him. While
he was in that Board, however, he would exercise that responsibility
without trying to shift it off on the shoulders of the citizens. He
called upon Supervisors Granger and Hansbrow to do the same, at least
until some Vigilance Committee should come into that Board and clean
them out.
Supervisor HANSBROW gave warning that there was danger in procrastination.
The plan of the railroad company would be to get permission to construct
a temporary trestle work to Front street, and if they once got that
privilege, they would never give it up
Supervisor DICKERSON said Mr. Robinson had never appeared openly before
the Board, but was going around one Committee and another trying to get
an underhand influence.
Supervisor HITE said there was no doubt that the Railroad Company had
violated its contract with the city, and the offense of stopping up
the slough was one of the smallest. They had shut off a large class
of men who make a living by draying, etc., for the Company had no
right to run its freight and passenger cars below Sixth street. The
railroad had habitually overcharged the city, and the city need expect
no favors at their hands. The people demanded that this privilege
should be rescinded, and they ought to do it while they had the power.
Supervisor GRANGER said he would vote for the ordinance after the Citizens'
meeting, unless the citizens instructed him to the contrary.
The rules were suspended by a vote of 7 to 1, Supervisor Granger voting
no, and the ordinance was then passed by the same vote.
Supervisor HITE called up the ordinance introduced by him yesterday
regarding the city drainage.
On motion of Supervisor WOODS the ordinance was amended by striking out
so much as relates to imprisonment as a penalty for its violation.
The ordinance was then passed by unanimous vote. . . .
Adjourned till twelve o'clock M. to-morrow.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3349, 21 December 1861, p. 1
LETTER FROM CARSON CITY.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION..]
Politics Still Rage--Office-Seeking Rampant--Crime Diminishing, and Order in Prospective.
CARSON CITY, Dec. 14, 1861.
After the late terrific storms, which touched us lightly compared with
California, the weather has been as bland as Spring. The snow is all gone,
except on the higher mountains, and the roads are almost everywhere again
in good condition. Business of all kinds is moderately good, having
recovered from the depression caused by the recent bad weather. There
is a considerable amount of building going on in this place, as also
at Chinatown.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Six thousand four hundred and ninety-five dollars was added yesterday,
by subscription, to the Citizens' Safety Fund. The Sacramento Valley
Railroad Company subscribed $5,000. The total amount of subscriptions
is, thus far, about $57,000.
RAILROAD MATTERS.--According to the terms of the call which was issued
Wednesday, the meeting Thursday night was to take into consideration
the expediency of getting the railroad to change its track from the
south to the north side of the city. The Board of Supervisors passed
an ordinance, Thursday, to prohibit the Railroad Company from laying
down their track west of Sixth street, and very adroitly managed to
get the meeting of that night to indorse its action. This was not the
object of the meeting, for it was called before the ordinance was passed.
The Board had a legal right to give notice to the Company to take up the
track west of Sixth street, and if not done in six months to order it
taken up at the expense of the Company. But it possesses no authority
to prohibit them from relaying their track and using it for six months.
In this matter the Railroad Company possess legal rights of which they
cannot be deprived, and one of them is the right to relay the track on
R street to the Sacramento river. After six months the position of the
Company may be changed.
But the fact that we consider the Railroad mainly responsible for the
disaster which has overtaken Sacramento, does not change our opinion
of its legal rights, and of the absolute necessity of permitting it to
run to the river for the delivery of down freight. Its occupancy of so
much of the city front is another matter. In that direction its
privileges have been extended until they encroach seriously upon the
public convenience. Fair play, though, the road is entitled to, and
notwithstanding its alleged shortcomings, can rightfully ask a hearing
and a just verdict. . . .
MAN DROWNED IN COLUSA.--An elderly man, named Tarlton, was drowned on
Sunday, the 8th December, on the ranch of R. J. Walsh, in Colusa county.
The river was rising rapidly, and it became necessary for all hands to
turn out in order to save the cattle on the ranch by driving them back
from the river. About a thousand head were collected, and with considerable
difficulty were driven through the water to dry land. While assisting in
driving them, Tarlton's horse got into a hole and the rider got out of
the saddle, but subsequently regained his feet, standing in several feet
of water. In this position several of his companions started to his relief,
but he again lost his foothold and disappeared from sight. Tariton had
resided with Walsh for several years. He was a native of Kentucky.
THE SAN FRANCISCO ODD FELLOWS.--Our San Francisco dispatch yesterday
mentioned the fact that five Odd Fellows' Lodges in that city had
contributed $721 for the relief of Sacramento sufferers by the flood,
and that two other Lodges had yet to report. The names of the Lodges.
and the amounts contributed are as follows: Yerba Buens Lodge, $171:
Bay City Lodge, $150; California Lodge, $150; San Francisco Lodge, $150;
Harmony Lodge, $100. Templar and Magnolia Lodges have yet to report.
The above amounts, says the Bulletin, were subscribed simply as an
Odd Fellows' offering. As individual members of society and members of
business firms, most of the Odd Fellows had previously contributed
according to their means with liberality.
THE HENNESS ROAD.--A traveler, lately over the Henness road, says the
mud is troublesome. The bridge at the Truckee was swept away, so that
there is now no means of crossing except in small boats and swimming horses.
THE LEVEE SUBJECT.
The meeting of citizens Thursday night voted unanimously for building a
strong levee on the American river, in preference to repairing the
Thirty-first and R street levees. It was a wise decision. It was also
determined not to wait for negotiations with the Railroad Company. This,
too, was judicious, for, were the company ever so willing to remove their
line to the north side, it would be impossible for them to do so in time
to be of any service in protecting the city. At some future time it is
likely that an arrangement may be made with the Sacramento Valley Railroad,
the Placerville, or the Central Pacific, to enter the city on the North
side, and along or near the levee on the American. The road could then
be used to elevate, strengthen and protect the levee. But whenever a
railroad does come into the city on the North side, it should approach
the Sacramento North of I street, and, if possible, on such a line as
would secure the filling up of Sutter Lake. For railroad purposes the
water lot in the lake may may be made very valuable, at a cost which would
be reasonable to the companies. If there were a half dozen railroads
coming into the city, good policy would dictate that all their depots
should be located on the ground now covered by Sutter Lake. By the aid
of cars and steam that lake can easily be filled so as to furnish as
desirable lots as are to be found in the city.
We have no faith in the ability of the city to force the Railroad Company
to move its line; the authorities may offer advantages to the company
which appeal so strongly to its interests as to induce it to move its
line. In our opinion, this is the only kind of force which can be
successfully applied. As was shown yesterday, if the Board of Swamp
Land Commissioners cause a levee to be built along the east bank of
the Sacramento for some thirty miles, pretty much all danger from back
water will be removed. With the banishment of this danger disappears
the urgent necessity for rebuilding the R street levee. It could only
be of service in the event of a break or an overtopping of the levee
on the American. Should such an event again follow, the lower portion
of the city might be partially inundated by back water, though this
could hardly occur if the Thirty-first street levee is repaired, as
the water would discharge itself through the slough at Sutterville as
rapidly as it would be likely to flow in through a break in the levee
on the American. However, the question of repairing the cross levees
can be determined at our leisure after the main levee on the American
is constructed.
At the meeting, Judge Beatty presented a rough estimate of the probable
cost of building a levee from Burns' slough to I street, thirty feet
wide on the top, with a base in proportion, at $60,000. But this estimate
was based on the price of fifty cents per cubic yard for removing earth,
when, in reality, it will cost less than half that sum. The high figure
of fifty cents per cubic yard was named because the work has to be performed
in the Winter. But the only reasons why the work will cost more in Winter
than in the Spring are the short days and the liability to be interrupted
by rain. The ground is in a more favorable condition for building a levee
than it would be in the Summer. In fact, along the American river the soil
is generally sandy, and could not be in a better condition for work and
pack than at present. It will therefore not cost over twenty cents per
cubic yard to construct the American river levee--but the number of yards
is more than estimated by Judge Beatty. This would reduce the aggregate
cost for such a levee as the Judge describes to about $30,000. Such a
calculation leaves a handsome sum for raising and strengthening the levee
on the Sacramento from the Gas Works to Y street, at which point Swamp
Land District No. 2 commences. If a contract is let for reclaiming that
district, the line of levee will begin at the southern limit of the city,
and would include the present crevasse in the levee below the Halfway House.
As the Citizens' Committee are in possession of ample funds, it is to be
hoped it will determine upon building the levee at least seven feet above
the old one. This may be considered extravagant, but were it ten feet
higher it would be so much the better. The people of this city are
admonished by the late freshet, that they know but little as to the
high water mark in this valley. The late terrible flood in Oregon,
which swept away whole towns, and drowned stock by the thousands
demonstrated to the people of that State that their ideas of high
water were greatly below the one Nature marks for herself once in a
quarter, half, or a full century. No such flood has been known there
since the State was settled by Americans. From the history of floods
in Europe and Asia, we learn that once in the life of a
generation--sometimes only once in a century--valleys have been
flooded to such an extent as to overwhelm towns, villages, farm
houses, stock, and in many instances, drowning people by hundreds.
In a valley like the Sacramento, which drains such an immense water
shed on each side that shed, too, composed of mountains covered every
Winter with deep snow--circumstances may combine once in a quarter or
half century to precipitate into its rivers a mass of water which will
cause the water in them to rise ten feet higher than the oldest
inhabitant had ever seen it. In other valleys in the world such
visitations have been experienced, and hence, we argue that it is
the part of wisdom for the present generation to provide for resisting
water from five to ten feet higher than it ever has been seen by those
now living in the Sacramento Valley. In 1853, when it could have been
done without inconvenience, we urged the city authorities to put the
grade of all our streets at the line of high water. We also urged the
raising of the levees a foot a year, until they were a number of feet
higher than anybody deemed necessary. We again urge those who have
control of the matter to put the levees up to a line which most persons
will pronounce extravagant. The levee on the American river cannot be
raised too high. The higher and broader, the greater will be the
confidence in the value of property inside of the city. Better build
it five feet too high than five inches too low. It must be further
considered, that the Swamp Land Commissioners will shortly advertise
for proposals to build a levee on the north side of the American, from
some point on Norris' ranch to its mouth. This will render it necessary
to raise the levee on the south several feet higher than if the water
were left free to spread over the country towards Marysville.
Whatever may be the hight of that levee, the one to be built by the
city should be raised several feet higher, as a measure of precaution.
We reiterate the opinion that the levee should be raised several feet
higher than most persons deem necessary.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Money Market--Court Proceedings--Forgery--Man Missing--False Alarm--Accident to the Chrysopolis--Losses by the Flood In Oregon.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 20th. . . .
The brig Galveston, from Coose Bay, reports severe gales on the Northern coast. . . .
Some of the losses by the flood in Oregon are summed up as follows:
Harbaugh & Steizel, boom of logs, $5,000; Hull & Mader's wharf, $7,000;
Oregon City and Linn City, $200,000; breakwater at Linn City, $50,000;
one hundred thousand bushels of wheat at Albany. Flour was held at $7@8.
The cargo of the Samuel Merritt, shipped for San Francisco, was taken out
to be sold in Portland. Thousands of boxes of apples were lost. The
inhabitants of many towns are entirely destitute of subsistence.
LEVEE IN MARYSVILLE.--The Express says "some of our prominent men
of business have in contemplation the building of a levee in this city,
for the purpose of protecting property down on First street and the lower
part of F. The portions of Marysville contiguous to the locality where
the proposed levee is to run are low ground, and are liable to inundations
when other portions of the city are many feet above high water mark."
THE FLOODS EXTENDING OVER THE NORTH.--It appears that heavy rains had
fallen in all parts of Oregon and Washington Territory. The Nisqually
bridge was swept sway by a flood on the morning of December 4th, and
in consequence the communication between Steilacoom and Olympia was
temporarily interrupted. Full accounts, however, have not yet reached
us of the damage sustained.
THE FLOOD IN OREGON.--Speaking of the late flood in Oregon, a mention
of which was made in the UNION yesterday, the Portland Advertiser
of December 12th says:
Hopes were entertained for a day or so, that the river would soon be in
a condition for punctual navigation, and that the flood would swage, but
not yet. On Tuesday night the river rose at this point, about two feet,
and at Milwaukee, some three and a half feet. The current was very swift.
During the day it rose several inches.
The Oregonian adds:
We have been without mails from the South for three days, and as many
more will pass before we can expect them. A large portion of the active
capital of Oregon has perished in this flood. The people of this valley
will be in a state of suffering from the loss of property and mills;
and a long time will pass before the losses and destruction by this
flood will be repaired.
A WORD FROM THE INTERIOR.--The Dutch Flat Enquirer, in remarking
upon the sad fortune of hundreds who have been toiling for years to build
for themselves a homestead, and been suddenly thrown back upon the worid [sic]
houseless and homeless, says:
Ere the cry of sorrow had gone forth, the voice of sympathy was heard
ministering words of hope and consolation. The substantial response of
the true-hearted citizens of the "Bay City" to their brethren of the
."City of the Plains," in this their hour of affliction and misfortune,
is an act of generosity unparalleled in the history of our nation. While
we acknowledge this act of magnificence, and offer our tribute of respect
for the deed, we should feel ourselves wanting in common charity did we
not speak our sentiments in condemnation against the few who,
seeking advantage from this misfortune, are venting their ire and baseness
against the Capital of our State. Is this a time for crimination
against a people bowed by adversity? What man possessing an atom of a
heart or a spark of manly feeling would utter a sentiment bearing in
its signification a thought of wounding men steeped in misfortune? Such
men, if men they may be called, should be hunted from among us or held
up to the scorn of mankmd, that they might be seen and shunned.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.--Our public school houses have been closed for school
purposes since the day of the flood, and will not be reopened until
after the holidays.
SNAGS IN THE COLUMBIA.--The steamer Pacific, while crossing the bar on
her last outward trip, struck a breaker, which stove in a considerable
portion of her bulwarks; and in coming up the river yesterday morning,
she came in contact with a very large snag, which had lodged in the river
a mile and a half from this city, breaking all the buckets out of the
starboard wheel, and carrying away a considerable portion of her upper
deck work. Men were engaged yesterday is repairing her, and she will be
able to sail this evening.--Oregonian, Dec 11th.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CITY DRAINAGE.--The question of the practicability of draining the city
is likely to be at once practically and thoroughly tested. A large
collection of water has stood on the north side of J street and east
of Seventh, in the lower portions of the ground since the day of the
flood, without any means of escape. T. M. Lindley, for the purpose of
reducing the drainage proposition to practice, commenced the work of
constructing a water main or sewer across Seventh street, and through
a portion of the alley between K and L streets. This main is about two
feet six inches wide, and the same in hight, and is constructed of one,
two and three inch redwood plank. It is sunk to a point which gives a
fall of eight inches to the block to the base of the railroad embankment
at R street. It carries off the water from the block between Seventh
and Eighth and K and L streets. By a drain dug across K street to a
corresponding depth, the block on the north side of K is also drained by
it. This block is connected with the area north of J street above
referred to, by a deep drain dug in Eighth street, within the past few
days. A. C. Sweetser has had charge of the Eighth street work, but the
whole is done under the supervision of B. F. Leet as engineer. The water
has not yet been let into the Eighth street canal, but will be to-day,
and we shall have a practical demonstration of the extent to which the
upper portion of the city may be drained at its present grade by the plan
adopted. When the levees are completed and a permanent grade adopted, a
system of sewerage can also be adopted which will greatly relieve the
northern portion of the city.
POLICE COURT.--The first case called in the Police Court yesterday, was
that of Caleb White, charged with assault and battery on H. Dyer. The
difficulty occurred in Center township, the parties having quarreled
about drift timber on the American river, at Sacramento Bar. After
hearing the testimony, the Court discharged the defendant. . . .
FROM RICHLAND.--We learn from a resident of Richland, the new town on the
Sacramento, twenty-five miles south of the city, that the town is entirely
under water. The only chance of reaching the city, except by the river, is
to go by boats across the tules on the east to Georgetown, on the lower
Stockton road. The most of the houses of ranchmen on the bank of the river
are out of water, but nearly all the land a few rods from the river is
flooded. Our informant thinks the agricultural interests in that portion
of the county are nearly ruined for the present season. Large numbers of
fruit trees are under water, and will, it is feared, be destroyed, as the
water cannot be disposed of, except as the river falls.
SCHOONER SACRAMENTO.--The keel and ribs of the new schooner Sacramento,
which is being built by Frank Kosta, on the Sacramento, a half mile below
the foot of R street, has been in imminent danger, during the past ten
days, of being carried away by the high stage of the water. The river has
fallen so far now that all immediate danger is past, and the owner is
making arrangements to recommence work upon her as soon as possible. The
Sacramento, when finished, will be the first schooner ever built at this
place. She will carry about eighty-five tons of freight. . . .
THE LEVEE WORK.--The work at Rabel's tannery and Burns' slough is
progressing encouragingly. The new building at the slough has been
completed, and about eighty men are now fed and lodged there. These
men are at work at the embankment, and have entirely shut off the
current of water from the channel of the slough. This must result
in the removal of the water which divides the city from the section
of the county to the east. . . .
STEAM PUMP.--The steam engine formerly in use at the soap factory near
the fort, has been brought into the city, and was yesterday fitted up
at Protection Engine house with a pump. It is designed to set it to work
to pump out the cellar of the engine house, after which it will be ready
for service wherever its services are most needed.
THE CITIZENS' SUBSCRIPTION.--The amount subscribed yesterday for the fund
which is being raised to be used by the Citizens' Safety Committee was
$6,495. This makes a total of about $57,000. Among the subscriptions
yesterday was that of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company for $5,000. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river is still falling, but quite slowly. During yesterday the gauge indicated a hight of twenty feet above low water mark, the entire fall during the past week being two feet.
DISCHARGED.--In the oase of Samuel M. Slidell, examined on Thursday, on
a charge of grand larceny in stealing $1,100, and taken under advisement,
Judge Gilmer yesterday rendered a decision discharging the defendant.
STILL OPEN.--Bids for the construction of bridges on J and K streets,
near the Fort, will be received at the office of the Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors until twelve o'clock today. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
FRIDAY, Dec 20, 1861
The Board met at half-past twelve o'clock; the President in the chair, and
all the members present except Supervisors Wood and Hall. . . .
G. W. Colby submitted a proposition for building a bridge across the Burns
Slough on J street. He proposes to build a very fine bridge, with a span
of not less than fifty feet, eighteen feet wide, with two tracks, and have
it finished in fifteen days for $2,400 in cash. He also proposes to build
a strong single track bridge, sixty feet long--single track of three-inch
plank on the level of the street, that would last till it should rot down
unless carried away by the flood, for $500 cash.
R. F. Leet submitted a proposition for building a bridge at the same point.
He proposes a handsome single track bridge with hand rails, one hundred and
five feet long, for $11 per lineal foot in cash from tolls, with two per cent
per month interest after thirty days, or $55 per foot in city scrip.
Both proposals were accompanied by plans and specifications. Proposals had
been invited also, for a bridge on K street, but none were submitted, as
it was supposed there was no chance of building more than one of the bridges
this Winter.
Mr. Colby said there had been six or seven bridges on J and K streets in all,
carried away by the water, but if the slough was to be secured so that there
would be no danger of a flood, a cheap bridge would answer every purpose,
and would be better for teams, because it would be on a level with the
street. He built the first bridge, and received about $3,500 for it, and
the last one, he was informed by the President, cost $1,500. He would not
be willing to build the bridge for $500 for anything short of cash, because
if it was made a toll brldge, unless there were more rains to prevent, teams
would avoid the toll bridge by taking other streets.
The PRESIDENT said he had talked with some of the Citizens Committee, and
they seemed to favor the idea of helping in this matter. No doubt the
Finance Committee would meet with the Citizens' Committee to-morrow
and see what could be done.
Supervisor GRANGER suggested that further time be allowed to receive
proposals to take the pay either in tolls or from the Contingent Fund.
Supervisor HITE moved that the Committee be allowed till to-morrow to
confer with the parties and make a contract, subject to the approval
of the Board, in the meantime allowing other parties to bring in bids
if they desired to.
Supervisor GRANGER said there was no other way of paying than from the
tolls, and he thought in that way the bridges would pay for themselves
in sixty days, but they must adopt some plan to avoid paying the money
into the Treasury.
Supervisor HITE said he was assured by the Treasurer that he would not
retain from this money fifty-five per cent for the Interest Fund as in
the case of other receipts.
Supervisor GRANGER said some one might enjoin the Treasurer and compel
him to do it.
The PRESIDENT suggested that the money could be paid to the Finance
Committee and not go in the Treasury at all.
Supervisor RUSSELL asked if the slough could not be filled up cheaper,
and avoid a bridge there.
Supervisor GRANGER replied that it was necessary to keep the slough open
to prevent an overflow. If they closed it they would be as much blamed
as the Railroad Company had been.
The PRESIDENT--I will state that Burns' slough is stopped.
The motion of Supervisor HITE postponing the matter till to-morrow and
inviting new proposals meanwhile, was carried. . . . .
Supervisor HITE offered a resolution requesting the Committee on Streets
to have the same lighted up from the 21st inst. till the first of April next.
Supervisor GRANGER moved, as a substitute, that the Committee contract with
the Gas Company to light the street lamps the same as last year.
Supervisor HITE accepted the amendment.
The PRESIDENT desired to add a lamp, to be put up at the corner of Eighth
and K streets, believing it would be no more than just, since four lights
were maintained in Slater's Addition.
Supervisor GRANGER's substitute was adopted.
Supervisor HITE offered a resolution that the Committee on Police [?] and
Levee appoint a competent engineer to make a survey for a levee on the
American river, from a high point of land below Patterson's, and report
the kind of levee required and the cost. In offering the resolution, he
said he had been unjustly accused of wanting a hand in expending the money
raised for a levee, but in spite of that accusation he had his sworn duty
to perform, and must go as far as he could to perform it. He considered
that this work was necessary to be done outside of the limits of the city.
Supervisors HANSBROW and GRANGER opposed the resolution as an
interference with and a direct reflection upon the Citizens' Committee,
who had been intrusted with the duty and responsibility of securing
the city against future floods.
The resolution was rejected.
Adjourned till tomorrow at twelve M . . . .
RIVERS CHANGING THEIR BEDS.--The fashion of California rivers, in changing
their beds, is illustrated by the following, from the Grass Valley
National, in the case of Bear river:
We understand that Bear river, during the late storm, became so completely
filled up with gravel that it was forced out of the old channel, at a
point a mile or two above Johnson's crossing, and formed an entire new
bed for a distance of some six or seven miles, coming into its old channel
again near Kempton's crossing. The river now passes Johnson's fully half
a mile to the south of the old bridge, which, were it now standing, would
span a bed of gravel some twelve or fifteen feet deep. The new channel
has been cut directly through a range of fine ranches, and the destruction
of property in consequence must be very heavy. We understand that immense
tracts of the finest agricultural lands, along the river, have been
completely destroyed by the immense amount of gravel deposited upon them
by the overflow.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3350, 23 December 1861, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Board of Supervisors, at their meeting Saturday, took some energetic
action in regard to the railroad, as will be seen by the report of their
proceedings. They direct, by ordinance, the removal of all railroad
property from First street and the river, and from so much of the R
street levee as lies west of Sixth street.
A CANAL.--The Bee of Saturday contained an article by a correspondent,
advocating as a means of protection to the city a canal from the American
to the Sacramento--commencing near Smith's garden, and running in a
straight line back of the city, to the Sacramento river. A large canal
to act as a waste way would, doubtless, relieve the American in a time
of flood of a large portion of its surplus water. But a canal, if one
is deemed necessary, is a work to be done after the levee is completed.
In our judgment no canal will be needed if the levee on the American is
make as broad and as high as it should be. Let that levee be built from
seven to ten feet higher than what we call high water mark, and a canal
would be a useless work. On the river Po, in Italy, the levee is, in
some districts, thirty feet high. On that river levees were built in
the time of the Romans. So much has the bed of the river risen since
the levee system was adopted that the people of large districts of
country live in houses which are located actually below the bed of the
river. The bed of the American is rapidly filling and rising--but many
a year will have passed before the people of this city will find themselves
living in houses, the foundations of which are below the bed of the American.
THE RAIN which was so gently but steadily falling yesterday and last night,
as well as the night before, admonishes the gentlemen who have control of
the work on the levee, that they might have employed a hundred or two more
men the past week to advantage. Such work ought to be pushed day and night,
and Sunday, for it is emphatically a work of necessity. Should the river
rise again it will take desperately energetic work to prevent it from
breaking through again at Burns' slough. In that event, the water might
back up slightly in the lower portion of the city, but not enough to cause
any great injury.
SLUICING.--If the mud and slush on J and K streets would pay three cents
to the pan, it would be sluiced off in about three days by gold
seekers. There is no gold in it, but it would soon be sluiced off if
men could make three dollars a day for doing it. We believe it practicable
to relieve J and K streets of mud by the process of sluicing. By selecting
a low point in a cross street, or a lot the owner wants filled, making
and properly setting sluice boxes, and then throw into them the water
from one or more hydrants, we do not see why the mud in the streets
might not be speedily removed, and at a very small cost, by this mining
process.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Fatal Accident--Races--Death of a Volunteer--Later from Oregon.
SAN FRANCISCO, December 22d.
. . .
18th. The Overland Mail started on the 17th for California, but it would hardly get tqrough. [sic]
The loss in Oregon City by the flood is $170,000. . . .
LATE FROM WASHOE.--From the Territorial Enterprise of Dec. 18th we extract the following: . . .
The road company have an immense force engaged in repairing the road from
Silver City to Dayton. It is thought the work will be completed by Friday
night.
During the recent storm the Carson river was the highest it was ever known
to be. The water has fallen to about its usual mark. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
HOUSE-RAISING APPARATUS.--The greater portion of the hydraulic house-raising
apparatus of Edward Fell arrived in the city on Saturday and yesterday
mornings, on the steamers Nevada and Sacramento, from San Francisco. The
remainder will come up within a day or two. It is expected that a number
of our brick buildings will be raised by this machinery within the next
three or four months. A hydraulic pump is used capable of a pressure of
twenty thousand pounds to the square inch, though this extreme pressure
is of course never employed. In raising a building, cast iron cylinders
are used on which the piston is forced up by the introduction of water
beneath, forced in by the pump above referred to. These cylinders are
made of three inch cast iron, the chamber and piston being five inches
in diameter. The play of the piston is eighteen inches. The set of
cylinders consists of twenty-seven in all, though all are but seldom
used under any one building. The earth is removed from the foundation
of the building to be raised, a portion at a time, and the cylinders
are adjusted under the walls on a solid foundation of plank if necessary.
By this means the entire building is brought to rest on them. All are
then connected with the pump by means of tubes, and water is forced in
beneath the piston of each. The building goes up gradually with the
pressure of the pump, and is of course carefully supported in its place
by such timbers as are necessary. The piston rises but eighteen inches,
but any hight desired in addition is gained by the use of additional
wedges or blocks. When the building has attained the right position,
the underpinning walls are built and the cylinders are removed one by
one, leaving the building to rest on its new foundation walls. The entire
apparatus consists of the pump and cylinders spoken of, several hundred
jack-ssrews, connecting pipes of all sizes and forms, iron wedges, iron
plates and cords of wooden blocks and planking of all sizes, shapes and
descriptions. It is the same as has been used by Gordon & Stein and G. H.
Hossefross, of San Francisco, and is the invention of Stein and a Frenchman,
who co-operated with him in its original construction. The present
proprietor is confident that he can raise any building in the city with
it, provided the owner can "raise the wind" to pay him for his work.
THE WEATHER AND LEVEES.--After a clear and pleasant day on Saturday,
a light rain set in at about eleven o'clock P. M., which continued at
intervals through the night. The quantity of water which fell in this
vicinity was inconsiderable. The rain is said to have been heavier in
the mountains. During the greater portion of yesterday the rain continued
without increase as to quantity. Last evening appearances indicated a
heaver rain through the night. In this connection, the state of the rivers
and the condition of the levee improvements are not without interest.
The Sacramento has fallen three feet from the highest point of the
season--twenty-two feet above low water mark. The American at the Tannery
is eight or nine feet lower than at the time of the flood. The new
embankments at Burns' slough and the Tannery are advancing as rapidly
as practicable, but will require several days of energetic work to prepare
them for a rise in the river. The weak point on the Sacramento below R
street has not been touched. If the river continues to fall, it is all
right; if it rises much, the place is dangerous. The crevasse above
Sutterville has not been closed. The water has been running through
it steadily, contributing to keep up the back water on the lower portion
of the city. In case of a rise, it may prove troublesome to us. At Sutterville the water has been flowing through the levee for several days.
MORE NAMES.--The residents of the neighborhood of Sixth and N streets speak
in grateful terms of the action of Captain Rogers, of the steamer Swan,
who, on the morning of the flood, obtained boats and took the women and
children of the vicinity on board the steamer, where they were all treated
with the greatest consideration. They were furnished with food and lodging,
and those who had no place to go to in the city were invited to remain on
the boat during her trip to Marysville and back. We have also been requested
to state that C. York and his wife, at South Park, on R street, extended
generous aid to all in distress in their neighborhood; and also that a
youg [sic] man named Hall, by swimming nearly a block at a critical moment,
rescued from imminent danger the wife and children of John Black, who
was himself exhausted from sickness and unable to get to their assistance.
THE FARMING INTEREST.--The farmers in the neighborhood of Sacramento are
divided into two classes--the flooded and the unflooded. The first named
class are laying on their oars--for as a general thing: they have
substituted skiffs and scows for plows and harrows--waiting anxiously
for the water to leave. With their volunteer crops destroyed, their
fruit trees dying, their garden lands rendered useless for the present
(perhaps for the season) they are unable to see exactly how they are
to expend their labor to any advantage for the present. The unflooded
class are more cheerful and busy. They are generally plowing and
sowing with the hope and confidence that the busy seed time will be
followed by a fruitful and remunerative harvest. . . .
RAILROAD MATTERS.--The Railroad Company has so far repaired the railroad
east of Poverty Ridge as to be able to run the cars westward to the breach
at Eighteenth street. At this point heavy timbers have been taken on to
the cars and transported eastward for additional repairs. The passenger
trains come no further west than the upper Stockton road, from which
point passengers are brought by stages, by way of the fort, to the city.
RAIN.--At nine o'clock last evening there had fallen within the past
twenty-four hours, as we learn from Dr. Logon, .460 of an inch of rain,
making the entire amount of the present month 3.247 inches, and the
total amount of the season 5.417. This is not an unusual quantity for
the season, and is a small capital on which to get up so large a flood
as we have been visited with. The fall in the mountains has of course
been much heavier than in the valley. . . .
NOT NECESSARY.--In digging trenches across streets for purposes of
drainage, it is not necessary to cut the planking of the street-crossings.
The earth can be removed from beneath and still leave the planking remain
for a bridge for foot-passengers. In several instances on J street the
opposite course has been pursued.
THE RIVER.--At sunset last evening the river guage indicated nineteen feet
of water in the Sacramento, above low watermark. This shows a fall of
twelve inches within the past forty-eight hours, and a fall of three feet
within the past ten days. . . .
YESTERDAY.--During yesterday some seventy-five workmen were employed at
the levee enbankment at Burns' slough, on the American river. Work on
the levee at the Tannery was suspended on account of its being Sunday. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
SATURDAY, Dec. 21, 1861.
The Board met at 12 o'clock, the President in the Chair, and Supervisors
Granger, Hansbrow, Russell, Hite and Dickerson present. . . .
The subject of building bridges on J and K streets, across the slough, was
taken up, and M. ESTEE [?] (for Benjamin & McWilliams), B. F. Leet, and
G. M. Colby severally addressed the Board.
Benjamin & McWilliams proposed a structure costing only $400 in cash,
which in their opinion would answer all the purposes of a bridge.
B. F. LEET said he had made his plan for a bridge on
K street, where the bridge would need to be 114 feet
long, and the roadway raised about a foot. If on J
street a bridge only 50 feet long were needed it would
cost by his proposition only $550, that was at $11 per
lineal foot, but he had not examined it. He intended,
when he proposed to do it for cash, to take it in tolls
from the bridge. He would build the bridge and hold
it for the tolls till enough had been collected to pay
him, and it was immaterial whether he or the Board of
Supervisors appointed the toll gatherer. Of course he
would expect the Board to establish reasonable rates--say
a bit for a single horse carriage, two bits for two
horses, and so on; and he would also expect that the
board would stop the ferry boats.
Supervisor HANSBROW asked what he would do in case teams
should avoid the bridge by taking other
routes which might be practicable.
Mr. LEET replied then he would hold on to the bridge
till he did get his pay if it took sixty years. He had
not so much of the milk of human kindness as to build
the bridge for nothing. But he did not think there was
any risk. At the rate the ferry had gone on, the bridge
would pay for itself in four days.
G. W. COLBY said he had made his plans and proposition for J street,
and had only casually examined the site on K street. He thought the kind
of bridge proposed by Mr.Leet, with bents, would not be secure from
floods, but he would build a bridge with bents, or a span of twenty
feet in the center, for.$1,000, to be eighty or one hundred feet
long, he making the filling necessary. He would make it twelve feet
wide and cover it with three inch planks, the timbers for the bents
and bridge to be not less that twelve inches square, and the braces
for the span not less than eight inches square, with side railing
four feet high. He would take his pay from tolls collected, all
payments to be made within three months, or if they saw fit to make
it a free bridge, he would take city indebtedness for the balance
unpaid, calling the bridge one hundred feet, at $50 per foot.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that a Committee of three city members be
appointed to examine the locations and the various plans proposed,
and report on Monday which proposition they recommend the city to
adopt. He would prefer that Supervisor Hite should be Chairman of
the Committee, and suggested that in the meantime Mr. Colby submit
his proposition in writing. If in the opinion of the Committee that
$400 structure would answer the purpose, he would favor that plan,
and at all events he thought they would not want a bridge at more
than one point.
The motion prevailed, and Supervisors Hlte, Granger and Russell were
appointed the Committee. . . .
Supervisor HANSBROW said he had a further ordinance to propose in regard
to the Sacramento Valley Railroad. He found that the action of the Board
was heartily approved by citizens, as far as that action had gone, but
it was very much feared that the Board would reconsider its action in
the premises, as corporations of that kind were supposed to exert great
influence. He therefore introduced
An Ordinance supplemental to an Ordinance concerning the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company.
Section 1. The Sacramento Valley Railroad Company is hereby required,
within ten days from the passage of this Ordinance, to take up and remove
the rails of their road from Front street, from the Sacramento levee, and
from that part of the R street levee lying west of Sixth street; and to
remove all buildings, tanks, and each and every obstruction owned or
claimed by them from Front street, and each and every other street or
levee upon which any such tank, building or other obstruction may be
situated.
Sec. 2. The Chief of Police is hereby directed to enforce so much of
this ordinance as requires the removal of obstructions from the public
streets and levees, and the District Attorney shall take the necessary
legal steps for the removal of the rails, etc., provided said company
shall not voluntarily comply with the provisions of this ordinance.
The ordinance was read a first and second time.
Supervisor HANSBROW said it was claimed by some that the Railroad Company
were entitled to a longer notice before action of this kind could be taken.
He admitted that such would be the case had they complied entirely with
the terms of their contract, but they had not complied with any of these
terms, and hence the city was under no obligations to them. The ordinance
of 1853 expressly provided that if they violated the terms of their
contract, the privileges granted might be immediately revoked. By that
ordinance they were required to bridge all sloughs and ditches, and
leave unimpeded the course of running waters, etc., none of which they
had complied with. The language of the ordinance was, "If said company
fail or neglect to comply with the provisions and requirements of this
ordinance, or fail to comply with any of its provisions, then all the
provisions of this ordinance shall become void and of no effeot."
Consequently there was no obligation to give them six months notice,
or to pay for the removal of the tracks and other improvements.
The rules were suspended, and the ordinance passed--ayes 5; noes 0.
Supervisor HANSBROW said, in order to show that the Board meant to
stand by its action on this subject, he offered the following:
WHEREAS, The action of this Board with reference to the Sacramento
Valley Railroad Company in the passage of an ordinance restricting
them from running their cars into the city any further west than
Sixth street did, at a public meeting of the citizens, meet with
their cordial and hearty approval; therefore
Resolved, That this Board will in the future use all the
honorable means in their power to sustain their action in the passage
of the said ordinance, and will, if necessary, sustain their action
before the Courts; and that we will not abandon what we now conceive
to be our right--that is, the right to enforce compliance with the
terms of the aforesaid ordinance until the Courts shall decide that
we have interfered with any vested rights which the said Sacramento
Valley Railroad may have had.
The resolution was adopted unanimously,
Supervisor RUSSELL, said it had been, he thought, very sagaciously
suggested by Mr. Stowe, that very little of the railroad track was
now remaining between Sixth and Thirty-first streets, and if the
Board desired to repeal the ordinance allowing them to come into the
city west of Thirty-first street, it might be cheaper to do so now than
to wait till the track should be relaid, and then perhaps have to pay for it.
Supervisor HANSBROW said it was only proposed now to exclude the railroad
west of Sixth street,
Supervisor GRANGER suggested that it might be well to repeal the ordinance
regulating the road from Thirty-first to Sixth streets, and enact a
new one. He was satisfied that the original space left between Poverty
Ridge and the levee would not have been sufficiant to let all the water
off [?], and that the city would have been flooded to some extent even
if it had not been filled up. They ought now to begin, as the lawyers
said, de novo, that was anew, and pass an ordinance requiring as one
of the conditions of allowing the road to come to Sixth street, that
they should build trestle work, and keep it open all the way between
the points designated. He presumed the Board would take such action. . . .
Adjourned till eleven o'clock A.M., on Monday.
KNIGHT'S LANDING.--According to the News, this place, which was
surrounded by water, but stood above the rushing element calm and serene,
is among the most favored spots in the land. The News says:
Knight's Landing is at present a point of considerable importance--being
the only high land on the Sacramento river accessible from the interior
between Benicia and Red Bluff. . . .
THE STATE CAPITAL.
The Knight's Landing News, referring to the proposition of a few
interested parties to remove the State Capital, says:
We have seen it urged by some of the interior papers, that since Sacramento
has been flooded out and that beautiful city made to look desolate for a
short time by her misfortunes, that the Capital should be removed to some
point not subject to overflows--probably to San Francisco. Now, aside from
the meanness of these suggestions plying injury and ingratitude on
unavoidable misfortune, we are, and ever shall be, opposed to a removal
of the Capital. Sacramento is, and always will be, the most central and
most accessible city in the State, and the State has laid out large sums
of money to build a State House, which is now considerably advanced, for
the accommodation of the Legislature and State officers; and the citizens
of Sacramento have, at the same time, been liberal to a fault, in providing,
without charge, the finest site in the city to erect it on; and of all the
arguments which have heretofore been used in favor of Sacramento as the
Capital, none of them have lost their weight, but have as much force now
as they ever had, the flood to the contrary notwithstanding. We look upon
the city's misfortunes as only temporary. We have seen her survive and
prosper under far worse calamities than this, and we feel sure, from the
character of her citizens for perseverance and energy, that in the end
this--her present misfortune--will prove a lasting advantage to the city.
She will now know what she must do to avoid another occurrence like this;
and they will do it, and will place high and permanent embankments around
the city, which, in connection with a higher grade to the streets, will
forever insure them against another overflow, and in the end do a great
good by the means of a great evil. We admit this lesson was a dear one;
but dear bought wisdom is good wisdom, and can be relied on in this
instance in making Sacramento a greater, more permanent and lasting
city than she could possibly have been had it not occurred.
The Amador Ledger adds:
That Sacramento is the most desirable location in the State for the
Capital, has certainly become apparent to every person who is not so
exceedingly selfish as to desire this institution for his next door
neighbor, and has sufficient philanthrophy to induce him to consult
the general convenience in the smallest degree. It is utter folly to
attempt to induce the people to believe that there exists a necessity
for the removal of the Capital, because a flood, the like of which the
"oldest inhabitant," upon testing his recollection to the utmost, fails
to remember, has for the time proved too much for the provisions made
for protection, and which everybody deemed amply sufficient. They have
too much confidence in the enterprise and liberality of Sacramentans
to fear the occurrence of a similar calamity.
The Butte Record remarks:
Since the late flood, which proved so disastrous to the city of Sacramento,
a disposition is manifested in certain quarters to renew the question of
a removal of the State Capital to some place less subject to inundation.
We had confidently hoped that that subject would not again be brought
before the people of California. We believe that a large majority of
the people of the State are satisfied with the present location and are
opposed to being subjected to increased taxation and debt by its removal.
Sacramento is certainly the most central and accessible place that could
be selected, and, as we have the foundation already commenced there for
a commodious Capitol building, it would be folly to seek some less
convenient place and commence anew. Notwithstanding the terrible
inundation, Sacramento is not yet a city of the past, and not likely
to be very soon. With proper protection it may never again be flooded
as in the past. The members of the incoming Legislature will have more
important matters than the Capital removal claiming their attention, and
we trust that any proposition tending to such an object will not be
tolerated by them a single hour. Let the Capital remain where it now is.
The Calaveras Chronicle has the following:
We have seen in some papers innendoes thrown out to the effect that the
State Capital should be removed from Sacramento on account of its
liability to be flooded during the Winter months. One of the best signs
of a State's prosperity is the rapid growth of its cities, and we
should all be willing to contribute our share towards the support of
our principal towns. The Capitol buildings have been already commenced
in Sacramento, and at the present time, while the city is exerting itself
to the fullest extent of its ability towards remedying the difficulties
which have nearly overwhelmed it, the country should offer at least its
sympathy, and not add anything to their misfortunes. The Capital should
not be removed from Sacramento, and the State should make some
appropriation to aid in rendering the city proof against a like calamity
in the future.
REPORTED DROWNED.--A report has been prevalent in town for a few days past,
that the wife of Watt Perdue, and also her mother, Mrs. Frank Cannon, were
drowned during the recent flood. We believe they were living near the Butte
mountains. and had their residence swept away by the flood. We are unable
to trace the report, or to gain any reliable information in regard to the
matter.--Butte Record.
THE FRESHET IN SOUTHERN OREGON.--The Oregon Sentinel of December
7th says:
From all directions reports reach us of the great destruction of property
in bridges, ferry boats, mills, fences, etc., occasioned by the late flood,
unparalleled in the history of the country. On Sunday morning last, the
water was at its highest point. We note the losses as reported to us:
North--all the bridges on Butte creek have been swept away, and the
bridge and saw mill at the mouth of Evans creek have also been lost.
On Rogue river, Hunter's ferry boat has gone down stream; also,
Pelton's boat, near Table Rock.
South--a number of bridges are gone between this place and Yreka.
The Yreka ditch has been damaged to such an extent that it will require
$20,000 to put it in repair. The bridge over Shasta river is gone, and
the race course was entirely submerged. The middle abutment of Klamath
bridge has been moved down three feet.
Well's mills, on Applegate, has been so seriously damaged as not to admit
of repair. The bridge is gone.
THE LATE STORM IN PLUMAS.--The Standard of December 14th has the
following:
We were visited during the latter part of last week by one of the heaviest
rain storms ever experienced in this region, which continued for five
days and nights without intermission. The waters of Spanish creek
overflowed its banks, transmogrifying our valley into a temporary
lake, flooding cellars, etc., to the pecuniary injury of numerous
of our fellow citizens. Numerous bridges in our valley were swept
away by the freshet, and for several days communication was entirely
cut off from the surrounding country.
The late freshet was very severe at Nelson Point, having carried away
the bridge which spanned Feather river, together with the Nelson creek
bridge, the toll house, a new house recently erected by White, as well
injuring Captain Cunningham's store to some extent. At the time of
Church's visit it was impossible to reach the Point owing to the high
stage of water and the turbid character of the river, rendering it
exceedingly dangerous to attempt its passage in a boat. . . .
p. 4
. . .
PROBABLY DROWNED.--George Kramer, who recently shot J. B. Lowe in a
quarrel about land near Knight's Landing, is supposed to have been lost
in the late flood. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3351, 24 December 1861, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The heavy rain of yesterday and the day before caused a considerable rise
in the American river, which continued at a late hour last night. At nine
o'clock the rain was still falling here and at Placerville, Folsom, and
at other places. The American broke through at Burns' slough again at
about six o'clock last evening, but as its water can easily flow to the
Sacramento, no fear need be apprehended of a repetition of the recent
inundation unless the Sacramento should rise with a rapidity far
exceeding its wont.
BURNS' SLOUGH.--A second rise in the American river came too soon for
the men engaged in building the levee in Burns' slough. The water came
up yesterday so fast as to overflow the new part and carry it away.
This will probably increase the water in the southern portion of the
city somewhat, though not to any serious extent. The work of the last
few days at that point has, of course, been lost; but better luck next
time will be the motto of the Committee. The same thing happened in 1853.
The first work done on that slough, and the one at the Tivoli House, was
destroyed by a sudden rise in the river, and it had to be done the second
time. Had the weather remained pleasant a week longer, everything would
have been made secure by the Committee. It is to be regretted that a
force could not have been sent on Saturday to the crevasse between here
and Sutterville, as there has been no water passing through it for the
past two days, and therefore it might easily have been closed. . . .
LATE FROM WASHOE.--We find the annexed items of intelligence in the
Territorial Enterprise of Dec. 20th: . . .
We understand that good prospects are obtained in Gold Canon, near Johntown.
The gold is fonnd in crevices of the bed rock, and seems to have been
deposited by the tailings swept down the stream by the recent freshet.
The water in the Carson river has subsided to about its usual mark, and
the workmen are busy repairing the dams and bridges which were swept away
by the flood. . . .
SUPERVISORS VS. RAILROAD.
The Board of Supervisors appear to have determined to punish the Railroad
for the late flood. The members, since the flood, pretend to have found
out that the Company has forfeited its right of way into the city, because
it failed to build trestle work and bridges on the line east of Sixteenth
street. Why did not this wide awake Board discover that fact before the
city was flooded? Had they attended to their duties they would have had
the embankment in the slough removed, and trestle work substituted. There
was much more truth than poetry in the plain talk of A. Black at the
meeting last week. He asserted that the Board of Supervisors were
responsible for the disaster which had overtaken the city, because the
members did not compel the Railroad Company to open the embankment at
the slough, east of the end of R street. Now, he said, they were keen
to make the Railroad Company perform its duty, after "we had all been
drowned out." They were for locking the door after the horse was stolen.
The action of the Board against the railroad partakes very much of the
lock the door after the horse is stolen, character. The members seem to
be actuated by a spirit of revenge. The Board possessed the right to give
the Company notice to take up their track west of Sixth street, but it
did not possess the power to pass an ordinance ordering the Company to
take up its track on the levee and on Front street within ten days, and
if it failed, ordering the police to take it up. No ordinance can be
legally passed upon the assumption that the Company has forfeited its
legal rights. Whether it has or has not is a fact which must be settled
in a Court of justice, until the Court decides that the Company has
forfeited the privileges granted it, the ordinances passed by the Board
are not worth the paper upon which they are written. Adopting ordinances
under such circumstances tends to bring the authority of the Board into
contempt before the people. Such hasty action upon a matter of so much
importance is particularly to be condemned. Impulsive legislation
generally proves unwise. The rights of the railroad are no more
forfeited now than they were twelve months ago, and the fierce action
of the Board in the premises is the severest condemnation of the failure
to act of past Boards which could be published. The present course of
the Board is likely to involve the city in an expensive law suit, and
that, too, without accomplishing the object the members have in view.
LETTER FROM EX-GOVERNOR BURNETT ON SACRAMENTO AFFAIRS.
SAN JOSE, December 19, 1861.
H. O. BEATTY.--DEAR SIR: I have read with satisfaction your communications
in reference to the city defenses of Sacramento; and beg leave to make
to you a few suggestions of my own.
You are aware that I was in the City Council in 1853, when the R street
levee was constructed and the old levee repaired. The R street levee
vas constructed with a view to a double defense of the city.
I had long observed that the bank of the river below R street was yearly
caving in, and saw from the natural shape of the ground that it would
be most difficult to construct there a permanent work. We also knew that
the levee above Thirty-first street might break. I always doubted the
strength of the levee near the Tivoli House. In constructing the east
line of levee from about opposite the fort to the same distance above,
the dirt for he embankment was, contrary to my judgment, taken from the
outside; thus forming a channel for the water; and as the formation was
sand, this channel would necessarily be enlarged and the embankment fall
in. Where a line of levee, of any considerable hight, faces running
water, it should very gradually decline on the side next the current.
This will prevent its washing away. I am satisfied, from reflection and
experience, that to keep up permanent levees will require an annual
expenditure of some $5,000. The levee should be annually repaired and
increased in strength and hight. The safety of Sacramento requires eternal
vigilance and steady system. In filling in the head of the slough, there
should be double sheet piling of redwood lumber, and earth on both
sides of the piling. Between the rows of piling there should be sheet iron,
zinc, or tin, so as to prevent the gophers from gnawing through the piling.
An embankment of this kind, made high enough, will certainly stand. The
main error heretofore committed at that point has been in not making the
embankment high enough.
From all I can learn, the Consolidation Act has failed, and I suppose will
be abandoned. But in abandoning that Act, will you fall back upon a system
that has also failed? If so, what will be gained but a litttle [sic]
variety in failure?
The redemption of the city, and its future stability, requires a steady,
practical system. The system must first be practical, and then pursued
for years, in order to attain success. If you have a charter creating
officers of only one year's duration, can this be done? I think not.
There can be no steady pursuit of any determinate system when your
officers are always green, and always under the apprehension
of being shortly turned out. Such officers are either indifferent to
public opinion, or so fearful of it, that they grant everything that
everybody asks, and hence, grant a ruinous privilege to A, and another
to B. Has not this been the case heretofore?
But you not only require a steady pursuit of the same system for years
to come, but you must reduce your city expenditures to the lowest practical
standard. To accomplish both these purposes, you must give your
officers long terms, moderate cash salaries and hold them to a rigid
accountability. If you will then select good men you must succeed. An
officer can well afford to serve for a much less annual salary, when he
is in for a long term that when he fills a short one. To put a man in
office for a short term, with an almost certainty that he will not be
again elected, it will require most of his salary to pay his electioneering
expenses, and, if honest, in the end he is the loser in a
pecuniary point of view.
Your new charter should give your Mayor a long term and ample power, and
he should be made responsible for the [actions of?] subordinate agents
under him [where he has to?] exercise his powers to correct abuses. He
should be subject to removal for incompetency as well as for willful
misconduct. If you will make your salaries moderate you will then be
able to pay them punctually. There are many good and competent men that
are willing to fill offices with moderate salaries, because they are not
fortune-seekers, and are willing to accept office for a plain support and
the opportunity of doing good. Extravagant salaries fill offices with
mercenary men as a general rule. There should be nothing speculative
in salaries because there is no risk of failure. The chance of great
gain should always go with the chance of great loss.
The government of a city, as a general rule, requires almost as much
talent as that of a State under our theory. I think I may speak from
some little experience, and I must say it is about as difficult to
fill well the office of Mayor of such a city as San Francisco for example,
as to perform the duties of Governor of a State. The government of
Sacramento city is about as difficult as that of San Francisco, though
the former city is of less extent. This arises from the local position of
Sacramento requiring a system of levees to be kept up.
It occurs to me that your new charter should give the city the power
to acquire the right of property in the line of levee outside the
city limits, and the charter should impose adequate penalties for
injury to that line of levee and prescribe the manner in which they
could be inforced. Your City Council should not be too large. A few
members will do more work than many, and do it better. The Mayor should
have a negative upon all acts of the Council unless passed by a majority
of three fourths. You must take a new start in your city government and
infuse into it more conservative elements, or you will still fail as
heretofore. Any sound practical mind could take charge of the affairs
of the city, and in a few years have her placed in a safe and elevated
position. You must give ample powers to your city authorities, You must
also place them in a position where they can exercise their own sound
judgment.
There is no cause to despair of the future of the city. Let her maintain
her honor to the last, pay the interest upon her bonds punctually, and
if she must at last fail, let her sink into the grave with her honor
unsullied.
Yours truly, PETER H. BURNETT.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Rise of the American River at Folsom-Rain in the Interior.
FOLSOM, December 23--6 P. M.
The American river has raised at the rate of
one foot per hour, and stands within seven feet of the greatest hight, and
is still rising.
9 P. M.--It is raining hard at Folsom, Placerville, Strawberry and Coloma.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE STORM AND THE LEVEES.--In consequence of the prevalence of the storm
during yesterday, and the unfinished condition of the levees at various
points, our city was kept throughout the day in a feverish state of
excitement. The rain of Sunday continued with but little intermission,
though moderate in degree, during the night. Anxiety was of course felt
in the morning concerning the stage of the rivers, and the chances of
protecting the city from a second inundation. The Sacramento had fallen
some three inches during the night, and at half past seven o'clock there
were no signs of a rise in the American at its mouth. Soon after eight
o'clock the American commenced to swell, and at eleven o'clock information
arrived from Rabel's tannery to the effect that it had risen seven feet
in three hours. Simultaneously with this report, telegraphic information
was received from Folsom that the river at that point was as high as on
the occasion of the late flood. Soon afterward it was rumored that the
levee at the tannery had given way, and subsequently at Smith's Garden,
then at Burns' slough, and that the water at these points respectively
was coming rapidly into the city. The truth of the matter was, that the
American was not, at any time, at Folsom, at Barns' slough or at Rabel's
tannery, so high by several feet as it was on the 9th of December; neither
was there any break in the levee at any point during the day. At the
tannery the rise was sudden and rapid in the forenoon. In the afternoon
the water rose at the rate of about six inches to the hour. At three
o'clock in the afternoon it was not so high by four feet as during the
former flood. Some twenty-five men, under the control of W. Turton,
were kept at work at this point during the day. They were engaged chiefly
in completing the new embankment, though some attention was given to
strengthening the old levee. At Burns' slough, about one hundred and
fifty men and twenty five teams with wagons were kept at work throughout
the day. The members of the Committee of Safety were there the most
of the time. All efforts of men and teams were directed to the construction
of a permanent embankment across the slough the entire length being
about 150 feet. The constant rain impeded greatly the progress of the
work. The earth was difficult to handle. The men became wet and chilled
by the rain, and early in the day a portion of them abandoned their work,
and the remainder were induced to continue only by being offered double pay.
During the day an embankment some eight feet high was built, but the water
rose so rapidly as to keep within from six to twelve inches of the top.
Gunny sacks were used wherever they could be to advantage. At dark a large
number of lanterns were procured and preparations were made to work all
night. All efforts, however, were unavailing, and at about six o'clock
the new embankment broke, and in a few minutes was swept away. The labor
of the last two days was destroyed in less than an hour.
A SECOND INUNDATION.--At about half past six o'clock last evening the
bells of Young America and Protection fire companies were rung, and the
fact soon became known that the alarm did not indicate fire, but flood.
Soon after six o'clock, while the workmen were still at work, the new
embankment at Burns' slough had given way, and several horsemen brought
speedy word to the city of the occurrence. At the suggestion of members
of the Committee of Safety, Eli Mayo came in with a request to the
parties at the above named engine houses to ring their bells. The city
was at once alive with excitement. Many rumors were soon in circulation
as to the locality, extent and effects of the openings in the levee. Men
by hundreds were out with lanterns to determine for themselves the extent
and character of the danger. Many of them were unable to find anything
unsound, and returned to their homes impressed with the idea that a
groundless alarm had been sounded. Some three hundred and fifty persons--men,
women and children--repaired to the Pavilion, and were received and taken
care of during the sight. It was quite difficult to ascertain through the
evening the quantity of water flowing from the American river at the break,
the exact course it was likely to take, or the probable effect upon the
city. At about nine o'clock the bell of Protection Engine Company and
that of St. Rose Church were both rung. At that hour the water was coming
in from the east, both north and south of I street, and had reached
Twentieth street. Its effect had not baen felt at the southern portion of
the city, at Fifth and Sixth streets. As our report closes, at half-past
ten o'clock, it is difficult to say how far the water will extend. It is
generally believed that the eastern and southern portion of the city will
be flooded, but that the central and business portion will escape. Up to
our latest advices the levees at the tannery were still standing, and it
was thought they would maintain their position unless the river should
rise considerably through the eight. According to telegraphic information
received last evening from Folsom, the American river was not so high as
two weeks ago by seven feet. It was still raining at that place, and also
at Placerville, Strawberry and Coloma at nine o'clock in the evening.
The rain continued in this city at intervals throughout the evening.
On one occasion the stars made their appearance through openings in the
clouds, but they soon disappeared. At eleven o'clock last night the water
had reached Tenth and L streets, and stood at that point about a foot deep. . . .
THE RAIN.--At nine o'clock last evening the quantity of rain which had
fallen during the past twenty four hours, as reported by Dr. Logan, was
1.200 inches. The wind was still in the southwest.
THE SACRAMENTO.--The Sacramento rose during yesterday about ten
inches--standing at sundown at 19 feet 8 inches above low water mark. . . .
THE SLOUGH.--The rise of the water in Sutter slough, yesterday, was
about eighteen inches. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY. Dec. 23 1861.
The Board met at one o'clock P. M.--two hours later than the time fixed
at the last adjournment. President Shattuck, and Supervisors Granger,
Hite, Russell and Dickerson, were present. . . .
A communiction was received from G. W. Colby proposing to oblige himself
to build a bridge across Burns' slough, on J street, ninety-six feet long
and twelve feet in width, in accordance with an accompanying plan, for
$10 per lineal foot, payable in tolls to be collected at rates not more
than fifty per cert less than the present charges on the ferry running
at that point. If at any time the Board thought proper to dispense with
tolls, he would accept payment for the balance in city indebtedness at
$40 per foot. The dimensions of timbers, planks, etc., are minutely
specified. The floor of the bridge is to be ten feet above the present
hight of water in the slough. For a double track bridge, eighteen feet
wide in the clear, he would add fifty per cent. to the above prices.
On K street he would build a bridge one hundred and twelve feet long
at the same rates.
Supervisor Hite said the Committee had visited the place this morning,
and examined the structure propceed [sic] to be sold to the city by
Benjamin and McWilliams, and the Committee had decided to let the
ferries remain, and build no bridges at present, but require the
parties running ferries there to procure licenses. There were three
ferries, two of which had no license
Supervisor GRANGER said he understood the Committee to be in favor of
allowing Benjamin & McWilliams to continue their ferry, at the rates
fixed for the ferry on K street, on their paying thirty dollars for the
license, and with Supervisor Hite's consent he would make that a part of
the report. It would be difficult to build a bridge there now, but easy
enough at a proper season, and whenever a bridge should be built there
it ought to be much larger than the one proposed. Experience showed that
if the slough was not stopped up the water would require a passage way
of at least one hundred feet.
Supervisor RUSSELL said there was a proposition on the part of McWilliams
& Benjamin to give up their structure at the end of thirty days, and
he would move the acceptance of that proposition.
Mr. McWILLIAMS, by leave of the Board, said their proposition was to
keep J street in as good repair as at present for thirty days from date,
and at the end of that period, Jan. 23, 1862--to turn their boat over to
the city in as good condition as at present.
The report of the Committee granting a ferry license to
McWilliams & Benjamin for thirty days, on payment of $30, was adopted,
and the proposition to turn the property over to the city at the end of
that time was accepted.
The PRESIDENT called attention to the claim of A. D. Rightmire, for
expenses incurred on his contract to build a bulkhead at Rebel's
tannery, and said Rightmire had been compelled to hire money with
which to do the work, at two per cent, per month. He was now paying
that rate of interest on $3,500, and could not return a part of it
until he paid the whole, and the Board ought to take action immediately.
Supervisor HITE said he had a resolution to offer on that subject, and
submitted a resolution that the sum of $4,009 be appropriated to A. D.
Rightmire, payable out of the City Contingent Fund, for cash paid cut for
lumber, etc., provided that if within twenty-four hours the Citizens'
Committee shall pay him the sum of $1,002.25 in cash, he shall fully
release the city from the claim.
The resolution was adopted.
Supervisor RUSSELL said the Committee appointed to confer with the
Citizens' Committee on this subject had not yet been able to meet with
a quorum of that Committee, but they hoped to give them a chance to
redeem the city's credit, by paing [?] this $1,000 in order to save
$4,000. He had no doubt that this was a legitimate subject for the
Committee's expenditure, yet they might construe their authority
differently. If there were time, he would like to get an expression
of the citizens on this subject, as the Citizens' Committee seemed to
regard such an expression necessary.
Supervisor HITE said be would like to have Mr. Rightmire make a statement
to the Board, under oath, to show the necessity for this action.
The PRESIDENT objected that that would look like child's play, as
Mr. Rightmire had previously made his statement to the Board, and
the matter was now disposed of.
Supervisor HITE said he wanted the public to understand why they were
compelled to vote so large a sum. The public might think the city paper
worth more in the market.
Supervisor RUSSELL said he thought it would be well to call on
Mr. Rightmire to make a statement; it was only to show that twenty-five
per cent, was all that the scrip could be sold for.
Mr. RIGHTMIRE said he had not the slightest objection, and was sworn
by the President.
Supervisor HITE asked if he had canvassed the market to ascertain the
value of city indebtedness.
Mr. RIGHTMIRE replied that he had seen all the men that he knew of who
dealt in scrip, and could find but one man who would take it at any price,
and he said he would take it at twenty-five per cent.
The PRESIDENT expressed an earnest hope that the Finance Committee would
use their best efforts to induce the citizens to pay this money. He thought
it was clearly their business to pay it, as they had taken the contract
out of the hands of the Board.
Supervisor RUSSELL reported from the Finance Committee in favor of paying
the bill of A. D. Rightmire for $4,009, according to the resolution. The
report was approved.
The monthly report of the Finance Committee was read and approved, including
the Rightmire claim of $4,009. . . .
Supervisor RUSSELL moved that the parties asking aid for the Howard
Benevolent Society be allowed to withdraw their application. Carried.
Patrick Bannon appeared before the Board, asking for a change and slight
increase in the rates of toll established at his ferry across the slough,
at the present rates were very inconvenient and troublesome in making change.
On motion of Supevisor RUSSELL,.the rates were fixed, tor [sic] one or
two horse wagons twenty five cents, and twenty-flve cents additional for
each additional span--footmen free.
The bond of Mr. Bannon, $1,000, was approved.
Supervisor HITE said he was just now informed that the water was coming
into the city rapidly from the American river, and he would like to have
an alarm given.
Mr. Bannon said that must be an error. He had seen one of the Committee,
who had just returned from the slough, and he was informed that there was
no break.
Supervisor DICKERSON called attention to the condition of the levee below
the city, and said there never could be a better time for repairing it
than now.
The PRESIDENT said that whole matter was now in the hands of the so
called Vigilance Committee.
Supervisor GRANGER said he was ready to act if any one could tell what
could be done.
Supervisor DICKERSON said the only thing to do was to go to work and repair it.
Supervisor GRANGER submitted the following ordinance, which was read a
first and second time:
An Ordinance concerning the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company.
The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento, do hereby order and ordain as follows:
Section 1. The Sacramento Valley Railroad Company having violated,
and failed, neglected and refused to comply with the terms and conditions
upon which it was granted the right of way with and through the city, all
ordinances and parts of ordinances passed by the late Mayer and Common
Council of the city of Sacramento, or by the Board of Supervisors of the
city and county of Sacramento, granting the said Sacramento Valley Railroad
Company the right of way into the city, or the privilege to construct
and lay down railway tracks within the city, or granting it any rights,
franchises, privileges or immunities within the city limits, are hereby
repealed.
Sec. 2. The right of way is hereby granted to said Sacramento Valley
Railroad Company to make and maintain the necessary embankments, and
to construct and lay down railway tracks thereon, on and along the line
of R street, from the eastern limits of the city to a point one hundred
and fifty feet east of the east bank of Sutter Fort slough; and from
thence to construct and maintain said railway tracks upon open and
unobstructed trestle work, without any embankment or filling in of any
kind or nature whatsoever, to a point one hundred and fifty feet west
of the west bank of said slough; and from thence to make and maintain
the necessary embankment for such railway track on and along said R
street to the east line of Sixth street; and said Company is also hereby
authorized to lay down one or more tracks, with all the necessary
turnouts, such tracks and switches upon the aforesaid portion of R street,
on a road bed constructed in the manner aforesaid, and also upon any
street or alley between L and R, and Sixth and Tenth streets, which may
be selected by said Company as necessary to obtain sufficient curvature
for the purpose of communicating with and running their locomotives and
cars to their depot, which said depot may be erected at any point within
said limits; and said Company may at its option use either horse or steam
power on said road; and said Company is also authorized to use so much of
the R street levee as lies east of Sixth street; provided, however, that
nothing herein shall authorize said Company to cut away any portion of
said R street levee, or in any manner to reduce its hight or width from
the hight and width set forth for said levee on the plans and specifications
thereof on file in the City and County Surveyor's office; and provided,
further, that said Company shall not acquire any rights under this
ordinance untll it shall have graded Sixth street and each of the streets
crossing the R street levee east of Sixth street, in the manner prescribed
in "Ordinance No. 62--an ordinance relating to the grade of streets
crossing the R street levee," approved November 12, 1859, and shall also
have constructed on the north side of said levee, at the bottom of the
ditch, and under and through each of said street crossings, a stone culvert,
or wooden sewer made of three inch redwood plank, with a clear opening of
at least twelve square feet of drainage; and provided further, That nothing
in this ordinance contained shall be taken or construed to authorize the
erection of any cistern, water tank, or building, or the placing or
maintaining of any obstruction whatever, excepting only the necessary
rails on either of the streets or alleys of the city, and excepting only
that said company may erect the necessary water tanks and cisterns on
the R street levee, provided the same are at least fifty feet from the
nearest line of any cross street; and provided further, That the tracks,
turnouts, side tracks, turn tables and switches shall be so constructed
as to leave free from obstruction, and so that they may be conveniently
used for the passage of vehicles, animals and pedestrians, the streets
and alleys used by said company; and provided further, That if said
company shall at any time remove its principal office from this city,
or if it shall construct or connect with any railway track terminating
outside of the city, but in Sacramento county, within one mile of the
Sacramento river, and if said company shall fail, neglect or refuse to
comply with each and every of the terms of [sic] conditions of the
ordinance, then every right, privilege, immunity and franchise granted
by this ordinance shall cease and determine, and said company, its
successors and assigns, shall remove their track or tracks, together
with the appurtenances, from the city limits.
Supervisor RUSSELL offered an amendment inserting a provision that the
ordinance shall be void, etc, if the Rallroad Company shall at any time
make a distinction in the price of freight or passage between citizens
of Sacramento and other persons by any regulation in regard to transhipment,
through tickets or otherwise.
The PRESIDENT said that suited his views exactly, but it struck him that
the Board of Supervisors had no right to regulate the price of freight or
passage on the railroad.
Supervisor GRANGER was also of opinion that it would be a dead letter.
If they could insert it in a contract with the Company they might hold
them to it, but he questioned very much whether they could fix the prices
by ordinance.
The PRESIDENT said he had been very credibly informed that the Railroad
Company had been in the habit of charging about double the rates of
freight to Scramento that they charged to other places.
Supervisor RUSSELL said he only offered the amendment to have it
discussed, and with no view of passing it as a part of the ordinance
The amendment having been discussed was withdrawn.
Supervisor GRANGER moved to suspend the rules in order to put the
ordinance on its final passage.
Supervisor RUSSELL said they had not yet had time to consider it fully,
and he thought they had better lay it over.
The PRESIDENT said he would have no objection to passing it now if there
were any necessity for immediate action, but there were only four members
of the Board present, and hs thought it had better be postponed.
Supervisor GRANGER said his objection to postponement was that the
introduction of the ordinance would afford an excuse to the company
in the interim to proceed and fill up a portion of the space proposed
by the ordinance to be kept open. Unless they could have another
meeting within two or three days, with a chance of getting a fuller
attendance of members, he should press the motion to suspend the rules
now. His object was to inform the company upon what terms they could
be permitted to come into the city. They had violated every ordinance,
and he now proposed to begin anew with them.
The PRESIDENT said he was sorry to see half a dozen ordinances on this
same subject, when the whole matter might have been disposed of in one. .
On motion of Supervisor RUSSELL, the Board adjourned until to-morrow
(Tuesday) at twelve o'clock M.
PERILS ON THE MOUNTAINS.--A correspondent of the Tuolumne Courier,
writing from Aurora under date of Nov. 25th, relates the following hard
experience:
I left Mono on the 20th, and was overtaken by a violent snow storm, which
continued for twenty-four hours; thank God I succeeded in getting through
alive, and am around as usual. But first of Mono: The annual snow storm
of Mono commenced on the night of the 10th, and with but slight intermission
continued up to the 13th. The snow fell to the depth of from two to three
feet. On the night of the 13th, the large building known as Hate & Hughes'
saloon, from the pressure of snow upon the roof, gave way and came down
with a terrible crash, burying in the ruins Bob Lowdon and Isaac Sherman,
who were sleeping upon the tables near the room. Sherman was not very
seriously hurt, but Lowdon was much bruised, and perhaps inwardly injured.
It is a most remarkable circumstance that they escaped with their lives.
The billiard table was forced through the floor, and in fact every part of
the furniture and contents demolished. Lowdon is cared for by Downey and
wife, and his friends may rest assured that nothing will be left undone
which will tend to ameliorate his unfortunate condition, and as soon as
the weather will permit an effort will be made to bring him to this place.
On the 19th the weather was beautiful, and not the slightest appearance of
a storm; in company with Joseph Pettigrew (formerly of Sonora), I left
Mono for Aurora. After reaching the Half Way House (fifteen miles) we felt
able to go on, and thinking we would have moonlight we might get through
in the night. We had an animal packed, and got along very well for a few
miles, but in less than an hour we were overtaken by a snow storm, which
gradually increasad in violence until it blew a perfect hurricane. How
long we struggled through the snow drifts I cannot say, but we since know
that we reached a point within seven or eight miles of Aurora, when the
wind suddenly changed and blew directly in our faces. It now became a
matter of life or death with us, and we struggled on manfully for a short
distance, but becoming perfectly exhausted, no longer could we push our
way through. Here we lost the road, and fearing that any further effort
would subject us to being frozen to death--sick at heartand perfectly
exhausted, feeling we were lost forever--we turned in all directions
, and looked shelter, but there was none--not a tree, not a shrub,
no, not even the oft-cursed sage bush appeared, to cheer us in this
terrible hour.
Oar last hope was in our blankets, and finding a sage bush, we tied our
animal, threw them down and covered up as best we could. By this means
we managed to keep from freezing until day dawned upon us, Notwithstanding
the storm still raged with increasing violence, daylight was a truly
welcome visitor. Benumbed and almost helpless, we crawled out from
under the snow, and leaving six pair of blankets, saddle-bags with
clothing, carpet sack, boots, etc., managed to untie our poor animal,
which stood before us almost literally covered with ice and snow. We
knew we were off the road, and for two hours we labored incessantly to
find some trace of it, and after wandering for that length of time
through snow from four to five feet deep, we reached a point overlooking
the valley below, where we discovered the road, and in another hour we
knew where we were--some six miles from Aurora. Here we found some
willows, and vainly endeavored to kindle a fire. Again we took the road,
which was up the mountain for over two mile, I in front leading the
animal and breaking the road, while my companion was fast freezing and
suffering the most excruciating pains. Occasionally I would assist him
upon the animal, but the frequent snow drifts we would encounter would
compel him to alight. Thus, foot by foot, we slowly worked our way up
the long hill.
Upon reaching the summit we were within a mile of Esmeralda, but had a
terrible task before us. I felt exhausted, and insisted upon being
allowed to lay down for half an hour, but fortunately Pettigrew felt
better and I suddenly appeared to gain strength. His hands having been
badly frozen now felt more comfortable, and it became him in turn to
place me upon the animal. I could only keep the saddle, however, for
but one or two minutes at a time, it being impossible to ride through
the snowdrifts, in this way we rode, walked and crawled until we reached
the first occupied cabin in Esmeralda (one mile and a half from Aurora),
which proved to be that of Kile, who, assisted by his kind hearted lady,
God bless her, procured us a cup of tea and furnished us with snow and
snow water, in which we continued to bathe our frozen hands and feet for
over three hours. Pettigrew was unable to proceed any further last night,
but I, after enjoying a good supper with our generous host and hostess,
wended my way down to Aurora. I have been fortunate enough to escape
with comparatively little injury, but poor Pettigrew's hands are
dreadfully frozen, notwithstanding the remedies employed to save them.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3352, 25 December 1861, p. 1
. . .
[For the Union]
THE SO-CALLED VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
Supervisor DICKERSON called attention to the condition of the levee below
the city, and said there never could be a better time for repairing it
than now.
The PRESIDENT said that whole matter was now in the hands of the so-called
Vigilance Committee.
Supervisor GRANGER said he was ready to act if any one could tell what
could be done.
Supervisor DICKERSON said the only thing to do was to go to work and
repair it.--Union, Dec. 24th.
MESSRS. EDITORS: If the so-called Vigilance Committee" alluded to
by the distinguished President was organized for the ends that Vigilance
Committees sometimes are, the honorable gentleman might find it
inconvenient to make satisfactory answers to such questions as they
would without doubt propose. When their authorized officer would demand
from Mr. Shattuck why he suffered the Summer months to be spent in
frivolous or worse debate which should have been devoted to that species
of legislation that would have averted the terrible calamity just befallen
us, which has changed hundreds of happy homes into loathsome wildernesses
and has driven thousands to seek protection from the combined charity of
the people of this city and San Francisco, we apprehend that Shattuck's
sneer at the "so called Vigilance Committee" would give place to
a very different expression. The Board of Supervisors, with Shattuck as
Captain General, are responsible for the misfortunes we are now suffering
from. They were warned and cautioned a thousand times of the danger the
city was in from the imperfect condition of the levees, but disregarding
every admonition and every solicitation, they obstinately refused to do
the only thing they seemed capable of--vote the people's own money for
their protection. Summer passes away, Autumn follows in its train, and
when Winter comes and the front of Heaven is pregnant with fearful
threatenings, the sapient Board conclude a contract for our protection,
the performance of which is to commence on the 12th of December--mid
winter--the people know the rest. The 9th of December came with all
its horrors. It can now be traced in the faces of many stout men and
fair women. The toils of years were in one hour destroyed--the hopes
of years in one moment blasted; and now when the generous and charitable
come forward to seek to secure to their unfortunate fellow citizens
the little that is left, the author of all our troubles alludes to
them with a sneer, for which and for his ignorance alone he is celebrated,
as the "so called Vigilance Committee." There is no Vigilance
Committee in Sacramento. None to punish malfeasance in office, or mete
out prompt and immediate justice to those who wilfully trample on the
rights of others, but there is a Committee here who have sworn in the
bitterest tears of agony and distress that they will henceforward protect
themselves against ignorance and cupidity, and that they will call to a
severe account those who are more immediately responsible for their
present grievances. How they shall do so or when, the President of the
Board of Supervisors will hereafter learn.
A FRIEND TO THE
"SO CALLED VIGILANCE COMMITTEE."
THE STORM AT MARYSVILLE.--The Marysvilla Appeal of December 24th,
gives some particulars of the effects of the second great storm at that
place. It says:
So much rain here and above Marysville, caused the Yuba to rise slowly
all day Sunday, and at a late hour last night the stream was thought
to have raised about twelve feet since Saturday night, and was still
rising. The Feather, usually several hours behind the Yuba in rising,
had not commenced rising any, at last accounts; consequently the Yuba
was running with a swift current, not being set back by the Feather, but
the slough has been set back from the Yuba, and was running over its banks
at its lowest points, just above the Third street bridge, flooding all
that thoroughfare below E street, and making an island of Williams'
flouring mill. As long as the Feather does not rise, there is not the
least danger to be apprehended from the Yuba at this point, although
the telegraphic items elsewhere indicate a rising on the upper
branches. But the stream has to rise a long way to be near the high
water mark of the last flood. Preparations were made last night to
repel the advances of any freshet by embankments made along Commercial
alley, in the rear of Van Muller & Co.'s store, and many families
from the country come into town for safety last night, and several
families on the west side of the slough, drowned out by the last flood,
left their habitations again for fear they might be obliged to leave in
the night. Across the Yuba, opposite town, the water is making a clean
sweep across the spit of land between the Yuba and Feather. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
We are advised that the principal streams north and northeast of
Sacramento rose considerable yesterday from the heavy rains, but the
effect was not marked on the waters of the Sacramento and American.
The former rose only about ten inches for the last twenty-four hours,
and the latter fell about one foot. In that portion of the city which
was submerged yesterday morning by the crevasse at Burns' slough on the
night previous, the water gradually subsided during the day. Last night
it was generally believed that all danger had passed, though some were
fearful that a further rise of the Sacramento might back the waters of
the American over the levee at Rabel's tannery. This could hardly be the
case, as we were informed last night at the Telegraph office that the
American river at Folsom had fallen six feet from the mark of the
previous night.
A man whose name is supposed to be William H. Tymanor, or Tyman, was
drowned yesterday while attempting to go on board the Nevada.
THE RIGHTMIRE CONTRACT.--A few days since, the Supervisors entered into
a contract with A. D. Rightmire to build a breakwater at Rabel's tannery.
The season was so far advanced that we doubted the policy of entering into
a contract to do the work. The better plan, we conceived, would be for the
Levee Committee to have it done by the piece and by the day. But that
Committee thought proper to let the work on contract to Rightmire for
$17,000 in scrip, or $7,500 in cash, he giving bond and security to
complete it in a given number of days. The river rose in about a week
after the contract was signed, the floods came and rendered it impossible
for Rightmire to do the work as required by the terms of his contract.
The rise of water also showed a change in the current of the river, which
rendered the piling and planking at the tannery unnecessary. Rightmire
would be liable on his bond if the work was not completed as per contract,
and the common sense course for the Board would have been to say to him,
we will release you from your contract and bond if you desire it. But
the Board did not want the contract complied with, and the parties
proposed a compromise. One was finally agreed upon, under which the
Board agree to pay Rightmire his expenses, and the loss he estimates
will be experienced in disposing of the lumber bought. Rightmire's bill
was $1,002.25--cash, to pay which, the Board audit a claim in his favor
for $4,009 as a debt against the city. This was a nice transaction.
The Board first agree to pay $17,000 in city indebtedness for a job for
which the contractor was willing to take $7,500, and then, to get relieved
from this contract, the members agree that the city, at some future day,
shall pay $4,009 for that which could now be satisfied for $1,002.25.
This $4,009 the city is to pay for the blunders of her authorities--or
to be released from a contract of their making, which the contractor
could not perform, and which he would have been compelled to ask to be
rescinded in order to save his bondsmen. Supervisor Hansbrow yesterday
protested against the action of the Board, and by a kind of common
consent the transaction is to rest on the table, upon a motion to
reconsider, until the next regular meeting. So outrageous did the
transaction look yesterday, that Supervisor Russell proposed to pay one
hundred dollars of the claim out of his private funds. If paid at all
it should be by subscription, as the action proposed by the Board is
unquestionably contrary to the provisions of the law, and would be held
null and void by the Courts.
CHRISTMAS.--. . . Although duly mindful of the requirements of the day,
the people of Sacramento do not feel like entering upon its observance
with their olden spirit, weighed down as they are by the heavy affliction
of the flood, but they are ready to extend a kindly greeting to those
who are more favorably situated, and heartily wish them, one and all,
a "Merry Christmas."
STAGE ACCIDENT.--As the Oroville stage was leaving Marysville, Monday
morning, December 23rd, and attempting to cross the slough, the vehicle
was capsized and a Chinese passenger drowned. The stage was lost. . . .
THE LABORS OF THE SUPERVISORS
Since the occurrence of the flood, over two weeks ago, what have the city
authorities done for the protection or relief of the people of the city?
They have, we believe, employed the chain gang in doing a few small jobs,
but beyond that have the members of the Board of Supervisors taken a
single step to defend the city or to put it in a condition to be inhabited
with any degree of satisfaction by those accustomed to the ordinary
comforts of civilized life? So far as we know, the Supervisors have not
so much as furnished plank to build bridges over the ditches through J
and K streets, dug by individuals to relieve their houses and lots of
water. Not an effort has been made by them to repair the streetaso [sic]
as to render them passable east of Tenth street for loaded wagons. Not a
sewer has been made or a ditch cut to aid in relieving the city of water,
by order of the Board of Supervisors. The levees and their repairs are
turned over to the Committee of citizens. Not even a contract for a
bridge over the slough, the builder to take his pay in tolls, has been
let, though seventeen days have passed since the flood. A ferry or two
have been licensed, but ferries are a poor substitute for bridges. One
of the parties granted a license agrees to keep J street in as good
condition as it now is; it is now nearly impassable for loaded wagons.
Both J and K need a good deal of work from Tenth street to the slough,
and if tolls are to be paid for crossing it, the toll gatherers should
be bound to put both those streets into good order for the season.
There has been no work of consequence done on them since 1853, and as
the Board of Supervisors act as if they were helpless in the matter, the
members ought certainly to see that those who collect the tolls should
do the work necessary to place them in a reasonably good condition for
traveling. There is hay enough in the city ruined by the flood, if
hauled upon those streets, to fill the holes and deep cuts made by
loaded wagons. Unless something is done in the way of repairing them,
they will soon become impassable.
The Board may plead in excuse for not doing anything for the relief
of the city the absence of money in the treasury and the total
destruction of the city's credit. True, cash is wanting, but in an
exigency like the present our city authorities ought to possess
financial ability and personal character sufficient to enable them
to raise the money so absolutely needed for self protection.
In 1852 the fire swept out of existence three-fourths of the capital
in the city; a few days subsequent the ruins were engulphed in the
waters of the American, and for a time it looked as if the fate of
Sacramento was sealed. The credit of the city was then about as low
as it could sink. On the credit of the corporation the Mayor could
not purchase plank to cover a half dozen bridges destroyed by the
fire. But the authorities, on their personal credit and the pledge
that the money should be returned by a special tax, borrowed $20,000,
and commenced work vigorously to place the city again in a living
condition. It was a desperate struggle, but the authorities succeeded.
The city is now millions richer than she was at that time, but the
authorities were unable to get credit or to borrow a few thousands
upon a pledge of future reimbursement through the taxing power. They
left for private citizens to do what should have been performed by
those in authority. It was the conviction in the public mind that the
Board of Supervisors was not equal to the occasion, which mainly caused
the people at first to turn to the Interest and Sinking Fund for relief.
But if the credit of the city is down almost to the freezing point, who,
besides the present and past Boards of Supervisors, are responsible for
the miserable condition of the city finances? The Board has been year
after year auditing claims against the city funds, when the members knew
there was not a dollar to pay them. This practice has continued until
claims on the Contingent Fund are estimated by the Board itself as only
worth twenty-five cents on the dollar. In settling with the Controller
for work which was to have been done at Rabel's tannery, but which
cannot now be done, and ought not to be if it could, the Board allow
him in city indebtedness $4,009, for a claim for which he would accept
in cash $1,002.25. Such financial operations would soon beggar the
richest city on the globe.
It must, however, be admitted that the Board of Supervisors has been very
earnestly engaged for several days during its late regular session--not
in adopting measures for the relief of a people prostrated by the flood,
but in the passage of ordinances aimed at the Sacramento Valley Railroad,
which are certain to involve the city in expensive litigation with the
company without gaining a single step towards the end the members had in
view. Had the Board proceeded legally it might have initiated proceedings
which would have resulted probably in forcing the company to take up its
tracks on Front street, and to build its freight and passenger depot on
Sixth street. But as every move it made was of questionable legality, the
result must be a lawsuit in which the city will prove the sufferer. There
is, however, some consolation to be gathered from the reflection that
these acts of folly and imbecility on the part of the Board will
strengthen the public mind in the conviction of the absolute necessity
of repealing so much of the Consolidation bill as unites the city
and county. . . .
WORK BY THE CITIZENS' COMMITTEE.
A few days more of reasonably favorable weather would have enabled the
Citizens' Committee to so far complete the work at Burns' slough as to
have placed the levee beyond the reach of the water in any ordinary
flood. It would in a couple of days have been in a position to defy
the water when no higher than it was Monday and the night following.
But the Committee only had about five days to work in; they pushed it
along energetically, but when the river rose so suddenly they lacked
a couple of feet of being high enough to keep the water from flowing
over the new portion of the levee, and carrying away in a few minutes
the results of the labor of the men employed. The work done at Rabel's
tannery is likely to prove equal to any future emergency. The release
of so many men at Burns' slough, will enable the Committee to complete
the work at the tannery, in a substantial manner. The Committee will be
left free to deal with the levee from Thirty-first street to the
Sacramento, and down that river to Y street.
There is a point between Sixth and Seventh streets, on the slough,
which has been weakened by Chinamen digging places on the inside to set
their washing apparatus, and also by the encroachments of others on the
outside. This point ought to be strengthened materially and immediately.
The levee on the Sacramento below R street ought also to be attended to.
It is not safe as it stands. A new levee should be raised back of the
old one. Below that to Y street the levee needs raising and its width
increased. There has been little work expended on that levee since it
was built, in 1850; it has settled and been worn down by travel until
it is probably from a foot to eighteen inches lower than it was when
built. No further work can be done at Burns' slough until the river
falls several feet; but in the meantime work may be performed on
the line of levee between that point and Thirty-first street.
After the water broke over on Monday evening it followed the old line
of slough down to the Thirty-first street levee, near the eastern
termination of F, G and H streets, where the previous flood effected
a serious breach in the levee. A road crossed it at this point, and
the water crossed first on the road and subsequently cut the levee
away on each side, so as make quite a crevasse. It was through this
a portion of the water from the slough made its way Monday night north
of J street, and as this street is raised to nearly the elevation of
the levees, it was forced to extend itself west into the city as far
as Eighth street before it could find an opening for crossing J and K
streets. The effect was to partially submerge that portion of the city
lying immediately north of J street and east of Seventh. There ought
to be a large canal dug through J and K, east of Fourteenth street, so
as to permit water north of J to pass off south towards the R street
levee. As only a small portion of the water flowing through at the head
of Burns' slough comes in at the break near F street, if the Committee
would put a few men to work there they would soon stop the water and
relieve all that portion of the city north of J and east of Seventh.
There is another break a little south of M street, which discharges a
considerable water into the southern section of the city, which might
easily be so far closed as to relieve the city of water from that
source. While the slough remains open at the head, the particular
breaks in the Thirty-first street levee, which admit water into the
city, might advantageously be closed so far as to shut out the water
which comes into the city from these openings. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Identified--The Savings and Loan Bank Panic--Rough Weather on the Pacific Coast--Broderick Will Case.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 24th. . . .
Frederick Jerome, a boatman, found the body of an infant in the water
at North Point, to-day. . . .
Vessels from the Northern coast report rough weather. The bark Nellie
Merrill went ashore on Agment reef, but got off and came into port
leaking badly. Vessels outward bound had to put back in consequence
of the weather. . . .
It is still raining here.
FURTHER FLOOD IN SOUTHERN OREGON.--The Jacksonville Sentinel of Dec. 14th
gives some particulars of an additional flood with which the people of
Southern Oregon have been visited:
On last Sunday we were visited with a much more destructive flood than
that of the previous week. On the night of Friday, Dec. 6th, a heavy rain
set in, and continued to pour down heavily almost without intermission
until Sunday morning. This body of water pouring into the channels which
were yet full from the flood of the preceding week, was too great for
the ordinary bounds of the streams, and in consequence it spread over
a considerable portion of the valley. The lower portion of our own town
was submerged from the waters of Jackson creek, and the valley was
converted into a group of numberless small islands and lakes. Jacksonville
and the immediate vicinity has sustained no material damage, but from
other portions of the county we learn that the losses have been very
severe.
It is said that Neal's Canon, beyond Ashland, through which a stream
of water was running, on Sunday, became clogged by accumulated drift
logs, and backed up an immense body of water. Under the heavy pressure
the dam gave way, and the water rushed with irresistible velocity down
the valley, carrying everything before it. By this torrent we understand
that William Taylor lost his outhouses, grain, etc. We have not
particulars as to the full extent of damage, but the loss must be heavy.
The farmers along Bear river have suffered. One gentleman who owns a farm
on that stream, tells us that on Sunday he stood by for a while and
watched his properly, in fences, float off at the rate of about one
hundred dollars per hour. He lost a number of horses and several
thousand rails, and without doubt, many others have been equally
unfortunate.
There have probably been many heavy losses that we are unable to
record, owing to the interruption of communication, even from portions
of our own county. With the miners, the damages they have suffered
will be more than repaired by the supply of water, which is
indispensably requisite to their profitable labor. It is to be hoped
that the mines may pay well enough to leave a margin of profit to
the community over all losses
The Rogue river bridge, which had weathered the first storm, was not
able to withstand the latter. Its loss, up to the present time has
effectually blocked communication north of us. We think it safe to
say that there is scarcely a bridge left in its position over a
single stream in the county. . . .
THE FLOOD NORTH AND NORTHEAST.--Dispatches to the Marysville Appeal
give the folloving [sic] intelligence under date of December 23d:
At Downieville the river has not raised much since noon, and it is not
so high as was the last flood.
At Foster's Bar, on the North Yuba, and at Freeman's, on the Middle Yuba,
the water is up to the highest mark, and still rising. The South Yuba, at
four o'clock, was up to the highest point, and rising fast.
Deer creek, which runs through Nevada City, is full as high as it was
at the late storm, and rising rapidly.
It continues to rain hard in Downieville, Forest City, Camptonville,
San Juan and Nevada.
CHICO, Dec. 23--9 P. M.
Chico creek is not quite so high as it was at the last flood, but other
creeks in the vicinity are higher. At five o'clock the Sacramento river
was rising a foot an hour.
RED BLUFFS, Dec. 23--9 P. M.
The Sacramento river is as high as it was last year, and still rising. . . .
NORTHERN SIERRA.--The La Porte Messenger of December 2lst has the
following:
We stated last week that $2,000 would not cover the loss sustained
by the owners of the Rabbit creek flume by the freshet, but we are
informed by Underhill that, upon prospecting the gravel in the bed
of the flume, it has given evidence of richness sufficient to guarantee
the belief that it will clean up enough richer in the Spring to
compensate for all damage done the works. The vast amount of gravel
which washed through the channel during the rise moved a great deal
of gold, preparing a rich deposit for future harvest.
At Howland Flat, the Union Company, after working about fifty hands
ten or twelve days, cleaned up over $25,000! with the prospect of
finishing up the washing with about $6,000 more. The Down East Company,
working ten men, clean up weekly, and average about $600 a week
through the season. All the claims are said to be doing well at Howland. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CHRISTMAS.--In consequence of the late flood and continued rains, our
citizens have made but little preparation for the celebration of
Christmas compared with that of former years. Nevertheless, and
although clouds may overhang us physically, and perhaps throw a
shadow over our spirits, we shall generally, it is to be hoped, spend
the day in a becoming manner, making it to ourselves and to each
other a day of joy and gladness. . . .
THE INUNDATION.--Although considerable anxiety and alarm was felt by
our citizens on account of the breaking of the levee at Burns' slough
on Monday night, it proved to be not much of a night for floods after
all. The current swept down the slough past the Fort and Poverty Ridge
with great velocity, and as the slough filled up, made an advance to
the west upon the city. The American was not so high by three or four
feet as it was on the memorable morning of the 9tth of December, and
consequently the progress of the water was much less rapid and less
destructive than on that day. On account of the dilapidated condition
of the Thirty-first street levee, the water seemed to progress along
the whole eastern line with about equal rapidity, coming in north
as well as south of J street simultaneously. By morning, the most
of the city east of Twelfth and south of L streets was inundated.
I, J and K streets, west of 11th and 12th, and L west of 17th, together
with the cross streets, were not reached by the water. Business,
therefore, was but little disturbed, and there was no damage of
consequence done to goods and merchandise. The openings through the
R street levee rendered the fall of the water easy, and throughout
the day a lively current poured through to the south. The water
commenced to recede from the city before noon, and continued to
lower slowly until night. The level of the water at its highest
point was about four and a half feet below that of December 9th.
DROWNED.--At a quarter before two o'clock yesterday afternoon, an
unknown man, while going aboard the steamer Nevada, fell into the
river and was drowned. As he stepped upon the plank, one end of it
slipped from the boat, which was rocking considerably at the time,
and both man and plank fell. He came to the surface, and struggled
against the current, but was carried several rods down stream. Three
boats started to his relief, but failed to reach him. The body sunk,
and has not been recovered. A carpet sack which he held in his hand
was picked up, and was sent to the office of Coroner Reeves. It
contained a black cloth dress coat, a white shirt, two pairs socks,
a Testament, neckerchief, razor, etc., etc. On the edge of the leaves
of the Testament were the letters W. H. T. On a fly leaf was the name
"William Hughes Tyman," or something near it. On the collar of the
shirt the name "Noble--75" was stamped in ink with type. The socks
were apparently knit by hand, were of wool, and were marked with
the letters W. H., and numbers 1, 2. etc., marked with a needle.
The articles above referred to will remain at the rooms of the
Coroner for identification.
THE RIVERS AND LEVEES.--The Sacramento river had risen at sunset last
evening ten inches within the preceding twenty-four hours, and stood
twenty-one feet six inches above low water mark, the entire rise of the
past three days being thirty inches. The rise continued until afternoon,
when the river seemed to come to a stand. The American river commenced
to fall early in the morning, and lowered some twelve or fifteen inches.
In the afternoon it appeared to be kept at the same point by back water
from the Sacramento. The levees, except those points at Burns' slough,
and westward to the Tivoli, which gave way the night before stood firm
through the day. After dark last evening, however, J. O'Brien came in
from the tannery and stated that should the American raise six inches
higher the levee at that point, old and new, would surely give way, and
the stream would come directly into the city. A few men were sent out
by the Committee of Safety. In a late dispatch from Folsom, last
evening, it is stated that the American river had fallen six feet
since morning. . . .
THE WEATHER.--There were some indications yesterday morning of the
breaking up of the cloudy canopy above us, but the southeasterly
wind worked hard for more rain, and more rain came. It continued
through the greater portion of the day. At about dusk the wind
shifted to the west, the clouds disappeared, the stars presented
a beautiful appearance, the atmosphere became quite cool, and at
eleven o'clock everything looked and felt like clear weather. . . .
CARRIED AWAY.--The flood of water which swept through Burns' slough on
Monday night, when the embankment gave way, carried off both the ferry
boat and the temporary bridge at the Fort. On this account, and from
the fact that J and K streets were badly washed, there was little
or no travel in that direction yesterday. . . .
THE PAVILION.--Some four hundred persons lodged at the Pavilion on
Monday night. Five or six hundred persons were fed there yesterday
and about two hundred were accommodated there last night. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, Dec. 24, 1861.
The Board met at fifteen minutes before one o'clock, the President and
Supervisors Granger, Hite, Hansbrow and Dlckerson in attendance . . .
The ordinance concerning the Sacramento Valley Railroad, introduced
yesterday by Supervisor Granger, was taken up.
Supervisor HANSBROW offered an amendment in section two--striking out "L"
and interesting [sic] "O"--so as to authorize the company to lay down
tracks, etc , "upon any street or alley between O and R and Sixth and
Tenth streets which may be selected by said company, etc. This, he said,
would give them the range of twelve blocks, which he thought was quite
sufficient.
The amendment was adopted.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that the ordinance be placed on its final passage.
Supervisor HITE said he was rather inclined to oppose this ordinance.
He could not see the necessity of giving the company a right of way at
the present time, and the Board had already passed two ordinances in
regard to the railroad, which ought to be enough for the present.
He thought it was the prevailing wish of the people to change the
location of the railroad so as to come in on the north side of the city,
and perhaps if they waited, propositions on that subject, would come from
the Railroad Company. The Board had already forbidden their going west
of fifth street, and he was not in favor of their coming in on the R
street levee at all. The people in his section of the city would prefer
to have no levee there at all.
Supervisor GRANGER said he wanted the ordinance passed to-day, because
if it were delayed, the Railroad Company would have a good excuse in
the future to fill in the Sutter Slough, not having been notified of
any adverse expression of the Board. If eventually the railroad came
in on the north side, it would only be brought about by negotiation
and contract with the city, and that could not be matured and the work
done in less than twelve months. In the meantime where was the railroad
to come? There would be no ordinance to prevent the filling in of the
slough, and once it was filled up, even if the company went on the north
side, either the city would be compelled to remove the filling, or sue
the Railroad Company to compel than to do it. He had no doubt that the
company would fill it up, at least so as to leave only the sixty feet
opening required by the old ordinance, which experience had shown was
not a sufficient passage-way for the water. It was in consequence of
the pressure at that narrow place that the late flood broke through on
J street. Now was the time for the Board to say on what terms it would
allow the railroad to run into the city to Sixth street, and he was
surprised that Supervisor Hite should oppose it, as he had been
particularly anxious to have something done to prevent future
disasters. It was true that they had passed an ordinance to compel
the company to take up their track west of Sixth street, but this
had no relation to that subject, and he was not aware that they had
passed more than one ordinance in relation to the Railroad Company.
If this proposed ordinance required litigation, and the city could
not sustain herself, then let them know it, for the city would be
required to build much higher levees.
Supervisor HITE repeated that his objection was that he did not want
the railroad to come in on R street at all. The road was gone now, and
the Board could restrain them from rebuilding it until they made
arrangements to come in on the north side. He did not see any advantage
in requiring that one hundred and fifty feet of trestle work, for
there were at least two other places in the slough that would need
to be enlarged by the city. He believed the company had forfeited all
their rights, and he was for holding them back until proper arrangements
were made.
Supervisor HANSBROW said this ordinance was drawn in accordance with
the old one, and he thought with Supervisor Granger, that whatever was
done should be done now. The Board could go no farther after the passage
of this ordinance, and if then the railroad could, in defiance of their
wishes, run where the company thought proper, at least thielr duty would
be done. If the UNION of this morning was good authority, as it generally
was, although it missed the mark sometimes, when they had a right to
repeal the ordinance allowing the road to be constructed from Sixth
street out, or, in other words, to deter it from entering the city.
Therefore if the judgment of the UNION was correct, the passage of an
ordinance of this kind was requisite and necessary.
Supervisor HITE said the old ordinance provided for removing the track
by giving notice and paying the expense of taking it up, and also in
case of violation of contract on the part of the railroad. In the
latter case, the Board could at any time declare the ordinance granting
the right of way rescinded up to Twelfth street, he believed; and did
not know but it extended to the city limits. That could be done without
notice, and that was the right which he desired to exercise at this time.
Supervisor DICKERSON said this was a matter which the city delegation
ought to decide for themselves, and therefore he did not wish to
interfere, although it was as important subject.
The PRESIDENT suggested that the matter lie over till a fuller meeting
could be had.
Supervisor GRANGER said he was satisfied, and so was the President
that nine-tenths of the people demanded just such an ordinance, but
he did not think the people desired to require the railroad to
terminate outside of the city, for that would be no advantage either
to the city or the traveling public. [Here Supervisor Russell came
in and took his seat] He (Granger) thought Supervisor Hite was
yesterday in favor of this ordinance, but to-day having read a piece
of criticism which appeared in the UNION the gentleman seemed to have
become frightened.
Supervisor HITE said he had not read the UNION of that day yet
Supervisor GRANGER said he knew what the citizens wanted as well as
the editors of the UNION did, and mingled with them quite as much,
and he knew there was one united expression in favor of this measure.
If the Railroad Company were permitted to rebuild this embankment now,
and afterwards required to remove it, they would say it was a hardship
and the Board ought to have apprised them of its intentions so as to
save the expense, To shut the railroad out to Thirty-first street would
increase the cost of transportation; if it cost six bits to cart to
Sixth street it would probably cost twice as much to Thirty-first street,
and that would be a disadvantage to the city. The damage to the city by
the Railroad filling up the slough was not less than a million and a
half of dollars, and now it was only proposed to specify the length
of the trestle work to replace that filling. It was charged that this
Board of Supervisors should have prevented that filling, but he was
happy to say that it all occurred under the old city organization,
which also passed every ordinance giving rights and privileges to
the railroad, and upon them rested the responsibility. But now, when
by a visitation of the elements they had discovered the evil, they
proposed to do all they could to remedy it. Still he was deposed to
deal liberally, and not exclude the railroad to Thirty-first street,
and they would be the better disposed to negotiate to come in on the
north side. If the depot were located on Thirty-first street it would
require half an hour more time for citizens to catch the train, so that
it would be a loss of time and increased expense to them as well as to
the traveling public generally.
Supervisor HITE said he would vote for the ordinance although he still
thought it would be better to exclude the railroad entirely in that
direction. If there had been no railroad the late flood would have
been no more disastrous than the one to-day, for all that saved the
city to-day was the water flowing off as fast as it came in through
the various breaks in the levee. But Supervisor Granger's argument
about the additional cost of transportation to Thirty-first street
was the worst one that he could use. If it was an advantage to
remove the railroad terminus to Sixth street, it would be a still
greater advantage to move it to Twelfth street, or even further.
He believed the road ought to come still nearer to the river, if it
could come in a proper place, but he would never consent to allow
the railroad to turn a wheel on Front street
Supervisor GRANGER said there was another argument in favor of having
the terminus on Sixth street. The Sacramento merchants now had to pay
cartage, while those in the interior having their goods transhipped
by railroad paid none, thus placing the Sacramentans at a disadvantage.
Besides, the railroad on Front street was a great inconvenience. He
thought it was only a reasonable protection of our own citizens to
place the terminus at Sixth street. They owed no sympathy to the
railroad, which, instead of showing gratitude for past favors, had
charged Sacramento twice as much for freight as San Francisco. It was
no advantage to a city to have a railroad pass through it, and Folsom
had grown up at the expense of Sacramento by being the terminus of
the railroad.
The ordinance was passed--yes Supervisors Granger, Russell, Hassbrow,
Hite, Dickerson--5; noes, 0.
On motion of Sapervisor Dickerson, the Clerk was directed to deliver
a copy of the ordinance to the agent of the railroad. . . .
Supervisor HANSBROW asked leave to express his opinion in regard to
the legislation of the Board yesterday concerning A. D. Rightmire's
claim. He did not impugn the motives of any member, yet he looked upon
that act as one of the worst pieces of legislation ever enacted by
the Board. He would have been present yesterday, but after waiting
an hour and five minutes past the time fixed for the meeting, he
was obliged to leave to meet an engagement, and consequently did
not attend. But in the meantime he conversed with Rightmire, and
assured him that he never could consent to such an enormous reduction
as 75 per cent, on the city scrip. He admitted the justice of
Rightmire's claim, but he really thought the Board had not considered
the consequences of its action. He was particularly surprised that
the proposition should have come from a member who had preached
nothing but economy; yet it was upon that gentleman's proposition
that the Board voted to pay $4,009 of money to be paid by the
taxpayers, in order to pay a bill of $1,002. The idea was absurd
and preposterous, and had already created great commotion. People
had asked him what in the name of heaven they were doing. Were they
going to compel the city to repudiate? Such a thing was never before
done as the city fixing the value of its own scrip at 25 cents on
the dollar. He did not wish to injnre Mr. Rightmire, but he protected
[sic] against the action, especially at this crisis, when the taxpayers
were almost on the verge of destruction. It was enough to drive the
city to repudiation, and he did not see how they could avoid it.
He was sorry Supervisor Hite had shown himself so inconsistent in
this matter, and for his part, he would hereafter refuse to expend
a dollar of the City Contingent Fund unless in a case of absolute
necessity. He believed if the Board would reconslder its action,
they could negotiate in some way to obtain the money for Mr. Rightmire.
He would be willing to pay the interest on his whole loan for a month
if necessary, rather than take such a step.
Supervisor RUSSELL moved to reconsider the action of the Board on
Mr. Rightmire's bill, and said he would be one of ten citizens to
advance the money on the claim.
Supervisor HITE said be believed Supervisor Hansbrow had withheld
his name from original contract with Mr. Rightmire. This People's
Committee had taken that whole matter out of the hands of the Board,
and informed them officially that the work was not needed, and they
could save great expense to the city by rescinding the contract.
The Board agreed with Mr. Righmire to do so, paying him in cash for
his expenditures on the contract. The whole Board, Supervisor Hansbrow
included, pledged their word to that agreement. But they had no money,
and it appeared that the city indebtedness was worth only two bits on
the dollar. Whose fault was that--the fault of the Board or of the tax
payers? They had presumed that the Citizens' Committee would pay the
money, but they would take no action on the subject, and there was no
other way in which to redeem their plighted faith than to give
Mr. Rightmire the city indebtedness at the price it would fetch. Still,
he doubtless would be willing to take the money and give up the scrip,
and if anybody had been so ingenious as to devise another plan he
would be happy to hear it.
Supervisor HANSBROW explained that he withheld his name from the
original contract in order to be consistent, as he had opposed it
from the beginning. He proposed that Mr. R. be allowed a bill for
one month's interest on the whole amount borrowed by him, and in
that time he thought they could raise the money. The interest would
only amount to $80 or $90, and if there was no law for it the Board
had at all events accomplished the same thing heretofore without law.
The PRESIDENT said he and Supervisors Granger and Russell had had
a talk with several members of the Citizens' Committee, but could
not make such impression on them.
Supervisor DICKERSON said as this matter had been referred to as
unprecedented he would ask if there was not a similar case last
summer when it was stated that it would cost $25 cash to raise
an old hulk, and the Board allowed for doing the work a bill of $100.
Supervisor HANSBROW insisted that that was not a parallel case; it
was absolutely necessary to cut down that hulk in order to insure
the safety of millions of property and hundreds of lives.
A. D. RIGHTMIRE said he would like to make a statement, and in the
first place, would ask under what law and with what face he could
come before this Board, or before the Auditor, and ask to be allowed
a bill for interest? There was not a shadow or scintilla of law for it.
Supervisor HANSBROW now said it was just as legal as to take $4,000 to
pay a bill of $1,000.
A. D. RIGHTMIRE said he had taken it upon himself to consult with Figg,
Harris and Knox, of the Citizens' Committee, and they told him they did
not consider that the Committee had anything to do with this matter.
He saw no other way to raise the money, even if they put it off six
months, and they must bear in mind that in the meantime he was the
only party that had to stand the risk.
Supervisor HANSBROW said he would pay his pro rata of the interest for
one month rather than have the Board commit such an act of legislation.
Supervisor RUSSELL said he would do the same.
Supervisor HANSBROW said in spite of the question of legality they had
been compelled to allow similar accounts to parties from time to time,
in order to do justice. They were beginning to learn that the
Consolidation bill would not work.
Supervisor RUSSELL said the only hope of extrication from the dilemma
laid in raising this money outside. He was willing to advance towards
it more than he could well spare, until he could be reimbursed by the
city, and he would be one of the five city members to pay the interest
for a month also.
Supervisor HITE said he was sorry that great financier did not make
his appearance yesterday. He was not acting on the square in coming
in at this late hour, in order to make capital out of this thing.
Why was he not there yesterday to redeem his word as he should and
might have been. He (Hite,) was for retrenchment and economy, but
he was also for dealing honestly and justly. If the credit of the
city was bad it was not their fault, and it was less the fault of
the Consolidation bill than of the taxpayers.
Supervisor GRANGER said the press and the public had demanded the
work at Rabel's tannery, and went on to give a detailed account of
the contract with Rightmire. Even if they paid him the $4,000, the
city would save $14,000 on the contract by the aid of the elements,
and that he regarded as pretty good financiering. If by this Act they
were fixing the value of the city paper, they were compelled to do so
by the force of circumstances. He would pay his share of the interest,
however, If Rightmire would consent to postpone the matter at least
till next month. This Board had not created city indebtedness
unnecessarily.
Supervisor HANSBROW said the only force of circumstances which
compelled the Board to take this course was the representations
of two or three sharpers who dealt in scrip. Were these men to be
allowed to determine the value of the city paper? It was their sworn
duty to regard the city paper as worth dollar for dollar and act
accordingly, and not be guided by men who lived by taking advantage
of the necessities of others.
Supervisor GRANGER asked if Mr. Rightmire would pledge himself to
keep his paper till next meeting, the members guaranteeing the interest.
A. D. RIGHTMIRE.--I will, provided you will allow the matter to remain
as it is
Supervisor GRANGER said that would satisfy him. The Board might act
as if it considered the paper worth dollar for dollar; but they could
not compel men to buy it at that rate, because the buyer had a right
to make at least half of the bargain. He regarded the prohibition of
.the.Consolidation Act, against creating indebtedness beyond the annual
revenue, as a failure and said the people demanded its repeal. The
fault was with the taxpayers, for the delinquent tax list for the last
five years had exceeded $50,000, and it was notorious that some of the
wealthiest citizens had not paid a dollar of tax since 1857. Yet they
had been obliged to keep up the city government, and the police
organization, or allow the city to be overrun by assassins and
highwaymen. The old city government had run the city in debt purchasing
fire engines, Worthington pumps and so on, and this Board had not
created over $40,000.00 [?] indebtedness. If the delinquent taxes
were paid, there would be money in the treasury to-day. The people
used to pay four per cent taxes without grumbling, but now the rate
was much less, and even including the special taxes, the people of
Sacramento paid less taxes than those of El Dorado and some other
counties.
Supervisor HITE moved that the whole subject be postponed till
the first meeting in January, and remain as it now stands before
the Board until that time. Carried.
The Board then adjourned until two o'clock, P. M.., on Monday,
January 6, 1862.
THE FLOOD AT CRESCENT CITY AND SMITH RIVER VALLEY.--The Jacksonville
Sentinel, of December 14th thus refers to the effects of the
late storm in the vicinity of Crescent City and Smith river:
Snow fell on the mountains to the depth of five feet, which went off
with a warm rain; being flood tide, Smith river rose to such a hight
that its banks gave way and a large body of water run through the
farms of Gilson and Cabel and emptied into the lagoon back of Crescent
City. At that place a small stream called Elk creek empties into
the ocean, on either side of which are a number of buildings. The
water from Smith river caused the lagoon to run over into Elk Creek
and increase it to that extent that the buildings referred to were
swept away. On Front street, drift wood, most of which was hewn
timber, supposed to have come from Humboldt and Trinidad, was piled
up ten feet high; this, together with tapping the lagoon so that it
could run into the ocean, which labor was performed by the Indians,
the city was saved, although the water is said to have been three feet
deep in the buildings on that street. The wharf sustained considerable
damage; one-third of it was carried away in the middle, a large stick
of timber was thrown with great force by the waters over the wharf
and entered the warehouse of Dugan & Wall. The opinion prevails that
the steamer Columbia is lost, as a variety of goods have floated ashore,
some of which were marked "Snyder," Klamath Reservation. In the valley
the loss has been far greater. A Mr. White lost his wife and two
children; they had been taken from his house by the Indians in a canoe,
which capsized. Smith was saved by clinging to a log, where he remained
all night and was taken off by Indians. He lost his farm buildings and
stock. Frank Gay, at the ferry, lost rope and windlass, but saved his
boat and his house by lashing them to a rock. Gilson and Gay, with
their families, were four hours on a rock which stood three feet out
of the water; even this place was very insecure, as driftwood threatened
to sweep them off. Gilson lost all his property. Cornelius G. White
was at Gilson's house with his family when the water reached it they
went to the barn, from which they were rescued by Indians. Cabel lost
his farm, but saved his family by taking them to the Redwoods. The
farms of Lockwood and Mrs. Benjamin were covered with water; the house
of the latter was swept away. Otto, at Bradford's Ford, lost his house.
Buel lost fencing and seventy five head of cattle. Both fisheries were
swept away. Mathias Smith lost farm and stock, including two hundred
head of fat hogs ready for butchering; he was sick at the time, but was
saved by being taken out through the roof of his house. At Fort Dick,
on the lagoon, Yoman lost all of his fencing. John White lost his house,
fencing, etc. Hale lost his ranch, house, barn, etc., and was taken out
of the second story of his house while afloat. The Indians had to leave
their camp, which was on an island at the mouth of Smith river. Hall
lost his saw mill; one of his employes was on a stump twenty-four hours,
and when the current subsided swam ashore. A man by the name of Humboldt,
and another whose name our informant did not learn, were drowned while
attempting to go from the Bald Hills to Crescent City. Taken all together,
the destruction of property in Smith Valley has been fearful. All of the
bridges on the Crescent City road, and two on the pack trail belonging
to Gasquette, have been swept away, with the exception of the one across
Sucker Creek. Lewis will rebuild his bridge immediately. . . .
EXPENSIVE.--ln consequence of the impassable condition of J and K
streets to the fort yesterday, and the absence of the ferry boat at
that point, passengers from Folsom were compelled to come to the city
from the present terminus of the railroad in boats. The price charged
by boatmen varied from two to four dollars per passenger.
POSTPONED.--The funeral of O. V. Chapman, which was to have taken
place at two o'clock yesterday, was postponed until further notice,
in consequence of the difficulty of reaching the cemetery through
the high water.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3353, 26 December 1861, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Notwithstanding the uncomfortable stage of the water in portions of
the city, our people observed Christmas day much after the usual fashion,
and, in the evening, some of those who are called by the New Yorkers
"the governing classes" were especially merry.
The Sacramento river remained at a hight of about twenty-two feet above
low water mark yesterday, after eleven o'clock, up to which time it had
been rising. The American fell considerably during the day. The water
in the lower part of the city has probably done but little more harm
than to inconvenience the residents of that region in the matter of
traveling. . . .
THE SECOND FRESHET IN MARYSVILLE.--The Appeal, of December 25th,
thus refers to the second freshet which visited Marysville:
The second freshet of the season set in night before last with a right
smart chance of a rise in the Feather, which soon brought the rising
Yuba over all of the low ground below E street and across the slough
up as far as Fourth street, filling the lower stories of numerous
small buildings, and coming up on a level within four or five feet of
the last flood mark by daylight yesterday morning. But by the middle
of the forenoon it had commenced to fall, and at a late hour last night
had gone down so far as to preclude the possibility of any serious
overflow occurring at this stage of the flood. From above we learn that
the Yuba is falling at Downieville, San Juan, and other places; and at
Oroville the Feather had fallen several feet up to last night. As the
fall in the Feather at this place is still inconsiderable, the Yuba
does not go down rapidly, and it will be a day or two before the
streams regain their usual channel and hight. . . .
THE FEATHER AT OROVILLE.--A dispatch to the Marysville Express,
dated December 24th, says:
The river here has fallen five feet in the last twenty-four hours.
It was at its hight about 11 o'clock last evening. No accidents have
occurred in this vicinity from this flood, so far as heard from,
except the drowning of a span of horses belonging to John S. Morris,
in a slough near the Prairie House. The man driving the team saved
himself by swimming. He had crossed the same place but a few minutes
before. . . .
MAN DROWNED.--Thomas Campano, a Portuguese who has lately lived on
the Hale place, Mad river, while attempting to cross Little river,
Humboldt county, lately, at its mouth, was drowned. He was fording
the stream, leading his horse, when the force of the current carried
his feet from under him, and he was swept into the ocean.
ROADS.--An up country stage driver informs the Marysville Express
that the roads in the mountains are in pretty fair condition, much
better than one would suppose judging from the late severe storms.
The roads across the plains leading from Marysville are much worse
than those higher up the country. . . .
KILLED BY A LAND SLIDE.--One John Smith was killed by a land slide at
Cold Canon, Sierra county, December 8th. . . .
LEVEE MATTERS
We publish a letter to-day from John Kirk, who built most of the levees
about the city, in which he expresses the opinion that the cross levees
ought to be repaired, in order to effectually protect the city. But he
concedes that the first work to be done is to repair and strengthen the
levee on the American river. It was Kirk who built the levee at the head
of Burns' slough, in the Winter of 1853, and it was effectually done,
though left a little too low. He expresses the opinion, in which we fully
concur, that the best material for building a levee is earth, firmly packed.
An earthwork embankment, broad enough and high enough, will turn the water
of any river in the world. The material is abundant on the American, and
all that is required is to put it in place, and build high and broad. And,
by the way, while building a levee outside the city, the Citizens'
Committee may save future trouble by obtaining from the owners of the
land along the river a grant of the right of way, and the right to use
all the earth deemed necessary in building the levee.
The condition of things has changed materially since 1853, a fact which
Kirk seems to have overlooked. A necessity existed then for the R street
levee to protect the city against back water. The banks of the Sacramento
were then without levees from Sutterville down. During a rise in the
river, the water flowed freely over its banks into the lakes below
Suttervilie, and from them backed into the city. Since that time,
private enterprise has so far leveed the river as to keep the water
out for some ten miles, and consequently the water has not, since
1853, backed into Sacramento. The Swamp Land Commissioners will shortly
let a contract for leveeing the Sacramento to Georgiana slough, which
will effectually protect Sacramento from back water, provided the
American is shut out by a secure levee. Under such a state of things
the R street levee would seem useless, except it is deemed advisable
to repair it as a kind of double security. It is conceded that the
Thirty-first street levee, in the event of the water breaking over
from the American river, would turn the water so as to let it pass
harmlessly by the city. Had the breaks in that levee been closed,
the water which broke over Monday last at the Burns slough would have
gone by without so much as notifying our citizens of its presence.
The late flood demonstrated that had the railroad embankment been out
of the way the water in the first would never have entered Sacramento
to cause any damage. But the levee on the American ought to be made
so broad, firm and high as to bid defiance to the waters of the American
if they were to rise from seven to ten feet beyond the highest water
mark known to the oldest inhabitants. It is our duty to make provisions
for resisting floods which may rise a number of feet above the line
made by the flood of the ninth of this month. Our theory is, that
the water may rise in this valley much higher than any American has
ever seen it, and that it is our duty as citizens of Sacramento to
build levees accordingly. The experience of Americans here extends
back but a few years, and it is impossible for them to have learned
from experience the real high water line in this valley. . . .
A LETTER FROM KIRK ON THE LEVEES
PLACERVILLE, December 24, 1861.
DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 19th inst. came duly to hand. In reply, I
would state that I consider the R and Thirty-first street levees of
great importance. They should be rebuilt. By keeping them up the water
coming from the Cosumnes river and the Sacramento would be stopped
should breaks occur in the present levee below R street.
I remember that in 1853 the back water in the city came from the
Cosumnes instead of the Sacramento river, as people generally supposed.
I would further advise that the levee on the American river be enlarged,
following the present line from Seventh street to Burns' slough, and
then continued to the high land. It would not be necessary to extend
the line any further than the slough, were it not for the railroad
embankment; that prevents the water from passing out towards Sutterville.
I think there should be an opening in the railroad embankment, if for
no other purpose than the surface drainage, but I doubt whether the
city controls enough of it to give sufficient space for the overflow
of the American; hence the necessity of prolonging the levee on the
river above Burns' slough.
So far as the embankment in the slough is concerned, nothing more is
required or can be better than good earth. I see no use for timber
only to make a coffer dam to keep the water out while the bank is
being built.
Yours truly, JOHN KIRK . . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CHRISTMAS.--ln spite of the aqueous perils which environ our city, old
Santa Claus, alias St. Nicholas, visited us on Christmas Eve with his
usual liberality toward all the gocd children, and by unanimous consent
the children were all considered good for the occasion. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO.--The Sacramento river continued to rise during Tuesday
night, and by eleven o'clock yesterday forenoon it attained the hight
of twenty-two feet three inches, making due allowance for the swell
of the water in striking the guage. At this point it stood, with
no perceptible change, until sundown. This is three inches higher
water than we have had before during the present season; six inches
higher than last season, and within three inches of the highest point
ever attained since the settlement of the country. In the flood of
'52 and '58, the water rose to twenty-two feet six inches. The river
is therefore higher now than it has been for the past eight years.
The opinion has frequently been expressed that the present city gauge
is not reliable, that it is set too low and does not accord with the
high water of early times, etc. A leaning sycamore tree on the bank
of the river was marked in '53 by George Rowland when the water was
at its highest point. When the water yesterday lacked three inches
of reaching twenty-two feet six inches on the gauge, it also lacked
three inches of reaching the notch on the sycamore. There can be but
little doubt that twenty-two feet six inches on the gauge is the high
water mark of the past. The present rise in the river results chiefly
from the waters of the Feather and Yubas. After a decline for a few
days it may again come up from the rains of the Northern part of the
State.
DINNER FOR THE PRISONERS.--County Warden Harris made up his mind,
several days ago, that his family of about fifty prisoners, rain or
shine, flood or no flood, flush times or hard times, should on
yesterday enjoy a Christmas dinner. . . .
WATER IN THE CITY.--The water in the flooded portion of the city south
of L street continued to recede during Tuesday night and yesterday,
and had fallen about two feet by sundown last evening. It was the
opinion of many, however, that for an hour before sundown it had
commenced to rise. If such was the case, the result must have been
produced by back water, as the supply from the American is constantly
diminishing. On the north side of J street the water is higher by
about a foot than on the south side. The street has been cut at
Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, and probably
at several other points, and lively streams are pouring through
these openings. The crevasse at Burns' slough still throws one
or two streams into the city through the Thirty-first street levee
north of J street and several south of that point. A slight fall
in the rivers will render the stoppage of these openings practicable.
The water finds vent and runs freely through the openings in the R
street levee towards Sutterville.
THE EIGHT STREET SEWER.--It is generally conceded by residents on the
north side of J street that the Eighth street sewer, recently cut from
near I to the alley north of K street, worked very successfully during
the last flood. There was no other outlet for the water from that
portion of the city west of Twelfth street, and it would have risen
considerably higher than it did had there been no drain dug through
Eighth street. Many of those who are benefitted by it are talking
of constructing a substantial brick culvert in the trench before
it is closed up. The experiments at drainage now being tried, ought
to prove of permanent benefit to our citizens, and wherever the sewers
work successfully they should be substantially constructed, so as to
avoid the necessity of reopening them at another time. A. C. Sweetzer,
who has had the superintendence of the one above referred to, believes
it to be practicable to make a thorough job of it by funds raised by
private subscription.
THE WEATHER.--We were favored yesterday with a clear sky, a bright sun,
and a cool northwestern breeze. The agreeable change from the weather
of the past three weeks was experienced by all our citizens, whose
cheerful faces bespoke their gratification at the prospect of no more
rain or flood and a diminution of the mud in our streets. The sky
remained unclouded through the evening, and all signs seem to indicate
that we shall have fine weather in which to work to provide against
future disaster.
AT WORK.--E. P. Figg, of the Committee of Safety, with a detachment
of workmen, was engaged yesterday afternoon at the levee below R
street, in strengthening the weak point against the encroachments
of the river. Gunny sacks were filled and used wherever necessity
seemed to require. This point, although continually yielding to the
action of the eddy, has withstood its power much more successfully
than seemed probable a few weeks ago.
NOT DESTROYED.--We are informed that the new embankment at Burns'
slough is not so badly injured as was at first supposed. The water
first entered the slough over the natural ground around the new
levee, and in that way formed a back-water protection which rendered
the current less destructive than it would otherwise have been.
It is thought that $300 will repair all damage done at that point.
EMBARCADERO.--The corner of Sixth and M streets--the Pavilion
sidewalk--has become recently a regular embarcadero, between which
and all ports in the flooded districts our city flotilla come and
go, according to the demands of the traveling public. Ranchmen from
several miles south of the city, who come up in boats, seem also
to have selected it as their landing place.
THIEVES.--Continual complaint is made by residents of the lower
portion of the city that their houses are frequently entered
and pillaged of everything which can be carried off. Chief
Watson should establish a marine police, whose exclusive duty
it should be to cruise for pirates, and overhaul and bring into
port every suspicious craft whose papers are not entirely satisfactory.
NOTHING FURTHER.--No information has been received by the Coroner or
anyone in the city regarding the man who was drowned from the steamer
Nevada on Tuesday last.
THE AMERICAN.--The American river commenced falling on Tuesday afternoon,
and has been declining ever since. The entire fall up to last evening at
and above the Tannery, was about three feet. As the tributaries above
have done their worst, we have, of course, but little to fear in the
way of overflow until the next storm. W. Turton and about a dozen men
were on duty yesterday, watching and strengthening the old levee and
adding to the hight of the new one.
RESCUED.--At an early hour yesterday morning William Webster discovered
a dun colored horse in deep water, entrapped in a fence corner near
the crevesse above Sutterville. The animal had evidently been in that
position over night, and was nearly perished. He was released and handed
over to the care of a neighboring ranchman.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.--The congregation of St. Rose Church occupied the
Assembly chamber yeaterday morning for religious services, in
consequence of the weak condition of the floor of the Church.
TRUNK FOUND.--A trunk well filled with clothing was found at
Sutterville on the occasion of the late flood by W. Sherbourn for
which an owner is wanted. A letter found in it is addressed to
M. C. Rieff, Sacramento City. . . .
NO FERRY YET.--There had not up to last evening been any ferry boat
set in motion at the Fort. Passengers and mail matter from Folsom
were brought into the city by small boats. . . .
SEMBLINS says that notwithstanding the common belief, the water didn't
seem to him as high on the 9th as in '53, when he paid 75 cents an
inch for it.--Sierra Democrat. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3355, 28 December 1861, p. 1
RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
SACRAMENTO AND THE FLOOD.--The Christian Advocate has the
following reflections on our flood:
The city wears an extremely dreary appearance; while the dejected
countenances we meet at every turn inform us too surely of anxious
and apprehensive feelings. There is, however, in the people of
Sacramento a vast amuont of recuperative energy too great and active
to be withered by fire or strangled by flood; while too much honor,
reputation and property are at stake to think of moving the site of the
town, however desirable such a course might be. The city occupies a
position where money may be made, and there some men will build, live
and transact business, if the town be a Venice, with canals for streets
and boats for drays.
As to the Capitol question there seems to be quite a unanimous opinion
that this is the best site, and that here it should remain. With a week
or two of fair weather and the presence of the Legislature the city would
assume its wonted briskness and beauty; feelings of despondency would
give way to cheerful smiles and pleasant hopes; dread and despair would
move away as clouds after a storm before an exhilerating western breeze
and all be joyous as a May morning. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Sacramento last night, at sunset, reached a higher point than was
ever before experienced, viz: 22 feet 7 inches above low water mark,
one inch higher that at any former period. The river remained at about
that hight. The American also remained about stationary last night,
although at Folsom it had fallen during the day some six feet. It is
evident that the Sacramento, being so high, has locked up the American
at its mouth. The present cold nights will now, doubtless, cause these
rivers to recede. In the lower part of the city there was some increase
of water yesterday, owing to the high state of the Sacramento and American.
No Overland mail was received in this city yesterday. We learn that
communication to Folsom and Placerville has been much obstructed by
the flood. Last night, as a boat party was coming towards the city,
near Poverty Ridge, the boat was upset in the current, and the letter
bag of Wells, Fargo & Co. lost. No lives were lost. . . .
THE FLOOD SOUTH.--The Stockton Republican of December 25th says:
The storm which has been raging for two or three days has seldom
been equaled in this vicinity. Yesterday the rain fell in torrents
much of the day, and the southeast gale prevailed until the middle
of the afternoon, when the wind shifted to the northwest, and in the
evening there was a show of clear sky. A tremendous quantity of rain
has fallen. There is no danger to the city, the few defenses which
protect it not being affected by the waters. The Calaveras has
overflowed its banks in several places. Yesterday morning the driver
of the Mokelumne Hill stage, after getting two miles beyond the Fifteen
Mile House, could see nothing but a large body of water in his road,
and accordingly put up his horses, and did not attempt to go further.
The water was up to the stringers of Frost & Leach's bridge when last
heard from. Mormon Slough will come down "booming" this morning.
The Independent adds:
The Sonora stages were alone in reaching us yesterday at the usual
hour. The Murphy's stage, which left this city in the morning, reached
the Fifteen Mile House, beyond which it was impossible to proceed
in consequence of the overflow of the country. The stages from
Mokelumne Hill due yesterday, had not arrived up to a late hour
last evening--probably detained by high water.
A dispatch from Stockton, dated December 26th, has the following:
It commenced raining very hard in this city about nine o'clock
this morning, and still continues. The water is very high. Near
town the country is overflowed for many milles, but no material
damage or loss of life. The water is pouring over the causeway
which crosses the slough on Hunter street. It will be cut away,
as it is backing water upon the gardens. The bulkhead on Mormon
slough is safe. No land is overflowed on the ordinary level of
the city.
The steamer Christina arrived yesterday from Turner's Ferry, on
the San Joaquin river, and reports that the water rose at that
point on Tuesday night some six feet, and was still on the increase.
In some places it had found its way over the banks, and was threatening
damage to the ranches. The current in the river was great, and the
large quantity of saw logs and drift wood which came floating down
the stream was an indication that the watter [sic] in the upper
river and its tributares had experienced a sudden rise. The current
yesterday carried down the river the floating bath house belonging
to Oliva. We are entirely cut off from stage communication.
OUR CHINESE RESIDENTS.--This portion of the resident population of
Sacramento have been highly favored during the late floods. Living
on I street, which has the highest grade of any in the city, they
have altogether escaped the affliction which has generally visited
our citizens, and it may indeed be said they have been as "happy
as clams at high water." They owe their protection from the overflow
to the excellence of that portion of the northern levee on which
they generally reside, and undoubtedly feel a proper degree of
gratitude in connection with this fact. Among this population are
many rich merchants, who possess the ability to contribute something
handsome to the fund which is being used for their protection as
well as for that of others. We have heard it suggested that these
people might fell [sic] slighted by reason of the Subscription
Committee not calling on them for a contribution. We trust that
the Committee will take this matter into consideration, and give
our Celestial brethren an opportunity to exhibit their generosity
in the premises.
THE LATE STORM.--We learn that the late storm was pretty general
in its visitation. Those portions of the State which escaped a
flood previously have now felt the influence of copious rains,
and their streams and rivers are swollen. The present rainy season
will be a marked one in the history of the State. . . .
FINANCIAL FOLLY OF SACRAMENTO.--It is not strange that the imbecility
manifested by our Board of Supervisors in their management of the
affairs of this city should attract attention abroad. Their general
legislation, and especially that in reference to the Rightmire contract,
is thus referred to in the Bulletin:
Sacramento is suffering more for the want of a good municipal government
than for the lack of such levees as will protect the city from overflow.
A tolerably efficient Board of Supervisors would never have permitted
the railroad company to dam up the only outlet for water when the American
river is high, and with this precaution there need have been no overflow
to this day. Yet while this very outlet was obstructed, the Supervisors
were stopping rat holes in the American river levee, showing that they
anticipated an inundation from that side, and never reflected where the
water would seek an outlet when it came into the city. This
short-sightedness can possibly be excused on the ground of stupidity
but how can we find any reason that would influence honest men, no
matter how stupid, to indorse such a transaction as the following
paragraph from the UNION discloses?
[Here follows a brief article from the UNION, specifying the manner in
which the Board allowed Rightmire a disproportionate amount of scrip for what he had no legal right to claim:]
The outrageous recklessness of the Sacramento Supervisors in this
transaction will further appear, when it is stated that, in the first
instance, the contract with Rightmire was illegal and void under plain
provisions of the City Charter. The Supervisors have no more power to
run Sacramento in debt than has D. O. Mills, or any other private firm.
The City Charter is copied from the San Francisco Consolidation Act,
which, as everybody knows, prohibits entering into any contract binding
the corporation, until the money is provided to pay for the expenses
of carrying out the contract. Any contract made without means already
provided to complete it, is expressly declared to be void by the
charter itself. Now the Sacramento Board of Supervisors audit a
"void" claim for $1,000, and issue $4,000 of "void" scrip to pay it.
This is running up a city debt with a looseness that has no parallel
in California. Indeed, it is running credit "into the ground"--to
that point where it runs out entirely, and ceases to retain tangibility.
Debts thus contracted are no debts at all, and the evidences of them
cease to be negotiable among men fit to do business precisely as forged
notes are dealt in by none but fools or knaves. Yet we are told that
there is floating about Sacramento some hundreds of thousands of dollars
of these "void" evidences of indebtedness, and that but for them, no one
there would ever have thought of repudiating the debts which the city
legally owes her creditors in good faith, who are without fault. These
startling facts should arouse the permanent citizens of Sacramento to
the necessity of putting forth effort to secure a permanently honest
city government; and while they are volunteering so freely from their
private resources towards building levees, it will do them good to
consider this main question.
There has been no good reason for Sacramento city to go in debt one
dollar since the adoption of the new charter in 1858, even were there
any legal authority for so doing. Abundant taxes have been paid to
defray the expenses of an efficient local government. Had D. O. Mills,
James Anthony, or any one among several hundred men of means and
business capacity in Sacramento been elected "the whole city
government," during the past three years, and paid $50,000 per annum
for current expenses, the city would not have gone in debt under such
an administration, would not have talked of repudiation, and the public
peace and quiet would have been admirable in comparison with the state
of things that has prevailed under the "bummer rule," under which the
Police Court alone costs the city some $20,000 per annum [?] more than
the fines imposed.
THE HENNESS PASS.--Marysville Appeal says:
The. Henness Pass route is obstructed near the summit by fallen
trees and an excessive amount of mud. Beyond Maple's the road is
good. Since the Truckee bridge was swept away, that stream is crossed
by a ferry. There is but little snow on the route.
KIDNAPPING A CHILD.--The Stockton Independent of December 25th
gives some particulars of a kidnapping case in that city:
A painful case of kidnapping occurred yesterday, in this city, the
circumstances attending which are substantially as follows: One Maxon,
his wife and child, emigrated to this State a few months since, and on
the journey hither Maxon acted towards his wife in a manner arbitrary
and unbecoming, until she declined to live with him, and they separated,
Mrs. Maxon assuming the custody of the child. On reaching Sacramento
the mother applied to the Courts for the sole control over and possession
of the child, and it being shown that the husband was an unfit person
to have custody, the Court, through Judge Robinson, placed it in the
charge of the mother, who recently came to this city and took up her
residence on Flora street. Yesterday, the father visited his daughter,
as he had on several occasions done before, and no one being present
save the mother and her sister, he seized the child and ran from the
house, followed by the mother, begging him to give back her child, and
weeping bitterly on finding she was powerless to prevent him from
carrying it away. He was joined by another man shortly after leaving
the house, and the two proceeded in a westerly direction, through
Park street to the bank of the slough, where a small boat was in
waiting to receive them, into which they hastily entered and made off
down the river. Their destination is unknown, but is supposed to be
Sacramento. A warrent for the arrest of Maxon was placed in the hands
of the Marshal, and that officer left the city yesterday in search of
the kidnapper. We are informed that on a previous occasion, Maxon made
an ineffectual attempt to accomplish the object in which he yesterday
succeeded. If caught, as we trust he may be, he will probably have the
opportunity of serving a term in San Quentin.
THE LATE STORM NORTH.--The Marysville Appeal of December 27th,
referring to the late storm, says:
Rain commenced to fall heavily yesterday forenoon and continued, without
a moment's intermission, during the entire day and up to a late hour
last night. We have probably had no rainfall this season in which so
much water fell in the same length of time as in the twelve hours ending
at twelve o'clock last night. No perceptible change was observable, of
course, in the condition of the streams at that time last night, but if
the rains should continue for a day or two longer at the same rate of
falling, we should have another touch of deluge which may be a freshet
No. 3, which may a kind Providence forbid.
The Express says;
The Yuba commenced falling on Wedneaday night, and during the time
fell about one foot. Notwithstanding the heavy rain of yesterday,
undoubtedly the heaviest of the season, the Yuba continued to fall
gradually, and late at night was still falling.
A dispatch dated at Red Bluff, December 26th, has the annexed
particulars of the storm at that point:
Yesterday was a very pleasant day. This morning about three o'clock
it commenced raining and has rained almost incessantly all day, and
since dark the rain has poured down in torrents. The creeks are all
up very high and the Sacramento river rising fast. No stage from below
this place since yesterday morning and none from above since Tuesday
night. It has never been known to have rained harder than now. The
creeks and sloughs between here and Shasta are all full, and Cottonwood
river is higher than it has been before this year. A team in attempting
to cross the Cottonwood yesterday was drowned; the driver escaped. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Suicides--Conviction--Mike Branigan [?] Hunted--Vessels at Panama
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 27th.
. . .
The rains have done much damage in this city. The wall of a brick
building corner of Dupont and Post streets fell yesterday. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE RIGHTMIRE SCRIP.
MESSRS. EDITORS: As the action of the Supervisors in allowing Rightmire
$4,009 for the purpose of making the amount allowed equal $1,002.25 in
cash at the current market rates of audited claims on the Contingent Fund,
having caused considerable discussion both in the papers and on the street,
I, without expressing any opinion on the equity of the case, call your
attention to the fact that the law is fixed, and that any discussion
about it is a perfect waste of breath or pens and ink. The question has
been adjudicated by our highest tribunal, and the exact case occurs in
Foster vs. Coleman (10 Cal., 278), on an appeal from Los Angeles county.
The facts shown by the record in that case are that in 1856 the Assessor
presented a claim for 165 days' service, at the established rate of
$10 per day, making a total of $1,650, which claim the Supervisors
allowed as follows: "Ordered, that the sum of $4,125 be paid out of
the fund for current expenses, to equal $1,650 in cash, at the rate
of 40 cents per dollar," and that in conformity with said order the
Auditor draw his warrant in favor of Coleman (the Assessor) for said
sum of $4,125, which warrant was presented to the Treasurer and indorsed
and registered in the same manner as other warrants not paid for want
of funds. The case came up on an application made by Foster, a taxpayer,
for an injunction prohibiting the Treasurer from paying the warrant, and
for an order that Coleman deliver it up to be canceled, both of which
orders the lower Court made and Coleman appealed. The opinion of the
Supreme Court was delivered by Justice Field, Baldwin and Terry
concurring, and the Court says:
"The only question for determination respects the validity of the
order of the Board of Supervisors. It appears that the market or
cash value of county warrants, was only forty per cent, of the
nominal amount and that the object of the action of the Board
was to give Coleman that which was, at the time, an equivalent
for cash. The object did not justify the action. The effect of the
order was to create a debt or liability on the part of the county,
and this the Supervisors were not empowered to do for any purpose
except as provided by law. Their action was entirely without
authority, and altogether indefensible. Judgment affirmed.
The demand of plaintiff for his services can be again presented
to the Board, and upon its allowance, a warrant for its true amount
be ordered."
You will see that this is conclusive, and that however much Mr. Rightmire
may suffer from the fact, the claim as at present allowed is totally
worthless--not good even for the original $1,000 unless it is withdrawn
and presented again.
THE RIGHTMIRE CLAIM.--This claim, as provided for by the Board of
Supervisors, is effectually disposed of, as appears by a communication
from a legal source in another place. The claim for $4,009 is clearly
illegal, as appears by the decision of the Supreme Court in 10 Cal., 278.
[lodge symbol] I.O.O.F.--At a Special Meeting of the General Relief
Committee, held at Odd Fellows' Hall, Sacramento, on Sunday, 22d instant,
the following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas the timely aid extended by our sister Lodges of San Francisco
and Stockton having enabled us to enlarge our sphere of action, thereby
relieving many cases of distress and suffering throughout the city;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the thanks of the Committee and the Order in general
are hereby tendered to those Lodges who so kindly rendered assistance
in our hour of gloom and adversity.
Resolved, That the prompt and ready action in forwarding relief cannot
be too highly estimated; and, we trust, if ever occasion should arise,
that we shall be found totally prompt and ready to repay the debt thus
contracted on behalf of suffering humanity.
Resolved. That the foregoing resolutions be published in the San
Francisco, Stockton, and Sacramento papers and that a copy duly attested
be forwurded to the different Lodges. SAMUEL YOUNG, Secretary.
N B--Morning Call, San Francisco, and Stockton Independent will please
copy. d28-1*
p. 2
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
POLICE COURT--. . . Thomas Smith said he did not know whether he was
guilty of stealing $20 in coin, a belt and & pair of boots from
Wm. Barnett or not, as he "was very drunk at the time, yer honor."
His Honor informed him that he ought to be the best judge--which was
not certainly placing a very high estimate on his own judicial ability
and fitness. Barnett, the complainant, testified that he was a little
tight the second day after the flood, and laid down and went to sleep.
When he laid down his belt was around him, his money was in his pocket,
and his boots, that he paid $7 for in Carson City, Nevada Territory,
were on his feet. When he got up he was denuded of his belt, plundered
of his money, and stripped of his boots. He next met the belt and
the boots around the body and on the feet of Tom Smith, whom be did
not recollect of having ever before set eyes on: the money he had not
yet discovered. Smith was adjudged guilty, and is to be sentenced to-day.
Barney Riley's trial for stealing a rowboat worth $30, the property of
J. S. Ellison, was put off till Tuesday next to await the arrival of
the Matilda Heron with a load of coal and an important witness for
defense. . . .
THE TANNERY.--The rumor was kept afloat at various times and various
ways yesterday that the levees--old and new--at Rabel's tannery had
yielded to the waters of the American river--that the workmen had been
compelled to abandon them, and that a torrent of water was coming
rapidly into the city, etc., etc. Such stories were, of course,
unfounded. The levees were closely watched during Thursday night.
The American began to rise rapidly at three o'clock, A. M..,
yesterday morning. W. Turpin with about a dozen men worked steadily
during the whole of yesterday. The water continued to rise until
about three o'clock, P. M., and rose about four feet. It remained
stationary from that hour until sundown. The remnant of the old levee
was strengthened by gunny sacks to the best advantage. The current
of the river was, as usual at that point, very strong, and told
with effect upon the remaining portion of the embankment. Portions
of earth kept caving and falling continually, thus increasing
the chances of the water breaking over and coming in contact with
the new levee. The assaults of the current were, however, resisted
until night, but it was doubtful whether it could be kept at bay
until morning. If the old levee should wash away, the result of
the direct action of the water at its highest stage on the new levee
is somewhat doubtful. It was designed, however, by those who had the
work in charge, if it should become necessary, to let the water
gradually into the space between the two levees, and thus form
a basin of still water to protect the new work. If the water
should fall in the night, as seemed highly probable, there
would be no necessity for such a course. At eight o'clock last
evening the American at Folsom had fallen six feet, and was falling
at the rate of one foot per hour, as we are informed by telegraph.
BOATS UPSET.--At about eight o'clock last evening a boat containing
two boatmen and six passengers, was upset near Poverty Ridge. Among
the party were Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express messenger, the Overland
Stage agent, and two telegraph operators. All the passengers had
just arrived by the cars from Folsom, and were on their way to the city.
The letter bag of Wells, Fargo & Co. was lost, and has not since been
recovered. The unfortunate navigaors were picked up by a boatman known
by the name of "Red," and were safely landed at the Pavilion. Their
luck was very like that of a party of pressmen who went out on a boating
excursion on Christmas evening. There were seven in the company, and
their boat was large enough to hold but three. The remaining four
concluded to borrow a boat, which they did without consulting the
owner, and put out upon the waters as cheerfully as though they had
his consent for the use of it. They unfortunately failed to inspect
it as to sea-worthiness. After the two boats became separated, and
when in twelve feet of water--by measurement the next day--the bottom
of the boat very suddenly gave out, and the water as suddenly came
in. The four excursionists in a moment found themselves with very
little idea of their latitude or longitude, or the soundings beneath
them. They were all picked up within ten minutes, and are extremely
anxious that the owner of the boat, should he ever recover it, shall
make the bottom more secure before they have occasion to borrow it
again.
THE HIGHEST WATER ON RECORD.--The water in the Sacramento river at sunset
last evening stood twenty-two feet seven inches above low water mark,
having risen ten inches during the past twenty-four hours. This is one
inch higher than the highest mark of '58, or than the river has ever
attained since the settlement of the State by Americans. We desire,
in this connection, to call attention to the fact that the levee on
the American east of the Tivoli is washed away in many places and the
waters are flowing uninterruptedly through, and the crevasse two miles
below the city is still open and a torrent is pouring through, and yet
the business portion of the city is entirely free from inundation. Even
with the present grade of J, K and L streets, while the passage of the
waters is uninterrupted, we are not flooded by the highest water ever
attained by the Sacramento. Will not a slight elevation of the grade
of our streets place us out of the reach of danger, provided the water
is not dammed up to our detriment?
WASHING AWAY.--The Sacramento levee, between P and R streets, commenced
to wash away in many places yesterday. The earth was entirely removed
by the action of the water from the river side of many of the large
cottonweed trees growing at that point. Unless something is done to
support them, they will probably be blown over and destroyed. There is,
of course, no immediate danger to be apprehended from the levee at this
point, but it will require the attention of the Committee of Safety after
the water falls.
SUNDAY NOTICE.--The Rev. Mr. Banton will preach to-morrow morning at a
quarter before eleven o'clock, and likewise in the evening, at seven
o'clock, unless there should be a violent storm. . . .
INJURY TO THE RAILROAD.--The freshet of yesterday morning made another
break in the railroad at Brighton of about two hundred feet. The cars
were prevented on that account from coming so near the city as usual.
A portion of mail matter was detained beyond that point last evening.
Preparations were made yesterday for repairing the road as speedily as
possible. . . . .
FUNERAL TO-DAY.--The funeral of O. V. Chapman will take place at
half-past twelve o'clock today from the rooms of J. W. Reeves, on
Fourth street. Those who attend it will be conveyed from the Pavilion
to the City Cemetery by boats, as there is no other way of reaching
that point.
WATER IN THE CITY.--The water in the lower portion of the city commenced
to rise early yesterday morning, and by sunset had risen two feet. As
the American ceased to rise at about three o clock P. M., yesterday,
the city will probably be considerably relieved by this morning. . . .
THE POUND-MASTER.--After the first of the year Pound-master Mayo designs
to remove his impounding establishment to dry land--the present locality
being under water. He will then take charge of all stray cattle on his
range.
NO SERVICE.--There will be no services in the Baptist Church next Sabbath,
Dec. 29th, as another week will be required to finish the repairs. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3356, 30 December 1861, p. 1
THE LATE FLOOD.
We find that the late rains in certain localities in the interior have been
more disastrous in their effects than the former floods. We compile the
following accounts from our exchanges.
SAN JOAQUIN.--Stockton Republican, of Dec. 27th, says:
Yesterday was ushered in by a howling southeast gale, which continues
as we are writing this. At ten o'clock yesterday morning the rain
commenced falling, and during the day and evening an enormous amount
fell. The storm yesterday was the severest which has been experienced
in this city for a long time. The gale made bad work with everything
that could be damaged by.the wind. Awnings have been destroyed, and
signs, fences and trees blown down by the score. The worst piece of
mischief which we have noticed is the unroofing of the southwest portion
of the City Hall, about one-fourth of the tinning having disappeared.
Alderman Sargent engaged a party of sailors, who procured canvas, with
which, with the aid of boards, the roof, a very sham-built affair, was
covered temporarily, though some damage will be caused by the water.
The water is very high in the sloughs in the city, and one or two foot
bridges have been carried away. No land which is of the ordinary level
of the city has been overflowed. Those whose premises inclose portions
of sloughs have a plentiful supply of water upon their lots, though
their houses are all set upon the level of the city, and are safe.
The south half of Mayor Holden's premises were overflowed on Wednesday
night, and he had a time of it in getting out his Cheshires and
Suffolks to a place of safety. Hart's premises, which are similarly
situated, are also overflowed, but his large new brick house is safe,
or was at last accounts. He had to swim his horses from the stable to
the high land. The grounds of the Seminary, partially in a slough, are
overflowed, and the southern fence is down. Hart attributes the presence
of most of the water upon his place to the existence of the causeway
on Hunter street, which operates as a dam across the Oak street slough
and backs the water upon him. The causeway has a culvert, but not
one-fiftieth part large enough to let through the water. A passage
three feet wide and deep was cut through the causeway yesterday, but
it is doubtful if this will lower the water above sufficiently. The
earth of the causeway is so clayey and tough that the great body of
water will not sluice the cut any larger. The water commenced pouring
over the causeway on Wednesday evening, and continued until the cut
was made. The place was a regular water fall, some three feet high
and a hundred feet in length. The water first reached the city early
Wednesday afternoon, though warning had been given that it was coming,
and ever since the water has been rushing down from the country with
great violence.
The Stockton Independent of the same date remarks:
The stage from Sonora, due on Wednesday, arrived in this city at
one o'clock yesterday, having been detained over night at the
Twenty-six Mile House. McCombs, the driver, informs us that the
principal place of detention is at Simmons' slough, which is
running bank full and still rising. A small bridge above Doak's
has been washed away. The slough at the Five Mile House, is in
very bad condition for the passage of teams. The stage which left
this city for Sonora, was swamped in this slough, by reason of
which it failed to connect with the down stage, otherwise the stage
due on Wednesday would have reached here in the usual time. The
water in the Stanislaus, at Knight's Ferry, is reported to have
risen on Tuesday night eight feet.
The Mariposa stage arrived at half-past seven o'clock last evening,
making the trip through from the Tuolumne since morning. We learn
that the water at Loving's Bridge rose on Tuesday night to within
four inches of the planking. At Dry creek the water was too deep
to render stage crossing in any degree safe. The passengers were
ferried across in boats, while the horses swam the stream, making
a change of stages on the opposite bank.
We learn that the Mokelumne on Tuesday night was six inches higher
than in the Winter of 1852. The bridge at Woodbridge was saved from
damage by some considerable exertion, the water having risen nearly
to the stringers.
The following dispatch to the Bulletin, dated at Stockton
December 28th, 2:30 p. m., gives a later and still more discouraging
account of the flood in Stockton:
The alarm bells were rung most of last night. The water was
unprecedentedly high. The city generally has been overflowed. Several
blocks on low ground have been flooded in the business portion, owing
to imperfect drainage. A few stores have been flooded on the south
side of Main street. A great many dwelling houses are flooded, and
families have had to seek other quarters. The water is now fast
running out of the city.
The main body of the water came from the Calaveras river. The country
for miles around presents one vast sheet of water.
SONOMA,--Of the rains in Sonoma county and in the vicinity of Petaluma,
the Journal of Dec. 27th speaks as fellows:
An acquaintance of ours who has just returned from a trip through
the upper and western portion of this county, represents the damage
done to property, roads, etc., and the loss of stock, by the late
flood, as immense. In many sections the roads are completely washed
away; the course of the creeks and streams materially changed; farms
overflowed, and in some instances covered many inches with wash dirt;
fences destroyed, etc. According to his description, large numbers of
cattle, hogs, etc., were drowned. On the Santa Rosa creek he noticed
several head of young cattle hanging in the branches of the trees,
high and dry from any ordinary flood. Near Cloverdale we are told the
river cut a new channel, leaving the mill of Caldwell & Co. in a bad fix.
EL DORADO.--The Placerville Democrat, of December 28th, says
of the late storm in its locality:
Another severe storm has visited us, doing a great deal of damage
to bridges, flumes, ditches, roads, etc. On Thursday night the rain
fell heavily and the wind blew furiously all night. On that night
Hangtown creek was higher than ever before. The extent of the damage
we have been unable to ascertain. An immense amount of rain has
fallen this month, and it seems reluctant to "dry up."
A correspondent writing from Georgetown, December 26th, says:
A severe storm is raging here and all through the mountains up this
way. Trees are blown down and other damage done. The heaviest rain
of the season fell this afternoon, and is falling in great quantity
at this time (nine o'clock P. M.)
NAPA.--The Napa Reporter, of December 28th, has the following:
During the last week we have had an almost incessant pour from the
clouds, and with a slight increase of rain we may expect another
flood of Napa City. Cornwell's Addition has become "boatable;" but
the damage is slight, and limited to that part of town. From the
upper part of the valley we learn that the late flood left but
little chance for harm.
BUTTE.--The Record of Dec. 28th says:
Feather river was swollen by the recent rains to within six feet of
the former freshet. All crossing was suspended at the ferries for two
days; but no great damage was done, that we have been able to learn.
The creeks and sloughs have been higher than before, but not enough so
to do further damage. All communication with Marysville was stopped for
two days; and staging to Tehama was not resumed until Thursday morning.
The bridge over Dry creek, on the road to Lynchburg, was swept away, and
the Celestials, who were working on the banks of all the streams in the
vicinity, left on double quick for high ground. The great mass of Chinese
have never seen a flood in Calfornia, and they do not comprehend it very
well. They are afraid of water in large quantities, and no "shabbe big
water come in night and washee away cabin, Chinaman and everything
Chinaman catchee in Californy." The Indians appear to be highly pleased
at the discomfiture of the Celestials; there appears to be no affinity
between them.
NEVADA.--The Democrat of Dec. 27th adds:
After a moderately pleasant day on Christmas, giving hopes that the
storm was over, the rain set in again early, Thursday morning and
continued to fall steadily until about nine o'clock this morning.
During the most of the time it was raining very hard, and a high wind
prevailed last night. The quantity of water that fell at this place
in the course of twenty-four hours, ending yesterday morning, was
four inches, and nearly twelve inches has fallen since twelve o'clock
Saturday night This morning the water in Deer creek was within a foot
of the highest mark attained on the 9th instant, and as large quantities
of tailings have been washed out of the bed, the volume of water in
the creek must have been greater this morning than at any previous
time this Winter (the South Yuba was also very high this morning, but
we have heard of no damage of consequence. The sun came out about two
o'clock this afternoon, and there is now a prospect of pleasant weather.
TRINITY AND HUMBOLDT.--We find the following in the Journal of
December 31st [?]:
From Denny, Humboldt, mailman who arrived last Sunday for the first
time in over three weeks, we learn that not only the new bridge over
the Trinity at Hoop Valley is gone, but the wire suspension bridge
built across the Klamath river three miles below Weitchpeck, last
summer, by Martin, was carried away. This bridge was put up by
A. S. Halladie & Co. of San Francisco; was 500 feet long and 98 feet
above the river. It cost some $8,000.
At the mouth of Trinity river, John Fennessy's house, stock of goods
and everything else was swept away; and at Big Bar, on the Klamath,
the trading post, and other property of Wm. Shelton shared the same
fate. No tidings have reached us from Orleans Bar, but the general
impression is that the town must have been destroyed.
To give our readers some idea of the immense body of water accumulated
below the confluence of Trinity and Klamath rivers, we state on the
authority of Capt. Cecil of Klamath, that at the wire suspension
bridge above mentioned the water rose one hundred and forty feet!
Everything is swept clean on Trinity river, and the damage is immense.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The water fell yesterday in the portion of the city which was submerged
about eight or ten inches. The American has fallen several feet since
our last issue and the Sacramento about four inches. The latter river,
it is well known, rises and falls slowly. The business portion of our
city is and has been since the last flood free from water.
We are without telegraphic intelligence from any quarter this morning,
the wires being generally out of order.
According to an account elsewhere, our neighboring city of Stockton
suffered severely by the late storm.
THE WORK TO BE DONE.--We do not suppose it necessary to remind the
Citizens' Committee of the importance of even one hour in the work
before them. Not a minute should be permitted to pass, after the
water at Burns' slough falls so much as to render it possible for
the water to be stopped, before the work is begun. It was delayed
too long before. The flood came on Monday, the 9th, and work was
not begun at the slough until the next week Wednesday, ten days
after the high water. A beginning three days earlier would have
insured the levee at the slough against the last two floods. It
should be made secure before the next high water, and in order to
do that, a large force will be necessary. At Rabel's tannery the
new levee would be strengthened by a lining of brush, weighted down
with a few bags of sand, or with dirt thrown on to it with shovels.
The Committee is also aware that there are other points in the levee
between Burns' slough and Thirty-first street which need work the
moment the water will admit. We would also suggest to the Committee
that it may do a great deal towards improving the appearance of the
city, as well as add materially to the comfort and convenience of
citizens and strangers, by the expenditure of a few hundred dollars
on streets and sidewalks where owners have too little public spirit
to improve the latter. The ditches cut acros the several streets
should be made permanent drains, lined with brick or .redwood plank,
and thoroughly bridged. The streets of J and K ought to be repaired
from Front to the Fort, and ferries established or bridges built,
so as to insure people a passage to and from the city. The board
of Supervisors licensed two ferries at the slough, but neither of
them were in operation Friday and Saturday when they were most needed.
The flat at one was reported sunk; the rope of the other was under
water, and all attempts to make trips across the slough given up.
Had proper arrangements been made, both of these ferries could have
been operated during the high water.
The Board of Supervisors have neither money nor credit to do anything
for the improvement of the city. For what has been done so far, the
people are indebted to the liberality and enterprise of private
individuals. If the Committee will now take up the work where
individuals have left it, the members can, for a very little
money and a few days sunshine, put the business portion of the city
in a neater and better condition than it was in for about half
of last Winter. In view of coming events, we are confident that
such a movement on the part of the Committee; will meet the
approbation of a large majority of the people of Sacramento. . . .
From the rapidity of the current at the Fort on Friday and Saturday,
across the east end of the city, and through the break in the R street
levee, a man could hardly arrive at any other conclusion, than that
there must be from eight to ten feet fall between the Fort and
Sutterville. The water at the Fort ran with such force as to render it
difficult to cross the stream in a boat. To swim it on a horse would
have been a desperate undertaking. . . .
THE LATE STORM IN SAN FRANCISCO.--The San Francisco Herald says:
The storm of Thursday night was a very severe one for this locality,
several of the oldest inhabitants averring that they "had never seen the
like before." The wind blew very hard during the entire evening,
increasing to a gale towards midnight. We learn that a house, the
property of a poor family, near the corner of Mason and Chesnut
streets, was blown down, and that five new cottages, nearly completed,
on Douglas Place, near Beale and Harrison streets, were demolished.
In various parts of the city damage was done to awnings, signs, etc.
Houses in airy localities, which withstood the gale, were rocked like
cradles by its violence. The houses in Douglas Place were undermined
by the water. A portion of Third street is stated to have been submerged. . . .
THE STATE CAPITAL.--The Solano Herald thus remarks upon the
proposition of a few parties to remove the State Capital:
Since the occurrence of the great calamity which has recently overwhelmed
the Capital City, carrying want and ruin to so many of her poorer citizens,
entailing heavy losses at present and immense expenses in the future upon
her capitalists; and trouble and inconvenience upon all, it has been
contended, by interested parties and parties inimical to the present
location of the State Capital, that the Legislature should at once
provide for its removal; and the claims of various localities to the
honor of being the seat of government have, it seems to us, been urged
with more zeal than wisdom, and with a heartless cupidity more consonant
with the maxims of savage life than with the teachings of civilization.
The principal reasons urged for its removal, so far as we have heard,
are that it is subject to overflow, and that Sacramento is so hopelessly
in debt as to be utterly unable to build a levee of sufficient dimensions
to prevent the recurrence of the late disaster, the possibility of whose
construction has been seriously doubted. The expense to which the State
must be subjected in order to protect its property in that city, is
urged as a reason for removing the Capital, and we suppose, abandoning
the State property there to the protection of a people whose inability
to protect themselves forms the stock in trade of these removal agitators.
We do not perceive the force of these arguments. When we reflect that it
would require a volume of water at least ten times as great as that which
recently overwhelmed the city, to produce a rise of one foot above the
point it then reached, the magnitude and consequent expense of the work
would not seem so very formidable but that even Sacramento, debt ridden
and almost bankrupt as she is. might undertake its accomplishment with
a fair prospect of success. But we would not leave the work entirely
to Sacramento. If there were fifteen thousand inhabitants of any other
part of the State suffering to the same extent as those in Sacramento,
we do not believe that an appropriation for their relief would be objected
to; and we can see no reason why the fifteen thousand inhabitants of
Sacramento should not receive as much consideration as a like number
in any portion of the State. Besides, the relief most needed by them
will, if granted, do much toward placing the property of the State
in a condition of security, and thus obviate all objections to the
present location of the Capital.
There is another objection to a removal which does not seem to have
been considered by those who are opposed to the expense of retaining
the Capital at Sacramento. The State, last Winter, made a contract with
the city of Sacramento, by which the State agreed to build a State House
in that city on certain well defined conditions. On the part of the city
those conditions have been complied with, and at great expense; and if
any one is so simple as to suppose that the State can escape the
performance of its part of the contrast at an expense less than double
the cost of a perfectly secure levee around Sacramento, he must be simple
indeed. And it would soon become apparent that the expense entailed by
removing the Capital from Sacramento would scarcely exceed that of
locating it anywhere else; for, with the act of perfidy before them
which some would have the State commit, no city could be found to
contribute a dollar for the purchase of grounds or the erection of
buildings, and the State would have to bear the entire expense. So
far then as economy is concerned, it would be exceedingly unwise to
change the present location of the Capital.
BOAT FOUND. - PICKED UP IN the Sacramento river about six weeks ago,
during the first rise, a flat-bottom skiff, painted lead color. The owner
can reclaim his boat by applying at the PACIFIC MARKET, paying charges,
etc., d30-3t*
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
POLICE COURT.--On Saturday Judge Gilmer sentenced Thomas Smith to serve
one hundred and eighty days in the chain-gang, for stealing William
Barnett's boots off his feet and $20 in money out of his
pockets. . . . Richard Fox and M. Callahan were convicted by a jury
of four of assault and battery on W. Reed, but a motion for a new trial
is expected to be made this morning. W. Reed is also charged with assault
and battery on Fox and Callahan, and his trial was postponed until
to-day. The difficulty between these parties grew out of a dispute
about a boat.
FUNERAL OF O. V. CHAPMAN.--The funeral of O. V. Chapman took place
yesterday afternoon. A large number of the members of the Masonic
fraternity resembled at their Hall, and proceeded to Sixth and M
streets, at which point the remains of the deceased were placed in
a boat for transportation to the City Cemetery. About fifty-five
members of the above named organization followed the remains to the
Cemetery--the whole forming a procession of nine boats, presenting an
unusual and extraordinary spectacle. The train passed down Sixth
street to the railroad, through the opening in the embankment at
that point, and thence in a direct line to the Cemetery. The funeral
service was pronounced by the Rev. W. H. Hill.
LIBRARY REPORT.--From the monthly report of the Librarian of the
Sacramento Library Association, we find the following information:
. . . It will be observed that the number of books drawn has fallen
somewhat below the average. This should not, however, excite surprise,
when the confusion and disarrangement consequent upon the overflow is
taken into consideration.
EACH IN TURN.--Our neighbors at Washington and those of Slater's Addition,
who escaped inundation entirely when the main portion of the city suffered
the most on the 9th of the month, have met with their share of misfortune
in that respect within the past few days. The high water of the Sacramento
is finding its level among them to their great inconvenience and loss. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river at sunset last evening had fallen
some four inches from its highest mark, and stood at 22 feet 3 inches
above low water mark. "Slow and sure," is an old saying. If the fall
of the Sacramento is as "sure" as it is "slow," we have a dead thing
of it in the course of time. The American river has fallen so far as
to be docile and harmless. . . .
ROOF BLOWN OFF.--During the gale by which our city was visited on
Thursday night, a portion of the roof of the grand stand at Agricultural
Park was blown off. Nearly one-fourth of the entire roof was carried
away, giving the edifice as it stands a very dilapidated appearance. . . .
ARRESTS.--. . . Richard King and John Maboney were also arrested by
Taylor and Cody for petty larceny in stealing a boat, the property
of M. Vance.
FUNERAL FROM THE HOSPITAL.--The funeral of Napoleon Lanouette, who died
at the Hospital several days ago, took place yesterday afternoon. The
remains of the deceased were conveyed to the City Cemetery in a boat.
RUNNING AGAIN.--The ferryboat at the slough at Sutter's Fort commenced
running on Saturday afternoon. Footmen, horsemen and teams pass in and
out K street. Several openings across J street require to be bridged. . . .
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.--The annexed particulars of a sad accident are given
by the Knight's Landing News of Dec. 28th:
On Thursday night last, during the storm, W. G. Seely, the proprietor
of the Union Hotel, proceeded with a lantern to the top of the hotel
building to clean the spouts of obstructions, which prevented the water
from running off from the roof. The rain and wind put the lantern out,
and in attempting to descend he missed the ladder. He held on for some
time by the fire wall and called for help, but before assistance could
be rendered he lost his hold and fell to the platform below--a distance
of thirty-six feet. His leg and ankle are supposed to be broken, but
he appears to have received no internal injuries.
A SAN FRANCISCO LANDLORD.--The following card is published in San
Francisco:
To all those fleeing from the floods of Sacramento and Stockton, the
proprietor of the Niantic Hotel would respectfully state, that his
house will be open and free for them for one week. H. H. PARKELL, Proprietor.
SAN FRANCISCO, December 28th
P. S.--We are told that "giving to the poor is lending to the Lord."
This has been verified in my case. In 1850, when I had just arrived
in the country, I contributed my last $50, through the (then) editor
of the Alta, to the sufferers on the Plains, and never have
had occasion to regret it. H. H. P. . . . .
THE RAIN.--lt commenced raining with great severity at nine o'clock today,
in this city, and the storm continues unabated. At San Rafael the rain
commenced at half past eight A. M., and at Petaluma at nine A. M., with
great force. The tide to-day is unusually strong, and there is every
indication that the rain is general.--San Francisco Alta, Dec. 26th. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3357, 31 December 1861, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The waters of the Sacramento at sunset last evening were about the
same hight as they were twenty-four hours previous. The rains yesterday
and on Sunday night had raised the American somewhat, and Sutter
slough last evening was about an inch higher than on the day before.
No fear was entertained that the late rains in the interior would cause
any dangerous flood at this time. . . .
The telegraphic wires were down last night in every news direction,
and we were left without communication with the outward world.
THE LATE FLOOD IN AMADOR.--The late rains did considerable injury in
Amador county. The Jackson Ledger of Dec. 28th says:
A storm of equal severity with the one which visited us during the
last week is never remembered to have occurred in this section, by
white people. Without intermission, the avalanche of water poured
from the heavens for about thirty-six hours, swelling every little
rivulet to a torrent, which bore along in its resistless course
houses, fences, bridges--and overflowed ranches and gardens. Many
of our citizens have suffered severely. The waters of the Middle
Fork of Jackson creek broke over its banks above Palmer's livery
stable, and ran in a perfect torrent down Water to the junction
of Broadway street to a depth of three or four feet.
The Young America saloon was for a time in great danger of being
carried away, in consequence of the foot bridge crossing Jackson
creek, near the residence of White, being swept away and lodged
against it. Everything of a movable nature was carried out of the
building. The damage will amount to $300 or $400.
The North Fork overflowed the upper end of Main street, causing a
panic and stampede among the celestials who inhabit that part of
town--the waters visiting their dwellings and sweeping over floors
to which water had heretofore been a stranger.
The Mokelumne river was yesterday at an unprecedented hight--nearly
reaching the stable that stands at the south end of the bridge.
A portion of the dugway on the Mokelumne Hill road was washed away
near Butte City, as also the bridge at the quartz mill where the old
road used to cross the gulch.
THE LATE RAIN IN PLACER.--On Saturday night, December 21st, the late
storm commenced in Auburn, and continued until the following Tuesday.
The temporary trail bridge at Mineral Bar was carried away. Thursday
afternoon the storm commenced again, the rain falling heavily. The
Herald of December 28th says:
The storm was the most violent of any experienced this Winter. Auburn
ravine reached a higher mark than during the first flood, and all the
tributary ravines were very high. The turnpike was again flooded, but
not seriously injured. The American river rose very fast, but did not
come within five feet of its previous high mark at Oregon Bar, below
the junction. From this we conclude that upon the head waters of the
American forks snow, and not rain fell. . . .
THE STORM AT GRASS VALLEY.--The late storm was quite severe at this
place. The National of December 24th says:
Another severe rain storm commenced about twelve o'clock on Sunday
morning, and has continued without intermission to the present time,
five o'clock p. m. on Tuesday. Up to sundown of Sunday 4.16 inches fell,
and 2 50 from that time till sundown on Monday. Since that time, up to
the hour of our going to press, today, five o'clock P. M., but .60 of
an inch have fallen. The storm however is still continuing, and there
is a prospect of more rain to-morrow than we have had to-day. Thus far
7.26 inches has fallen during the present against 14 01 which fell in
about the same time during the last storm.
THE LATE STORM IN DOWNIEVILLE.--The Sierra Democrat of December
28th thus speaks of the late rains in its vicinity:
The river is up again, and likely to be for some time. The foot bridge
at Jersey still holds. The other freshet took out so many obstructions
that the same volume would not now rise so high over the banks. If
these latter rains had fallen on as much snow as laid on the mountains
before the recent flood, the water would now be higher than then. All
this week the ruin has been falling, with but very few and short
intermissions. . . .
SUPPOSED SUICIDE.--A man, named O. G. Dunham, who has been in the
Sierra County Hospital, and had one side of his body paralyzed, is
supposed to have jumped into the river at Downieville and drowned.
He was a native of Vermont.
DROWNED IN PLUMAS.--Thomas Dawson, an old citizen of Quincy, Plumas
county, was drowned near that town recently while returning to his
home. The deceased left a young wife.
THE COSUMNES.--The water rose so high on the Cosumnes a few days since
as to surround the old adobe house at Grimshaw's ranch. This is said
to be quite unusual, even in high water times.
THIRTY-FIRST STREET LEVEE.--Judge H. O. Beatty, who has examined the
Thirty-first street levee, thinks it can be so far repaired as to fill
the breaks from L to E street for about five hundred dollars. This
would shut the water out of the city north of L street, and leave that
portion of the city comparatively dry. It would be well for the
Committee to look at this matter, and have it done right away, if
the river is too high to begin work at Burns' slough. It would be
gaining quite an important point to so repair that levee as to exclude
the water running out of the river at the slough from entering the
city north of L street. But as early as possible work should be
commenced at the slough, and continued day and night until the levee
at that point is placed in a condition to resist higher water than
that which came over it on the 9th instant.
SIDEWALKS AND STREETS.--We reiterate the suggestion that the Citizens'
Committee ought this week to give some attention and money to putting
the streets and sidewalks to and from Capitol in a good condition
for walking upon. We hardly suppose that any property owner will
object to putting down a sidewalk opposite his lot or lots before
the Legislature convenes. First impressions go a long way, and
our property owners ought to consider that they are vitally
interested in having the city present as favorable and inviting
an appearance as possible under the surrounding circumstances.
THE LATE STORM IN CALAVERAS.--The Chronicle of December 28th says:
The storm of this week has been far more severe, in this county, than the
one which resulted so disastrously for Sacramento. The rain commenced
falling on Sunday morning, and for three days it seemed almost as
if the windows of Heaven were literally opened. The branches of the
Calaveras were higher than during the memorable flood of '52. Bridges
have been carried away from several streams, and the swollen torrent
rushed along through gulches and ravines, carrying before it everything
that obstructed its course; we have heard of several accidents, but
no losses of life. In attempting to cross a stream, a horseman was
carried down the river for some distance, but finally reached the
shore from which he started without suffering any inconvenience but
a thorough wetting. Some gentlemen attempted to go from San Andreas
to Calaveritas, but were compelled to return, being unable to get
over Willow creek. We learn that the Calaveras overflowed its bank,
and that the city of Stockton and the surrounding country was inundated.
The Mokelumne was not as high as during the rain of last week. The
bridge at Sandy Bar was carried away. We have not heard of any other
damage on the Mokelumne.
THE FRESHET IN PLUMAS.--All the bridges in Indian Valley with the
exception of one, the bridges across the East Branch at Twelve Mile
Bar, as well as numerous minor ones, were carried away, by the late
freshet.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT.--The police business of yesterday was disposed of by
Judge Gilmer as follows: The case of W. Reed, charged with assault
and battery on R. Fox and B. Callahan, was dismissed. Fox and Callahan,
previously convicted of assault and battery on Reed, were fined $10
each. . . . The case of John Mahoney and John King, charged with the
larceny of a boat belonging to R. H. Vance, worth $25, was partially
examined, and continued for further testimony until to-day. Vance
proved the boat to be his. It had been missing about two weeks, when
it was found in the possession of the defendants. Their statements
as to how they came in possession of it were contradictory. The
testimony on this point was also conflicting. . . .
SIDEWALKS.--Our attention has been called to the bad condition of the
sidewalks at several points near the Capitol. The lot at the northeast
corner of Seventh and I streets, belonging to Dr. Pearis, has no
sidewalk on either front. That on the south side of I near Sixth is
also in bad condition. At a point on the east side of Seventh between
I and J, and also between J and K streets repairs are badly needed.
The Legislature will assemble in a few days--Monday next,--and for
many reasons these repairs ought to be completed before that time.
If owners neglect the work the authorities ought to attend to it as
is provided by ordinance.
BOAT UPSET.--At about noon yesterday a small boat containing two
men, a woman and a child, was swamped by the waves produced by the
Gov. Dana on her way from Marysville. The accident occurred opposite
Mike Bryte's ranch, three miles above the city. The parties in the
boat were all saved by clinging to the beat and to the willows along
the shore, near which the accident occurred. They were rescued by
Joseph Gray, Andrew Conlin and Nicholas Short, with the aid of a
small boat, by which they were taken one at a time to shore. As the
steamer did not halt, it is presumed that her officers did not
witness the accident.
THE RIVERS.--There had been but little change at sunset last evening
in the Sacramento river during the past twenty-four hours. The gauge
still indicated twenty-two feet three inches of water. The American
river at the tannery commenced to rise about noon yesterday and rose
moderately throughout the afternoon. The slough near the Gas Works
rose about an inch during the latter portion of the day. . . .
COMPANY A.--Company A, Captain Joseph Smith, of the Fifth Regiment,
was brought to the city yesterday from Sutterville, by the steamer
Gov. Dana, and was transferred to the steamer Antelope, for San
Francisco, a few minutes before her departure. The company numbered
seventy-eight men. Considerable delay was caused in transferring
the men from one boat to the other, on account of the prevalence
at the time of a heavy rain and terrific gale of wind.
FURNISH THE LUMBER.--Overseers Long and Dreman, with the chain gang,
are engaged in constructing street crossings wherever the material is
furnished by property owners. Furnish the lumber, and let the streets
be again made passable to pedestrians.
WAITING FOR GOOD ROADS.--A large number of teams are detained on the
Auburn road; between that road and this, waiting for roads and weather
by which they can travel. . . .
RAIN.--Our city was visited yesterday, by way of variety, with a violent
storm of some two or three hours duration. The rain which fell, we learn
from Dr. Logan, amounted to 0.400 of an inch. This amount, added to
0.350 which fell during Sunday night, makes 0.750, or three-fourths of an
inch during the past twenty-four hours. We have had about nine inches of
rain during the month of December. . . .
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.--lf the almanacs tell the truth we shall have a new
moon at about 9 o'clock this morning. The hopes of many of our citizens
for clear weather hang upon its horns. . . .
p. 4
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned will apply to
the honorable Board of Supervisors of Sacramento City and County,
on the 27th day of January next, or as soon thereafter as the
application can be heard, for a license to keep a Ferry across
the American river, at the old Hereford & Lisle Ferry.
A. C. HARRIS,
December 26, 1861, [d27 80t] R.A. PEARIS, . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3358, 1 January 1862, p. 1
RECORD OF EVENTS IN THE CITY.
Below will be found a brief mention of noteworthy events which have
occurred in this city during the year. Sacramento has suffered
extensively, both by flood and fire, during the year, but her
citizens still retain the energy and self-reliance which have
hitherto been found sufficient to combat more disastrous calamities
than they have experienced in 1861. . . .
March 14--. . . Work commenced on the sewer from the St George Hotel
to the I street levee. . . .
March 27--Very high stage of water in the American and Sacramento rivers,
and great alarm felt lest an inundation of the city should follow. Swift's
bridge at the mouth of the American was swept away. Body of A. J. Baer
found in the Sacramento river, below Washington. A Coroner's jury found
a verdict of suicide.
March 28--Water from Sutter Lake forced its way into the American river,
across First street. Lisle's bridge partially swept away by the freshet. . . .
April 7--The Sacramento levee at the foot of R street was washed
seriously by an eddy, and caused a good. deal of excitement. The
work of strengthening it was commenced at three and concluded at
nine o'clock P. M.. At midnight another alarm was given, and fears
were entertained that the levee would be broken through before morning. . . .
April 8--At one o'clock in the morning a train of cars left for Folsom
for cobble stone with which to repair the levee at the foot of R street;
sixteen loads were brought and used during the day. The work was continued
through the night.
April 9--. . . During a portion of the day the Sacramento river stood at
twenty-one feet and nine inches above low water mark. . . .
April 11--The waters of the Sacramento continued to range at twenty-one
feet and six inches, and upwards, above low water mark, although so long
a time had elapsed since the fall of any rain here that the street
sprinklers were brought into requisition to lay the dust.
April 17--. . . Fifty thousand feet of Puget Sound lumber arrived for
Lisle's bridge. . . . Yesterday and to-day twenty car loads of cobble
stones were thrown into the crevasse at the levee below R street.. . .
April 23--Ordinance passed forbidding the pumping of water from cellars
until the Sacramento river shall have fallen to a point eighteen feet
above low water mark. . . .
May 23--The Supervisors entered into a contract to have the water in the
lower part of the city which had oozed through the levees, pumped out. . . .
May 31--The work of pumping out the water from the lower part of the city
was commenced by Supervisor Hansbrow. . . .
July 17--A free bridge across the American river constructed by Bannon,
Johnson and others was thrown open to travel. . . .
Oct. 22--The Board of Supervisors determined to build a bulkhead at
Rabel's tannery. . . .
STATISTICS OF CALIFORNIA--1861.
THE STATE.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF .NOTICEABLE EVENTS
DURING THE YEAR.
. . .
Nearly every material interest in the State suffered, to an extent
unprecedented, by great freshets which, during the month of December,
swept off houses, immense numbers of cattle, farming and mining utensils,
and other property. In many of the cities and villages, inundations have
destroyed heavy stocks of merchandise, and driven hundreds of families
from their dwellings to seek refuge elsewhere. . . .
The following is a record of some of the noteworthy occurrences and facts
of the year: . . .
March 29 [sic]--Great freshets in the rivers in the northern portion of
the State, causing much damage to property.
March 28--. . . Stage travel greatly interrupted in consequence of the
destruction of bridges by the freshets. . . .
Nov 12--Heavy rains throughout the State. Equipments at Camp Alert were
all afloat. . . .
Nov 17--Tremendous storm of snow in the mountains and rain in the valleys.
Nov 18--No Overland mail received in consequence of the interruptions by
storm in mountains. . . .
Dec 6--Northern California visited by the most terrlble rain storm ever
experienced by American inhabitants.
Dec 7--The effect of the storm very disastrous in the carrying away
of bridges and other property, and the obstruction of telegraphic and
road communication.
Dec 9--Great inundations throughout the State, causing a fearful
destruction of property. The waters of the Sacramento, Feather, Yuba,
American, and other streams, reached a hight unknown before. Sacramento
City was all under water but the levees.
Dec 11--The high waters slowly receding; communication both by telegraph
and stage almost entirely destroyed within the Slate. Great sums of money
raised in San Francisco for the relief of sufferers by the flood in the
interior. . . .
Dec 13--Telegraphic communication with the East reopened. . . .
Dec 21--The Sacramento Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance ordering
the removal of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company's tracks and other
property from the river banks and from R street between Sixth street and
the river.
Dec 23--Another rising of the American, Yuba, Feather.and Sacramento
rivers, caused by heavy rains. . . .
Dec 26--The most terrible storm of wind and rain ever experienced in
Northern California by Americans.
Dec 27--. . . Travel much impeded by the high stage of water in all
the principal rivers.
p. 3
. . . The receipts of the city from the levee are derived from a toll of. . .
This amount, judiciously expended, ought to be enough, if the city
levees were once well built, to keep them in tolerably good repair.
The falling off in the month of December is attributable to the general
stagnation of business caused by the recent disastrous overflows. . . .
FLOODS IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY.--The San Jose Tribune of December
27th, says:
The stage for the steamer at Alviso could not pass the bridges over the
Guadaloupe this morning, in consequence of the rise in the river. The
stream has overflowed its banks, and the water is up to the fence of
the Convent Notre Dame. The stages were compelled to go to Alviso by
the new turnpike road. We also learn that the Coyote is very high, and
that the stages for Gilroy, San Juan, Watsonville and Santa Cruz did not
leave this morning, being apprehensive that they could not make the trip
in consequence of the rise in the streams. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The late flood naturally disarranged business to some extent, and caused
to be destroyed or mislaid, many papers in the possession of person who
have generally furnished us some matter for our New Year's paper. We
found it difficult, too, at times, while all were so busily engaged in
repairing damages and rearranging business, to interest in the matter
those who could alone furnish the desired information. . . .
HIGH FLOODS.--A communication in the San Jose Tribune expresses the
opinion that the flood of Dec. 9th in Sacramento was caused mainly by
the bursting of clouds in the mountains, and contains the following
statement:
I met Col. Williams at Sacramento. He was there urging some war claims
he had against the Government upon the attention of the Legislature.
In conversation with him in regard to the overflow of '49, he stated
to me positively that he had seen the water at that place (the embarcadero
it was formerly called) ten feet higher than the top of the levee in
front of the city. He further observed that, if I doubted the fact, he
would walk with me to the slough and show me the marks on the trees
that would convince me. I had no reason to doubt the old gentleman's
word, and therefore did not accept the invitation.
We have seen similar marks in waters all over the State, but they are
unreliable in determining the hight of a flood. Trees, unless they are
large and strong, are borne down by the force of the waters, and when
they right themselves again, exhibit on their trunks, and sometimes in
their tops, marks of the flood, such as dead leaves and other floating
matter. We have witnessed these indications often in the interior, and
were deceived by them as to the height of rivers, until a long residence
in the locality and a severe experience with floods gave us more
reliable intelligence. . . .
THE BRANNAN RANCH.--lt is stated that the losses of stock on the Brannan
ranch, on Feather river, will not exceed ten thousand dollars. Most of
the sheep drowned were of ordinary breeds. Some six thousand were driven
to the high lands and saved. . . .
THE NEW YEAR.
. . .
No immediate or peculiar calamity should be permitted to obscure the fact
that our reasons for rejoicing during the past twelve months have been
more numerous and potential than our excuses for despondency. . . .
This strengthening of the ties of allegiance to a form of government
which furnishes the best guarantees of peace, liberty, security and
prosperity, should afford ample atonement for any mere local disaster. . . .
Sacramento, though so recently and so seriously visited, has no
justification for spending a gloomy New Year's day, or for cherishing
unkindly memories of 1861. Previous to the advent of the December floods,
the city had cause to be thankful for her progress in wealth, business
and permanent population. Her position as the second city in the State,
was rendered more than ever secure. Those who had faith in the bright
future of the capital before the rising waters devastated her streets,
cannot lose confidence in the recuperative power of a people whose
energies have been frequently tested and approved, nor yet lose sight
of the natural conditions which render a metropolis located precisely
where Sacramento stands a necessity of the State. No; let the Old
Year carry with him in his flight all thought of grieving over the
effects of the flood, and the advent of the New Year bring us cheerful
confidence in our destiny, while nerving us to prompt and thorough-going
action, in order to restore what has been lost and to secure safeguards
against a repetition of the calamity . . .
CONVICT LABOR.--The San Francisco Journal has published several
sensible articles on the condition of Sacramento and the levee question.
It thinks convict labor might be successfully employed. In a late number
it says:
In an article in this paper on Saturday, we indicated how, at a
comparatively trifling expense, the State can extend to Sacramento the
aid which she so much needs, assistance without which, we may add, she
may be blotted out from the list of the fair cities of our
State--assistance which magnanimity and interest alike command us
to extend. The employment of the convict labor of the State in this
way, while it will confer such important benefits upon the country
by securing it against the destructive inundations to which it is
now subject, commends itself to favorable consideration for several
other reasons. First, it relieves a most important class of our
fellow citizens from a competition alike odious and impolitic--a
competition degrading to our mechanical industry, and which no
pecuniary consideration can ever make tolerable. But as suggested
in the pamphlet to which we have before referred, the employment of
these outcasts upon the works alluded to can be extended to the
reclamation of the swamp and overflowed lands, and by a judicious
system of compensation for their labor, made an effective means of
their ultimate reformation. Levees, canals, and in places stone walls
will be indispensable to the reclamation of these lands, and the
protection of the country from inundation, and there is already a
fund of about $300,000 applicable to the required works, and which
will be ample for the procurement of all the machinery, tools and
materials required beyond what will be cheerfully furnished by the
cities and counties immediately interested in the works. At least,
so much as has been derived from the particular districts upon which
the work is to he done can be thus devoted. The prisoners can be
incited to faithful labor by a provision for the accumulation of a
fund, by setting apart a reasonable proportion of the proceeds of the
sales of the reclaimed lands, from which the discharged convict, at
his release, shall receive his proportion, either in land or money,
thus giving him a small capital at his re-entrance into the world,
and freeing him from the temptation which destitution opens for
entering upon a new career of crime. We are satisfied that legislative
wisdom can eliminate a system which has merely been hinted at in
these papers, by which incalculable good will result, not only to
the people of the river counties, but to the State at large, and we
urge its consideration upon public attention. . . .
THE STORM IN SAN JUAN.--The late storm in San Juan was very severe,
and prostrated fences and trees, and did damage generally to local
improvements.
GOT AGROUND.--A few days since, the steamer Bragdon, in passing from
Stockton to San Francisco during the late gale, was blown on the bank
of the slough about six miles from Stockton, and remained there without
injury until hauled off by the Helen Hensley. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT.--. . .In the case of John Mahoney and John King, two boys,
tried on a charge of stealing a boat on Monday, and held under advisement,
the defendants were discharged, with good advice from the Court.
THE LEVEE NEAR SUTTERVILLE.--ln addition to the main crevasse,
near Sutterville, through which an immense quantity of water passes
hourly, we are informed by citizens of that locality that about
three-quarters of a mile of the levee is in a very precarious
condition. The water is running over it in several places some six
or eight inches deep, wearing away the bank, gradually it is true,
but surely. In many other places the bank is caving by the action of
the water, and is gone for a distance of one half or two-thirds the
width of the levee. Those who have seen these weak places say that
if they can be supplied with a few bales of hay, a few pickets, and
a few gunny sacks, they could stop the depredation of the waters,
but that if there is no remedy applied soon the levee for the
distance named will have to be entirely rebuilt.
SINGULAR.--On Monday afternoon a footman, on approaching the city,
near Burns' slough, met with a man who was riding a horse and leading
two others, both saddled. As a severe rain prevailed at the time,
he obtained permission to ride one of the horses. The owner, or
ostensible owner rode so rapidly into the city that the borrower
was unable to keep pace with him, and was afterward unable to find
him. The horse was taken to the station house and placed in charge
of Chief of Police Watson. His owner has not yet been heard from.
The horse is a large white animal, and has the letter N branded on
the left hip.
BOAT BUILDING.--The most active and universal business now going on
in the city appears to be that of boat building. All who have hammer,
saw, nails and lumber, employ their time in this line of mechanism.
There is, of course, an endless variety of models produced. Had Noah
postponed his experiment at ark building until 1861, and laid the
keel in Sacramento he could have obtained many a new idea in that
line which was never dreamed of in the olden time. Whether he would
ever thereby have reached Mount Ararat is another question. . . .
FREIGHT BOAT.--A large flat boat, ten feet wide and thirty feet long,
was built yesterday at M and Second streets, by J. B. Newland. The
builder launched the craft last evening in the water on M street.
He designs to use it in carrying freight from the business portion
of the city to the present railroad terminus at Poverty Ridge. When
the boat is no longer of use in this line it will be taken to
Georgiana slough to be used as a ferry boat.
THE RIVERS.--The water in the Sacramento at sunset last evening stood
twenty-two feet seven inches above low water mark, having risen four
inches within the past twenty-four hours. This is the high mark of
Friday, December 27th. The American river declined slowly during the
afternoon. The water in the lower portion of the city raised about
eight inches during Monday night, and partially receded during
yesterday afternoon.
AT WORK.--The Committee of Safety had a number of men employed on
the northern levee yesterday, wherever work could be done to
advantage between Rabel's tannery and Burns' slough. In consequence
of the rains of Monday and Monday night, and of the continued high
water, it is impossible to work at present except at a few points.
As soon as practicable, a much larger force will be employed. . . .
NOT THEIR WORK.--The Committee of Safety give notice that they do
not consider it their business to make or repair street crossings
or sidewalks, dig drains, construct sewers, or bridges, or remove
nuisances. Their whole business as a Committee they consider to be
to protect the city from inundation. Application of all descriptions
have been made to them for the performance of such work as is above
referred to. . . .
GOOD WORK.--An excellent sidewalk was yesterday partially constructed
in front of the lot belonging to Pearis & Wilcoxson, at the northeast
corner of Seventh and I streets. Lumber has also been provided for
similarly improving other property in the same vicinity. Such
promptness is worthy the imitation of other property owners, as
its effect must be advantageous to all. . . .
YOLO.--The water continues to rise higher and spread further in Yolo
county daily. Many ranches, which have never been known to be flooded
before, are now under water. Several houses belonging to ranchmen,
which were thought to be entirely safe, have been set afloat and
turned over by the action of the water.
THE WEATHER.--After the rainy night and cloudy morning, the wind
veered around from the southeast to the northwest yesterday forenoon.
The clouds disappeared, the atmosphere became cool and bracing, and
the general hope was inspired that the rains were over for the
present. Quien sabe? . . .
THE FLOOD IN SAN FRANCISCO.--Our neighbors in San Francisco have not
altogether escaped the consequences of the storms. The Bulletin
of December 30th says:
The wind blew heavily again last night from the southeast, but we
have learned of no damage to shipping except in one instance. The bow
hawser of the ship War Hawk, lying at Vallejo street wharf, cut
through into her bows some distance. The planking must have been
rotten. The bay was calm again this morning and the skies blue,
but the rain fell toward noon in great quantity. The tide, too,
happened to be higher--the oldest inhabitant says--than ever known
before. These two causes have flooded many of the cellars of our
down town houses. On California street this is especially the case,
as the torrents rushing down the hill are met and held back by the
high tide. This back-water is thus forced through the adjacent
cellar walls. The damage is not very great, as perishable goods
are not kept to any great extent in these cellars. The whole of
the southern portion of the city and county watered by Mission
creek is also flooded by the high tide, and no small damage will
result to gardens of that neighborhood, and large lakes have been
formed in other low lands by the rain.
The Alta adds:
Early this morning the rain set in with renewed violence, and up
to one o'clock this afternoon has fallen heavily and without
intermission. An immense amount of water has fallen, many of the
streets and cellars down town being flooded. At eleven o'clock
the water in the bay rose to an unparalleled hight. It came up
to the caps of the wharves. The great rise was caused by a very
high tide, coming at the same time with a wind from the west
preventing the escape of the water through the Golden Gate, and
a flood in the streams tributary to the bay. Fortunately there
was no wind from the north or south, for a heavy blow sweeping
the bay lengthwise would have thrown the waves over the wharves
and done great damage to the property along the water front. The
tide will be higher to-morrow, the day after, and the next day,
than it has been today, but probably the other influences will
not concur to raise the bay so high as it was this morning. The
roads leading out of town are exceedingly muddy, and in the
adjacent counties almost impassable.
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--On this subject the San Francisco Spirit
of the Times says:
We think the Sacramento papers have attached too much importance to
what a few irresponsible persons have said touching a removal of the
Capital. So far as San Francisco is concerned, no such an idea has
ever been entertained or even hinted at, much less putting in force
any machinery, political or otherwise, looking towards such an
undertaking. That the people of San Francisco desire the Capital
to remain where it legitimately belongs, was made manifest in the
prompt manner in which they responded to the appeal for relief from
Sacramento. The people of San Francisco do not wish the Capital
located in their city, and have not signified such a wish; and if
there be any who speak contrary to such a view, professing to
represent San Francisco in the premises, they do so without the
slightest right or authority. The Capital of the State is at
Sacramento, belongs there, and must remain there, and even if it
should be necessary to adjourn the Legislature to some other place
for the present, still Sacramento is the Capital of the State, and
some provision should be made by the Legislature about convening
to find means to protect the property of the State. It savors of
a dishonorable act, to us, to even discuss the removal or
probability of a removal of the Capital from Sacramento, for the
reason that she is temporarily in difficulty; but as San Francisco
naturally seems to be the locality aimed at in the Capital removal
articles, we deem it but an act of justice and a part of our duty
as a journalist to disclaim that she desires such a change. Should
the matter of permanent removal come up before the next Legislature,
we hazard the opinion that the vote of every member from the city
and county of San Francisco will be against it, and rightly so.
We entertain a hope, however, that instead of discussing the removal
of the Capital from where it belongs, the feasibility of protecting
it for the future will be one of the prominent measures of the
session. The people of California will not sanction the removal
of the Capital from Sacramento. . . .
CROWDING EXTRAORDINARY.--The Mountain Messenger says they
have got a wooden building up at La Porte, built of seasoned
lumber during he past Summer, between two brick buildings.
It was fitted into the opening so tight that the swelling,
caused by the recent wet weather, is crowding the two outside
bricks to such an extent as to endanger the safety of one of
them. The "devil" of the Messenger office suggests the application
of a bottle of Sherman's Rheumatic Liniment to take down the swelling. . . .
THE FLOOD IN STOCKTON.--Referring to this topic, the San Joaquin
Republican of December 28th says:
The sun came out brightly yesterday, and the latter part of the day was
in strange contrast with the boisterous day before. It is now settled,
if it were not before, that Stockton cannot be seriously overflowed.
The water fell quite low yesterday in the sloughs. The cutting away
of the Hunter street causeway nuisance drained the four lots upon
which the water was backed, completely, though they are partially
in the sloughs. The water in Mormon Slough rose two feet yesterday
afternoon, and at two o'clock this morning was nearly full, and
rising rapidly.
All the sloughs traversing the city were high at two o'clock and rising.
Several houses situated on low ground near the slough, at the back of
the Stockton Bakery Hotel, were surrounded with water. At half past one
o'clock the alarm bell was rung, and in a few minutes a hundred or more
persons were on their way to Mormon Slough, which was supposed to have
overflowed its banks or broken over the bulkhead. The slough was found
to be nearly bank full, but the bulkhead safe and sound.
The overflow comes from the Calaveras. Miners' avenue, between Hunter
and California streets, was all under. The water was a foot deep in
Supervisor Severy's garden. Col. Connor's bulkhead is partially
is [sic] under water, and the foot bridge was likely to break at
half past two this morning. The slough at Hart's and Shoaff's was
bank full. The water was within half a foot of reaching Hunter street
bridge, and was rising at the rate of six inches an hour. Probably
not a dozen lots in town are overflowed.
A dispatch to the Alta from E. S. Holden, dated Stockton,
December 29th, P. M., says: " Stockton is free from water--damage
yesterday, five hundred dollars.". . .
INAUGURATION BALL.
[drawing of dancing couple]
IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE
unsettled state of the weather, the INAUGURATION BALL will be POSTPONED until further notice. JOHN H. CARROLL,
ja1-8t Chairman Executive Committee. . . .
p. 8
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE]
Nov 11--. . . Considerable quantity of rain fell--first of the season. . . .
Nov 17--The city was visited by a lively shower of hail, accompanied and
succeeded by heavy rain.
Nov 18--The Board of Supervsors rejected the only bid for constructing
a bulkhead at Rabel's tannery. . . .
Nov 29--. . . The Board of Supervisors agreed to contract with
A. D. Rightmire for a bulkhead at Rabel's tannery. . . .
Dec 9--By a sudden rise of the American river, consequent upon recent
heavy rains, the levees were broken, and the entire city, with the
exception of the remaining levees, was submerged. About forty houses
were swept away by the flood, and an immense amount of property,
estimated at about a million and a half, destroyed. One man was drowned
by driving his team into a cistern, the cover of which had floated off.
It is not known that any other lives were lost. During the night the
flood subsided, leaving L street and all that portion north of it free,
but the remaining portions of the city have been covered with water to
a greater or less extent, at intervals, to the present day. Liberal
subscriptions in aid of the sufferers were received from San Francisco.
Dec 11--A citizens' meeting and a Committee chosen to prepare a plan
of action in regard to the inundation and the condition of the levee,
and report on the following day.
Dec 12--At the citizens' meeting, the Committee reported a plan for
rebuilding and repairing the levees by transferring the Sinking and
Interest Fund to a special Levee Fund for that purpose. The Board of
Supervisors had a special meeting called for that parpose, and passed
an ordinance making the transfer as desired.
Dec 13--On account of various legal and other difficulties in the way,
the project of appropriating the Sinking and Interest Fund was abandoned,
and a Committee of citizens was appointed to raise money for that
purpose, the money to be expended by another Citizens' Commitee.
Nearly $60,000 were raised, and the work was prosecuted with a good
degree of vigor. The Howard Benevolent Society exerted its energies
to relieve the suffering poor, establishing a depot at the Pavilion
for shelter, food and clothing, and a hospital in another locality
for the sick . . .
Dec 16--The laborers at the new Capitol building resumed work, having
been driven away by the flood.
Dec 17--The Board of Supervisors voted to cancel the permission given
the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company to run their cars on the R street
levee west of Sixth street and on Front street. . . .
Dec 19--A Citizens' meeting, called to consider the subject of the removal
of the railroad to the northern part of the city, voted to instruct the
Citizens' Committee to go on with the levees without regard to the
railroad; . . .
Dec 23--The American river again broke through at at [sic] Burns'
slough, the location of the first break, sweeping away much of the
new levee built by the Citizens' Committee, and flowing through the
southern part of the city. The Board of Supervisors passed an
ordinance repealing former ordinances granting the right of way
to the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company, and enacting that said
company may construct a track into the city as far as Sixth street,
by building trestle work a distance of 150 feet each side of the slough.
Dec 24--A man supposed to be William H. Tyman, was drowned in attempting
to go on board the steamer Nevada. The Sacramento had risen twenty-two
feet six inches above low water mark.
Dec 25--Notwithstanding the uncomfortable stage of the water,
Christmas day was observed with a good degree of hilarity.
Dec. 27--The Sacramento river at sunset was twenty-two feet seven
inches above low water mark, being one inch higher than ever before
known since the country was settled by Americans. By the upsetting
of a boat near Poverty Ridge, two boatmen and six passengers were
ducked, and Wells, Fargo & Co.'s letter bag was lost.
Dec 29--. . . Nearly one-fourth of the roof of the grand stand
at Agricultural Park was blown off by gale.
CHURCHES.
SIXTH STREET CHURCH--. . . The basement of the church has been much
injured by the late flood, imposing additional expense upon this
society. . . .
H STREET M. E. CHURCH--. . . Up to the time of the great flood the
church had been prospering finely for three months. The congregation
had increased so that the average attendance was more than that given,
and the Sunday School was rapidly advancing in numbers and interest.
The condition of the city has affected both these; but as the property
has not been materially injured by the flood, and the church is now
in comfortable condition, increased prosperity is confidently hoped
for. . . .
RAILROADS.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY RAILROAD.--. . . The business of the road has been
prosperous during the year, up to the time of the December flood, which
destroyed a portion of the railroad embankment within the city. Repairs
are rapidly progressing. . . .
ABSTRACT OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS,
MADE DURING THE YEAR 1861--WITH THE AVERAGES OF NINE YEARS--AT SACRAMENTO--38° 31' 41" N--LON. 121° 29' 44" W.
Altitude at the top of the Levee, in front of the City, 54 Feet 5 Inches. Hight of lower surface of Mercury, 52 Feet 5 Inches above Low Tide at San Francisco--with remarks.
BY THOMAS M. LOGAN, M. D.
1861.
[a number of observations, including:]
Quantity of rain and fog
JANUARY. - 2.668
FEB'Y. - 2.920
MARCH. - 3.320
APRIL. - 0.475
MAY. - 0.590
JUNE. - 0.135
JULY. - 0.000
AUGUST. - 0.000
SEPT. - 0.000
OCTOBER. - 0.000
NOV. - 2.170
DEC. - 8.687
ANNUAL MEAN. - 23.201
AVERAGE. - 18.019
. . .
ANNUAL TABLE OF THE NECROLOGY OF SACRAMENTO, FOR 1861.
Arranged according to the Classification recommended by the American Medical Association; with remarks,
BY THOMAS M. LOGAN. M. D
DISEASES AND CAUSES OF DEATH
. . .
XII. CLASS.
From External Causes:
. . .
Drowned - 4
January -1
April - 1
July - 1
December -1
Male - 4
1 to 10 years - 1
20 to 30 years - 1
50 to 60 years - 2
NATIVITIES
California and Pacific States - 1
Atlantic States of N. America - 1
F'gn Countries - 2
. . .
SOCIETIES AND ORDERS.
There are in the city a number of Societies, having various praiseworthy
objects in view.
THE HOWARD BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, organized December 28, 1857,
relieves the sick, poor and destitute, regardless of nativity.
creed or color. Its officers are as follows: President, George
W. Mowe; Treasurer, T. M. Lindley; Secretary, R. T. Brown;
Directors, P. H. Russell, C. Robin. John McNeill. John H. Carroll,
William H. Hill and N. A. H. Ball; Steward, George P. Warner. The
confidence which is universally entertained in the efficiency and
integrity of this organization is well attested by the fact that
the generous people of San Francisco made it their agent to receive
and disburse donations to the amount of more than $30,000 for the
relief of the suffering in Sacramento and the surrounding country,
caused by the inundation of December 9, 1861. The labors of the
officers have been so arduous during the past month that it has
been impossible to obtain any statistics in regard to their
transactions for the year. . . .
METEOROLOGY AND NECROLOGY.
[PREPARED EXPESSLY FOR THE SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION.
Abstract of the Meteorology and Necrology of Sacramento, with remarks.
BY THOMAS M. LOGAN, M. D.
[table omitted]
REMARKS.--Clouds and rains and storms, attended with unprecedented
floods, have characterized the month, and rendered it exceptional in
many respects. The persistence of the inclement weather, chronicled
in our November report, continued to prevail unill the 7th, when an
almost tropical rain set in, and in the space of thirty-six hours over
2-1/2 inches of water fell at Sacramento. In consequence of this sudden
accession of water which, according to our advices, was in the proportion
of about one here to six in the mountains, the American river rose very
rapidly, and would doubtless soon have run off at its debouchement into
the Sacramento (then only twenty feet above low water mark,) had not the
unseasonable spell of warm weather melted the snow from the mountains at
the same time. From the latter source the waters came rushing down the
sides of the mountains like an avalanche, carrying away dams and aqueducts,
and deluging, in a very brief time, the foot hills, as well as the valleys
lying far below. The levee on the American soon yielded to the sudden
pressure, at Burns' slough, and the natural outlet having been closed
by the railroad embankment, the cumulated mass of water soon found its
level in our streets, and at 12 M. the whole city was submerged, with
the exception of Front and I streets. At the former point the water
attained within sixteen inches of the top, at. 10 P. M., when it had
reached its maximum elevation. As soon as it found a vent through the
embankment at the south of the city, the water subsided rapidly, and on
the morning of the 10th the main streets were freed from the destructive
element. From this period the weather continued variable and unsettled
until the 22d, when a second term of heavy rains commenced, and
consequently the lower portions of the city were again inundated.
On Christmas the sun broke from its cloudy confines, but the wind
changed again by night to the rainy quarter, and the following day
the most copious precipitation on record was experienced as regards
the proportion of quantity to time. During the space of 13 hours a
warm rain poured down in torrents, accompanied at intervals by a high
wind from the S. E. During this period the minimum of the barometer
was recorded as above. The water which fell measured 2.440 inches,
and the American responded rapidly again, flooding the lower portions
of the city, which had been partially relieved. As the Sacramento
had at this time attained the highest stage on record. viz: 22
feet 6 inches above zero, the American had no other outlet except
through the southeastern portion of the city. That the entire city
was not again submerged is proof practical that there is a much greater
fall in the Sacramento below the city than is generally conceded by
engineers, and that the first extraordinary flood is altogether
attributable to the error of not leaving open a passage for the
escape of the water in the event of a crevasse such as we have
just experienced.
The exceptional characteristics of the month
are found in the unusually high range of temperature, the great
proportion of cloudy, foggy and rainy days, and the large amount
of precipitation, amounting to nearly one-half of our average
annual supply. There is generally a period of intermission between
the early and the latter rains, and doubtless it is now at hand,
as we have already received much more than half of the annual
quantity. Considering all the circumstances, then, meteorological
and physical, just mentioned, in connection with our past experience,
we may confidently predict that the business portions of the city
cannot become inundated again this season. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3359, 3 January 1862, p. 1
. . .
SWEPT AWAY.--The bridge over the Mokelumne, at Woodbridge, was swept
away on Friday night, December 27th, the sudden rise in the river
having taken it off bodily. It then [?] lodged against the bank a few
miles miles below Woodbrldge. . . .
p. 2
TRAVELING IN THE INTERIOR.--Travel from Auburn to Nevada and Marysville
is much interrupted at present by high water in the sloughs. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The wires of the telegraph between this point and San Francisco being
down, we are without our usual dispatch from the latter city. . . .
The waters of the Sacramento are falling, but very slowly. The Committee
of Safety resumed operations yesterday morning, and a number of men
were employed in repairing the levee along the American river. . . .
FLOODS IN THE MOUNTAINS.--Persons who come [?] down from the mountains
of Tuolumne and Calaveras, December 30th, inform the Stcckton
Independent that the late floods which have overflowed
the Calaveras and Mokelumne were quite destructive throughout
the mines. The small streams in Calaveras have all been out of
their banks. Flumes, mining claims on the bars [?], fences,
gardens and orchards have been swept away, or ruined by deposits
of sand and water. About Murphy's much damage has been sustained
by the claimants along the bed rock traces [?] which penetrates the
flat; and scarcely a locality has escaped without serious loss. The
roads are nearly impassable. Numbers of the small bridges are gone,
and slides from the hills are frequently encountered.
In Tuolumne, according to the Columbia Courier, the destruction
of property has been equally as wide spread, and work in the mines
was almost universally suspended last Saturday. The Main Gulch flume
burst on Thursday night, completely deluging all the claims in Columbia
gulch. The Water Company's flume was injured to the extent of $5,000.
The telegraph wires were disordered in all directions, and no news came
in either by mail or telegraph. The buildings at Osborn's Ferry were
surrounded by water from two to four feet deep. The end of the ferry
rope had given way, and the river transit had become entirely suspended.
The bridges, including Loving's, were still standing, though constantly
threatened with being swept away by the rise. The rain had fallen [?]
with a steadiness and severity never before witnessed in that part of
the country. . . .
OUR WANT OF CITY AUTHORITIES.--Theoretically, we have city authorities,
but practically, we are without any city government. The Consolidation
Bill professes to furnish the people with a Board of Supervisors,
and a President, who, by virtue of his office, is Superintendent of
Streets and Levees. The salary attached to the office has been three
thousand dollars. This was allowed the President as a compensation
for giving his time and labor to the public in presiding over the
deliberations of the Board, and in superintending streets and levees.
This is the theory, but in practice for the past two years the city
has been without a Superintendent of Streets and Levees. President
Shattuck, so far as we are advised, has taken upon himself very little
more trouble about the streets and levees than any other citizen.
They have been left pretty much to their own care--except what little
has been bestowed upon them by the overseers of the chain gang.
The Board of Supervisors itself has pursued very much the same course
in relation to city matters as its President. The most it has done
for the city is included in allowing accounts and contracting debts
contrary to the spirit and letter of the law. So great is the floating
debt thus created against the City Contingent Fund, that the Board
itself estimate warrants on that Fund as worth only twenty-five cents
on the dollar. The credit of the city has been run down by successive
Boards until it is below zero. So worthless is city scrip that we
question whether there is a lumber merchant in Sacramento who would
sell the authorities five hundred dollars' worth of lumber for even
two thousand dollars in warrants. This condition of things seems to
have been fully appreciated by the Board at its late session.
Notwithstanding the city had been completely inundated, millions
of property destroyed, sidewalks swept away, crossings floated
off and Sacramento left a wreck of her former self, the Board of
Supervisors met, held a session of several days and adjourned without
making a single effort to assist in placing the city in as
advantageous and comfortable a condition as circumstances would
admit. The Board did not even purchase plank to build bridges over
the ditches cut by individuals to drain different portions of the city.
The Board literally has done nothing for the people in their distress.
Of what benefit are such city authorities? Would not the people be
much better off to-day if the members of the Board and the President
were to resign and let the city be placed by them under a provisional
government? One of the earliest acts of the Legislature should be
to pass an Act that will give to Sacramento an efficient city government. . . .
CONVICT LABOR FOR BUILDING LEVEES.
In 1857, Philip A. Roach, of San Francisco, published a pamphlet on
the "State Prison System of California." His main object seemed to be
to demonstrate the impolicy [sic] and injustice to the mechanics of
the State of the contract system as applied to State Prison labor.
He argued at length against the practice of contracting State Prison
labor so as to have it come in competition with the labor of the
mechanics of the State, and suggested that the labor of State convicts
might be advantageously employed in building levees on the Sacramento
and San Joaquin rivers. When engaged in that kind of labor, he argued,
the convicts would be employed so as not to interfere with the
laboring men of the State. In his pamphlet, Mr. Roach said:
If the labor of the prisoners were under the control or the State,
as it ought to be, various works of great importance might be undertaken.
For instance the improvement of the navigation of the rivers leading
to the Capitol of the state might be at once commenced. Sacramento
and Marysville, each in just proportion for such an object, would
probably furnish their quota of provisions and guards for the
maintenance and safety of the convict, with hulks for their lodgment;
and it is doubtful whether more would escape at any time from the
wooden walls, than do now from San Quentin, with its brick ones.
Then let the people of Stockton, who desire to improve the navigation
to their town, enjoy the same privilege--its people guaranteeing to
take charge of the prisoners, and in the event of their escape, to
offer, as the people of Sacramento would, a reward for their
apprehension, even twofold greater than is now required by the lease
under which their services are held. And the people of San Jose, and
perhaps of San Francisco, might profit by the same labor. As there
are many hundreds in the institution, the Legislature might appoint
a Committee, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State, Controller,
Treasurer and Surveror [sic] General, to apportion the number that
each locality ought to have; and the Sheriffs of the different counties,
where the labors were to be performed, might be authorized by the Board
of Supervisors of their respective counties to appoint proper deputies
to assist the State authorities to safely guard the prisoners.
After the improvement of the rivers shall have been accomplished, or
the public roads opened, let the Surveyor General set apart, of the
swamp and overflowed lands, so many acres for the support of the Insane
Asylum, so many for the State Hospital, so many for Orphan Asylums in
the State, to be divided among the different denominations; so much
for the Public Schools, and then, under proper officers of the State,
let the prisoners work to reclaim them. While their labor thus employed
would not come in competition with that of the mechanic, it would add
immensely to the wealth of the State. If each convict reclaimed per
day but sufficient to pay for his maintainance, the State would be a
gainer; but with the engineering talent we have among us, the
construction of large canals would drain millions of acres, and then
would be serviceable for the purposes of navigation. Millions of the
most productive lands could then be offered at low prices and in
reasonable quantities to the actual settler, and their value applied
to reduce the indebtedness of the State, the interest of which is
gnawing at our vitals. The articles that could be raised on this
land--tobacco, rice, sugar and cotton--are those which we now import
at a greatly enhanced cost, as we are so distant from the countries
of production, and would interfere but little with our usual
agricultural crops. There is another point to be considered. The
Commonwealth reaping the benefit of the labor of her erring children,
could do something for their reformation. Of every hundred acres
reclaimed, let a small percentage be dedicated to a common fund,
to be divided, at the expiration of the sentence, among those who
had labored in the lands. In this manner the convict would have an
inducement to be industrious, and in proportion as he had toiled,
might have something with which, on the expiration of his term, to
commence the world. For many years to come the swamp and overflowed
lands will give employmeet to this special labor, and would certainly
prevent, if so directed, the ruin which now threatens our people engaged
in mechanical pursuits. The State of California, with a seacoast nearly
as great as that of the "old thirteen," must certainly have within it
some article on which this labor can be directed, without coming into
close and unwise competition with that of our people. As it is now,
the cost of the punishment of crime falls upon those who labor in
industrial pursuits. Our Constitution has one merit. The State credit
cannot be loaned directly or indirectly to banks or corporations; nor
can evidences of State indebtedness be issued as a circulating medium;
nor can mortgages on property be issued in the form of bank notes. And
therefore, as against capital, no laws have been framed in any way to
lessen its earnings; nor ought any to be enacted. So in regard to labor,
the same freedom ought to be permitted, and no private individual be
allowed to have the control of five hundred men for his own purposes,
even as the punishment of crime. Think of it! Five hundred
destinies--leases of life--controlled within the limits of one man's
discretion, under the law of California! Now make a contrast. Give
one man to use, within the limits of his discretion, five millions of
the State funds. How the tax-payers would howl! Why should those
living by the labor of their hands be silent?
In a communication addressed to the UNION, Mr. Roach suggests that
the convict labor of the State may be profitably employed in building
levees around Sacramento to protect both the city and State property.
The plan suggested is practicable for building permanent levees and
raising those erected this Winter, but convict labor could not be
made available for the present exigencies of Sacramento. A certain
amount of work must be done as soon as the weather will permit. The
slough at Burns' farm must be closed so as to insure the city against
water from that source. But the work of widening, raising and
strengthening the levees around the city will be prosecuted for
years, and in this work convict labor can be made available. It is in
contemplation to build a levee thirty feet on top, with a base of
sixty feet, raising it several feet above the highest point the water
has ever been known to reach. This will be a work of time, and may
be accomplished by convict labor. It will probably be several years
before it will be completed. It is conceded that, in addition to the
money collected recently, it will be necessary to raise annually, by
a levee tax, a sum sufficient to keep it in repair, and add to its
strength and hight. The conviction is general, that a new system must
be adopted--that we must have a Board of Levee Commissioners to
superintend our levee matters, and that they must be furnished with
funds to place the levees beyond all contingencies. The late floods
have satisfied all that there is no obstacle in the way of building
a levee on the American river which will bid defiance to the turbulent
floods of that mountain torrent. All our flood disasters have been
produced by that river, and were it so effectually leveed as to insure
the exclusion of the water of that river, the people of this city would
consider it secure for all time against inundation. That such a levee
can be built, there is no room for doubt. The fact will be demonstrated
most fully, if the Citizens' Committee can be favored with ten days
of favorable weather. They have made two efforts since the late rise
to begin work, but found it impossible from the stage of water at Burns'
slough, and the soft condition of the earth, to do so. They will commence
to-morrow morning, wind and weather permitting. In the future it is
likely that a horse railroad track may be laid on the line for the
purpose of moving earth from points where it can be obtained to raise
the line to the desired grade. After the Sacramento river falls an
immense amount of material will be rendered available in the large bar
formed by the American river above the bridge. There is material enough
in that bar to build all the levees needed, raise all our streets to
the level of I street, and that, too, without producing, perceptible
reduction in the size of the bar. In calling our attention to the
pamphlet written in 1857, the existence of which we had forgotten,
Mr. Roach addressed us the following letter:
SAN FRANCISCO, December 30, 1861.
EDITORS UNION:--Seeking my way to the Senate chamber on the day of
the flood in 1852, I fell from the levee and narrowly escaped a watery
grave. From frequent conversations with old residents, I feared that
the disasters of 1849 and 1852 might recur. Herewith is forwarded you
a pamphlet issued in February, 1857, to break up the "Levee System of
Prison Labor," and to point out how the convicts could be employed
without detriment to mechanics, and with advantage to the Commonwealth.
The passages marked may prove suggestive. Let the State devote the
convict labor to levee the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. That labor
costs the State, under any circumstances, so much, and it is bad policy
to make it productive by competition with individuals, when vast
interests of State can be promoted by it.
In the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund there is a large balance which
could be legitimately used to assist the convict labor, in addition
to yearly appropriations, in leveeing and at the time time reclaiming
the overflowed lands. That fund was overborrowed; but speculative heads
may at some future time find pretexts to divert it again, perhaps, with
total loss.
Let the State devote all its uncontracted labor to the object
mentioned, and with proper engineering talent, the work of five or six
hundred men would, in five or ten years--and what matters the time for
such an object--make Sacramento and Stockton ports at which clipper
ships could anchor. In any event, the inundated cities should be
assisted by the State, and one of the best resources in its power is
the labor of its convicts.
With willows from the banks of your unruly rivers, bowlders and
fragments of granite from Folsom, the services of several hundred
prisoners would enable you to erect a barrier such as would resist
the stormy billows of a Zuyder-zee or the penetrating water of an
Amstel.
Amsterdam, Brest, Cherbourg, etc., are ports where fleets can ride;
and dike, levee and dredging machine have conquered them from the ocean.
The objections to the Mississippi levee system would not occur here.
The Sacramento and San Joaquin are short rivers compared with the
Father of Waters, and our bay and its outlet bear such a relation to
them in area that the rapidity of the currents would not be increased.
These lines are written hastily, but with the hope of helping a city
whose disasters are so contrastlve to our own. As San Francisco,
however, has risen like a phenlx from her ashes, may Sacramento rise
Venus-like--invigorated by her bath.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
PHILIP A. ROACH. . . .
HINTS TO SACRAMENTANS.--The San Francisco Call recommends to the people of Sacramento some attention to the following facts:
The water of the Mississippi used to wash away the banks and levees
of the town of La Crosse, Wisconsin, in spite of all the people could
do. Finally they cut immense quantities of willow rods, which they
bound tightly in bundles, like bundles of grain. These bundles, at
low water, were piled up compactly on the banks of the river, sloping
inward, with earth scattered upon them; the result was that long
ere the season was over the willows sprouted and took root, so that
they became thoroughly entwined together and fastened to the soil
beneath in such a manner that all subsequent floods have proven
powerless to disturb them. It is necessary to watch the willows
and cut them down occasionally, so as to keep them from growing out
into the stream and causing bars to form. As this system has worked
well on trial, it would be a good idea for the Sacramentans to resort
to it for the purpose of rendering secure beyoad a doubt the weaker
portions of their levees--those portions from which danger is always
apprehended in case of a flood. They have abundant material for the
purpose close by them, and to use it properly would cost but a small
sum comparatively.
THE ROADS SOUTH.--Stockton Independent of December 30th says:
The Columbia and Sonora stage arrived in this city at half past nine
o'clock last evening. We are informed that the rain in the mountains
was very heavy all of yesterday. The road between this city and the
Twenty six Mile House is almost impassable, the stages going over the
entire distance upon the "dead drag," with hubs buried in the mud. At
Kelley's, the floor of the stable was covered with two feet of water,
and the country beyond flooded so as to put a stop to all kinds of
travel. The bridge over the Tuolumne, usually crossed by the Stockton
and Mariposa stages, has been partly carried away.
THE CALAVERAS.--It is stated that this river a day or two since was
two feet higher than at the period of the former flood.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Weather in the Interior.
STRAWBERRY VALLEY, Jan. 2d.
Six feet of snow fell on the Summit during the late storm. Sleighing
is excellent in this vicinity. The roads are very muddy, and in a
horrible condition below. The wind is blowing very hard.
NEVADA, Jan. 2d.
It has been raining to-day. Weather windy and cold.
OROVILLE, Jan. 2d.
Thunder storm here to-night--wind and rain. . . .
THE FOOD [sic] ON THE MERCED.--There has been a severe overflow from
the Merced river, which carried away Murray's and Nelson's bridges,
above Snelling's. A dam erected at great expense by Messrs. Flint,
Peabody & Co. of San Francisco, had also been swept, away, causing
an amount of damage impossible to estimate. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
FERRIES LICENSED.--Two ferries were licensed by the Board of Supervisors
to run across the slough where J and K streets strike it, but during
the high water neither of them was in operation. This fact proved that
the owners of the boats did not understand their business very well,
or had neglected to make the necessary preparations for high water.
One ferry started Tuesday, and has had all it could do since. Yesterday
and the day before wagons were compelled to wait in some instances
for hours before they could be set over. K street, over which all
the travel passes, is in a wretched condition. Between the holes cut
by water and those made by wheels, it is nearly impassable for a
loaded wagon. Individuals were engaged yesterday in hauling ruined hay
into some of the most dangerous, and it answered a first rate purpose
for filling them up. There is a large quantity of damaged hay lying
around in the city which, if hauled into K and J streets and unloaded
in the holes cut in those streets, could be made very serviceable.
The business men of the city will find their interests promoted by
giving a little of their attention to those streets
THE LEVEE NEAR R STREET.--The levee on the Sacramento river near R street
is washing away quite rapidly at several points. On Wednesday the bank
commenced to cave opposite the large scales constructed by the Railroad
Company several months ago for weighing cars and cargoes of cobbles,
granite, etc. Up to last evening a gap had been made about thirty feet
long, and eight feet wide at the deepest portion. The earth beneath the
railroad track had been carried off, and the foundation of the scale,
which coat $3,000, was threatened. J. P. Robinson had employed during
the afternoon some fifteen or sixteen men, endeavoring to combat the
action of the water. A sheet of canvas was sunk by means of an iron
rail, and a large number of gunny sacks filled with earth were deposited
in the gap. The levee is wearing away with almost equal rapidity,
and much more danger to the city, at a point below the old break of
last year. There are also several places between Q and R which need
attention from the Committee of Safety.
SUPPOSED TO BE DROWNED.--Patrick O'Donnell, of the River House, corner
of P and Front streets, has been missing since Wednesday evening under
circumstances which render it probable that he has been drowned. He was
the owner of the wood barge St. Louis, which lay moored at the levee,
a short distance from the house. At about ten o'clock on Wednes-evening,
Captain Fairchild of Truworthy's barge, passed the St. Louis, and
observed O'Donnell sitting, without his hat, on the plank connecting
the barge with the levee. Fairfield asked if he needed assistance to
get on board. O'Donnell replied that he did not. He appeared to have
been drinking. He has not been seen since. His hat was found yesterday
morning on the barge. He leaves a wife and children at his late residence. . . .
STREET CROSSINGS.--As there will be a necessity for constant
communication--through Committees and otherwise--between the Capitol
at Seventh and I streets and the residence of the Governor at Eighth
and N streeets [sic], it is suggested that the street crossings between
the two points should be attended to at once. Eighth street is said
to be not navigable to pedestrians at the present time. It is further
suggested that there is a large amount of street crossing lumber,
carried away by the late floods, which might be recovered by the proper
authorities, wherever found, and again employed for the same purpose,
wherever needed. . . .
WORK ON THE LEVEE.--A large number of workmen were employed yesterday
by the Committee of Safety at various points on the American river
between Rebel's tannery and Burns' slough. With the wind and sun of
yesterday the ground dried rapidly. The American is yet too high to
justify any attempt to close up the slough.
CLOSING OUT.--The Howard Benevolent Society closed their hotel at the
Pavilion, for want of patronage, last night. We learn that they have
relieved, according to their various necessities, about five thousand
men, women and children since the first flood, and yet have $2,000 or
$3,000 remaining. Their hospital on Fourth street will probably be
closed to-day. . . .
THE LINCOLN ROAD.--During the late freshets several bridges on the
Folsom and Lincoln Railroad were swept away. They are so far repaired,
we are informed, that the cars will today resame their regular trips. . . .
STUBBORN.--The Sacramento river still stands at about twenty-two feet
three inches above low water mark. The water in the lower part of the
city is receding rather more rapidly.
DROWNED.--Edward Lubbeck, a hand on the sloop C. W. Gunnell, Capt. Croft,
was drowned several days ago some eight miles below the city. He was
carried overboard in a gale. . . .
MOKELUMNE CITY.--This place, on the Mokelumne river, is about 6 to 8
feet under water. A ball, which was to come off there lately, was postponed. . . .
p. 8
THE STOCKTON FLOOD.--The Stockton papers claim that there was no great
flood there after all. The Independent of December 30th says:
Owing to the absence of any system of sewerage several stores on the
south side of Main street, between Center and El Dorado streets, were
covered several inches on the floors with water. These stores (as in
every instance in which water entered the houses) are from two to three
feet below the grade of the city, as established by the Common Council.
In several of the stores to which the water found its way the floors
were below the level of the sidewalk' Of course, any ordinary fall
of rain would enter buildings thus erected but for the protection
the sidewalks afford. The cellars for the most part were submerged,
including the basement of Agricultural Hall. The late extraordinary
rise of water has served to warn our citizens to keep open the natural
outlets--the sloughs--and prevent them from being improved in any manner
which may impede the flow of water through them during the Winter. This
done, and we may rest in perfect security against the consequence of an
overflow; otherwise, we may anticipate a recurrence of the events of
Friday night, with effects more disastrous than the mere washing out
of the sewers, as was the case in this instance. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3360, 4 January 1862, p. 1
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDBNT.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 22, 1861.
With profound regret we learn of the sad calamity that has befallen
Sacramento and the river towns--destruction of property and the loss
of life. [Our correspondent has probably received some exaggerated
account in regard to the latter particular.--Eds. UNION] No human
power can ever replace the spark of existence and restore to desolate
homes and afflicted hearts those who have fallen victims to so terrible
a visitation; but, that apart, none doubt that in a few short years
the invincible energy and untiring perseverance of your Western men
will suffice to deface from sad memory the present calamity, save in
its confirmatory contribution to that philosophy that trusts nothing
to the elements, and sees a world of wisdom in that sage exhortation,
"Say your prayers, but keep your powder dry." . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
In consequence of the wires being out of order, we were unable to obtain,
last evening, dispatches from the East or from San Francisco. . . .
While we are enjoying clear and cool weather, the rivers continue about
stationary. Workmen were employed yesterday in making repairs along the
Sacramento below R street, and along the American above the Tannery. . . .
THE STATE CAPITAL.--We have heard it suggusted [sic] that an opinion
prevails in some quarters of the State that the condition of our town
is worse than it really is, and that locomotion to and from our
principle [sic] places of business is difficult. This is a great
mistake. The side.walks in our business streets, and from our
principal hotels and boarding houses to the State Capitol, are
mainly in an excellent condition, much better than they usually are
in the wet season of the year. Since the flood there have been many
improvements in this respect, and there are few towns in the State
where travelers can at this time pass from point to point more
comfortably. It is true that in the lower part of the city residents
suffer inconvenience from water, but the main streets are free from
water and traversed as usual and at ease by men, women and children. . . .
RAIN STATISTICS.--During the year 1860, 7.86 inches of rain fell at
San Francisco. In 1861, 18.64 inches fell--nearly double the quantity
of rain that we had the previous year. The rainy days of the wet
season of 1861 were:
November. December
10th. ....... 0.27 1st 0.05
12th......... 0.74 3d 0.07
13th 0.29 6th . 1.02
14th 0.05 7th 0.29
15th.......... 0.08 8th.......... 1.65
16th.. ....... 0.39 9th 0.18
17ih 0.22 l6th 0.01
19th 0.56 22d 0.03
26th. 0.48 23d 1.06
27th 0.60 24th 0.56
29th. 0.08 26th . 2.02
30th 0.34 27ih 0.23
28th 0.17
29th... 0.70
30th 1.25
3lst, up to 9 A. M 0.25
In November 4.10
In December 9.54
-----
Total for the season 18.64
--S. F. Bulletin.
GOOD FROM THE FLOODS.--There is never any great injury without some
corresponding benefit. The Placerville Republican cites a case in
point. It says:
The cleaning out of many ravines and canons in the mines, where
tailings had accumulated, left their deposits of gravel which
prospect richly, and can be easily worked. The freshets also, by
removing the accumulations of many washings, have increased the
amount of grade for sluices, and facilitated the working of claims
heretofore unprofitable for want of sufficient "fall," as the
miners express it.
SNOW IN WASHOE.--The Territorial Enterprise of Deoember 25th says:
The snow lay to the depth of two or three inches in Virginia City
yesterday morning. It did not extend below Silver City, having rained
there the entire night. The wind drifted the snow fearfully yesterday,
almost blinding those who were compelled to face it. Last evening the
sky became clear, and the weather was very cold. The water in Carson
river yesterday morning was four inches higher than during the late
rise. . . .
THE LATE GALE IN SAN FRANCISCO.--During the late severe gale, several
vessels dragged from their anchorage toward the ocean. It was feared
that the schooner Bartlett Allen would be driven out to sea, but she
was rescued in time.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT.--. . . Heinrich Frey and Rosina his wife were tried for
assault and battery on a round-faced damsel named Anna McGee. The case
arose from a quarrel about a floating fence, and was chiefly remarkable
for the adamantine character of some of the testimony. Anna testified
positively that Frey struck her two or or three times in the face and
called her vile names, and a lad named Crowley fully corroborated her
story. On the other hand, a German living with Frey, and an elderly
female, who spoke of Anna as "dirty company," swore point blank that
Anna was the aggressor, threatening to knock Frey's Dutch brains out,
while that Teuton only used very mild language indeed, considering the
circumstances. On hearing this testimony Anaa [sic], in blank amazement,
opened her mouth and eyes so that they looked for a moment like three
large O's set in a trianguhr position (°.°). It happened, however, that
Judge Gilmer had himself seen the marks of the blows on the maiden's
face on the day of the assault, and as this was a piece of corroboratory
evidence on which he could rely, he pronounced Frey guilty. As to Mrs.
Frey, there was no evidence that she committed any overt act of hostility
except that of the elderly female, who said "she made Anna run by saying
she did not want her there," so Mrs Frey was discharged. . . .
RELIGIOUS.--. . . The Rev. W. H. Hill will officiate and preach in Grace
Church, morning and evening. The Sunday School will meet as usual after
the morning service. Subject of the morning discourse, "things Done and
to be Done on Account of the Recent Floods." The public--especially all
interested in the operations of the Howard Benevolent Association are
invited to attend. The annual collection in aid of the funds of that
Association will be made on this occasion.
CONDITION OF THE CITY.--All that portion of the city lying north of L
street is now as free from the watery element as it has ever been at
this season of the year. The lower portion of the city is covered with
water, but that is no inconvenience to strangers, who could not, if
no water were there, find hotel accommodations. All the business streets,
and those upon which are located the hotels, are in as good condition as
they have hitherto been at the opening of the session of the Legislature.
New crossings have been constructed wherever they were most needed, and
the members of the Legislature will find that the signs of the flood
consist principally of improved sidewalks and crossings in those portions
of the town usually traveled by them. . . . .
GOOD EXAMPLE.--Harmon & Co. and C. S. Coffin have removed the mud from
the front of their stores on J street, between Third and Fourth, and
thereby set an example worthy of imitation. By hauling away about six
inches of softened mud from the surface, they come to the hard, gravel
bottom. If other merchants along J street should do likewise, the street
could be made to present as dry and hard a surface as in Summer time.
WOODLAND.--The name of Yolo City, located in Yolo county, sixteen miles
from Sacramento, has been changed to "Woodland." A Post Office has been
established at that point. The town is out of water and is in a flourishing
condition. Complaints are made by its citizens that the contractors do
not promptly carry the mail from this city, as they are in duty bound.
NOT HEARD FROM.--Nothing has been heard concerning Captain O'Donnell,
who is presumed to have been drowned on Wednesday night, from the wood
barge St. Louis. His wife states that he left the house a short time
before midnight, against her earnest remonstrance. She has no doubt
that he has met with a watery grave.
LEVEE REPAIRS.--E. P. Figg, of the Committee of Safety, with about a
dozen men, was engaged during yesterday in repairing the levee below
R street. Some two hundred and fifty gunny sacks were filled and placed
along the bank, protected by brush sunk beneath them. Some eighty men
were employed on the American river repairing the levee at that point. . . . .
COOL DAY.--We were favored yesterday with cool weather, and a bracing
northwest breeze--the tendency of which, if continued, must be to
dry up our streets, and lower the water in the rivers. . . . .
ABOUT THE SAME.--The Sacramento river maintains its hight with no
perceptible change, ranging at twenty-two feet three inches above
low water mark.
NEW SIDEWALK NEEDED.--A new sidewalk is badly needed on both parts
of Haworth's lot, at the northeast corner of Fourth and J streets. . . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3361, 6 January 1862, p. 1
[p. 1 filmed twice, first is cut off at bottom and fades to black in lower
right corner, 2nd OK]
. . .
FREE BRIDGE.--The citizens of San Joaquin and Calaveras counties living
on the Stockton road propose to make a new road from the place known
as "Jimmy's Bridge," crossing Shower's ranch and connecting with the
Fanning road by the way of Cady's ranch and the North American. The
Chronicle says:
The bridge over the main stream will be about sixty feet; one of the
sloughs will require a shorter bridge--this will cut off all the sloughs
which now interrupt travel, and the road can be used without any
inconvenience from floods or high water. Toll bridges on the Stockton
road have become a crying evil to all teamsters. The toll from Stockton
to Mokelumne Hill or San Andreas will average about $2.50 per week,
which, in a single year, will amount to $130 on a heavy team; this tax
on freight will all be avoided by the building of a free bridge. The
citizens living on the road are determined to put the road through. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
A timely discourse, entitled "Lessons of the Great Disaster of 1861,"
delivered at Grace Church, in this city, yesterday, by Rev. W. H. Hill,
appears in our present issue, and will doubtless receive, as it deserves,
a thoughtful perusal.
Sacramento was visited by another heavy fall of rain yesterday, which
had a tendency to check the fall of the rivers. A dispatch from
Placerville leads us to infer that cold weather, followed by rain
and snow, has prevailed in that region. At Strawberry, on Saturday,
the mercury fell to sixteen degrees below zero. We are informed that
there was a regular New England snow storm at Marysville yesterday.
There has been also a heavy fall of snow in Carson Valley."
ACCIDENT TO THE STEAMER GOVERNOR DANA.--The steamboat Governor Dana,
on her trip to Marysville on Saturday evening, struck on a bar at the
foot of E street, Marysville, just below the Yuba bridge, and swinging
around, ran into the sycamores on the river bank below. The steamer's
smoke stack was knocked off, but no further damage was done.
AGROUND.--The steamer Autocrat grounded recently on the bank of the
Stanislaus river, a few miles above its outlet; having been forced there
by the late flood, it being difficult to ascertain the direct channel. . . .
CENTRAL RAILROAD.--This road is in running order between Folsom and
Lincoln, all damages by the late flood having been repaired, not in
a temporary, but in a substantial and permanent manner. The traveling
public, undoubtedly, feel anxious to see some progress made in
repair, upon the road from this city to Folsom.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Rain at Placerville - Snow and Cold Weather in the Mountains
PLACERVILLE, Jan. 5--8 P. M.
It has been raining here all day, and turned to snowing to-night.
It is snowing hard at Strawberry and in Carson Valley. It was very
cold here yesterday, the ground being frozen hard. At Strawberry
the thermometer stood at sixteen degrees below zero
HOWARD BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
The Directors, on behalf or the members, and on this occasion in behalf
of the citizens of Sacramento and vicinity, in submitting their monthly
statement, express the most sincere and grateful thanks to all who have
aided our suffering and destitute poor by their timely and munificent
donations. But for such substantial aid the distress and misery would
have been fearful, and the means of the Association totally inadequate
to have relieved it for one week.
Probably in the history of the United States, there is not a parallel
to the situation of our community on the morning of the 10th of December.
Situated in a saucer, the rim formed by our levees, and the saucer filled
with water; clothing, bedding, etc., saturated; and for the five
succeeding days a thick fog enveloping the place, precluding the
possibility of the mass of people from procuring a change of dry
clothes. The demand for shoes, hose and clothing was universal, and
so pressing that it taxed the energy of all to relieve the pressure.
On the morning of the 9th of December, by order of the President, four
boats were sent to take families to the Pavilion, and preparations made
for their accommodation. Four hundred women and children were provided
with blankets, and all fed by seven P. M., and the Hall was thronged
all night by men and women seeking refuge and shelter. The Pavilion
was twice nearly cleared, when the second and third floods forced the
families again to return, so that there has been an average of two
hundred and fifty persons kept and comfortably provided from the 9th
of December to the morning of the 3d of January, when it was finally
closed.
Seventy-five families have been provided with new homes in the northern
portion of the city--theirs being still submerged and a month's rent
paid in advance, provisions, fuel, etc., provided, so that, to a large
extent, they will be hereafter self-supporting. An average of five
hundred persons daily were fed at the Pavilion during the period of
our occupancy.
On the 15th December, a Hospital was opened on Fourth, between I and
J, where the sick families were kept, and the whole supervised by
Drs. Harkness, Montgomery and Frey. This was closed--families having
been provided for by us--on the 4th instant
On the 28th of December a pest house was procured and fitted for
patients, and on the 4th instant handed over to the City and County
authorities.
The Association have kept boats employed in aiding the poor to
recover their effects from buildings partially under water, and will
continue its aid in this manner.
In the distribution of the freshet of money and articles so liberally
supplied to relieve the freshet of wants, the Association, in
pursuance of its constitutional requirements, has not known either
creed, nativity, color or sex, but supplied all who were destitute
and without available means of support.
The imposition to be expected we are satisfied has been but a small
percentage, and all cases known will be published in our next monthly
statement, if in the meantime restitution is not made.
Our relief has been extended to all sufferers in a circuit of twenty
miles of the city, whose cases were known, or applications made by
or for them.
Many of the reliefs have been to those suffering under the severest
affliction from disease, which, were it proper to recite, would be
heartrending and appalling.
Every member of the Association but one--who resigned upon the first
call to duty--responded to the call of the President with alacrity,
and the labors though onerous have been faithfully performed.
The ladies of the city who were able from their exemption from loss,
have rendered us most efficient aid, and scores of philanthropic
citizens have devoted their time and efforts in furtherance of our object.
We estimate the losses in this city alone to be at a low figure,
$700,000, which does not include the losses from disruption of business
or deferred payments of debts.
We estimate the losses within a circuit of twenty miles of the city
at $200,000--principally stock, fences and agricultural implements.
There are upwards of sixty houses destroyed, so that they are unfit
for future occupation.
We have granted upwards of 1,500 dispensations, and relieved 5,000 persons.
The entire medical fraternity of the city have responded to our calls and
treated at least 150 patients
The California Steam Navigation Company, the Railroad Company, the
proprietors of all the stage lines, the Telegraph Company, and Wells,
Fargo & Co., have each in their several departments responded to all
our calls, and rendered gratuitous services.
The Treasurer's statement is as follows:
Balance on hand December 1, 1861 $998.29
Private Donations, Sacramento .... $405.00
Capt. Littleton,Sacramento 10.00
Gov. J G. Downey, Sacramento 100.00
Wm. H. Beatty, Sacramento . . . 10.00
California Steam Nav. Co., Sacrat'o 1,000 00
W. R Spencer, Sacramento 10.00
Moses Hyman, Sacramento 5.95
Thos. H. Williams, Sacramento 25.00
Rev. W. H. Hill, initiation fee 5.00
Dr. J. F. Montgomery, initiation fee 5.00
J. L Seiden, initiation fee . . . 5.00
---------- $1,580.95
Nat. Rennie and others, Folsom 179 00
Sundry persons, San Jose 211.00
Peter H. Burnett, San Jose 100.00
Citizens of Stockton 568.50
Lewis Sober, Mokelumne Hill 50.00
Rev. J. E. Taylor, Presbyterian Church, Columbia 35.00
Rev. Dr. Peck (from a friend in Martinez).... 5.00
Unknown party, San Francisco 5.00
Unknown party, San Francisco .... 30.00
Edward Hull, San Francisco..... 50.00
F. MacCrellish & Co , San Francisco. 100.00
San Francisco Bulletin Co 100.00
J. C. Beideman. San Francisco 100 00
H. W. Stein & Co., San Francisco. . . 25 00
J. B. Roberts, San Francisco ... 100.00
J. Y. Hickock & Co. San Francisco.. 100 00
R. D. W. Davis & Co., San Francisco. 100.00
Barry & Patten and others, San Francisco 42 50
P. B. Cornwall and others, San Francisco. 300 00
Mrs. W. S. Mesick, San Francisco. . . 10 00
Attaches Custom House, San Francisco........ 309 00
Citizens' Meeting--by A. M. Winn, San Francisco. ..... 232.50
Citizens' Meeting--by A. M. Winn, San Francisco. . 89.30
Charles F. Lott, San Francisco. . .. .. 250.00
Weils, Fargo & Co., San Francisco. . 1,000.00
Parrott & Co., San Francisco ... 500.00
Pacific Mail Steamship Company, San Francisco . . . 1,000.00
B. Davidson & May, San Francisco.. 500.00
P. Sather, San Francisco 500.00
Tallant & Wilde. San Francisco ..... 500.00
Alsop & Co , San Francisco . . . .... . . 500.00
Banks & Davis, San Francisco 500.00
Kellogg, Heuston & Co., San Francisco................. 200.00
L. Maynard, San Francisco . ...... 200 00
Reynolds, Reis & Co., San Francisco. 100 00
Henry Hentsch. San Francisco..... 200.00
Pioche & Bayesque, San Francisco.. 200.00
Barron & Co., San Francisco 500.00
Wm B. Johnston. San Francisco . . 50.00
J. Mora Moss, San Francisco ..... 500.00
John Sims & Co., San Francisco 250.00
Liverpool and London Ins. Co., San
Francisco........ ....:......... 100.00
San Francisco Lodge No. 3, I.O.O.F. 100.00
Roberts Morrison and others, San F. 55.00
J. Mora Moss--second subscription, San Francisco 100.00
Metropolitan Theater, San Franc'o. 114.25
Unitarian Church--by Rev. T. S. King, San Francisco 317 25
Yerba Buena Lodge, I.O.O.F San Francisco..... ........ 171.00
Rose Cooper and others, San Fran.. 48.00
D. Norcross, San Francisco 25.00
Children of Trinity Mission Sunday School,Ssn Francisco 15.50
Jerome Rice, at Sacramento. ...... 5.00
Donohoe, Ralstcn A Co. and Castle & Kette,
Committee, San Francisco 10,395.60
[minus 1,148.50 = , assume add'n error] 20,589.90
----------
Total.. [plus 1,148.50 =] $24,317.64
EXPENDITURES.
Paid bills audited Dec. 3 $ 324.99
Paid rents for families, boaatmen, drayages,
nurses [?], Hospital and Pest House expenses,
cooks, etc. 2,050.00
Drygoods, blankets, etc . . . 8,322.58
Provisions...... 3,047.91
Clothing. 1,719.73
Boots and shoes. 1,878.98
Wood.... 723.00
Mattresses and furniture. 1,276.19
Drugs and medicines 63.42
Hardware, stores, etc. 624.90
Sundries 225.42
Amount returned Ladies' Protection and Relief
Society. San Francisco, portion of amount
subscribed by M Brumagim 250.00
$20,507.12
----------
Balance, Jan. 6, 1862 ..... $3,810.52
We have on hand clothing, provisions and wood, valued at $750, and there
are bills not yet presented of equal amount.
We have endeavored to procure the subscription list from the Committee
in San Francisco, who collected and forwarded the large sum of
$10,395.60, but it has not yet come to hand. Soon as received we will
give fall credit to the parties. In addition to the sums of money,
large and valuable contributions have been received of clothing,
both new and old, in all of the value of $5,800--from the following
persons, viz:
Frank Baker, San Francisco, dry goods.
Roberts, Morrison & Co.., San Francisco, boots and shoes.
Lazard Freres & Co , San Francisco, dry goods.
Jennings & Brewster, San Francisco, clothing.
L. & M. Sachs, San Francisco, clothing.
M. Heller & Bro., San Francisco, dry goods.
Hardy & Rutenburg, San Francisco, dry goods.
Badger & Lindenberger, San Francisco, clothing.
L. B. Benchley, San Francisco, comforters.
Mrs. Alvan Flanders, San Francisco, cases children's clothing.
Murphy, Grant & Co., San Francisco, dry goods.
Mission Woolen Mills, San Francisco, blankets.
J. Seligman & Co., San Francisco, clothing.
M. Guerin, San Francisco, shoes.
J. B. & Co., No. 400 Sacramento street, San Francisco, dry goods.
B. Hamburger, San Francisco, dry goods.
Samuel A. Woods, San Francisco, boots and shoes.
F. Henderson, San Francisco, dry goods.
Mrs. Beck, Lee and others. San Francisco, clothing.
Jansen, Bond & Co , San Francisco, dry goods.
Wilson & Stevens, San Francisco, cases provisions.
Metropolitan Market, San Francisco, provisions.
Old California, San Francisco, clothing.
Amelia Moss, San Francisco, clothing
Heyneman, Peck A Co., San Francisco, comforters.
Scholle Bros., San Francisco, clothing.
Goodman, Hamburger & King, San Francisco. [sic]
Hecht Bros., San Francisco, clothing.
Rosenstock & Price, San Francisco, shoes,
Mrs. A. J. Nesbitt, San Francisco, clothing.
Jones & Dixon, San Francisco, women's skirts.
Mrs. J. H. Holt, San Francisco, clothing.
Simon & Dinkelspiel, San Francisco, clothing.
J. M. Strobridge, San Francisco, clothing.
H. M. Newhall & Co., San Francisco, clothing.
S. Herman, San Francisco, clothing.
Levi Strauss, San Francisco, clothing.
Hobart & Co., San Francisco, shoes.
Goldstein, Ryan & Co., San Francisco, dry goods.
R. Meyer & Co., San Francisco.
Insane Asylum--from matron--Stockton, clothing.
Citizens of Stockton, merchandise.
Miss Mary Atkins, Benicia, clothing.
Heuston Hasting & Co., Sacramento, clothing.
Charles Crocker, Sacramento, shoes.
A. Dennery & Co., Sacramento, crockery.
Booth & Co.. Sacramento, Provisions.
Wheeler & Wilson, of San Francisco, sent two sewing machines with workmen and material, which rendered us efficient aid for several days.
The Commander of the Navy Yard tendered 300 rations for fifty days.
I. S. Van Winkle, of Sacramento, allowed us to use the second floor
of his new brick house, on Fourth street, for a hospital, free of expense.
There were a number of cases and packages received the donors of
which we do not know. If any have been omitted in the foregoing
enumeration, it has been from inadvertence, and we will be pleased
to make mention of all.
While our thanks are due and most heartily given to all who have
assisted us and made the Association the almoner of their bounty,
yet to the people--the noble, ardent, and self-sacrificing men and
women of San Francisco, our most fervent thanks are tendered, and
the record here presented will be a lasting memorial of their fraternal
affection and readiness to aid any and all who are in distress.
Our extraordinary labors are over, yet for two months to come we shall
be obliged to make large expenditures for provisions and fuel for many
poor families, whose means of support are crippled and at any moment
may be entirely cut off. The Association is fully equal to the
emergencies of any character that may arise, and desires that all
citizens will enroll themselves as monthly subscribers of one dollar,
and whatever other aid may be needed we will call upon our own citizens,
without fear of the result. Donations can be left at the stores of the
Secretary or Treasurer, and subscribers can leave their names and
residence with the Steward at the Depot, corner of Sixth and
I streets.
On behalf of the Association.
GEO. W. MOWE, President.
R. T. BROWN, Secretary.
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 6, 1862. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE LEGISLATURE.--The Legislature of California will commence its
thirteenth session at the State House in this city at twelve o'clock M.
to-day. Nearly all the members have arrived in town, and, accompanying
them, the usual army of newspaper correspondents and reporters,
office seekers, lobbyites and hangerson. These fill the hotels and
boarding houses, and, thronging in all the public places, give to
our city an appearance of more than usual bustle and animation. Of
course the usual amount of caucussing, planning, wire-pulling and
scheming of all sorts has happened, the results of which, so far as
any results have been attained, are noticed elsewhere. Members from
abroad are agreeably disappointed as to the condition in which they
find the city. In some instances they had been led to think that the
whole city was still submerged by the recent floods, and that boats
weuld be necessary to enable them to reach the hotels and to traverse
the streets; but they find instead that the streets in all that part
of the city which their business will require them to visit are in
about as good condition as they ever are in Sacramento, or any other
city, in California at this season of the year. There is reported
to be a movement, probably having a speculative origin, to attempt
to bring about a temporary removal of the Capital or the Legislature
to San Francisco, but we do not apprehend that such an attempt will
be countenanced by sensible men in either branch. The general
impression last evening was, that neither House would permanently
organize to-day, but would adjourn early to give all sides an
opportunity for caucussing.
RAIN AND SNOW.--There was a heavy fall of rain yesterday, commencing
about ten o'clock in the morning, and continuing without much
interruption till late last evening. At first the rain was mingled
for a few minutes with a very respectable flurry of snow, the large
flakes sailing slowly downwards like a cloud of geese feathers, but
melting as soon as they struck the moist earth. A snow storm in
Sacramento is a spectacle very rarely witnessed. From Dr. Logan's
rain gauge we learn that from ten o'clock A. M. yesterday to two
o'clock P. M., .67 of an inch had fallen; from two to nine P. M.
the fall was 1.12. Total fall in eleven hours, 1.79, and no signs
of abatement. . . .
THE RIVER.--Sacramento river continued to fall very slowly on Saturday,
but during the day yesterday it remained about at a stand, an inch or
two less than twenty-two feet above low water mark. It is not likely
to recede further while the present heavy rain continues. The water
sets back from the Sacramento so that it is difficult to determine
the exact condition of the American river, but if, as accounts indicate,
there has been a fall of snow instead of rain in the mountains and
foot hills, an immediate rise in that turbulent stream need not be
apprehended.
THE MOON.--It was predicted that the last change of the moon would
bring with it a favorable change in the weather, and so it did; but
unfortunately it did not stay changed. Those who have faith in the
moon will, however, derive some comfort from the fact that another
change is at hand. The moon "quarters" at thirty-seven minutes past
two P. M. to-morrow, at which time, if not before, we hope Jupiter
Pluvius will see fit to retire, and allow Sacramento to "dry up." . . .
OVERBOARD.--A woman and child fell into the slough, near the Gas Works,
on Saturday afternoon, and were rescued from drowning by a gentleman
who happened to be passing. We did not learn the names of the parties. . . .
THE LEVEE AT RABEL'S TANNERY.
EDITORS UNION: I was examining the late work of our Committee of Safety
at this point yesterday. They are undoubtedly doing everything that
they think is needful in the premises, and are making a good outside
levee. But while looking at the operations there, it occurred to me
that a greater service could be rendered and the city much better
protected if the waters of the river could be led to take a direct
west course through the willows, a short distance above, instead of
attempting to fight its whole force at the tannery, where it is
disposed to cut into the bank. It would not require much digging to
lead it off above, and the force of the current would do the rest.
But if this is decided impracticable, or the right of way can. not
be obtained from Norris except at great cost, then I would suggest
that willows be planted thickly on the line of the levee facing the
river, and the levee or levees there be sown with alfalfa, whose roots
will strike down deeply and strengthen the earth embankment. I would
suggest that the sooner this is done the better, in order to take
advantage of an early growth. The Committee can do this in a short
time, as the labor of two or three men only will be required a portion
of one day.
A TAXPAYER. . . .
COOL WEATHER IN SAN FRANCISCO.--In San Francisco, January 4th, thin ice
was discovered. The thermometer was down to 32 degrees. . . .
THE LEVEE DEFENSES OF SACRAMENTO.
EDITORS UNION: I had expected that, among the many cases of good levees
which have been referred to in your journal, the celebrated "dyke" of
Colt, the pistol manufacturer, would have been mentioned; but it seems
left to me to call your attention to it. The circumstances which led to
its erection are like those which led to the erection of the levees
around Sacramento. Colt owned a large tract of land known in New England
as the "Connecticut Meadows," which was subject to annual inundation.
Around his land he built a levee which has always succeeded in keeping
the waters out from the tract inclosed. So confident of its
effectiveness was the proprietor, that he has built his immense
factories, twenty or thirty splendid dwellings, and all the outhouses
of his palatial mansion, on ground which seldom escaped the Spring
freshets, relying for protection on his artificial breastwork. My
object is to tell you how it is made so secure. The work is built
much higher than there is any danger of the river's ever rising.
In its narrower part two or three carriages can pass abreast, while
it is generally much wider. It is mostly clay, covered with a thick
stratum of gravel; steep on the inside, sloping down to the river
on the outside. The means taken to prevent washing away are what
I wish to notice particularly. While the dyke was building, a
European gardener was on the way to Connecticut with a great many
thousands of French willow cuttings, which were merely stuck into
the gravel on the outside bank. They sprouted and grew rapidly,
so that the year after their planting the crop of cuttings, made
into baskets, paid all the expenses of transportation and original
purchase. And I honestly believe that since these willows were
planted, the proceeds from the manufacture of baskets from annual
cuttings, has amounted to half the cost of the embankment. Colt's
willows are of the choicest variety for baskets, besides being the
best kind for their protective use, on account of the density with
which they grow, and their long, deep roots. If your levee building
Committee should consider this worth notice, and the plan of Colonel
Colt worthy of imitation, I have no doubt, from his characteristic
generosity, that he would present a sufficient number of cuttings
to your city if he knew what a benefit they would be.
PUBLICOLA.
MARYSVILLE, January 3d.
THE FLOOD IN SUISUN.--Solano Herald, referring to the late flood
in Suisun City, says:
Since Friday of last week, the country round about Suisun and Fairfield
has been covered with water, causing considerable damage and much
annoyance in the way of washing down fences and depositing mud on
the fields, and rendering the roads well nigh impassable. On account
of the floors settling, parts of Jackson's warehouse were flooded
to the depth of one layer of sacked grain, the other warehouses
narrowly escaping similar injury. We hear of several cases of stock
perishing in the vicinity, large numbers suffering from their
location in the tules.
THREE MEN DROWNED.--On the 27th of December, three men were crossing
the West Branch of Feather river in a boat, which was capsized and
all were drowned. Their names are--John Edgerton, of Cavan county,
Ireland, John F. Lamson, of Bangor, Maine, and a Kanaka, From the
best information we can gather, says the Butte Record, the
Kanaka was crossing the other men in a boat which he kept near the
lower natural bridge, when it got swamped and they were all lost.
BRIDGE GONE.--The bridge over the South Fork of the Mokelumne was
carried away by the late flood in Calaveras. . . .
p. 4
LESSONS OF THE GREAT DISASTER OF 1861
A SERMON
Preached in Grace Church, Sacramento, January 5, 1862, after
the disastrous overflow in that city in December, 1861.
BY REV. WILLIAM H. HILL, RECTOR
TEXT--Ecclesiastes vii. 14; and Galatians vi. 2: "In the day of adversity,
consider." " Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
This is emphatically the time for consideration--for reflection on the
past; examination of the present; amendment for shortcomings; repentance
for sin, and wise resolves for the future. The close of the old, and
the beginning of a new year would call to all this, under any
circumstances. And had nothing uncommon occurred, I should have felt
it to be my duty, as we enter upon the scenes and vicissitudes of
another year, to call upon you, seriously to consider your ways,
and inquire, "Is it well?" Solemn indeed is it to listen to the knell
of the dying year--to feel that its record of good and bad is made up
for the final judgment; and to enter upon the rolling months of a new
year, not knowing but what it may be written of us, as it was of
millions a twelvemonth since. "This year thou shalt die." And if to
die--what then? Aye, what then ? Will not, must not both pastor and
people ask that question with earnestness and anxiety? God grant to
you and to me an answer of peace. And if this be a duty--the necessary
work of the wise man at the close and beginning of every year--what
shall we say of the present time? Truly has "the day of adversity"
come upon us as individuals and as a community, and who is there that
does not feel compelled to pause and consider. The hopes and expectations
and accumulations of years gone in an instant! Death in its most
terrible form escaped in numberless cases, almost as by miracle!
Suffering and distress so appalling that words cannot describe!
Burdens too heavy for enfeebled shoulders to bear, and the strong
summoned to support the weak, by a call to which none might turn a
deaf ear, lest He, whose Omniscient Eye watched over all, should say
to the faithless servant: "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the
least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me: Depart ye cursed."
Aye, ye know well, my hearers, what has been the record of the past
three weeks. Some of you have felt the iron entering into your own
soul--none, I trust, turned a deaf ear to the appeals of the needy
and the suffering.
I ask you, to-day, to stop awhile and consider all these things; what
you have seen; what done; what left undone; what you have yet to do.
I could not call your attention to these topics sooner. I felt that
when hundreds and thousands of my fellow beings were suffering for
the necessaries of life, and a duty was thrown on me as a Christian
minister and one of the almoners of the bounties of others--(God bless
the liberal souls who remembered us in our distress and helped us wipe
away the tears from so many eyes!)--see that their aching hearts were
relieved, their crying wants supplied, that I had no time to turn aside
from such scenes, to write essays on Providences in general, in my study,
or utter commonplace sentences of condolence and sympathy. I felt that
the poor creatures needed something more than words to insure that they
were "warmed and filled" in this hour of their poverty and distress. It
was to me a time when it was the incumbent duty of all to make practical
that test of true religion which the Apostle gives: "Pure religion and
undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless
and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from
the world." For all that has been done, let the praise and glory be
given to Him who opened the hearts of His earthly stewards, teaching
them the glorious truth that it "was more blessed to give than to
receive."
But we have a breathing spell at last. We may now sit down and rest
awhile, and discuss plans and work--past and future. And to-day it
is my duty and privilege to help, so far as in my power, your thoughts
and good resolves towards the right direction. We will invoke the
aid of him, "without whom nothing is strong and nothing holy;" for
if He guides, we will be sure to walk in the right path and do all
things for the best.
We first ask--What was seen during and after the late great
and disastrous flood? I answer--as has probably been true of every
great and fearful calamity--the development of both extremes of
human nature, the bad and the good. And of both, we may say, as the
prophet did of the figs he saw in vision: "The good were very
good; and the naughty, very naughty and bad." I could believe
in the doctrine of "total depravity," methinks, as I was compelled to
witness such developments of the wicked heart as have been brought to
my notice. Would that the mark of Cain could be affixed to the brow
of all such--that henceforth they might be avoided by all good men
and true, as the prudent would avoid the most loathsome of diseases.
And sometimes, methought, the devils must have blushed as they saw
their own depravity outdone by beings who called themselves men. I
refer to those--not few in number, I am sorry to say--who could see
and hear drowning men, women and children appealing for relief, but
would not go to them until exorbitant sums of money were prepaid.
Such ill-gotten gains will burn the pockets and souls of the
extortioners, and though men may never know who they were,
God will remember their unrighteous and unholy work; and fearful
will be the recompense; for, though often long delayed, His
judgments are sure, and he is fearful in His wrath. Pass on, then,
ye miserable imitations of men. We will only say of yon, further:
"Room for the Leper; room!" Akin to these--though not so far gone in
depravity--are those who have laid, and in some instances consummated
plans to impose upon the Relief Committees of the city. We have seen
persons sacrificing a lifetime's reputation for honesty and truth to
get a morsel, as it were, of the food and clothing designed, as they
knew well, only for the distressed and the worthy. Let these, too,
pass. We want no black list of their names published. We leave
them, too, to the righteous judgment of Him who is angry with
those who rob the widow and the orphan for gain. We feel sad that
such people live in our midst. Let us try to forget them and their
evil deeds.
We gladly turn to a more pleasing theme--the good things that
were seen. Noble souls were in our midst, and they were not few in
number. Faithful were they in their good deeds, and hundreds owe
their lives to men whose very names they know not, but which are
written on a scroll, nobler and more lasting than all the records
of earth. The good Lord bless them, one and all, and give them one
hundred fold in this world, and in that to come life everlasting.
The same we say, too, of those--not few in number, too, either--who opened
their houses to the destitute and suffering, and fed, lodged and
clothed them, without hope or expectation of fee or reward, except
in the approval of a good conscience. And here let me express the
thanks of an overflowing heart to those noble people of our commercial
metropolis, who gave of their means until the pitiful cries of the
destitute were hushed, and the most exacting could say, "It is
enough." If we forget them for this, let the right hand forget its
cunning--the voice in silence die.
While summing up the things that were seen, let me say, as one to
whom most thereof was brought home with most vivid distinctness, that
the suffering was most appalling, the distress beyond expression.
I could detail instances that would thrill your hearts, by the most
tame of descriptions, but I will not begin that work, lest I know
not when and where to stop. Much of this, too, and that, if possible,
the keenest and greatest, kept itself in the background till sought
out by benevolent souls or was forced out by the sternest necessity.
We hope that we have found out all, and to the extent of our means,
relieved the suffering brought to our notice, May it never be our lot
to see the like again, either here or elsewhere.
What has been done? Much, we trust, of which no earthly
statistics can be kept or given. True charity ceases to be such when
it degenerates into boasting. Let all this, then, be excluded as we
try to say a few words as to what has been done, and the principles
which have guided the action of those who were the intrusted almoners
of the bounty of our fellow citizens, and especially of that which
flowed in so copious a stream from our brethren in San Francisco.
I shall speak more especially of the Howard Benevolent Association,
for of its doings I know well. I would by no means be understood as
excluding others. I well know that many hundreds of generous souls
were indefatigable in searching out and relieving the necessities of
the suffering. And indeed there was work enough for all. I know of
some individuals, whose names I would gladly publish to the world,
but it would be a pain and not a pleasure to them were I to do so.
I will only say to such the better, more precious words of Him who
saw all and remembers all: "God is not unrighteous, that He will
forget your labor that proceedeth of Love; which Love ye have showed
for His name's sake, who have ministered unto the saints and yet do
minister." Some, and perhaps all, of the religions societies in our
city worked well and faithfully in helping their suffering poor. So
did the other benevolent societies that are an ornament to our city.
I heard, and may say I know of acts done by the Freemasons, the Odd
Fellows and the Hebrew Benevolent Society that were not only in the
highest degree creditable to them, but shamed the laggardness of
professing Christians, who ought, like the Master they have
vowed to serve, to be foremost in "doing good." Many an aching heart
was cheered; many a desolate home restored; many an impoverished
larder and wardrobe replenished by these Good Samaritans, who did
their work in secret, but will be rewarded openly.
Having thus contributed my feeble mite of praise to all these, you
will pardon me if I now direct your attention to the Association first
named and its work. Many of you have seen a little of that work. Some
have perhaps heard charges of favoritism--imputations of error--and
alleged instances of imposture. As to the first, let me, testifying
as one who knows of what he speaks, enter a most unqualified
denial. I know what I have done, and I believe, too, that I can
speak as positively for those with whom I have acted. We have neither
known, nor sought to know, what was a man's or woman's religion, or
whether they professed any at all--nor what was their color or race,
or condition in life--nor whether old or recent residents of the State
or city. The one only question sought to be rightfully determined,
was, "Are you in distress? do you need, or will you receive relief at
our hands?" and then we endeavored to grant all that was in our power,
erring, if at all, on the charitable side, and to do it in the most
delicate manner possible, not censuring, but appreciating and humoring
(if you please) the scruples and reluctancy of the most fastidious.
Not a question was asked, or intended to be asked, save what was
necessary to guard against imposture, and the recommendation of any
reputable citizen was sufficient to open wide the doors of our
distributing depot. I say this most, broadly and unequivocally,
because I know what was done, and how it was done, and
because I desire to repel at once and fully all imputations of
favoritism. To the extent of our ability we desired and endeavored
to say to all, substantially, and not in words merely,
"Be ye warmed, and be ye filled."
That errors were committed, and that some things might have been
done better and wiser than they were, is cheerfully admitted.
Perfection belongs not to man. We only believe (pardon the egotism,
if it be such) that no other men in our city could, in the peculiarly
trying circumstances under which we were compelled to act, and that
promptly, too, have made fewer mistakes. Had the complainant been
in our place, I know he would have wondered that no more blunders
were made. We only ask to be acquitted of intentional wrong,
and that acquittal belongs to all. Much, too, has been said of
impostures on our bounty. It could not be helped. Nearly all
the blame we have received grew out of our wish and intent to detect
these attempts of the lazy and the worthless, that we might have the
more to give to those who were in need. We know that we were imposed
upon, but to a much less extent than has been said and believed. Many
of the stories brought to our notice were investigated, and the alleged
imposture was found to be none at all. I feel satisfied that I am far
within bounds when I declare my belief that the impostures upon us
were less than ten per cent of the applications, and to me the only
wonder is that they were not threefold that amount. Granting, then,
all the deductions that may be made from all these sources, we know
that since the ninth of December--the day of the flood--we have
relieved, and liberally, too, the suffering destitution and wants
of at least six hundred families. Very few of these had less than
three members--the mass had more than five, and many of them eight
or ten. There were the old, the middle-aged, the youth and the
infant; the sick and the infirm, for which a hospital was established,
cared for gratuitously by the three medical members of our Association.
And here let me say, that all our city physicians deserve special
mention for their generous and gratuitous services to all the
sufferers by the flood. A large number of the families relieved
by us had lost their all. They were supplied with a temporary home
at the Pavilion, and when the waters subsided, were put again into
as neat and well furnished houses as our means would permit.
A few ungrateful ones have marred the general thankfulness, but as
a whole, the hearty "God bless you" of those persons ready to perish,
has more than repaid for all that was done. Of the thousands of
dollars that all this has cost, and which must yet be expended, I
cannot speak with precision. I only know that it must be reckoned
by tens of thousands, and that for the mass we are indebted to the
people of San Francisco, though liberal contributions have come from
many other places, for which we express many thanks. Due acknowledgment
for all will soon be given. So much have we done. May God pardon all
errors, and own all that has been done well and with good intent.
We ask no praise. Give the honor and the glory where all
belong--to Him who opened these generous hearts to come so nobly
and so seasonably to our relief.
We turn for a moment from the past and present to speak of and for
the future. What is yet to be done? I answer, much every way. The
text selected from the writings of St. Paul preaches to us its own
sermon; and needs no explanation or enlargement. "Bear ye one
another's burdens, and so fulfill the laws of Christ." Our work is
far from being done. As individuals, we have and shall have very much
to do--in lending the helping hand to the suffering poor, as their
cases are brought to our notice; in severing the worthy from the
unworthy, and seeing that the former suffer not for the ill deserts
of the latter. All can take part in this work, for it may be done
with a slender and even an empty purse as well, if not to so great
an extent as with a full one. The kind word of sympathy--a few hours
work with the needle--an errand done for the helpless--a good word
spoken for the deserving, to those who have an abundance and to
spare--all, I repeat, can do this work, and all should. Thus will
they lift heavy burdens from the shoulders of the weak--fulfill the
law of Christ--for He will say to such, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto
one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me; Come ye
blessed." Let all, then, give attention to those things while the
pressing need exists. It will do all good. "He that watereth others,
shall be watered himself." It will teach you, my hearers, how many
blessings you have, of which your fellows are deprived, and you will
cease ever so disposed to murmur at your lot. It will lighten your
own cares and burdens, for the prayers and blessings of the relieved
will give you strength.
The Association of which I have spoken so freely to-day, and in
behalf of which a special effort is now made, has a great work to
do in the future, as it has had in the past. They have many a
destitute family on hand that must be cared for till brighter days
dawn upon them. Work is also thrown upon them from which others
shrink, for fear of contagion. We, as an Association, for I
speak for them, have taken that duty, disagreeable as it is, upon
ourselves, though legitimately it belongs to others and not to us,
and by the help of God, we will endeavor that no one shall suffer
for food, nursing or medical care. We then ask you, and all, to
strengthen our hands; to give us your confidence, your sympathy,
your material things--for this work costs money, and our pockets
are neither large enough, nor deep enough to meet the demand. Let
then your contributions be as becomes the work to be done; your own
ability; your appropriate thank offering for the mercies whereby
God hath made you to differ from another. We offer you the best of
all investments and security--work of Him who is Truth itself: "He
that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and look, what
he layeth out, it shall be paid him again;" [sic, missing "] Blessed
is the man that
provideth for the sick and needy; the Lord shall deliver him in the
time of trouble." "Let every man then do accordingly as he is disposed
in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a
cheerful giver."
As CITIZENS, interested in the prosperity of our city, you have much
to do. Prophets of good and of evil are amongst us, and time alone
will determine who are the true and who the false. The depression
and sadness we need not wonder at, for thousands can truthfully
say, "Is there not a cause?" Yet it will not hurt any one, but do
good to all, to be hopeful and look on the bright side. For one,
I believe our city will recover and more than recover the lost
ground--that the scenes of desolation now to be witnessed will soon
disappear, and this be again a city of flowers and shrubbery; of
fruits and of CHEERFUL HOMES. The very calamity from which we have
suffered, and which men would not believe possible till it came upon
us, has taught our authorities wisdom that they will not soon forget.
Our guards against floods will now be made sufficient--at least as
much so as human foresight and labor can do it. The pitiful scramble
for the emoluments of office will, for a while at least, give place
to the higher law of self-preservation. Let all, then, be cheerful
and look forward to brighter days. Severe is the lesson we have been
taught. Let us show that we have learned and profited by its teachings
like men--like Californians, of whom it has heretofore been justly
said, that they rise the more buoyant and determined from the
pressure of the heaviest calamities. So let it be with you, my
fellow-citizens. A cheerful countenance, and a determination to
make the best of adverse things, is a capital in bank, of itself,
from which all may draw. "Bear ye one another's burdens," by
cheerfulness and encouragements, and do not increase theirs and
your own by despondency and anticipations of coming evil. Your
mercies and blessings yet far outweigh your losses, and God can
and will more than make all these last good to you. Only trust to
him. "He is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain;" for
"Behind a frowning Providence He hides a smiling face."
One other thought and your attention will be relieved. I have just
alluded thereto, and I would have you ever keep it foremost in your
minds. There are effects and second causes, which are things of sight
and suffering, and hence they very naturally absorb attention and
comment and action. But in all things--in adversity as well as in
prosperity--there is a first great and moving cause. God still wills
and governs. His Providence is not only general, in controlling the
mighty movements of the universe, but particular, now as ever, to
the fall of the sparrow and the numbering of the hairs of the head.
His hand has been in this our calamity. Why and wherefore is
not for me to determine. Let there be deep searchings of heart on
the part of all, to see if the answer does not readily suggest
itself. Cause enough do the best of us give Him to punish us, and
that severely. Did He but deal out to us the measure of our deserts,
and as we treat our fellow men--alas! who could stand before Him, or
answer for one of a thousand of our transgressions? Humble then
yourselves before Him in this dark hour. Confess your sins unto Him
and implore His pardon and forgiveness. Then will the black cloud
begin to show its silver lining--the rainbow of peace again attest
that the floods shall no more be upon the earth; and our Heavenly
Father teach us so plainly that all this was for our good, that we
will thank and love him the more. Learn, then, I pray you, this
lesson of submission. Pray for grace to change afflictions into
blesssings. Above all, learn by these disciplines of earth that
here is not your home, but only a tarrying place for a brief while.
"Set your affections on things above." Lay up your treasures in
heaven, and then you will and can lose nothing. All the changes
and chances of this mortal life shall only insure to you, through
the mercies of Jesus Christ, an abundance of those glories and
riches which never fade, for they are those of Heaven. Thus will
your light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for
you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
God grant that so it may be with us all. Amen.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3362, 7 January 1862, p. 1
STATE PRISON MATTERS.
EDITORS UNION:--Seeing several communications lately in your valuable
paper, in reference to the use of State prison labor, and the hope
therein expressed that the coming Legislature and new State
Administration would take the necessary steps to make such labor
useful in repairing, widening and strengthening the levees in this
city and vicinity generally, I have thought proper to inform you
(being perfectly conversant with the subject), that Governor Downey,
Lieutenant Governor Don Pablo de la Guerra, and Attorney General
Williams, who compose the present Board of State Prison Directors,
have placed it entirely out of the power of the new Administration
or present Legislature to aid the city under any ordinary
circumstances--by ordinary circumstances I am to be understood
as saying that the natural increase would not give an aggregate
for some time to come sufficiently great to leave at the disposal
of the State any surplus, after supplying contractors, for the
objects before mentioned. The average number of prisoners for the
past year has been not far from 550; and I propose to show how utterly
impossible it will be to obtain any benefit from that labor for
so desirable a purpose as to make Sacramento impregnable from inroads
of the waters of the Sacramento and American. A few figures, easily
understood, will show what use Downey & Co. have made of the power
vested in them, in the disposal of convict labor for the benefit of
the mechanics and working men of California. His first
contract was with Donald McClellan, proprietor of the Mission Woolen
Mills, for one hundred men at 50 cents each per day for one year.
That contract has been extended within a few days to a period of three
years, upon the same terms. Mr. McClellan is making a clear daily
profit of from $150 to $200, so it is easily seen he has a fine thing;
but many a poor person suffers who is brought into competition with
his work. The next contract was for sixteen months work of fifty men,
at 50 cents per day, by E. T. Pease, in the coopering business,
commencing July 1st, 1861. Thomas Ogg Shaw follows--one hundred men
for five years from October 1st, 1861. He pays, for mechanics, 75
cents each per day, and for laborers, 50 cents per day. These men
are to be employed in the manufacture of agricultural implements,
blacksmithing and cabinet work. And now, last, but not least, follows
ex-Lieutenant Governor Quinn and Colonel Ross, who, thinking the brick
business would still pay when the best brick makers in the State could
be hired for 50 cents a day, step in and contract for a hundred of them
for the season of 1862, making the total number of prisoners contracted
for three hundred and fifty. Add to this one hundred who are either
sick, crippled or lazy and won't work, and one hundred more for waiters,
cooks, butchers, bakers, room cleaners, and assistants generally, and we
have a total of five hundred and fifty. It is, therefore, easily
perceived that no aid can be looked for from that source, and any
speculations upon the subject are idle and of no avail, owing to the
far sighted policy of Downey & Co.
"HERMANCE."
SACRAMENTO, January 3d, 1862. . . .
HIGH TIDES.--During the last week, says the Petaluma Journal of January
3d, the creek has been higher than at any other time since the Winter of 1852.
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held yesterday, a resolution
was adopted instructing its Chief of Police to remove forthwith the
track, and all other obstructions belonging to the Sacramento Valley
Railroad Company from all streets west of Sixth street. This is designed
as an enforcement of ordinances recently adopted by the Board. . . .
Notwithstanding the heavy fall of rain on Sunday, our rivers remain
about stationary. The weather continues chilly. The coast range and
the foot hills of the Sierra are covered with anew. Much snow has
fallen at Carson City, Red Bluff, Colusa aed other points. . . .
THE HOWARD BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.--The good work performed by this
noble and praiseworthy Association, during the past month of disaster
and trial, should entitle the members to the lasting gratitude of this
community. The difficulties with which they had to contend, and the
untiring energy they displayed, are but modestly indicated in the
statement which appeared in our columns yesterday; they appear to
be anxious to give due credit for generous exertion to everybody
who, in any way, contributed to strengthen their hands--reserving
no claim of merit for themselves. But, certainly, the almost constant
labor, personal sacrifices, exposure, and judicious management of
these philanthropic citizens will be fully acknowledged in Sacramento,
while the individuals whose distress has been relieved will cherish
the liveliest memories of their effective and kindly efforts. Although
it is probable that the most trying and extraordinary work of the
Association has been completed, it should not be forgotten that for
two months to come large expenditures will be necessary in order to
supply, with fuel and food, many poor families whose means of
subsistence have been diminished or destroyed. Material aid is
required, and a sufficient sum can be easily obtained by the simple
enlargement of the list of monthly subscribers. No citizen could
contribute one dollar a month to a more praiseworthy purpose. We owe
it to ourselves, to Sacramento and to the administration of a noble
charity, to sustain the "Howard" with all possible liberality.
In the monthly report of this Association, we have an estimate of the
losses sustained by the city and adjacent country, in consequence of
the deluge with which this region has been visited. The document says:
"We estimate the losses in this city alone to be, at a low figure,
$700,000, which does not include the losses from disruption of
business or deferred payments of debts. We estimate the losses, within
a circuit of twenty miles of the city, at $2,000,000--principally
stock, fences and agricultural implements." We think it probable
that these estimates will be found considerably under the actual
figures. There are many cases of individual loss, concerning which
no complaint has been made--instances of the destruction of household
goods, etc., which the losers have not deemed worthy of mention at
a time when others have been nearly ruined, and of which it was
impossible for the members of the "Howard" to gain any information.
For the rest, the report of the Association is a faithful record of
a disaster that will always be a conspicuous event in the annals of
the city--a story of cloud, gloom and distress, only relieved by
those gleams of heroism, philanthropy and selfsacrifice which often
render a season of adversity a blessing in disguise, and exalt our
estimate of human nature.
SUPERVISORS VS. RAILROAD.--The Board of Supervisors appears determined
to make itself ridiculous about the railroad. They yesterday passed
a resolution ordering the Chief of Police to take up the track west
of Sixth street. As the order of the Board is illegal, and as the Chief
of Police is not an appointee of the Board, we presume he will decline
to obey an order which renders him liable for doing an illegal act
under a resolution of the Board, which would not protect him.
One of the widest crevasses made in the R street levee by the first
flood was at Sixth street, and if the Chief of Police were to take
up rails as ordered, he would be forced to begin west of that crevasse.
The proceedings of the Board relative to the railroad are farcical.
Not the first legal step has been taken in the premises, and as a
consequence the Board will involve the city in a costly suit in which
it will inevitably be beaten, and the Railroad Company will go on as
if no such body as the Board of Supervisors ever existed. The Board
seems to be using the railroad as a kind of shield. They would direct
the attention of the people to something besides the fact that in all
the disasters inflicted upon them by the floods, the Board of
Supervisors--the city authorities--has not taken a single step towards
relieving the people from the effects of the deluge through which
they have passed. Such city authorities are worse than none. J street
is now impassable for want of bridges across the drains cut to let
the water pass from the north portion of the city. Why do not the
members of the Board take such steps as are necessary to have those
drains bridged? Better the Chief of Police to attend to that.
So much has K street been traveled since the flood, that from
Thirteenth to Sixteenth street it is not passable for wagons with
loads. Three or four were mired between those points at the same
time, yesterday. But none of these difficulties of getting in and
out of the city seem to trouble the Board the members can see nothing
but the railroad west of Sixth street. If the Board would make an
effort to do something for the benefit of the city, we would take
pleasure in recording the fact that the members had really made
one effort for the relief of the city. . . .
KNIGHT'S LANDING.--The News of January 4th says:
The water of the Sacramento river was higher yesterday at this place
than it has been since the memorable Winter of 1852-3. Although
suffering no inconvenience from it yet, a foot more would submerge
a great portion of the town. . . .
DROWNED.--At O'Donnell Flat, Sierra county, December 27th, Wm. Dongman
was drowned. He fell from the foot log as he was attempting to cross the
river. . . .
THE WEATHER.--Dispatches to the Bee, dated January 6th, contain the
following intelligence:
CARSON CITY.--lt is snowing hard here, and the ground is covered to
the depth of two feet; it is very cold.
PLACERVILLE.--It rained here all day yesterday and turned to snow last
night; the ground covered this morning. It has been raining all day
to-day, and the roads are in a very bad condition. The streams are not
very full, the snow not melting in the mountains.
MARYSVILLE.--Very cold and a little cloudy. Can see the foothills, low
down, covered with snow in all directions. It has not rained since
half-past three o'clock this morning.
FOLSOM.--Raining lightly, but very cloudy. River rises slowly--rose
about a foot to-day.
MARYSVILLE.--There was quite a severe snow storm at Marysville,
January 5th. It continued for abcut half an hour. . . .
THE RIVER AT THE TANNERY.
EDITORS UNION: "A Taxpayer" and "Publicola," in your issue of this date,
have some interesting statements respecting Sacramento's protection.
Publicola's ideas would not work well at Rabel's Tannery. For it is not
the surface that is acted upon by the water, but a layer of sand
underneath that wears away and causes the surface to cave. His
proposition would work well provided the surface was the shifting
material. About fifteen or eighteen hundred feet north from the
tannery is the mouth of a slough, or an old river bed. That is
overgrown with small trees and densely interwoven with vines.
"A Taxpayer" proposes to open a way for the water to pass freely,
and the river would likely make its own channel.
Many visits to that locality to examine the water's action have
satisfied my mind that such is the proper course. The river would be
shortened nearly two thousand feet, which would make the current much
more rapid and effectual in making a channel. A narrow ditch would be
of great service, and would not necessarily be more than about six feet
deep, and most of the way less than that would be sufficient
Trees and brush sunk along the threatened bank next the Tannery would
be the surest protection. You have advocated that course, and a
correspondent relates that towns in Iowa have been protected in that
way. They would be as effectual as anything, and much cheaper than
rip rap.
The right of way across the bar can be appropriated by the Legislature
by satisfying them that it is necessary.
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 6th. T. F. P.
THE AMERICAN LEVEE.
EDITORS UNION: I am opposed to angling and winding levees. To illustrate
my idea, I will state that we have to contend not against the water that
runs within the natural embankment of the river (as that takes care of
itself), but that portion of water that runs above, nearly the whole of
which takes an independent course of the low channel of the river. For
instance: at Burns' slough the bed of the river is near a half mile off
from the mouth of the slough; but that portion of the element that we
have to contend againat comes down from Brighton, sweeps over this
intervening half mile, willows, brush and all, and strikes our levee
(the People's Committee are now rebuilding) nearly if not at right angles.
Now, would it not he wiser in us to build a strong levee, commencing on
the south side of the mouth of Burns' slough, running thence near if not
altogether in a straight line to the river by Rabel's tannery or
Thirty-first street, then cut away the old levee immediately east of
this terminus for at least forty rods? So that as the water comes down
from Brighton it would not be interrupted, but would pass along in a
straight course into the natural channel of the river about Rabel's or
Thirty-first street.
You may guide the element, but you cannot force it; or, it is more
difficult to force the element to one or the other side than it is
to guide it in its natural course. TAX PAYER. . . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
INSOLVENCY.--C. B. Linton filed on Saturday a petition in insolvency
in the District Court. The petitioner states that in the Spring of
1855 he commenced dealing in grain, in this city, with a cash capital
of $8,000. Continuing business for six months he lost $1,000. He then
went into the grocery business with $7,000, and continuing for the term
of eighteen months lost $4,000. He susequently invested his remaining
capital in bees, at the rate of about $100 per hive, and also purchased
on credit at the same rate to the extent of $2,000. He also established
a store in Nevada county, by which he lost considerable by bad debts,
etc. By the time the bees were ready for market they had depreciated in
value at least seventy-five per cent. On the 9th of December, 1861, a
large proportion of them were swept away by the flood. His remaining
property has been attached by the Sheriff to satisfy claims on which
suits have been commenced. His liabilities are given at $3,944.14, and
assets at $450. . . .
SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS.--It was a matter of general remark yesterday
afternoon, that the mountains either side--the Sierras on the east and
the Coast Range on the west--were covered with snow to the foot hills.
The Coast Range has never been known, since the settlement of the country,
to present such an appearance. Snow is frequently seen in Winter on the
loftier peaks of the range, but never has so general a covering of white
been observed before. The Red Bluff steamer which arrived yesterday
brings word that the snow at that point fell eight inches deep, and
verifies the report by a sample of the snow which fell upon her deck
and was shoveled up in a solid mass for the pnrpose of preservation.
At various points along the river the inhabitants were amusing
themselves with sleds and sleighs of elaborate workmanship like many
of our Sacramento boats. . . .
FAILED TO ARRIVE.--It was expected that Company F, Capt. A. W. Cullum,
and Company H, Capt. J. M. Cass, of the Fourth Regiment, would have
arrived at the railroad terminus, from Auburn, by the noon train from
Folsom yesterday, to proceed to Camp Union. They failed to reach Folsom
in time for the cars, and will therefore not reach this city until
to-day. It was expected that they would travel from .Auburn to Folsom
on foot, and the rains of Sunday probably caused their detention.
The remainder of the regiment it is expected will be down within a
few days, and soon after their arrival it is presumed that the Fifth
Regiment will leave for San Francisco.
THE LEVEE WORK.--The Committee of Safety commenced work yesterday in
repairing the openings in the Thirty-first street levee. Over one
hundred men were employed at the three principal points north of J
street by which the northern portion of the city had been flooded,
and by night the repairs were completed, and the levee put in a
condition which will, in the opinion of members of the Committee,
preclude the possibility of any more water from that quarter. One
or two other openings near L and M streets will be repaired to-day.
It is the design of the Committee to resume work as soon as
practicable on the American river, between the Tannery and Burns'
slough.
RAILROAD LUMBER.--The barge Victoria, Captain Shaw, arrived at the
foot of R street, on Sunday, with a cargo of 108 thousand feet of
lumber from San Francisco, for the Sacramento Valley Railroad
Company. This is probably the largest cargo of lumber ever
brought to the city. It consists of 10 by 12, 12 by 12 and 12 by
14 inch pieces, varying in length from thirty-five to sixty feet.
It is to be used in building trestle work in repairing the R street
Railroad. . . .
STATU QUO.--Sacramento river, was not swollen to any perceptible extent,
yesterday, by the rates of the day and night before. Strange as it may
seem, the American river had not, at the tannery, risen one inch at
sundown last evening. The mountains were visited with snow instead of
rain, which fact, of course, explains the condition of the rivers.
RAIN.--The total amount of rain which fell during Sunday, Sunday night
and yesterday forenoon was 2.690 inches. This storm was quite
extraordinary, from the fact that a violent northwest wind prevailed
throughout. We have seldom had rain from the northwest, and never
so large a quantity.
HARD ROAD TO TRAVEL.--The only road by which teams can at present
leave the city for the east or south, is by way of K street and the
ferry at the fort. K street is in poor condition for traveling with
even moderate loads. Yesterday at almost any hour from six to eight,
stalled teams could have been seen on it, between Twelfth and
Thirty-first streets.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY, January 6th, 1862.
The Board met at 2-1/2 o'clock P. M. Present-Shattuck, President;
Granger, Hansbrow, Russell, Hite, Dlckerson, Hall and Waterman. . . .
Supervisor DICKERSON called attention to the importance of establishing
a new ferry at L, M, or N streets, to accommodate the travel on the
upper and lower Stockton roads. He was authorized to say that
G. W. Colby was desirous of establishing such a ferry.
Supervisor RUSSELL. moved that a license be granted to Mr. Colby
for this purpose, upon the payment of the license .fee of of $30.
Supervisor HANSBOW thought the grant might interfere with the
ferries already licensed and injustice might be done to their owners.
After some farther discussion the subject was postponed until the next meeting.
An application was received from Mrs. Amanda C. Harris. L. B. Harris
and R. A. Pearis, the owners of Lisle's bridge, across the American
river at a point just below the old Hereford & Lisle ferry, for a
temporary license for a ferry until they could repair the damage done
to their bridge by the late flood. They had already established a ferry
to accommodate travel, and thought they could complete their bridge
within sixty or ninety days. The applicants were represented on this
occasion by counsel.
Supervisor GRANGER favored the postponement of the consideration of
the matter. There was a legal difficulty in the way which should be
first adjusted. He understood that there was a ferry already
established and no inconvenience could result to the publlc from
the postponement. He moved that the consideration of the application
be postponed until the 26th instant.
Mr. CROCKER, attorney for Samuel Norris, who is an applicant for a
license to establish a permanent ferry at the same point, said that
Norris did not wish to press the consideration of the question at
this time. He suggested that the proper course for the Board to
pursue, under the circumstances, would be postpone the subject until
the 20th instant, when Norris' application would come before the Board.
The question recurring on Supervisor GRANGER's motion to postpone the
subject until the 26th, the ayes and noes were called, with the
following result:
Ayes--Granger, Russell and Dickerson--3.
Noes--Hansbrow, Hite, Waterman and Hall--4.
Supervisor HITE then moved to postpone the matter until the 20th
instant, in accordance with the suggestion of Mr. Crocker.
Counsel for the opposing parties were permitted to argue the question.
Mr. WINANS, attorney for Harris & Pearis, contended that at this time
neither party had a right to make application for a permanent ferry.
His clients only wanted permission for a temporary ferry, which the
statute, he thought, gave the Board ample authority to grant, without
notice. The Board had nothing to do with any legal controversy between
Norris and Harris & Pearis. Counsel asked that the temporary license
be granted without delay.
Mr. CROCKER denied that the rights of the opposing parties were in
litigation. That could not be the case, because Norris had not yet
obtained a license. He contended that the statute did not permit the
Board to grant ferry licenses without due notice, and said that
justlce to the parties to this controversy demanded that the subject
should be postponed until Norris' application came before the Board.
The motion to postpone the subject until the 20th instant was then
unanimously adopted. . . .
Supervisor HITE submitted the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the committee on Roads. Bridges and Ferries
are hereby authorized to advertise for proposals for the construction
of bridges across Sutter Fort Slough, on J and K streets.
Supervisor HITE stated that the city was permitting a harvest to pass
without reaping any benefit--ferries now paying a large profit to
private parties. He knew that individuals were ready to build bridges
upon terms favorable to the city.
Supervisor HANSBROW said that an impression had got abroad that there
was no intention to enforce the ordinance passed at the last meeting
in reference to the removal of the track and tanks of the Sacramento
Valley Railroad on Front street. He thought that the ordinance should
be promptly enforced in order to show that the Board was in earnest.
He submitted the following, which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the Chief of Police be insructed to proceed
forthwith to remove the rails and all other obstructions made by
the Sacramento Valley Railroad, from off all the streets and levees
west of Sixth street, under direction of the Superintendent of Streets.
President SHATTUCK desired some instruction in reference to the manner
of proceeding.
Supervisor HANSBROW said it was probable the work of removal would
be enjoined by the railroad company. He did not anticipate any
difficulty, but if any increase of force was rendered necessary
thousands of citizens would be ready to assist in the enforcement
of the ordinance. He wanted the Board to show the Sacramento Valley
Railroad Company that it (the company) did not own the city of
Sacramento. . . .
On motion, the Board then adjourned to meet at ten o'clock this morning. . . .
CORONER'S INQUEST.
Coroner Reeves held an inquest, on Sunday afternoon, at Camp Union, over
the body of a private belonging to Company K of the Fifth Regiment, named
David Bradish. The deceased had been missing since Dec. 9th or 10th, about
the time of the flood. The body was found below Sutterville on Sunday
morning. In the afternoon, the Coroner, on hearing of the fact, repaired
to the camp, and impanneled a jury composed of William K. Ellis,
Washington W. Hyde, Charles Lawson, Daniel Folley, Samuel Puryear,
and William Russell. There was but one witness examined:
George Dutton, sworn--I belong to Company K, Captain Tidball; I
recognize the deceased now before the jury as being the body of
David Bradish, a private of Company K, Captain Tidball; he left
this camp on the morning of December 9th, and has not been seen
since, to my knowledge, until the body was discovered yesterday
below Sutterville and reported to the camp, and by order the body
was removed to this place; deceased's age is about twenty-eight
years; a native of Pennsylvania; is a single man and has a
brother-in-law residing near Georgetown, in El Dorado county;
I do not know how the deceased came to his death, but am of
opinion that he was drowned in attempting to cross the breach
in the levee between the Half-way House and Sutterville; there
was no money or valuables found on deceased to my knowledge.
The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the name of
deceased was "David Bradish; a native of Pennsyvania, aged
twenty-eight years; and that he came to his death by being
accidentally drowned on Tuesday, December 10th, 1861; and that
deceased was a private in Company K, Captain Tidball, Fifth
Regiment California Volunteers." . . .
BEAR RIVER DITCH.--This ditch suffered considerably by the late
flood, so much so, that the supply of water has been entirely
cut off. Men are engaged in repairing the injured places as
fast as possible, and in a very short time the miners will
receive their usual supply of that necessary article--water.
The Gold Hill ditch, too, has suffered to a considerable extent,
but will soon be in working order again.--Auburn Advocate. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3363, 8 January 1862, p1
ASSEMBLY.
TUESDAY, January 7, 1862.
The House was called to order by the Clerk, J. M. Anderson, at eleven o'clock. . . .
Mr. O'BRIEN offered a resolution that H. A. Lease be appointed
temporary Sergeant-at-Arms.
Mr. WARWICK said he would prefer to nominate for that position one
James Parker, otherwise known as "Billy the Boatman," a man who
exhibited commendable bravery, and rendered efficient sarvice to
the cause of humanity during the recent flood. It would be a well
deserved compliment to that man, and he moved to amend the resolution
by substituting the name of Parker for that of Lease.
Mr. O'BRIEN said it was only the usual courtesy to aliow the old
officers to serve until their permanent successors should be chosen;
but he did not regard it as of much consequence, and the House could
take such action as it pleased on the subject.
The amendment proposed by Mr. Warwick was lost, and Mr. O'Brien's
resolution was adopted. . . .
For Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Mr. SEARS nominated Jeremiah Watts, of Nevada.
Mr. DENNIS nominated C. B. Fleming of Placer.
Mr. SAUL nominated J. Parker of Sacramento, and said that was the
gentleman whom his colleague (Mr. Warwick) had so highly eulogized
for his gallant conduct in saving lives during the recent flood in
Sacramento.
Mr. WRIGHT nominated E. E. Turk of Yreka.
Mr. WATTS received 39 votes. Mr. Fleming 10, Mr. Parker 9,
Mr. Turk 8; and Mr. Watts was declared elected. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held yesterday morning,
definite action was taken in regard to the Rightmire claim against
the city. The bill was returned by the Auditor with objections,
and the objections were sustained by the Board. Rightmire announced
his intention to hold the members individually responsible for
the amount be claimed. . . .
The Sacramento fell several inches yesterday. There is little or
no change in the condition of the American. . . .
STATE PRISON CONTRACTS.
. . . A year subsequent to the signing of this contract, it had become
so unpopular, and such horrible reports of the treatment of prisoners
were made to the Legislature, that a bill was passed annulling the
contract with Estell & Co., and instructing the Governor, John B. Weller,
to proceed to San Quentin, and take possession of the prison and prisoners
in the name of the State. He obeyed instructions, the contractors merely
making such opposition as was necessary to save their legal rights.
They subsequently succeeded in obtaining a judgment against the State
for the full sum they would have been entitled to under the contract
had they continued in possession of the prison and prisoners. The Courts
decided that the Legislature could not annul a contract into which the
State had regularly entered in that way, and the effect of the hasty and
illegal proceedings of the members cost the State several hundred
thousand dollars. Our Board of Supervisors may profit by this example
in their action toward the Railroad Company. Legislative bodies cannot
disturb by Act rights which have been vested in individuals or companies
by previous contracts. . . . .
RAIN IN SANTA CLARA.--By the late rains Santa Clara Valley was almost
deluged with water, and the roads were in such condition, January 6th,
that the stages could not leave for San Francisco. It seems a public
meeting was held at Santa Clara on Monday, December 30th, for the
purpose of securing the State Capital for that town. The San Jose
Mercury says it was a failure, but another meeting will shortly be
called. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
LIBRARY REPORT.--From the quarterly report of the Board of Directors of
the Sacramento Library Association for the quarter ending January 6th,
we obtain the following information concerning the affairs of the
Association: . . . .". . . There was overdue, on the 1st instant, on
account of monthly dues, the sum of $265 50, a major part of which would
undoubtedly have been in the treasury, but for the adverse circumstances
prevailing in our midst for the past four weeks. . . . Arrangements were
perfected for a course of six lectures, by distinguished gentlemen of the
State, and the course commenced under very favorable auspices, as most
of you are aware, but from unforeseen and unavoidable causes a temporary
interruption has occurred. It is designed to resume the original plan
at the earliest possible period, and we confidently anticipate for the
course a success fully equal to that of preceding years." . . .
THE FRONT STREET RAILROAD.--No action was taken yesterday towards carrying
out the policy of the Board of Supervisors with reference to the Front
street railroad. Chief of Police Watson did not deem it to be his duty
to commence the work of taking up the track. After the Board adjourned,
at about noon, considerable excitement prevailed on the street on
account of a rumor that the Board had adjourned with the intention on
the part of the members of commencing the work in person. No such move
was made, however, and was probably not contemplated.
VALUABLE HORSE LOST.--On Monday afternoon a valuable horse belonging
to Beck & Ackley, of Eighth and J streets, became mired down in a mud
hole on Tenth street, between G and H. J. Kane, the drayman, attempted
to drive through a pool of mud and water, as other vehicles had been
passing through. The horse sunk down, and after making an effort or
two to get out of the hole, seemed to have injured himself in some
manner. All efforts to keep his head out of water were unsuccessful.
He died in about three minutes after falling.
THE CHAIN GANG.--The chain gang, under charge of Overseer Long, was
engaged yesterday in burying the carcases of dead cattle around the
outskirts of the city. They succeded in bagging some thirty head of
cows, horses, hogs, goats, etc. This morning they will commence the
work of draining off the water standing on Third street on the north
side of K, a point at which their services can be most advantageously
employed.
REMOVAL OF STOCK.--The steamer Visalia brought up yesterday afternoon,
from Duboise's ranch, nine miles below the city, on the Yolo side, some
twenty head of horses. The high water rendered their removal necessary.
The steamer Laura Ellen also brought down, for the same reason, a number
of horses and mules from Tilton and McHugh's ranches, eight or nine
miles above the city.
SNOW IN YOLO.--C. Heinrech, of Third and L streets, received a letter
yesterday from his ranch in Yolo county, near the foot hills, thirty
miles from the city, stating that the snow fell at that point twelve
inches deep, and that it was still lying on the ground, having melted
but little. There was six inches of snow twelve miles this side of
Cache creek canon. . . .
THE WEATHER.--The appearance of the sky and condition of the atmosphere
last evening, gave strong ground for the hope that we might be favored
with a little rain before long by way of variety. We may, however,
be disappointed.. Let nobody bet on it. . . .
FALLING.--The Sacramento river fell some four inches yesterday,
standing at sunset at twenty-one feet eight inches above low water mark. . . .
HEAVY RAIN IN SAN FRANCISCO.--Four inches of rain fell in San Francisco,
between twelve o'clock Saturday night, and nine o'clock Monday morning.
This beats Sacramento altogether. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, Jan. 7, 1862
The Board convened at 10 o'clock. Present--Shattuck, President, Granger,
Dickerson, Russell, Hite, Hall, Hansbrow, Woods and Waterman. . . .
Supervisor HITE, from the Committee on Roads, Ferries and Bridges,
stated that two individuals were prepared to take charge of the
bridging, etc. of certain streets, and would have their plans and
specifications ready to submit it to the Board on the following day. . . .
Supervisor GRANGER wanted information in regard to the proposed
action of the Committee on Roads, Ferries and Bridges, as alluded
to by Supervisor Hite.
Supervisor HITE explained that it was intended to let one individual
build a bridge over Sutter's Fort slough, at J street, and another
a bridge over the same slough at K street, the tolls being
appropriated to pay for the bridges, and keep the streets approaching
them in repair.
Supervisor WOODS was opposed to the plan of trusting private parties
to keep the streets of the city in repair. . . .
Supervisor GRANGER inquired if anything further had been done in
reference to the Rightmire bill.
Supervisor HANSBROW stated that he had called upon the Citizens'
Committee and endeavored to persuade them to indorse the action of
the Board in regard to the Rightmire claim, and use their efforts
to "turn in" the amount the Board proposed to pay. Judge Smith
and two other members of the Committee decidedly favored the
proposition, but Mr. Lightner, another member, opposed such action
upon general principles, and contended that the city was not bound
to pay Rightmire anything.
Mr. Rightmire, being present, was asked if he desired to be heard.
He said that he had waited until the time fixed by the Board, and
was forced to trust to the magnanimity of the Supervisors; but be
hoped that justice would be done to him.
The following communication, returning the Rightmire bill without
approval, was received from the Auditor:
AUDITOR'S OFFICE, }
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 4, 1861, }
To the President and Board of Supervisors: The within bill
is returned without approval. l am unable to find any law authorizing
the payment of money out of the City treasury unless for value
received; there is none expressed or implied in the within account,
and in justice to the tax payers. who will have to pay this amount if
allowed, I return the bill without my approval. Respectfully yours,
J. HOWELL, Auditor.
Supervisor HANSBROW moved that the objections of the Auditor be sustained.
Supervisor GRANGER did not see how the Board could sustain the objections
of the Auditor. What did the public want? Certainly the improvement
which Mr. Rightmire had contracted to construct had been demanded by
the community, and the Board had only performed its duty in making the
contract. Did the people desire that the Board should contract for
improvements and then repudiate? He could never sanction such a course
while he considered himself an honorable man.
Supervisor DICKERSON would not sustain the Auditor's objections. He
thought the claim of Mr. Rightmire entirely fair and just, and one
that ought to be settled without further delay. Supervisor Russell
said that in seconding the motion to sustain the objections of the
Auditor, he did not propose to repudiate. He wanted the obligation
met in a different way, to wit: by obtaining a Special Act of the
Legislature.
Supervisor HITE would not sustain the objections of the Auditor.
He had given his word that Mr. Rightmire, who had taken a contract
to do a necessary work when nobody else would take it, should be
paid, and he considered himself honorably bound to vote for the
claim. The People's Safety Committee was a Quixotic concern, which
would probably undertake to turn the channel of the American river.
The speaker would not be guided by their action.
Supervisor HANSBROW thought that Rightmire would get his money much
sooner through an application to the Legislature than by any action
of the Board. There was no doubt whatever of the illegality of the
action of the Board, and hundreds of citizens were ready to obtain
an injunction to prevent the payment of the bill.
On the question "Shall the objections of the Auditor be sustained?"
the ayes and noes were called with the following result:
Ayes--Russell, Hansbrow, Woods, and Waterman--4.
Noes--Granger, Dickerson, Hite, Hall, and Shattuck, President--5.
As a two-thirds vote is required to overrule the action of the
Auditor, the objections of that functionary were declared to be
sustained.
President SHATTUCK stated that he had not pledged himself
to sustain Rightmire, but he was positive that every member of the
Board had done so, previous to Rightmire's going to San Francisco
for bills and vouchers.
Supervisor WOODS explained that he was perfectly willing that Rightmire
should be paid in a legal way, but he would not vote to pay four for one.
Supervisor HITE said that every day the Board paid four for one in the
purchase of articles required.
Supervisor RUSSELL, as a member of the Committee on Finance, said that
a considerable margin was allowed, but not quite four dollars for one. . . .
On motion of Supervisor DICKERSON, a license was granted to G. W. Colby
for a ferry on L street.
Supervisor HITE called attention to the fact that the steamers passing
the city were washing away the levee by maintaining an undue rate of speed.
Supervisor GRANGER said that the old ordinance regulating the rate of
speed had not been effectual since consolidation.
Supervisor HITE gave notlce that he would introduce an ordinance to the
same effect at the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. RIGHTMIRE now said that since the action of the Auditor in regard to
his claim had been sustained, he would commence an action against every
member of the Board. Every member had assumed the debt and made himself
personally responsible. He would not act out of any feeling against the
members, because he considered them all his friends and had a respect
for them, but simply to protect himself.
Supervisor HITE thought that Mr. Rightmire would be perfectly justified
in pursuing such a course, even if every Supervisor found himself in
the calaboose.
Supervisor HANSBROW said that he believed every member had voted
understandingly, and that no one was inclined to change his course
under a threat. He thought the idea of making the members individually
responsible for the debt was supremely ridiculous. Mr. Rightmire would
doubtless change his purpose.
On motion, the Board adjourned to meet at ten o'clock this morning. . . .
RAIN AND SNOW SOUTH.--In Sonora, it rained all day on Friday,
January 3d, and snowed hard all night.
NEVADA.--Ice formed in this town, January 2d and 3d, of the
thickness of half an inch. . . .
THE ROADS IN THE INTERIOR.--S. A. Merritt arrived on Saturday evening,
January 4th, from Mariposa. He was five days making the trip, the roads
being in a horrible condition. Part of the journey he had to make
behind an ox team; twice he had to hire a team, the stage communication
having been stopped; and at another time he had to walk a considerable
distance.--S. F. Herald.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3364, 9 January 1862, p. 1
. . .
LOGS LOST.--At the Albion river, Mendocino county, during the late freshet,
the boom was carried away, and logs to the value of $30,000 were lost.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Early last evening, while the wires of the Overland Telegraph were
working, we were promised dispatches from the East. But the reception
of private dispatches was continued until a late hour, and then we
were informed that news could not be received. The heavy gale probably
deranged the wires. At this particular juncture there is great anxiety
to hear from the seat of war, as the culmination of the contest is
believed to have arrived.
The telegraphic wires between this city and San Francisco were not
in working order last evening. . . .
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held yesterday, an ordinance
was passed fixing the rate of speed for steamers passing the city.
This is designed to prevent the washing away of the levees. The rate
is fixed by the ordinance at five miles per hour. A resolution was
adopted providing for the employment of counsel to bring the issue
between the city and the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company before
the legal tribunals. An ordinance was adopted fixing the grade of
certain streets. This is substantially the same ordinance which was
brought before the Board in November last by Supervisor Hite. A
resolution, explaining that the ordinance was not intended to affect
buildings already erected, except where three-fourths of the property
owners in a block request it, was also passed. . . .
The rivers continued to fall yesterday, though it was rainy and
unfavorable. At different points in the interior they have had
chilly rains or snow. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Storm in the Interior
MARYSVILLE, Jan. 8th.
It has rained here at intervals all day and still continues, but it is
not falling very fast tonight. It is very windy and cool.
OROVILLE, Jan. 8th.
It has rained hard here all day, and the rain continues unabated.
CHICO, Jan. 8th.
It has been raining hard here all day, and continues at the same rate.
The streams are all rising rapidly. .
PLACERVILLE, Jan. 8th.
It has been raining hard here all the afternoon. It is raining in the
mountains as far up as Strawberry, which will melt the snow in that
vicinity. The streams are filling here.
CARSON CITY, Jan. 8th.
It is raining hard and blowing a gale in this valley. . . .
SACRAMENTO.--Our cotemporaries of the interior generally have had a
favorable word to say of the State Capital and its late misfortune.
The Red Bluff Beacon, among others, has the following:
We had intended to write an article concerning the State Capital,
giving the paper goss [?] that said that the seat of government
should not be permanently located where the town was liable to
suffer from overflows. But every editor in the State, we believe,
has given the subject an article, and besides we have been unable
to even find out what paper it was that is so down on Sacramento
as the Capital, now that she has suffered from an overflow.
Sacramento has too much capital, energy and enterprise ever to
be kept down by such a trivial cause as an overflow.
The Yreka Journal adds:
Notwithstanding the damages of flood at Sacramento, there is no more
convenient interior point in the Sacramento valley, nor one less subject
to floods, in the right spot. The new building, however, should be
built high, with a strong plateau walled around, so that the walla
of the building will be clear from water in the future.
The Shasta Courier remarks:
The people of the State of California deeply sympathize with the
Sacramentans, in relation to the untoward disasters with which they
have been afflicted, and which to a people less energetic than they
are known to be, would be absolutely crushing. The city can be saved
from future inundations, and it is the fixed opinion of their
neighbors that it will be done thoroughly and at once. . . .
p. 3
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday on the
body of an unknown Chinaman found in the American river above Norris'
bridge. The body was found on Tuesday, floating on the north side of
the river, by Isaac Watson and several other men in a boat. The Coroner
had it brought across the river to Brighton. G. W. Parkison, M. C. Reed,
S. F. Weaver, T. B. Burnes, H. E. Judson and C. Eshnaur were impanneled
as a jury. The only witness examined was Watson, who stated that the
body was made secure, and no examination of it was made until the
Coroner arrived. It was in a nude condition, having a string tied
around the waist. There were several marks and bruises about the head
and face of the deceased, who appeared to have been about sixty years
of age. The bruises may have been caused by floating against driftwood.
The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the cause of death was
unknown to the jury, but that deceased was probably drowned. . . .
TO BE REPAIRED.--The Committee of Safety, at a meeting held yesterday,
decided to lay down and put in order the street crossings on the line
of Eighth street, between the Capitol at Seventh and I streets, and
the residence of Governor Stanford, at Eighth and N streets. As the
office of the Governor will be located at his place of residence,
these repairs are rendered indispensable. The Committee expect the
property owners on the line to repair their sidewalks as far as
practicable. . . .
A SUCCESSFUL JOB.--The chain gang, under the direction of Overseers
Dreman and Long, dug a ditch yesterday on the north side of K street
from Third street to the drain which crosses K street in the middle
of the block. The result was to carry off the water which has stood
for several weeks at the corner, to the great inconvenience of teams,
foot passengers and property owners in the neighborhood. . . .
THE LEVEE.--Workmen were engaged during Tuesday and yesterday forenoon
at two points on the American river, east of the tannery, repairing
the levee. The rain of yesterday rendered work in the afternoon
impracticable. . . .
THE FLOOD IN MARIPOSA.--Scarcely any portion of the State was exempt
from damage by the late floods. The Mariposa Gazette of December 31st says:
Property has been damaged along the Merced to an amount not dreamed of
by men who have for long time lived in the localities. Commencing at
the Benton Mills, it damaged their works to a considerable extent,
though the dam stood the pressure asd the loss is comparatively
trifling. Wyatt's bridge was then wiped out--then everything at
Split Rock Ferry--then everything below, including Chapin's dam
and mill, a structure which probably cost in the neighborhood of
$100,000. Below that, at Merced Falls, Murray's and Nelson's bridges
went by the board, together with two fine flour mills, belonging
to the same gentlemen. We have no means at hand for computing the
losses of those who suffered from the flood, but should judge that
$300,000 would hardly cover them. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento fell some eight inches yesterday, standing
at sunset at about twenty-one feet above low water mark.
MORE OF IT.--We were visited yesterday by more rain, and last evening
by another violent gale of wind.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3365, 10 January 1862, p. 3
. . .
CATTLE CHILLED TO DEATH.--The several cold rains of the past few days
have been destructive to cattle, numbers having died from being chilled
to death--five in one body of stock were seen to fall and expire in a
couple of minutes, being, too, in fair condition. The cold wind pierces
them as they stand on elevated knolls to keep out of the water that has
spread so over the plains, and the result is numbers are chilled to death,
of stock, too, that have been Winter fed. We may judge from this the
destruction of cattle that have received no attention this Winter, are
in a bad condition. They must have fallen in vast numbers before the
freezing blasts, against which no shelter has been provided for them.
Our present stcck system is a cruel one to the brutes, that should be
reformed.--Stockton Argus. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
WEDNESDAY, January 8. 1862.
The Board met at 10-1/2 o'clock A. M.. Present--All the Supervisors. . . .
Supervisor HITE presented an ordinance fixing the grade of the streets.
The same ordinance had been presented to the Board on the 6th of November
last and passed on the 19th of that month, and reconsidered on the 20th.
It was now introduced as a new ordinance.
Consideration of the ordinance was postponed to allow the attorney
for Benjamin & McWilliams, who had a ferry over the slough at J street
previous to the late flood to make a statement. The parties were
engaged in repairing the approaches to the slough, and they now wish
to file a bond and take out a license for the ferry for thirty days.
Supervisor HITE hoped that no action would be taken that would
interfere with the construction of bridges over the slough.
Supervisor GRANGER thought it was impossible to collect the proper
timber and complete a suitable bridge over the slough within thirty days.
On motion of Supervisor HANSBOW, the license was granted
Benjamin & McWlillams to continue until the completion of the bridge
at J street, but in no event for longer than thirty days.
The ordinance fixing the grade of certain streets was then taken
up and considered.
Supervisor GRAINGER presumed that the Board did not intend to affect
buildings already erected, but he was in favor of declaring that
intention by resolution. If this were done there would be no hardships
in the passage of the ordinance, because persons who were going to put
up buildings would prefer to have those structures placed above high
water mark. He was in favor of postponing the consideration of the
ordinance
Supervisor HITE was suspicious of delays. He hoped Dr. Morse, who was
present, would be heard upon the important question.
Dr. MORSE thanked the Supervisors, but stated that he had not intended
to say anything upon the subject before the Board. He indorsed the
remarks of Supervisor Granger, and believed that, with the explanatory
resolution proposed, the ordinance would meet with the hearty approval
of the community.
The ordinance was then laid over under the rules.
Supervisor HALL, Chairman of the Committee on Roads, Ferries and
Bridges, submitted the following:
Resolved, That B. F. Leet be and is hereby authorized to
build two bridges across Sutter slough, on J and K streets,
respectively; to be at least as strong and durable as the bridge
shown on a plan prepared by said Leet; and that said Leet is
authorized to charge and collect toll on the same until the 1st
day of May, 1862; provided that said Leet furnish all the material
and do all of the work at his own expense and risk, and on the said
1st day of May deliver the said bridge in good order to the city
of Sacramento, then and thereafter to become the property of the
said city, and provided that all ferry licenses hereafter to be
granted shall cease and determine on the completion and opening
of either of said bridges, and that the licenses of the present
ferries shall not be renewed. The rates of toll to be collected
by said Leet on said bridge shall not exceed the rates now being
charged by the ferry boat plying on K street.
Supervisor GRANGER was in favor of wholesome competition, and
suggested that the resolution be laid over until to-morrow. A motion
to that effect was adopted.
Supervisor HITE offered an ordinance to regulate the speed of
steamers passing the city. The rate was fixed at five miles per hour.
On motion, the rules were suspended, and the order was considered and
passed without dissent.
Supervisor HANSBROW said that he had one other text for an editorial
in the UNION. He intended to refer to the same old subject--the railroad.
The Chief of Police, it was stated, considered the action of the Board
illegal, and had declined to obey the instructions given him. There
was also a difference of opinion among lawyers as to the legality
of the course planned by the Board. He believed that the Supervisors
had acted in strict conformity to the law. He submitted a letter
from Daniel J. Thomas, containing a legal argument in support of
the course pursued by the Board in regard to the removal of the rails.
The following communlcation was received and read.
"To the Hon. Wm. Shattuck, President of Board of Supervisors and ex
officio Superintendent of Streets of the city and county of
Sacramento--Sir: You will please take notice that you will be held,
by us personally liable, on your official bond and otherwise, and in
your official character and also individualy, for trespass and all
or any damage. or damages which may ensue to us by reason of your
removing the rails or in any way disturbing or interfering with the
property, rails, goods, chattels, or effects of the Sacramento
Valley Railroad, or of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company, or
any part thereof, whether constructed or situated on any streets or
levees west of Sixth street in the city of Sacramento, or elsewhere
"SACRAMENTO VALLEY RAILROAD CO.,
"By J. P. ROBINSON, Superintendent."
Supervisor HANSBOW thought that the best course. for the Board to
pursue, in order to have this question settled, would be to bring the
issue into Court. He therefore moved the adoption of the following:
Resolved, That the President of the Board be authorized to
employ an attorney to appear before the proper Courts and ask for
injunction to issue restraining the Sacramento Valley Railroad
Company from running their cars on or occupying any of the streets
or city front west of Sixth street, and to compel them to take up
and remove the track from off of the streets and city front west of
Sixth street, in consequence of the said company not having complied
with the terms regulating the same.
Adopted unanimously.
Supervisor GRANGER offered the following, which he said ought to
be adopted before passing the ordinance fixing the grade of the
streets. It would quiet a great deal of apprehension in the minds
of property holders:
Resolved, That whereas great anxiety has been felt by property
holders in the city at the great cost of the proposed grade; now,
therefore, in the passage of said ordinance nothing shall be so
construed as to compel the property holders at this time to fill
up the streets, unless at any time after the passage of this ordinance,
three-fourths of the property-holders upon any block may petition the
honorable Board of Supervisors to fill the same, when the same may
be done. It is only meant that all new buildings to be erected, or
any building raised, must conform to the grade hereby established.
Adopted.
The rules were then suspended, and the ordinance. fixing the grade
was taken up and passed finally.
By this measure the grades were fixed as follows;
I street--Commencing on the levee on the west side of Front street,
eighteen inches above high water mark, and from thence easterly shall
be level until it strikes the natural surface of the ground.
J street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front
street, six inches below the grade of I street, and thence easterly level.
K street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front street,
twelve inches below the grade of I street, and thence easterly level.
L street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front street,
eighteen inches below the grade at I street, and thence easterly level.
M street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front street,
two feet below the grade of I street. and thence easterly level.
N street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front street,
thirty inches below the grade of I street, and thence easterly level.
O street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front street,
three feet below the grade of I street, and thence easterly level.
P street--Commencing fourteen feet weet of the east line of Front street,
three feet and six inches below the grade of I street, and thence easterly
level.
Q street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east side [sic] of Front street,
four feet below the grade of I street, and thence easterly level.
R street--Commencing fourteen feet west of the east line of Front street,
four feet and six inches below the grade of I street, and thence
easterly level
The grades of the streets running north and south from Second street
to Fourteenth street inclusive, to be as follows: Commencing at I street,
the grades in their respective parts shall be the hight of a straight
line drawn from the grade of I street to the grade of K street so as
to touch the grade of each intermediate street.
"High water mark," as used in this ordinance, is to be deemed a point
on the city gauge twenty-two feet nine inches above low water mark,
be marked on said gauge.
On motion, the Board adjourned to meet this morning at ten o'clock.
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Heavy and continuous rains, followed by the melting of the snow and
the rise of the rivers, are reported at various points to the eastward.
At Folsom, at eight o'clock last evening, the river only lacked four
feet of the hight attained at the time of the great flood, and the
water continued to rise at a rapid rate. At the same hour we learned
at the telegraph office that a heavy storm of rain prevailed at
Strawberry, Placerville and Folsom. The bridge at Willow Springs, three
miles east of Folsom, has been swept away. From Carson City, intelligence
has been received that the water was pouring down the mountains in
torrents. The bridge below Silver City was carried away. In this vicinity
the American had risen about three feet by last evening,
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held yesterday morning,
ordinances were passed imposing penalties for obstructing the streets
of the city by fences or otherwise, and for placing signs over the
sidewalks. The plans and proposals of G. W. Colby for constructing
bridges over Sutter slough at J and K streets were referred to a
Special Committee, with power to close the contract with that gentleman.
Supervisor HANSBROW, who is going to the World's Fair, took leave of
the Board. An attempt to pass the Rightmire bill, notwithstanding the
objections of the Auditor, was defeated, and the sense of the Board
was taken in favor of an appeal to the Legislature for authority
to levy a special tax for the payment of the claim.
DESTRUCTION BY WATER.--Within the past month California has suffered a
loss of millions of dollars by floods. The exact amount can never be
ascertained, but if the figures could be presented to the people, it
would astonish them. Intelligent gentlemen from Trinity affirm that the
damage by water in that county in the month of December was not less
than one million of dollars. But that county has suffered heavier losses
than any other in the mines, though all are included in the list of heavy
sufferers. The Sacramento valley is represented as presenting a scene of
desolation for two hundred and fifty miles, and the San Joaquin valley must
from accounts, be in pretty much the same condition.
On the west side of the river from this city in Yolo and Solano, thousands
of acres have been submerged upon which water has not been seen during
the past eleven years. It will require years for the State to recover
from the effect of the destructive floods by which she has been visited.
An invasion by Price and his rebel marauders wouid not have proved half
so destructive. . . .
MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR.
Governor Downey transmitted to the Legislature yesterday his second
annual Message. . . .
The Governor commences with the remark, that "a most eventful year
has been added to the history of the country." A fact which no one
will dispute. It is also true that our State has prospered the past
year, with the exception of the immense destruction of property by
floods during the past month; this fact the Governor seems to have
overlooked in summing up the events of the year. A loss of millions
by one of the destructive elements in the last month in the year
might have been appropriately referred to in the Governnor's [sic]
Message. . . .
NOT YET REPAIRED.--It was a month yesterday since the city was
inundated and the railroad rendered useless this side of Brighton.
It was repaired in a few days to the break in the slough at Sixteenth
street; and at that point the repairs seem to have pretty much come
to a stand still. We confess to a little surprise that the breaks
have not all been repaired within the month, for the road is losing
business enough each week to pretty well pay for the necessary repairs
to enable it to be operated from the city. We do not see why the work
of repairing was not commenced each side of the breaks. What little
business is doing in the city is suffering a heavy drawback for want
of the shipping facilities heretofore offered by the road. The roads
are now in such condition that were the railroad in working condition
all the goods sent to the interior would be forwarded by railroad. But
the difficulties of getting freight now to where the railroad receives
it are so great as to amount almost to a prohibition. We heard a
merchant say last night that he paid, yesterday, ten dollars a ton
to have goods hauled to where the railroad could receive them. This
is an awful tax on Sacramento business, and one which merchants are
deeply interested to have removed. If no other plan presents itself,
they had better unite and put J or K street in such a condition that
they can be used by teams with a half load. The short remedy, though,
is the repairing of the railroad. A railroad could now be of more
service than ever again. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The American at Folsom.
FOLSOM, Jan. 9--8 P. M.
The river here lacks four feet of being as high
as at the great flood, and is now rising at the rate of one foot and
a half per hour. It has raised fourteen feet to-day. The weather is stormy.
The Weather in the Interior.
COLOMA, January 9th--9 P. M.
The water at dark was within a few inches of the previous high water,
and was rising rapidly. It is still raining hard.
CARSON CITY, January 9th--9 P. M.
It has stopped raining here. The wind is blowing hard.
WEBSTER'S STATION, Jan. 9 th--P. M. [sic] .
The water in the river at this place is as high as it was after the
first big storm. The snow is nearly all gone; there is perhaps five
inches left. It rains very hard with no present indication of letting
up.
STRAWBERRY, Jan. 9th--P. M.
It has been raining at this point for the last thirty hours, most of
the time extending to the summit. The snow is settling and disappearing
very fast. The river is quite full--perhaps as high as during the
previous storm.
PLACERVILLE, Jan. 9 P. M..
It is still raining here, with no indications of clearing up. No
express or mail stages from the East or from Sacramento have arrived
today. The opposition stage from Sacramento arrived at about 5 o'clock.
It got through by heading [?] some of the small streams.
The mail rider from Grizzly Flat reports that there was a foot of snow
there previous to the rain, and when he left this morning it had all
disappeared except about an inch.
CHICO, Jan. 9th.
It has stopped raining here, but the wind is blowing furiously.
OROVILLE, Jan. 9th--9 P. M.
It has stopped raining here. The river raised five or six feet to-day.
MARYSVILLE, Jan. 9.
No rain has fallen since three o'clock. The river raised rapidly.
Later.
OROVILLE,--10 P M.
Just commenced raining again.
MARYSVILLE,--10 P. M..
Just commenced storming very hard.
THE PRESENT STORM.--We find the annexed dispatches in the Bee,
under date of Jan. 9th:
PLACERVILLE, 10 A. M. --lt rained all night to the very summit of the
Sierras. The snow is melting fast and the streams are coming up rapidly.
It is still raining here and at Strawberry.
PLACERVILLE, 1:30 P. M.--The rain continues to pour down. No stages
can cross to-day between this place and Folsom. Hangtown creek is
higher than ever before known.
FOLSOM, 12:30 P. M.--American at this place rose seven feet since
daylight this morning until now and continues to rise fast . The
bridge at Willow Springs, three miles east of this place on the
Placerville road is carried away and stages cannot cross.
WEBSTER'S. 35 miles east of Placerville, 10:30 A.M.--The South Fork
of the American at this place is now as high as it was at any time
this season, and it is still rising. The rain is falling heavily.
CARSON CITY, N. T., 11 A.M.--It rained here all last night, and
continues to pour.
CARSON CITY--1:45 P. M.--It commenced raining here yesterday about
three o'clock, and continued without intermission up to this time.
There was about one foot of snow lying on the ground, but it has all
disappeared. The water is pouring down in torrents from the mountains,
flooding the streets and valleys. Much apprehension is felt that the
Carson river will overflow, which would cause great damage to the mills
on that stream. The bridge below Silver City, at the Sierra Nevada House,
was carried away. Langton's stage, coming down this morning, was very
near being carried off--capsizing stage, and the horses narrowly
escaped being drowned. All communication by stage between here and
Virginia City is cut off. Still raining with unabated violence, and
it is impossible to get through the streets with teams.
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
DEATH AND INQUEST.--A man named Peter Connelly was found dead
yesterday morning in the rear of the residence of. Mrs. Phillips,
at Thirteenth and L streets. At about seven o'clock on Wednesday
evening, while engaged at work in the house, she heard and saw
some one at the window. She asked what was wanted, and he answered
that he wanted to come in. Mrs. Phillips, whose husband died some
months ago, being alone with her two children, was very much
frightened. She told him to leave, that he had no business
there, and locked the doors and barricaded them with chairs,
tables, etc. She also put out the light, and then saw that
the man appeared intoxicated. She was afraid, however, that
that might be assumed, and that he had some sinister object
in view. He subsequently passed around the house and knocked
at the back door, again demanding admission, and still later
she heard him groaning and hallooing. She then called to George
Brier, who lived on the opposite corner, telling him that there
was a drunken man there--that she was afraid of him, and asked
him to come over. It was raining very hard at the time, and
the street between the two houses was covered with water.
Brier told her he could not get across without going into the
water, but if the man attempted to break into the house he
would go over. Yesterday morning the man was found lying dead
alongside a bale of hay, some two rods from the rear of the house.
A bottle of liquor, a mustard bottle, a whip and an empty
pocketbook, were found with him. Coroner Reeves was informed
of the facts of the case, and held an inquest over the body
yesterday forenoon. The deceased proved to be Peter Connelly,
a ranchman, who lived near the upper Stockton road, about nine
miles below the city. He came into town on Wednesday afternoon
with a team. On K street his team became stalled, and he asked
parties to assist him, stating that his family was on the ranch
in need of provisions, to obtain which he came to the city.
The team was found yesterday morning on K street, and was sent
to the stable of James McClane. The Coroner's Jury was composed
of W. H. Stickman, P. F. Dunn, D. H. Davis, W. H. West, S. Roll
and D. D. Loveland. The witnesses examined were Mary Phillips,
George Brier, H. Varwig, James McClane and S. E. Kyburg. The jury
returned a verdict to the effect that the name of the deceased
was Peter Conelly, a native of Ireland, aged thirty-three years,
and that he came to his death near Thirteenth and L streets in
this city on the eight of January 8th, 1862, and that the cause
of his death was intemperance and exposure. Two brothers of the
deceased arrived in the city last evening. He was unmarried but
lived with his brothers. His funeral will take place at ten
o'clock this forenoon. . . .
THE STAGE OF THE WATER.--At sunset last evening the American, at the
Tannery, had risen but two and a half or three feet, and did not appear
to be rising rapidly. An additional rise of four feet was necessary
to bring it to the hight attained on the 9th of December. At and near
Burns' Slough an increased volume of water was coming over. It had
overflowed the ground to the base of the Thirty-first street levee,
and men were engaged in the afternoon in strengthening with gunny sacks
such points in the levee as were presumed to be weak. The water of
course found its way into the lower portion of the city, and during
the evening rose at the Pavilion about one foot. From the fact that
telegraphic dispatches represented the varions tributaries of the
American to be much swollen, considerable apprehension was felt by
many that the result might be inconveniently felt in our city. It was
not believed, however, that the business portion of the town could
be again inundated. . . .
AT R STREET.--The levee at the foot of R street continued to work away
yesterday quite rapidly. A large quantity of lumber, belonging to the
Railroad Company, caused the earth to cave. Some twenty men were
engaged during a great portion of the day in removing it. The eddy
at that point seems to be bent on malicious mischief, concerning the
large scale belonging to the Company. At a point in the levee still
farther down, serious inroads were also made. E. P. Figg was engaged
during the afternoon, with a gang of workmen, in securing this point
with gunny sacks of earth.
RAIN.--Dr. Logan reports the amount of rain which fell between eleven
o'clock A. M. on Wednesday and nine P. M. yesterday, to be 1.810 inches.
We have had during the present season 15.327 inches of rain, of which
2.170 fell in November, 8 637 in December, and 4.520 in January. This
aggregate is a large amount for the period, and the season's rain bids
fair to equal that of '49 and '50, or '52 and '53, which was over
thirty-six inches at either period.
WHO ARE MISSING.--A ranchman who resides four miles up the Sacramento,
brought information to the city yesterday that a boat was upset in the
river several days ago, containing two men, and both were drowned.
The river was rough and no assistance could be rendered. They were
not known by those who saw them. Who are missing?
THE RIVERS.--The Sacramento river at sunset last evening had raised
six inches within twenty-four hours, standing at 21 feet 6 inches
above low water mark. The American river raised at its month about
one foot during the day, and at Rabel's about three feet. At Brighton
it was reported to have risen about six feet.
TEMPERATURE.--The thermometer at Dr. Logan's store stood at two
o'clock and nine o'clock P. M.. yesterday, at 56 degrees above zero.
This is warm weather considering the prevalence of a winter storm. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, January 9. 1862.
The Board met at 10-1/2 A. M. Present, all the members. . . .
Supervisor HALL submitted the plans and specifications of B. F. Leet,
for the construction of a bridge over Sutter's Slough at K street.
Proposals, plans asd specifications were also submitted from G. W. Colby,
for the construction of bridges over the same slough, at both J and K
streets. Besides constructing the bridges, Mr. Colby proposed to give
bonds to keep the streets approaching said bridges in repair.
Supervisor HALL, on behalf of the Committee on Roads, Ferries and
Bridges, offered the following:
Resolved, That B. F. Leet be and he is hereby authorized to
build a bridge across Sutter slough on K street said bridge to be
built of the best quality of Puget Sound pine timber, and according
to the specifications previously submitted by said Leet; and that
said Leet is hereby authorized to charge and collect tolls on the
same until the 15th day of May, 1862, at the following rates: Animals
in droves,--per head; for one animal and rider, twenty-five cents;
two animals and vehicle, forty cents; four animals and vehicle, sixty
cents; and ten cents for each additional animal over four; foot
passengers, twelve and a half cents. Provided that said Leet furnish
all of the material and do all of the work, at his own expense and
risk, in building said bridge, and keep the said K street in good
order, so that from Eleventh street to the eastern limits of the city
of Sacramento as heavy loads can be transported as can pass over the
roads beyond; and that on the 15th day of May, A. D. 1862, the said
bridge shall be delivered by the said Leet to the city of Sacramento,
in good order, there and thereafter to become the property of said city;
provided, further, that no ferry licenses shall be granted by the Board
for establishing ferries across said slough, and that when the present
ferry licenses across said slough shall expire, they shall not be
renewed; said Leet binding himself in the sum of two thousand dollars
for the immediate commencement and faithful performance of the work
hereinbefore mentioned.
On motion, G. W. Colby was allowed to be heard in explanation of his
plans and proposals. He pointed out the differences between his plans
and those of Mr. Leet, and said be proposed to erect longer bridges,
composed of more durable material, than the one planned by Mr. Leet,
and to surrender the J street bridge by the 15th of April--one month
earlier than the time fixed by Leet--the bridge at K street not to
be delivered to the city until the 1st of Jane.
Supervisor HITE favored the plan of dividing the work, and thus
insuring competition.
Supervisor HALL then asked leave to withdraw his resolution.
Supervisor HANSBROW said this matter of constructing the bridges
was not in a proper shape for action. He was in favor of Colby's
proposition, but he wanted the contract drawn up in intelligible
form.
On motion, the subject was laid upon the table temporarily in order
to allow Mr. Colby to prepare specifications.
The complaint of Mr. Bernard, that by the digging of a ditch all
communlcation with his place of business had been cut off, was
referred to the Committee on Drains, with power to act. . . .
Supervisor WATERMAN moved a reconsideration of the vote by which
the objections of the Auditor to the Rightmire bill were sustained.
The ayes and noes were called upon this question, wtth the following
result: Ayes--Granger, Dickerson, Hite, Hall, Woods and
Waterman--6, Noes--Russell and Hansbrow--2.
J. W. COFFROTH then addressed the Board at length in favor of the
Rightmire claim. He argued that there was no necessity for an appeal
to the Legislature; that the Board was perfectly competent to meet
the obligation; that the members had pledged themselves to pay the
debt; and that this debt, honestly contracted, should be paid,
"without regard to popular clamor."
Supervisor HANSBROW replied, and contended for an appeal to the Legislature.
The ayes and noes were then called upon the question of ordering the
Rightmire bill to be paid, notwithstanding the objections of the Auditor,
with the following result:
Ayes--Granger, Hite, Dickerson, Waterman and Hall-5.
Noes--Hansbrow, Russell and Woods--3.
As this was not a two-third vote, the question was decided in the negative. . . .
On motion, B. F. Leet was allowed to withdraw his plans and specifications
for the bridge at K street. . . .
The subject of constructing bridges over Sutter slough at J and K
streets, was then taken up, and Mr. Colby submitted final
specifications for both bridges.
Supervisor HANSBROW moved that the plans and specifications of
Mr. Colby be referred to a special Committee, with power to close
the contract with that gentleman. Agreed to.
Supervisors Hite, Granger and Russell were appointed to serve as the Committee.
Supervisor HANSBROW offered the following:
Resolved, That this Board take some definite action with reference
to the claim of A. D. Rightmire, by the passage of a resolution directed
to our members in the Legislature, requesting them to have passed a
bill levying a special tax for the payment of the same.
Adopted.
On motion, the Board adjourned, to meet on the third Monday of this month,
at two o'clock.
LEVEE DEFENSES. . . .
EDITORS UNION: "T------," in a recent issue of the UNION thinks the
plan of Colt's levee not applicable to your levee on the American,
because the bottom, the foundation is not permanent. I do not desire
to meddle in the affairs of Sacramento, but I have an earnest desire
to see her succeed in her efforts at self-preservation, and if anything
I can say may be of the least benefit, I shall feel repaid for my
trouble. I am but partially acquainted with the situation of the land
where the danger lies, but I infer from what a correspondent says,
the Citizens' Committee is building a levee on a shifting foundation.
I know that this can be done for I have seen it. Although I never saw
it done on river banks, I have seen permanent breakwaters on shifting
bottoms at several places on the great lakes, which have long withstood
the fury of the waves, far more powerful than the current of the American.
For a single instance: The breakwater at Chicago, Illinois. This work is
very long and shows a full broadside to the northeasterly gales, but it
withstands the force of Lake Michigan's waves, as they dash against it.
I have seen sunken cribs operate successfully for the same purpose; but
they would fail in the case mentioned, on account of the movable sandy
bottom. But these sandbars have a foundation, and by penerating [sic]
to it and sinking piles in it, then bolting strong planks on the piles
parallel with the current, ground on the inside would not be washed
away. This is mainly the plan of the Chicago breakwater. I do not feel
capable of advising your authorities, but if you consider there is any
fact here stated which is worth consideration, you may use it. . . .
PUBLICOLA.
MARYSVILLE, Jan. 8th. . . .
THE ROADS IN YUBA.--On this subject the Marysville Appeal says:
The prolonged storms, the extensive freshets, and the long neglect of
the authorities, have combined to make the thoroughfares leading from
this place to the country north and east of us of just about as much
use for all practical purpose as though they had never been laid out.
Traveling by them may be said to be virtually suspended; and while we
have stocks of goods for sale in this place, and mountain traders are
out of the staples of business, we have no decent means of communication;
and though the trouble is not confined to our county, even the roads
directly under the control of our city and county authorities are not
kept even in passable order, and were not before the late storms set in. . . .
RAIN IN SAN FRANCISCO.--The people of San Francisco appear as much
disgusted with the immense flood of water as are the people of
Sacramento. The Bulletin says:
Will it ever dry up--this rain? Flooded cellars, streaming sidewalks,
foaming gutters, small mud lakes, are among the pleasant accompaniments
of this unending storm. . . .
p. 8
PROVISIONS SCARCE.--A letter received in Stockton from Hornitas, states
that the stock of groceries and some kinds of provisions are getting
pretty well run out in that vicinity, and that if some are not
forwarded soon, there will be a decided scarcity. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3366, 11 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
Friday, January 10, 1862.
At eleven o'clock the Senate was brought to order and the roll called,
a number of late members failing to respond; . . .
RECLAIMING SWAMP LANDS.
Mr. DE LONG asked leave to introduce a bill without notice, which was granted.
The SECRETARY read the bill by its title (Bill No. 2)--An Act concerning
swamp and overflowed lands, salt marshes and tule lands donated to
the State of California by Act of Congress. It was read twice.
Mr. DE LONG--I move that the rules be suspended and the bill read for
the third time.
Mr. PERKINS--What is the necessity of that?
Mr. DE LONG--The necessity is, we want to stop the contracting of the
reclaimants of swamp land during this flood.
Mr. PARKS--I hope that bill will take its regular course, and be laid
on the table until the Committee on Swamp Lands shall be appointed.
I make the motion that it lie on the table.
Mr. DE LONG--I believe the motion to suspend the rules will take precedence.
The PRESIDENT--The motion to suspend all the rules is quite unusual.
Mr. DE LONG--Although the motion is not debatable I trust that the
Senate will give attention to the matter.
The PRESIDENT--The motion is, shall the bill lie on the table.
On a division, the motion was carried--ayes 14; noes, 6.
The PRESIDENT--Barely a quorum has voted. The Senate is admonished
that a quorum, in cases of this kind, is necessary, or the vote stands
for nothing. Very often bills are passed with only one man voting in
favor of it. The practice is not to be tolerated. . . .
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS.
PROMISE OF A GOOD HARVEST.--The continuous rain though suggestive of
dull times and some damage to the city, gives promise of abundant
crops the next two years in our valley. The largest crop per acre
harvested in our valley, and if we mistake not, in the Sacramento
Valley was the harvest succeeding the freshets of 1852-53. For the
last six in [?] years there has been but one year which there was
an over supply of moisture added to our tillable soils, and two
or more years the rains were insufficient; so that the moisture of
the earth, on which our crops are dependent, has been gradually
reduced until its want has been shown in a lessened yield per acre
of our cereal crops, beyond the falling off which constant cropping
occasions. The abundant rains of this season will replenish the
earth's exhausted reservoirs, and its good effects will be seen for
more than the coming season.--Napa Reporter. . . .
FLOODING IN SAN FRANCISCO.
The Alta of November 9th gives a sad account of the effects of
the late storm in San Francisco. At the time of preparing the article
the rain had not ceased, and the storm subsequently was very severe.
The particulars of the disasters caused by the flood read very much
like those connected with the Sacramento flood of December 9th:
The rain storm of yesterday was renewed at an early hour this morning,
the waters pouring down with a volume and violence almost unprecedented,
even in California. The waters were fairly pumped out of the clouds,
and the consequence is that considerable damage has resulted to such
portions of the city as would receive the drainage of the streets built
on the hillsides. The waters coursed in streams down the streets
running east and west, carrying with them so much sand and debris
as to choke the culverts to the sewers at the intersections of the
streets running north and south, and all these thoroughfares were
more or less flooded, as ponds soon formed, and the water found its
level according to the grade. Montgomery street never presented a like
view as it did about 8 a. m., for nearly the whole length from Market
to Jackson was covered with water, and some places over the curb and
sidewalks. A large amount of water and mud inundated cellars, but
further damage was prevented by the prompt removal of the culvert
and sewer covers, which soon reduced the accumulated waters. The
platforms used for the horses attached to job wagons and loose timber
floated about with the current, and taken in conjunction with the
dilemma which residents and passers through were in, created a scene
of some excitement if not novel interest. To show how heavy was the
fall of rain the past twenty four hours, the gauge (which, if
anything, is inclined to under rather than overrate,) at nine A. M.
to-day indicated that 3 40-100ths inches of rain had fallen since
nine A. M.. yesterday, giving us nearly a foot of rain within seven
days. The greatest damage has been done to that portion of the city
lying at the base of the hills. On Bush Btreet, between Kearny and
Montgomery, where a sewer was in course of construction, a large
gully was washed away, and the water and mud ran into the cellars
on the four corners of Montgomery street, doing the most damage to
the Tontine and Occidental buildings. Here it was necessary to throw
up wooden and earthen barricades two feet high, in the shape of a
sluice, to run the water off. Below Sansome street nearly all the
cellars were filled with water, and the services of the Fire
Department were called into requisition, and their apparatus used
to pump them clear. As the occupants of the stores in this section
of the city are annually subjected to overflowings of their cellars,
we presume the actual damages will not prove as great as they appear.
Dwelling houses built on declivities of hills suffered considerably,
quite a number in the northern and southern portions of the city
being inundated, and we have heard of several instances where the
water filled the lower story. The damage will be felt more by
private families, and to many the damage will be heavy. Those built
on streets recently improved by grading--either by filling up or
cutting down--also suffered, as large masses of earth and stone have
been washed away, and in some locations near North Beach, the newly
filled streets have been washed away in various places. On Second
and Third streets the planking and sidewalks have suffered
considerably. The top of the sewer or fire cistern (we do not know
which) at the intersection of Mission and Second caved in, and a
large and by no means inviting hole left in the center of the
street.
The morning stage for San Jose left the Plaza at its usual hour,
but was forced to return to the city after going three miles, the
county road being impassable.
The waters in Mission creek have overflowed their boundaries, and
Brannan street, in part, with the flats in that vicinity, have been
flooded.
No damage has resulted to the shipping at the wharves that we can
learn, nor have any houses been carried away. The result is a very
great annoyance--temporary, it is true, but nevertheless inconvenient.
The head waters of Mission creek overflowed the Willows, carrying off
a number of the improvements.
The Market street Railroad track was washed away by the flooding of
a branch of Mission Creek, which runs by the Acid Factory The
property of R. B. Woodward, which adjoins the creek, is also
flooded.
The embankment of the Mission street. plank road, which took the
place of the bridge at the intersection of Seventh and Eighth streets
has been washed partially away from the pressure of the flood on
both sides, the back waters from Mission Creek and the neighboring
ponds having forced a passage through.
The buildings on Post street, between Stockton and Powell, have from
eight to ten feet of water in them.
An outhouse of the Mission Woolen Mills, used as a storehouse for wool,
was blown over yesterday by the wind. Two workmen who were in the
second story escaped uninjured by jumping down on the bales of wool,
when the roof covered them.
The various streams feeding the Mission creek have all overflowed, and
much damage, has been done to gardens and residences.
The Journal of the same day says:
This morning, during the heavy rain, Chief Burke was called from his
domicil by the astonnding intelligence that the station house was
overflowed, and sure enough, when he got there he found eighteen
inches of water in that "home of the inebriate." This not much needed
and rather convenient cleansing was caused by a rush of water from the
hill above Kearny street which, finding no escape through the inlets
to a subterranean channel, facetiously termed a sewer, in the
proceedings of the Bourd of Supervisors, overran the sidewalk in
front of the City Hall and flowed through the gratings into the prison
below, so copiously as to inundate the City Prison. The exploring
party sent out by the Chief, finally succeeded in finding the grating,
which, at the street corners, are supposed to indicate sewer entrances,
and after removing the slabs of stone, apparently placed there to
prevent the passage of water, succeeded in leading off the heavy flow
which was doing so much mischief. The lower part of the city is
suffering from an actual inundation. The cellars of all the mercantile
houses nearly are filled with water, and the flood even made an effort
to wash out Davidson's bank, on Montgomery street. As, however, that
institution is "fast," there are no signs of a "fade," notwithstanding
the heavy washing to which it was this morning subjected. . . .
SNOW IN NEVADA COUNTY.--A severe snow storm recently visited Nevada
and its vicinity. The Democrat of January 7th says:
We were visited on Sunday last with a severe snow storm. It commenced
snowing about noon of that day, and continued without intermission for
twelve hours, and yesterday morning the ground was covered to the depth
of from twelve to fifteen inches at this place. At Eureka the snow fell
to the depth of three feet. and about the same quantity fell upon the
ridge above Omega. The stage lines to Omega and Moore's Flat have
substituted sleighs for their stages. The weather has been quite
warm yesterday and to-day, and the snow is gradually melting off. . . .
p. 2
In consequence of the flood having extinguished our fires, we were
unable to print but a limited edition of the present number of the
UNION. In case the water subsides, we shall endeavor, in the course
of the day, to strike a sufficient number of copies to supply our
subscribers.
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
In consequence of the flood the wires were disarranged; and there
was no telegraphic communication with any point yesterduy [sic]. . . .
Locally, the flood, which has again placed the greater portion of
the city under water, absorbs all other topics. The continuous rains
and the rapid melting of the snow in the upper country have swollen
the rivers and precipitated torrents of water upon us before the
defenses of the city could be repaired and strengthened. . . .
CONDITION AND PROSPECTS OF SACRAMENTO.
Since the flood of the 9th of December, which deluged Sacramento, and
in a few hours destroyed the property of her citizens to the amount of
at least a million of dollars, we have not been favored with a
half-dozen clear days. Rain storms, with snow in the mountains, have
succeeded each other with such rapidity as to render all attempts of
the Citizens' Committee, who have abundant means at hand, to close the
levee at Burns' slough and this side, so as to insure the city from
further floods in the American river, ineffectual. Their first attempt
would have been a success, had three days more of weather in which
they could work been allowed them. But the storm of the 26th of
December drove the men from the work, and the water again invaded
the city, but not to the extent of interrupting business and
locomotion on the main business streets. Such, however, have been
the steady additions by rain and snow since that date, that the water
at the slough did not so far subside as to permit work to be resumed
at that point, and consequently the flood produced, by the late
terrible storm, in the American, was left free to spread over the
country east of the city, and consequently to back up into it, until
it is again under deeper water than before. This flood has been poured
into the valley at a time when it is filled and covered with water on
all sides, as far as the eye can reach. The Sacramento, too, is up to
high water mark, with the water on each side standing at about the
same level, thus rendering it impossible for the water which has been
precipitated upon the city by the American to run off to the south as
fast as it would under more favorable circumstances. While a great
deal of suffering and destruction will be caused by this third
watery visitation for this season, the loss will not be so great
compared with that caused by the first. People are better prepared;
there is much less of perishable property upon which the water can
operate. Many of the sidewalks and crossings which have been laid
since the first inundation will be floated out of place, and there
is a probability that the water will remain for some length of time
in the southern portion of the city.
These repeated inundations are not very encouraging in their
influence, but they furnish no ground for despondency; and if
they did, Sacramentans will be the last to perceive it. They have
in times past triumphed over fire and flood; their city has been
by those two destructive elements, on a previous memorable
occasion, nearly swept from existence; but the indomitable spirit
of her citizens scorned to acknowledge any such word as fail,
and their enterprise and desperate energy rebuilt their city in
a form more beautiful and substantial than before it was blotted
out by fire and flood. Such a people cannot be crushed; they
will, as they have before, rise superior to the misfortune of
floods, and, with time vouchsafed them for operations, restore
Sacramento to what she was on the 1st of December, 1861, and
build a levee around her which will bid defiance to the torrents
of the American and the floods of the Sacramento. It can be done,
and Sacramentans will do it. Sacramento must and will continue
the second city in the State in spite of the elements. The wants
of commerce, agriculture, society and the State demand a city at
this point, and here one will be maintained. The future is certain.
But the people of Sacramento have been lulled into a false
security; nine years had passed without their even being seriously
threatened with an overflow, and many fancied that the day of
floods had passed, never to return. They have been rudely
undeceived. They have been taught that they knew little of
high water and a continued rainy, stormy season. They have
learned by a bitter experience that they have, while zealously
laboring to promote the prosperity of Sacramento in other
directions, totally neglected the real point of danger to
that property.
Within the past four years Sacramento city
and county have paid twenty-five thousand dollars towards
building a wagon road over the Sierra Nevada; they have raised
and expended some thirty thousand dollars in a splendid
Agricultural Hall; the city raised and paid sixty-five thousand
dollars to the owners of the property on which the Capitol
building is to be erected, and the State accepted a transfer
of that property for that purpose, but in all this time not a
dollar was appropriated in repairing and strengthening the levees,
upon which the existence of the city depended. An exemption from
floods for nine years, led to criminal negligence on the part of
the people and the authorities. The latter stood by and permitted
the Railroad Company to remove the trestle work over the slough,
and substitute therefor a solid embankment which rendered the
inside levees not only useless but absolutely injurious to the
city. These follies will not be repealed. The people of Sacramento
have taken a lesson from experience which they will not soon
forget. They must, however, have time to accomplish the ends
they have in view. After being granted this time, if they fail
to place their city in a position which the most timid will admit
is a perfectly safe one against the encroachments of water, they
will frankly say to the Legislature that it owes it to the people
to remove the Capital and declare to the world that Sacramento is
no longer the Capital of California. But until it is demonstrated
that Sacramento is unable to defend herself against floods, her
citizens ask as a matter of sheer justice in the presence of what
they have done, as well as in the face of the calamities they have
lately suffered, that no movement shall be made looking to a
removal from this city of the Capital, or even a temporary
adjournment of the Legislature to another locality. It might,
too, be added, that the State, when she accepted property which
cost $65,000, for the purpose of building a State House, entered
into a contract with Sacramento to continue her as the State
Capital. The first appropriation was conditioned upon the paying
for the land which composes the Capitol grounds, by the people of
this city.
If Sacramento cannot be defended successfully against
floods, her citizens will not ask the State to continue her as
the Capital. They will surrender all claim. In the opinion of
those who have given the subject much attention, the late floods
have demonstrated that levees can be easily enected which will
form a perfect protection. The water has pointed out the points
to be strengthened, while the levee on I street and on Front
street have demonstrated the kind and character of the levees
demanded on the American. That on I is about sixty feet at the
base and say forty on the surface. No weight of water can disturb
such a levee. It is admitted to be safe beyond peradventure, and
this is the character of levee it is proposed to build from Sixth
street to the high ground this side of Brighton. For most of that
distance there is now a safe levee, but the plan is to add to its
width and hight until it is admitted to be wide enough to resist
any amount of water, and at least five feet higher than the highest
water line known to the residents of this valley. A new grade, too,
has been adopted, which will finally place the foundation of the city
above the high water line of this year. It will require some years,
though, to elevate the foundation of the city, while a few months
of reasonably fair weather will suffice for completing the levee.
And after it is built, the plan includes an annual special tax for
the purpose of improving, elevating and keeping it in complete
condition at all seasons and under all circumstances. To accomplish
these ends, we reiterate that time is necessary. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
ANOTHER DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD.--Our city was visited yesterday by another
destructive flood, exceeding as to hight of water that of the 9th of
December by at least twenty inches. Thursday evening, in consequence
of the incessant rains of the past few days and the melting of the
recently fallen snow in the mountains, the American river became so
swollen that east of Rabel's tannery it commenced to overflow its
banks and cover the entire area of country east of the Thirty-first
street levee. The most of the openings in this levee made a month
ago, except those near R street, had been closed up by the Committee
of Safety. It soon became apparent, however, that there was danger
of their yielding again to the force of the water, and in the
afternoon every effort practicable was made by the Committee to
strengthen the levee with gunny sacks, etc., for the night. In the
evening the water raised in the lower portion of the city perhaps a
foot before ten o'clock. At sunrise yesterday morning the rise in the
southern part of the city was found to be two and a half or three
feet, while the eastern portion north of J street was also flooded.
Early in the forenoon the water reached the level of L street in the
south, but as the entire northern and western levees remained firm a
general confidence was felt that the R street railroad would carry off
all the water which come in from the east, and that no considerable
additional rise could follow. Still the tide advanced slowly but
steadily. That of December 9th came with much speed and force, chiefly
along the streets north of R, from which it backed up to K and J.
That of yesterday approached in a more even line from the east,
rolling gradually down J and K to Front street. At one o'clock P M.
those streets, at Eighth and Ninth, were under water. At about two
o'clock the water had found its level at Front street. Higher and
higher it rose, and at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, it attained
a hight equal to the highest rise of December 9th, which occurred
at about nine o'clock on that evening. On that occasion the water
covered a portion only of the first floor of the UNION office. At
seven o'olock last evening.it stood twenty inches on the floor.
The depth on J and K streets averaged from four to five feet.
During the entire day the water passed freely through the openings
in the railroad, and early in the day it was said that there was a
fall of two feet at those nearest Poverty Ridge. The city presented
in the afternoon an animated appearance. Merchants were engaged in
many quarters in raising their goods on platforms erected in their
stores above the line of supposed danger. Stock owners were busy in
driving horses, mules, etc., etc., to the I street and Front street
levees. Women and children were seen moving from one point to another,
going into upper stories wherever practicable, or on to higher
streets than those which they had just vacated. There were some of
the land operations observable, but the marine movements of the
occasion constituted the chief feature of the day. There was much
less danger of loss of life, or of personal inconvenience, than at
the time of the first flood; and there was but little of the fear
and anxiety and excited hurrying to and fro of that occasion.
Hundreds of boats were afloat on the streets, some carrying one
passenger and some a dozen; many contained ladies and gentlemen,
evidently out on excursions of pleasure, while nearly all who were
out seemed to enjoy the novelty of the occasion, and created for
themselves, and for spectators on every available balcony, hilarity
and mirth. There were many, however, in the southern and eastern
portions of the city, who were compelled to leave their homes in
boats, and without knowing where to find accomodations. The hotels
were soon thronged, and could receive no more. A large number who
had suffered but little inconvenience heretofore found before night
that their confidence had been too great. Early in the day the
Committee of Safety commenced work at such points on the levees as
required attention. E. P. Figg resumed work with a dozen men below
R street. The levee there had been reduced to a width of not more
than ten feet. Before noon he had completed the work and left the
place in a comparatively secure condition. Rabel's Tannery was also
the scene of life and activity. The Committee of Safety had
constructed the new levee, and left the old one standing as a
breakwater to protect it. They arranged to let the water gradually
in between them to form a basin of still water to guard off the
current. This they deemed necessary to prevent the new embankment
from washing away. George R. Hooker, who resides in the neighborhood,
had been on duty on the levee all night. At about daylight, for the
purpose, as was alleged, of making some portion of his garden more
secure, he cut the old levee at the lower end of the basin, and
started a stream of water through into the river. The effect of
this proceedure [sic] was to start a current along the base of the
new levee, which, it was found, would soon wash it away, and bring
the full tide of the river, with its resistless and relentless force,
through the heart of the city. When the members of the Committee
arrived the feeling was such that a warrant was subsequently issued
on the affidavit of W. F. Knox, charging Hooker with malicious
mischief. Workmen were at once employed in filling gunny sacks,
and several rods of the levee were lined with them in such a manner
by eleven o'clock A. M. as to promise permanence and safety. On more
mature reflection and a dispassionate survey of the field, the
members of the Committee were less inclined to severe censure towards
Hooker than at first. Soon after the levee was cut the water rose so
high as to overflow the top of the adjoining portions of it, and
thereby produced the current which it was desired to avoid. They
felt that it was at most but an error in judgment, which had
produced no serious injury, and partially inclined to the opinion
that it was perhaps a judicious step. This appeared to be their
feeling when Deputy Sheriffs Lansing and Christie arrived upon the
ground with a warrant and arrested Hooker--he in the meantime having
been at work himself all night, and being engaged with his team all
day in hauling brush, etc., doing everything in his power, to forward
the work according to his judgment; they came to the unanimous and
natural conclusion when Lansing read the warrant that republics are
ungrateful. He came to the city and gave the necessary bond for his
appearance at Court. At noon yeaterday the water at the Tannery was
not so high by about six inches as on the 9th of December. We were
unable to learn anything from that point during the afternoon. It
was thought by many, from the extreme hight of the water in the city,
that the new levee must have yielded to the current late in the
afternoon, but we are inclined to think that that could not have
been the case. It is highly probable that the banks of the American
were overflowed for several miles above and that a good share ef
the water after leaving the river took a south westerly course
towards the city. The morning train from Folsom came in to
Poverty Ridge and on attempting to return it was found that all
that portion of the railroad recently washed away and repaired was
again carried off. Nearly three quarters of a mile had been carried
off or rendered impassable. The train being unable to get either
east or west remains still in the vicinity of the Ridge. About ten
days work will be necessary before the next train can go to Folsom.
During Thursday night a Committee of the Howard Benevolent Society
were on duty at the Pavilion, and during yesterday that building
was resorted to by large number who were furnished with and such
accommodation as their necessities required. Many of our boatmen
were generously employed yesterday in rendering service wherever
it was needed. We are informed that a new boat, launched on
Thursday--the Lucy Harron--manned by W. H. Lee and ---- Kendall,
rescued some thirty persons, mostly from the tops of houses, near
Sutter's Fort. They were all taken to the Fort building. So far
as we are advised, no loss of life occurred or accident of serious
character. The loss of property will, it is feared, be very heavy,
though it is to be hoped not equal to that of the former flood. A
less quantity of furniture and clothing will probably be destroyed.
A less quantity of merchandise of various descriptions was exposed
below the supposed high water mark, but the last twenty inches of
rise in the water will be found to have destroyed an immense
quantity of goods, which were, at noon yesterday, supposed to be
entirely secure. A number of small frame buildings floated off late
in the afternoon through the R street levee. After three o'clock in
the afternoon a portion of the west wall of Agricultural Park, about
three hundred feet in extent, fell to the ground. At eight o'clock
yesterday morning the water in the Sacramento stood at about
twenty-one feet above low water mark. It rose gradually through
the day, and at seven o'clock in the evening--although too dark
to see the figures on the gauge--we think from other marks that
it obtained a hight of twenty-three feet. If we are not mistaken
on this point, the river was five inches higher than the highest
recorded mark. At the same hour, the water in the city had reached
the top of the Front street levee, and was running over in many
depressed places. It appeared to be nearly a foot higher than the
water in the river. At nine o'clock a rain set in, which though
not violent was steady, and continued up to the closing of our
report. The fires under our boilers were extinguished at about
5 o'clock, stopping the press while running off the weekly edition.
There is reason to apprehend that the families of ranchmen, for
miles below the city, have suffered to a greater extent than on
any former occasion. Relying upon the old watermark, they would be
likely to be deceived. A family came up in a boat from a point six
miles below, leaving at 3 o'clock and reaching the city at
8 o'clock. The water was rising in the afternoon when they left
more rapidly than was ever known before. At 10 o'clock last
evening the water in the city had fallen two inches.
Howard Association.--At daylight yesterday morning, the Association
re-opened the Pavilion, and at ten P. M. there were five hundred
women and children, and at least one hundred and fifty men. They
were all fed, and the most of the females and children furnished
with conveniences for sleeping. They also employed seven boats,
which were all day visiting the more remote portions of the city,
and rescuing the suffering. The boats were kept out and active
during the entire night. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3367, 13 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
Friday, January 11, 1862.
The members of the Legislature came to the State House in boats, at the
usual hour of assembling, and were landed on the stone steps in front
of the State house building. At eleven o'clock the Senate was called
to order.. Nearly all the members answered to their names . . .
DEBATE ON THE REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.
Mr. PORTER offered the following:
Resolved, by the Senate the Assembly concurring, That this
Legislature, when it adjourns, do adjourn until Monday the 20th inst.,
to meet in the city of San Francisco, there to remain during the
remainder of the present session, at such place as may be provided,
and that a Committee of three be appointed on the part of the Senate
to act with a like Committee on the part of the Assembly, whose duty
it shall be to procure properly fitted up apartments for the use of
the Legislature, and shall remove thereto all the property and
appurtenances belonging to this Legislature.
Mr. HEACOCK--I move that all after "Monday, the 20th inst," be stricken
out.
Mr. GASKELL--If it is in order I desire to offer a substitute.
The PRESIDENT.--My impression with reference to this question of
substitutes, is that the amendment must be dlsposed of in the first place.
The amendment and substitute would be separate and distinct proposition
before the Senate at the same time, while they are of the same grade.
Mr. DE LONG--The amendment proposes merely to adjourn to the 20th inst.
The question is not generally understood; I call for another reading
of the resolution.
The CLERK read.
Mr. DE LONG--I am opposed to the adjournment to the 20th. I am opposed
to the amendment any how. I do not see why we can not as well meet
next Wednesday.
Mr. VAN DYKE--lt seems to me this is a question of great magnitude,
and should receive from the Senators some expression of opinion. For
one, I came to Sacramento city with the intention of remaining here
during the session, and if we could possibly do so, I still entertain
that determination. But I wish to have the sense of the Senate in
reference to our ability to meet here on the 20th, or within a month,
and then go on to transact our business. Now, it is perfectly obvious
to every Senator and every intelligent person, it seems to me, that
we cannot transact business here in the present situation of the city,
and it resolves itself to this, whether we shall adjourn to a future
period, or adjourn to some other point. If I can be satisfied that
we can meet here by the 20th, or even in one month hence, and then
go on with the business, I shall certainly be in favor of doing so,
in preference to adjourning to any other point. But have we any such
guarantee? Is there any gentleman here who can give us an opinion
which will justify the conclusion that we can meet at this place
in one month and transact business if we are assembled. Unless we
have some such assurance, it seems to me a necessity--which overrules
everything else--to remove from this place. Why, how is it in case
of invasion, pestilence or other causes which occasionally drive
Legislatures from the Capital city? It seems to me this case is
equal at least to any such lesson for the removal of the Legislature.
Therefore, unless the gentleman who moves the amendment offers some
facts on the strergth of which we shall be assured of being able to
meet on the 20th, or within a month, I for one, although I regret
the necessity, will be compelled to vote against the amendment.
Mr. HEACOCK--Some time pending the debate upon this resolution I
shall take occasion, as fully as I am able, to give my views about
the accommodations of .Sacramento within ten days. At this time I
have no desire to express an opinion with reference to a measure
which I am inclined to believe is already decided on.
Mr. NIXON--As a Senator of this county I feel under obligations to my
constituents to say a few words on the question of removal. This
calamity which has befallen Sacramento is unprecedented in the history
of California. Having lived here for the last ten years I have never
seen anything like this. I think it is not probable that we will see
such another flood as the present perhaps for many years to come.
There has been a combination of circumstaces which have caused the
overflow of this city and this valley, which has not occurred since
the first settlement of this country by Americans. Now if we can get
an adjournment for ten days, and the waters of the American river
should recede within its banks, the business streets of Sacramento
would be above water again. In this length of tirne the hotels and
boarding houses of this city be renovated and put in condition for
accommodating the members of this body. If that should be the case,
the present reasons for adjournment would not hold good, and would
be no more potent than they were on the first meeting of this body.
We have passed through three floods; this is the fourth. The last
two before this would not have incommoded any member. The principal
parts of the city were out of water, the hotels in full blast and
not inconvenienced by the flood. Now all that we ask is that this
amendment may be adopted and that the Senate may adjourn for ten
days, in order to see what the result may be. Then if it should be
found that our city is not a suitable place for the meeting of the
Legislature, we should offer no reasonable objections. We ask
Senators, we appeal to them that they will grant us this respite of
ten days, and if the elements do not with our enemies combine, I feel
satisfied that the business streets will be in good condition the
boarding houses and public houses all in suitable condition for the
accommodation of every person in Sacramento.
Mr. CRANE--I did not intend to trouble you with any remarks of mine on
this question, but to have presented myself silently, voting according
to my conviction. The question, as it presents itself to my mind, is one
of an eminently practical nature. It is a question of freshet. What we
see about it exceeds any language that I can command, in favor of the
proposition before us. Now, as has been urged by Mr. Van Dyke, who
preceded me, I resolved to put up with inconveniences if it were found
practicable at all to hold the Legislature at this point. But coming
to it as a practical question, what are the fair probabilities that
in ten days from this time the town will be any more inhabitable than
it is now. If I am rightly informed, the levee on the American river,
which protects the town in that direction, is swept away for some
conslderable distance, so that any freshet in the river would be certain
to overwhelm the city again. On the 9th of December the great flood of
the last ten years went over this city. That was said to have been
unpercedented [sic]; the papers then told us, as the gentleman from
Sacramento now tells us, that it was one of those great calamities
that only occurred once in a generation, and would not be likely to
occur again in many years. And yet thirty days have not elapsed when
we find the water here standing twenty inches higher than it did then,
and I would like to know who here can see far enough in futurity to say
that in thirty days from now the water will not stand higher in these
streets than it is now? But let us take it for granted that the water
is now subsiding, that in three or four days it will be in the same
condition as before this flood came; what then? What every person of
the most ordinary intelligence knows, that brick walls, which have been
for several days saturated in water cannot be dried for five or six
days, nor even in a month, for we have found all the boarding houses
in this town with no other than damp rooms resulting from the flood
in December. Fill your box of matches, and they will have lost all
their virtue in a very short time. Now, I say that the town is
uninhabitable. The first law of our nature, self-preservation, appeals
to us in favor of the misfortunes of this city, and God knows we all
feel for them. I would feel myself bound to put my hand into my pocket
as deeply as any one to assist in the misfortunes of those who are
injured by this flood. I would go further, and as a legislator do any
thing that can be done constitutionally to aid this city. But I do not
think we are called upon, I do not think gentlemen from Sacramento ought
to ask us, under the present circumstances, to continue our sessions in
this place. Temporary removal does not include the removal of the capital.
That is another thing, to be talked about at another time and at the
proper place. Now, Mr. President, I have already detained this body
too long, and I would explain here, on the part of myself and of the
gentlemen of the surrounding districts from whence I come, that any
other object or view than a single eye to the public good would fail
to induce me to take this position. The fact about it is, the
Legislature cannot here discharge its appropriate duties. Members of
this body are in danger of their health and life in endeavoring to
remain in this place. I hope the amendment offered will not be adopted.
Mr. PORTER--I feel bound to notice the remarks of the Senator who
last spoke relative to the enemies of this community. I desire to
disclaim any animosity, and here take occasion to state that my
constituents, as well as myself, feel for the misfortunes of
Sacramento. But I consider it unfair and unjust to ask as to
remain here when every one of the residents who are able to do so
have actually gone away. Furthermore, when this flood does subside,
what will be the condition of the city with all is stagnant water
and the air filled with malaria and pestilence. I consider it unfair
to ask us to stay. I hope the substitute will not be sustained.
Mr. GASKELL--I shall vote against the amendment as reluctantly as any
gentleman in the Senate, but I feel, perhaps, also as much personal
magnanimity towards the people of Sacramento as any man connected
with this body. I am not only opposed to the amendment, but to the
original solution. But if it is resolved that the Senate shall proceed
with its business, I think it a matter of pure necessity that we must
leave the city of Sacramento. I have come to this conclusion,
reluctantly on my own part, because I know my sympathies have been
with the city, as are the sympathies of the people I represent. But I
feel that justice to myself, to my fellow-legislators and to the
State, compels me to vote for leaving the city. I am in favor,
however, of the resolution which I offered myself, and which may
be brought up in the proper time.
Mr. PARKS--I shall oppose this resolution and vote
for the amendment. Whilst we find ourselves here under embarrassing
circumstances, It is best not to be too hasty, for fear, we place
ourselves under more embarrassing circumstances, and that which
will cost the State a great many dollars. In my opinion the resolution
intends to carry out that which cannot be carried out. It is in
conflict with the law of the State, and a law cannot be repealed by
a simple concurrent resolution. This resolution, if I understand it
rightly, proposes not only to adjourn the Legislature to meet at San
Francisco, but to transfer the public offices and officers; and all
the archives belonging to them to San Francisco.
Mr. WARMCASTLE--That is a mistake.
Mr. PARKS--I call for the reading of the last part of the resolution.
The CLERK read: "To meet in the city of San Francisco, there to remain
during the remainder of the present session at such place as may be
provided, and that a Committee of three be appointed, to act with a
like Committee of the House, whose duty it shall be to procure and
properly fit out apartments for the use of this Legislature, and to
remove thereto all the property belonging to this Legislature.
Mr. PARKS--I stand corrected. Now while we are surrounded here,
temporarily, with many embarrasments [sic], I say temporarily because
I believe in ten days the flood will have completely subsided, the
question arises whether it would not be more convenient to adjourn
for ten days than to San Francisco. Every one knows that we could
not go there and begin business in less than ten days, and then
the Governor, the officers, the State Library, etc., must be in
Sacramento on which point the law is specific. Now, before we
hastily plunge ourselves into a worse position, we should consider
what we are going to do, and before this resolution, if it is to
pass, shall be passed, there should be some investigation made.
Prudence would dictate that we should at least adjourn five days
to ascertain upon what terms we can go to San Francisco, and not
throw ourselves upon the mercy of San Francisco. Which would.be
the greater inconvenience to the Legislature: to adjourn for ten
days until the floods shall subside, or legislate in San Francisco
for ninety days without having the necessary officers, books of
reference, etc? For one, I am in favor of adjourning from five to
ten days, to see the result of this flood. It may be inconvenient
to us personally to undergo what we are obliged to do, but we
should sympathize with those who are suffering irreparable loss.
It must be recollected that the Capitol has been located in
Sacramento, that the citizens have taxed themselves $30,000 to
$40,000 to purchase a location, that large investments throughout
the State have been called here by the Legislature. I say it is
acting in bad faith to cripple our citizens as this Act would cripple
them, to save ourselves the little inconvenience of leaving the city
for a few days. For one I shall never consent to it until I see the
absolute necessity of it. There is more involved in this question,
Mr. President, in my opinion, than Senators appear to comprehend at
first glance. Those who know the peculiar situation of Sacramento,
will readily understand that the evil results will not fall upon
Sacramento alone. Every one who has watched the government of
Sacramento, its financial condition, knows that it is very much
embarrassed--knows that the Sacramento government is about on the
verge of repudiation, and in my opinion the hasty action proposed
here to-day would drive it into repudiation. Now let us see who will
be the loser. Is the indebtedness of Sacramento held alone in
Sacramento, or in San Francisco, Marysville, Stockton and other
places throughout the State? I say this question involves a deep
interest, not only to the citizens of Sacramento, but to the citizens
of the State at large. It is not the policy of the State to cripple
any portion of its citizens. When they have met with misfortunes,
on the contrary, the State should endeavor to lift them up, and try
to assist them. I, for one, shall never permit the llttle convenience
I may gain to overbalance justice to the State and its citizens at
large.
Mr. DE LONG--ln answer to the legal objections made by the Senator
from Sutter, I simply wish to read Section 15, Article 4 of our
Constitution--"Neither house shall, without the consent of the
other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place
than that in which they may be situated." The inference is that
they may, with the consent of each other, adjourn to any other
place. That I consider conclusive upon the law point of the
question.
Mr. PARKS--l did not say that the Legislature could not remove itself.
My point was that they could not move the State officers; that the
Capital would be still here, amd it would be a great inconvenience.
Mr. DE LONG--Then the Senator upon that ground has made no point at
all. A bill going before the Governor for his sanction has ten days
to receive that sanction--plenty of time to have it returned with
approval or disapproval. There is no other business that I know of.
We have a week ahead in which to draw our Controller's warrant and
pay. We have no desire for access to the departments otherwise, As
far as the State Library is concerned, It is a place of resort [?]
which is fully equalled by private and public libraries at San
Francisco which will be open to the Legislature. But another word.
When I was addressed on the subject recently by a citizen of
Sacramento, and I expressed my opinion that it was a duty to remove
to another place. I was told, of course, "you favor our rival city."
Now I disclaim that. It is more convenient to us to have the Capital
here than in San Francisco, and I wish it distinctly understood that
in voting for this temporary removal, I neither by word or act commit
myself to the policy of permanency keeping it there. We work no great
inconvenience to the city of Sacramento. Let them show us that they
can protect us from the flood, and no majority of either body will be
found willing to remove from their city. I do say it is wrong, as
representatives of the State at large to remain here, drawing our pay,
and doing no work. We cannot have access to our hotels; when we are
there we must confine ourselves to the second floor; our dining rooms
are small bedrooms, and we have nothing but bilge water and other
nauseous nuisances to surround us. It is not a place to remain in.
These Senators from Sacramento county, If they privately expressed
their honest opinion, would admit that judgment and appropriate
discretion would require a temporary removal. What they fear is what
I would fear in their position, namely, that a temporary removal may
lead to a permanent location elsewhere. But I say no Senator consents
to a permanent removal by voting for a temporary removal. While I vote
for it, I disclaim any desire to injure this city in the least;
I sympathize as much with its citizens as any man upon this floor.
If I was its representative, I would not insist upon the Legislature
remaining here, under these circumstances, at the risk of being swept
away with their lives, and under a certainty that the river must
inundate us again, because during this flood it would be impossible to
fortify ourselves against the river. The Senator from Sutter says,
by this hasty removal we are throwing ourselves at the mercy of San
Francisco, since we have made no arrangements for a place to meet
there. Senators upon this floor will inform him that numerous
places, such as Hayes' Park or Platt's Musical Hall, larger and
more commodious even than this, are offered free of charge. I am
told Platt's Musical Hall is open and free until further arrangements
can be made. So we are not throwing ourselves at the mercy of those
who will exact exorbitant prices from us. Supose we remain ten days.
No one can tell what will occur in that time. It may be the streets
will be passable. What did they tell us when we came here? They
told us that the R street levee acted as a reservoir, and that
was the cause; but now a sluice had been made and there would be
no further danger. What have we seen to day? The R street levee
is almost entirely gone, and the waters are twenty inches higher
than ever before. A "combination of circumstance" the gentleman
says. That is true, and the same power that has caused this flood
may cause one even worse. Let them show, if possible, a plan by
which they can protect us, and I will here pledge my oath against
any permanent removal of the Capital from this city.
Mr. HARVEY--I desire to state before this vote is taken, that I
came here as a member of this body, and with a fixed determination
against a removal of the Capital on any pretense whatever. I believe
such were the views of a large majority of both branches of the
Legislature.
A MEMBER--It was mine.
Mr. HARVEY--There have been extraordinary occurrences here, and
another flood is upon the city; hence, the opinions of Senators
are changed to a great extent. Now, sir, I have come to look upon
this question of temporary removal as permanent removal. It amounts
to permanent removal.
A MEMBER--How do you make that out?
Mr. HARVEY--Well, sir, it is not the question directly under discussion
at this time, but such will be the result. At any rate I will take
the responsibility of making that prediction. Now, let us look this
thing rightly in the face. A temporary removal to San Francisco will
cost this State not less than $75,000.
A MEMBER--How do you make that out?
Mr. HARVEY--Let the gentleman go back to the history of removals of
the California Capital, and he will find enough facts to justify that
opinion. The State of California has expended considerable in
Sacramento for publlc works. When we take this thing financially, and
consider all sides of the question, I believe that the interests of
the people of the State as well as the people of Sacramento demand that
the members of this Legislature should endure an inconvenience for
ten days or a month. I would like to see this resolution amended so
as to adjourn for one month, and then see what can be done in
Sacramento. It is my opinion that one month will show that the
Legislature and public works can be protected. I vote against the
temporary adjournment.
Mr. DOLL--I shall oppose the resolution and support the amendment,
for the reason that we can fairly expect the city will again be
habitable and suitable for purposes of legislation by the 20th
instant, and that it would be much more expensive to move, as
proposed than to adjourn temporarily. The project for removal I
regard as an entering wedge, having for its ultimate object the
permanent removal of the Capital from this city. My constituents
are in favor of its remaining in Sacramento. To their preference
I am willing to sacrifice personal convenience, and I am unwilling
to add an avoidable injury to the present calamities of the
inhabitants of Sacramento without necessary cause.
Mr. BAKER--The gentleman from El Dorado alluded to expenses. Now, it
is proposed by the Senator from Sacramento to wait here for ten
days. A rough estimate for ten days would, in round numbers, make
an expense of $15,000, at $1,500 a day. This is without conferring
a particle of benefit to the State. Perhaps the argument would not
be so evident if there was some guarantee that after ten days we
could certainly go on. But it strikes me that if, upon the expiration
of ten days, we should find the condition of Sacramento similar to
what it is now, uninhabitable, that arrangements would probably be
made to remove permanently from this city the Capital of the State
of California. As a friend of Sacramento, if I were residing here,
I should favor the removal of the Legislature simply. I tell you,
sir, if we adjourn for ten days, and the city is not improved, there
is nothing that can prevent a permanent removal. I wish gentlemen
who are friends of Sacramento, to consider this matter. For one
I am opposed to a permanent removal of the Capital . if it is
possible to make this a permanent seat of government. We have had
too much experience in transferring Capitals to indulge much further
in such measures at the expense of the people. Yet, would the
citizens of Sacramento ask us to remain here if the city were
invaded? And can an invasion cause greater inconvenience or cause
more damage than this flood? Certainly not. It is a question whether
we shall adjourn now, or after ten days, when it becomes certain
that no improvement is made. The State officers want to remove;
that is well known. Why the residents of Sacramento--the business
men--are removing with their families. Can they expect the Legislature
will remain under such circumstances? It is not reasonable.
Mr. PARKS--It seems to me the Senator from Humboldt is rather exacting,
when he asks to have it mathematically demonstrated that there shall
be no more water here after ten days. Now, sir, this is unprecedented,
and with the former experience of floods here, we may expect within
all reason that this water will recede in five days. It has never
been known to stay up longer than that time. My position is this:
that ten days expense without legislation is no more time than would
be required to go to San Francisco. It would take longer than ten days
to go to San Francisco. Every one knows that it will cost $50.000 extra
to go to San Francisco and hold this Legisliture.
Mr. BURNELL--I did not expect to say anything upon this subject. The
Capital of the State of California has been traveling almost since
California has been a State, and if there is any one thing more
unpopular than everything else, it is this emigration or transmigration
of the Capital from one place to another, through speculating schemes.
I do not think there is any particular speculation about this movement
at all. But when I came here, the first thing that saluted my ears was
that the Capital was to be removed to San Francisco. I found the business
portion of the city even in better condition than it had been on
previous sessions. Every one knows that this is an unprecedented
Winter, what the oldest inhabitants have not experienced, and that
Sacramento is not the only city that is suffering immensely on
account of the flood. Why, Mr. President, the water is all over
this State. I will subject myself to some little inconvenience as
well as others. I do not think the Legislature should be so
particularly reserved from the experience of every other portion
of the State of California. I am disposed to make this a matter
of dollars and cents, a matter of convenience to the people of
Sacramento and the State. It has been said by my friend from Sutter
that the citizens of Sacramento feel an interest in this removal
and that the city could be bankrupted by such removal. Now I do
not think that, but I am satisfied of one thing--it would subject
the citizens of Sacramento to immense loss, from fear, and the
reputation the city would gain of being an untenantable place for
the Legislature of California. Now about the floods. I have been
in California for ten years, and up and down this country, and
I have no doubt myself that these streets will be comparatively
dry in the space of ten days, and we can meet here and transact
the business of the session as well as when we first came. We
are told that similar circumstances may occur again. That is
possible, but most usually heavy rains occur in the month of
December, and the fore part of January. There is no probability
that we shall experience any such flood again. As for the
protection of the city, I have no doubt it will be protected
from any ordinary flood from this to next season. The libraries,
archives and State offices are here. In the course of ten days,
I have not the remotest doubt, we can transact our business with
just as much ease as when we first came. We can remain with as
much ease as remove to San Francisco.
The question on adopting the amendment was taken.
Mr. DENVER, in explaining his vote, said he was opposed to the removal,
but had paired off with Mr. Rhodes, who was in favor of it. The
amendment was lost--ayes, 18; noes, 19.
Mr. HEACOCK moved that the whole matter be laid on the table, which
was lost by the following vote: Ayes--Banks, Burnell. Dill, Gallagher,
Harvey. Heacock, Lewis, Nixon, Parks, Powers, Quint, Shurtliff,
Williamson--18.
Noes--Baker, Bagart, Chamberlain, Crane, De Long, Gaskell, Harriman,
Hathaway, Hill, Holden, Irwin, Kimball, Kutz, Oulton, Pacheco, Perkins,
Porter, Soule, Van Dyke, Warmcastle--20 . . .
Mr. DE LONG--l now move to reconsider the vote by which the resolution
has just been passed. I make the motion hoping that it will be defeated.
I shall vote against my own motion.
Mr. HEACOCK--I desire to inquire whether this vote must not be carried
by a two-thirds vote.
Several MEMBERS--Oh, no! .
Mr. PERKINS--I would state, Mr. President, that I understand the
Supreme Court has decided, in The People against Bigler, that the
Legislature may remove to any place at any time by a majority vote.
The Senate refused to reconsider.
The PRESIDENT directed that the resolution be transmitted to the Assembly. . . .
REPORT ON SWAMP LAND CONTRACTS.
The following was received and read by the Clerk:
The undersigned, majority of the Special Committee to whom was referred
Senate bill No. 2, having had the same under consideration, report the
same back and recommend its passage. [Signed by Senators Kutz, Soule
and Harriman.]
Mr. PARKS--I do not like to take exception to the report of the Committee,
but I have the bill in my pocket, and no member of the Committee has come
to me to look at it. Owing to the flood last night, I could not get the
Committee together. . . .
Mr. PARKS--I do not wish to rest under the implication here that I have
tried to shun this Committee, or to pocket this bill. It was my
intention at the earliest convenience to call the Committee together.
I spoke to the Senator from Nevada to go with me to the Swamp Land
Commissioners' office. The floods rose and I was unable to see the
Commissioners. If the other members of the Committee have not the
courtesy to withdraw their report, I hope the Senate will recommit it. . . .
Mr. NIXON--The question involves to a considerable degree the interests
of my constituents, as I conceive. This Swamp Land Commission jointly
with the city of Sacramento have now under consideration a project for
the reclamation of Swamp Land District No. 2, which embraces this city
and land south of this. Jointly with the city, they have also under
consideration the construction of a levee on the northern portion of
this city to prevent the overflow of the American river, the necessity
of which all will understand at this time. I understand upon the
passage of this bill all their proceedings will be stopped. I should
be very sorry to see that passed.
Mr. PORTER--I had intended to vote against this, but for the benefit
of these people I shall vote in favor of recommitting the report.
The Senate ordered it re-committed--ayes 17, noes 10. . . .
ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION.
Mr. LEWIS offered the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate be instructed
to immediately communicate with the proper officers of the California
Steam Navigation Company and inform them of the action of this body
relative to a temporary adjournment to San Francisco, and request them
to delay the departure of their steamboat until the resolution shall
be finally disposed of.
The PRESIDENT--Is there any objection to the adoption of the resolution?
Mr. WARMCASTLE--The only objection is that it may not pass the other House.
Mr. LEWIS--If the resolution pass the other House, I want to get off this
evening. I would as soon leave the city for ten days for that matter.
Mr. WARMCASTLE moved it lay on the table, which was lost. The resolution
was then adopted. [The Sergeant-at-Arms subsequently returned, and
reported that the steamboat could not be detained.]
On motion [one P. M. ] a recess was taken until half past one o'clock. . . .
BOATS FOR THE LEGISLATURE.
Mr. DE LONG moved the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate be and is
hereby empowered and instructed to procure one or more boats, and
have the same in readiness for the transportation of the members
of the Senate during the prevalence of this flood.
Mr. HEACOCK--I move that the Sergeant-at-Arms agree with the boatmen
upon prices to be paid. Some of the boatmen, I am told, charge very
exorbitant prices. By taking this course the State may procure boat
hire at reasonable prices.
Mr. DE LONG--I am surprised to hear the gentleman from Sacramento say
that anybody charges exorbitant prices here. [Laughter.]
Mr. CRANE--I move that the resolution be amended by inserting "during
the present session of the Legislature. The waters may come up again
by and by; and there may be some doubt as to what the exact meaning of
the words "present flood" is.
Mr. BURNELL--I think this body ought to be taken care of. It is a
little questionable whether they can rationally take care of
themselves. I believe the citizens here have to hire their own
boats, and I am in favor of Senators hiring their own boats.
The whole country is under water, and everybody is suffering.
I see no good reason why we should waste time to make the State
carry us about the city. I am in favor of adjourning until the
water goes down for a week. Let this Legislature be attended with
some degree of dignity, and with reference to the interests of
the State. I am opposed to all resolutions of this kind.
Mr. DE LONG--Some things I like, and some I don't. One thing I
don't like--to pay out more than I get when I am performing duty
for anybody. Now plain talk is plain talk you can't get out of
this Capitol building, to go to the rear, or any office under it;
you can't light a fire, without wading three or four feet in water
to do it. . And within the last hour the river has rased four inches,
and is still coming up. Let her come! I think I am doing my duty and
my whole duty, when I eat one meal a day--cold at that--in a garret,
and shin down an awning post into a boat, to get to the Capitol.
[Laughter.] My finances will not allow me to go any farther than
I have done, and I can't get credit in this town. [Laughter.]
A MEMBER--Too well known. [Laughter.]
Mr. DE LONG--I am too well known for that, and I want the
Sergeant-at-Arms to get relief for myself and for the balance
of the Senate. And I hope the Senator from Amador will show his
exceeding generosity, his care for the treasury, by becoming the
watch-dog of that institution, and by paying his own boat hire.
I can't get away from this Capitol without a boat, and have but
little money to pay for it--the balance I want to save.
Mr. BURNELL--I fully appreciate the gentleman's remarks. I have
no objection to the State furnishing him a boat, or half a dozen
if necessary; but I do object to the State's furnishing him a boat
to travel around the city. I do not calculate to travel around very
much. I think when this Senate adjourns, It will adjourn for two or
three days; my friend from Yuba may want to go to San Francisco,
where be can get a warm lunch. We shall find the conntry overflowed
generally. Now, Mr. President, I move this House adjourns to
Wednesday at 11 o'clock.
Mr. DE LONG--I object to the time. It has been determined by this
Legislature, and his (Mr. Burnell's) vote among the number that we
shall continue to transact business here. These facts are staring us
in the face, the levees are down, the American river is flowing in
without hindrance, the Sacramento is just beginning to pour down, and
days must elapse before you can get to the Capitol without a boat; the
streets will be all mud, the members absent, the Senate wanting a
quorum, and legislation will be done by piecemeal. There are four
feet of water in the treasury, and the other offices in the basement
of the State House are in the same fix. Now I say, let us stay here.
Keep on--I want to see yon all subjected to these inconveniences.
I am compelled to drink the sewerage of the barnyard, and I want you
to be obliged to submit to all these things. But this thing of
adjourning from day to day and dallying with a big flood, which is
coming worse and worse each day, I can see no object in, for the
public interest, and certainly not for private comfort.
Mr. HARVEY--This matter as I see it is no joke. Notwithstanding the
suggestions of the Senator from Amador, I am in favor of the resolution
that the Sergeant-at-Arms be requested to make arrangements to bring
members to this building. If we depend npon miscellaneous craft, I
think the entire pay of the Legislature would be exacted to bring them
to and from the Capitol.
Mr. PERKINS--There is no second for the motion to adjourn. I understand
the resolution before the Senate is to authorise somebody to. hire a
boat, to tote the Senate about this city. Now, Mr. President, you
will observe that no San Francisco member has said one word in favor
of adjourning to go to San Francisco. Some one said the San Francisco
members were working for it. I say here, as a Senator from San Francisco,
that she asks no boon of that kind. We have landed in our city every
week double the number of persons that would be carried thither by the
adjournment of the Legislature which has been proposed. We ask nothing
of the sort, but we do say that, being sent here to do the business
of the State and our constituents, we have a right to complain. If we
wish to do that business, we cannot go about to consult each other,
communicate with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, or have any
understanding about the business to be done. I say the interests of
the people of this State will not be promoted by our being here. I am
not going to talk about the few dollars more or less in the treasury
or out of it. I can't live on bread and cheese.
A MEMBER--And cheese-bread.
Mr. PERKINS--l have for the last day had nothing for breakfast, dinner
and supper but that same article. I do not believe in hiring boats for
the use of the Legislature. Why the proposition is enough to damn any
man who wants to keep us here. I have as much sympathy for the people
suffering here as the next man that lives. I would be willing to do
anything that might have been done--any suggestion, any manner or
means, but I do not consider it my duty to make believe that everything
is comfortable here, that we can go on and legislate here with the
water over my head in almost every place throughout this city.
Absolutely I cannot get out to perform the business that nature
demands with any decency at all. Suppose a man to be called on in
the Senate here, where is he to go? Why he his to go and call for
a boat [Laughter.] Nature demands relief, and he wants a boat!
[Laughter.] What a position for the Senate of California to be in!
[Laughter.] Now the Senator wants to adjourn until Wednesday--what
am I going to do until Wednesday with water six feet deep all around
my boarding house?
A MEMBER--[To Mr. P.] Do you want a boat?
Mr. PERKINS--No; I do not want a boat now. There are five hundred
boatmen in Sacramento. I would hire them all. l am opposed to
monopolies, and this would be democratic. It is paid by the State.
Gentlemen have been telling us how much it would cost to move. Some
have figured it up as high as $400,000. Now I want them to figure up
what this boat business is going to cost--five hundred boats at $100
a day? It will cost more than a removal. I am not going away from
this Capitol. If we are compelled to stay here I am going to remain
in this Capitol and send for my bread and cheese.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN--I move to lay the resolution on the table for the
purpose of referring it to the Committee on Commerce when such shall
be appointed.
Mr. DE LONG--If the Senate does not employ a boat
passing to and from this Capitol five, six or seven times a day
as we are compelled to do, I shall resign myself to quietude, and
compel the Sergeant-at-Arms to come after me.
The resolution to hire boats was adopted . . . .
The Senate adjourned (3:20 P. M..) to Monday at eleven o'clock.
ASSEMBLY.
SATURDAY, Jan. 11, 1862
The House met at eleven o'clock. The roll was called, and all the
members responded except . . . .
Mr. BELL--. . . I know that the beautiful little city of Oakland, now
high and dry abeve all the floods, was once on the mail route to
Stockton, and the stage route extends from there to Sacramento, but
I would not travel that road now upon any consideration. . . .
PROPOSED REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.
A message was received from the Senate announcing the adoption by that
body of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9, relative to the removal of
the Legislature to San Francisco, and the appointment of a Committee on
the part of the Senate to make the necessary arrangements, etc.
Mr. EAGAN--I move that we now take up Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9.
Mr. AVERY--I would like first to introduce a resolution. It relates to
a report made this morning.
The SPEAKER--The resolution is not in order unless by leave of the House.
Objection was made.
Mr. BARTON--I move that we take up yesterday's message from the Senate.
The SPEAKER--There is a former motion which will take precedence, which
is to take up Senate resolution No. 9.
Mr. BENTON--I rise to a point of order. It is that Senate resolution
No. 9, on the Journal, which cannot be passed without a two-thirds
vote, is not in order while other messages from the Senate are to
be considered.
The SPEAKER--I shall hold that message already before the House in order.
The Clerk will read the Senate messages. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE--AGAIN
The Clerk read Senate Resolution No. 9, to relation to the removal of
the Legislature to San Francisco.
Mr. CUNNARD--I move that the House concur.
Mr. BENTON--I rise to a point of order. The rule of the House is that
Senate messages shall be taken up in their order; and if a motion is
made to take up any particular message out of its order, it can only
be done by a two-thirds vote of the House.
Mr. SHANNON--I will inquire of the Speaker whether this was not the
order of the House at the time this message was taken up.
The SPEAKER--I understand it so to be; this is the next message from
the Senate in order.
Mr. BENTON--Is there not on the Clerk's table, or the table of the House,
a message from the Senate which was under consideration yesterday, in
relation to another measure I think that is first in order.
Mr. SHANNON--l will endeavor to get the gentleman out of the fog.
I see he is very much troubled about a certain resolution in regard
to porters, etc. If I understand that matter it was yesterday
temporarily laid on the table, and therefore it cannot be taken up
now without a two-thlrds vote until the order of unfinished . . .
[CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE]
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The leading matter of interest in the events of the day is the flood
which has visited Sacramento and other portions of the State, full
accounts of which will be noticed in our columns. The damage to
property throughout the State is larger probably by the present
calamity than by the flood of December 9th. In Sacramento, while
there has been less destruction to private dwellings and their
appurtenances, there has been more loss to stocks of goods in stores.
It is very difficult at this time to form any correct opinion as to
the extent of their loss. We expect to hear that throughout the
State there has been great injury to property as well as loss of
life.
The tidings of the calamity in San Francisco, by which several
lives were lost, including those of former residents of Sacramento,
and which is chronicled at length in our pages, will call forth
the sympathies of all.
The telegraphic wires were altogether disarranged by the late
storm and flood, and we were not able, last evening, to gain any
intelligence from localities in our own State or from the East.
The water level in our streets has decreased from its highest stage
about two and a half to three feet, and if the present cool weather
continues to prevail for a short time, our streets will soon be
passable for pedestrians. The American river has fallen since our
last issue largely and the Sacramento is now standing at twenty-three
feet six inches above low water mark. It rose at one time to
twenty-four feet.
The citizens of Sacramento have provided boats for the conveyance of
Members of the Legislature to and from the Capitol so long as there
shall be occasion for their use.
About 1,000 feet of the wall of the Agricultural Park grounds fell
during the flood--as also a portion of the wall of Carpenter's Hall
on Front street, which was heavily stored with goods.
Nowithstanding the calamity of the flood in Sacramento it is worthy
of mention that the UNION has omitted no number of its daily or
weekly publication.
THE LEGISLATURE
The Senate, on Saturday--by a vote of twenty to thirteen--adopted
a concurrent resolution for the adjournment of the Legislature
to San Francisco for the remainder of the session. Three of the
four San Francisco Senators voted for this proposition, although
the leading journals of that city oppose the project, and probably
represent more faithfally the wishes of the people in the matter
than do the delicate gentlemen who long for the comforts of home.
Senator Banks voted against a removal. . . .
In the Assembly the Senate resolution to adjourn to San Francisco
was discussed at great length, and defeated by forty to thirty-six.
Two only of the San Francisco members--Van Zandt and Amerige--voted
againat the proposition. Bell of Alameda made a very able speech
against the resolution, on which he took the ground that the
Legislature had no right to disobey a law upon the strength of a
mere resolution. This is the true ground.
The Legislature undoubtedly has the control of the question as to
where the seat of government shall be located. This power was
exercised in the passage of the law locating the seat of goverment
at Sacramento. The idea that the Legislature may annul a law by a
resolution is too absurd to be entertained by sensible men. If the
valleys of the State are no longer inhabitable, let the Legislature
pass a law changing the seat of government to some point on the coast
above high water mark, or to the summit of Mount Shasta; but until
the law is changed, let it be obeyed by our law-makers. There may
be some who, knowing the illegality of an adjournment to another
place, content themselves by saying that there is no remedy--that
the Legislature cannot be compelled to do its duty and hold the
regular session at the seat of government. We think a remedy will
be found in the fact that members will not be entitled to pay if
they meet elsewhere than at the place declared by law to be the
Capital of the State. If this view be correct, a Court of competent
jurisdiction might stand between the members and their per diem,
and such an interruption of the finances would doubtless cure many
Senators and members of the roving disposition now manifested by them.
Advocates of an adjournment would do well, too, to consider whether
all laws passed at any place other than the lawful seat of government
would not be utterly void.
THE CALAMITY OF CALIFORNIA
The continuous rains and the melting of the snow in the mountains have
brought disaster and destruction upon those valleys and cities of
California which have been the chief pride of the State. We cannot
forget our own suffering--the losses to which we have been subjected;
but the accounts we receive from all directions convince us that our
misfortune has not been peculiar, and that throughout the State the
damages in consequence of the flood have been of a character to excite
the sympathies of the generous and charitable everywhere. In San
Francisco and in all the interior cities, the injury worked by the
waters is chronicled in the journals published in those localities,
and their reports leave us no room to doubt that the inundation has
carried destruction to a greater or less extent throughout the State.
In such an emergency as this we have a right to ask for large and
liberal feeling among Californians. There should be a sympathy
among the suffering which would lead to mutual advantage. It is no
time for petty jealousies, or for the adjustment of disputes as to
whether this or the other town is best located for the Capital of
the State. It is a period when every Californian who has the
interests of the State at heart should assist his fellow citizens
in determining what should be done, and not act as if he had been
employed by a particular interest to run down a certain city. It
is not an isolated fact that Sacramento has been flooded.
Every town in the richest valley in California, and in the other
valleys of the State, has suffered in the same way. Are Californians
prepared, to say that the most splendid districts of the State can
no longer be inhabited by white men. We think not. All that the
citizens of Sacramento ask, at the present crisis, is that the
question of the removal of the Capital shall receive a fair
consideration, and that they shall not be victimized while the
most important portions of the State are under water.
The emergency is of a character to call forth the energies of every
man who means to support our State. She has obtained a reputation
for wealth and stability which is likely to be shaken if she does
not provide for those who are affected by domestic disasters. Those
members of the Legislature who have been working for the removal
of the Capital are hardly deserving of ordinary sympathy, because
they are laboring for a bad purpose at a time of public misfortune.
If they consider well the calamity that has visited the whole of
California, their views will be speedily changed, or if not changed,
they are not exactly of the mold that is required for liberal and
wise legislation in this State. If their wishes should be gratified
in the present case, and they succeed in removing the State Capital
by resolution to another place, they will soon find that their own
per diem is not only in danger, but every Act they pass will be void
and of no effect.
PROPOSED REMOVAL OF THE STATE CAPITAL.--The San Francisco Bulletin
strongly rebukes the feeling that is entertained in some quarters in
favor of the removal of the State Capital, either permanently or
temporarily, and disclaims all sympathy with the efforts that are
making to carry it to San Francisco. It says:
If the Legislature come here because the distressed condition of
Sacramento makes that an unsuitable place of even temporary residence
we wish, for the honor of our city, that it shall be recorded in
history, that neither her people. her legal representatives, nor
her press, had any part or parcel in influencing such change. We
believe San Francisco is too proud, if no other motive be considered,
to allow even the suspicion to go abroad that she would seek to
derive profit through the misfortunes of a sister city. The fact
cannot be disguised that the presence and incidental patronage of
the Legislature would benefit San Francisco in many ways. Certain
new occupations would be created, and the hotels and boarding houses
would enjoy increased custom, while the wholesome legislation needed
by this city could be more easily obtained were the members of the
Legislature residing among us, so that they could understand the
merits of our local bills from personal observation, than can be
expected under circumstances as they exist. This fact--that our city
may derive considerable profit by having the Legislature in our
midst--the very reason why our people should hesitate long before
accepting any such advantages at the expense of distressed Sacramento,
if it is in their power to prevent it. The Legislature may contribute
something to our stores which we do not need in our time of general
prosperity; but this small gain to us will be the moat severe blow
to Sacramento that she has yet received. Her discouraged people will
almost feel like giving up all as lost when they lose the State
Capital--always regarded as of vital importance to them. When the
steamer left there yesterday hundreds of people were literally
weeping in anticipation of the dreadful calamity of the flood coming
in and the Legislature going out. [We ignore the latter allegation.--Eds.
UNION.] It may be true that they estimate the loss of their position
as "the Capital city" much higher than their neighbors will be
disposed to estimate it for them. But the gain to us of having
the Capital probably no town in the State will rate so low as San
Francisco itself. If the Legislature comes here we shall treat it
well, of course, and watch over it most tenderly, but we do not
crave at any time, and least of all now, while Sacramento has
already suffered more bereavement than a less enterprising town
would well survive.
Speaking of the flood in Sacramento, in the same connection, the
Alta says:
In her distress we feel for the trials of those threatened by this
terrible flood, and hope that the water may quickly subside and
bring quiet and freedom from apprehension of danger. It may be
temporarily inconvenient for the legislators assembled to await
the subsiding of the waters, but they, as well as other
non-residents, can afford a little discomfort and remain at their
posts. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE PITILESS FLOODS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Cheer up, brave hearts! 'Tis the force of recurrent
storms that beats vigor and power into the leviathan oaks. 'Tis the
fierce tornado which publishes the integrity of the iron-bound roots
of the giant pines of Calaveras; and, as rebellion proclaims the value
of loyalty, so does adversity, come when it will and where it may,
develop temper and make resistless the nerve and muscular energy of
human power. What are the merciless floods that are now inundating
and terrifying the people throughout the valley, cities and towns of
Washington Territory, of the States of Oregon, California and the
mining precincts of Carson? Though very severe, they are yet wholesome
lessons to the new coming and uninformed settlers whom God has appointed
to reclaim these waste places, by protecting them from inundation and
revealing them to the world as Sicilian field of agriculture, as gardens
of fruits and flowers more valuable than the famed apples of Hesperides
or the canonized Flora of Mythology. To our people, naturally reckless
and strong in that self-reliance which is fertile of expedients in
emergency, a smaller chastisement would have been useless. To us as
Sacramentans it comes as a finishing discipline to the many adversities
to which we are indebted for the charitable record we have made in the
past, and to the enduring, elastic and inextinguishable energy,
enterprise and buoyancy with which we have written our history up to
the present moment. Cheer up! Ere six months have told the stirring
incidents of the first half-year of Sixty-two, Sacramento will be in
better condition than she would have been in ten years without the
admonition which a kind as well as sagacious Providence is inflicting
upon us. Oar levees will be made broad causeways for business and
pleasure, invulnerable to the aggressions of water. Our streets will
be commenced in a process of elevation which shall make them when paved
the most capacious and convenient thoroughfares in the world, and with
drainage, good health and the business which our centrality affords
us, we will be rich in the energy and contentment which are the best
elements of wealth. PIONEER.
AWFUL CALAMITY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Seven Persons Burned to Death,
We condense from the Bulletin and Journal of the 11th
instant, an account of one of the most heart-rending calamities that
has ever visited San Francisco:
About twenty minutes before three o'clock, on the morning of the 11th
instant, a fire broke out in one of the many small tenements adjoining
the Pacific Flour Mills on the east, and in the rear of a boarding
house known as the " Sarsfield Hall," which is situated on the
northwest corner of Pacific and Montgomery streets. . . .
The Bulletin gives the following list of the dead and wounded
by this terrible calamity: . . .
Mrs. Harrington and two children, who came from Sacramento about
a week and a half ago. Her husband is a teamster, formerly engaged
on the Capitol works, and is now engaged in carrying between
Sacramento and Carson City. This unfortunate family, had a narrow
escape during the first heavy flood of this season at Sacramento.
They were driven into the upper story of their cottage, and to save
her own and children's lives she placed two large trunks on her
bedstead, and with her boy and girl in her arms stood upon them,
crying for assistance until it came; the water in the meantime having
reached the bottom of the trunks. The children are said to have been
very beautiful. The charred skulls of the mother and her children
were found with some of their toys. . . .
THE RAIN GAUGE.--The present rainy season surpasses in severity any
yet experienced by Americans in California. According to the gauge
kept by Mr. Tennent, at Benicia, we have already had the average
rain of the rainy season. During nine days in January, 1862, it is
stated that more rain fell at San Francisco than had fallen during
any previous month, except December of 1861, and more than fell
any month in 1860, 1859, or 1858. According to Mr. Tennent's gauge,
the total fall of rain for the season of 1861-62 up to January 9th,
is 21.22. . . .
THE RIVER.--On Friday evening the water in the Sacramento stood
twenty-three feet above low water mark. On Saturday morning it had
risen four inches, by evening it had risen still four inches higher,
standing at twenty-three feet 8 inches, and during the night there is
questionable proof that it rose to about twenty-four feet,--a foot
and a half higher than the high water mark of 1852 and 1858. By eight
o'clock yesterday morning it had fallen again to twenty-three feet
eight inches, and by last evening it had fallen still two inches
lower. At the last named point it is a foot higher than the high
water of former years. While at its highest stage it ran over the
top of the Front street levee in many places, and was nearly even
with the top along the whole line.
SUTTERVILLE.--There was good reason to fear that the torrent of
water which passed toward Sutterville from this city on Friday
afternoon and evening, would carry away houses from the lower
portion of the town, and perhaps destroy the lives of many of the
occupants. A boat was sent down by the Howard Benevolent Society
to reconnoiter. Dr. Harkness also visited the locality. We are
informed by him that he could hear of no lives being lost, and
the injury to property was not so great as had been anticipated.
The Quartermaster at Camp Union agreed to furnish rations to such
as were in need of provisions.
LIVE STOCK.--A large portion of the I street and Front street levees
is occupied by live stock, chiefly horses, taken there from the
various stables and yards for safety. They are tied, fed and taken
care of, of course, by the various parties having them in charge.
THE CARS.--The cars from Folsom came yesterday as far west as
Patterson's, nine miles from the city. The road will have to be
repaired in several places before they can come to Poverty Ridge.
" LEGISLATIVE."--Such was the designation, yesterday, on a certain
class of boats. The members of the Legislature, Clerks, etc., are
furnished with tickets, which are good with any legislative boat
for all parts of the city.
CAMP UNION.--It was reported in the city yesterday that Camp Union
was flooded on Friday night, and that the tents were from necessity
removed to a higher point on the Suttervilie ridge
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CARPENTER'S BUILDING.--At about six o'clock yesterday morning a portion
of the east wall of Carpenter's building on Front street, between M and N,
together with the division foundation wall, and a portion of the floors,
roof, etc., fell with a terrific crash to the ground. This building
is occupied by Campbell & Sweeney, grain dealers. The first floor
contained a large quantity of grain, chiefly barley. The second story
had been occupied by the two members of the firm and their families.
At the time of the falling of the walls there was nobody sleeping in
the building except one of the firm, James Sweeney, and George Holdforth.
They occupied rooms on the west side of the building, and were not
injured, as they hastily vacated the premises through the second story
windows and down the awning posts. Through the center of the building,
running from east so [sic] west, was a division wall in the cellar only twelve
inches thick, the foundations of the east end of which gave way from the
effects of water and the pressure above. Opposite the end of this wall
were large arched doors in each story. These arches all fell, taking
out a vertical section of the east wall, some fifteen or twenty feet in
width from the foundation to the roof. On viewing the wall from the
outside it is difficult to conceive how so narrow a portion could fall
while both sides remained firm. A considerable portion of the grain in
the building was placed there on storage. Campbell & Sweeney estimate
their loss at from three to four thousand dollars. A portion only of
the grain which fell is under water. The floors and stores of the
front part of the building maintain their original position. C. K.
Garrison of San Francisco is the owner of the premises.
DEATHS FROM DROWNING.--During Saturday and yesterday there were many
rumors afloat of parties who were temporarily missing having been
drowned. In the confusion which is necessarily caused by an event
such as the flood by which we have been visited, relatives, friends
and acquaintances become separated, and fears are naturally aroused
for the welfare and safety of each other. These rumors have generally
proved groundless by the appearance of the parties in person. We
hear, however, of four deaths from drowning by the late flood, and
time, it is to be feared, will reveal others. A Mrs. Carr and a hired
man who resided on the Coloma road, fourteen miles from the city, were
drowned from a raft with which they were endeavoring to reach land.
Mrs. Carr was an elderly lady, and had kept a public house for several
years at that point. A Frenchman, whose name we have not been able to
learn, is said to have been drowned at Twelfth and O streets on Friday
evening. His body has not yet been recovered. A colored man known by
the name of Judge Kelly was drowned on Saturday night at Frank Powell's
stable. His body was recovered last evening and taken in charge by
Coroner Reeves. Kelly was a bootblack, was small of stature,
humpbacked, and had several large wens about his face. He will be
remembered at once by all who have ever seen him. He had been in the
habit of sleeping in Powell's stable, and on the night in question he
was heard to fall in the water, and efforts were made to save him, but
without avail.
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE FLOOD.--On Friday morning, January 10th, at
eight o'clock, the water in the lower portion of the city was not so
high by four feet ten inches as the hight attained on the evening of
December 9th. The following figures will show the rate at which it
rose hourly through the day. They were carefully noted at the corner
of Seventh and P streets: From 8 to 9, 3 inches; from 9 to 10, 3 inches;
from 10 to 11, 4 inches; from 11 to 12, 5 inches; from 12 to 1,
6-3/4 inches; from 1 to 2, 8 inches; from 2 to 3, 11-3/4 inches;
from 3 to 4, 12 inches; from 4 to 5, 9 inches; from 5 to 6, 5-3/4 inches;
from 6 to 7, 1-1/4 inches. It will be seen by these figures that it
rose most rapidly between three and four o'clock, and that the aggregate
rise of the day was sixty-nine inches or five and three-quarter feet.
It had risen during the previous night about three feet, making an
aggregate in twenty-four hours of nearly nine feet. The hight attained
was twenty inches above the high mark of Dec. 9th, and about equal to
twenty-four feet on the city gauge. By ten o'clock in the evening it
had fallen some two inches, and by eight o'clock the next morning some
eight inches. During the night we had a steady and heavy rain, from the
effect of which the water rose again during the afternoon and evening
to within two feet of the highest mark. During Saturday night and
yesterday it continued to recede, and by ten o'clock last evening
had fallen nearly three feet from the highest mark.
THE SLOUGH LEVEE.--During Saturday and Saturday night the water from
the slough north of I street, commenced to flow over the levee into
the city, as the high stage of the Sacramento had filled it to the
brim. By yesterday morning several channels had begun to cut through
the levee, some of which assumed a threatening appearance. Near the
station house, on the east, a considerable stream came over, washing
away the earth to some distance. Another stream also crossed directly
from the Sacramento in front of the station house. At .the east end
of the slough on Sixth street, between E and H streets, a sheet of
running water covered nearly the entire space. So long as the water
in the city was about as high as that in the slough, but little damage
was done; but as it fell the velocity of the running water was increased,
and the danger of serious trouble grew greater. No effort was made until
noon, yesterday, to repair the levees at these points. By that time
several gaps were cut on Sixth street, through which considerable
water poured. Some fifty men were employed during the afternoon in
the work of repairs. Their efforts were continued through the evening.
It was the opinion of members of the Committee of Safety and of others,
that they would be successful, but it appeared to be an extremely
doubtful case. The water in the slough was about two and a half feet
above the water in the city at Sixth street.
AID AND SYMPATHY FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--The steamer Nevada arrived
from San Francisco at eleven o'clock last evening. We are informed
by ------ Barclay, ------ Foster, and J. Q. A. Warren, that an
impromptu meeting was held at Platt's Hall, San Francisco, on
Saturday evening, after the arrival of the boats from this city,
to furnish aid to the sufferers of our city. As the wires were out
of order, no information of the flood had been received. Committees
were appointed to make arrangements to send up at once a supply of
provisions. Families and restaurants were advised to prepare cooked
food, and a large amount was prepared and brought up on the Nevada,
which left at twelve o'clock M. yesterday. Another meeting had been
held yesterday morning, at which still more extensive preparations
were made, and the steamer Cordelia was expected to leave at four
o'clock yesterday afternoon with a much larger supply of food.
Arrangements had been made to open Platt's Hall for the accommodation
of all sufferers who may go down. The lateness of the hour at which
this intelligence was received, prevents us from giving a more
extended account of the action of the meetings referred to.
NAVIGATION OF THE AMERICAN.--The steamer Defiance, Captain Gibson,
left the levee on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, for an excursion
up the American river. In consequence of the recent injuries received
by her collision with the Sacramento and Yolo bridge she was not in
very good running order. She passed Lisle's bridge--carried away by
the recent flood--and reached a point a little below Norris' bridge.
While in sight of this structure it yielded to the force of the flood,
and a portion of it was carried off. The defiance took from various
houses on the river near Rabel's tannery and Burns' slough some five
women and fifteen children and brought them to the city. The Defiance
made another excursion up the American yesterday. It is presumed that
one object of these excursions is to look out an eligible spot for an
embarcadero--a second Hoboken--to which goods may be taken by steamer
from the city and forwarded by cars, teams, etc., to the mountains.
She had not not [sic] returned at dusk last evening
GREAT DAMAGE AT FOLSOM.--The American river rose, on Friday night,
sixty feet above low water mark, and destroyed a great amount of
property. The old flour mill of Stockton & Coover, built some seven
or eight years ago, and the new mill built during the past Summer
by Stockton & Coover and Carroll & Mowe of this city, were carried
away, and in their course took off the wire suspension bridge of
Kinsey & Thompson. The new mill was designed to run nine pair of
burrs, and is reputed to have cost in its erection between twenty
and thirty thousand dollars. A large quantity of wheat in the
mills was also lost. The wire bridge was built in the Summer of
1857, and cost about eighteen thousand dollars. A wooden bridge,
some ten feet lower, had been previously destroyed. The railroad
bridge, belonging to the California Central Railroad Company,
some fifteen feet higher than the wire bridge, and of single span,
is still standing.
GOOD WORK.--Captain Poole of the steamer Antelope, had occasion,
on the trip from Ssn Francisco on Saturday night, to stop three
or four times and take on board men, women and children who were
perilously situated at their houses on account of the flood. They
were all well cared for when on board.
DAMAGE IN THE COUNTY.--So far as we have received information from
various portions of the county, we are convinced that the late
flood spread over a much greater area of territory, and was far
more destructive, than any other which has occurred since the
country was settled. The waters from the American did great
injury at Brighton, those from the Sacramento a great deal in
the townships bordering on that river, and those from the Cosumnes
and Mokelumne produced a corresponding result in the southern
part of the county. We are informed by George Beeler that John
Rooney and family and John Lowell were taken from the tops of
their houses by boats, and that their buildings were carried off
and the most of their stock destroyed. A large amount of stock on
the lower Stockton road has been lost.
DESTRUCTION OF THE PARK WALLS.--We regret to record the fact that
about one thousand feet of the brick wall surrounding Agricultural
Park has fallen to the ground within the past few days. These walls
were built last Summer, costing, together with other improvements,
between fifteen and twenty thousand dollars. They were fourteen
inches thick and twenty feet high. The length of the entire wall
was about four thousand feet. Some two weeks ego about one fourth
of the roof of the main stand or gallery--one hundred feet--was
carried away by a terrific gale of wind, which lodged it on the
street. A few days since a small portion of the wall fell; now
about one fourth of it is down on the west, south and east sides.
NORRIS' BRIDGE GONE.--Norris' bridge on the American river some four
miles from its mouth, which withstood the flood of December 9th,
gave way on Saturday afternoon to the still stronger torrent. At
about half-past four o'clock two sections of the structure were
carried off and floated and lodged on the north bank of the river,
a short distance from the starting point. There is now no bridge
standing on the American river that we are aware of except the
railroad bridge of Folsom.
THE NEW LEVEE.--The new levee at Rabel's Tannery, which was
reported on Saturday to have been swept away, is still standing
and has withstood the severe ordeal successfully. It required
close watching on Saturday night, and was saved only by the free
use of all the raw hides at the tannery, which are found to be
better than canvas for protecting weak points wherever they be
applied.
THE PAVILION.--The Pavilion has been thronged during the past two
days by those who have been a second time driven from their homes
by the relentless flood. The Howard Benevolent Society has again
taken charge of the hall, and is furnishing food and lodging to
all who are in need. Some fire or six hundred persons have been
accommodated in the building, and none have been turned away.
HOSPITABLE.--County Warden Harris furnished meals gratuitously
yesterday to some thirty or forty persons. His cooking apparatus
and store of provisions were brought into play to meet the
necessities of the times.
RESCUED.--Two men named Seely and Tappan took several persons in
distress from a floating house in Brighton, on Friday, to a place
of safety.
p. 4
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
business is reached. Then it can be taken up by a majority vote. The
order of business now is Senate Messages, and the Speaker very
properly took up this resolution relating to the removal of the
Legislature.
The SPEAKER--That resolution was laid on the table, and is in the
order of unfinished business. I rule it out of order. The question
is on the resolution just read.
Mr. WARWICK--Then, Mr. Speaker, I trust that I may be heard with
patience for a few moments upon the question now pending before
us--this concurrent resolution of the Senate. I have no doubt but
that the gentleman who moved the adoption of this resolution thinks
his motion means no more than it says; but he will pardon me if,
watching the interest of my constituents with a jealous eye, I see
in it something more. I see in the temporary removal of the Capital
the germ of a permanent removal; and if the gentleman desires to
know why the Capital should not be removed from the city of
Sacramento, it will afford me great pleasure to inform him.
The SPEAKER (Interrupting)--The gentleman is not in order. The
proposition is not to remove the Capital, but to adjourn the Legislature.
Mr. WARWICK--I ask pardon--adjourn from the city of Sacramento. It
will afford me great pleasure to inform the gentleman why it should
not be done. In the first place here are collected all the archives
of the State. Secondly, here are all the Government officers with
whom it is frequently necessary for the Legislature to communicate.
Thirdly, here, over and above all other portions of the State, save
and except the city of San Francisco, are large assemblages of
people--forming a community where all the wants of the Legislature
and various officers of the Government can be supplied without
submitting to extortionate demands. Fourthly, and lastly, In no
spot in the State of California would the Capitol or the Legislature
be more secure than in the city of Sacramento. Sir, I have seen
Sacramento recently when nearly one-half of her inhabitants were
struggling upon the bosom of the overwhelming waters, and I heard
no cry of agony or grief but such as was rarely wrung from the
inmost heart. I have sees her when dread ruin surrounded her on
every side, yet amidst all her desolation I heard no cry of despair--
Mr. AMES (interrupting)--I rise to a question of order. This is a
motion to adjourn, and therefore it is not debatable.
Mr. WARWICK--Allow me to say that when the question comes up on a
motion or resolution to adjourn to a new place or a different time,
it is debatable.
Mr. AMES insisted on his question of order, and read the rule stating
that a motion to adjourn shall be decided without debate.
The SPEAKER--The Chair will rule that a motion to adjourn by
concurrent resolution, requiring the action of the two bodies, is
not a simple motion to adjourn. Therefore, the concurrent resolution
being properly before the Assembly, the gentleman from Sacramento has
the floor.
Mr. WARWICK--In speaking, sir, of the spirit manifested by Sacramento,
I have seen her when her honor was tried as never was the honor of a
community tried before, and I have seen her rise superior to the
temptation. In her treasury during the late terrible disaster, lay
nearly one hundred thousand dollars in gold, the money not yet due
as interest upon her bonds. Her levees were broken by the flood and
demanded repair, and ruin surrounded and threatened her on every side.
Her people looked upon that dark wilderness of waters, and no returning
wave gave the slightest promise of future security or hope. The lives
of our wives and little ones were trembling in the balance--the great
law of self-preservation pointed to the accumulated gold in the treasury
of Sacramento, but did she touch it? No, sir; she rose superior to
that tremendous temptation, even in that dark hour, and went forth
among her ruined merchants and stricken artisans, calling upon them
to raise the means of preservation and future safety. My heart sank
within me as I went forth upon that errand of dire necessity, but I
saw no frowning brows, I met no lowering faces. No, sir; all was
confidence and buoyancy and hope. It was then, and not till then,
that I began to know her worth and to love her valor. I found her
brave in the dire extremity. I saw her steadfast in the forlorn hope,
where the hearts of nations, as well as communities and individuals,
would sink in the struggle for life. And, sir, in that dark hour of
adversity, San Francisco, with all honor to her name be it recorded,
spoke words of encouragement and hope. Gentlemen will pardon me if
momentarily my voice sinks while I think of her generous bounty. She
gave with a liberal and bountiful hand. Honor, prosperity, peace and
joy, glory and immortality bless her progress and increase her store,
for her generous bounty to our stricken citizens in that dark hour of
affliction. One of her most distinguished citizens, instead of
assisting in our downfall and ruin, spoke to us then words of good
cheer. Gregory Yale, I shall honor your name for that conduct, as it
stands forth in contradistinction to that of the base jackals and
wolves who have since been howling for our ruin and destruction.
Sir, Sacramento asks nothing but what the voice of nature as well
as the united will of the people of California has already given
her. Here is the natural site of the Capital of our State.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order; the question is not upon
the removal of the Capital.
Mr. WARWICK--I am talking upon the question of temporary
expediency--the question of temporary removal and its tendency. And
if I wander from that question for a moment, I trust the Chair and
the House will pardon me in view of the importance of the question
to my constituency. ["Leave."] Why, sir this movement in the hour
of our distress looks to me like the flight of carrion crows around
the body of a prostrate lion, wounded, weak and defenseless. They
would not have dared to stand before him in the day of his strength
and power, but now that he is shorn of his strength they venture to
hover around him, impatient of their carrion meal. Sir, is the
temporary adjournment going to do any good? Have we not, as
legislators, the interests of the people at heart, and will not
the treasury of the State have to answer for the expenses of the
removal? Again, sir, will not the people hold us to account and say,
"If a Republican Legislature cannot stand water, how will it stand
fire?" [Applause ] Sir, these are troublesome times, and the finances
of our State are not in as flourishing a condition as they ought to be.
Gentlemen will find, however lightly they may think of the vote they
are giving on this question of temporary adjournment, that they will
involve the State, if the measure prevails, in the expenditure of
thousands and thousands of dollars. This is a question of the mere
personal convenience of 120 men, members of this and the other branch,
and the interests, the honor and welfare of 500,000 people. The waters
now surrounding us will be dissipated in a few days, and I do not doubt
that if gentlemen will exercise a little patience they will find this
city more secure and more convenient than any other portion of the
State. It appears according to the resolutions that we were only to
go for a short time to San Francisco. That simply is the motion before
us, but I believe it behooves us to look at the matter carefully and
see what its ultimate bearing may be. If I appear to wander a little
from the direct question I ask again that I may receive the indulgence
of the Chair and the kindness of the House. We have proposed to erect
a Capitol here--and I am referring to this subject as one of the
ultimate consequences of this question, and, therefore, decidedly a
legitimate argument on the gentleman's motion to concur--we have
proposed to erect here a Capitol which shall be an honor and a pride
to the State of California. Here are the accumulated archives of the
State; here its interests all concentrate and center; here the people
with united voice have located their Capital, and here it must remain.
The foundations of the Capitol are already laid and the imposing
outllnes of its magnificent proportions already invite inspection
and challenge admiration. Here on this spot where the genius of
civilization early rested her wings after her flight to the confines
of the golden State, this spot, consecrated by the most hallowed
associations, this spot endeared to us by our sufferings and our
trials, here where the gallant leader of liberty in the vanguard
of millions found his first welcome, let the Capitol arise in its
grandeur and beauty. No public necessity demands its removal, and
public expediency is against it. Here then let it rise, that it may
apeak to the world of our greatness our opulence and our power. Here
on this plain at no distant day shall be heard the hum of industry,
and the song of labor shall arise within these busy gates to cheer
the millions of Europe, while in their wretchedness they are dreaming
of the golden shore, where affluence welcomes and rewards labor and
where the fairy-like fable of the golden age is more than realized.
Here let the Capitol rise in its beauty, its lofty dome facing the
snow-clad Sierras, giving to the god of day its matutinal greeting,
the beacon of the dawn like that which welcomes the wanderer returning
from a foreign shore, who after a long and weary pilgrimage finds
himself at home among his friends once more. Sir, I know that the
gentleman who made this motion to concur would not be found among
those who seek to fatten on the calamity and ruin of others, those
who seize upon and turn to their own advantage the ruin and
desolation with which God in his providence has overspread a whole
community of people. Sir, within the shadows of the Golden Gate
lies the glorious Queen of the Pacific, the story of whose greatness
is borne upon the winds and waves in thousands of treasure-laden
ships, bearing millions of our wealth away from our shores. Her
prosperity and magnificence excite the astonishment of the wandering
tourist, who sees in her stately structures the work of centuries
performed in a dozen years, the labors of a lifetime accomplished
in a moment, as if by the wand of a fairy enchanter. A great and
glorious destiny awaits her. She is the sentinel appointed to guard
the Golden Gate on our land; or rather, she is the proud and
beautiful mistress who stands at the dcor, sending forth our
commerce to distant lands, and in return giving to the labor of
those distant lands a cordial and generous welcome. But she is
too near the seaboard, even for a temporary removal of the Capital.
In the event of danger arising from foreign invasion, not now the
most remote of possibilities, the Capital, the Legislature, and
the archives of the State would need to be more secure. Sir, I will
trouble your patience no longer. The Legislature is now entirely
safe; no further damage need be apprehended from any source
whatever. What the providence of God may yet have in store for
us I have no desire to know. Sufficient for the day is the evil
thereof; but I have the faith and the courage to hope and believe
that the City of the Plains has yet before her a bright and glorious
destiny. Like the Phoenix she has sprung from the ashes of her past
ruin, and beautiful as Venus she will now arise from the waves. I
appeal to the assembled honor and wisdom and manliness of the State
to allow this question to rest forever. Let the gambling speculations
which have heretofore characterized our legislative movements be
banished from these chambers. Let us inaugurate an era of honesty
of purpose and patriotic self-sacrifice. So shall we earn the
commendation of the just, the gratitude of our constituents and
the honor of the world. And here on this spot so universally
selected, let the Capitol arise in its strength and beauty, and
when our children's children shall assemble around its base to
celebrate some future anniversary of freedom, they will bless the
wisdom that withstood the temptation and reared the Capitol on the
spot of all others where nature intended it should rise. [Applause ]
Mr. CAMPBELL--I offer a substitute for the resolution now pending.
Mr. WATSON--I move that this body now adjourn until Thursday at
12 o'clock.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I rise to a point of order. Our constitutional limit
of adjournment is three days. We cannot adjourn for a longer time.
The SPEAKER--I hold the motion out of order.
Mr. WATSON--I will make it Wednesday.
Mr. FERGUSON--From that decision of the Chair I shall be compelled
to appeal if the Chair maintains its position. Now. here is a
question before the House--
The SPEAKER--I have ruled upon the motion, and you cannot commence
debate upon it until you appeal.
Mr. WATSON--I appeal from the decision of the Chair and upon that I
call the ayes and noes.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise to a question of order.
The SPEAKER--I call the gentleman to order.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise to a question of order.
The SPEAKER--I call the gentleman from Sacramento to order; he will
now take his seat.
Mr. WATSON--I appeal from the decision.
The SPEAKER--I call the gentleman from Los Angeles to order, and he
will now take his seat.
Mr. FERGUSON--Mr. Speaker.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order. I have ruled upon the point
of order, and there is an appeal. The ruling is, and the point of order
is, that the House cannot constitutionally adjourn simply for more than
three days, and the motion to adjourn until Wednesday is not in order
for that reason. An appeal is taken, and the question is shall the
decision of the Chair be sustained?
Mr. FERGUSON--Mr. Speaker.
The SPEAKER--The question is "Will the Assembly sustain the decision of
the Chair?"
Mr. FERGUSON--Mr. Speaker, I really hope the Chair will have the courtesy
when a member rises to a point of order to allow him to state it.
The SPEAKER--After the Chair has stated the question on the appeal you
can state it. The Chair now recognizes the gentleman from Sacramento.
Mr. FERGUSON--As I understand the motion made by the gentleman from
Los Angeles it was to adjourn until Wednesday next. The gentleman has
now amended his motion so as to adjourn until Tuesday.
The SPEAKER--That amendment was not heard by the Chair, if made.
Mr. WATSON--The original motion was to adjourn till Thursday; I then
so amended it as to include only three working days.
The SPEAKER--I belleve there is nothing on that subject in the rules,
and I will call for suggestions as to whether the motion is to adjourn
for four days or three, the Sunday intervening.
Mr. FERGUSON--Sunday is not a legal day, and Sunday cannot therefore
be included.
Mr. O'BRIEN--That is undoubtedly the case, and I would have raised
the point of order if I had understood the motion to be to adjourn
till Wednesday.
Mr. SHANNON--There is no question now in order except that prescribed
by the rules. To adjourn for the previous question, to lay on the
table, to commit, to amend, to postpone, etc., and all these motions,
take precedences in the order named by the rules. No motion or
concurrent resolution on the part of the two bodies to adjourn can
be amended by simply stating that this House can adjourn to some
day named. That resolution can be amended by a motion to strike out
and insert, but no motion to adjourn this House to another day is in
order.
Mr. COLLINS--I understand that the motion of the gentleman from Los
Angeles has no connection with this concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER--None.
Mr. COLLINS--If, then, his motion is to adjourn this House to a day
which is within our constitutional limits, it is certainly in order,
and I presume that had the Chair so understood it he would have ruled
it in order. It was entirely a misunderstanding, and I thlak if the
appeal is withdrawn the motion will be entertained, as it should have
been at first.
The SPEAKER--I rule the motion out of order.
Mr. WRIGHT--I will state as a rule of law, that where Sunday would
intervene, the time passes over Sunday and the day is not counted.
The SPEAKER--On reflection, the Chair coincides entirely with the
gentleman from Plumas [Mr. Shannon]. The rule makes it clear; I hold
the motion to adjourn till Wednesday out of order.
Mr. WATSON--The rule says the House shall meet each day at eleven
o'clock A. M., unless adjourned by vote to some other hour.
Mr. EAGAR--I have the floor, if I am recognized; I believe there is
a resolution before the House.
The SPEAKER--There is no resolution before the House.
Mr. EAGAR--There is a concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER--There is a concurrent resolution, and a substitute
offered which has not been read. The Clerk will read the substitute.
The CLERK read:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring. That when
this Legislature adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet on the first Monday
in February, 1862.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order.
Mr. AMES--I move the previous question upon the resolution.
Mr. BENTON--What is the status of the question?
The SPEAKER--The previous question has been moved and seconded.
Mr. BENTON--The vote has not been taken yet upon the motion to
take up Senate Concurrent Resolution No 9. I understood Mr. Eagar
to move that that resolution be taken up, and I belhve that motion
has not been put.
Mr. SHANNON--The question before the House is on concurring in
Senate messages.
Mr. KENDALL--I rise to a point of order. I proposed to amend the
concurrent resolution which has been pending before this Assembly
by a substitute which has been drawn in the form of a concurrent
resolution, and which I passed to the Clerk's desk. That is ruled
out of order by the Speaker, and I wish to ask whether it is not in
order to amend a concurrent resolution by substituting another
concurrent resolution?
Mr. BENTON--I have the floor. The previous question was not seconded
before I had the floor.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise to a point of order. The previous question cannot
be entertained by the Chair unless called for by three members, and
their names taken down at the Clerk's desk.
The SPEAKER--The material point is that a sufficient number of members
call for the previous question, and several members have called for
it. The question now is, "Shall the main question be now put?"
Mr. BENTON--But I had the floor before the previous question was
seconded.
The SPEAKER--I beg to say to the gentleman from Sacramento that he
is mistaken.
Messrs. O'BRIEN, JACKSON and PRINTY demanded the previous question
on the motion for the previous question.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise for information. I wish to know of the mover
of the previous question if it is intended to gag down the
Representatives of the Capitol of the State.
The SPEAKER--The Chair will state that the motion cuts off all debate
and amendments.
Mr. BELL--I wish to explain my vote. [" Leave. "l The only explanation
I have to give is, that if the members of this Assembly shall sustain
this previous question, they will find immediately after it is sustained
that they have perpetrated a deed which may result in serious consequences.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order; he will only explain his vote.
Mr. BELL--That is the reason why I vote no--because it is not possible
to decide this question as sensible men and good legislators should,
without hearing the arguments. I vote no by all means.
Mr. MATTHEWS--I also ask leave to explain. Before I vote I wish to get
all the information I can as to whether any proposition has been made
to this House in regard to suitable accommodations in San Francisco,
and what would be the probable expense of removal to the State, so
that I may vote advisedly.
The SPEAKER--I will state for the information of the gentleman that
the concurrent resolution comes to this body from the Senate who has
had the matter under consideration and have adopted this resolution
as the result of their deliberation. We are bound to suppose that
the Senate has had the matter under consideration, but we are only
informed of the result of their action. The effect of the previous
question is to terminate debate.
Mr. DUDLEY of Solano--I wish to explain my vote. I do not deem it
right for any majority however large it may be, to apply a gag in
this manner to the opponents of a measure. For that reason I vote no.
Mr. SAUL--I would like to explain my vote. I think sir, that to
suppress free discussion at this time, in a matter of so much
importance, is an act of outrageous tyranny. I vote no.
Mr. WARWICK--Inasmuch as I am anxious to hear all the views of all
the members on this question of so much importance to our constituents,
I shall vote no.
The result of the vote was--ayes 31, noes 42. So the previous question
was not sustained.
The question was stated on concurring in the Senate resolution.
Mr. BELL--Mr. Speaker----
The SPEAKER--Will the gentleman give way for an instant? The question
before the House being of the nature it is, I shall vacate the chair,
and call Mr O'Brien to it.
Mr. O'BRIEN took the chair.
Mr. BELL--I do not believe there is a single gentleman belonging to
the honorable Senate which passed this resolution, nor yet a single
gentleman who hears me upon this floor, whose feelings are more in
favor of the passage of that resolution than are my own. But,
Mr. Speaker, the feelings of legislators should have very little
to do with the action of legislative bodies. We are here but for
a single purpose, always and upon all occasions whatsoever, outside
of the pressure there may be one way or the other, and that is simply
to do right. Now, I humbly conceive that under all the circumstances
of the case it would be difficult to conceive of a greater wrong
than would be done by adjourning this Legislature to San Francisco.
As to the legal question involved, the Hon. Speaker and myself, when
we heard of the previous calamity which had befallen this city,
examined the law, and we found a decision of Chief Justice Murray,
in a celebrated case which involved the seat of government as between
Sau Jose and other places. I sent for the volume containing the
decision half an hour ago, and expect to receive it in a few moments.
If I am not incorrect, this is substantially his decision--that
the Legislature of the State of California may elect to assemble in
any place it chooses in this State and pass laws, but that those laws
will be void unless the whole Capital goes with the Legislature, and
every officer thereof. He says that the place where a law is passed
is just as essential as that the law should go through all the
legislative forms and receive the proper signatures to make a valid
law in this State. If the Senate had this morning in its wisdom
passed an Act enacting that the seat of government should be
transferred to San Francisco, and we had likewise agreed to that
Act, and then it had received the signature of Leland Stanford,
the Governor of this State, then we could have gone there with the
Governor, Controller, Secretary of State, the Treasurer and treasury,
and gone on to pass laws; but they have not done so, and according
to this decision, which is the law, this resolution would not make
our legislation valid. The Legislature cannot pass a valid Act except
in the city of Sacramento, while Sacramento remains the Capital of
this State, and the Capital can only be removed by a law. Now, suppose
the law were different, and that we could adjourn to San Francisco;
I confess it would be delightful to me to go to my inn over in Oakland,
and have Mrs. Bell and the little Bells, the whole chime of them ringing
around in my ears. It would be delightful to go to San Francisco, that
beautiful city, to which the gentleman from Sacramento [Mr. Warwick]
did not pay too high eulogy when, with that kind of eloquence that
stirs the blood, he described its commercial glory. But imagine the
result when we adjourn from this place and it goes abroad on the wings
of the newspapers to the Atlantic States and to Europe, that this whole
valley of Sacramento, that shames the boasted fertility of the Nile,
has become uninhabitable. If we do this, we knock out of our treasury
thousands of golden ingots. When this City of the Plains, built of
brick and mortar, but now like ancient Venice, was founded in the
early days, the founders neglected, perhaps, like the ancients, to
sacrifice to the gods of the winds and the floods and the internal
forces, to Pluvius, Aquarius and Saturn, and all the gods of the
rivers and the fields; and so in consequence of that neglect all
those powers have risen upon them. But look through the windows of
these cozy habitations. Look through these streets, navigable now
for the Chrysopolis it may be, and yet we legislators have assembled
here dry shod, assembled like the anclent Doges of Venice in their
gondolas when she was mistress of the seas. I think we should stand
a little inconvenience in passing about town for a few days. Are the
law makers going to desert the city in the hour of its tribulation,
and so proclaim that the great valley of the Sacramento and the San
Joaquin, all this mighty reservoir of the Pacific coast has become
uninhabitable? No sir. Though we intend to be econonical, yet it would
be considered sound economy in this Legislature to appriate $500,000
this day to make this city rise above flood and fire, and all the
vengeance of the gods of the elements, in order, if necessary, to
establish the point that this valley is habitable, and that it is
the great harvest field of the western shore of this continent. There
could be no greater calamity befall this State today than to pass
this resolution. It would be pleasant to me to go to San Francisco,
and ride in carriages in dry streets it may be, and more so to go to
the evergreen oaks of the city of Oakland; but for the greetings of
empire, and the rule of California, and not for the personal
convenience of members of this or any other branch of the governnmen,
we are bound to stand by the right, and the interests of our state,
and to stand by the city clean up to our chins if necessary, like
the daring fellows that stood outside of Noah's ark, and could not
get a passage. Why, I do not see but that the gentlemen of the Assembly
are this morning very handsomely and pleasantly
provided for. They had an extra sail [?] this morning that they did
not contract for, certainly much more pleasant than walking in the
mud of the last few days. I ask you if it would look well in us,
just by resolution to lift our carpet sacks and depart for San
Francisco? What is to become of the inhabitants we leave behind
us in loneliness and desertion? Can they take boats and move away
all the millions they have put here? Can the poor mechanic move his
cabin, now scarcely above the flood, by its roof tile? Can all these
poor, flooded, forsaken, starving hundreds, living beyond the boundaries
of this and other places, be moved away? No; let it be our province
to visit them--to look into this hospital and help to bear these
burdens. Burdens! What burdens? Our feet are dry. We have had our
clean shirts and our breakfasts, and there is food and rooms and
good beds for all of us, and yet we would leave the poor mechanics,
and drowned out men, women and children to their fate. Let us rather
put our arms about and sustain them. Once or twice upon a time I
have been in favor of the removal of the Capital, and pressed the
claims of the little town of Oakland, the Paradise of the world,
but that was when Sacramento was in a condition to meet and defy
the whole powers of the State. But why have there been men so
misbegotten of benevolence as when these poor creatures are down
in the mud and water they would give them the last kick from the
stern of their boat as they went off, leaving them to drown for
aught they cared. No, let us rather pluck the drowning men by the
locks and endeavor to resuscitate them. I live very near the place
where it is propessd to assemble the Legislature, and I have a right
to express myself in favor of this city. I owe it no particular love,
for I remember when I supported the passage of a bridge bill here,
and these very men now listening to me, with pleasure I hope, came
down upon me for it like the storms of day before yesterday, though
now, doubtless, they would be glad to bridge every street in the city.
There are but one or two objections to this city remaining the Capital.
After this flood shall be pssed away, we shall go and look at the
foundations of the Capitol, and employ men skilful in boring through
geological strata to learn the nature of the mud and the quicksands
and then we shall decide whther or not it is possible within this
area of three miles to raise a dome that shall grace the plains,
and beneath which our successors shall assemble. If we cannot find
a suitable spot here, then I shall be in favor of the removal of the
Capital, but until I find there is no posslbility of protecting us
against the calamity of the destruction of the State's property, I
intend to stand by this city, and more than ever it is my nature to
stand by it in the hour of its calamity. She needs friends, as you
and I need friends when we are down in the mud and our enemies giving
us the last blow. Let the inhabitants prove to us--and they can now
if ever--that they are able to fence in their city against the floods,
and furnish a good foundation in which to lay the adamant of the Capitol,
and I shall stand by Sacramento to the end, and certainly in this hour
of her trial forever. This is my position. My feelings are all with
this resolution, but it gives me intense pleasure, under these adverse
circumstances, with floods above and floods beneath, and all the
pressure of the elements around this wise Legislature, to be able to
vote upon the pure, abstract, unadulterated question of right. Let
the right prevail, Mr. Speaker, though the heavens should fall with
tenfold more abundance than they have the past week.
Mr. FAY--When the storm howls, keep cool. I rise here proclaiming
thst I am a friend of Sacramento, even with all the eloquence of
the gentleman from Sacramento (Mr. Warwick), and from Alameda
(Mr. Bell ), ringing in my ears. There is more of eloquence than
of wisdom to the remarks of both the gentlemen. I tell you that if
the people of Sacramento desired to have the Capital remain permanently
here they ought to have come into this House by their delegation and
voluntarily introduced a resolution of this character. This fuss, this
eloquence, this stir of individuals to induce the Representatives of
California to her Legislature to remain here under the present
circumstances is absolutely detrimental to the final settlement of
the Capital here. I have heard it from eminent gentlemen of this city,
who, as friends of Sacramento, go for removal. My friend from Alameda
says we cannot pass laws there. I am no lawyer, but I claim a share
of common sense. Now suppose this city were all covered with water and
no spot were left to stand upon. Would we be obliged to sit here and
legislate? Common sense forbids it, and if such is the law then let
the law be repealed. The gentleman from Sacramento seems to think that
the purpose of this temporary removal or adjournment is the removal of
the Capital permanently. I do not think that is a legitimate argument,
and I think no one has a right to bring the matter of the permanent
removal of the Capital into this debate. Why? because the question was
not agitated at the time we were elected. But we have a right to adjourn
temporarily to a place where our business can be done with economy and
dispatch, and with reference to the health of members; and hereafter if
it is made an issue in the election of members, the question of the
removal of the Capital may be decided in accordance with the wish of
the people. That is my position, and I repeat that I am acting as a
friend of Sacramento.
Mr. TEEGARDEN moved to amend the resolution by striking out San
Francisco and inserting Marysville. Mr. Love inqulred if Marysville
was not in the same condition as Sacramento.
Mr. TEEGARDEN said there was a safe and comfortable building in
Marysville, large enough to accommodate the Legislature. He referred
to the State Reform School house, which was located in a dry spot
for these times, surrounded by trees, etc.
Mr. AMES said he had been in Sacramento when it was all under water,
and he knew what the waters were in Sacramento. But that had nothing
to do with his motion for the previous question some time since.
He wanted that carried, because they had so much water that there
was no necessity for superfluous gas.
Mr. WATSON moved a call of the House. Lost.
Mr. BELL read a decision of Chief Justice Murray--5th Cal., page 28--in
the case of The people vs. Bigler, as follows:
"I hold that the place is an essential ingredient to correct legislation;
as much so as it is to a proper administration of justice. And if a
decision" [in the Courts that is to say] "would be coram non judice,
because the Court was not holden at the place appointed by law, by a
parity of reasoning the acts of a legislative body, done at any other
than the appointed place by law, must be equally void."
Mr. BENTON--I offer the following resolution as a substitute:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, that this
Legislature adjourn until Monday, the 20th inst, to meet at the
Capital of the State.
Mr. AMES--I raise a question of order--that no resolution, motion or
substitute is in order while the Senate resolution is before the
House.
The SPEAKER pro tem. (Mr. O'Brien)--I overrule the point of order,
and entertain it as a substitute.
Mr. BENTON--This question naturally divides itself into three parts.
The first is the convenience of the members as against the general
interests of the State. Which shall yield, depends upon imperative
necessity. The gentleman from Nevada tells me he is an old pioneer,
has seen hardships in the West and in the wars, and can live here
very well but how would it be in San Francisco, with houses swept
away, water ten feet deep in cellars, and streets filled with sand,
and all that? But as inconvenient as it may be to remain here, would
it not be better for us to make a little sacrifice for the sake of
the people. Take the expenses, for instance. The Governor tells us
in his Message, that the Legislature of last year spent the enormous
sum of $237,000, besides the translation and publishing of documents,
which would be $48,000 more. Now if we move to San Francisco $400,000
will not cover the expense of this Legislature, will it be well to
face the people with that next year? There is another question which
I will only suggest--the question of magnanimity. That was sufficiently
touched upon by my colleague (Mr. Warwick) and the gentleman from
Alameda (Mr. Bell). Providence has sent a calamity upon us here and.
all over the State, and but we can bear it, especially when all the
country is afflicted more or less in the same manner. Now shall we
be a little unmanly, considerable ungenerous, and not at all
magnanimous, in this exigency? I put it to gentlemen who desire
their own personal convenience, whether it is not better to remain
when certainly it would be a great inconvenience to the Legislature
to remove it? Which shall be done? I think magnanimous, self sacrifice
and economy demand that we should adjourn temporarily until the water
subsides, and then meet again where we are.
Mr. WATSON moved to adjourn until Wednesday. Lost.
Mr. FAY said the impression had been thrown out that it would cost
$400,000 to remove this Legislature, but he would take the contract
to remove it for $20,000. and give bonds to fulfill the contract.
Mr. BARTON of Sacramento presented an estimate of the probable cost
of removal, based upon the removal from Benicia, which cost $125,000.
The removal of the library would require sixty days (and that was
indispensable to the Legislature), and would cost $50,000 or $60,000.
There would also be an expense of probably as much more for
telegraphing and expressage, provided the telegraph lines remained
open so as to enable the Legislature to communicate with the Governor
and other departments. The session would be lengthened at least
twenty days, which would cost $36,000 besides extra mileage, etc.
Mr. SEARS said no one regretted more than he the necessity for
adjourning from Sacramento, but these unfortunate floods had
demonstrated to his mind that Sacramento was not a safe place.
They had already had three floods here and might have perhaps a
dozen more before the wet season was over. He came here to economize,
and to aid in making this a short session, and in order to do so
he thought it was necessary to go where they could dispatch their
business with safety.
Mr. SHANON said he, too, was a friend of Sacramento. He was in the
Legislature which located the Capital here, and appropriated $500,000
to commence the erection of the Capitol building. . Yet he was in
favor of the resolution, not with a view to the permanent removal
of the Capital, but for the purpose of expediting the legislative
business. [Applause.] He believed that at least two-thirds of the
members were opposed to removing the Capital [applause], but they
realized the fact that the water was then three or four feet deep
in all the business streets and still rising. In consequence of
the backwater below, no one could predict when the water would
subside. It might be from one to five feet deep for the next thirty
days. Did any reasonable man expect, under such circumstances, that
the Legislature would float about upon this water and hover around
in upper stories and garrets of hotels, with a limited supply of the
necessaries of life? Was it to be supposed that the people of this
city would insist upon their living in an inundated city merely
because it might militate for the time being against this city in
relation to the Capital question? It did not follow because of
temporary removal, that they would be compelled to locate the
Capital permanently elsewhere. But it was for the purpose of
temporary expedience and the dispatch of business. This resolution
proposed merely to remove the members of the Legislature and the
furniture necessary for them when they reassembled elsewhere. It
was not proposed to removy [sic] the State library or any other
State department. Thee [sic] must necessarily remain here, and the
cost of removing members and the necessary furniture would not
exceed $2,000. There had been an inquiry in relation to
accommodations at San Francisco.. He (Mr. Shannon) was informed
that a very fine home had been tendered to the Legislature gratis,
and that they could obtain the United States Court rooms in San
Francisco for $5,000 or $6,000 a year, a less price than they
were paying for this building. In voting for this resolution he
wanted it distinctly understood that he was in favor of having
the Capital remain permanently in Sacramento, provided the people
of Sacramento would guarantee to protect it against future overflows.
Mr. WARWICK said, for the information of the gentleman who desired
to go to San Francisco for personal convenience, he read a few words
from the San Francisco Bulletin of Friday evening. Mr. W. then
read from that paper the account of the late disastrous flood in that
city, and said if they were going to remove at all he would suggest
that they should remove to some safer place.
Mr. HOAG said this discussion had taken a wide scope, from the
mountains to the plains, and from the ocean to the foot hills in
the distance. He lived just
across the river, in the town of Washington, Yolo county, and had
resided in that spot ever since 1849, when he first arrived in the
State. He had seen all the various floods and other misfortunes
which had come upon the city and surrounding country, and could
therefore speak from his own observation. In January, 1850, a
flood swept through the city which he thought was equal to the
present one. It was so deep that in stores in J street it covered
the tops of pork barrels standing upon end. That flood lasted only
about ten days, when the water subsided. In 1852-53, another flood
occurred and lasted a much longer time, and all its recollection
remained in the memory of the people down to this time. Since that
time there occurred no flood of any moment until last December--a
period of nine years. In the meantime the people of California had
considered the question of the location of the Capital at various
times, and had finally settled upon Sacramento as the permanent
location. He believed it was impossible to remove the Legislature
without also removing the Capital, which would be against the will
of the people. If they passed laws at San Francisco or elsewhere,
they would probably be pronounced void by the Supreme Court. Besides
the material interests of the State, they had important questions of
national importance which they could not legitimately act upon
elsewhere than at the Capital. That consideration alone might so
end this matter. He believed the water would subside in less time
than ten days. He insisted that it would be necessary to take the
State Library, because it contained facts and information necessary
in the business of legislation which it would be impossible for
members to carry in their heads. He referred, also, to the great
expense of telegraphing and expressing which would be involved and
the delay that would be frequently occasioned by disarrangement of
the wires. This flood came from the American river, and emptied into
the Sacramento at a point some eight miles down, and within three
days after the American began to fall he did not doubt the water
would be as low in the city as when the Legislature first assembled.
The Sacramento might remain as high as at present, but it would do
no damage.
A MEMBER said the Sacramento had risen two and a half inches since
the Legislature met to-day, and the probability was that it would
continue to rise for some time.
Mr. HOAG replied that the Sacramento would give no trouble unless
it rose much higher than ever before. San Francisco was reported
to be in as bad a condition as Sacramento, so that but little could
be gained by going there. The next thing after getting there would
be to remove the library; then to pass an Act authorizing the
Governor to remain in San Francisco.
Mr. CUNNARD demanded the previous question, which was seconded, and
the main question ordered to be put by a vote--ayes 48, noes 19.
The question was first taken on Mr. Benton's amendment, adjourning
the Legislature to meet on the 20th at the Capitol. The ayes and
noes were demanded, and resulted as follows:
Ayes--Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Benton, Campbell, Davis, Dean,
Dennis, Dudley of Solano, Eliason, Ferguson, Frasier, Hillyer, Hoag,
Kendall, Machin, McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien, Pemberton, Saul,
Seaton, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Teegarden, Thompson, of Tehama,
Thompson of San Joaquin, Waddell, Warwick, Woodman, Wilcoxon--30.
Noes--Ames, Avery, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown,
Cot, Collins, Cunnard, Dana, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey,
Fay, Griswold, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Lane, Leach, Loewy, Love,
Matthews, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Porter, Printy, Reed,
Reese, Reeve, Sargent, Sears, Shannon, Thornbury, Tilton of San
Francisco, Van Zandt, Watson, Werk, Wright, Yule, Zuck,
Mr. Speaker--46.
So the motion was lost.
The vote was next taken on Mr. Teegarden's amendment to substitute
Marysville for San Francisco in the Senate resolution.
The ayes and noes were demanded, and the amendment was lost--ayes, 9;
noes, 66.
The question recurred upon the adoption of the original Senate resolution.
Messrs. AMES, PRINTY and JACKSON demanded the ayes and noes, and the vote was:
Ayes--Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Cot,
Cunnard, Dana, Dore, Dow, Eagar, Evey, Fay, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson,
Lane, Loewy, Love, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Printy, Reed,
Reese, Reeve, Sargent, Sears, Shannon, Thompson of San Joaquin,
Thornbury, Tilton of San Francisco, Werk, Wright, Mr. Speaker--36.
Noes--Amerige, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Benton, Campbell,
Collins, Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Dudley of Solano,
Eliason, Ferguson, Frasier, Griswold, Hillyer, Hoag, Kendall, Leach,
Machin, Matthews, McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien, Pemberton, Saul,
Seaton, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Teegarden, Thompson of
Tehama, Van Zandt, Waddell, Warwick, Watson, Woodman, Wilcoxon,
Yule, Zuck--40.
So the resolution was lost.
Mr. AVERY, who had changed his vote from aye to no for that purpose,
gave notice that on Monday he would move a reconsideration of the vote
by which the resolution was rejected.
Mr. BENTON moved that the House adjourn.
Mr. FERGUSON moved that when the House adjourn it be to meet on
Tuesday. Lost, on a division--ayes, 32; noes, 35.
Mr. AMES said he hoped the House would not adjourn until they had
passed a bill to pay themselves. He was informed that there were
no funds in the Treasury, but the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund
was available if the House acted immediately. For his part, he was
about broke.
Mr. SHANNON moved to amend the motion to adjourn so as to adjourn
till Wednesday.
Mr. FAY said the San Francisco boat had not gone and would remain
until three o'clock, and stated that he had not yet had his breakfast.
His landlord at the St. George had told him he could give him no
breakfast.
Mr. BELL moved that the House adjourn till Monday. The ayes and noes
were taken on that motion, and it was lost--ayes, 27; noes, 43.
Mr. FAY moved to adjourn till seven o'clock this (Saturday) evening.
Lost--ayes, 27; noes, 40.
Mr. SHANNON offered a concurrent resolution that both Houses
adjourn till Tuesday, January 21st. That, he said, would give time
to ascertain whether the water would leave this city in a habitable
condition, and he was satisfied that the people would support no
measure tending to the removal of the Capital from Sacramento, if
it was possible for the Legislature to transact its business here;
but if at that time the city was still overflowed, no reasonable man
could expect the Legislature to remain during its session.
Mr. BELL said he was in favor of standing at his post in the face
of fire and flood. He had a comfortable sleep last night and a
very creditable breakfast, and he was ready to stand by Sacramento
to the end.
Mr. YULE said the people expected them to do their business and
not waste time in adjourning.
Mr. REED said he thought the majority was unreasonable. All the
streets of Sacramento were at least four feet under water, and if
they would not adjourn to San Francisco, at least let them give
the water time to assuage. They could do no good to the people of
Sacramento by remaining during the flood.
Mr. Watson said if the gentleman was hungry he could supply him with
plenty of sandwiches, and other matters commonly called " grub."
After some irregular discussion the resolution was lost.
Mr. AVERY offered the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be and he is hereby
authorized and directed to hire one or more boats to convey members
to and from the Capitol, and to pay for the same out of the Contingent
Fund of the Assembly. At quarter past three o'clock the House adjourned
to meet at the usual hour on Monday morning.
THE FLOOD IN SAN FRANCISCO AND ELSEWHERE.
The damage by the late flood has been general in the State, so far
as advices have come to us. In our large cities it is a question of
relative loss only. The inundation has visited all, either directly
or indirectly; and while Sacramento may have had more than her share
of the inundating element, other cities and towns have not escaped
injury from a similar misfortune. We briefly refer to the accounts
that have reached us:
SAN FRANCISCO.--The Bulletin of January 9th (second edition), says:
The storm of yesterday increased with the day, and without
intermission through the night. At eight o'olock this morning the
rain poured down in sheets. No one "ever knew it to fall so hard
before." From the hills the water rushed down the streets in
torrents, and it became a difficult matter to effect almost any
crossing without being over the ankle in water. The cesspools were
clogged and the sewers rendered useless. Between Montgomery and
Sansome streets an unusual spectacle was presented. Merchant street
was simply the flume for a stream of water about an inch and a half
deep. Commercial and Sansome streets had each two rapid streams, and
Clay street was the bed of a small river with a long island in the
center. The sloping curb stones on both sides of Clay street were
flooded nearly up to the houses, and it is a wonder all the cellars
were not filled with the incoming water. Sansome street was
fortunately provided with lots of escape holes through which the
water passed into the drains. Once they got stopped up by floating
rubbish, and, to clear them, men stood over their knees in the
stream, which covered even the most elevated portions of the
intersection of Sansome and Clay streets, several inches. At
this point we saw three pieces of heavy water-soaked two inch
planking floating across. As the cesspol [sic] covers were lifted
the rivers gradually disappeared.
So far as we can ascertain, the damage done by flooding of cellars
is, below Montgomery street, as follows:
H. Dopmann & Co., California street, cordage and miscellaneous stores,
can't estimate damage--perhaps $200. Godchaux Brothers. California
street, lost, in spoiled artificial flowers and other fancy articles,
between $3,000 and $4,000; this is their lowest estimate; it may
amount to as much more, as, until the goods are overhauled, it .is
impossible to tell the amount; their goods were mostly raised on
tables, but the water was five feet deep in their cellars.
Hamburger & Co., next door, had straw goods in their cellar; they
think the damage slight, from $100 to $200. J. Seligman & Co. were
reported heavy losers, but one of the firm assures us that they had
only damage to the extent of $400 or $500 done to their dry goods.
S. Meyer & Bro. had one foot of water in their cellar, which
occasioned damage to the amount of between $500 and $1,000 they
think. Heyneman, Pick & Co. had but $100 damage done to woolen goods.
Jennings, Brewster & Co., on Sansome near Halleck street, had a foot
of water in their dry goods cellar. Knickerbocker Engine, No. 5,
was hard at work pumping out this forenoon. The estimated damage is
between $1,000 and $2.000.
Many bulkheads .of gardens and dooryards fronting on the deep-cut
streets were washed down. The wall in front of Mark Brumagim's
residence, on Mason street, between Jackson and Pacific, and that
of a residence on Powell street, between the same streets, tumbled.
The French College, corner of Jackson and Mason streets, saved
itself by timely barricades.
The roof of a brick building, at the rear of the Metropolitan Theater
fell in from the great weight of water upon it this morning. It was
used as an armory by the Union and Zouave Guards. Loss to Platt, the
owner, between $600 and $700. About one-third of the newly macadamized
portion of Taylor street, from California to Pine, has washed away,
and much of the fine promenade sidewalk has been carried down the bank.
The fenced vacant lots at the back of the Webb cottages, at the corner
of Bush and Taylor streets, are converted into deep reservoirs from
which the water cannot escape through the tight fence. The Mission
Woolen Mills are said to have suffered considerably by the flooding;
but we have not learned the extent of the damage. Some sixty feet of
the railroad embankment, about half way between the Hayes Junction
and the Mission have been washed away by a furious stream collected
from adjacent hills. The rails linked together remain unsupported.
No train can pass. The "Willows" is deeply submerged, we are told,
and about one hundred feet of the highway on this side of it is
covered to a considerable depth. The fields and vegetable and flower
gardens below the line of the Market Street railroad have more or
less been damaged by the hill streams, and many of them are heavily
coated with sand.
The Bulletin, of January 10th, has the following:
Long as was the list of damages by the heavy rains, published in
yesterday's issue, we have more to add:
Bush street is in a pretty pickle. A heavy stream is rashing [sic] down
the hill, turning off along Montgomery and into Pine street. At the
intersection of Bush and Kearny the street has badly caved, so that
there is barely room for vehicles to pass along the latter. The sewer
excavation along Bash street, between Montgomery and Kearny, is filled
with sand, and deposits have been formed along the whole street. The
sidewalk opposite the Philadelphia House, next to the Odd Fellows' Hall,
has been undermined; it stands now at an angle of forty degrees. The
basement of Music Hall contained about a foot depth of water yesterday.
Stevenson street has suffered somewhat. A brick house has been
undermined there. Bryant street, particularly between Second and
Third, is badly off. Yesterday morning the basements of residences
in that vicinity were flooded, and breakfasts had to be eaten in
the first floor rooms. South Park was all more or less inundated,
and the spectacle there to-day is by no means an agreeable one. Third
street from Brannan to Silver is what may aptly be termed a "wreck."
Sewers have caved in, and big holes yawn with frightful frequency
before the traveler. At the junction of Second and Mission streets
the sewer has fallen in, leaving a large round gap of some twelve
feet in diameter. At Rincon Point, near the Marine Hospital, a row
of five new wooden two story houses have been wrecked by the
undermining waters. Other houses (mostly small ones) have suffered
more or less in this quarter. A deep lake has formed near Folsom
street wharf. There must be suffering among poor families in that
neighborhood. The brick garden wall at the northwest corner of
Second and Harrison streets has fallen, and the garden land has
slid down with its support. This was formerly Brewster's, now
Sather's property. The south wall of General Halleck's property
on Folsom street, from the corner of Second to Hawthorn street, has
also much of it fallen down, and the remainder looks likely to
follow suit. Brannan street was flooded. So was Woodward's fine
garden near the Mission; and other places in that vicinity, as we
stated yesterday, were much damaged. California, Pine, Commercial,
Sacramento, Clay, and in fact all the streets running from the hills
toward the Bay, have been more or less rutted by torrents rushing
down. On portions of Post street the water stood high in basements
of houses. So too on Ellis street. The fronts of two recently
erected buildings on Folsom street fell down. The gardens on this
and Howard street are much injured. On all sides of the hills the
cottage and gardens have suffered considerably. A large lake has
formed in the back part of the Catholic Cemetery, and the road thence
to Lone Mountain is in a shocking condition. Bush street all the way
in is badly cut up. Kearny street was so full of water that the City
Prison floor was covered several inches. The sewer-hole gratings were
taken up and the water quickly drained off. So with those in other
streets. In nearly all the cobbled streets are holes of greater or
less depth formed by the sinking of the pavement; at crossings this
is particularly noticeable; the Street Superintendent will have his
hands full in repairing damages. Most of the net-works of newly
filled-in streets about North Beach maintain their integrity and
the great square lakes are confined harmlessly within their solid
barricades. Still some of the embankments have been badly washed,
which, though bad for the city, is good for the owners of sunken lots.
The injury done by yesterday's rain to railroad, gardens, cellared
goods, houses and streets, must amount to at least $50,000, yet it
is so distributed that most of those who suffer will feel it little.
The sewered parts of the city met most of their damage by the
covering of the cesspool gratings by sand and dirt at the beginning
of the heavy fall early yesterday. So soon as the peril was discovered
the gratings were lifted and the damage averted. In the unsewered
parts the water of course had its own way.
The rain has washed about "an acre" of sand into the southern division
of the lower water reservoir, corner of Hyde and Greenwich streets.
The flume, too, which runs along the beach, has been considerably
damaged in forty or fifty places on this and the other side of the
Fort, by the heavy rocks tumbling down upon and smashing it. About
one hundred men have been hard at work for the last day or so repairing
the breaches as fast as made, but as the storm shows no signs of
letting up, their labors are remitted. In two days after the abatement
of the storm, everything will be in first rate order again, the flume
reconstructed and the reservoir cleared out. The Water Company has
been damaged to an extent of between $4,000 and $5,000.
STOCKTON.--The Independent of January 10th says:
The stage for Sonora. which left this city yesterday morning with
several passengers and a large quantity of mail and express matter,
returned, being unable to proceed in consequence of the high water
in the sloughs. It went oat as far as the Four Mile House, but was
compelled to turn back, or run the risk of drowning the horses in
the attempt to swim the slough at that place.
A telegraphic dispatch dated Stockton, Jan. 10th, Friday--9 p.m., says:
The rain which has been falling steadily for two days past, brought
down a heavy body of water which entered the city and overflowed
the streets last night about twelve o'clock. At six o'clock this
morning the water was at its hight. The water was in several stores
to the depth of from two to ten inches on Main, Eldorado, Centre
and Levee streets. All the foot and wagon bridges but one, connecting
the northern and southern portions of the city, have been swept away;
also, the bridge over Mormon Slough, on the roads leading to French
Camp and Sonora. The water has now fallen several inches, and is
still subsiding. The principal damage sustained falls on the city
and country in the loss of bridges.
The Bulletin of January 11th has the annexed correspondence
from Stockton, under date of January 10th:
Stockton is all under water again--only this time a little more so
than ever before since its settlement. This morning about three
o'clock a friend came to my room with the cheering news that the
water was within about one inch of our door-sill, and roaring like
a torrent through all of our highest streets. It took me but a
moment to jump into my long boots, and sure enough, as we entered
the street, the rushing and splashing told the whole story in a
moment. Before reaching the opposite sidewalk we waded through about
eighteen inches of water on Main street, at intersection with Centre
street, and going along the sidewalk towards the levee, we were
overtaken by boxes, planks, boards and other floating material,
until we reached Fisher's stage oflice, where the Italian who keeps
coffee, tea and cakes "at all hours" was sitting on the top of his
counter selling whisky, coffee, etc., to poor wetlooking customers
standing up to their thighs in water before the Italian's counter.
In all the houses on the levee, principally restaurants, the chairs
were piled up on the tables, and two feet of water over the floors.
Our own store, luckily about the highest place in the city, was still
two inches above the surface; but the current swept by it with such
force, and the streets on each side wore the appearance of rivers
so much, that I feared another rise, and worked away like a good
fellow, piling away the goods as high as possible from the floor.
After a while the clerk came along, dripping wet two feet up on his
legs, saying that it was well enough for those who had long India
rubber boots, but rather damp for a fellow with understandings not
above his knees. At five o'clock (two hours later) I took a tramp
to the Court House, and found it in a miniature lake of water,
breaking over Weber avenue, and rushing under and over the Hunter
street bridge, with the noise of a mountain ravine after a severe
rain storm. In Judge Brown's office, in the National Saloon, and
all along Main street, as far as I dared to wade in the dark water,
was from twelve to twenty-four inches over the sidewalk, and
correspondingly high in the streets. In front of the stage offices
the water was and is two feet deep; in front of the Independent
office a Whitehall boat is made fast. Near and all around the new
Catholic church there is from two to four feet of water. In fact
there are
very few places where there is no water. The Weber House is perfectly
dry, so far.
This overflow must be very destructive to all kinds
of stock, as even in town here I have seen droves of hogs swimming
in the streets, and probably carried down the slough to the nearest
land at the foot of Mount Diablo or somewhere in that neighborhood.
There will be no loss of life, luckily, as there are plenty of boats
in the streets in case of accident. There is no want of provisions
of any kind, and whatever suffering there may be among individuals
or families does not require the least outside aid, as in case of
necessity our own citizens would speedily come to the rescue. It is
now three o'clock P M., and the water has fallen about four inches
since four o'clock this morning, when it was at its highest. As it
is still raining, however, and the wind due south, we may not have
seen the end of it yet.
SAN JOSE--A dispatch from Street, the telegraph man, dated at San
Jose, January 10th, 9 A. M., is as follows:
All parties say it is madness for us to attempt crossing Coyote
creek and the streams beyond. We cannot return to San Francisco.
The planking of the bridge across the Guadalupe creek is now being
torn off to save the bridge. We start in a few minutes to Coyote
to do the best we can.
PETALUMA.--The Alta of December 11th has the annexed:
The steamer Petaluma could not reach the city on Friday on account
of the rough weather and high wind. She reached this city this
morning, and her officers report that the bridges of the various
sloughs in the vicinity of Petaluma have been carried off by the
flood. The bridges to the paper mill have also been washed and
travel in general impeded by the condition of the roads.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3368, 14 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
MONDAY, January 13, 1862.
The Lieutenant Governor called the Senate to order at eleven o'clock. All the members answered to the roll call except Messrs. Thomas, Watt and half a dozen others who obtained leave of absence. . . .
RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS.
Mr. PORTER (on leave) introduced a bill without notice, entitled an
Act for the relief of sufferers by the present flood in Sacramento and
its vicinity. The first section appropriates $20,000 out of the General
Fund in the Treasury, to be placed at the disposition of the Howard
Benevolent Society. The second authorizes the Controller to draw his
warrant on the Treasurer and the third provides for taking immediate
effect.
Mr. PORTER--I move the bill be considered engrossed, read for the third
time, and put upon its passage.
Mr. HEACOCK--I hope not. Although I know personally that there is a
large amount of suffering in this city at this time, I apprehend that
through the generosity of our own town, and especially of the people
of San Francisco, to whom the people of Sacramento owe all that the
heart can feel and language express we need not call for the aid of
the State to these trying times.
Mr. PORTER--I will state that yesterday I visited different places
in this city and among others Agricultural Hall, and I there conversed
with members of the Howard Benevolent Association relative to the
number of sufferers under their charge, and that have applied to
them for relief. They told me they had then nearly 600 people who
were entirely destitute, and that there were a larger number above
here on the American river, in a house into which the river was
coming; that there were a number on the steamer Antelope, and that
applicants were rapidly increasing, as this entire country had been
overflowed. They were all applying to them for aid; the Society had
only $2,500 in the treasury, which would last but a very short time.
I based my calculation on an aggregate of a thousand people, at one
dollar a day per head, which would last for sixteen days.
I think that is more than necessary to feed them, but, Mr. President,
they are in a destitute condition. It is a pitiful sight to witness
these unfortunate people. I saw many of them sick and entirely
destitute. I saw them come there half starved, and one or two
crackers dispensed to them at a time. They need immediate relief.
I take occasion here to state that the example of the Howard
Benevolent Association is worthy of imitation. They have done all
they can. I know that my constituency will uphold me in providing
immediately for the wants of these people.
Mr. LEWIS--I shall vote for the bill to take its regular course upon
this ground: I know I would reflect the sentiments of Calaveras county
lf I were to vote for ten, twenty, or fifty thousand dollars; but I
do not like that bill. When I vote relief for sufferers I want a
pro rata distribution. The money may go to some who are not needy,
and who do not deserve it. If the Senator will offer a bill providing
that the money shall be placed in the hands of a Committee, I will
vote for it. Otherwise I hope the Senator will allow the bill to
take its regular course.
Mr. HEACOCK--I would state that the boats that come up from San
Francisco last night, brought up to the sufferers of our county--for
they are not all confined to the city of Sacramento--some $125 worth
of clothing and $2,000 in money. The boat that will come up this
evening will bring fifteen to twenty tons for the relief of the
sufferers. If they are themselves true to the kindness and noble
generosity of the people of San Francisco, our people cannot, at
the present moment, be in such great need.
Mr. BURNELL--The bill has been read the first and second time. It
contemplates what naturally commends itself to everybody, the
sufferers having come here from various parts, including Marysville
and Stockton. But it cannot have its third reading if there is any
objection. I move it be referred to its appropriate Committee.
Mr. NIXON--With reference to the person who offered the bill, as a
citizen of Sacramento, I feel towards him as a brother, who would come
to our assistance in the time of our distress. But I know that there
is no part of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys exempt from the
same distress, and I could not, as a member of this body, ask for an
appropriation for the citizens of Sacramento alone. I therefore hope
it will take its regular course.
Mr. BANKS--l do not feel that it is proper for the Senate to act upon
this matter at this time. I have uniformly been opposed to the
appropriation of money from the State Treasury to supply wants that
can be supplled without resorting to that means. I think the
charitable feeling of the people of this State has already been
sufficiently indicated to show that this appropriation at this time
is not required. Boat loads of provisions have already been sent,
accomplishing the end designed by the bill. Scores of tons of
provisions will yet be sent to this
point for the same purpose. I therefore hope we will leave this
matter where it properly belongs, to the spontaneous charity of the
people of the State. When it becomes obvious that end will not be
accomplished otherwise, then I will vote for the appropriation.
Mr. PORTER--I must confess I was moved by the squalid appearances at
Agricultural Hall, which contrasted with the gay scenes in the streets.
I shall second the motion to go before the Committee.
Mr. BURNELL--I would suggest the matter be referred to the Sacramento
delegation. The bill was referred to the Sacramento members. . . .
A RECESS.
Mr. GALLAGHER moved that the Senate now take a recess of one bour.
Mr. BANKS demanded if there was any business to be done it should be
brought forward; if not let the Senate adjourn.
Mr. CRANE said the House was considering the resolution of Saturday.
If they passed it the Senate should be ready to concur.
Mr. LEWIS said he understood that in the Assembly Chamber they were full
of wind and talking against time.
The motion was carried.
In half an hour the Lieutenant Governor called the Senate to order.
On motion of Mr VANDYKE another recess was taken for one hour.
At the end of that time another recess was taken.
Finally the action awaited transpired and the Senate reassembled.
Mr. SHURTLIFF asked leave of absence for Mr. Perkins. No objection was made.
PROPOSED ADJOURNMENT FOR ONE WEEK.
Mr. BURNELL moved the following:
Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That when the
Legislature adjourns, it do adjourn until Tuesday the 21st instant.
Mr. VAN DYKE--As the friend of Sacramento, which I have been from
the beginning, on the Capital question, and the temporary adjournment
to another place, which I considered advisable, having failed, I now
hope we shall adjourn so as to give the citizens an opportunity: to
make the streets passable. I insert Tuesday instead of Monday, because
it is well known that a great many will leave at once for San Francisco.
The boat will come up on Monday, and the Legislature will then be able
to transact business the next day.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN--I feel myself obliged to oppose the resolution.
If Sacramento is a fit place to sit in this season, no better time
will come to perform the business of the session than now. All who
have lived long in California know that we have the early and latter
rains. I believe I should be as able to transact business now as a
week ahead, if I have to shin down awning poles, as the gentleman
from Yuba said he had been obliged to do. These things trouble me
very little. I can wade through mud and swim through water, if
necessary, and am not at all dismayed by the circumstances that
surround us. I do not believe in going away a week, on a pleasure
excursion to San Francisco, or anywhere else. The State will have
to pay us, and I think we sbould transact what we are here for.
If the citizens of this .place can stay here, we can stay here.
This state of things will be one reason for a short session. We
will try to get away as soon as possible.
Mr. GASKELL--I am a friend of Sacramento, but unlike the gentleman
from Humboldt, I oppose the resolution because I am a friend of
Sacramento. They have decided that Sacramento is the place for the
Legislature to meet, and like the gentleman from San Joaquin, I am
ready to float, wade, or do anything. I am opposed to adjourning
for one week and spending $15,000, and publish to the world that
Sacramento is not the place where we can meet now. We have assurance
that at the expiration of that time things will be different, and
every hour that I am floating in this city I am afraid of my life.
If I am to be killed I would as soon have it first as last . Let
us go through with it.
Mr. GALLAGHER--l would quote the words of Story--"Death never comes
too soon in the defense of the liberties of one's country." .
A MEMBER--Story is played out!
Mr. BAKER--I think it well to adjourn for a week, so that citizens
may construct walks and give us opportunities to do the business of
Committees. The adjournment would not cost half as much as the removal;
and I would say, for my experience of ten years in California, I have
invariably found that from the 1st of January to the middle of March
we have dry weather. We have our principal rains from Christmas to
New Year, and then we have dry weather immediately afterwards. It
is not likely that this city will be inundated again. I regret
the disposition on the part of Senators, because they cannot carry
their point (I voted with them), to endeavor to annoy us as much
as possible on account of these inconveniences. I do hope Senators
will act a little coolly and vote for the adjournment to the 21st instant.
Mr. NIXON--With permission I will read a paragraph for the benefit of
the Senator from Butte, who seems to be afraid of his life, to order
to post him about San Francisco. [Mr. M. read an extract from the
Sacramento Bee of yesterday.]
Mr. GASKELL--I move to dispense with the reading. [Laughter]
Mr. PORTER--I rise to a question of information. How many houses
have floated off here?
Mr. CRANE--I am opposed to adjournment. They say it may stop raining;
I want to stay here while the water is on the ground, while the dead
hogs, dogs and other animals have something to cover them up. If ten
days now expire, it will throw us forward so that this old cow out
here will give out her odor. [Laughter.] I want to get through with
my legislation before that. The proposition is nothing more nor less
than to spend $10,000 without any return to the State. Either this
is a proper or an improper
place; the majority of the Senate thought it was an improper place,
but the House by their superior wisdom have determined that this is a
very proper place to hold the Legislature of California. Now we are
attempting to rebel against that decree, by the resolution to adjourn.
I shall be governed by the majority. There is not the remotest human
probability that in ten days we shall find it pleasanter than now.
Almost every one of you will go to San Francisco, including those who
voted not to go, and will have a pleasant little ride at the expense
of the State.
SEVERAL MEMBERS--Oh no! That wouldn't do.
Mr. CRANE--Why not? I can stay in Sacramento now just as well as any
other time. Let us have a short session--run it through in thirty or
forty days, close up our business and go home.
Mr. HARVEY--It occurs to me.that the remarks of Senators in consequence
of this measure having been defeated in the other House, are very
ill-timed--this attempt to get up a very glowing account of the
tribulations and trials that Sacramento has been ccmpelled to go
through. We are the agents of the State; it will certainly not cost
anything like the amount to stay that it will to go away from the
Capital; it is like comparing $5,000 to $75,000. Nobody is responsible
for this inconvenience, and we are all compelled to submit. I hope
the resolution to adjourn will obtain. I was going to amend by
inserting two weeks, because there are many among us who have property
in jeopardy, like that of San Francisco. Leave has been given to
members to go home and see to their property. I must say it does not
come in good grace to hold up the misfortunes of this place--to speak
of drowned cattle in the street as one of the reasons for going to
San Francisco.
Mr. BANKS--It is well known, by those conversant with legislative
matters that, practically, one or two weeks of every session is
consumed by large Committees going off to visit the State Hospital,
State Prison, etc. Why not bring the question down to a practical
bearing by adjourning for one week, during which time these Special
Committees shall discharge their traveling duties.
Mr. DE LONG--I was going to suggest the same thing, but the State
Prison Committee has not been formed.
Mr. BANKS--I think that difficulty can easily be got over by the
prompt action which our President can take on the subject. There
would be no real time lost to the State.
Mr. VAN DYKE--My object in moving the resolution was founded upon
this fact, which is generally, I may say universally admitted, that
for the present we may consider it impracticable to transact business
here properly. Even a representative of Sacramento moved to adjourn,
by his amendment, to the 20th inst. But if we remain here we accomplish
nothing. My opinion is that by the adjournment we accomplish just as
much as by remaining here while we are unable to leave our hotels. I am
in hopes that if the weather is not too stormy the citizens will be able
to construct walks. I think it is an act of prudence to adjourn.
Mr. WARMCASTLE moved to adjourn until eleven o'clock to-morrow. Lost.
A MEMBER--We can pass our resolution to adjourn till the 21st, and
the House will concur in it.
The resolution was carried--ayes 19, noes 10.
Mr. GASKELL--I understand the concurrent resolution will have no effect
until it passes the other House.
Mr. IRWIN--It will have no effect.
Mr. HARVEY--I desire to suggest that Senators will probably have no
business to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. IRWIN the Senate adjourned till tomorrow at eleven o'clock.
ASSEMBLY
MONDAY, Jan. 13, 1862.
The Assembly was called to order at eleven o'clock. On the calling of
the roll, all the members were found to be present except Messrs.
Barton of Sacramento, Barton of San Bernardino, Bigelow, Cot, Morrison,
Reeve, Teegarden, Werk, Wilcoxon and Yale. The Journal of Saturday
was read and approved.
Mr. O'BRIEN asked leave to offer a resolution, and several gentlemen
objecting, he moved to suspend the rule for that purpose.
Mr. AVERY said he hoped that would not be done. It was a usual
practice, but a bad one, tending greatly in the long run to retarding
the business of the House. When that order of business was reached
the gentleman could offer any resolution he chose. The House refused
to suspend the rules, only twenty voting in the affirmative, and the
noes not counted. [Mr. O'Brien's resolution was understood to be a
concurrent resolution adjourning the two Houses till Tuesday,
January 21st.]
Mr. O'BRIEN moved to suspend the rule in order to take up the
concurrent resolution introduced by Mr. Shannon on Saturday,
adjourning the Legislature till Tuesday, January 21, 1862, The
ayes and noes were ordered, and the House refused to take up
the resolution--ayes, 32; noes, 41.
The SPEAKER called Mr. Shannon to the chair.
THE PROPOSED REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE
Mr. AVERY, in pursuance of the notice given by him on Saturday,
moved that the House reconsider the vote by which it refused to
concur in Senate Resolution No 9, adjourning the Legislature to
meet in San Francisco.
Mr. DENNIS moved to lay the motion to reconsider on the table.
Mr. AVERY said he was satisfied that members on Saturday voted
both for and against this resolution without fully understanding
its merits; he hoped, therefore, that no motion would be made to
cut off debate until the question had been discussed sufficiently
to be thoroughly understood.
The motion to lay on the table was lost on a division --ayes 25,
noes 41.
The question was stated on the motion to rconsider [sic] the vote
refusing to adopt the resolution in concurrence.
[see also 17 January p. 1]
Mr. WRIGHT said he should vote to reconsider, because he fully
believed the Legislature had a right to adjourn to San Francisco
or elsewhere. The Constitution provided in Section 15, Article 4,
that neither branch should adjourn over three days without the
assent of the other, nor to any other place without such assent.
It followed from that that both branches consenting, they could
adjourn for a longer time or to another place--any other place
which they might see fit to determine upon. Such a rule was a
necessity, because exigencies might arise, whether from foreign
invasion, fire or flood, when it might be impossible for the
Legislature to assemble at the usual place. As an authority upon
that subject he read from "The Law and Practice of Legislative
Assemblies," by L S Cushing, to the effect that if the two
branches agree upon a different time and place of meeting, the
constitutional restriction will not apply. He had read the
decision of Chief Justice Murray, quoted on Saturday by Mr. Bell,
but he saw nothing in that to prevent their adjourning to San
Francisco. The question there decided was as to where was the
Capital of the State, and had no reference whatever to the right
of the Legislature to adjourn. The portion of the decision read
by Mr. Bell was in fact only the individual opinion of the Chief
Justice, and no part of the decision.
Mr. BELL insisted that what he had read was the decision of the
Supreme Court and was now the law of the land.
Mr. WRIGHT said it was apparent that the Legislature could not now
sit in Sacramento, because the streets were inundated, and no one
could tell how long they would remain so. Many of the dwellings here
had al-already [sic] been swept away, and others were--among them some
magnificent mansions--crumbling, ready to fall. It was a question of
self-preservation, and he thought it was their duty to leave a city,
as many of its inhabitants were doing, to seek refuge elsewhere. Was
the Legislature to be crushed down and compelled to remain in this
deserted city? It was impossible for the committees to do their work
here, and if the Legislature should adjourn over for two or three
weeks it would be an expense to the State of $10,000 or $20,000,
and no certainty that the city would not be flooded when they
reassembled. It would not cost more than $25,000 to move the
Legislature with all its necessary appendages to San Francisco,
and he should vote for it as a measre [sic] of economy.
Mr. BARSTOW (the Speaker) said he rose for a personal explanation,
and inquired of the gentleman from Alameda (Mr. Bell) if his remarks
on Saturday were reported correctly in the UNION of this morning.
Mr. BELL replied that he had not yet had the pleasure of reading that report.
Mr. BARSTOW read: "As to the legal question involved, the Hon. Speaker
and myself, when we heard of the previous calamity which had befallen
this city, examined the law, and we found a decision of Chief Justice
Murray, in a celebrated case which involved the seat of government
as between San Jose and other places. I sent for the volume containing
the decision half an hour ago, and expect to receive it in a few moments.
If I am not incorrect, this is substantially his decision--that the
Legislature of California may elect to assemble in any place chooses
in this State and pass laws, but that these laws will be void unless
the whole Capital goes with the Legislature, and every officer thereof."
Mr. BELL--I think that is about the style of expression I used, sir,
as near as I can remember.
Mr. BARSTOW said if the gentleman had not used the word we he would
not have had occasion to make any explanation, but that seemed to
imply that he (Barstow) agreed with the opinions expressed by the
gentleman from Alameda. On the contrary he came to the opinion that
the question of the right of the Legislature to adjourn to another
place than the Capital was not before the Court, and the language
used by the Chief Justice was only dicta thrown out by him [?]. He
agreed that should the Senate adjourn to another place and the
Assembly remain at the Capital, laws passed under such circumstances
would not be valid, but there was no legal or constitutional obstacle
in the way of both branches by concurrent vote adjourning temporarily
to San Francisco. He felt it to be very unfortunate, not to say
mortifying, that any member of the Judiciary Committee should have
fallen into so glaring a misapprehension upon matters of law as that
into which the gentleman from Alameda had been betrayed touching the
matter under consideration. [Applause.]
Mr. BELL said he profoundly regretted to see an animus evinced
on one side or the other, in relation to the vote of a member. The
respect he had for his own opinions always made him respect the
opinions of others, and he always thought quite as highly of the
man who voted no as of the man who voted aye, and would despise
himself if he could be guilty of indulging in abuse on such an account.
Bitterness of feeling on account of legislative action ought not to be
known there. The Hon. Speaker had stated the facts as far as he went
correctly, and each had an equal right to draw his own conclusions.
The Speaker was an eminent lawyer, but he remembered that as eminent
a lawyer as Judah P. Benjamin could make the great legal mistake of
justifying treason, and even Daniel Webster had been guilty of gravely
arguing before the Supreme Court of the United States that there was
an established religion in this country. If he (Mr. Bell) had made
a legal mistake, he trusted therefore, in view of these illustrious
examples, he would not be charged with being wilfully perverse. It
was true that no mere dicta or dictum of a Judge was
binding as law, yet it was not mere dicta or dictum
when the opinion expressed went to the merits of the question, and
were the facts and reasons upon which the decision was founded. That,
he contended, was the case with the decision from which he had quoted.
The application was for a mandamus to compel certain State officers
to keep their offices in San Jose, on the ground that it was the
constitutional Capital, and the real question was as to whether that
or some other place was the Capital. That was the question decided,
and the Supreme Court, the Legislature and all the branches of the
Government were to be affected by the decision, so [?] that the right
of the Legislature to pass laws elsewhere than at the Capital was
necessarily a question upon which the Court had to decide. He had
been told that feelers had been thrown out to ascertain whether the
Supreme Court would decide legislation
at San Francisco to be valid, but he could not for a moment believe
that the three honorable Judges of that Court would so far forget
their duty as to intimate, in advance of any question brought before
them, that they would override the decision of their predecessors
and decide legislation, even on the top of Chimborazo, to be valid.
If it was an impropriety in him to state to Governor Stanford that
he thought he would be doing right to stand by Sacramento, he could
retort that it was a still greater impropriety to make overtures of
that kind to the Judges of the Supreme Coart. When gentlemen were
charging honorable members with being improperly influenced, he
would remind them no one thought of such influences unless they
were congenial to himself--"Evil be to him who evil thinks."
Mr. Bell then read further from the Supreme Court decision in the
case of the People vs. Bigler, and argued further that the decision
of the Court, that laws to be valid must be passed at the seat of
Government, was not merely dicta of the Chief Justice, but of
necessity a part of the decision of the Court--the strata apon which
that decision rested. Upon reading over this decision in Mr. Barstow's
library, at the time to which he referred yesterday, he could not
state what decision he (Mr. Barstow) came to, but being as sagacious
as profound, that gentleman proposed to examine the Constitution.
They found the celebrated Section 15, Article 4 (quoted by Mr. Wright),
cogitated upon it, and what conclusion Mr. Barstow came to he could
not say, but he would confess that the word "place" bothered him,
being rather an indefinite word. He was inclined to think that the
intention was to prevent either branch from adjourning to an
unusual place, out of the ken of the other, for the purpose, for
instance, of accomplishing some political trick, defeating the
election of United States Senator, for instance, or meeting somewhere
where the gentueman from Nevada would be up to his chin in water,
so as to be unable to move his reconsideration, which would be a
dreadful calamity. He urged that there was no necesity [sic] for
reconsideration, since the question had already been passed upon
by an unprecedentedly full vote, and ridiculed the trivial nature
of some of the arguments which had been used in favor of going
to San Francisco. Men were ready to sacrifice the interests of
the State because they could not keep their boots polished and
their shirt collars standing; and oh, wo [?] the day! because the
little buildings in the back yards were overwhelmed in the water.
Mr. BARSTOW said be was satisfied with the explanation if the
gentleman from Alameda did not leave the House to infer that
he (Mr. Barstow) coincided in his opinion as to the extent of
the decision. He conceded that the dicta that the place was
essential, was right, but the two Houses concurring by resolution
could legally declare where the place should be.
Mr. BELL said the gentleman did not mention that opinion at that time.
Mr. BARSTOW said he was not aware that he did, but here, and not
there, was the place to mention it.
Mr. BELL said he parted from Mr. Barstow on that occasion with an
understanding that they were both to visit libraries and endeavor
to find some precedent for such a removal as had been spoken of.
He (Mr. Bell) had searched, but had been unable to find a single
precedent. He was not now aware of any such precedent, unless it
was that which the gentlemen from Del Norte had discovered in the
work of L. S. or S. L. Cushing, whoever that might be. He proposed
that the Legislature and all its attaches, and would-be attaches,
should stay in Sacramento, and as soon as the water subsided fall
to work to rebuild the sidewalks and crossings, and, if need be,
carpet them, so that those dainty members who wanted to go to San
Francisco for their own convenience, could go to and from the
Capitol without soiling their immaculate boots, polished dally by
the most dextrous of contrabands. Then they might get through with
their business speedily and economically, and go home to meet
their constituents like full-grown, sensible men.
Mr. WARWICK gave a somewhat detailed and elaborate history of
the legislation in this State in regard to the seat of the
Government, and its several removals from its first location at
San Jose to the present time, and contended that it was impossible
to remove the Legislature, or any other branch of the Government,
either temporarily or permanently, to San Francisco, without the
passage of an Act for that purpose and its approval by the
Governor. If this thing was to be done at all, he hoped it would
be done legally and in order, and with a full knowledge of what
they were doing. It was a question between the personal
convenience of the 120 men who were members of this Legislature
and the welfare not only of the people of this city, but of the
entire State. Year after year the Treasury of this State had
been depleted by acts akin to this, until now it was in such a
condition that they were forced to take the funds set apart for
other purposes to pay their salaries. The expense of the proposed
removal would probably amount to a sum which ought to be sufficient
to meet all the expenses of this entire session. This was a time
when money was not only the life of the State but of the nation,
and it behooved them as patriots to save every dollar. The General
Government was calling for aid, and let them remember that the
life of the nation was trembling in the balance, and that dollars
were at this moment the life-blood of the nation. He would rather
wade through the snows to the top of Mount Shasta, if the Capital
were located there, than to vote for a removal, which would cost
$50,000 or $100,000 in an emergency like this.
Mr. BATTLES said he was impelled to take part in the debate because
of the rather wild statements which had been made by some of the
enemies of this measure. It had been alleged that the removal would
cost from $100,000 to $140,000, and yet gentlemen who were perfectly
responsible had proposed to take the contract to remove everything
necessary for $1,000. He believed that nothing needed to be removed
except the desks of 120 members, and that need not cost above two
dollars apiece. He had no idea that an appropriation to pay the
enormous sums spoken of as the cost of removal would ever be passed
by this House. He hoped no gentleman here would be guilty of voting
for the bill, and did not believe any Committee raised in this House
would recommend such a thing. As a representative of San Francisco,
he knew something about the accommodations which would be offered
there. He was informed on good authority that the old U. S. Court
building could be procured at about $1,000 per month, and if the
session continued for three months, and he hoped it would not exceed
that, it would cost only $3,000. In that building were two rooms
superior to those occupied by the two branches here, and some twenty
smaller rooms which would accommodate all the Committees and the
State officers if need be and even the State Library. A responsible
gentleman had proposed to him to remove the entire state Library
for $1,000. It would cost nearly as much to adjourn here for ten
days as it would to remove, for a recess of ten days would cost the
State $15,000, and they had better go at once to San Francisco and
get to work. It seemed to him as if the opponents of this measure
were making speeches against time, and only making these wild
statements of the cost for want of something else to say. He
understood that Mr. Hayes had offered his building at Hayes' Park
free for the session. That would accommodate the Legislature very
well, and it would cost but little to put it in order. Besides,
there were two or three other buildings from which the Committee
might select. The Representatives of San Francisco desired this
removal for no other purpose than to enable the Legislature to get
through its business in the least time and at the least cost.
Mr. KENDALL said this discussion has taken a very wide range,
and been ably and fully debated. He would not attempt to add
anything to the able legal argument of the gentleman from Alameda
(Mr. Beil), but regarded this as a purely common sense question,
which ought to be decided as readily as they would decide any
question relating their business as individuals. He had no idea
that the Legislature could adjourn to San Francisco and settle
down to work in less than fifteen days, and he thought it would
be more in accordance with the dictates of common sense to remain
here and adjourn over for that or a less time, saving all the
trouble and expense of removal. The removal could not certainly
cost less than from $10,000 to $20,000, and probably much more
in the end, besides the expense of returning. Besides, it was his
firm conviction that this project of temporary removal was only
a covert scheme for the permanent removal of the Capital to San
Francisco. Gentlemen had tried unavallingly to conceal that object
ln their remarks. He did not regard this in the light of a question
of sympathy with Sacramento or San Francisco, but as a question
of expediency, and as a matter of economy he thought the interests
of the State would be better subserved by making an appropriation
of $200,000 to guard against floods in Sacramento than to adopt
this expensive scheme of removal. Here was destined to be built
up a great commercial metropolis, and it was unreasonable to
suppose that the industrious and enterprising citizens would leave
it unprotected hereafter, after the terrible lesson they had
received. The floods had visited not Sacramento alone, but had
devastated the whole State, and the members of the Legislature
were better off to-day than thousands of their fellow citizens
elsewhere. Men who had been as long in California as most of them
had, ought to rise above the vanity of polished boots and standing
collars, and if they did not their constituents would hold them
responsible. The little inconveniences and deprivations here would
perhaps work a great advantage in tending to shorten the session.
Mr. AMES said it was apparent that this discussion would not end
until it was time to adjourn, and therefore asked leave to introduce
a bill which ought to be acted upon at once--an Act for the relief
of the sufferers by the flood in Sacramento and its vicinity, by
making a donation to the Howard Society. He asked unanimous consent
to introduce the bid.
Objection was made.
Mr. REED said, in voting upon a question like this he intended to be
governed by the Constitution, and no one had authority to construe
that instrument for him. He had to decide for himself and on his own
responsibility. He contended that it would clearly be constitutional
to pass this resolution to remove the Legislature to San Francisco,
and thought the framers of the Constitution had an exigency of this
kind in their minds when they adopted the clause in regard to
adjournments which had been quoted. The gentleman from Alameda had
befogged himself in regard to the word "place," but he construed it
to mean the "place," town or city where the seat of government was
located. He was convinced that the adoption of this resolution
would only be carrying out the spirit and letter of the Constitution.
He was no lawyer, but he claimed a share of common sense; and
although he had read the decision in the case of The People vs.
Bigler three or four times over, he was unable to find anything in
it in conflict with the views he had given. As a question of
economy, he was in favor of the removal, for if they wasted ten
or fifteen days by taking a recess here, there was no assurance
that Sacramento would not be inundated again at the end of that
time. A slight rain would produce another flood, as full of water
as the valleys now were, and then would follow another recess,
and so on, no one could tell how long a time; whereas if they
adjourned to San Francisco at once they would be certain of being
able to go on with the business of the session. He had as much
sympathy for the sufferers by the flood as any man, but he was
not here as a legislator to manifest sympathy. He was a warm
friend of Sacramento, and regretted the necessity of removal;
but he believed it would be for the best interests of Sacramento
in the end. They could do no good by remaining here, except,
perhaps, to a few hotel keepers. Let Sacramento, during the
coming Summer, give such evidence as was absolutely necessary
that she was able to protect the city and the Capitol against
future floods, and the Legislature could return; and he would
pledge his honor that be would oppose any motion for permanent
removal as earnestly as he advocated this resolution.
Mr. FERGUSON said he looked upon this as a practical question,
and not as a question for buncombe. What was the Legislature to
do when it arrived in San Francisco? He thought they would
be liable to extortionate demands in
procuring a place to meet in. No positive proposition on the subject
had been made by any responsible person.
Mr. BATTLES said he had been informed that the agent of the old United
States Court building had been applied to by speculators, but had
responded that they could not speculate with him out of the Legislature,
and that the Legislature could have that building for one thousand
dollars per month. He (Mr. Battles) would pledge his reputation as
a business man that it could be obtained at that price.
Mr. FERGUSON replied that that was still an indirect proposition.
The gentleman was doubtless honest in his statement, but still he
might be mistaken. Why was it that the advocates of this measure
did not bring forward a proposition in writing, signed by
responsible men.
Mr. BATTLES asked why it was that Sacramento, after proposing to give
the use of this building free, asked an appropriation of $7,000 or
$8,000 for it? [Applause.]
Mr. FERGUSON replied that the gentleman was mistaken in the innuendo.
Sacramento never asked it, but it was given as an act of generosity
and magnanimity on the part of the men who represented the State in
other times. [Applause.] He reminded gentlemen that if the Legislature
was removed the rent on this building would still have to be paid.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco said there was no agreement of that kind.
Mr. FERGUSON asked on what authority the denial was made?
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco demanded the authority for the statement
that there was such an agreement on the part of the State.
Mr. FERGUSON referred the gentlemen to the records in the office of
the Board of Supervisors. He referred to the inconveniences likely
to arise in legislating at a point so remote from the Capital. The
Clerks would have to be dispatched by steamer, one after the other,
with bills to be handed to the Governor for approval; the Governor's
private Secretary would have to take up his abode on a steamer, the
Committees would have to visit Sacramento to confer with the various
State officers, members would have to make the journey in order to
draw their pay, the Sergeant-at-Arms would be unable to keep up his
communications, etc. The removal would be a final blow to the city's
credit, driving it into repudiation, in which the whole State would
be in danger of following; and the tide of immigration would be
checked by the report that the whole valley was uninhabitable.
Mr. MACLAY said he would like to know what the Sacramento delegation
wanted. If they were to adjourn to meet here again after wasting ten
or fifteen days in a recess he would like some guarantee that the
streets would even then be passable.
Mr. FERGUSON said as one of the Sacramento delegation he did not ask
for any adjournment, but if members were willing to put up with the
present unavoidable inconveniences he would be willing to meet here
day after day, and go on with the business, and endeavor to fulfill
the promise of retrenchment and speedy adjournment made in the
beginning by their Speaker.
Mr. MACLAY said no business could be done if they remained. The
Committees would be unable to perform their duties. It looked now
as if there would soon be another storm. He sympathized with this
city of floods and destruction, but as a legislator he had nothing
to do with sympathy. He was willing to do justice to Sacramento,
and that reminded him of the Irishman on trial for murder, who told
his counsel, "Be jabers, sir, and justice is all I am afraid of."
If he were a citizen of Sacramento he would urge this temporary
removal in order to give Sacramento time to recuperate and repair
her broken levees so as to defend herself against the floods and
storms, the winds and the waves now threatening to overwhelm her.
Mr. MORRISON said he regarded this as an entering wedge of a movement
for the permanent removal of the Capital. This was a question affecting
not Sacramento alone, but the prosperity of the whole State. The
Capital was established at Sacramento by almost the unanimous voice
of the people of California, and Sacramento was the natural and
proper site for it. it was if not exactly the geographical at
least the commercial center of the State. This Legislature was
not chosen with a view to any such question as the removal of
the Capital, and it was their duty to remain here as long as it
should be possible to remain. He spoke of the repeated disasters
which had befallen the city, and the amazing recuperative energy
displayed by its citizens. They had now millions of dollars
invested in the city, and they would most assuredly protect it
if it cost a million to do so. They asked only a little time to
recover, and to redeem their city as St. Petersburg, Amsterdam
and other great cities of the Old World were redeemed from the
depths of the seas. It would be a poor excuse to their constituents
to say they had abandoned Sacramento because there were no theaters
or places of amusement in it. If men there were not willing to
sacrifice so much for the welfare of the State, let them stand up
and announce what county had sent them as its Representatives
[Applause] The Legislature had appropriated $150 000 for the
erection of a National Capitol--he called it national for
California was a nation in itself--and of that sum $100,000 was
already expended. Remove the Capital and that money would be lost.
Sacramento asked no appropriation at this session, but if the
Legislature could remain with her it would be to her an ark of
safety, and at another session she would be able to show that the
money already expended for the Capital here was safely applied.
This effort came with a bad grace from San Francisco, and he hoped
it did not come from the people of that great city, who had always
been ready to lend a helping hand to those in misfortune.
Sacramento was not a rival to San Francisco, for San Francisco
could have no rival. She must always be the great emporium of the
Pacific, being the only spot on three thousand miles of coast
where it was possible to build a great metropolis. He hoped the
effort would fail and be entirely abandoned, and that time would
be given to Sacramento to recover from her last misfortune. In
conclusion, he moved that the motion to reconsider be indefinitely
postponed, but withdrew it at the request of
Mr. FAY, who said the remarks of Mr. Morrison and other speakers
were entirely foreign to the question, because there was no
proposition to remove the Capital permanently. There was no
such design that he knew of on the part of the San Francisco
delegation or any of them, and he called upon gentlemen "to
say whether any representative of San Francisco had approached
them wth any such argument." There was no response, and therefore
he said that the charge made against the San Francisco delegation
of a desire to oppress Sacramento for the benefit of San
Francisco was a false charge. It was true that the interests of
the two cities were identical. The representatives of San
Francisco represented one-third of all the taxable property
in California, and probably the people of San Francisco owned
more Sacramento bonds than were owned in all the rest of the State.
They were in constant communication with the merchants of Sacramento,
and today these merchants owed to San Francisco a large mercantile
balance. The removal of the Capital to San Francisco would,
therefore, be but a drop in the bucket, and it was not to be
supposed that the San Francisco delegation would advocate any
measure designed to destroy the credit of Sacramento. That would
be doing dire injustice to their own constituents. They advocated
this measure only because San Francisco seemed to be the only
place to which the Legislature could go and get immediately to
work. The San Francisco delegation had proposed to the Sacramento
delegation to-day, that both should retire from the Hall while
this question was up, thus giving Sacramento the advantage of
seven in the vote. That did not look like taking an advantage.
Neither San Francisco nor the rest of the State desired at all
to oppress Sacramento, and he was ready, if it were possible,
to give security against any attempt toward permanent removal
of the Capital during this session. The delegation would pledge
themselves as one man not to introduce the proposition nor support
it, because it was conceded that they were not elected upon any
such contingency, and it would therefore be dishonest legislation
to raise the question. It should never be raised until the voice
of the people was heard upon it directly at the ballot box; and
he believed a majorlty of the citlzens of San Francisco would
vote to-day that they did not want the Capital there. One of
the wealthiest men in San Francisco told him that he did not
desire it, and that was, in his opinion, the prevailing sentiment.
Mr. DEAN said they were very willing to accept the assurance of
the magnanimity of the San Francisco delegation, but he remembered
that that delegation voted almost uniformly against Sacramento
in this matter. They were proud of the fame and progress of San
Francisco and its commercial greatness, but he thought that fame
and prosperity and greatness had been promoted by Sacramento. The
San Francisco delegation ought to be very careful upon this
question, for it was delicate ground to them. In the interests of
his constituents of El Dorado county and in the interest he believed
of the whole State, he said give the Capital of the State a chance.
It was true, Sacramento had not amply protected herself, but that
was no reason for believing that she would not hereafter. There was
too much property involved to doubt for a moment that it would be
protected if it was possible. The water was now subsiding, the
business streets would be clear in a short time, and he saw no
exigency for a removal of the Legislature. No man, of course,
could predict what the future would bring forth, but the
probabilities were that within ten days the Legislature could
go on with its business as well as ever. He opposed, therefore,
the unnecessary expense of removal, and as a Republican, he called
upon his fellow Republicans to vote against this resolution, in
order consistently to carry out retrenchment and reform.
Mr. FAY inquired if this whole subject, from beginning to end,
had not been discussed and voted upon without regard to party
distinctions.
Mr. DEAN replied that it had, and he only referred to the matter
for the sake of consistency.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco referred to the contract alleged to
exist between the State and the city for the rent of the State
House, and stated that the Board of Supervisors of Sacramento
had tendered this building to the State of California for
legislative purposes, free of charge, but that nevertheless the
Legislature had passed in the general appropriation bill an item
of seven thousand dollars for the rent of the building. From
that day to this, if his recollection served, there had been
no authority given to any person to make such a contract as had
been referred to on the part of the State.
Mr. FERGUSON In reply said there had been an understanding of the
sort, and he presumed gentlemen had sufficient knowledge of legal
contracts to be aware that if the tenant vacated without notice
he was still liable to his landlord, even though no writings might
have been drawn up. Reference had been made to the large mercantile
balance due San Francisco, from the merchants of Sacramento. It
was true that there was such an indebtednsse [sic], amounting to hundreds
of thousands of dollars, perhaps to millions, and he would remind
gentlemen from San Francisco that by this measure they were
compelling the merchants of Sacramento to repudiate, and thus
injuring their own constituents, who would hold them responsible
hereafter. As to the proposal that both delegations should retire
during the discussion and vote upon this question, he would ask
the gentleman who had mentioned it whether the purpose was to
stifle the voice of Sacramento.
Mr. FAY desired to know if the gentleman meant to ask him a
personal question?
Mr. FERGUSON said he only asked what was the.meaning of the
proposition, which be had not heard of before.
Mr. FAY said three or four of the San Francisco.delegation had
suggested to those of the Sacramento delegation who sat near
them, but they declined on the ground that they desired to
record their votes. That was all.
Mr. FERGUSON said his question was, "what was the design of the
proposition?
Mr. FAY replied that, so far as he understood, it was to overcome
the idea that San Francisco desired to oppress Sacramento. They
proposed to leave the matter to those who must be considered impartial.
Mr. WARWICK said gentlemen had required assurances that if they
remained here there should be no return of the flood. If they were
to go to San Francisco he would require assurances that the State
House should not be shaken down by an earthquake. [Laughter.]
Mr. FERGUSON said was not for him to advise as between members and
their constituents, but he believed the merchants of San Francisco
would repudiate the action of their representatives. He understood
that an indignation meeting was being held in San Francisco, perhaps
at that very hour, on account of the part enacted by their
representatives on Saturday.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco inquired if that was intended as an intimidation.
Mr. FERGUSON replied that he only stated the report to inform
gentlemen that their constituents did not desire them to take this
step. The people of San Francisco sent up yesterday twenty-five tons
of provisions, and, it was reported on good authority, would send
more by the boat to-night, and with it five thousand dollars in
money. Yet the representatives of San Francisco would take a step
which would crush out the business of this city. The people of San
Francisco had also leased Musical Hall, fitted it up, and announced
that they would feed and clothe one thousand of the sufferers by
the flood.
Mr. HOFFMAN proceeded at considerable length to argue the legal
questions involved, and replied to the various arguments of the
opponents of the resolution. He did not desire, he said, to lay
a straw in the way of Sacramento, but he considered that a temporary
removal of the Legislature was an absolute necessity. If the rain
should come it was inevitable that there would be another flood.
Mr. AVERY said there were still twenty or thirty members who would
like to speak on this subject, but several of them had agreed not
to say anything in order to come to a vote, as it was then half
past three o'clock. If it would not be construed as applying the
gag he would move the previous question.
The previous question was seconded.
Mr. BARTON, of Sacramento, moved a call of the House. Lost.
The main question was ordered to be put by a vote of ayes, 46; noes, 28.
The ayes and noes were ordered on a motion to reconsider the vote by
which the House refused to concur in the Senate resolution, and calling
the roll, the following was the result:
Ayes--Ames, Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Benton, Bigelow, Campbell,
Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Solano, Eliason, Fay, Ferguson, Frasier,
Griswold, Irwin, Kendall, Machin, McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien, Parker,
Pemberton, Reeves, Sargent, Saul, Shannon, Waddell, Warwick, Watson,
Woodman, Wright--32.
Noes--Amerige, Avery, Battles, Brown, Cunnard, Collins, Dana, Dore,
Dow, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey, Hillyer, Hoffman, Jackson, Lane,
Leach, Loewy, Love, Matthews, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore,
Porter, Printy, Reed, Reese, Sears, Seaton, Smith of Fresno, Smith
of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Thompson of San Joaquin, Thornbury,
Tilton of San Francisco, Van Zandt, Werk, Yule, Zuck--4l.
So the House refused to reconsider the motion.
The announcement of the result was received with great applause, both
on the floor and in the lobby. . . .
MISCELLANEOUS.
Mr. Ames also introduced an Act for the relief of the sufferers by
the flood in Sacramento and its vicinity. Read twice and referred to
the Judiciary Committee. [It appropriates $20,000 to the Howard
Benevolent Society for the purpose indicated.] . . .
Having no other business, at four o'clock the House adjourned. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Accounts received yesterday, and given elsewhere in our columns, state
that there has been serious interruption of communication in the
counties of El Dorado, Placer and Amador, and great destruction
of property. Buildings have been swept away, and it is feared that
in some localities loss of life has followed. Communication with
other portions of the State was entirely cut off. The telegraphic
wires were generally down, and it was not expected they would be
up for several days.
The water fell in the streets of Sacramento yesterday about one
foot. The Sacramento subsided about nine inches and the American
also went down, although it was difficult to determine to what extent.
Five dead bodies were found on the north side of the American river
yesterday, in the vicinity of Norris' Bridge. The particulars are
stated in our local column.
The steamer Defiance went up the American river on Sunday last to
Patterson's, a point in navigation seven miles farther than has been
achieved before. She took up freight, connected with the railroad and
returned yesterday, bringing down about one hundred passengers. The
steamer Governor Dana also went up the American yesterday. Both
steamers, it is expected, will make the same trip to day.
The Sacramento overflowed its levee on Sunday night and yesterday
to the extent of two blocks below R street, but the flow of water
at that point appears to have had no perceptible effect in backing
up water in the city, as the fall of the flood in the city yesterday
was constant and marked.
Correspondence will be noticed in our columns from San Francisco,
Placerville and Salt Lake.
THE LEGISLATURE.
In the Senate yesterday . . .A bill to appropriate $20,000 for the
relief of the sufferers by the flood in Sacramento and vicinity was
offered by the Senator who proposed the adjournment to San Francisco.
An effort was made by the originator to push the bill to a final vote
under a suspension of the rules, but upon the statement by Senator
Heacock, of this county, that the prompt benevolence of the people
of San Francisco, and the energy and liberality of our own citizens
were equal to the emergency so far as all known cases of distress
were concerned, it was allowed to take its regular course with other
bills. Some Senators indulged in harmless tirades against Sacramento,
when it was announced that the Assembly had refused to concur in the
resolution to adjourn to the Bay. Our city, having survived more
serious things, will probably be affected but little by the grumbling
of testy Senators, whose ill-nature may have had its immediate origin
in a wet pair of boots, or a lack of cream in their coffee at
breakfast.
In the Assembly the main portion of the session was consumed in the
discussion of the adjournment question, and it was finally determined
in the negative. The frightened ones generally adhered to their desire
to desert the Capital, but they were unable to control the matter. . . .
THE FLOOD AND THE NEWSPAPERS--In our issue of yesterday we mentioned
the fact that notwithstanding the flood the UNION had omitted no
number of its daily or weekly publication. Our sprightly little
neighbor, the Bee, in a rather ill-natured response, says
that it knows of "no journal in Sacramento that has missed an issue,
either." The UNION is the only paper in this city that has missed no
issue. On Saturday the Bee issued a " slip," and apologized to
its readers for being unable to issue in regular form. On the occasion
of the first flood last month, the firm which does the Bee's
press work was unable to perform the work, and for something more than
a week that paper was printed upon our steam presses. These are matters
of fact, and we deem worthy of mention. . . .
MORE RAIN--At five o'clock last evening another rain set in, which
continued, with occasional interruptions, through the early portion
of the night. . . .
THE QUESTION SETTLED.
The vote of the Assembly yesterday, upon the motion to reconsider the
vote of Saturday upon the adjournment question, put at rest the foolish
proposition to turn the State government upside down, because for
forty-eight hours the streets of the Capital were filled with water
from a freshet which has inundated every valley on the Pacific coast.
The advocates of the resolution to remove the Legislature to San
Francisco for the Winter, seemed to be so panic stricken at sight of
the high water, that they gave no thought to the certainty of a speedy
fall, and the restoration of the city to a more comfortable condition.
Because some members went without omelettes at breakfast on Saturday
and Sunday, they seemed to abandon all hope, and to consider it a
plain case that nowhere in the State could they be safe for a single
day except upon the sea coast. Others had different reasons, no doubt,
for the vehemence with which they urged a stampede of the Legislature.
It is probable that some voted to go to San Francisco because they
could then be nearer home than now; others, because they longed for
the pleasures of a larger city. Some may have been influenced by the
fact that there are more melodeons at the Bay, for we have always had
some members who were at least as regular in attendance upon those
elevating institutions as upon the sessions of the body to which they
belonged. Many were no doubt really alarmed by the unprecedented rise
of the waters, and unable to exercise their judgment in the midst of
the fright of the moment. These latter will, now that the water has so
far subsided, rejoice that cooler heads than theirs ruled in the matter,
and settled the question by defeating the ill-advised movement. We
congratulate the people of the State that their representatives have
refused to establish a precedent for moving the Legislature about from
year to year to such places as may present the most attractions,
regardless of the law locating the seat of government. The vote whereby
the Assembly refused to reconsider its non-concurrence with the Senate
resolution has averted an immense amount of vexation, a large
expenditure of money, and the doubts which would have been thrown
around the legality of the legislation of the session. Had the project
for adjournment prevailed, we should probably have seen the
Legislative department at an inconvenient distance from the Executive,
for it is the general opinion that our present Chief Executive would
not have considered a concurrent resolution a sufficient warrant for
the removal of his quarters to the various places which might, during
this Winter have been honored by a brief visit from the Legislature.
Probably many members would have refused to attend any session held
elsewhere than at the Capital, under the conscientious conviction
that all proceedings had under such circumstances would be void. We
think the Assembly has in this instance proved itself the conservative
branch of the assembled wisdom, and that by defeating the reckless
and hasty project which found but thirteen opponents in the Senate,
it has saved the State Government from serious disturbances, and
perhaps a dead-lock at a time when such interruption would be a
serious blow to the interests of the State. . . .
SLEIGHING IN WASHOE--The Territorial Enterprise of January 7th says:
The snow is about two feet deep, and the sleighing excellent. Any
quantity of cutters and sleighs are out and the jingle of bells in
the past two days has grown to be a familiar sound. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO AND ITS REPRESENTATIVES
It was stated in the Legislature yesterday that a meeting was being
held on that day in San Francisco by way of repudiating the action
of that portion of its delegation which voted to remove the present
session from Sacramento. Whether this be so or not, it is quite clear
that these representatives have not proved themselves true exponents
of the will of their constituents as expressed in their leading
papers, and in the popular sentiment as it has come to us in
various forms. While the people of San Francisco have been making
themselves a glorious name at home and abroad by their noble donations
to our suffering people, and by their public disclaimer that they
would be the last to move in the matter of a removal of the State
Capital, either temporarily or permanently, from a city where the
solemn legislation of the people of the State had fixed it, and
which has been sorely afflicted by a Providential dispensation,
we are sorry to see the representatives of that city so wanting in
enlarged public policy, and be wedded to their own private comfort
as to vote for a removal. We will not say that there has been any
speculative object which has actuated members, although it appears
from the debates that members had been approached by parties from
San Francisco, who had assured them that such and such places could
be procured at certain stipulated prices. Whatever has been the ruling
motive it has been effectually rebuked by the action of the Assembly
yesterday. We regret to see such a movement favored by prominent
members of the Republican party in San Francisco, from whom we
looked for more enlarged views of public action under the auspices
of the new administration which has just come into power. We trust
that no such mistake will be committed again. Those who have voted
to remove the present session from Sacramento because they were not
quite so comfortable in their personal arrangements as they had been
previously, have no business in a Legislature of true Californians,
and should blush for their effeminacy, when even women and children
have borne up bravely under a succession of floods, and refused to
leave their husbands and fathers to struggle alone in their
misfortunes. We are pleased that the record has been made, and the
word has gone out that a majority of California legislators are not
afraid of a little water, and can bear calmly a little temporary
discomfort.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--This Society has again been made the almoner
of the philanthropic and generous people of San Francisco, and the
trust is well confided. Sunday night the steamers Nevada and Cornelia
arrived with 562 packages of provisions, etc, and four boats, manned
each with two boatmen who volunteered their aid. Their names, which
should be well remembered by our people, are Oliver Lovell, Charles M.
Underwood, G. H. Mayo, Wallace Fischer, E. L. Smith, S. Usham,
Seth Hall, and ------- Kelley. One of the boats was sent to cruise
all the way to Benicia, two miles from the east bank of the
Sacramento; another five, and a third ten miles. Each was supplied
with a week's provisions. The fourth went below Sutterville on a
special charitable errand. A steamer from Georgiana Slough brought
thirty-five women and children up yesterday morning, all in a
destitute condition, rescued from places on the route. Five persons
were reported drowned at Norris' Bridge, and the Coroner, on notice
from the steward, at once went to the spot to receive and inter them.
During yesterday provisions were distributed at the different stations
of the Association, six in number, besides the Pavilion, and 1,250
persons have received cooked food from the donations. It was reported
that the boat last night would bring many tons more of goods contributed
for relief of the sufferers by the last inundation.
R. M. Jessup, President of the California Steam Navigation Company,
tendered their boats to convey all who would leave, free of charge,
and about one hundred women and children left on the Antelope,
Cornelia, and Nevada.
A Committee, consisting of C. C. Bemis, C. A. Hawley, Cyrus Palmer,
and Jacob Deeth, notified the Association, through E. D. Sawyer,
Secretary, that arrangements had been made to accommodate any and
all persons coming from Sacramento in want of relief. It is said
that wagons had passed through the streets of San Francisco with
painted flags, "Relief for the sufferers at Sacramento;" and that
everywhere they passed supplies were poured forth, although it was
Sunday. Churches took up collections and sent them to the Committee
at onoe. The citizens held a meeting at half-past ten o'clock, and
at twelve o'clock the steamers were loaded and on their way. Such
promptness and such an extent of relief has never been equalled in
the time.
Although a large number left the Pavilion for San Francisco, an
equal number has been added during the day, and the same excellent
and systematic regulation that has marked its conduct is continued.
The Committee who came up in charge of the articles took took a
survey of the city from the top of the Pavilion, and were conveyed
to the various places where they could best see the great devastation
of the flood. It is needless to say they were impressed with its
magnitude and extent. The Committee returned on the boat yesterday,
after conference with the officers of the Howards, fully advised of
what are the actual wants of our sick and distressed. All honor to
San Francisco, and may she never want friends or aid.
DONATIONS FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--There were received in this city on
the night of January 10th, by the steamer Nevada, for the benefit of
those who suffered by the flood, provisions and clothing from various
liberal donors in San Francisco, among whom may be mentioned Ross,
Dempster & Co., William Pierce & Co., Marks & Gone, E L Fell, C. A. Hunt,
Swain & Brown, J. L. Sanford & Co., International Hotel, W. E. Brown,
South Park Market, American Exchange Hotel, Central Committee,
Deeth and Starr, Breed & Chase, Williams, Howard street donors,
A. P. Bessey, Shellard, Elliott, and Simpton, constituting in all
some one hundred and twenty-five packages: The Committee who had
them in charge were Edward Hull, D. C. Breed, C. A. Hunt and E L Fell.
These donations were the result of meetings held in San Francisco on
hearing the intelligence of the further calamity which had fallen
upon the citizens of Sacramento, and we learn that efforts are still
being made in the same connection by charitable persons in San
Francisco. By a special vote, the Howard Benevolent Society of
Sacramento are made the distributors of the donations. It will be
seen that our fellow-citizens of the Bay City are not weary of
well-doing, and that they continue to give with a liberal hand
in response to the call of suffering humanity.
The Cornelia arrived subsequently to the Nevada with further,
contributions, which are referred to elsewhere in an account of
the doings of the Howard Benevolent Society, where the aggregate
of all the donations received by the steamers is given.
CLIPPED IN THE WRONG PLACE.--The Bee yesterday, in giving the ayes
and noes on the resolution to remove the present session of the
Legislature to San Francisco gave the wrong vote in the Assembly.
Its "legislative reporter," in clipping from the proceedings as
given in the UNION, took the vote on Benton's amendment, adjourning
the Legislature to meet on the 20th at the Capital, which was thirty
to forty-six, whereas the vote upon the adoption of the original
Senate resolution for removal to San Francisco was thirty-six to
forty. The " reporter" of the Bee should be more careful and not
expose himself to the raising of questions of privilege. . . .
LETTTER [sic] FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORESPONDENT [sic].]
The Storm and Flood--Danger to Buildings--Impolicy of Removing
the State Capital.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 11, 1862.
"Water, water everywhere!" To-day we can sympathize with our friends
in Sacramento. Never, since the memorable forty days and nights rain
of 1849, has our city presented such a soft appearance. Montgomery
street is a sluice box. The sewers are caving in; and people who
have time to think are speculating on the probability of a general
tumble down and smash up among the tall brick buildings. Some of
them that have proved against fire appear likely to succumb to water.
I reckon it would be not an easy matter to procure a policy of
insurance, at ordinary rates, on some of the best of them to-day.
I could name a dozen big buildings that are looked upon with suspicion.
The Custom House is considered safe, notwithstanding she has several
inches of water in the hold at this writing.
It has been proposed to offer the rooms formerly occupied by the
United States Courts to the Legislature, in the event that it is
found necessary to remove the Capital. But, privately and
confidentially, it would be a bad move. The building took a
"list to pont," as a matelot would say, several years ago, and is
likely to "come down by the run" at any hour--at least, that is the
opinion of some folks.
If it were deemed advantageous to cut off both branches of the
Legislature, then assuredly it were well to do it quickly--and the
adoption of the old United States Court rooms would, perhaps, insure
the execution of the job about as pretty soon as any other plan.
The Jenny Lind Theater, better known as the City Hall, is considerably
damp about the underpinning, and if it comes out of this Winter's wet
with whole walls it will surprise some people.
Did you know there is an agent in your city endeavoring to strike
a bargain with the State for the use of Assembly Hall for legislative
purposes? That's so.
Assembly Hall might do, though it would be with a squeeze and
enormous expenditure for gas light and fearful sacrifice of health
in the absence of proper facilities for ventilation. So far as the
Hall is concerned, its occupancy by the Legislature would be an
improvement, as its (the Hall's) moral character is very bad. The
building is situated on the line of travel explored by John Phoenix
Squibob, Esq., many years ago. Everything considered, it would be
a bad thing to bring the capital to this city now. The Lord only knows
where the members would find board and lodging. I don't. The hotels
are all crammed jammed full, and there are very few furnished rooms
to let. The members might occupy the Presidio barracks for lodgings;
but then there is no way of getting out there this season except by
climbing over the sand hills.and that would be highly inconvenient,
considering the altitude of the sand hill route. In any event don't
send the Legislature here. Should necessity require it we might
afford to accommodate a few more ladies and children from Sacramento,
because we fellows could turn out and smile all night. But for the
sake of all you hold most dear on top of the ground, under water
don't send any more men here. IDLER
LETTER FROM PLACERVILLE.
The Flood In El Dorado and Placer Counties--Great Damage--Communication by Stage--Telegraph Interrupted.
PLACERVILLE, January 10th--9 P. M..
EDITORS UNION: Rain, rain, rain! there seems to be no let up to it; for
three days it has poured down upon us, and at this writing it seems
to be coming down in torrents, as though the very floodgates of
Heaven were opened; rivulets are turned into rivers which sweeps
everything before them. The greatest anxiety is felt for the people
in the valleys and along the mountain streams. The water has reached
where it was never known before, and houses that were supposed to
have been far above high water mark have been swept away, every bridge
that we have heard of has been swept away.
Placerville has suffered no little. Nearly all of the cellars in
the city have been flooded. All of the bridges except two--one on
Coloma street and another just below it, across Hangtown creek--are
gone. A dwelling house near the bridge in upper Placerville was
swept away, and many outhouses along the creek went down the stream,
with wagons, lumber, cord wood and everything within reach of the
mighty rush of water. A great portion of the water left the bed of
the stream this afternoon, and is now rushing through the street
between the upper and lower towns.
Communication by stage is cut off in all directions. No stage left
for Carson to-day. The stages left for Sacramento this morning, but
soon returned, being unable to cross Weaver creek, one of the
bridges--the one on the new toll road leading to Mud Springs--having
been swept away, and the other having had all the planking torn
up, to try and protect it. A messenger has since crossed upon the
stringers of the bridge, and taken a horse, with the express letters
for Sacramento.
The bridges at Coloma and Uniontown have both been swept away. The
Chile Bar bridge, between here and Georgetown, and the dwelling
house at the bridge, belonging to Eli George, has gone down the
stream, which is fifteen feet higher than ever known before.
Ogilsby's bridge, across the north fork of the American, is
reported to have been swept away. Brockliss' bridge is reported
safe.
I learn by telegraph that the water is three feet deep in the
streets at Mnd Springs, and many families have been compelled
to vacate their houses.
One of the stages from Carson got in the afternoon. This one
was due yesterday. The driver of another Carson stage got in to-night
with the horses, having been compelled to leave the stage on the road
some miles out The roads are reported in a horrible condition.
Since writing the above. I learn the following particulars by telegraph
in regard to the flood at Coloma and Auburn: At Coloma the main span of
the bridge is standing, but both ends and the toll house are gone. The
Chinese merchants have all been driven out, and have lost most of their
goods.. Brown's store was washed into the street, and the Post Office
has moved into Wells, Fargo & Co.'s office. The bar below town is
completely covered. A house belonging to Carney Cotton was carried
away. The river swept over the road between Winters' house and the
bridge. The flood has been very destructive to all the ranches in
the vicinity of Coloma.
At Uniontown the main span of the bridge is also standing, but both
sides and the toll house have gone down the stream. From Auburn I
learn that the streams in that vicinity, are higher than ever known
before. All the bridges on the North Fork are gone, and communication
with Yankee Jim's and the towns above cut off.
I learn from the stage men who came in tonight, that a portion of
the walled road leading on to Brockliss' bridge has been washed away,
rendering it impossible to cross there with teams until it is repaired.
The heavy wind in the mountains prostrated the telegraph lines last
night. Should the storm abate to night they will be repaired in a day
or two. An extra force of repairers are being put on, and will be kept
traveling over the line during the Winter.
WEATHERBOUND. . . .
SHOULD BE REPAIRED.--The streets between the State Capitol and the
principal hotels should be made passable as quickly as possible. The
Committee of Safety should lay down the crossings and each property
owner repair his own sidewalk. . . .
TOWN OF NEW SACRAMENTO,
On the American River.
I HAVE LAID OUT A TOWN, AND
am ready to sell Lots. The town site is located EIGHT FEET above the
highest water mark. The steamer Gov. Dana will leave for the above
place TO-MORROW, at 10 o'clock A. M. , from her landing. It is the
only high land on the American river.
Ja14 2dptf SAMUEL NORRIS. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
NAVIGATION OF THE AMERICAN.--The steamer Defiance, Capt. Gibson, arrived
at the levee at about twelve o'clock M. yesterday, from her trip up the
American river. She started up on Sunday forenoon, taking about forty
passengers and sixty tons of fright, shipped by Tifft [?], for Folsom.
The steamer moved slowly and cautiously, of course, as it was her first
trip up the river and as the current encountered was very strong. At
about five o'clock in the afternoon she drew up and made fast at
Patterson's Hotel, twelve miles from the city by the river, and seven
miles higher up than any steamer had ever been before. As she neared
the hotel, she was welcomed by a crowd of about forty persons, who
had gathered there, with three rousing cheers. She remained at Patterson
(for such will probably be the name of the new canvass town which must
spring up there) until the arrival of the train from Folsom, at twelve
o'clock M. yesterday, at which time she took on board one hundred
passengers and came to the city, arriving at the levee at ten minutes
past one o'clock. She will leave again this morning for the same point,
and will probably hereafter make daily trips. The cars run regularly
from Folsom to Patterson, and passengers and merchandise will be likely
to take that route, so long as the river remains high and the railroad
between here and there remains impassable. The steamer Governor Dana
left also for Patterson at about ten o'clock yesterday morning. She
took up about seventy-five tons of freight, chiefly for Campbell &
Sweeny. She will leave again at ten o'clock this morning, and will
probably make daily trips hereafter. She will take up to-day
merchandise for Lindley, Hull & Lohman, who expect at once to open
a branch house at Patterson.
EXTENSIVE CREVASSE.--An extensive crevasse in the Front street levee
below R street has been created by the action of the high water of
the past few days. During Friday night and Saturday the water in
the city was higher than that of the Sacramento, and almost all
the levee south of N street was covered by water flowing over into
the river. As the water within the city began to fall, that of the
river from the increased supply of the Feather and other northern
streams, began to rise, and very soon a counter overflow commenced.
The result of these currents was the entire washing away of the levee
at those points below R street, which have required frequent repairs
within the past year. Yesterday morning a space of about one hundred
yards between S and T streets was entirely gone, and for about an
equal extent below the water was passing over freely and the embankment
was wearing away rapidly. Nearly two blocks of the levee at this
locality may be said to be gone, and cannot be repaired until the
river shall have fallen several feet. A vast volume of water is
steadily passing through this crevasse and must seriously tend to
retain back water in the lower portion of the city.
ADDITIONAL LOSSES.--We learn from George Keech, a Sacramento and
Jackson stage driver, that the late flood washed away the Jackson
Gas Works, the American Hotel and several other buildings in the
town. Ione Valley was entirely inundated, the water standing at
Ione City three feet deep. When our informant was at the last
named point, the discharge of fire arms was heard down the valley.
It was supposed that parties in distress were calling for aid. As
there were no boats on hand, the residents at the city were
engaged in constructing them to extend such relief as they could.
A loud crash was also heard down the valley, supposed to be caused
by the falling of Martin's building. Wilson's wire bridge on the
Cosumnes was turned wrong side up by the flood, and the large barn
connected with Wilson's Exchange was carried off.
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday morning
on the body of Judge Kelly, alias colored bootblack, who was drowned
on Saturday night at Powell's stable. A. B. Bishop, A. McHesser,
Samuel Mingham, John T. Doissy, W. L. Everett and G. A. Lockhart
served upon the jury. Frank Powell and Mary Mayo were examined as
witnesses. The first named witness stated that the deceased was
between forty and forty-five years old. and that he was a native
of Crao [sic] Orchard, Kentucky. The second witness testified that
she heard a splash in the water at two o'clock on Sunday
morning--thought it was the deceased, woke her husband, and that an
unsuccessful search was made for him. The body was found the next
day. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.
MISSING.--A ranchman named Gregory, who resided on the Yolo side
of the Sacramento river, nine miles below the city, was taken from
the top of his house by the steamer Antelope on Saturday night,
and brought to this city. Before the water had risen so high, his
wife, daughter and son-in-law had embarked in a skiff, with the hope
of reaching some point of safety, the boat being too small to carry
all four of the family. The skiff and passengers have not yet been
heard from. Fears are of course entertained that they have been lost.
We are also informed that a man named Donelly, who lived south of the
American river, and a man named Reed, who lived between the slough
and the river, west of Sixth street, are missing.
PRACTICAL EFFORT.--Martin Rancich, who resides on Fifth street, between
I and J streets, was, on the occasion of the late flood, driven for
safety to the roof of his house. He there erected his cooking apparatus
and cooked soup and provisions enough to send around to a large number
of his friends who were not provided with the means of cooking. A
number of his Italian and Portuguese friends came in from the country,
driven from their ranches by the high water. He accommodated on his and
on neighboring premises some eighteen or twenty of these with comfortable
lodgings.
A BRANCH NEEDED.--Communication with the Pavilion is cat off, except
by water. There are, doubtless, many men in the city who are without
the means of buying a meal's victuals. L. Harris, at the county jail,
has been pretty thoroughly eaten out within the past two days. Why
should not the Howard Benevolent Society furnish the material and
make an arrangement for furnishing meals from the station house for
a few days to those who are in need? The location is a good one, and
if the plan don't work well it can be suspended.
CLOSED UP.--During the past few days stores, saloons and business
places of all descriptions have been closed. The only two drug stores
kept open were those of J. Gates & Brother. The only saloons were those
in which liquors could be offered for sale up stairs. The cutting off
of the supply of liquor was unquestionably fortunate, as there would
have most likely been many lives lost through drunkenness. Yesterday
afternoon many stores, etc., were opened and the work of cleaning out
was commenced.
DEAD BODIES FOUND.--Information was received yesterday by officers
of the Howard Benevolent Society that five dead bodies had been
found on the north side of the American, near Hugh Larue's residence
on Norris' Ranch. Coroner Reeves started at about noon to take
charge of the bodies, but returned in the evening, having been
unable to get across the river. We are informed that three of the
bodies were found together, and the other two were at a different
locality.
SEALED PROPOSALS.--The man who stole the reportorial skiff from
in front of the UNION office on Sunday evening, is requested to
send in to the local reporter sealed proposals for carrying him
around in it through the flooded district for the balance of the
season. No bond that he will not steal red hot stoves will be
required of him, as it is not presumed that there can be many of
them found at this time to present him with temptation.
SERENADING.--On Sunday evening the bright moonlight upon the waters
in the city prompted some who had music in their souls to let some
of it forth for the common benefit. Oue party of ladies and gentlemen,
consisting of about twenty persons, filling five boats, made excellent
melody in various portions of the city, singing patriotic and other
pieces, to the great gratification of those who were so fortunate
as to hear them.
WILL REBUILD.--Edward Stockton, of the firm of Stockton & Coover,
of Folsom, passed through the city yesterday to San Francisco. He
goes down for the purpose of making arrangements to build a new
flouring mill in place of that which has just been destroyed by
the flood. They design to erect a stone building, sixty feet square
and four stories high, on a location twelve feet above the high
water mark of the present season.
RELIEF FOR THE COUNTRY.--Three Whitehall boats which came up on
Sunday on the Nevada were dispatched by the Howard Benevolent
Society yesterday morning down the east bank of the Sacramento.
Each boat was manned by two men and four oars, and was well
freighted with provisions. Their directions were to separate and
visit all portions of the flooded district practical, leaving
provisions and giving such other relief as might be required.
CARRIED OFF.--The houses of ----- Krouse and ----- Neal, of
Sutterville, are reported to have been carried away by the late flood.
LEAVING.--Three steamers left for San Francisco yesterday, each carrying
a large number of passengers. The Cornelia, which came up on Sunday
night with provisions for the sufferers by the flood, left at ten
o'clock in the morning. The Antelope left at two o'clock and the Nevada
at about four o'clock, having been induced to remain until that hour
to take down the members of the Legislature, in case they should decide
to abandon Sacramento. As they did not, she went down without them. . . .
THE SLOUGH LEVEE.--The Committee of Safety succeeded on Sunday evening
in closing up the most of the openings on the eastern boundary of the
slough on Sixth street. There were several other gaps around the bend
on the north which still remained open. The water in the slough is at
least three feet above that of the city at these points.
PROVISIONS RECEIVED.--A large quantity of cooked provisions brought
up from San Francisco by the steamers Nevada and Cornelia, were
delivered yesterday to the Agents of the Howard Benevolent Society.
Before removing them from the levee rations were given out to a large
number of hungry men.
REMOVAL OF GRAIN.--Campbell & Sweeney had a large number of hands
engaged yesterday in removing grain from their warehouse. The sloop
America was freighted with thirty tons of it for San Francisco. Its
removal is rendered necessary by the falling of a portion of wall of
the storehouse.
DISGUSTINGLY DRY.--It was a matter of complaint with some folks
yesterday that the streets were becoming disgustingly dry. The
water had vacated J street so far that navigation with boats was
entirely impossible--the only mode of getting along being to wade
through the mud.
THE HIGHT OF WATER.--At sunset last evening the Sacramento had fallen
nine inches within twenty-four hours, and stood at 22 feet 9 inches
above low water mark. In the city the water had fallen about one foot
in the same period, or about four feet since Friday night. It was
nearly off of J and K streets.
LOSS OF STOCK.--J. W. Richmond, on Eighteenth street, near R, is
reported to have lost forty cows by the late flood. W. N. Brainard,
in the same neighborhood, lost thirty head. Both parties were engaged
in the milk business. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3369, 15 January 1862, p. 1
ASSEMBLY.
TUESDAY, Jan. 14, 1862. The House met at eleven o'clock. . . .
Mr. FERGUSON said he rose to a question of privilege, and stated that he
found himself and many others incorrectly reported in the Sacramento
UNION of this morning in the vote by ayes and noes on the question of
reconsidering the vote on Senate Concurrent Resolution No 9.
Several other members made similar statements.
Mr. O'BRIEN said he was requested by the reporter for the UNION to
state that the mistake occurred inadvertently. In the haste of
transcribing his notes for the press, he accidentally inserted
the slip containing the detailed vote on his (Mr. O'Brien's)
motion to suspend the rules in order to take up the resolution
offered by Mr. Shannon to adjourn the Legislature till Tueiday,
the 21st instant, and it was the vote on that motion which was
printed where the vote on the reconsideration should have been
given.
Mr. WARWICK said this was one of those inadvertencies which must
occur at times in spite of the utmost care.
Mr. LOVE said he, too, was among those whose names were reported
wrong in this connection, but he would raise no question of privilege
upon it; and after this explanation be hoped the time or the House
would not be taken up rurther with questions of privilege on the
subject. The matter would all be corrected in the UNION to-morrow
morning, and they could afford to wait one day. . . .
Leave of absence was also requested for Mr. Teegarden.
Mr. CUNNARD said he must object, because Mr. Teegarden had voted
unanimously to have the Legislature remain here, and had now himself
"vamosed the ranch."
Mr. SEARS inquired the reason for asking leave or absence.
Mr. SARGENT said the reason was that the high water was all around
the gentleman's house, and he thought it neceaaary to go and protect
his property.
Leave of absence was granted by a vote of ayes 46, noes not counted. . . .
AN AQUEOUS JOKE.
Mr. JACKSON offered the following:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Assembly are hereby tendered
to Commodore Clayton [the Sergeant-at-Arms] for his gallant and
meritorious service as commander of the Legislative fleet during
the late flood.
Mr. BENTON moved to refer the resolution to Assistant Commodore
Reed.
A MEMBEER moved to refer it to the Committee on Commerce and Navigation.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer suggested that it should go to the Committee on
Swamp and Overflowed Lands.
The subject was finally laid on the table. . . .
THE QUESTION OF ADJOURNMENT.
The House took up the Senate message, and considered as first in order,
Senate Concurent Resolution, No. 10, relating to adjournment until
January 21st.
Mr. EAGAR said he would move that the House concur.
He desired to give the people of Sacramento an opportunity to fix
up this town, so that they could live in it; to give the
Sergeant-at-Arms time to get the mud out of Committee rooms,
so that they could do business in them, and to give the hotel
keepers an opportunity to prepare their hotels so as to make them
habitable.
Mr. COLLINS moved to amend the resolution by adding: "Provided,
that the members and attaches of the Legislature shall not be
entitled to pay during the period of this adjournment." He offered
this resolution in good faith, but would candidly say, that if it
were adopted, he would, nevertheless, vote against the resolution
for adjournment, if they must adjourn, however, they ought not
to adjourn at the expense of the
State. He had voted steadily against the temporary removal of
the Legislature, because he thought it would not only be possible,
but probable that they could go foward [sic] here and at once with their
business. If he had thought they could not go to work here, he
would have voted to go at once to San Francisco, and hoped all
those who voted against the removal, would be so consistent as
to vote against this resolution. He had said by his vote, that it
was possible to go on with their legislative work here, and a
vote of aye on this resolution would give the lie to that vote.
If they voted to adjourn for ten days now it would be understood
by every one to be an admission that Sacramento was in such a
condition as to be unfit for the business of the State. His wife
was visiting at Stockton, and he would be very glad of an
adjournment which would enable him to go there too, but it was
his first duty to do all he could towards making this a short and
economical session. That was the way to redeem the pledges of
retrenchment and reform that they had all made to the people.
To adjourn for ten days would cost the State fifteen thousand
dollars, and that would not make a good showing upon the r record [sic].
They ought to husband well all the resources of the State, if
for no other reason than that they might be able to make an
appropriation for the defense of their common country in this
time of her peril and need.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer proposed the following as a substitute
for the resolution:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring--That
when this Legislature adjourns to-day it adjourn to meet at the
Capitol of the State on the first Monday in April next, and that
during the interim the members and attaches shall receive no per
diem or pay.
Mr. DUDLEY said he had been unable to express his views while the
subject of temporary removal was before the House, having failed
to obtain the floor for that purpose. He now offered this resolution
in good faith. He had voted peristently [sic] and conscientiously
against the temporary removal, not doubting the right of the
Legislature to remove by concurrent resolution, but believing that,
notwithstanding the submerged streets it would be better to remain
here than to undertake to legislate elsewhere under all the
inconveniences and difficulties which had been pointed out by his
friend from Sacramento (Mr. Ferguson). There would also be a
question about the validity of the laws passed and although he
believed they would be valid, still vexatious and expensive
litigation might arise on the subject, which had better be avoided.
He yesterday voted for the reconsideration, but he did so, as he
stated then simply for the purpose of offering as an amendment
the resolution he had now propoaed. It must be conceeded that
the city of Sacramento was not at present a fit place for the
Legislature. The hacking coughs and trembling voices of members
around him attested that fact. He believed, therefore, it would
be sound policy for the Legislature to adjourn to a time when
they might meet here safely and comfortably.
Mr. SHANNON said there were several questions of order properly
growing out of the subject matter before the House. The consideration
of the substitute should not be entered upon at all until the
amendment was disposed of. He might denominate the gentleman from
Nevada (Mr. Coillins) an oracle of retrenchment and reform, but he
would remind him and others that professions of retrenchment and
reform always abunded [sic] in the early part of a session, but at
the close of the session they could test with mathematical precision
the sincerity of those professions, and decide exactly how many of
them were attributable to buncombe. The true test was to practice
retrenchment and reform in the beginning, middle and end of the
session. But as to that amendment he rose to a question of order,
namely, that the law prescribed the amount per diem due each member
and attache, and that no resolution or amendment could prevent
their drawing that amount for every day from the commencement to
the close of the session. Therefore, the gentleman had offered this
amendment either in ignorance or as a matter of buncombe. The people
of the State did not wish their representatives to serve without pay;
and if, in consequence of the present condition of the city, they
found it necessary to adjourn for a week, they would be unworthy
[of?] their places if they proposed to do it without pay. He hoped
the amendment would be ruled out of order, and the resolution passed
to adjourn the Legislature for a week.
The SPEAKER said he ruled the amendment out of order, not only for
the reasons suggested, but because it presented a question in the
form of an alternative without providing any way for solving or
determining the alternative.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco said he thought from the way the debate
had set in, there was a prospect of its consuming as much time as
did the debate of yesterday. No good could result from further
debating this question, and as they had other business to attend
to he demanded the previous question.
The previous question was sustained.
The substltute proposed by Mr. DUDLEY of Placer having been read, the SPEAKER decided that it was out of order.
The question then being on adopting the Senate resolution, Messrs.
AVERY, EAGAR and PRINTY demanded the ayes and noes.
Mr. AVERY, in explanation of his vote, said he should vote no because
the House decided yesterday, in refusing to remove temporarily to
San Francisco, that the Legislature could go on with its business
properly here, and he yielded to the decision of the House. He was
governed by motives of economy then, and he was governed by the same
motives now.
Mr. PRINTY said he should vote no because the State was paying him
for his time.
Mr. REED said he voted yesterday in accordance with his convictions
or duty to the whole State, and he thought the same rule would govern
him now in voting aye.
Mr. SEARS made a very similar explanation, In voting no, and declared
that he felt bound to remain at his post of duty.
Mr. SMITH of Sierra, said there were many members who must go home
to look after their property which had been overwhelmed by the
flood, and for the purpose of affording them that opportunity he
would vote aye.
Mr. ZUCK said he voted to remain here simply because he believed
the Legislature could now go on with its business here.
Mr. PORTER said he desired to stay here if there was any prospect
of doing business, but he knew there was a determination on the
part of a great many members to leave whether the adjournment was
carried or not, and under all the circumstances he would vote aye.
Mr. CUNNARD said he would vote aye to-day as he did yesterday on
the proposition of temporary removal of the Legislature, and he
considered the vote of the Sacramento delegation in favor of this
resolution as an indorsement of the vote he gave yesterday.
The following was the result or the vote:
Ayes--Ames, Barton of Sacramcento [sic], Barton of San Bernardino,
Benton, Brown, Campbell, Cunnard, Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dow,
Dudley of Solano, Eagar, Eliason, Fay, Ferguson, Frasier, Griswold,
Hoag, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Kendall, Lane, Matthews, McAllister,
Maclay, Moore, Morrison, O'Brien, Parker, Pemberton, Porter, Reed,
Reese, Reeve, Sargent, Saul, Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra,
Thompson of Tehama, Thornbury, Tilton of San Francisco, Warwick,
Watson, Werk, Woodman, Wright--49.
Noes--Amerige, Avery, Bell, Bigelow, Cot, Collins, Dana,
Dudley of Placer, Evey, Hillyer, Leach, Loewy, Love, Machin, McCullough,
Meyers, Printy, Sears, Seaton. Thompson of San Joaquin, Waddell,
Yule, Zuck --28.
So the resolution was adopted in concurrence.
Mr. SHANNON moved to suspend Rule 57, so as to enable him to move a
reconsideration at present, to prevent any person from keeping the
subject open until to-morrow by a notice of reconsideration.
Mr. COLLINS opposed the motion, and said he thought before the end
of the session the gentleman from Plumas (Mr. Shannon) would find
there was but little buncombe about him. He would be for retrenchment
and reform at the beginning, middle and end of the session; and he
thought the charge of buncombe might very well be made in quite
another quarter.
Mr. SHANNON said on examination he found that even if the notice
were given it could only come up at the next sitting or the House,
and he would withdraw his motion as unnecessary, and move instead
that the Clerk inform the Senate immediately of the concurrence of
the House in the resolution.
The latter motion prevailed. . . .
THE SWAMP LAND FUND.
The House took up Senate bill No. 6--An Act to transfer certain funds.
The bill having been read twice-- . . . .
Mr. SAUL said he was opposed to the passage of the bill in its present
form. It was true that the members needed money, but he was a
representative from the swamp lands, and all he had in the world was
under water or had floated away on the top of the water. A great many
of his constituents were in the same fix. If this was a first step
toward breaking up the Swamp Land Commission, and scattering its
funds to the winds, he was opposed to it in the commencement. He was
ready to vote to appropriate $60,000 from that fund, but he wanted to
provide that it should only be paid to members and attaches of the
Legislature, for those who were holding office for two years could
afford to wait, or live upon credit until the money came into the
Geneneral Fund. He would offer an amendment to that effect.
The SPEAKER said the amendment would not be in order, as the bill had
gone beyond the amendable stage.
The question was taken by voice on the passage of the bill, and it
was passed. . . .
Mr. TILTON renewed his motion to adjourn, which was carried.
Accordingly, at one and a quarter o'clock the House was declared
adjourned until Tuesday, January 21st, at eleven o'clock, A. M.
CORRECTIONS.--By a disastrous blunder in our report of the Legislative
proceedings of Monday the wrong list of ayes and noes was printed as
the vote or the House on the question of reconsidering the vote
rejecting the Senate resolution to adjourn the Legislature to San
Francisco. The following is the correct vote on the question of
reconsideration:
Ayes--Ames, Avery, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Brown, Cunnard,
Cot, Dana, Dow. Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey, Fay, Hoffman. Jackson,
Lane, Loewy, Love, Matthews, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers. Moore, Printy,
Reed, Sargent. Sears, Thornbury, Werk, Wright, Zuck, Mr. Speaker--33.
Noes--Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Benton, Bigelow. Campbell, Collins,
Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Solano, Eliasen, Ferguson, Frasier,
Griswold, Hillyer. Hoag, Irwin, Kendall,. Machin, McAllister, Morrison,
O'Brlen, Parker, Pemberton. Porter, Reeves, Saul, Seaton,
Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Teegarden, Thompson of Tehama,
Thompson of San Joaquin, Van Zandt, Waddell, Warwick, Watson,
Woodman, Yule--39.
The manner in which the mistake occurred was correctly explained to
the House by Mr. O'Brien, in behalf of our reporter, as will be
noticed in the report of yesterday's proceedings. Fortunately, the
error was of such a nature that no one of intelligence could be
misled by it, after reading the report or the day's debate, which
culminated in the vote then taken. By another inadvertence, Mr. Dean
was erroneously reported as classing himself among the Republicans.
In the report of Saturday's proceedings the following paragraph
occurred: "Messrs. O'Brien, Jackson and Printy demanded the previous
question on the motion for the previous question." It should read
"demanded the ayes and noes on the motion for the previous question."
Mr. Reeve requests us to state that it was not he but Mr. Reed who
obtained indefinite leave of abaence on Monday.
DONATIONS FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--In addition to the names of those
generous donors to whom reference was made in the UNION yesterday,
as having made contributions to the sufferers by the flood in
Sacramento, we would also mention the following parties:
Eugene L. Sullivan, Rodgers & Meyer, A. Wilhelm, Greene's restaurant,
Clipper restaurant, Captain Garwood, Wener & Prinz, McDonald & Co.,
Bank Exchange, J. H. McDonald, P. Staunton, J. J. Haley, Dodge & Austin,
Maston & Smiley, Nash & Taylor, Pacific Bakery, Butler & Cheney,
William Blossom, R. G. Sneath, O. B. Crary, P. Sather;
Zinn, Carf & Stein; River Lovell, J. Donahoe, Heildebrand & Shultz,
First Unitarian Church, American Theater, Gilbert's Melodeon,
Maguire's Opera House, Metropolitan Theater, National Theater,
Bella Union, J. C. Birdseye, W. T. Thompson, Epes Ellery, H. H. Bancroft,
A. Doolit, Fred. Schell, F. Shattuck, Hertz, A. Pfaff and Lena Pfaff,
L. T. Lander, Bernheim, Castle Market, Dale & Co., Revere, Mrs. Turner,
W. Meyer & Co., Wilson, corner Second and Folsom; Mrs. Gen. Wright,
Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. John Parrott, Mrs. Dr. Keenan. The Howard
Benevolent Society will doubtless, by and by, make a full mention
of the names of all donors who have contributed in their behalf,
with a statement of the particular amounts received. The Bulletin
of January 13th, says:
We are informed that it is the intention of the Committee to petition
the Legislature for an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars for
the relief of the Sacramento sufferers. Yesterday between forty and
fifty tons went up, which is sufficient to last for two or three days.
Meantime, the many tons of cooked and uncooked provisions that have
accumulated at Music Hall will remain there until the Committee
ascertain from the Howard Benevolent Society whether the sufferers
will come down and receive a sympathizing welcome here, or whether
they prefer to have the supplies sent up to Sacramento. The Reception
Committee appointed at the Music Hall meeting yesterday are still
actively at work. Many of those who came down on Saturday's boat
have received food and clothing from the Hall to-day, but the
contributions of raiment and provisions come in so rapidly and
generously that the larders of the restaurant in the basement of
the Hall are yet full to overflowing, and the clothing shop on the
speaker's stand is always in receipt of fresh goods.
Platt's building, (Music Hall,) with its spacious upper and lower
and basement halls, has been generously loaned to the Committee for
the reception of the destitute. A large stove has been placed in the
principal hall.
Below, in the basement, four long tables are loaded
with "eatables," and 1,000 persons can sit there and dine at once.
George Gordon has kindly offered the Committee the use of his Sugar
Refinery warehouse (well warmed with steam pipes.)
THE REMOVAL QUESTION.--The Alta strongly rebukes the late
action favored by the representatives from San Francisco for the
temporary removal of the State Capital. It says:
We are sorry to see that a movement was made in the Legislature
yesterday for the removal of the seat of Government, even
temporarily. The people of San Francisco are emphatically opposed
to any such proceeding, and they hope that their representatives
will do all in their power to prevent the consummation of any
such act. We know full well that great inconvenience attends a
residence in Sacramento just now, but, if such inconvenience is
too much for our legislators, let them adjourn for a week or
so--go where they desire, and draw their pay for doing nothing,
if they please.
Under the circumstances, we are not in favor of even a temporary
adjournment to this city. In a week or so, things will be tolerably
comfortable again. There is a prospect at length of fine weather.
If there is anything for which the people of Sacramento are
remarkable, it is their indomitable energy. As soon as the waters
subside they will get their city in order again, let there be no
removal.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Our news columns to-day give a tolerably definite idea of the extent
and character of the late flood in a portion of the State from which
we have received reliable intelligence. The amount of the damage which
has been sustained can scarcely be exaggerated. We learn by parties who
recently passed over the Sierras, that the storm in the mountains was
very severe. The rains poured down in torrents, causing some fearful
slides of snow, land and rocks, which have largely obstructed the road,
and will interfere with travel to a considerable extent.
We are without telegraphic intelligence from points in the State, or
from the East.
The water in the city fell yesterday about eight inches. The Sacramento
decreased about three inches, and the American at Rabel's Tannery about
three feet for the last two days. The steamer Anna was dispatched
yesterday by the Howard Benevolent Society down the river, to take
cattle off the banks of the river, where they are reported to be
perishing. The Goodman Castle will be sent down to-day.
The American river was navigated again yesterday by the steamers
Defiance and Governor Dana to a point above Patterson's.
An inquest was held yesterday near Norris' ranch on the bodies of
three Chinamen which were found drowned in that vicinity. . . .
LET HIM HAVE RELIEF.--During the debate in the Senate, on Saturday,
upon a resolution to authorize the Sergeant-at-Arms to procure boats
for the use of Senators, during the flood, a wail was sent up by a
very nice little gentleman from San Francisco, which should not pass
unnoticed. Some steps should be taken to ascertain whether that Senator
has yet found the relief demanded by him in such woful tones. The
report says that Mr. Perkins used the following language:
I can't live on bread and cheese. I have for the last day had nothing
for breakfast, dinner and supper but that same article.
Now, some action ought to be had upon this matter. Who knows but this
luckless Senator is still suffering for the want of some delicacy of
the season, which might be had at San Francisco? It will not do to
pass the matter over with a laugh, for something serious may come
of it. If the cheese is of the "white oak " variety, time alone can
tell the effect it may have. We seriously hope that the diet of the
dapper gentleman from San Francisco has been changed before this.
Bread and cheese is very good for those who like it. We all remember
that stately poem by Mother Goose, which commences thus:
When I was a little boy
I lived by myself;
And all the bread and cheese I got,
I laid upon the shelf.
But "what is one man's meat is another man's poison;" and if Mr. Perkins
is not fond of bread and cheese, he has a right to be provided with
something more to his liking, and in default of such provision, the
Capital should be removed. Let this be attended to.
But the gentleman had other things to distress him. As though bread
and cheese were not enough to drive him to despair, horrors upon horrors
accumulated upon him, and thus he cries out:
Absolutely I cannot get out to perform the business that nature demands
with any decency at all. Suppose a man to be called on in the Senate
here, where is he to go? Why he has to go and call for a boat. Nature
demands relief, and he wants a boat! What a position for the Senate
of California to be in! Now the Senator wants to adjourn until
Wednesday--and what am I going to do until Wednesday, with water six
feet deep all around my boarding house?
A MEMBER--[To Mr. P.] Do you want a boat?
Mr. Perkins--No; I do not want a boat now. * * * * I am not going away
from this Capitol. If we are compelled to stay here I am going to remain
in this Capitol and send for my bread and cheese.
Can any one tell whether the honorable Senator's wants have been
attended to? Is he to be compelled forever to be idle when business
is to be done? Has human ingenuity furnished no appliances whereby.
Mr. Perkins can extricate himself from the awful position he was in
on Saturday, and from which we have no intelligence of his having
been relieved ? If he would only inform the Legislature of the nature
of the relief demanded, something would be done we feel sure. If the
Third House would take the case under consideration, a relief bill
might be passed, and its passage would perhaps put the San Francisco
Senator in better humor. We learn that a movement is on foot to present
him with a suitable testimonial, which shall convince him that our
good citizens are not unmindful of his wants. This we mention, in
order that he may be prepared to receive it in a becoming manner. . . .
DAMAGE IN THE INTERIOR.--It is stated by parties who have arrived here
from the Mokelumne, that both Dr. Soher's bridge at Big Bar, and the
Middle Bar bridge were carried away by the late flood; also that
Hayward's valuable quartz mill on Sutter Creek has been entirely
destroyed. . . .
OFFICE AT PATTERSON.--A telegraphic operator left the city yesterday
in the steamer Defiance for the purpose of establishing a telegraphic
office at Patterson.
A BAD BEGINNING.
It must be admitted that the Legislature has made a bad beginning. . . .
These preliminaries having been settled, a scheme for the removal of the
Capital from Sacramento, which had been in existence for weeks, was
precipitated upon the Legislature upon the pretext furnished by the
disastrous flood of Friday last. We say the scheme was coolly projected
long before the session, and that the late inundation only added to
the number of its supporters. True, it was pretended that the removal
was to be but temporary, but men of sense, who are accustomed to see
unpopular ends attained by slow degrees, know well enough that some of
the friends of the "temporary removal" dodge hoped to be able to moor
the Legislature permanently at the point selected for present convenience.
The plan failed, thanks to the Assembly, and the old fashion of putting
the Capital on wheels was not revived. The defeat of the movement was
the signal for sundry exhibitions of frivolity and ill humor, which
were no credit to the Senate.
The flood, distressing as it was to members, did not cause them to
forget the question of per diem. The collapsed condition of the General
Fund was an ever present subject of reflection with some, and the
shining pile in the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund loomed up mountain
high to their mental vision. So far as a vote of both Houses can do
it, sixty-eight thousand dollars of the latter fund has been ordered
into the General Fund, and if the Governor signs the bill, that amount
of money will rapidly disappear in the payment of those who have no
just claims upon it whatsoever.
But a majority of our legislators seem more anxious to draw pay than
to earn it. Yesterday, by a concurrent vote, both Houses adjourned
for a week. There was no possible need of this. It is a piece of
reckless extravagance, and must have been mainly prompted by a desire
on the part of members to have a good time. The main thoroughfares
of the city are now in a passable condition for pedestrians, and
in twenty-four hours more, if the weather continues pleasant, the
sidewalks and crossings will generally be pretty free from mud. Why
should Senators and Members turn their backs upon the public business
for a whole week, at an expense to the State of from eight to ten
thousand dollars? One member said he wanted to give men a chance
to go to their homes and look after their property damaged by the
flood. If leave of absence had been granted in all necessary cases
of this kind, we are of the opinion that neither House would have
been thereby materially thinned out. The adjournment was evidently
had because the mud here was unpleasant, and because a trip to San
Francisco is just now considered the thing. It is safe to assert
that a majority of both houses are now in San Francisco, having a
good time at the expense of the people. One thing is certain, and
that is that the San Francisco Senators and Members who voted for
an adjournment to that city will meet with no very hearty welcome
from their constituents; for the large-hearted people of that city
are indignant at the effort made, in the midst of our disasters, to
injure Sacramento by the agitation of the Capital question.
It has been said that a bad beginning makes a good end; let us hope
that this may prove to be the case with our Legislature, and that
when business is resumed on next Tuesday, there will be some
evidence of a serious intention to look to the interests of the
State rather than to personal convenience, or pleasure.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The Society were in receipt of sixteen packages
from San Francisco by the boat of Monday night. Captain Callogan, of
the ship Storm King, came up on the Chrysopolis with his ship's launch
and boat crew, ready to aid in any manner. The San Francisco relief
boats, dispatched on Monday morning, have been heard from, one having
saved much of the property of a citizen below Sutterville, putting
two fine mules in the parlor, leaving plenty of hay and grain, and
placing the family on the down boat. Another rescued three families
and reached the river in time to meet the boat going down, and
returned to continue their errand of mercy. The stern wheel steamer
Goodman Castle will be dispatched at ten A. M. to-day with a flatboat
that will hold two hundred head of stock, to save all possible and
place them on high ground. Other boats will be sent soon as they can
be fitted out. At a late hour the boat sent to the pocket around
Sutton's, with provisions, had not returned, and evidences that it
found much to do. During the day the relief boats have been constantly
occupied in dispensing provisions at houses still submerged, and at
the different stations. At the Pavilion, though many leave as the
waters pass off the streets north of K, yet the number does not
diminish--those who had temporary shelter in two story buildings now
seek the hospitalities of the Society.
A child of Mr. Vandernash died yesterday at the Pavilion, and will be
buried at three o'clock P. M. This family has been severely afflicted,
six children all now ill, and one not expected to live through the
night. Everything that medical skill and careful nursing could do
has been rendered.
Much difficulty will be experienced in obtaining small buildings
suitable for families, and all who have rooms to rent in suitable
locations should inform the officers of the Association.
AN INCIDENT IN THE LATE FLOOD.--San Francisco Herald, referring
to the late flood, gives the following incident:
When the Chrysopolis reached the ranch of Judge Read, some ten miles
below Sacramento, a touching scene was witnessed on the upper balcony
of the house. The ladies and children of the family stood in a row,
each waving a signal of distress, while a servant blew a horn to
attract attention. Immediately he perceived their condition, Captain
Chadwick stopped his steamer and sent a small boat to their rescue.
It was found that every article of property had been swept away.
The ladies and children, with their heads uncovered and their hair
streaming in the wind, were at length safely put on board, and tears
rolled down the cheeks of many of the spectators. The mother was the
last to get on deck, and as she saw her children safe around her, her
long pent up agony broke forth in a cry of joy and gratitude to Heaven
so wild and piercing that it can never be forgotten by many of those
who had the painful necessity of hearing it. Three other famlies were
at the same time being rescued by the commander of the Nevada some half
a mile below this ranch. The water in the river was then rising at the
rate of four inches an hour, and it is easy to see that if the flood
continued to increase at this rate for even four hours every household
along the whole line of the river must have either been drowned or
compelled to save themselves in small boats or on rafts. . . .
SNOW IN SHASTA.--In Shasta on Saturday night, January 4th, the snow
fell to the depth of one foot . . .
LATE FROM THE NORTH.--by the Cortes, which arrived at San Francisco
January 12th, we have advices from Victoria to January 6th. The Columbia
river being frozen over no late news was received from Portland. We
append the following intelligence from the British Colonist of
January 6th:
From Levi, of the firm of Levi & Boas, New Westminster, who arrived
here by the Otter on Saturday night last, we have received some late
intelligence from Cariboo. Levi, with others, left the forks of
Quesnelle river on the 1st of last month, came down by the river
trail, and was twenty-four days in reaching New Westminster. The
Brigade trail is choked with snow and is impassable. A thermometer
at the Forks on the morning of the 1st December stood 18 degrees
below zero, and at Beaver Lake, on the following day, 27 degrees
below zero. Snow lay on the ground to the depth of three feet.
All the trails were impassable for animals and our informant and
his party footed it to Lillooet. In the diggings nothing was doing.
The snow was very deep on Antler creek, where 25 men are wintering.
At the Forks there are about 150 men. The total number of persons in
the whole country will not reach 200.
The steamer Otter arrived at Victoria Jan. 4th from New Westminster,
bringing a few passengers and an inconsiderable amount of treasure.
A great deal of floating ice, says the Colonist, was
encountered in the river between its mouth and New Westminster,
and both the Harrison and Fraser rivers were reported to be frozen
over. The weather had been very severe, and there was no connection
with any of the towns above New Westminster. . . .
FATAL ACCIDENT IN SHASTA.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from
Shasta, January 11th, thus refers to a melancholy occurrence:
A. J. Reid, one of the Supervisors of this county, was drowned
yesterday, as follows: He was one of the owners of Reid's Ferry,
on the Sacramento river. The river was very high and rising. He
attempted, with a Mexican named Jose and an Indian, to cross from
the side of the river on which his house stands to the opposite
one, for the purpose of raising the ferry rope out of the water.
.When about two-thirds of the way across, the current carried
them down against the rope, which capsized the boat. Reid was
drowned, and it is supposed the Mexican was, as he has not been
seen since. The Indian got out.
Monroe Reid, now at Virginia City and late of your city, is a brother
of deceased; also E. A. Reid , of this county, but now in the Humboldt
mines. The deceased was formerly from Pike county, Illinois.
LEGISLATIVE ERROR.-- An error inadvertently occurred in our Legislative
proceedings yesterday, which is alluded to elsewhere. It is very
unfortunate that a mistake should happen in the UNION's report,
for members are sure to rise to a question of privilege, whereas
if a similar error should take place in the columns of our little
neighbor over the way it is regarded by our Legislators as of no
sort of consequence whatever, as Toots would say.
WRECKED VESSELS.--The Peruvian schooner Efin A. Kniper, loaded with
337,000 pounds of sugar, on her way from Peru to San Francisco, was
blown ashore at Half Moon Bay, just south of Point San Pedro, on the
night of the 10th January, and is likely to prove a total loss. Her
cargo is insured.
The Captain of the Efin A. Kniper states that a bark is ashore about
ten miles below where the Efin A. Kniper was wrecked. . . .
DROWNED IN SONOMA.--Mrs. Roane, the wife of a shoemaker residing at
Sonoma, was found drowned on the afternoon of the 28th December, in
a creek near her residence. Deceased was sixty years of age. . . .
FOUND--DURING THE LATE
Flood, near Camp Union, three barrels and one half barrel TALLOW. For
Information, direct letter to JOHN SHEA, Sacramento Post Office. ja15-1t* . . .
FOUND--DURING THE FLOOD,
one box of NITRIC ACID. The owner can obtain the same at the OLD
SACRAMENTO THEATER. ja15-1t* . . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE STEAMER ANNA.--The steamer Anna, Captain Truworthy, on her last
upward trip to Sacramento, took off from the tops of houses and other
perilous positions a large number of men, women and children. In many
instances they were reached with the greatest difficulty, it being
almost impracticable to get to them with small boats. In one or two
instances men were taken from trees. As a general thing they had no
means of obtaining food. When on the steamer, they were of course well
taken care of. The captain devoted much time and effort in this good
work. He reports that there are thousands of cattle and horses on the
banks of the river--some on knolls, and some partially submerged,
perishing for want of food. Wherever men remain at their ranches they
were anxious to have the steamer go back for their stock. At about
noon yesterday the captain started down the river again with barges,
to do what he could in that line. The Goodman Castle will go to-day
under the direction of the Howard Benevolent Society, with barges and
men ready for service. There is said to be work for three or four
steamers for several days. It is impracticable for some of the large
steamers, on the Yolo side, belonging to the Steam Navigation Company
to be sent down to save for those who have met with such great
disaster, the remnants of the general wreck.
RUMORED DROWNING.--There were rumors on the street yesterday
afternoon, that three men had been drowned, in the forenoon, at
the crevasse below R street, by the upsetting of a boat, and that
A. T. Nelson, saddler, on K street near 4th, was one of them. There
was no truth in the report, so far as Nelson and his companions
were concerned, although it appears to be possible that such a
disaster may have happened to another party of equal numbers.
Nelson and two others started from the levee in a boat and went
down and through the crevasse successfully. We are informed by
a gentleman who was at the foot of R street about noon, that he
was told by a German who was on the railroad embankment at the
time, that he saw a boat containing three men upset, and that all
were drowned. A small boy in the neighborhood makes a similar
statement. Their description of the boat does not apply to that
in which Nelson and party went through. It should be borne in
mind by inexperienced boatmen, boys, etc. that it is very dangerous
to approach this opening, from the river side. The power of the
descending current is very great but cannot be correctly estimated
until too late. The steamer Anna, Capt. Truworthy, came near being
carried through it and saved himself only by getting out a line
and making fast to the bank.
A GENERAL MUSS.--A considerable muss occurred at about half-past
four o'clock last evening on Front street, below L. Reed & Herrick
had constructed a gangway across the street, and were engaged in
removing grain on trucks from their store to one of the steamers
on the levee. Two wagons made their appearance for the purpose of
going to Carpenter's building to remove furniture, etc , stored in
it. They could not pass on account of the gangway. Reed & Herrick
refused to remove it. The teamsters and those who employed them
insisted upon the right of way. The teamsters claimed their right
to get through on their own business. The grain men claimed that
they were in a great hurry with their grain. One teamster attempted
to remove the planks. He was repulsed several times and pushed into
the mud. Considerable hard talk ensued, and time enough was spent
for twenty teams to pass and repass, when officer McIntosh was
called and removed the gangway and allowed the teams to pass.
CORONER'S INQUESTS.--Coroner Reeves left the city yesterday on
board the steamer Defiance to take charge of the dead bodies
reported to have been found on Norris' ranch. It was understood
on Tuesday that five bodies had been found, and yesterday the
number had increased to eleven. The Coroner on arriving on the
ground found but three, all being the bodies of deceased Chinamen.
In one case W. Waldron, D. Morton, Isaac Watson, Joseph Waldron,
Albert E. Lockhart and George A. Lockhart served as jurors. Peter
Pedro testified that at about one o'clock on Tuesday he discovered
the body afloat among the drift, that it was entirely nude, with
the exception of a belt to which was attached a small key, and that
deceased appeared to have been dead about three or four weeks. The
jury returned a verdict that the deceased had probably been drowned.
The facts and circumstances in the other two cases were quite similar
to those in the above named.
A GENEROUS PROFFER.--Captain Gallaghan of the clipper ship Storm King,
came up from San Francisco on Tuesday night on the Antelope, with a
fine boat and crew, the services of which were tendered to the Howard
Benevolent Society. As there was deemed to be no present necessity
for the service of the boat, the tender was declined. The generous
impulse which prompted this practical proffer is duly appreciated by
Sacramentans. We incline to think that between this point and the bay,
on both sides of the river, there might be a much larger number of
boats employed to great advantage than have been sent out. There are
thousands of houses partially submerged, which must not be many miles
from land. How many of the men, women and children who occupied them
a few weeks ago have been able to escape from them with any facilities
at their disposal?
THE SEVENTH STREET CREVASSE.--On the north levee, opposite Seventh
street, the water has been running into the city from the slough for
several days. On Tuesday afternoon, W. Turton, with a gang of men,
expended considerable work to close the breach, but had not material
on hand sufficient to complete the job. Yesterday afternoon the work
was again resumed under the supervision of E. P. Figg and W. F. Knox.
The current was partially checked, but, from a deficiency of gunny
sacks or some other cause, the work was not completed. The effect of
the running stream is to keep much more water in that portion of the
town than would remain there from the backing up from below.
RESOLUTION OF THANKS.--A meeting of the guests of the Golden Eagle
Hotel was held in the parlor yesterday, at which T. B. Shannon of
Plumas was elected President, and S. B. Bell Secretary. On the report
of a Committee appointed for the purpose, the following resolution
was adopted: "Resolved that we hereby most cordially and gratefully
return our sincere thanks to Tubbs & Potter, the proprietors of the
Golden Eagle Hotel, whose guests we are, for their successful
exertions in rendering our stay in their house so agreeable during
the present unprecedented flood as to make us forget that we were
dwelling in the midst of a great calamity."
THE AMERICAN RIVER.--The steamers Gov. Dana and Defiance left the
levee yesterday forenoon for Patterson, with freight and passengers
for Folsom. They landed a short distance above the point heretofore
used as an embarcadero. They will start again for the same point
this morning. Large quantities of merchandise await transportation.
ALL SAFE.--The members of the Gregory family, referred to yesterday
as having left their ranch on the Sacramento in a skiff, reached a
safe locality without disaster. Gregory himself was rescued from the
roof of his house not by the Antelope, as heretofore stated, but by
the steamer Anna, Captain Truworthy.
FOR SUTTER AND FRANKLIN.--A Whitehall boat, well freighted with
provisions, was dispatched from the Pavilion, yesterday, to the
lower portion of Sutter and the upper portion of Franklin township,
for the purpose of giving relief to such families of ranchmen as may
require it.
KIND HEARTED.--There are two or three youths at the Pavilion who go
out in a boat every evening and return with five or six chickens,
on which they live sumptuously the next day. Their explanation is
that they take the chickens out of trees to save them from starving.
THE WATER.--The water in the Sacramento had fallen last evening
about three inches since our last report, standing at twenty-two
feet six inches above low water mark. Water in the city had fallen
about eight inches within the last twenty-four hours. The American
river has fallen about three feet in the past two days. . . .
REPORTED CASE OF DROWNING.--Information was sent to the Coroner last
evening that a man had been drowned at Sutterville. No statement was
made as to whether or not the body had been found.
WORTH SEEING.--The crevasse on the river front below R street is well
worth a visit. There is a fall of at least three or four feet, which
causes the water to empty from the river with great speed and force. . . .
INDIAN PREDICTIONS.--We are informed that the Indians living in the
vicinity of Marysville left their abodes a week or more ago for the
foothills, predicting an unprecedented overflow. They told the whites
that the water would be higher than it had been for thirty years, and
pointed high up on the trees and houses where it would come. The valley
Indians have traditions that the water occasionally rises fifteen or
twenty feet higher than it has been at any time since the country was
settled by the whites, and as they live in the open air, and watch
closely all the weather indications, it is not improbable that they
may have better means than the whites of anticipating a great storm.
--Nevada Democrat.
We have it on good authority that the Indians about this city have
prophesied all the floods of the present Winter; and, worse than all,
they say that our heaviest flood has not yet come. The Indians who
were living in the tules over in Sutter county, made a stampede from
the low grounds several days before the last overflow, and went into
the foothills and other high places.--Marysville Express.
SCARCITY OF PROVISIONS AT NEVADA.--Interruption of communication with
the lower country is beginning to shorten inconveniently the supplies
of mountain traders. The Nevada Democrat, of January 11th, says:
Flour at this market has gone up to six dollars and fifty cents per
hundred, and other provisions in proportion. From what we can learn,
however, there is no reason to fear an immediate famine. The Nevada
Flouring Mill has wheat enough on hand to make twelve hundred barrels
of flour, which in ordinary times would supply this market for three
months; but even now, when they have to supply Grass Valley and the
upper part of the country, the stock on hand will last at least a
month, unless people should get frightened. The merchants refuse to
sell provisions unless in limited quantities, and this has alarmed
some people, particularly the Chinamen, who are endeavoring to
purchase enough to last them for a year. . . .
SENSIBLE.--The Alta, referring to the recent calamity in the State
and the necessity of a short session, says:
In this state of affairs
the Legislature is forcibly admonished to act with economy. With the
whole of the Sacramento Valley under water, and ruin and desolation
all around, we cannot afford to expend a thousand dollars a day for
legislation. We must have a short, practical session--windy speeches
is a luxury for which we cannot pay just now. We thought, a few days
ago, that the session ought not to last for more than six weeks. Recent
events render it imperative that it should be made shorter if possible.
The people cannot pay as much taxes this year as they did last. It is
folly to expect it. They have not got it, and, therefore, cannot give
it, and the sooner our legislators make up their minds to that fact,
the better it will be for their constituents.
CITIZENS' MEETING.--A meeting of citizens is called to assemble at
twelve o'clock M. to day in the District Court room, to take action
in regard to repairing the crossings of the streets and in regard
to accommodating the public travel.
THE WEATHER.--A splendid day and a pleasant evening fell to our lot
yesterday. They were thankfully received and duly appreciated.
NEW SACRAMENTO.--"New Sacramento," is the name given by Samuel Norris
to a new town laid out by him on the north bank of the American river. . . .
RESERVOIR BROKEN.--The reservoir at Middletown, on the road thence to
Horsetown, and a few miles distant from Shasta, broke in lately. It
belonged to the Clear Creek Ditch Company.
FATAL ACCIDENT.--A man, named Calvin Cleveland, while washing out a pan
of dirt on Bourbon Hill, Nevada county, recently, was buried under a bank
of dirt and soon died.
p. 4
THE LAST FLOOD IN CALIFORNIA.
We give without comment the following accounts of the late destructive
flood, which appears to have been general over the whole extent of the
country so far as we have information
SAN JOAQUIN.--Stockton Independent of January 11th has an
extended article on the flood in that city, from which we condense
the following:
The alarm of danger was sounded by the ringing of the City Hall bell,
at half past one o'clock yesterday morning, at which time the waters
from the eastward of the city had made their appearance, and were
rapidly increasing in volume, filling the sloughs to their banks,
and forcing their way into the main channels at a fearful rate.
Many persons stood night guard, "Hakatone" (Rev. Mr. Anderson) among
others, watching with observing eye the approach of the rushing
water, wandering through the city by the light of lanterns, and
viewing the progress of the overflow. The bell repeatedly rang
out the alarm, which, as the sequel has shown, was not a "false"
one.
In Mormon Slough the water came roaring and tumbling down the
ravine with a fearful velocity, gradually increasing in volume until
its banks yielded to the pressure within, and came coursing into
the city and mingled itself with the water which the smaller
sloughs to the north had swollen into the proportions of a perfect
overflow. To the eastward of the dam which is supposed to serve as
a protection against the flow of water from Mormon Slough into the
central part of the city, the banks had given way, and the larger
part of the water was thus diverted from its natural channel into
the smaller sloughs which enter the city from that direction, already
filled to overflowing.
The chief and most alarming source of danger to be apprehended, was
found in the larger sloughs on the north side of the city, from the
overflow of which a number of families were compelled to remove from
their residences, some of whom, taking time by the forelock deserted
their houses on the night previous, taking with them such movables
as were of special value. Lindsay slough rose to an unprecedented
hight, flowing over its banks and forming wide sheets of water, in
the midst of which stood houses and barns, isolated nnd abandoned.
The bridge over this slough at its intersection with American street,
which had withstood the freshets of the past eight years, was swept
away and lodged on the north bank, about two hundred yards distant,
in its progress striking against the house of Dunnigan, taking it
from its foundation and leaving it "keeled over" on the bank of the
slough. By the same accident the house of Thomas Connerton was
carried down with the current and lodged in a clump of trees which
grew near the center of the channel, several hundred yards below
the site on which it was built. The footbridge which crosses
Lindsay slough at its intersection with California street, was
swept away, a part of it lodging, high and dry, on the Hunter
street bridge, three blocks below, and a portion passing under
it. The foot-bridge at El Dorado street was carried away in the
center, thus shutting off all bridge communication with the northern
part of the city, with the exception of that by the bridge over
Hunter street, which stood up nobly under the immense pressure of
timber and large quantities of plank which floated down against it.
A barn belonging to Henry Southwood was taken from its foundation,
and carried down with the current against the bridge at Hunter
street--the crash which followed leaving scarcely nothing by which
to distinguish it from a pile of rubbish.
During the day this bridge was the principal scene of excitement, and
persons were constantly employed in relieving it of the pressure
occasioned by the accumulation of drift stuff. The water flowed
around it on the north, cutting a deep channel which rendered the
bridge useless so far as being of any convenience to persons residing
north of Miner's Avenue. Ferry boats were established, and a
lucrative business was done during the day in conveying passengers
between Lindsay's Point and the foot of Merchant street, on the
Peninsula. An accident occurred to William Miller, while that
gentleman was engaged with others in removing lumber, etc., from
the Hunter street bridge. His footing slipped from a plank upon
which he was standing, and he fell into the slough, but was rescued
after floating down to El Dorado street. A large quantity of water
found an outlet through Fremont channel, where its progress was
uninterrupted by bridges or obstructions of any kind. That portion
of the city lying between these two principal channels was
comparatively dry, the ground being high and the water passing off
in about the same ratio in which the supply was kept up, the
sloughs running constantly, scarcely deviating from a certain
hight during the entire day. Fremont square was undisturbed by
water, while Washington and Court House squares were inundated.
The buildings which principally suffered from the overflow were
low wooden "shells on Main street, Centre street and the Levee.
In the lower part of the city, the water backed up from the tule
region as far the City Mills, but caused no damage. The Globe
Foundry was partially inundated.
The water in the Stockton slough rose to a higher point than ever
before known, and caused some damage to the wharf by forcing off
string pieces and raising the planking from its proper position.
At about two o'clock yesterday, the bridge erected by the county
over Mormon slough broke away and floated down against the bridge
crossing the same slough at its intersection with Centre street,
thus cutting off all communication with the country beyond.
In the city we hear of no great damage to merchandise. R. S. Bates
is a loser to some extent by damage to grain stored in a low brick
warehouse on the corner of Main and California streets. Several
parties having grain and hay on storage in stables have suffered
from damage in small amounts.
The water last evening had receded to such an extent as to leave
many of the sidewalks dry which were covered with water during
the day. The slough fell rapidly after seven o'clock, and unless
refilled by another edition of an overflow from the direction
of the Calaveras, there is every probability that they will not
again reach the hight they attained yesterday. Nous verrons.
The heavy, beating rain which fell last evening, however, forbade
anything but good, and if long continued may result in another,
and perhaps still more serious overflow than that of yesterday,
from the effects of which we had flattered ourselves we had eacaped
"for good and all" for the season.
YUBA.--The Marysville Appeal of Jan. 11th says:
As was expected day before yesterday, the continued rains of the
past day or two, combined with the eflects of melting snows above
here on the Feather and Yuba, have raised the streams once more
to an overflowing hight. Yesterday morning the Yuba was rising
rapidly, lacking only five or six feet of the highest point
heretofore reached by the previous great flood. During the
forenoon the Feather commenced rising, and its immediate effect
was to check the current of the Yuba, which began to rise more
rapidly, and by dark it had reached a point only eight inches
below the high water mark of the 9th of December. Merchants in
the lower part of the city made ready for the flood by piling
their goods out of its reach and removing where it was necessary,
while in the upper part of the city, near A and B streets, the
slough gradually encroached upon the property overflowed by the
last flood, and by dark had covered A street down to Fourth to
the depth of a foot or more.
On the water front, near the plaza, the overflow came nearly up
to the point of the last overflow, and at ten o'clock was only
four inches below the mark of Dec. 9th, and was rising, but
very slowly, the rise being at the rate of an inch an hour,
Up to that time the rain had not ceased, but was falling at
intervals, and the prospect for a subsidence of the water was
not very encouraging. The rain has been a warm one, and the snows
in the mountains must have been all melted by this time, but should
the present rain have extended as far up as did the last storm,
we shall have a higher flood than ever before. The damage, however,
will not be so great, as it finds our people prepared for it, and
sweeps over a section of country but just before destroyed by it.
We can only wait in patience for the falling of the water, and are
in the meantime cut off from stage and telegraph communication in
every direction.
The Appeal of January 12th remarks further:
When we made up our report of the state of the water for our
issue of Saturday morning, the water had raised to a hight only
a few inches below the highest mark of the great flood of the 5th [9th?].
But yesterday morning found the water still rising in hight, though,
owing to the extent of land now submerged, the rise was very slow.
By eleven o'clock in the forenoon the water had reached the mark of
the December flood, and there everybody hoped that it would stay, as
no one seemed to think it possible that a point higher than that
could be reached. But slowly and surely the water advanced until
it passed the boundaries of the last flood, and was at a greater
hight than ever before known. By noon the Yuba had so backed into
the D street sewer, that water was forced up through the manholes
into the streets, overflowing into the gutters the whole length
of the sewer and filling most of the cellars, where no artificial
protection had been made, along its line, Still the water did not
abate, and the tide from the Yuba met that of the Feather back of
town, before twelve o'clock, and Marysville could be completely
circumnavigated. At half-past three o'clock in the afternoon the
water had reached its hight and there was stayed for a spell.
Northward the plains were one sheet of blue water, interlaced here
and there with belts of verdant land, upon which groups of cattle
were standing and, nearer the city, were dotted with partially
submerged or floating houses, while the bounds of the city on
that side, not under water, were at Seventh street, on E and D
streets, the Catholic church on Sixth street, while B street was
under water nearly its whole length--a complete sheet of water
extending from that street to the slough beyond A street eastward,
and by the way of Seventh street to the slough, and Feather river
on the west. Beyond the slough, or west of the main part of town
nearly every house was submerged; John C. Fall's residence and one
or two beyond it to the northward, only standing, like islands,
untouched by the water. Westward, as we looked from the church
spire, one sheet of water seemed to stretch from F street to Yuba
City, where the Sutter county Court House stood on a slight rise
of ground just out of water; beyond this, to the foot hills of
the Coast Range, there appeared to be no dry land, and the shining
expanse was dotted with trees, seemingly floating on the water.
Southward and eastward the same appearance was noticed--the flood
disappearing in the belts of trees which wound off to the Sacramento
on the south and the foot hills on the east, the slough and the
Yuba appearing to be one sheet of water. At this time the water
had reached its highest point, and is variously put at six, eight
and ten inches above the marks of the flood of December 9th last,
but the excess over the December flood cannot have been more than
eight inches, if indeed it reached that; the hight varies in
different places, for reasons which it is difficult to understand.
The amount of damage done to this city by the flood is much less
than at the previous inundation, notwithstanding it was so much
more extensive in character; for the rise of the water had time
to remove or prepare for the flood, and in many instances the
houses submerged was so gradual that most persons liable to
damage had not been occupied since the first flood. Some small
wooden tenements were carried off, and many families were driven
into the main part of the city by the freshet, and two families,
otherwise homeless, were quartered in the City Hall last night.
The hight of the water is alluded to above, but the most careful
and accurate measurement appears to have been kept at A. Walker's,
corner of E and Third streets, which shows that the water rose to
a point only one foot below the rise of December 9th, at six o'clock
on Friday night. On Saturday morn at one o'clock it had risen to
3-7/8 inches less than the high water mark, and at nine o'clock
Saturday morning it passed it and continued rising, at the rate
of one inch an hour until half past three o'clock in the afternoon,
when it had risen to a hight of 5-3/8 [?] inches above the December
high water mark, and soon commenced falling slowly, and at dark had
gone several inches and was subsiding slowly but very perceptibly at
last account, having reached the December high water mark at half
past nine o'clock last night.
The Express of January 14th, says:
A. J. Barkley informs us that about two hundred head of stock,
including cows, hogs, etc., have been drowned a short distance above
this city, near the Yuba; and the carcasses were yesterday in the
water and driftwood, hence they could not be hauled away. The
destruction of stock on the ranches up the Yuba and Feather rivers
has been greater than was at first supposed, though not equal in
number to that destroyed by the first flood of the season.
BUTTE.--The Record of a similar date says:
Flood after flood, in quick succession, appears to be the ruling
passion of the storm king of California the present Winter. Another
warm rain has melted the snow which so recently fell in the
mountains, and the waters come pouring down upon us from every
gorge and canon, overflowing the banks of rivers, creeks and
sloughs, closing communication, destroying property, and
converting the valley into a miniature sea. Feather river having
again risen with a rapidity almost if not quite unprecedented,
rolled by us at noon yesterday, as grand and majestic as in the
great flood of the 9th of December, rushing and roaring as it
hastened upon its journey of desolation to the unfortunate cities
below. The floods of this Winter are disastrous to California,
not only in the destruction of life and property, but in the
overflow of thousands of acres of agricultural land, which
cannot be cultivated the present season, consequently in a
measure reducing the quantity of grain raised for consumption.
Just as we are going to press--(seven o'clock P. M. )--Feather
river is one foot higher than on the previous flood on the 9th
of December, 1861. It is still rising, and threatens to submerge
Montgomery street.
On Sunday last, this portion of the valley was visited with the
most severe snow storm ever known, except by the "oldest
inhabitant." It commenced snowing in the morning and continued
all day and until late in the evening; but being damp it melted
very fast, and did not cover the ground more than an inch in
depth, although several inches must have fallen. At Chico, snow
fell to the depth of six or eight inches, and caused considerable
damage to the telegraph line by breaking down limbs of trees,
which fell upon and broke the wires.
NAPA.--Napa Reporter of January 11th says:
In 1849, we learn from early residents, there was an excessive fall
of rain, and a large portion of what is now known as Napa county
was flooded. In the Winter of 1852-53, the water rose in what is
now known as Main street, in Napa City, about six inches, and
flooded all the low lands in the county. Until recently, this
was the highest water of which the oldest inhabitant had any knowledge.
Since the 19th of December until the present date, we have had
throughout the State as almost incessant rain, and the fall of water
undisputably has been the greatest of any year of which we have a
record. We gave an account of the flood in December, but the water
at the present time is not less than eighteen inches higher. All
the eastern portion of the town is under water, and the low lands
in the lower and western part of the city are navigable for light
craft. Cornwell's Addition is at least ten feet under water. The
damage the residents of that part of the town may have suffered
we are unable to learn until the "waters subside."
A house belonging to Andrew Lynch has been carried away, and several
others are floating and swaying with the current. Rails, portions
of fences, gates, lumber, saw logs, everything buoyant enough for
the greedy waters may be seen passing down stream. On the main road
from Napa City to Benicia, between Main street and the Cemetery,
the river is half a mile in width, and navigable in any part for
vessels of ten feet draught. The water turns around our stone bridges,
and as much as says, "confine as to your arches," "we take the liberty
to seek our level."
All communication by telegraph, steamboat or stage was cut off in Napa.
SOLANO.--Suisun Herald of the 11th, remarks of the storm in its
locality as follows:
On Wednesday night, when the tide was full, the water was higher in
this neighborhood than has been seen at any time previous. The
flood ran over the whole length of the macadamized road to Fairfield
in a perfect stream. We are furnished with further particulars of
the extent of damages caused by the flood in the neighborhood of
Cache Creek slough, or Main Landing. On the bank of the slough
there is a small growth of trees, which, while it afforded some
protection as a barrier from the water on the side on which Merithew
was located, was of no avail in taming the strong current from the
Sacramento away from the new town on the other side. King, the
proprietor of the hotel of that name, estimates his loss at $1,500;
Carrington, who had recently located a blacksmith shop there, lost
from $250 to $300; Cushing lost about $1,500, and the Messrs.
Deck & Co., storekeepers, say they have sustained a loss of $12,000;
Merithew's own loss is about $5,000. The total loss is estimated at
some $25,000, which is exclusive of about 600 tons of hay, and some
14,000 sacks of grain, the loss of which falls upon the farmers of
the vicinity, who had stored it there for shipment. The hay floated
away and grounded miles distant, in shallow water, on the higher
ridges of tule land. We are sorry to hear that the people who have
been living at and near the Landing are in great destitution, and
hope some means will be devised for their relief. The water is full
twelve feet in depth on what has been esteemed high ground, and for
three days there had been no appreciable decline in the depth.
SUTTER.--The Marysville Appeal of January 14th, has the following:
The late freshet was as proportionably extensive at Yuba City as
elsewhere, and left only three houses out of water. The damage done was
not so great as at the previous floods, and the County Court house is
said to be actually improved by it. The flood of the 9th of December
did not get inside of the building, but so affected the outer walls that
they settled, leaving the floors and partitions up so high that
everything was out of shape, and the building supposed to be ruined
quite; but the last flood got inside and caused the floors to settle
so much that the building is now about even and can be made as good
as new, which is getting some good from a great evil.
CONTRA COSTA.--The warehouses at Jacobs' Landing, between Oakland
and San Pablo, have been washed away. Jacob's warehouse was partially
destroyed, but nothing remains of Dobb's.
ALAMEDA.--Charles A. Crane informs the Alta that after the news
reached San Francisco on Sunday night of the flood at Alvarado,
he endeavored to charter a steamer to go immediately to their relief,
but failed. He afterwards chartered the Pride of the Bay, which he
dispatched to the relief of the town. Since her departure the schooner
Anna Whitton arrived from Crane's (his brother's) warehouse at
Alvarado, and reports that the water had not risen high enough to
enter the warehouse or dwelling, but the salt marsh had been flooded
with from five to six feet of water.
A dispatch from Warm Springs, of January 11--7:40 P. M., states that
the town of Alvarado is entirely inundated, there being not a spot
of ground that is not covered with water to the depth of six feet.
The residents were firing minute guns for relief. It was impossible
to get at them, from the direction of Warm Springs, so as to render
any assistance.
SAN MATEO--The county of San Mateo, says the Alta of
January 12th, which has hitherto escaped injury from the floods of
the present Winter, has during the past week suffered to a
considerable extent. The injury to private property has not, so
far as we can learn, been very considerable, being confined mostly
to the destruction of fences; but the public highways, and many
miles of the new railroad grades have been almost totally destroyed.
Bridges all along the main road from San Francisco have been carried
away, and the road itself in many places washed out and left in a
dangerous, and, at some points, impassable condition. Our agent at
Redwood City came over the road yesterday on horseback, and he assures
us that it is impossible to go from here to Redwood City on wheels.
No mail had been through since Wednesday last. Two stages had reached
San Mateo but could get no farther. The bridge across San Mateo creek
was still standing at eleven o'clock yesterday, but the waters were
rushing against it fearfully. The bank was washed away at the farther
end, and it was feared that it would not stand until night. The
waters were running over the San Francisquito bridge on Friday,
but it was thought the bridge would stand the flood.
From a gentleman who arrived this afternoon from Half Moon Bay,
we learn that considerable damage was done at that place by the
late storm. Three-fourths of the bridge at Spanish Town was carried
away by the floods. A man named Ransom H. Wood, recently from
Contra Costa, and originally from Vermont, was drowned in an
attempt to cross the creek, on Saturday morning. The surf struck
his boat and capsized her. He was then carried out by the under
tow, and all efforts to save him proved unavailing.
PLACER.--The Auburn Herald of the same date has the following:
The heavy fall of snow of Sunday last was succeeded by a warm rain
on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, that raised the rivers to an
unprecedented hight, and has undoubtedly proven more calamitous
than the great flood of the 9th of December. At this writing we
are cut off from communication with the country to the north and
east and Sacramento, and, with the exception of a limited region,
can only surmise the extent of the disaster. On the North Fork of
the American, the bridge of Hall & Allen (that withstood the first
freshet) was swept away Friday morning, together with the toll
house and other buildings. This bridge was a short distance above
the North and Middle Forks, and the water rose four feet higher
at its location than on the 9th of December. The bridge was the
only remaining link of communication with the upper and lower
portions of Placer county, and the loss and inconvenience to the
people of Forest Hill, Michigan Blufl and other large communities
on the "Divide" will be very great. The people could better afford
to-day to pay double the customary tolls over the bridge than have
it swept away. The Middle Fork was, no doubt, higher than before,
as large quantities of drift ran out, as well as houses, furniture,
etc. Below the junction, a billiard table was seen going down stream
yesterday, that mast have come from the Middle Fork. At Oregon Bar,
below the junction, the river rose ten or twelve feet higher than at
the first flood. The wire suspension bridge at Condemned Bar, supposed
to be above the highest water, is gone.
NEVADA.--The Transcript of January 12th says:
The stage communications, even to Grass Valley, are entirely stopped,
the road between Nevada and Mrs. Sweeny's Half-mile House, being
entirely impracticable for vehicles. Frank Cleveland, who came in
yesterday on horseback, informs us that all the quartz companies
have been compelled to suspend operations, the shafts and tunnels
being filled with water. This was inevitable, as last year, when
nothing like the actual amount of rain fell, the same thiag happened.
The damage then caused was considerable, and we apprehend that the
quartz miners of Grass Valley will suffer heavily now on account of
caves, damage to machinery, etc., besides the loss of time. This,
however, had its good effect for the town, as all the hands employed
by the numerous companies around spent their back earnings whilst
awaiting for the diggings to dry, thereby keeping things quite
lively in the valley in the mean time. We suppose the same thing
will take place again now, and we expect to hear that Grass Valley
is in a lively and flourishing condition for some time to come.
Cleveland informs us that the supply of potatoes and butter is
exhausted at Grass Valley. Nevada is not much better off in this
respect.
SANTA CLARA.--The Alta of Jannary 12th remarks:
The steamer Sophie McLane left for Alviso yesterday, at her usual
hour, with passengers and freight for Santa Clara and San Jose,
but she returned last night, having been unable to effect a landing
at Alviso in consequence of the country being inundated. We learn
from a gentleman who was a passenger on the McLane, that the whole
of the country in the vicinity of Alviso is under water. The new
gravel road to San Jose having been cut through and rendered
impassable by the overflowing of the neighboring creeks, no
vehicles could reach Alviso. The waters of the Guadalupe and Los
Gatos creeks were so high that the authorities of San Jose had
the timbers of the bridges leading into town removed, to prevent
the structures being carried away bodily. The Coyote creek is
running very full, but thus far no damage has occurred.
SIERRA.--Marysville Express, adds, January 14th:
A private letter, received in this city on Sunday night, stated that
a rain and snowstorm had continued in Northern Sierra for several
days, doing a great amount of damage to flumes bridges, ditches and
other kinds of property The bridge across Rabbit creek, at La Porte,
an old structure that has stood many a severe storm, was carried off
on Friday last.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3370, 16 January 1862, p. 1
MORE OF THE FLOOD.
We append some further details of the late flood in this State:
SAN JOAQUIN.--The San Joaquin Republican of January 12th has some
further particulars of the flood in Stockton:
The peninsula was overflowed very seriously. Most of the families
in the Corinthian buildings were compelled to remove to the second
stories. There was no water in the houses of Captain Walls,
Simpson's, Howe's, Dr. Shurtleffs, John Sirey's, or Henry
Gillingham's. The occupants of the houses near the Jewish
Synagogue got out all their furniture, moving it into the Episcopal
Church, the doors of which were burst open, nobody knowing where
to get the key.
The levee wharf is afloat, the piers lifting out of their beds. The
lumber on the lower part of the levee is all afloat, and much loss
may be caused to the lumber merchants.
A dispatch was received in a roundabout way from Mokelumne Hill,
yesterday afternoon, which said "Hell's broke loose here. Look out
down below, in Stockton."
A boat dispatch received from Mokelumne City, said that the
inhabitants wanted help, or hundreds must perish.
The stores were all closed yesterday, and no business
was attempted. The aspect of affairs was gloomy enough. The
whole country, with the exception of occasional acres, is overflowed.
During Friday night, C. Haas, the jeweler, who resides on the
Richards place, called for help, and Kuhn succeeded in removing
him and his family to the residence of Wittkoff, on Hunter street.
On Thursday night, the lady of a respected resident of the city gave
birth to a child at 12 o'clook, and at 2 A. M. it was necessary on
account of the flood to remove her to the next house. The lady or
the child has not suffered injury by the removal.
Several storekeepers have built levees along their stores. This has
been the case from Dr. Holden's to Stockwell & Moseley's, on Main
street; also on the north side of the street, from El Dorado to
Centre street.
Several families took refuge in Fisher & Co.'s stables. The Theater
building was lighted for the reception of sufferers. Samuel Fisher
threw open the doors of his handsome house for the reception of
sufferers. Fogg also opened his house.
For the first time in the history of Stockton, it has been found
necessary to abandon all idea of religions services on to day, (Sunday.)
The Independent of January 13th says:
On many of the ranches along the San Joaquin, stock of every
description have shared in the general devastation which the
flood has incurred in that section of the country. We are informed
that about two hundred head of cattle belonging to John Petty
of this city, were drowned by the high water on Saturday night,
while stock dealers in the same vicinity have suffered to a similar
extent generally. In this city, the water from the eastward had
attained its highest point at about 10 o'clock, on Saturday
evening, it having fallen rapidly during the day until
4 o'clock, P. M. It was ascertained that the northern part of
the city which had previously been comparatively free from water,
was about to share the fate which had overtaken the residents on
the south side. The water gradually backed up from the Stockton
slough, covering the entire Peninsula and inundating Lindsay
Point, compelling families living in low buildings to remove to
the houses of their neighbors which offered greater safety.
The gardens of Captain Weber were under water, and his house, which
is built in part of adobe, commenced crumbling. At our last accounts
the family continued to occupy it, and anticipated no damage from
the falling of the adobe to the frame house adjoining, of which it
forms a part. The Corinthian Block was necessarily deserted, and
families had, through fear of inundation, left the lower story and
removed to the second floor. Farther to the north the water had
"spread itself" over the high grounds which were deemed beyond
the reach of overflow, and the occupants of private residences
found themselves seeking attics and moving out into more
comfortable quarters. With the exception of a very few cases,
the water on Lindsay Point below Hunter street, did not rise to
a sufficient hight to compel people to desert their houses. They
were, however, like all the residents on the north side of the
city, shut out from communication with the business portion of
the town.
During the rise in the water on Saturday night the wide bridge
which had floated from its site above the Stockton Bakery had
lodged on the bank of the slough a few hundred yards below, broke
away from its landing place and came down against the house of
Clifford, on the corner of Miners' avenue and California street,
breaking down the fences, demolishing a portion of the house and
doing serious injury to fruit and ornamental trees. It was
apprehended that the rise in Lindsay slough on Saturday night
would carry away the Hunter street bridge, and with it a number
of buildings erected partially in the slough below it; but
notwithstanding the bridge had intercepted the passage of an
immense quantity of timber and drift wood and the water was
pouring down upon it with tremendous force, it failed to stir
from its foundation. All day yesterday the back water was
slowly rising, inundating the buildings in the lower part of
the city, driving occupants of residences, with a few exceptions,
to seek safety elsewhere.
In Sperry & Co.'s warehouse the water was standing ten inches in
depth, causing a serious loss to that firm in damage to flour and
grain. Large quantities of lumber from the yards below Commerce
street were drifted out into the main slough during the night,
and escaped down the river. A boatman from the mouth of the
Mokelumne informs us that a sufficient quantity of lumber passed
that point in the space of twelve hours to have freighted every
barge in the city. While the back-water was overflowing the streets
in the lower part of the city and forcing its way up into the
principal sloughs, the water in other parts of the town had almost
entirely receded, leaving the walks everywhere passable, save in
places where they were built so low as to form reservoirs. As the
water disappeared from the streets it left exposed to view heaps
of clean gravel, and spots where sand and mud had accumulated
beyond the reach of the current. A few of the stores on Hunter
street, previously dry, were wet upon the floors. The backing of
the water into the lower part of Main street caused the crumbling
of the west wall of an adobe building, which fell, but did no
further damage.
The force of the current in Lindsay slough took away the underpinning
from the rear of a residence on the bank of the slough, fronting on
Miner's avenue, and left it standing out of perpendicular. The
inmates of the house had previously moved out. During the rise on
Saturday night the water entered, for the first time, the streets
of Moseville, and even ventured to creep in at the doors of
dwellings, the builders of which had paid but little regard to
elevation. Hundreds of horses and cattle resorted to Moseville and
took possession of the high spots of ground, frequently gathering
in such numbers as to crowd each other off into the water. A drover
crossing high up in Lindsay slough on Saturday evening, with a small
band of cattle, lost five of them by being taken down the stream with
the current. We hear of little or no loss to our merchants as the
result of the overflow. All had abundant opportunity to make such
preparation as would insure them against loss. As we have before
stated, buildings erected of proper hight from the grade have
entirely escaped the water; and the stores into which the water
flowed have suffered nothing save the loss consequent upon a
suspension of business, and the difficult and unpleasant necessity
of removing from their floors the thick coating of slime which was
left by the water as it receded.
We have yet to learn the first instance of individual suffering,
or the first one toward whom the hand of charity might be extended
in relief. If our citizens desire to exercise their philanthropy
never so much, there is no actual call for it by reason of the
recent overflow. The greatest loss by damage has been occasioned
by the destruction of bridges and the injury to our streets,
involving the public expenditure of a large amount to replace
and repair them. The sidewalks have also been rendered in almost
an impassable condition in many parts of the city. Court House
Square has suffered somewhat from the washing away of the earth
and some portion of the fencing.
The overflow extended, of course, to the State Insane Asylum, and
beyond the carrying away of a portion of the fencing around the
farm, occasioned no damage. The water in the court yard of the
Asylum was two feet in depth, and in the mad houses, which were
built on a grade two feet lower than the main building, the water
was two and a half feet deep. From these houses the patients were
removed to the bath house, thence to the lower ward of the main
building. They were not "got out with great difficulty," as stated
by a cotemporary, but were removed before the water had risen to
its full hight, and with quite as much facility as could have been
employed under ordinary circumstances. All communication between
the Asylum and the Physician's residence is conducted by boats. The
garden is all overflowed, and much of it is injured by the deposit
of sediment.
This overflow has never been equalled in extent, and our city has never,
in the whole course of her history, been subjected to such a severe test
of her capacity to withstand a flood. That of 1852 is regarded as bearing
poor comparison, either in quantity of water or duration, with that from
which we trust we have now fully escaped; and henceforth we may look back
to the Winter of 1861-62, with the recollection of the scenes of the past
few days, as indelibly fixed upon the mind as though they were the
occurrence of a yesterday. Let our citizens now adopt some prompt
measures for the future, carry out some plan for the protection of
the city from inundation and provide against a recurrence of the
events of the past three successive overflows. The individual loss
incurred, directly and indirectly, by these overflows, would more
than place our city in such a condition as to be beyond the reach
of a return of like disasters. It remains solely with the people
to say whether the city shall every year be subject to overflow,
or be kept free from the ingress of the surplus water of the plains
by a proper system of drainage. Let our Common Council appoint a
Committee competent to make a thorough and extended report upon a
plan and probable cost of protection to our city from future floods,
and submit the matter to the people for final action.
A short distance beyond the suburbs, in the direction of the tules
lying south and west of the city, are a number of small houses
almost completely under water. These houses have been occupied
by persons in humble circumstances, and most of them are remote
from neighbors. Yesterday several boats were dispatched in the
direction alluded to, and returned with persons who had been
unable to reach the city without incurring the risk of drowning.
On a ranch a short distance beyond Mormon slough, was found a
Frenchwoman, who depended upon the products of a garden which she
cultivated for her livelihood, standing up to her waist in water
and calling for aid. She was brought to the city last evening,
having been exposed in the manner in which she wns at the time of
her rescue nearly eighteen hours. A number of persons were relieved
in a similar manner during the day.
We learn from a gentleman who arrived in this city yesterday
from Mokelumne City, that the floors of the buildings in that
town are from three to six feet under water, and the country
surrounding is one vast lake. The second story of the Planters'
Hotel affords accommodation for a large number of persons, while
many have sought safety from the flood on the opposite side of
the river. The damage to property has been universal, and stock
have been drowned by the thousand head. It is said to be the most
disastrous flood ever experienced in the northern part of the
county.
In connection with this subject, the Republican says:
It is useless for us any longer to deny that our city can be
overflowed, though, as far as we are able to learn, at the time
we are writing, we cannot learn of more than a dozen American
families which have been compelled to remove. For Stockton the
disaster is a terrible one, and much property has been destroyed.
First one part of the city has caught it, and then the other.
Yesterday morning revealed the fact that the north side of the
town, which had previously been comparatively free from water,
was inundated, while the business part was not as much flooded
as on the day previous. The damage in town has been very great,
probably nearly as much as in San Francisco.
CONTRA COSTA.--A correspondent of the Alta, writing from San Ramon
valley, January 9th, has the following:
We, too, are in the midst of a watery desolation without a parallel
known to the locality. In 1582-53 [sic] the water is said to have
been as high, but the property was not here to be destroyed, as at
present. I write from the village of Alamo, on San Ramon creek, a
stream that is dry several months in the year, and from here to its
source is about fourteen miles. Up to this morning its banks had
been kept nearly full from the constant; slow rains that have fallen,
but to-day the rain seemed to take a new hold, and came down in
torrents from about eight until ten o'clock, by which time the
stream had overflowed its banks, and began rapidly to encroach in
the houses on the east side of the street, or next the creek. The
waters having been seen up and out of its banks so often no one was
apprehensive of a general spread or force sufficient to do more than
break a few panels of fencing. But the rain poured down and the
stream rose, and the barns and houses were threatened. While we
looked on Van Wagoner's barn mashed up and went down like an arrow.
Upon this a stampede began from the east to the west side of the
street, and D. Seeley had but barely got his family out of his house
when it broke away, emptied the furniture out into the stream, and
floated a little way and lodged. He lost everything save the wreck
of his house. All this occurred in less time than I have been telling
it.
By this time all the fences along the creek and across the fields,
where channels ran, had gone. The water still rose and surged against
the barns of Hoffman & Marcy, George Stone and George Englemyer,
also the granary of Englemyer, containing about 2,600 sacks of wheat;
and but a few minutes elapsed from the floating off of Seeley's house
until George Stone's barn bursted up and went off with six tons of hay,
thirty or forty sacks of grain and some farming utensils. The hay swung
around, took the cross street, and came right .through the main street
or road, to go off all in a heap as it was in the barn. Soon after,
Maxey & Hoffman's barn and stable began to crack, breaking off the
strong redwood posts that were planted deep in the ground. It
contained about fifteen tons of hay, some grain, many small articles,
and in the side shed a fine buggy the horses having been taken out
not a moment too soon. With a big crash, away all went, floating
down against Englemyer'a granary, knocking the east and north sides
out, settling the end three or four feet, and emptying about four
hundred sacks of wheat into the current, which went like chaff
before the wind. Englemyer's barn and stable, which stood farther
out toward the stream, and apparently in more danger, was holding
on, with six or seven good horses tied in the stalls, and some
fifteen or twenty tons of hay, while the mad torrent was rushing
fire or six feet high against its end, every now and then breaking
a board off. All was painful anxiety; the barn and stable must go,
and with it those fettered horses; but nothing could be done; no
one could get to them, and, indeed, for some time we could not see
them, and feared they were drowned; but, thank heaven, the storm
abated, the water soon fell, and we got them out safe, and the old
barn rode the fury of the stream to the end. During the hight of the
flood a small house on the east side of the creek, occupied by John
Smart, (whose family happily had gone off on a visit the day before),
floated up with all the furniture, clothing, etc. , just as they
had left it, and went off some seventy-five or a hundred yards down
stream in a field and lay down, to rest, perhaps; for it had a large
cooking stove that, with other things, made it heavy. "Our Chinaman,"
whose house stands near Smart's, when the water encroached on the
lower story, took to the garret, where, by holding down his little
house, he rode it out till the ebb of the water, when a Mexican came
with a riata and hauled him out, and now he sits camped on the hill
side, above his house, under a stretched blanket.
Of the condition of others, little is known. Up the valley a mile--as
far as we could get this afternoon--we found Hemme had lost a large
barn on the "Ford place," now occupied by N. Jones; happily, two fine
American horses that were tied in it broke loose and escaped. H. also
lost some other outbuildings, fences, etc., and had a fine carriage
smashed up. A little above on the same place, Bradley occupied a
small house near the creek; and so unexpected was the flood to him,
that he took the alarm only in time to pick up wife and children and
get out. He saved nothing, not a change of clothing. All went in
a twinkling. At the next place above stood the district school house,
which was also swept off.
Below the village it is one sheet of water, from hill to hill, as far
as we can see. The houses in sight appear still in the right places,
but surrounded. In this condition night came on, with the rain falling
steadily. The women and children still remained on the west side of
the street, divided out amongst their more fortunate neighbors. The
men scattered back to the east side, where they dared so, to lodge,
with some apprehensions and calculations for emergencies. By five
o'clock A. M., the water had got within fifteen inches of the hight
of the day before, but did no more damage; all obstructions in the
channels had been swept out yesterday. By noon the water had fallen
so that one could go on foot through the fields, which we did as far
as we could, one mile and a quarter. I found the fences washed away
in about the proportion of one-third, the orchards seriously damaged,
and the fields and valley strewn with almost every thing in use
among civilized people. Englemyer's wheat lies all the way along
the tracks of the water; the bulk of
what we saw being in the lowest field. How much farther some of it
has gone, we shall not know for some time. Hogs and poultry scattered
along, give variety to the scene. I am now speaking of the fields
through which the water spread, and at places half a mile from the
channel of the creek. Our bridge, which had defied all former floods,
gathered about ten head of cattle upon it, and, upon the hight of the
flood, sailed off without the tap of a bell, yesterday, so we can
neither go up, down, nor across. To-day, the 11th, the water
continues to fall a little, though it rains and blows from the southeast.
Last night we were worse deceived and alarmed, but less hurt than
before, for the rain came down all night as though the heavens opened,
and by four o'clock in the morning the alarm was general. Lanterns
were seen all over the village, the people moving on horseback and
in wagons, to a two story house on the upper end of the street,
and to a brick two story store in the lower end. The water kept
rising until it reached a height of six inches greater than any
time before. The rain still poured, and the water still rose and
it really looked as though everything would be swept away and the
lives of many people destroyed. But at 5 o'clock the waters began
to recede, and in five or six hours went down so that we could cross
the street again, and by 3 or 4 o'clock the sky cleared away so that
we could see the sun.
A man just down from Tasajero Valley--the first one we have seen from
outside for several days--says that a young man named Eldridge Lovlin
was drowned in trying to cross a stream, and that his body had not
been found after twenty-four hours search. He also reported that
stock and fences have suffered severely. We also hear this afternoon
that Dr. Smith's stable and barn and Whitmore's blacksmith shop
at Walnut creek have gone, with the bridge across the creek at that
place. To-night it is clear and the wind from the west, and we hope
that the end long prayed for has come.
SIERRA.--The La Porte Messenger of January 11th has a graphic account
of the fall of rain and snow in its vicinity;
The three first floods of the season were looked upon by our citizens
somewhat as a novelty; but now we have a fourth eclipsing all former
pretensions, which is viewed in an altogether different light. The
volume of water in our creeks nearly doubles the amount of any
previous time. About two feet of snow lies upon the ground in
half-liquid state, and as the rain pours furiously down in incessant
torrents a feeling of terror, rather than novelty, pervades the
public mind. "We ne'er did see nor hear the like before." Snow
commenced falling on Sunday morning, continuing till Wednesday
evening, at which time the storm changed to rain. Thursday it
rained hard all day, and a perfect tempest raged throughout the
night, and is still raging today (Friday) without sign of abatement.
The amount of snow and slush yet remaining on the hillsides to be
poured into the ravines and creeks, makes matters looked hazardous
for the whole country below. If the storm is like this in other
parts of the mountains, scarcely anything will be spared the ravages
of the freshet in the great valleys below. The destruction of
ditches and other mining improvements in the mountains must exceed
all precedents. We have a view of the work of destruction from
our office window. A thousand feet of the Rabbit Creek flume is
submerged or annihilated. One of the center piers of the bridge
has been swept away with about thirty six feet of the stringers
and planking. Our communication with the world below now exists
only by way of an old pine log. With St. Louis, Pine Grove and
other towns above, we can expect no further communication for the
present. The prolific element has entirely switched them off--a
forcible case of secession. Our mind is filled with discouraging
thoughts of the destruction of hard wrought mining improvements,
land slides and drowning humanity; and we have no heart to say more
than God have mercy on the poor who receive a third visitation of
affliction by this awful deluge.
YUBA.--The Marysville Appeal of January 15th has the following:
The late freshet was very extensive up the Yuba, as in localities
where it could not spread over much surface, the rise was unexpectedly
great. At Foster's Bar it was said that the stream rose seven feet
higher than at the flood of December 9th, and did much damage. The
store of Bachelder was carried off, though the goods were saved.
At Bullard's Bar the rise was unprecedentedly great, and among other
things, a stage belonging to Green & Co.'s line, which was thought
to be far above all danger, was carried off by the stream.
Much loose stuff has come down from above here, and lodged all along
the banks of the Yuba. The Camptonville mail came in last night with
the horses and driver of the team of Green & Co.'s line, and one
passenger. The only means of conveyance across the river at Bullard's
is by a basket arrangement which is strong across on a cable, and
beyond that point the passengers take pack mules for Camptonville
and Downieville. It is reported that much damage has been done to
flumes, ditches, etc., by the floods in the vicinity of Camptonville,
and many months will be required to repair the disasters.
NEVADA.--The Grass Valley National of January 11th remarks:
The storm which is now upon us has already exceeded in magnitude all
its predecessors, and has raised the rivers and creeks to a higher
point than they have ever been known to reach before. Bridges which
have withstood all the previous storms have now disappeared, and
the storm still rages and the rivers must still be on the increase.
STANISLAUS.--A gentleman who recently arrived in San Francisco from
Stockton states that the whole town of Knight's Ferry has been swept
away. Palmer & Allen's stone store, Dooley's stables, mills and
everything clean swept off. All the bars on the San Joaquin,
Stanislaus and Calaveras rivers are flooded.
THE FLOOD IN SAN FRANCISCO.--The Alta California of the 14th
gives the following account of the recent flood in that city:
The damage sustained by the recent heavy rains has proven much less
than anticipated. Beyond the accumulation of water in the North Beach
and southern sections of the town, the flood has left but few marks
of its power. A land slide on Rincon Point, back of the United States
Marine Hospital, carried away a portion of the brick warehouse of
Moore & Folger. The houses of the squatters on the Government Reserve
were flooded, but are now relieved of water. In fact our city and
vicinity has received no greater amount of damage than would be
experienced on a heavy rain in any city of the Union. We can
congratulate ourselves that we have not sustained heavy losses.
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--The Alta of Jan. 14th, has the
following on this proposition:
It is a subject for congratulation that the project for the removal
of the Capital was defeated in the Assembly on Saturday, and finally
clinched yesterday. We sincerely hope that this is the last we shall
hear of it. The removal of the Capital at this time would be, in fact,
a gross outrage. It is the interest of the State to uphold Sacramento,
and every other town which has suffered from the flood. It has
contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain the Government,
and it would be neither wise nor politic to injure a source of revenue
to such extent, and all for the temporary comfort of the gentlemen
whom we have elected to legislate for us. The Capital should be
allowed to remain where it is.
PROTECTION FROM THE FLOOD.--The Marysville Appeal addresses itself
to the farmers in this connection, and we extract the annexed
considerations from its article:
As the floods which have been so disastrous during the present and
past month are liable to occur annually, or, at least, at regular
periods of a few years, it becomes important to ascertain how they
can be guarded against, if not prevented; for if neither can be done
the beautiful and extensive valleys named will never become the seat
of a numerous population, as othwise [sic] they certainly would, but must
remain as now, divided into vast tracts among a few, or squatted on
here and there by persons without the spirit or means to make lasting
improvements.
It is uncertain whether the noble region alluded to can be completely
insured against overflow by a general system of levees, and perhaps
the State cannot yet afford to make a systematic effort to protect
it. There can, however, be partial protection, and especially can
there be protection against destruction of stock and harvested crops,
and safety for homesteads and families. Were it decided now that no
measures can ever be taken to prevent general overflow, there are
thousands of settlers in the valleys who must cling to their
possessions in spite of the disheartening prospect. They cannot
afford to abandon the acres they have tilled for many years, and
which constitute the sole dependence of themselves and families.
And they need not, if they will take a few hints from the experience
of people in other lands that are subject to overflow, and obey
the suggestions arising from their own peculiar circumstances.
In the first place, the dwelling of the valley farmer should be
situated upon the highest swells or knolls of the prairie. It has
seemed heretofore as if a great many valley residents took pains
to build their houses, as well as their barns and stables, in the
lowest places, where they are most certain to be flooded even at
ordinary stages of the river in the wet season. Where no ground
known to be above the highest flood reach can be found, tenements
and farm houses should be built on a raised foundation of piles.
In Africa, Hindoostan and China where the summers are long and dry
as here followed by protracted rains, and the great level valleys
formed by such rivers as the Nile, Ganges, and Hoang Ho, are annually
inundated by the outpourings of mountain ranges loftier even than
our own Sierra Nevada, the inhabitants build whole towns upon piles,
and, provided with sufficient stores of food, await the abatement of
the fertilizing waters in patience and security. The settlers of
the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys do not have to wait long for
the subsidence of the floods, which seldom interfere seriously
with plowing, planting and sowing, though sometimes they may destroy
young growing crops. They should also build their barns, granaries,
stables and other outhouses on piles, and where absolutely necessary,
throw up artificial mounds as places of refuge for field stock during
the short periods of highest water. Above all, no valley farmer ought
to let Winter close in on him without he has provided abundant stores
of hay and other feed for stock, with ample supplies of all kinds for
his family. Some strips or swells of land in the low districts can be
saved from inundation by very slight levees, which will cost no more
than the labor of the farm hands for two or three days after the first
rains have softened the earth. Where the land on one side of the river
is lower by a few inches than the other quite a flimsy embankment on
the highest side will turn the flood away from a considerable adjoining
strip, whereon cattle can be gathered and fed in security. Perhaps ten
years may elapse ere we have another series of such extensive floods as
those which have this Winter affected the State; but still it is better
for our valley farmers to guard against a recurrence of their disastrous
effects by adopting such precautions as we have pointed out, together
with others of a similar character that their own experience will
suggest. A great amount of suffering and loss might have been prevented
this Winter, had such precautions been taken in the past. If they are
taken hereafter the great catastrophe of 1861-62 will not have been
without its compensation.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Telegraphic advices from the East to the 9th instant have been received.
The dispatches came to Patterson, on the American river, and were brought
thence to this city by steamboat. . . .
We publish to-day further accounts of the disastrous flood which has
visited almost every important section of the State.
A meeting of the citizens of Sacramento was held in the District Court
room at noon yesterday, to take action upon the condition of the city
growing out of the recent flood. Speeches were made by ex Governor
Bigler, Dr. Houghton and others, and it was rendered evident, by
the report of the Citizens' Committee, that the most energetic
efforts were in progress to put the streets of Sacramento in passable
condition.
The Sacramento fell about six inches yesterday. Last evening the
river stood at about twenty-two feet above low water mark.
About half-past seven o'clock last evening, the large warehouse
of Drury Malone, at the corner of Eleventh and E streets, was
destroyed with its contents. [by?] . . . .
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The Goodman Castle left about 2 o'clock p m.
yesterday, for the relief of families, and rescue of cattle, at any
and all places below Sacramento. Launches, flat and whitehall boats
and men, provisions cooked and uncooked, sufficient for five hundred
persons were placed on board.
The Antelope brought up fifteen packages of provisions, and three
boats from the San Francisco Committee. The boats left at 9 o'clock,
A. M. to cruise around Richland, and were supplied by the Howards with
such additional stores--sugar, candles, coffee, etc., as were thought
necessary. Other boats will be dispatched up the Sacramento as soon as
they can be prepared. The launches and scows have drifted away, and it
is difficult to procure those that are required.
The boat that went to the pocket, cruised five miles below Camp Union
at Sutterville, and relieved a large number of families.
The child of W. Vandemagh was buried at 3 P. M., Rev. Mr. Hill officiating.
Two stations of the Society were closed, and the families removed to
the Pavilion. At the latter place the number has not decreased, and
the scene at night, at bed time, is most exciting. Children gathered
at their respective places, beds and blankets distributed, and all noise
ceases till daylight. There are regular meals at 8 a. m.. and 3 p. m.,
and constant applications during the day for food and raiment. If parties
send written applications, it is one of the rules of the Society to
attend to the same in thirty minutes. This keeps the members constantly
employed, and with the preparations for the days and weeks to come,
it taxes the energies of all. . . .
SEEKING KNOWLEDGE UNDER DIFFICULTIES.--The Stockton Republican of
a late date has the following:
By swimming to the telegraph office last evening, we learned that we
could have no communication with San Francisco or Sacramento, as the
wires were down.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTERIOR.
The difficulties of communicating with the interior experienced in
1853 have returned upon us in 1862. At that time for loaded teams
or stages to enter or depart from the city was for weeks an utter
impossibility. The rain, which fell almost daily from the eighth
of November to the first of February, although it did not cause
the rivers to rise as high as this year, kept a portion of Sacramento
under water for months and by sweeping away bridges, and softening
the roads practically cut off all intercourse between Sacramento
and her customers. Such is her condition now, and from similar
causes. In 1853, she was not alone in the position of non-intercourse
with the country; Marysville and Stockton were similarly situated;
they are now, in their inability to communicate with the interior
in consequence of terrible roads and high water, as unfavorably
situated as Sacramento. In 1853, the rains and floods were no
respecters of persons or places; they have visited the State in
1862 with an impartiality in quantity and destruction which no one
will question. The floods have been universal in the State, and they
have carried desolation on their waves. The taxable property of the
State for 1862 was estimated by the Controller at $147,000,000; at
least thirty per cent. of this property has been destroyed, and a new
estimate will be necessary.
In 1853 a desperate effort was made to move the city, but it failed,
as the one this year did to remove the Capital. But the impassability
of the streets in the city and the water in the slough compelled the
merchants of Sacramento in 1853 to temporarily remove their business
to Brighton, where a point on the American was occupied and called
Hoboken. Tents were erected and used as stores, saloons and boarding
houses; small steamboats daily loaded freights on the bank, and for
weeks Hoboken was as lively a little cloth town as there was in
the State. As soon as the roads would permit, people from the interior
crowded the single street of Hoboken to purchase the necessaries of
life, for in some localities people were suffering severely.
The first step towards building a second Hoboken has been taken this
week. Steamers have again ascended the American river. In the first
instance Lisle's Bridge was passed through the draw; this year a
section of the bridge is gone, which leaves a steamboat opening. A
new cloth town may grow up to flourish for a few weeks, or until
merchants can meet their customers and fill their orders in the
city. The business done in Hoboken was profitable in 1853 to
merchants; if a new one is started on the American, a profitable
business for a time will be certain to follow. But a removal of the
business temporarily did not injure the city then; if removed again
for a short season no permanent injury to Sacramento will follow.
Trade will return to its accustomed channels as soon as the
extraordinary causes which obstruct its regular course are removed.
If Sacramento were the only city in the State unapproachable by teams
and stages she might be seriously injured in her trade, but other
cities are not exempted from the same difficulty. The subject, however,
of improving the roads to and from the city was extensively discussed
in 1853, and the project of building a plank road to Nevada earnestly
advocated. We have commenced the discussion as to repairing the roads
to and from the city this Winter. The matter was considered yesterday
in a public meeting, but nothing definite done. It is evident that
something must be done to open communication with the country, or
the business of the city must travel up the river to meet the demand.
To build bridges and make J and K streets passable is impracticable
for the present, and we do not see what better plan can be adopted
than for the Citizens' Committee, in conjunction with the Railroad
and Stage Companies, to charter small boats enough to land all the
freight and passengers at some safe point at or near Brighton, on
the American, at rates that would barely pay the cost of chartering
and running them. If they cannot be chartered, purchase them. It is
the most certain as well as the only practicable plan of opening sure
communication with the country which can be adopted for the present.
When the weather clears up and the roads become settled, the streets
and bridges leading to and from the city will be repaired and built,
and Sacramento will resume her trade and activity as if nothing
unusual had happened.
FINANCIAL ECONOMY--There could not be a more favorable period for
financial retrenchment in the affairs of this State. The disasters
which have just visited the valleys of California, have put almost
everybody in the mood for economizing, and they undoubtedly
necessitate some modification in the estimates of the Controller
and the Committee of Ways and Means of the Legislature. The people
who have had their ranches ruined by the inundation of the waters,
were in no condition to meet the rate of taxation which was laid
previous to the invasion of the flood. They have a right to expect
the sympathy of their fellow-citizens, and do not anticipate the
imposition of burdens such as they might have expected under ordinary
circumstances. The material loss to the State, in consequence of
the recent floods, will amount to millions of dollars, and there
is scarcely a town in the interior that has escaped. Under
thesse [sic] circumstances, we are justified in urging upon the
Legislature the consideration of measures of retrenchment and reform,
and the decrease of the burdens of the suffering people of our
valleys. At all events, if any reduction can be made in the expenses
of our State Government, that work ought to be effected. There has
been a large decrease in our ability to pay, and there should be a
corresponding diminution of the expense we are expected to bear. There
are exorbitant salaries and unnecessary offices, which deserve the
attention of the Legislature. Indeed, a Committee appointed to
consider the subject could not fail to discern means of reducing the
expenses of the State Government to a figure consistent with our
present financial condition. . . .
GENEROUS.--The San Francisco Committee of Relief have been informed
by the insurance companies in that city that they will contribute
$1,000 for the benefit of the sufferers by the flood in Sacramento.
MODERN EFFEMINACY.
It is usually considered that Californians possess as much of
noble daring and reserved courage, indifference to danger and
equanimity of temper under the most adverse circumstances, as
any people in the world. We are of the same opinion, and believe
that this reputation has been achieved by chivalrous deeds and
noble acts of self-denial, and sacrifice of life, when the hearts
of the timid and selfish were filled with dread. The fate of the
Central America and of those who sunk with her, attests the truth
of this declaration. We know that many of these men came to
California as pioneers, that they went unaided and alone into
the mountains, endured the heats of a California Summer and the
the rains of a California Winter, living in tents, and often
subjected to hunger and thirst. They never mourned nor pined at
their hard lot. They thought only of earning a competency
wherewith to cheer the hearts of their wives and little ones
in the East. These, men, as well as others who engaged in
agriculture, trade and commerce, were generally true Californians
and distinguished for acts of generosity, endurance and contempt
of danger. It is our belief that very few of these men are in
the present Legislature of California, or if they are, that they
did not vote to adjourn the present session from Sacramento for
the reason that it was afflicted with a flood, and hotels and
boarding houses for a day or two were not in a condition to regale
them with their usual comforts and luxuries. We do not believe
that true Californians would vote to put some $10,000 or $12,000
of the people's money into their pockets without rendering any
equivalent therefor, and hurry themselves away to a locality where
they could find amusement and pleasure, where the streets were not
quite so muddy, where delicacies could always be procured, and
where the cries of the suffering and distressed could not reach
their ears. If true representatives of the people were even inclined
to vote away the public money gratuitously, we are of opinion that
they would sooner give it to relieve the necessities of the men,
women and children who have been left homeless and penniless
throughout the great valleys of the State, than selfishly
appropriate it to minister to their own personal gratification,
without rendering any service to the State, whose interests they
were elected to care for and protect. There are hundreds and
thousands of women in this city and Sacramento valley, who would
scorn to leave their posts of duty as these recreant representatives
have done on the first appearance of a little discomfort. They
have bravely stood by their husbands, fathers and brothers through
all their trials; and when invited and urged to leave for other
towns and cities where they could be made more comfortable they
have resolutely declined, preferring rather to live where duty
called than selfishly study their own personal well being. An
invitation was tendered yesterday to many of these women by the
generous people of Folsom, but it was respectfully and firmly
declined. Such examples of heroism and self-sacrifice might well
be imitated by the nice little Senator from San Francisco and his
associates in the project for removing the Capital because they could
not get their usual luxuries or were afraid of soiling their well
polished boots . . .
LAND SLIDE EXTRAORDINARY.--The La Porte Messenger of January
11th chronicles the following:
A remarkable land slide took place within a few hundred rods of
La Porte, on the St. Louis road, on Friday afternoon. Several acres
of the hillside started down the ravine, carrying away portions of
the road and two ditches. Barns' water logs are transplanted in the
most inconceivable disorder. This cuts off the supply of the town
water works, but the Lord knows our chance is slim for suffering
at present on that account. The loss, at this season, however, is
a serious one to the proprietor. The ravine forms a half circle, or
basin, at the place of disaster, and is about the last location a
slide would have been expected. The confused position of the large
trees thus moved from their birthplace is suggestive of a high old
spree among the monarchs of the forest. As we detain the press for
this item we can give no further particulars.
THUNDER STORM.--The rain in San Mateo county on Thursday, January 9th,
was accompanied with peals of thunder, which is thus described by the
Gazette:
It is music not often heard on this coast, and in this latitude, but
this (Thursday) morning, as we write, we hear its deep toned anthems
swelling o'er the western hills, and feel that though appearances
would indicate that God had removed his bow from the heavens, and
withdrawn his promise to man that the earth should ne'er again be
flooded, yet he had not withdrawn from us the sweet sunrise with
which he lulls the storm . . .
SAN JOSE.--The following dispatch was recently received in San Francisco:
SAN JOSE, January 13-- 2:50 P. M.
H. F. Teschemacher, Mayor of the city of San Francisco--Sir: Our citizens
having learned last night by telegraph of the distressed condition of
our friends and fellow-citizens of Sacramento City, are actively
engaged to-day in devising the ways and means to assist, as far as
in their power, the noble efforts of San Francisco in relieving the
unfortunate citizens of Sacramento. A public meeting will be held to
night, and I will take great pleasure in communicating to you their
action at the earliest moment.
With the highest regard I remain your obedient servant,
J. W. JOHNSON,
Mayor of the city of San Jose.
DAMAGE TO GRAIN.--Owing to the great rise of the small streams
flowing into the bays of San Pablo and San Francisco, great damage
has been done to property along their banks. At Louck's Landing,
says the Alta, the water in the warehouse was on Sunday
seven feet deep. Some 15,000 sacks of grain were here spoiled.
At Martinez and Pacheco heavy losses were sustained. At Jacobs'
Landing there was an immense amount of grain destroyed.
UPSET--On Saturday Dr. Tilden, "Hakatone," Mr. Nichols, Mr. Havens
and Mr. Snyder, got into a boat to pass from town to the Asylum,
when getting into a very rapid current near Mr. Hart's residence,
the bow of the boat was forced under the water and the boat upset.
Dr. Tilden was fortunately lodged in the forks of a tree near by,
but "Hakatone," was pitilessly soused into the water with all the
rest. The water was about five feet deep.--Stockton Independent,
Jan. 13th.
DEATH OF SQUIRRELS.--The present flood has had the effect of drowning
myriads of these pests, and compelling those escaping the flood to
"roost higher." Nearly every tree and bush in localities where squirrels
and gophers are numerous contains one or more of these animals. A
gentleman from the Calaveras informed us that he had killed no less
than a hundred that had taken refuge in the tree tops. Stockton
Republican. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Storm in Carson Valley--The Election.
CARSON CITY, Jan. 14--8 P. M.
There has been no damage sustained by the last storm in this city.
Dutch Nick's, three miles below town, was overflowed, water being
eight feet on the floors, damaging furniture, etc. Nick's loss is
$2,000. H. Kinney's hotel is damaged $4,000. A. Jones' (blacksmith
shop) loss is $1,500. A man named Tolls was drowned in Carson, below
Dutch Nick's, in attempting to save a stick of timber that was
floating down the river. Smith and Rey's and Ash's saw mills, at
the foot of the mountains, were swept entirely away. At Franktown,
in Washoe Valley, Little & Co.'s mill was again washed away. There
was no damage done the Ophir Company's works. Nearly all the hay
in the valley has been swept away. Holders now ask $100 per ton. . . .
CITIZENS' MEETING.
At noon yeaterday, a number of leading citizens assembled in the
District Court Room, to consider what measures should be taken with
reference to the condition of the streets, and to decide upon some
course of action.
Dr. HOUGHTON nominated Mr. Shattuck, President of the Board of
Supervisors, for Chairman, but Mr. S. declined; he had been working
very hard, he said, in mending the streets, walks, etc , and could
see but little use in talking while so much work remained to be
done. McClatchy also declined. Dr. Houghton was then elected Chairman,
and D. J. Thomas Secretary.
Dr. Houghton said the object of the meeting was to make arrangements
for the repairing of streets and crossings, and affording ingress and
egress to and from this city. He wished to make a few remarks, while
speaking, on permanent improvements. Those who had been present at a
similar meeting held several days ago, were aware that they voted
unanimously in favor of repealing the consolidation of city and county.
In that event there must be new order of things--whether a new
government, confided [?] to Trustees, or Commissioners selected by
the people, or by a Mayor and Council as in the past, that was for
citizens to determine. But we must take some preliminary steps.
The most potent reason for this which occurred to the speaker was,
that there were hundreds and thousands in the city who never would go
through an ordeal of this kind again. They had been toiling eight or
ten years, and in an evil hour all had been taken from them. If
property holders, however, intend to fortify themselves, they would
be induced to remain and go to wcrk again, would build up cottages
and cultivate gardens and have all the surroundings of a pleasant town.
We could not afford to spite that class; they were all needed--there
could be no mistake about it. He deemed it necessary, at the earliest
possible period, to have the sense of the citizens, who should
appoint a competent engineer--one intimately acquainted with
hydraulics. But there was another consideration worthy of attention,
and that was the reclamation of swamp and overflowed lands. The
Commission had $270,000 or more in the treasury, and were going
to construct a levee on the north side of the river of a certain
hight, and also on the Yolo side. His private opinion was they could
do nothing at all; that the money was all thrown away. Still it was
the law of the land. We want a man not only to locate this levee,
to determine its hight and breadth, but also to give an accurate
estimate of the cost. This was, to his mind, a very serious matter.
He knew some people thought it would cost only a few thousand dollars
to build a levee, but he himself had the misfortune to differ. One
thing was certain. We had either to abandon this city or fortify it.
He did not think the people were willing to give up millions of
property for the sake of two or three hundred thousand dollars.
Mr. BOYD said he had seen the Citizens' Committee, who were willing
to furnish the material and work to repair J street, and the lumber
for K street, if the Chain Gang would lay it down in K street.
Mr. SHATTUCK said the Chain Gang had been at work, and were going to
keep on until they had the crossings all fixed, from Second to
Eighth street. Every man that he had yet seen was willing to furnish
nails, spikes, and lumber for crossings.. This had been done as far
as the work was completed. He had no doubt it would be done all the
way up. He guaranteed the Chain Gang should work, and he himself
would work with them.
Mr. BOYD said whatever was needed besides, the Citizen's Committee
would furnish.
Ex-Governor BIGLER sad he had heard of something going on, which,
if carried out by these engaged in it, the people in the interior
who were driven to it, would affect this city severely. This was
a business community; the inhabitants of this city muat go farther
than had been proposed, and must reach the high land outside. If
they did not, they would find within the next week competition
going on outside. Men were now meditating a project of that kind.
It was necessary to have brldges between J and K streets, and to
make it easy to go to Thirty-first street. If teamsters and the
people in the interior were told that they can't get within the
limits of the city, it certainly would have a very bad influence
on Sacramento. Bridges were necessary to protect our business
interests. Whether the Committee had money enough, he could not say.
They had been laboring with indomitable energy, and he did not think
there was a man within the sound of his voice who was not entirely
satisfied with their labor. But that was not the point. We must go
over the whole question, look at all the dangers surrounding us, and
meet them so far as we can. A great misfortune had come upon us, but
it was certainly not a time for men to turn their backs upon a matter
of this kind. Those engaged in the commerce of the interior expected
the people of Sacramento to do the work, to the extent of enabling them
to reach the town with safety. He hoped these suggestions would meet
the consideration of the Committee as well as this meeting.
Mr. McCLATCHY said, in relation to the matter spoken of by Governor
Bigler, that he understood several of our merchants had been up
yesterday, and there were more gone to-day, for the purpose of
ascertaining where they can find a good location for a temporary
trading post. The railroad was finished as far as Patterson yesterday,
and would probably come as far as Brighton to-day. He was informed
they could get things cheaper to Brighton by steamboat than to the
fort above the town. The railroad could not possibly be repaired to
the city in less than two weeks, no matter what the weather might be.
He understood the water was now running on J and K streets as far up
as Thirty-first street; it was impossible to reach the fort.
Mr. HEREFORD stated that the Citizens' Committee would lay down the
crossings along J street, as far as Ninth, and Mr. Shattuck, with
the chain gang, on K street, as far as Eighth.
On motion of Dr. MORSE, the action of the Committee, in improving
the streets, making the Capitol accessible, etc., was approved.
On motion of Mr. WARWICK, the meeting adjourned. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
SAVED FROM DROWNING.--Between twelve and one o'clock yesterday, a man
whose name proved to be Henry Osborn, was seen floating on a log in
the current of the Sacramento opposite M street. His craft--on which
he lay at full length, calling, "Save me!" "Save me!'"--made excellent
time towards the Bay. Several boats were at once manned and started out
to his relief. Benjamin Lord and J. Stephens, with a boat belonging to
the steamer Defiance, overhauled him first and rescued him from his
unenviable position. He was afterward taken on shore, and being
thoroughly chilled and in need of a dry suit, was sent to the Pavilion
for accommodation in that line. He had been passing along the river
outside of the steamers and struck the wheel of the Nevada and upset.
Thinking a solid log better than no boat at all, he clung to the only
one within reach.
J AND K STREETS.--The subject of the improvement of J and K streets
from the thickly settled portion of the city to the fort, has been
discussed within a few days past. This work should certainly be done
as soon as practicable. There are several deep cuts across J which
should be bridged, and across both it and K the gravel is worn away
in many places to such an extent that wagons cut through it and mire
down. At Eighteenth and J and several other points, there are deposits
of soft mud at least four feet deep, which will have to be disposed
of in some manner before teams can pass.
CALL OUT MEN.--The Howard Benevolent Society have at present employed
a set of strong and sturdy boatmen, who constantly perform in the
most gallant spirit the most difficult and important service in the
humane work of that Association. They are always ready to obey
promptly the directions of the officers. They frequently go miles
with loads of provisions into the country against the powerful
currents which course through the various channels around the
city. They were paid yesterday for services so far rendered. They
each tendered to the Society $10, and wished to be admitted as members
of the Society.
AFTER STOCK.--At about 2 o'clock P. M. yesterday the steamer Goodman
Castle, with a large barge, started down the river for the purpose
of saving such stock as is still alive and can be secured. The
steamer goes out under charge of Edgar Mills, who intends to send
out boats on either side of the river to proffer aid wherever it
is needed. The steamer Sam Soule, Captain Pierce, went off on a
similar expedition to Cache Creek slough at four o'clock last evening.
Both boats are sent out by the Howard Benevolent Society.
KEPT GOING.--During the late inundation of the city the difficulty
of cooking food on account of stoves and ranges being submerged was
so great that but few of the hotels were able to furnish regular
meals to their boarders. Patten & Tubbs of the Golden Eagle,
George H. Mixer of the City Hotel and J. Peasley of the What Cheer
House were exceptions to the general rule. It was necessary to rig
stoves in the second stories before the object could be accomplished.
FIRE.--At about half-past seven o'clock last evening the hay warehouse
of Drury Malone, at Eleventh and E streets, with its contents, was
destroyed by fire. It contained about two hundred tons of hay, raised
on Hutchinson and Green's ranch, and owned by Malone and General
Redington. Twenty-five tons of the hay was under water. It was
partially insured. The building was inclosed by a tight board fence
twelve feet high. The loss is estimated at about six thousand dollars.
AID FROM FOLSOM.--Alfred Spinks came to the city from Folsom yesterday,
to tender the aid of the citizens of that place to such Sacramentans as
are in need. The ladies of Folsom at first, and subsequently the men,
organized, raised a fund, and provided accommodations for any who might
choose to remove to that point and accept them. They appointed A. Spinks
as agent to make known their action on the subject. . . .
STREET CROSSINGS.--After the adjournment of the meeting of citizens
at the District Court room yesterday, the Committee of Safety made
airangements for at once laying street crossings along J street,
between Second and Ninth Streets. They will also furnish lumber for
crossings, which the chaingang will construct, on K street.
DESTROYED.--A vast amount of wheat and barley has been again destroyed
by the last flood. Dealers were busily engaged yesterday in removing
it from their stores. The most of it might be used at once for either
seed or hog feed, but ranchmen are unable to get in and out of the
city with teams to haul it, and there is no ground plowed ready to sow. . . .
INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves went to Sutterville yesterday afternoon to hold
an inquest, but found that Justice Krouse had attended to the duty
before his arrival. The body of an unknown Chinaman had been found
floating in the water. No information as to his identity was elicited.
A verdict was rendered accordingly. . . .
BOOTS FOR THE CHAINGANG.--Each member of the chaingang was presented,
yesterday, by N. A. H. Ball, of the Howard Benevolent Society, with a
pair of boots. They have been working recently, poorly shod, in an
effective and energetic manner, in constructing street crossings, etc.
LOSS OF STOCK.--Mike Brite, of Yolo county, lost on Saturday night last
by the freshet one hundred and fifty head of cattle, of which
eighty-five were milch cows. He lost about one hundred head a month
ago. Of three hundred head about fifty only remain.
THE WATER.--The Sacramento river had fallen last evening, during the
past twenty-four hours, about six inches, and stood at sunset at
twentytwo feet above low water mark. This is a decline since Saturday
night of about two feet. The water in the city fell yesterday about
eight inches.
CAUTION.--Too much caution cannot be observed by small craft, either
in the Sacramento river or in the open field below the city. Boats
are constantly being drawn into strong currents, from which they are
extricated with the greatest difficulty.
DRUNKENNESS.--An unusual number of drunken men were visible on the
streets yesterday. After a day or two of abstinence, caused by the
fact that the liquor was under water all over town, many of them are
making up for lost time.
MORE RAIN.--One clear day at a time is all we are blessed with during
the present Winter. An additional rain set in yesterday, and continued
through the evening.
THE CEMETERY.--A large number of horses have taken possession of the
City Cemetery since the last inundation has driven them from the low
lands adjoining. . . .
p. 4
LATER FROM THE SOUTH.
Our dates from Los Angeles are to January 11th. We find the annexed
intelligence: . . . .
LOST IN THE STORM.--The San Bernardino Patriot of January 11th says:
Just as we go to press we are informed by Sheriff Smith that he
yesterday succeeded in finding the remains of Judge S. R. Campbell.
Ten or twelve days ago the deceased left his home to go to Los Angeles.
Not arriving there as was expected, his friends became alarmed as to
his safety. The remains were found about five miles west of the church
near Aqua Manse, every limb torn from the body, and the flesh nearly
all eaten therefrom. It is generally supposed that the deceased became
bewildered and lost his way in the late storm, and that his horse got
away from him; and being very weak and feeble, he thus perished. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3371, 17 January 1862, p. 1
THE REMOVAL QUESTION.
DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY, ON THE PROPOSED
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.
In the Assembly, Monday, January 13th, the question being on a
reconsideration of the vote by which the House on Saturday refused
to adopt in concurrence, Senate Resolution, No. 9, relating to
adjournment of the Legislature to meet in San Francisco,
Mr. WRIGHT said: Mr. Speaker, probably no member of this House enters
upon a discussion of this subject with less of feeling and less of
prejudice than I myself. On the motion to reconsider this resolution,
I have to say--First, that I shall vote to reconsider this question
because we have, as I fully believe, the legal right to adjourn to
any other place that we may see fit to select, besides the city of
Sacramento, and in support of this proposition, I will state, the
Constitution of California provides in section 15 of Article IV,
that this House shall not adjourn over three days without the assent
of the Senate, nor to any other place without its assent. It follows
from that that with the consent of the Senate we may adjourn for a
longer time or to any other place that we may see fit. It has been
practiced heretofore, it is the practice now, and it's a rule which
the necessities of each and every legislative body require, because
in a case of invasion, in a case of fire, in the case of any other
disaster, whether it be by flood or otherwse, there may arise an
exigency which will require adjournment to another place. Hence the
people, when they framed the Constitution of the State of California,
prescribed in that instrument that we might adjourn, and it is in
the discretion or wisdom of the body whether we shall adjourn or not.
I propose to read some authority upon that question from "'The Law
and Praceice of Legislative Assemblies," by L S. Cushing, page 567.
He says, in referring to a provision like that which has been
incorporated into our State Constituion, that the Legislative
Assembly may adjourn to a day beyond the next regular sitting day;
but, in order to prevent the inconvenience and delay which would
result from the adjournment of one branch for any considerable
time, it is commonly provided in the State Constitutions that
neither branch shall adjourn more than a specified time without,
the assent of the other. That is the case in our State.
Mr. BELL--Who is this authority from which the gentleman quotes?
Mr. WRIGHT--L. S. Cushing, a very able authority. He says further,
that the days beyond which either house is prevented from adjourning
by this prohibition must of course be days upon which the other
branch might sit, that is, legislative days. Therefore, an adjournment
from Friday till the following Tuesday would be but an adjournment
for three days, the Sunday intervening not being one of the ordinary
sitting days upon which the other branch might sit if it should
deem proper. In the following section (512) he says for the reasons
stated in the preceding paragraph, it is also provided in the
Constitutions of many of the States that neither branch, without
the consent of the other, shall adjourn to any other place. These
prohibitions are restrictions upon the proceedings of one branch
independently and without the consent of the other; but if the two
branches agree upon the time and place, they may adjourn to any
other place and for any number of days they may think proper and
convenient. This view strikes me as being conclusive. Now,
Mr. Speaker, I shall vote for the reconsideration for another reason.
The honorable gentleman from Alameda (Mr. Bell), presented before
this body a certain decision of the Supreme Court. Since that time
I have read and examined the decision, and I do not hesitate to
say--which I believe cannot be contradicted --that that decision
has no authority upon us--no authority why we may not adjourn. The
decision has no reference to an adjournment. The question before the
Court was where was the Capital of the State of California--whether
it was at San Jose, at Vallejo or at Sacramento. It was a question
upon the interpretation of a law, not upon whether this body could
or could not adjourn. It had, I repeat, no reference whatever to
that question. It may be here remarked that the position taken by
Chief Justice Murray, as read by the honorable gentleman from Alameda,
was only the position which he held himself without the concurence of
the other Justices of the Supreme Court.
Mr. BELL--Will the gentleman allow me to say a word in explanation.
That decision is a decision not of Chief Justice Murray, but of the
Supreme Court of this State. The opinion of the Court was rendered
by Chief Justice Murray, and is now the law of the land.
Mr. WRIGHT--That opinion was rendered by Chief Justice Murray, but
every Judge upon that bench also delivered an opinion. Mr. Murray,
as is usual in every case, in arriving at certain conclusions of law
was obliged to discuss various subjects or propositions pertaining
or relating to those conclusions. In arriving at the conclusion that
the law prescribed what place should be the Capital, and that the
Capital was located at Sacramento, which was the decision of the
Court, he felt himself obliged to discuss all the laws and all the
rules that had any relation whatever to the location of the Capital.
I shall vote for this reconsideration for another reason. I believe,
and by this time it must be apparent to every man that this
Legislature cannot now sit in the city of Sacramento and transact its
business properly--that the business of legislation will not be
facilitated by remaining here. Why? Because the streets are inundated
as they have been inundated for the last three or four days and sir,
can you or any other gentleman tell me how long they will remain so?
Already many of the dwellings of this place have passed away with the
flood and others are crumbling. The massive walls of some of the most
magnificent mansions of this city are trembling in the balance, and
it has become with us a question of self preservation. There is a
rule of law which gives to every man the right of self protection,
and I hold that in this case, as men and as legislators, it is our
right and our duty to flee from this Capital, along with many of its
citizens who have already left their abodes to seek refuge elsewhere.
Must we remain here? Are we to be crushed down and forced to remain
in this deserted city? How is it in regard to matters of legislation?
We might remain here as a body, but we have Committees, and the most
important work of legislation is done by our Committees, which must
of necessity meet in the morning and in the evening. I hold, then,
that it is impossible to remain here and transact our business.
Another reason why I shall vote for the reconsideration of this
question is, that we must of necessity, if we remain here, adjourn
for three or four or at least two or three weeks, and any proposition
to adjourn, even for two weeks, would in its effects be more disastrous
upon the general prosperity of the State than it would be go at once
to the city of San Francisco. The expense in remaining here idle for
a week is nearly ten thousand dollars, and for two weeks it would be
twenty thousand, and I venture to say that the Legislature, with all
its necessary appendages, can be carried to the city of San Francisco
for twenty-five thousand dollara at the utmost, and that a suitable
hall can be obtained there at an expense of five thousand dollars
for the session. Then, sir, as a matter of economy, I believe it
would be right and just for us to remove, and for these reasons I
shall vote for the reconsideration.
Mr. KENDALL--Mr. Speaker-- .
Mr. BARSTOW, the Speaker (Mr. Shannon occupying the chair)--Will the
gentleman give way for a moment for a personal explanation. I desire
the indulgence of the House that I may ask the gentleman from Alameda
(Mr. Bell) a question. I desire to ask him if his remarks as made
on Saturday and reported in the UNION of this morning are correctly
reported?
Mr. BELL--I have not had the pleasure of reading the report in the
UNION; if the honorable gentleman will read what he refers to, I
shall be able to state whether the report accords with my
recollection of what I said.
Mr. BARSTOW--The gentleman is reported to have said this: "As to the
legal question involved, the Hon. Speaker and myself, when we heard
of the previous calamity which had befallen this city, examined the
law, and we found a decision of Chief Justice Murray, in a celebrated
case which involved the seat of Government as between Sun Jose and
other places. I sent for the volume containing the decision half an
hour ago, and expect to receive it in a few moments. If I am not
incorrect, this is substantially his decision--that the Legislature
of California may elect to assemble in any place it chooses in this
State and pass laws, but that those laws will be void unless the
whole Capital goes with the Legislature, and every officer thereof."
Mr. BELL--I think that is about the style of expression I used, sir,
as near as I can remember.
Mr. BARSTOW--I desire, then, only to make this explanation, that if
the word "we" had not been used I should not have any reason to explain,
but the use of that word involves an implication that I expressed
the same opinions as those to which the gentleman from Alameda
arrived. I beg, therefore, to say now, that I neither expressed
nor came to any such opinions. On the contrary, I came to the
opinion that it was manifest from the decision itself, that the
question was not before the Court . It was the case of the People vs.
Bigler, in 5th California Reports, and the question was whether, after
the Legislature had once removed, upon the question of a second removal
it was necessary to have a two-thirds or only a majority vote. In
deciding that question there is a dicta thrown out by Chief
Justice Murray that the place of legislation is essential to the
validity of the Acts of the Legislature. That is entirely correct.
That is to say, should the Senate adjourn to San Francisco and proceed
to legislate, the Assembly remaining here, all Acts so passed would
be void, because the constitutional requirements would not be complied
with, to wit, that both branches must concur in the act of temporary
removal, for that is the only question that has been before the House.
I desire to say that I even came to the opinion, and have ever since
remained of the opinion that there is no legal objection, nor
constitutional objection, no legal obstacle nor constitutional
obstacle in the way of the two branches of the Legislature of
California adjourning temporarily to any place upon which the
two bodies shall concur in a resolution of adjournment. I only
desire to add this remark, that while I do not arraign the motives
of any gentleman upon this floor, yet I feel it to be very
unfortunate, not to say mortifying, that any member of the
Judiciary Committee should have fallen into so glaring a
misapprehension upon matters of law, as that into which the
gentleman from Alameda has been betrayed, touching the matter
now under consideration in this House. {.Applause.]
Mr. BELL--I claim the indulgence of the gentleman from Tuolumne
whilst I make a personal explanation.
Mr. KENDALL--For one moment.
Mr. BELL--Mr. Speaker: I imagine that no gentleman in this Assembly,
and possibly no gentleman in the world, has more profound regret than
I have when I see an animus on the one side or the other, with
a little too much furore instilled into it, in relation to the
vote of any honorable member on any question whatsoever that comes
before this House. Just one word of explanation on that point.
I cannot, by any conceivable process of reasoning, see why I should
not be very mad at anybody who chooses to vote no upon a proposition
on which I vote aye, except that always that kind of respect which
I have for my own opinion would make me have the same respect for
the opinions of others; and I always disassociate the man, the gentleman
and the legislator from his right or his high duty of expressing
or voting in accordance with his opinion. Why gentlemen should be
bitter [?] against me, should rail against me, should come out with
what vioolent [sic] abuse they may choose to indulge in against me,
because I vote aye upon a certain proposition and they vote no, I
cannot understand; and it seems to me that I would consider myself
beneath the position of any man who should dare to have and express
an opinion upon any legislative action in this Assembly, if I could
not think just as well of the man who voted against me, upon any
proposition, as of the man who voted with me. This sort of thing
ought always to be unknown. In a legislative body no bitterness
should spring up against any gentleman, let him cast his vote as
he may. We have just as much right to vote upon one side as upon
the other, and with any self eulogy, whatsoever, I say that I never
had any greater or less opinion of any gentlemen for having voted
with me or having voted against me. In either event I conceive him
to be an honorable man because he is called honorable here, and I
conceive him to be honest because the people have selected him to
make the laws for their government. Now the Hon. Mr. Speaker Barstow
will do me the credit of admitting that when facts are stated the
House can draw its own conclusions. Mr. Speaker Barstow has stated
the facts correctly and drawn his conclusions from them. I honor him
for it. Now he will permit me to state the same facts and my own
conclusions also. I called upon the honorable gentleman from San
Francisco, whom I am proud to claim as my friend always, upon this
and all other occasions, and at that time was being discussed in
San Francisco, as here, and elsewhere, the great calamity which had
befallen this city of Sacramento, and the necessity which we might
be under of removing the Capital of the State to San Francisco.
Mr. Barstow then evinced that care and skill and legal ability that
always distinguishes him--that kind of self balance and equipoise of
mind which characterizes him. I might have made some remark on the
subject of removal when, said he, "Have you looked at the law?" Upon
this we went to his large library, and considered for a moment in
what book we could find any law bearing upon the matter. After such
consideration we concluded first of all that there must have been
some decision in the settlement of the case as to which of the cities
of this State was the Capital, for we knew that this was not the
first time that this Capital had been proposed to be put into a
boat or into a mud-scow and navigated up and down the Sacramento,
across the Plains and over these friths and forths and all sorts of
places, until we have come to obtain the reputation of being a floating
legislature. We remembered that the question came before the Supreme
Court, and I remembered about the year, and at last turned to the
volume in which the decision was to be found, and in looking over
that decision Mr. Barstow and myself came across certain opinions
of the Supreme Court Judges. Allow me here a moment's indulgence
whilst I state one proposition. I have known gentlemen as profound
as Daniel Webster, I have known lawyers as eminent as Judah P. Benjamin,
to make some of the grandest of all possible legal mistakes. I have
known as eminent a lawyer as Judah P. Benjamin to make so grand a
mistake as to leave the free State of California, after having
received $20,000 in a great case, and go back to the Senate of the
United States, and there find law to justify treason. I have known
as profound a statesman and jurist as Daniel Webster to go before
the Supreme Court of the United States and there make so grand a
legal mistake as to propound before that Court the proposition that
there was an established religion in these United States. Now, if I
should make a mistake on this legal question, without an apprehension
or claim of following in the footsteps of men so illustrious, I
sincerely trust that neither of the honorable gentlemen from
San Francisco, for whose opinions I have the highest esteem, will in
the inmost recesses of their bosoms suppose for an instant that it
arises from anything but my having failed to study the subject
thoroughly, or a lack of judgment, and from no ill [?] disposition
on my part. There are some men we know that are a sort of instinctive
lawyers, and we have known some men that were profoundly reared and
bred, and have profoundly studied the law. Now I claim, with all the
instincts of my nature, and several years of study, to be that much
of a lawyer and no more. But the gentleman from San Francisco
(Mr. Barstow) is that kind of a lawyer who is careful and feels his
way, who never steps forward until he feels the rock upon which he
is next to put his foot. I honor him for it. We reached that dictum
of Chief Justice Murray. Now, Mr. Speaker and legal gentlemen, I ask
you to notice this: We may admit that it is true as an abstract
proposition, that neither dictum nor dicta of any Judge upon any
subject is binding law. Yet I do maintain that it does not remain
dictum or dicta when that opinion covers the very merits of the
question, and constitutes the facts and reasons upon which the
decision is founded. What means the Act of the Legislature when it
says that every decision of the Supreme Court shall be given in
writing; that their opinions shall be given at length in writing?
What does that mean? Why should not Chief Justice Murray have said
in his decision that Sacramento is the constitutional Capital and
San Jose is not? That is the kind of law and the kind of decision
that the gentleman wants--the simple, bare, unadulterated,
stub-and-twlsted act that they had to decide, without giving a
single reason for that decision. I say the facts and reasons of
the decision are more important to you and to me than the decision
itself. They may not be very important to San Jose; they may not
be very important to Sacramento or to Governor Bigler or others
who were directly interested in the decision. But they are more
important to those who wish to know the law, who wish to know
those rules of the law, those facts of the case, these mighty
principles upon which decisions are made. Therefore, I say that
those facts are not dictum, these facts are not dicta; nothing
of the kind. They are the rocks upon which the resolution rests.
Now, sir, yesterday I was tired; it was Sunday, and it is a relief
in the midst of this political bustle to be delivered a day, at
least, from being run down by the business of legislation. But
yet, on Sunday, I was called upon by some of my friends--half a
dozen of my particular friends--those old friends, I mean, whose
countenances I saw burning with rage against me, because I tried
to stand by the right; men who think bitterly of me because I
happen to vote no upon a proposition on which they voted aye--and
when I get so low down as to think less of any man because he
chooses to have an opinion within this free country, may I never
be trusted by the people to give a vote in this or any other
capacity; never! I respect the sovereignty of the Representatives
and the Senators. I respect the sovereignty of a man when he gives
his opinion, and when I give mine, I intend to be respected. [Applause].
Now sir, what do you mean by dictum, and what do you mean by dicta?
Why, Mr. Speaker, I believe you are a lawyer, certainly you have
been here so long, from time to time--and I congratulate your
constituents for the wisdom and discretion they have exhibited in
selecting you to represent them. You have been here, I say, so long,
that these keen blades here must have acted upon you, grinding you
to a similar keenness, and perhaps you grinding them; now I appeal
to you and to all gentlemen who hear me, to judge in this matter.
It is said by these technical lawyers, and you know we all delight
in technicalities, we have the utmost respect for cutting down and
out, and taking out the very gist of the thing, the little intricacies
of the web and network of legal opinion--we love these things--it is
said by them that here is the statement: the application was for a
mandamus to compel the Secretary of State, the Treasurer, and the
Controller, to keep their offices in the town of San Jose, upon the
allegation that it was the seat of government. Now are they confined
to that statement altogether, and have they no right to that conclusions
in regard to other matters. Why, Mr. Speaker, everybody knows that that
was nothing more than the technical legal form of geting at of the
question whether Sacramento or San Jose was the Capital of the State.
Who cared whether the Controller, Treasurer or Secretary of State lived
here or lived there? The great question was, was Sacramento or San Jose
the constitutional Capital? And every fact and opinion that went to
make up the decision in the case is not dicta, not dictum, but a part
of the question in dispute. Now there is not a word said in that
decision about the Supreme Court, and yet the Supreme Court rises
and falls with that decision. It goes or stays with the decision.
Not a word is said in it about the Governor, and yet he had to come
and go with the Capital. Nothing is said in it about the Legislature
throughout, and yet the Legislature has to come or go with the capital.
Mr. WRIGHT--Were there not three decisions in that case?
Mr. BELL--There were three, two of them in favor of the opinion
of the Court. The decision is that Sacramento is Capital as against
San Jose. Involved in that question came up the case of holding the
Supreme Court as well as these offices. Involved in it was the place
there the Governor should keep his office, as well as where the
Secretary of State and Controller should keep theirs; and involved
in it came up also the question whether the Legislature could pass
an Act that was valid in any other place that [?] at the seat of
government. These were the questions. Now, sir, we read this decision
in the office of the gentleman from San Francisco the honorable
Speaker. Three sessions of the Legslature have been held by virtue
of the Act to which reference was made. Vested rights have grown up
under its provisions, and unless it be constitutional those three
sessions of the Legislature that were held by adjournments, and Acts,
and all sorts of ways, at Sacramento, at Vallejo, then at Sacramento,
back again to Vallejo, then at Benicla, and back to Sacramento all go
for nought. And here we are, on our fast anchored isle, in the midst
of the mud, with the waves surrounding us; here we are after floating
thus to and fro. Vested rights have grown up under its provisions, yet
unless it be constitutional I hesitate not to say it is the opinion of
the Supreme Court that by virtue of every rule of law the Legislature
of the last few years--held in this town until it was decided the
State Capital by law, held in Benicia until it was decided that it had
been the Capital by law, held in Vallejo until that was decided to
have been the Capital by law, within the last two years --is a dead
letter on the statute book. That is the decision of the Supreme
Court. Now, I am told, Mr. Speaker, that feelers have been put out
for the Supreme Court--the highest tribunal in the State. Did the
gentleman proposing this movement, do any gentlemen, think that the
three honorable men comprising the Supreme Court of this State would
so far forget themselves as to say in their closets privately, to any
one, that they are going to override the decision of the Supreme
Court, the decision of their predecessors, and to decide that if we
meet on Mount Chimborazo, if you please, by adjournment of both bodies,
our acts there would be legal? I ask if it is possible for us [?] to
legalize our Acts, that are void by law, by any decision of any Court
in advance? No, sir. If there is any impropriety about it, if the
feelers spoken about have been put forward, then I hesitate not to
say that we can throw back the charge of improper influences with
tenfold power upon those men who have dared to suppose that the
Justices of the Supreme Court would so far forget their duties, or
that the Supreme Court, if it be true of them, would so far forget
itself as to decide a question which had never come before them.
Who is in the wrong now? It was charged against me that improper
influences had been used. Now, if it be an improper influence for
a man to rise from his bed and look around him upon this flood,
and feel the risings of benevolence for those poor creatures who
are suffering from the flood, and if afterwards, he contemplates
the matter while at breakfast, and feels, after his conversation
with Mr. Speaker Barstow, if you please, that notwithstanding
these calamities there is occasion only to do right, though the
heavens should fall in showers that appal the sons and daughters
kith and kin of the patriarch of all floods, old Noah himself,
sure, if under circumstances like these, I had resolved in my own
mind to aid in doing right until the flood should overwhelm us that
no vestige should remain of the State Capital, nor a single gondola,
nor a single avenue leading to the
edifice consecrated to making the laws had been [??] left in town--if
I had so concluded to stand by what I considered to be right in this
Legislature, then I say, if there be improper influence, then improper
influences were used on my mind. I had an errand with the Governor,
Leland Stanford, some few days previously, and I had a desire to see
him. I understood he would be in his office on Saturday at ten o'clock. .
I went there, and found him speaking to an honorable Senator upon this
very subject, and knowing fully the determination in my own mind, as
I had made it up that I was going to stand by the law as I understood
it, and to stand by the right, I remarked to his Excellency, "At least,
for myself. I intend to stand by Sacramento." If that be an improper
influence, then I have been improperly influenced. And that is all the
influence, near or remote, high or low, crooked or plain, that hath in
any wise been brought to bear upon me. The honorable gentlemen spoke
of improper lnfluences; let them remember that no man thinks of these
things unless he knows in his own soul that he loves them. No man thinks
evil of his neighbor until be knows what evil is in his own heart.
Never, sir. When gentlemen speak of improper influences to me, what do
they do? They simply prove to me that these improper influences are
congenial to them, or they never would have thought of them. Evil be
to him that evil thinks, sir. Now, sir, what, further does this
Supreme Court say upon this subject? Says the Court, "I hold that
the place is an essential ingredient to correct legislation, as much
so as it is to a proper administration of justice." Now, Mr. Speaker,
you know what that means. You know the Supreme Court did not want to
come to Sacramento. They loved the little cozy town of San Jose, they
would like to be in the city of San Francisco; we would all like to.
They made the decision contrary to their own feeling, as I trust I
cast my vote on Saturday contrary to my own feelings and interests,
contrary to the little comfort and conveniences and those nice little
things which make legislation so delightful and pleasant--the cozy
time, the pleasant evenings, the glorious days. All these things said
to me, ''Bell, vote aye!" But the law and the decision of the Supreme
Court said, "Bell, go in, up to your chin; and not a single ark to
take you in--stand by the right!" [Laughter]. Now, sir, I hold--
Mr. HOFFMAN--I rise to a point of order. I call attention to the rule,
which declares that, upon an explanation, a person ahall not discuss
the subjeet matter.
The SPEAKER pro tem overruled the point of order.
Mr. BELL (proceeding)--A decision of the Supreme Court is worthless,
and an Act of this Legislature is worthless if not rendered or passed
in the right place. That is not dictum: these are not dicta,
but he [sic] essential facts and opinions upon which the decision is
founded. "And," continues the Court, "if a decision be coram non
judice--that is to say--if a decision would be by a Court without
jurisdiction, "because the Court was not holden at the place appointed
by law, by a parity of reasoning the Acts of a legislative body done
at any other than the appointed place by law must be equally void."
The Supreme Court and this Legislature stand in this respect upon the
same footing. The Chief Justice says, further, "That there can be a
de facto"--that is, for the time being, or as a matter of
fact--"seat of government; or that the reasoning which would render
obligatory the acts of a de facto officer"--that is to say, an
officer really doing the duty of the office, "can apply to this case,
is a proposition I cannot assent to." He cannot assent to a proposition
that if this Legislature adjourn to San Francisco that because it
would be de facto a Legislature therefore its Acts would be valid,
because he says the place is as important as the fact of legislation.
These words are not dictum or dicta, but the strata on
which this decision rests. After the gentleman and myself had read
that decision over, I do not know what conclusion he came to, for he
is as sagacious as he is profound. I do very often get off my balance,
very often say foolish things, a great many times commit preposterous
blunders, but for that reason I have the greater admiration for a
gentleman who never does these things. He is a sort of equipoise to
myself. So when we had read the decision and I had made some remark
as to its bearing, the gentleman, with all the wariness and sagacity
that distinguishes him, said "Hold on, let us look at the Constitution."
So we turned to the Constitution of the State of California, there,
in Mr. Speaker Barstow's office, and after looking at the index, and
a little more at the Constitution in detail, we hit upon this celebrated
Section 15 of the celebrated Article IV, headed Legislative Department,
and he read from that and I read from that; and he re-read it and so
did I; he read it again and so did I; and we passed upon all its words,
and cogitated upon it, and what conclusion he may have drawn I do not
know, and what absolute conclusion I drew, if I drew any, I do not
absolutely remember. There was doubt about the matter--a good deal
of doubt. Let us read it--"Neither House shall, without the consent
of the other adjourn for more than three days." That is fairly
understood. "Nor to any other place than that in which they may be
sitting." That is one of those phrases, I candidly confess, which
is most difficult of solution. Now allow us to be technical a little.
Does it not mean that the Assembly shall not adjourn to meet in any
other chamber. "Place" is one of the most indefinite of terms. This
is a place; the Senate chamber is a place; the corner of J and Fourth
street is a place; this entire Capital is a place; San Francisco is
a place; this whole State is a place; the empire of Austria is a
place; it is a place where the gentleman from Solano sits; and another
place where the gentleman from Placer stands. All these are "places."
What this constitutional provision means, with that word place in it,
I confess it is almost impossible to fathom, But I think it means that
the Assembly shall not have the privilege, for the sake if you choose
of some trick or scheme, for the sake if you please of defeating the
election of a U. S. Senator, of heading off the Senate, of throwing
legislation into confusion, for the sake of a fight between the two
branches of the Legislature, of adjourning tomorrow morning if they
please, to meet at the parlor of the St. George Hotel, and there
before the Senate could find us or anybody else, defeating any
reconsideration on a notice given we will say by the gentleman from
Nevada. Think what a horrible calamity it would be, if that gentleman
were not permitted to get in his notice of reconsideration, or if it
were defeated by adjourning to some place where the water would be
above the gentleman's head and he could not wade to it so as to call
up his notice. What a horrid calamity! Just think of it! Out of eighty
votes in this House only seventy-seven were cast on that question.
I venture to say that never before were seventy-seven votes cast upon
any proposition in the history of this Legislature. There was no gag
law, though I think they did seek to put that on at first, being as
they supposed sure of their prey. When that vote was taken the floods
were all around us, getting into our cellars and our parlors, and I
find--oh wo the day! oh ye gods that preside over the destinies of
men under such circumstances!--I find that the very privies of the
town were inundated! Oh, dear! oh, dear! Oh, wo the heavy time! Grave
Senators, in debate upon so grave a matter, declare that it is
impossible to remain in this place, for the calls of nature overwhelm
them so that they have to go to San Francisco to obey.
"O wo! O woful, woful, woful day!
Most lamentable day! most woful day,
That ever, ever I did yet behold!
O day! O day! O day! O hateful day!
Never was seen so black a day as this:
O woful day! O woful day!" [Laughter.]
I think it is very sad, sir; I pause to dwell upon the saddening
picture that is conjured up in my soul. Just imagine such a calamity
as it would be not to be allowed to reconsider that vote, after a
fair and square vote of seventy-seven members. Now as to this matter
of improper influences; I see before me many men who have supported
many bridge measures, and they can testify whether or not any man
ever dared to approach me with improper influences, or to think in
his heart that be could dare to so approach me. But I am charged
with improper influences because I sometimes think I can afford to
vote a little liberally, that I live in a State of great men, where
if a man wants a hat or a clean shirt, he buys it, and where if the
State wants a new hat, a pair of boots or a clean shirt, and I vote
to buy it, I do not think the great State of California will on that
account totter to its ruin. I have become sick to the very bottom of
my bile at the thought of forever and forever the subject of five or
ten dollars and some cents having their influence upon all subjects of
legislation. Is it true that there is nothing in this State but can be
bought and sold? Is it true that every emotion of our nature is worth
only what it can be sold for in gold coin? No sir; all these things
are gammon. Now as to these facts. The honorable gentleman from San
Francisco and myself were undecided upon that subject, but when I come
to look the matter over I find from all the history of legislation,
that in all human probability this provision of the Constitution
refers to those keen tricks and that shrewd management of political
and partisan schemes whereby great measures are often carried or
defeated, I declare it is impossible for me to discern from the mere
word "place" whether it has reference to cities, or whether it does
not rather refer to the different chambers or different buildings in
the particular city where the Legislature is sitting at the time.
In my humble opinion that is its meaning. It is for the purpose of
counteracting any such shrewd political or partisan schemes affecting
legislation. That is what I think, but if any other gentleman thinks
the word "place" means San Francisco, Marysville, San Jose or any
other town. I certainly will not charge that improper influences have
been brought to bear to make him come to that conclusion. But suppose
there is a difference of construction, as there very well may be; what
then? Any lawyer and. every other man knows, and the heart of the
gentleman from San Francisco beats in his bosom at the thought that
there is a remedy. Every legal gentleman anticipates that remedy. It
is the interpretation of the Supreme Court, and that interpretation
I have read to you, not as dicta, but as the foundation of the
decision given by that Court, I have read it, and interpreted the Latin
in it to the best of my scholastic ability, word for word, and that is
the law of the land. Now I know the gentleman from San Francisco will
bear me witness that I have stated the facts, and I have not implicated
him.
Mr. BARSTOW--As the gentleman appeals to me, I have only to say: If
you leave the House to infer that I coincided with you that that was
the decision of the Supreme Court, then you misrepresent me. And
further, that if you leave the House to infer that I thought the
dicta was wrong, you misrepresent me.
Mr. BELL--I certainly do not.
Mr. BARSTOW--The dicta is right that the place is essential, but the
two Houses concurring by resolution can fix the place, and the place
is legal.
Mr. BELL--You did not mention that at that time.
Mr. BARSTOW--I do not know that I mentioned it, but that was not the
place; here was the place to decide the question.
Mr. BELL--Then the gentleman and myself parted with an understanding
that I was to visit some library, and endeavor to find a precedent
for such removal in some other State. The gentleman told me that he
would do the same thing. I did perform my part, by going into the very
largest library in San Francisco, and did there by inquiring and
examination, seek to discover whether just such a case had ever been
decided anywhere else in the United States, but I found no such
decision. But I am informed this morning that there is such a
decision. I am so informed by the gentleman from Del Norte (Mr. Wright),
and I sincerely grieve that that gentleman is not with me in this matter.
I was in the Senate when his county was named, and had the honor of
proposing the name, Del Norte and now here comes a sort of son of mine
from this Del Norte which I helped to create, and quotes to me, who
helped, as it were, to give his county birth, the dictum or dicta of
one L. S. or S. L. Cushing. Who is L. S. or S. L. Cushing? What Judge
or what jurist is he? Is he the son of the great Caleb? Him we respect,
though a Democrat of the old, blue, unterrified, central, earth-planted,
zenith raising Democracy. But who is this L. S. or S. L. Cushing? I ask
the gentleman from Del Norte to raise him from the
state of oblivion--to pluck him, like the fabled Phoenix, from the
ashes in which he is consumed. I am told that his famous formula of
parliamentary rule is to take the place of the manual of the great
Jefferson; that this worthy nephew is about to supplant the great
Caleb, for Caleb; too, wrote a manual. I am told that he is about
to publish a manual to govern the Sons of Temperance, the benevolent
societies, and all the sister Phoebe and Miss Nancy arrangements, for
whom the great Jefferson is too weighty. No, sir; now that Cushing
has given a single squeak, let him respect the memory of Caleb and
be heard no more forever. I do not know what authorities the gentleman
from San Francisco consulted on this subject, but I know I found none.
A word about the personality of these matters and I am done. I have
been suspected sometimes of being a little tenderfooted, and a little
too elaborate in my personal appearance and general getting up. I
admire my friend Mr. Morrison in that respect. Now, this town of
Sacramento produces some gentlemen of the first water, like our old
friend Col. Bowie, a rare military officer, and brave as Caesar. I
have envied such men, with their unblacked boots and disheveled hair,
and have some times started out with the intention, if possible of
being in all that pertains to the apparel, at least, the most perfect
democrat of them all--unshaved, unwashed, unkempt, unbreeched if you
choose, and unbooted, with blackleg at least. I think that if for
the sake of a little inconvenience we are going to leave Sacramento,
the people of this State will come to the conclusion that their
Legislature are the most contradictory, reconsidering and re-enacting
set of men that ever was born on the face of the globe, to do battle
with ignorance or to pass laws for a nation. We have had the
reputation of being a floating Legislature. There have been
Legislatures called the Legislature of a thousand drinks, the
Legislature of a thousand resolutions and the Legislature of a
thousand reconsiderations. I congratulated the gentleman from Nevada
(Mr. Avery) that there is a prospect of his being the honored sponsor
to give us the reputation of being another Legislature of a thousand
reconsiderations. Here has come a time when it is our privilege to
redeem our character, and I have a proposition which I have no doubt
will meet the approval of all the assembled sovereigns.
Mr. CUNNARD--I rise to a question of order. The gentleman rose to
a personal explanation, but I think he has got entirely beyond that.
The SPEAKER pro tem. (Mr. Shannon)--the gentleman from San Francisco
(Mr. Barstow) having commenced this line of debate upon his personal
explanation, I think the gentleman from Alameda in replying has a
right to follow in the same manner and in his own style.
Mr. BELL--Here is what I propose; I have proposed it to a coterie of
four or five around here, of those who are so anxious to go where
they can run around a little in the night and a great deal in the
day time; but I saw their countenances fall when they heard it. For
my part, when I see the heroic soul of the gentleman from Los Angeles
(Mr. Morrison), who is ready to forget his immaculate shirt and his
well polished boots for the sake of standing by the right, I venture
to feel assured that the sovereigns from Del Norte to San Diego, and
from the Sierra Nevadas to the westernmost coast, will approve of my
proposition. I would be willing to stand between the breast of every
gentleman who shall vote for it, and the shafts of his constituents,
and I feel assured that I could receive them harmless on my shield,
as old Pilgrim did the darts of Apollyon--the devil. I think if with
unanimous consent we can now resolve, suppressing every other motion
before us, that when these waters abate--and I perceive that, as the
man who could not get passage in the ark must have said, "Oh Prince
Noah, the waters must be abating from all the earth"--so it must be
that even while I am speaking, oh dainty legislators, the waters are
abating even from the City of the Plains. Now, let us pass this
resolution which I have proposed, nemo contradicente, that
is, no man opposing it, that when these waters go down sufficiently
every legislator of us, 120 men in all, and we may add our
attaches--they are a little daintier than we perhaps, and a little
less afraid of the sovereigns, but it may be that they, too, will
agree to it--I shall move you, sir, when it becomes in order that
these legislative bodies, the grave and reverend Senate, and this
democratic, unterrified, heroic, stub-and-twisted, war sounding,
pestilence breathing, death-to treason shouting Assembly, full of
heroism, fire, powder and blood, full of all hopes, and ready to
shout hosannas and paeans for any triumph over the rebel arms--and,
sir, I trust that these gentlemen, some of whom tell us they have
seen this city in the early days, when they could not touch bottom
in it with a sycamore tree for a pole--and I would remind these
legislators, and my colleague especially, who is a warrior bred and
born--would remind all these old warriors of Mexican renown, these
incipient officers that propose to fight under the stars and stripes,
even down to the very center of rebeldom, that they will have to wade
in the mud, will have to do without boots, or at least without blacking,
they will have to do without tobacco, and tomato, and pomatum, and
brushes, and fine tooth combs, and all the paraphernalia of the
legislator--some of the names of which, you see, I have forgotten.
[Laughter.] I propose, then, to all these heroic souls that are
panting for glory, that when they can find footing in this town,
instead of moving to San Francisco, or even to that delightful city
of Oakland, where in satin slippers these men might dance fandangoes
by moonlight or sunlight, either alone or with the fair senoritas
that dwell among and adorn those glorious valleys--I propose, I
say--and I see the soul of the gallant Clayton, the Sergeant-at Arms,
beaming from the top of hls scalp at the thought of leading us to
the rescue--we, one hundred and twenty legislators, and all the
attaches, and particularly all those who expect to be attaches,
for these men will work well I am sure, if I may judge from the
way they have worked with me, in season and out of season with
their recommendations, and their whispers in the ear--I propose,
I say, that we one and all adjourn, and go to work to gather up the
wrecks of the houses floating around, to gather up the wrecks of
lumber yards, and all the wrecks about the city, and let every man
of us go to work with planks, and saw, and adze and nail, and hammer,
and brickbat, and every thing a man can put his hand on, for the
town seems to be public property now, so we may consider ourselves
monarch of all things drifting with the tide--that we shall go to
work to build passageways, sidewalks and crossings of street, in
order that those dainty-booted legislators may be enabled, after
paying two bits for the rarest of Day & Martin, with the most
dexterous of contrabands in this city laying it on, to come dry
to this house. I propose that we lay these sidewalks, and then, if
need be, that we shall take the old carpets that we find hanging
on fences and roofs to dry, and carpet these sidewalks as in olden
times the streets were carpeted for the triumphal entry of a monarch,
that every dainty legislator may come here upon a carpet high and
dry above all the wreck of matter and crash of worlds--and so we
may go on and pass the laws that our constituents expect us to pass,
and go home and meet them like men. Like men, always a higher
standard than like legislators--go home like men! In that way we
shall have proved ourselves to be men.
Mr. WARWICK spoke at some length against the reconsideration. [We
omit, the remarks of all the immediate representatives of Sacramento]
Mr. BATTLES--I did not mean to take part in this debate. But gentlemen
have made statements of so erroneous a character that I am impelled to
do so. The gentleman from Sacramento, Mr. Barton, has said it will cost
$125,000 or $140,000 to remove to San Francisco. Now, sir, gentlemen
who are perfectly responsible have proposed to remove everything it
will be necessary to remove for $1,000, and I believe it can be done.
It is only necessary to remove the desks of one hundred and twenty
members, and that, I believe can be done for about two dollars apiece.
The gentleman from Sacramento, Mr. Warwick, has stated that the
removal would cost $100,000. Now does any gentleman suppose an
appropriation, merely for removing a few desks, of as large a sum as
that, or anything like it, would be carried through this body? I hope
no gentleman would be guilty of voting for it, and do not believe that
any Committee of three appointed by this House, or by the Chair, would
agree to any such appropriation. Coming from San Francisco, I knew
something about the conditions which would be offered to this
Legislature there. The old U. S..Court building, I have been
informed upon good authority can be procured for about $1,000 per
month. Suppose then that the session lasts for three months, and
I hope it will not exceed sixty days, that would make the entire
cost $8,000. There are in that building two rooms which are better
fitted for the Legislature than those which we now occupy. They
would require nothing more than the removal of the desks into them.
There are in addition some twenty offices, which would accomodate
all the Committees and more than they would require. They would
even accomodate the State officers and State library, if we found
it necessary to remove them. Gentlemen of responsibility have proposed
to me to remove the whole State library for $1,000. Let us go into
a calculation of the matter. The gentleman from Sacramento proposes
to adjourn for ten days. Now that would cost for the per diem of
members and attaches, at about $1,500 a day, say $15,000 for those
ten days. We can remove to San Francisco and get to work at a cost
of $4,000 at the outside, including the rent of the building for
the entire session; which would he a saving to the State of at least
$11,000. The gentleman from Alameda has made an eloquent speech,
and gentlemen here have occupied time at the cost of the State almost
enough to get the Legislature removed. It seems to me that the
opponents of this measure are making speeches against time.
Mr. Hayes, I am informed offers his building at Hayes' Park free
for the Legislature during this session. That would do for the
Legislature very well, and it would cost very little to put it in
order for them. The Committee may prefer to take that building. There
are two or three other places there which would acommodate it very
well, and from which the Committee might select. The representatives
of San Francisco only desire that the Legislature should go there in
order to carry on the business of legislation, and to get through
with it in less time and at less cost to the State.
Mr. KENDALL.--This discussion has taken at wide range, and has been
debated very ably on all sides. I shall undertake to add but a very
few words. The legal aspect of the question has been fully and ably
discussed by the gentleman from Alameda, (Mr. Bell) and it would be
vanity in me to presume to repeat his arguments, or attempt to set
them in a stronger light. But this it seems to me resolves itself
into one of those purely common sense questions that we every day
decide upon when we are unbiased by prejudice; and it is a question
which should be decided here with the same readiness as that with
which we would decide every other such question, arising in relation
to our own personal affairs. We can, I think, rightfully claim that
we have the law and the testimony on our side against the removal,
but let us also view the question in the aspect of common sense. It
is proposed to move this session of the Legislature from this place
to the city of San Franclaco. Now I presume every one will admit
that we cannot adjourn from this place to settle ourselves in San
Francisco, and get to business in less than fifteen days. Suppose
we are able to accomplish that, to move the desks, chairs, State
library and archives, and get fairly in working condition even in
ten days. Is it not better to remain here and adjourn over for that
time, and save all this trouble and expense? If we pull up stakes
here and go below, there is too much time lost and expense incurred
in the removal. We all know from the precedents of the past that
this removal cannot be effected without an expense of $10,000 to
$15,000, and perhaps even $20,000 in the end. Now, if the removal
takes place, we know it will cost that amount, and perhaps it may
cost $50,000 each way. On the other hand, if we adjourn over here
ten or fifteen days, this expense will be avoided. Aside from all
this, I believe, and I think it is the impression and firm conviction
of every member on this floor, that the proposition for a temporary
removal to San Francisco is only a covert scheme for the permanent
removal of
the Capital of the State. Gentlemen have tried to conceal this in
their remarks, but if there is anything impressed upon my mind more
fully than all else in this discussion, it is that gentlemen have
been trying to conceal their real object. I do not conceive that
this is any question of sympathy for Sacramento or San Francisco,
or any other place. It is simply a question what we as legislators
owe to the State as well as to ourselves. I believe it would be
better as a matter of economy to appropriate $200,000 to guard
against future floods, than to adopt this expensive scheme. This
much is apparent to all: Here, in this city, is bound to rise in
the future time, perhaps far off beyond us, a commercial metropolis
of vast wealth, where must be located a population of wealth,
influence and refinement. It is unreasonable to suppose that the
people of this city, enterprising and industrious as they have
proved to be heretofore--for they have been through fire and
flood--are going to remove elsewhere. That cannot be. This city
of Sacramento has been located here, and is a fixed fact. Here it
has been planted, and here it must grow. It is too late to discuss
any question of removal of the city and its business elsewhere.
That granted, and it follows that some measures will be taken
commensurate with the occasion, to protect the city and property
of the city against all danger hereafter. Then why urge this
matter of adjournment? It is merely a step towards reviving that
old expensive question of locating the State Capital.. Why not
say, here we will remain, faithful to our trust, to our oaths of
office, to the Constitution as interpreted by the supreme tribunal
of the State; why not say we will remain here in spite of personal
inconvenience to ourselves, true to the behests of duty, even should
the floods come upon us so that the very steamers may be able to
land at these Capltol steps. Sir, it is a matter entirely of
personal inconvenience weighed against the interests of the State,
and against the certainty that by removing elsewhere our whole
action as a legislative body would be entirely void. Much has
been heard about the disadvantages of remaining here. Why,
Mr. Speaker, the floods are all over the State, every where;
the floods have inundated the hills and the valleys--I might
almost say the very mountains themselves--and we, as visitors
to this city, are better off, better provided for, than most
of our constituents, at least throughout the whole lower country
of this State. Gentlemen may say that we should claim superior
advantages and accommodations. It surprises me that this body
of men, who have mostly lived in this rough country for the
last ten or twelve years, should make any such claim. This is
a matter of duty and law, and should not give way to questions
of convenience, to clean shirts and boots, and all those little
matters that to men who have been in this country for the last
few years are not worth a single thought. Men should have learnt
before this time to despise these little affairs, and should have
inured themselves to transact their business without such
non-essentials to comfort. We can transact our business in
comfort and in health, and this flood may prove one of the
strongest incentives to a short session. The state of things
existing here, the deprivation of these little enjoyments of
life, will prevent us from unnecessarily, at least, protracting
the session.
Mr. REED--In determining my vote upon a question of this kind,
I hold that it is my duty to be guided by the Constitution, and
I do not know that there is any authority appointed in the State
of California to construe the Constitution for me. I am to act
upon my own responsibility, and to put whatever construction upon
the Constitution I see proper. With this view of the question, I
call the attention of the House again to that section of the
Constitution of California to which reference has already been
so frequently made--that no one branch of this Legislature shall
adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that
in which they are assembled, without the concurrence of both Houses.
Now, in the ordinary course of legislation, it never becomes necessary
for one House to adjourn more than three days, but exigencies may
arise when it will be necessary for both to adjourn beyond that time,
and to some other place. Such exigencies in the history of
Governments and Legislatures have frequently arisen, and I apprehend
that the framers of our Constitution had such exigencies in view
when they framed that article. Flood, or fire, or invasion are
exigencies demanding the removal of the Legislature for a period
longer than three days, and to another place, and I think such an
exigency has now arisen. It is certainly a clear case, and within
the very spirit and meaning of that article of the Constitution.
In my judgment it was put there for the express purpose of meeting
such an exigency. The gentleman from Alaameda [sic] (Mr. Bell) gets into
a fog about the word "place." Now the rule universally obtaining
in determining the significance of words not strictly technical is
that we must take the meaning given to the word by common usage; and
I submit to the candid judgment of gentlemen whether the term "place"
is not used and may not be used as applying to the city in which the
seat of government may be permanently located? For instance, if it
is asked in what place the seat of government of California is located,
we say in Sacramento. San Francisco is not the place of the seat of
government. By using the term in its ordinary significance we find
that the Constitution authorizes the two branches by concurrence,
to adjourn to a place outside of Sacramento. That is my view, and
I feel perfectly clear on the matter that by a temporary adjournment
to San Francisco in the exigency which surrounds us we are carrying
out the very spirit of the Constitution. But the gentleman from
Alameda finds another difficulty in this decision recorded in the
5th California Reports. Now the gentleman from Alameda is a brilliant
lawyer, while l am no lawyer at all. Still, with all due deference to
his opinion, I am his peer on this floor, and must act upon my own
judgment and be responsible for my own opinions and acts, as he is
for his. Now I cannot understand that there is anything in that
opinion, and I have read it carefully four or five times over,
which interferes at all with my construction of the Constitution.
If we were to attempt permanently to remove the seat of government
to San Francisco the authority of that decision might apply, but
when we attempt to adjourn there temporarily on account of the
exigency surrounding us, by a concurrent resolution, I say the
gentleman has produced nothing in that decision which in any way
denies us the right to do so. If there was anything in the
Constitution requiring us to stay here and struggle through
the mud, I would be willing to remain; but there is nothing of
the kind, and economy demands that we should adjourn to San
Francisco, or some other dry place where we can get through
our business as soon as possible. We must either do that or
adjourn for a period, wasting ten or fifteen thousand dollars
and protracting the session. And what assurance have we that
even if we do adjourn for a time we shall not have another
flood within three days after we have again convened? We know
that the levees are swept away; we know that the mountains
are covered with snow and the valleys are all full of water;
we know that but a slight rain storm would suffice to flood
the city again, and that would produce another temporary
adjournment, costing another $10,000 or $15,000, and so on
till no one can predict the end. Mark you, every day the
session is prolonged by the influences of flood and mud, it
costs the State of California $1,500. I propose, then, as a
measure of economy that we adjourn at once to San Francisco,
and I feel confident that the whole cost of that removal will
not excend $15,000. Even if it should cost ten days and $15,000
to get there, we shall still have this advantage that we will
then be certain that we are at a place where we can proceed
with our business until the close of the session. We can
secure no such positive advantage by adjourning to meet again
at Sacramento. Now, in reference to sympathy for Sacramento
in her hour of distress, I suppose I feel in my heart as much
sympathy for the distressed people of Sacramento as anybody.
But above all that, I recognize the fact that I stand here as
a legislator, not to expend sympathy upon any town or any
individual. I have no right to take cognizance, as a legislator,
of the people of Sacramento. I would do anything in my power
to relieve the sufferings around us here; but as a legslator,
for the reasons of law and fact which I have stated, I have come
to the conclusion that the interests of the State of California
will be promoted, and the expense and length of this session
reduced by an adjournment to .San Francisco. I regret the
imputation that this is a movement looking to a permanent removal.
I believe I am as firm a friend of Sacramento as there is on this
floor, and I would not in this hour of her distress add the weight
of a hair to her calamities. But I hold that the best interests
even of the citizens of Sacramento should dictate this course.
We can do the city of Sacramento no good by remaining here. Nobody
will be benefitted by it except a few hotel keepers. Let us adjourn
to San Francisco and perform the business of legislation, and
during the season ensuing when the floods have passed away and
this town is dry, and everything prosperous and pleasant, the
citizens of Sacramento can reconstruct their levees, and give
such evidence as is absolutely necessary of their ability to
protect the city and the Capitol from floods, so that the next
year the Legislature can come back here. Should this resolution
carry I pledge my word that if any motion or suggestion is made
to us for the permanent removal of the Capital, I will oppose that
proposition as earnestly as I have advocated the question of
temporary removal.
Mr. FERGUSON made a speech of some length in opposition to the
motion to reconsider.
Mr. MACLAY.--I would like to know what the delegation from
Sacramento want. Do they want us to remain here ten or fifteen days
without doing business--to adjourn for that length of time, at
an expense of $15,000 to $20,000, and then return to this city.
I imagine that if we adjourn and go to our homes and some of the
members cannot go there, and would be obliged to remain here in
any event--we adjourn for ten or fifteen days and return at the
end of that time, I imagine we will find another flood in
Sacramento--higher, perhaps, than ever. Then we should have to
adjoun again, costing $15,000 or $20,000 more, and God only knows
where we shall end if that course is to be pursued. The Sacramento
delegation fight very hard indeed to have the Legislature remain
here.
Mr. FERGUSON--Allow me to say, so far as I am concerned, I speak
for myself only, and if I do not speak the sentiment of the
delegation they can correct me. So far as I am concerned, we
desire nothing in the world, only that if the members can endure the
inconvenience they should remain here without adjourning a day,
or an hour, but meet every day to legislate and fulfill the
promises of retrenchment and speedy adjournment which we were
all so pleased to hear from our Speaker.
Mr. MACLAY--To remain here would be a certain defeat of all
business. The Committees appointed, and to be appointed, would
fail in discharging their duties. It is most important to have
meetings of Committees, but that is impossible, and from the
way the weather looks we will have a storm before twenty hours
pass over our heads, and probably a flood. God knows, in my
heart I sympathize with this city of destruction and floods,
but as a legislator I have nothing to do with sympathy. As a
legislator I am to know no man, no city, no class of men. I am
expected to act for the interests of the people, and for nothing
else. I am going to do justice to Sacramento and justice to
myself. Perhaps a little anecdote here may not be amiss. I
recollect that an Irishman was once charged with the crime of
murder. His counsel said to him that he need not feel
disheartened, they would take care that justice should be done
him. "Ah, be jabers, sir, that's all I am afraid of," replied
the Irishman. A guilty conscience needs no accuser. We have no
disposition to do anything wrong to Sacramento and if I ware a
citizen of Sacramento to-day, I would come here and say to this
House. "Gentlemen, I advise you to adjourn to San Francisco;
give us time to recuperate, give us time to repair our levees,
and if we cannot defend the city from the floods, and storms,
and winds, and waves, we shall never expect you to return; but
give us an opportunity." I shall not inflict upon this body a
long speech.
Mr. MORRISON--I desire, in the event that my voice does not
fail me, to address a few considerations to
this House upon this most important and vital question. I regard this
as an entering wedge in that great movement which will be ultimately
felt upon this floor during the present or some approaching session
of the legislature, for the final removal of the Capital from the
city of Sacramento; and believing it to be such entering wedge, and
that that is the design of this movement, I shall address myself to
that question as though that result were the certain result of this
movement, and one that cannot be avoided. This cannot be regarded as
a question relating alone to the citizens of Sacramento and the future
growth and prosperity of her people. It is a question which affects
the vital growth and prosperity of the people of the whole State. The
Capital has been established here almost, I may say, by unanimous
consent, because Sacramento is, if not exactly the geographical, at
least the great commercial center of the State. It was expected,
therefore, by those who sent us here to represent them, that the laws
passed by us at this session should be adopted and passed here; and
I think that in no place, from Klamath in the north to San Diego in
the South, from Mono in the east to the uttermost portions of our
western coast, was this question of the removal of the Capital
canvassed during the whole time that we were before the people for
our election. We came here then with a positive expectation on the
part of the people that we shall remain here if it is possible, and
so long as it is possible to remain. And the people of Sacramento do
not expect us to do impossibilities; all they expect of us is that
we should remain as long as it is possible or feasible, and when the
time arrives--and it has not arrived yet--when we can no longer remain
here and transact our business, the Sacramento delegation will all
unite with us in removing elsewhere. Sir, Sacramento has seen such
disasters and misfortunes as have seldom visited any city on the
civillzed earth. On the ninth day of January, 1850, I was in
Sacramento, when she was visited by a most disastrous flood. I arose
from my bed that morning and, looking forth upon that flood, I said
Sacramento is dead; but the first man I met only smiled and said it
was true it was a bad state of things, but it would soon be over. Not
an eye quailed, not a cheek blanched, but Sacramento grappled with and
overthrew misfortune. A few years afterwards Sacramento was again
devastated by another element. On the 2d day of November, 1852, fire
swept north, south, east and west over this again devoted city. Did
the hearts of Sacramentans sink under this record calamity? Did they
abandon their homes? Did they leave the spot where they had invested
their millions of dollars? No, sir; they grappled with this misfortune
also, and, Phoenix like, the city soon rose again from its ashes.
They grappled with misfortune and again overthrew it. Following down
the course of events, we come to the season of 1852-3, when the same
devastating element again covered this beautiful city. But again the
spirit of the inhabitants rose triumphant, and they rebuilt their
residences, and in a year or two the city was again much more
flourishing than ever before. Now we are visited for the third time
by a disastrous flood. It is true that it brings ruin and distress,
but the people of Sacramento have not yet abandoned hope. They have
invested here thirteen millions of hard-earned dollars, and in the
shortest possible period of time they will put that beyond the reach
of any flood. The cost of that work cannot exceed a million of dollars,
and it will surely be done. All that the people of Sacramento ask is a
little time to recover from the disaster which has overwhelmed them and
their city and to rebuild their city above the reach of the waves. This
is not impossible. We see examples in abundance in the Old World,
St. Petersburg, the Capital of all the Russias, was dug from the depths
of the Gulf of Finland. Built upon the confines of the North Sea, the
Capital of Holland, Amsterdam, was dug from the depths of that Northern
Sea. And what man has accompllshed in the past, the immense energy,
ability and resolution of the people of Sacramento entitle me to say
they can and will accomplish in future. [Applause.] In the whole
history of the battle of life they know no such word as fail.
I ask the delegates from the various counties in this State, from
its northern to its southern limit, and from the east to the west,
to consider the wishes of their constituents. Will you say to them
that it was inconvenient to remain because the theaters and places
of public amusement were closed? They will answer that they do not
send you here to visit theaters and places of amusement, but to do
the work which the interests of the people demanded of you, to do
that work sixty days if it were possible to be done, and instead of
hailing you with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant,"
they will say, "Retire, faithless and undeserving public servant."
This must inevitably be the answer, for there is a retributive justice,
which sooner or later the people will visit upon those who misrepresent
them. Sooner or later they will punish--as certain as the thunder
follows the lightning's flash. Gentlemen must have some better answer
to give than their pleasure and convenience. If there is a gentleman
here who is not willing to sacrifice his personal convenience, when
he sees around him 16,000 people laboring and sinking under the same
difficulties, let him stand up in his place and announce to the world
what county has sent him here. [Applause.] The Legislature has
appropriated $150,000 for the erection of a national public building
in this city. I call it national, for California is a nation in itself.
Of that sum $100,000 has been already expended. Remove the Capital from
the city of Sacramento, and nearly the whole of that amount is lost.
Remove the Capital and the public works are abandoned. Sacramento asks
no appropriation at this session. She asks, only that we should remain
as long as we can and if we can remain during the session, it will be
to her an ark of safety. Then at another session she will be able to
show that the sum already appropriated has not been lost. It seems to
me, sir, that this effort comes with a very bad grace from the people
of San Francisco, if it does come from them. They have been disposed
always as a people to lend a helping hand to those who are struggling
with misfortunes.and I say it is in very bad taste on the part of the
delegation from San Francisco to aid in this measure. Does San Francisco
regard Sacramento as a rival? It is impossible. She should regard
Sacramento as an unfortunate sister worthy of receiving a helping
hand in this dire calamity, San Francisco must always be the great
emporium of the Pacific. Through a stretch of more than three thousand
miles of coast San Francisco is the only spot upon which a great
commercial metropolis can be built up. Sacramento can never be her
rival, but whatever benefits Sacramento benefits San Francisco. San
Francisco sends forth her wealth and commerce, which returns to her
as the waves of the ocean retiring from the rocks against which they
dash, return with redoubled force. Such is the position that San
Francisco occupies upon this great Pacific coast She could not then
regard Sacramento as her rival, but rather as a youthful sister striving
against misfortune and adversity. I say, then, that I hope the effort
made by those gentlemen coming from San Francisco and from other
portions of the State, as well, but more particularly from San
Francisco, will fail, and that every attempt to move the Capital
will be entirely abandoned. I move the indefinite postponement of
the motion to reconsider, and upon that I demand the previous
question.
Mr. FAY--I hope the gentleman will withdraw that.
Mr. MORRISON withdrew the motion.
Mr. FAY--The gentleman last up and others have addressed the House
eloquently, but the difficulty is that their remarks have been
entirely foreign to the question at issue. They oppose the permanent
removal of the Capital, but that question is not before this Assembly,
nor has it been, and never was intended to be. I speak my own
sentiments, and I think I speak also the sentiment of the entire
representation of San Francisco when I say that. Now I ask if any
gentleman upon this floor from the northern or the southern, the
eastern or the western part of the State has been approached by a
member of the San Francisco delegation with the view of urging his
support of this measure, with the expectation of the permanent
removal of the Capital to San Francisco that he shall rise in his
place and declare it. I will pause to give any gentleman that
opportunity. There is no response, and therefore, Mr. Speaker, I
say that the charge made against the San Francisco delegation of a
desire to oppress Sacramento for the benefit of San Francisco, is
a false charge. The gentleman last up most truly said that what is
for the interest of Sacramento is also for the interest of San
Francisco. That is a truth. Why, sir, the twelve members who
represent San Francisco represent one-third of all the taxable
property in California, and probably the people of San Francisco
own more of the Sacramento bonds than are owned in any other portion
of the State. The merchants of San Francisco are in constant
communication with the merchants of Sacramento, and Sacramento
to-day owes San Francisco a large mercantile balance. Is it to
be expected that for the sake of the mere drop in the bucket of
the removal of the capital the San Francisco delegation are going
to take action calculated to destroy the credit or ruin the
prosperity of Sacramento? No, we thould be doing our constituents
most dire injustice if we took such a position. It is only that
under the present circumstances San Francisco seems to be the only
place where we can go and get immediately to work. I wish further
to state that it has been proposed this day by the San Francisco
delegation, that both they and the Sacramento delegation should
retire in a body, pending this question, thus giving Sacramento
the advantage of seven in the vote. Does that look like taking
advantage? And I will say further in reference to this question of
the interests of Sacramento, that the people of San Francisco and
the people of the State of California everywhere outslde of
Sacramento do not desire to oppress Sacramento. And if any proposition
could come up here that should secure Sacramento against any action
looking to the permanent removal of the Capital during this session,
every man of the delegation would be willing to vote for it; and they
will pledge themselves as one man not to introduce the question;
because it is the universal sentiment here that we have come here
and met a contingency which we never expected to arise when we were
elected. It was supposed that the Capital was permanently located
in Sacramento. The people had so decided. They did not expect that
the levees would be broken and the city flooded. Therefore I say that
it would be dishonest legislation:to act upon the question of
permanent removal while it had not been before the people either in
the canvass or directly at the ballot box when we were elected. I have
said this in vindication of the delegation, for I believe the majority
of the citizens of San Francisco would vote to-day, if the question
were submitted to them that they do not want the Capital there. In a
conversation I had recently with one of the wealthiest men in San
Francisco--a large banker and real estate holder--he said to me,
"Sir, we do not desire the Capital--we do not desire it." And that
is the universal feeling; and if we should come up here with a
desire to remove the Capital we should be misrepresenting our
constituents.
Mr. DEAN--We are very willing to accept the assurance of one of the
members of the San Francisco delegation of their magnanimity upon
this subject, but if my memory serves they have voted almost
unanimously against the city of Sacramento--against retaining the
legislature here. Now I will say, and I presume that is the
sentiment of this whole House, that we are proud of the fame of
San Francisco. We are proud of the commercial progress and greatness
of the great emporium of the Pacific coast, for her fame and her
greatness are ours. And there can be no doubt of the further fact
that the growth and prosperity of this apparently doomed city has
been a great auxiliary to the growth and the wealth of that
commercial metropolis. We think that that delegation ought to be
pretty careful upon this question. It is rather delicate ground for
them to step upon. The whole ground has been passed over and the
subject is exhausted, and if I were to offer any further argument
it would be consuming the time unnecessarily. But I have this to
say, and I say it in the interest not only of my constituents
of El Dorado, but also in the interest of the whole State, which
has appointed this to be the Capital of the State--Give Sacramento a
chance. I think she has not had a chance. I think this question has
reference more particularly to the convenience of members. It is true
Sacramento has not done what she might have done, but is it to be
regarded as conclusive that because she has not she will not? There
is too much property involved here to allow us to believe for a
moment that, she will not. But now she has the Winter rains upon her.
I think these levees can be repaired. The water is subsiding, and it
will not be forty-eight hours before the avenue and streets will be
clear of water. Then what is the exigency of removing from here and
going to San Franciaco or elsewhere? I say the exigency is not upon
us. Let us wait. The probabilities are in favor of repairing the
levees. There is no man that can tell what the future will be, and I
only speak of the probabilities; I ask, is it not a probability that
within ten days these Levees will be repaired and that we can go on
with our business? Why then shall we not give the present Capital of
the State a chance to recuperate and repair her levees. Let us give
Sacramento a chance and avoid all unnecessary expenses. I appeal to
the majority here of the Republican party. I believe they are all
pledged in favor of retrenchment and reform. I say let us be consistent
and remain here without incurring any unnecessary expenses. I think
it will cost less to stay here and try these probabilities than it
will to adjourn to San Francisco.
Mr. FAY--I desire to ask the gentleman who has appealed to Republicans
if this question has not been discussed from beginning to end without
any regard to distinctions of party?
Mr. DEAN--It has. I only spoke of that in connection with the proposed
reforms of the Republican party. I only ask that we should act
consistently in this matter.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco replied to a portion of the argument of
Mr. Ferguson, and that gentleman rejoined.
Mr. HOFFMAN made a long speech in favor of the reconsideration,
reviewing all the arguments of those opposed to the measure, and
referring to precedents for the proposed removal in the history of
Augustus Caesar and Oliver Cromwell.
Mr. AVERY moved the previous question, which was sustained, and the
motion to reconsider was lost--ayes 38, noes 39.
"HONOR TO WHOM HONOR" ETC.--During the last three days, M. F. Butler,
J. J. Haley, Edwin Harris and J. T. McLean have been constantly in
attendance, day and night, at Platt's Hall, receiving contributions
of money and clothing, and providing food and shelter for the
unfortunate destitute by the late great deluge. As their time and
services are, as a matter of course, tendered gratuitously, it is
perfectly proper that those relieved, who are personally unacquainted
with their benefactors, should be thus publicly notified of the
fact.--Alta, January 15th.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We publish this morning a supplementary report of the Assembly
proceedings of Monday last, in order to give in full the speeches
of members from other counties than our own upon the proposition
of a temporary removal of the Capital.
We have further particulars of the destructive flood which has visited
the valleys of the State. The accounts which reach us show that the
destruction of farming and other property has been immense. In Yolo
county, in the vicinity of the Sink of the Putah, the destruction of
property has been distressing. Houses, fences, etc., have been carried
away by the inundation of the waters. . . .
Reports have been received to the effect that the American river at
Folsom is rising quite rapidly. In this vicinity, the rivers last
evening were but slightly higher than on the evening previous--the
rise being caused by the rain. Snow fell yesterday, at Auburn, Placer
county, and at Mud Springs, El Dorado county. Rain fell in this city
throughout yesterday. . . .
SNOW.--We heard last evening that snow was falling yesterday at Auburn
and Mud Springs. If this was the fact generally in the interior there
is no ground for fearing a present flood.
FLOODS AND FINANCE.
We have heretofore referred to the immense amount of taxable property
destroyed in the State by the recent unexampled floods, and to the
consequent necessity of a new estimate for taxation purposes. The late
Controller's estimate of State resources for the fiscal year of 1862
was based upon an amount of property which does not now exist, and,
therefore, must be modified. His calculation of a receipt of $650,000
from a property tax was founded on an assessed valuation of say
$147,811,617, at the rate of sixty cents on the hundred dollars.
But the disappearance probably of one quarter of the assessed value
of property in the State, will render an increased rate necessary on
the remainder in order to realize the sum supposed to be required to
administer the government through the year. The total destruction of
the means of so many men .in the valley counties, and the impossibility
of putting in full crops, should the water subside, in time to insure
a reasonable return, will place it out of their power to pay taxes,
were they ever so much disposed to do so. The washing away of all the
fences in this valley as well as that of the San Joaquin, presents
another serious obstacle in the way of raising grain crops, even were
the land in a condition to be cultivated by the middle of February or
first of March. In truth, the floods of the Winter of 1861-2, up to
this date, have proved fully as destructive of the material interests
of the people of California as the war of rebellion has to the property
of the people of Virginia. And in each State the end is not yet; an
immense army is still eating the substance of Virginia, while an
unprecedented flood covers the best portion of the soil of California,
exhibiting to the eye a vast waste of water, to which daily rains and
snow storms are steadily adding. But Californians never despair; come
what may, they can always discover the bow of hope and promise in the
heavens. They know that the water which has proved so destructive will
ere long disappear, and the earth again be warmed by the rays of a sun
which shines with unobstructed brilliancy for months in succession,
and which by its stimulating influence upon a soil moistened by the
rains and floods of Winter, insures seed time and harvest. Hence the
ground of their hope in the midst of the desolation which surrounds
them. But the people of California, in view of the prospects of the
present and future feel intensely the necessity of private and public
economy. They recognize the obligations resting upon them as citizens
to reduce expenses to the lowest possible figures, and they demand that
a similar policy shall be adopted by the members of the Legislature who
are acting for the State. The estimate of the expenditures of California,
for 1862, the Controller places at the enormous figures of $1,488,736;
this is at least, a half .million more than the Legislature should think
of expending. Six years ago it was estimated that the neceesary
expenditures of the State Government could be reduced, if paid in cash,
to some six hundred thousand dollars. The last year of the
administration of Governor Johnson did not much exceed that sum. Money
enough can be and should be saved by rigid economy in public officers
this year to pay the war tax imposed upon the State by the war of
rebellion. To the Legislature and to the new Governor the people look
for a retrenchment in the expenses of the State Government of an
effective and sweeping character. Unless it is done they will be
justly held responsible. Among those who have suffered, almost beyond
calculation, we may class the people of Sacramento city and county.
The county is a heavy sufferer as well as the city, and economy in
public and private expenditures must and will be the order of the day.
Upon the financial prospects of the city the floods of this Winter have
fallen with a power that is felt and acknowledged, but which does not
discourage her merchants, business men snd property holders. They
belong to that class of men, not uncommon in California, who never
surrender to adversity, however terrible. For destruction caused by
elements over which they have no control, they feel that they are not
responsible; and, like the true sailor, when the storm subsides they
right ship and repair damage. They act upon the motto of "Never give
up the ship while a plank remains above water," and so soon as the
wind, weather and water will permit, they will cause Sacramento to
again put on her usual active and businesslike appearance. Years may
be consumed in recovering what has been lost--in again placing the
city in the attractive position she occupied two months since, but
nevertheless it will be accomplished. It may take years to raise
the city to the.grade of I street, but it will be done, because
the recent floods have demonstrated the necessity of this vitally
important improvement. Months, however, are sufficient to build
levees which will insure the safety of the Capital, and those levees
will be erected before the first of December next. But to accomplish
these ends, time and money are absolutely necessary. To raise levees
which "all the world and the rest of mankind" will pronounce a complete
armor of defense against high water, will require a larger sum of
money than is now at the disposal of the Citizens' Committee. It will,
too, require a complete and thorough change in our Municipal Government.
We must place the City Government in the hands of a few men--the fewer
the better, if the right kind--and then give them ample power to act
for the good of the city. Power must be granted to levy a special tax
large enough to meet the exigencies of the case, as well as authority
to levy an annual levee tax. It matters not what may be the cost of
the levees; they must be built, for the very good reason that unless
they are, Sacramento ceases to exist. It is a question of life and
death to the city, and no Sacramentan will hesitate to respond to the
extent demanded. With time and money Sacramento can be and certainly
will be placed above the reach of floods, But so long as the rains
continue the floods will come, and so long the citizens of Sacramento,
as well as those temporarily residing here, will be forced to submit
to the inconveniences, losses and annoyances incident to a city
constantly surrounded with water, occasionally inundated, and upon
which rain, day succeeding day, is steadily falling. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Rain at Folsom.
FOLSOM, Jan. 15th--9 P. M.
It commenced to rain here at half-past two this afternoon, and is still
raining. Indications are that it will continue to rain throughout the
night. The river is still falling very fast,
[We heard last evening, January 16th; that the river at Folsom was
rising.--Eds. UNION] . . . .
THE LEVEES--CITY CREDITORS.--At the time Sacramento was so thoroughly
deluged by the flood of the 9th of December, we assumed that it would
take from one hundred to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to
build such levees as were demanded for the certain defense of the
city. To raise this money in her crippled condition we deemed out of
the power of her citizens, and advised that the money in the Interest
and Sinking Fund, be taken and appropriated to building such levees
as the position of the city demanded. It would have been a forced loan
from the creditors of the city, but we believed then as we do still,
that it was the true policy to insure the final payment of the city
indebtedness. The same view was taken of the case by a large majority
of our citizens, as was demonstrated by public meetings, but as it
was found impracticable to legally indemnify the Treasurer for
surrendering it, the idea was abandoned, and some fifty thousand
raised by subscription for levee purposes. But that fund will
not be sufficient; a large addition must be made to it by some
plan yet to be devised. Since the first of January the sum of
$85,890 has been paid as interest on county and on city bonds--most
of it on the latter. The coupons have been paid as presented by
the Treasurer, and he has funds to pay all due this year. Under
the circumstances, this prompt payment of interest is creditable,
but there is danger of a failure to pay the city debt next January
in consequence of disasters from floods. In view of the condition
of the city, would it not greatly promote the interest of the
creditors of Sacramento were they to come forward and offer to
advance the money needed to build a levee on the German style?
In our judgment it is the true policy for the holders of city bonds
to pursue in order to secure the ultimate payment of the principal
and interest due thereon. An advance of $200,000 to the city by
her creditors would place her in a secure position and enable her
to ultimately pay every dollar of her heavy indebtedness. Unless
the levees contemplated are raised around the city, her bonds now
in the hands of her creditors will not be worth one cent on the
dollar. But were the $200,000 advanced as suggested, the city
would be placed in a position to pay the interest on her public
debt annually, and at the same time create a Sinking Fund to be
yearly added to. It is a matter which presents itself for the
serious consideration of the agents of city bondholders in the
United States, .
THE FLOOD IN YOLO.-- We were informed yesterday, by G. H. Swingle,
who arrived in town from the sink of Putah, that the flood has been
very severe between that point and Sacramento, covering a distance
of about nine miles. From Martin's, at that place, to Sacramento,
some seven houses have been carried away by the flood. The well
known Tule House and Minnes' house are both gone, with all their
outbuildings. The water in that section is now about eight feet
deep, and has been eleven feet. There is nothing to indicate the
locality of the ranches about Putah sink but a windmill. Miles of
fences have been carried away. G. H. Swingle lost about one hundred
head of hogs, but the stock generally had been driven back to higher
land. M. Swingle says that for about three days he witnessed houses,
many of them fine one-and-a-half-story edifices, passing down the
flood from the north. He should estimate the number about ten or
twelve. The telegraph wires in that section on the line to Benicia
were generally down; but would soon be repaired. To show the depth
of water on these plains, it is only necessary to state that a sloop
sailed from Washington on Wednesday last, to Yolo City. . . .
SAVED--About eight thousand pounds of sugar was all that was saved
from the schooner Efin A. Kniper, at Half Moon Bay, besides the
passengers. The vessel itself was a total loss. . . .
FURTHER OF THE FLOOD.
We can find nothing more interesting for our columns than the particulars
of the late great flood. We accordingly refer to the subject again:
SAN JOAQUIN, STANISLAUS, ETC.--The Stockton Independent, of
January 14th, has some particulars of further damage by the flood:
We are indebted to William Grant, a driver in the employ of
M J. Dooly & Co., of this city, for the following interesting
particulars of the effects of the late storms in the counties of
Stanislaus and Tuolumne: Grant left Sonora with the stage for
Knight's Ferry on Thursday last, reaching his destination on the
same day. He found the roads worse than ever before known to mountain
stage drivers, the water in the streams being so high as to compel
him to wind around the foot of the mountains to avoid them. At
Knight's Ferry, the river commenced rising rapidly on Friday morning
at daylight, continuing to rise until it reached above the edge of
the flat upon which the principal business part of the town is built.
The water came up with;such rapidity in the stable of Dooly & Co.,
that the horses had hardly been removed when it was waist deep in
the barn. In the stone store of Palmer & Allen the water commenced
running in considerable quantity. On Friday morning, at daylight,
the bridge partially gave way at the west end, but held its position
until about ten o'clock, A. M., when the main span broke and went
in a mass down the stream. Shortly after, the flouring mill of
Hestres & Magendie was started from its foundation, and fell with
a tremendous crash, the pieces of timber and the different parts of
the works floating down in a confused jumble. The mill contained
about two hundred barrels of second quality of flour, and a small
quantity of grain. The storehouse, a short distance above the mill,
was saved with its contents uninjured. At one o'olock on Friday, the
stable of Dooly & Co., containing about sixty tons of hay, together
with a number of small buildings above it, were swept away. At night
the water fell about four feet, and the people flattered themselves
that "the worst was over." On Saturday night, at two o'clock, the
water again commenced rising, increasing rapidly until it took away
two granaries attached to the stable, from which time forward the
flood continued to increase, sweeping away buildings, dwelling houses,
hotels, stores, and, in fact, all the business portion of the place.
The highest stage of the water was within eighteen inches of the top
of the wall of Palmer & Allen's store. The latter firm lost a stone
edifice and a large stock of goods, with the exception of merchandise
saved of the value of about $2,000. The water came down upon the
town like an avalanche, giving neither warning nor time to prevent
the loss of movable property. All the buildings below Fisher's and
Honigberger's brick stores have been swept away, the residences and
a few stores on the hill of course remaining: It is safe to say that
full one-half of the entire town has been destroyed by the flood. The
water attained its highest point between ten and two o'clock on
Saturday. A man known by the name of Tom, keeper of a restaurant,
was drowned in the current near Palmer & Allen's store. The last
seen of him was at the moment a large log was rolling down upon him.
At Two-Mile Bar, a man by the name of Proctor, while very buisily [sic]
engaged in removing the goods from Flower's store, floated down stream
with the building, the latter having left its foundation without giving
him an opportunity to save himself. He climbed on the roof of the house,
and was seen from the bank in a praying attitude; and as the house was
about going down the canon, he waved a farewell with his hat. There was
no possible escape for his life, as he must have been dashed to pieces,
with the building. Another man was missing, supposed to have been drowned.
The wire foot-bridge at Knight's Ferry was carried away at noon on
Friday after sustaining an immense pressure from the logs and drift
which came down and lodged against it. Grant left Knight's Ferry at
nine o'clock on Sunday morning, bringing from Sonora and way places
a bag of letter mail and express matter, making the entire distance,
alternating with riding in the saddle, walking, swimming sloughs and
boating. He reports the towns of Jacksonville, Stevens' Bar and Don
Pedro's Bar on the Tuolumne, as swept entirely, or in great part away,
and the river destitute of bridges or ferry-boats. Loving's bridge has
met the fate which threatened it during the last freshet. Byrne's
ferryboat was fastened in the stream, the water extending a half mile
on each side, and the boat occupied by three families who were driven
out of their houses by the flood, and had been on board the boat
twenty-four hours, unprovided with anything to eat. The destruction
of property on the Tuolumne and Merced is said to be immense, the
water having risen to a hight varying from six to ten feet above
the highest point ever before known. We may expect soon to hear of
great suffering and loss of life and property along the main rivers
emptying into the San Joaquin.
By the meager accounts which we have received from the interior, east
and south of this city, it is to be inferred that the flood of Friday,
Saturday and Sunday was terribly disastrous to life and property all
along the Mokelumne, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced and
San Joaquin rivers. If it be true as one of our informants who was
an eye-witness to both floods says, that the Stanislaus rose fifteen
feet higher at Knight's Ferry on Saturday than it was in the memorable
overflow of 1852, and that the towns of Don Pedro's Bar and Jacksonville,
on the Tuolumne, have been completely washed away, we may prepare ourselves
for the most startling news when the falling waters shall bring messengers
from the lower valleys of the Tuolumne and Merced. Our own opinion is
that everything in the shape of dwellings, fences and movable property
has been washed away in those localities. The upoer settlements, too,
on the mining bars of the Mokelumne, Calaveras and Stanislaus must have
shared the same fate. In both localities, judging from the rapidity of
the rise at Knight's Ferry, it is impossible that the loss of life can
have been other than proportionate with the loss of property. We have
no late news from the San Joaquin, as the entire plains between here
and that stream are converted into a lake; but on Saturday morning that
river had attained the maximum point of the great flood of 1852, and
since then it must have raised at least five or six feet from Trahern
& Mullen's ranch upward. The bridges have been swept from all the
rivers, and the roads are now impassable. It will take, under the most
favorable circumstances, at least a week to put the stages in regular
communication with our mountain towns, and it will take three years
of persevering industry to regain what has been wasted by the water.
The farmers of this valley must have been heavy losers in the way of
hay, grain and stock, and many of them, no doubt, in buildings. This
city has reason, notwithstanding its pretty general inundation, to be
thankful. We have suffered but little in person, and comparatively
nothing in property.
The lower part of the city was yesterday still overflowed by back-water,
showing no perceptible decrease in depth, and apparently manifesting
no disposition to recede. How long it will continue at its present
hight is difficult to say; but it will no doubt remain confined to
its present limits until there is a fall in the waters of the San
Joaquin, and an opportunity is thereby offered it to seek its natural
ievel.
CONTRA COSTA..--The Gazette of January 11th has the following:
The rain commenced falling at an early hour on Sunday morning, and
continued without intermission throughout the day and night. It rained
heavily during most of the time, and at some periods came down in
perfect sheets of water. The earth had been pretty well saturated
by previous rains, and now the water accumulated on the surface,
and, pouring down the hillsides, overflowed the banks of the natural
outlets, and came rushing over the broad plain on which Pacheco
stands, converting the whole surrounding country into a vast lake.
The water on Monday was higher than ever known before, and rushed
through the principal street of our town with the velocity of a mill
race. The only means of crossing was by boats, dry goods boxes and
horse ferry. Besides one or two trim built skiffs which made their
appearance on the street, gondolas of various models were extemporized
for the occasion. One daring navigator, the fortunate proprietor of
a huge piano box, launched his unwieldy craft upon the waves, and.
spreading a nondescript sail, gaily floated down the stream. The
water commenced receding in the afternoon, and by Tuesday morning
it had pretty much run off, leaving the roads in their normal Winter
condition--very good with the exception of the mud.
On Wednesday morning, down came the rain again more severely than
ever, and the water rose to a hight unprecedented within the memory
of the oldest inhabitant. Some of the buildings in town were overflowed
one family was obliged to leave their domicil early in the day, and
several buildings had the floors covered with water. Boats were again
brought into requisition, and horses took passengers across the street
as before. Lumber came rushing down the stream, a portion of which
was secured by persons here, but by far the largest portion went off
in the direction of the Bay.
Still higher rose the tide, and notch after notch was scored on the
stakes used to mark its hight. About noon it fell a little, and then
came up again higher than before. Thus it continued for three hours,
a perfect deluge, when it began slowly to recede, and continued to fall
until night. In the evening, however, it commenced raining again, and
on Friday morning the water was well up and rising. It reached within
a few inches of the highest point of Thursday, and about noon
commenced falling again. As we go to press (8 P. M. [?]) it is falling
very slowly. The fences, so far as they can be seen from this place,
present a wofully dilapidated appearance. Huge gaps are seen in all
directions. The loss from this source alone must be very considerable.
A house situated on the flat near this town, unoccupied at the time,
was carried down to the vicinity of the Fair Grounds, where it grounded
and now remains. We regret to learn that a large quantity of lumber
belonging to Houghton & Dell, about four thousand dollars worth, was
washed away from the landing and became a total loss. The water rose
above the floors of some if not all of the warehouses, and a large
amount of grain must have been spoiled. It is impossible to ascertain
the extent of damage at present.
SAN MATEO.--The Alta has the annexed correspondence:
PURISSIMA, Jan. 10th.--The flood has been moat disastrous on this creek,
especially to N. C. Lane. About two or three acres of ground slid into
the creek above the saw mill, overwhelming the barn, and killing
instantly two valuable horses and four oxen. It then struck the
Snelling House, completely demolishing it. Lane had just completed
his house and furnished it with new and costly furniture, which is
all a perfect wreck. The family saved themselves with difficulty,
having only four or five minutes notice before the water bore the
house away and dashed it to pieces among redwood trees hundreds of
feet long and many of them six or eight feet in diameter. The most
remarkable incident that occurred during the disaster was the saving
of the piano forte. While almost every other article was either crushed
to fragments, or borne away by the resistless torrent, the piano was
lifted on the top of a large redwood log, and deposited unharmed some
distance below the general wreck. All along the creek roads and
bridges are completely washed away, or so much injured as to be
impassable, and every hillside bears evidence, in numerous slides,
of the devastating power of the storm.
Saturday morning presented. a scene seldom witnessed in our quiet
community. The Purissima has a fall of about seventy feet over the
bluff into the ocean. Over this cataract, borne by the turbid flood;
were hurled in wild confusion the debris of denuded ranches,
dwellings, outhouses and fences, mixed with giant redwood trees and
logs, and the whole precipitated into the boiling surf, and thrown
high upon the jagged rocks of this iron bound coast.
SAN FRANCISCO.--The San Francisco Mirror of January 14th,
remarks of the damage in its locality:
The roads leading to the Mission were in a better condition on Sunday,
and since, than the terrific storm through which we have so recently
passed would lead one to suppose. The Presidio road was frightful a
day or two since, and as for the roads leading to places beyond the
city, they were simply impassable, the San Jose stages being for some
time obliged to suspend their trips. In all directions, yesterday,
the eye was greeted by ruined gardens, prostrate walls and fences,
half submerged dwellings, huge reservoirs of water occupying choice
garden sites, deep ravines of new formations, and a general prospect
similar to that presented by a landscape after an inundation. A little
sunshine has latterly been intermingled with the storm, yesterday
being one of the finest days of the year, but how long this state
of affairs may continue, quien sabe? The Willows is under
water, in the lower portion, to the depth of eight feet, and the
beautiful garden attached to that favorite resort will have to be
entirely reconstructed. The young plantations are totally destroyed.
A portion of the stables will have to be destroyed, to give passage
to the water and save the rest. The floral decorations of this, our
Pacific Cremorne and Vauxhall, are ruined. All is chaos and disorder
at that lately delightful resort of the San Francisco pleasure-seekers,
where the water had submerged even the fences. The damages occasioned
by the storm along the Mission railroad have been promptly repaired.
YUBA.--The Marysville Express of January 16th has the annexed:
We learn from a couple of mountain friends, who arrived last night
from the Indiana Ranch, that the turnpike above that place, leading
to Strawberry Valley, Eagleville and La Porte, has been washed away
in many places; and at some points it is difficult to determine
whether or not a road ever was constructed so great is the mass of
mud, boulders, trees and underbrush to be found thrown up in gloomy
disorder. The damage to the turnpike and county roads must be
immense, as along the mountain sides for miles the torrents of
the past week have torn up embankments, thrown mammoth trees across
the thoroughfares, and made cavities in the roads several feet deep.
The stages, as stated the other day, have been drawn off from the
New York House and Columbus House, and the only means of transportation
between either of those public houses and La Porte, is by saddle trains.
At many of the points along the roads but a narrow mule trail is left,
the roads being washed off on either side, and a transit over such
trails is neither safe or pleasant. From the Indiana Ranch (at present
the head of stage navigation on the La Porte road) to this city the
traveling is--not as bad as it might be. Occasionally it becomes
necessary for passengers to light up, get out and aid the horses in
hauling the stage from a mud hole, or practice leverage principles
on the wagon wheels: but these form varieties of travel, and
passengers are disposed to look upon the latter part of the trip
from La Porte to Marysville as a great improvement on the upper end
of the journey.
NEVADA.--The San Juan Press of January 11th says;
In a period of seven weeks there have been but about eight fair
days. The heavy fall of snow last Saturday night, Sunday and Monday
had not all melted until there was an additional snow storm,
succeeded by rains, which still continue at the time of the present
writing. Travel is almost entirely given over. No one ventures on
the roads who is not compelled to. The mails are irregular; out
door work of all kinds is suspended; teams scarcely dare venture
even into the suburbs for wood, which is becoming a scarce commodity;
prices have gone up on all articles of daily consumption; and, in
fact, an almost universal gloom prevails; and the end, it would
seem, from the frowning appearance of the clouds, is not yet.
The Middle Yuba is two feet higher than it was ever known before, and
is still rising. The stringers of Freeman's new bridge have been
lifted from their abutments. An effort was being made to hold them
to their place at the time of putting our paper to press. The waters,
carrying on their flood immense trees, logs, mining improvements, etc.,
are rushing down through the Yuba canon with frightful velocity.
A terrific wind blew all of Thursday night, which uprooted a tall pine
tree standing on Flume street a short distance southeast of the school
house. It fell across that street, cutting in two and crashing in the
front part of Louis Fisher's residence. Fortunately the family were
sleeping in the back part of the house, and thus escaped injury, if
not death. It was the top of the tree which struck the house. Had it
been ten feet longer it must have produced a complete wreck of the
dwelling, besides falling directly upon the sleeping inmates. The
escape was, indeed, almost miraculous,
SIERRA.--We find the annexed in the Citizen of January 11th,
published at Downieville:
At Excelsior, in this county, on the evening of the 8th instant, at
five o'clock, a snow slide broke from the hill above the houses
situated near a ravine that extends up and down the mountain, and
came with such force as to totally demolish some and injure others,
and kill two men and wound three more. G. W. Johnson, who kept a
store at a spot about the center of where the slide passed over,
was buried up, and store house, store and himself carried down the
hill and have not yet been found. He is undoubtedly dead.
J. B. Marshall was also killed. His body has been found. As he
has no bruises, he is supposed to have been smothered by the snow.
G. W. Martin was severely, but not fatally injured by the catastrophe.
He was much bruised. Hercules De Rosier and H. G. B. Larned were both
slightly injured. The cabin of G. W. Martin & Co. was badly injured.
Loss, $250. Porter & Heumont's house totally destroyed; damage, $700.
S. W. Steel's house was damaged badly; loss, $600. Harry Williams
house was slightly injured; loss, $100. A very large quantity of
timbers for tunnelling was lost. Dr. Kibbe, from whom we learn the
particulars, when called on started immediately to the relief of the
wounded, and had a terrible time in getting there over the deep, wet
snow. None, unless those who have tried it, can tell the fatigue of
such a tramp. The body of Johnston, who was killed by the snow slide,
has been recovered and the two there killed brought to town yesterday
for burial.
Saturday and Sunday nights last were as cold . as any we ever
experienced since we came to Downieville in 1850. This week we have
had two clear days, then a 22 inch snow, and the rest in rain.
The Yuba is now higher than any white man ever saw it before--at least
we think so. Our friends of the Democrat have more water aronnd
them than is desirable. Some four or five houses have gone down the
river.
COLD WEATHER.--During the first three days of this week, the coldest
weather ever known in this section of country was experienced. Ice
was frozen nearly.half an inch thick, and at St. Helena snow fell
to the depth of two inches. At Pope Valley the snow was eleven inches
in depth, and on Mount St. Helena it fell to a depth of two feet.
Around Napa City, on every mountain, as far as the eye could reach,
snow was visible. The blasts of wind were shivering to every old
Californian.--Napa Reporter, Jan. 11th. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
ANOTHER FLOOD EXPECTED.--The heavy rain of yesterday and the day before
has given rise to very general apprehensions that another flood is upon
us, and people throughout the city are preparing for the worst. The
merchants all along J street, and elsewhere, were hard at work yesterday
piling up their goods, on boxes and shelves, generally a trifle higher
than the last flood reached, and housekeepers are taking similar
precautions with their furniture on lower floors. We do not by any
means feel inclined to discourage these precautions, although the
prevailing opinion among those who have had the greatest experience
in floods seems to be that the coming flood will not be as high as
the last, and that when it does come the rise will be quite gradual.
The American river was reported yesterday noon to be rising at Folsom,
at the rate of 18 inches per hour, and at Burns' Slough a considerable
rise had taken place in the afternoon. The Sacramento river seems
also to be rising, though rather slowly, and at dusk last evening it
stood at twenty-two feet one inch above low water mark by the city
gauge, being a gain of only an inch or two in the preceding
twenty-four hours. A gentleman who came from Folsom yesterday
afternoon stated that telegrams from Placerville to Folsom half an
hour before he left, reported that snow was falling all the way from
Placerville to Strawberry, and that just before he left another
telegram was received, stating that the snow had turned to rain,
and it was raining all the way to the summit of the Sierras.
If the latter report is correct, we shall have high water in the
American very soon--probably to night at farthest. The break in the
Sacramento levee below R street seems to be growing worse, and backing
the water up still more in the city. Fortunately, our people are
getting used to the floods, as eels are said to become accustomed
to skinning, and everybody keeps in the best possible humor. . . .
A HARD PULL.--A man who lives seven miles up the American river, among
the tules, on Wednesday left his wife and children in a house a story
and a half high, and came to town in a little punt, or boat made of
rough boards, for the purpose of buying provisions. He spent all the
money he had for a small quantity of provisions, and starting, in his
boat, yesterday morning, worked hard most all day, but only succeeded
against the strong current in getting two or three miles above the
city. He then returned to town in utter despair, as his family were
in a famishing condition, but at last was induced to apply to the
Howard Society, who gave him a liberal supply of provisions, and
sent him and his supplies home in a good boat pulled by two sturdy
oarsmen. . . .
NOT SO.--It has been reported in the interior, we presume by those
not particularly friendly to Sacramento, that the large brick buildings
in the city are settling and cracking so as to create fears for the
safety of the inmates. The report is false. We know of no brick
building that has settled so as to cause it to crack. The heaviest
buildings in the city, too, seem to stand the firmest--with the
exception of that known as Carpenter's, which, from the immense
freight of grain stored in it, has been sinking and spreading for
two years past. The foundations of the brick houses in the city
were thoroughly tested last Spring, as the cellars of the same
were filled with water for something like two months. That was a
test more severe than floods. . . .
THE HOTELS.--We mentioned yesterday several hotels which, during the
last flood, were exceptions to the general rule of suspension in their
cooking departments. We are reminded that the St. George Hotel may
be added to the list of exceptions. Notwithstanding that Assemblyman
Fay states that he was told on the first day of the flood that he
could get no breakfast there and advised to seek sustenance elsewhere,
we are assured that the St. George had a cooking stove put up speedily
in the third story, and fed not only their own guests but all comers.
THE RAIN.--During yesterday, as most of our readers are painfully
aware, the rain continued to fall heavily without much intermission,
notwithstanding that the wind blew from a northeasterly direction.
According to Dr. Logan's rain gauge there had fallen, from 12 o'clock
noon on Thursday to 8 o'clock last evening, 3.15 inches, making the
total fall for the month of January 97.66 [sic, 9.766 ?], and for
the entire season, 20.573 inches. It seems from this record as if
another heavy flood must be inevitable. It was still raining at a
late hour last evening.
PICKED UP.--On Wednesday night, some twenty-five miles down the river,
the steamer Chrysopolis, on her upward trip, fell in with a boat which
had been dispatched from this city, on Monday last, to render assistance
to distressed people. The crew were taken on board, and the boat was
towed up to the city. The provisions sent out in the boat had all been
distributed. The boat was somewhat damaged, but will be replaced by
another, which will go forth immediately on a similar errand of mercy.
BRICK BUILDINGS.--It is gratifying to know that, notwithstanding the
reports to the contrary which have gone abroad, the foundations of
nearly if not quite all the large brick structures in the city have
bravely withstood the thorough soaking which the rains and the floods
have given them this season. The Pavilion, the St. George, the UNION
office, and other large buildings, still stand as firm as ever, without
exhibiting a crack or any other sign of settling.
VISITORS.--A party of ladies and gentlemen from San Francisco, among
whom was the Rev. T. Starr King, visited our city yesterday, and looked
upon the various peculiar scenes which it affords at the present
juncture of affairs. Having taken a general survey from the top of
the Pavilion, they made a trip over the submerged portions in boats,
and appeared to be profoundly impressed with the spectacle.
OPERATIONS OF THE HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--One of the boats dispatched
on Monday morning has returned, and she reports thirty-one persons
placed upon the down river steamers.
The crew and boat left for San Francisco at 2 p. m., and will return
with a larger and stronger boat to renew their efforts.
The officers of the Coast Survey brig Fauntleroy will send up a
whaleboat to-night, and the Association wants four oarsmen and
helmsman to cruise in the tule up the American river. Any volunteers
are requested to leave their names with G. W. Mowe, President of the
Society, office on Front street, between K and L.
The families at "Sweeneman's" reported as lost were found last night
at a house eight miles below the city, and two boats laden with
provisions and clothing left at 9 a.m. for relief of all in that
vicinity. At 10 P. M. they had not returned.
The County Hospital was supplied with provisions and stores yesterday
afternoon, the contractors for articles having been flooded and
temporarily unable to furnish full supplies. The Pavilion leaked
badly yesterday, but the sleeping places are fortunately exempt
from annoyance. The railroad cars on Front street are filled with
persons, who prefer to stay where they can watch their property
than to go elsewhere, They are all fed and cared for.
But three families left the Hall yesterday for San Francisco, and they
were constrained on account of anxiety for the health of the children.
The nerve displayed by the ladies of the city is worthy of special
commendation. Having become used to floods, they decline, in the
majority ity [sic] of cases, to leave, even temporarily, and bear
the misfortune with a spirit and pluck that almost excels that of
the men. What effect the present prospect of more high water will
have remains to be seen. . . .
THE FLOOD IN GEORGETOWN.--A correspondent of the Union, writing from
Georgetown, El Dorado county, January 10th, says:
The hardest rain ever known in the mountains by any of our old
settlers has been falling here for the last three days and nights,
and it has been impossible to cross any of the small streams. We
feel in great fear for the safety of your city.
I have noticed several communications in your paper in regard to
the using of willow cuttings. By placing them very thick through
the dirt they will soon sprout and thicken and soon become a solid
mass of little firm roots, which will get thicker every year, and
will resist the force of water. They are better than anything that
can be used, in my opinion.
The Pilot Creek Canal Company's reservoir near this place, has been
set with willows, and works well. I have also seen willows used in
the Atlantic States. . . .
FURTHER FROM THE SOUTH
Our dates from Los Angeles are to January 11th. We extract the following: . . .
THE LOS ANGELES MINES.--The late rains have, of course, been generally
beneficial to the mining interests; but in some cases they have, even
in our placers, proved very destructive. At San Francisco Canon, where
a good number of miners are at work, Moore & Slack had constructed a
large reservoir, on which they had expended four months labor and a
considerable money capital; the flood came down and washed away their
dam, and left them without the means of prosecuting their labor. This
will prove a great loss to those working there, as the water was for
the use of the miners generally, and would have afforded continuous
labor for a long time after the cessation of the rains. . . .
LEVEES FOR SACRAMENTO VALLEY.--The Contra Costa Gazette of
January 11th, speaking of measures which will come before the
Legislature for discussion, says very justly:
The report of the Commissioners upon swamp and overflowed lands will
bring up matters of very great local importance, and perhaps will raise
a particular question of momentous concern to the dwellers in the
Sacramento Valley, and, indeed, more or less to the citizens of our
entire State. The question to which we refer is that of forming a
levee which will redeem these inundated lands from water, and at
the same time, while doing this, will also form an embankment all
along those streams whose overflow has proved so fatal this Winter.
The Sacramento river, according to this plan, would become like the
lower Mississippi. It would be protected on both sides by a continuous
line of high banks or dykes, so that hereafter it could no longer
encroach on the farms and villages and cities lying on the plains
behind, with its ruinous and fatal rush of waters, as unfortunately
has been the case this season. The decision of this question of
leveeing would involve in itself, too, the safety of the Capitol
and its protection by a general State system from overflow. Should
a system of levees be found indispensable to save the swamp and
overflowed lands for agricultural uses along the Sacramento river,
and be adopted as a State land question, the incidental benefit to
Sacramento city would, of course, be immense. Not only the retaining
of the Capital at that place, but the increased vaiue and improvements
and productiveness of the whole Sacramento Valley would benefit
Sacramento city in.the same way that San Francisco is benefitted
by the general progress and prosperity of the entire State.
Sacramento is the index and resultant of the growth of the particular
region of back country on which it depends, just as San Francisco is
in the same way the unfailing exponent of the general advance of the
State in industry and material wealth.
AID FOR FLOOD SUFFERERS.--The Catholic Archbishop has addressed the
following to the Ssn Francisco press:
On next Sunday, the 19th instant, a collection will be made in all
the Catholic churches in this city, at all the masses and at vespers,
for the relief of the sufferers from the present calamitous flood
that is now devastating our State. The spacious institution of the
Sisters of Mercy, on Stockton street, near Broadway--late
"St. Mary's Hospital"--has been prepared with beds and proper
accommodations, and is now open for the relief and shelter of all
who may be in want from the recent disaster, or whom the Relieving
Committee may think fit to send.
Relief in clothing and provisions
will be gratefully received by the Pastors of the various churches,
and at the Institution of Mercy, and distributed to the needy. . . .
A SOREHEADED CORRESPONDENT.--The San Francisco Bulletin thus refers
to a correspondent writing from Sacramento to that paper, and and
who grumbles dolefully about the effects of the flood:
An occasional correspondent writes us from Sacramento dolefully, of
the condition under which legislation is effected at the Capital
now-a-days, and with a very full heart as to the self-sacrifice of
those members who have persistently voted against the temporary
removal to San Francisco. Our correspondent, moreover, betrays an
impatience of all things that detain him away from the charming
society and life of "Frisco." If, in spite of all things, he should
be compelled a while longer to tarry in the devoted city, we would
suggest gum boots as a great comfort. Indeed, we doubt if it would
not be a wise and most humane measure for our Relief Committee to
send up a pair of gum boots to each, at least, of our own delegation,
who, against their judgment, are forced to do the legislation for
which they were elected, at the place where they were elected to
do it; and while making out the parcel it would not be a bad thing
to include a supply of crackers and cheese and a mattress for the
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, who has given notice
that henceforth he sleeps in the State House and depends on the
Sergeant-at-Arms for his rations. His pluck and devotion are to
be admired. Did not Pitt sleep at his office? Did not Eli sleep in
the tabernacle? Did not a well-known Assayer sleep in the Mint until
the Superintendent intervened? Nay, does be not ever still sleep there?
THE FLOOD AT RIO VISTA.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from
Chapman's Mound, Yolo county, January 15th, says:
Thinking, perhaps, it would be a relief to some to know how Rio Vista
has succeeded in this late flood, I will here give you a few of the
outlines as near as possible, without data--for date [data?] has left
us. On the first rise the most of the small buildings left us. By the
last rise we have but five buildings left, which are in a dilapidated
state. Westgate's store washed out yesterday, a total loss; McKay's
boot and shoe store yesterday; also the drug store of Dr. Allen,
Sidwell's Saloon and the Chrysopolis Saloon all a total wreck.
Squires' Hotel is yet standing, but very much damaged. Perry's store
is just ready to leave; the principal part of the goods has been removed.
The wharf is much damaged. The floor is torn up and the ware shed gone.
We are camped on a little mound just below, of about two acres, with
about two feet to spare, and plenty of provisions for four or five
days, perhaps longer. Owing to the amount of comers in a number was
put aboard the steamer Antelope this evening, and more will be sent
away when she makes a downward trip again, the other boat not showing
the generosity that should be shown in times like these. . . .
CHANGE IN THE YUBA.--Since the late floods the Yuba has changed its bed
in many places above Marysville, much to the bother of the people who
are affected thereby. At Long Bar the tailings and drift from above
have filled up the stream and have caused the Long Bar bank to cave in
to so great a distance that the stage road will have to be moved. The
deepest current of the river now runs within twenty feet of Yandercooks
store, when it was more than twice as far before the late floods. The
bridge across Dry creek, on the Long Bar road, will probably be removed
up the creek, near the old quartz mill, and the road changed towards
Brown's Valley, so that the river will be left altogether for some
distance. Those who have lately come down from the upper Yuba say that
the features of the country along its banks are so changed that it seems
like a new locality. Wide places have become narrow, and vice
versa.--Marysville Appeal, January 16th. . . .
A SAFE CALCULATION.--Somebody tells a story about a man discovered
on the roof of a small building floating down the Sacramento river a
few days since. He was hailed by passengers on board a steamboat who
were disposed to attempt his rescue. The only reply they received
was, " Hurrah for Jeff. Davis--Let her rip!" The steamboat passengers
concluded that that man was bound to be hanged, and therefore could
not be drowned, so they let him "rip."--San Francisco Herald.
SLEIGHING.--Snow fell in San Juan, January 6th, to the depth of
eighteen inches, and the people of that place enjoyed themselves
hugely with sleigh-riding. . . .
p. 4
STATE REFORM SCHOOL.--We find the following card in the Marysville
Express of January 16th:
As there has been much said in regard to the damage done to the State
Reform School by the late flood, and as we have just visited the same
to ascertain the facts in relation to said damages, we deem it our
duty to make the following statement of facts:
The water stood on the surface around the building some twelve inches,
but did not get on the basement floor by two inches. The building is
not injured to the amount of fifty dollars, and is as safe and durable
a structure as on the day of its dedication. The brick walls inclosing
the yard have been injured by the water standing on the outside and
softening that part of the foundation, while the inside remained hard,
causing the falling of a portion of the northwest and south walls of
said yard. The damage can be repaired for one thousand dollars.
JOHN C. FALL,
N. WESCOATT,
Trustees State Reform School.
Marysville, January 15, 1862.
The above statement of the Trustees I consider entirely correct.
I have been at work on said building from its commencement up to
the present time, and was on the ground during the late flood.
JOHN C. BRADLEY. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3372, 18 January 1862, p. 1
STILL FURTHER OF THE FLOOD.
We append some further details of the flood:
THF [sic] SOUTHEASTERN COUNTIES.--The Stockton Independent of
January 16th has the following:
Sneeden & Bradbury, from Tuolumne, arrived at this city from Knight's
Ferry yesterday morning about ten o'clock. They found their way from
the foot hills with great difficulty. Part of the route was performed
on horseback, part on foot, and a good deal of swimming had to be done.
The Stanislaus has in many places changed its bed, and all the ferry
boats and bridges, except one (Burney's ferry boat), are gone. From
these gentlemen we were kindly favored with the following particulars
of losses on the Stanislaus, Tuolumne and other streams. They confirm
the report that nearly all of the town of Knight's Ferry has been
washed away, and state the following particulars as to the losses
sustained: Hestres & Magendie lost in mill property, $28,000; grain
and flour, $8,000. Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry Company lost Knight's
Ferry bridge, Two Mile Bar bridge and Suspension bridge, $48.000;
G. Walker, $800; Mooney, shoe shop, $500; J. C. Dent, $400;
Buddington & Co., Placer Hotel, $5,000; Eubert & Wilson, $1,000;
McLean, livery stable, $2,000; Bartlett & Jamison. $1,000; Palmer & Allen,
$40,000; M. J. Dooley & Co., $8,000; J. Dent, $2 000; McLaughlin, $1,000;
T.H. Robbins. $500; T. McLaughlin, $500; Major Lane, $600;
James White, $500; H. Linsted, $500; J. Wilson, $600; Lodtman & Brother,
$8,000; O. Bocca, $400; W. G. Stewart, $1,000; John Connor, $1,000;
C. S. S. Hill, $2 000; G. L. Fisher, $1,000; R. M. Bryant, $2,000;
Dr. Coleman, $1,000; John W. Coleman, $1,000; loss by Chinese, $2,500. .
Two Mile Bar is on the Stanislaus, twelve miles above Knight's Ferry.
The following are the losses sustained: N. M. Flowers, $2 000; T. Lilly,
$2,500; Thomas Bell, $2 000; John Proctor, $1,500; all other losses,
$3,000; John Proctor was drowned in an attempt to save his store.
Six Mile Bar, which contained two stores, a blacksmith shop and a number
of dwellings, was all washed away.
At Bostwick's Bar, below Reynolds' Ferry, the loss is very heavy,
according to the property there.
Robinson's Ferry contained a store, ferry and a small number of dwelling
houses. The whole was washed away. French, who owned the store, lost
$2,000. Other losses are estimated at $3,000. Total, $5,000.
Abbey's Ferry contained a ferry boat, a comfortable frame residence,
with stable and outhouses--all lost; loss estimated at $1,500.
At Central Ferry the bridge belonging to Becjamin Lowhead was
destroyed; loss. $15 000. Other losses, $4,000.
Jacksonville, a mining town, some four miles south of Chinese Camp,
contained some five hundred inhabitants, it was nearly all destroyed.
The water of the Tuolumne rose twenty-one feet higher than in the
flood of 1852. Lefebre & Co lost $5,000; J. D. Munn, $1,500; J. Dessler,
$2,000; Tuolumne House, $1,000. Other losses, in the way of flumes,
ditches, miners' cabins and other property--aggregate not less than
$10,000.
At Stevens' Bar, some two miles above Jacksonville, the losses are:
Deering & Brother, bridge owners, $15,000; same, goods, etc., $3,000.
All other losses, $10,000.
At Moccasin Creek the loss was $10,000.
At Blue Gulch quartz mill the loss was $10,000. Smart's garden was
injured to the extent of $2,500. Ward's Ferry, $1,000. The damage
to the Grizzly quartz mill proprietors, Bradbury & Co., was $10,000.
The mill was saved.
Edward Deering was drowned on Saturday evening, while crossing Sullivan's
creek, in going from Sonora to Jacksonville.
At Stevens' Bar and Jacksonville twenty Chinese were drowned. This is
the lowest estimate.
On the bottom lands between Knight's Ferry and French Camp great damage
has been sustained by the farmers. Houses in many places have been
overturned, fencing all washed away, and the rich soil of the bottom
farms all covered with quicksand.
Wood's creek rose so high that it damaged and carried away property
to the amount of $25,000.
On Sullivan's creek, dams and reservoirs belonging to the Shaw's Flat
Ditch Company were swept away. They cannot be replaced for less than
$75,000.
At Bear Valley the Benton Mills and dam have been ruined. The loss
is not leas than $70,000.
All the bridges on the Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Merced are gone, and
the ferry boats, except Burney's, on the Stanislaus, eighteen miles
below Knight's ferry.
It appears from this statement of losses, which is, of course, but
a fraction of the aggregate which will be summed up when full
particulars are obtained from every quarter, that from the Stanislaus,
Tuolumne and Merced we have already heard enough to foot up a waste of
property somewhat in excess of half a million dollars.
Lane, an express rider from Mokelumne Hill, left that place on Tuesday,
at 12 M., and arrived at this office on Tuesday, at 2 P. M. From him we
learn the following particulars in relation to the flood on the
Mokelumne and branches of the Calaveras:
Dr. Soher's bridge between Mokelumne Hill and Jackson was washed away.
Stevenson's bridge over the Calaveras on the San Andreas and Stockton
road, is gone. Medina's bridge over the North Fork of the Calaveras,
between San Andreas and Mokelumne Hill, is gone. All the bridges on
the Mokelumne, except the Winter's Bar bridge, have been swept away,
at least as far down as Poverty Bar. Chile Gulch was very high, and
one or two buildings at the new town of that name on the road between
San Andreas and the Hill, were injured and a stable washed away. At
Jackson the flood was terrible, and several buildings were swept clean
off. Our informant brings no news from any point south of Forman's
Ranch, at which place the bridge across the San Antonio has escaped
destruction.
At Campo Seco the big reservoir was washed away.
Athearn lost 1,500 bushels of grain at his place near the bridge on
the Mokelumne. On the same stream Green's mill was swept away. Magee's
mill is still standing. Meader reports that a part of the town of
Poverty Bar was destroyed.
We learn from Showalter, who arrived in
this city yesterday from Bear Valley, Mariposa county, that the flood
on the Merced has been disastrous in the extreme, causing the loss
of every bridge and ferry on the river--sweeping away houses and
cattle--the latter probably by thousands. The ranches low down on
the river are submerged several feet in depth, and as they are mostly
well stocked it is probable that they have been swept of no small
portion of it. The overflow had prevented any communication with
the country below Snellings' and the probability of great loss in
that direction was based upon the destruction which was occasioned
to property on the river above. Snellings' hotel--quite a large frame
building--was washed away. The Benton Quartz Mills sustained severe
damage to their machinery, which cannot be repaired or replaced at
a cost less than $15,000. A number of wagons loaded with merchandise,
en route for Mariposa, were completely under water on the Merced.
At Bear Valley the rains had fallen in quantity never before known,
but had not occasioned damage to any great extent. Showalter left,
on his return to Hornitos, yesterday, carrying an express for Wells,
Fargo & Co.
All kinds of provisions are scarce in the mines, especially flour,
potatoes and candles. A week since, at Mokelumne Hill, potatoes were
selling at ten cents per pound, and flour at $20 per barrel.
The Chinese appear to have suffered much loss of life, many having
been drowned on numerous bars of the Mokelumne and Calaveras rivers.
We learn that the water, which floated away Athearn's bridge on the
Mokelumne, rose to the hight of the eaves of Athern's [sic] residence,
carrying away his storehouse and a considerable quantity of grain.
At Staples' ranch, the water was from fifteen to eighteen feet higher
than ever before known on the Mokelumne.
The San Joaquin Republican of January 16th says:
Lane, a son of Msjor Lane of the Assembly, arrived in town yesterday
from Mokelumne Hill. Lane reports that the people of that place are
almost isolated from this part of the State. They have had no papers
or letters for the last ten days, and provisions are getting high
and scarce up there--flour selling at $15 per hundred pounds.
A subscription was raised, by the citizens to pay a messenger who
would take the risk of getting to this city. Lane being well
acquainted with the conntry, the fords, etc., undertook the dangerous
and unpleasant journey. He came by the way of Salt Spring Valley,
crossing the Calaveras river and Rock creek near their heads. At
Chile Camp, a large mining town, there were but fifty barrels ef
floor, and it was held very high. Lane commences his return trip
this morning.
Samuel Brown, driver of Murphy's stage, arrived in town yesterday
with the mail. He brought only his horses, having left his stage
at the Twenty-six Mile House. All the bridges on the route are gone,
except McDermott's. At the slough by Atherton's, it was necessary
to tow the horses over. A stage which started for Murphy's about a
week since got mired down at Frees', about eighteen miles from here.
It remains there yet. The driver went on with two of his horses.
Recently a widow lady, whose whole property consisted in a hundred
head of cattle, settled upon the ranch above Trapp's, on the San
Joaquin, with her stock. She has lost by the late flood every hoof
of them, it being impossible to rescue the animals.
Speaking of Stockton, the Republican says:
The water in the overflowed part of the town has fallen, during the
last twenty four hours about a foot. It probably fell about four
inches yesterday. A gentleman who returned from the San Joaquin,
found quite a current in the slough, which did not exist on the day
before. This is a good sign, and we hope the current will continue.
If it does, a few tides will help our citizens who happen to be
annoyed with the back water, very much. .
AMADOR.--The Ledger of January 11th has following:
The storm, which has continued with but slight intermission
since November, has for the last four days raged with increased
violence, doing much damage to property located in the vicinity
of the Creeks. We have been unable to receive reliable intelligence
of its effects in the neighboring towns, as all the bridges have
been swept away in the rivers and creeks. The loss of property in
Jackson has been severe. The bridge spanning the middle fork of
Jackson creek, on Broadway street, was carried away on Thursday,
thus cutting off our neighbors living across the branch from the
business portion of the town. On Friday morning the Young America
Saloon began to move, and soon after the building standing next to
it on the north was carried down by the torrent. These buildings
caused the water to back up and flow down Water street in such a
quantity as to raise the old American Hotel (at present ocoupied
by L. D. Herrick as a tin shop) from its foundation, and carried
it down stream and toward the Young America for some distance,
where it lodged against a bank, leaning up the stream. The old
bath house on Vogan street went down early in the contest.
On Friday the storm reached its hight, carried away Sloan's Gas
Works, and the channel of the middle fork becoming changed to the
south the waters undermined and carried away the livery stable of
T. Masterson, containing some fifteen tons of hay; the dwelling
house of Chas. Ingalls and a stable of Louis Martel containing a
quantity of hay, chickens and pigs. The house of a colored
man named Brown, on Water street, was also washed down with its
entire contents, consisting of household furniture. The present
channel of the middle fork is where Masterson's livery stable
formerly stood, but little water running in the original bed of
the creek. Shober's bridge on the north fork, and also the
foot-bridge near the residence of Major Meek, have been carried
away. The beautiful garden of R. M. Briggs has been almost wholly
destroyed, the bed of the creek being now where his choicest trees
and vines were growing. The waters of the north fork havve [sic] been
flowing down Main street for the last two days, the principal channel
being through Rickert's wagon shop, causing a complete evacuation of
the lower portion of "Chinatown." It is impossible to arrive at anything
like a correct estimate of the loss sustained by our citizens, as all
are too busily engaged in their efforts to save what remains to think
of what is lost.
We learn from Vogan, who arrived here this afternoon, that the flood
has done an immense amount of damage in Ione Valley. At Ione City
the water was more than two feet deep. The dwelling of Farnsworth
was swept off last night, as also several small buildings owned by
Hall and Harron. The new brick stable of Williams fell down and is
now a perfect wreck.
A short time before our informant left Ione City, a tremendous crash
was heard in the direction of J. P. Martin's ranch, which is about
a mile below town, and it was feared that his large brick dwelling
had tumbled down, as it was completely surrounded by water.
The citizens of Ione City are building a boat to go to the relief of
persons residing on ranches, as the whole valley is a perfect lake.
ALAMEDA.--The Alta has the following correspondence:
VALLEJO'S MILLS, Jan. 14th.--Nearly every one in this county have
sustained loss by the flood, some having their whole store of worldly
goods swept away, and are, in fact, objects of charity themselves.
The express messenger started off from Hayward's, on the morning of
the 7th instant, on horseback, intending to cross at this spot, the
following day, if possible; but, alas for human calculation, be found
himself hemmed in by the flood--his resting place resolved into an
island, and here he has remained, weather bound, since. During the
night and morning of the 9th and 10th, all our residents were in
danger of being swept away; and, in fact, had the current swollen
a foot higher than it did, we all would have "floated down Salt
river." We have fortunately been spared that infliction, but a
large amount of damage has been sustained. A house and machine
shop, within two hundred yards of where I put up, was carried off
about four A. M. on the 10th. It was occupied by D. A. Phelps, an
old man, his son and son's wife, and child fifteen months old. They
barely saved their lives, as we could give them no help for twelve
hours. They saved themselves by keeping out of the current in eddies
and little knolls. After suffering that long, we managed, by ropes,
etc., to pass them victuals and dry clothing, but could do nothing
more for them till eight o'clock on Saturday morning, after being
twenty-eight hours in that condition. They lost everything.
Four men on horseback made an effort yesterday to get over. We went
down opposite Centerville to effect a passage, but failed on account
of quicksands. Bamber's Express arrived on the 13th with six days
papers, the messengers being afoot. At the mills the water was
eighteen inches higher than ever known. The walls were inundated
and fell into the stream. The damage to the mill property is
estimated at from eight to ten thousand dollars. The house of
S. Bonner, on Alameda Creek, Snnol Valley, with all the out-buildings,
I learn, was carried off by the flood. The occupants escaped by
climbing a tree, where they remained twenty-four hours before they
were rescued; On San Lorenzo Creek much damage, has been done.
Robinson's barn, with its contents of seed wheat and agricultural
implements, was carried off. A dwelling near by suffered a similar
fate, but some of the furniture was picked up near the bay. I am
endeavoring to push around the bay to San Jose, and will forward
such intelligence as I can obtain; but, owing to the state of the
country, it will be uncertain if mail or express matter can be delivered.
SANTA CRUZ.--A private letter from Santa Cruz, received yesterday,
states that the paper mill has not been destroyed. The dam and a
portion of the flume were washed away by the flood; but the damage
can easily be remedied.
TEHAMA.--Red Bluff Independent of Jan. 14th says:
The rain and melting of the snow in the mountains last week raised
the Sacramento river at this place on Friday night to within a foot
and a half of the highest point that it attained at the great flood
in December, Cottonwood creek was three feet higher than it was ever
before known to be, sweeping away Jackson's bridge and doing
considerable other damage. The bridge lodged a few hundred yards
down stream, and can be put up without great cost. Mails are received
only "twice in a while," and no telegraphic communication to any point.
This abominable weather cannot continue more than six or eight months
longer, and guess we can all manage to live it through.
There has been no communication by stage, telegraph or express north
of Shasta since last Wednesday. Brastow (Wells, Fargo .& Co.'s
messenger) informs us that the last heard from the north, Trinity
river was up within two feet of the rise of the big flood. He also
informs as that a ferry will be established at Cottonwood until
the bridge is rebuilt, . . .
THE STORM IN SONOMA.--The Santa Rosa Democrat of January 9th,
has the following:
On Saturday night last the good folks of Santa Rosa and vicinity were
visited by quite a snow storm. It lasted about two hours, and on Sunday
morning the hills surrounding the town presented a very beautiful
appearance--the tops being clad in white. A day or two previous, we
were visited by a thunder storm, which is also very unusual in this
locality. We have heard of a very pleasing incident which occurred
on that day, and which we think is worthy a place in our columns.
Little Edgar C., about four years old, was playing in his father's
yard when the first clap of thunder came. It was probably the first
he had ever heard and he ran immediately in the house to his father
and asked--"Pa, did you hear the clouds bursting?" Shortly after,
when the thunder had ceased, he went to the door, and observing the
clouds beginning to disperse, he turned to his mother and
remarked--"Ma, it is not going to rain--God was only fooling you!" . . . .
SANTA CLARA.--The sum of $410 has been collected in Santa Clara to
relieve the Sacramento sufferers.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Notwithstanding the state of the weather, . . .
The news from the interior by telegraph yesterday foreboded another
flood in the State. The latest intelligence as to the situation of
the waters in our own locality will be found in our city column. . . .
TWO MEN LOST.--Fred. Coffin and a Frenchman named "Louis," two well
known New River miners, left Lake City on the Saturday evening previous
to Christmas for North Fork, since when nothing has been seen or
heard of them. The evening before their departure was stormy and
dark, and fearing that before daylight the snow would be too deep
on the New River mountain to cross, they started at two o'clock P. M .
Scarce a doubt remains but that they both perished in the mountain
snows, or were drowned in attempting to cross the North fork. Thus
two more victims are added to the long list of California's terrible
Winter record--"lost in the mountains." Fred. Coffin was well known
in this and the adjoining county of Klamath, having at one time
filled the office of Assessor of the latter county. He was an
intelligent young man, impulsive and generous, was a native of
New York, and has a brother residing in San Francisco. Of French
Louis we know nothing, save that he was an industrious and worthy
miner.--Trinity Journal, January 11th.
FLOOD ITEM.--A man named Hensley, living on the Sacramento river,
saved 12,500 pounds of honey, in the hive, that was drifting down
on the flood.
ACTION NECESSARY.
The condition of the city and the uncertainty wbich exists in the public
mind as to the future, demands action in the way of preparing for the work
of protecting the city as soon as water and weather will permit.
Legislation is the first step, and the necessary bills should be prepared
and presented to the consideration of the Legislature, upon its
reassembling. We need, and must have, either extensive modifications
to the present Consolidation Bll or an entirely new municipal
organization. The general sentiment, as far as we can learn, is to
place the affairs of the city in the hands of three or five Trustees,
for a long time--say three or five years, with ample power to act for
the city. The idea, too, seems to be, to have the Trustees named by
the Legislature, and give them power to appoint all the city officers
required in the administration of its government. With true and able
men as Trustees, who will manage the affairs of the city as they would
their own, she may be well and efficiently governed, placed in a position
to pay her interest annually, and her full public debt finally. This
is a consummation greatly to be desired by every friend of this heavily
afflicted city. A bill to accomplish this end, in the form suggested,
or some other equally efficient, should be offered as soon as the
Legislature convenes. But the more important matter is to make ample
provisions for surrounding the city by a levee which will bid defiance
to the floods. This, notwithstanding the unprecedented floods which
have devastated the city, we are as confident can be done as we were
before the water was precipitated upon her. A large portion of the
richest agricultural lands in Europe, as well as numerous cities and
thousands of villages, depend for protection and existence upon levees.
The system of leveeing to the greatest advantage, and to give the
greatest security, has been reduced to a science, which men spend
their lives in completely mastering. Holland has been reclaimed from
the sea by dykes which have withstood the action of the waves and
storms of the North Sea for centuries. Some of those dykes are reported
to be sixty feet high, and broad in proportion. But the Government
takes the whole system in charge, and the dykes are watched and
repaired in a manner which shows that the Government as well as the
people are perfectly conscious that property and life depend upon the
levees by which the country is defended. A break which admits the sea
buries cities and villages under the waves for all time. It is only a
few years since over a hundred villages with several considerable cities
in Holland were overwhelmed by the bursting of the water through the
surface of the earth inside the main dyke. Inundations are recorded
as having occurred in Europe in which thousands of people were drowned.
Though the floods which have visited Sacramento have destroyed much
property, her citizens have great reason to be thankful that human
life has not been sacrificed. The inundations in California this year
have been terrible in their power to destroy property, yet the loss
of life has been remarably [sic] light, compared with the fate of
people in European inundations.
If the Hollanders can master the storms and tremenduous [sic] power of
the waves of an ocean, the men of Sacramento, with such aid as they
may obtain from other sources, can easily defend the city from the
torrents of the turbulent American. With the means at hand there is
not the least difficulty in planting a levee around Sacramento which
will protect her from inundation. It can be raised ten feet higher
than the water has risen this year, as we think it should be. But in
order to systematize the business of levee building, a separate and
distinct body from the city government ought to be created, to be
called a Board of Levee Commissioners. They should be clothed with
ample power to do everything necessary to building levees, and also
with power to condemn private property whenever the land is needed
either for levee purposes or for straightening the American river.
This, of course, must be accomplished by a distinct bill to be passed
through the Legislature. Such a bill ought to be agreed upon at an
early day and enacted into a law; as such a step will accomplish much
toward giving confidence that something efficient is to be done for
the future protection of Sacramento.
THE OVERLAND MAIL.--We are credibly informed that an Overland Mail
arrived at Folsom from the East on Sunday last; but none has been
received in this city since Wednesday, the 8th instant The Overland
Mail route terminates at Placerville, and it would seem that after
the difficulties to that point have been overcome by the energy of
the contractors, and the mails brought by other contractors to Folsom,
the service between the latter place and Sacramento ought to be
performed with ease and regularity. The detention of an Overland Mail
for nearly a week within so short a distance as Folsom is an outrage
which should summarily end all connection between the Government and
those at fault. If the Postmaster at that place failed to use all
proper diligence in the matter he ought to be decapitated, and if
the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company received the mails, or refused
to receive them, their contract should be declared forfeited for
failing to deliver the matter at the Sacramento office. There can
be no excuse for such reckless disregard of the public wants, and
of the obligations to perform the Government mail service. We trust
that the proper authorities will ascertain the cause of the detention,
and visit the consequences upon those who have offended. The reception
by us of letters from Carson, Placerville and Georgetown, during the
week, is proof enough that the Overland mail could have been forwarded
from Folsom, and that somebody is guilty of most criminal negligence
in the premises.
OREGON.--We saw a gentleman yesterday who arrived from Red Bluff on
the previous eveeing [sic], having mode the trip overland, from Portland,
Oregon, to the latter place since the 27th ult. He says that in Oregon
the roads have suffered less than in this State, the main inconvenience
being the loss of bridges. For many of these, however, ferries have
been substituted, and the overland route is far from having been
destroyed. The same gentleman informs us that in Trinity Valley in
this State, the course of the river has in many places been entirely
changed, and that portions of what was the stage road are now in the
river bed. The storms have destroyed many miles of the best turnpike
roads in the interior.
LOSS OF CATTLE.--We understand that R. H. Thomes in this county,
will lose in the neighborhood of two thousand head of cattle
this Winter. The general average loss of stock raisers is one-third
of their entire stock, and some have estimated it as high as
one-half.--Red Bluff Independent. . . .
A LITTLE PHILOSOPHY.
When Jacob Faithful's mother was consumed by spontaneous combustion,
that distinguished philosopher comforted himself by hoping for "better
luck next time." The spirit in which most people with whom we meet meet
the present visitation of Providence, is indicative of a degree of
philosophy as patient and hopeful as that which characterized Master
Jacob. A Senator from the interior said in our hearing yesterday:
"My house is all right--high and dry, on a hill--but I am going to
stay here and see this out." All seem to agree that the desolation
which the storms have spread over the whole region west of the Rocky
Mountains must not be permitted to dishearten, but that with what is
left California must put her best foot forward, and show, as she
always has, that she can bear adversity even better than she can
prosperity. If our fine roads have been so torn up by mountain
torrents and obstructed by land slides that we cannot even, in the
coming Spring, travel by stages, we must put on our spurs again and
traverse the country on the backs of sure-footed mules. If bridges
are all carried away, and means are wanting for their construction,
we shall have to be ferried over the rivers. If our farmers have
lost their improvements, and cannot raise us the full supply of
wheat and potatoes this year because they have no seed and no fences
to keep cattle away from their crops, we must remember that the time
was when we were entirely ignorant of the agricultural capacities
of the State. The water has, to use a vulgarism, put California
"in soak " for about five years, but she will be redeemed, and
the discipline to which her people will be meanwhile subjected may
be productive of good results. We have been too fast, as the saying
goes. The present deluge is throwing us back a little, and teaching
us that we cannot always revel in " flush times." We shall be a
wiser as well as a wetter people when the Spring opens; for the
Spring will open; it is coming toward us now as rapidly as Old
Father Time can travel, and the rains will cease again. Our energies
will be taxed to put our homes as they stood before, and the
practical work before us will, to a great extent, call our attention
away from the unprofitable popular excitements of a political nature
which have heretofore so often engrossed the minds of our people.
Let the aspiring politicians among us, especially those who have
something to say in the conduct of our State affairs, show their
devotion to the interests of the people now by devising measures
for cutting down the public expenditures. Never mind whether Tom,
Dick or Harry is provided for; that is not, or rather should not
be the sole aim of Government. The elements have crippled our
people, and those of their public officers who do the most toward
relieving them the present year of heavy burdens in the way of taxes,
and who stop up the most channels through which the public purse is
emptied, will have claims upon the public confidence, which will
hereafter be honored. Californians are all in the same boat, and
the boat is not going to sink. Let us remember with pride the
obstacles which were overcome by the pioneers in the early settlement
of the State, and let no fears infest our minds that we are unequal
to the struggles which are before us.
RESCUED FROM THE FLOOD.--REMARKABLE ESCAPES.--The steamer from
Sacramento, last night, brought down a large number of persons
rescued from different points along the river--including
thirty-six women and children. The scene at Platt's Hall at ten
o'clock last night was really affecting. There was one family of
seven persons, named Stemmermon ["Sweeneman's", above??].
The children, the youngest of
whom is not more than one year old, were in wet garments, just
as they were taken on board the steamer. They were rescued from
a knoll sixteen miles below Sacramento, and when first seen they
were huddled up with a few head of cattle on the only spot of
" terra firma" out of water in the neighborhood. The swell
created by the steamer washed the cattle off, but the whole family
was saved. Two of the eldest children got adrift and came very
near being drowned, but were rescued by a boat from the steamer.
Another family of six persons were taken off from their farm where
the water was four feet deep. The father was on horseback holding
the two youngest children. The mother was standing with the water
nearly up to her arm pits. A number of ladies were in attendance
at the Hall when the sufferers arrived, and they were all speedily
provided with dry clothing and hot supper. When we last visited
the Hall, about midnight, there were several ladies still in
attendance, and hard at work selecting garments and making up
articles that were required for the immediate comforts of the
destitute ones. The sum of $796 was contributed yesterday to the
Relief Fund at the Hall. We were told of numerous instances of
persons nearly drowned, rescued by the relief boats from this
city, but time nor space will permit of particulars this
morning.--San Francisco Herald, January 16th.
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--We regret to notice that some of our
exchanges are again agitating the question of removing the Capital.
We thought the Legislature of '60 had given this much vexed question
a final quietus, by the passage of a bill declaring the Capital
to be permanently located at Sacramento, and making a large
appropriation for a Capitol building. The provisions of the bill
so far have been carried into effect, and the foundation of a grand
and magnificent building laid, upon which we hope to live to see
an elegant massive pile arise which shall do honor and credit alike
to the Legislature which voted it, and the State it will adorn.
An all wise Providence has seen fit to send an extraordinary flood,
which has not only deluged Sacramento city and valley, but nearly
every other valley and city in California. Sacramentans, not expecting
such an extraordinary flood, were unprepared to protect their city,
and were overflowed. This has learned them a lesson, and we are fully
satisfied that such a levee will now be built that forever hereafter
the city will be protected from similar inundations; and if Sacramento
city is unable to build such a levee, we unhesitatingly suggest that
the Legislature vote the means at the cost of the State.
Sacramento is the proper location for the Capital, and is not one
inch lower than when the Legislature first met in that city. It is
not very generous or in good taste, to say the least of it, when a
people are suffering from a sad calamity, to add to their distress by
an idle threat that, we'll bet our boots, will never be carried into
execution.--Trinity Journal.
.A FLOOD INCIDENT.--A very pretty child, of not more than six or seven
years, was found wandering in the streets by a lady of this city under
circumstances so interesting as to justify a reference in our column
of local events. The lady in question was returning, it appears,
from Platt's Hall, where she had gone to leave a donation, and had
stopped to allow a vehicle to pass, when she felt a tugging at her
dress, and on looking down became aware of a very diminutive little
girl, who was clutching at her skirts with her tiny hand, while
looking up into her face so imploringly that the kind woman
immediately stopped to ask the child her name. The little eyes
were filled with tears, and the cheeks were red and round as lady
apples, while three or four bright golden curls peeped out from the
shawl in which she was wrapped. The garments were of the thinnest
and coarsest description, but the lady, finding that the child had
no home, took her to her own mansion, where, on learning that her
lost parent and protector had perished in the flood, she immediately
domesticated her prize, intending to bring the little thing up as
her own. It has since transpired that the orphan came down to this
city in charge of an uncle or near kinsman, who, having got drunk
on the boat, had been separated from his charge; and to this
fortunate circumstance little "Rose," as Mrs. S. calls her, is
indebted for a comfortable home and her rescue from what might
have proved a courtesan's fate.--San Francisco Mirror.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Storm in the Interior--The River at Folsom.
WEBSTER'S STATION, January 16th--8 p. m.
It has rained hard all day, and the snow is melting. The river is
rising fast. The ravines from the mountains are like swollen rivers.
PLACERVILLE, January 16--8 P. M.
It has been raining here without intermission all day. The river is
rising very fast.
FOLSOM, Jannary 16th--8 P. M..
It hss rained here all day. Willow creek and Alder creek are now higher
than they were ever known to be before. The first bridge on Willow
Springs was carried away this evening. The water did not come up to
the bridge at the late freshet. The American river at this point has
raised five feet since morning and is still rising fast. The general
impression ls that it will rise from ten to twelve feet more by morning.
THE TELEGRAPH.--Swain, the telegraph operator, sends word that on
the San Francisco line he finds a large number of the poles down
between this city and the San Joaquin, the ground being so thoroughly
saturated that they were easily blown over. Ladd, who went out on the
Sacramento line, has not been heard from yet. It may be days before we
get a dispatch from Sacramento and San
Francisco.--Stockton Republican, Jan. 16th. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
SIXTH STREET METHODIST CHURCH.--We have received the following
notifications from the Rev. Dr. Peck: "The audience room of this
(Sixth street Methodist) Church has not been reached by the flood
and is in perfect order. . . . Our readers will be able to judge
for themselves whether any, and if any, what portions of the above
will have to go for naught on account of the aqueous visitation
of Providence. . . . .
ARRESTED.--The following arrests were made yesterday: . . . James
Parker, by Chief Watson, for petty larceny, in stealing a boat
belonging to M R. Rose;. . .
EXODUS.--The steamers for San Francisco were all densely crowded
yesterday afternoon with passengers, who were seeking for comfort
abroad. As each of the steamers swung around into the river, its
living freight clustering upon all the decks above and below, looked
like an immense swarm of gigantic bees, which, having clustered too
thickly upon a pendant bough, had precipitated it and themselves into
the stream below. Upon the decks were congregated men, women and
children of all nationalities, ages, and conditions, and the Babel-like
confusion reminded many of the overcrowded ocean steamers which used
to bring people to California in the early days.
WERE THEY DROWNED?--Two men, named William Craft and Henry -----,
left the levee at about four o'clock last evening for the residence
of a ranchman below Sutterville. They had a light skiff, both had
been drinking considerable, and the water was very rough. In the
morning the man to whose house they were going got into the boat to
come to the city with them. Before starting he got out and refused
to return to the boat, saying he had dreamed that the boat was
capsized and that they were all drowned. Those who saw the two
men start predicted that the dream would be realized. How was it?
RELIEVED.--Two of the Howard Society's boats which went down the
river on Thursday brought up yesterday morning from six miles below
the city two women and seven children, who were placed on board the
steamer Antelope and sent to San Francisco. Those on board the boats
report that they found very strong currents running between here and
Sutterville, against which it was exceedingly difficult to make
headway. The boatmen employed by the Howard Society work, however,
with a steady perseverance and hearty good will, which enables them
to overcome the greatest difficulties in the cause of humanity.
POLICE COURT.--. . . George R. Hooker, the gardener, accused of malicious
mischief in cutting away the levee near Rabel's tannery, was dismissed,
the prosecution having become satisfied that the animus charged had
no existence.
ALL READY.--Our merchants and others have completed the work of piling
up goods, furniture end other valuables above what is supposed to be
the utmost reach of the flood which, by reason of the telegraphic reports,
is confidently expected to come down upon us from the Sierras this
morning at the latest. We have all laid in our provisions and fuel,
as far as the aforesaid were procureable, everybody who intended to
build a boat has got the thing about finished, and if the foe must
come we are ready, relying upon the justice of our cause and the aid
of Divine Providence, to meet him with manly hearts.
RAIN.--Dr. Logan reports 1.100 inches as the result of yesterday's
rain up to about six o'clock. The aggregate for the past two days is
3.150 inches. The entire amount of January up to date is 11 476. and
the total of the season is over 21 inches. This amount, the principal
part of which has fallen within about two months and a half, is the
average rain of an entire season. It is highly probable that we shall
have more rain the present season than during any previous year since
the settlement of the State.
SOLD.--Somebody bought a very poor boat yesterday. Our reasons for
this assertion are ss follows: We heard a Judean refuse to loan a
little shell of a boat to a friend, accompanying the refusal with
this remark: "It would shink with you before you got home; I am
going to shell it." This remark, together with a subsequent sale
of the craft, which was hauled up high and dry to conceal its leaky
condition, at the low price of $2, convinced us that both boat and
buyer were "sold."
GROWING WORSE.--The Front street levee, above R street, has been in
a weak condition for some time past. It is constantly growing worse,
and seems likely to break. The result would be a large volume of
water above R street in addition to the one below, and probably a
permanent inundation of the city for the remainder of the season.
If not too late, the Committee of Safety should take the matter in
hand.
PROVIDING FOR AN EMERGENCY.--A lady who resides on the Georgiana
road, five miles from the city, told some of the boatmen of the
Howard Benevolent Society, who visited; the place yesterday,
that whenever the water came up to her chin she wished them to
come down for her with a boat. She designed to stand it as long as
she could, but thought she should need assistance at about that time.
POWDER AFLOAT.--A large quantity of powder has been picked up afloat
five and six miles below the city, by the boatmen in that vicinity,
in kegs; cans, etc. A man named Austin Rodifer was arrested a few days
ago on a charge of breaking open the powder house and stealing a
portion of its contents. Is the one fact in any way connected with
the other ? If so, in what manner?
GRACE CHURCH.--There will be no service in Grace Church to-morrow,
on account of the effects of the recent flood. . . .
THE PROSPECT.--The prospect of another flood seemed to be considered
yesterday as decidedly good. The continued rains gave reason to
anticipate such a result, and telegraphic dispatches from various
points on the tributaries of the American river gave assurance that
their waters were higher than was ever known before. All agreed that
we must have another flood,--nearly all, thought it must be a very high
one,--many supposed it would be higher than the last, but how much
higher nobody could tell. The water in the city rose very slowly during
the day, perhaps twelve inches in all. That of the Sacramento remained
about the same as the day before--about twenty-two feet above low water
mark. At the closing of our report, seven o'olock P.M., the water had
not come over K street, though a forward movement was hourly expected.
THE LAURA ELLEN.--The steamer Laura Ellen, Captain Swinerton, having
been on a cruise through some of the lower sloughs after stock, brought
to the city yesterday morning some thirty women and children. They
were taken from houses remote from the main river. One woman and
her children had had nothing to eat for two days. The steamer will
start on a similar excursion this morning.
DEAD BODY.--The dead body of an unknown man was seen afloat on
Wednesday, near Foster's ranch, on the slough, five miles south of
the city. Efforts were made to secure it, but it sunk, and had not
been recovered. The parties who saw it were unable to determine,
without a better opportunity, whether it was that of a Chinaman
or a white man. . . .
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.--The Presbyterian Church, on Sixth street,
between J and K, was last night reported to be dry and in good
order. Preaching was announced to take. place there at 11 o'clock,
and the public were cordially invited to attend.
ONE-HALF LOST.--Two or three men, a few days since, drove out from
Chipman's ranch, Franklin township, sixty head of cattle. Before
reaching high land, thirty of the number became mired down and
were lost.
CARRIED AWAY.--The American House and stable, six miles from the
city on the Georgiana road, have been entirely swept away by the
flood. The election in the Sweeneman precinct has been heretofore
held at this house. . . .
LEG BROKEN.--Daniel Carnes had a leg broken by the caving of a bank
in his claim on West Weaver, a few days ago. . . .
LETTER FROM MARYSVILLE.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
The Flood--Removal of the Capital--Protection for Sacramento.
Marysville, January 16, 1862.
Since the great storms and consequent floods which have visited
this State, many accounts have reached you of the inundation of
this city. These were stated by envious or malicious persons; and
others, as far on the other extreme, have denied that we have been
visited with the waters at all. To take the published maps of this
city, which make us out four times as large as we really are, three
fourths of this city was navigable for boats only during several
days. But, in the principal portions of the city, where our business
houses and most of our residences are, at no time has water seriously
discommoded pedestrians. Water from the Yuba river was forced back
through the sewers into the gutters on to some few sidewalks, and over
low places in the streets. But such a state of affairs did not last
longer than six hours. There is room enough on the knoll, where most
of the buildings are, for the city to grow twenty or thirty years,
without expanding to where there is any danger of flood.
The idea of removing the Capital wins but little support in Marysville.
The whole State rejoiced when the vexatious question, the cause of so
many expensive debates and ridiculous actions, was finally settled;
and the Legislature which takes the responsibility of changing a
settled question violates the expressed will of the people. It is
said that troubles never come singly, but the Legialature of California
need not exert itself to prove the old proverb. The people of California
are too chivalrous to countenance such an ungenerous, dishonorable,
unnecessary act as the removal of the Capital from Sacramento, which
would be giving a final fatal blow to a hitherto prosperous city,
striving against suddenly accumulated disasters. Of course, if any
new place is to have the benefits arising from a session of the
Legislature, Marysville would like them; but honor would not allow
us to build prosperity upon the misfortunes of a neighbor. A new dodge
for effecting the move desired by some was the adjournment of this
session of the Legislature to San Francisco. Now, I have lived in a
State (Connecticut) with two Capitals, and the Legislature met
alternately at each. And, from experience, I know that one portion
of the Government, a part of the documents, some of the officers,
cannot get along in one city, and the rest in another. Consequently,
a removal of the Legislature would be a removal of the Capital; this
the people do not desire. If the members from Yuba county desire to
know the will of their constituents, a short time will suffice them;
the people of this county believe that the Capital is just where it
should be.
While your authorities are taking vigorous means to protect
the city from floods, I have seen but one way, leveeing, recommended
for that purpose. Now I know that Sacramento can be protected in
that way, for I have seen communities with not one half the enterprise
of Californians succeed under similar circumstances; but it seems to me
there is a surer way of accomplishing the desired end--that is, raise
the whole city above high water mark. When the city of Chicago was
first built, the streets were but a few inches (or a few feet in some
places) higher than the surface of the lake. The consequences were:
no possibility of cellars, no firm foundations except on piles, and
these not always reliable, and streets so muddy in wet weather, as
to be dangerous to travelers. These inconveniences have all been done
away with; the whole city has been raised by grading several feet
above its former level. Such means I would recommend to Sacramento.
To be sure it is the costliest, but it is sure. I have already made
this letter too long, so I will postpone until some other day, a
more particular mention of the case cited. PUBLICOLA.
STUCK TO HIS COLORS.--The Placerville Republican of January
16th relates the following:
When the waters of the South Fork swept over Chile Bar, it surrounded
the house of John Coolidge causing the inmates to beat a hasty retreat
for higher land. After saving his wife and children from a watery grave,
John happened to cast his eyes towards his habitation, now in imminent
danger of going to pieces, and discovered a small American flag flying
from the peak. He immediately plunged into the flood, reached his
dwelling, secured the flag, and now swimming, now wading up to his
armpits in water, bore the stars and stripes in triumph to the shore,
amid the enthusiastic cheers of a few persons who witnessed the
patriotic feat. He attached it to the top of a tall pine, where it
continues to float as proudly as ever. Upon being asked by an
individual of Secesh proclivities if it was a flag of distress,
Coolidge answered, "No! by G--- the stars and stripes are not in
distress, nor never will be as long as I can help it." John! give
us your hand, old boy!
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3373, 20 January 1862, p. 2
DELAYED NEWSPAPER PACKAGES.--Subscribers and newspaper dealers, who
miss their usual complement of DAILY and WEEKLY UNIONS, may be assured
that their papers have been regularly sent as usual, whether by mail
or express, during all the obstacles to travel caused by the late
flood, but may in many cases unavoidably reach their destination
at a late period of time.
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . . In our columns will be found further accounts of the devastations
of the flood in various portions of the State. . . .
The Sacramento and the American rivers fell considerably at this point
yesterday, despite the incessant rains, and the water in the city fell
correspondingly. A furious storm of wind and rain prevailed here
yesterday afternoon and evening, causing the waves to run high in
the lower part of the city. Our local column gives an account of the
weather and of the different stages of the water during yesterday
and Saturday.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The steamer sent down the river and back into
the country west of the Sacramento returned Friday night, having
taken off 136 persons, most of whom went to San Francisco. The boat
that went to the tule up the American returned yesterday. A whale
boat and crew, under charge of Captain Harron, was towed by the Gam
to Lisle's Bridge, from which place it was to go up the Slough, and
across the Marysville road to Brown's Ferry, and down the Sacramento.
Two boats, volunteers, came from San Francisco yesterday morning,
under charge of Wm. T. L. Moneton, manned by Thomas G. Hogan,
P. J. C. Atwill, George H. Donnell and John Nichols, all from San
Francisco. They brought provisions and were supplied with such
additional articles as they desired. When ready to start, a man came
in one of the Society boats from the Pavilion to the levee, the crew
on their way to take his family from a tree two miles up the Sacramento,
where they had been roosting since the flood, but had become tired,
and desired to get into better quarters. The officers of the Howards
gave privilege to the volunteers to go to the rescue, and in a few
minutes they were off, and returned with the man, wife and two
children. The boats left, to cruise on the Cache creek slough and
twenty miles back, bringing up at Rio Vista, where the Shubrick would
be in waiting for them. One of these boats was furnished by the
U. S. Engineers, Captain Elliott, the other by the Ladies' Friend
Society, through Captain Abbott.
During yesterday persons were removed from two story wood to brick
buildings as a matter of precaution, the wind blowing a gale.
The steamer Henrietta left for the vicinity of Davis' ranch, under
charge of Jerome C. Davis, and was supplied with provisions for
any families on the ranches and up the sloughs beyond the Tule House.
Families from places twenty miles around continue to come into the
Pavilion, or at the different stations of the Society, the weather
forcing them to leave their places of abode.
The expenses of the Association are very large, and the labors seemingly
but just commenced. It will take two months, should the floods abate
at once, to finish the business of providing for the families now
dependent upon it for aid. Extending their aid over so large a range
of country will be a difficult task to keep up continuously, and
preparations are being made to gather families into camps, at
appropriate points, and thus look after all with less trouble and
expense.
THE OVERLAND MAIL.--In a recent issue we stated that we had been
credibly informed of the arrival at Folsom on the 12th inst.,
of an Overland mail from the East, and of its detention there
during several days. Our informant was the Postmaster of San
Francisco, who gave the statement upon the authority of an
agent of one of the Overland mail contractors. Z. W. Payne,
Assistant Postmaster at Folsom, writes to us upon the subject,
from that place as follows, under date of the 19th inst.:
In yesterday's UNION I perceived a publication in regard to an
Overland Mail arriving at this place on last Sunday morning and
which had not reached Sacramento. No such mail has arrived to my
knowledge, either by stage or any other conveyance. On Friday, the
17th instant an Overland Mail arrived at half-past ten o'clock A. M.,
and was dispatched to Sacramento at four o'clock P. M., it being
the first arrival since the 9th instant. I believe there is nothing
left undone by the Postmaster in Folsom to fulfill all the
responsibility that may devolve upon him in dispatching all the mails
that arrive to their destinations. At present the mails are sent to
Sacramento by the morning train, it being the only train connecting
with the boat. The contract time of departure is twelve o'clock M.
consequently all mails arriving after seven o'clock A. M. are
compelled to remain in Folsom until the next day. Unless some
arrangement can be made by Sacramento to have a steamer connect with
the train from Folsom, the mail will be obliged to remain over night
at this place. Mails have been and are dispatched from this office
without delay, no matter what the roads or weather are. You will
please give information through your journal that no mail arrived,
as you had been informed on last Sunday. Any time the Union wishes
information in regard to the mail, please drop a line to this office
and we will furnish it with facts.
FROM RIO VISTA.--A correspondent, writing from Chapman's Mound,
January 18th, says:
Since my last from this mound, there has been many changes,
principally for the worse. The rain has fallen incessantly for the
last three days, which has caused much uneasiness among the inhabitants
of this place. I think that there will be but few persons here by
the middle of the coming week. The water is at a stand, which is an
indication of a rise. The health of the people is good. The steamers
Anna, Laura Ellen, Eureka and Gipsey are plying between the sloughs
and the Montezuma hills, carrying cattle, horses and families, there
being four cargoes landed to-day near Pruning's dwelling, below Rio
Vista. The steamer Nevada, on her upward trip, took several passengers;
and on her downward trip there were twenty more put aboard: and the
way she stopped and waited for the boats to discharge their
passengers met with the approbation of every one here.
DAMAGE IN NEVADA TERRITORY.--Speaking of the damage done by the
late storm in Nevada Territory, the Territorial Enterprise
of January 11th, says:
In estimating the amount of damage we must not confine ourselves
to the simple loss of property, for that is the least part of it.
It is indirectly through the injury done to roads, mills and mines
that we are to reckon the loss. People have been forced to suspend
operations in nearly every branch of industry, and the consequence
is a general stagnation of business. Our Territory has virtually
been set back three months by these heavy storms, and it will be
late in the Spring before it will have recovered even its former
position. . . .
We learn from parties who have recently returned from Sacramento
that the legislative library in the lower story of the present
State House building was injured by the last flood to the extent
of not less than $5,000.--S. F. Call.
There is no "legislative library" in the State. The State Library
is not and never was in the State House building. It is in the same
building with the Supreme Court, corner of J and Second streets.
Some books on the bottom shelf in the lower story were wet a little,
but the damage was so slight as to be hardly worth a mention.
[but see the accounting for the costs of rehabilitating damaged books
in the Journal Appendix of the next year] . . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
Relief in San Francisco.
SAN FRANCISCO, January 18, 1862.
The arrivals of destitute persons from the Sacramento river during
this week have been rather heavy; but so far, the Relief Committee
have been enabled to accord aid to the immediate necessities of all
who have applied for assistance. There is no lack of supplies for
the table. Provisions of all kinds and of the best quality are
constantly arriving at the Hall, and our resources in that line show
no signs of failing, notwithstanding that many of the avenues by
which we used to receive produce from the country have been entirely
cut off. The "money drift" into the treasury of the relief fund still
runs with a strong current. The contributions at the Hall yesterday
amounted to near $900; this is exclusive of $1,100, the result of a
benefit last night at the Metropolitan theater, and $500 voted by the
Anti-Sunday Law Association last night. The latter contribution was
quite unexpected, and is appreciated as a spontaneous offering from
the Association. The retail liquor dealers have not been backward in
individual instances of valuable assistance to the Committee. Whatever
they have that is needed for the sick and exhausted may be obtained
without money and without price. There was one demand that the
Committee found much trouble to meet. Many of the women and children
arriving late at night were in wet garments, and to find dry clothing
for them immediately was frequently a difficult task. But thanks to
the persevering efforts of the ladies who have from the first taken
so much interest in forwarding the designs of the Committee, this
requirement will be fully supplied hereafter. The ladies are always
in attendance at the Hall when the boats arrive, and indeed many of
them are hardly ever absent from their posts. Among those who have
been unremitting in their labors to supply clothing and in personal
supervision of the various departments of relief at the Hall, I shall
take the liberty of mentioning the names of the following, as they
have always been noted for their energetic action in all schemes for
charitable assistance in this city: Mrs. W. F. Walton,
Mrs. N. P. Perrine, Mrs. A. J. Gamble, Mrs. Loring, Mrs. Adsit,
Mrs. Charles Watrous, Mrs. C. M. Staples, Mrs. P. K. Rogers,
Mrs. Wiley, Mrs. Crowell, and the two Misses Prader. The ladies named
were all present last night. There are others equally deserving of
mention, but I do not remember their names at this moment. IDLER.
THE PROSPECT.--The warm rains of Thursday and Friday melted the main
body of the snow in the mountains, and the waters therefrom have
passed by us, without bringing upon us the fresh inundation which
it was so confidently predicted they would. The great flood of the
10th was the result of a combination of circumstances which may never
again be experienced. The Sacramento was above its highest point of
preceding years; the deposit of snow in the mountains had been immense,
and extended far down into the valley; the weather from being very cold
suddenly changed to very warm, and the rain fell in such torrents as
to melt the snow with great rapidity. The storms of last week were
very severe, and early in the week a great quantity of snow must
have fallen. The warm rains of Thursday and Friday led most of us
to anticipate another inundation similar in extent to that of the
10th; but the only effect it had was to raise the water, on Saturday
last, about two feet in this city. The most complete preparations
were made for water to the highest water mark, and one prudent man
of whom we have heard, was so fully prepared for it that he pretended
to be quite vexed because it did not come; but the water in the
Sacramento being lower by two feet, and the quantity of snow which
melted in the mountains being much smaller than before, we have
been frightened this time rather than hurt. Very little snow is now
visible upon so much of the mountain ranges as can be seen from here,
and both the Sacramento and American rivers continue to fall.
Yesterday noon the latter had fallen some five feet below high water
mark at Patterson's Station (about ten miles above this city). There
need, then, be no fears of another visitation as the result of the
rains which have fallen during the past week. That danger is past.
The terrible flood of the 10th will have no parallel until the Fates
combine similar circumstances to produce it. The constant rains need
not alarm us so long as the mountains are covered with only an
ordinary quantity of snow; and the melting of the snows will not
seriously affect us so long as the Sacramento is confined, as it
now is, within its usual bounds. We have been terribly visited,
but the present indications are that we have seen by far the worst.
MISCHIEF MAKERS.--The Morning Call of Friday gave currency
to a report that this city was again flooded on Thursday, and
"much worse than ever before." It was stated that "at the corner
of J and Third streets the water had reached near the tops of the
sidewalks." There was no flood on that day, and the water was
neither on J nor K street. But as though these falsehoods were
not enough, we have in the same article the following "it is said:"
Yesterday numbers of poor people, driven from home and shelter,
were preparing to come to this city; but, it is said, parties in
Sacramento represented in effect to them that if they came here
they would certainly starve, as the people of San Francisco only
wished to "skin alive" everybody they could get hold of. The poor
sufferers could hardly be made to believe that we had prepared
really comfortable eating and sleeping quarters for them to use
"without money and without price."
It is difficult to believe that any sane person would credit such
a statement as the above. The gratitude of Sacramentans for the
large benevolence practiced towards them by the good people of
San Francisco cannot be affected by the malice of the few who,
in the midst of all our calamities, see fit to slander and annoy
us. The article in the Call seems to prophesy "a worse
infliction" for us than has ever before visited our "ill-fated
city" with a relish which does not exactly accord with its
professions of sympathy.
THE ST. GEORGE.--We have received a note from Assemblyman Fay
in which he requests us to "correct any false impression which
your [our] paragraph of Friday, [relating to the St. George
Hotel,] would seem to indicate. After a careful reading of
Mr. Fay's note and the paragraph in question, we do not find
that there is any false impression to correct, or any other
wrong to be righted, unless indeed the Assemblyman proposes
to raise an issue of veracity or something of that sort, with
the hotel proprietor. Mr. Fay reports his conversation with
J. R. Hardenbergh, one of the proprietors of the St. George,
as follows:
Oa Saturday morning, the 11th, at about 9 o'clock, I addressed
him as follows: "I wish to go up to the Capitol; can you give
me some breakfast?" he replied, "I cannot, I must feed the women
and the children first." "Can you give me a cup of coffee and
some bread?" He replied, "I will try," and went to his temporary
kitchen for the purpose, but soon returned and said "can't do it
now but can by-and-by; my stove is so small I can't do much cooking,
and the whole town are coming here to be fed; I can't feed them,
'tis more than I can do to get bread for the women and children,
the bakers are all flooded out, I hope you will adjourn the
Legislature for a week and give us a chance to try and make you
comfortable, I can't feed my guests decently now." I went to the
Capitol and remained there all day, and in the course of debate,
late in the afternoon remarked that I had not had my breakfast,
and my landlord had said he could not give me one.
THE WATER IN STOCKTON.--The Independent says that the present
flood in Stockton is twenty-two inches higher than was the great
flood of 1852.
FURTHER OF THE FLOOD.
We annex the following details from our exchanges of yesterday:
EL DORADO.--The Mountain Democrat of Jan. 18th, gives a vivid picture
of the late storm in the mountains. It says:
Fearfully raged the storm in the mountains last week--more violent,
more dangerous, more destructive than ever before experienced.
The hills trembled from summit to base. Large trees and immense
bowlders, for ages secure in their mountain retreat, were rooted
up and swept off with tremendous velocity, sweeping in their
resistless course everything before them. J. H. Goss, Superintendent
of the road, gives us a fearful picture of its ravages. The first
land-slide occurred at Dick's Station on Saturday morning about
seven o'clock. A large body of water had gathered on the top of
the hill above his house and formed a lake. Under the immense
pressure the ground sunk and suddenly displaced several large
bowlders, which opened a gap for the water to escape. The opening
widened and the water increasing in volume and gathering strength
in its course, rushed with fearful rapidity down the mountain,
sweeping away a butcher shop, stable and twelve horses. The noise
resembled thunder and the mountains shook, Goss informs us, as if
disturbed by an earthquake. The crashing of large trees, and the
breaking and crushing of rocks, the opening of large gaps in the
mountains and the leveling of large hills, almost instantaneously,
was frightfully appalling to those who witnessed the grand spectacle.
Steep, rugged and apparently solid and enduring hills, disappeared as
if by enchantment. The largest and most dangerous slide was at
Dick's. Three slides occurred between Webster's and Leon's, and
several above; and a very heavy one about a mile this side of
Strawberry. About half a mile this side of the Thirty-five Mile House
a large hill slid from its base, filling the road for a hundred and
fifty yards with trees, rocks and brush, and tearing part of it
away. On the thirty-five mile hill the slide came down with fearful
violence, and the noise echoed through the mountains for miles.
Trees of immense size, and roots weighing a ton, ware carried away
and crushed in a moment. The slide at Leon's occurred about nine
o'clock, Saturday morning. Anticipating the disaster, he had removed
his family to a secure place. Suddenly, a low, rumbling noise was
heard, which quickly swelled and roared, and down rushed the water,
trees and bowlders, sweeping away everything in their path. The lower
story of Leon's house, his bar room and kitchen, with kitchen
furniture and provisions, were carried off. The floor of the house
caved in. Rocks weighing a hundred pounds and upwards passed through
the house, shattering everything with which they came in contact.
Three feet of mud and stones lodged and settled in the house. His
loss is estimated at $1,500; it may probably exceed that amount. It
was supposed that the house of Todd & Barron, built near the river,
at the foot of a large canon, between two high hills, out of which
the water was gushing in innumerable places, was in the greatest
danger, but it escaped uninjured. The ravines, canons, creeks and
river were full of water in the immediate vicinity of their house.
At Dr. Morse's upper station, at the junction of the county and
Ogilby's roads, a tremendous slide occurred, threatening the
destruction of his house and family. Not anticipating anything of
the kind, he had neglected to remove his family. Above his house
he had collected for building purposes a number of heavy legs, some
of them embedded in the ground and resting against large bowlders.
These fortunately arrested and broke the force of the slide, and
turned it in different directions. Goss says it was split in two
and flattened out, and the heaviest portion passed round the house,
while a little of it washed against it, but without damaging it.
With feelings of horror, dread and despair, Dr. Morse and family
watched its approach, expecting every moment to be buried beneath
it. When the logs arrested and resisted and scattered it, with
emotions of joy and gratitude they fervently thanked Him "who
doeth all things well," for their deliverance from a fearful danger.
It will take weeks before the road can be placed in good traveling
condition. It is covered with trees, filled with large rocks from
the slides, and washed into deep gulleys at many places. Six bridges
between the Thirty-five Mile House and Brockliss' bridge, have been
swept off. The wall on the road, this side of Brockliss' bridge,
built to keep the road from caving and washing, gave way, a distance
of one hundred and fifty feet. It will soon be repaired. Men are at
work on it, and others will be employed as soon as the weather settles
On the new road recently built by Bartram, the wall also gave way, and
the break is about seventy feet long. It can be fixed without much
trouble or expense, and will be in a few days. Henry's road,
immediately below Todd & Barron's, was entirely swept away. Goss is
authorized to commence working the road at the earliest possible moment.
He estimates the cost of repairing it at $4,000, provided no more slides
injure it.
The Coloma Times of January 13th adds:
Coloma has suffered quite severely from the recent flood, the water
having been some eight feet higher than ever before known at that point.
The fine bridge, owned by Pearis & Fowler, was entirely taken away,
together with the toll house. Some idea can be formed, by those who
have visited the place, of the hight of the water--it ran over the top
of the bridge at each end. The proprietors of the Coloma Brewery are
large losers by the almost total destruction of the cellar and brewery.
Wintermantle Brothers are also considerable losers, though their fine
new cellar withstood the test and kept the water out. Weller's barn
was taken away, also a great many outbuildings along the stream, more
than we can enumerate. J. C. Brown's fine garden and house, in the lower
part of the town, is almost a total wreck --the garden entirely destroyed
and the house turned into the street. In the Chinese portion of the town
considerable damage was done, and a goodly number of buildings carried
away. At the lower end of the bar, E. DeLory suffered severely.
As near as we can learn, some three miles of the Coloma canal, on the
north side of the South Fork of the American was swept away by the flood.
The loss by the first flood was estimated at four thousand dollars,
the last must be quite double that amount. All the ditches in the
vicinity of Coloma have been greatly damaged, and will not be able
to run any water for a long time to come. It will make hard times for
the miners--provisions high and no water to work with.
The Mountain Democrat has the subjoined:
In our county we learn that the storm destroyed a large amount of
property--bridges, canals, ditches, houses, saw mills, fences, orchards
and gardens. The roads are almost impasssble, filled with mud, washed
into deep gulleys and obstructed by heavy trees and rocks. In many
places it is impossible to ford small streams, so swift and strong
and deep is the water. A gentleman from Garden Valley informs us
that a number of cattle have perished, in that part of the county,
from exposure to the cold rains and scarcity of feed. The owners of
bridges, ditches and orchards have suffered the severest, though few
persons have escaped without some loss. Business of all kinds is
almost suspended, provisions are becoming scarce and advancing in
price. Times are indeed gloomy, it is still raining, with no prospect
of "clearing off."
SOUTHERN CALAVERAS.--The Stockton Independent of Jan 17th says:
The losses in mining property are very heavy in Southern Calaveras.
Don Gabriel's quartz mill, located at Carson's, was washed away. The
loss is estimated $2,000. Captain Hanford's quartz mill, located on
Angel's creek, valued at $15,000, was in danger of being swept away,
and was only saved by securing the frame work to rocks and trees by
means of heavy cables. All the bridges between Angel's and Mokelumne
Hill, excepting that at Forman's, have been destroyed. At Abbey's
Ferry not a vestige of house or tenement has been left. Provisions are
becoming quite scarce and high priced at Angel's and in other
neighboring towns. They have been without beef at Vallecito for more
than a week, and the supply has also failed at Angel's. Fifty beef
cattle were started for that neighborhood from this valley some days
ago, but owing to the flooded plains and high stage of water in all
the rivers, thirty of the lot were lost, and at last accounts the
remainder had not reached Vallecito. Flour is worth $20 per barrel
at Angel's; potatoes eight cents per pound; there is no sugar or coffee
at Copperopolis, though both are abundant at the towns to the east of
Bear mountains. Hundreds of small farms, orchards, gardens, vineyards,
and comfortable little mountain homes, says our informant, have been
completely washed away or ruined.
SAN JOAQUIN.--The Argus of January 17th has the following:
A party yesterday coming along the Sacramento telegraph road passed
the house of J. Brock, about twelve miles from this city, and found
him and his family, consisting of five men, three women and five
children, in his house, surrounded with four and a half feet of
water and no boat to escape. Brock had sixty fat hogs in a pen that
he had bargained to sell. All of them were drowned excepting thirteen.
Several of his horses saved themselves on high ground, where they
became so starved that they ate each others tails, eating the hair
off as smooth as with a razor. He had lost all his calves and several
milch cows. A neighbor of Brock had his house knocked in by the waves,
which washed away his furniture and two trunks, one containing $175
in cash.
Woodbridge stands in thirteen inches water. All the wells had caved
in, except that of the Union Hotel. Several families in the vicinity
had been driven from their homes, as the water covered their floors.
Nearly all the granaries in that district have lost large quantities
of wheat, becoming wet by the flood. The Mokelumne river broke over
its banks on this side, three miles above Woodbridge.
SISKIYOU.--The Yreka Journal says:
All along the Klamath immense slides have occurred, the banks being
very steep between Scott Bar and Orleans Bar. The mails have to be
carried by footmen, and it is hardly passable for them. During the rains
the sides of the mountains were crawling--bowlders, trees and immense
bodies of earth moving, rendering the travel exceedingly dangerous.
The citizens of Orleans Bar and Happy Camp have very limited benefit
from mail or express business at present. Great expectations are
anticipated concerning new diggings, as immense slides have opened
places where the ground has every appearance of being rich. That
country will no doubt be full of Chinamen next Summer; washing over
these new places with their rockers.
It is confidently asserted by
several persons on the Klamath that the water at the mouth of Salmon,
on the Klamath, was forty-two feet above the wire bridge, and the
wire bridge being ninety feet high, makes it "one hundred and
thirty-two feet" perpendicular. The river is narrow at this point,
and the measurement was taken on trees above the bridge.
NEVADA.--The Nevada Democrat of Jan. 16th has the annexed:
The damage to the ditches in this county, by the storms of last week,
will probably reach several hundred thousand dollars; and for some
time at least there will be a serious interruption of the supply of
water. The damage was principally occasioned by slides of earth upon
the steep hill sides, and the breaking away of dams. The South Yuba
Canal was broken in seventeen places, and several hundred feet of the
flume, at the head of the ditch, was carried away, for the second time
this season. Gardner's ditch, in Little York township, was also broken
in many places by slides, and the dam at the head of the ditch, which
was destroyed by the December flood; and had just been rebuilt, was
again swept off. Numerous slides have occurred in every part of the
county, in some places carrying down trees three and four feet in
diameter.
SAN FRANCISCO.--The Herald of January 18th says:
The damage by the storm, already, has been very considerable in this
city. Yesterday morning a brick wall, or bulkhead, facing a pretty
residence on Dupont street, opposite the Cathedral, tumbled into
the street with a grand crash. A considerable portion of the garden
is destroyed, and the earth has caved from under the house to some
extent. A similar wall in front of the house on the corner of Dupont
and California streets, formerly occupied by Frank Austin, threatened
to fall, but was propped up with timbers. Another wall, of the same
character, on the south side of Powell street, north from Pacific, is
in ruins, and the safety of the house is endangered. The large frame
building formerly owned and occupied by J. F. Atwill, which stands on
an elevation of fifteen feet, at the corner of Powell and Clay streets,
is in what a Yankee would call "a ticklish, situation." The wooden
bulkhead under the house, or a considerable portion of it, has
"clean gin out." The stairway leading to the front entrance is in
ruins; but, fortunately, the inmates have means of egress at the rear
of the premises. Should the storm continue through the night there is
every reason to believe that the building will come down. A pretty
cottage on Clay street, above Atwill's, is, we are told, in danger
of falling. The steep grade of Clay street, from Stockton to Powell,
has suffered severely; but the sewer appears all right. Second street
hill is in a bad situation. It will cost a large sum to repair
damages. A brick garden wall, two feet thick, on Harrison street,
corner of Second, fell yesterday. It cost ,$1,500. Halleck's brick
wall on Folsom street gave way several days ago, and the embankment
is gradually washing out into the street. It was feared that the new
sewer on Bush street had caved in near the Metropolitan Hotel; but the
alarm proved unfounded. The sewer was all right last night, and there
is probably no cause for uneasiness. In the business part of the city
the sewer gratings have been removed, and the streets are in better
condition for pedestrians than they were a few days ago. The Presidio
road is among the things that were, travel by the usual route in that
direction having been altogether suspended.
FLOOD IN PLACER AND LOSS OF LIFE.--We gather the following from the
Placer Herald of January 18th:
The continued rains so filled the earth at Deadwood, that a heavy slide
occurred there in a mining claim, on Sunday night, the 12th instant,
by which Chas. A. Fryer and Wm. Taylor were both killed.
By the great freshet of the American river last week, several persons
on Boston Bar were placed in a perilous condition by being surrounded
by the torrent of water. The information being conveyed to Michigan
Bluffs on the 11th, a large number of the citizens of that place went
to the rescue. A boat was constructed and manned by Captain Giles
A. Buel (an old sea captain), Morris Flood and Samuel Jones, all
citizens of the Bluff. The boat was swamped in a few moments, and
the generous brave-hearted swept away from the sight of their friends
who stood upon the shore, but were unable to render them any assistance.
The bodies have not yet been recovered, and in the hope that they may
yet be found and recognized, we give the following description.
Captain Buel was about forty-five years of age, five feet nine inches
in hight, thick set, and would weigh about one hundred and ninety
pounds; wore a heavy pea jacket, dark pants, and heavy mining boots.
Morris Flood was twenty-five years of age, five feet ten inches in
hight, dark hair and dark complexion; wore canvas pants and blue shirt.
Samuel Jones was about thirty years of age, five feet eight inches in
hight, and of light complexion. If the bodies of the unfortunate men
should be found, it would be a mournful satisfaction to their friends
at Michigan Bluff to receive the information. Captain Buel leaves a
wife and several children residing at the Bluff. Flood and Jones were
unmarried men. The people of Boston Bar--numbering ten persons, men,
women and children--were rescued on Sunday by Geo. Langdon and several
other fearless, brave men, who succeeded in taking a boat to them from
the El Dorado side. Roach; at first reported as drowned, was among the
saved.
RAVAGES OF THE FLOOD IN UMPQUA VALLEY. From a private letter received
by a gentleman in San Francisco, written by his brother at Roseburg,
Douglas county, Oregon, and bearing date December 15th, the Bulletin
extracts the following:
We have had very high water this Winter. The South Umpqua was about
three feet higher than it was in 1852, and the main river, below the
forks, about fifteen feet higher. Cole's Valley, on the Umpqua, was
fifteen feet under water. There is not a farm on North, South or Main
Umpqua but what has had nearly all its fencing swept off by the flood.
Every bridge in Douglas and Umpqua counties has been carried away.
Scottsburg is almost blotted out of existence. Some $3,000 worth of
goods, belonging to the Roseburg merchants, were lost.
The destruction of grain and live stock has been terrible. The
Winchester mill, which belonged to Markham, was taken away with a
large amount of flour and grain, and one hundred and fifty head of
fat hogs. The large new bridge at Winchester was carried off, and so
also were the two new bridges across the South Umpqua near Canonville.
The water was up to the second story of the mill at Roseburg, and
destroyed a large amount of wheat, mostly belonging to farmers, but
1,100 bushels of it belonged to Abrahams & Co. They also lost 3,000
bushels of oats which they had stored in their barn.
You can form some idea of the extent of this most disastrous flood
when I tell you that the largest sized trees drifted across the bottom
from the mouth of Happy Valley to the Sacramento and Portland stage
road--a distance of half a mile of high land.
THE FLOODS IN NEVADA TERRITORY.--A dispatch, dated at Carson City,
January 15th, says:
There has been an awful time here. The flood has carried away several
buildings at Empire City, and seven or eight persons were drowned.
Last night wagons were sent from here to bring away the women and
children. All of the mills up the river are reported gone, or more
or less damaged. All communication by stage with Virginia City or
the lower country is cut off. The overland stages were stopped below
Chinatown, being unable to proceed for the water. All the bridges
have been swept away. The streets in this city were impassable for
teams for two days. Chinatown was flooded and eight or ten buildings
carried off. One woman and several children were lost. Smith & Day's
saw mill is completely demolished.
CHINATOWN, N. T., January 15th.--The entire valley below this place
has been overflowed, the water being higher than ever before known.
The Overland Mail road, from Honey Lake Smith's to Sand Springs is
under water. The snow is now six inches deep and still falling. It
looks as though it would soon turn to rain. . . .
Citizens' Meeting.--Citizens of Sacramento, property holders,
and all who take an interest in the future of our city, are requested
to meet at seven o'clock, on MONDAY EVENING, January 20th, in the
Reading room of the Orleans Hotel, for the purpose of considering
what system of government shall be adopted for the city, and what
means shall be used for her permanent protection from flood. Let
there be a large and prompt attendance of Sacramentans.
CITIZENS AND PROPERTY HOLDERS.
Sacramento, Jan. 18, 1862. ja20-1t . . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
A HIGH FLOOD.--During Friday afternoon our citizens made active
preparations for a heavy flood, by raising merchandise of various
kinds from the floors of their stores to scaffolding and shelving
above high water mark; many of them worked nearly all night to
accompish their object. Those who had nothing to save in this
manner were busily engaged building boats for utility and pleasure
when the flood should arrive. Those who had employed the afternoon
and night in this manner awoke in the morning, and, with mingled
feelings of disappointment and disgust, found J and K streets as
high and dry as on the evening before. The water on the southern
side of K street did not appear to have risen more than two or
three inches through the night. On the north of J and east of
Seventh streets it had risen some ten or twelve inches. During
Saturday forenoon the water advanced slowly. By the middle of the
afternoon it had covered the most of K street; some five or six
inches, and by six or seven o'clock in the evening K and J streets
wore from six to twelve inches under water. Efforts to navigate those
streets with boats met with limited success. The light draft boats
got along by the boatmen getting out occasionally and pushing over
the shoal places, while the heavy drafts succeeded by the boatmen
getting in occasionally and riding over the deep places. At sunrise
yesterday morning the water had again receded from the streets
referred to, and last evening the fall in the city had been about
fifteen inches. The flood was generally looked upon as a failure.
It was supposed, from the amount of rain which had fallen, and from
telegraphic dispatches from various points in the mountains, that
the water would rise to the hight of January 10th, but it failed
to reach it by about three feet. . . .
NEW MAIL ROUTE.--Mr. Bomer, a resident of Ione City, in Amador county,
arrived in this city yesterday, having left that place on Thursday,
bringing with him numerous letters to persons in Sacramento. He traveled
from Ione City to Folsom on foot, being compelled to swim four or five
swollen streams, and in one instance secured a table, with which he
attempted to cross one of the largest creeks on the route. The table
floated him back to the place of his departure, when, Leander like,
he swam to the opposite shore. At Folsom he took the cars to Patterson's,
and thence reached this city by steamer. The people in the vicinity of
Ione have become so anxious to hear from this city and valley that they
have prompted the establishment of this primitive mail route, until
others of a more permanent character can be established. Bomer will
leave this morning for Ione, with letters and papers, by the same
route and means of conveyance by which he came.
RAIN COMPARISON.--Dr. Logan received a letter a few days since from
W. A. Begoli, of Red Dog, Nevada county, giving a statement of the
amount of rain which fell at that point from December 26. 1861, to
January 12, 1862, inclusive. The writer states that he has kept a
rain gauge since the first named date, with the following result:
For the week ending December 30th, 7.50 inches; period ending
January 9th, 6.65 inches; January 10th, 5.82 inches; January 11th, 5.50;
January 12th 0.50 inches. Total for the period named, 25.97.
A portion of the above fell in the form of snow, but was melted
and measured to ascertain the quantity in the shape of rain.
The amount which fell in this city within the same period, from
December 26, 1861, to January 12, 1862, was 10.376 inches. It
will thus be seen that, although our rains have been almost
incessant, we have had but about two fifths of the quantity
which fell at the locality referred to.
TO PLACERVILLE AND COLOMA.-- A sign board marked "twenty miles to
Placerville and twenty-eight miles to Coloma" was found floating in
this city yesterday. As both of these towns are about forty miles
from Sacramento, and as the sign board has evidently been placed
on some one of the cross roads in the foot hills, our readers can
form their own estimate of the distance traveled by the floating
index. Those who lost it can doubtless obtain it again by proving
property, as its utility in this locality would be very like that
of some dozen sign boards on J and K streets, put up about a month
ago, which read, "Good Road and New Bridge at the Fort." Dozens
of broken down wagons and no bridge at all attest the truthfulness
of the notice.
POLICE COURT.--In the Police Court on Saturday the following business
was disposed of by Judge Gilmer: In the case of James Parker, charged
with the larceny of a boat belonging to W R Rose, the charge was
dismissed, there being no evidence which indicated larceny. . . .
THE WATER.--For several days past, the Sacramento river has stood at
about twenty-two feet above low water mark. During yesterday it fell
about four inches, standing at present at 21 feet 8 inches. The
American river, which had on account of the late rains risen rapidly
on Friday and Saturday, had at noon yesterday receded about five feet.
The water within the levees, which had in an abortive effort to flood
the city, risen some two feet during Friday night and Saturday, had
last evening receded about fifteen inches.
MORE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.--The water on the tule lands on either
side of the river was represented to be exceedingly rough yesterday
afternoon. The white capped billows are said to have resembled, in
many places, those of the ocean, and it is thought that many houses
and buildings upon ranches, which have heretofore stood firmly must
have given way under their destructive force. Cattle which were
partially submerged would generally, of course, be destroyed. The
gale which prevailed through the afternoon continued throughout the
evening,
THE LEVEE ABOVE R STREET.--Some of the residents near Front and R
streets were engaged on Saturday in repairing the levee at that
point, which had commenced to wear away a day or two before. They
cut down some six or seven of the cottonwood trees along the bank,
and cutting off the limbs and branches, adjusted them in the weak
places so as to check the eddies from doing any further injury.
The remedy yesterday afternoon appeared to have worked well.
A TRIP THROUGH YOLO.--The steamer Henrietta started from the levee
yesterday morning for an excursion to the ranch of Jerome C Davis.
She was chartered for the purpose of bringing beef, etc , to the city.
She started down the river, and designed to run into the first opening
that looked like a slough which presented itself, and thence go
overland to the ranch. She had not returned at dusk last evening.
DROWNED.--A deck hand on board the steamer Visalia, Captain Zimmerman,
was carried overboard yesterday afternoon and drowned. The deceased was
a Mexican by birth, and was known by the name of Manuel. The accident
occurred at about three o'clock P. M., opposite Brite's ranch, three
miles above the city. A boat was at once lowered to his assistance,
but did not reach him in time to save his life.
BEEF FOR THE MOUNTAINS.--The steamer Visalia, yesterday, took about
one hundred and sixty head of beef cattle from Knight's Landing to
Eliza, in Yuba county. They are destined for the mountains.
RELIEF BOATS.--Several relief boats have arrived in the city from
San Francisco within the past few days, and have been employed by
the Howard Benevolent Society. . . .
HANDSOME DONATION TO THE HOWARD BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.--Mr. Simmons,
from Mare Island, brought to the officers of the Howard Benevolent
Society yesterday four hundred and seventy five dollars, contributed
by the attaches of the navy yard and other Government works at that
point. Mr. Simmons spent the day at the Pavilion inspecting the practical
workings of the Society, and informing himself of the character and
extent of the present demand upon its charities, and will probably be
able to assure the donors of the money that the necessity for a general
and active effort in behalf of the sufferers really exists.
STILL BUSY.--The Howard Benevolent Society and the efficient corps
of boatmen employed by it are constantly busy in removing from danger
to security those who are compelled to abandon their homes and seek
safety and protection in new localities, and also in taking provisions
far and near to those who still have homes, but are without the means
of living.
AID FROM DUTCH FLAT.--The Howard Benevolent Society received a few days
since from the citizens of Dutch Flat, Placer county, the sum of $736.50;
and also from Clay Lodge, F. and A. M., of the same place, the sum of $100.
These donations are accompanied with assurances of sympathy and of further aid.
CITIZENS' MEETING.--A meeting of citizens has been called, to take place
this evening at seven o'clock, at the reading room of the Orleans Hotel,
for the purpose of considering what system of government shall be adopted
for the city, and what means shall be adopted for permanent protection
from the flood.
LIMITED FACILITIES.--The Howard Benevolent Society will be compelled
for the present to abandon all attempt at saving stock, and devote all
effort to the preservation and aid of those of the human family who
need assistance, as they have not the facilities or money to do both.
KNIGHT'S LANDING.--When the steamer Visalia came past Knight's Landing
yesterday afternoon, there were about four acres of the town out of
water. The citizens had kept the water at bay by throwing up a levee
of from three to four feet in hight.
REPAIR THE SIDEWALKS.--The Committee of Safety had, yesterday, some six
street crossings laid down at various points on J street. There are many
sidewalks on J street between Second and Seventh which ought by all means
to be repaired to-day.
BODY AFLOAT.--A dead body was seen in the water a day or two ago in Yolo
county, by men in the employ of Jerome C. Davis, while rowing a boat
between the ranch and this city. It was dressed in an India rubber
coat. . . .
FLATBOAT.--A large flatboat is being built on the levee, near the foot
of N street. It is designed to transport stock in Yolo county, and will
carry about thirty head.
AFTER CATTLE.--E. M. Skaggs chartered a steamer yesterday to bring off
some two hundred head of cattle at a ranch eleven miles below the city,
on the Yolo side of the river. . . .
MORE RAIN.--A heavy rain prevailed during yesterday afternoon, and
continued throughout the evening . . .
FLOOD AND SUFFERING NORTH.--We extract the following from the Corvallis
(Oregon) Union of December 9th:
Abel George, whose family lived upon an island about four miles above
this town, lost his four children by the upsetting of a skiff while
attempting to get to a place of safety. This was a lamentable and
heartrending occurrence, as the father and mother were placed in
such situations as obliged them to witness the struggles for life
of their dear little ones, without being able to render them any
assistance. On Monday morning George started for a place of safety
with his family in a skiff; while attempting to land near the place
of Holtenstall, south of this city, the boat was carried into a
boiling eddy opposite a high bluff, and siding to the current,
immediately filled and upset, precipitating the father, mother and
four children into the boiling torrent. The little boy,
Abel B. George, was lying in the bottom of the boat, wrapped in
some clothes hastily thrown in, when the boat was swamped, and
was immediately carried down with it and seen no more. His less
fortunate sisters and parents caught the brambles of an overhanging
alder tree, which were the means of saving the parents, but all
the children were lost. The little babe, Sarah E., perished in
the mother's arms. While the mother was clinging to a frail brittle
alder limb, now with her head out of water, and then again submerged
in the boiling torrent that came over her, still she clung to the
babe as to her own life. George, by some means, reached his wife,
and working her up farther on the alder limb, tied her wrist to it
with a belt he had round him. In this condition she remained, in
deep water, sometimes under it, and sometimes over it, for nearly
three-quarters of an hour, when she was taken out by J. C. Alexander
and Green B. Smith, the babe, meanwhile, having perished in her arms.
But the most heartrending part of the tragedy was occasioned by the
position of the two little girls, Mary Jane, aged upwards of twelve
years, and Anne E. aged ten. They caught on the limbs of alders some
distance further down the current than the mother, and in a more
inaccessible position, and clinging for life to their frail support
for nearly half an hour, their unfortunate parents were obliged to
listen to the heart-rending cries of their dear little ones for help
to save them, without being able to render a particle of assistance.
"God grant," says our informant--who is himself the father of a
family--"that I may live long and never look upon such a picture
again. " George (the father), could not creep out on the frail limb
by which they held without breaking it, and thus breaking off all
hope of saving their lives. He could not reach them by water, for
its force was too terrific, and would certainly sweep him past them.
His only hope was in their being able to hold out until assistance
came, but alas! before it came, they were chilled, let go their
holds, and were swallowed up in the remorseless flood.
SAN FRANCISCO NEWS.--The steamer Nevada left San Francisco yesterday
morning and arrived here at about eight o'clock last evening. We were
furnished with a copy of yesterday's Alta, in which we find the
following news items:
The recent heavy rains have formed a lake of considerable size in a
basin high up in the Mission mountains, northeast of the Mission
Dolores, and about midway between the same and the Protestant Orphan
Asylum. So great was the pressure of the accumulated waters early
Saturday morning, that the residents in the vicinity procured a gang
of twenty laborers and proceeded to strengthen the weak parts to
prevent a crevasse and overflow. The danger threatened the elegant
grounds and residence of Pioche, formerly occupied by the late Mr. Hart,
as well as the residence of Haight, and some six or seven others. Work
was kept up without intermission all day; and although the waters had
subsided since, watch was maintained all night. The lake is nearly a
mile long by over a quarter of a mile wide; but being located amidst
the sandhills, it is expected it will subside in a few days.
Among the donations to the Flood Relief Fund, the Alta mentions
one of one hundred and twenty dollars from two employes of the Mission
Woolen Mills.
The Bay city is crowded with strangers. The Alta says:
It is almost impossible at times to walk along Montgomery street with
any comfort, and at the crossings each person must be smart to fall
into line without delay. The general flood throughout the State is,
of course, the cause of this great accession to our population.
Sacramento is more largely represented than any other county, but we
recognize many from every locality, not excepting the most remote
sections of the State.
Yesterday, collections for the relief of sufferers by the flood were
to be taken up in all the churches of the city,
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3374, 21 January 1862 , p. 1
. . . .
GENERAL VALLEJO ON A GREAT FLOOD OF FORMER TIMES.--The Evangel of San Francisco remarks:
An eminent Judge of one of our Courts said to us a few days since, that
when the question of locating the State Capital at Sacramento was under
consideration, General Vallejo testified that he had been in a boat over
the entire country between Benicia and Sacramento, but that his testimony
was regarded as incredible at the time. If this testimony is to be
relied on as it seems now it should be, it would greatly modify the
prevailing theory with many that the present high floods are caused
by the filling in of the river beds from the processes of mining.
The flood on whose waters the General passed from Benicia to
Sacramento must have been about equal to the present, and it
occurred before the mines were opened or the river beds at all
disturbed.
NOT ADJOURNED.--It was reported that the Legislature had adjourned
from Sacramento to San Francisco. We are happy to state it has done
nothing of the kind, nor is there a probability of its leaving
Sacramento. Some of the members, forgetful of the interests of the
State were dissatisfied and grumbled and introduced and voted for
a resolution to adjourn to San Francisco. The resolution passed
the Senate, but was defeated in the House. True, the members are
subjected to inconvenience and may be deprived of comfortable quarters,
but this is certainly not sufficient to justify them in squandering
the money of the State by adjourning to San Francisco. When it shall
have been demonstrated that they cannot transact business at
Sacramento, it will be time enough to discuss the propriety of
adjourning to some other place. It is ungenerous to take advantage
of Sacramento in her present unfortunate condition and shows a
lack of fairness and magnanimity on the part of those who are so
eager to depress her by moving the Legislature. We are gratified to
state the delegation from this county, reflecting the unmistakable
and almost unanimous sentiments of their constituents, strenuously
opposed the resolution to adjourn to San Francisco.--Mountain
Democrat.
NOT THE RIGHT SPIRIT.--In looking over the debate in the Senate on
Monday last on the resolution introduced by Van Dyke of Humboldt for
an adjournment for one week of the Legislature, we must confess we
were somewhat surprised at the position taken by several of the
Senators towards Sacramento. The idea seems to have prevailed that
Sacramento was wholly at fault for bringing the late disastrous
floods upon the entire State, and that therefore she should suffer
for it. It seems remarkable that Senators should have so far forgotten
the agency of the dire calamity as to rise in their seats and taunt
Sacramento and her people for their misfortune. As well might Senators
make war upon the Ruler of the Universe for the direful results of
the late storms, as to taunt and censure Sacramento. So far as
Governor Stanford is concerned, we believe it is contrary to his wishes
to have his name thus connected with the debate in question, for we
have every assurance that his very best feelings are enlisted in
behalf of his fellow-citizens or Sacramento, Senators should bear
in mind there is a step which may lead them beyond the limits of
Senatorial dignity, and bitter taunts upon a suffering people is not
very far from it--San Francisco Spirit of the Times.
SNOW IN NEVADA.--Snow fell in the streets of Nevada, January 15th,
about noon, and continued during the remainder of the day,
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The United States steam revenue cutter Shubrick, Captain Pease,
arrived at the levee yesterday, to render such aid as she might
to the sufferers by the flood in the surrounding region. She had
steamed about among the sloughs below the city, and brought with
her thirty-four passengers, picked up at different ranches. She
will remain here at the service of the Howard Association if she
can accomplish any good; otherwise, she will leave for the Bay
again to-day.
Yesterday afternoon and evening the water in the city received some
accession from above, as will be seen by the account in our local column. . . .
THE FRESHETS.--It is maintained by intelligent residents of our own
State that the injury which has resulted to property, both in the
mining and agricultural sections, will be more than counterbalanced
by the increased fertility of the soil, owing to the alluvial
deposits and the removal of the washings and tailings in the mines.
Farmers will enhance the value of their possessions by erecting more
permanent buildings on elevated locations, and more durable fences,
levees, or dykes. All persons engaged in the severrl [sic] industrial
occupations will hereafter act as though they are not to remain here
for a few years, make money and leave, but become permanent occupiers
of the country, and deport themselves accordingly. Where owners of
ranches are so situated that they cannot find an elevated spot on
which to erect or remove their buildings, they will be under the
necessity of erecting high grades, mounds or plateaus, on which they,
their families, little ones, and stock can remain in safety and bid
defiance to the watery element. People in cities which are likely
to be overflowed, must protect themselves, of course, by high grades
or levees, and common sense will teach that these must be of the most
durable character. If people will only look at our late disasters as
the orderings of a beneficent Providence, a lesson may be learned
that will result in our lasting prosperity. . . .
TREMENDOUS RAIN-FALL.--The Stockton Independent says that a rain
gauge, carefully kept ond [sic] registered by Dr. Snell of Sonora,
Tuolumne county, shows that from the 11th of November, 1861, to the
14th of January, 1862, seventy-two inches of water fell at that place.
This is sufficient explanation to the world of the cause of our
unprecedented deluge. . . .
DROWNED.--On Friday, January 17th, Michael Donovan, while attempting
to ford Islais creek, on the old San Jose road, on horseback, was
swept off his horse and drowned. . . .
YUBA RIVER.--The Yuba river rose, on Saturday night, January 18th,
about five inches. On Sunday it went up slowly, the rise being barely
perceptible at night. . . .
SEASONS AND SESSIONS.
On more than one occasion in the past we have presented arguments to
show that the Winter in California was an inappropriate time for the
holding of the sessions of the Legislature. Those arguments have been
greatly strengthened by the events of the present Winter. All will
now agree that this Winter has proved a very inauspicious one for
the meeting of the Legislature. We have contended in articles
heretofore published, that our Constitution should be so amended as
to change the time of the election, and the day upon which the
Legislature should convene. Of all the seasons the Winter is least
adapted to the purposes of legislation. Members should be able to
communicate daily with their constituents; this in an ordinary
season is impractible, and in an extraordinary one like the present,
it becomes impossible. To three-fourths of the State, there is now
no means of carrying letters and papers, except by expressmen who
walk and carry the mail on their back. Many localities cannot even
be reached by men on foot. Under such circumstances, for members
to communicate with their conitituents [sic] becomes practically
impossible. They are as completely separated, at the present time,
and will be for weeks to come, as if they were residents of different
sides of the continent. Were the sessions held in the Spring or
Fall, no such condition of things could exist. The roads would
be good; the mails, express and passengers in those seasons are
transported from the Capital to the most remote part of the State,
with regularity and rapidity. With their constituents in
three-fourths of the State, members of the Legislature could
communicate within twenty-four hours, were the sessions held
either in the Spring or Fall. Intercourse with the interior is
not alone difficult from Sacramento. It is equally as from other
cities, and in this particular San Francisco possesses no
advantages over inland cities. Every point in the State which
can be reached from the port of San Francisco, can also be
reached from Sacramento. The former city is dependent for her
intercourse with the mountain counties upon the expresses and
the mails which leave the interior cities, and upon the telegraph.
The latter institution is in a very dilapidated condition just
now, as the poles in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, as
well as in many others, are prostrated by the water. Therefore,
were members in San Francisco, their means for communicating with
those they represent would not be improved.
Another reason why the sessions of the Legislature ought not to be
held in the Winter is, that in ordinary years it is the most active
business season among the farmers of the State. It is the season
for plowing and planting. During the Winter the grain crop is put
in the ground, and hence it is the time when men engaged in
agriculture desire to be at home. Indeed, Winter is not the time
of year for the meeting of the Legislature. It is the season of
cold, rainy, foggy, disagreeable days and nights, and in every
respect it is, in California, a very inappropriate time for holding
annual sessions. Whenever the opportunity is offered we shall, as
heretofore, advocate an amendment of the Constitution, changing
the month for the convening of the Legislature.
And, in view of all the circumstances by which the Capital and the
people of the State are surrounded, the question of an adjournment
until next May is one which may fairly challenge consideration at
the hands of the Legislature. It could meet then under more
favorable auspices, and transact the business of the people in a
couple of months. An adjournment to May, if one is to be voted at
all, would prove far more acceptable and satisfactory to the people
than an adjournment to some other place than the Capital for the
purpose of holding the session. There are, however, sundry
legislative Acts which should be consummated before any questions
of adjournment can be consistently considered. Among those Acts
is one making provision for the State to assume the national
tax, as the ravages of floods have left the people in a condition
which will render it extremely inconvenient for them to pay taxes
for any purpose. In an ordinary year such a tax could be paid,
and the people would not feel it in the least burdensome.
CITY GOVERNMENT.--It is gratifying to see that the substantial men
of the city are moving in earnest upon the subject of the
reorganization of our city government. A pretty radical change is
demanded, and we hope the Committee will make thorough work of the
business. The members composing it should also bear in mind that
prompt action is demanded by the exigencies of the city. There
should be a clear and positive divorce of city and county, and
that at the earliest possible moment. The city must have a more
energetic city government. We want but few officers, and they
should be clothed unmistakably with the power necessary to
protect and save the city from a repetition of the devastation
of property and loss of human comforts of 1862. Such an
encroachment by floods must never again visit Sacramento unless
her people have made up their minds to let their city be blotted
from the map of the State. She is terribly crippled now, and
another such a Winter of floods would wipe her out of existence
as a city. But Sacramento can and will recover; she can and will
protect herself from floods; but she asks time to enable her to
accomplish that object. Her people never surrender to adverse
circumstances. All they ask is a fair chance in the future.
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.--The Constitution of the State
Agricultural Society provides that its members shall meet
annually in January, to elect officers, etc. The day for
meeting this year is on the 29th instant, as per advertisment.
In view of the condition of the roads, and the impossibility of
reaching the city on the part of many of the members living at
a distance, it has been suggested that the election of officers
be adjourned until more of the members can be present. Under
present circumstances, but few members outside of Sacramento
city and county could be present, and it would be unjust and
unfair for them to go foward and elect officers.
CALAVERAS COPPER MINING SUSPENDED.--The San Joaquin Republican
remarks, that in consequence of the almost total suspension of copper
mining--the shafts of the principal companies being full of water--the
town of Copperopolis was extremely dull. The only company that could
work is the Calaveras, who were sinking a shaft in a fine vein on the
hill, where they had ample drainage. So soon as the rains ceased
sufficiently to permit the shafts to be freed from water, the Union
and Keystone companies would resume operations, with a large force
of men. . . .
CALIFORNIA AND THE NATIONAL WAR TAX.
Not a doubt can be reasonably entertained that it is the will of the
people of this State, that, following the example of her loyal sisters,
she should promptly respond to the direct tax levied by Congress for
carrying on the war against rebellion. The Act of Congress provides
that the tax may be collected by State authority if preferred to the
presence of Federal tax-gatherers, and in all cases where it is so
collected, an important reduction in the sum total is made for the
benefit of the State. The amount to be paid by California, under
this direct tax is, in round numbers, a quarter of a million.
The disastrous floods of the past six weeks have destroyed property
to so vast an extent, and have so reduced the aggregate wealth of
the State, that in order to carry on the State Government and to
make good the appropriations which will have to be made at the
present session, a rate of taxation for State purposes will have
to be adopted which will come hard upon the people in the face of
so thorough a disarrangement of all kinds of business--mercantile,
agricultural and mechanical--as must be suffered during a portion
of the year. The collection of the taxes to be levied upon the
property left by the floods will be attended with difficulty, for
in a larger proportion than usual the collections will have to be
made by forced sales. In view of the condition of the State, and
of the fact that at all hazards the national tax must be cheerfully
and promptly met, the most natural suggestion which presents itself
is that the quarter of a million for war purposes be raised upon
bonds of the State, payable in twenty or thirty years. In no other
way can the people be relieved of an unusually heavy tax the present
year, and we see no objection to a resort to such a measure under
the existing state of affairs. The constitutional provision, limiting
the amount of indebtedness which may be created by the Legislature
without an appeal to the popular vote, expressly excepts just such
cases as the one under consideration. Article eight of that instrument
says that "the Legislature shall not in any manner create any debt
or debts, liability or liabilities, which shall singly, or in the
aggregate, with any previous debts or liabilities, exceed the sum
of three hundred thousand dollars, except in case of war, to repel
invasion or suppress insurrection, unless the same," etc.
(be authorized by law for a special object or work, and voted for
by the people.) The plain letter and spirit of the Constitution clearly
authorize the Legislature to create a debt in excess of previous
debts amounting to three hundred thousand dollars, for the very purpose
the quarter of a million is to aid, and for no other purpose. The
language is, "except in case of war," and as under our system no
State of the Union can, as such, be involved in a war, it follows
that the exception is in favor of any war in which the General
Government may be involved. That the Constitution is clear upon
this point, and that the Legislature has the rightful power to
provide for the raising of the amount of our war tax by the issuance
of bonds, we know to be the opinion of some of the most eminent
legal minds in the State. That such a measure would greatly relieve
our people, struggling as they are against a desperate series of
disasters, we think no one will question.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--None of the boats or steamers provisioned by
the Society for points in the interior returned yesterday. They were
detained undoubtedly by the violent storm. The various stations were
supplied again to-day, and sickness now prevails at each of them,
superinduced by continued exposure before the sick ones sought the
refuge provided. The United States revenue cutter Shubrick, Capt. Pease,
which came up yesterday, relieved the anxiety respecting persons living
on the Sacramento river, who were exposed to the gale of Sunday evening.
She brought thirty-four persons. We regret to hear that the funds of
the Society are nearly exhausted, though they do not intend to suspend
their efforts in the least. Relying upon the spontaneous offerings
that have been so lavishly bestowed heretofore, they will continue to
the end and complete their labors. On Sunday night houses and stores
were robbed of property worth $1,500. The Society furnished the Chief
of Police with a boat yesterday, in which to search for the depredators.
In a half hour thereafter they caught one of the thieves, and will now
daily and nightly keep vigilant watch over the houses and goods exposed
by the flood. No mercy will or should be shown those who are so destitute
of feeling as to rob those who have suffered so severely already.
The officers of the Shubrick are the guests of the Society. The
efficient aid rendered, and the relief so promptly afforded, render
this exceedingly proper. Her visit and action were timely and relieved
the Society from the necesity [sic] of dispatching boats to cruise on the
route she so thoroughly canvassed. . . .
ROADS NORTH OF MARYSVILLE.--These institutions appear to be in a bad
condition according to the following from the Marysville Express
of yesterday:
The roads are now reported worse than at any time previous during the
Winter. The La Porte stage, which left this city at six o'clock on
Sunday morning, did not arrive at Zabriskie'a until about ten A. M.
The down stage from La Porte anchored at the Empire House, about
fourteen miles from Marysville, on Saturday night, and remained there
till Sunday morning, reaching this city about noon. Green & Co.'s
stage, of the Downieville route, came in on Sunday afternoon, the
driver reporting the road fearfully bad. No stage leaves Marysville
for any interior point this morning; and, unless the storm soon ceases,
clear weather following to improve the condition of the roads, it is
quite likely that several days will roll around before we have a
stage arrival or departure to record.
PROVISIONS IN NEVADA.--The Transcript of January 16th says:
Provisions are getting very scarce in the towns above Nevada. There
is, however, no danger of anything like a famine. The only result
of this scarcity will be an increase in the prices. The supply of
floor at North San Juan may be said to be entirely exhausted. This
report was current four or five days ago, but still several lots
were found for sale in that place, the holders exacting a high
figure, in some cases as high as fourteen dollars per hundred . . .
[For the Union.]
GOVERNOR DOWNEY AND THE INSANE
ASYLUM.
. . . .
If "the Institution has become an onerous tax," the fault can neither
be charged upon the Trustees, who make the financial contracts, nor
npon the Superintendent, who directs the management--since these prices
evince their faith-fulness--but must be laid at the door of that
unfortunate class of our citizens who turn crazy; and in order to
relieve ourselves from the burden, we must either prevent them from
so turning, or else refuse to do a charity which every civilized nation
of the world delights in doing. Shall the State of high resolves and
generous deeds, of tender heart and throbbing impulses, the State whose
citizens are not yet done sending steamboat after steamboat with relief
to sufferers from the flood, not only refuse to send full-handed relief
to those who sutler from the floods of insanity, but by so doing, give
strong confirmation to the statement which her ex-Governor has made to
the world?
Be it hoped that the honorable John G. Downey may stand alone upon
the historic page as the solitary announcer that the gift of fifty-one
cents per day to the insane man is an onerous tax. There is something
humiliating in the thought that he must forever stand as recorded.
HAKATONE.
LEG BROKEN.--A man named William Thomas, employed in Reagan's diggings
on Cement Hill, Nerada county, met with a severe accident on Tuesday,
January 14th, by having his leg broken by a slide of stone.
CITIZENS' MEETING.
A meeting of the citizens of Sacramento, property holders and others,
interested in the future of our city, was held, pursuant to a call,
in the reading room of the Orleans Hotel last evening. There was a
tolerably large attendance, including many of our most substantial
citizens. Dr. Houghton called the meeting to order at half past seven
o'clock, and on his motion Dr. J. F. Morse was chosen President of
the meeting.
Dr. MORSE mounted a large stand on one side of the reading room, and
addressed the meeting as follows--Gentlemen: You have met here to-night
as citizens of Sacramento for the accomplishment of very weighty and
important objects, and under the circumstances, perhaps, it would not
be amiss, nor violative of a foundation of facts, if we were to say
that we met in the beginning to exchange mutual congratulations upon
the thorough conviction that what we were to do to-night, in the
incipiency of reorganising the corporation of the city, would result
in a work which would attest to the world at large that no adversity
was sufficiently powerful to crush out or extinguish the living energy
of the people of Sacramento city--[applause]--and that now, while the
sky is still clouded and portentous of greater and more troublesome
rains than those which we have already experienced--that now, while the
watery element is again invading our doors and threatening our
floors--that now, while all over our city we are obliged unhappily to
contemplate the signs of infinite loss--yet, with hearts like that
which animates the lion of the forest, we are here this evening, in
the general hall of the old Orleans of 1849, to reanimate ourselves,
and to imbue with new life, new energy, and greater, grander prospect
of success, the new city which we are to incorporate. [Applause.]
For one, I am not bowed down. For one, the inspiration of energy and
enterprise are as convenient at my call as in the palmiest days of
prosperity, in which we have congratulated ourselves upon our general
success. And I believe that what I feel is participated in by every
true and loyal citizen of this place; that to-night we will see a
step taken in that direction in which alone a spirit of judgment, of
enterprise, of unfaltering trust, will direct us; a step, if it shall
be taken by the wisdom and judgment of the people of this city rising
triumphantly above all considerations of self, all consideration of
politics, all considerations of party, which shall place the interests
of our city in the hands of men whose judgments, when co-operating
together, will succeed in rescuing us from our present position; a
step which shall place the city of Sacramento, if not upon a hill,
at least in the midst of such protections as will guarantee its future
prosperity, safety and comfort. I believe, gentlemen, with these remarks.
I have only to state that, as far as I understand it, it is the object
of the citizens who meet here together to-night, to take such action as
will lead to the immediate framing of a bill looking to the divorcement
of the city from the county, and a reconstruction of the city government
so entirely radical in its character, so limited in its distribution,
that the financial affairs of the city shall mainly depend upon the
wisdom, judgment and fidelity of a very few of our soundest and best men.
.If that is the object of the meeting, and I have gathered it from the
conversation I have had with parties engaged in the call, I stand ready,
as Chairman, to receive any propositions you may have to make.
ALEXANDER BOYD, at the suggestion of the President, nominated as
Secretary of the meeting A. K. Grim, and he was elected Secretary.
Dr. HOUGHTON--I move that a Committee be appointed--I do not know whether
it should be by the Chair or by the meeting--to request our Senators
and Representatives in the Legislature to frame a bill immediately,
or at least give notice of a bill, to repeal the Consolidation Act,
and that then a Committee be appointed to frame a bill, afterwards
to be submitted for the consideration of the Legislature, to conform
to the new state or order of things--whatever in their wisdom they
may deem to be for the best interests of the city. Whether the new
government shall be conducted by Trustees, or by a Mayor and Council,
as heretofore, will be for their consideration. I have conversed with
hundreds of people in this city, and have not yet seen one but is in
favor of confiding the whole financial business of the city to a
Select Committee--a Committee of Selectmen, if you please--to consist
of about five men, and of clothing them with full powers to transact
all the business of the city, financial or otherwise. I hope a
Committee will be appointed to draft a bill of that character. So
far as I am personally concerned, I am in favor of having such a
Board appointed of from three to five Selectmen, with full power
to control the city, and dispensing with a Mayor and Council and
everything of that character. These are my views.
C. H. GRIM--I understand the motion to be to appoint a Committee to
draft a bill which is to be submitted to some future meeting of citizens.
I suppose such a bill should properly be drafted and then submitted to
a citizens' meeting, called for the purpose a few days hence, and this
meeting can adjourn to another day for that purpose. Then, in the
meantime, the Committee can prepare a proper bill. I should say a
Committee of three, appointed by the Chair, would be sufficient for
the purpose of drafting the bill which is contemplated for the
government of this city; but perhaps it should be a Committee of
five. I will second the motion.
The PRESIDENT--Gentlemen, it is moved and seconded that a Committee
of three or five, as you may determine, be appointed for the purpose
of drafting a bill, the object of which shall be to completely
reconstruct the city government, and to result in divorcing it
from the city and county government as it now exists.
D. W. WELTY--I move to amend by making the Committee consist of three
from each of the old Supervisor Districts in the city. I will state
briefly my reasons. As remarked by yourself, this is going to be a
very important matter for the city, and every property holder will
be interested deeply in whatever is done. A bill, therefore, having
for its object the future government of our city, ought to have the
consideration of men representing each road district or ward in the
city. I am aware of the inconvenience of large Committees, but in so
small a Committee as the one proposed the interests of the entire city
could hardly be represented at all. Gentlemen speak of submitting the
bill to the consideration of a future meeting of citizens. Now, I know
it is a pretty hard matter to consider a large bill properly at a mass
meeting of citizens--a bill such as must be drawn up for the government
of this city. The proper way would be to let the bill be drawn up
and published in the papers, where the people could read and digest
it for themselves, and let the public sentiment be expressed upon it
through the press. A citizens meeting cannot do it. The thing was
attempted once, I know, and a very long, massive bill was drawn up,
but they could not read it through even in one meeting.
C. H. GRIMM (interrupting)--That bill was read through and perfected,
section by section. I was there and I know the fact. Every section was
discussed.
D. W. WELTY--l was present, also, and I know it struck me as being
more like a farce than anything else. It was read through, and those
who knew what it was before--about two dozen men or so voted for it,
and the balance of the meeting did not express any opinion. I did not
consider that that bill had any expression upon it on the part of the
citizens, and I made up my mind that it was not practicable at that
time. It was wholly impracticable. So far as the present city and
county organization is concerned, it is good enough for ordinary times,
but not for extraordinary times. We must see that we do not interfere
with the interests of the county at large. We have interests here as
a county organization, and we have interests here as a city organization,
separate and distinct from these. I apprehend that the great reason why
we cannot get along here with the Consolidation Bill as well as they
do in San Francisco is, that there they take in only the city, while
here they take in the county as well. My idea is that the property
interested shall be represented as much as possible upon that
Committee, because I think that Committee will have the main work
to do.
A MEMBER suggested that the Committee should consist of only two from
each District.
Mr. WELTY accepted the modification, and his amendment as modified
was adopted.
The PRESIDENT--The motion as amended now is, that a Committee of two
from each District--will make a Committee of eight--be appointed for
the purposes stated in the motion.
The motion was carried without dissent.
ALEX BOYD--I move that the President be added and that the Committee
report to an adjourned meeting. For my part, I think we can act in
a citizens' meeting; I for one differ from Mr. Welty wholly, that a
bill of this kind cannot be considered in a meeting of the citizens.
The PRESIDENT suggested that the motion be divided, and said that he
would rather be excused.
C. H. GRIMM said as the President was a modest man, he would put the
vote on adding him to the Committee. The motion was carried unanimousiy.
The PRESIDENT--How shall the Committee be appointed?
SEVERAL MEMBERS--By the Chair.
The PRESIDENT--As I stated before, I regard this as a meeting of no
ordinary, limited or trifling importance, and I would much prefer to
be relieved from the responsibility of even taking an executive part
this evening. If I am to appoint this Committee, I shall appeal to your
kindness to allow me a little time to select them. It is a matter of
vital importance, and with my knowledge of the citizens of
Sacramento--it ought to be pretty thorough and intimate--I should
not like at a moment's notice to be obliged to select a Committee of
such vast importance. If you will allow me time to reflect, and report
the Committee through the paper to-morrow morning, I shall be willing
to engage to have it done. I shall have but one object in view, and
that will be to select those men who will engage in this matter with
a full determination to make it a complete success,
Dr. HOUGHTON--I agree with the President in regard to the importance
of this matter, and that he ought to be allowed time to select the
best men. Parhaps no man in this house to-night would be able to put
his finger at once upon the men who ought to be selected.
Mr. DAVIS--I move that the President have time to appoint the Committee
and report the names through the UNION to-morrow morning. The motion
prevailed.
Dr. HOUGHTON moved that our Senators and Representatives in the
Legislature be requested to give notice of a bill of the nature
contemplated--for a new city government, to take the place of the
consolidated government.
C. H. GRIMM said it was not necessary to give more than one day's notice.
J. MCCLATCHY said he thought that matter might as well rest until
the bill was ready, and then, if necessary, it could be introduced
without any notice at all. Let them agree first upon their bill,
and then there will be no difficulty in presenting it.
Dr. HOUGHTON said there had been former meetings of citizens, at which
there was no dissenting voice upon this proposition, and he had taken
it for granted that some bill of the kind would be presented. He could
not find a man in the city but was in favor of it. It would not take a
long time to frame the bill, and then the sooner it was introduced the
better. .
C. H. GRIMM said this was a small matter, and he did not know as it
would make any difference. It would do no harm to give notice in the
Legislature that they intended something of this sort, even if it did
no good, and he thought they might as well pass the motion. The motion
was carried, and the President requested Assemblyman Saul, who was
present, to notify the Sacramento delegation.
Mr. BOYD--I now move that this meeting adjourn, to meet again at the
call of the President.
The motion was carried, and the meeting bodily adjourned.
[We were requested by the President to say that owing to the lateness
of the hour and his desire to see the members of the Committee to be
appointed and ascertain whether they would serve or not, he was unable
to announce the Committee last night, but they will be announced in
the UNION of to-morrow morning.]
LOSS OF STOCK IN NEVADA.--The Democrat of January 16th says:
Twenty-five head of cattle, among which were seventeen milk cows, were
drowned in Deer Creek, during the late freshet.
The stock belonged to James Wilson, who resides about two miles below
Pleasant Valley.
THE FLOOD AT SAN JOSE--A dispatch from San Jose, January 17th,
at 2 P. M., says:
It has been raining here for the last thirty-six hours, and is
now pouring down hard--strong South wind--with a good prospect
of plenty more. The Coyote Creek in the east is overflowed, and
a few miles south of town runs across the valley and unites its
waters with the Guadalupe on the west. The two rivers also join
again between here and Alviso, making it impossible to leave town
in any direction. The stages left as usual for the boat, but returned
after going about three miles, bringing back all the passengers
and express.
RELIEF IN NEVADA.--A concert is proposed in Nevada, the proceeds of
which are to be applied to the relief of the sufferers in Sacramento.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE REVENUE CUTTER SHUBRICK.--At about two o'clock P. M. yesterday,
the attention of our citizens was attracted by the report of a gun
on the river, and in a few minutes afterward the United States revenue
cutter Shubrick approached the landing at the foot of K street.
The Shubrick, under the command of Captain W. C. Pease, left San
Francisco on Sunday, at half past four o'clock P. M., for the
purpose of cruising along the rivers and sloughs south of this
city, extending assistance to all who might be found who required aid.
She arrived at Rio Vista at ten o'clock A. M., on Saturday, and at
that point distributed provisions so far as they were needed. She then
came up the old river and through the Georgiana slough, in which she
anchored and spent the night. At various points on the banks of the
slough she took on board twelve persons, the most of whom were women
and children, and left provisions with such men as chose to remain on
their ranches. She also met one of the boats of the Howard Benevolent
Society, which she furnished with additional stores for distribution.
On her way up the river she took on board from different ranches
twenty-two other persons--making thirty-four in all--and distributing
additional provisions at various points. The night spent in Georgiana
slough is represented as exceedingly rough and stormy. Captain Pease
states that the section of country though which he came has suffered
incalculably from the floods, but the residents generally, both men
and women, bear their misfortunes with a good deal of heroism.
They incline to remain in their houses and take care of their stock
and other property as long as possible, and leave only when absolutely
compelled to. In several instances, when the Shubrick stopped, ranchmen
not only refused to leave, but declined assistance of any kind. The
passengers brought up were, on their arrival, placed on board the
steamer Antelope for San Francisco. The Shubrick will probably leave
for San Francisco today, unless she can be of further service in
the cause of humanity, in which case she will be placed at the
disposal of the Howard Benevolent Society. She is a side-wheel
steamer, of saucy appearance, and would probably be as efficient
in overhauling a suspicious craft as she has been in her late work
of mercy on our inland waters. She carries five guns, one of which
is a twentyfour pound pivot brass Dahlgren gun, and two others are
twelve pounders of the same description. The remaining two are twelve
pound brass pieces, captured from the British by Gen. Jackson at the
battle of New Orleans. The British Crown and the coat-of-arms of
England may still be seen on them. They render a visit to the cutter
especially interesting. The Shubrick is the second United States
vessel which ever visited our city. The revenue cutter Agus, a
small schooner, arrived here in the year 1852--ten years ago--under
command of the present commander of the Shubrick, Capt. Pease, who
was then a lieutenant in the navy.
THE LEVEE NEAR R STREET.--The weak point in the Front street levee,
above R street, is in such a condition that the owners of property
in the neighborhood are anxious to have the work of repairing it
commenced. They are prepared to go to work this morning with ten
or twelve, hands, and desire the Committee of Safety to furnish
gunny sacks and an additional force to complete the work. It is
of immense importance to the city that a crevasse shall not be
created north of R street or west of Rabel's tannery. Near R street,
the railroad embankment would so far back up the water as to keep
the entire city constantly flooded. The damage, inconvenience,
and bad results generally would be incalculable. A decided effort
should be made to-day to strengthen the weak points indicated.
THE LEVEE AT THE TANNERY.--It was currentiy reported yesterday
afternoon that the new levee, at Rabel's tannery, had been washed
away--that the water was coming in--that the Committee had abandoned
all hope of saving the embankment, etc , etc. These reports were of
course circulated with but little foundation. As the river rose
yesterday morning, the new levee commenced to wear away at the lower
end, and required considerable exertion to counteract the effects of
the water. A gang of workmen were engaged during the day in filling
sacks and building a wall of them on the weak spot. Many who saw the
work came into town with the impression that the effort would be
unsuccessful, and reported accordingly. At dark the levee was
considered by good judges to be entirely safe. . . .
ANOTHER INUNDTION.--Our city was visited again last evening by an
inundation very similar to that of Saturday last. The water coming
from the American river at Burns' slough and vicinity, and entering
through the Thirty-first street levee, rose through the day and
evening at the rate of about one and a half inches per hour. It
came over K street before dark, and at nine o'clock in the evening
had covered nearly all points on J and K streets. The water was too
deep for comfortable walking, and too shallow for convenient boating.
At the close of our report it was still rising.
ALL SAFE.--Patrick Bannon and four others started on Sunday morning
from Brannan's [sic, Bannon/Brannon] ranch with a flat boat and ten
head of horses and cattle, for the high lands towards the mountains.
They were known to have encountered a heavy gale, and it was feared
serious consequences followed. They reached home last evening safe
and sound, having escaped with the loss of six out of ten head of stock.
They were carried by the gale some ten miles to the north, where they
struck land and disembarked. . . .
THE RIVERS.--The Sacramento having risen four inches since our last
report, stood, at sunset last evening, at twenty-two feet above low
water mark. The American, which fell during Sunday, commenced to rise
in the evening, and continued to advance during the whole of yesterday.
At the tannery it had risen several feet through the day. . . .
NOT UNDER WATER.--We are informed on good authority, that the higher
portions of J street, between Second and Fifth streets, were not at
any time under water on Saturday evening, on the occasion of the late
partial inundation of the city.
SHINING.--The stars in the western sky made their appearance
between 7 and 8 o'clock last evening, looking remarkably well after
their long retirement. In half an hour a lively rain set in, which
increased until the closing of our report. . . .
TRIAL OF MIKE BRANIGAN FOR RAPE.
Court of Sessions--ROBERT ROBINSON, Judge. P. ROBINSON and G. CONE, Associates.
MONDAY, January 20, 1862.
The trial of Mike Branigan, on an indictment for rape committed upon
the person of Edith Mitchell in June last, was set for trial this morning,
and attracted a considerable crowd of spectators. J. W. Coffroth and
Deputy District Attorney P. J. Hopper appeared for the prosecution,
and Branigan was represented by Col. James of San Francisco and
I. S. Brown of this city.
Judge Robinson suggested the propriety of postponing the trial, as it
would be impossible to get jurors except from a few streets in the city.
Mr. Coffroth said he thought a jury could be impanneled without
difficulty, and it would be impossible to get the witnesses for
the prosecution again if the case were continued. Miss Mitchell had
come all the way from Victoria to give her testimony.
Colonel James said it might take two days or more to try the case;
it would not be possible to impannel a jury in a few minutes.
Judge Robinson said he knew this was a case that ought to be tried
at once, but then if the Lord had intended it should be tried now,
he thought the Lord would have sent more favorable weather.
Colonel James--I don't believe he has been retained on that side.
Judge Robinson gave it as his private opinion that the Lord had not
much to do with either side.
Colonel James said the defense was willing either to have the case
continued or go to trial.
Mr. Coffroth said he believed a contlnuance would be equivalent to
dismissing the case. Besides, he was dissatisfied with the present
bondsmen of the defendant.
Colonel James said the fact that defendant was here proved his bonds
to be sufficient. Further than that, the Chief Justice had once
dismissed Branigan on hls own recognizance after fully examining the
case, as he had no doubt this Court would have done.
The Court decided to proceed with the trial of the case.
Twelve jurors were called, and sworn preliminary to examination in
relation to their competency to serve as jurors in this case. . . .
D H. Norris said he resided now almost anywhere to keep out of the water, . . .
After the recess Judge Robinson again suggested the propriety of
postponing the case, stating that he had heard that the water had
broken through at Rabel's tannery, and there was likely to be a foot
or two more water in the streets in the course of the afternoon.
Mr. Coffroth said he would prefer to enter a nolle pros. rather than
postpone the case.
Judge Robinson said the Court would not compel twelve jurors to stay
here if their families were in danger. For himself, he lived in the
second story of a barn, where he thought the water would not reach.
Colonel James suggested that it was a hard tax on the community to try
the case at this time, and as to the proposition of abandoning it,
that was what ought to have been done long ago.
Mr. Hopper said as the representative of the Distrlct Attorney, he
should certainly object to any dismissal of the case.
After some further talk the Court decided to proceed. . . .
A venire for thirty-six additional jurors was ordered to issue,
returnable to-morrow morning, after which the Court adjourned. . . .
REPREHENSIBLE.--The adjournment of the Legislature for a week at an
expense to the State of not less than $8,000, for which no
quid pro quo is given, is a matter for just complaint
against the representatives of the people. In a city afflicted
with such general suffering as Sacramento, where helpless children
and tender women are submitted to cold, wet, hunger and all sorts
of inconvenience, it looks like heartlessness or cowardice on the
part of members of the Legislature, strong men, who are supposed
to have hearts inside of their jackets beating in sympathy with
the people of the State in this, the hour of general calamity,
to be the first to run away from danger and distress, and seek
places of comfortable enjoyment and good living. The captain
should always be the last to leave his sinking ship; but these
tender skinned gentry are the first.--Stockton Independent.
EFFECT OF THE FLOOD UPON THE TIDE.--For some days there has been
no flood tide coming in through the Heads, but the ebb continues
during the entire twenty-four hours. This extraordinary phenomenon
does not prove that the daily flow of water from the sea, inwards,
has ceased, for the water at the wharves continues to rise and fall
as usual. The explanation, no doubt is that the immense body of
fresh water coming down from the interior being of less specific
gravity than the sea water, has entirely covered the surface of
the harbor, and continues to flow out to sea in an uninterupted
current, while the tide flows in at a greater or less depth below
the surface. To corroborate this, a shipmaster informs us that the
water alongside of his ship in the harbor is
fresh.--Alta, Jan. 18th.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY.--The rains lately in this Territory have been
the most severe. The streams and rivers generally are impassable.
RAIN.--The rain which fell in the city during Sunday, Sunday night
and yesterday amounted, according to Dr. Logan's report, to 1.650.
We have now had nearly twenty-four inches of rain during the present
season. In the mountains the amount has been very much greater at
various points. At San Francisco thirty-two inches and a half have fallen.
FOR OROVILLE.--The steamer Defiance, Capt. Gibson, left the levee on
Sunday evening, with a cargo of merchandise for Marysville and Oroville.
In the present high stage of water in our rivers, she will probably met
with no difficulty in reaching her destination. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3375, 22 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
TUESDAY, January 21, 1862.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR called the Senate to order at 11 o'ciock, and
the roll was called, Messrs. Heacock and Thomas being the only absentees. . . .
BILLS. . . .
Mr. CRANE (on leave) introduced a bill for an Act fixing the residence
of the State officers, and repealing all laws in conflict therewith.
He said, at the same time, that he would move to lay the bill on the
table, to be acted on by and by, in order to await some similar action
by the Assembly. [The bill provides that the Governor, Secretary of
State, Treasurer, Controller, Quartermaster General, and Surveyor
General, from and after the passage of the law, and until the first
day of June next, shall reside and hold their offices in the city of
San Francisco, and that after the first day of June they shall return
here.] These several officers, Mr. Crane said, being required by an
Act to reside at Sacramento, could only remove on the authority of an
Act passed for the purpose. The bill proposed had been submitted to
the friends of Sacramento, and would meet no objection provided the
resolution, which was expected to pass the House, would be concurred in.
It was laid on the table. . . .
COMMITTEE CLERKS. . . .
Mr. CRANE thought this year there would be more to do for the
Finance Committee than heretofore owing to the great calamity which
had swept over the State like a besom of destruction, and which would,
of itself, create a great deal of financial legislation. Then, there
were our federal relations, and the prosecution of the war, subjects
that would come before the Finance Committee. If the Committee had
had a Clerk heretofore, they ought not now be deprived of one.
The amendment (including a Clerk for the Finance Committee) was lost. . . .
THE RELIEF OF SUFFERERS.
Mr. Banks (on leave) introduced a bill to appropriate $25,000 out
of the money in the General Fund, and place it at the disposal of
the Howard Society of Sacramento, to be expended in relieving the
sufferers by the flood.
It was read twice, and took its regular course.
On motion, the Senate [3 P. M.] adjourned until tomorrow at 11 o'clock.
ASSEMBLY.
TUESDAY, Jan. 21, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock, A. M. . . .
THE REMOVAL QUESTION AGAIN.
Mr. Hoffman offered the following concurrent resolution, which was
read by the Clerk.
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That this
Legislature, when it adjourns to-day, do adjourn until Friday, the
24th day of January instant, to meet in the city of San Francisco,
there to remain during the remainder of the present session, at such
place as may be provided, and that a Committee of three be appointed
on the part of the Assembly, to act with a like Committee to be
appointed on the part of the Senate, whose duty it shall be to procure
and cause to be fitted up proper apartments for this Legislature and
the attaches thereof, and shall remove thereto all the property and
appurtenances belonging to this Legislature; and that the members of
the Assembly and Senate do meet on said 24th instant, at 12 o'clock
noon of that day, in the hall of the building on Battery street,
between Washington and Jackson streets, known as the Exchange Buildings,
from thence to be conducted by their respective presiding officers
to the apartments prepared for them.
The SPEAKER stated the question on the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. HOAG said he rose to a question of order, which was that the
resolution was one which had previously been introduced and passed
in the Senate, and subsequently rejected by the House, and, according
to rule twelfth, when a bill or resolution passed in one House had
been rejected in the other, it was not in order to introduce it again
in either House until after five days notice, and then by a two-thirds
vote.
The SPEAKER.--The point of order is not well taken, this resolution
being a new resolution.
Mr. WARWICK said this question was one of such serious importance
to his constituents that, though he had already spoken, possibly more
than he ought to have done upon it, still he considered himself
justified in trespassing a little further upon the time of the
House. He did not wish to stand up in opposition to the majority,
but if a removal was insisted upon, he hoped it would be done legally,
so that all the Acts of the session would not be null and void. He
would call attention to a parallel case of legislation which had cost
this State nearly half a million of dollars. A few years ago the
management of the State Prison had given so much offense that the
Governor was commanded by the legislature to take immediate
possession of it. In that Legislature were able men and distinguished
lawyers; yet, though repeatedly warned, they failed to avoid the
trap. The consequence was that that piece of hasty legislation cost
the State, or would cost before the matter was done with, at least
half a million of dollars. Now, it was possible to remove the
Legislature legally, but he was assured by high authority that they
could not legally adjourn to San Francisco upon a mere concurrent
resolution. The only way was first to pass an Act repealing the Act
making Sacramento the Capital of the State, and then to pass another
Act making the city of San Francisco the temporary Capital, both of
which Acts would have to receive the sanction of the Governor. The
Constitution of the State made it imperative upon the State officers
to reside at the Capital, and the idea of getting along with
legislation without them was an absurdity. Constant communication
with them was absolutely indispensable, and that would be impossible
with a distance of 120 miles intervening. If this thing must be
done, he begged gentlemen for the interests of the entire State to
do it in a just, proper and legal way. He was assured by some of the
best lawyers in the State that the forms he had mentioned would be
indispensable.
Mr. PAUL offered the following as a substitute for the resolution:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That when
the two houses adjourn this day they do so to meet again at the call
of the Governor of the State.
The SPEAKER--The question is on the adoption of the substitute.
Mr. SAUL. said there seemed to be a determination on the part of the
House to carry this adjournment, and he thought it was his duty to
oppose it, at least in the manner in which it was proposed to be
done. They had already twice fought and defeated that proposition.
If they were going to adjourn at all, let them do so not for the
interest of Sacramento, or any other place, but for the interest of
the entire State, and without putting the State to the expense of
paying the per diem of members while they were idle. Sacramento was
not alone in the calamity which had befallen her; the same calamity
had overspread the whole State, and the entire Pacific coast. Let
them adjourn, if at all, to such time as the Governor might see fit
to call them together, when the floods should have subsided, and when
legislation would be necessary to meet the exigencies of the times.
No man was so blind to the calamity, which had visited all alike, as
not to know that the entire State would need legislation in consequence
of these floods. The whole country had been devastated, fences, houses
and other structures swept away, and it would be necessary to pass
measures of relief, to repeal some of the laws concerning fences, etc.
Else how could crops be put in? how could people pay their taxes and how
could they raise money to carry on the State Government and aid in the
protection of the General Government? In the way he proposed they could
save expense, and on reassembling they would know better what the
interests of the State required. He did not speak in the interest of
any particular locality, and hoped his hands would never be so bound that
he could not as a legislator act for the good of the whole State of
California. As a farmer, he was not supposed to be posted in legal
technicalities, but he had common sense, and he would ever raise his
voice in favor of those who had been severely visited by Providence.
Mr. HOFFMAN opposed the amendment. He was elected to represent faithfully
the interests of his constituents, and it was not for their interest
to have an adjournment which would carry the session along for two
months. They had business demanding immediate attention, which was
of more importance than the interests of any particular locality.
They had a duty to perform to the General Government, which was of
more importance than any local interest of Sacramento, and if that
matter were deferred the result might be disastrous. The clouds of
war were lowering around them, and they ought to act promptly and
patriotically. If they were to do anything for the relief of those
who had suffered by the recent disasters, that relief ought to be
immediate; two months hence it might be too late. No appropriation
bills had been passed, and everything else would be left undone.
Again, if this adjournment took place, the mileage of members home
and back again would have to be paid. He hoped they would vote down
the amendment, and adjourn to some point where they could transact
the business of the session legitimately and promptly, and then go
home.
Mr. BELL renewed the point of order raised originally by Mr. Hoag,
that the resolution for adjournment in San Francisco could not be
offered, having been rejected by the House, under Rule 12, without
a previous notice of five days.
The SPEAKER overruled the point of order, holding that the resolution
was new matter, as it originated in the House, and contemplated a
new adjournment
Mr. BELL appealed from the decision of the Chair, and contended that
the rule was intended to cover just such a case as this.
Mr. PORTER suggested that this was a new resolution, became it embraced
a further proposition, that the Legislature adjourn to a particular
place in San Francisco, the omission of which from the other resolution
constituted an objection to it.
Mr. BELL replied, contending that that was a mere evasion of the rule
by means of a technicality. This rule was intended to prevent snap
judgments, and to override it now might be a dangerous precedent.
Some monster measure once killed and disposed of might be resuscitated
in the same way, and it would be gross injustice to absent members.
Gentlemen wishing to adjourn to San Francisco, to San Jose, to the
ilttle [sic] Paradise of Oakland, or elsewhere, might think this rule
bore heavily upon them, but the rule was one of the concentrated
results of the wisdom of ages, and be careful how they set it aside
for the sake of sailing with all the paraphernalia of the Legislature,
like a Noah's Ark, down the river, with colors flying and a brass band
perched upon the top of the ridge pole. Let them remember, that two
wrongs never make a right, and take the advice given to Ephesus by the
town crier of that great city--"Oh, Ephesians, learn to do nothing
rashly." Let those who were going to vote for this removal win respect
by beginning honestly; let them say by their vote on that rule, "This
is an honest fight, and if the Legislature shall remove, it must be
by law and by rule." Should they override rules which were the
concentrated wisdom, not of the California Legislature, of the
Congress of the United States, of the Parliament of England, or of
the Assemblies of the savans [?] of France, but of all times since
the first Areopagus sat in Greece to the present moment, and all for
the sake of getting rid of a little water and mud?
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer, suggested that this was like a concurrent
resolution to adjourn the Legislature sine die, which was habitually
renewed from day to day near the close of the session, and always held
to be in order. Besides that he agreed with the Speaker, that
this was altogether a different resolution, naming a different date,
time and place of adjournment.
Mr. FERGUSON said this was not like a motion or resolution to adjourn,
because that was always in order and was not debatable. He contended
that this was in substance, at least, if not in form, identical with
the resolution which the House had already twice defeated. Each had
for its object the adjournment of the Legislature to San Francisco.
The SPEAKER said the resolution acted upon last week was a proposition
made by the Senate to the Assembly, while this was a proposition made
by the Assembly to the Senate. It was therefore de novo, as much
original as though no resolution of the sort had never originated in the
Senate or been acted upon by the House.
Mr. HOAG contended that in the matter of concurrent resolutions the
two branches were in reality acting as one body, and therefore it
made no differrence as to the identity of the proposition in which
House it originated. The rule referred to in express language precluded
that idea by supposing that the same proposition might be renewed in
either branch. If they were worthy to make laws for the people, he
hoped they would consistently maintain their own rules, and not abandon
principles for the sake of temporary expediency. He considered the main
proposition before the House as a great monster, and in the opinion of
absent members who relied upon the rule to protect them, it was now
sleeping a sleep of death. It was unjust to these members to set aside
the rule, and take a snap judgment upon them. As to the resolution to
adjourn sine die, he was of the opinion that that also should require
five days notice after having once been rejected. If former Legislatures
had done wrong in that respect, that was no reason why this Legislature
should follow the example.
Mr. WARWICK quoted from L. S. Cushing's Parliamentary Manual, to the
effect that in determining the identity of propositions their respective
objects should be considered.
Mr. AVERY said that he believed those members who had not boasted of
their conscientiousness would be found quite as conscientious as those
who had boasted loudest. For his part he was willing to be governed by
the rules as he understood them, and he believed that if a bill were
rejected it was competent to introduce the same bill, with an additional
section, as a new bill, and that without any five days notice. This
resolution proposed to adjourn to the United States Court Rooms in
San Francisco, and that was an entirely new proposition. The gentleman
from Sacramento (Mr. Warwick) had reproduced L. S. Cushing, the authority
which the gentleman from Alameda demolished the other day; it seemed
there was not much understanding between them.
Mr. BELL---None at all.
Mr. AVERY said he did not know much about L. S. Cushing, and he would
ask was he the ghost of the great Caleb? [Laughter.] He never followed
the original Caleb, and certainly could not be expected to pay much
regard to his ghost; In fact, he was not afraid of ghosts.
Mr. SHANNON defended the decision of the Chair, and considered that
this was one of those rules which were subject to construction, and
the only way of settling differences of opinion upon it was by taking
an appeal and voting aye or no, as was now proposed. He conceived
that this resolution did not come within the rule cited, because,
although aiming at the same object as the one previously rejected,
it presented in many respects a different question. The gentleman
from Sacramento (Mr. Warwick), with all the acuteness of an adroit
pleader at the bar--he meant the legal bar only--had read his
authority only so far as suited his purpose; if he had gone a little
further he would have found L. S. Cushing stating that the rule in
question was confined to the House in which the previous proceeding
had taken place, and to the members of that House.
Mr. REED said he found but very little difficulty in bringing his
judgment to support the decision of the Chair, although he had pursued
a different course to arrive at the same conclusion. He considered
the resolution to adjourn to San Francisco was, in all its essential
properties and qualities, the same as a simple motion to adjourn,
which was always new and always in order. The reasons for or against
the motion at one time, erased to exist at a subsequent time therefore
the resolution would be in order at any time.
Mr. SEATON said it seemed to have been overlooked that the rule
referred to was a joint rule governing both houses. If, as the
gentleman last up had remarked, this resolution was essentially the
same as a motion to adjourn, then it was not debatable.
Messrs. Bell, Shannon and Hoag demanded the ayes and noes on the question,
"Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgment of the House?"
and the result was--ayes, 48; noes, 19--as follows:
Ayes--Ames, Avery, Battles, Blgelow, Brown, Cot, Collins, Cunnard,
Dana, Dore, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey, Fay, Frasier, Griswold,
Hillyer, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Kendall, Leach, Loewy, Love, Matthews,
McCullough, Meyers, Moore, O'Brien, Porter, Reed, Reeve, Sears, Shannon,
Smith of Sierra, Thornbury, Tilton of San Francisco, Werk, Woodman,
Wilcoxon, Wright, Yule, Zack--43.
Noes--Amerige, Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Benton, Davis, Dennis,
Eliason, Ferguson, Hoag, Machin, McAllister, Parker, Pemberton, Saul,
Seaton, Smith of Fresno, Thompson of Tehama, Waddell, Warwick--19.
So the decision of the Chair was sustained.
The SPEAKER stated the question on the substitute proposed by Mr. Saul.
Mr. HOAG inquired if, in case the substitute should pass, and the
Legislature adjourn to meet at the call of the Governor, the members
would be entitled to pay for the intervening time.
The SPEAKER--Undoubtedly they would, in accordance with the law.
Mr. HOAG said, understandingly, that if that would be the case he
should be compelled to vote no.
The ayes and noes were demanded on the amendment, and it was
lost---ayes 4, noes 53. Those voting aye were Messrs. Barton of
Sacramento. Parker, Saul, and Warwick.
The question recurred on the original resolution proposed by Mr. Hoffman,
which was read.
Mr. BELL addressed the Speaker amid cries of Question! question!! He
said the Speaker had recognized him, and it was then too late for
gentlemen to cry question. He would be glad to hear some other gentleman
argue this resolution more convincingly than he could, but for fear if
he took his seat no one else inclined to oppose it would be able to get
the floor, he would briefly give his views on the subject. As had been
frequently said, this question had been fairly and squarely debated and
it had been fairly passed upon. But now it was brought up again, as
he still believed, contrary to the rules and unfairly, for among the
absentees were mauy opponents of this measure, who would be ruled out if
they decided it now. It was then passed upon by an unprecedentedly large
vote--seventy-seven votes being cast--and they had a right to consider
the thing settled. He was clearly of opinion, from accurate and
scientific observations since 1849, and observations more or less
accurate and scientific embracing a much larger period, that the rains
and the floods of this season were about over. There had never before
been more than twenty-two inches of rain in one season since California
became a State, but this year a much larger amount had fallen. He
asked, then, if it was likely that that great Omniscience that rules
over the destinies of fire, and flood, and earthquake was going to
forget his wisdom on this particular Winter for the sake of the
righteousness or the sins of Sacramento, San Francisco, or any other
town in this great State, or for any other unfathomable cause? Was
it probable that the great laws of nature were to be suspended and
the windows of heaven never closed? They had stood up here like men
against a succession of floods and had been well taken care of, with
warm beds and plenty of bread and cheese. He had suffered no loss or
inconvenience from the floods; on the contrary, he had felt exhilarated,
and thankful to the good Providence which had permitted him to see these
floods--the utmost which nature seemed to have in store. The universal
laws of Nature proclaimed to them that the floods had now spent
themselves, and they might now expect sunshine and calm. So that if
they adjourned now they would be running away from a flood which was
still faster running away from them. After the vote on this question
last Tuesday, he saw in J street at least a dozen ladies absolutely
buying ribbons, laces, hoods, bonnets, gaiters, and even thin soled
slippers and pumps in this city of Sacramento, which had been flooded
to such an extent that it was said to be impossible for 120 stalwart
men to stay in it. It was plain to be seen that the sunshine as now
about to be seen again spreading over this inland sea, and the waters
about to assuage as they did from Mount Ararat, so that members could
descend, Noah like, and could go out shopping, in the sunshine, with
their wives and daughters, if they had any. Were they then to be afraid
of a flood which had spent itself and was escaping from beneath their
feet, even while they were making up their minds to vote on this
question? Were they fit to make laws for the government of human kind
when they were not willing to accept the laws of the great Divine
Universal Mind? In a few days Sacramento would appear clean and
garnished--swept clean by the Augean waters--unsurpassed for its
exceeding glory and beauty. How would it read in the future time if
it was recorded that they went away from these high, firm walls, far
above the reach of all floods, with dry curtains at the windows,
clean carpets and bounteous desks--120 men in the full vigor, manhood
and flush of youth and health, were afraid, and voted to run away from
their duties on account of a little water under foot? They would become
infamously known throughout the world as the changing, floating,
mudscow, steamboat moving, forever uncertain Legislature of California.
[Applause.] They would find now, in the different editions of the school
geographies, San Jose, Vallejo, Benicia and Sacramento, all put down
as the Capital of the State of California; and now they were going to
utterly bewilder the rising and coming generations, and all future
historians, by adding San Francisco to the list. He thought self-respect
should deter them, even though they were chin deep, with not a single
gondola. flatboat, dry goods box or pig box in which a contraband or a
Senator could float. Now, was the time to redeem the reputation of the
California Legislature, by letting the world know that they knew their
own mind, and could stick to it, under Rule twelve forever. [Applause.]
What was to be gained by the removal? There was an underlying current
in it, like the salt water of the Pacific underlying the yellow stream
that poured through the Golden Gate. The deep salt water came beneath,
bearing the golden stream like a crest of yellow hair upon its mane, and
so underlying the current that set the Legislature towards San Franciaco
was a deep briny current, which had determined many to remove at all
hazards. A man high in office, whom it was not necessary to name, had
said to an intimate friend of his that this adjournment was a mere
bagatelle, that all they wanted was once to get the Legislature away
from Sacramento, and all the powers of the vasty deep, let loose as in
old Noah's time, could never bring it back--never. That was the animus
of the movement.
Mr. FAY inquired if the person referred to was a member of that House.
Mr. BELL replied that he was not. He would suppose for a moment that
the Capital ought to be in San Francisco, in Oakland, or in San Jose,
and for his part he thought the decision of the Supreme Court was
erroneous that San Jose was not the constitutional Capital, although
he bowed to that decision; still who could tell what would be the
results of the flood upon the foundations of the Capitol? Who could
say now but by removing they would be absolutely taking away the
Capital from the safest place in the State? How did they know if
they built a magnificent Capitol upon the summit of one of the hills
of San Francisco, and erected thereon the mightiest dome that graces
the Capitol of any of the thirty-four States, despising all the powers
of flocd and fire, and all the vicissitudes that had yet visited the
State, but that a mighty earthquake would throw down that dome, burying
all beneath it? Who could tell but after running away from a little water
the earth would so shake that they would not be permitted to run, but
Capitol, dome, Assembly, Senate and all would be engulphed in one
common grave, which would swallow them up more effectually and
hopelessly than all the floods Noah ever dreamed of. This present
calamity they had seen the worst of, had breasted it with mud scows
and Whitehall boats, and some of them, like his friend from Calaveras
(Mr. O'Brien), had breasted it, booted and clad in his old time miners'
attire. And now when the danger was all over, when boats were abundant,
obeying even the beck of a legislative finger, when the inland seas
were leaving, when they were all comfortably housed in upper stories,
bedded, fed, brought here dry shod, and unbooted, It was proposed to
flee. It seemed as if the little stream of water that had washed the
lower stories must also have washed away the understanding of members,
for all the arguments and reasons which prevailed against this
proposition a week ago, were still existing, multiplied a hundred
fold. But the truth was that there was a deep laid scheme underlying
the movement, like the strata underlying the waters at the Golden
Gate--a scheme proposing that Sacramento should go under without
giving so much as another squeak, nor even making so much as the
sign of the scissors above the waves, as the sinks engulphed in a
concurrent resolution. That was the determination. If he were
determined to remove the Capital, no hydraulic pressure could have
squeezed such a purpose out of him at a time like this. He would
not consider it magnanimous when a man or a city was engulphed in
mud and flood, to give him or it a parting kick out of sight, and
beyond even the power of bubbling to the surface an exclamation
against the injustice. Never should it be said of a true Californian
that he was not brave, and magnanimous, even to his foes, much less
to an unfortunate sister like this fair city of the plains. It had
been said truly that San Francisco had been generous towards
Sacramento, but that would be no compensation for robbing her of
the Capital. It would be like robbing a maiden of the inestimable
jewel of virtue and then seeking to compensate her with a ribbon,
or a shawl, or a new dress. They would be destroying the credit of
Sacramento and driving her to repudiation, and then seeking to
palliate the act by alleging their benevolence. It would require a
labor of at least twenty-five years to enable Sacramento to recover
from such a disaster, and possibly she would never recover wholly.
The Legislature, by adopting this resolution, would pronounce this
great valley uninhabitable; and not only that, but this great city
of three-story edifices--this entrepot and point of exchange for
the everlasting golden hills and the villages on the mountains and
ranches on the plains; and those poor men taken from treetop and
housetop, and shabby boats and other perilous positions--those hardy
men, to-day without a home, would have to labor for a quarter or
perhaps a half a century to recover from the blow it was proposed
to give them as their quietus. They were to stand by like the
unnatural mother of a tempted daughter refusing help or succor.
It was said that there was danger to the health of members here.
He thought they all looked robust, as if the boating in Sacramento
had done them good; and if there were cases of sickness they could
not expect to escape that unless they found a location for the Capital
at a point which would be inaccesible to the Angel of Death. He
thought the trip to San Francisco last week had not rendered them
more firm on their feet, and certainly holding an umbrella against
the storm there was more fatiguing than riding in well cushioned
boats through the streets of Sacramento. He had been arraigned for
appealing to the consciences of members but he thought if John Tyler,
who tried to step into the seven league boots of General Jackson,
could appeal to his conscience in a veto massage [?]. he might be
excused for supposing that a California Legislature was possessed
of a conscience. If he was mistaken, he would take it all back and
appeal to the aggregate judgment of the House. Why did they desire
this removal? He knew of some reasons. He had conversed with one of
the immense monetary men of San Francisco one of those famous men who
dealt not only in lands inside and outside of the Pueblo limits, in
Peter Smith claims and Van Ness ordinances, and in San Francisco scrip,
but who was ever mixed up with that greatest of all monsters that ever
lifted itself from the mud and slime of the greatest of bays--the
monster bulkhead. He would quote the language of this elephantine
personage. It was--"Bell, why in hell have you been playing the devil
up here about this adjournment?" [Laughter.] In the course of
conversation he found that this man had a fair plain in the hundred
hilled city of San Francisco, which he would by all means feel
compelled, for the sake of the public good to give as a site for
the building of the Capitol, notwithstanding that that would bring
his adjoining property into disrepute, compelling him to sell it
to poker players and saloon keepers, and all those tribes that gather
around the California Legislature like kites and hawks, and buzzards
and other abominations gather around their prey. That would be a great
affliction to his righteous soul; still, he would do it for the public
good, if men would have it. One delegation after another waited upon
him in the immaculate city of San Francisco, saying, "Oh! Bell what
have you done? Here are corner lots in danger, and the saloon keepers,
and all the men that make votes, and buy votes, and transfer votes,
and stuff votes, and make patent ballot boxes, and so make Governors,
and Presidents, and legislators. Oh! Bell you have offended tham all,
and they are all down upon you, Bell! Oh, Bell! Oh, Bell!" [laughter.]
And an organ of that class had actually mounted his poor frame with a
cracked bell, supposed to be giving forth an unwholesome sound in the
ears of the unwholesome Legislature. When he learned how all this
unterrified underlying bed rock people berating him as a cracked Bell,
they could imagine how his soul trembled and his knees shook. They toll
him unless he mended his ways he would never get one hundred votes
again, and his beautiful Oakland, even, would spew him out like a bad
oyster. Above all things, he feared the majesty of the people, but if
they condemned him for doing what he conceived to be right he would
die at his post as heroically as he could, like the great Baker
leading on his forlorn hope. [Applause ] Why in their secret hearts
did gentlemen desire this removal? He would answer for nlne-tenths
of them, that if the underlying conscience could flame out as it
sometimes would, they would say that it was only for their personal
convenience. That was his firm conviction, ingrained in every fiber,
and flowing through every nerve of his body. It was nothing in the
world but the personal convenience of one hundred and twenty stout,
able bodied man, that claimed to be true Californians. Suppose he
had mistaken many of them in that regard, where was he to look for
any patriotic motive? What was to be gained by going to San Francisco,
except in the way of benefitting corner lots and speculators. It would
be a great convenience and saving to him personally to go there, but
he preferred to stand by the interests of the entire State, from
Siskiyou to San Diego. It was true charity to stand by the unfortunate,
not simply to give them gifts. Their brethren in the East waded through
worse mud and water to face the deadly cannon and die for their country,
and surely they ought to endure the little discomforts here necessary
to endure in the performance of their duty. He apologized for anything
he might have said in the heat of debate which sounded like denunciation,
and concluded by declaring that every man of them would surely repent
of it who should by his vote aid in destroying the fair fabric of this
city by removing the pillars of this Capitol.
Mr. SHANNON offered as a substitute for the pending resolution the
following:
WHEREAS, There are legal questions involved in the adjournment of the
Legislature to a place other than the Capital, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Attorney General be requested to report to
this House the law upon this question, and if possible, either by
agreed case or otherwise, to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court
thereon, on Thursday next, the 23d instant,
The SPEAKER ruled the amendment out of order.
Mr. SHANNON urged the passage of his resolution, and suggested that
the pending resolution could be temporarily laid on the table for
the purpose of its consideration.
Mr. FAY moved that the resolution be temporarily laid on the table
for that purpose.
The motion prevailed--ayes, 44; noes, 17.
Mr. SHANNON then offered his resolution.
The resolution was. debated at length by Messrs, Shannon, Wright, Ames,
Reed, Hoffman, Fay and Seaton.
Mr. HOFFMAN [Mr. Collins in the chalr] offered an amendment to pay
the Attorney General $150, for expenses in getting the matter before
the Supreme Court, but subsequently withdrew the amendment on being
informed that the Attorney General did not desire it.
Mr. HILLYER moved to amend by striking out so much as referred to
the Supreme Court. Lost.
The resolution as proposed by Mr. Shannon was adopted, on a division--ayes,
40; noes not counted.
Mr. BELL offered the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be and he is hereby
authorized to receipt to the Controller of State for warrants for
the per diem and mileage of the members and officers of the Assembly.
Mr. AMES objected, and called for the regular order of business.
The SPEAKER pro tem. said the regular order was the presentation of
petitions.
Mr. AMES called up the concurrent resolution introduced by Mr. Hoffman
for adjournment to San Francisco.
Mr. O'BRIEN raised a question of order that that would require a
suspension of the rules, not being the regular order of business..
The SPEAKER pro tem. decided that the majority could take up the
resolution.
A protracted discussion ensued upon the question of order, in the
course of which Mr. Shannon urged the propriety of taking no action
upon this resolution until the opinion of the District Attorney and
the decision of the Supreme Court should be obtained, if possible.
The question of taking up the resolution was still pending when, on
motion of Mr. Ames, at 3 o'clock the House adjourned. . . .
RELIEF IN SAN FRANCISCO.--The San Francisco Bulletin of January
20th has the following:
At twelve o'clock to-day there were about 100 guests from up the river
at Music Hall, and operations were going on much after the fashion of
every day last week. The working members of the Committee were in
their places, and some thirty ladies were busy assorting, distributing,
cutting out, basting and sewing clothing. The sewing machines are on
the platform to-day, handier to the cutters and distributors. Most of
the thirty were ladies who have not been published as engaged in the
good work, and woule [sic] be offended if such liberty should be taken
with their names. Working for blessed Charity's sake, they hold that
it would spoil the flavor of their enjoyment, should the left hand be
informed by print what the right hand doeth There were lodged in the
house last Saturday night 170 persons, of whom about 70--so one of the
Committee said--arrived by the evening boats. Yesterday more than half
of these were provided with homes about the city. The Committee remained
at their posts through the day and about two dozen ladies worked on as
usual, making up garments for the half naked. There are several hundred
of the Committee's guests scattered over the city, most of whom, and
excepting those quartered on families, are daily supplied with bags
of provisions from the Hall. The contributions are coming in at the
usual rate to-day, though the tide hardly gets well to running before
one o'clock. They come in in cash, bundles of clothing, great chunks
of meat from the butchers, game and vegetables from the market men,
and groceries and dry goods from the stores. The collections in the
Catholic churches yesterday have not yet been reported to the Committee,.
Possibly it was the intention to turn it over to the Catholic
institutions that are sharing vigorously in the work of relieving;
though this is not probable, since the Committee send to many such
institutions their daily supplies. All sects fare alike in the bounties
of all our citizens of all colors and conditions in this strange
emergency. Whoever is human and is in distress has a preferred claim
and is sure of help. The collection in the Folsom street Methodist
church yesterday amounted to $210. The receipts yesterday at the Hall
sum up small, of course, compared with week days. They were of seven
bundles clothing, one barrel of corned beef from James Quinn, ten
baskets of provisions, a lunch for the ladies of the Committee from
the Clipper Restaurant, $120 in cash from the Mission Woolen Mills.
The receipts of the preceding day counted up some $700. . . . .
THE CAPITAL CITY O. K.--To the credit of the Assembly of California,
that body, on the 14th inst., finally disposed of the concurent [sic]
resolutions, previously adopted by a small majority in the Senate,
to adjourn the session of the Legislature to San Francisco, by rejecting
it and refusing to reconsider. The sentiment of the people of the
State is overwhelming in favor of the Capital being permanently located,
as it is, at Sacramento, and the temporary inconvenience caused by an
inundation, which submerged the entire valley of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin rivers, should never have suggested the agitation of the
question of removing the seat of government.--Golden Era. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The Sacramento river rose six inches during Monday night and a portion
of yesterday, and by last evening it had fallen to the same extent,
leaving it stationary at twenty-two feet six inches above low water mark.
There was no perceptible fall in the American. . . .
THE LEGISLATURE.
In the Senate, yesterday, two or three special bills, of no general
interest, were passed. A bill was introduced by Banks of San Francisco,
to appropriate $25,000 to the Howard Benevolent Association, to be
expended in the relief of sufferers by the flood; it was placed on the
general file. A bill was offered by Crane of Alameda, requiring certain
State officers to remove their offices to San Francisco, and keep them
there until June next; it was temporarily laid upon the table. . . .
In the Assembly a resolution to adjourn to San Francisco was laid on
the table, and a resolution was adopted requesting the Attorney General
to furnish an opinion by Thursday, the 23d inst, in regard to the
constitutionality of a temporary removal of the Legislature. The Assembly
also expressed a desire to bring the question before the Supreme Court,
if a case could be made for that purpose.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The whale boat sent up the American river returned
Monday evening, having crossed above Lisle's bridge, passed through
the slough, up and across the Marysville Road and out at Brown's ferry,
thence down the Sacramento--aiding all who desired it, and bringing in
reliable information of the condition of the large number of families
in that section. The same boat to-day relieved nine families below
Sutterville. The relief boat from San Francisco in charge of Mr. Lovell,
returned from Richland and vicinity to-day, and has rendered most
efficient aid again on this its second trip. The number fed at the
Pavilion yesterday exceeds that of any day since the last flood. The
prospect of continuous bad weather daily drives numbers, who have borne
with hardship and distress difficult to realize, to seek the guardianship
of the Society for such time as will allow them to make arrangements for
their own sustenance. Upwards of three thousand persons have thus far been
relieved and provisioned, and the demand continues unabated. The scope
of the Society is to any and all points above San Francisco, where want
and distress abound; and the Directors have been consulting a day or two
past respecting ways and means. The treasury is exhausted, and in a few
days they hope for supplies of money that will be sufficient to cover
their large outlays.
MAIL LOST.--The mail which left Nevada, January 15th, for Marysville,
was lost on the way down. The boat containing it was upset.
THE ADJOURNMENT QUESTION.
We concede that Sacramento does not at this present writing offer a
very attractive appearance, and we may add that the remark applies
to every other city in the State. If Sacramento was alone a sufferer
from floods, it would be just to compare her unfavorably with other
cities. But she is not an exception. The floods have been general;
the entire State has been visited, and to a greater or less extent
devastated. We do not stand alone in our misfortunes. In view of
these facts, it is neither fair nor just to hold Sacramento responsible
for a visitation of Providence which is general on the Pacific coast.
After having made a rather ungenerous effort to adjourn to San
Francisco which did not succeed, the Legislature adjourned for one
week in hopes of an improved condition of the weather and the city.
But the rainy, disagreeable weather did not adjourn; the storms of
wind, rain, and snow continued during the week, and members returned
to find the city again invaded by the remorseless waters of the
American river. In this the fates, it must be admitted, are rather
against the city, as our streets have been for the week the Legislature
stood adjourned in a condition so passable, as to have permitted
members to attend to their legislative duties. As matters have
terminated, the adjournment was a mistake. It has proved so much time
lost, as the weather continues bad, and the water again entered the
city to an inconvenient depth the very night before the Legislature
was to convene according to adjournment. As a consequence, another
move was made yesterday to adjourn to San Francisco for the session,
but it did not meet with success. The resolution was laid on the
table in the Assembly, where it originated. Had we been blessed with
fair weather for the past week, no second motion to adjourn to another
place would have been submitted. To the weather, therefore, we are
indebted for the motion to adjourn. Fair weather for a week would
work an important change in the feelings of those gentlemen so
anxious now to adjourn to the Bay city. But cannot the legislation
necessary for the State be performed in Sacramento, in spite of
disagreeable weather and high water? If members so determine, it
can be done. It may subject them to some inconvenience, but if they
resolve to make the sacrifice and go forward with the State's business,
the fact will be noted and appreciated by the people. The State House
is above water, and the members are as comfortable while in session as
they can be made anywhere during such continuous rain storms. And then
the difficulties of even a temporary removal will be much greater than
many suppose. There are constitutional questions involved, as well as
questions of prudence and economy. Under the circumstances, if members
will resolve to proceed with the business of the session as if no
extraordinary events had been added to the history of the country,
their course will meet the fullest approbation of their constituents.
A short session in Sacramento would prove far more acceptable to the
people of the State than a long one in San Francisco. But if an
adjournment is considered necessary, it will be far better and more
satisfactory to the country for the Legislature to adjourn until next
May, or until called together by the Governor, than to adjourn to San
Francisco for the session.
As at present situated, it is impossible for members to communicate
with their constituents during a session held this Winter, but if
they adjourn until Spring, they will be able to hold intercourse
with them daily. Unquestionably the better policy for the State,
unless members determine to go forward and close the business of
the session by the first of March, is an adjournment until May, when
fair and pleasant weather may be surely anticipated. At least, if
an adjournment is to be had, let the people of the State be furnished
with some reason and argument for such an extraordinary step besides
the personal comfort of members. This argument will go but a short
distance towards a justification before the people. . . .
It would be a just retribution if time demonstrates that the Republicans
in the Legislature are digging the political grave of the party in this
State, by their course on the proposition to adjourn to San Francisco,
to promote--not the public good--but their personal comfort.
LOSSES BY FLOOD IN OREGON.--Among the heaviest losers by the floods
in Oregon City are Kelly & Pentland, Linn City Works, $40,000; Daniel
Hawley, McLaughlin Mills and contents $50,000; Island Mills, $20,000;
Moore & Marshall, Willamette Iron Works, $8,000; and many others whose
losses range from $1,000 upward. . . .
GREAT FLOOD IN STOCKTON.--Stockton has been visited by another flood,
far more disastrous than any former one. The Independent of
January 18th says:
At the moment we write this, Friday, 3 P. M., Stockton is some fonr
inches deeper in water than it has been at any prior inundation of
the season. All the eastern part of the city was filled up last night
to a depth ranging from two to four feet. In the business
streets--Hunter, El Dorado, the north side of Main, and Center, on
which the Independent office stands, the water is from ten
to twenty inches over the sidewalks. The middle of Center street,
where the highest grade of the city is, still continues to show itself
from opposite this office down to the intersection of Washington
street. The water is slowly rising from the San Joaquin, which chokes
up all the sloughs and backs upon us; and, what is still more, it is
raining briskly, with a stiff wind from the southeast. For this city
we apprehend no danger--nothing but a continuation of the petty
annoyances and inconveniences incident to flooded sidewalks and
deluged lower stories. But this state of affairs is becoming truly
and seriously alarming to our ranchers and farmers. For eight or ten
days the immense herds of cattle which lately covered our plains,
and to which we all looked mainly for our supplies of fresh beef,
have been confined in compact groups upon small islands, which here
and there at distant intervals of space show themselves a few inches
above the broad waters. They could not be coralled or fed, or decently
looked after, and in consequence are now in a starving condition.
Thousand upon thousand must necessarily perish in a very few days
unless the waters speedily subside and uncover the inundated pastures.
Without counting the fine blooded stock which is owned by farmers in
this valley, and which is always carefully stabled and fed through
the Winter, we may estimate the loose and uncared for stock between
the Merced and the Cosumnes at not less than one hundred thousand
head. Of all these, if this rain and flood continues for three days
longer, there will probably be not a tenth left alive. Such wholesale
destruction of stock is terrible and unprecedented on this continent.
Coupled with the losses of farmers in grain, swine, horses, mules,
agricultural implements, and, generally, the means of husbandry, it
combines to threaten us with a famine, or at least to make us dependent
on other countries for the necessaries of life.
A number of families were removed last evening from houses liable
to be overflowed during the night. Several of the churches, the most
of which are elevated far above any probable rise of the water,
afforded shelter and places for lodging for such as desired to avail
themselves of the accommodations they afforded.
The Republican of the same date says:
We have been visited by the severest flood which our city has known
for the last twenty years. This time the entire city, from one end to
the other, has been overflowed, which has never been the case before.
The water has not been very deep, but few families being required to
remove from their homes. The peal of the alarm bell, the steady and
continuous rain, the howling Southeast gale has brought more terrors
to the imagination than the reality. At night, yesterday, there was
a cessation of the storm, whether permanently or not, at this time of
writing, we cannot say. In the matter of real damage we have little
to record. The outbuildings of the Magnolia have gone, but that is
no great loss. The flood has been more universal than any previous
one, and decidedly more dismal, though the consequences have been
undoubtedly less disastrous.
While we now write, our whole city is badly overflowed for the first
time (all at once). The windows of heaven are opened, and the rain
is still pouring, pouring down. It is small satisfaction for us to
know that others are worse off than ourselves at this time. The worst
feature, at the time when this is written, is the anticipation of
what may come before this comes before our readers. Our people take
the matter cheerfully, and every door is open to the sufferer. There
is but little prospect of distress. We can hold out as long as any
community in the valley.
THE FLOODS IN PLACER.--The Forest Hill Courier of January 11th
speaks of the damage in its vicinity, as follows:
On the Middle Fork, it is reported that nearly every house on Junction
Bar has been carried off. Only a few of the houses at the head of
American Bar remain! Not a house is left standing on Pleasant Bar.
Not a house is left standing on Horseshoe Bar. Every vestige of a
habitation is gone. Garrison's store was nearly under water at one
o'clock yesterday, and it must have been impossible to have remained
in its position till night, as the river kept rising. On Mad Canon
Bar, most all the buildings have been swept away, and many families
left without a home. Immense piles of lumber, at Wentworth's saw mill,
on Volcano canon, were floated away. The mill was also entirely under
water. Scarcely a miner's cabin, from the head to the outlet of the
canon but was floated off, and the inhabitants compelled to flee for
their lives! Some of them have come to Forest Hill. At the rate the
river was rising at four o'clock yesterday, it was feared every building
on Volcano Bar would be swept away. The river on Friday afternoon was
twelve feet higher than any previous flood, and forty feet higher than
low water mark. Numerous land slides, or avalanches have taken place
within half a mile of Forest Hill. Several buildings, "under the hill"
have also had their foundations washed away, and have tumbled over.
The water ditches in every direction have also sustained an immense
damage.
The Union Advocate, published at Auburn, says under date of
Jan. 18th:
We are already cut off from Sacramento as effectually as if no roads
ever existed. Wagon navigation has ceased, and we will now be compelled
to go back to first principles and bring into use the pack animal,
but even then we doubt whether our merchants will be able to supply
the increased demand. The people in Auburn and throughout the county
were not prepared for such a severe Winter; they did not supply
themselves with a Winter's stock, trusting, as they have for the
past eight or nine years, to the easy and uninterrupted communication
with the market below. The extreme scarcity of the necessaries of
life has increased the prices treble what they were prior to the
heavy rains.
NOT QUITE SO BAD.--The Forest Hill Courier of January 11th,
speaking of the deluge of waters in that place, and the high stage of
the American, says:
God only knows what will be the result of the dreadful freshet which
has come upon California. We do not hesitate to express our conviction
that Sacramento city is submerged to the depth of twenty or thirty feet,
and that besides the loss of the immense amount of property, hundreds
of valuable lives have been lost! To us it seems impossible that it can
be otherwise.
It has not been quite so bad as that. At the time it speaks of, about
January 11th, we received the waters of the American, and also the
Sacramento, coolly and bravely, and "it was not a good day for" floods
after all.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
SALT LAKE, Jan. 17th--2 P.M.
. . .
There has been no through mail from the East for six days. The cause is
high water and deep snow. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
PERILOUS SITUATION.--On Sunday afternoon a man named Keyes started from
the city in a small boat with provisions for his family, residing several
miles north of the American river. After crossing the river in safety,
a fearful gale sprang up and his boat began to fill with water. The waves
ran high, and the boat shipped so much water that he was compelled to
bale out constantly with one hand while he rowed to the extant of his
ability with the other. He soon found that he could neither keep his
boat free nor make any headway with her, and that she must inevitably
go down. Being near the Marysville road, he resolved to reach a
telegraph pole and cling to it as long as there was hope or strength
left. But few of them remained standing, and the wind blew the boat
past one which he attempted to reach. After great exertion he returned
to it, and as the boat sunk beneath him climbed partially up the pole.
While making these efforts at self preservation, he had not been
unobserved. P. Chatterton and A. Keithley, at a house some distance
off, who had an hour before saved the life of a colored man, were on
the lookout, and hastened to his relief. After great exertion they
succeeded in reaching him. On approaching the pole they discovered
that the person they were about to rescue was a brother to both of
them. He was, of course, relieved from his uncomfortable and dangerous
position.
THE CITIZENS' COMMITTEE--Dr. J. F. Morse, President of the citizens'
meeting held at the Orleans Hotel on Monday evening, was authorized
to appoint a Committee for the purpose of drafting a bill for the
future government of the city, to submit to the Legislature, and
report the names of said Committee through the daily papers. In
accordance with this authority he has appointed A. K. P. Harmon
and A. Boyd, of the First District; C. H. Grimm and J. P. Dyer, of
the Second District; J. W. Winans and N. Booth, of the Third District;
and Mark Hopkins and A. K. Grim, of the Fourth District; added by the
meeting, J. F. Morse. In announcing the names of the Committee the
President says: "The undersigned would respectfully report that he
has, with considerable difficulty seen all of the gentlemen named
except one, and obtained from them an acceptance of the duties
contemplated in the citizens' resolution. He would remark, that in
view of preliminary efforts of a few of the Committee, and other
citizens, who were endeavoring to frame a bill of incorporation,
there is reason to expect a prompt report, to a citizens' meeting,
of a plan of reorganization which will be approved, and from them
recommended to legislative action."
AN AQUATIC FIGHT.--A spirited engagement occurred yesterday forenoon,
between two boys and a man, at Front and K streets. The boys were passing
in a boat across the corner of the sidewalk, when they disarranged some
boards; for doing which, a man standing in the water on the sidewalk
struck one of them. The boys jumped out of the boat, and one of them
struck the man on the head with an oar with such force as to bring him
partially to his knees. He, in turn, seized the boy who struck the
blow, when the other came to the assistance of the companion. All
parties were inclined to wade in, but one of the boys was held by
a bystander, when the other received several blows from the man to
whom he had dealt the blow with the oar. Nobody was badly hurt, and
nobody appeared to feel whipped, but all concluded wisely to go about
their business. . . .
THE FLOOD.--The waters, which rose in the city during Monday, and
had flooded K and J streets during Monday evening, continued to rise
during the entire night. At eight o'clock yesterday morning they had
attained a hight within about six inches of the higher mark of
December 9, 1861, and within about twenty-six inches of the still
higher mark of the 10th of the present month. All of our principal
streets, except I, were navigable yesterday with boats, and, as on
former occasions, the opportunity for aquatic enjoyment was gladly
embraced. As everybody in town was prepared for high water on this
occasion, there was comparatively little damage done by it. At about
ten o'clock in the morning the water began to recede, and fell some
seven inches during the afternoon and evening. . . .
THE TANNERY.--A large number of workmen were kept employed at the
new levee at Rabel's Tannery during Monday night and yesterday.
W. Turton had charge of them during the night, and John O'Brien
during the day. A large number of gunny sacks were used in
strengthaning the point from which danger was apprehended. It is
believed that the levee may be saved, but there is considerable
uncertainty about it.
BACK AGAIN.--W. M. Harron, who had been out on a northern cruise for
the Howard Benevolent Society, returned to the city on Monday evening.
He had charge of a whale boat with six oarsmen, freighted with provisions.
They scoured the flooded district on both sides of the Sacramento for
fifteen miles up, and furnished supplies wherever they were needed.
A large proportion of the houses visited were abandoned.
THE SHUBRICK.--The steam revenue cutter Shubrick, Capt. Pease, after
spending the night at the levee, weighed anchor at about eleven
o'clock A. M., yesterday, and cleared for San Francisco. She fired
a parting salute of three guns as she dropped into the stream. The
Captain designs to render such assistance as may be required at
Cache creek slough.
THE UMATILLA.--The steamer Umatilla, Capt. Foster, arrived at the
levee at an early hour yesterday morniug. She will probably engage
in the transportation of stock in such localities as require her
services. The Umatilla was built a few years since for the Fraser
river trade.
THE FRONT STREET LEVEE.--The work of repairing the Front Street levee
above R street was commenced yesterday, under the supervision of the
Committee of Safety, and will doubtless be effectively finished before
the work is abandoned. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, January 21. 1862.
This Board adjourned yesterday to meet at two P. M. to-day. By three
o'clock a quorum was obtained consisting of the following Supervisors:
Granger, Russell, Woods, Waterman and Shattuck, President. . . .
The following proposition for a bridge across Sutter slough was
submitted for the consideration of the Board:
To the honorable, the Board of Supervisors of Sacramento city--Gentlemen:
I will build a bridge across the Sutter Slough, on K street, according
to the plan by me submitted, and keep K street in good order from
Eleventh to Thirty-first street, if the said Board will guarantee to
me the right to take the tolls on the same for a period of time equal
to that comprehended between January 1st and May 15th--the construction
to be commenced as soon as practicable after the flood abates from off
said street--and give the requisite bonds to deliver the said property
to the city of Sacramento at the expiration of this franchise, the said
Board granting me the right of way to build the bridge, and fix the rates
of toll the same as Peter Brando has been collecting on his ferry across
said slough, and remove all competition on the completion of the
bridge--damage from the elements and public calamities excepted.
B. F. LEET.
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 20, 1862
The proposal was referred to a Special Committee with power to act.
Supervisors Russell, Granger and Hite were appointed to take charge of
the subject.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that the consideration of the difficulty
between Norris, on the one part, and Harris & Pearis on the other,
be postponed until the 24th of the present month. Agreed to. . . .
On motion, the Supervisors adjourned to meet to-day at two P. M. . . .
COMPLAINT OF ROBBERY.--Constant complaint is made that houses from which
the proprietors are absent in consequence of the flood are broken open
and despoiled of everything valuable remaining in them.
THE RIVER.--At eight o'clock yesterday morning the Sacramento river
had risen six inches and maintained that hight--22 feet
6 inches--during the day. . . .
THE LATE STORM IN SIERRA.--The La Porte Messenger of January 18th, says:
The past week has been a dreary one in the mountains. Rain and
snow alternately, with boisterous winds, have had undisputed reign
throughout the week, except on Sunday. This is the tenth week of
almost uninterrupted storm. The mountain streams commenced subsiding
on Saturday of last week, and are now nearly down to the average
Winter notch. Ditch owners seem to be the principal sufferers by
the last flood in this vicinity. The Feather River ditch was severely
damaged; Sears' Union ditch sustained injuries to the amount of one
or two thousand dollars. Bosworth's was considerably broken by the
land slide near town. The St. Louis bridge, just repaired, had a
larger portion carried away than before. Lawrence's bridge, on the
Port Wine trail, withstood the torrents. The Rabbit creek flume was
filled with tailings, and otherwise damaged, to what amount we are
not informed. The snow is now about three feet deep on the average,
and still coming as we go to press, Friday afternoon.
SAN FRANCISCO.--The San Francisco Journal of January 20th says:
The residents on the old road near the Mission, in the vicinity of
the home of Judge Cowles, are in a state of great uneasiness about
the waters of the lake just south of them. The continued rain and
gradual swelling of the water, create fears of an overflow which
will be disastrous to the pleasant gardens and Summer houses which
adorn the neighborhood, to say nothing of the inconvenience of
submerged kitchens, cellars, etc., etc.
The Herald added:
We learn that a frame building on Folsom street, between Second and
Third, fell down last evening, in consequence of the storm. The inmates
were warned in time, and escaped.
ANGEL'S CAMP.--It is stated that in this place, located in Calaveras
county, the people are almost destitute of provisions of all kinds.
Only sixty barrels of flour were on hand January 11th, and it was
selling for thirty cents per pound. The Stockton Republican says the
people at Angel's had no communication with the former place for ten
days. Campo Seco was also poorly off for provisions. . . .
FLOODED OUT.--The barber shops of the city were all flooded out
yesterday morning except that of the steamer Chrysopolis, which,
for some reason or other, the water failed to reach.
ARRESTED.--John Doe, alias Prompter, was arrested yesterday by officer
Cody, on a charge of stealing a boat belonging to E. W. Marshall. . . .
p. 4
THE LATE CALAMITIES AND THEIR LESSONS.--The San Francisco Mirror
says the Rev. Mr. Thrall, pastor of Trinity Church in that city, preached,
January 19th, a powerful sermon on the calamities and signs of the times:
He remarked that never had such a "stewardship," so rich a stewardship,
been committed to any people as had been intrusted to California.
Never, in the history of the world, had there been less recognition,
under proportionate circumstances, of the character of these
"good gifts" placed in our hands by a kind but jealous God. He
spoke of the churchless villages in the interior--where the preaching
of God's word was not allowed--where the avocations of trade were
carried on with unbroken activity and zest through the entire week.
Referring particularly to the calamity that now appalled us in our
own State, he touched the pretentious and flimsy logic of the infidel
in behalf of uninterrupted laws and courses of nature, in opposition
to the Christian theory of Divine interpositions or directions in the
subordinate law of nature. His brief argument at this point was one
of those compact, consummate and unanswerable paragraphs of reasoning
for which this preaoher is very remarkable. He alluded to our national
sin of boasting, and for our chief State sin he named our conceited,
if not heartless rejoicings in the comparatively favorable position
we hold as a community over our Eastern brethren, who are immediately
involved in civil war. And now God has opened the windows of Heaven
upon us, and one-third of our wealth has vanished like a vision.
CALAVERAS.--It is represented that there has been great destruction
of buildings and other property in Poverty Bar, and in Lancha Plana,
in Amador county, by the late flood, and also a great scarcity of
provisions. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3376, 23 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
WEDNESDAY, January 22d, 1862.
The PRESIDENT pro tem, called the Senate to order at the usual hour, . . . .
APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUFFERERS
The President said the Senate had yesterday under consideration a
bill that had not been disposed of, an Act for the relief of sufferers
by the flood. The question was, should the rules be suspended, and
the bill be read the third time?
Mr. BURNELL thought a bill of as much moment as this ought to be
referred to some Committee. He moved it be referred to the Committee
on Swamp and Overflowed Lands.
Mr. BANKS; had no objection if the gentleman desired, but he asked
that it be referred to some appropriate Committee. He thought that
would be a disrespectful reference.
Mr. BURNELL certainly meant no disrespect for the bill. The whole
country was overflowed, and that Committee had charge of the
Department. He withdrew his motion.
Mr. HARVEY said it appeared to him this bill was of much greater
importance than the Senator from Amador seemed to suppose. He held
that the State would be obliged to make appropriations for the suffering
classes in our country. He desired to see this bill acted on by the
Senate. He wished to see it referred to an appropriate Committee, to
examine thoroughly into the merits of the bill
Mr. GASKELL moved its reference to the Committee on Finance, which
was carried. . . .
BOATS.
Mr. PARKS made the inquiry whether there was a resolution passed
authorizing the Sergeant-at-Arms to procure boats.
The SECRETARY stated that such was the fact.
Mr. PARKS suggested to the author of that resolution that he now
offer another explanatory of or limiting the power conferred on the
Sergeant-at-Arms to some extent, establishing some regular system.
It appeared to him the Legislature would incur very heavy expenses
under this head. Persons carrying members would "keep it it in their
heads," and finally present enormous bills. If they were going to
employ boats, let some ticket system be adopted, which would enable
any one to carry passengers, leaving the tickets to be presented
afterwards.
Mr. DE LONG said the original resolution limited it, stating the
number of boats. The boats had "Senate" in large letters upon the
stern, and were running between the Capitol and principal hotels
dally, every hour, to ten o'clock at night.
Mr. Parks said he never had been fortunate enough to see any of them.
Mr. DE LONG could not say where the gentleman lived.
The PRESIDENT said there was no question before the Senate. He was
informed the expense amounted to two hundred dollars a day.
Mr. PARKS stated that to his certain knowledge there were a great many
boats besides the regular ones running with passengers at the expense
of the State; and they would soon present their bills. He would
guarantee that five hundred dollars a day did not cover the expense.
He moved to rescind the resolution and tell boatmen to present their
accounts.
Mr. GALLAGHER inquired whether it was true that each of the boats cost
the Senate $20? He had been so informed. It seemed to him that was
outrageous.
Mr. DE LONG. said the boats could not be had for any reasonable price.
Mr. NIXON said they could be bought for $20.
The foilowing was drawn up by Messrs. Parks and De Long:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be requested to present
forthwith to this Senate an account of all his proceedings under the
resolution empowering him to hire boats for the Senate.
Mr. DE LONG explained that it was necessary to know how many boats
had been hired, how much had been paid, etc. Then the Senate could
determine whether this plan suited or not; and if not, some other
arrangement could be made. He was aware of a large bill growing up
against the State for boat hire. It could only be avoided by
individual members hiring their own boats. For himself, if a
majority voted to compel him to reside here, he would help make the
State pay the necessary expense of his residence, so far as his public
duties were concerned. If going to and from the Capitol and Committiee
rooms he required a boat.
The resolution was adopted. . . .
On motion of Mr. NIXON, at twelve o'clock, a recess was taken for half an hour.
At one o'clock Mr. SHAFTER called the Senate to order.
The SERGEANT-AT-ARMS presented a communication, submitting his accounts
with various persons for boat hire for the use of the Senate, and
vouchers connected therewith, including all the accounts thus contracted,
with the exception of $25 due an individual who had not rendered his
account. He further stated that the boats were still in the service of
this body. The total expense thus far, including the present day, was
$385.
On motion of Mr. IRWIN, the report was referred to the Committee on
Contingent Expenses. . . .
THE ADJOURNMENT TO SAN FRANCISCO.
A message was received from the Assembly
announcing the passage of Concurrent Resolution No 7, relative to
adjournment. It was read.. [See Assembly.]
Mr. GALLAGHER wished to ask for a little information. He was in the
other House when that passed. Mr. Barton of Sacramento got up--
Mr. IRWIN rose to a point of order. The Senator had no right to allude
to what transpired in the other House.
The PRESIDENT ruled the point well taken.
Several members found fault with the time mentioned in the resolution.
The PRESIDENT said the Senate would just reach San Francisco, by due
course of mail, on Friday morning.
The question upon concurrence was then taken and carried. The vote
was as follows:
Ayes--Baker, Bogart, Chamberlain, Crane, De Long, Gaskell, Harriman,
Hathaway, Hill, Irwin, Kimball, Kutz, Merritt, Oulton, Pacheco,
Perkins, Porter, Powers, Rhodes, Soule, Warmcastle, Watt--22.
Noes--Banks, Burnell, Denver, Doll, Gallagher, Harvey, Holden, Lewis,
Nixon, Parks, Shurtleff, Vineyard, Williamson--13.
Mr. DE LONG moved to reconsider.
A member moved that the motion be indefinitely postponed, which was carried.
Mr. IRWIN suggested that a Committee should be appointed to act under
the resolution, and also that the House be informed of the Senate's
ccncurrence
The PRESIDENT said he would appoint the previous Committee of Conference,
Messrs. Soule, Porter and De Long.
Mr. CRANE now asked for the unanimous consent of the Senate to take
from the table the bill presented yesterday in relation to the residence
of the State officers, and providing that they may reside until the 1st
of June at San Francisco.
Mr. DENVER said it was necessary, now that the Legislature had
determined to be at San Francisco, that the officers of the State
should also be there. He therefore moved it be taken from the table,
which was carried.
Mr. CRANE moved to insert "temporary" before the word residence, and
to substitute "first Monday in June" for first day of June;" also,
"Adjutant General" for "Quartermaster General."
The amendments were approved.
Mr. PARKS thought the bill ought to be amended in some way to provide
means for the transportation of these officers to and from San
Francisco; or was it calculated that each officer should go there
with the traps snd calamities pertaining to his office on his own
expenses? [Laughter] or would each officer be allowed to charter a
steamer on his own hook, at the expense of the State? He thought the
bill did not carry out the object for which it was intended. There
ought to be an additional section making provision for the removal.
Otherwise they would be liable to a great piece of extravagance.
Mr. CRANE said the thing suggested had been talked about but on
looking over the statutes by which removals had been made from time
to time, he discovered that it was done by action similar to this,
wthout any provision. He thought the most economical way was to let
these officers make the best bargain they could themselves. He would
remove his own traps in that way, and did not believe any Steamship
Company would try to swindle him. He had passed the bill around
yesterday, in order that no delay would occur in the passage.
Mr. PARKS said if the gentleman would further examine the statutes of
removal, he would find it very expensive. He moved that the bill be
recommitted to the Senator from Alameda that he might have an
opportunity to add an additional section.
Mr. CRANE thought he could not improve it. He was confident he could
stand up pretty manfully against swindles.
The PRESIDENT decided that the merits of the bill were not debatable
on the motion to commit.
Mr. DE LONG trusted the Senate would recommit the bill, for the reason
that the Assembly had adjourned.
No objection being made, It was recommitted.
Mr. DE LONG offered a resolution requesting the Sergeant-at-Arms to
remove the chairs and furniture of the Senate Chamber to San Francisco,
subject to the direction of the Joint Committee.
Mr. IRWIN hoped the resolution would not pass. The Committee ought
to come together and make the arrangements themselves, as well as
superintend the removal. He understood the Committee was appointed
with that object.
Mr. De LONG said if that was the understanding, he would withdraw
his resolution.
Mr. POWERS read a portion of the resolution, defining that the
Committee "shall procure and cause to be fitted up suitable rooms,
and shall remove thereto all the property and appurtenances of this
Legislature."
Mr. DENVER moved to adjourn.
The PRESIDENT reminded the Senate that the adjournment would carry the
Legislature to San Francisco, to meet in the " Exchange Building on
Friday, at twelve o'clock.
The Senate (1-1/2 P. M.) then adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 22, 1862.
The House met at eleven o'clock. . . .
THE REMOVAL QUESTION.
Mr. FAY asked leave to offer the following:
WHEREAS, A resolution was adopted by the Assembly yesterday, asking
the Attorney General to examine the law, and, if possible, obtain
the opinion of the Supreme Coart as to the legality of an adjournment
to some place other than the Capital; and whereas, the opinion of the
Supreme Court cannot be obtained within the time contemplated by such
resolution; therefore,
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be and he is hereby directed
to wait upon the Attorney General immediately, and ask him to communicate
to this House the law and his opinion at twelve o'clock noon to-day.
Mr. BELL objected to the resolution, and said he hoped the matter would
come up in its regular order, as the House had yesterday pretty
thoroughly sifted that partlcular subject.
Mr. FAY moved to suspend the rules in order to enable him to introduce
the resolution, and the rules were suspended by a vote on division of
ayes 42; noes. 14.
Mr. WARWICK--I am really sorry to be compelled to rise again and trouble
the House upon this question. Every gentleman in this House is aware
that the Supreme Court of the State is instituted to decide upon cases
of the greatest and most vital importance and every gentleman well knows
that disagreements frequently occur upon the Supreme bench itself. It
cannot be otherwise when the three gentlemen on the bench are of equal
acumen and ability, and consequently it frequently happens that important
questions are only settled by the majority of the Court. Now, I leave
it to you.--
Mr. SHANNON (Interrupting) Inquired what question was before the House,
and (the resolution having been read) said he desired that the gentleman
speaking should confine hlmself to the question, which was the propriety
of adopting that resolution,
Mr. WARWICK said that was precisely what he intended to do, for he thought
enough of extraneous matters had been introduced here already. .He was
speaking to the point of the propriety of asking for this opinion, and
of the importance or value of that opinion if it should be obtained.
The SPEAKER said then the gentleman would not be in order, for that was
the resolution of yesterday. The House yesterday decided the question of
the propriety of inviting the opinion of the Attorney General.
Mr. WARWICK said he understood that resolution to call for no opinion
except that of the Supreme Court.
The SPEAKER said according to the resolution of yesterday the opinion
of the Attorney General was to be delivered on or before Thursday.
Mr. WARWICK said then he would speak to that point--as to the propriety
of inviting the Attorney General to deliver his opinion at twelve o'clock
to-day, Nobody had a higher respect for the legal ability of Mr. Pixley
than he had, but still the opinion of that gentleman on the subject would
not be worth a straw.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer rose to a point of order--that the gentleman was
dicussing the validity of the opinion when it was not yet before the
House. He thought there had been talk enough about this matter and the
other side had had it all.
The SPEAKER said it was an open debate, and the Chair could not undertake
to limit gentlemen without infringing upon the right of free debate.
Unless a point of order was raised which could be sustained upon the law
and the rules, be would leave gentlemen to be guided in the discussion
by their own judgment and sense of propriety.
Mr. AMES said he would raise the question of order again, that the
gentleman from Sacramento was discussing the proprety of inviting the
opinion when that question was decided yesterday. The discussion of
the value of the opinion would be appropriate after it should come in.
Mr. WARWICK again asked what the question was before the House, and
the Clerk again read the resolution.
Mr. BELL said he would like to ask a single question--Who would be
willing to rise here and say of his own knowledge that he knew the
opinion of the Supreme Court could not be obtained tomorrow?
Mr. REED--I will; it cannot be obtained at all.
Mr. BELL--Who told you so? The Supreme Court has not said a word about
it. [Cries of order.]
Mr. FAY (by permission) said he would state the object of the
resolution introduced by him. It was stated yesterday that the opinion
of Mr. Pixley, and probably of the Supreme Court, on the question of
removal, could be obtained within three days; that was by Thursday
next; but he had since ascertained from Mr. Pixley that not only
would they be unable to get the opinion of the Supreme Court on
Thursday, but that the Supreme Court decided to give any opinion
at all upon this question, because there was no case before the
Court--that there can be no agreed case because there is nobody
to agree. Therefore, the contemplated purpose for which the resolution
of adjournment was laid on the table had failed in that respect, and
now it was only a question of time as to the opinion of the Attorney
General. He had said he would be ready to deliver the opinion at
twelve o'clock to-day, and therefore, to save time and get rid of
the whole subject as early as possible, he had introduced the pending
resolution. In order to get the opinion of the Supreme Court before
the Assembly, the first thing to do after hearing the opinion of
the Attorney General would be to pass a resolution of adjournment,
and then the whole thing could be brought before the Supreme Court.
If any gentleman had scruples about the expediency or propriety of
adjourning to San Francisco, he could easly get the question before
the Supreme Court, and any legislation which might take place in the
meantime would amount to a mere bagatelle, and if it was wrong it
could be righted immediately.
Mr. WARWICK said according to the gentleman's explanation they were
in a lamentable condition. As he understood an error or a crime had
to be committed before they could be advised of the legal remedy.
Laws were made there not for the prevention but the punishment of
crime, and those judges to whom the people paid high salaries, and
who were the servants of the people, could not give an opinion upon
a constitututional question of the gravest importance. It behooved
them to find out whether there was not some remedy for that state
of things. This was a vital question, affecting the interests of
every man in California, but the Court said they must commit the
error first, and then they would say whether they had done right or
wrong.
Mr. IRWIN raised a question of order, that the gentleman was speaking
upon a subject not before the House, and not embraced within the scope
of the resolution
The SPEAKER overruled the point of order, and stated that as the
resolution embraced a request that the Attorney General report his
opinion at an earlier day than was contemplated yesterday it was an
open debate.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer said it seemed to him that the resolution embraced
two propositions: first, inviting the Attorney General to deliver his
opinion at twelve o'clock; and second, declaring, by inference, that
the opinion of the Supreme Court cannot be obtained. He would be
delighted to hear the gentleman upon these points, but he thought the
gentleman had already satisfied his constituents that he was sound upon
Sacramento, and therefore he did not care to bear any more of his
sonorous eloquence.
Mr. WARWICK said possibly some others would be edified, and the
gentleman had better be content to make a martyr of himself for a
little while for the good of the people of California. Gentlemen
said he must not examine the question of the value of that opinion.
What was the meaning of that? Were they afraid to examine the law?
What were they there for?
Mr. AMES--To transact business.
Mr. WARWICK said the gentleman was exactly right; they were there to
transact business, and they were costing the State thousands and
thousands of dollars, and when he sought to inquire into the validity
of an opinion which might involve the legality of all their business,
gentlemen all around were calling him to order.
Mr. AMES said his objection was only to discussing an opinion which
had no existence.
Mr. WARWICK said the question in his mind was, whether the opinion
could be worth asking for--whether it would have a legal basis, or
would be worth the paper it was written upon. These were questions
of vital importance, as every gentleman would find when he returned
to his constituancy and asked their approval.
Mr. WRIGHT asked if the gentleman from Sacramento did not vote for
the resolution requiring the Attorney General to give that opinion.
Mr. WARWICK replied that he voted for an opinion from the Supreme
Court, and if he voted for any opinion from the Attorney General he
did so under a misapprehension.
Mr. HOAG said he would state a fact which would answer the question.
While the resolution was under consideration yesterday, he proposed to
amend it by inserting the words "and his opinion," so as to call upon
the Attorney General to state the law and his opinion upon the subject
of removal, etc. That proposition was not acted upon, and consequently
the resolution only asked the Attorney General to state the law, and
not his opinion at all.
The SPEAKER said the language of that resolution was "examine and
report the law upon this question, and, if possible, to obtain, by an
agreed case or otherwise, thu [sic] opinion of the Supreme Court," etc.
Mr. WARWICK said he supposed it was an absolute request for the opinion
of the Supreme Court.
The SPEAKER said he should hold all discussion of what was the law to
be out of order.
Mr. WARWICK said then he would discuss only the propriety of getting
the opinion at twelve o'clock or not at all.
The SPEAKER said that would not be in order. The question was narrowed
down to a question of time.
Mr. HOAG said this resolution raised a new question, by asking for the
opinion of the Attorney General, which was not included in the resolution
of yesterday and he thought that was debatable.
The SPEAKER thought it was not,
Mr. WRIGHT said the only question was whether the opinion should be
delivered to-day or tomorrow.
Mr. WARWICK--Is it in order, before we invite a public officer to
deliver his legal opinion, to say anything in regard to the real legal
value of that opinion ?
The SPEAKER--I shall hold that any discussion on that point is out of
order, because the House passed upon that matter yesterday.
Mr. WARWICK said if the only question was to a half hour's time. It was
not worth debating.
The SPEAKER said that was the only question.
Mr. SAUL said he thought the Attorney General had better have plenty of
time to read and find out all the law, and therefore he moved to lay
this resolution on the
table.
The motion to lay on the table was lost.
Mr. EAGAR moved the previous question on the passage of the resolution, which was sustained.
The ayes and noes were demanded, and resulted as follows:
Ayes--Amerige, Ames, Avery, Barton of San Bernardino, Bigelow, Brown,
Cunnard, Collins, Cot, Dana, Dore, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey, Fay,
Griswold, Hillyer, Hoffman, Irwln, Jackson, Leach, Loewy, Love,
Matthews, McCullough, Myers, Moore, O'Brien, Porter, Printy, Reed,
Reeve, Sargent, Sears, Seaton, Teegarden, Thompson of Tehama,
Thornbury, Tilton of San Francisco, Van Zandt, Watson, Werk, Woodman,
Wright, Yule and Zuck--46.
Noes--Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Benton, Dennis, Eliason, Ferguson,
Frasier, Hoag, Kendall, Machin, McAllister, Parker, Pemberton, Saul,
Smith of Fresno, Waddell, Warwick and Wilcoxon--18.
So the resolution was adopted. . . .
THE REMOVAL QUESTION AGAIN.
The SPEAKER said he had a communication from the Attorney General,
which, though directed to the Assistant Clerk, seemed to be intended
as a communication to the House. If there were no objections the Clerk
would read it.
Mr. SHANNON said he had risen for the asks of calling that up, and as
Mr. Pixley, like most other lawyers, probably wrote a terrible scrawl,
which nobody else could read, he moved that the courtesy of the House
be extended to him in order that he might read his own opinion. [Laughter.]
Thi motion was carried.
Mr. FERGUSON suggested that Mr. Shannon be a Commitee to wait on Mr. Pixley.
The SPEAKER said the Clerk had already gone to attend to that.
[Mr. AVERY in the Chair.]
The Clerk announced: "The Attorney General",
Mr. BELL--Mr.Speaker, what is before the House?
The SPEAKER, pro tem.--The Attorney General is before the House. [Laughter.]
Mr.SAUL--I suggest that the Attorney General be laid temporarily on the table.
["Order," and laughter.]
THE OPINION.
Attorney General PIXLEY stood at the Clerk's reading desk, and read
his opinion as follows:
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, }
SACRAMENTO CITY, January 22, 1862. }
To the Honorable the Members of Assembly of the State of California:
In response to the resolution of your honorable body, and in reply to
the communication addressed me through your Clerk, bearing date of
January 21st, I respectfully beg leave to submit the following:
The first question which seems to present itself in this investigation is,
as to the extent and character of the power with which you are vested
in the discharge of your legislative dutles.
The case of the People
against Coleman and others (Fourth California Reports, page 46),
involved the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Revenue
Act of 1853. The question came up on demurrer, the defendants assigning
as error that the whole Revenue Act of 1853 wss in direct conflict with
the provisions of the Constitution of the State of California.
The Court, Chief Justice Murray delivering the opinion, with the
concurrence of Mr. Justice Heydenfeldt as preliminary to the discussion
of the questions involved in that case, lay down the following rules:
1st. "That each State is supreme within its own sphere as an independent
sovereignty."
2d. "That the Constitution of this State is not to be considered as a
grant of power, but rather as a restriction upon the powers of the
Legislature; and that it is competent for the Legislature to exercise
all powers not forbidden by the Constitution of the State or delegated
to the General Government, or prohibited by the Constitution of the
United States."
The same doctrine is held by Mr. Justice Heydenfeldt and Mr. Justice
Terry, case of Thompson vs. Williams. (6 Cal R, p. p. 88, 89.)
The Court in People against Coleman cornes to the conclusion that the
power of the Legislature to tax trade, professions and occupations is
a matter completely within the control, and, unless inhibited by the
Constitution, eminently belonging to and resting in the sound discretion
of the Legislature. Or, in other words, that the Legislature, in the
exercise of its legislative functions, and within the scope of its
constitutional limitations, has an absolute right to perform any act
not actually or by implication forbidden by the organic law of the State.
All political power is inherent in the people--so declared by the
Constitution, and the people have vested the exercise of this power
in the Senate and Assembly, together instituting the Legislature of
the State of California. (Art. IV., Sec. 1 Constitution.)
Article IV. of the Constitution contains numerous provisions directing
what the Legislature shall do and what it shall be unlawful for it to
permit, in express terms.
The sessions of the Legislature shall be annual.
Each house shall choose its own officers and judge of the qualifications
of its own members.
A majority shall constitute a quorum to do business.
Each house shall determine the rules of its proceedings, and may, with
the concurrence of two thirds of its mernbers, expel a member.
Either house may, when secrecy requires it, sit with closed doors.
The Article inhibits a member from accepting any office of jcivil [sic]
profit, created, or the emoluments of which have been increased, during
his term.
No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of
appropriations by law.
No increase of compesation to members shall be made during their term
of office.
No law shall embrace more than one object, and that shall be expressed
in its title.
No divorce shall be granted by the Legislature.
Lotteries and the sale of lottery tickets are not allowed.
Corporations can only exist of a certain character and with certain
limitations.
No Bank charter shall be granted, nor paper money be put in circulation.
Thus the Constitution directs certain things to be done by the
Legislature; restricts it from doing certain things, and by implication
leaves to the judgment and conscience of the two bodies composing the
Legislature the performance of all other acts, and themselves to be the
judges of the proper mode of conducting their business and the carrying
into into effect the will of the people, whose immediate agents and
direct reprentatives they (its members) are.
The Legislature is an independent branch of the State Government, and
perhaps the most responsible, important and dignified of any of the
departments of Gcvernment. It is clothed with more important duties.
It is nearest to the people as their representative, and with it rests
the obllgation of making laws, while to the co-ordinate departments
is left the interpretation and execution of the laws.
There is no prevision in the Constitution declaring it necessary for
the Legislature to meet at any given place, while it does fix the
annual session and the time of meeting on the first Monday of January.
The Constitution directs the passage of a law fixing terms and place
of holding the Supreme Court. (article VI., sec. 10.)
The Legislature of 1854 did by law declare that the terms of the Supreme
Court should be held at "the Capital of the State." (Wood's Digest,
page 149.)
The Legislature has also declared by an Act passed May 15, 1854, that
the Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Controller and
other officers shall reside at and keep their offices at the City of
Sacramento. (Wood's Digest, page 564 [?].)
There is no law and no requirement of the Constitution rendering it
imperative for the Legislature to meet at any particular place within
the boundary of this State. Usage has very properly established the
legislative body at the seat of Government, where it can act in harmony
with the other branches of Government and the State officers, and where
the archived are kept, and where every consideration of convenience and
propriety would seem to indicate that the Legislature should convene and
transact its business.
But while the Executive and Judicial officers of State are required to
reside and have their offices at the Capital, there is no such provision
of law in reference to the Legislature.
Section 15, Article 4, of the Constitution, thus reads: "Neither House
shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three
days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting."
Properly construing this provision of the law, and giving to it an
interpretation most in consonance with the ordinary meaning and
acceptation of the language used, can we arrive at any other conclusion
than that by direst implication the converse may hold good; that is,
changing this language from its negative character and giving it an
affirmative rendition, and it means--that the Legislature may, with
the concurrence of both Houses, adjourn for more than three days, and
to any other place than that in which they may be sitting.
I am struck with the significant and peculiar wording of the clause
referred to. The term " Capital" or "seat of government" is seemingly
avoided, and the expression "any other place than that in which they
may be sitting," would imply the possible contingency of a sitting of
the two Houses at a place other than the Capital or seat of government.
The case of The People ex rel. Thomas Vermule against John Bigler et al.,
5th California Reports, page 23, referred to as authority in this debate
(as I am informed), involves the question of the constitutionality of
the removal of the Capital of the State from the pueblo de San Jose to
the town of Vallejo, and to determine judicially whether Sacramento or
San Jose was the then Capital of the State. The Constitution declared
the pueblo de San Jose the "permanent seat of government," unless
removed by the passage of a law concurred in by two-thirds of the
members of both Houses.
During the first session of the Legislature, General Vallejo submitted
a proposition to give to the State of California certain lands and
houses as an inducement for the removal of the Capital to the town
bearing his name.
This proposition was submitted to the people at the next general
election, and Vallejo selected. At the session of the Legislature
following an Act was passed removing the seat of government to the
town of Vallejo.
It was contended that the Act was void upon its face, because certain
conditions were annexed to the removal, amounting in fact to a sale
of the seat of government, and, also, because the conditions were not
complied with.
As to the question of inducement Judge Murray held the following
language: "What provision is there in our Constitution to prohibit
such a bargain?" and then continues--"I understand the rule of
construction to be that the Legislature may exercise all powers not
prohibited to them by the Constitution; except, perhaps, in the single
case of Acts contrary to natural justice, and even this exception has
more foundation in the speculations of moralists than the decision of
wise jurists." Affirming the doctrine asserted in People against Coleman
and others as to the right of the Legislature to exercise all powers
not forbidden by the Constitution of the State, delegated to the General
Government or prohibited by the Constitution of the United States.
Mr. Justice Bryan, who writes a concurring opinion in case of Vermule
against Bigler, also says, "I deem it a sound rule of construction to
hold no act of the Legislature entirely void, unless plainly repugnant
to the Constitution."
Chief Justice Murray says "that unless the Act removing the Capital
(Feb. 4, 1851) was unconstitutional, the legislation at the place to
which the Capital was so removed would be a dead letter on the statute
book, and holds that the place is an essential ingredient in [?]
correct legislation, as much so as it is to a proper administration of
justice and if a decision would be coram non judice because the
Court was not holden at the place appointed by law, by a parity of
reasoning the Acts of a legislative body done at any other place than
the one appointed must be equally void. That there can be a de facto
seat of government, or that the reason which would operate to cause and
render obligatory the acts of a de facto officer can apply in
this case, is a proposition I cannot assent to."
While I am not prepared to admit to their full extent the legal
conclusions arrived at by the learned Judge in this dicta, I am not
called upon to discuss the propositions therein involved, as I deem
them entirely foreign to the question upon which I am called to give
an opinion.
It is not with us a matter of inquiry whether the acts of this
Legislature would be valid if passed at a place where the Leglslature
had no right to assemble by law, but whether, by a concurrent
resolution of both Houses, they may properly meet and deliberate
at a place other then the present established seat of government.
This question thus referred to by Mr. Justice Murray was not properly
in the case, was not argued before him, and I should not feel compelled
to regard it as an adjudication of the question, even if I deemed it
pertinent to this inquiry.
The magnitude of the interests involved, the peculiar and most
unfortunate condition of the State, rendering it most probable that
legislative action will be required to relieve our people from the
embarrassments of the widespread calamity with which the whole State
seems to have been visited; the fact that very important amendments
to the Constitution will claim your consideration at this session,
impress me with the conviction that you should act with great
deliberation in this matter, and that no consideration of more
personal convergence should weigh against the possibility of the
commision of an error fraught with such serious results as would
be a mistake in this matter.
I regret that an opinion cannot, in advance of the final disposition
of this question, be obtained from the Supreme Court of this State,
and it is a matter of personal concern to myself that I have had so
limited an opportunity for the investigation of a question so new to
me, and of so grave and important a character.
I have endeavored, however, to perform the duty required of me by your
resolution in fidelity to the duties of my office, and to the law, and
it is my opinion that, in view of the absence of any provision of the
Constitution inhibiting a legislative removal, or any law declaring
that the Legislature shall hold its session at the Capital, with my
understanding and interpretation of section 15, Article IV. of the
Constitution, in view of the absolute powers of the Legislature to
control and direct their own movements, knowing that in the history
of the past, Legisiatures of several of the States have been
temporarily removed, and on one occasion the national Capital has
been driven by foreign invasion to seek safety for its members, and
its archives, reasoning from the philosophy and the principle involved
in this discussion, I can come to no other conclusion than that the
Legislature may, by concurrent resolution of a majority of both
Houses, adjourn for more than three days, and to any place within
the boundaries of this State other than the present established
seat of government. And that in the event of such adjournment, the
fact would not affect the validity of any laws which might be passed
at such place or temporary adjournment.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
FRANK M. PIXLEY, Attorney General.
Mr. SHANNON said he was now satisfied that it would be legal to adjourn
by concurrent action of both houses. A concurrent resolution to adjourn
to San Francisco was yesterday, on motion of Mr. Fay, laid temporarily
on the table for the purpose of obtaining certain information; and
having obtained all the information they could get, sooner than was
expected, he thought that it would now be in order for the House to
take up the resolution for adjournment, and that a motion to that effect
would not require a suspension of the rules, because of the fact that
the resolution was laid upon the table on certain conditions.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The Chair so holds.
Mr. SHANNON--I move then that the House take up that resolution for
consideration.
Mr. FERGUSON raised a question of order that the House was then acting
under the order of business of motions and resolutions, and that it
would not be in order to take up that resolution until the order of
unfinished business was reached. In support of this view, he quoted
from Jefferson's Manual to the effect that by an adjournment the
question pending is removed from before the House, and does not stand
before them at the next meeting.
The SPEAKER pro tem. said the point of order was not well taken,
because the resolution referred to was not before the House at the
last adjournment.
Mr. FERGUSON said he was not through, and proceeded to read further
from Jefferson's Manual.
Mr. EAGAR called Mr. Ferguson to order, stating that he could not
debate a question of order after the Chair had decided it.
The SPEAKER pro tem. repeated his decision.
Mr. FERGUSON called for the reading of the Journal of yesterday, which
showed that at the time of adjournment a motion was pending to take
the resolution from the table
Mr. FERGUSON--Mr. Speaker. [today? yesterday?]
Mr. FAY--Is the motion to take the resolution from the table before the
House.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--It is.
Mr. FERGUSON--Mr. Speaker, I claim the floor.
Mr. FAY--I then move the previous question. Several gentlemen seconded
the previous question.
The SPEAKER pro tem stated that the previous question was seconded and
then recognized Mr. Ferguson, who had continued to vociferate amidst
great confusion.
Mr. FERGUSON said he did not care about being recognized under such
circumstances.
Mr. BELL said, with the utmost respect for the Chair, he would ask if
he supposed himself to be wiser than Jefferson upon a question of the
order of business before the House. ["Order! order!"]
Mr. BARSTOW--(loudly)--I call the gentlemen to order.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise to a point of order. It is that I raised a point
of order before this House--that I stated it to the Chair, and also
stated that if the Chair insisted upon his ruling, I should be compelled
to appeal. But before I had taken my seat, or yielded the floor, except
for the reading of the Journal for information, and for another point
of order which was raised upon me, the Chair entertained a proposition
for the previous question, and declared it seconded, although I still
held the floor. I maintain that I still hold the floor, and having it,
I have the right to appeal from the decision of the Chair.
The SPEAKER pro tem--The gentleman did yield the floor, and the Chair
could not know whether he yielded temporarily or otherwise. The Chair
ruled the gentleman's point of order not well taken, and at that time
the gentleman could have appealed, but he is not in order to appeal now.
Mr. FERGUSON insisted upon his appeal, and in the midst of great
confusion the question was taken on sustaining the previous question.
On a division, the previous question was sustained--ayes, 52; noes, 17.
The SPEAKER pro tem. said the question was on taking the resolution
from the table.
Messrs. Bell, Saul and Warwick demanded the ayes and noes.
Mr. PORTER inquired if it would not require a two-third vote to take
up the resolution from the table?
The SPEAKER pro tem, replied that it required only a majority vote.
Mr. WARWICK raised a question of order that the resolution could only
be taken up by suspending the rules, and quoted the sixty-fifth rule
of the House: "No standing rule or order of the House shall be
rescinded or changed without a vote of two-thirds, and one day's
notice being given of the motion therefor; but a rule or order may
be suspended temporarily by a vote of two-thirds of the members
present, except that portion of rule seven relating to third reading
of bills."
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer read from Jefferson's Manual on the subject.
Mr. O'BRIEN said this was a very simple matter; they were acting under
the order of motions and resolution, and a motion to take up this
resolution was in order like any other motion, and required only a
majority vote.
The SPEAKER pro tem--The Chair so holds.
The resolution was taken from the table by a vote of--ayes 38, noes 27.
The SPEAKER pro tem,--The question is on the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. BELL--Mr Speaker--
Mr. HOFFMAN--Upon that question I move the previous question.
The SPEAKER pro tem--It is not necessary; the previous question is
already ordered, and applies to the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. BELL--It certainly does not apply to the merits of the resolution,
and I do not think the gentleman who voted for the previous question
had any suspicion that it would be held to extend to that, and
absolutely cut off all debate.
Mr. BARSTOW--I rise to a question of order. I think we have had enough
of this. There is no question as to the position of the question before
the House. The resolution has been carried to take the resolution from
the table; the Chair has announced that the question is upon the
adoption of the resolution; the previous question has been demanded
by three; and that is the chronological order in which things have
occurred. Is there any doubt of the position or the question?
Mr. BELL--The previous question was not demanded until I obtained the
eye of the present occupant of the chair, as he will admit.
The SPEAKER pro tem--The Chair has already ruled that debate is out
of order--that the previous question extended to the adoption of the
resolution. That is the main question.
Mr. BELL--If that is the decision, I appeal.
Mr. FAY--I rise to make an explanation. The gentleman from San Diego
(Mr. Hoffman) moved the previous question before the gentleman from
Alameda (Mr Bell) arose.
Mr. BELL--Yes, but it takes more than one.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise for information. What is the question before
the House?
The SPEAKER pro tem.--Upon the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. FERGUSON--Does the chair decide that the resolution has been taken up?
The SPEAKER pro tem.--That is the decision.
Mr. FERGUSON--Has the House adopted for its government the rules of last
session.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--Yes sir.
Mr. FERGUSON--Then I desire to read from those rules.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--It is not in order.
Mr. BELL--This is the point I make--the previous question was moved,
and it was sustained upon the motion to take this resolution from the
table. That is well ascertained. Now the Chalr decides that that
previous question covers the passage of the resolution as well. In
my opinion it does not, and I appeal from the decision of the Chalr.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The question is. shall the decision of the
Chair stand as the judgment of the House.
The ayes and noes were demanded and resulted as follows:
Ayes--Messrs. Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Benton, Bigelow, Brown,
Cunnard, Collins, Cot, Dana, Dore, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey, Fay,
Griswold, Hoffman, Jackson, Leach, Loewy, Love, Matthews, Meyers, Moore,
Printy, Reed, Reeve, Sargent, Sears, Teegarden, Thornbury, Tilton of
San Francisco, Van Zandt, Wright, Yule, Zack, and Mr. Speaker--36.
Noes--Messrs. Amerige, Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Dennis, Ferguson,
Frasier, Hoag, Kendall, Machin, McAllister, Parker, Porter, Saul, Seaton,
Shannon, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Waddell, Warwick, Watson,
and Wilcoxon--21.
Mr. O'BRIEN declined to vote. So the decision of the Chair was sustained.
Mr. BELL--Is any amendment in order?
Mr. BARSTOW--I rise to a point of order; I object to any debate. [Confusion.]
Mr. BELL.--Will the Chair answer my question?
Mr. BARSTOW--I object; it is debate; it is nothing but debate, and the
House has been three days debating at an expense to the people of $4,000,
and that debate all on one slde. The House has now decided to close debate,
and it is high time to close it, I think. Therefore I raise the point of
order.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--No debate is in order.
Mr. BELL--I rise for information. [Cries of Question!" "Question!" It
may be done by unanimous consent--
Mr. BARSTOW--I call the gentleman to order.
Mr. BELL--If it is necessary that a single word should be stricken out
of that resolution could it be done by unanimous consent?
The SPEAKER pro tem.--No, sir; it is beyond the reach of amendment.
Mr. BELL--Very well.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rise to a question of order. I believe the vote just
taken was to temporarily suspend the rule, in order to take up out of
its regular order the resolution now before the House?
The SPEAKER pro tem.--No sir; it is not taken up out of its regular
order, but in order.
Mr. FERGUSON--Well, then--
Mr. BARSTOW--I object to any repetition of any point of order. It has
been stated.
Mr. FERGUSON--I do not think the Chair--either its present occupant or
the gentleman from San Francisco who has just vacated--is competent to
place words in the mouth of any member, representing any constituency
upon this floor. [Cries of "order," and confufusion. [sic] ]
The SPEAKER pro tem--The gentleman is out of order and will take his seat. .
Mr. FERGUSON--I expect first to state my point of order, and I do hope
the majority here will not undertake to override all the rights of the
minority, and trample upon every rule of this House. Now I have a point
of order, which I propose to state.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The gentleman will state it.
Mr. BARSTOW--lf it is the same point of order that has already been
ruled upon, it cannot be entertained.
Mr. FERGUSON--The Chair will hear my point of order.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The question is on the adoption of the resolution
Mr. FERGUSON--I have the floor, sir.
Several gentlemen demanded the ayes and noes on the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. FERGUSON--I want to understand how the question stands, and again
I ask what was the vote that preceded the vote sustaining the previous
question.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--It was to take from the table the resolution. The
next vote was on sustaining the previous question, which was sustained;
the next, on sustaining the ruling of the Chair, and the Chair was sustained
and the next is upon the adoption of the resolution. The Clerk will call
the roll.
The CLERK proceeded to call two or three names on the roll,
Mr. Ferguson still claiming the floor.
Mr. FERGUSON--I must understand this before I take my seat, ["Order!"]
I have asked a question which I want answered.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--I will state again, as I have stated repeatedly,
that the motion came up in regular order, under the head of motions and
resolutions; there was no necessity for a motion to suspend the rules;
the resolution was taken up, and everything has gone on in the regular
order of business. The Clerk will proceed with the calling of the roll.
The following was the result of the vote:
Ayes--Ames, Barton of Sacramento, Barton of San Bernardino, Bigelow,
Brown, Cunnard, Cot, Dana, Dore, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Evey, Fay,
Griswold, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Leach, Loewy, Love, Matthews,
McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Reed, Sargent, Sears, Shannon, Teegarden,
Thornbury, Tilton of San Francisco, Werk, Woodman, Wright, Yule, Zack,
Mr. Speaker--37.
Noes--Amerige, Bell, Benton, Collins, Davis, Dennis, Eliason, Ferguson,
Frasier, Hoag, Kendall, Machin, McAllister, Parker, Pemberton, Porter,
Reeve, Saul, Seaton, Smith of Fresno, Thompson of Tehama, Van Zandt,
Waddell, Warwick, Watson, Wilcoxon--26.
Mr. HILLYER announced that he had paired off, but with whom was not heard
in the confusion.
Mr. O'Brien declined to vote.
So the resolution was adopted.
The resolution as adopted reads as follows:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That this
Legislature, when it adjourns to-day, do adjourn until Friday, the 24th
day of January instant to meet in the city of San Francisco, there to
remain during the remainder of the present session, at such place as
may be provided, and that a Committee of three be appointed on the part
of the Assembly, to act with a like Committee to be appointed on the
part of the Senate, whose duty it shall be to procure and cause to be
fitted up proper apartments for this Legislature and the attaches
thereof, and shall remove thereto all the property and appurtenances
belonging to this Legislature; and that the members of the Assembly and
Senate do meet on said 24th instant, at 12 o'clock noon of that day,
in the hall of the building on Battery street, between Washington and
Jackson streets, known as the Exchange Buildings, from thence to be
conducted by their respective presiding officers to the apartments
prepared for them.
Mr. BARTON of Sacramento, who had changed his vote from no to aye for
that purpose, gave notice that tommorrow he would move to reconsider
the vote just taken. . . .
Mr. BARSTOW asked the gentleman to give way for a motion. He desired
to move that the [adjournment to San Francisco] resolution just passed
be communicated to the Senate forthwith.
Mr. REED withdrew the resolution for that purpose, and Mr Barstow submitted
the motion.
Mr. BELL said he rose to a question of order, which was that a notice
of reconsideration having been given, the resolution must be retained.
Mr. BARSTOW--The gentleman, I beg leave to submit, is entirely out of
order. The motion for reconsideration comes up and obtains on the first
day of our assembling, wherever that may be.
Mr. BELL insisted that, in consequence of the notice of reconsideration,
the resolution must be retained; otherwise the notice would be defeated.
He thought the honorable Speaker knew that, for he had acted upon it
himself.
Mr. BARSTOW--I beg to say that I know precisely to the contrary.
Mr. SHANNON--I hope the Speaker in the first place will preserve order
and the dignity of this body, if we have any to preserve
The SPEAKER appealed to gentlemen to conduct themselves with decorum.
Mr. SHANNON said Rule 27 very plainly guaranteed to every member voting
with the majority the right to give notice of reconsideration on the
following day, and the member could not be deprived of that right by
moving a reconsideration instanter. He thought it would require a
two-third vote to suspend that rule.
Mr. BELL said he would take great pleasure in reading that rule, which
he read as follows:
"Rule 57--When a question on a motion, or on the final passage of a
bill or resolution, shall have been decided in the affirmative or in
the negative, it shall be in order for any member of the majority to
move for a reconsideration thereof, by giving notice on the day of its
passage or rejection of his intention to move for such reconsideration
on the succeeding day, and it shall not be in order for any member to
move a reconsideration on the day on which such motion or question shall
have been decided, if such notice for reconsideration the succeeding day
shall be offered by any member who voted in the majority on the question.
The motion to reconsider may be made by any member of the House, and
shall have precedence over every other motion, except a motion to
adjourn. But there shall be no reconsideration of a motion of indefinite
postponement."
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The ruling of the Chair is that the motion to
adjourn to San Francisco has already obtained in the House, consequently
the notice of reconsideration by the gentleman from Sacramento could not
obtain.
Mr. BELL--I will have to appeal from that decision.
Mr. PORTER--Does not a notice of a motion to reconsider arrest the bill
or resolution, and retain it until that notice shall have been acted
upon?
Mr. BELL--Undoubtedly.
Mr. BARSTOW--Decidedly no. This question is now open for discussion.
The gentleman, it is very true, had a right to give the notice of a
motion to reconsider, but that notice will come up at the next assembling.
It follows the adjournment, and he loses no right. No notice of
reconsideration can take a motion to adjourn out of the custody of
the Legislature, and this is a motion to adjourn the Legislature.
[Here a message was received from the Senate, announcing the passage
of certain bills.]
The SPEAKER stated that the question was upon Mr. Barstow's motion.
Mr. BELL said it was impossible to conceive how the rights of the gentleman
from Sacramento could be secured, if that resolution went out of the
possession of the House. The thing was utterly impossible. It was
impossible to regard this resolution as a motion to adjourn, simply,
after all the debate which had been allowed upon it. It must be treated
like any other concurrent resolution of the two branches, and if it were
sent to the Senate and passed by them, It would become a law, and could
not be reached by Mr. Barton's motion to reconsider. Therefore the notice
retained the resolution, and it would require a two-thirds vote to suspend
or abrogate that rule.
Mr. .SHANNON said he was satisfied he had committed an error in his
former statement, since he had discovered that the resolution, if
passed by the Senate, absolutely adjourned the Legislature. That,
nevertheless, did not deprive Mr. Barton of the right acquired under
his notice, for upon the reassembling of the Legislature at any point,
he could move to reconsider. His idea was that this rule could not be
invalidated by anything less than a two-third vote. But he perceived
that the right to reconsider would still be secured and guaranteed under
the rule, wherever the Legislature might be.
Mr. BARTON of Sacramento said his notice was that he would move to
reconsider in this House to morrow, and not in San Francisco. He thought
that was his right under the rule.
Mr. BARSTOW--The gentleman can stay in this house and give his notice,
and make his motion, if he wishes to.
Mr. BARTON--I protest against the arbitrary course of members of this
House in this matter. It has no precedent in legislation any where,
and must meet with the condemnation of every honest man in the State
of California. [Applause.]
Mr. FAY--I wish it distinctly understood, and it is patent and plain
before this body, that there are certain gentlemen upon the other side
who have been talking against time here for the last three days, and as
long as they could. I refer to the gentleman from Alameda for one
(Mr. Bell) and the Sacramento delegation are others. When they talk
about oppression here, they know there is no ground for it.
Mr. WARWICK--I rise for information. I wish to know if this resolution
goes to the Senate, and is passed by them, whether it does not become
a law? Can we, by any action of this House, by reconsideration or
otherwise, recall it or prevent it taking effect? And if that is the
case, of what avail is the right to give notice of reconsideration?
Mr. WRIGHT--Will the gentleman allow me to state that the resolution
has already passed the Senate. [Laughter.]
The SPEAKER pro tem. said there was no doubt of the right of Mr. Barton
to make the motion to reconsider to-morrow, or at the next sitting,
wherever the Leglslature might then meet.
Mr. SEARS--Has it not gone already to the Senate?
Mr. SAUL--Not yet; they have passed it without waiting to receive it
from us. I know gentlemen are in a hurry, but I would remind them that
they have legal obstacles to encounter. I raise a question of order
that the motion of the gentleman from San Francisco is not in order.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The Chair rules it in order.
Mr. SAUL--I appeal from the decision of the Chair, and on that I ask
the ayes and noes.
The ayes and noes were ordered, and the question stated [?] on the appeal.
Mr. O'BRIEN said, towards the close of the last session a bill was
passed attaching Mono county to Calaveras, and a notice of
reconsideration was given. It was then decided that a two-third vote
was necessary
to suspend that rule, and the rule was accordingly suspended by a two-third
vote. He read from the Journal of last session the proceedings on that
occasion.
Mr. HOFFMAN addressed the Speaker, but owing to the great confusion
his words could not be distinguished.
Mr. WARWICK said he would respectfully inform the House that before this
resolution had gone out of their hands it had been passed by the Senate.
Mr. BARSTOW (loudly)--I call the gentleman to order. He cannot reflect
upon the doings of the Senate.
Mr. REED said there was no parallel between this case and the one
cited by Mr. O'Brien, because this was a. resolution and that was a bill.
The SPEAKER pro tem. stated the question upon Mr. Saul's appeal. At this
point a message was received from the Senate as follows:
Mr. SPEAKER--I am directed to inform the Assembly that the Senate has
adopted, in cuncurrence [sic], Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 6,
relating to adjournment of the Legisuture, and have appointed Messrs.
De Long, Soule and Porter a Committee in accordance
therewith. [Great Laughter.]
Mr. BELL--Mr. Speaker, I ask now is this not a spectacle for the State
of California to behold? [Cries of "Order."] I shall not yield in this
matter. I shall claim the right of my constituency to be heard. Here
has been a notice of reconsideration which, under the rules, ties up
this resolution in this House until the succeeding day--
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer--I rise to a question of order.
Mr. BELL--I yield to no man, sir, I am not out of order. [Great confusion.]
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer--I rise to a question of order, sir. My point is this,
that the gentleman from Alameda is speaking to a message which has been
announced here from the Senate--
The SPEAKER--That would certainly be out of order.
Mr. BELL--It is upon an appeal from the decision of the Chair.
Mr. BARSTOW--I am satisfied that my motion was not necessary, and I
withdraw it
SEVERAL MEMBERS--You cannot withdraw it.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco--It seems to me, sir that the longer we stay
here the more we disgrace ourselves. I move that we adjourn.
Mr. BARSTOW--Will the gentleman give way while the Chair announces
the Committee.
Mr. BELL--I have the floor.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The Chair appoints as the Commmittee, Messrs. Hoffman,
O'Brien and Fay.
Mr. SAUL--I wish to know by what species of hocus pocus the resolution
got into the Senate.
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The Chair does not know.
Mr. BARSTOW--It seems to me we are getting into a great difficulty here
about nothing. No resolution is required to send it to the Senate. It is
a simple resolution, and goes to the Senate in the ordinary course of
business.
Mr. BELL--I have not yielded the floor yet, and no motion to adjourn
or appointment of a Committee is in order while I have the floor.
Mr. AMES--I rise to a point of order. The gentleman has spoken more
than twice upon the subject,
Mr. BELL--Not upon this question; this is an appeal, and the reason why
I appeal is this, and I put it to yourself, sir--
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco--I rise to a point of order. I dislike to
do so very much, but I would like to know if the motion to adjourn is
not in order?
The SPEAKER pro tem.--The gentleman from Alameda (Mr. Bell) had the floor.
Mr. BELL--I want gentlemen, for a moment, to look at the proceedings here.
We are discussing this resolution, when it is brought back to us from the
Senate--
Mr. BARSTOW--I rise to a point of order. There is no question pending; my
resolution is withdrawn.
The SPEAKER put the question on the motion to adjourn, which was carried
amid great confusion, and accordingly at half past two o'clock the House
adjourned to meet in San Francisco on Friday, the 24th instant.
[The Chief Clerk of the House desires our Reporter to say that he was not
aware of the resolution for adjournment being sent to the Senate.]
DAMAGE TO DITCH PROPERTY.--We learn that the damage to ditch property
caused by the late floods, has been immense throughout the interior.
Our neighboring county of Butte has suffered somewhat. The Feather River
and Ophir Ditch Company are heavy sufferers, their extensive.ditch
running from Feather river to Oroville, and supplying that town, as
well as the immediate diggings, with water, had been injured to a great
extent. The dam on Feather river has been carried away, together with
flumes. The Forbestown ditch has also been much injured. The Walker
& Wilson ditch, leading from Butte creek to St. Clair's and Thompson's
flats, opposite Oroville, we are gratified to learn, has not suffered
much, as it is thought fifty dollars will cover all damages sustained.
This ditch is owned by our townsmen, Walker & Wilson. Lewis Cunningham,
of this city, is President of the Feather river ditch company, and
principal stockholder. He informs us that the minors in the vicinity of
Oroville will deprived of water, he thinks.for at least three months.
This is a heavy loss on the miners and the stockholders, and .may be
recorded among the many calamities that befell untortunate California
during the dark and dismal season of floods that visited her during
the winter of 1862.--Marysville Express.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Accounts still pour upon us from different portions of the State, showing
that the flood has been disastrous everywhere. It would be difficult to
estimate the amount of damage that has been inflicted upon the industrial
interests of California. . . .
Opinions of the press on the removal of the Capital from Sacramento will
be noticed in our columns; also, a spirited and well-written communication
on the same subject. This matter of removal will cause a sensation
throughout the State, not only on account of its injustice, but evident
impolicy in the present embarrassed condition of the people of the State.
It is a measure involving extravagance and waste of the public money,
when every dollar should be disbursed on the strictest principles of
economy.
It rained quite steadily night before last, yesterday and during last
evening. The water commenced rising in the city in the morning, owing
to previous rains in the interior, and up to last evening its hight
had increased about fourteen inches. A portion of the increase of
the water level was owing to a break in the levee at Rabel's tannery
at about twelve o'clock in the forenoon. The Sacramento stood
yesterday about as it did on the day previous, with a slight tendency
to a rise. The American river rose considerably. . . .
The Citizens' Committee in reference to forming a better municipal
government, will meet at one o'clock this afternoon, at the office
of J. W. Winans, corner of Third and J streets.
THE LEGISLATURE.
Nothing of importance was considered in either branch of the Legislature
yesterday except the resolution to adjourn to San Francisco, which was
adopted in the Assembly by a vote of 37 to 20, and concurred in by the
Senate by a vote of 22 to 13. While the Senate were acting upon the
resolution the Assembly was debating the propriety of its being sent
to that body at all, until after the motion to reconsider, of which
notice had been duly given, should be disposed of. The member who gave
this notice,--Mr. Barton of this county--was courteously informed by
Speaker Barstow, (then on the floor), that he could make his motion to
reconsider, at San Francisco, or that he could remain here, and make it
after the Legislature had left. Whatever may be thought of the merits of
the question of adjournment under the existing circumstances, there can
be but one opinion as to the spirit manifested in the remarks alluded to.
The next meeting of the Legislature will be at San Francisco.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The Pavilion received an addition of forty persons
to-day, from all sources. The boats of the Society brought into town all
the families in the line of the swift current from the break near Rabel's
tannery, and most of them went to hotels. A number of families in the
vicinity of the Agricultural Park were brought in, and some from the
Halfway House to Sutterville.
The "Shubrick" returned yesterday afternoon and most of her passengers
were taken to the Pavilion. One John Smith, from Sharp's ranch, is very
ill, and will not probably recover.
Word was left at the Pavilion of the break, and in twenty minutes four
of the Society's Whitehall and the whale boat were on the ground, but
fortunately were not needed, as the cluster of houses supposed to be
washed are directly in the rear of Rabel's, and the break is some
distance west of that point.
The whale boat leaves this morning for points up the sloughs from
the Sacramento, where some families reside, known to be destitute.
Information of great distress fifteen miles from here, at a point
between the upper and lower Stockton roads, was brought in last night,
and a boat will be dispatched to-day.
The demand for supplies of all kinds continues unabated, and owing
to the advanced rates of many staple articles, the dispensation of
sugar, flour, rice, etc., have been curtailed or cut off altogether.
The prospect of the continuance of distress for ninety days, and the
state of the Society's funds, requires the greatest prudence and economy. . . .
RELIEF LADIES.--In addition to the names of the ladies recently published
in the Union, who have been forgard [?] in the relief movement in San
Francisco, we give the following:
Mrs. G. Arthur, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Burnham, Mrs. Wm. Taylor, Mrs. Cline,
Mrs. Sanford, Miss. H. G. Sinclalr, Mrs. Mary Buffington, Mrs. J. B. Lyle,
Mrs. Henry Miller, Miss Anne Stone, Mrs. George Fisher,
Mrs. William R. Monroe, Mrs. M. A.. Sanstock, Mrs. Mary Kellogg,
Mrs. Gilmer, Mrs. Ruth Taylor, Mrs. Mowry, the two Misses Balline,
Miss Maggy Buffington, Mrs Estell, Mrs. Charles Lux,
Miss M. J. Chamberlnin [?], Mrs. Charles E. Foyes, Mrs. Hoagland.
FORCE OF THE FLOOD.--A correspondent writing to the Alta from
Stockton, January 19th, says:
To give you an idea of the force of the current between the Stanislaus
and the Tuolumne, where the land is considered the finest in the county,
the different ranches had some fine large oak trees on them, which they
would not allow to be cut. Out of one hundred fine oaks on a ranch not
one is left. Everything is swept off. They say they do not believe
anything could resist such a force of water as they have seen.
THE FLOOD AT WASHOE.--A correspondent of the Marysville Appeal,
writing from Virginia City, January 12th, says:
Empire City is all under water to a depth of from six to eight feet.
The rise in the Carson river was great and rapid, and Sprowl's Mill,
situated two miles above Dayton, (Chinatown,) was carried away, by which
Sprowl, J. Anderson, and wife, Dayton and Mrs. Landing, lost their lives,
and several children are missing and are supposed to be drowned.
Our correspondent from Grass Valley hits the nail on the head when he
decides that the people of Nevada county are in favor of the Legislature
remaining in Sacramento. . . .
ADJOURNMENT TO SAN FRANCISCO
The Assembly yesterday passed the resolution offered by Hoffman on
Tuesday to adjourn to San Francisco, by a vote of thlrty-seven ayes
to twenty-six noes--quite a number of members declining to vote. The
resolution was carried by a minority vote of the Assembly, and a motion
to reconsider was disregarded--indeed it was received by the Speaker
in a very discourteous manner. The man selected by the Republicans in
caucus for Speaker has already, by his partial rulings and exhibition
of an inability to control his feelings and curb his prejudices,
demonstrated his unfitness for the responsible position to which he
has been elevated. The resolution was acted upon in the Senate, where
it passed by a vote of twenty-three to thirteen, while a motion to
reconsider was still pending in the House. Such action was irregular
and unparliamentary, and we are informed by the Chief Clerk of the
House that the resolution was sent to the Senate by his Assistant
without his own knowledge. It was, too, a despotic move of the
majority, as it deprived the minority of a right guaranteed to them
under the rules which govern legislative bodies. But the deed is done;
for good or evil the Legislature has resolved to leave Sacramento for
San Francisco. The act is not in accordance with public sentiment in
the State, as manifested through the press and through other sources.
The adjournment is not for the good of the State; the public interest
was not the moving cause. The only reason advanced for taking such an
extraordinary step as to adjourn from the Capital to another place, is
the personal comfort of members. It will not meet the case to assert
that the business of legislation cannot be performed in Sacramento. It
could have been done here, notwithstanding the water, had the members of
the Legislature manifested the disposition to go forward with the work of
the State, regardless of personal comfort. It has been generally supposed
that Californians were as indifferent to mere personal inconveniences
and lack of ease and comfort as any men in the world. But it is a mistake
to conclude that that class of men are generally sent to the Legislature.
Whatever may have been his condition at home, however rough may have been
his fare and lodging, when elected to the Legislature he becomes the most
particular man in his eating, lodging, etc., to be found at the Capital.
His personal comfort and pay are the first considerations. He determines
to have a good time at the expense of the State. There is not a very small
number of this kind of men in every Legislature, and those of this class
in the present one all voted to adjourn to San Francisco, because their
personal comfort demanded it. The enjoyments and amusements they calculated
upon are not to be had in Saccramento [sic] under present circumstances,
and, therefore, they vote to go to San Francisco. Personal comfort seems
to be the controlling sentiment in the present Legisature. Members will
enjoy themselves in the Bay city at the expense of their constituents.
While professing to be the servants of the people, they act as if they
were their masters. This personal comfort account between the people and
the members of the Legislature who voted to adjourn and hold the session
elsewhere than at the Capital, will be hereafter settled.
Considering the extraordinary condition of the country, and the
impossibility for members to hold communion with their constituents,
the adjournment should have been sine die, as suggested in an
article we copy from the Alta Calfornia. The Governor could have
called a session in May, when the country would have been in a proper
condition for appreciating legislation. In San Francisco the Legislature
may pass an Act declaring the State out of the Union, and the people in
half the State would be for months ignorant of its existence. A bill was
introduced in the Senate to authorize the officers of State to remove
temporarily to San Francisco, but there does not seem any particular
necessity for their removal. The communication between the two cities
is daily, and only a short delay could occur in transacting business.
The Governor has ten days to consider bills, and bills started at four
o'clock in San Francisco would be in his hands the next morning. The
business in the other State offices can be performed with equal facility.
Indeed, the officers will be much less interrupted in their work than
if members were in the city. And then members should be furnished with
an apology for occasionally visiting Sacramento by the Saturday's boat.
It is, too, probable that Sacramento will so far recover from her present
flooded condition as to induce members to return here to conclude the
session. The State officers should, therefore, remain in Sacramento. . . .
SENATOR HEACOCK, of Sacramento, was not present to-day when the vote
to adjourn was taken in the Senate. His constituents would he glad to
know why he was absent on an occasion of such vital importance to Sacramento.
DEFENSE AND FUTURE PROSPERITY.
A correspondent, who takes a deep interest in Sacramento, sends us a note,
from which we make these extracts:
Like every one else in this State, I have been thinking much about your
flood and the future prospects of your city. To my mind it will be
necessary to divide the freshets of the American before you can ever
be safe. In the nature of things the bed of that river towards its mouth
will rise yearly, and the deposit at the entrance into the Sacramento
waters back of your city. I do not see future prosperity for Sacramento
unless it is made a manufacturing city. Cannot the back channel be cut
in such a way, or from such point in the American, that while in times
of freshet it will lessen the volume of water, it will at all other times
afford power for machinery? Cannot such a channel be made the source
from which the dirt supplies of all the levees are obtained, the canal
which will give water transport from the granite quarries, the means
of safety, and the source of wealth? Our weather circles appear to run
about twelve years. I have been thinking we should find them like the
European to run twenty or twenty-two years. It is a pity we have no
definite record of floods. The Vallejo freshet I think he placed in
1827; the Wilkes freshet, when no communication was had with the
shipping in three days, in about 1839 or 1840; the third in 1849-'50,
and in 1852-'53; and the present one of 1861-'62--which give almost an
average interval of twelve years. I think, if your 'Trustees' can hit
upon some plan which will combine business advantages, as well as
security, they will give the encouragement your business men and people
must surely need.
The idea of dividing the freshets of the American by digging and
leveeing a huge canal from some point on the American, running back
of the city and into the Sacramento by Sutterville, or to follow
the sloughs below the city into the Mokelumne river, has been before
advanced and discussed. An eminent civil engineer, about the time of
the first flood, stated to us that a canal to take off a portion of the
surplus water of the American, combined with substantial levees, was
the true plan to adopt for the protection of Sacramento. The question,
too, of making the water flowing through it available for manufacturing
purposes, has also been considered by those who concur in the opinion
that ours should be a manufacturing city. But in the absence of a survey
the exact fall is not determined, though from the mouth of Burns' slough
to the Sacramento at Sutterville there must be a fall of several feet.
There would however, be found a good deal of difficulty in using the water
for manufacturing purposes, except when at a particular stage. If high,
it would swamp the machinery; if low in the American, it would not enter
the canal unless it was dug so deep as to be down to low water mark.
True, it could be raised by a dam, were it practicable or allowable to
build one which would stand during a high flood. Something might possibly
be accomplished by going above Brighton and taking the water for
manufacturing purposes out of the river at some favorable point; but
that could not be done without the aid of a dam. To build such a canal
as would be demanded to carry off enough of the surplus water of the
American to make any impression on the general mass, would be an
expensive and heavy job.
In our judgment it can be confined to its channel by a system of
levees made as high and broad as may be demanded. This plan, combined
with the policy of straightening the river, will accomplish the end
in view without a canal. With a levee of the right character Sacramento
may defy floods. Our experience in California is too limited to determine
anything definite as to the flood circle. It may, however, be determined
by the record of half a century that twelve years, or thereabouts,
constitute the circle of floods in the State. It is a subject worthy
of attention.
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.
We have already expressed ourself on the subject of the removal of the
State capital, and said then what we still think right and just in the
premises. If it is possible for the Legislature to be accommodated, and
get along with their business, with any degree of comfort and dispatch,
we believe it ought to hold its session in the city of Sacramento. In
the midst of their late calamitous visitations, to remove from them
anything that can in any way add to their prosperity and encouragement,
is, we think, unjust and ungenerous, if at all compatible with the general
welfare of the State. We believe we speak the sentiment of the people
of our county, when we say to our Legislature, remain where you are,
if at all possible, in consistence with your duty to your constituents,
and even strain a point to do so, and the generosity of Californians will
sustain you in it. Sacramento is the city for the capitol of this State,
with its present bounds; and those who think it will be abandoned we
esteem short sighted. It is true the fine gardens and beautiful residences
of the city are nearly ruined; but it is not the country seats or
cottages and gardens that go to make a city. It is the trade; and when
the water goes down, the trade will go on. The Sacramentans are not going
to desert millions of property, and the most business point in the interior
of the State, when one hundred thousand dollars will save both. Let them
not be discouraged, but boldly go to work to raise the levee and raise the
streets, at least some of them at the upper end of the city, and all will
yet be well. We predict it will be the second city in the State henceforth
and forever. Taking the Capital away would discourage them, and this we
ought not to do. But if the Capital is to be removed, our first choice is
Marysville. There the Legislature can be accomodated, and it is a pleasant
place in the winter, as healthy as any location in the State. Benicia is
our next choice, and is probably more central than Marysville, but to our
mind is nothing like as pleasant, nor is it more accessible to the whole
State than the last named. Another objection to Benicia is, that it is
too near San Francisco, and is subject to the same sort of breeze. Of
course, San Francisco will expect the Legislature to hold its session
there this Winter, whether it would ultimately become the Capital or not.
This we do urge our mountain members to oppose, for various reasons.
One is, that San Francisco always has had favorite schemes to be forwarded
by the Legislature, and often schemes very injurious to the interests of
the State and only beneficial to the speculators therein concerned.
Another is, that we believe the good and bad people of that city would
find subjects sufficient to occupy the whole time of our Legislature,
if it meets in their city. Another objection is the generosity of
parties in our great commercial emporium when wishing to carry any great
measure. This we have seen in Sacramento, and what would it be in
San Francisco? We fear the Third House would acquire such proportions
in San Francisco as to become the most important branch of the Legislature.
In short, we fear if our Legislature meets in our chief city, that some
monster improvement might be gotten up that would eclipse in magnitude
the selling of the city front or the bulkhead bills. If our Legislature
meets in San Francisco, we may expect the election of the successor to
M. S. Latham, this Winter. In conclusion, we would advise legislators,
if they go to that city, to be careful and not do anything contrary to
the views of the good people thereof, lest, peradventure, they might be
banished hence. We would not be understood as including all the San
Franciscans, when we hint at the masses not allowing anything done or
said contrary to their wishes, or in opposition to their opinions, for
we are free to acknowledge some of the most liberal men of the State
are residents of that city.
Since penning the above, we have received the first mail for a week,
and though we but guessed the question of removal would be discussed,
we are glad to find the Legislature has refused to move from Sacramento.
The Assembly in this matter we think acted nobly, and we are glad to
find some of the papers in San Francisco taking proper ground on this
subject.--Sierra Citizen.
[The Legislature voted yesterday to remove. Eds. UNION.]
MERCED.--A correspondent from Hornitos, writing under date of January 14th,
says:
We have had no papers--in fact, no mail communication for over two
weeks. The losses, all over the country, are immense, and the "floodgates"
of heaven are still open.
A MAN AND LITTLE GIRL DROWNED.--On Wednesday, January 15th, a Frenchman,
named Jorden, was fonnd drowned in a mountain stream two miles above the
Enriquita mines, and a little girl was drowned in the same creek the day
previous. . . .
UNWILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE ALMS.--The San Francisco Herald of
January 21st relates the following:
"Yesterday we were witnesses of a scene which excited much interest in
those who were participants, or who, like ourselves, were witnesses of
the occurrence. A family which had been driven by the flood to seek
refuge here, reached the city without money and almost destitute. The
father had provided generously, from successful industry, for a numerous
offspring, and as the progeny attained suitable age means of education
had been amply furnished, and refinement and elegance added charms to
plenty. Suddenly the floods came, and at an inopportune moment, soon
after heavy investments in choice stock had invested all his ready money,
the unhappy parent found his paradise converted into a vast pond which
swallowed up all his hopes; an elegant mansion, with its pleasant grounds
and its choice furniture destroyed or swept away; the noble animals, upon
whose increase he had based reasonable expectations of future fortune,
drowned, and almost the last vestige of a fine farm obliterated. The
father sank into a despondency, not surprising, but truly painful to
contemplate. The man and his little ones, the wife and his noble daughter,
reached San Francisco almost destitute; and their condition having been
made known to the proper persons the needful relief was proffered. Then
came the trying scene. The mortified daughter revolted at the acceptance
of charity, and in thrilling words declared that death was less painful
as an alternative than assistance thus obtained, and expressed her desire
to suffer any degree of privation rather than receive the dole which
should belong only to weak and miserable wretches incapable of heipiag
themselves. We recount the above for the sole purpose, in the most
matter of fact manner, of showing the fatal impression under which this
high spirited girl labored, and which, for aught we know, may deprive
many others, the most worthy perhaps, from availing themselves of the
assistance which is proffered them in their distress. The work in which
the people of San Francisco are now engaged for the relief of the
sufferers by the flood is not considered by them as a charity. It is
simply extending the assistance which the shipwrecked mariner, who is
so fortunate as to escape the perils of a wreck on a lee shore, is
entitled to demand from the dwellers whose contiguous homes God has
blessed and thereby made them the almoners of His bonnty. False delicacy
should be discarded, and every one who needs it should freely use what
He has provided."
The above is a communication. We know all about the circumstances
alluded to. The family have been provided with rooms and board in a
first class restaurant. Martin, of the firm of Martin & Horton, has
assumed the responsibility of paying the rent, and the Committee have
arranged for supplying the family with provisions. They will be taken
care of without ever knowing the parties to whom they are indebted.
RAINS IN NAPA.--The Napa Reporter of January 18th says of
damage by floods in that section:
We in Napa have borne our share. The aggregate looks small, but if
figures could be made to speak, it would appear that our community
has suffered losses not to be repaired for many a long year. If we
add to the absolute loss of property the wretched discomfort that has
pervaded all claases, like an invincible presence, ever since the
floods commenced falling, we shall have made out a picture of distress
and calamity sufficient to appal the stoutest heart, and make discouraged
men who have for half a century bid defiance to the frowns of fortune.
FOR SAN FRANCISCO.--The wives and families of many of the citizens
of Stockton, in fear of a still greater overflow in that city, left
January 17th for San Francisco. . . .
PROTECTION FROM THE STATE.--The Sierra Citizen says:
Our State by this last flood has lost some millions of property, yet
this is not the worst loss--no, the worst loss to the State is the
discouragement to the enterprises throughout our borders, especially
in the valleys. Men have no security against a like flocd, should they
again cultivate their fields and replant their orchards and vineyards.
Our opinion is that the Legislature should do something toward embanking
the good lands along our rivers. Something to insure our cities and
farmers, who have made their homes in such situations, against these
losses in future. What to suggest we know not, but hope the wisdom of
our legislators will devise something beneficial for our citizens who
have suffered by this last flood.
MOKELUMNE CITY.--A correspondent of the Union, writing from Mokelumne
City, Jan. 7th, says in reference to the water in that place:
Our present Postmaster, S. M. Parker, has been a resident here since 1855,
and up to this present writing has never seen this city wholly submerged.
The water has not been so high this present season by four inches as it
was last Spring. The post office is in a portion of the building occupied
by H. Hale for general merchandising, and during the freshet so far has
been high and dry. As a matter of justice to the inhabitants of this
place, I would like to have you publish the above.
STOCKTON.--The Republican of January 19th says:
We are in sight of our streets again, or rather we were yesterday
afternoon, and the mud having been washed away we had the pure gravel
to walk upon. The water rose but little on Friday night, and the
apprehension of more danger was consequently unfounded, dismal as
was the prospect. Yesterday the water was falling with almost amazing
rapidity all day. At night yesterday, with the exception of the gutters,
everything was dry in most of the business part of town. The water has
not run out of the north side of the city as rapidly as might have been
expected, though we have every reason to hope that we shall see clear
streets there to-day.
PREMATURE CONGRATULATION.--A tavern keeper on the Placerville route
was calmly congratulating himself on not being a resident of Sacramento,
and liable to flood perils, when "all at once" a landslide struck his
house and left him howling in a mud puddle.--Marysville Appeal.
PROTECTION OF SACRAMENTO--REMOVAL OF CAPITAL.
GRASS VALLEY, Jan. 16, 1862.
EDITORS UNION: The misfortunes of Sacramento excite the sympathy of
the good people of our State generally. This sympathy, however, is not
directed to Sacramento alone, for the sufferers by the unprecedented
flood all over the State awaken the liveliest feelings of sorrow, with
a wish to alleviate, as far as can be done, the victims of this great
and awful visitation. As Sacramento, however, is the great center of
the State politically, and as the has [?] a large concentrated
population, public attention is necessarily directed to her, both
philanthropically and politically. It is most gratifying to see the
prompt and noble generosity of San Francisco. It is worthy of imitation
and all praise. In this hour of trial she not only steps forth with a
full hand to relieve the suffering masses of her stricken sister city,
but with a nobleness of spirit in this dread hour of trial disdains to
take advantage of the condition of things, and protests most honorably
and honestly against the removal of the Capital, even when it might
seem that there was a fair prospect of transferring (for a time, at
least) the Capital of the State to its own locality. Such nobleness
of spirit meets a just eulogium from the mountains, and the magnanimity
of San Francisco will long be remembered by us.
I most heartily regret that an editor of Nevada county is in favor
of removing the Capital to some other locality. Lest his opinions
should be deemed those of a majority of our people, I take this
opportunity to dissent from his views. I believe that if a vote
could be taken upon the subject, a large majority of our people
would be found in favor: First, of continuing Sacramento as the
Capital of the State; second, for the Legislature to grant ten or
twenty thousand dollars, or more, for the relief of the sutferers
in the State; and then to appropriate at least two hundred thousand
dollars toward building a sufficient and effective levee to protect
the city from future floods.
Sacramento is situated at a point convenient and accessible from all
parts of the State, and because a flood has for the time being damaged
her fair proportions it should be abandoned, is about as just as because
a steam boiler exploded or a cannon burst, causing less of life, steam
nor powder should never more be used.
If the dykes of Holland can prevent
the encroachment of the sea upon hundreds of miles of fertile territory;
if the Mississippi can be controlled within its channel by hundreds of
miles of artificial banks; if rivers of Europe, from the times of the
Romans to the days of Louis Napoleon, can be kept within their limits
by works of earth, so can Sacramento be made secure from any and all
floods, and still be an enterprising, rich, and beautiful city, alike
secure from the contingency of a seaboard warfare or metropolitan
excitements.
I will hazard the opinion that Nevada City favors Sacramento for the
Capital, and I will pledge Grass Valley for the same, while beautiful
San Juan and lively Rough and Ready will stand with us shoulder to
shoulder. In case of need I stand ready to back up my opinion, either
in the way of taxes or voluntary contribution, to promote these ends.
GRASS VALLEY.
DAMAGE ON THE SAN JOAQUIN.--The Republican of Jan. 19th has the
following:
James Atkinson arrived from the San Joaquin yesterday afternoon. He
reports the stock nearly all swept away at the point he visited, fourteen
miles from this city. His valuable swine which took the prizes at the
Fair, and his prize poultry, are all lost. On an Indian mound, about
a mile and a half in from the river at this place, were ten horses.
There is but an acre of ground in the mound, and there is a circus-like
circle upon it about thirty-six feet in diameter, as if some Indian dances
had been held there at one time. To this mound, a brave Frenchman named
Frank Willard had, during the dreadful storm, towed these poor animals
behind his boat, at the risk of his life. His own house was three inches
deep with water, but he had a good supply of hay, and has fed the horses
regularly on their prison ground, though for two days the storm raged
so furiously that he could not get to them. It was affecting to see the
joy of the poor, starving brutes when he reached them again. They swam
out to meet him and their food. He is still caring for them.
DROWNING OF STOCK.--The Stockton Independent, of Jan. 20th, says:
We learn from a gentleman who arrived in this city on Saturday from
the lower Mokelumne, that the loss of stock consequent upon the overflow
in that section of the county, has been universal. There was no means
of averting it, for not even a mound, for miles along the river, was
above water. Cattle, therefore, wandered off into deep channels and
were swept away by the current by hundreds. John Thompson, assemblyman
from this county, has lost nearly an hundred head of fine American cows,
while his neighbors, although they are not to the same extent the owners
of stock, have suffered very severely.
SAN FRANCISCO.--The Call says Bush street has suffered severely by the
rains, from one end to the other. Between Powell and Mason a deep hole
has caved in, sidewalk and all, and on several other blocks much damage
has been done. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE LEVEE AT RABEL'S GONE.--Between eleven and twelve o'clock yesterday
forenoon, the new levee at Rabel's tannery gave way under the pressure of
the swollen waters of the American, and a crevasse was opened through
which a large volume of water found its way into the city. The weak point
which first opened was about thirty feet in width, but the ends of the
levee were washed; off so rapidly that the breach had attained a width
of about one hundred and fifty feet by three o'clock in the afternoon.
At that time a number of men were employed in an effort to save the
remaining portion of the embankment by protecting the ends with gunny
sacks. The fall of the water as it leaves the river is about three feet,
though it is estimated by many at a higher figure. The level of the river
at that point at high water is several feet above that of our streets,
and the bend in the channel is calculated to force a great deal of water
into the city. The effect of the opening by sunset last evening, however,
was scarcely perceptible in the city south of J street. It seems probable
from this fact that the water will not be raised to any considerable
extent by the breach, but it is to be feared that it will maintain its
present or an approximate hight much longer than it would had the levee
been preserved. Less damage was, of course, done to property in the
neighborhood by the current than might have been had not the ground been
already covered with water, by which its force was partially counteracted.
It was thought that the houses of Hooker, O'Brien, and perhaps others,
would be carried away before the river falls. Hooker's stock and fences
suffered considerably during the afternoon. As soon as the information
reached the city that the water had broken through, the Lucy Harron and
others of the Howards' boats were sent out to bring off such families as
were thought to be in danger. A number of persons were collected together
and taken to Hopping's residence, wbich was regarded as free from danger.
For the past two or three days and nights fears have been entertained
that the current would prove too strong for the embankment at this point
and men have been kept constantly at work on it.
RETURN OF THE SHUBRICK.--At about four o'clock yesterday afternoon the
emphatic voice of a 24 pound Dahlgren gun announced the return of the
United States steam revenue cutter Shubrick. She left the levee at twelve
o'clock M. on Tuesday, for a relief trip down the river. We are informed
by Capt. Pease that on her way down she took from different ranches along
the river seven men, five women and ten children--twenty-two in all.
On arriving at Rio Vista she anchored, and remained until the steamer
Chrysopolis arrived, to which boat the passengers were all transferred.
The Shubrick left Rio Vista yesterday morning, and on the way up took on
board eighteen additional passengers--eight men, three women and seven
children, all of whom were transferred to the steamer Antelope for San
Francisco. One of the eigbt men was sick. In addition to those who were
thus relieved, the Shubrick distributed provisions to four different
parties along the nver. There have been, in all, seventy-five persons
transferred by her from their ranches, surrounded by water, to positions
in which their wants could be attended to, since she left San Francisco.
Captain Pease reports that he saw from fifteen to twenty men and a large
number of cattle at Dodson's ranch. The water rose at Rio Vista thirteen
inches on Tuesday night, and six inches the night before.
AT R STREET--Within the past few days the levee immediately at the foot
of R street has been washing away very rapidly. An opening some sixty
feet long and about thirty in width has been made, extending at the
lower end nearly to the platform scale. An eddy at that point continued
to cause the baok to cave. A raft of heavy timber belonging to the
Railroad Company was constructed and moored in the opening to prevent
further encroachment. Had the levee at this point been of but the ordinary
width a channel would of course have been cut through. But as the
Railroad Company has a wide and strong embankment there it is not likely
that the river will come through. The point a short distance above,
repaired a few days ago, appears to hold its own without injury from
the current.
THE FLOOD--The water in the city, which fell gradually through Monday
afternoon and evening, continued to recede until about two o'clock
yesterday morning--having fallen in all about twelve inches. At about
that time it began to rise, and at nine o'clock last evening had risen
sixteen inches--being within two inches of the high water mark of
December 9, 1861. It was still on the rise, accelerated, no doubt by
the waters of the American river through the crevasse at Rabel's tannery.
The continuation of this high stage of water keeps nearly all our business
places closed, prevents all communication or transportation,. except by
means of boats, and of course precludes all effort to improve streets,
repair damages, or in any manner regain ground lost by former floods.
STEAMBOAT COLLISION.--Soon after twelve o'clock yesterday morning, a
collision occurred on the Sacramento river between the steamers Nevada
and Antelope. There had been something of a struggle for the lead
between them all the way up the river, and the passengers on each boat
appeared to censure the officers of the other boat for the accident.
The principal damage done was the tearing away of the left wheelhouse
of the Antelope. At a still later hour the boats came again in conflict,
but no damage was done to either. It should be remembered by the
officers of our steamers that their boats are now generally crowded
with passengers already fleeing from misfortune. Their lives should
not uselessly be imperilled in racing.
AID FROM SAN FRANCISCO.--Rev. W. H. Hill, Rector of Grace Church, has
been the recipient of funds from San Francisco, to which, he refers in
a note of yesterday's date, as follows: "Will you grant me a little
space for the acknowledgment of moneyed favors from San Francisco, in
addition to those forwarded to the Howard and other Benevolent
Societies? The following sums have been sent to me, as Rector of Grace
Church, with the request that I would disburse the same individually,
which I have endeavored to do to the best of my ability: Sundry
individuals, per A. M., $30; individual donation of ,-------, $50;
Church of the Advent, per Rev. Mr. McAllister, $87.50--total, $167 50.
God bless these and all the donors!"
FRONT STREET CROSSINGS.--For the accommodation of foot passengers, and to
facilitate business, [sic] etc., several of the Front street
establishments have erected crossings extending from their stores, on
the east side of the street, to the levee on the west. They are
constructed of single plank supported by uprights seven or eight feet
above the water. They are necessarily kept at this altitude to allow
boats to pass under them. They answer very well the purposes of sober
men, but are rather hazardous to those who are drunk, of whom Front
Street and the levee have a full share at present.
TO PRESERVE HOG FEED.--There is at present a large amount of damaged
grain in the city which is rapidly becoming worthless by sweating and
moulding. It is said that it may be preserved as hog feed by simply
sinking the sacks in water and letting them remain until needed. The
water at once checks the tendency to heat, and is so cold as to prevent
the grain from sprouting. . . .
USE OF THE CAPITOL.--It has been suggested that as the Legislature has
vacated the Capitol building, at Seventh and I streets, and as there are
many families in the city who are houseless, it should be thrown open for
the present to all who may require its use.
COMMITTEE MEETING.--A meeting of the Citizens' Committee, to prepare a
plan for the future government of the city, is called by the Chairman,
Dr. Morse, to take place at 1 o'clock P, M. today, at Winans & Hyers'
office, in Reed's Block, Third and J streets. . . .
VERY CORRECT.--The following communication from a Sacramentan appears
in the Bulletin of January 21st. The sentiments expressed in it
are entirely correct:
In your paper of last Wednesday an article appeared which did great
injustice to the people of Sacramento, and as I have seen no correction
of it, I, for one, respectfully desire to enter my protest against it.
The letter referred to is from a correspondent in Sacramento--not "Our
Own," but some casual writer. I find the following language in it:
"San Francisco and her delegation have been abused and villified as if
they were the actual cause of all of Sacramento's misfortunes." Now, I
profess to be as well posted about this matter as any one in this city;
and I do solemnly declare that I have never, in any instance, heard one
solitary word which could, in its remotest sense, be construed into an
innuendo against the city of San Francisco. On all hands I have heard
the grateful thanks of thousands--and each night the prayers of rescued
hundreds ascend to Heaven for her greatness and prosperity. No, sir,
the heart of Sacramento is overwhelmed with gratitude; she feels that
she can never repay the generous bounty and God-like charity of the
citizens of San Francisco; and, although some of the newspapers here
may have indulged in a little harmless badinage against some of the
San Francisco delegation, still no word has ever been breathed against
the city of San Francisco by any inhabitant of Sacramento.
DROWNED.--A boat containg four soldiers from Camp Union upset near the
city cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. One of the number was drowned, the
other three being saved.
THE LEGISLATURE REMOVED FROM THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE.
EDITORS UNION: The removal of the present Legislature has no parallel
in the history of this State or in the history of civilization. It is
the grossest and most reckless attempt upon record to disregard the
wishes of a free people. From one end of the State to the other the
people and the press have spoken in unmistakable terms upon the duty
of the Legislature in regard to this question.
Almost an appalling visitation has occurred to our people. From the
remotest ends of the State to its center the visitations of a
Providential hand have been felt. So widespread has been the
desolation and destruction that no interest or locality has escaped.
To-day, as a consequence, the merchants of our cities are unable to
collect a single bill due them. The consumers of the State have want
staring them in the face, while production is nearly at an end. This
is a fearful picture, but is not overdrawn.
Here we have a condition of things which challenges and demands the
highest possible exercise of moral courage and physicial effort, for
not only does general distress pervade, but thousands and tens of
thousands of special cases of extreme suffering call for the attention
of those who are able to yield succor. For the eternal credit of
California and humanity be it known that this later class of demands
are meeting with a prompt, careful and responsive action. The whole
area from the foothills of the Coast Range to those of the Sierra
Nevada is inundated or nearly so. Not a valley has escaped the
infliction; the merchant, mechanic and agriculturist are alike the
victims. Our city, the Capital of the State, is not an exception to
this general spoliation by the elements. What was the plain duty of
the Legislature under circumstances like these? Was it to run like
cowards before the desolation, and to seek extreme comforts?--or was
it, like true men, their duty to set the example of self-reliance and
moral firmness to the people who are bowed down and discouraged by the
general devastation? These men are chosen under the assumption that they
are men of sense, above the average of their fellow citizens. Their
present conduct will make this Legislature remembered as the weakest of
all their predecessors, and as being unfit guides of public action. Most
of them have been chosen under the direct promise of faithfulness in
office and extreme regard for the public weal; but the people seem
destined to the most cruel disappointment.
Let us state the case of removal so that the plainest man may
understand it. The law and its solemn sanction has made Sacramento
the Capital of the State. The law requires the Governor and all the
State officers to reside and keep their offices at the Capital. There
was not in the Legislature a two-third vote in favor of removal; and
as it was feared that the Governor would not sign a bill, for that
purpose, the legislators proceeded to remove by a simple concurrent
resolution which does not require the approval of the Governor. The
Constitution makes the Legislative department of the Government to
consist of two houses and an executive, and to evade the Constitution
and thus violate it, a legislative Act is attempted in the shape of
a simple resolution.
The Supreme Court of this State have decided that the place where
legislation should be enacted was a material condition, and that it must
be done at the Capital. The scheme here again proposes evasion, by the
passage of a law at San Francisco declaring that place the temporary
Capital of the State. If the Supreme Court be right that the place
is essential to constitutional legislation then the Act which they
propose to pass will be null and void, because not passed at the Capital.
We have no doubt but that the legislation to be had at San Francisco will
be thus void and of no effect.
But the indecent haste with which the resolution for removal passed to
its miserable termination yesterday, was an outrage alike upon justice
and the rules provided to govern in the Assembly. The resolution to
remove passed the Assembly. One of the rules adopted in that body provides
that when a bill or resolution shall have passed, or shall have been
rejected, any member voting in the affirmative may give notice of
reconsideration on the next day. Mr. Barton of Sacramento gave the
notice, and it was duly recorded; whereupon Mr. Barstow, the Speaker
(Mr. Avery of Nevada in the chair) moved that the resolution be
immediately transmitted to the Senate. A question of order was made,
that as notice of reconsideration was given, the resolution must
necessarily remain in the House to abide the result of the motion.
The Chair, sustained by Barstow, overruled the question of order,
and an appeal was taken from the decision, when a message was announced
from the Senate that, that body had passed the identical resolution
upon which a question was pending in the Assembly! And then, as if
to deepen the disgrace of these proceedings, a motion was made to
adjourn; which was put and declared carried, while Mr. Bell was on
the floor discussing the question on the appeal from the decision of
the Chair.
In this matter, Barstow has proven himself unfitted to preside over
any deliberative body; and Avery has betrayed a narrowness and
incompetency discreditable to a member of the Legislature. A more
wanton and scandalous proceeding never took place in our State before.
The act itself, the manner of its consummation, and the effect of it,
will not soon be forgotten.
The people of the State are a generous people; the calamity which
afflicts Sacramento is felt everywhere. The legislative sanction
has been given to inflictions carrying ruin and despair to the hearths
and hearts of thousands. But, God be thanked, that the power that
creates can destroy--that the people are yet supreme over heartless
officeholders; and God be thanked, also, that the brave men of Sacramento
can and will rise above the desolation that surrounds them,
notwithstanding the cowardly acts of faithless public servants. ***
THE CAPITAL QUESTION.--Pursuant to adjournment, the Legislature will
assemble again at Sacramento to-day. Since last Monday a good deal
of rain has fallen, and Sacramento at the time of the present writing
may not be as comfortable for residence as could be wished; but its
citizens have been hard at work for the last four or five days, and
the streets leading to the State House have been made as passable as
circumstances would permit. If the place is at all habitable, it is
beyond question the duty of the Legislature to continue its session
there. Californians are neither dainty nor effeminate. They can put
up with greater discomforts than those caused by the overflow at the
Capital at present. We all know this too, that a week's fine weather
would set everything to rights again, and render a sojourn in Sacramento
for a couple of months a pleasure rather than a hardship.
If, however, it should be the opinion of the Legislature that
Sacramento, just now, at least, is uninhabitable, the alternative is
adjournment sine die. If necessity should require it, the Governor
can convene it again at an early day.
The floods have caused widespread ruin throughout the valleys of the
State. Sacramento has been a conspicuous sufferer. It may want to borrow
more money by-and-by for the purpose of repairing damages, and if the
Capital should be removed only temporarily, its credit would receive
a shock from which it would find it very difficult to recover. We
repeat, if there is to be any adjournment, let it be sine die.
Two or three days is all that is necessary for the perfection of
the legislation absolutely required, viz: the passage of a general
appropriation bill; the adoption of the constitutional amendments
proposed by the last Legislature; the assumption of the quota for
which California has been assessed for the support of the general
Government; and the ratification of whatever changes the people
of Sacramento may deem necessary in their charter. These Acts
passed, the Legislature can with safety adjourn till the Governor
sees fit to call them together again.
If such a course should be resolved upon--and it would be the most
judicious if Sacramento be not habitable at present--an Act should
at once be passed providing that in the event of an extra session
being called in the Spring no additional mileage should be allowed
members. In consequence of the destruction of property by the floods
it will be found very difficult to collect money enough this year
to support the State Government and meet the burdens imposed upon
us by the rebellion. Under such circumstances economy, of the most
rigid kind is absolutely necessary. To pay mileage a second time
to the Legislature would involve an expenditure for which we are
not prepared. The mileage already allowed would be sufficient to
defray the expense of traveling to and from the seat of Government
three times instead of only once.
In a period of such universal distress it would not look well if
members should take advantage of their position to get all the money
they can out of the State. If there ever was a time when office should
not be regarded as the spoils of partisan warfare it is the present.
By a most unprecedented visitation the people of California have been
reduced to dire distress, and under such circumstances they naturally
expect that those whom they have elected to look after their interests
will sink, as far as possible, personal considerations and labor for
the common weal.--San Francisco Alta, January 21st.
NO COURT.--There was no business transacted in the Police Court
yesterday, which was opened and adjourned until this morning, on
account of the weather.
THE FLOOD AT DOWNIEVILLE.--We have received papers from Downieville
to January 18th. The Democrat says:
The loss by last week's flood we cannot state. Ladd lost two stores
from Commercial street, and Purdy's building was seriously damaged.
Any quantity of outhouses, lumber and wood came out, and one or two
China houses, from the upper part of town. The abutments of the old
Durgan bridge, the gymnasium, two houses belonging to Wittgenstein and
the Democrat office went out from Nevada Street, together with
considerable property in the neighborhood. Everything was confusion,
and when we were taking out our printing material, before daylight on
Friday morning, a stout current of water had to be waded to reach dry
land. The street was full of furniture strewn in the mud, and a torrent
of rain fell all the time. Our building cost $1,000, and the damage and
loss by two removals from the two floods would scarcely be made even with
$400. What the other losses would be estimated we cannot tell, but they
were very considerable.
Snow slides are of daily occurrence. With a heavy fall, and rain soaking
the ground under it, the snow lets go the earth and rushes in great
avalanches over whatever is in its way. On the North Fork, between
town and Rattlesnake Canon no less than a dozen slides have occurred.
We expect soon to learn of another and destructive slide at the Buttes.
Beef cattle are very scarce. All the available beef is already hung up
in the markets, and the snow is too deep to bring cattle safely. Douglas,
of Forest City, started with thirty seven head from Sierra Valley, and
reached town last evening with thirty-two. He sold two, we believe, and
lost three.
The greatest trouble now is to get wood. The snow is deeper than ever
before in the town, and whole families are in want of wood.
The Citizen says:
The last rise in the rivers was greater than any before. Previous to
it, "an old inhabitant" was occasionally met, who would dispute with
you, if you declared the December flood the greatest since the settlement
of the State; but the last has put all such to silence. The loss of
property in and about Downieville has not been as great as by the other
freshet, but still has been considerable. Some fine dwellings and
outhouses have been swept away. We have no list of the sufferers, and
now can think of but a few: Messrs. Garnosett & Co., Keys, Ladd,
Forbes & Co., Downey, Williams, Vanclief, and many others.
Nicholas Kline, a native of Luxemberg, Germany, in attempting to cut
away some drift that had accumulated on the north of the Yuba, about
six miles above Downieville, fell into the river and drowned.
Dr. Kibbee says the rain fall at Downieville, for November and December
was 45.19 inches; for January, to the 16th, 22.42 inches. This is over
five feet and a half in two and a half months, which, he says, is several
inches more than has fallen in any one year since 1853. . . .
p. 4
RED DOG.--At this place, in Nevada county, the late rains did
considerable damage. The claims of Kane & Co. were injured to the
amount of two thousand dollars. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3377, 24 January 1862. p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The members and attaches of the Legislature left Sacramento yesterday,
with all the furniture and appointments appertaining to it, and took
passage for San Francisco. The removal of the Capital to that city will
be generally regarded through the State as uncalled for by the
circumstances of the case, and as being done for the personal comfort
of the members, a majority of whom do not appear to sympathize with
the misfortunes which have overtaken the people of the State. Their
motto appears to be--themselves first, their constituents afterwards.
The Governor has commissioned the following officers: Gilbert C. Smith,
Second Lieutenant, Company D, Fifth Infantry, California Volunteers;
Samuel Staddon, Second Lieutenant, Company H, Fifth Infantry, California
Volunteers; George Dutton, Second Lieutenant, Company K, Fifth Infantry,
California Volunteers.
The Citizens' Committee had a session yesterday, and organized. There is
great unanimity of feeling prevailing in the body, and the prospect is
encouraging for the early perfection of a plan for an efficient and
successful city government.
The water in the city fell yesterday about twelve inches. The Sacramento
remains about the same, and the American has fallen some. The latter river
furnishes a powerful current, which passes over the levee at Rabel's
tannery and scatters itself in the great plain of waters which fills the
Sacramento valley. The little steamer Gem, loaded with freight, was taken
through the break yesterday, against the will of its officers, and landed
in Dennis' peach orchard, about a quarter of a mile from the tannery and
towards the Agricultural Fair Grounds. It will be a work of some
difficulty to her off [sic].
The interior wall of the old Zins building, owned, and also occupied some
years since by Bininger, fell yesterday. It is the oldest brick building
in the city. Several persons were in the house at the time, but no one
was injured except a little girl, and she not seriously. . . .
We are without telegraphic intelligence from any portion of the State,
or from the East.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The steamer chartered by J. C. Davis makes trips
to and beyond the Tule House, in Yolo county. The articles placed on
board by the Society were distributed in part to persans [sic] in real
distress, who were unable, from the continued inclemency of the weather,
to come into the city. On each trip supplies will be sent so as to reach
all in need in that direction. It is suggested that our retail merchants
could do a large business by sending out boats that would carry four or
five tons of small stores, and sell the same to the many persons who are
able to buy, but cannot reach any city or town. Any route from Sacramento
affords excellent opportunity, and it is urged upon those engaged in the
grocery business to supply this demand. The numbers at the Pavilion remain
as at yesterday's account. John Smith, from Sharp's Ranch, brought by
the Shubrick yesterday afternoon, died at noon yesterday at the Pavilion,
of typhoid pneumonia. He was in a moribund condition when received, and
every effort to save his life proved of no avail. He was buried at four
P. M. by Coroner Reeves. Deceased was from Ridgeville, Cook county,
Illinois, and leaves a family. Rev. Father Cassin administered the
rites of the Church to the dying, and as he finished the sufferer
expired. The scene was another of those impressive and touching
spectacles the members of the Society have so often been called to
witness. The women, children and men grouped about the couch of the
dying man, with heads uncovered, and a stranger far from home and
friends, passing away far from the troubles and cares of this troublous
and trying time.
Several more persons living in the line of the current from the break
in the American were taken out yesterday, as the houses began to settle
and move from the foundation. The tenacity with which families cling to
their homes and brave perils of winds and waves, is a curious circumstance.
Many will not be persuaded to budge until the house starts, and then move
with reluctance.
A Relief Committee of ladies at Petaluma--Mrs. Thomas Gilbert, Mrs. J. B.
Southard, Mrs. E. M. Matthews, Mrs. C. M. Baxter, Mrs. B. F. Cooper and
Mrs. N. O. Stafford--sent four hundred and eighty-four dollars in coin,
one thousand pounds of flour, and three cases of garments, a most welcome
and timely donation. The Howards appreciated it highly, as an evidence of
the cordial sympathy of the ladies and residents of so remote a place.
A large number of the active working members of the San Francisco Relief
Committee visited the Hall to-day, and several ladies, who were shown all
that pertained to the operations of the Society. It needs actual inspection
for any one to fully understand the work done, and the labor yet to be
performed.
A quantity of garments, ready made, were sent up by the San Francisco
Committee yesterday, and a draft for $1,000. S. P. Dewey & Sons also
sent a check for $200, and sundry persons at Mountain View, Santa Clara
county, $100. William Watt, Senator from Nevada, donated $50.
FROM SACRAMENTO.--We learn that when the boat left Sacramento yesterday
morning, the water, which had fallen slightly during the night, had
commenced rising again, and that the principal streets were submerged
to a depth of four or five feet, many of them. Much damage had been done
by this flood, from the fact that many frame houses, loosened or weakened
by the previous floods, were swept off by the present rise. One man
states that he counted sixty-nine such houses pass out through the breaks
of the levee into the Sacramento. The damage to merchandise is not so
great as heretofore.--Marysville Appeal, January 23d.
The Appeal must be more careful about its news. There was scarcely
any damage done by this flood in Sacramento, although inconvenience was
suffered. No houses, at any time, have gone into the Sacramento through
breaks of the levee. Instead of sixty-nine houses passing through at the
late flood, not a single one was moved by the waters. . . .
RAIN AND SNOW IN THE INTERIOR.--It was storming very hard in the
mountains, Jan. 21st. The snow on the summit of the Sierra Nevada was
from 10 to 15 feet deep. A warm rain followed, which had the effect of
producing the last flood which visited Sacramento and the valleys watered
by the American river.
A MISTAKE.--It is stated in the Solano Herald of January 18th, that
Jerome C. Davis, of Yolo, had been drowned while passing from his ranch
to Sacramento. This is a mistake, as he was recently in this city and
in good health.
CALAVERAS.--At Clay's Bar, near Campo Seco, the people are lacking
provisions, and there has been much loss of mining utensils from the flood,
THE CAUSES OF THE ADJOURNMENT.
In looking over the debate upon the resolution to adjourn from the
Capital to the Bay City, the reader will hardly fail to notice the
absence of all argument of a public character to justify the
extraordinary step. No member of the majority assumed that the
legislation demanded for the State could not be transacted in
Sacramento. But it was assumed that it would be more convenient for
members to do the legislation needed in San Francisco, because
Sacramento had been visited with floods which temporarily rendered
her streets impassable, except in boats. But the halls of the Senate
and Assembly were high above water, and so were the rooms of members
at the various hotels. No member was driven from his room by high
water, and no man suffered for food of a wholesome and, to a hungry
man, acceptable quality. Thousands of women and children are still
in the city, and submit with cheerfulness to the inconveniences and
want of personal comfort which have caused a majority of the members
of the Legislature to determine to ingloriously fly to San Francisco
in search of personal comforts. The act of adjournment to the Bay
reflects no credit upon those who voted for it. The votes thus cast
will stand recorded in the minds of the people, as so many outrages
upon justice, magnanimity and humanity. Constituents will hereafter
ask of their members, why did you vote to adjourn from Sacramento to
San Francisco? Was it impossible to transact business at the State
Capital? To the first question, those who voted to adjourn will be
forced to answer, "We voted for the resolution to adjourn, not because
the interests of the State required it, but because it would promote
our personal comfort and convenience, and because it would promote
the pecuniary interests of certain speculators in politics and real
estate in San Francisco." To the second question, they must answer,
"We cannot say that it would have been impossible to enact such laws
as the State needed in Sacramento, but it would have been very
inconvenient and uncomfortable for us. There was water in the streets
and in the hotels; we were compelled to live and take our meals up
stairs; our coffee and roast beef were not quite so good as we had been
furnished before the flood; it was very inconvenient to leave our rooms
to visit friends; there were no theaters or other places of amusement
in Sacramento for us to visit and enjoy ourselves; if we remained at
the Capital we should have been confined strictly to the work we were
sent here to do; the session, under such a state of things, could not
have lasted over a couple of months. And, therefore, we determined to
adjourn to San Francisco, where we can find all the creature
comforts--where theaters and amusements abound for our "enjoyment." Such
an answer would be an honest and a true one, but would it satisfy the
people of the State? We think not. They would instantly reply that all
this may be true, but the reasons advanced are personal--to the members.
They do not touch the public good; they do not apply to the interests of
the State; they do not show that relief will be furnished to those who
have lost their all by the floods, by an adjournment to San Francisco,
which will cost the State thousands of dollars. It will protract the
session several weeks; it will be days, if not, weeks, before the
members will fairly get to work, as much time must be necessarily spent
in fitting up suitable halls for the two branches.
This move to San Francisco will add to the length of the session and
to the legislative expenditures; these items will be charged up to the
Republicans as a party, and they will be held responsible. They were
elected under the cry of retrenchment and reform, and they have
commenced to retrench by spending nearly a month in organizing the
two bodies, and in getting through a resolution to adjourn to San
Francisco to promote the personal comfort of members. For a new party
in power, such retrenchment and reform, if energetically continued,
will be certain to earn it the determined condemnation of the people.
This unnecessary and expensive move to San Francisco under a new
Republican Administration, and with a controlling majority in one
house, and nearly so in the other, will be charged to the party and
it will be compelled to answer for it to the people of the State.
A CORRESPONDENT suggests that a temporary levee might be built on
L street as high as Eighth or Ninth, and then over to the I street
levee. It is true that such a levee would protect the business portion
of the city for the Winter, but the expense would exceed the benefit.
But nothing can be done until the water subsides, at any point. There
are persons in the city who think that a space including the business
portion of the city should be surrounded by a levee similar to the one
on I street, without reference to those which may be built on the
American and Sacramento. But the true policy, independent of all
levees, is for the business streets of the city to be raised to high
water mark, in process of time. Even the Hite grade is found to be
about a foot below high water. There is sand enough in the bar below
the mouth of the American to raise the streets to any hight. All that
would be necessary would be to rig a horse railroad, or one for a
locomotive.
THE GOVERNOR.--The impression prevails quite generally in the city that
Governor Stanford was not as efficient as he might have been in his
opposition to the scheme for adjourning to San Francisco. As Governor,
it is thought by many that he could have exercised an influence upon
the dominant party that would have prevented the consummation of the
unjust and impolitic move. He can certainly refuse to move the Executive
Office to San Francisco, and this we claim he is expected to do by the
people of the State. The other State officers are bound to remain in
Sacramento until the law is repealed which requires them to reside here.
It is not necessary for them to follow the Legislature; if that body
chooses to run away from the Capital, to promote the personal comfort
of its members, should they subsequently find they had business with
the State officers, let them seek said officers at the Capital, where
the law locates them.
STAGES NORTH.--All the stages went out of Marysville yesterday morning
for the first time for several days. They took the mails and express
matter. The Downieville and La Porte stages, however, were obliged
to return, on account of the impassability of the roads. The Appeal
says:
The mail matter for Oroville had so accumulated that it was
necessary to send two stages, one of which went on and the other
returned. The down mail from Oroville, which should have reached here
day before yesterday, was detained at the Honcut by the non-arrival
of the up stage, which should have connected at the creek with the
driver, who, after waiting some time, rigged up a temporary arrangement
and came down, taking the river road by Chandon's place. The Nevada
stage, which went out on Tuesday, was heard from yesterday at Empire
Ranch, having consumed one day in reaching that point.
LOS ANGELES.--The rains in this county have been of great benefit.
The gophers have nearly all been destroyed.
THE CAPITAL QUESTION.
The Stockton Independent, in an article upon the removal question,
of a character very illiberal for that paper, among other things said:
We may remark that the retaining of the State Capital is generally
looked upon as necessary to the solvency of Sacramento. If she lose
this advantage, repudiation, it is agreed upon all hands, becomes
inevitable. Hence, it is said by persons who know the secret, several
of the San Francisco papers which are at the beck and under the
influence of Sacramento bondholders, are violent in their denunciation
of all persons who write or speak in favor of a removal of the Capital.
These papers, on the surface, put the plea for Sacramento on the grounds
of magnanimity and sympathy for the afflicted, whilst in truth they are
the merest special agents for a few interested bondholders who see nothing
in all the calamities of our unfortunate sister city but the dollars which
they may lose if the Capital is removed. A member from San Francisco was
heard to remark just before the late adjournment, "You wait till we get
our bonds cashed and have our money back and we'll show you where the
Capital goes." If the UNION's proposition to secure another loan of
$200,000 from these bondholders succeeds, they will be a long time in
getting back their money.
To the foregoing the San Francisco Call, which is not
particularly favorable in its general tone to Sacramento as the
State Capital, replies in this manner:
The Independent is partly right and partly wrong, and as most
people abroad seem to labor under erroneous impressions regarding the
feelings of this community on the Capital question, we propose to state
the position of San Francisco exactly. There are in this city quite a
number of men who are anxious to have the Capital located here, for
various motives; there are here about an eqnal number of men who are
strongly opposed to removing the Capital from Sacramento. Of these
latter are those interested in Sacramento bonds and merchants having
business interests and creditors at Sacramento. The "mercantile papers,"
as they are called, who indorse the views of the latter, are averse to
moving the Capital here, because such a proceeding would greatly increase
their expenses, and perhaps render it more than ever impossible for them
to lay claim to the title of first class newspapers. As for seven-eighths
of the people of this city they care but little where the Capital is to
be located. They would not give a dollar to have it here, nor spend a
moment to keep it away. In their opinion the Capital should be located
with a view to the interests and convenience of the whole State, and not
for the purpose of benefiting this or that class of interested
speculators. San Francisco does not care one tenth part us much about
where the Capital is located as she does about the actions of those
whom the people send to the Capital.
The Independent and Call are unjust to the papers in
San Francisco which have opposed an adjournment to that city. They have
placed their opposition upon grounds far above personal and pecuniary
considerations, either to themselves, the mercantile community or
Sacramento bond-holders, but few of whom reside in the Bay City. Those
papers founded their opposition upon the fact that the Capital had been
fixed by law in Sacramento and appropriations to the amount of $150,000
made by the Legislature, with the complete acquiescence of the people of
the State; that the question had been fairly settled, and that if it had
not been, the idea of removing the Capital ought not for a moment to be
entertained while Sacramento was suffering from a fearful calamity which
has overwhelmed almost the entire State. They have also declared that
the business men and property owners in San Francisco, are not in favor
of having the Capital in that city, and that it is only a few speculators
and politicians who are agitating the subject. They have also argued with
force that the Legislature ought not to adjourn to that city because of
floods in Sacramento, as the Legislature, in justice to the latter, should
encourage her citizens by its presence, until it was demonstrated that it
was impossible to hold the session in the city. But a majority of the
members appear to have lacked the courage to battle with the elements,
as well as sympathy for those in distress, and ran from the flooded city
and its suffering inhabitants as if they were leaving the plague behind
them. Such dastaidly conduct will hereafter rise in judgment against
them. But the people of San Francisco have developed in their treatment
of the sufferers from Sacramento, as well as in their acts towards the
prostrate city, the noblest and most elevated traits in the human
character. In their charity, benevolence, humanity, and magnanimity,
they have illustrated Heaven's first law, and exhibited the bright lines
in the character of man as civilized and humanized by the pure spirit of
christian philosophy.
The UNION did not propose to have the city borrow $200,000 from her
bondholders, but it did suggest that said bondholders would insure the
certain payment of the debt due them, with interest, if they voluntarily
advanced to the city the sum needed to build such levees as would render
her position impregnable to all attacks by high water. This advance,
though, to be without interest, and to be paid in instalments, by a
special tax to be annually collected for a given number of years. This,
in our opinion, would be sound policy for the creditors of the city to
adopt.
A LEVEE SUGGESTED.
EDITORS UNION:--If I am only supported by the frail maxim "That a half
loaf is better than no bread," I will nevertheless make a suggestion if
you will allow me room to do so. It is to build a levy on the south side
of L street sufficiently high to protect the business part of the city
from water. The dirt may be dug from one half of the street and thrown
towards the side, and after the water subsides may be thrown back again
to its place. Let it extend up to 7th, 8th, or even 9th street, and along
that to I street levee, as the case may require. This may be done in a
day or two and will enable many a good man to earn a dollar or two. VOICE. . . .
FROM THE MARIPOSA COUNTRY.--Correspondence from Hornitos, January 15th,
to the Stockton Republican, gives the following particulars:
The Merced river was higher than ever known before, and the flood has
destroyed a vast amount of property, including the greatest portions of
two of Fremont's largest quartz mills; the celebrated Fremcnt dam; the
dam of Merced Falls Mining Company; Nelson's and Murray's bridges, and
a portion of Nelson's flouring mill. At Snellingville, the river broke
into a new channel, and destroyed the fine orchard of Judge Fitzhugh;
also the large hotel, stables and barns belonging to Mr. Hall. In the
hotel a great quantity of merchandise had been stored by teamsters from
your city, who could not cross the river, all of which has been lost.
McKean Buchanan, the actor, who stopped at the hotel with his company,
lost all of his baggage. He saved himself and some war implements, (a
sword and drum) on a tree. A great many valuable ranches and orchards
on the river banks have been totally destroyed, and much stock drowned.
As no goods reached this side of the river since the first rain, there
is a scarcity of provisions, especially flour and rice. Flour is packed
from here to Princeton and Agua Frio, and is selling there at from $15
to $20 per hundred pounds. Alviso flour was selling here yesterday at
$8 per hundred, and is held to-day at $10. Some of your enterprising
men can make a good speculation by sending up a boat load of flour and
provisions. A steamer can ascend the San Joaquin to the mouth of the
Merced with ease. This point is twenty-six miles from Hornitos, and a
good road.
WOOD.--Wood has not gone up in price as much as might be supposed,
considering how much of that corded on the banks of the rivers ready
for market must have been swept off by the floods. An article for
which a month or a year ago the purchaser by small quantities had
to pay thirteen dollars a cord, is furnished to-day at fourteen dollars
a cord.--Bulletin, January 22d. . . .
LOSSES AT KNIGHT'S FERRY.--A correspondent of the Stockton Independent,
writing from Knight's Ferry, January 16th, gives some further details in
relation to the damage done by the floods in the vicinity of the Stanislaus:
It is impossible to make anything like a correct estimate of the damages
resulting from the recent flood on the Stanislaus river. The destruction
of property has been immense the whole length of the river; every bridge
was swept away, and but two ferry boats were saved--one at Reynolds',
and one at Major Burney's Ferry. All the buildings on the south side of
Main street in Knight's Ferry, including the Stanislaus Mills (save a
portion of Palmer & Allen's fire proof store) were swept entirely away;
and all the wooden buildings bordering on the north side of Main street,
were also carried away, except Hill's store and dwelling house. All the
buildings remaining in the business portion of the town, are Hill's store,
Fisher's brick building, Metropolitan Hotel and Dent's block on the north
side of the plaza, Honigsburger's store, and H. Linstead's saloon. The
losses in Knight's Ferry are estimated as follows: Heatres, Magendie & Co.,
$25,000; Stanislaus River Ferry and Bridge Company, $25 000;
Palmer & Allen, $30,000; V. Mond, $5,000; Lodtman & Brother, $9,000;
T. W. Lane (loss of hall, etc., attached to the hotel), $2,500;
L. McGlaughlin, $3,000; W. E. Stewart, $800; Conner & Dakin, $1,500;
Mrs. N. B. Buddington, $3,000; Ensley & Co., $3,000; McLane & Co., $3,000;
Bartlett & Jameson, $1,000; French & Matthews, $1,000;
J. E. W. Coleman, $1,000; J. S. Coleman, M. D, $1,000; C. Mooney, $600;
J. Walker, $600; M. J. Dooly & Co., $5,000; J. C. Dent, $3,000.
On Friday last Protor, at Two Mile Bar, and Thomas Robbins, at Knight's
Ferry, were drowned.
OROVILLE.--The Marysville Appeal learns, owing to the interruption
of the freighting business to Oroville, provisions have become very scarce
in that town. Flour was almost entirely out of the market, and the stock
of potatoes was exhausted. The Defiance lately took up a load of
necessaries.
THE FLOOD IN THE SOUTHEAST.--We extract the following intelligence from
the Stockton Independent of January 21st:
Doust, the well known stage driver on Fisher's Mariposa line came into
Stockton yesterday, having left the Tuolumne river on Thursday morning
[01/16],
after satisfying himself of the impossibility of crossing to continue
his route eastward as far as Mariposa. He reports that the Tuolumne was
rising very fast at Osborn's ferry, and that the people were fleeing to
the uplands to save their lives and working hard to rescue what they
could of their threatened property. The river had surrounded the house at
Osborn's, and the granary was twenty feet deep in water, owing to the
fact that the ground on which it stands had been so softened that the
weight of the grain pressed the building into the earth. The same heavy
weight keeps it from floating off. The house of Dallas on the Tuolumne
is gone. His family is now living in the barn. Dallas had thirty head
of horses before the 11th inst., of which he has saved but four. As far
down the valley of the Tuolumne as heard from the destruction of farming
property has been complete and unsparing. As far as Doust's personal
observation extended nearly all the farmers had lost their buildings
and there was not a sign of fencing anywhere visible. The whole country
between the Stanislaus and Tuolumne and along the valleys of those rivers
presents a naked, primitive appearance.
On Friday morning last Dry creek rose two feet higher than it had been
any previous time this Winter, and still it was raining with fearful
violence. At Burney's ferry, on the Stanislaus, the river has divided,
a new channel being formed, leaving Burney's house on an island with a
river on each side. Below Burney's was a tract of fine timber land
belonging to Alvin Fisher, and composed of very large, healthy oaks,
which the proprietor valued so highly that he had been religiously saving
and protecting them from the ax for years. All these were uprooted and
swept away by the rapid current of the Stanislaus, so that no sign of
the late lordly grove has been left. On the road between this city and
Burney's [Mariposa Road?]
are a great many "blind sloughs" and small creeks, all of which
in ordinary Winters are free from water. These Doust found to be now
swimming and with a very rapid current. He says from the great waves of
water which are rolling down over the plains from the Tuolumne and
Stanislaus it is probable that another rise would be experienced in
Stockton early this morning or perhaps before that time. . . .
STATE OF THE YUBA.--The Marysville Appeal of January 23rd says:
The effects of the rains of yesterday and day before was felt here by a
steady rise in the Yuba yesterday, which brought it to an aggregate rise
of two feet four and a half inches during the day, making it about
eighteen inches below the flood of December 9th, at nine o'clock last
night. The current in the stream is yet unslackened, showing that the
rise in the Feather has not been very great up to the time noted. The
slough on the A street side of the city backed up yesterday from the
Yuba, and by noon had again overflowed by Starr's mill, but not to any
considerable extent. How much more of a flood we shall have seems now
to depend altogether upon the amount of rain which has fallen in the
mountains. The rise for the hour ending at nine o'clock last night was
two inches--as great as any during the day. . . .
A Card.--We the undersigned, guests at Toll's Hotel, take this
method of returning thanks to A. C. JUDY and wife, for their kind and
hospitable entertainment during the adverse circumstances which surrounded
them, occasioned by the continued flood. January 23d, 1862.
C. W. KENDALL, | WM. SHATTUCK,
J. W. THOMPSON, | JAMES FARIS,
T. N. MACHIN, | SETH O. SNEDEN,
B. K. DAVIS, | JNO. H. DONOVAN,
C. E. WILCOXON, | WM S. CARLILE,
J. WILCOXSON, | JOHN SEDGWlCK,
GEO. A. GILLESPIE, | H. OTERSON.
jn 24 1t*
. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
DISASTER TO THE STEAMER GEM.--The steamer Gem, Captain Page, started
from the levee at the usual hour yesterday morning, with forty tons
of freight and a number of passengers, for Patterson's station on the
American river. In consequence of the current being unusually rapid
and strong, her progress was slow. When she arrived at the crevasse
at Rabel's tannery, which opened the day before, she was carried
broadside through it and floated some three or four blocks in a
southwesterly direction towards the center of the city. The river
makes a short turn at this point, and the water, when high, comes
down with tremendous force. This was the first attempt of any boat
to pass the crevasse since it had attained any considerable width.
The force of the torrent was such as to render the motive power of
the boat nugatory, and she was carried several hundred feet before
touching ground. She then continued to float at intervals until she
arrived at the peach orchard of John Denn at Twenty-third and B streets,
about three blocks beyond Agricultural Park, with the apparent design
of speeding the Summer months in the rural districts. The Gem belongs
to the California Steam Navigation Company, and is considered their
best boat of her class. She is valued at $50,000. She is not thought
to be much injured, but the chances of getting her safely back into
the American, or forward into the Sacramento, are not thought very good.
As soon as the accident was known at the office of the Company, the
Governor Dana was dispatched to her relief, but failed to reach her.
She started down the Sacramento to go through the crevasse below R street,
and then come through one of the openings in the railroad, and go up
through the eastern portion of the city, to the locality of the stranded
boat, to tow her if possible into deep wator. On arriving at the crevasse
below R street it was deemed unsafe to attempt to go through, and the
project was abandoned. Several flat boats were then sent up to bring off
her freight. The passengers had all been taken off in boats as soon as
practicable after the accident. When the Gem was carried through the
crevasse the steamer Sam Soule was close behind her, loaded with freight,
also for Patterson. The Captain concluded that it was unsafe to attempt
to pursue the passage any further, and after rendering the Gem all aid
practicable, she returned to her berth at the levee. This accident is
greatly to be regretted, not only on account of the loss--temporary or
permanent--of the steamer, but because it will for the present break off
all regular and reliable communication with any portion of the country.
When the river falls below the natural banks, the boats may resume their
trips. Until then we shall have no communication with the country, except
through the medium of oar or sail.
FALLING WALLS AND NARROW ESCAPE.--At about six o'clock yesterday morning
the inside walls of the second floor at the Levee Saloon, on Front street,
above O, fell with a terrible crash, frightening badly, though injuring but
slightly, some twenty persons who occupied the building at the time. The
property is a portion of the Bininger House, and was the first brick
building ever erected in the city. It was put up in 1849 by a German or
Swiss named George Zins, the brick having been burnt near Second and R
streets. It is said that Zins and his wife did the most of the work in
building the house--she making the mortar, carrying the hod, etc., while
he laid the brick. When the walls fell, the second floor was occupied by
several families, who were at the time asleep. They were precipitated
together promiscuously, but nobody was hurt except a little girl four
years old, in charge of Mrs. Reeser, who received an ugly gash on the
head. One or two Mexicans were pretty thoroughly buried up below the
rubbish, but they escaped through a window without injury.
CITIZENS' COMMITTEE.--We learn from this Committee that they met and
organized yesterday afternoon. J. F. Morse was appointed Chairman, and
A. K. Grim Secretary. An exchange of views showed that there was an almost
complete oneness in the opinions of the members as to what was needed
in order to reorganize our city into a healthier and sounder financial
condition. The Committee have fortunately been so far anticipated by
the forecast and good judgment of many of our business men that a bill
of incorporation will be probably completed at a much earlier period
than would have been possible under the circumstances. Upon
representations being made that Mr. Hopkins could not attend to the
duty assigned him at this time, L. B Harris was appointed in his place.
The Committee feel confident that a bill can be constructed which will,
if properly sustained by the citizens, not only pass the Legislature,
but that it will, with an inspiring certainty, conduct the interests
of the city into a haven of relief, of vigor and prosperity.
THE FLOOD.--The water in the city continued to rise during Wednesday
night [01/22] and until three o'clock yesterday morning. At that hour
it was five inches above that of December 9th, and within fifteen inches
of that of January 10th. From three o'clock it continued to fall through
the day, and had receded at eight o'clock last evening about twelve
inches. There is a strong current running through the eastern portion
of the city, from the crevasse at Rabel's, to the openings through the
R street railroad. A vast quantity of water of course comes into the
city through that channel. As the American is falling there is a
probability of some relief, but it is to be feared that we shall have
water over all our streets until the Sacramento also falls a foot or
two below its present hight.
EXPRESS TO FOLSOM.--During the past two weeks several steamers have
been running to Patterson's on the American and there connecting with
the cars for Folsom. Wells, Fargo & Co. have of course sent their express
by this line. In consequence of the disaster to the steamer Gem
yesterday--in having been carried through the crevasse at Rabel's--the
boats will for the present cease to run. Wells, Fargo & Co. give notice
that in consequence of this interruption in their arrangements they will
until further notice dispatch their express every morning at 6-1/2
o'clock by whale boat to Hull's ranch, and thence by wagon to the cars
at Brighton. The express will return from Brighton on the arrival of
the cars at that point.
SHIPPING ACCIDENT.--At about nine o'ciock on Wednesday evening a section
of a bridge--probably Norris'--floated down the Sacramento and struck
the steamer Gem, moored near the foot of M street. In order to save
the vessel, her lines were loosened, and bridge and steamer floated
together down to N street. Before they became disconnected, they ran
into one or two schooners, struck the Harbormaster's office, ran against
the city gauge and broke it partially off at the bottom, the entire
performance producing so much creaking and crashing as to arouse and
alarm everybody in the neighborhood. There was but little serious
damage done, however, and the Gem escaped the impending danger to
encounter misfortune in another shape the next morning. . . .
YESTERDAY.--As we were blessed with fine weather yesterday, a bright
sun, a clear sky and a cool breeze from the West, everybody appeared
to be in good spirits and seemed inclined to enjoy the day. The streets
were constantly crowded with boats, many of which contained ladies who
were out to take a survey of the town. Those who had business which
could be attended to worked with vigor and energy for its accomplishment. . . .
THE SHUBRICK.--The steam revenue cutter Shubrick, Capt. Pease, sailed
again yesterday morning for some of the sloughs below, in the service
of the Howard Benevolent Society. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, January 23, 1862.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, President Shattuck, and
Supervisors Granger, Russell, Woods, Dickerson and Waterman.
Supervisor Russell, from the Special Committee to whom was referred
the proposition of B. F. Leet to build a bridge on K street across
Burns slough, reported verbally that the Board has no power to contract
for the same, as it would conflict with the rights of G. W. Colby.
J. G. Hyer appeared before the Board, not as counsel but as a citizen,
and advocated granting the franchise to B. F. Leet, as asked for. He
thought the public interest required a bridge across K street, and held
that granting the right to build to Leet would not in any manner
interfere with Colby's rights.
G. W. Colby appeared before the Board stating that he had, after
obtaining from the Board the right to build a bridge across the slough
on J street, purchased the necessary lumber for the same, and had
caused the same to be brought to this city. He should regard the
grant to Leet to build a bridge on K street as an infringement on
his privileges. If Mr. Leet choose to build the bridges, and would
take the lumber already here, at cost he could take the lumber and
construct the bridge. After considerable discussion, in which Supervisors
GRANGER, RUSSELL, WOODS and DICKERSON participated, Supervisor
RUUSELL [sic] submitted the contract made between the Committee and
G. W. Colby, and Colby's bond for the faithful fulfillment of the same.
Supervisor Woods moved that the contract be referred to the District
Attorney for his opinion as to its legality.
Supervisor GRANGER opposed the reference of the contract.
J. G. Hyer, in response to a question from the President, gave it as
his opinion that the contract in question was not a "legal contract"
in any sense of the word. Mr. Colby, he thought, would be at liberty
to either build the bridge or not, as his interest might dictate.
There was no condition therein expressed which could be enforced. There
had never, so far as he knew, ever been any thing recovered on any bond
in this State.
G. W. Colby stated that he was willing to give a bond in legal form,--for
the fulfillment of his contract, and would state further that the
contract under discussion was drawn up by D. J. Thomas, a member of
the bar, whose opinion was entitled to at least as much confidence as
that of Mr. Hyer.
On motion of Supervisor GRANGER the contract was referred to the District
Attorney for his opinion as to its validity.
Supervisor GRANGER then moved that the bond of G. W. Colby be approved.
Supervisor WOODS objected to the approval of the bond until the District
Attorney shall have reported upon the contract.
The vote being taken, the bond was approved. It is given in the penal
sum of $2,000, with Jared Irwin, H. A. Caulfield and H. Klays as sureties
for the faithful fulfillment of the contract made between him and the
Committee. . . .
The Board adjourned to ten o'clock A. M. to-morrow.
THE LATE STORM IN SONOMA.--The Santa Rosa Democrat of January 16th
has the annexed particulars of the flood in its locality:
During Wednesday and Thursday of last week the rain came down in torrents,
causing a great flood, which has probably done more damage than even the
great flood of '52. From every section of the State we have news of the
most terrible results. In Sonoma county, though comparatively less property
has been destroyed than in other portions of the State, yet we, too, have
suffered. On Thursday night, about midnight, the Santa Rosa creek began
to overrun its banks, and by two o'clock the town was completely submerged,
the water being in several of the streets about fifteen inches deep, and
flooding several buildings. It remained in this condition until about
daylight, when it commenced to recede, and by ten o'clock the streets
were free of water. Our greatest sufferers this time were persons residing
immediately on the banks of the creek. William H. Crowell, Deputy County
Clerk, sustained heavy damage by the caving and washing away of a large
portion of his land, together with fences, etc.; he estimates his loss
at $1,500. E. P. Colgan of the Santa Rosa House, was damaged in the
neighborhood of $1,000, by loss of stock, land, fences, and a beautifully
cultivated garden, that was entirely covered with sand from the creek,
and all the plants destroyed. John Ingram suffered a great deal, from
loss of fences and damage to his orchard. These are the principal
sufferers that we have heard of, though all persons residing along the
creek were damaged to some extent by loss of fences and stock. The Santa
Rosa bridge still holds on, notwithstanding the foundation at each end
is partly washed away. Almost every bridge in the county has been carried
off, and for four days we were entirely deprived of communication with
any section.
We are informed that the saw-mill of Caldwell, Levy & Witty, at the
mouth of "the canon," on Russian river, was swept away, and a great
amount of damage done all along the banks of the river.
At Sonoma we learn the old Court house, an adobe building, settled
down and fell to pieces. The upper story of the building was occupied
by the Odd Fellows and Sons of Temperance, as a lodge room, and the
ground floor by N. Kavanaugh, as a saloon. . . .
RELIEF IN SAN FRANCISCO.--Yesterday afternoon and evening, contributions
in clothing, provisions and cash were received at the Hall, swelling the
aggregate receipts of the day to nearly $3,000. Among them may be specially
mentioned the donation of $160 by the officers and crew of the
sloop-of-war St. Marys; $20 from Excelsior Division, S. of T.; $20 from
General Wright; $20.75 collected by E. Gillet; $20 from the California
Brewery; $20 W. H. and H. T.; and $783.75, being the net proceeds of
the recent benetit at the Metropolitan Theater. J. W. Brittan gave $150
worth of tin ware; Bragg, Rollinson & Co., a cask of hams; Hobbs,
Gilmore & Co., $50 worth of packing boxes; J. P. Hughes, 30 pairs of shoes;
F. K. Kast, 12 pairs; J. B. Roberts, 12 pairs; Stock & Co., $50 worth of
goods--while the bundles of clothing came in briskly--even Brooklyn,
Alameda county, contributing in this line. The surgeon of the St. Marys
and others of the medical profession profferred their gratuitous services.
An upper room in Music Hall was set aside for the ladies to do their
sewing in--a room well lighted and quiet, and far pleasanter for them
than they could be in the confusion and crowd of the great hall. They
had plenty of work and were urged to be back again today, as there is
no limit to the need of their services.--Bulletin, Jan. 22d.
LOST SHEEP.--One Doner, of Solano county, lost recently a flock of sheep
numbering eight hundred.
GONE.--The Legislature--members, attachees, desks, seats and
furniture--started for San Francisco yesterday on board the steamer
Chrysopolis. The steamer was more densely crowded than usual, although
all the boats which have left for San Francisco during the past two
weeks have been loaded down with passengers.
THE RIVER.--During Wednesday night the Sacramento river rose some three
or four inches, standing yesterday morning at about twenty-two feet, ten
inches above low water mark. At sunset the gauge indicated no perceptible
change. . . .
THE FLOOD IN BUTTE.--The Butte Record of January 18th thus speaks
of the operation of the waters upon the town of Oroville and vicinity:
In our last issue we mentioned that another flood was upon us, of
proportions surpassing that of December 9th, but it did not reach its
highest point until towards noon on Saturday, the 11th, when a greater
portion of the way from Myers street to the sawmill, Montgomery street,
was submerged to a depth, in many places, of two feet or more, causing
the hasty removal of families living upon the lower side of the street,
together with furniture and fixtures, and also the tools, machinery and
material from several workshops. Many of the buildings were fastened with
ropes stretched across the street and lashed to permanent objects on the
opposite side, thereby saving a large number which would have otherwise
been washed away. The angry waves played sad havoc at the sawmill, by
the washing away of lumber, the tumbling around of buildings and the
disarrangement of machinery, etc. Following down from the sawmill,
several stables and out houses were washed away--including two stables
situated on Myers street, one immediately in the rear of Faulkner & Co.'s
banking house, and the other opposite the hay barn and wagon shed of
the California Stage Company, on Huntoon street, departed with the
balance. And now we come to a point where the most real damage was
done--Chinatown, which has, in years past, withered and perished so
often at the hands of the devouring element--fire, and as often rebuilt,
was completely "sluiced out." Friday evening the waters commenced
perambulating the main street of the burgh, and above the roar of the
angry flood could be heard a din of voices, as discordant and
unintelligible as the confounded tongues at the tower of Babel.
Teams were brought into requisition, goods and merchandise (if such
truck will bear the name,) pigs and chickens, men and women,
in wild confusion, were hurried to places of safety; several almost
worthless buildings were floated off and others moved from their
foundations. But some of the almond-eyed, opium-smoking fraternity
suffered in a manner little expected by them. Their adobe buildings,
built fire proof, and which have heretofore successfully withstood the
ravages of that element, could not withstand the assaults of the other
element--water, but melted down before the flood as quickly as their
wooden neighbors would before a fire, leaving a huge pile of mud to
mark the site where they once stood, unscathed by the elements. The
telegraph wire was again carried away across the river, cutting off
all communication with the upper country.
Below here, at Kent's Ranch, the river overflowed its banks, and
caused considerable damage by sweeping away fences and washing away
the road, so that travel with teams in that direction is impossible.
Here, too, the telegraph line was broken--some of the trees and poles
upon which the wire rested having been carried away. The water gained
a hight of seventeen inches in Kent's house, being sixteen inches higher
than on the 9th of December. Farther down, near Onyet's Ranch, the road
is impassable, from encroachments of the river, consequently the stages
and all travel, which is but little, in the direction of Marysville, goes
by the Prairie House. The river, at this point, attained a hight at
least two feet higher than at the last great flood, but the destruction
of property has been far less. This last inundation has "played out" the
"oldest inhabitant;" it is the only flood he ever witnessed,
LIBERAL.--A subscription for the relief of the Sacramento sufferers was
started at Grass Valley on Saturday, January 18th, and the sum of
thirteen hundred dollars was subscribed by three o'clock in the afternoon.
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.--We do not know whether our legislators
can stand fire or not--they have not yet been tried; but that they
cannot stand water is a demonstrated fact; at least, they sputter
terribly because a little water impedes their locomotion between the
Capitol and their boarding houses, and a project is entered into, and
may have been executed before this time, to adjourn the Legislature
to San Francisco or some other place where water is scarce.
Grave savans! indulging in spread-eagle speeches, endeavoring to
create an excuse for going to the Bay City on a pleasure excursion
at the people's expense, appear to have forgotten that, while they
are suffering trifling inconveniences, a large portion of the tax-paying
citizens of the State and their families are suffering from the
destruction of their flocks and herds, their gardens and orchards,
and, in hundreds of cases, their homes and firesides, and with a future
looming up before them dark and gloomy. Under such circumstances, when
the people of our State are emerging from the terrible calamity just
visited upon them, they behold the hand to which they fondly look for
support in the hour of adversity raised to cast new burdens upon them!
and for what? For the personal convenience of a few men for a few days.
If the assembled wisdom of the State must abstract just so much money
from the treasury, with how much more propriety and less injustice might
they take the hundreds of thousands of dollars which a removal would
cost, and with it cause a levee to be built which would effectually
guard the city of Sacramento, and with it the Capitol, against inundation
in the future. But if money is not to be wrung from the treasury, the
ends of justice would be much more correctly meted out by ceasing the
clamor for removal and transacting the legitimate business for which
they were assembled, using the personal inconveniences as an incentive
to the constant and strict attention to business, thereby rendering
the session a short one--as it should be--and the expenditures
correspondingly light.
We have, as yet, failed to see even the shadow of a just reason given
for the removal. Wise Senators rise in their places and declare, in
substance, that "their sympathies and those of their constituents are
with Sacramento; but justice to themselves demands them to reluctantly
vote for a removal." Why vote reluctantly? Do Senators vote reluctantly
for measures founded in justice? Certainly not. But when a measure
placing personal convenience above public good is supported, well may
reluctance be proclaimed. The present, when our country is convulsed
with war, and our State suffering from the elements, is certainly not
an appropriate time for our rulers to grasp after the pleasures and
comforts of life, but rather a time for privation and sacrifice conducive
to the good of the public.--Butte Record. . . .
THE FLOOD IN CONTRA COSTA.--The Gazette [Martinez] of January 18th
thus speaks of the flood in its vicinity:
The water began to rise at this place in the early part of the night
of the 11th, but did not reach its highest point until about half-past
six in the morning. At this time the whole valley was under water, and
a fearful torrent was running through the street. Over the raised
sidewalks it came, and into stores and dwellings heretofore thought
to be far above the reach of any flood at all likely to occur. A
building belonging to C. E. Wetmore was floated off from its foundation
and stranded. The warehouses at the landing, containing large quantities
of grain and goods of every description, were overflowed to the depth
of from three to six feet, and the damage thus caused falls with great
severity upon our farmers, many of whom were hoping that through the
enhanced price of grain this season they would be relieved from the
embarrassments produced by the unremunerative toil of previous years.
Everything of a movable kind exposed to the fury of the flood has disappeared.
The damage in this place, as far as we can learn, is as follows: The
fence around the Fair Grounds nearly all gone; the seats, stalls,
outbuildings, etc., also. Loss from five hundred to one thousand dollars.
About fifteen thousand sacks of wheat were damaged in the warehouses,
besides a large quantity of hay and a lot of goods belonging to various
persons, the particulars of which we have not been able properly to
ascertain. Government loses four hundred cords of wood, washed away
from the landing; George Edgar, eighty-seven cords; Captain D. F. Marcy,
thirty-five cords; William T. Hendrick, one hundred cords, from below
flour mill. Horace G. Bagley, of this place, who was employed by John
G. Tilton, in taking care of a flock of sheep on the San Joaquin, a
mile above New York, is supposed to have been drowned on Saturday last.
His two companions left him in the house at about nine o'clock in the
morning, to go to the sheep, and on their return at two in the afternoon
he was gone, and also a small skiff which they had at that place. Eldridge
Loveland, aged about twenty years, was drowned in Tassajera Valley on
Thursday last, while attempting to ford a stream. Snow fell to the depth
of six inches last week at the coal mines. Enormous land slides have taken
place in the vicinity. The roads are more or less damaged by the storm,
that of the Black Diamond in particular is badly washed. A few days before
the floods of last week, Jacob Barnhisel was compelled to abandon his
wagon on account of the bad state of the road near the Fair Grounds. On
Thursday last, a house standing near by was floated from its location and
settled square on the wagon, the floor of the house giving way and admitting
the wagon inside--and there it is now.
LOSS IN SAN MATEO.--The San Jose Mercury is informed that within
three miles of Searsville no less than six sawmills have been swept away.
Simon Knight's house, about two miles from the former place, was
destroyed by a slide from the mountain, and one of his children killed.
Knight heard the coming avalanche, and with his wife caught up two of
his children and barely escaped with their lives. The third child, a
boy five or six years of age, jumped from the chamber window and started
to run, when he was crushed and buried by the earth. Every bridge between
Santa Clara and Pescadero has been swept away.
THE OVERFLOW IN STOCKTON.--The Independent of Jan. 21st says:
Now that the waters have receded, leaving the streets in the upper part
of the city comparatively dry, the effects of the overflow in the
destruction of property are more than ever visible. The actual damage
to our streets has been occasioned by the washing away of gravel and
the formation of deep cuts, principally at the intersections. Sidewalks
and fences, pieces of plank and empty barrels are scattered promiscuously,
occasionally gathered in piles where the strength of the current was
greatest and their passage impeded by bridges or buildings. On the Hunter
street and Weber Avenue bridge is lodged a piece of sidewalk upwards of
fifty feet in length, which is said to have floated down to its landing
place, a distance of several hundred yards. On many of the cross streets
not improved by graveling, a mixture of coarse sand and light gravel has
washed from the streets running diagonally, and accumulated in depth of
one to three feet. Weber Avenue, through its entire length, has suffered
most severely from the effects of the flood, on the south side there being
scarcely a foot walk remaining standing in its proper place. Months will
be required to set things properly to rights, replace the gravel, and
repair the damage occasioned to the city. The aggregate loss is, after
all, very trifling, and bears but a small comparison to the inconvenience
to public travel.
MAN MISSING.--A man named Barney Maguire, who has been recently in
Stockton, is supposed to have fallen overboard and been drowned. . . .
p. 4
HOW THE MOUNTAINS SLIDE.--Semblins says people who write pretty talk about
"mountain fastnesses," would get their eyes open and full of mud these
days, if they'd come picturesque-hunting amongst the mountain loosenesses.
The uncertainty of the "deep, deep blue sea," isn't a circumstance. If a
side hill doesn't like one township, it takes a slide, passes the line,
and lands the other side. The Tax Collector in Township Seven
missed fourteen Chinamen that way this week, and only three of them
killed--a live gain of $44 to the Collector in Township Nine, and a dead
loss of $56 to township Seven. The miners have ground-sluiced so long
about here that the ground's loose all around.--Sierra Democrat.
FALL IN STOCKTON.--A portion of the east wall of the brick store of
Charles Jones, saddler, on Main street, opposite the Court House, fell
January 20th. It was an old building.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3378, 25 January 1862, p. 1
. . . .
ROUTE OF THE MARIPOSA.--The Stockton Independent of January 20th says:
Gordon, who left Mariposa town on Wednesday morning with a horse express,
arrived at Stockton on Saturday night. He reports terrible scenes on the
route. At Snellingville a third of the town was washed away, including
the hotel and all the better buildings. Where the Snelling House stood
the main channel of the Merced river now runs. Chas. Bloodworth, a
resident at the Snelling House, had his safe, containing $2,000 in cash,
washed into the river and lost. All the bridges on the Merced river are
washed away. On the lower part of the stream, as far as heard from, all
the fences and many of the farmhouses are destroyed. At Mariposa town
the water rose much higher than it was ever seen by any of the Americans.
Bruce & Brothers lost their machine shop, valued at $2,000; the old
express building, valued at $1,200, Kerns & McDermott'a storehouse,
$900, and a large number of gardens, fences, etc., were all washed away.
Fisher, of the Stage Company, lost a lot of grain, washed from the stable,
which now hangs with one end partly suspended over the Merced river.
The stage horses were all saved. The stage roads along the Bear Valley
hill have both been washed away, and a great deal of labor will be
required to repair them. At Osborn's Ferry over the Tuolumne, the Stage
Company lost their grain and granary. The ferry boat and residence of
Osborn were saved. It will be several weeks, under most favorable
circumstances, before regular stage communication can be reumed between
this place and Mariposa. At Loving's bridge, over the Stanislaus, the
stage stables, grain and hay, were all saved, though the water came into
the stable. Gordon left this place yesterday with the mails and express
matter for Mariposa.
The town of Hornitos lost but one building; but had it not been for an
impromptu breakwater put up by some of the energetic citizens, the
whole village except a few houses on the hill side, had been washed
away. From the meager accounts collected by our informant as to the
country toward the head of the San Joaquin and around Tulare Lake, it
is conjectured that Visalia and the farmers in the Four Creek settlement
have been totally ruined.
FROM SAN JOSE.--L. H. Powell, of the old Overland Mail Company, came in
from San Jose yesterday morning, bringing the first mail which has come
in from that point for over a week. He left San Jose Sunday evening,
coming part of the way on horseback, and at one point packed the mail
five miles on his back. He stated that the Santa Clara Valley is all
under water, and that the road is in a worse condition than it has ever
been since 1849.when he commenced to travel it. At the first bridge this
side of San Jose, he found the boy who had been drowned at a point some
six miles above on Wednesday night last. There is no news from the
Visalia country, which is supposed to be all under water. A week ago
last Monday Powell was coming through from Gilroy with the mail, and
found three horses drowned in Jajas Creek. One of the horses has a
Spanish saddle, the other two had side saddles, and it was supposed
that a whole family had perished. He describes the whole route as
abounding in evidences of the ravages of the flood; fences swept away,
crops destroyed, cattle dead and roads washed away. One of the worst
points on the road was found near San Mateo, where a high ridge seems
to have been in a measure undermined, the horses breaking through at
every step.--San Francisco Call, January 22d.
CATTLE IN THE FOOT HILLS.--The loss of cattle in the foot hills has
not been near so great as it has been on and near the Sacramento
river. The Red Bluff Beacon says the grass in the foot hills,
on the head waters of Thomes', Elder and Red Bank creeks, is two weeks
in advance of the season in the valley. Stock is improving in that
section. . . .
LOSS IN MARYSVILLE.--The San Francisco Christian Advocate says:
Rev. G. R. Baker, a respected local preacher living in Marysville, has
lost his house, and all the improvements of his lately comfortable home,
by the flood, and the waters have made a deposit of some two feet of
sand on his land. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Governor Stanford left for San Francisco yesterday, following in the wake
of the members and attaches of the Legislature.
The UNION will continue to give full reports of Legislative proceedings,
as usual, having dispatched a corps of phonographic reporters to San
Francisco for that purpose.
Interesting communications on the subject of protecting the city will
be noticed in our columns. . . .
The water in the city fell yesterday ten inches, and the prospect is that
the business streets will soon be free from water. The Sacramento declined
about four inches, and the American is falling daily.
California Steam Navigation Company made an effort yesterday to move
the Gem from the place where it grounded on the day previous, but their
efforts were unsuccessful. The Company will send up the American today
two of its boats bound for Patterson, the water having fallen in the
river.
The opening in the levee at Rabel's tannery is about eight hundred feet wide.
At the Board of Supervisors, yesterday, a report was made by the District
Attorney, in which he states that the contract entered into with
G. W. Colby, for the erection of a bridge across the Slough, at the
head of J street, was valid. The applications of S. Norris, and Pearis
& Harris, for licenses to erect bridges on the American, were deferred
until February 3d. . . .
FOLLOWED SUIT.--We are informed that Governor Stanford left yesterday
for San Francisco, and that his furniture was seen headed in the same
direction. This would indicate that he has also abandoned the Capital
and followed the Legislature in its discreditable retreat to the Bay
City. The law requires the Governor and other State officers to reside
in Sacramento, where they certainly ought to remain until that law is
so far repealed as to enable them to leave legally. We do not like this
move of the Governor; it looks too much like a manifestation of the same
cowardly haste to leave a prostrated city, which was manifested by the
members of the Legislature. The reasons which induced his departure from
the Capital are not in our possession, and we are not able to advance any
which to our mind are a justification. He ought to have remained in the
Capital as long as there was a plank remaining. His example will probably
be followed by the other State officers.
NEWS FROM THE SAN JOAQUIN.--The Stockton Independent, of
January 22d, has the following intelligence from the upper San Joaquin:
Vanderburg, pony expressman, who came down last night on the Christina,
furnishes the following items: On the lower Merced--Forlorn Hope, six
miles below Snelling's, is all gone. Blair's, Eastman's, George Vivan's
and May's dwellings, on the west side of the San Joaquin, are all gone.
Graysonville Ferry, owned by Van Benschoten, is gone; Turner's house, in
the same neighborhood, is gone. Opposite the ferry were forty cattle
drowned in one place. Greenville's and Raft's houses, on the San
Joaquin, are gone. They lost all their stock. At Manley's ferry, the
house is three feet in water and the family living on the ferry boat.
Kennovan's barn is gone, and this gentleman also lost two hundred and
fifty head of sheep. Hamilton's house is under water. He lost two
hundred stands of bees and a horse. Temple's house is in a critical
condition.
On the lower Tuolumne, from La Grange downward, everything has been
swept away. A great deal of the loose stock has been drowned. On Sunday
night the Merced raised three feet. At Van Benschoten's Ferry the San
Joaquin yesterday was at the highest point it reached in in [sic] 1852.
The Stanislaus was at its highest point of this season yesterday, and
rising.
MORE FLOODING IN SAN JOAQUIN.--Our sister city, Stockton, has had some
more hard experience in the matter of floods. The Republican of
January 22d says:
The flood is over us again, and we have got all the water we can take
care of. Our principal difficulty this time seems to be from back water.
Parts of the city which have been previously overflowed have escaped a
serious visitation this time, the water not coming down with anything
like a rush. There was no rise of consequence in the part of the city
towards the mountains yesterday, but the rise in the opposite direction
was great--greater than was ever before known here. The western portion
of the city gets it the worst. At dark last night but a few inches would
have taken the water over the St. Charles bar-room and Colonel O'Neal's
residence. The rain was still falling last evening, and people looked
blue and discouraged. . . .
TO PROTECT THE CITY.
We have to-day another communication, suggesting a plan for protecting
the main portion of the city, which is worthy of consideration. The
writer, who is truly "a practical mechanic," submits a plan based
upon calculations and figures which appear reliable, practical and
not very expensive. His estimate for leveeing the fifty-four blocks
included within the boundaries he names is $79,200; from which he deducts
the cost of repairing the R street levee to Fourteenth street--leaving
the cost of the levee proposed, $53,000. The plan suggested for moving
the earth necessary to build the embankment is practicable, but in place
of hiring locomotives, the contractors would probably find it to their
interest to purchase such a locomotive and train of dirt cars as are
in use in San Francisco. With such an engine and train of cars a vast
amount of earth may be moved from the bar at the mouth of the American
river, and from other points on to the line of levee. The writer says
he would not insist upon the boundaries he names if good reasons are
offered for changing them. In consideration of the location of the
Agricultural Park Grounds, most persons would probably favor the
location of the east line of levee on Twenty-second instead of Fourteenth
street. We see no good reason either for not making use of the present
levee on the north side of the city as far as Twenty-second street.
Instead of fifty-four feet in width at the base, we would commence
by taking for a base the full width of a street, which is eighty feet,
and then raise the levee one foot higher than "A Practical Mechanic"
suggests. It should be elevated a given number of feet above high
water mark. Some think that three feet above the highest water on
the Sacramento would be amply sufficient, but five would be little
enough, and we would much prefer seeing the levee, say thirty feet
back from the river, raised at least seven feet above the highest
water line of this winter. On the American, the center of the wide
levee proposed should be elevated ten feet above the highest water
of 1862, if the object is to place the city in a perfectly protected
position. The same rule should be applied to any levee which may be
built on the east and south sides of a portion of the city as proposed.
Two weeks ago to-day we saw the water under the influence of a stiff
southeast wind, break over the top of the sections of the R street
levee left standing, to the depth of from one to three feet. So powerful
was the current running down, and the force of the waves driven up
by the wind, that most of the superstructure and iron rails of the
railroad were displaced. The conclusion, therefore, is legitimate
that, had the water been excluded from the city on the east side,
it would have been forced over the top of the R street levee during
the tremendous flood of the 10th and 11th of January. This fact
shows that the R street levee was neither high enough nor broad
enough.
But the plan proposed by "A Practical Mechanic," while it would protect
the business portion of the city, is open to serious objections. It
would leave the majority of the territory of the city unprotected,
and therefore it would be unjust to tax the property in the unprotected
section to build a levee to protect the favored portion. It would,
too, be selfish in the extreme, and in order to deal fairly, a special
law, taxing the property inside of the limits of the levee would have
to be passed, or the municipal territory of the city reduced to the
line of said levee. But even were this consummated, a serious obstacle
would still exist to the adoption of the plan. It is that it would be
impracticable with this plan to maintain land communication with the
country during a flood from the American river. The floods from that
river this Winter have demonstrated the folly of attempting to secure
a wagon road or a railroad from the city to the high land by building
it on an embankment, unless that river is mastered by a levee on its
south bank. A railroad or wagon road from the high ground east of the
city must be mainly built on trestle work, and not on embankments.
That kind of a structure is costly and perishable, and is always avoided,
if possible, by railroad and turnpike builders. Even with long lines of
trestle work, the embankments necessary would still form a barrier to
the floods of the American should they be permitted to break over east
of the city, which would tend to drive the water over any levee which
could be built. So far as we can see, any system of leveeing which may
be adopted must of necessity include one along the American from the
city to Brighton, and perhaps still higher up the river. A broad
levee along and near the river, raised in the center full ten feet
higher than any water the present generation has ever seen, would
secure to the city not only protection from the high water of the
river, but a broad and high thoroughfare to the high lands, which
could always be traveled by teams, stages, etc. A first rate road
would thus be insured which would always enable the city to maintain
her communications with the country. The levee, in this way, could be
made to answer a double purpose, and all necessity for building wagon
road embankments and bridges calculated to throw the floods into the
city would be done away with.
It could also be appropriated for railroad purposes, as it
unquestionably should be. It can be made sufficiently broad to
accommodate all the railroads which will ever enter Sacramento. An
arrangement can doubtless be made by the city authorities, under which
the Sacramento Valley Railroad would agree to bring their line of road
into the city on the north side and on the line of the levee. The
company is damaged very heavily by the floods; it is liable to similar
damage annually unless the American is securely leveed. The stockholders
of that road are, therefore, vitally interested in having such a levee
built, and in laying their track where it will not again be likely to be
so completely destroyed by high water. If it can be rendered safe anywhere
from the turbulent waters of the American it will be by laying the track
on the levee it is proposed to build. It can be made for the mutual
interest of all parties to have the railroad as well as carriage road
located on the levee to be erected on the south side of the river. The
consummation of such a plan would combine the interests of the city, the
railroad, the county, the swamp and overflowed land in District No. 1,
and last, though not least, the interests of the State, in building and
maintaining an immense levee on the south bank of the American. Whatever
may be determined upon as to an inside levee, as proposed by "A Practical
Mechanic," it seems to us that no scheme can prove successful for a
thorough protection of the city which does not include a levee up the
American, that may be used for a wagon road and for as many railroads
as may desire to enter the city.
HAS COME DOWN.--The Legislature, yesterday, after a stirring debate,
adjourned over to this city for the session. According to the report,
many of those opposed to the temporary removal were guilty of gross
violation of legislative decorum.--S. F. Call.
There is a slight mistake in the last sentence of the above. The
gross violation of legislative decorum was all on the other side. . . .
PROTECTION OF THE CITY.
EDITORS UNION: Allow me in your paper to make a few practical suggestions
in regard to a levee for our city. In order to bring me to the figures,
I will start at I and Front, from there to Sixth, thence to H, thence to
Seventh, thence to D, thence to Fourteenth, thence to R, thence to Front,
thence to the place of beginning, making 54 blocks in all. Now, suppose
we make a levee to average 9 feet high and 54 feet wide, or 3 yards high
and 18 wide, making on the section 54 yards. A block is say 134 yards long,
making say 7,250 cubic yards to a square. Now, estimate the cost at 25
cents per yard--a price at which, I think, it could easily be done,
including all incidentals--and we have a cost of say $1,800 per square.
Now, of these 54 squares there are, from Front and R to Sixth and H,
15 squares which would require but one-third of the above amount of
embankment, or 3 feet higher than it now is, by 54 feet wide, which
would make the total cost stands thus: 39 blocks, at $1,800 per block,
$70,200; 15 blocks, at $600 per block, $9,000; a total of $79,200. Now,
should the railroad succeed in coming in on R and Front
streets--notwithstanding the Board of Supervisors--of course it would
be necessary for them to come on trestle work from the Ridge to Fourteenth
street, and also to raise their grade to suit the above proposed hight
of embankment at that point. Then if they would--which I think they
should--make the levee from Fourteenth and R to Front and M, it would
further reduce the cost to the city to about $52,000. Now, Messrs. Editors,
I am not sure that I would advocate exactly the above line for a levee,
but it seems to me if we were to adopt about that length we could hire a
locomotive and train of dirt cars from the Railroad Company as soon as
they get their track repaired sufficiently to come in, and in a short
time bring from the Ridge or some other high ground, the earth to make
it. Such an embankment would satisfy the most skeptical on sight that
the water can be kept out, and while doing this I do not admit it
impracticable to maintain a levee up the American to high ground, but
it is too big a job I am afraid at present. It could be done, perhaps,
in three or five years, when we will have had time to unite our interests
with those of that part of the county which is overflowed by the same
water. After that, and the levee made to high ground, we would have two
lines of defense. As to the canal project, I am afraid of it. Suppose
a canal cut from the head of Burns' slough to Sutterville; the length
would be be little more than one-half the distance by the river;
consequently the water would run just that much swifter. Could that body
of water (which in times like the present would be immense, running as
it would) be controlled, or would it cut and shift its channel the same
as the river does now, and thereby cause trouble on both sides?
It seems to me what we want at this time is some mode of defense which
would be sure, cheap and quick. The first suggestions above, I think,
would meet these requirements, and nothing would be required for right
of way. Hoping these hurried suggestions will help to arrive at the
best plan, I close.
A PRACTICAL MECHANIC.
MATTERS ABOUT COLUMBIA.--A correspondent of the Bulletin,
writing from Columbia, January 23d, says:
People are beginning to look around for provisions, wood and camphene,
all of which are found to be growing very scarce. Flour was worth $20
per barrel last Friday, and I am informed that yesterday only one sack
could be bought at a time at $6 per sack. Camphene could be sold for $20
per can, if there were any in market. Potatoes are quoted at ten cents
a piece, and Starbeill & Turner find ready sale for stove wood at $2.50
per basket. There has been nothing done at mining for several weeks.
Main Gulch is full of water, and presents the appearance of a continuous
chain of lakes from the high flume on the Yankee Hill road to Springfield.
The ditches have suffered immensely, and it will take many weeks to repair
them after the rain is over, if a circumstance of that kind ever occurs.
The river at Abbey's Ferry rose to the eaves of the ferry house, carrying
everything before it. Wood's creek has been a river, washing away flumes,
wheels, whims and houses, besides all the bridges, so that the stage from
here to Sonora is stopped from making its usual trips. Main street has
been running from one to two feet deep, and it required the use of long
gum boots to navigate it. The brick buildings are nearly all leaking,
and some have been vacated for fear they will fall. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE CITY LEVEES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: There appears to be so much doubt and so great a
confusion of ideas among citizens who have large interests in Sacramento
as to the exact system and means that should be adopted for the future
permanent protection of the city against floods, that the fact appears
to have been forgotten that, under the law of the State, there is a Board
of Commissioners whose duty it is to cause surveys and estimates to be
made of the cost of the work of building levees, etc , who have authority
to condemn the land necessary, and who have the disbursement of the
money paid in by the purchasers of the land within the district of
which this city is a part. An examination of the maps, surveys and
reports of the engineers on file in the office of the Board of Swamp
Land Commissioners, shows that this city is included in District No. 2,
which is bounded on the north by the American river, on the west by the
Sacramento river, on the south by the Mokelumne river, and on the east
by Burton's slough and the high land west of the Cosumnes river; that
the surveys and estimates of the cost of levees, floodgates, etc., of
that portion of the district commencing at Sutterville, and extending
down the bank of the Sacramento and up the Mokelumne to the high land
north of Burton's slough, are finished, leaving to be completed the
survey and estimates of a levee from Sutterville up the Sacramento to
the American, and up the Amercan [sic] to the high land at Brighton.
In this district are 41,790 acres of swamp land which were the property
of the State, which, under the law, gives the Board of Commissioners
the control of $41,790 to be expended in reclaiming the district.
The engineer having originally acted upon the presumption that the
levee at Sutterville and the levees around this city were a sufficient
protection to the northern end of his district, commenced his survey
at Sutterville. The floods of the present Winter having demonstrated
that the principal work of reclamation must be performed on the bank
of the American, which is the natural boundary of the district, the
Engineer has made a supplemental report, advising the Board to extend
the levee from Sutterville up the Sacramento, and up the American,
to high land, and to place no dependence on any cross levee. If the
northern boundary of his district could have been at Sutterville, his
estimates show that there is sufficient money paid in by the purchasers of
the land and belonging to the district, to build the levees and complete
the reclamation from Sutterville south. Inasmuch as the city must now
be included, and as the city is on a grant which of course has paid no
money into the Swamp Land Fund, the money belonging to the district now
in the fund will not complete the work of building the levee from
Sutterville around the city to the high land at Brighton. Now as to
what should be done. Let the Swamp Land Commission go on with the work
they have in hand, (if they are not sound in their politics turn them out
and put in Republicans,) but let the work they have commenced go on as
soon as the water falls sufficiently. Mr. Leet, (the Engineer of the
District,) will be instructed by the Commissioners to complete the
survey, and make the estimates of the cost of a levee from the point
of his surveyed levee at Sutterville up the Sacramento, around the
city, and up the American to Brighton--a levee that shall be high
enough and wide enough to prevent the water from running over or
breaking through into the city.
Assuming that the cost of the additional levee will be $100,000, and
the estimates show that the cost of the levee from Sutterville south
will be $33,401.06, then the total cost for the district, including
this city, will be, say $134,000. The Commissioners can appropriate
toward this, under the law, $41,790. The Citizens' Committee have
remaining of their subscribed fund, say $40,000; the amount whatever
it may be should be paid into the treasury for the benefit of the
district. There would remain to be raised about $52,000, and this sum
should be raised in this manner: all of the land included in the
district will be protected and made valuable by this levee; consequently,
all of the land from Brighton, including the city and south of it to
the Mokelumne that is embraced within the district, should pay its
equal share in accordance with its value of this $52,000. If an Act
were passed by the Legislature authorizing the Board of Supervisors to
levy a tax on all land in the district, which tax in the aggregate
would equal this $52,000, or whatever amount will be necessary over
and above the sum now in the fund belonging to this district and the
sum held by the Citizens' Committee, there would be no reason why the
Swamp Land Commissioners could not, within thirty days after the surveys
are completed, let the contracts for building the levee, the contractors
to receive the money now in the fund and that held by the Citizens'
Committee when the work was completed, and the balance when the taxes
are paid next Autumn. Under the Swamp Land Law, as it stands, and with
the additional law to authorize the levying of a tax to be paid next
Autumn, there is no obstacle why the whole work could not be completed
by June next without raising at the present time one dollar more than
is now in the fund, and that in the hands of the Citizens' Committee.
Any other plan or system can only contemplate the appointment of agents
or Commissioners, the raising of money and building of levees--the
setting in motion of more machinery, at great expense, to do work which
is all now provided shall be done in a simple, inexpensive and expeditious
manner. R.
To the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners--Gentlemen: In accordance with
Section 4th of the law for the reclamation of the swamp lands, which
defines the duties of the Engineers, I herewith present you "A plat of
the Examination and Survey" of District No. 2, "showing the country
surveyed," and also the swamp land comprehended in my district. According
to the segregation of John Doherty, County Surveyor, also a profile
"exhibiting the levels of the country surveyed and showing the depth
and width of sloughs to be filled;" also an "Exhibit showing the average
depth of water in Winter and in Summer," and an "Exhibit showing the hight
and width of embankments necessary to prevent overflow." Also a particular
statement of each section and quarter section of swamp land in the said
district, together with an estimate of the total cost of the complete work
of permanent reclamation of said district as required by law.
The total length of levee required in my district is 37 35-100 miles.
Of this distance the general elevation of the surface of ground for
about 53-100 miles is one-half foot below the surface of extreme high
water.
28-1/2 miles is about 1 foot below extreme high water.
4 miles is about 1-1/2 feet below extreme high water [elsewhere 3.9 miles].
1 13-100 miles is about 2 feet below extreme high water.
2 45-100 miles is about 3 feet below extreme high water.
3-10 mile is about 4 feet below extreme high water.
54-100 miles is 6 feet below extreme high water.
[= total 37.45 miles, or about .1 off, which would = if 3.9 miles above
were used]
I have fixed the grade for the proposed levee at about two feet above
extreme high water, and conforming the grade of levee to grade or slope
of rivers bounding my said District No. 2. the respectlve hights of
embankments necessary to prevent overflow become as follows, to wit:
2-1/2 feet for 53-100 miles,
3 feet for 28 50-100 miles,
3-1/2 feet for 3 9-10 miles,
4 feet for 1 13-100 miles,
5 feet for 2 45-100 miles,
6 feet for 30-100 miles,
8 feet for 54-100 miles--total 37 35-100 miles.
The total amount of earthwork required to make this levee is 267,976 [?]
cubic yards.
I estimate that to build this levee in the most thorough and careful
manner, where the elevation of the ground is well above the present
surface of water in the river, and the material to be moved a light
alluvial soil, with sand, as is the case, with the exception of
1 45-100 in the Mokelumne bottoms, from the mouth of the little
Snodgrass to the point where the south branch leaves the main Mokelumne
river, which said 1 45-100 is daily overflowed by high tide; will cost
for a levee:
2-1/2 feet high $375 00 per mile, 53-100 M. . . .$ 198.75
3 " " 500.00 " " 28 50-100 ". . . . 14,750.00
3-1/2 " " 635 00 " " 3 90-100 ". . . . 2,437.50
4 " " 781.25 " " 1 13-100 ". . . . 882.81
5 " " 1,162.50 " " 1 ". . . . 1,162.50
5 " " 3,750.00 " " 1 45-100 "* . . . 5,037.00
6 " " 1,625.00 " " 30-100 ". . . . 487.50
8 " " 2,750.00 " " 54-100 ". . . . 1,485.00
__________
Total cost of embankment $26,441.06
* Low tidal land.
By reference to the "Exhibit showing the hight of water in Winter and
in Summer," it will be seen that the water of the Snodgrass slough, at
the point where the line of levee (shown in red ink on plat) crosses it,
is the lowest drainage of the district, and the natural drainage for the
seepage water of the whole district to the north, west and east of it.
At this crossing a flood-gate will be required. I estimate--
Dam and flood-gate, ... $ 3,500.00
Engineering and contingencies ... 3,460.00
Cost of embankment, as above ... 26,441.06
__________
Total cost of complete work of permanent reclamation, ...$33,401.06
The segregation of swamp land in my district, as rereturned [sic] by John
Doherty, Esq., County Surveyor, amounts to 41,790 acres, which, at one
dollar per acre, would give this district an available capital of
$41,790 for the purpose of reclamation. Of this amount, 8,385 acres was
segregated by William J. Lewis, Esq., United States Deputy Surveyor, and
claimed for the United States; 41,790 less 8,385, leaves my district the
undisputed owner of 33,405 acres of swamp land, or an available capital
of $33,405 for the purpose of reclamation.
In addition to the above I may state that the Sutter grant, as at present
located, covers about 1,900 acres of swamp land in this district, and
inasmuch as that survey has been rejected and a new survey ordered, it
is possible that a relocation of said grant will leave the district in
full possession of that further amount of land, to wit: 1,900 acres--which,
together with the amount of land segregated and claimed on the Sacramento
river by Lewis for the United States Government, amounts to 10,285 acres,
of which there is little doubt that 8,385 acres will revert to the district,
and will constitute an ample fund for making any interior reclamation that
future developments may show to be necessary. So it may fairly be assumed
that the total cost of the complete works of permanent reclamation
is clearly within the aggregate of one dollar per acre for the swamp land
within this district.
The sources from which water flows in to flood this district are respectively
the Sacramento river, the
Mokelumne and Cosumnes rivers, and the rain water from the foot hills.
It is not proposed to divert any stream, as the Snodgrass slough has a
well defined channel, extending from the south boundary of this district
northward several miles; and, as the junction of the said Snodgrass and
Tyler sloughs is the lowest point in this district, and as low tide at
the mouth of the said Snodgrass slough is the lowest drainage of which
this district is susceptible, or admits--and it is believed that all of
the lakes and sloughs extending northward across the entire length of
this district can be connected by a series of canals of proper trades
or slopes, to drop all of the water from the foothills and all seepage
water from the northeast and west, to wit: from the Sacramento, Mokelumne
and Cosumnes rivers, into the channel of the Snodgrass and distribute it
through a floodgate into the Mokelumne river. This done, the most complete
reclamation of which this district is capable is accomplished.
I have commenced a topographical map in detail of my district on a scale
of ten chains per inch, on which every land owner's name, building, etc.,
will appear. The map will be seventeen feet long, and is in a good state
of forwardness.
In case the Commissioners adopt the plans hereby and with presented, or
any other not differing materially from these, then to let contracts in
this district. I can have the necessary duplicates for filing prepared
in three days, which the law requires to be filed with the County Clerk,
showing the estimated cost of levee on each landowner's front. I hereto
append a specification for building a levee.
Respectfully, B F. LEET, Engineer.
To the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners--Gentlemen: In the matter of
the northern or American river boundary of District No. 2, it has been
held to be safe to assume the southern boundary of the city of Sacramento
as a safe northern boundary of said district, for the reason that the
said city would in self-defense be compelled to oppose the necessary
protection to the periodical overflow of said river, but the recent
unusually high and disastrous floods that have swept over the country
have demonstrated that said city's protections on said American river
were insufficient to protect said city and said District No. 2 against
inundation from that source, and further, that said river overflows its
banks east of the high lands known as Oak or Poverty ridge and [? hole]
thereby floods said district. I therefore respectfully recommend that
your honorable body order a further survey or continuance of the survey
of said district, with a view to ascertain what is the natural and
necessary northern boundary for said district to maintain, as well as
what protection it is necessary to build and maintain against the
periodical floods of the said American river.
Respectfuily, B. F. LEET,
Engineer of District No. 2.
SACRAMENTO, January 8, 1862.
MATTERS ABOUT CACHEVILLE.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from
Cacheville, January 22d, thus discourses about matters in that vicinity:
As this is emphatically a floody season, and as the floods here called
forth a deep and marked sensation throughout the State, it may perhaps
be of interest to some of your readers to learn something of the airy
doings of the old Storm King in our Cache Creek country. I learn from
reliable sources that many persons in your city are under the impression
that the waters of Cache creek, like those of almost every other stream
in the state, have completely deluged its farms far and near. This is
a mistake; and one, too, that has deterred many of our family acquaintances
in your city from seeking among us a safe retreat from the turbid waves
of California's muddy Nile. Whilst the Sacramento, with its now ocean-like
portentions, is sweeping all amain, our unpretending highland stream is
keeping quietly within its banks, and with one exception only has it this
Winter departed from its bounds, and then only for an hour, visiting one
or two farms with its squirrel-devouring element. The fact, however, of
Cache creek's keeping so submisively within bounds, is owing to a levee
formed by one bank of the Cacheville Agricultural Ditch, which runs
parallel with and immediately upon the bank of the creek. This ditch
forms a bank of some ten feet base and about five feet in hight,
securing at once to the farms upon the north side of the creek a
sure protection against the floods of Winter, and affording a sufficiency
of water to irrigate thousands of acres during Summer. Thus it will be
seen that our Cache creek country proper, so much deplored in the past
few years on account of its droughts, and causing many to turn from it
in despair to seek homes in the then more favored Sacramento valley, is
now verifying the trite saying, "that it is a long lane that has no
turn." Whilst the present rains promise to our farmers a rich reward in
the coming harvest, we cannot forget our neighbors in Sacramento city
and vicinity, whose sad misfortunes we fully appreciate, and in our
condolence would say, despair not. Our farmers have suffered much for
several years on account of drought, and consequently are illy
prepared to relieve the suffering districts pecuniarily, but such as
may come among us--though I speak for myself only--I am sure will
receive a hospitable welcome.
Snow fell in Cacheville and vicinity on the 5th instant seven inches
deep, and on the 15th instant two inches. In the latter instance the
flakes of snow falling were as large as the palm of your hand. Much
suffering is experienced among cattle, and it is supposed that not
one-half of the cattle running at large will survive the Winter. Our
stock men have been keeping their cattle in and about the tules during
the first Winter months, but the early overflow has forced them from
a watery grave, to seek it quite as surely in starvation upon the
hills.
Sloops cannot run to Yolo City, as reported to the UNION, but haul up
within about four miles of said city. M.
DROWNED.--James M. Scott, of Ione City, was drowned January 16th, while
attempting to cross Sutter Creek in a small boat in company with a man
named Hoyt and a Chinaman. The two latter succeeded in getting out.
Scott's body was not found.
TWO MEN DROWNED.--On Tuesday afternoon, January 21st, two men, named
Harry Roe and Frank Bally, were drowned near San Quentin. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
DEPARTURE OF S. B. BELL.--There was considerable feeling manifested
yesterday in favor of S.B. Bell, Assemblyman from Alameda, on his
departure for San Francisco. His opposition in the Asssmbly to the
removal of the Capital has touched the hearts of our people, and calls
forth warm and earnest expressions of their gratitude. As he passsd
down K street in a boat to the steamer he was repeatedly cheered. After
his arrival and a few moments before the steamer started, Dr. Powell,
on the landing, proposed "Three cheers for Assemblyman Bell of Alameda,
for his earnest and able opposition to the adjournment of the Legislature
to San Francisco." The proposition was heartily responded to by the
crowd, and Mr. Bell, who was on deck, came forward and responded briefly
to the compliment. He was grateful for their friendly expressions in
his behalf. He hoped yet, before the season was over, to meet them
again in Sacramento, and to engage once more in the work of legislation
within the walls of the Capitol as of yore. He had no especial claim to
their approbation, as he had done nothing more than the simple performance
of his duty as a member of the Assembly. At the close of his remarks
three more cheers were given for him, and three groans for "Frank Pixley
and his mule."
THE RABEL CREVASSE.--The crevasse at Rabel's, which on Wednesday, at
11 o'clock A. M., was about thirty feet, and at 3 o'clock P. M. a
hundred and fifty feet wide, is now about eight hundred feet in width
.and is said to be still extending, by the wearing away of the levees
Fortunately the American river is falling, and may possibly go below
the natural bank before many days. The quantity of water coming into
the city does not therefore increase in proportion to the growth of
the crevasse. We are informed that the water did not at first break
through the new portion of the levee, but through the old, close to its
junction with the new. The old levee was two feet lower than the new,
and had been impaired by gophers. The waves had at times been rolling
over the top of it, and at about 10 o'clock a.m. on Wednesday the first
break was made. Several men in trying to stop it came near being drowned.
As soon as the current was fairly started, the old levee on the west and
the new on the east commenced to wash away rapidly. About one-half of
the new portion is now gone, leaving the eastern end standing, which
protects all of Rabel's buildings. During the last year or two the main
current has been changing to the west, having shifted a hundred yards
within that time.
THE STEAMER GEM.--The steamer Gem still maintains her novel position
at Denn's ranch, and is doing "as well as could be expected under the
circumstances." She sits comfortable and firmly in the mud, and shows
no signs of having received the slightest injury by her extraordinary
trip through the Rabel crevasse. The water has fallen from around her
some ten or twelve inches, which renders it entirely impracticable to
remove her for the present. The Governor Dana went up the American
river yesterday morning for the purpose of making an effort to get the
Gem out of her dilemma. A line was gotten out from her, extending to
the river, but it was fouud that all effort at the present time must
prove fruitless. When the water falls so as to give an opportunity
to work around her, it is thought she may be floated by means of a
canal, or perhaps raised on ways and slid to the river.
SIXTH STREET METHODIST CHURCH.--There will be preaching to morrow at
eleven o'clock A, M , at the Sixth street Methodist church, by the
Rev. Mr. Peck. In a note from the pastor he says: "The undersigned,
pastor of the church, would address a few words to those who feel an
interest in its services. Appointed to the charge by authority which
I feel bound to respect, it is my intention to remain amongst you and
do what I can as a Christian minister in Sacramento. I feel the
embarrassments brought upon us by the flood, but I believe it to be
practicable to maintain at least one service each Sabbath. The church
is comfortable, and I ask you to come in boats so long as that is
the only way. Let us adopt this method promptly. Gentlemen and ladies
go out upon business or pleasure in boats, and it is fair to presume
that they can with equal ease find their way to the church." . . .
COLBY'S BRIDGE.--As the contract between G. W. Colby and the Board of
Supervisors has been made and approved for the erection of a bridge
on J street across Burns slough, and as the lumber for the same is
already in the city, it is to be hoped that the work will be pushed
forward as fast as possible as the water recedes. It is highly desirable
to have communication with the country established as early as possible.
The bridge is to be about one hundred and forty feet long and sixteen
feet wide. The lumber will be floated from the levee, near L street,
to the slough as fast as is practicable.
ABANDONED.--The prosecution of G. R. Hooker, who was arrested on a
charge of malicious mischief, in cutting the old levee at Rabel's some
ten days ago, has been abandoned and the charge dismissed. On an
examination of the circumstances of the case, the members of the
Committee of Safety were satisfied not only that no evil had been
designed, but that no injury had been done, and during the day on
which the arrest was made the Committee found it necessary to cut
away an additional portion of the levee adjoining that which Hooker
had removed. . . .
STATE PRINTER'S OFFICE REMOVED.--The type and other material of the
office of the State Printer was yesterday placed on board the steamer
for San Francisco. This officer is compelled of course, in order to
perform his work, to follow the Legislature. The presses put up in
this city by Foley & Co., on which to do the State work, have not yet
been removed, and will probably remain where they are. . . .
FOR PATTERSON AGAIN.--The steamers Sam Soule and Gov. Dana will both
leave the levee this morning with freight and passengers for Patterson,
for the purpose of connecting with the cars for Folsom. The American
river is falling gradually, and it is thought those steamers can pass
in safety the crevasse at the tannery. . . .
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.--There will be no service to-morrow at
Rev. Mr. Benton's Church, as the building is yet too damp to be used.
On and after the first Sunday of February, by leave of Providence,
regular services will be held morning and evening.
OUT OF PLACE.--A sucker about eight inches long was caught yesterday
afternoon in the office of the State Printer, in Read's Block. As fish
of his species are so rarely seen, and are so out of place about a
printing office, the event was one of general interest to the craft.
THE FLOOD.--The water in the city fell about ten inches yesterday,
and had receded so far as to make boating almost impracticable on J
street, and quite inconvenient in many places on K street.
THE DEFIANCE.--The steamer Defiance having left this city for Oroville
three or four days ago made the trip without difficulty, and is now
engaged in carrying freight from Marysville to that point. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
FRIDAY, January 24, 1861 [sic].
The Board met yesterday at ten o'clock a. m., pursuant to adjournment.
Present--President Shattuck and Supervisors Granger, Russell, Woods
and Waterman. . . .
A verbal report was received from District Attorney Upton, indorsing
the validity of the contract with G. W Colby for building a bridge
at J street, over Burns' slough. The report was received, and the
contract was thereupcn approved by the Board.
The matter of the petitions of S. Norris and Pearis & Harris were set
for the third Monday in February.
The Board then adjourned until the first Monday in February, at two
o'clock P. M.
UNDIGNIFIED HASTE.--The action of the Assembly in refusing to withhold
its adjourning resolution from transmission to the Senate, after a
member had given notice of a motion to reconsider, was rather undignified
and unfair, and in apparent contravention of a standing rule, which was
not even evaded decently, as it might have been, by a suspension.
Doubtless the notice of a motion to reconsider was given to gain a day's
time for Sacramento; but the right to give it was unquestionable, and
once given the adjourning resolution could not fairly be sent to the
Senate as the final action of the Assembly. The House was bound to go
below at the time set, and so it violated parliamentary usage in order
to be sure and get off. The case seems to have been one wherein one man
had a majority at an advantage, which could be overcome only by a coup
de main.--Marysville Appeal (Republican).
THE FLOOD AT IONE VALLEY.--The water in Ione city, at the time of the
late flood, was not over eighteen inches. " Martin's house" did not fall,
as was reported. Sutter Creek was, January 17th, still flowing over its
banks, though falling.
ENTERPRISE.--The SACRAMENTO UNION, in spite of all obstacles thrown
in the way by the flooding of that city, has not failed to print any
of its editions. Such enterprise deserves success.--Butte Record. . . .
FATAL ACCIDENT.--On Saturday evening, January 11th, a man named
B. F. Lockman, while engaged mining at Horsetown, was killed by the
caving of a bank upon him.
UPSET.--James Flannery, proprietor of the Ocean House on Front street,
and two companions in a boat were upset a few days since, six miles above
the city, while going to the relief of a family in distress. They saved
their lives, but received each a cold bath.
STABLES ON THE LEVEE.--Within the past week several frame stables have
been erected on the Front street levee. As it is necessarily occupied
by horses, they may as well be protected by buildings as exposed to the
storms.
TO SAN FRANCISCO.--Governor Stanford went to San Francisco yesterday.
Whether that city or this will be his place of residence for the balance
of the Winter we are not advised. . . .
THE CAPITAL QUESTION.--A number of the papers throughout the State are
still discussing the question of the removal of the State Capital. The
ink used up in writing upon this subject has been thrown away. Sacramento
will remain the seat of Government as long as California is a State.
She will rise Phoenix-like, not from the ashes, but from the floods,
and again assume her business and importance. The enterprise of her
inhabitants and her geographical position have given her advantages
which can never be forced to lie dormant from the mere effects of a
flood. A levee, substantial and safe will be built, and in fifteen
months from this time, she will be far ahead of what she would have
been had the high waters never affected her. The Legislature, on
constitutional grounds, wisely defeated the bill to remove the seat
of Government even temporarily to San Francisco.--Red Bluff Beacon.
HARD TIMES IN TRINITY.--The Douglas City Gazette has the following:
This is a high old place in which to publish a newspaper. No mails, no
SACRAMENTO UNIONS, no Trinity Journals--no nothing. Nobody gets
married, nobody dies--there is not even a mining item to fill up with.
Next week we shall commence printing the Old Testament, seriatim, which
we imagine will be something new to the most of our readers.
BRIDGE CARRIED AWAY.--A bridge over the Cottonwood, in Shasta county,
belonging to a man named Jackson, was lately carried away by the flood.
LOSS OF STOCK.--G. W. Trahern, in San Joaquin county, has lost two
thousand head of stock; Messrs. Miller, near him, have lost three thousand. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3379, 27 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
SAN FRANCISCO, January 24, 1862.
The Senate assembled at noon, to-day, in the old United States District
Court Room, Exchange Building, on Battery street, San Francisco, the
President pro tem. in the chair. . . .
REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
MR. CRANE rose to state that the Senate had recommitted to him on day
before yesterday, an Act fixing the temporary residence of State officers,
and repealing all laws in conflict therewith, for the purpose of making
amendments to meet several objections. He would now make his report in
the form of a bill, which he offered for their consideration. . . .
The SECRETARY then read Mr. Crane's bill, which provides, in the first
section, that the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Controller,
Adjutant General and Surveyor General, from and after the passage of the
Act until the first Mcnday in June next, shall reside and keep their
offices in the city of San Francisco, in such apartments as may be
provided; in the second section, that said officers shall return
thereafter and keep their offices in the city of Sacramento; in the
third section, that Samuel Soule and B. B. Hoffman be hereby appointed
a Commission to act in conjunction with the Controller and Treasurer,
to contract for and superintend the removal of the archives and necessary
furniture, with the proviso that such Commissioners shall receive no
compensation from the State for such services; and in the fourth section,
that all laws in conflict herewith be repealed; the Act to go into
immediate effect.
Mr. CRANE said it was extremely desirable that this bill should be put
upon its passege and finally disposed of, in order to transmit the result
to the Governor by the afternoon boat for Sacramento. He made a motion
to that effect.
Mr. DE LONG said he would have to object, until it had been ascertained
where the Senate would hold its session. He did not want them landed on
the wharf, and was also opposed to paying storage. It would not be
necessary for the Governor to come down here to sign a bill.
Mr. MERRITT thought there was no force in the remarks made by the gentleman
from Yuba.
Mr. PARKS moved to strike out the names of "Adjutant General and Surveyor
General."
Mr. OULTON saw no necessity for the State Treasurer to remove here.
Several Senators responded that it was more important to have him than
any of the rest.
Mr. PARKS said the Controller's office and Treasurer's office, in his
opinion, were inseparable, and should be convenient to each other--as
he could show, if necessary.
Mr. POWERS could see no necessity in keeping these offices until the
first of June. He hoped the Senate would not strike out the names, for
there was just as much occasion for their coming here as any of the rest
Mr. CRANE desired to waste as little time as possible in the consideration
of this bill. It seemed to him these officers might as well come down.
They had records which would be required casually in the course of
legislation, and if this building were procured for the use of the
Legislature and State officers, It would cost no more to have them than
if they were not here. There would be no additional rent. If, on the
contrary, rooms were engaged somewhere else, the case would be different.
Both these offices were material, particularly the Adjutant General.
He hoped the amendment would be laid aside.
Mr. DENVER said this was not the original bill, but rather a substitute
offered by the Senator from Alameda. It would be necessary to adopt it
as a substitute.
The PRESIDENT said it had been changed by adding the third and fourth
sections, which contained new matter. The original bill had been read
twice and committed to the Senator for amendment. The question would
now be to substitute the bill as reported.
The substitute was adopted.
Mr. PARKS urged his motion to strike out.
Mr. HOLDEN called for a division.
Mr. BAKER hoped the names of these officers would not be stricken out.
The PRESIDENT said the rules provided that the ayes and noes should
be taken as in Committee of the Whole. The question first was upon
striking out Adjutant General.
The motion was lost--ayes 14, noes 18. The Senate likewise refused to
strike out Surveyor General.
Mr. POWERS moved in the second section to strike out "first of June,"
and insert "first of August."
The amendment was lost.
Mr. HOLDEN suggested that the bill failed to provide who shall secure
these rooms, and moved to amend the third section so as to leave it to
a Commission hereafter to be appointed.
Mr. CRANE accepted the amendment.
Mr. SOULE moved to amend the same section by adding also the Secretary
of State, among the officers in conjunction with whom the Commissioners
were to act. All the amendments were approved, and the question came up
on the suspension of the rules for the third reading.
Mr. DE LONG objected to the suspension of the rules.
The PRESIDENT said its final reading in that case must be deferred to
to-morrow, unless two-thirds of the Senate voted to the contrary.
The rules were suspended by a vote of ayes 23 [?], noes 6,
The SECRETARY read the bill for the third time by its title, and it
was passed--ayes 24, noes not counted.
PLACE OF MEETING.
Mr. POWERS, from the Committee to whom was intrusted the removal of
the furniture of the Legislature, and the procuring of suitable
apartments, respectfully reported that they had examined various
localities suitable for the purpose in view, but were unable to
fully decide at the present time which it was best to cccupy; in
the meantime they had procured the use of the second floor of this
building free of charge, until they should finally determine. The
Committee asked an extension of their time until eleven o'clock
to-morrow.
The report was accepted and the additional time granted. . . .
Mr. IRWIN moved to adjourn until to-morrow at eleven o'clock.
Mr. CRANE said the bill just passed had gone to the other House, and
favored remaining in session until they had heard from the other House.
Mr. IRWIN saw no reason for the Senate to wait; the bill had no right
to go to the other House until engrossed.
The PRESIDENT said there was no question before the Senate whereupon
the motion to adjourn till tomorrow was renewed and carried.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, January 24, 1862.
The House was called to order at 12 o'clock by the SPEAKER, in the old
United States Circuit Court room, Exchange Buildings, Battery street.
The chairs of the members had not been brought in, but chairs were
provided, and the members were seated irregularly about the room,
inside the bar of the Court room. There was a large crowd of spectators
on the opposite side of the bar. . . .
THE REMOVAL.
Mr. HOFFMAN--I have a report to make from a Select Committee, and I
will have to report verbally as to the duty of the Joint Committee in
relation to selecting a building to meet in in San Francisco. We have
not been able after a pretty thorough examination of several dfferent
places this morning to decide upon the place to meet in, and we ask
further time to make that decision, and render a proper report to the
House. I would ask till to-morrow at 11 o'clock.
Mr. AMES--I second the motion.
Mr. BATTLES--I was going to move that further time be granted until
to-morrow at 11 o'olock.to report--
Mr. AMES--I move to amend by inserting 7 o'clock this evening.
Mr. BATTLES--The Committee only ask time till 11 o'clock to-morrow, and
I think it is short time enough, as they only arrived down here last
night. It is quite as short a time as I supposed would be asked, and
I hope it will be granted. I do not accept the amendment.
Mr. AMES--I withdraw it.
The motion to grant further time till 11 o'clock A. M.. to-morrow was carried. . . .
THE PLACE OF MEETING.
Mr. SHANNON (continuing his remarks) said: But I did not rise so much for
the purpose of calling the attention of the House to this particular
matter to-day. as I did for another purpose, and it is this: The Joint
Committee appointed by both Houses to select a room to meet in have not
accomplished the purposes for which they were appointed, and have asked
for further time. I am assured indirectly that they contemplate taking
this present building, and that they are desirous of having an opportunity
as soon as possible to meet and determine that matter, and if they select
this building to employ carpenters forthwith to arrange this room and the
room of the Senate, in order that this Home and the other branch of the
Legislature may tomorrow at eleven o'clock proceed to business. Therefore
I think we will accomplish more by adjourning now and giving the Committee
time than we can accomplish by any other means. I therefore move that this
House do now adjourn to meet in this place tomorrow at eleven o'clock.
Mr. FAY--I ask the gentleman to withdraw it for a moment.
Mr. SHANNON--I will withdraw it for an explanation from one of the
Committee, but will renew my motion as soon as he has explained.
Mr. FAY--I desire to have the resolution for adjournment read,
so that the power of the Committee may be distinctly understood.
The Committee desire to understand whether we have power or not to
make a comtract directly to engage the building and put it in complete
order. . .
The SPEAKER--The resolution is not here, but that power was embraced in
the resolution. The Chair is distinct in his recollection of that.
Mr. SHANNON--I think the Committee have that power.
Mr. CUNNARD--I believe it is not the understanding of this House that
the Committee have power to enter into a contract. I believe the
understanding is that it is first to be submitted to a vote of the House
whether we shall take this or the other building. .
Mr. O'BRIEN--As one of the Committee, I think we have the power.
Mr. WRIGHT read from the SACRAMENTO UNION of Thursday, the resolution for
adjournment to San Francisco, as follows:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That this
Legislature, when it adjourns to-day, do adjourn until Friday, the 24th
day of January instant, to meet in the city of San Franclsco, there to
remain during the remainder of the present session, at such place as may
be provided, and that a Committee of three be appointed on the part of
the Assembly, to act with a like Committee to be appointed on the part
of the Senate, whose duty it shall be to procure and cause to be fitted
up proper apartments for this Legislature and the attaches thereof, and
shall remove thereto all the property and appurtenances belonging to this
Legislature; and that the members of the Assembly and Senate do meet on
said 24th instant, at 12 o'clock noon of that day, in the hall of the
building on Battery street, between Washington and Jackson streets, known
as the Exchange Buildings, from thence to be conducted by their respective
presiding officers to the apartments prepared for them.
Mr. CUNNARD--It seems to be a foregone conclusion that this is the house
which is to be had for the Legislature. I understand that it is to be had
only at the rate of $1,000 per month, and I also understand that that is
a larger rent than has been paid for it heretofore. [Several voices,
"No, no!"] I also understand that we can get other buildings in this city
for nothing.
Mr. SHANNON--According to the resolution, the Committee have the power
to contract, and as they are gentlemen and men who are capable of
transacting business, I hope they will be allowed the courtesy of going
on and making their report.
The SPEAKER--The Chair will rule that the resolution embraces that power.
Mr. SHANNON renewed his motion to adjourn, which was carried, and
accordingly, at about 13 o'clock, the House adjourned.
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, January 25, 1862.
The PRESIDENT called the Senate to order at eleven o'clock, and all the
members were recorded present excent Messrs. Vineyard, Thomas, Heacock
and Nixon. The minutes of Wednesday, the day of adjournment from
Sacramento, were read.
The PRESIDENT said the statement that several Senators had paired (on
the adjournment question) should be striken from the minutes, as true
parliamentary practice never recognized any such thing. It was merely
an excuse for not voting.
Mr. MERRITT said it had been the practice of the Senate. Several
others said it was customary to record the fact.
The PRESIDENT said if such had been the practice of the Senate and no
one objected thereto, the journal as read should stand approved.
Yesterday's minutes were also reod [sic] and approved.
REPORT ON PLACE OF MEETING..
Mr. PORTER, of the Select Comittee on procuring and fitting up
apartments for the use of the Legislature, submitted the following
majority report:
Mr. PRESIDENT: We, a majority of your Committee, appointed and authorized
to procure and cause to be fitted up proper apartments for this
Legislature and the attaches thereof, and to remove thereto all the
property and appurtenances thereunto belonging to the Legislature,
respectfully beg leave to report that they have visited and examined
the several places in this city where the Legislature could be convened,
and respectfully recommend the second story of the building now occupied
by this Legislature as the most safe and convenient location in the
city of San Francisco for the accommodation of this Legislature. The
apartments can be rented for one thousand dollars per month for the term.
Said apartments consist of Senate and Assembly chambers, of ample
dimensions for the accommodations of both branches; also two rooms
18-1/2x27; also twenty-one rooms 14x19, together wth commodious desks
for Speakers and Clerks; chairs, carpets and furniture for Committee
rooms; stoves, gas fixtures, water, etc.
The apartments are situated in a brick building, in a central location,
immediately in front of the Post Office, near the Express Office, and
city public and private libraries, and is in every respect well adapted
to the comfort and convenience of this Legislature, as well as the
dispatch of business. A majority of your Committee would further inform
you that they have been very generously tendered, by Mr. M. Hayes,
tae [sic] use of the building known as Hayes' Pavilion, and transit
for Legislators to and from the city, by railroad cars, free of charge.
But the said Pavilion being built entirely of wood, and situated remote
from the central part of the city and the conveniences necessary for
dispatch in legislation, a majority of your Committee deem it an
improper place to locate this Legislature; not only on account of
its remoteness from the city and deficiency of facilities for the
dispatch of business, but some days would be required to prepare
said building for the use of this Legislature. Whereas, the building
now occupied is in condition suitable for the continuance of business
without interruption. A majority of your Committee furthermore inform
you that in accordance with provisions of the resolution authorizing
them to remove the furniture and appurtenances of this Legislature
from Sacramento to this place, contracted with the California Steam
Navigation Company for the transmission of the same from the Capitol
in Sacramento to this place, for a sum not to exceed one thousand
dollars, which contract has been fulfilled and said furniture and
appurtenances are here at your disposal, excepting the portraits of
Generals Washington and Sutter, which are left at the Capital.
A majority of your Committee further report that they have made no
permanent arrangements, in consequence of a division of opinion
between members of your Committee as to the best locality. Your
Committee therefore await the instructions of the Senate and Assembly.
GEORGE K. PORTER,
Chairman.
D. B. HOFFMAN,
Chairman.
CALEB T. FAY
SAMUEL SOULE
MINORITY REPORT.
Mr. DE LONG--I have a minority report to offer. I will state that I did
not know that anything more than a verbal report would be made, and have
had very little time to draw up my report. In dissenting from the
majority report of your Committee, we wish briefly to state our
reasons. We have been offered for our use Hayes' Park building free
of charge for the session. That building is vastly larger than the
one now temporarily occupied, and in our opinion much better arranged
for our use, and for that of the State officers, if they should
remove to this place. All Cammittees could also there have the rooms
required by them in addition to this, the owner offers to run a train
of cars every ten minutes, from daylight until three o'clock A.M. each
day, from the Park to the city, for our accommodation, and free to all
the State officers and their attaches. He also offers to remove to the
Park all the furniture of the Legislature free of charge; to provide
safes of sufficient size and number to safely keep any and all archives
and documents; and further without expense to the State, in one day to
have the building fitted up and arranged as suggested by your Committee
for our reception.
It seems to us that it is better, and certainly far more economical,
for us to accept this offer than to keep the building now occupied at
a cost of one thousand dollars per month. It is urged as an objection
to Hayes Park building, and as a reason why we should remain in the
building temporarily provided, that the former is a wooden building,
and therefore more liable to be burned than the latter, which is of
brick. This we admit; but that building has arranged near its dome
tanks containing four thousand gallons of water, with which the
building can at any point be instantly deluged, and a fire, unless
too far advanced, easily extinguished; whilst the building now occupied,
by no means fire-proof, is, as we understand, otherwise insecure, having
been built upon piles years since, which are now in a decaying condition.
It is also urged as an objection to the Park building, that it is
remote and at an inconvenient distance from town. This inconvenlence
can be but little, with cars running to and from the place every ten
minutes, night and day; and such inconvenience, if it be any, we
consider far less than the inconvenience surrounding us in the building
now occupied, with its cramped chambers. And besides the inconvenience
of distance we consider far more than compensated by the quietude of
the place, as compared with the unceasing din surrounding our present
location, occasioned by the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by
paved streets, and being in the heart of the city is the center of
business.
For the following reasons, to wit: 1st. That it can be had free of
charge; 2d. That it is more commodious and better arranged; 3d. That
it is situated where there is far less noise; ard 4th. That is more
retired from lobby influence--we, a minority of your Committee,
recommend that the Hayes Park building be selected as the place in
which to hold the present session of the Legislature.
C. E. DE LONG, of the Senate,
THOS. O'BRIEN, of the Assembly.
PROPOSITION FROM MICHAEL HAYES.
To the Committee of the Senate and Assembly on Selecting
Proper Rooms for the Legislature of the State--Gentlemen:
I propose to give the use of my building, known as Hayes' Park Pavilion,
for the use of the Legislators and State officers, for the balance of
the present session, free of charge. I will also make any improvements
and alterations as may be required, and have the same ready for use in
twenty four hours notice. So as to insure perfect safety for the archives
of the State and Legislature I will either furnish fire-proof safes or
build fire-proof vaults, as your honorable body may direct. Each member
and attache of the Legislature and State officers will be furnished with
a free pass on the railroad. The cars will run every fifteen minutes
up to twelve o'clock P. M. Dimensions of the building are as follows,
viz: First floor--Main building is 120 feet by 120 feet; main hall is
80 feet by 120 feet; two rooms, 40 by 52-1/2 feet each, either of which
will be suitable for the Senate Chamber. Also three rooms suitable for
Sergeant-at-Arms, Paper Folders, and Post Office, etc. Second floor--two
rooms, 20 feet by 52-1/2 feet each, suitable for Treasurer, Secretary of
State and Controller, or other officers; also four rooms 15 feet by 15
feet each; two rooms 15-1/2 feet by 20 feet each; also a number of other
rooms suitable for Committee rooms, or other purposes. Third floor--one
large room 20 feet by 60 feet and one room 20 feet by 20 feet, suitable
for storerooms, etc. There are also attached to the building two large
water tanks, supplied from an artesian well, containing 4,000 gallons,
with connecting pipes throughout the entire building, with hose, etc.,
etc. I will also move the furniture, etc, of the Legislature on the cars
free of charge. All of which is respectfully submitted to your honorable
consideration.
MICHAEL HAYES, Proprietor.
Mr. DE LONG said he wished to make no fight, but leave the whole matter
to the Senate after stating his facts. He had no pride in the matter,
but it appeared to him as certainly better to go to Hayes' Park than to
remain here. In taking upon themselves the responsibility of removing
this Legislature from Sacramento to this city, they had incurred the
severe displeasure of various portions of the community, and it was now
the place of the Legislature to show no lack of a proper spirit of economy.
A sense of duty should call them to do that which is most economical,
upon all ocoasions when it was possible to get aloug as well. At Hayes'
Park the Legislature could get along quite as well and free of charge,
while here they would be obliged to pay one thousand dollars per month.
It was more economical, to say the least, and more commodious.
Mr. PORTER said the Committee had visited the apartments, and taken into
consideration all the facts connected therewith, and as far as economy
was concerned, had concluded that before getting to Hayes' Park, several
days would elapse, which. would cost the State more than the rent of
this building for several months. The statements handed to the Committee
yesterday morning, containing the terms of procuring Hayes' Park,
differed very much from those given by the gentleman from Yuba. There
was another very important consideration, at least it appeared so to
the Committee. This building contained rooms for the accommodation of
the various State officers, whereas the other had no accommodation, nor
space suitable for the purpose, at least as considered by the Committee.
And as they had incurred the displeasure, as mentioned by the gentleman
from Yuba, of various portions of this community, by coming down here,
he for one should dislike very much to place the various state offices
and the records of this State in an unsafe position. Before any suitable
place could be prepared, It was probable they would have done with their
legislative duties here.
Mr. DE LONG said as far as the question of delay was concerned, he would
reply that twemty-four hours delay must occur before they were properly
located in this building, and that was all they asked at the other place
to put the Legislature in running order.
Mr. PORTER said the Legislature could go on here without one minute's
interruption.
Mr. DE LONG said so they could there.
Mr. PORTER would state, if the gentleman did interrupt him, that
Mr. Parrott could arrange the galleries, and would do it free of expense,
in such a way as not to interrupt the Legislature at all.
Mr. DE LONG would not admit that they were any better off. If the
Legislature remained here, for the time being, they had to sit in a
room where they had no room to put their desks, and if they went to
Hayes' Park now, they could transact business just as well. They could
go there and set there. There were improvement to be made there, and so
there were here. The Legislature could meet in that building to-morrow,
without an hour a delay. As far as safety was concerned, in the first
place, the Legislature had with it no documents or archives but the
journals, or a few private papers in members' desks. For these they
could have safes carried to the building, so there could be no danger
from fire. It was a question yet to be decided whether the State officers
should be called here from Sacramento. His private opinion was, having
heard many members of the House express theirs, that the measure would
not pass that body. But, if it should pass, all the archives could be
properly and safely secured in the manner indicated by Mr. Hayes, until
fire proof vaults could be built, which Mr. Hayes offered to do free of
charge. And as far as this building was concerned, Mr. Parrott offered
to do nothing more. It was brick, by no means fire proof, and originally
was built on piles. He would state at the same time that it made not the
least difference to him, he would as soon remain here as go there. But
the Senate was somewhat crowded and did find some fault. He thought
$1,000 a month was worth saving in a high flood.
Mr. CRANE did not believe, himself, in having these things free of
charge. The great State of California, with a taxable property worth
$150,000,000, ought to be able to pay for a place for its Legislature
to meet in. And, besides, the experience of the past had demonstrated
that these offers, gratuitously made to the State, had been the dearest
bargains they had made in the end. In Sacramento it was proposed to give
the Legislature a place to meet free of charge, until permanent quarters
could be found, and yet that Legislature had not even adjourned before
they were asked $12,000.
Mr. MERRITT--No, $7,500.
Mr. CRANE--No matter; it was a large sum. Mr. Hayes might not intend to
make a charge against the State; but for his own part, he would rather
make a bargain and pay for what the building was honestly worth to begin
with, and then know where they stood. The gentleman had stated that this
locality fronted on paved streets. The other Chamber was not so situated.
If the Senate would not sustain the majority report, or recommit it, or
adopt the minority report, what then? The same thing that had occurred
during the fore part of the week in Sacramento would have to be acted
over again. The Constitution provided that neither House should adjourn
for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they
may be sitting, without the concurrence of both branches. Now, they were
sitting in this house. But let the resolution go to the other house, where
there was a good deal more wind, and more wisdom, perhaps, than here God
knows what would become of it there. That would amount to four times as
much as the whole rent of the building. If he had had his own say so, he
believed he would have adjourned to Hayes' Park in the first place. He was
willing now to adopt the majority report.
Mr. VAN DYKE moved the report of the majority be adopted. He agreed with
the Senator from Alameda in reference to the question, that whenever a
proposition to furnish any thing gratuitously had been accepted, the
State had been the loser. It seemed to him one thousand dollars a month
would be a very small matter when they took into consideration another
removal to another part of the city. Here was another matter that had
not been noticed--the meeting of Committees in the evening. It was well
known that they must meet somewhere near where they assembled. It
appeared certainly inconvenient to come into town to get dinner, and
then go to Hayes' Park to transact Committee business, and then return
to town again. These objections must be apparent to every one who knows
the relative position of Hayes' Park and the business portion of San
Francisco. For one, he was decidedly in favor of remaining here. He
hoped the Legislature would oppose, as much as possible this migratory
spirit. No matter if they were compelled to submit to a few inconveniences.
This was a temporary movement. Let them go through with their business,
and adjourn.
The PRESIDENT said the report did not submit any action at all, but
merely submitted the question to the Senate.
Mr. DE LONG said if other Legislatures had not held people to their
bargains, they had neither acted wisely nor honestly, in his opinion.
The cars run every ten minutes. He was for economy. [Laughter.] He
would hold the Republicans right upon the rack. Economy and reform!
The Government must be taken out of the hands of the Democrats, who
had been hurrying them to ruin. We want reform and wise legislation.
Now give us a little dose of that, Messrs. Republicans. Save $1,000
a month right here, and you have that much more left in the treasury
when we adjourn. Economy and reform! Let us save $1,000 [Laughter]
Mr. GASKELL was perfectly satisfied with this building. It was roomy
and commodious. As far as the matter of economy was concerned, he
believed there was a hereafter yet pending should that proposition
be accepted. He believd in making our contracts so that they could be
understood, and paying for what they got. He did not come down here to
rely on the charities of San Francisco, but to work, and be under
obligations to no one. He thought the present was a good offer. There
was something behind the scenes, he thought, in the other movement
Mr. PORTER desired to say that the Committee did "recommend" the
renting of this building.
Mr. DE LONG moved to refer the report back, with instructions to secure
Hayes' Park.
Mr. De Long's amendment in favor of Hayes' Park was rejected by the
following test vote, the majority report, being then unanimously adopted.
Ayes--Bogart, Denver, De Long, Doll, Gallagher, Holden, Irwin, Lewis,
Merritt, Qulnt, Shurtleff, Williamson--12.
Noes--Baker, Banks, Burnell, Chambelain, Crane, Gaskell, Harvey, Harriman,
Hathaway, Hill, Kimball, Kutz, Oalton, Parks, Pacheco, Perkins, Porter,
Powers, Rhodes, Soule, Van Dyke, Warmcastle--22.
BOAT HIRE.
Mr. IRWIN, on behalf of the Sergeant-at-arms, presented the bills of
G. W. Hume, $30; M. B. Kendall, $30; and A. Mclntosh, $30, for boat hire
at Sacramento.
A MEMBER moved to refer it to the Committee on Commerce and
Navigation. [Laughter.]
They were referred to the Committee on Claims.
SEATS IN THE SENATE CHAMBER.
Mr. POWERS offered the following:
Resolved, That immediately upon the
arrangement of the desks in the Senate Chamber, the Sergeant-at-Arms
shall proceed to number them and assign to Senators by lot. It was
adopted. . . .
The Senate than adjourned to Monday at eleven o'clock.
ASSEMBLY.
SATURDAY, Jan 25, 1862.
The House was called to order at eleven o'clock by the Speaker. The
following members failed to respond to the roll call: . . .
THE PLACE OF MEETING,
Mr. HOFFMAN--The Committee on the part of the House, on the subject of
the removal of the Legislature, is prepared to report in regard to a
place of meeting in San Francisco, and I will ask leave to read the
report myself, as I am somewhat in the condition of the officer who
read his own communication upon the motion of the gentleman from Plumas.
The SPEAKER--Leave is granted, there being no objection.
Mr HOFFMAN read the majority report, for which see report of Senate
proceedings.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I ask that the House allow that report to lay on the
table temporarily for a few minutes. until I can get the minority
report, which is to be submitted in the Senate. We intended to
prepare a report for each House but were unable to do so for want
of time.
The SPEAKER--It can be laid over by unanimous consent without a
motion. The Chair hears no objection. . . .
THE PLACE OF MEETING AGAIN.
Mr. O'BRIEN submttted the minority report of the Joint Committee in
relation to the place of meeting recommending the meeting of the
Legislature at Hayes' Park during the balance of the session. The
report appears in the report of the Senate proceedings. The proposition
of Mr. Hayes was also read as a part of the report.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I move the adoption of the minority report.
The SPEAKER--Do you move it as an amendment ?
Mr. O'BRIEN--No, sir.
Mr. FAY--The gentleman from Calaveras and myself were both upon this
Committee, have both visited the various buildings offered, but unlike
him I have ccme to the conclusion that of all the rooms offered these
which we now occupy are the best. We are here now, and can continue our
labors without interruption. There is no occassion for our adjournment
for a single moment. All the improvements to be made can be made without
disturbing the Legislature at all in their deliberations, and probably
all the improvements necessary can be made between now and Monday next
at eleven o'clock A. M. Therefore if we stay here we save the expense
of the loss of even one day.which, at the rate of fifteen hundred dollars
a day which the Legislature costs the State, is quite a consideration.
The loss of one day would cost as as much as would pay the rent here a
month and a half; and with all due deferenoe to the opinion expressed
in that minority report, I undertake to say that any gentleman
investigating the thing thoroughly will come to the conclusion that
Hayes' Pavilion cannot be put in proper condition in one, two, or even
three days. Desks must be built there for the Speaker, the Clerks, etc.;
furniture must be removed and arranged, and a thousand conveniences must
be provided which we now have right here at hand. It certainly must, I
think, occupy a longer time than is specified in that minority report.
Again, there is the time spent in traveling to and fro between there and
the city. Even though the passage be free, the expense of time would be,
in my opinion more than $10,000--the absolute loss of time expended by the
Legislature in traveling, That also is quite a consideration. Though I am
as much in favor of rigid economy in every respect as the gentlemen
composing the minority, still I must adhere to the opinion that this
is the place in preference to all others. It is central as to libraries,
and everything else desirable for the dispatch of business. There is
another point that I wish to urge, and it is an important one. I am
inclined to think that my friend from Calaveras (Mr O'Brien) who has
steadily voted in favor of retaining the Legislature at Sacramento, and
in opposition to the removal to San Francisco---I am afraid at least that
he has fallen into an undercurrent which he little thinks of. I am afraid
that this attempt at removal to Hayes' Pavilion is the first step towards
the idea of a permanent location of the Capital in San Francisco, and
I say here, as I said at Sacramento, that the majority of the people
of San Francisco do not desire that thing--that we have come here simply
as a temporary place of rsort [?], as the result of positive necessity.
And I shall oppose any attempt to legislate in any direction that will
give permanency to the location of the Capital here. Upon that ground
alone I would oppose the removal to Hayes' Park. The proposition of
Mr. Hayes is a very liberal one, but think of it; what inducement can
there be for Mr. Hayes to give his pavilion free and transport members
free, simply for the little benefit which would result to the railroad
for a month or two. If we were going to select a location for a
permanent Capital, that would be a beautiful spot, there is no doubt
about that, but I would ask my friend if he does not feel that the
tendency of removing there is towards something else besides simply
the temporary accommodation of this Legislature. Another point I wish
to urge is this: the accommodations in the way of Committee rooms are
all here, in the same building. They are all in the center of business,
in the center of boarding houses, hotels, reading rooms, and all other
things desirable for the dispatch of business while if they were out
there, great loss of time must ensue. Another thing, there is no gas at
Hayes pavilion, and the facilities for lighting it are very bad. If we
desire to hold a night session of the Assembly there, it is questionable
in my mind whether it could be properly lighted so that members could
read well. It would be a very expensive hall to light--being, I think,
eighty by one hundred and twenty feet--much larger than we require.
There are many reasons why it is not a matter of economy to remove, and
more particularly this reason that, as I believe it is but an indication
of an inducement for the permanent removal of the Capital from Sacramento,
I desire to enter my protest against it. Sacramento is to-day the Capital,
and she is entitled to it until the people decide that that is not the
proper place. And if in the future it can be demonstrated to the people
of this State, by the building of levees and putting that city in a
proper condition, that that is the proper place for the Capital,
for one I am not going to raise my voice against it.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I have no desire to debate this matter at all, I was
appointed as one of the Committee to select
a place to meet in, and went on in the performance of that duty
in a conscientious manner. In my humble judgment, as a member of economy
to the State, and of personal convenience, I think Mr. Hayes' building
is best, and have so reported. As to the inducements the gentleman
referred to, I know nothing about them. I am here only to perform my
duty. On that point I have only to say that if the gentleman thinks,
because I have steadily voted against coming away from Sacramento, that
therefore I am in favor of the permanent removal of the Capital, I think
his argument has a very bad basis. I am a friend of Sacramento, and my
sympathies impelled me to stand by her in the hour of her peril. But as
we have come here to San Francisco I think the Pavilion is a better place
than this building for us to meet in. I have so reported and the matter is
in the hands of the House.
Mr. FAY--I have but a word to say, not in reply to the gentleman from
Calaveras, but because I am reminded by Mr. Morrison that I did not
allude to one point in the minority report, where it refers to the
foundations of this building. I beg leave to suggest that the signers
of that report have fallen into a grievous error. If I recollect right,
and I think I was here at the time, this building was not erected on
piles and furthermore, I will state for the information of gentlemen
that even if it was, if they know anything about the decaying of wood
after it has been driven so far into the ground, they ought to know that
it never decays; or if it does, it is at a very remote period. There is
no question about this being a good and substantial building in every
respect, although, like many others in this city. it may have sometime
settled a very little at some particular point. It is one of the most
substantial buildings in the city, and will stand against anything,
without it is an earthquake that shakes down the whole city.
Mr. AMES--In regard to the question of economy, most of us who know
anything in regard to the history of the State or the Legislature know
that if anything is given to either, it is for a consideration. I have
seen propositions made with a view to remove the State Capital to Vallejo.
Was that profitable? We have had the use of a building given in Sacramento,
and there have been other similar instances. We had better buy a thing and
pay for it at once, for this giving comes back to us for a larger amount.
If Mr. Hayes had proposed to rent the Pavilion, I rather think I would have
been in favor of it. But how long would it be that the cars would run
out there? I think it is but a short time since the water washed the road
away.
Mr. SHANNON insisted that the question should first be taken on the majority
report.
Mr. O'BRIEN said his motion was to adopt the minority report, and that would be first in order.
The SPEAKER decided that a motion to amend by substituting the minority
report would be first in order.
Mr. O'BRIEN said he supposed it made no difference which question was
taken first, and he would withdraw his motion.
After some further discussion as to the state of the question, the ayes
and noes were demanded on adopting the majority report--to remain in the
present building. The vote resulted as follows:
Ayes--Amerine, Ames, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Battles, Bell, Benton,
Bigelow. Brown, Collins, Cot, Dean, Dennis, Dore, Dudley of Solano, Eagar,
Eliason, Evey, Fay, Frasier, Hillyer, Hoag, Irwin, Leach, Loewy, Matthews,
McAllister, McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Morrison, Parker, Porter, Printy,
Reed, Reeve, Sears, Shannon, Smith of Sierra, Thornbury, Tilton of San
Francisco, Tilton of San Mateo, Van Zandt, Wright. Yule--46.
Noes--Barton of San Bernardino, Cunnard, Davis, Dudley of Placer, Griswold,
Jackson, Kendall, Lane, Love, Machin, O'Brien, Pemberton, Seaton, Smith of
Fresno, Thompson of Tehama, Waddell, Watson--17.
So the report was adopted.
Mr. SHANNON moved that the House authorize the Committee, in conjunction
with the Committee of the Senate, to procure the use of the building for
the present session of the Legislature, and to make all the necessary
arrangements.
Mr. WATSON moved to amend, by limiting the price to be paid to $1,000 per
month.
Mr. SHANNON accepted the amendment.
Mr. PORTER inquired if it was not necessary that it should be done by
concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER said he thought not.
Mr. SHANNON's motion prevailed. . . .
SACRAMENTO.--The Placer Courier thus refers to the calamities of the
"City of the Plains:"
But when the dark clouds of adversity have cleared away, and the beams
of the ever welcome sun shine upon the face of the now darkened and
dismal looking valley, the once beautiful city of Sacramento will again
rise up into prominence, as the central mart of trade in the State.
It is the place for a great city--it is the place for the Capital of
the State--it is the grand focus for political gatherings, If it should
remain under water for the next three months, and then "dry up," business
of all kinds will again take a start and flourish. Her present
population may be taken with a "big disgust." and sacrifice for trifling
sums what little may be left to them after the waters recede--but a new
population will step in, who will then take hold, and in time secure the
city against floods. The old city and county debt we consider virtually
repudiated--wiped or washed out--there is nothing left wherewith to pay;
and under the great misfortune which has befallen them, we do not believe
the debt holders could expect them to pay one dollar upon their former
indebtedness. It can't be done.
FROM BIG TREE GROVE.--The Stockton Argus of January 24th has the
following:
Ritchie brings news from Big Tree Grove and intermediate places. As
elsewhere, all the bridges have been carried away. The drain at Murphy's
Flat has been filled up with sediment; the dam at Mill creek has been
carried away; several hundred feet of the ditch north side of Stanislaus
river has been carried away by a land slide, and lesser injuries by
some causes sustained at other points in the same ditch. The snow at
Holden's Station, thirty five miles east of Big Tree Grove, had fallen
to the depth of eighteen feet, a snow storm having set in on the 23d ult
and continued uninterruptedly sixteen days; the last day's fall of snow
alone reaching on the level four and a half feet. The big tree in the
Grove, called "Hercules," has fallen from the softening of the earth by
the rains. At Murphy's, provisions were plenty, flour bringing $12 per
barrel. At Angel's, flour brings $22 per barrel, and at Knight's Ferry
and Copperopolis, $20 per barrel. The Stanislaus river has risen
seventy-two feet above high water mark!
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Telegraphic communication is once more open with Carson Valley and the East,
also with several polnts to the northward.
The American river is falling rapidly, while; the waters of the Sacramento
subside but slowly. In the city the water is gradually receding, leaving
the main business streets accessible to pedestrians.
THE LEGISLATURE.
The Legislature convened on Friday at San Francisco, pursuant to the
concurrent resolution of Wednesday last providing for such transfer.
The building formerly occupied by the United States Circuit and District
Courts was the place named in the resolution, and at noon the Senate
was called to order in the old District Court room, and the Assembly in
the old Circuit Court room. The Joint Committee appointed to provide
rooms for the two Houses were not ready to report any permanent
arrangement, and were by each House granted until eleven o'clock
Saturday morning to perform their duties and make a report. In the
Assembly some doubts were expressed as to the power of the Committee,
under the resolution, to make a final contract for a building without
further action of the House, but no further powers were conferred upon
them, as it seemed to be the general understanding that the concurrent
resolution to remove was sufficient authority in the premises. One
member said he understood the rent of the rooms they were then in would
be $1,000 a month, while suitable rooms elsewhere in the city could be
procured without any charge whatsoever.
The Senate passed a bill providing that the Governor, Secretary of
State, Treasurer, Controller, Adjutant General, and Surveyor General
shall immediately remove their offices to San Francisco, there to
remain until the first of June next; at the expiration of which time
they shall be removed again to Sacramento. Samuel Soule and B. B.
Hoffman are named in the bill as a Committee to superintend the removal
of the State property in the hands of the officers referred to. . . .
On Saturday both Houses, by a decided majority--22 to 12 in the Senate,
and 45 to 17 in the Assembly--decided to lease the rooms at the corner of
Washington and Battery streets, San Francisco, in which they assembled on
Friday. The proprietor of Hayes' Park offered his building, containing
ample rooms, free of charge, agreed to have the same in readiness in
twenty-four hours and to make such alterations as might be desired; and,
furthermore, to run free cars every fifteen minutes up to midnight during
the session, for members, State officers and State employes. The Committee
appointed to provide quarters for Government use were divided in opinion.
A majority recommended the action which was finally taken, while a
minority--Senator DeLong and Assemblyman O'Brien--reported in favor of
Hayes' Park.
The question of place being decided, there was but little disposition
to go on and perform a day's work. The Senate was in session one hour
and twenty minutes, and the Assembly only about twenty minutes longer. . . .
In the Assembly . . . The Committee on Agriculture was instructed to
report a bill concerning fences which would enable farmers to go on
with their planting in the Spring, without being obliged to replace
fences carried away by the floods. . . .
MORE ABOUT LEVEES.--We print to-day more communications about levees,
and the plan to be adopted in building them so as to insure the protection
of the city. It is gratifying to witness such a manifestation of interest
on the subject, though too great a diversity of opinion as to the plan
best calculated to protect the city may lead to some confusion and cause
delay. It is, however, eminently proper for our citizens to counsel
together on a matter to them of such vital interest, and after a plan
shall have been settled upon, let it have the cordial support of all.
No one man should insist that he is wiser than those around him, and
declare his opposition to all plans except his own.
"A Practical Mechanic" sends us another article, in which he explains
more fully some of the views he advanced in the first. He favors the
inside levee plan, because it is within our means, and can be done right
away. He would build those levees first, and then, if possible, continue
the levees outside. He concedes that certain means of communication with
the country is only second to a complete system of levees.
Another correspondent suggests a new and novel plan for building a levee
on the American river, He would charter a turnpike company, and let said
company build a toll road, which should answer the ends of a levee.
Provided the travel would justify, such a plan might be made to work
well, but would it be possible to attract travel enough on such a road
to pay interest even at six per cent, on the capital invested and the
expense of keeping it in repair?
The scheme suggested is ingenious; the author makes, or thinks he does,
provisions for almost any contingency which may happen; but it is so
complicated that we doubt whether it could be made to operate as smoothly
as he makes it on paper. If a company could be induced to accept a
charter on the terms proposed, the levee might thus be built; but if
our Winters should average as they have in the past ten years, the travel
on the toll road could not be very extensive; and then we doubt whether
it would answer to depend for protection on any private company. The
swamp land project, published Saturday morning, is in its general
features meeting with some favor, and has received the approval of
several of our leading citizens. They think it practicable to raise
the money necesssary to build the main levees on the Sacramento and
American on the general principle suggested. Others, again, object
to the proposition of mingling the funds raised for levee purposes in
the city with those raised for the same purpose in the country. They
think that the money to build a levee must be collected mainly from
the portion of the city within which its business is transacted, and
that the first thing to be done with it should be the leveeing in of
that portion in such a manner as to place it beyond contingency. Before
anything can effectually be done, these different views must be
harmonized and a general plan agreed upon.
We understand the Citizens' Committee is engaged in maturing a bill
to be paased [sic] by the Legislature, which will embody the views of
its members, and which, it is to be hoped, will be of such a character
as to meet the approbation of the citizens generally. No unnecessary
time should be wasted in determining what shall be done in the premises.
A MISREPRESENTATION.--We are unwilling to believe that the San Francisco
Call would intentionally misrepresent this paper, and therefore
conclude the Call has not been a careful reader of the UNION.
We so conclude because we do not see how any paper could so misrepresent
another as the Call does the UNION in the article from which the
following extract was taken, unless it was ignorant of its contents.
The Call said:
The SACRAMENTO UNION has been violent in.its abuse of those members of
the Legislature who voted to adjourn temporarily from Sacramento on
account of the flood, but we have not yet seen in that journal an
earnest expression of sympathy with or commiseration for the poor
people who have been made homeless and almost penniless by the flood.
Our readers will bear us witness that the above statements are gross
misstatements, made ignorantly or malignantly. Our comments upon the
proposal to adjourn temporarily to San Francisco were adverse to the
proposition. We condemned it in decided terms, and do still, as one
in which the comfort and convenience of members were more consulted
than the interests of the people of the State, but we said nothing
which could be construed into personal abuse of members.
But we shall not be surprised to learn that their constituents abuse
them soundly for the folly committed in leaving the Capital. . . .
EMERGING FROM THE WATERS.--The advent of a spell of bright, clear,
cold weather, and the rapid subsidence of the inundating waters,
give the people of Sacramento reason for believing that there will
be no repetition of serious disaster this season. We are emerging from
the waters that have carried ruin to many homes, and devastation through
many smiling valleys. We have a fair breathing space, at length, during
which we may take a calmer survey of the ruin that has been wrought,
form a clearer conception of the extent of the calamity, form a juster
estimate of our losses, and devise the way and means of recuperation.
The blow was a heavy one, but it hardly staggered the faith of true
Californians in their own indomitable energies, and the almost
inexhaustible wealth of their resources. Fortunes--the accumulations of
years and toil, enterprise and anxiety--have been swept into oblivion
by the disaster of a day, but that is nothing new to the history of the
Golden State, or to the annals of her Capital. There are men among us
who have made and lost three or four fortunes since they first set foot
upon our soil; yet they are not depressed, but hopeful and hard-working,
and as ready to undertake industrial or speculative enterprises as when
they first joined the throng of pushing and driving adventurers in the
early days of our history. This is the spirit that characterizes the
true Californian--the men who have built up and developed the wealth of
the State with such marvelous rapidity. Of this class of indomitable
characters, the city of Sacramento has quite her legitimate proportion.
In the eyes of envious rivals the "City of the Plains" has been "played
out," used up, abandoned to the flames, or hopelessly drowned, on various
occasions during her eventful history. According to their representations,
each of her calamities has been the culmination of a bad case. Yet here
she is, to-day, as she has been from the commencement of the race, the
second city in the State, in population, wealth and enterprise. Each
year has confirmed the superiority of her commercial position, attended,
as it may be, with occasional peril. Each year of progress or disaster
has only tended to confirm the judgment of those who selected the
junction of the American with the Sacramento as the proper site for a
city. We see now that much of the destruction that has overtaken us might
have been prevented by skillful engineering and a judicious expenditure
of the public money. And by rendering that fact clear to everybody else
in California, by the prompt repair of damages and the speedy adoption
of a suitable system of defenses against the waters, we trust to put an
end to all future predictions of our municipal annihilation, while we
inspire our own people with additional confidence.
These are some of the ideas suggested by the return of the brilliant
sunshine and the gradual subsidence of the waters. There are matters of
practical urgency which are now under consideration among the proper
persons, and which will, doubtless, lead to the device of a plan for
the improvement of our defenses, and the raising of the means for
their construction at an early day. It is only of the recuperative
spirit of Sacramento and those who have so persistently called it in
question, that we care to speak in the present article.
BOAT HIRE.--Some of the San Francisco papers are using the statement
that members had to pay several hundred dollars per day for boat hire
in Sacramento, as a justification for adjourning to that city. We are
assured that responsible parties in this city offered to provide all
the boats needed for the use of the members, free of charge, as long
as the water remained in the streets. . . .
THE FLOODS IN SUISUN VALLEY.--A correspondent of the UNION writes from
Suisun valley January 23d, as follows:
It has been pouring down in torrents for about thirty days and nights,
and some of our citizens have been almost tempted to resort to Noah's
mode of protection. But we are not, nor have we been, in as deplorable
a condition as the Alta's correspondent reported, for our portion
of the country has not all been inundated, nor have Suisun city and
Fairfield been under water. But a great portion of our farming land
has been greatly damaged by the streams overflowing and depositing an
extra coat of quicksand on some of our tillable land, ranging from eight
inches to three feet in depth, and that portion where these deposits of
sand have been made will, we fear, be rendered valueless for agricultural
purposes until it can be removed. Some few rods of fence have been
carried away; also bridges and other improvements, but we still live,
and are sanguine that this terrible deluge will abate sometime between
this and the first of April, and give us a chance to till our ground.
If any of our up country friends are in distress, just send them down
here and we will furnish them a dry place to sleep, and plenty of bacon
and beans to eat, for our swine are not all drowned yet. But to prove to
you that our portion of the country is somewhat saturated, I will tell
you that to-day I saw a large oak tree, on the farm of George Ellsworth,
which has sunk until the limbs, which were ten or twelve feet above the
ground, came in contact with terra firma and stopped its downward
progression. This is rather improbable, but you have my word for it,
and if that is not substantial you can come down and I will show you
that I have not exaggerated. Now, if those wise heads assembled at your
city are bound to set the Capital afloat again--which I think would be
a very unwise move--I hope they will run it aground at Fairfield, where
they can find solid ground and good whisky--or if it go to the Bay City
we fear that the city enticements will prolong the session, to the great
disadvantage of State finances.
NEVADA.--The Democrat says that a few days since the proprietor of the
Nevada Flouring Mill raised the price of flour to nine dollars per hundred.
This of course had a tendency to create alarm, and many would have laid
in a six months supply even at that price if they could have got it. As
soon as the price was raised a number of merchants sent orders to San
Francisco for flour, with the intention of packing it up from Eliza if
the roads were not passable for teams. . . .
RAPID RISE AND FALL.--On Saturday, January 11th, the waters of the
Mokelumne river, at the Big Bar bridge, were forty-four feet above low
water mark, and in about eighteen hours they fell at least thirty feet.
TRINITY RIVER.--Week before last. Trinity river rose to such a hight that
most of the ferry boats had to be removed. No mail arrived from Shasta
for five days. . . .
DROWNED.--A man known as "Red" was drowned in the Trinity, at Fitch's
Ferry, a few days since. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, January 24, 1862.
The Legislature landed safe and sound from the Chrysopolis last evening,
the attaches and, as Bell calls them, the "would-be-attaches" all
following close in the wake. The San Franciscans seemed to be a little
surprised at the suddenness with which their city had become the State
Capital, the telegraph not being able to convey them the intelligence
that the Legislature was actually on the move.
The number of passengers by the Chrysopolis must have been from eight
to nine hundred, and the rushing for the supper table could not have been
greater had there been fifteen hundred. With all due respect to the
steward of the boat, many of us arrived at the conclusion that,
notwithstanding the condition of affairs at Sacramento, we had, so far
as eating arrangements were concerned, fared full as well there as on
the route hither.
The general topic of conversation at the hotels this morning was, of
course, the last removal of the California Legislature. Various opinions
are expressed as to the necessity and propriety of the measure. One
San Franciscan expressed the belief that the concern would move up the
river again within three days; another said he thought an Act making
the steamer Chrysopolis the Capitol would be both convenient and
economical. There is some talk of engaging the building at Hayes'
Park for the sessions, but that proposition will probably have but
few friends, the main objection being that boats as well as railroad
cars are in vogue in that region. The old United States Court rooms
will undoubtedly be engaged for the session. They are each about fifty
by sixty feet in size, and can be easily fitted to answer the purposes
required. The Assembly will be a little crowded if at any time the
members should be all present, but of this there is not the least danger.
The applications for leave of absence were quite numerous this morning,
and it may turn out that, with all the advantages of stone pavements
here, the "children of a larger growth " chosen to represent the people,
will stray off to play when they should be at work, quite as often as
when, in free boats, they sailed up to the corner of Seventh and I
streets in Sacramento.
The Senate bill to remove certain State offices to this city, does not
include in its provisions the Supreuae Court, the Clerk thereof, the
Attorney General, or the State Printer. The latter will necessarily be
where the Legislature is. This is a little hard on Pixley, when it is
considered that he not only wrote but read an official opinion on the
removal question, which was entirely satisfactory to the removers.
The city presents a very lively appearance, and the weather being as
fine as it was in Sacramento yesterday, the main thoroughfares
are are [sic] crowded with people. It is generally understood that
the Joint Committee to prepare rooms for the Legislature will not
agree as to the place. A majority report will probably be made
recommending the rooms in which they assembled to-day, while a
minority report will recommend the Hayes' Park building.
LAKE COUNTY.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from Upper
Clear Lake recently, says:
Like nearly every other part of the State, Lake county, in some of her
parts, has also suffered severely. The present snowstorm will bring
the lake all over the entire Lake country. We have already the water
three feet higher than any of the earliest inhabitants have ever seen it.
There in no one but a very old, gray-headed (Bushika) Indian who has ever
seen the lake as high as it now is. That there is something still severer
to come we can see, as the Indians are moving on to very high ridges.
The greater portion of valuable farms is entirely inundated with the
backwater from the lake, which is still on the rise, and may not go
down for the next three or four months; so there will be but little
chance left to our farmers for raising much of a crop this season. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE THREE STAGES.--At sunset last evening three men attempted to travel
along K street, near Front, under considerable difficulty. The first was
"drunk," the second "drunker," and the third "drunkest." "Drunkest" fell
down at the time, and "Drunker" followed suit whenever he attempted to
render assistance, while "Drunk" kept his feet and gave general orders.
When "Drunkest" was on his back in the mud, "Drunker" caught him by the
hair and tried to lift him up. A bystander remonstrated against the manner
of extending aid. "Drunker" considered the interference just cause for
war. He followed the bystander across the street, falling from the
crossing once or twice on the way. Seconded by "Drunk," he was about to
strike the man of whom he was in pursuit, when Deputy Sheriff Lansing
caught him. "Drunk" interfered to rescue him, but was seized by another
party. A big crowd collected, a general rush followed, but peace was
soon restored, and nobody was hurt.
ROBBERY.--The tailor shop of Henry McCann, on the south side of J street,
near Seventh, was burglariously entered on Friday night, and robbed of
some nine or ten hundred dollars' worth of property. The front doors were
forced open, the thieves having evidently tied their boat in front of
the adjoining building, while they overhauled the contents of McCann's
shop. Among the articles stolen, were twelve coats belonging to
Moore & Co., twelve to McCann, and a bolt of English pilot cloth,
belonging to Wells, Fargo & Co. Several silk vest patterns were picked
up the next morning in the water on the sidewalk, which had either been
dropped accidentally, or had been thrown away by the thieves. Many
robberies of the most audacious character have been perpetrated since
the flood. A summary example should be made of such thieves, if caught.. . .
ANNUAL MEETING.--The annual meeting of the State Agricultural Society
will, according to official notice, be held in this city, at Agricultural
Hall, on Wednesday of the present week, at 2-1/2 o'clock, P. M., for the
election of officers and the transaction of other business connected with
the Society. It is generally expected that the meeting, on organizing,
will adjourn until some time in the Spring, when members from other parts
of the State can attend. The office of the Secretary of the Society is
at present located in Jordan's building, J street, near Seventh. . . .
R. D. FERGUSON.--On Saturday afternoon, a few minutes before the
departure of the San Francisco steamer, three cheers were given by
the crowd on the landing for R. D. Ferguson, Assemblyman from this
city, for his advocacy of the city's interests in opposing the removal
of the Capital to San Francisco. He came forward and made a brief
response, stating that he had but performed his duty here as he should
in San Francisco, in defending the interests of his constituents.
He was again heartily cheered at the close of his remarks.
BUSY.--The water in the city is still falling, though not so rapidly
as might be desired. the business part of the city is so far free from
it that our merchants and business men have been actively engaged in
cleaning out their stores, washing off sidewalks and preparing goods
for exposure, and getting ready generally to resume business. A week
or two of fine weather will produce a vast change in the appearance
of the city.
THE WEATHER.--We have had in the region of Sacramento four consecutive
days of pleasant weather. The sky has been clear, the sun bright, the
air bracing, and the temperature cold. Our streets and sidewalks, where
they are out of water, are drying up rapidly, and are becoming quite
passable to pedestrians. There are occasional floating clouds to be
seen, which are regarded by many with suspicion, as indicating an early
return of rainy weather.
THE RIVERS.--The Sacramento river is still falling, though very slowly.
At sunset last evenirg it stood at twenty-one feet nine inches above low
water mark. It will probably rise a few inches in a day or two from the
high water of the Upper Sacramento; after which, if we have no more
rain, a decided decline may be anticipated. The American river at
Patterson's has fallen six or seven feet within the past five days.
STILL RUNNING.--The steamers Sam Soule and Gov. Dana are at present
making daily trips to Patterson's, with freight and passengers. As
the American has fallen some six or seven feet at that point within
the past four or five days, they experience much less difficulty in
getting up than they did at that time. They leave at about seven
o'clock in the morning and return early in the afternoon.
BOATING--SAILING CRAFT.--As yesterday presented a fine opportunity
for boating, it was embraced by many, who seemed to enjoy the privilege
afforded. Many boats, loaded with a fair proportion of ladies, were
out. In addition to those which were propelled by oars, many rigged
with mast and sail were to be seen. Several sloops of respectable
size came up as far as M and L street to see and to be seen.
THE VOLUNTEER.--A new and substantial boat, called the Volunteer, has
been built by George Goltman, for service between this city and Camp
Union, for the accommodation of the volunteers and others who travel
on the route. She is thirty-two feet long, and will carry from forty
to fifty passengers. She carries six oars, but runs under sail when
there is any wind.
CATTLE FOR THE MOUNTAINS.--Twenty-eight head of beef cattle were
brought yesterday on a flat boat from Cary's ranch, Yolo county, to
the city, and landed at Front and I streets. They are to be sent to
Coloma, El Dorado county, going to Patterson by steamer. . . .
HAY.--Hay is retailing in Sacramento at two and a half and three cents
per pound. There is but little of it consumed. . . .
PROTECTION OF THE CITY.
EDITORS UNION: In again trespassing on your space, allow me to rather
explain my former communication. Instead of there being but fifty-four
squares, as you say, contained within the lines of levee proposed by me,
there are more than one hundred and fifty, and the length of the levee a
little more than four miles--a respectable circumference, to say the
least. Yet I did not, nor do not, propose to stop building levee, and
thereby leave our friends on the outside of the proposed line unprotected;
but simply to take care of ourselves first--do that which we know we
can do, and that which will restore confidence in the city in sixty
days--that which will make our prosperity before six months worth more
than it was before the floods came--that which will satisfy even Mr. Fay
that this city can, so far as the Capitol is concerned, protect herself.
If the Fourteenth street and R street levees were not built, the city
outside would, of course, have to pay their portion of the expense of
the other levees. Therefore, the levees on those two streets is all
that would have to be paid for exclusively by those inside. I cannot see
any injustice to any one by this course. I would immediately prepare,
by legislation and otherwise, to continue the levee from Fourteenth and
D to the high ground--thus insure uninterrupted communication with the
country, which is second in importance only to a safe levee. The one
enables us to make money--the other will save that which we have already
made. The difficulties to be encountered at Rabel's Tannery with the
American have been largely increased since the break at that point, and
in my opinion the "high and wide" levee up C or D street will not be safe
for more than a year or two unless a bulkhead of rock at least eight
hundred feet long is put in at that point each season until the river is
thereby compelled to straighten itself and relieve its south bank. Some
say cut a canal across the point opposite. That would undoubtedly relieve
it to some extent, but to make it large enough to admit the whole river
would be an immense work, and how much of it the river could be depended
on to do itself, would be hard to determine safely. Hence, while all
these uncertainties and difficulties exist, as they certainly do at
that point, without enumerating those which exist at other points from
there to Burns' slough, which latter place has deluged the city more than
once and has deceived levee builders and levee guardians, who, no doubt,
thought they knew their business, as we think we know ours. Hence, I say,
why not make ourselves secure beyond and independent of these
uncertainties, if not actual dangers. When a shipbuilder builds a ship,
he makes the outside walls as secure as he can, but in addition to that,
he puts in bulkheads or water-tight partitions, so that in case, by an
unforeseen accident, a break is made in her, it will not thereby
necessarily damage her whole cargo. Look on the R and Fourteenth street
levees then, after all the other levees four miles up and ten miles down
have been made, as watertight compartments, and it seems to me the idea
is worthy of consideration. Then when, under the new ordinance, a street
is raised to the grade, raise it from Front to Fourteenth, plant trees
on both sides of the levee, make it a drive and promenade, and my word
for it no Chinaman or gopher will dig a hole in it. There is almost as
much, Messrs. Editors, in having a levee properly kept in repair after it
is built as in building it. Now, suppose the Swamp and Overflowed Land
Commissioners, in connection with the people in District No. 2--and
perhaps the State have a hand in it--build this long levee, which I
hope they may, who will take that care of it which is necessary for
us? If the Sacramento cuts it away within four miles of us may it not
fill up the district, and if our city is a part of it fill it up too?
Your suggestion to buy a locomotive and train of dirt cars is a good
one. Run a track to the bar in the American, and after the levee has
been made from the same place material enough can be had to fill up
what streets will be wanted raised, and the owner of the cars will
have a profitable business in filling up private property for years,
or until the American washes away the material.
A Practical Mechanic.
SACRAMENTO, January 26th.
DROWNED IN THE STANISLAUS.--On the afternoon of Jan.16th occurred at
Abby's Ferry, on the Stanislaus river, about two miles from Columbia,
another case of death by drowing [sic]. Wm. Wren, aged about 40 years, an
Englishman by birth, and a long resident of Columbia with the two
brothers Moore, were crossing the river in a little skiff. Wren was
steering with an oar, and the stream was rushing violently. By some
means the oar tripped and threw Wren overboard, but, being a good
swimmer, no alarm was felt, and he soon get hold of the stern of
the skiff and held on a little while. On shifting his hold to the side
of the craft he upset the boat and threw the voyagers out. The current
swept them down the river with great rapidity, into the eddies and out
repeatedly. Wren was observed to seize an oar and float down stream,
apparently perfectly self possessed, but getting into a deep hole in
the river, and clogged with heavy boots and clothing, he finally sunk
to rise no more. He leaves a widow and three children. The other two
voyagers, after sinking and rising several times, barely escaped with
their lives.--Tuolumne Courier. . . .
MORE FLOOD IN TRINITY.--The Journal of Jan. 18th says:
The heavy rains last week, together with the rapid melting of the snow,
rendered most of the roads leading from this place impassable for two or
three days. Canon creek lacked only four feet of being as high as at the
last flood. At North Fork the water rose high enough to cover the Brewery
floor. At Bates & Van Matre's place, on the upper North Fork, the water
came within a few feet of being as high as before. Swift creek and the
other streams in the northern part of the county were not passable.
EIGHT PERSONS AND FOURTEEN HORSES KILLED. We learn from two gentlemen
who arrived in Forest Hill on Friday evening, direct from Carson Valley,
by the Placerville route, that on Sunday morning last, at or near
Strawberry Valley, a dreadful avalanche occurred, which destroyed a
public house, barn and other buildings, besides killing eight persons
and fourteen horses. Our informants had left the tavern but a few
moments previous, and returned to witness the awful
spectacle.--Placer Courier, Jan. 18th.
We have reason to doubt the reliability of the above intelligence.
LOSSES ON THE MOKELUMNE.--The Stockton Independent of
January 24th has the following:
Brady & Green, on the Mokelumne, lost their mill and enough other
property to aggregate $9,000; beside their own losses, there were
forty tons of grain in the mill belonging to other parties, all of
which was washed away, and is a total loss. Athearn lost his bridge,
valued at $8,000; grain, valued at $1,500; fourteen thousand feet of
clear lumber, harness, wool, and enough other property to aggregate
$11,000. Montgomery, who lives next below Athearn's, lost two thousand
bushels of grain.
FROM STAPLES.--A gentleman from Staples, on the Mokelumne, reports
that Staples' house has had water covering the floor, five feet eight
inches is depth; his blacksmith shop, with bellows, etc., have been
washed away, as have the oak trees in front of the house. The trees
in the rear have prevented the dwelling house from being carried away,
as they checked the driftwood that came down in the tremendous current.
Immense loss in cattle had been sustained in that neighborhood, mired
as well as drowned. Many have fallen, and in their half starved and
exhausted condition they are unable to rise in the mud, and thus die
from exhaustion.--Stockton Argus.
PLACERVILLE.--The freshet which visited this place on Monday night is
described as being very severe and disastrous. A portion of Main street
was flooded, the foot bridge at Bedford avenue was destroyed, and much
damage was done to stores. Much injury to property in Upper Placerville
was also occasioned. . . .
THE NORTH LEVEE.
EDITORS UNION: That a levee must be built on the north side of the city,
from the foot of I street to the high lands in Brighton, is accepted by
the entire community as a fixed fact, the only mooted point being, how it
is to be accomplished.
Ex Governor Bigler suggests that the franchise of a toll road be granted
to a private company; "R"(Query--is he one of the Swamp Land
Commissioners?), through your columns, proposes a joint operation by
the Citizens' Committee, the Swamp Land Commissioners, and a levy of
a levee tax upon the land reclaimed. Others think the State should
assist, so far, at least as the extent of the $68,000 which she, a
great and wrathy [worthy?] sovereign, accepted as a gift from one of
her insolvent municipalities. Others still have different schemes,
and as it is an adage that there is wisdom and safety in a multitude
of counselors, the writer suggests another plan, differing materially
from either of the others, combining, in the superstructure, a portion
of each and some ideas of my own, all built upon the foundation of
Govornor Bigler's idea of forming a private company. I propose the
enactment or a law providing:
First--For the construction of a macadamized or gravelled road from
the foot of I street to the high lands in Brighton; such road to be
at least 80 feet at the base, 50 feet on top, and to have its surface
at every point at least six feet above the high water mark of 1861-2
at that point; and to be constructed upon such line as the Surveyor
General of the State, an engineer to be appointed by the city, and the
engineer of the company, shall determine to be best to protect the land
south of it from the waters of the American--the theory of their survey
being that the directness and utility of the work as a road must be kept
subordinate to its permanency and protection as a levee.
Second --The grant to a company of the right of way and a right to
collect tolls at rates not exceeding specific ones designated in the
Act, but which may from time to time be reduced by the city authorities.
The company to become incorporated under the general Incorporation Act,
but never to increase its capital or the number of shares of its stock
beyond the original sum--less the mortgage, if any--expended on the road.
Third--Power to mortgage the franchise for a sum not to exceed the amount
of capital stock actually paid in, and not exceeding one-half of the
estimated cost of the road.
Fourth--The levy of an annual special levee tax of twenty-five cents on
the one hundred dollars on all land and improvements within the city,
and also outside of the city and within Swamp Land District No. --.
Fifth--Provision for a Commission to condemn for public use the necessary
lands along the line of the levee--the increased valne, if any, caused
by the additional safety of the remaining property of any claimant, to
be considered as an element in estimating damages, and such increased
value, if any, to be deducted from the damages found for the property
taken.
Sixth--Stringent provisions that the company shall at all times keep
the levee and road in perfect repair; and a provision that if, on
the first of January in any year, the company shall, upon a complete
exhibit, under the oath of its officers, of every receipt and
expenditure, that during the preceding twelve months the company did
not realize a revenue sufficient, after paying its necessary
expenditures and the interest on the mortgage, if any, to pay six per
cent, upon its capital stock, then the city shall pay the company, out
of the Special Levee Fund, a sum which, together with the net earnings
of the company, shall equal six per cent on its stock.
Seventh--Most stringent provision for the summary conviction and
punishment of any person who, to facilitate the crossing or for any
other purpose, shall cut or in any way injure any levee in Swamp Land
District No. --; and provision that all such levees, excepting the
road, shall be kept in repair out of the Special Levee Fund; and that,
if on the first of May in any year, any money remains in said fund, it
shall be applied to paying off the mortgage, if any, on the road, in
the order of the issuance of the certificates; and if no such order is
made, or after it is all paid, then to the purchase of the stock of the
road from the best bidders not above par; and after payment of any part
of the mortgage, or purchase of stock, the interest or dividend that
would have accrued to the former holder, if it had not been paid or
purchased, to be paid into the Special Levee Fund; and if at the end
of twenty (query, ten or fifteen?) years, such mortgage and stock is
not all held by the city, then and at any time thereafter, the city
to have the right to pay or purchase all outstanding, at par.
Further thought and more general discussion may disclose other points
that may be added, or some that are supererogatory. As it is, I claim
for it that it is efficient and practicable--at least I think so,
because the money which cannot be obtained upon the city's credit can
be had. Although the tolls should be light, and people as a matter of
course during Summer and the due [?] Fall months will use the other
roads, yet during the rainy Winter and muddy Spring the travel will
be so improved as almost surely to yield six per cent, perhaps much
more, which will be the stockholder's gain; but if it falls below six
per cent, the tax is a sufficient guarantee. The power to mortgage
will obviate the necessity of raising more than one-half or two-thirds
of the sum necessary to build the levee, as with half or two-thirds
cash there will be no difficulty in finding able contractors who will
take the bonds for the remainder; and if the stock is issued in one
hundred dollar shares, almost every man in the city will subscribe
according to his ability. It will leave in the hands of the Citizens'
Committee sufficient money to repair the cross levees to make assurance
double sure; it will leave, according to their own showing, in the
hands of the Swramp Land Commissioners a sum sufficient to protect us
on the south from the Sacramento, Mokelumne, and Cosumnes. It will
provide for the continual good repair of all the levees. It will
provide at all seasons a good wagon road for the ingress and egress
of teams, the annual advantage of which will be double or triple the
amount of tax. The tax required is not exorbitant. It is one our
citizens can stand, and one which in fifteen or twenty years will make
them owners of the levee, whilst to issue bonds and construct the work
on the city's account would, if the money could be raised at all,
require an annual tax at least as great, if not greater, to meet the
interest, and then some provision to pay the bonds. It leaves the money
to be received from the State, if she chooses to return the $68,000
to be applied to the cancelation of our floating debt. There are other
arguments in its favor, and of course some against it, but the idea is
sufficiently elaborated above for general thought and discussion. T.
THE FLOOD AND DAMAGES AT MURPHY'S.--The annexed account is from the
Stockton Republican of January 23d:
All the bridges between Murphy's and the Big Tree Grove have been
carried away; the road is also badly damaged by currents of water
and land slides. It is estimated that over $2,000 will be required
to repair it. Great damage has been done to the mining claims on
Murphy's Flat, by the filling up of claims and the destruction of
flumes, etc. The deep cut made to drain the Flat, at an expense of
many thousands of dollars and years of labor, has been completely
filled up with sediment and slum. The works of the Union Water
Company have suffered severely. The dam on Mill Creek, between
Murphy's and the Big Tree Grove, has been swept away, together
with 300 or 400 feet of fluming at the same point. A land slide
occurred on the line of their works on the north side of the Stanislaus
river and south of the Big Trees. which carried away several hundred
feet of the ditch. The ditch has been damaged at several other points
by similar slides, but not to so great an extent as at the point above
stated. The people at Murphy's and vicinity have not seen a newspaper
of later date than January 6th, and are in entire ignorance of the
condition of the country. Fabulous prices were offered for copies
of late papers, but none could be procured. A number of gardens on
Washington flat have been entirely destroyed by the action of the
water. One house was carried away from the same flat.
Thompson, mail carrier, between Murphy's and Genoa, has made the
regular weekly trips through snow and rain the entire season. He
states that in five years' experience in the mountains of California,
he has never known such a quantity of snow and rain to fall as has the
present Winter.
At Murphy's, provisions of all kinds are plenty and
cheap. Traver is selling flour at twelve dollars per barrel, and
potatoes at four cents per pound, and rice at fifteen cents. He declared
his determination to adhere to the above prices until his stock on
hand was consumed. Camphene and coal oil are scarce and command four
dollars and fifty cents per gallon. . . .
LETTER FROM MARYSVILLE.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
The Removal of the Capital--Most insufficient reasons for the same.
MARYSVILLE, January 23, 1852.
About three years ago--three years last August--a nimble Morgan was
dragging my carriage and me over the road from Delafield to Waukesha,
two little places in Wisconsin. Seeing a number of carriages around the
door, and a number of bright colored bonnets at the window, I was induced
to enter the building, which proved to be a school house. The teacher
was "holding examination," and the bright colored bonnets contained the
heads (a small portion of the heads) of the mothers, sisters and female
friends of those then passing through the ordeal. I happened to enter
while a "class in Geography" was up, and, availing myself of the teacher's
invitation, asked some questions. They were generally well answered, but
"What is the Capital of California?" was a puzzle. Several answers were
given, each of which would have been correct at different times, but none
were in accordance with the fact. The discomfited pedagogue apologized;
said that several editions of the same work were in use in school and
the mistakes were all learned from the authority used. In fact, he said
he never asked them that question, because it would be impossible to keep
track of the changes! What farcical conduot is this continual moving of
the Capital! How ridiculous does it cause us to appear in the eyes of
the observant world! I have often seen, in the Eastern States,"Daguerrean
Room" on wheels, transported from village to village to please the
rustic belles and beaux; but in California is the only instance of a
State Capital moved around to fill the pockets of grog and grub dealers
in all the principal cities.
The present Legislature was chosen to meet at Sacramento; by the almost
unanimous voice of the people that city had been selected for the seat
of Government. If members desired a change, they should have referred
the matter to their constituents next Fall. " But," says one, "we don't
intend to remove the Capital; we only adjourned this session of the
Legislature." The removal of the Legislature--of the Government--is
a removal de facto of the seat of Government. Some, probably a
majority, will be willing to return to Sacramento when the levees are
built; but I venture the assertion that those who have been foremost
in advocacy of an adjournment will seek to make it permanent. They are
the very ones who, in previous sessions, have hastened to San Francisco
on Saturday afternoons and remained until Monday, thereby often delaying
legislation on that day. Some of those Senators who labored to effect
this adjournment were once chased by the Sergeant-at-Arms to prevent
their running away from their duties, to spend their Sabbaths amidst
revelries in San Francisco.
Admitting, for the sake of argument, that the change will only be
temporary, the question will be asked by those who have to stand the
expense, why move at all? "Well," says a member, "our hotel
accommodations were not so good as we can have in San Francisco!"
Was you, sir, sent to the Legislature to revel in luxuries, to spend
your time in hotels, to grow fat on high living? Were not the hotels
comfortable, and would'nt [sic] a few days have sufficed to have made
them good as ever? Were they not, when you voted to adjourn, better than
can be had in our mountain towns at any time? Would the fact of a coarse
diet for a few days--"bread and cheese," for instance--hurt your spice
laden stomachs? Even if it would, do your ideas of legislation spring
from the belly?
Another says, "There was so much water in the streets
that we had to use boats, and they cost so much." Boats and oarsmen
were so plenty that traveling was as convenient when you left as in
the middle of Summer. Would the expense of boats during the session
have been one-quarter the expense of adjournment?
And the diminutive Senator from Yuba county, C. E. De Long, was
seriously discommoded because he had to go in a boat to the Committee
room! He did'nt [sic] have to row there, but if he had been in
Marysville I venture to say he would have blistered his hands every
day to row a boat full of ladies up and down the slough. Yes, and he
would'nt [sic] have thought of the expense. And he, as well as the
Assemblyman from this city, would have been compelled to sail quite a
distance to have gone to their homes from town, or back. I don't believe
they will leave their houses for all that. But why particularly? The
only reason given by the removalists was the inconvenience of
members! I have seen no instance of a member's life in danger, and,
with a short session (long enough for all business), no one would have
lost his health. So the inconvenience of members will cost the
State a hundred thousand, or more dollars! The inconvenience of
some of our august legislators for a few days (or a few weeks possibly)
is to decide questions of State policy! How desperate was the cause that
was compelled to answer for such a move on the ground of
inconvenience to members! If l am not mistaken, the tax-payers
of this State will be very apt to inquire of their representatives, "Was
your convenience during the session worth this vast sum? And if
it was, why should the State--why should we, pay it? Why did not your
own enjoyments come out of your own pockets?"
The consequences of this removal will be far more serious than members
(who, in the confusion raised by the removalists, were forced to vote for
the concurrent resolution) supposed. This hasty, inconsiderate and
inexcusable action will create an idea of instability and unsettled
purpose among capitalists that will operate seriously against us.
But the worst effect will be with the tide of immigration now moving
across the continent. The thousands and thousands of hardy citizens
who have either started for California or were contemplating a start
in the Spring will think that the finest portion of this State--the
Sacramento valley--and the finest portion of the valley, is
uninhabitable; or, that the Legislature of California is a body met
for personal enjoyment, incapable of dignified legislation.
Publish it to the world, that in the one thousand, eight hundred and
sixty-second year of our Lord, the State of California was compelled
by her rulers to expend a vast sum of money--at least fifty thousand
dollars--to enable the white-fingered gentlemen of her Legislature to
take a pleasure trip. And that in the same year, those delicate
personages broke faith with the citizens of Sacramento, who had
invested thousands of dollara to accomodate those representatives (!)
I have thus written, not because I am capable of affecting the Legislature,
or of informing the people of the right or wrong doing of their
representatives, but that all may see that Sacramentans are not
the only ones who considered this notion of the Legislature unjust and
wroug. And I venture to say that if the question had been submitted to
the people of Marysville.they would have pronounced against it.
PUBLICOLA. . . .
FROM MOKELUMNE HILL.--The Stockton Republican of January 23d has
the annexed intelligence from Mokelumne Hill:
Cooper, a merchant of Mokelumne Hill, arrived in town yesterday. He
left that place on Tuesday and came horseback to the vicinity of Poland's,
where he fell in with Michael Cosgrove (who lives half way between Campo
Seco and the Spring Valley House) in a boat bound for Stockton, in which
he took passage. He reports much stock lost, and all those living, on the
plains, wading belly deep in water. All the fencing is swept away by the
floods, and most of the houses deserted. At Poverty Bar the town was
flooded, most of the first floors of the low buildings being covered
eight inches to a foot with slum and water; the rear of Cooper & Co.'s
saloon was washed away, the current undermining the foundation; their
bridge (across the Mokelumne to Lancha Plana) had fallen, and was covered
about eight feet with tailings. The fine orchard opposite is destroyed,
on the Mokelumne cutting a new channel through the island. At Campo Seco
the town was flooded by the reservoir of the Mokelunne Hill ditch, above
the camp, bursting, injuring Hopkins' brewery, and lifting his garden
en masse on the premises of his neighbor. At Mokelumne Hill all
kinds of goods were plentiful except provisions. Flour was selling at
$20 and $24 per barrel, and but little in store; potatoes, eight cents
per pound, and very scarce at that; rice, none to be had, and Chinamen
starving.. At Chile Gulch some stores and many buildings were temporarily
flooded. At West Point, and vicinity, provisions reported plenty, and
but little damage by the flood. On the north branch of the Calaveras,
Stevenson's and Medina's bridges are swept away, and in fact every bridge
on the stream except McDermott's.
STILL ANOTHER FLOOD.--The Stockton Republican of January 24th
thus speaks of another flood with which its citizens have been afflicted:
We have another flood upon us. It seems to have been specially sent to
cover up those who have not been before troubled. Though plenty who have
caught it all along have the flood again. It is all back water. It backs
up the sloughs everywhere and overflows the land near them. It backs up
especially in the western part of the city and in the western business
portion. The streets are quite navigable anywhere on El Dorado and west
of that street Ladies and gentlemen were sailing around yesterday in boats
upon streets where they recently walked dry-footed. There was, upon an
average, six inches upon the floor of the Weber House, and on every floor
thence to the levee on Center street. . . .
p. 4
CATHOLIC ITEMS.--From the Monitor we take the following items:
By direction of the Archbishop, the prayer for fair weather
(ad postulandam serenitatem), has been recited in masses since
the 10th inst. . . .
About fifty persons remain at St. Mary's Hospital, Stockton street,
receiving relief; one hundred and fifty is the number who were boarded
and lodged since the flood commenced. The children have been removed
to the Orphan Asylum, Market street, where they have been kindly received.
The Sisters of Charity are willing to take charge of all others from the
interior whose parents are not able to give them suitable protection. . . .
Rev. J. A. Gallagher, Pastor of Stockton, is on a visit to this city.
The flood has been severe in his district. The only church in Stockton
in which service was held last Sunday was St. Mary's. . . .
THE FLOOD ON THE TUOLUMNE.--A correspondent of the Stockton
Independent, writing from Morley's ranch, on the Tuolumne,
January 12th, says:
Last Thursday the Tuolumne showed signs of overflowing, and on Friday
there was a great flood, the river having run over its banks and swept
everything before it. Numerous families were compelled to remove their
effects to higher ground, in order to save them; all the fences that
were left from the flood of the 27th December were carried away, leaving
things in almost hopeless condition. The river was several feet higher
than on the 27th of last month, when it was within about two feet of
the flood of '52. It is now some four or five feet higher than on the
27th, and still raining. It is out of the question to fully paint to
you the losses that have been sustained in this part of the country.
Houses, barns, fences and all that stood at all exposed on the bottom
lands have gone. Danner, who lives about three miles above my place,
informs me that his house, barn, hay, fences and crop were all destroyed.
Danner says that the house of J. Pickler, at the mill, three and a half
miles above here, has given way. This was a new house, built on the
highest portion of the bottom. I am of opinion that Dr. Booth has lost
all--am told the waters are high up on the house of Geo. W. Branch, and
all the flat from his house to the bluff, is a flood of water. J. Barhem
and Jas. Covauad had to leave their houses, David Hartman's house is
entirely surrounded with water deep enough to float a steamboat; James
Browder is yet on dry land; C. W. Salter's house is in danger of being
floated away; C. Pettibone and family had to leave for the hills;
C. Osborn has lost one hay stack, and his brick barn stands in four
feet of water, as also his house; Summer's house is in four feet of
water; John F. Hinkson is on dry land; B. Davis has abandoned his school
house; the school house near H. B. Davis' has floated away. On the south
side of the river Mrs. Bands' place is submerged. This afternoon I was
down on the south bank of the river. The scene there is beyond description.
I was at the place of G. G. Dickinson, south of Osborn'a Ferry, and found
that the family had got away, but with great difficulty. Two of the
Dickinson boys were yet in the house, with two men, and had no chance
for escape. Dickinson had some five hundred or six hundred bushels of
grain submerged; his house stands a poor chance of being saved, although
it stands two feet above ground. My loss is numbered with my neighbors.
In the two last freshets I have lost not less than $2,000. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3380, 28 January 1862, p. 1
DAMAGE IN GRASS VALLEY.--Speaking of the effects of the late storms at
Grass Valley, the Nevada National says:
Careful estimates show that there are about fifteen hundred quartz
miners now out of employment in Grass Valley! The earnings of these men
will reach about $4,000 per day, which is really equivalent to so much
money taken from the pockets of our laboring men. In addition to the
amount thus taken from the wages of our people, there is also a much
larger amount of profits and interest on investments, which accrues in
ordinary weather, but which is now daily lost to the income of our people.
It is safe to say that a loss of fully $10,000 is daily accruing to Grass
Valley, and will continue to do so until the floods of water now pouring
upon the hills shall cease their flow. There are not more than one or
two quartz mills running in Grass Valley, or vicinity. The mines are
nearly all filled with water--the appliances for draining being entirely
inadequate to work against the present unprecedented flow of water. Of
course other branches of business are more or less affected by the general
stagnation of our principal industry. The stores and streets are nearly
deserted of their usual throng, by reason of the inclemency of the weather
and everything around wears a dreary and desolate appearance.
THE WATERS RECEDING.--Yesterday the Yuba river fell rapidly, and gave
indications of a speedy removal of the immense swelling to which it has
been subject for some time past. Should the rains hold off but a little
while, it will soon subside to its usual diminutive size, and take its
humble course down the channel prescribed for its course towards the
ocean.--Marysville Express, January 27th, . . .
THE GREAT FLOOD.
[From the Placer Herald.]
The greatest calamity that has ever befallen our State is now upon
it. The Americans have been twelve years in the country without having
before witnessed anything approaching it in its terrors. True we have
heard traditionary rumors of inundations visiting the land years ago,
before we came to this region, but these rumors were so vague and
unspecific as not to amount to information upon which a people could
act. Aside from this we have had no warning, and without some specific
facts upon which to rely, the most reasonable thinker among us could
not have foreseen this disaster. It is now apparent that these vague
warnings were based upon facts. If we will look into the former history
of the country we shall find in the location of the Mexican villages
in the sites chosen for their missions by the intelligent and careful
priesthood, and in the habits, pursuits, etc., of the inhabitants,
evidences in support of the traditionary tales. These towns were all
built upon high ground, as also are the missions. This fact has
heretofore been rather a subject of speculation by Americans,
considering how beautful [sic] and prolific were the valleys. The
principal occupation of the inhabitants was that of grazing, leaving
the valleys vast uncultivated plains, upon which their herds roamed,
without fence or other obstacles to limit their wanderings. Experience
had taught them that these rich plains could not be relied upon for
the cultivation of the grains, and hence they ware ceded to the settlers
in extended tracts, as pasture lands when the floods should have
subsided. No fences marked the boundaries of these great farms; the
cattle fed in common, and each year the herds were collected and the
owners respectively claimed their cattle, separated and branded them.
Hence we have the "rodeo." these people had seventy years experience in
the land before the Americans came to occupy it, and these were their
customs. It is probable they were wise enough to learn something from
the warnings of the aboriginal tribes, of whom we have had but little.
Living eight or ten years in the country, we have assumed to know more
of the country than the Mexican or Indian. We have built cities and
villages in the valleys, divided valley and plain into smaller tracts,
carefully fencing our boundaries, and subdividing our farms, and
cultivating the cereals, as we did in the land of our ancestry. No one,
of course, could foresee that this would be the year of flood--very few
reflected that it was an incident possible. When the great Napoleon was
projecting his expedition into Russia, he caused the almanacs and all
other sources of statistics relating to the rains, etc., of that country
for the previous forty years to be carefully studied.
One would suppose that human foresight had accomplished all that was
necessary or possible; yet we know that the terrific snows were six
weeks earlier that year than any of these sources of information gave
any account of.
Many of us have [not] had the sources of information with reference to
California, to study, as the great Emperor did that of Russia, and
therefore it was much easier to be mistaken. Our valley cities have
been much injured, villages have been swept away, the great valley
farming region to a great extent inundated, houses and fences swept
off in the flood and the cattle in great numbers drowned, to say
nothing of the loss of human life. Human energy--and particularly
that of the pioneers of this State, can affect a great deal, but
whether it would be wise to enter into a regular warfare with the
elements, is a proposition that may well stagger the bravest heart
among us. How often is this to happen?--once in twenty or fifty years?
May it not occur next year or the year after? are questions the careful
man will ponder over before he goes back to rebuild his home.
We now know that it us an incident of the country, against which we
cannot guard, and whether it is not best to change somewhat to the
habits of our predecessors in our customs and in our uses of the
country, may well suggest itself. * * * *
Whilst upon the subject of horrors, we may as well refer to another
danger to which the country is incident, viz: that of earthquakes.
We have had earthquakes on several occasions--in some localities
quite severe; but old men speak of shocks having visited the country
so violent as to topple every brick house in San Francisco to the
ground. Although this fact is known we take no warning therefrom;
the result will probably be a disaster more terrible to some of our
cities than this flood has been to the country. But, "sufficient unto
the day is the evil thereof;" let us borrow nothing from earthquakes
whilst contending with the floods.
The mountain counties have suffered in loss of life and in property,
but less than the valleys, The destruction of bridges, flumes, aqueducts,
dams, the filling up of drain ditches, and destruction to mining machinery
is, of course, unprecedented, and will sum up among the millions in
loss. These are great misfortunes, but which may be overcome in the
future operations of the country. Many of the present occupants of
the mines will sink into bankruptcy under the present disaster, but
others will take their places, and the mines will still be worked.
In this aspect we are, in all human probability, better off than the
valleys.
The flood is not peculiar to this State. Our intelligence from Oregon
represents similar disasters there, and it is probable that Washington
Territory and the entire Pacific coast, for a great distance up and down
this continent, has been visited in a like manner.
THE REMOVAL QUESTION.--The San Francisco correspondent of the Marvsville
Express thus remarks upon the late Republican project of removing
the Capital to San Francisco.
The Republicans are in dire tribulation over the anticipation of being
held responsible as a party for the removal of the Legislature from
the Capital. How they can rationally hope to escape the responsibility
is more than I can understand. That they had the power to prevent it and
did not, fixes the responsibility of course. It will not do to plead the
fact that a few Democrats voted for removal, or that a few Republicans
voted against it. The Republicans who opposed the measure did so upon
local considerations alone, and they may deem themselves extremely
fortunate if they do not find themselves unceremoniously kicked out
of their party for their contumacious disregard of the behests of their
leaders. Indeed, of one of them is as good as overboard already, and
will be entirely and irretrievably so before the end of the session,
if he on any occasion, however slight, again kick out of the traces.
Notwithstanding the elaborate special pleading of the Attorney General
to show the legality of the adjournment of the Legislature to any place
other than the Capital, the opinion gains ground steadily that it was
a violation of the Constitution, that the body sitting here is divested
of all the powers and elements of the Legislature of the State, and all
their acts here will be null and void. The question will probably be
tested on the Act to remove the State offices, should it pass the Assembly,
it being understood that some one or all of the officers will refuse to
obey the Act, which will bring the question up on mandamus. For
myself, I am thoroughly satisfied that no Department of the Government
can perform its functions at any place other than the State Capital,
and that the Capital cannot be changed permanently or temporarily, except
by an Act passed and signed at the seat of government. But considerations
of law or equity do not obtain very marked weight in this Legislature,
I am sorry to say. On the contrary, they seem to prefer to do a thing
wrong when it is just as easy to do it right,
SACRAMENTO VS. SUTTERVILLE.--The Transcript attributes the
overflow at Sacramento to the sin of her people in building the city
upon a site known to be subject to terrible overflows when they might
have built upon the high ground at Sutterville. If it was a sin in
building the city on its present site, it cannot be laid to the present
inhabitants, for nearly all the original settlers are gone, and other
people have taken their places. There is one fact however, that may
not be generally known: Sutterville was laid out before Sacramento;
stores were first established there, and it had the start in every way.
In the Winter of 1848-9, it was considered a matter of doubt whether
the town would be built at Sutterville or at the Fort; but from some
cause the trade centered at what was then known as the embaroadero,
and there the city was built. The principal trading firms of that
day--Brannan & Co., Hensley, Reading & Co. and Priest, Lee & Co.--had
no particular partiality for the embarcadero, and did not go there
until they were compelled to in order to retain their trade. The
proprietors of Sutterville held out liberal offers to induce merchants
to locate there, but their exertions were of no avail; Sacramento grew
rapidly while the trading establishments at the Fort and at Sutterville
were discontinued. The gentlemen composing the firms above mentioned
were well aware that Sacramento was liable to deep overflows and some
of them, to our knowledge, had been told by a reliable gentleman that
he had seen the water eighteen feet deep on what is now Front street;
but it was not in their power to retain the trade at the Fort or carry
it to Sutterville. so they made a virtue of necessity and located where
they saw the trade was centering.--Nevada Democrat.
THE ROAD OVER THE MOUNTAINS.--The Placerville Democrat of January 25th
has the following: A gentleman who arrived in this place yesterday
morning from Virginia City informs us that it is difficult and dangerous
and extremely unpleasant to cross the mountains at this time. He came a
part of the way on horseback and part on foot. He says in a week, if the
weather keeps good, the road can be put in good traveling condition for
pack trains, and in a month for teams. There was but little snow on the
mountains; the weather was clear, cold and freezing. Goss, the
superintendent of the county road, is vigorously at work on it, and the
proprietors of public houses on it are rendering him every assistance.
They are filling up the gulleys, shoveling off the small stones,
clearing away the brush and removing the trees and bowlders, which cover
and obstruct it at many places. It will take a large force to remove some
of the trees and bowlders, and the superintendent is authorized to employ
a large number of hands when they can be worked advantageously. The
weather is too unsettled for him to do so at present. The freshet washed
away the walls on part of it, and it will take some time to put them up
as strongly as they were before the flood, but they can be temporarily
repaired so as to admit of traveling. The superintendent is energetic and
industrious, and will improve the road as rapidly as the weather will permit.
Since our last issue several more land slides have occurred on the Carson
valley road, between Brockliss' and the summit, but not so large or of
so dangerous a character as those noticed in our columns. They have not
injured the road to a great extent, and the little damage they did can
easily and speedily be repaired. So says our informant, who saw them.
A GLEAM OF SUNSHINE.--Under this head the Stockton Independent of
January 24th, thus discourses:
On the west side of the San Joaquin, though a great deal of property
has been swept away in the shape of fences, ferry boats, barns and
houses, it is now generally believed but little stock, comparatively
speaking has been drowned. A large cattle raiser from that part of
the country informed us yesterday that most of his neighbors had saved
nearly all their stock, which, on the first rise of the river fled
away to the foothills of the Diablo range where pasture is already
becoming good enough to subsist them, and where there is not the least
danger from floods. He is of opinion that only the weakest and poorest
of the herds have perished, and thinks that on his side of the river the
proportion of one in ten is a liberal allowance to make for loss. He
says at present, from the excited state of the public mind, every
statement is exaggerated, but as the waters sabside, it will be
gradually manifested that not enough stock has perished to affect the
prices of cattle and beef. We only hope his opinions may be well founded,
but it is to be feared that his section is an exception to the general rule.
FISHING FOR THE WELL.--Brastow--Wells, Fargo & Co.'s messenger--coming
from Shasta to Red Bluff, during the time of high water last week, saw
a woman on Cottonwood wading about in three feet of water with a tin
bucket in one hand and a long pole in the other, making sundry pokes
with the pole aforesaid in the water on the right and left and front
as she waded along. On inquiry what she was about, she informed our
indomitable expressman that "the children in the house were crying for
water, and she was out hunting for the well!"--Red Bluff
Independent.
THE MIDDLE FORK.--Maine Bar, which contained more houses, two to one,
than any village on the river, has been entirely carried away. The first
floods destroyed the one half of the place, and the high water of the
11th, January swept away all the balance. Paradise was not even excepted
from the destructive element--while its neighbor Wildcat fared equally
as bad. The river at the present writing--Sunday noon, January 19th--is
higher than it has been known for eight years, except during the recent
flood.--Placer Courier.
THE LEGISLATURE.--This august body has done nothing yet worthy of the
least notice, except, perhaps, to provide themselves with money from
the Swamp Land Fund, try to remove the Capital and adjourn for a week's
spree at San Francisco. The members seem to think that there has been
no storms except at Sacramento, and if they only get away from here they
will pass directly to dry land and sunshine,--Cor. [?] Placer Herald,
Jan. 16th.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Yesterday was one of the coldest days ever experienced in Sacramento,
and there was a slight fall of snow in the morning. The river continues
to fall slowly, and the water continues to recede from our streets. . . . .
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The boat that went to the section between between [sic]
the upper and lower Stockton roads brought up two families, and relieved
others who were destitute. The San Francisco relief boats Volunteer and
Rescue were provisioned and started on Sunday to run down inland as far
as practicable, then strike the river, meet the down boat, and proceed
home. The generous boatmen have performed their labors with cheerfulness
and alacrity, and tendered their gratuitous services to the Society at
any time they might be called upon. About one hundred have left the
Pavilion for their homes, now free from water, and were fitted out as
the stores of the Society permitted. Two stations have been closed, and
there are now but three hundred at the remainder, as they return to their
own homes as fast as the receding waters will permit. The demands of
yesterday for fuel and clothing were numerous, and the severe cold weather
produces a new phase of distress and suffering. On Sunday, six packages
of clothing and one case of boots were received from the San Francisco
Relief Committee. Donations have been received from Mountain Forest
Lodge, F. and A. M., Eureka, Sierra county, $100; Citizens of Dutch Flat
(the third amount), $17 50; Citizens of Grass Valley, the princely sum of
$2,305, and from the Sacramento Rangers, Benicia, $260. The two latter
amounts and the sources deserve especial notice, and the donors will
receive the plaudits of the people of the entire State. Sickness prevails
at the Pavilion among the children, principally scarlet fever, and they
receive the best of nursing and medical treatment. The end of the labors
of this Association is not yet to be seen, and the dispensations are
curtailed so as to eke out the funds at disposal. The people in every
quarter seem willing and ready to strengthen the hands of the members of
the Society, and there is little doubt but that ample means will come
to hand.
THE MACADAMIZED ROAD AND LEVEE.
The elaborate plan prepared by our correspondent, T., and published
yesterday, for providing a levee by chartering a company to build a
macadamized road along the American to the high land by Brighton,
has doubtless attracted some attention. We remarked yesterday that
it appeared too complicated, and would be likely to cost so much that
the travel which would naturally be attracted to it would be insufficient
to enable the company to realize enough annually to pay interest and
expenses. But upon further reflection, we conclude that a condition
of things may arise which would place such a project in a position
so favorable as to justify its adoption.
Two plans have been advocated; one looking to an inside levee,
extending from I street to Twenty-second or Thirty-first street,
thence south to R, down R to Front, and up Front to I; the other to
build a levee up the American to the high land at or near Brighton.
The former is urged as the plan which should be adopted by some of
our most energetic citizens, and if it is decided upon by the
tax-payers of the city, the macadamized road project might be made
available. Should this levee around the city be built, a wagon road
to the interior, passable at all seasons, and so located as not to
prove a dam to turn the water upon the city, would be imperatively
demanded. To obviate all danger of its proving an obstruction to
the flow of water past the city, should it again break over east of
Thirty-first street, the elevated road should be located on the north
side of the city, and in a position where it would operate as a levee
to protect, instead of assisting to overflow it. But, in order to be
rendered available as a road, the company would find it necessary to
run their line as straight from I street to the high land as would be
consistent with the levee object. The more direct the line the better
for a road as well as for a levee, provided it were near enough to the
river to answer that purpose. Doubtless a road macadmized and kept free
from dust in the Summer and mud in the Winter, on which low tolls were
charged, would attract a great portion of the pleasure riding of the
city, as well as the stages, and a good share of the loaded wagons.
This would certainly be the case, provided the city made no effort to
build a road from any other point to the high land. But a macadamized
road ought to extend beyond the high land at Brighton. It should extend
east so as to strike the point where the roads to Jackson, Placerville,
Coloma and Folsom branch from a common trunk road after leaving the
city. It seems to us, however, that another object should also be kept
in view, and that is the bringing in of any railroad which may enter the
city on the same line upon which it is proposed to locate the macadamized
road. By uniting the embankments necessary for the two, it would form
a barrier against which the waters of the American would beat in vain.
It may be urged that the locomotive would render the macadamized road
useless for pleasure parties by frightening horses; but this difficulty
could be surmounted to a great extent by taking proper precaution.
Although the flood of January 10th demonstrated that it was high enough
to have come into the city had no railroad been in existence, still,
prudence dictates that no railroad or macadamized embankment should
be permitted to be built on a line running into the south side of the
city. In self defense the city should insist that no railroad nor wagon
road, on a high and solid embankment, shall be built so far south of
the American river as to dam the water up against any east levee which
may be raised, or which would have a tendency to turn the floods upon
Sacramento, if no east levee existed, should the water again burst its
bounds on that river. The December flood, in our judgment, would not
have entered the city to have done any material damage had not the
solid embankment of the railroad stood in its way, but that of the
tenth of January was high enough to have overtopped the Thirty-first
and R street levees had the railroad been out of the way.
However, all risks from obstructions by railroads or wagon road
embankments ought to be avoided, if possible, in the future. It
matters not how much trestle work is built upon either; the openings
thus left will prove insufficient as the embankments on each side
will obstruct the free flow of the water in a flood like that of
the 9th of December, to such an extent as to render it doubtful
whether it would not be forced in immense masses towards the city,
notwithstanding the trestle work openings. The safe policy, therefore,
is to have the coast entirely clear south and east of Thirty-first
street, from this time forward. In the event of the water breaking
over from the American another season as it did a few days since from
Patterson's down to Smith's, it should have an uninterrupted passage
past the city.
REMOVAL.--In the course of the debate in the Assembly upon the majority
and minority reports from the Committee appointed to procure a house
for the session, Mr. Fay, of San Francisco, who argued against going
to Hayes' Park from the former United States Court rooms, in which the
members were then sitting, in the course of his remarks, said:
There are many reasons why it is not a matter of economy to remove,
and more particularly this reason, that, as I believe, it is but an
indication of an inducement for the permanent removal of the Capital
from Sacramento. I desire to enter my protest against it. Sacramento
is to-day the Capital, and she is entitled to it until the people
decide that it is not the proper place. And if in the future it can
be demonstrated to the people of this State, by the building of
levees and putting that city in a proper condition, that that is
the proper place for the Capital, for one I am not going to raise
my voice against it.
The foregoing does not correspond with what a San Francisco member was
heard to say the day the resolution to adjourn was passed. He said:
"Let us get the Legislature to San Francisco, and then see if they
ever get it away again." Insincerity has been exhibited by somebody
connected with the delegation.
MISREPRESENTATION.--The San Juan Press of January 18th has the following:
There must, we think, be some mistake in the news from Sacramento which
states that the water was running over the floors of the Senate and
Assembly Chambers. The Capitol is located on high ground, and these
chambers are in the second story, at least fifteen feet above the
ground level. If the statement be true, many brick houses, located on
depressed spots, would be completely submerged, if not entirely destroyed.
The above was taken from an extra published by the Nevada Transcript,
which newspaper has published more misstatements about the flood
in Sacramento than any other journal in the State, not excepting the
San Francisco Call. Instead of the water running over the floors
of the Senate and Assembly Chambers, it did not come within twenty feet
of them. The members had, during all their session in Sacramento, dry
and carpeted floors, on which to legislate at their ease, and there was
no good reason why they should neglect the business of the State and
tramp off like a band of wandering gipsies to San Francisco.
PLACER COUNTY.--Two bridges have been saved from destruction in this
county. These are the suspension bridges at Murderer's bar, on the
middle fork of the American river, and Condemed bar, on the north
fork, above Folsom.
LEGALITY OF THE ADJOURNMENT.
The San Francisco correspondent of the Marysville Express says
there is a good deal of doubt still prevailing as to the
constitutionality of the adjournment of the Legislature from the
Capital to San Francisco by concurrent resolution. It is thought by
many that no Act passed in San Francisco will be held valid by the
Courts. If such should be the result, woe to those who voted for the
resolution. Whether legal or illegal, it is certainly setting up a
claim to a dangerous power; if the Legislature can by joint resolution
adjourn to San Francisco, the same vote will pass a resolution to
adjourn to Los Angeles. The next Legislature may conclude that neither
San Francisco, Los Angeles, nor the Capital will answer for holding
the session, and therefore the members determine by a majority vote
to adjourn from the Capital to Stockton or Marysville. The power
claimed is, that members may adjourn by joint resolution from the
Capital to any point the convenience, comfort or pleasure of members
dictated. If a flood, which has desolated the State, is advanced in
justification in one instance, a destructive hurricane, an earthquake,
the cholera, the small pox, or the yellow fever might be assigned as
a good reason for other adjournments from the Capital to some place
where the members would imagine themselves safe and comfortable.
The true policy, as well as the line of duty in all such cases, would
be to adjourn sine die, and let the Governor call the body
together under more favorable circumstances; and had Governor
Stanford boldly taken ground in favor of an adjournment until Spring,
we have faith to believe the proposition would have carried. The
condition of the State in consequence of the damage caused by floods,
would have presented a foundation broad enough and strong enough for
sending in a vigorous message, recommending the postponement of all
legislation except the passage of a few Acts until Spring. There is
a very general impression prevailing here that Governor Stanford was
not equal to the occasion when the concurrent resolution to adjourn
to San Francisco was under consideration. His administration and party
are likely to be held responsible for the unmanly and impolitic, if
not unconstitutional act.
It is probable that the opinion of the Attorney General had a good
deal of influence upon the vote, though individually he declared
his opposition to the temporary adjournment. But his legal opinion
is not law, and the Supreme Court may possibly take a different
view of the case. He expressed doubts as a to the policy of
adjourning, as there was, notwithstanding his opinion, doubts as
to the power of the Legislature to adjourn by concurrent resolution.
In closing his opinion, the Attorney General said:
The magnitude of the interests involved, the peculiar and most
unfortunate condition of the State, rendering it most probable
that legislative action will be required to relieve our people
from the embarrassments of the widespread calamity with which
the whole State seems to have been visited; the fact that very
important amendments to the Constitution will claim your consideration
at this session, impress me with the conviction that you should
act with great deliberation in this matter, and that no consideration
of mere personal convenience should weigh against the possibility
of the commission of an error fraught with such serious results
as would be a mistake in this matter.
I regret that an opinion cannot, in advance of the final disposition
of this question, be obtained from the Supreme Court of this State,
and it is a matter of personal concern to myself that I have had so
limited an opportunity for the investigation of a question so new to
me, and of so grave and important a character.
I have endeavored, however, to perform the duty required of me by
your resolution in fidelity to the duties of my office, and to the
law, and it is my opinion that, in view of the absence of any provision
of the Constitution inhibiting a legislative removal, or any law
declaring that the Legislature shall hold its session at the Capital,
with my understanding and interpretation of section 15, Article IV,
of the Constitution, in view of the absolute powers of the Legislature
to control and direct their own movements, knowing that in the history
of the past, Legislatures of several of the States have been temporarily
removed, and on one occasion the national Capital has been driven by
foreign invasion to seek safety for its members, and its archives;
reasoning from the philosophy and the principle involved in this
discussion, I can come to no other conclusion than that the Legislature
may, by concurrent resolution of a majority of both Houses, adjourn
for more than three days, and to any place within the boundaries of
this State other than the present established seat of government. And
that in the event of such adjournment, the fact would not affect the
validity of any laws which might be passed at such place of temporary
adjournment.
The Attorney General argues that the power of the Legislature to control
its own movements and the absence of any law or constitutional
provision requiring that body to convene at the Capital, leave it at
liberty to adjourn to any point it may select. Admit this reasoning
to be correct, and the Legislature may adjourn from place to place
during the session, and as it is absolute over its own movements, it
might adjourn to the Sandwich Islands. The Constitution does not
provide that the Legislature shall meet in the State, but would that
authorize it to hold its sessions in Nevada Territory? The Legislature
may not do everything which the Constitution does not prohibit. The
absence of a clause requiring the Legislature to meet in the State,
will not authorize that body to adjourn to meet in another State. It
is not a whit more logical to argue, because the Constitution does not
declare that the sessions shall be held at the Capital, that the
Legislature may adjourn to another place by a concurrent resolution.
The Constitution provided for a Capital as the seat of the State
Government. The Legislature is a co-ordinate branch of that Government,
and hence the Constitution intended that the sessions should be held at
the Capital. Where else can they be legally held? The Attorney General
says the Legislature, as it is the absolute master of its own movements,
may adjourn from the Capital to another place. The Supreme Court may not
agree with the Attorney General, and in that event all the Acts passed
in San Francisco would be null and void. The Legislature is making a
dangerous experiment. . . .
POTATOES.--Immense quantities of potatoes are constantly coming into
market from Bodega and the coast thereabouts. One house yesterday
received 1,800 sacks, and today California growth are dull at three
cents. Humboldt potatoes are scarce, and command nearly one cent more,
at which they will probably rule until the arrival of another steamer
from the northern ports.--S. F. Journal, Jan. 24th.
The above information is gratifying, as good potatoes are scarce, and
dealers in the interior, not excepting Sacramento, are asking great
prices for them. A few shipments to the interior towns will not operate
badly.
SUGGESTIONS.--The Sacramento correspondent of the Alta has
the following:
It has been proposed to cut a canal through Knight's Ferry above the
mouth of Feather river, through Yolo county, so as to let off the
superabundant water into Suisun Bay. This suggestion, if carried
out in connection with one already proposed, to wit, the cutting of
a ditch from the American above town, through to the low lands below
the R street levee, would effectually preclude any serious damage by
freshets in and around Sacramento.
ACCIDENT.--A miner named Robert Jeffries had his thigh fractured lately,
by the caving of a bank in the claims of Hiscox & Co., near Sweetland,
Nevada county.
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT.--The following business was disposed of in the Police Court
yesterday by Judge Gilmer: A. Larouche, charged with the larceny of a boat,
was acquitted. . . . Sinclair and Halloway waving time, were fined $15
each. The parties had had a boat quarrel on Second street, near J, from
which the above charges arose. . . . The case of Rodifer, Dorsey, Morgan
and Green, charged with grand larceny, in stealing powder, was continued
until to-day. . . .
A COLD DAY.--Yesterday was one of the coldest days ever experienced
in Sacramento. The day set in with a light hail storm in the morning,
and during the entire day still water froze in the shade. The thermometer
at Dr. Logan's stood at seven o'clock in the morning, and the same hour
in the evening, at about thirty six degrees above zero. At nine o'clock
in the evening that of the Union office exposed at the third story
window, stood at thirty-four degrees. As thirty-two degrees is the
freezing point, and as ice was found before the thermometer fell to
that point, it would appear that either the thermometer don't know how
far to fall or the water don't know when to begin to freeze. Dr. Logan's
thermometer was partially sheltered at the rear of his store. It was
thought by many that yesterday was the coldest day ever experienced in
the city, but we are informed that Sutter slough was frozen over on the
6th of January, 1854, which was not the case yesterday.
THE POWDER LARCENY.--The case of William Dorsey, Charles Morgan,
Austin Rodifer and William Green, charged with grand larceny in stealing
powder, is set for examination in the Police Court this morning.
Massol & Merwin and J. & P. Carolan have a powder house near T and
fifteenth streets, divided by a wall, with a door at each end, and
R. M. Oppenheim has a separate house a few rods off. All the doors
were found broken open some two weeks ago, and a large quantity of
powder was found to be missing. Soon afterward large quantities of
powder were found afloat below the city, that which was not stolen
having floated off. Huntington & Hopkins have a powder house near
Third and V streets, which has not been broken open. Powder marked
with their brand had, however, been sold to the other dealers, and
has consequently been found afloat.
SEA VOYAGE FROM PLACER.--A resident of Virginia, Placer county,
named U. Mayo, and two companions, built and launched a boat at
that place last week, for the purpose of making a sea voyage to
Sacramento. They started on Friday and came down Auburn ravine to
where the waters of that stream empty into the inland sea which
extends to the northeast of the city some fifteen or twenty miles,
and thence to the city. They think they traveled some fifty miles
in all, and arrived here on Saturday, in about twelve hours traveling
time. Some two or three years ago one or two persons were drowned
in attempting to make a trip from the same point. . . .
THE WATER GAUGE.--The city water gauge, at the foot of N street, which
for five or six years has kept watch over the Sacramento, reporting
faithfully its rise and fall at all times and seasons, was carried away
yesterday, and will report no longer of the coming and the going of the
floods. The steamer Gem, the night before her excursion to Dunn's garden,
floated against the gauge and broke it so nearly off that it has been
extremely shaky ever since. Yesterday the current proved too strong for
it and it was carried off.
LOSS TO SACRAMENTANS.--J. F. Roberts, of this city, received a letter
yesterday from Grizzly Flat, El Dorado county, informing him that the
quartz mill of Roberts & Co., in which he was interested, had been
destroyed by the flood. The water wheel and one arastra of the mill
of J. D. Treat, of the Antelope Restaurant, had also been carried away.
The same letter stated that the mills of Knox and Morey, at the same
place, had been destroyed. The letter was dated January 10, 1862
DUST.--At the risk of rousing the ire of the weather clerk and bringing
another flood upon our city, as did our Stockton friends a few weeks
since, we unhesitatingly state the fact that the dust was flying on
J street and the levee yesterday, to the inconvenience of pedestrians.
Where it came from it is difficult to imagine, as the surface of the
streets was covered with frozen mud.
IMMENSE DEPOSITS.--An immense deposit of sand and sediment is being made
in the eastern portion of the city, by the stream of water which comes
in through the crevasse at the tannery. There is three or four feet in
depth of it already in the vicinity of Agricultural Park. In many other
places it is twice that depth. There will be no scarcity of material for
new levees in that vicinity.
THE CHANCES FOR SKATING.--Those who have amused themselves to their
heart's content in the exercise of boating during the past two weeks,
had better prepare themselves with skates, if we may judge of the
prospects by the temperature of yesterday. Although there was no ice
thick enough for that exercise, there was no time in the day at which
still water did not freeze in the shade. . . .
ARRESTS.--. . . James Lantree and Charles Lawson were arrested by officer
Yates, for petty larceny in stealing a boat belonging to the California
Steam Navigation Company. . . .
THE CITY FLEET.--There were no less than sixty-four boats moored on
Third street, between K and L streets, yesterday afternoon. As this is
but one of five or six embarcaderos, it is evident that we have a large
fleet of them.
HAIL.--A shower of hail fell in the region of Sacramento at about seven
o'clock yesterday morning. Wherever it fell upon dry ground it lay for
an hour or two without melting. . . .
DAMAGE ON BEAR RIVER.--From all accounts the several freshets have
caused incalculable damage to the splendid farming lands on Bear
river. Perhaps no stream in the State, of the same size, contained
so large a deposit of debris of the mines, it being the receptacle
of the tailings from extensive diggings in Placer and Nevada counties.
In places this deposit was thirty and forty feet in depth. Much of this
material has been washed to the valley, and spreading over the beautiful
bottom lands of Bear river, has in places left five and six feet of
sand and gravel We doubt if the loss of cattle, fencing, grain, etc.,
will compare with the damage caused by this filling in process. At
Johnson's crossing Bear river is said to have changed its channel, the
main stream being through the slough, a short distance south of the old
river. This diversion of the stream saved the bridge over Bear river, as
that structure has withstood all the floods in safety. The slough (or
river) is crossed by ferry.--Placer Herald. . . .
OWNERS WANTED.--A lot of powder at Clark's ranch, at Eleventh and X
streets, and another at Williams' ranch, below the Cemetery, picked up
adrift, await owners. . . .
RAINS IN CALIFORNIA.
MICHIGAN BLUFFS, January 8, 1862.
EDITORS UNION: After being confined to our cabins for weeks, patiently
waiting for the storm to cease, we naturally begin to wonder what the
past has been. I find the following, which I would like to see in the
Union. . . .
[In connection with the above, we add the following statistics.
--Eds. UNION.]
The San Francisco Bulletin has the annexed
The amount of rain that fell in this city during September last was 0.02
inches, in October none, in November 4.10 inches, in December 9.54, and
the present January 23.01--making a total for the season of 36.67 inches.
The last of the heavy rain was on the 17th instant. The record for the
past nine seasons now stands:
Total for the season of 1853 and 1854 28.81 inches.
Total for the season of 1854 and 1855 23.68 inches.
Total for the season of 1855 and 1856 21.66 inches.
Total for the season of 1856 and 1857 19.91 inches.
Total for the season of 1857 and 1858 21.81 inches.
Total for the season of 1853 and 1859 22.22 inches.
Total for the season of 1859 and 1860 22.27 inches.
Total for the season of 1860 and 1861 19.72 inches.
Total for the season of 1861 and 1862 so far 36.67 inches.
The following, says the Alta, is a correct transcript of the
meteorological record kept by Thomas Tennent, of this city, of the
rainy days, and amount of rain which fell each day during the present
season. The quantity is given in inches and hundredths:
1861. 1861.
September 2 0.02 December 26 2.02
November 10 0.27 December 27 0.28
November 12 0.74 December 28 0.17
November 13 0.29 December 29 0.70
November 14 0.05 December 30 1.25
November 15 0.08 December 31 0.25 [Dec tot 9.59?]
November 16 0.39 1862.
November 17 0.22 January 5 2.67
November 19 0.56 January 6 1.49
November 26 0.48 January 8 1.35
November 27 0.60 January 9 3.50
November 29 0.08 January 10 2.46
November 30 0.34 January 11 1.25
December 1 0 05 January 13 0.22
December 3 0.07 January 15 0.49
December 6 1.02 January 16 2.46
December 7 0.29 January 17 2.64
December 8 1.65 January 18 0.52
December 9 0.18 January 19 0.72
December 16 0.01 January 20 1.69
December 22 0.03 January 21 0.55
December 23 1.06 January 22 1.00
December 24 0.56
RECAPITULATION:
September 0.02
November 4.10
December 9.54
January 23.01
_____
Total 36.67
. . . .
FLOOD AND FATAL ACCIDENT IN SIERRA.--The following particulars are from
the Sierra Democrat of Jaruary 25th:
A distressing accident occurred at the Durgan crossing of the North Yuba,
in this place, at three P. M., Thursday. A boatswain's chair has been used
there since the flood took away the bridge. But a single passenger could
cross on that at a time, and other parties rigged a small flat boat a few
rods below, in which several persons at a time were ferried
across--propelled by the current. At the time of the accident here
mentioned, three men and three boys had started from this side for
Durgan Flat. The boat shipped a little water before reaching the center
of the current, and the men sprang for the ropes. That so disturbed the
balance of the craft that the water dashed over, and two men and two boys
fell overboard and went down the stream. The men made the eddy below
Norton's slaughter house, and swam out. The two boys, Willy Booth and
Henry McKinsey (son of our Postmaster), were drowned. Henry could not
swim much, if at all, and probably sank without a struggle. Willy was
a good swimmer, and made a desperate and almost successful effort to
reach the shore. A boy saw him swimming up to within six feet of the
shore, when he suddenly went down. The water was deep in the eddy, and
he could only have got out by swimming. Parties went on foot and horse
down as far as Goodyear's Bar, but nothing could be seen of the bodies
of the drowned boys. Both were smart, intelligent and active boys, well
known by everybody in town; and the report of the accident by which
they lost their lives had a marked effect on the community, Willy Booth
was about twelve years of age, and Henry McKinsey about ten.
A monster land slide is impending over the north side of town. At ten
o'clock Thursday morning a crack was discovered near the top of the
mountain, separating the upper side of about five acres of ground from
the main body of earth. The crack gradually widened, and many who climbed
up, expressed a fear that the mass would come with a rush and sweep
several buildings with it. A thorough reconnoiter, however, dissipated
these fears, and now nobody apprehends serious damage from the slide.
Unless a heavy rain shall come soon, the chance is the loose earth will
come so gradually down as scarcely to be noticed.
A water spout gushed out of the side of the mountain on Wednesday at
nine o'clock A. M. The water came in so large a volume as to flood
Retiker's stable and overflow Main street for a considerable distance,
filling up cellars and damaging some property. A large amount of flour
was brought up from cellars barely in time to save it.
Goodyear's Bar has been badly torn up by the flood. Jacob White lost
his house built last Summer, and also his barn, fences, etc.
CAUSE OF THE STORM.--The heavy fall of rain with which we are visited
is not without a cause. We shall attempt to give, briefly, the
circumstances which are supposed to be responsible for the annual
rainy season of our State.
California, by Lieutenant Maury, is regarded in the light of a condenser
of a grand steam machine, the boiler of which is in the southeast
trade winds. Our rainy season is the Summer of the southern
hemisphere, when the fervid sun is attracting to the clouds immense
quantities of water. In other words, the boiler is doing its best at
this season manufacturing vapor to be borne along by the southeast
trade winds till meeting with wind blowing upon the coast the
surcharged clouds are driven upon the mountains of California and
the vapor condensed and precipitated in the form of rain or snow.
While evaporation is going on rapidly in the regions of torrid heat,
and while the winds continue to bear moisture on their course, we may
expect our mountains to perform their appointed office of condensers
and the water sheds of the State to run with water, and the valleys to
overflow with its abundance. How long the storm will continue depends
upon the action of the sun in those regions subject at this time to
his powerful heat, and the continuance of the same winds that bear
vapors to our shores. The quantity of rain that has already fallen
is great--far above the average that annually falls in the northern
hemisphere. The mean annual fall on the earth is estimated at about
five feet, and in the north temperate zone thirty-seven inches. The
annual fall of rain in the tropics of the Old World is estimated at
seventy-seven inches, and in the trcpics of the New at one hundred
and fifteen inches. The amount of precipitation varies greatly in
different localities in the same latitude. Those countries that have
abrupt mountain chains near the ocean are in general visited with the
most copious discharges from the clouds.
California is undoubtedly regarded by many, especially since the
present rainy season commenced, as the best rain-visited country on
earth. But it is not so. We have seen no authoritative account of the
quantity of water that has fallen, but it is not probably more than
seven feet. This is a heavy fall, yet rain has fallen at Paramaribo,
in South America, in one season, to the depth of 229 inches or 19 feet,
23 feet in Brazil, and 25 feet on the western side of the Ghaut mountains
in South Bombay. In the latter, place twelve and fifteen inches have been
known to fall in a day. On the western coast of Patagonia 153 inches, or
near thirteen feet of water, have been known to fall in forty-one days.
This is probably more than double the amount that has ever fallen in
California in the same length of time, or at least since it has been
settled by Americans. As, however, the aqueous distillation still goes
on, it is barely possible California may yet take the premium before
the rainy season is over.--Nevada Transcript.
DAMAGE TO DITCH PROPERTY.--Considerable damage has been suffered by
the Feather River and Ophir Water Company dnring the late flood, by
the partial washing away of the head dam on the South Fork, above
Enterprise--the loss of several hundred feet of flume and the filling
up of the ditch by land slides. Preparations are already being made by
the Company to repair damages, and they confidently expect, weather
permitting, to have the water running again by the first of April.
We have heard no estimate made of the damages sustained, but they will
amount to several thousand dollars. The loss of water will be seriously
felt by the miners and the community generally.--Butte Record. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3381, 29 January 1862, p. 1
THE TELEGRAPH O. K.
COMMUNICATION IS OPEN WITH
Carson Valley and the East. Also, with Folsom, El Dorado, Diamond Springs,
Placerville, Coloma, Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada, North San Juan,
Camptonville, Forest City, Downieville, Timbuctoo, Volcano, Jackson
and Mokelumne Hill.
Dispatches are received at the office on Second street, and at the
Telegraph Station at Poverty Hill.
j27 JAMES GAMBLE, Superintendent,
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
ASSEMBLY
[The following is the conclusion of Saturday's proceedings in the Assembly:]
SAN FRANCISCO, January 24, 1862.
. . . .
PROPOSED REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICES.
The House proceeded to the consideration of Senate messages, and Senate
bill No. 16--an Act to fix the temporary resldence of State officers of
this State, and to repeal all laws in conflict therewith--was read twice.
Mr. SHANNON moved to refer the bill to the Committee of Ways and Means.
Mr. O'BRIEN said he thought there was a legal question involved, and
therefore he moved as an amendment that it be referred to the Judiciary
Committee.
Mr. PORTER--I desire to second that motion. It occurs to me that the
passage of an Act requiring the removal of the Governor and Heads of
Departments to a place which is not the Capital of the State, does
involve a legal question. The Constitution requires that those
officers shall reside at the seat of government, and it will be
necessary to so amend that bill as to declare the city of San
Francisco the temporary seat of government.
Mr. SHANNON--I beg leave to differ with the gentleman from Calaveras
(Mr. O Brien) in reference to this matter. As I understand it, there
is no question of law at all in the premises. The only question
involved is simply the propriety or necessity of this temporary removal,
and that is a question which comes properly before the Committee of Ways
and Means. If upon investigation the Committee discover that this
Legislature can be held in this city without removing those
officers--that money can be saved by doing without them--they will of
course report against removing them. I imagine that they may discover
that it will be easier and cheaper to transact the business by means
of one or two messengers, which would cost only a few hundreds during
the session, while it will cost thousands to remove those officers to
this city and back again. These are the questions involved, and there
are no legal questions about it. I think it can be shown that there is
no necessity for removing them; but I am willing the bill should go to
the Committee of Ways and Means to investigate the facts, and the cost,
and the necessity of removal.
Mr. AMES moved to add that the Committee report at eleven o'clock
A. M on Monday.
Mr. SHANNON accepted the amendment.
Mr. BELL said, as a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, he would
be happy to act upon this bill, but he had taken such positive and
decided ground against the removal, in any shape, that he wis afraid
it would hardly be considered fair to the friends of the bill to refer
it to a Committee where he must sit in judgment upon it. He supposed
he had already decided upon the merits of the bill, and could not be
looked upon as an impartial judge.
Mr. O'BRIEN said, with permission of the House, he would withdraw the
amendment, as he saw the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee had weakened.
Mr. BATTLES objected to withdrawing the amendment.
Mr. SHANNON insisted, as a question of order, that Mr. O'Brien's
amendment, naming another Standing Committee, could not take precedence
of his motion.
Mr. BENTON raised anrther question of order, that Mr. O'Brien had a
right to withdraw his amendment, as no vote had been taken upon it.
Some discussion of unimportant questions of order ensued, after which
the bill was referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, with
instructions to report on Monday.
Mr. SHANNON moved an adjournment, to enable the Committee to set
carpenters and others to work to prepare the Hall..
The SPEAKER said he was informed that there was no necessity of
adjournment on that account; the House could remain in session as
long as it was desirable.
Mr. SHANNON said then he had been misinformed, and would withdraw
the motion. . . .
At thirty six minutes past one o'clock P. M., the House adjourned to meet
at eleven o'clock A. M. on Monday. . . .
THE FLOOD IN SHASTA.--The Courier of Jan. 25th has the annexed:
During the past two weeks it has rained almost incessantly. The snow
fell to the depth of eight inches or more in Shasta, and was melted off
by drizzling rains. On Wednesday evening last the Sacramento river was
at its highest stage, three feet and a half higher than it has been at
any previous time this Winter. This freshet has done no material damage,
as all but three bridges in this county were swept away by the previous
floods. Swinford & Knox's sawmill, at the mouth of Spring creek, was
damaged by some of the framed timbers and wheels being carried off,
together with some of the saw logs; also the boarding house attached
to the mill. Waugh's ferry house, on the Sacramento river, was carried
away, together with the small boat belonging to the ferry. This freshet
was very extensive on all the streams in this county; but perhaps no
county in the State, except Tehama, has suffered less by actual loss
from overflow than Shasta. Temporary personal inconvenience and pecuniary
losses to a very limited extent, is the summing up of the damage caused
by the last great flood in Shasta county.
UNKIND AND IN BAD TASTE.--The editor of the Nevada Transcript, now on a
visit to Sacramento and the Bay, seems to harbor a most unkind and
illiberal feeling towards the suffering and submerged city of Sacramento.
As if in derision of the misfortunes of its citizens, he dates his letters
from that city, "Mudburg.' Such an exhibition of feeling is in exceeding
bad taste, to say the least, and we regret that any paper in Nevada county
should indulge in it.--Grass Valley National. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.--The California Farmer says:
Better, far better, would it have been, if it was not convenient to
legislate, to have adjourned to the call of the Governor, or to April
or May (if the whole people did not need their aid), and to have refused
their pay, and not take the last dollar out of the treasury, or to have
donated it to restore the once beautiful "City of the Plains." How much
more like true legislators would this have been than to have retreated
from their dnty, and neglected to show an interest for a people so widely
and ruinously affected. What a spectacle does this act of our Legislature
present to the world, of a people of a whole State suffering a widespread
calamity, and the very guardians of that people (being then assembled)
leaving their posts without giving them relief, and leaving this great
work for spontaneous personal effort! As is the noble charity of San
Francisco to the people of Sacramento without a parallel, so is the
conduct of our legislators in their neglect of the people during these
times of distress and peril. And this, too, from those who have professed.
to be men of retrenchment and reform,
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
THE LEGISLATURE.
. . .
In the Assembly on the same day, the Committee on Ways and Means asked for
another day in which to report upon the bill for removing certain State
offices.. . .
A Committee of three, to act in conjunction; with a Committee of the
Senate, was provided for to inquire into the damage by water to the
State Library, and to report necessary action in the premises. . . .
The Assembly was in session two hours and a half. . . .
WEATHER IN STOCKTON.--On the morning of January 26th (Sunday,) at
sunrise, the thermometer marked the freezing point in Stockton. . . .
THE SAN FRANCISCO MIRROR AND GOVERNOR STANFORD.
In an article headed "The UNION and Governor Stanford," the San
Francisco Mirror misrepresents the course and language of this
paper, volunteers a lame defense of the Governor and apologizes for his
not using his personal and political influence to prevent an adjournment
of the Legislature to San Francisco. Upon this point the Mirror--and we
presume it speaks by authority--says:
We need scarcely mention that Governor Stanford is one of the heaviest
sufferers by the flood in Sacramento. Pecuniarily, he is deeply
interested in retaining the Capital in that city. There he has lived
for many years--there reared his family altar--there planted the vine
and fig tree beside his own door. If he did not exert his personal and
political influence to prevent an adjournment of the Legislature to this
city, it is because he would not sacrifice public to private interest.
He saw that the business of the session could not be economically
transacted in the midst of ruin, want and inundation, and silently
acquiesced in the adoption of a measure effecting losses greater to
himself, perhaps, than the salary of his entire term of office. Such
an act speaks for itself. It tells us something of the character of
Governor Stanford, and will not be misinterpreted by the people. We
do not regret that the Governor did not exert his "personal and political
influence" in retaining the Legislature at Sacramento--nor will he
regret it in the future.
The Mirror in its defense admits that the Governor "did not
exert his personal and political influence in retaining the Legislature
at Sacramento." The fact is conceded, as charged, and an attempt is
made to justify his course on the ground that the Governor saw that the
business of legislation could not be transacted in Sacramento. Governor
Stanford, in our opinion, never admitted that "he saw that the business
of the session could not be economically transacted" in Sacramento. If
he did, he differs widely from other citizens, as well as from the
conclusions of people in the northern and eastern portions of the State.
The Mirror classes the Governor as one of the heaviest pecuniary
sufferers in Sacramento; this is a wide mistake, for he not long since
sold out his wholesale grocery business, and is only interested in the
oil and camphene business of Stanford Brothers, which firm could only
have been slightly injured. He is the owner of real estate here, and
interested, as are other citizens, in the prosperity of the city. But
we maintain that, as Governor, his private interest should not have
been permitted to intrude in the decision of a question before him in
which the good of the State was the question to be determined. Duty to
the people of the State required him to use all his personal and political
influence to prevent the Legislature from leaving the Capital for the
session. If he did not do it--and the Mirror considers that he
did not--we hold that he failed to discharge his duty to the public.
The plea that he is a personal sufferer by the flood, and that he thought
that the business of the State could not be done in Sacramento, will not
be accepted by the majority of the people of the State. To the people of
this city such a plea is a bitter sarcasm upon their misfortunes, uttered
by one they supposed to be a friend in need.
We are told his Excellency made a late trip to the Bay for the purpose
of exerting his influence to prevent the removal of the State offices
to San Francisco. If such were his mission, we hope he succeeded; it
is, however, a little singular that at the time he was there the name
of his Secretary of State should be used in debate as in favor of a
removal of the State officers. Secretary Weeks would, we think,
hesitate to advocate a policy in the premises not sanctioned by the
Governor. Other State officers are reported active in favor of a law
to transfer them to the Bay.
It is a fact worthy of note that we have been favored with clear and
pleasant weather from the day the Legislature voted to adjourn to San
Francisco, and that our business streets are in a condition favorable
for the transaction of business. A few days more of patience on the
part of members would have left them in a pleasanter condition for
transacting business than they occupy (judging from the accounts
received) in the Bay City.
LEGISLATIVE NOTICES.--The notices and references in the Legislators
since it convened in San Francisco, sound very like those which are
heard the first week of each session. They indicate to the people that
little or no progress has been made in legislation in the month which
has nearly passed since that body first met. in Sacramento. The work
of the session is yet to be done, and members seem to have settled
themselves in the Bay city for a long term, unless disturbed by an
earthquake. Considering the condition of the people of the State--the
immense losses they have sustained by the floods, and their consequent
inability to respond as usual when called upon for their taxes, it is
natural to suppose that members will feel called upon to reduce the
length of the session as much as possible. By reducing the length the
cost to the people is reduced in proportion. The cost of legislation
to California is much too great. It reached last session to near $300,000;
it ought to be curtailed at least one-half.
In legislation this year of floods and disasters the people should be
spared as much as possible. Indeed, judicious legislation will be needed
for their relief in various portions of the State. That part of
ex-Governor Downey's message relating to a law to compel the owners
of stock to take care of it, and to relieve farmers from the necessity
of fencing their crops was referred last week to a Committee, on motion
of Assembly Hoag of Yolo. The arguments of the Governor have been
strengthened by the wholesale destruction of fences in the valleys of
the State. If required to rebuild their fences after the water subsides,
the farmers in these valleys, who have lost everything but their land,
will be unable to raise a crop this season. To relieve them from this
dilemma a law as suggested by Governor Downey will be necessary, which
will protect crops from the encroachments of stock.
The experience of this season points out the necessity of a new system
of farming for the farmers living in the valleys of California. It
speaks in language not to be mistaken, of the impossibility of building
and securing fences in the Sacramento, San Joaqnin and other valleys,
against floods--at least until it is demonstrated that the rivers can be
successfully leveed. Therefore, the farmers in those valleys muat be
protected in making their crops, against trespass and damage by stock,
by law, instead of, as heretofore, by fences. One of the greatest items
of a farmer's experience in California is his fence account; relieve him
from that and his industry would be, as a general rule, much better
rewarded. Many farmers of experience argue that the stock of an ordinary
farm can be fed cheaper in a stable or yard, than by turning them into the
fields to graze. For large herds such a policy would not answer in
California, but the number which farmers generally own on the rivers,
could be fed or herded. Of course, where men own large tracts of land
and equally large numbers of cattle, they can afford to herd them in
the day, and corral them at night. This is a matter of deep interest
to the people of the overflowed valleys, and one which will be forced
upon the consideration of the Legislature. . . .
A PLAN TO EMPLOY CONVICTS.--Notice has been given by Mr. Morrison in
the Assembly of his intention to introduce a bill to authorize the cities
of Sacramento, Marysville and Stockton to hire from the State, at a
small compensation, a portion of the State convicts to work on levees.
That kind of labor might be advantageously employed for that purpose,
as the State would make a good bargain to hire convicts for a sum that
would barely pay the cost of feeding, clothing and safely keeping them.
But this year there will be so many men driven by the floods to seek
employment, that wages will probably be down to a low figure for
California. We hear that many of those who have lost pretty much
all by the flood below the city are ready and willing to take contracts
for building sections of the levee contemplated in District No. 2 at a
very low figure. An experiment has been tried as to the cost of making
the embankment per cubic yard, on the Sacramento, and it was found that
it could be done at twelve and a half cents. This is so low that but
little could be saved by hiring convicts at the cost of feeding them.
Of the bill of Morrison the Alta says:
As advantages for this plan, it is claimed that the State will be
relieved from the expense of maintaining the prisoners, amounting to
$120,000 annually; that the competition of the convict labor with the
mechanics will be at an end; that the work will be well done, Since
it will be necessary for each city to protect the population and
farming industry in its vicinity; and that the .State will be at
no expense and incur no risk. It is proposed further, that as an
encouragement to the convicts, those who labor faithfully for a
certain term shall have a credit for their labor, and that a
corresponding reduction shall be made in the term of imprisonment;
so that, for instance, two years of labor shall rednce the term of
imprisonment one year, or something upon that principle; and that
in cases where a prisoner shall have labored well for a long term,
he shall be entitled at his discharge to a warrant for one hundred
and sixty acres of land.
To show how great would be the advantage to the Sacramento valley,
the Alta submits this calculation:
The amount of land in the Sacramento basin overflowed of late, probably
does not exceed 6,000 square miles--a tract 200 miles long by 30 wide,
and of that area not more than one-eighth has been tilled. In 6,000
square miles, there are nearly 4.000,000 acres, and the entire number
of tilled acres in the State, is only about 1,000,000. There are,
therefore, 500,000 acres of tilled fields to be protected, and five
times as much pasture land. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, January 27, 1862.
The old proverb that "two removes are as bad as a fire" might be
improved by adding "and one remove is as bad as a flood," for up to
this time the Legislature has about as many conveniences for doing
business as the head of a family has for getting dinner at home
during house-cleaning times. In both chambers this morning, the
hammers and planes of the carpenters filled the air with their din,
and when the time arrived for opening the session, the shavings and
sawdust were hastily brushed aside and the artisans temporarily
expelled, in order that for an hour or so the people's representatives
might go through the motions of doing some business. Governor Stanford
was in the lobby of the Senate Chamber this morning, looking blandly
at those around him, and bearing no marks upon his countenance of any
grief arising from the fact that in one House a bill has already passed
providing for the transplatantion [sic] of the majority of the State
officers to this city. Indeed, it could hardly be expected that his
Excellency would feel very sad over the prospect of the success of
a measure which was hurried through the Senate upon the representation
of a Senator that the Secretary of State was very desirous that the
same should not be delayed. Mr. Weeks was understood by Sacramentans
generally, I believe, to be opposed to the desertion of the Capital of
the State by the State authorities, and they will be surprised to see
his name invoked and his expressed wish made an argument in favor not
only of a general pulling up of stakes, but of the greatest possible
dispatch in connection therewith. The Secretary most undoubtedly
represented his superior officer, the Governor, in this business,
and the inference is that by some hook or crook, by some threat or
promise, the San Francisco Republican politicians have captured His
Excellency and prevailed upon him to aid them in whatever scheme may
be at the bottom of this removal business. There is a party here
favorable to the permanent location of the Capital in San Francisco, but
it is small and does not grow. While upon this subject, l am reminded
of a rumor which came to my ear yesterday, that one of your
Senators--Mr. Heacock--has ceased to be a Sacramentan, and that he had,
at a great sacrifice, sold his property in your county. I cannot vouch
for the truth of this, and as such a step would, if taken, be known
in Sacramento sooner than here, I only allude to it for the purpose of
saying that Sacramentans here with whom I have conversed seem very much
disposed to regret that they ever placed it in the power of Mr. Heacock
to treat them in such a manner, and some of them suggest that if he has,
as is reported, actually sold out (his property), he would best consult
good taste by resigning his position and ceasing to represent a community
of which he is no longer a member. . . .
The proposition in regard to a radical change in the law concerning
fences, will meet with some opposition. The stock raisers are as
unwilling to build fences as the small farmers are unable. One argument
used by the former is, that one man might harass a whole neighborhood
by putting in a little crop for the express purpose of being damaged
by the owners of stock, or compelling the erection of fences where the
same are unnecessary. There will, when the bill comes up for action,
be a struggle for and against exempting this or that county from its
provisions, and it is impossible now to form any opinion as to the
relative strength of the two conflicting interests in either branch
of the Legislature.
The Senate bill to remove certain State offices from Sacramento to
San Francisco was in the Assembly referred to a Committee, with
instructions to report upon the same this morning at eleven o'clock.
When this time arrived the Committee asked and were allowed another
day in which to report. The reason for the delay was stated to be
that the Chairman of the Committee would meanwhile return from
Sacramento, and be able to report the cost of the removal of the
State property. The members are exceedingly economical, and want
to know the price of tacks before a carpet is nailed down--a fact
which I am pleased to be able to communicate to those who thought
the late adjournment for a week, at an expense of $10,000 or $12,000,
was a piece of extravagance. Poor Richard's maxim--"Take care of
the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves"--is evidently
believed in by the people's servants here. Members fight with
desperation against the appointment of a Porter at four dollars a
day, thereby taking care of the pence, while they let one hour go for
a day's work at $1,500 per day, thereby leaving the pounds to take
care of themselves.
A resolution to instruct the Committee on Swamp and Overflowed Lands
to inquire into the expediency of repealing the Swamp Land Act was
tabled in the Assembly by a very large vote. Saul, of Sacramento,
in speaking, upon the same made reference to the subject of reclamation
generally, and said in regard to the Capital city, that the energy
of her citizens would place her beyond the reach of all future
assaults from the torrents and from the insinuations of her enemies.
He was quite severe upon the members who made haste to run away from
temporary inconvenience at Sacramento. . . .
Passing through the hall, just now, I was somewhat surprised to see
cards posted upon the doors of two rocms, with the words "Controller's
Office" written upon each. One of the officers of the Senate informs
me that the State offices named in the Senate Migration Bill, which
Weeks so much desired should pass immediately, have all rushed hither
and selected rooms in the building, and the same officer pointed out
two rooms which Governor Stanford informed him he had selected for
himself. It seems that our State officials do as they please, and
trust to the passage of such laws as will accord with their movements.
Although the Assembly has as yet taken no action in the premises, it
is evident that the Governor and the other State officials are confident
that the bill can be pushed through. . . .
Last evening we ware visited by a squall of snow, hail and rain, and
to-day the weather is colder than I have ever before seen it at any
point in the State. Some of the removers are not particularly charmed
with the climate of San Francisco.
MOKELUMNE CITY.--A correspondent writing from Mokelumne City, Jan. 23d,
says of the flood there:
We are all under water. In my store the water is seven feet deep.
My stock is all ruined, most of it having been under water. The water
rose so rapidly that we had little time to prepare for it, and the few
goods that were raised up toppled and fell when the water rose a few
feet in the store. Yesterday the Ceylon, one of our regular packets,
sailed from here, taking a straight shoot across the tule for the San
Joaqain river. The water is yet rising, and I am fearfaul if we have
another flood tonight more houses must go.
IGNORANT SPECULATIONS.--We find the following in the Nevada Transcript
of a recent date:
It is a question whether the Sacramento valley can ever be defended
against floods to which it is occasionally subject by any system of
embankments by the river sides. We are impressed that no levees can
be constructed within the means of the present generation that will
offer a complete barrier against the waters of such a season as this.
It has been computed that had all the waters in the Sacramento valley
during the storm just over been confined to the Sacramento, or a channel
of equal breadth, a levee on each side a hundred feet high at least
would have been required at Sacramento City and below to convey those
waters to the sea.
The above is the veriest nonsense that was ever uttered. If the writer
of it would inform himself of the manner in which the great valleys of
Europe are protected from the floods of its largest rivers he would feel
ashamed of throwing out such ideas, which only tend to confuse the public
mind. Instead of a levee on the Sacramento of one hundred feet on each
side being required, one a few feet higher only than the present one
in front of this city would be necessary. All writers on the subject
agree in this, that confining a river within banks, natural or artificial,
the force of the current is proportionately increased, and a few feet
added to the hight of the levee or bank will serve to pass off rapidly
more than double the whole quantity of water that is wont to run
ordinarily in the channel of a stream in times of high water. We hope
in a few days to present some interesting statistics in this connection.
MATTERS IN EL DORADO.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from Salmon
Falls, January 26th, says:
The late freshets have been very destructive to the people in these
parts. The new and splendid bridge erected one year ago by Richards,
at a cost of eleven thousand dollars, has been entirely carried away.
A fery boat is now being built, and it will not be long before teams
will be able to cross the river. On account of the scarcity of provisions
in the mines many articles have gone up to quite a high figure, but
it is supposed as soon as we can get into your city that prices will
recede. In addition to the loss of the bridge, much damage has been
done to the Natoma and Salmon Falls ditches. The entire dam has been
washed out and about one mile of flume and ditch has been destroyed.
It will cost a large sum to put them in order again. Many valuable
gardens have been destroyed. Col. Boyd, of this place, is a heavy
loser. But a great quantity of lumber has lodged on his premises--enough,
it is supposed, to build a hotel. Mining by those who take water from
the ditches is entirely suspended.
We learn with regret that the Legislature have left your city. If they
had adjourned and gone home the people would heartily rejoice. Such
an act would have saved the State a large sum of money. But now we
suppose they will remain in session until not a dollar is left in the
treasury.
The mails are very irregular at this time; therefore we do not get
your paper oftener than once in three days.
The weather is now very cold, and the river fast going down.
THE SUFFERERS IN PETALUMA.--Mrs. J. L. Sanders publishes a card in
the Petaluma Argus, by which we learn that the sufferers by the flood
in that county have all been relieved by the Ladies' Protection and
Relief Society, and the Society have a balance of two hundred dollars
on hand.
BODY FOUND.--The body of Dougherty, drowned in the Trinity river,
at Lewiston, in December last, was found recently, buried in the
sand, one of the feet being uncovered by a yoke of oxen hauling a
log across the place.
FATAL ACCIDENT.--James Winters, a miner at Selby Flat, Nevada county,
was fatally injured recently by the caving of a bank. . . .
HORSES LOST.--lt is reported that a lot of stage horses were in the
stable at Snellings and washed away with it on Thursday, January 23d. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
RAILROAD REPAIRS.--The Sacramento Valley Railroad Company is making
active arrangements for the repair of the railroad between this city
and Brighton. A number of workmen have been engaged east of Poverty
Ridge for a few days past, and two pile-drivers will be started between
the ridge and Sacramento river in a short time, to operate upon that
section of the road. One of these machines has been constructed at
Front and R streets, and is attached to a car, which will commence work
at the western breach in the road. Piles will be driven and the track
laid, on which the car will travel as the work progresses. The other
pile-driver is of the aquatic species, and will commence work on the
water near Poverty ridge and work towards the west to meet the driver
first named. It has not yet arrived in the city, but is on board the
schooner Harriet K., and may be expected in a day or two. A portion
of the piles are in the city, and two thousand more are on the way.
The entire road from the ridge to Fifth street, where it requires
reconstruction, will be built of trestle work, for the purpose of
avoiding a repetition of the damming up of the water upon the city.
It is computed that the loss to the Railroad Company caused by the
floods, including a suspension of business until the road is repaired,
will amount to four or five hundred thousand dollars. About three
hundred tons of iron rails have been washed away. A considerable
portion of them may be ultimately recovered, but not in time for the
present repairs. A large portion of them have floated off in connection
with the ties, some of them as far south as the Cosumnes. The Company
will be able to furnish new rails from the shipment originally sent
out for the Lincoln and Gold Hill road, which fell into the hands of
the Sacramento Valley Company, and were to have been used on the new
branch running from Folsom to Auburn. The use of the iron for repairs
will suspend operations for the present on the branch referred to.
POLICE COURT.--There were no cases tried in the Police Court yesterday.
That of Dorsey and others, charged with the larceny of powder, was
continued until Saturday. . . The case of Luson and Lenigtree, charged
with the larceny of a boat, was continued until today. . . .
ICE AND ICICLES.--Ice on water which had not been disturbed for two days,
and had not been exposed to the sun, obtained a thickness yesterday in
many places of about an inch and a half. An icicle formed near the
Sacramento and Yolo bridge two and a half inches in thickness and
three feet long. W. T. Porter, of the yacht Lizzie, brought up from
near Sutterville a branch of oak which had hung near the water, each
twig of which had been chrystalized with ice, the whole resembling an
elaborate and artistic production from the hand of man, rather than the
work of Nature. These fruits of the extreme cold weather are so unusual
in the vicinity as to be worthy of note when they present themselves. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE SOAP FACTORY.--The building known as Bartlett & Co.'s
Soap Factory, on the Sacramento below R street, has been so far
affected by the flood as to settle down at one end some eighteen
inches. As it was feared that the building would be entirely washed
away, the proprietors caused all the machinery and apparatus of the
establishment to be removed, yesterday, up to the city for safe keeping.
AGRICULTURAL MEETING.--The annual meeting of the State Agricultural
Society will be held to-day, at 2-1/2 o'clock, P. M., at the office
of the Secretary, Jordan's building, J street, near Seventh, instead
of the Pavilion, as heretofore stated. The change of place is made
because the last named place is surrounded by water, and is therefore
difficult of access. . . .
THE WEATHER.--The temperature of yesterday continued to be as cold as
the day before. While the ice and mud were thawed by the heat of the
sun at noon-day, still water continued to freeze in the shade. The sky
in the evening assumed in the West a suspicious appearance indicating
the possibility of rain at no distant day. . . .
FALLING.--The water of the Sacramento river had fallen last evening to
twenty-one feet above low water mark.
THE NORTH LEVEE ROAD PROJECT.
EDITORS UNION: In discussing the practicability of the plan proposed by
me through your columns of the 27th instant, it is hardly fair to
consider whether or no such a road as I suggested would pay the company
either six per cent, or a greater rate of interest on the capital
invested. There are two axioms in the case on which all arguments
on the subject necessarily rest. First, the levee must be built;
second, our own citizens must furnish the means of building it. Then
the next proposition naturally is, how can this money--a loan forced
by the instinct of self preservation--be raised, so as to give us at
once the full benefit of accomplishing the object proposed--a perfectly
safe levee--and at the same time impose the least burden on our people?
If we resort to bonds the whole brunt falls directly upon ourselves; for
our municipal credit is at such an ebb that outside our own limits the
evidences of indebtedness issued could scarcely be negotiated at any
price, even if backed by a direct tax of two or three times the amount
suggested as necessary for perfect assurance under the company project.
Then, too, the whole sum necessary for the work would have to be raised
here; so that if it cost three hundred thousand dollars (I am totally
innocent of any idea how much it would cost, and only use the figures
to show the argument), our own citizens would have to put their hands
into their pockets and bring the whole of this sum out, because a public
work yielding no revenue is not a basis for a loan. But on the other hand,
a road half paid for, having a good travel and a pledge from the city
that the interest will be promptly paid, is abundant security to raise
the other $150,000 on from foreign capitalists, thus relieving our people
at the start from the burden of taking the additional $150,000 capital
from their business. Is not this at the present time a most important
item? Then suppose, as you fear, that the net revenues of the road do
not reach six per cent. The road will certainly yield something beyond
the cost of repairs and the pay of toll keepers. Remembering our axioms
that the levee must be built, and that our own citizens must furnish
the means, is not every dollar, whether it be but one, three or five
per cent., returned upon the amount expended, a relief? Suppose the road
only yields enough to pay the interest on the mortgage, and the Special
Levee Fund has to pay the interest on the capital stock, have we not
relieved ourselves from taxation to meet the interest on one-half the
cost of the work?
As to continuing the road beyond the high land in Brighton as you suggest,
that would be very proper in a commercial view, but is not necessary for
levee purposes, and the city should have no connection with it. T.
FROM THE MARIPOSA COUNTRY.--The Gazette of January 21st says
that provisions are becoming quite scarce at Mariposa. Pork and beans
are in brisk demand as a staple table delicacy. The Gazette has the
following items of interest concerning the devastations of the flood:
"A new house at Chinatown, half way between the Benton mills and Split
Rock, was taken off bodily. Also the large stone house formerly occupied
by Hammatt & Co. as a store, at Ridley's, near the Benton mills, was
totally destroyed. Chinatown went, and its moon-eyed population, tying
up their cues, left over the mountain. On Tuesday about 1,500 large
logs, belonging to Charbonelli & Co., came down in a confused mass.
Losses in some cases are very heavy. We are informed upon the best of
authority, that Flint, of the firm of Flint, Peabody & Co., of San
Francisco, stated that they had expended upon their works, at Johnson's
Flat, known as Chapin's mill, and upon those at Split Rock, known as
Johnson's mill, over $160,000. From what we can learn, not many
thousands of this expenditure are available in any form. Of the
probable logs at the Fremont mills, we are not informed, but it goes
into the tens of thousands, if damaged as reported.
"The Merced, so stated upon good authority, rose ten feet higher than
was ever before known, which produced its effect upon the Fremont works,
carrying off the dam and one of the mills. The shell of the other
remains, but to what extent damaged we are not informed. The ferry boat
at Smith & Hillman's went. Johnson's, or Flint & Peabody's mill at Split
Rock, went. A portion of the stamps were left, upon the top of which,
from forty to fifty feet above low water mark, a huge pine log, brought
down by the water, rested. All houses connected with the establishment
were carried off. The office and store of Wyatt, which stood at the end
of the former bridge, was taken. Everything is taken--the mountain
portion of the river is swept in fact. On the lower portion, the loss
of Nelson's flour mill and the foundry at Murray's crossing is confirmed.
"Despite storm, wind and high water, Smyth got to town Thursday with
a number of fine beef cattle.. Smyth states that thousands of cattle
have, at the approach of the overflow, fled to the lower foothills,
and that he thinks he saw, in coming by the mountain route from the
Chowchilla here, five thousand head of stock, which seem instinctively
to have left former ranges.
"Mountain slides have occurred in every direction; particularly about
the heads of the Chowchilla, where the mountains are high and very
steep, they are represented as being tremendous. In some instances
acres upon acres have been covered by the debris of one of these
breaks. One is said to have been of the area of forty acres, to the
depth, in places, of one hundred feet. Masses of trees, some of them
six and eight feet in diameter, went also.
"We hear of several miners making good and even extraordinary wages.
The upper parts of gulches are generally worked. Many more pieces or
quartz and gold have been picked up the past week. One was shown us
Saturday about half as large as one's fist, containing over fifty
dollars, found by Keating, on Sunday last."
Gordon, the Expressman at Stockton, left Mariposa on Friday morning.
He reports two dwelling bouses washed away on Water street since the
21st. A Mexican woman, in a state of inebriety, committed suicide in
Bear Valley on Wednesday last, by blowing out her brains. She was
known by the name of Rosetta. At Snelling's, the rains of last week
raised the Merced higher than at any former flood, washing away
Fisher & Co's. stable with the greater part of the hay and grain it
contained.. The river cut a new channel here, washing back of the Court
House and leaving what remains of the town on an island. At Dickinson's,
on the Tuolumne, the water drove the people out of their houses to the
bluffs. At Osborn's, on the opposite bank of the same river, the people
had to take refuge in the hills from the rising waters. The Tuolumne
reached its highest point on Wednesday last. Ingsby, on the Merced,
lost, in house, fencing and stock, $3,000. It is reported that five
white men were drowned on Thursday, at Don Pedro's Bar on the Tuolumne,
in attempting to cross that stream in a small boat.
THE FLOOD AT RED BLUFF.--This town escaped the watery visitation, but
its suburbs suffered, The Independent of January 24th says:
The river, which commenced rising gradually some daya ago, yesterday
morning attained a point higher than ever before known, being over a
foot higher than the great flood of December last--being some
thirty-four feet above low water mark. The southern portion of the
plains on the east side of the river was one vast sea of water, and
the upper portion about equally divided between land and water.
Redington & Co.'s flour warehouse, situated on the lower ground near
the bank of the river partially flooded and the lower tiers of the
flour sacks wet, and damaged to some extent.
HOBOKEN AGAIN.--The steamers Gov. Dana and Sam Soule, in consequence
of the falling of the water of the American river, landed their freight
and passengers yesterday at Brighton, the old town of Hoboken. The
cars will hereafter run to Hull's ranch, opposite this point, and
freight will be hauled across by teams. . . .
FALLING.--The upper Sacramento is reported by the Red Bluff steamers
to be falling rapidly. The American has fallen so far that steamers
can no longer run up to Patterson's. These facts give strong assurance
that the water in this vicinity will decline rapidly if we have no
further rains to keep it up. . . .
BEEF FROM COLUSA.--The steamer Swan from Red Bluff, brought yesterday
from Walsh's ranch, four quarters of fine beef for the use of the
Howard Benevolent Society. . . .
THE FLOODS AND SONOMA COUNTY.--The workings of the Almighty in the past
few weeks, through the floods that have deluged the Sacramento valley
and other agricultural portions of our State, have taught the people
of those localities that their homes must be established elsewhere;
that no matter how great and many have been their improvements, or
how beautiful their surroundings, or how large their gains for a few
years, that those vicinities can no longer furnish homes which to the
dweller therein shall be a castle and a place of safety. That no fixed
habitation can be located there is apparent to all. Thus the future of
those districts must be a blank one, for the recent teachings have been
too devastating to permit the sufferer soon to forget that it was there
that the snug homestead was washed from the sand, fences swept from their
places, the fruit tree and the vine, and the old oak with its wide
spreading and protecting branches, all torn up by the roots, and carried
by that useful yet destructive element, water, beyond the reach or the
gaze of those who have spent years of toil and much of money in ther [sic]
production and improvement. Men seemingly independent, wanting but
another year of prosperous gains to release their hold of the plow and
all arduous labor, to retire to quiet and lie in ease upon the fruits
of their honest toil, have in a few hours been ruined. Thus they have
lost confidence in the safety of the places they had located for their
homes, and must necessarily look elsewhere to repair their broken fortunes.
So, too, none with capital and means not yet invested will be foolhardy
enough to select spots which have ruined others, and thus found their
houses upon the sand. Mankind profit by the bitter lessons of experience,
and in the future avoid the shoals and quicksands which have destroyed
others in the past. By reason of these things, and the safety of position
which Sonoma county occupies, and the known fertility of her soil, it
is evident to all that a large increase in her population will be
realized in the next few years. As rapid as has been our increase in
the past, it is but trifling compared with what it will be in the future.
Sonoma county is beyond a doubt to be the farming county of the State.
Everything points to this. Here the tiller of the soil and the stock
raiser will become rich. Even next year promises to yield large returns
to the farmer of this county, which more than any other year shall
make him grateful that destiny cast his lot in our midst. From the
unfortunate condition of the extensive agricultural region of the
Sacramento valley, it would be impossible next year, were there even
those disposed to try it, to raise any considerable amount of grain,
or other produce. Hence it is that large supplies that have found
their way to market from that vicinity in past times must this year
be wanting, and as a matter of course the demand will so largely exceed
the supply, that prices will greatly advance over those of the previous
year. The farmers of this county must see this, and seeing it, profit
by their knowledge. They should and will sow largely of wheat and barley,
if they desire to reap rich returns. None should be deterred by the
lateness of the season, for the earth is so saturated by the unusually
heavy rains of this Winter, that sufficient moisture will be retained
to keep the grain fields green and waving to a much later period than
in past times. Sow as soon as the ground is in order, not lightly and
sparingly, but liberally. Sow every acre suitable, in wheat and barley,
and when another Winter the producer looks at the figures for such
articles of consumption, he will thank us for the suggestions now
given. These heavy rains can do us no harm, but will rather prove
that they are just what the country has needed for a long time. It
is a theory of a scientific writer, whose name we cannot at this time
recall, that for the want of just such rains as we have lately had,
the earth each year becomes less and less moist, and vegetation of
course so much the sooner dries up. Rains like the present, that
completely saturate the ground, help to keep it moist and in good
working order for years. Although the surface may become dry, yet
hidden wells like boiling springs, send through the earth the moisture
for the root that invigorates and keeps green and growing the leaf
above. In all this there is much of truth. Fail not, then, to anticipate
the demands which will be made on all you who are agriculturists, to
take to market next Fall liberal supplies of the productions of your
land.--Petaluma Journal.
THE LEGISLATIVE REMOVAL.--The Legislature, it seems, has gone to San
Francisco for the session, a movement which is bad in every particular.
Were the members differently constructed from their constituents, were
they delicate and effeminate, clad in crinoline, and so soft and gentle
that they had to be fanned to sleep, like languishing ladies in Summer,
or wrapped in fine linen and placed before the fire, like new born
children, there might have been some reason for their guardian lovers
or protectors to order them to a different climate; but as it is, with
their bearded faces, heavy clothing, good constitutions for out door
service and late hours, we conceive the movement to be an outrage, and
one which should consign the Republicans to an early grave. Sacramento
City has been subjected to floods, but the State House itself is high
and dry, and the Senate and Assembly chambers and neighboring offices
are as comfortable and warm and safe as they ever were. There are beds
and good accommodations at the hotels, and all the other etceteras needed
and belonging to a good sized city. True, the streets are disagreeable,
but in what condition are many of those at the permanent homes of members?
We say nothing here as to Sacramento for a permanent Capital; we are
not writing especially for Sacramento but we are writing for the State
at large, for the pockets of the people, for those who sent the members
of the Legislature to Sacramento to do business for them, because they
could not go themselves. These people are paying very onerous taxes,
this Spring they will be subjected to another one to pay for the war;
they are now paying extra prices for tea and coffee and sugar and other
articles of consumption, on account of this same war; many of them have
lost largely by flood, and are out of house and "home," let alone ten
dollars a day and mileage for acting the legislator at Sacramento, or,
as now, at San Francisco; and they will hardly indorse an act like this
removal, which wilt cost them many extra thousands of dollars and perhaps
litigation and loss, and which has for its object, not the good of the
people, but a little more comfort or amusement or indolence for their
representatives. Some of these gentlemen have doubtless onoe domiciled
in log cabins, drank coffee without milk, from a tin cup, sat on a stool
or bench, with no floor but mother earth, and slept in bunk, or perhaps
as we used to do sometimes, wrapped in the arms of literature, with
newspapers for bed and newspapers for cover, and we can see no excuse
for their fleeing from a temporary inconvenience.--Napa Echo.
INCIDENTS OF THE FLOOD.--The Calaveras Chronicle of January 15th relates
the following:
A miner living on the north fork of the Mokelumne, some fifty feet above
low water mark, fearing that the rise of water might carry off his cabin,
commenced removing his household goods still further up the bank. After
making a few trips, he found, on returning, that his house and the land
on which it was located had slid off into the river; the last he saw of
the cabin it was floating down stream.
A miner at Middle Bar was cooking his dinner during the freshet, and
had just got ready to partake of the meal, when the house started down
stream, and he barely escaped with his life, leaving everything the
house contained. The fire in the stove was sending out volumes of
smoke at the time, and gave to his late domicil the appearance of
a small steamer.
Near the Poland Hotel, in San Joaquin county the Mokelumne carried off
Athearn's new bridge. The water surrounded Athearn's house, and the
family had to be conveyed to a place of shelter; the water at the time
was up to the bed of the wagon which carried the ladies. Athearn secured
some valuable sheep in the upper story of his house. Some boatmen went
off to his relief, but he refused to leave his premises. The house was
not carried away. A large tree swept through his garden destroying a fine
young orchard; Athearn also lost his barn, filled with hay and grain, and
his last year's clip of wool.
Judge Terry's family, living in the neighborhood, were removed from
their house in a boat which conveyed them to higher grounds. . . .
THEORY OF THE LATE FLOODS.--On this subject the Napa Reporter remarks:
High as the waters have been with us, there are indications that they
have twice been higher within the last thirty or forty years. If the
oldest inhabitants will now send in their chronicles of the years and
months of the highest floods, some reasonable approach may be had to
correctness in the length of term of our weather circles, In the absence
of such definite information on the subject, and taking the great flood
mentioned by M. G. Vallejo as having occurred in 1827 as the standing
point, twelve years would seem to be about the distance between the
extreme hard Winters. On the European coast a theory has found some
favor that the weather circles run from twenty to twenty-two years,
the culminating points of bad Winters having been marked with poor crops
and scarcity of bread for the last four hundred years. As on this coast
we have no warm gulf stream to create constant change in our climate,
doubtless the laws which govern it are more simple in their action, and
that meteorological observation will in time give us the results of such
investigations as may admit of a theory in regard to them, which will
give sufficient warning of such freshets and floods as we have to
chronicle the present Winter. If the largest portion of our agricultural
lands are to be more or less valuable in proportion to the extent of
this knowledge, the sooner it is acquired the better. There is some
reason to suppose the Indians foresaw this flood, and if such was the
case, the simple knowledge they have, the white men can acquire. With
that knowledge and the use of the same means employed in other countries
subjected to periodical overflow, that portion of our State will yet be
valuable for agricultural purposed.
MARIPOSA LOSSES.--The Gazette, reports the loss of Farnsworth's
barn, the barn of Frank Williams, a portion of Samuels & Co.'s house
and a large amount of other property, besides gardens, orchards, etc.
The adobe of Nichols in Mariposa, sank, being soaked down. Mormon Bar
is gone; also a large number of Chinese stores, and Captain Bennett's
butcher shop.
NEWS FROM VISALIA.--The Stockton Independent of January 27th has
the following:
We have had no news direct from Visalia, or from any point east or
south of Mariposa, for a month, until by the arrival here on Saturday
of the Mariposa and Stockton Expressman, Gordon, who handed us a
Mariposa Gazette of last Tuesday. From it we learn that a rumor had
reached Mariposa on Thursday, 16th instant, to the effect that the
building in which the Visalia Delta was printed and published, had
been completely washed away, and that the flood in and around Visalia
had been very destructive to property. The editor of the Mariposa
Gazette. who has resided for several months at Visalia, and who was
largely interested in the Delta property, seems to credit the rumor
of its loss. and adds that "if the building in which the Delta was
located has gone down, there is not much left of Visalia." The same
rumor says several brick buildings, including the Court house, were
totally destroyed. So much for the Gazette, which gives us only the
rumors up to the 16th, which of course have reference to the flood
of the 9th, 10th and 11th instant. Since then we have every reason
to believe, from the rises in the San Joaquin, and especially from
that of last Thursday, that the head waters of this valley, including
the Tule river and the Four Creeks, were all much higher than on the
10th and 11th. If this surmise be well founded, it is hardly to be
doubted that the people of Visalia and Tulare county have been the
greatest and most general sufferers by the flood.
NEWS FROM CALAVEERAS.--Walter Morris, the driver on Dooly & Co.'s line
of stages between this city and Murphys, arrived here last night. He
left Murphys on Thursday morning, passed through San Andreas on Friday,
forded the Calaveras at Stevenson's, and at the Twenty Mile House took
a boat for this city. He reports great land slides in southern Calaveras,
on the Stanislaus. At Greasertown the miners were losers of all their
machinery, as in fact they were all along the river bars. But few lives
were lost. The river has changed its bed in many localities. The Union
Water Company, at Murphys, are losers to a large amount. At that town
and Vallecito flour was selling at $12 per barrel on Thursday. The
Twenty Mite House has been made a depot for goods boated from Stockton,
to be hauled thence into the mining towns. All the bridges on the
Calaveras and its tributaries, save the one across the San Antonio
at Forman's old place, have been washed away. The roads are sadly
cut up and rendered almost impassable. Flour was selling at the Fifteen
Mile House on Saturday for $15 per barrel. On Friday the west end of
MacDermott's bridge over the Calaveras was swept off. A part of
MacDermott's buildings were also carried away. Thus we are without
bridges (but one) between Stockton and Murphys.--Stockton Independent,
Jan. 25th.
THE CAPITAL QUESTION.--Some discussion conducted with observable
asperity [?], has sprung up in certain quarters, over the proposition
to remove the Capital of the State from Sacramento. The reasons urged
against the fitness of Sacramento consist mostly in its susceptibility
to overflow. It has never been made evident to the mind of any legislator,
or any body else, that the citizens of the State desire that the Capital
should be carried anywhere from where it now is. Very likely there is
not a man in the State who does not believe that a large majority of
our citizens are opposed to any removal. Sacramento is the chosen seat
of government, and until it is conclusively shown that there is no way
to prevent inundations, it is most unwise and impolitic to agitate such
a question. If the Legislature cannot transact business there conveniently,
let it adjourn until the waters subside, or if that cannot be done, let
that body grant an indefinite leave of absence to all the hydrophobic
members, whose boots are continually soiled by the wet, and who cannot
digest their food in comfort, not to mention those who, like Perkins,
labor under an aggravation of the most peculiar embarrassments.--Shasta
Courier. . . .
DAMAGE IN CALAVERAS.--Speaking of the damage occasioned by the flood
in Calaveras, the Chronicle at Mokelumne Hill says, January 18th:
The destruction of property during the flood of last week on the
Mokelumne, was immense. There is but one bridge left standing on the
river, and that is the suspension bridge at Winters' bar. The South
Fork bridge, owned by M. G. Sawyer, was carried away during the former
storm. The Indian Ladder bridge on the North Fork, was supposed to be
beyond the reach of the highest water, being some sixty odd feet above
low water mark; but it was taken off last week. The bridge at Sandy Bar
went down during the former storm. Dr. Soher's bridge at Big Bar was
entirely removed on Saturday, the center portion gave away on Friday;
the river on Saturday was up to the timbers of the bridge, and made a
complete sweep of the whole. The bridge at Middle Bar went off early
on Friday, Cooper's suspension bridge at Poverty Bar was destroyed. . . .
Colusa.--The Colusa Sun of January 18th says:
The slough baok of the town of Colusa, and between it and the Coast range,
was sounded the other day by Hadley and others while crossing, and found
in some places sixteen feet deep. The water, at various depths, extended
over a country about two and a half miles wide, from Campbell's ranch
to the junction of Spring valley and Fresh creek roads.
MOKELUMNE HILL.--The last SACRAMENTO UNION received in town, up to the
time of going to press, was dated January 8th. Over one hundred DAILY
UNIONS are taken in Mokelumne Hill, and we venture to say our citizens
have felt no deprivation so keenly as the nonarrival of that excellent
newspaper.--Calaveras Chronicle, January 18th . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3382, 30 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
SAN FRANCISCO, January 27, 1862.
The Senate assembled at eleven o'clock, when the Lieutenant Governor
took the Chair, and the Secretary called the roll. . . .
STATE LOAN ON BEHALF OF SUFFERERS BY THE FLOOD.
Mr. DE LONG presented the petition of Thomas Mooney of San Francisco,
containing a proposition to issue 10 per cent. bonds of the State, for
ten million dollars, payable in twenty-one years; the money raised on
the bonds to be loaned to sufferers by the flood, who can give proper
securities in farming lands, mining interests, etc., and no others, and
to be held in charge by a commission consisting of the late and present
Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer, to be denominated the State
Board of Works.
Mr. DE LONG--I have accepted and offered the petition merely as an act
of courtesy. I request that a Special Committee of five or seven be
appointed to take into consideration the propositions advanced, with
instructions to draw a bill deemed by them advisable, to be presented
to the Senate at an early day. The fact that business in our State has
been paralyzed by this wide spread calamity is known to all of us. That
we are threatened with an exodus next Spring from among the best portion
of our community, seems to cast a pall, a gloom, over this State which
may be the commencement of misfortunes even greater than we have
experienced thus far. If any step of this kind can be taken by which
we can cause our agricultural and mining interests to be improved, I
think we would be fully warranted. I would suggest to the President of
the Senate that the Committee be composed of Senators representing the
various interests in this body professionally. I therefore move that a
Special Committee of seven be appointed by the Chair.
Mr. OULTON--I fully concur with the gentleman as to the necessity of
recuperation from the misfortunes of our State. Still, I cannot see
that this Committee can accomplish anything. Without any intention
of discourtesy to the petition, I move as an amendment to the motion
of the Sentor from Yuba, that the petition be indefinitely postponed.
These, sir. are my reasons: The Constitution of the State of California
has an Article of this nature--that the Legislature [reading] shall
not in any manner create any debt or debts, liability or liabilities
which shall exceed the sum of $300,000, except to repel invasion or
suppress an insurrection, unless some object or work shall be specified,
etc. Now, Mr, President, I think that Article of the Constitution
directly prohibits us from incurring any such debt as the one
contemplated by the petition. On these grounds. I move an indefinite
postponement.
Mr. DE LONG--The Senator from Siskiyou will certainly not say that
the bill proposed is illegal on the ground that we are creating a
debt of §300,000. It is not creating any debt at all. The petition
does not merely glance at one idea, but glances at a set of ideas.
It would be a more proper time for the Senator to bring in these
objections when the bill comes up for adoption; then the motion to
postpone the Bill would be appropriate. At present there is no
intention to adopt it.
Mr. OULTON--I do not see any reason for violating these barriers
created in the Constitution.
Mr. VAN DYKE--I move that it be referred to the Judiciary Committee,
inasmuch as a constitutional question has been raised. If they think
the plan suggested in the petition is not prohibited by the Constitution,
they can report it back, and then it can be referred to any other
Committee. But at present, as the question has been raised, I hope it
will go to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. DE LONG--I object on this ground, and I trust the Senator will
comprehend the reason I have for the objection: The Judiciary Committee
is composed of lawyers exclusively. Now, I wish this referred, in the
first instance, to a special Committee, which shall be composed of
Senators representing all the various interests of this State, mining,
agricultural, commercial, etc. Then, if they should frame a bill and
offer it to the Senate, and there should be any constitutional question
involved, then let us recommit that bill to the: Judiciary Committee,
and let that tribunal of lawyers determine whether it is constitutional or not.
Mr. OULTON--I withdraw my motion. I have no objection to this petition
having a full and fair investigation. If the Legislature comes to the
conclusion that they can incur this debt, I shall make no objection
to its coming before them at least.
Mr. VAN DYKE--Under the rules the Standing Committee has the preference,
in reply to the gentleman from Yuba I would say, my purpose was not to
send the bill upon its merits to a Committee composed of lawyers; but
that is the proper way of ascertaining the fact whether it is feasible
within the scope of the Constitution or not.
Mr. DE LONG--I would ask the Senator what does he propose to refer?
Mr. VAN DYKE--The petition.
Mr. DE LONG--Why, then we are referring nothing at all. I want it referred
to the various interests of the State. Let us first draw the bill, and
then refer it to the Judiciary Committee.
The PRESIDENT--Does the gentleman withdraw his motion.
Mr. VAN DYKE--I do not intend to withdraw my motion, because I think it
is a proper one. The petition suggests action by the Legislature, and
if it suggests constitutional action, let us know it. I have yet to
learn that the Judiciary Committee, because it is composed of lawyers,
is not the proper Committee to whom to refer a constitutional question.
If it is possible under the Constitution, we can afterwards refer it to
a special Committee. But let us know whether we can entertain the project
at all.
The motion to refer to the Judiciary Committee was lost--ayes
14, noes 16. It was then referred to the special Committee of seven,
hereafter to be appointed by the Chair. . . .
At 12:40 P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
MONDAY, January 27, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
THE REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
Mr. TILTON, of San Francisco, said in the absence of the Chairman of
the Committee of Ways and Means, he was instructed to make a verbal
report on the bill referred to that Committee on Saturday, providing
for the removal of the State officers from Sacramento to this place.
The Committee was not able to report any progress on account of the
necessity of making inquiries relative to the amount of expenditures,
and also on account of the absence of the Chairman, who had gone to
Sacramento, and while there would make the necessary inquiries so as
to enable them to report approximately the cost of removal. The
Committee therefore asked further time until tomorrow at 11 o'clock,
to make their report upon the bill.
The further time asked for was granted. . . .
THE BOAT BILLS.
Mr. EAGAR offered the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be and is hereby instructed
to transfer the bills in his possession for boat hire to the Committee
on Claims for examination.
Mr. O'BRIEN moved to amend the resolution by substituting the Committee
on Accounts.
Mr. EAGAR accepted the amendment, and the resolution as modified was adopted . . .
THE SWAMP LAND FUND.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco offered the following:
Resolved, That so much of the Governor's Annual Message as
relates to swamp and overflowed lands be referred to the Committee
on Swamp and Overflowed Lands, with instructions to report at an
early day the expediency of repealing the law of 1861, providing for
the reclamation of such lands, and the enactment of a law enabling the
owners of such lands to draw from the State Treasury the amount of money
paid in by them for the purchase of the same, whenever satisfactory
evidence may be presented by them that they have reclaimed the same
by the construction of the necessary embankments to protect them from
overflow.
Mr. SAUL.--I move to lay that resolution on the table, and in making
that motion, I wish to state that last Saturday the gentleman from
Yolo (Mr. Hoag) introduced a resolution referring so much of the
Governor's message as relates to that subject to the Committee on
Swamp and Overflowed Lands, and that resolution was adopted. The
purport of this resolution is to inquire into the expediency of
repealing the Act of 1861, and providing further for taking measures
to pay back the purchase money to those who shall be able to prove
that they have thoroughly reclaimed their lands. I can see in it only
an attempt to destroy the bill of last year, leaving the owners of
swamp and overflowed lands unprotected. As one of those residing on
that kind of lands, I have to say that no one man can, as a general
thing, thoroughly reclaim his land. It requires a general system of
reclamation, to be thoroughly and systematically carried out, and
under the system inaugurated last year, the whole district in which
I reside can be reclaimed. I am speaking from personal knowledge and
experience, for I own a ranch which was as well protected as any one
man could protect his own land, but one-half of that ranch it was
beyond my power to protect, and no amount of money expended upon it
could thoroughly reclaim it. Yet, under the operation of the bill of
last year, the entire district in which I live, containing 144,000
acres, can be reclaimed at a much less cost than one dollar per acre.
I am willing to be taxed an additional dollar per acre, if necessary,
to carry out the spirit of that Act, and so is every man in my district.
The same is true in other districts that I know of. The gentleman from
Los Angles (Mr. Morrison) gave notice on Saturday of a bill for the
reclamation of those lands, which is intended to embrace the whole
of the State where swamp and overflowed lands exist. I suppose there
are a million of acres of the best lands in the State under water
to-day, valueless to the owners and valueless to the State.
The SPEAKER said if the gentleman had already made a motion to lay on
the table, it was not in order to debate.
Mr. SAUL said he would withdraw temporarily, then. He wanted no assault
made on the Act of last year until at least it had had a fair trial.
They had better wait at any rate to see what the measure proposed by
Mr. Morrison would be. It was high time that the State should pay
more attention to the protection of its agricultural lands. They
ought to protect not only the swamp and overflowed lands, but all
the other agricultural lands of the State. Thousands of acres bordering
on streams were annually destroyed or injured greatly by being covered
with sediment and sand, washed down from the hills and mountains. The
State could not afford to lose the revenue derived from such lands.
What was she to look to for revenue if the whole interior plains became
a waste, and nothing was left but the barren hills which the miners
were constantly washing down and sending into the valleys to destroy
the homes of thousands? If the law of last year could be improved,
he hoped that might be done, but let them not act prematurely,
Mr. FERGUSON said he understood this resolution was intended to
instruct the Committee to report a bill to allow the purchasers of
swamp and overflowed lands to draw back the purchase money when they
had reclaimed their lands.
Mr. TILTON, of San Francisco, said his resolution did not contemplate
forcing the Committee to make such a report. It referred the subject to
them to report upon the expediency of repealing the Act of last year, and
enacting another instead, enabling the owners of such lands to withdraw
the purchase money upon proper showing.
Mr. FERGUSON said it was a very peculiarly worded resolution. The
tendency of it would be to deprive those who had been overwhelmed by
the elements in the late flood the means of deriving in the future
any benefit from that fund which they had helped to create. It might
be that the Legislature in its wisdom might hereafter determine that
the State is unable to reclaim the whole of those lands, and that
special provision should be made for those who are able to reclaim
their own land. But he was opposed to these special instructions,
which were compulsory in their effect, whatever the gentleman might
have intended. He hoped the resolution would not pass, but if it did
it should be so amended as to instruct the Committee to draw a bill
providing for the best mode of future reclamation. All knew that the
present bill was inadequate, and he thought it was the part of wisdom
to leave the Committee entirely free to modify it in such way as they
should think fit and just.
Mr. PORTER said he had no objection to the reference proposed, but
thought the resolution presented a policy unwise and inconsistent
with the trust of the State. Let the Committee take charge of the
subject, and make such report and recommendations as they should
deem expedient; but the House should keep in view the nature of the
State's trust. The State was bound to devote the proceeds of the Swamp
Land Fund to the reclamation of all those lands, as far as might be
necessary, and it would be unjust to allow certain persons to draw
from that fund, leaving the State no means for carrying out its trust.
Mr. AMES said he was opposed to instructing Committees, and compelling
them to work by rule and square. He proposed to amend the resolution
so as to instruct the Committee only to report the condition of the
fund and the best mode of reclamation to be pursued hereafter.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco, said he did not propose to discuss the
merits and demerits of this resolution, or the policy of passing such
a law as was indicated by it. He merely wished to get the matter before
the Committee, and only desired to instruct the Committee to report upon
the expediency of such a course as was indicated, The Legislature of 1861
did pass a law, the working of which was not found to be satisfactory,
and the Governor said of that law, in his annual message:
"The law for the reclamation of these lands was passed at the last
session, and although it has now been in operation for some time, yet
up to this date there has not been an acre redeemed. The civil engineers,
appointed by the Commissioners of the Swamp and Overflowed Lands, have
not been able to report a single district, where the parties having
purchased and owning some of these lands, have been willing to make
up a sufficient sum of money, which, together with the price paid
to the State for the lands, would be adequate to redeem them. There
have already been expended thirty odd thousand dollars of the fund
derived from the sale of these lands, under the direction of the
Commissioners, for the purpose of reclamation. But I am yet unable
to determine any practical benefit resulting from the expenditure of
the money. The reclamation of these lands is eminently a practical
work, nor does it appear to me how any abstract question of science
can be involved in the matter. The farmers residing upon these lands
know precisely the hight and character of the ditch and embankment
required for their perfect protection from overflow. If this fund is
suffered to be frittered away in salaries of commissioners, civil
engineers, and an army of ax-men, rod-men, chain-bearers and
draughtsmen, there will be nothing left for the performance of the
only real object involved, that is, practical labor."
He (Mr. Tilton) did not pretend to be familiar with the manner of the
reclamation, and it might be that, as the gentleman from Sacramento
(Mr. Saul) had said there were tracts which it was impossible to
reclaim, but it was well known that under the Act of 1861 the entire
fund might be squandered away before any work would be done. He had
conversed with men who told him they did not wish to wait for the
action of the State under that Act, but were anxious to go on and
reclaim their own lands whenever the State by so doing could draw
the purchase money. All he wanted was to instruct the Committee to
inquire into the expediency of taking that course.
Mr. PORTER said the law of last year required the Commission to make
the report to this body, and he presumed that report had been made,
but was not yet in print. When that report should be before them,
they would be better able to judge of what had been accomplished,
than from any statement in Gov. Downey's message. Before anything
was done to the prejudice of that Commission, or to the prejudice
of a law which was satisfactory at the time of its passage to the
greater part of those interested in swamp lands, they ought to know
what that Commission had done, from their own report.
Mr. MEYERS said he believed in his county some parties had already
commenced to avail themselves of the benefits of the law of last
Winter. Though no land had yet been actually reclaimed, yet surveys
had been made, and he thought it would be unjust to those parties to
interfere with it at present. Possibly the law might well be amended,
so as to allow parties peculiarly located to have the benefit of their
labor in actually reclaiming their own lands, but those would be
exceptional cases. The great body of these lands could never be
reclaimed except by concert of action, reclaiming large tracts
together, and the expense of that would be too much for individual
enterprise. He thought the present law had better stand, with perhaps
some little amendment.
Mr. SHANNON said he thought the resolution as it read did not leave
the Committee proper discretionary power, and he moved to amend by
inserting after "at an early day," the words, "if in their judgment
they deem it expedient."
Mr. TILTON said he thought his resolution, as proposed, covered all
that ground. The Committee could report whether it was expedient or
inexpedient, but the amendment proposed would enable the Committee
to avoid reporting at all.
Mr. SHANNON said that was exactly what he wanted to get at. He did not
want the House to compel a Committee to report against its own judgment.
Mr. MEYERS said he was not certain that the words of the resolution
would convey absolute instructions to the Committee, yet the passage
of the resolution would imply instruction, so that the Committee would
feel that it was running counter to the sense of the House if they
reported adversely.
Mr. TILTON said if the Committee deemed the resolution compulsory
upon them, he would accept the modification proposed.
Mr. FERGUSON moved to amend by a substitute referring the subject to
the Committee, "with instructions to report at an early day a bill to
meet the prospective wants of that class of our fellow-citizens who
have purchased and settled upon those lands." That, he said, would
leave the matter entirely in the hands of the Committee to report
such a bill as they saw fit, and when that was reported, it would
be the property of the House, and every gentleman could be heard
upon it so as to determine whether it was the best calculated to
promote the interests involved.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco said that would be instructing the
Committee as much as his resolution did, although the gentleman
had said he was adverse to instructing the Committee.
Mr. FERGUSON said the substitute did not specify the character of the
bill to be reported, and therefore did not tie the hands of the Committee.
Mr. SHANNON moved to amend Mr. Tilton's resolution by adding, "and they
be also instructed to investigate the practical working of the
Act of 1861."
The SPEAKER said the amendment was not then in order.
Mr. SHANNON said he hoped the substitute would not prevail, because it
was vague, and conveyed really no instruction at all. The Committee
ought to be instructed to ascertain the facts in the case.
Mr. BENTON said he should desire to say a word upon Mr. Shannon's
amendment, whenever it was offered in order.
Mr. SAUL said he regarded this whole matter as premature, although he
preferred the substitute proposed by his colleague (Mr. Ferguson.)
This subject was referred to the Committee by resolution on Saturday
last, although probably his colleague was not aware of it. As to the
resolution proposed by Mr. Tilton, there was no mistaking it; it was
aimed against the law of last Winter. The opinion of Governor Downey
on that matter was worth no more than any other man's, and he would
rather take the opinion of one of his hind men, because that at least
would be practical while Governor Downey's was only theoretical, and
the Governor was interested in lands of another description, and had
always been opposed to the plan of reclamation. The law of last year
was the best they had ever had, and they wanted to try it fairly. It
was premature to attempt to forestall the Commission before they had
received their report. That Commission had saved alroady [sic]
230,000 acres of land to the State that had been claimed by Uncle Sam,
because the United States Surveyors working in August had claimed it
as United States lands. They had gone within a mile of his own residence,
and all along that stream where the farmers had built their own levees,
stopped the mouths of sloughs, and reclaimed their lands, now entirely
under water. They had gone in and out, making step ladders on their
maps, and claimed all the cream of their lands for the United States.
But the Swamp Land Commission had properly represented the matter, and
had received assurances from the Secretary of the Interior that upon
the filling up of the proper blanks these Swamp and overflowed lands
would be given to the State of California. This had saved, the State
$230,000, which was nine or ten times as much as according to Governor
Downey's message the Commission had already expended. They had not
only created these evidences of title, but had made surveys in all the
districts, marked out the lines and hight of levees, and estimated
their cost so as to be ready now to go to work. His district did not
suffer from the Sacramento river; that would be easily kept out by
raising their present levees a foot or two; but the water in that
district came from the mad torrent of the American,. which swept
everything. Sacramento City had relied too long on the strength of
her levees, which every sensible man acquainted with them had long
known to be inadequate. He had lived on the American river for years,
and had predicted that the time would come when Sacramento City would
be inundated; and too truly had his prophecy been fulfilled! But that
would never happen again. Sacramento City would have a levee that would
defy the torrents, and all the machinations of her enemies. Sacramento
City would be leveed from the American to the islands. In District
No. 2, from Sacramento to the Mokelumne river, the owners would build
levees if the State did not, and then the city would be protected from
the back waters of the Sacramento and the Mokelumne. Then if the city
protected herself from the American river, that district would be
reclaimed. This resolution was premature; let them wait for more
information, and not strike in the dark when evidence would soon be
forthcoming that would enlighten them. He was interested in the law
of last Winter, and was one of the sufferers in consequence of that
law not having been fully carried out yet. But he was too much of a
Californian to run away from his home because the waters had taken
possession of it. He had a duty to perform to himself, and a still
higher duty to his country, and he intended to attend to both. He
moved to lay the whole subject on the table.
The SPEAKER said, as had been suggested, this part of the Governor's
message was on Saturday referred to the Committee, and the only effect
of the present resolution was to instruct the Committee.
The resolution was laid on the table by a large vote.
Mr. BENTON inquired if the Printing Committee had possession of the
report of the Swamp Land Commissioners, and whether it was included
in the documents accompanying the Governor's message.
Mr. THORNBURY replied that the Committee had never seen the report, nor
done anything about it; they had not yet had a meeting.
The SPEAKER said he was informed by the Clerk that no report from that
Commission had ever come into his hands.
Mr. PEMBERTON said the Commission he knew had made its report, and
communicated it, he thought, to the Governor; where it was then he
knew not.
Mr. BENTON said he was informed by the President of the Commission that
the report had been transmitted to the Governor, and should have been
among the documents. He would hereafter offer a resolution on the subject. . . .
THE STATE LIBRARY. Mr. Warwick offered a resolution to appoint a Select
Committee of three to act in concert with the Senate State Library
Committee to examine and report to the House in regard to recent damage,
and the wants of the Library. A number of exceedingly valuable works in
the library, he said, had been damaged by the recent flood, and it was
necessary that the Legislature should take some action on the subject
immediately, as neither the Librarian nor the Trustees felt that they
would be justified in doing what might be necessary to do.
The SPEAKER appointed as the Committee Messrs. Warwick, Tilton of
Sacramento, and Wright. . . .
Having no further business, at 1-1/2 o'clock the House adjourned.
DAMAGE TO CANALS IN CALAVERAS.--The Chronicle says:
The late rains have occasioned very serious damage to all the ditch and
canal companies in this vicinity, much more than we had heard of in our
last issue. The Mokelumne Hill Canal Company's flumes were very severely
damaged, and it will be felt for a long time in this district, as it will
take at least a month to repair the losses. At Campo Seco they lost all
the high flumes on French Hill, and a portion of the main flume near the
Flume House. Both the big acqueducts above here some two or three miles,
were blown down; they were constructed of very heavy timber, and from
fifty to seventy feet high. Two landslides occurred in the neighborhood
of Dr. Hoerchner's farm, carrying with them a large quantity of flume.
Their entire dam was also swept away by the rise in the river, and we
are informed cannot be replaced until the river falls; this will very
much retard mining operations, it being the only water to be obtained.
The loss to the company, both in time and expense, must be immense, as
these works are entirely of wood and these portions injured very expensive.
At Jenny Lind the long acqueduct was entirely destroyed. The Lancha Plana
Ditch Company we hear, lost their dam, besides having their ditch
considerably injured. Clark's ditch at Independence, and the Butte
Ditch, in Amador county, were more or less injured.
A VIOLENT CURRENT.--The violence of our river currents is inappreciable
by those who have never seen them at a season of high water. At Knight's
Ferry it was reported that a large iron safe and a pair of heavy
millstones had been washed away down the stream. At Snelling's the
iron safe phenomenon was again repeated; and yesterday we heard a
teamster tell a tale which sets even these stories in the baokground.
Some twenty miles east of Stockton, on the Mokelumne Hill road, two
heavy wagons were stopped last Thursday, on account of the rapidly
rising waters from the Calaveras, which had burst through and over
its banks in a perfect torrent, and found its way into the road. The
horses were hastily unhitched and driven to a place of shelter and
security, just in time to keep them from being washed away. In an
hour after, the current from the Calaveras, had increased so in volume
and force that both wagons, though heavily laden, were overturned,
the beds washed away, the wheels broken, the tongues and hounds twisted
off, the freight all swept out of sight, and everything reduced to
a perfect wreck. Among the articles of freight in one of the wagons
were several large casks of butter. some iron flasks filled with
quicksilver, and picks. The quicksilver flasks were carried a quarter
of a mile down the road and lodged in a sink hole: the picks and butter
casks have not yet been found.--Stockton Republican,
January 28th.
THE INDIAN PREDICTION.--We are informed that "Indian Jim," well known
all about this vicinity, told a family in town that there would be
several floods and much high water during the present Winter. Pointing
to the evening star, which has been exceedingly brilliant, he said:
"Star mucha wet; hold heap water;" and pointing to the trees, told
very nearly the depth of the snows here and of water in the
valleys--La Porte Messenger.
p. 2
. . . .
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .The weather continues to be of a character to astonish even the
oldest residents of Sacramento. After a freezing spell, we were yesterday
visited by a genuine snow storm. At daybreak there was an inch and a
half of snow upon the ground, and there was a fall of mingled snow and
rain throughout the day. The rivers are still falling slowly, though
the fall in the Sacramento is hardly perceptible.
THE LEGISLATURE.
In the Assembly, . . . The Committee on Public Expenditures reported in
favor of the allowance of sundry bills for boat hire at Sacramento,
amounting in the aggregate to $1,100. The report was adopted after a
short and lively discussion. . . . From the Committee on Ways and Means
a majority and a minority report were made upon the Senate bill providing
for the removal of certain State offices to San Francisco. The majority
of the Committee reported two amendments--one requiring the removal of
the offices of the State Printer and Attorney General, and the other
providing that the cost incurred by the several removals shall net
exceed $2,000. The minority report was adverse to the bill, and gave
as reasons why it should not become a law, that the cost of removing
the office of the Secretary of State alone would not be less than
$5,000; and other offices in proportion, and that such removals were
by no means necessary. Shannon offered a substitute for the bill,
providing that the office of the Governor only be temporarily located
at San Francisco during the present session. This substitute was
adopted and passed the Assembly
"NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE," ETC--The San Francisco Mirror is
nearly as willfully blind to the condition of things in
Sacramento--and as persistent in its misrepresentations--as the
Nevada Transcript. In its issue of Tuesday it said:
In spite of the sunny view of the condition of Sacramento taken by
the UNION both of Saturday and yesterday, we are forced to come to
the conclusion that "the little unruffled sheet of water," lately
mentioned by the Bee, still remains in the streets. The UNION
of Saturday says that navigation on J street had become very much
impeded by the falling of the water, but in yesterday's issue it
gives an account of a burglarious entrance into a tailor's shop on
J street, near Seventh, in which it says the thieves "tied their boat
in front of an adjoining building," and we know well from former
experience of Sacramento floods, that if a boat laden with goods can
float on J street as low down as Seventh, the water must be of
considerable depth throughout the city. Sloops were sailing on M and
L streets on Sunday. The water is falling, but very slowly. The sun
is shining brightly, and drying the sidewalks from which the water
has receded. The water must still be two feet in depth around the
Capitol building.
There has been no water around the Capitol building since last week.
Boats could only reach J street on Seventh last Sunday by pulling them
there empty. There were sail boats on M and L streets on Sunday, but
no sloops. The actual condition of the city is bad enough without
being increased ten fold by those who, when they write about it,
draw on their imagination for their facts.
THE HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The Pavilion received some accessions during
the past two days of families returning from San Francisco. A large
number have left for their homes, so that about two hundred only remain.
The intense cold has increased the outdoor labors to a large extent, in
providing adequate clothing, bedding and fuel. The dispensations for two
days past have been more numerous than at any time since the 10th of
January. What effect the melting of the snow will have to extend the
labors and duties of the members, remains to be seen. Families living
from ten to twenty miles from the city are sending in by every opportunity
for clothing, and the supply is again nearly exhausted. During the past
two days donations have been received from Heavy Dew, $10; R. J. Walsh,
Colusa, $20; Captain Foster, of the Red Bluff steamer, $50; Company K,
California Volunteers, Benicia, $140; Central Committee, San Francisco,
$1,000. The latter Committee also furnished twenty-five sacks of
potatoes. R. J. Walsh of Colusa donated four quarters of superior beef
and four sheep, all dressed. The number of men able and willing to work,
but who cannot find it, is very large; and if at any point in the State
such men are wanted, it would be a great benefit to the Association to
be so advised.
LOSS OF CATTLE.--A traveler from Sonora to Stockton, a few days since,
does not doubt that he saw at least five hundred head of dead cattle
between Burney's Ferry and French Camp, along the road [French Camp Rd.?
Mariposa Rd.?]. At places he observed as many as twenty-five head lying
dead in a space of forty feet. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Weather Reports.
CARSON CITY (N. T), Jan. 29th--10 P. M.
Weather clear and cold, with two inches of snow on the ground. River still
very high and streets flooded.
PLACERVILLE, Jan. 29th--10 P. M.
It has been snowing all day--about four inches on the ground--and now
raining slightly.
"CORRECT, NO DOUBT."--Under this head the San Francisco Mirror,
which seems to consider itself the defender of Governor Stanford,
on Tuesday last said:
The Sacramento Bee learns through its San Francisco correspondent
that Governor Stanford prepared a message in opposition to the removal of
the Legislature to this city, but was prevailed upon to withdrew it,
and the fatal resolution passed. "And," continues the Bee, "we may also
say more than this; that prominent men--men in position who are likely to
know--have assured us that if Governor Stanford had opposed the removal
as he might have done, no removal would have been had!" The Bee,
we doubt not, has been correctly "assured." Had Governor Stanford
extended the full weight of his "personal and political influence" in
retaining the Legislature at Sacramento--had he consulted his own
interests--had he listened to the counsel of friends--the resolution
of adjournment would probably have been defeated. But, to his credit
be it said, he lacked not the honesty to sacrifice personal consideration
to the public good. May the future Governors of California have nothing
worse to answer for.
Had the Goyernor listened to the counsel of friends, who advised him
to send in a message deprecating an adjournment to San Francisco, says
the Mirror, "the resolution of adjournment would probably have
been defeated." This is admitting precisely what is claimed here by men
who are personal and political friends of his Excellency. They express
the opinion confidently that had the Governor met the question of
adjournment with a vigorous opposition it would never have passed the
Legislature. This is conceded by the Mirror in its lame apology
for the Governor. It claims that he acted for the good of the State and
not from personal motives. Among the reasons for an adjournment the good
of the State was the last considered. Had the members and the Governor
been controlled by the public good, he would have advised them to pass
a few general bills which are needed, and then adjourn sine die, and
they would have followed his advice. The good of the State was not the
moving cause. Members complained that they were not comfortable, and
hence they were desirous to go where they could make themselves
comfortable. A large majority of the people of the State were suffering
ten times as much from unprecedented storms and floods, but still a
majority of their servants in the Legislature determined that they could
not transact the business of the State in Sacramento, because the storms
and high water rendered them so uncomfortable. They will be known
hereafter as the effeminate members of the comfort-seeking Legislature
of 1862. It is, too, the first Legislature in the State in which the
Republican party could claim a controlling power, and we are much
mistaken if the people do not look upon it as the party which, when
placed in power, sought to provide for the comfort of its members before
the business of the State could be looked after. His Excellency, too,
will escape wonderfully well if he is not classed as the Governor of
the personal-comfort-saeking [sic] party in the State. The adjournment
to San Francisco for personal comfort and convenience partakes too much
of the Miss Nancy, starched collars, polished boots, and silk stocking
class of professed public servants to suit the plain, common sense
notions of the majority of the people of California.
STATE OFFICERS.--Our San Francisco correspondent appears to have been
misinformed in reference to the course of the Secretary of State on
the removal question, and, as a consequence, we were misled. In the
report of the minority of the Committee of Ways and Means, upon the
expediency of moving the State offices to San Francisco, the members
say:
The Secretary of State authorizes the Committee to say that in his
opinion the cost of moving the appurtenances of his office to and
from the place designated in Senate Bill No. 16 would amount to but
little if anything under $5,000, while the expense attending the
transmission and execution of all business between the Legislature
and his office, for the entire session, would not exceed in the
aggregate the sum of $250, and he therefore recommends that no action
be taken in regard to the removal of his office, either on the ground
of economy or expediency.
This exonerates the Secretary of State from all accusations of having
favored and labored for the removal of his office to San Francisco.
His advice to the Committee was sound, as it leaned strongly to the
side of economy and legality. Advice of like character ought to have
been given by the Governor, for his duties, so far as legislation is
involved, might be performed as easily at the Capital as in San Francisco.
The new Controller thought his office, books, etc., could be removed
for $500, but ex-Controller Gillan gave it as his judgment that it
would cost $2,000, and that it would also take an expert from fifteen
to twenty days to rearrange the papers of the office for convenient
use and reference. The removal of the Surveyor General's office would
also prove troublesome and expensive, and not being particularly
necessary to legislation, the minority of the Committee thought that
office, as well as the Adjutant General's office, might as well remain
at the Capital. The vote of the Assembly, by which a substitute for
the Senate bill to remove all the State officers was adopted, the
provisions of which remove none but the Governor, will meet the decided
approval of the large majority of the people of the State. They were
sufficiently disgusted by the adjournment of the Legislature from the
Capital to San Francisco, to promote the personal comfort and convenience
of individual members, without adding the removal, for the further
convenience of members, of the State officers.
A SWEET LOCALITY.--In the vacant lot in front of the High School,
on Washington street, a dead hog has lain for several weeks, spreading
a rich peculiar aroma over the neighborhood. Under the sidewalk on
the east side of Mason street, just north of Washington street, a
defunct canine is doing the same healthful work; and on the north
side of the same block, opposite the French College, a goat, which
long since baaed its last, is gradually resolving itself into its
original elements.--S. F. Call
We would suggest that the whole matter be referred to that very
delicate member of the Legislature whose tender eyes were made sore
upon looking at a dead cow which lay within gunshot of the Capitol. . . .
LAND SLIDE.--Quite a large body of earth slid down from the mountain
on the west side of the ravine near the head of Rabbit creek, about
three-quarters of a mile from La Porte, recently. Considerable damage
was done the Feather River Ditch Company and the Dutchmen's claims. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
EXTRAORDINARY SNOW STORM.--In addition to the other unusual and
extraordinary weather freaks of the season, Sacramento was visited
yesterday by a snow storm altogether unparalleled in the history of
the city. On two or three previous occasions snow had fallen sufficient
to whiten the ground, but never to lay any length of time, or to
accumulate in so large a quantity as was witnessed yesterday. At daylight
in the morning our streets and buildings were covered by snow an inch
and a half in depth, which commenced to fall about 2 o'clock A.M. During,
the entire day, with but little cessation, it continued to descend, though
the most of the time but slowly and accompanied occasionally with drizzling
rain. Through the day it melted as fast as it fell, and was nearly gone
by sunset. We learn from Doctor Logan that the amount which had fallen
by sunset was equal to a depth of about three inches in all, and that
reduced to rain it amounted to 0.200 or one fifth of an inch. Early in
the morning the snow was made available for the exercise of snowballing.
Men who had freely indulged in that exercise in years gone by, and in
lands remote, were tempted to lay aside their dignity and become boys
again, while our California boys, who had never seen a snow storm before,
took to the exercise as naturally as ducks to water. For a short time
in the morning, any one on our sidewalks required as much genius to keep
the top of his head--or at least his hat--from being knocked off, as did
a New Yorker, according to Mike Walsh, to keep from being run over by an
omnibus. Whenever the pedestrian on the sidewalk happened to be a Chinaman,
his chances of escape diminished in reciprocal proportion. Several
sleighs were improvised and made their appearance on the streets, drawn
by spans of horses. One of these was driven by J. Moore of the Jim Barton
stables, and one by Alexander Badlam, Jr. Had the quantity of snow
justified it we should doubtless have had as many sleigh builders at
work as we have had boat builders during the past month.
STATE AGRICULTURAL MEETING.--Pursuant to a call of the Board of Managers
of the State Agricultural Society, the annual meeting of the Society
convened at half-past two o'clock P. M. yesterday, at the office of
the Secretary, in Jordan's Building, J street, near Seventh. As had
generally been anticipated, in consequence of the stormy season, the
inundation of our valleys and the impracticability of traveling through
the State, the attendance was small. . . . Several other members thought
there would be danger in adjourning to an earlier date, as the city might
be inundated by the spring floods. The vote being taken on the motion of
A. K. Grim to adjourn to April 23d, was carried by ten ayes to three noes,
and the meeting was declared adjourned to that date.
TELEGRAPHIC REPAIRS.--For several days past the Telegraph Company has
kept a station open at Poverty Ridge, from which messages have been
dispatched to and received from such portions of the State as are
still in communication with the city. From the Ridge messages have
been brought in by boats. Yesterday the poles were set and wires adjusted
between the Ridge and the office on Second street, so that hereafter
messages will be dispatched from that point without interruption or
delay, as before the poles were washed down by the flood. The connection
between this city and San Francisco is not yet re-established, although
active efforts are in progress to effect that object. The line which
runs across Yolo county by way of Martinez and Oakland is complete from
the southern end to Jerome C. Davis' ranch, twelve miles from Sacramento.
Between that point and Sacramento the poles are gone. A piledriver
belonging to Davis has been engaged, and will to-morrow or next day
commence the work of driving piles in place of ordinary poles across
the tules, on which the wires will be placed. Small sized Oregon piles
will be used, about forty feet in length. They will be driven one
hundred and fifty yards apart, about twice the distance of the ordinary
poles. These piles will be driven through about five miles of tule,
beyond which the poles will be continued. It is presumed that the line
will be completed in ten days from the present time. It is found necessary
to adopt the piles in the tule as they cannot be uprooted by the water
as the poles have been.
RETURNED.--The San Francisco relief boat Volunteer, manned by Messrs.
Lovell, Hall, Kelly, Lathrop and Fisher, which left here on Sunday last,
returned yesterday noon. They left Mokelumne City about seven o'clock
in the morning and took a straight course across the plains. They say
the water has fallen on a level about three feet. At Mokelumne City
there was about five feet of water. Only about nine houses are standing
there, out of some thirty. At Richland there are only about five left.
This relief crew reports that there are large numbers of stock on the
route which they came, occupying elevated places, but have nothing to eat.
They think parties would do well to fit out water caft and supply the
farmers that way with grain. They are of opinion that a large amount
of stock must necessarily starve unless relieved soon. These boatmen
have done excellent service in their late expedition, and deserve much
credit. They report four inches of snow at Mokelumne City yesterday
morning.
THE CHANCES.--The chances of another inundation of the city will,
of course, be canvassed with considerable interest, so long as the
present rain continues. The Sacramento yesterday fell but little,
standing at sunset at about twenty-one feet ten inches above low
water mark. The snow in this city amounted to about three inches,
or the fifth of an inch of rain. At Placerville four inches of snow
fell. The snow in the valley and foothills will, therefore, amount
to but little in making up a flood. During the evening a steady,
though not violent, rain prevailed in this city and Placerville. Much
depends upon whether it was or was not sufficiently warm to melt the
deposits of snow in the mountain districts, which had fallen previous
to yesterday, which several days ago clothed the Sierras in a garb
of white.
POLICE COURT.--. . . The case of Lawson and Langtree, charged with stealing a boat, was continued until to-day. . . .
INHOSPITABLE.--The crew of the Howard relief boat "Volunteer" report
that they spent a night recently at the well stored residence of an
ex State Senator, on the Mokelumne river, in this county, but that they
were not invited, while there, to partake of a mouthful to eat or drink.
They also report that, during the late flood, a family without a boat,
in full view of the same residence, raised a flag of distress, but that
although the ex-Senator had an excellent boat, it was not sent near them
to proffer relief. . . .
NEW FLOUR MILLS.--Stockton & Coover have made a contract with parties
in Folsom for the erection of the building for their new mill, and are
in negotiation in this city for the construstion of the machinery. The
building will be constructed of stone, sixty feet by sixty feet square,
and four stories high. Provision will be made for running nine pairs
of stone. . . .
HOSE AND HYDRANTS.--The City Tapper cautions citizens against the
improper use of fire hose and hydrants, for the purpose of cleaning
sidewalks, stores, etc. Several hydrants have already been broken in
the above service.
WORK NEEDED.--The bridge across the ditch at Eighth and J streets is
in bad condition for the passage of teams. An hour's work on the part
of the chaingang would remedy the evil.
LATER FROM THE NORTH.--By the Cortes at San Francisco we have advices
from Victoria, V. I., to January 23d. The steamer Brother Jonathan and
barks Almatia and Industry were frozen in in the Columbia.
The British Colonist of January 23d says:
The steamer Cortes called at Astoria on her way up, with the intention of
proceeding to Portland, but, on finding the river frozen, she recrossed
the bar and came on to Victoria, where she arrived quite unexpectedly
last evening. At Astoria the officers learned that the Brother Jonathan
was frozen fast in the Columbia, about sixty miles above. The Jonathan
left Victoria on Sunday, the 12th January for San Francisco via Portland;
passed Astoria the next afternoon, and is supposed to have been frozen
in the same night. Considerable drift ice was coming down when the
Cortes left, and another attempt will be made to ascend on her down
trip. . . .
SACRAMENTO SUFFERERS.--A "man about town" is relating a pretty good joke.
It is in this wise: Wednesday evening, on the landing of the boat from
Sacramento, three members of the Legislature got into a hack. The driver
asked them where they wished to go: one answered, "Oh, somewhere on
Montgomery street; put us down at the Bank Exchange." The hack proceeded
to the place designated; the driver opened the door, politely assisted
his fare out to the sidewalk, and mounted his seat. One of the legislative
wisdom cried out, "Hallo! you've. forgotten your pay." With a bow the
hackman immediately replied, "That's nothing; I don't take any pay from
Sacramento sufferers!" and immediately drove off.--San Francisco Call.
DROWNED IN TRINITY.--Niel Cannon, who until lately has lived at Big Flat,
was drowned at Evans' Bar on January 1st. He was crossing, with two others,
in a small boat. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--The Legislature, since the inundations by the
late floods, has been very much exercised with resolutions to adjourn
to San Francisco and elsewhere. All these resolutions had but one
aim--the final and permanent removal of the Capital from Sacramento.
If these members who are anxious to once more get the Capital on wheels,
could have succeeded in carrying their resolution to adjourn temporarily
to San Francisco, they believed it would be quite an easy task to
convince the present Legislature, by contrast at this time, that the
Bay city was quite a superior place to Sacramento, to spend a Winter
in elegant leisure and indolent legislation, and that as a great favor,
and an act of justice to future legislators, they would vote to make the
Capital permanent at San Francisco. The scheme was well devised, and
very pretty sophistries urged, but fortunately for Sacramento, and
California at large, a sufficient number of sensible and honest
legislators were found to defeat the resolution in the Assembly, and
the State is saved not only thousands of dollars, but the disgrace of
having a traveling Capital.
Matthews.the representative from this county, and Senator Shurtliff, of
this District, both voted against the resolution, and in so doing,
expressed the views of nine-tenths of their reflective constituents
of Trinity.--Trinity Journal, January 25th.
The removal, however, was consummated subsequently.
SAN FRANCISCO.--Ice formed in San Francisco during the night of January
27th three-quarters of an inch in thickness. . . .
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
ASSEMBLY
SAN FRANCISCO, January 28, 1862.
The Speaker called, the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
Mr. TILTON, of San Francisco, from the Committee of Ways and Means,
to which was referred the Senate bill No. 16--An Act to fix the temporary
residence of State officers of this State, and to repeal all laws in
conflict therewith, submitted a majority report, recommending the passage
of the bill with certain amendments agreed to by a majority of the
Committee.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer, said he did not concur in recommending the passage
of the bill as amended by the Committee, though he might support the
bill with some amendments. He had not had time to prepare a minority
report, but when the bill came up he proposed to give his views at
some length.
Mr. BARTON, of Sacramento moved to lay the report on the table, and
that leave be granted the minority to make their report to-morrow.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco (the motion to lay on the table having,
been temporarily withdrawn), said the Committee met at ten o'clock
this morning, all the members being present, and after discussing the
merits of the bill and the necessity of removal, a majority decided to
amend the bill as it now appeared and then recommend its passage. The
minority had had the same opportunity to prepare their report as the
majority had, and he was sorry to see them asking the House for an
unnecessary delay of another day. There was no necessity that they
should make a voluminous report, and a verbal report would be sufficient.
He therefore hoped the report would not be laid on the table.
Mr. WARWICK said he had supposed this question was laid at rest forever,
but he found there was more to-day in protecting the interests of his
constituents. Was it necessary that the offices of this State should
be removed from the Capital of the State? The principal communication
of the Legislature was with the Governor, and he had good reasons for
knowing that the Governor and the Secretary of the State were willing,
without any additional expense to the State, to have temporary offices
in San Francisco, which would be sufficient to conserve all the interests
of the Legislature. That being the case, would they be willing to vote
for the bill which would involve the State in far greater expense than
they had already incurred?
Mr. TILTON asked that the bill and proponed amendments .be read for the
information of the gentleman from Sacramento.
The bill was read as
amended. It provides that the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer,
Controller, Adjutant General. Surveyor General, Attorney General and State
Printer shall reside and keep their offices in San Francisco until the
first Monday in June, and should thereafter immediately return to and
keep their offices in Sacramento. Samuel Soule and D. B. Hoffman are
appointed Commissioners, without compensation, to act in conjunction
with the State Treasurer, to contract for and superintend the removal
and return to Sacramento of the property, archives, etc., provided that
the cost to the State of the removal of all the offices and appurtenances
shall not exceed $2,000. The closing section repeals all conflicting laws
and gives immediate effect. The amendments proposed by the Committee
were, first, to add the Attorney General and State Printer to those
whose offices were to be removed, and second, the proviso limiting expense
to the State of the removal to $2,000.
Mr. TILTON said the second amendment was intended to cover the removal
to San Francisco and back again; in other words, limiting the cost to
$1,000 each way.
Mr. WARWICK said that was what the bill specified; that was the bait
that was held out before the eyes of the Legislature, that they might
indorse the removal. Was there any man so forgetful of the past--was
there any man so blind to the future, as not to know that the moment
any of the contractors found themselves to be losers, they would come
before the Legislature with relief bills, and that those whose interests
were subserved by this measure would stand by them?
Mr. SHANNON (interrupting) said he had no objection to the gentleman
making his speech upon the merits of this bill when the proper time
came, but the question now whs simply upon accepting the report and
letting the bill go on file. The bill would subsequently come up in
its regular order, and then would be the proper time to discuss it.
The SPEAKER stated the question to be on accepting the report, and it
was accepted.
Mr. BARTON of Sacramento said the minority of the Committee of Ways
and Means had been able to propose a hastily drawn report on this bill,
which he would submit, and ask to have read.
The Clerk read the minority report. It sets forth--
That prompted by an anxious desire to obtain the most reliable data
upon which to estimate the expense of removing the archives and
furniture apperaining [sic] to the different State offices from the
Capital of the State at Sacramento to San Francisco, one of the members
of the Committee had visited Sacramento, and conferred in person with
each of the State officers in regard to the probable expense incident
upon such removal, and their statements, together with the opinion of
the ex-Controller, were respectfully submitted for the consideration of
the Assembly. The Secretary of State authorizes the Committee to say
that, in his opinion, the cost of moving the appurtenances of his office
to and from San Francisco would amount to little if anything under $5,000,
while the expense attending the transmission and execution of all business
between the Legislature and his office for the entire session would not
exceed, in the aggregate, $250. He, therefore, recommends that no action
be taken in regard to the removal of his office, either on the ground of
economy or expediency. The Controller, who was known to be in favor of
removal, gave it as his opinion that the expense of removing his office
would not exceed $500, while the Controller, Mr. Gilland, who had been
officially connected with the office for the past four years and a half,
thought the removal of the office to and from San Francisco would cost at
least $2,000, and that after the removal the services of an expert would
be required for fifteen or twenty days to arrange the contents of the
office so as to be accessible for Legislative reference. The Surveyor
General's office, from the most reliable data, would cost about $200 for
removal, and require at least a week to render it available. The Adjutant
General's office would cost about $150, but was of trifling importance
to the Legislature. The minority of the Committee, therefore, believed
that the entire expense of the removal to the State would amount
to $____ , without any corresponding benefit resulting therefrom.
They deem it unnecessary to remind the House of the financial
embarrassments of the State, and the late immense destruction of
property, which demonstrated the lamentable fact that the assessments
would fall short by approximately one third the assessments of the
past fiscal year. Independently of the existing State indebtedness,
the present Legislature would be required to impose additional taxation
for the support of the General Government. In view of the considerations
thus briefly alluded to, and the constitutionality of the bill being at
least questionable, they recommend that the bill be indefinitely postponed.
The report was signed by Messrs. Barton of Sacramento (Chairman),
Packer and Dudley of Placer.
Mr. FAY said he would simply suggest, as one of the Committee for
preparing rooms, etc., that the Committee rooms had not been assigned
yet for the reason that the Committee did not know whether the State
officers were coming or not and that would make a difference in the
assignment of rooms. The sooner, therefore, that this question was
settled the better, as it was important that the Committee of the
Senate and House should have their rooms assigned so as to go to work.
The SPEAKER said it was in the power of the House to suspend the rules
and act upon the report, otherwise the minority report would be received
and placed on file.
Mr. DUDLEY of Solano said the estimates made in the minority report were
something like the estimates made by the opponents of the removal of the
Legislature from Sacramento.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco (interrupting) said he should be obliged to
call the gentleman to order. There had been no motion made to suspend
the rules, and consequently there was no question before the House.
The SPEAKER said he was waiting to see whether the gentleman was about
to terminate the remarks with a motion.
Mr. DUDLEY of Solano said he would move to take up the report.
Mr. SHANNON said he hoped not, for they would reach that order of
business in a short time.
Mr. REED said he knew of no more important business likely to come
before the House to-day, and he was in favor of reaching the matter
at once [b]y suspending the rules.
The House refused to suspend the rules by a vote, on a division, of
ayes 28, noes 29. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO BOAT BILLS.
Mr. HILLYER, from the Committee on Public Expenditures and Accounts,
to which was referred the accounts of the boatmen engaged by the
Sergeant-at-Arms during the flood at Sacramento, reported that the
Committee had examined accounts presented amounting in the aggregate
to $1,460.50, had made some reductions, allowing an aggregate of $1,104.
The Committee recommend the allowance and payment of the amount, and the
adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Controller of State be and he is hereby
authorized to draw his warrant in favor of J. H. Clayton,
Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly, for the sum of $1,104, payable out
of the contingent Fund of the Assembly, and that the Sergeant-at-Arms
be instructed, upon the receipt of the said sum, to pay each of the
above claimants the amounts allowed by the Committee.
Mr. FAY inquired why the amount had been reduced.
Mr. WARWICK said the amount allowed was $1,104, and the Citizens'
Committee had paid $500 or $600 more, making a total of about $1,700.
The actual time the Legislature was in session during which boats were
necessary did not certainly exceed six days, yet they were called upon
to pay about $275 a day for boat hire. He understood that the boatmen
received only $20 a day, and there was a great portion of the time that
he could not find a boat. He would like to know how many boatmen were
employed. He was not able to tell which of the boats belonged to the
House. Some, to be sure, were labelled "Legislative," but those were
provided by the citizens of Sacramento, and paid for out of their own
pockets, notwithstanding they had a few inches of water in some of their
cellars. Others were paid by private individuals, which would swell
the aggregate to nearly $2,000.
Mr. BATTLES said there were many of the bills which they could learn
nothing about. If the gentleman from Sacramento objected to the bills
he presumed the House would consent to allow the city of Sacramento
to pay them, but among the bills for boat hire were those of two of
the strongest opponents of the removal, one of whom was the gentleman
from Alameda (Mr. Bell.)
Mr. BELL--will you allow me a moment only to explain?
Mr. BATTLES--When I get through.
Mr. BELL--It is the first I have ever known of any bill presented by me,
sir.
Mr. BATTLES said the bills were allowed upon a basis of $20 a day for
a boat with two men, and four bits for a passage or single trip, although
he had himself paid all the way from $1 to $2.50 per trip. He thought
the allowance was fair for the labor done, and did not doubt that there
would be several more bills presented. If it was desired that Sacramento
should pay the bills he would be in favor of giving her the privilege.
Mr. BELL said he had never presented any bill for boat hire, or heard
of one before.
Mr. BATTLES said the bill was in the hands of the Committee.
Mr. DUDLEY, of Placer, said he did not desire to enter into much
discussion of those disagreeable aquatic scenes which they had gone
through in Sacramento. They had by resolution authorized the
Sergeant-at-Arms to hire these boats, and he hoped they would be
paid a fair price. Still the Committee should have ascertained exactly
what they were paying for, and not pay for pleasure excursions on
that one bright Sunday in Sacramento, or for conveying bands of sweet
music to cheer the drooping hearts of those who had been submerged.
Did the Committee get the names of those who had been transported or
rather conveyed in boats [laughter] to and from the Capitol? He was
required to enter his name on a ticket when he left the boat, and
the Committee should have had those tickets as vouchers. On the
pleasant Sunday referred to he had seen boats labelled Legislative
going up and down L and other streets, with distinguished members of
the Legislature at the stem and the stern, and ladies--God bless
them--he was glad to see them out, but did not believe it was the
place of the Legislature to pay for it. The ladies appeared at the
Capitol when the vote was taken on removal, and it was rung in their
ears that so long as the ladies could remain they ought to stay. But
if they refused to pay the just claims of these, they, the seceders
from Sacramento, would hear of it for years afterwards.
Mr. WARWICK said on that Sunday referred to the boats were paid for
by the citizens, and the Legislature was not called upon to pay a
dime. Nor were they called upon to pay for the bands which discoursed
the eloquent music that delighted the dreams of the gentleman from
Placer. Very possibly this bill was all correct, but he had laid down
a course of action in view of the enormous frauds of the past, and that
was that every time a bill was presented making an appropriation, to
sift the matter to the bottom, and if he was not fully satisfied of
its justice he would oppose it, no matter how many of his personal
friends or colleagues might have other bills to urge.
Mr. FERGUSON said this matter was consuming more time than was necessary.
It was a simple thing, and he was astonished to hear gentlemen sticklish
about paying the Sergeant-at-Arms for what the House had ordered done.
Did his colleague wish to cheat some poor boatmen, who had waded middle
deep to keep the gentlemen's boots dry in Sacramento? There might be
some inaccuracies in these bills, yet he did not think they were exorbitant.
The citizens of Sacramento had paid $600 It was true, and even more than
that. The Legislature employed ten boats at $20 each, making $200 a day;
and here was a bill for only $1,100, and those boatmen considered it a
harvest season for them. Many of them bought their boats at a large cost,
in order to make money, and the Legislature having employed them, ought
to be willing to pay them a fair compensation.
Mr. FAY agreed with the remarks of Mr. Ferguson, and inquired why it
was that the bills had been cut down. They did not appear to him
extravagant.
Mr. ZUCK inquired what other claims were likely to be presented.
Mr. HILLYER explained the report. The bills had come before them in
every conceivable shape, and they conferred with the Sergeant-at-Arms
and his Clerk as to who had been employed. Where a man had charged more
than twenty dollars a day for his boat, they cut down the charge; and
they had also cut down the charge for single passengers when it exceeded
fifty cents for each passage, and that was the only cutting down. The
boats were employed for about seven days--four days during the first
flood, and three during the second.
Mr. AMES said it would be repudiating their own action to reject these
claims. If they were going to censure any one it should be the
Sergeant-at-Arms, and not these boatmen. He thought they had got off
cheap by paying $1,100. As to the sunny Sabbath referred to, he paid
on that day $5 for riding in a boat to the walls of the proposed Capitol
building. On the whole, he thought the Sergeant-at-Arms was liable to
censure for not bringing in larger bills.
Mr. EAGAR called for the read of the report in detail, and it was read.
It consists of eighteen items, of which eight were reduced, the reduction
varying from 10 to 15 per cent. The largest item was that of J. E. McIntyre,
whose bill was $525, and reduced by the Committee to $420. Among the items
were claims of Wm. H. Barton and J. E. Benton for 50 cents each.
Mr. BENTON said he wished to explain that item, but was unable to get
the floor.
Mr. CUNNARD said he thought the Sergeant-at-Arms should be able to give
the names of those he had employed, and the amounts due them. Then there
could be no misapprehension in regard to the report.
Mr. AMES moved the previous question, which was sustained, and the
resolution reported by the Committee was adopted. . . .
THE REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICES.
The House proceeded to the consideration, in its regular order, of
Senate Bill No. 16--An Act to fix the temporary residence of the State
officers of this State--the question being first on the amendment of
the Committee to include the Attorney General and the State Printer
in the provisions of the bill.
Mr. COLLINS said that amendment would make the bill read awkwardly. If
that should pass it would become necessary for the Legislature to provide
an office for the State Printer, in accordance with the terms of the
bill--a thing which had never before been heard of. He was opposed to
the removing of the State officers at any rate, and saw no good in it
whatever. There was no use in bringing the Attorney General's or
Surveyor General's offices to San Francisco, and the same was true of
some others which it was proposed to remove. It was true that one of
the amendments limited the cost to $2,000 for removal both ways, yet
they all knew that if those offices were brought here it would be
impossible to get them back again for any such sum, and he doubted
whether they could be got back at all. If the contract were now made
to take them back the parties contracting might not be in existence
at that time, and they would have to make another contract, and the
Legislature at its next session would be called upon to foot a heavy
bill. He knew it would be a matter of convenience to members, and
perhaps to Committees, to have those officers here for the time being,
yet he believed that this was the place to show that they were resolved
to practice economy. He was determined to vote against all bills
removing State officers from Sacramento, yet he would concede that it
was due to the State Printer to make him some amends for the expense he
would be put to by the removal. His was not an office of the Government,
however, and he was at liberty to locate his office wherever he pleased.
Mr. AMES said the gentleman last up was liable to run mad upon questions
of economy, and he might regard him as a negative man. He had said that
the Attorney General need not be in San Francisco, but he (Ames) thought
that the law officer of the Legislature ought to reside where the
Legislature was. He had various duties to perform in connection with
the Legislature, and ought by all means to go with it. They needed to
consult with him, and they had already this session seen the benefit of
such consultation. They were told at Sacramento, when sitting silently
and listening to the arguments of the other side, that the State would
be bankrupted by the removal: they were told in the most solemn manner,
with hands raised and eyes uplifted, that if the legislature was removed
the State officers must inevitably come also; yet now these same men
were declaring that there was no necessity for it, although they had
used that argument of absolute necessity as a bugbear. Those men were
not working for economy, but for that old W--e Buncombe.
Mr. SAUL inquired if the gentleman was not one of those who used the
argument in Sacramento that if the Legislature adjourned to San Francisco
that would not create a necessity for removing the State officers.
Mr. AMES replied that he did not, and the gentleman would not be able
to find it on record. He did not claim that the removal was intended
to be temporary only, and this bill was worded so as to make it
temporary. The argument then was that the removal was an entering
wedge for the purpose of removing the Capital, but he had seen no
disposition on the part of the majority to carry out any such purpose.
There was less to be moved in the case of these State officers than in
the case of the Legislature, and the contract could be made at a low
rate. He did not believe it was possible to conduct the business between
the Legislature and the State offices by means of messengers. He did not
believe the Legislature would be willing to transmit its bills to the
Governor for his signature by the hands of any messenger. The bills
might be materially altered on their way, and they had had enough of
that sort of legislation to induce them to guard against it.
Mr. SHANNON proposed to amend the bill by a substitute, striking out
all after the enacting clause and inserting the following:
Section 1. The Governor of this State is hereby authorized and required
to reside and hold his office at the city of San Francisco during the
thirteenth session of the Legislature.
Sec. 2..All laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect from and after its passage.
Mr. SHANNON said he thought all that was necessary was to authorize
the Governor to hold his office here, and in his opinion he would do
so without an enactment; he had been given to understand as much. It
would be better, however, to authorize him to do so by an Act, because
it might save some technical questions hereafter in matters of law.
This was all that the exigencies of the case demanded, and they could
get the sense of the House upon the substitute. If that was adopted,
it would of course dispose of the whole question. That was the whole
thing in a nutshell. The temporary inconvenience of the State officers
residing at Sacramento did not justify the expenditure and risk of
removing them, with all the archives and the money in the Treasury.
Their business with the Treasurer could be transacted at a very trifling
expense, and their business with the Secretary of State, whose office
was the one with which they had most to do, could also be done through
messages at a trifling expense. They had not sufficient connection
with the offices of the Controller, Surveyor General and other State
officers to justify their removal in any event. Therefore he was
opposed to the original bill. Suppose they removed the Treasury from
the safe vaults which it now occupied in Sacramento, it was
possible--he would not say probable--that while on the way some
accident might happen. The steamboat might blow up, or the money be
stolen, and in such an event the people would justly hold them
responsible for the loss, He did not wish to place himself in that
position. All their relations with those State officers would require
only now and then a messenger, at an expense of six or eight dollars
a day, while to move the offices down to San Fransisco and back would
cost, in his opinion, a great deal more thin two thousand dollars.
Though the bill limited the expense to that sum, yet he remembered
that relief bills were very fashionable in this State, and if it
actually cost ten thousand dollars, the amount would be paid by some
future Legislature.
Mr. CUNNARD said he wished to offer an amendment to the substitute,
by inserting the Secretary of State and the Controller.
The SPEAKER said it would not be in order until the substitute should
be adopted.
Mr. SHANNON concurred in that decision.
Mr. WATSON moved the previous question.
Mr. HOFFMAN said he hoped an opportunity would be allowed to members of
the Committee to give their views. Some proposals had been handed to him
which he would like to read for information.
The previous question was sustained.
Mr. MEYERS said there was no doubt that these State offices could be
brought here at an expense of only $1,000; that was a fixed fact. If
they could be brought for that, they would not under the bill proposed
be brought at all; so that all the talk about expense of removal was
mere moonshine. As to taking them back again, the expense might be an
open question. The parties now running steamers between here and
Sacramento might not be in existence then, but he presumed there would
be steamers running, and it was very likely that means could be found
for conveying them back, at the usual rates of fare at least. If the
Government had honest and faithful servants, there was no reason why
they should not get their business done as economically as other parties.
He thought there was some inconsistency shown on the part of those who had
urged the absolute necessity of removing the State offices as an argument
against the removal of the Legislature. Those who were in favor of the
adjournment to this place had said comparatively little in the argument.
The most of the time was occupied by those who opposed it. From the
beginning it had been the sentiment of both Houses to adjourn here, and
the opposition to that measure, by protracted debate and maneuvering,
had cost the State not less than $25,000. The same course was being
pursued now, and the debate upon this measure was likely to cost more
than the expense of bringing down the State officers and taking,
them back again. He urged the necessity of removing the Surveyor
General's office on the ground that documents in his possession were
very necessary to be examined by the Committee on Swamp and Overflowed
Lands, who would have important business to transaacct. He presumed that
there would also be questions of constitutional law arising in the
various Committees, which would render it necessary to consult the
Attorney General. If those offices were not brought here, the
Committees would have to go to Sacramento, at a great expense of
mileage and time, which would tend to extend the session. If they
could curtail the session only three days, it would save more than
the cost of removal.
Mr. SEARS said he thought there were other officers which it was
fully as necessary to have in San Francisco as the Governor. The
Governor was allowed ten days within which to sign bills, but some
of the other officers must do business within one day, for instance,
the law required the State Printer to furnish; when required, the
Journals of the preceding day, but that would be impossible if his
office remained in Sacramento. The adjournment of the Legislature
to San Francisco forced the Printer to remove with the
whole paraphernalia of his oflice. He hoped the substitute would
be voted down, and the bill panned in such a shape as to move the
officers, which were absolutely required.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer, said he had dissented from the recommendation of
the majority of the
Committee in regard to the removal some of these offices, but it was
necessary that the Governor at least should be authorized to keep his
office here, and perhaps some others. He was opposed, however, to the
amendment including the State Printer and Attorney General. There was
no law compelling the State Printer to keep his office at any particular
place, and he was informed that frequently since the seat of Government
had been in Sacramento, the printing had been done in San Francisco. It
was a fact, too. that the removal of the State Printer's office would
involve a greater expense than any of the others. Besides, his office
was already here. If they passed this bill as reported it would afford
a precedent for future action, and be the groundwork for importuning
the Legislature for relief bills. The Attorney General was not required
to keep his office in any particular place. His principal business was
with the Supreme Court, who had now adjourned to the 1st of March; and
the effect of including him would be to require him to have his office
and reside in San Francisco until the 1st of June, so that he would not
be able to attend the Supreme Court when it should meet in March next.
As to the removal of the Treasurer, with all the finances of the State,
he considered it a delicate matter. There were now in the Treasury
$300,000 or $400,000, and the Treasurer had given bonds for the safe
keeping of those funds. If they required him to remove, they would put
additional labor upon his hands, and give him duties which were not
imposed by law when he was elected. It would be a question whether his
bonds would cover the cases which might arise. He did not intend to
reflect upon the Treasurer or anybody else, but judging the future from
the past, he would suggest that they could not throw too many safeguards
around the Treasury. He had opposed the removal of the Legislature on
the ground that vexatious lawsuits might arise, bringing in question the
validity of their acts, passed at a place outside of the Capital of the
State, and he believed that now, in order to make assurance doubly sure,
they ought to pass a bill authorizing the Governor to remain here during
the session. Let them overlook the inconvenience of the absence of the
other State officers. He would be asked why he required those officers
to remain in Sacramento if he could not remain himself, and he would
frankly admit that that would be rather a knotty question for him to answer.
But Sacramento was a bad place for any one to live in at present, and
legislation could not have been carried on there in a proper manner.
Mr. REED said this bill proposed to do a specific thing for a specific
sum of money, and the question was, in the first place, was that
specific thing necessary; and in the second place, could it be
accomplished for that specific amount. He did not regard as very
statesmanlike the argument advanced upon the supposition that the
steamer might be blown up or sunk in the Bay, nor that on the 1st of
June the price of freight and transportation might rise, and the parties
contracting might not be able therefore to do their work for the amount
specified. These were contingencies against which no human sagacity or
legislation could provide. The possibility of relief bills being introduced
hereafter was another similar contingency. The minority report had presented
extravagant figures in regard to the expense of removal, but they were no
more extravagant than the estimates which had been given of the expense of
the removal of the Legislature and its furniture. Those estimates were
made by the same men, and were entitled to the same degree of credibility.
He had voted for the removal of the Legislature, not on the ground of
personal convenience, but for the public good. He regretted its necessity,
but believed it was demanded, as a matter of public economy, and on the
same ground he should vote for the removal of the State offices. It would
be more economical to expend $2,000 for that purpose than to endeavor to
get along with business without them, and thereby protract the session a
week or ten days. The swamp land question was likely to be one of great
magnitude and importance, and it would therefore be essential that the
Committee on that subject should be in intimate communication with the
Surveyor General's office. The matter of the School Fund, referred to
in the Governor's message, was also likely to be an important question,
and the Committee on that subject would need to have access to documents.
If the State offices were not removed, Committees might be obliged to
spend a week in investigating a single point.
Mr. COLLINS said he should vote for Mr. Shannon's substitute upon the
score of economy, and he wished to say to gentlemen that their bugbears
about buncombe would have no influence upon him. He had never been an
office-seeker, and had never solicited office or position, either from
National or State authorities, and if he held position at all, it was
the free offering of the people. He thought it necessary as a matter
of convenience that the Governor should have his office here during
the session, and did not doubt that it would also be convenient to
have the other offices, but that convenience would not outweigh the
expense. He was fully convinced that even if the State offices were
brought here for $1,000, they would never be got back again for that
sum. The question of the removal of the Legislature had been
unnecessarily dragged into the debate, and he would say that while the
opponents of that measure might have made a little the longest speeches,
its advocates occupied about as much time and caused the expenditure of
quite as much money. He did not understand the opponents of the measure
to argue that if the Legislature was brought to San Francisco the State
officers must of necessity follow them; but they did contend that that
would be the next step of the friends of removal on the score of
convenience, and upon that hypothesis they based the estimates of the
great cost of removal. They took into their calculations not only the
cost of the removal of the Legislature, but of the State offices also.
It was a novel argument, urged by the friends of the removal, that the
opposition to a measure ought to be silent because debate would consume
time, and let them have it all their own way. He did not see that they
curtailed their own speeches on that score, and he thought he had as
good a right to be heard as any other man. He would be in favor, as an
act of justice, of reimbursing the State Printer for the absolute expense
of his removal, because he was forced to move his office by the action
of the Legislature; but that should be done by relief bill, and not
by an Act which would render his office a State institution.
The SPEAKER called attention to the rule prohibiting members from passing
between the Chair and the person speaking.
Mr. WARWICK said he would state for the information of the House that
the Governor was willing to conserve the interests of the State and the
convenience of the Legislature, by having a temporary office in San
Francisco without any cost whatever to the State of California. What,
then, had the Legislature more to desire. He had been elected to the
Legislature upon the score of public economy, and an honest administration
of public affairs. He was expected to raise his voice against all
useless expenditures, and he felt it his duty to inquire what necessity
there was for the action proposed to be taken. Gentlemen said he might
as well give up the battle, that he was in the hands of the Philistines,
but he was not willing to yield yet, and most earnestly protested against
this removal. If gentlemen would look over the proceedings of the last
few years, they would see that hundreds of thousands of dollars had been
voted away to pay parties who had transacted business for government
beyond the amount of their contracts. Charles Clark, formerly Sheriff
of Calaveras county, brought in a bill a year ago for $5,000, for
arresting criminals in 1855, which was a case of a similar nature.
Let the Legislature pay one of these claims, and the next year or the
year after, as soon as a Legislature could be elected convenient for
the purpose, up would come relief bills of similar character for other
parties, and the claimants would have their friends ready to back them
up. He was afraid to speak of these matters lest he should be flying
in the face of some of his colleagues, one of whom had charged him
to-day with the desire to elect boatmen; and might in like manner
accuse him of trying to cheat the steamboats out of a good job. He
did not desire to cheat anybody, nor to allow the State to be cheated.
The question of the necessity of the removal of these officers was not
broached by the friends of removal at Sacramento, and if it was
contemplated, then the purpose was never disclosed. He considered it
as another step in the programme. They had a large State Library in
Sacramento, and he for one felt the want of it very severely, having
no access to any one of the public libraries in this town. and he
would not be surprised if some of these gentlemen should suggest next
to bring the State Library down. It would only load two or three sloops,
and a room could be hired for it at perhaps $1,000 a month; and they
could send it back again for $2,000 or $3,000 more; and so their expenses
would go on increasing until it reached an amount which no gentleman
contemplated in the beginning. There was no necessity for any action
of this kind, because the Governor and the Secretary of State had
signified their willingness to have their offices here without any
cost whatever. He did not think that gentlemen, fully believed that
a contract of removal from Sacramento and back again for $2,000, would
ever be literally fulfilled. The expense would be increased in various
ways. As to the State Printer, he did not see the slightest necessity
for his removal. There was a good office in the building which he
occupied in Sacramento, immediately over the old office, which would
have been amply sufficient; and the necessity for the removal of the
State Printer had only impressed itself upon that officer and his
friends. There was no more need of his moving to San Francisco than
of taking a moonlight excursion to the skies: and if, unfortunately,
he had involved himself in that expense, he ought to foot the hill.
Mr. SEARS inquired how the State Printer was going to furnish the
Journals of the preceding day if he remained in Sacramento.
Mr. WARWICK said he believed that never had been required. He for one
was not willing to go back as a cheat and a swindler to his constituents,
belying every action of his life and every promise made previous to the
recent election, and should, therefore, vote against the removal for the
sake of retrenching expenses,
Mr. MEYERS, said there was no use of indulging in these wild
suppositions. The Committee was by the terms of the Act, to contract
for the removal at a stated price, and he presumed the steamboat lines
were owned by responsible parties who would not contract unless they
knew what they were going to do. If afterwards they brought in relief
bills, he doubted very much whether they would be allowed. Looking at
it in a business point of view, he thought there was no danger of
enormous expenses being incurred. He, too, was elected under promises
of retrenchment and reform, and on that very ground he should vote for
this measure, because by having officers here they would be enabled to
shorten the session. When measures came up which really involved
retrenchment, he would be ready to go as far as any man.
Mr. SMITH of Sierra moved the previous question.
Mr. SAUL said he hoped they would give all a chance to express their views.
The demand for the previous question was seconded.
Mr. HOFFMAN said they might as well attempt to run a wagon with three
wheels as to legislate for the next three months without the State
offlces. If they were not here, they would have to communicate with
them by steamer, and the expense of sending messenger after messenger
to Sacramento, for the various Committees and the two Houses would
be greater than the expense of removal.
Mr. SHANNON said he desired to ask the gentleman, as a lawyer, whether
or not he believed the removal of the money from the vaults of the
treasury would affect the bonds of the Treasurer.
Mr. HOFFMAN said he would come to that in a
moment, and in the meantime would refer the gentlemen to the Committee
on the Judiciary. He was for voting down the amendment and passing the
bill as it came from the Senate, whose judgment they ought to respect
in this matter, and save the long discussion, which amounted to nothing.
He looked upon the Treasurer as the servant of the people, and the two
bodies assembled there were the people, and had power to do anything in
the name of the people, except where they were restricted by the
Constitution. As one of the Commissioners named in the bill, he would
state that he had received a proposal from a respectable source to bring
everything connected with all the offices moved from the State House in
Sacramento to the State House in San Francisco; and if necessary, bonds
would be given to that effect, which should go to the extent of covering
the amount of money now in the State Treasury. The expense of removing
the Legislature had been largely overestimated, as had also been the
case with regard to this measure, and various other factitious arguments
had been resorted to. Personal convenience had been rung in his ears
till it began to sound to him as Jacob Astor's trip hammer did, which
every time it fell made him richer. There would be no necessity for
removing the State Library because the people of San Francisco had
generously opened the doors and given the Legislature access to every
library, public or private. He considered this discussion as anything
but economical, and in conclusion arraigned the opponents of removal
for inconsistency.
Mr. SAUL said when the Legislature adjourned to San Francisco he had
supposed he would not again be called upon to protest as a representative
of Sacramento against the efforts which were being made to deprive her
of the State Capital. They made their fight in Sacramento, urging that
the proposed removal of the Legislature was but the first step toward
the permanent removal of the Capital, and he then predicted that the
next step would be just such a bill as the one now before them. There
was a lump of sugar in that bill in the section providing for the
return of the State offices in June, but the next step in the programme,
perhaps, would be to repeal that section, and then locate the Capital
at some other point. He knew there were members who had said the
Legislature never would meet again in Sacramento, and he could lay
his finger upon men who were opposed to ever allowing it to return there.
This bill was a part of their programme, and it was working magnificently.
Some who had voted for the removal of the Legislature did so honestly,
believing that they were voting for the best interest of Sacramento.
They came to the Sacramento delegation urging that they ought themselves
to introduce that measure, but the delegation replied that there was the
place to make the fight, for in reality it was a fight on the permanent
removal and not on the temporary adjournment. They had now reached the
second step in the programme. Reflections had been cast unjustly upon
the Sacramento delegation, and upon the noble, disinterested men who
stood by them and would not be driven from their convictions of right
and justice. He had no reproaches to make against those who had voted
honestly for the removal, for he knew that many of them would vote
against this proposition. It might be true that gentlemen were willing
to give bonds to remove those offices for $1,000, but if they did so,
there would be additional expense coming out of somebody's pocket.
The minority of the Committee of Ways and Means had carefully and
intelligently estimated the expense of removal, and he belived [sic] their
estimate was correct. The Secretary of State had repeatedly told him
that his office could not be removed for less than from $5,000 to
$10,000. It contained from six to ten tons of documents, the
accumulation of the last thirteen years, and much greater care would
be required to remove them than in removing mere furniture. Some of
the State officers were anxious to come down, being personally opposed
to the location of the Capital at Sacramento. Who was to pay the expense
of removing them back? It would ultimately come out of the State, and
would have to be paid for roundly. The removal of the State Printer did
not require an Act of the Legislature, and one of the proprietors had
assured him that the removal damaged them over $3,000. He presumed they
would come to the Legislature for relief, and he presumed that with the
same magnanimity that had been evinced by the gentleman from San Francisco
(Mr. Battles) towards the boatmen, that the relief would be granted.
They could appoint a couple of trustworthy messengers to communicate
with the State officers in Sacramento, and do all the business, and
if necessary they might be required to give bonds. .Responsible men
were willing to take the trouble of transacting all their business,
and even of transmitting the funds to pay the Legislature in San
Francisco, without its costing the State a dime. He trusted that
gentlemen would not be deluded by the men who were urging this scheme
of removing the State Capital piece by piece. The city of Sacramento
was not dependent upon the Capital, but there was a matter of pride
involved. A few men who had invested hundreds of thousands there to
accommodate the Legislature, would suffer by the removal, but Sacramento
contained a population as energetic and enterprising as any people upon
ths face of the earth. They had gone through fire and flood, and would
survive even the removal of the Capital. If they were to go through the
streets of Sacramento to-day, they would see no despondency in the faces
of her merchants. The citizens of Sacramento would next week, or as soon
as the waters should subside, go to work to repair the damage done, and
go on again with as much energy as ever. He did not envy those who would
place their foot upon the neck of a community when it was prostrate.
Mr. DUDLEY, of Solano, moved the previous question, which was sustained.
The ayes and noes were demanded upon the adoption of the substitute
proposed by Mr. Shannon, authorizing the Governor only to reside and keep
his office in San Francisco.
The vote resulted as follows:
Ayes--Amerige, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Benton, Campbell, Collins,
Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Evey, Ferguson, Fraaier,
Griswold, Hoag, Irwin, Kendall, Love, Machin, Matthews, McAllister,
Morrison, O'Brien, Parker, Pemberton, Printy, Reeve, Saul, Seaton,
Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Thornbury,
Waddell, Warwick, Werk, Wilcoxon--38.
Noes--Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Cunnard,
Cot, Dana, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Solano, Eliason, Fay, Hillyer Hoffman,
Jackson, Lane, Leach, Loewy, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Porter,
Reed, Sargent, Sears, Teegarden, Thompson of San Joaquin, Tilton of San
Francisco, Tilton of San Mateo, Van Zandt, Woodman, Wright, Yule, Zuck,
Mr. Speaker--37.
So the substitute was adopted.
Mr. BELL declined to vote.
Mr. MATTHEWS, in explaining his vote, said he would vote for the original
bill but for the fact that it proposed to remove some officers which were
not at all necessary. The question recurred upon the passage of the bill
as amended by the substitute, and the ayes and noes were demanded.
Mr. BROWN moved that the House adjourn.
Mr. SHANNON raised a question of order, that the motion to adjourn was
not in order under the previous question.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman from Plumas is unquestionably right.
The vote on the passage of the bill was taken, as follows;
Ayes--Amerige, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Benton, Campbell, Collins,
Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer. Evey, Ferguson, Frazier, Griswold,
Hoag, Irwin, Jackson, Kendall, Love, Machin, Matthews, McAllister,
Morrison, O'Brien, Parker, Pemberton, Porter, Printy, Reeve, Saul,
Seaton, Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama,
Thornbury, Waddell, Warwick, Wilcoxon--39.
Noes--Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Cunnard,
Dana, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Solano, Eliason, Fay, Hillyer, Hoffman, Lane,
Leach, Loewy, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Reed, Sargent, Sears,
Teegarden, Thompson of San Joaquin, Tilton of San Francisco, Tilton of
San Mateo, Van Zandt, Werk, Woodman, Wright, Yule, Zuck, Mr. Speaker--35.
So the bill was passed.
Mr. SHANNON moved to amend the title so as to read: An Act to fix the
temporary residence of the Governor of the State of California, and to
repeal all laws in conflict therewith. The title was so amended. . . .
At a quarter before three o'clock, the House adjourned. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3383, 31 January 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 29, 1862.
The President called the Senate to order. . . .
THE RESIDENCE OF STATE OFFICERS.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of a message from the Assembly,
announcing the adoption of an amendment to Senate Bill No. 16, relative to
the residence of State officers, striking out State officers and inserting
Governor.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN moved that the action of the Senate be adhered to, and
that a Committee of Conference be appointed.
The PRESIDENT said the question was upon concurring. If the Senate did
not choose to recede, a Committee of Conference could then be appointed.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN withdrew hie motion.
The question being taken, the Senate refused to concur. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
Wednesday, January 29, 1861.
The House met at ten o'clock. . . .
THE STATE LIBRARY.
Mr. SHANNON proposed the following:
Resolved, By the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That the State
Librarian be authorized to furnish members with books from the State
Library, and that he be authorized to contract for transporting the
same to and from the Library the expense of which shall be paid one-half
out of the Contingent Fund of the Assembly and one-half out of the
Contingent Fund of the Senate.
Mr. CUNNARD moved to lay the resolution on the table, but withdrew the
motion to allow Mr Shannon to make an explanation.
Mr. SHANNON said members of both Houses would find it very convenient
to be able to draw books from the Library at Sacramento. They would
often have occasion for the books, and the cost of transportation would
not probably exceed $50. This was the only way for members to get books
from the State Library, unless they paid the expense out of their own
pockets.
Mr. EAGAR objected to the resolution because he believed that in the
course of the session the whole State Library might be brought to San
Francisco under the provisions of the resolution at a cost perhaps of
five or six thousand dollars.
Mr. HOAG said he stated in Sacramento that if the Legislature was
transported to San Francisco the next move would be to bring down
the State offices and the next the State Library. Both of these had
already been attempted; the first was disposed of yesterday, and the
second was then before the House. He agreed with Mr. Eagar that under
that resolution the whole Library might be brought to San Francisco
piecemeal, the expense coming out of the Contingent Fund of the
Legislature. He recollected that in reply to his prediction in
Sacramento, the gentleman from Plumas rose and said--
Mr. SHANNON (interrupting) asked the gentleman from Yolo to give way
for a moment, and said he had introduced the resolution solely for
the convenience of members, to enable them to procure such books as
would assist them in their legislative labors. He had no more idea
ef bringing the State Library down here than he had of moving the Sierra
Nevada to San Francisco, and he would now ask leave to withdraw the
resolution.
Objection being made, the Speaker put the question on granting leave
to withdraw the resolution and it was carried. So the resolution was
withdrawn. . . .
REMOVAL BY RESOLUTION.
Mr. CUNNARD offered the following, which on motion of Mr. EVEY was promptly
laid on the table :
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by the Speaker,
to act in conjunction with a like Committee of the Senate, to report some
concurrent resolution in regard to the removal of the State officers from
Sacramento to San Francisco. . . .
REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
A message was read from the Senate, announcing that that branch had
refused to concur in Assembly amendment to Senate Bill No. 16--An Act to
fix the temporary residence of State officers of this State, etc., and
asked the Assembly to recede therefrom.
The SPEAKER said the question was: Should the House recede.
Mr. EAGAR moved that a Committee of Conference be appointed.
Mr. SHANNON said that was not in order; the question must first be
decided as to whether the House would recede. Ae [He?] moved that the
House adhere.
The ayes and noes were demanded on the motion to adhere. The roll having
been called,
Mr. PEMBERTON said the gentleman from Alameda (Mr. Bell) had not voted,
and he hoped he would be required to vote according to the rule.
Mr. BELL said that he thought they would hardly squeeze a vote out of him.
Mr. MEYERS moved that Mr. Bell be excused from voting. Lost on a
division--ayes 13, noes 43.
Mr. BELL asked leave to make an explanation. It was known to every
gentleman present that he had taken an active part in endeavoring
to keep the Legislature in Sacramento, but this bill presented itself
in such an extraordinary shape that he was absolutely unable to decide
which way he ought to vote to be consistent with the position he then
took. He found that other gentlemen were in a similar position; men
who voted on the one side or the other on the question of removing the
Legislature having exchanged places on this question. He still believed
that his action there was one of the most righteous acts of his
legislative experience. Besides, his immediate constituents in Oakland,
not perhaps fully understanding the honesty and integrity of his
intentions, had condemned him in their own minds for the action he
then took, and as he had due respect for those who voted for him, as
well as due respect for his previous action, he felt certain that the
House would not force him to record a vote on this question, when it
was really impossible. He hoped they would not undertake to squeeze
a vote out of a man who really had no vote to give.
Mr. SHANNON said as there was no hydraulic pressure by which they could
force a vote out of Mr. Bell, he hoped he would be excused.
Mr. MORRISON moved to reconsider the vote refusing to excuse Mr. Bell,
and the reconsideration prevailed, on a division-ayes 31, noes 28.
Mr. Bell was then excused from voting.
The vote on Mr. Shannon's motion to adhere resulted as follows:
Ayes--Amerige, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Benton, Collins, Davis,
Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Evey, Ferguson, Frasier, Griswold,
Hoag, Irwin, Kendall, Leach, Love, Machin, Matthews, McAllister, O'Brien,
Parker, Pemberton, Porter, Printy, Reeve, Saul, Seaton. Shannon,
Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Thornbury,
Waddell, Warwick, Wilcoxon-40.
Noes--Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Campbell,
Cunnard, Cot, Dana, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Solano, Eagar, Eliason, Fay,
Hillyer, Hoffman, Jackson, Lane, Loewy, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers,
Moore, Reed, Sargent, Sears, Teegarden, Thompson of San Joaquin,
Tilton of San Frncisco, Tilton of San Mateo, Van Zandt, Woodman,
Wright, Yule, Zuck, Mr. Speaker--35.
Mr. AMES moved that a Committee of Conference be appointed on the bill.
Agreed to.
The SPEAKER appointed Messrs. Ames, Maclay and Meyers (all of whom had
voted in the negative) to constitute the Committee. . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED.
The following bills were introduced, read twice, and referred as indicate : . . .
Mr. MOORE--An Act for the repeal of all Acts in relation to fences within
certain districts in this State. To the Committee on Agriculture. . . .
MILEAGE.
Mr. BROWN said, at the request of a person interested, he would ask
leave to introduce the following:
Resolved, That the Committee on Mileage be instructed to report
the names of members to whom mileage is due on account of the removal
of the Legislature to San Francisco, and the several amounts.
Mr. AVERY moved that the resolution be laid on the table, and said he
hoped there would not be a word of discussion upon it.
The Speaker stated the question, when
Mr. AVERY withdrew the motion, and moved instead that the resolution
be postponed indefinitely, upon which the ayes and noes were demanded.
Mr. FERGUSON said he should vote no, because he thought the Sacramento
delegation was as much entitled to mileage as other members.
Mr. AMES said he would be willing to vote for a resolution giving the
Sacramento delegation mileage.
Mr. HOAG said he had voted steadily against the removal upon the ground
of economy; he should vote to postpone this resolution from the same
motives. Having voted to remove, the legislators ought to foot their
own bills. He had not received a dollar for mileage, and did not desire
it.
The resolution was indeflnltely postponed--ayes, 49; noes, 13. . . .
REMOVAL OF STATE OFFiCERS--AGAIN
Mr. SHANNON rose to a question of privilege, and called attention to
the appointment by the speaker of a Committee of free conference on the
bill for the temporary removal of State officers. He had appointed on
that Committee three men who voted against the proposition adopted by
the House, and it was contrary to parliamentary usage to appoint a
Committee on the part of and to represent the House, all of whom were
opposed to the action that had been taken by the House. Jefferson,
Cushing, and all other writers on parliarnentary law would bear him
out in the assertion. Cushing said it was customary to appoint the
Committee from those who favored the measure, the mover and the seconder
being of course appointed. Although he was the mover of the measure,
however, he did not wish to be understood as desiring to be on the
Committee of Conference, nor would he accept the appointment; he only
desired to guard the Speaker against the error in the future of referring
a measure to its enemies.
The SPEAKER said it was impossible for the Chair to determine what was
the present feeling of any gentlemen as to the measure. The only evidence
would be the vote of yesterday.
Mr. SHANNON begged leave to say the Speaker was mistaken, because a vote
was taken by ayes and noes this morning on the proposition itself. It
was on his motion to adhere, which was equivalent to again adopting the
proposition, and all those gentlemen appointed on the Committee were on
the record against it.
The SPEAKER said that might be true, yet it was impossible for the Chair
to determine what would be the feeling of gentlemen when acting upon a
Committee of Conference. Mr. Ames, the mover of the Committee of Conference,
was appointed upon it as a matter of courtesy, and he had selected the
other two without any intention of referring the subject solely to those
entertaining any particular views.
Mr. BENTON said the Committee had all voted with the minority of the
House.
The SPEAKER--That makes no difference in the case.
Mr. SHANNON said the motion for a Conference Committee was premature, for
the Senate might still recede, and if not it would then be the place of
the Senate to ask for a conference. It was premature to appoint a Committee
of Conference when they did not know but the Senate would take such action
that there would be nothing to confer about.
The SPEAKER said he held the motion to appoint the Committee to have been
in order.
Mr. MEYERS asked to be excused from serving on the Committee, and was
excused.
The SPEAKER appointed Mr. Griswold to fill the vacancy.
Mr. AMES asked leave to make an explanation but objection was made.
Mr. BENTON gave notice that to-morrow he would move to reconsider the
vote by which the Committee of Conference was appointed
The SPEAKER said the motion was not in order. There was no rule under
which, after the House had appointed a Committee of Conference it could
undo what it had done.
Mr. BENTON referred the Speaker to Rule 57 giving the right to enter a
notice of reconsideration on any motion.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco said he raised a question of order, that the
gentleman from Sacramento could not give notice of a motion to reconsider
at the present stage, other business having intervened.
The SPEAKER said he had already ruled the motion out of order.
Mr. BENTON claimed the indulgence of the House for a moment, but several
gentlemen objected. . . .
At 1:35 o'clock the House adjourned. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
We have weather reports from Carson City, Placerville and Strawberry under
date of last
evening. At Carson the ground was frozen hard, there were only four
inches of snow, and the weather was clear. At Placerville the weather
was foggy and the snow was melting rapidly. At Strawberry the weather
was clear and cold, but the snow obstructed travel on the summit.
The Sacramento Valley Railroad Company commenced driving piles yesterday,
as the beginning of the work of repairing the damage done by the flood
to that portion of the road which leads into the city.
THE LEGISLATURE.
The two Houses came to a lock, on Wednesday, upon Senate Bill No. 16,
providing for the removal to San Francisco of the principal State officers.
The House, it will be remembered, amended the Senate bill so as to require
only the removal of the Governor. The Senate refused to concur, and asked
the House to recede. The latter body, by a vote of 40 to 35, decided to
adhere. Upon this a Committee of Conference was appointed, consisting of
Porter, Shurtliff and Merritt on the part of the Senate, and Ames, Maclay
and Myers on the part of the Assembly. The conduct of Speaker Barstow in
appointing this Committee was both ridiculous and outrageous. The custom
is, in appointing a Committee of Conference, for each presiding officer
to see that his appointments accord with the will of the body over which
he presides. The Assembly in the present instance is represented by
three members, every one of whom voted in the minority, so that when the
two Houses, through their Committeemen, confer over the disputed question,
there will be no one to speak for the Assembly, Ames, Maclay and Myers
being opposed to the declared will of that body in the premises. Shannon
of Plumas brought this up before the House upon a question of privilege,
and one of the Committee declined. No one was appointed in his stead on
the same day. Barton of this county attempted to give notice of a motion
to reconsider the vote by which the Conference Committee was ordered, but
the Speaker ruled him out of order. Barstow cuts a very poor figure in the
chair. He is nervous, evidently inexperienced, desirous of appearing prompt
when he has no idea of the merits of what he is to decide upon, and is
altogether the poorest presiding officer ever called upon to officiate in
either branch of the California Legislature . . .
Those who have looked in upon the Legislature, in the new quarters
provided at San Francisco, represent it as being a scene of the greatest
confusion. The carpenters employed to fit up the two chambers seem to
be working by the day, and the progress made by them is entirely out
of proportion to the dust and din which accompany their labor. No real
work has as yet been done in either branch of the Legislature.
RETRENCHMENT AND REFORM.
From the pledges which have been made by the Republican leaders in the
State for several years past, the people were justified in anticipating
that a rigid system of reform and retrenchment would be entered upon so
soon as that party was elevated to power. While in the minority, the
leading speakers and writers of the Republicans were fierce in their
denunciations of the extravagance and frauds perpetrated upon the
treasury and the people by the Democratic party; and frequently eloquent
in their promises of retrenchment and reform if the people would place
the executive and legislative power of the State in their honest hands.
In the progress of political events, the Government of the State was
placed in the possession of the Republican party. A Republican Governor
was inaugurated early in January, 1862; a Legislature, in which that
party wields a controlling influence, convened on the seventh of the
same month, and before it was fairly organized for business the State
was visited by one of the greatest calamities by storm and flood ever
inflicted upon a civilized people. Within the limit of a few days fully
one quarter of the taxable property of the State was buried beneath the
torrents which were precipitated from the mountains into the valleys.
Thousands of the people of the State had lost either a portion or the
whole of their property, and hundreds of families been driven from their
homes by the remorseless floods. The cry of distress and the calls for
relief from suffering were heard from one end of the State to the other.
The prosperous branches of industry in which the people of the State were
engaged on the first of December, 1861, were for a time blotted from
existence. For nearly two months the active business of the State has
been paralyzed by storms, high water, a destruction of bridges, and
impassible roads. Merchants, miners, farmers and mechanics have been
driven for existence to rely upon supplies and resources on hand at
the beginning of the series of unparalleled storms, and no man, since
the first of December, in any portion of the State, has expected to
accomplish more than to provide for the daily subsistence of himself
and family. Beyond this men have been engaged solely in saving as much
of their property as was possible from the devouring floods. The idea
and expectation of making money was for a time abandoned. Even the
hundreds of families driven from their homes in the valleys to temporary
dependence upon their friends, or upon the generosity and charity of
more fortunate communities, have almost abandoned the hope of being
able to return to their farms in a condition and in time to raise
enough to support their wives and children through the year. Their
all has been swept away; their pleasant homes have been rendered
desolate. They must return, if at all, with feelings depressed, to
begin again the battle of life under circumstances which, in any other
country than California, would cast the shadow of discouragement over
the hearts of men of the most determined character.
In view of this terrible visitation of Providence upon the property
and prosperity of the State, and the deplorable condition of the
destitute and suffering people, the latter were justified in a
confident expectation of sympathy and relief, as far as practicable,
from a California Legislature. Particularly were such hopeful
expectations justified by the acknowledged fact that a new party
had been elected to power by the votes of the people. The Republican
party, with retrenchment and reform inscribed on its party banner,
was clothed with the insignia of office, and assumed the responsibility
of marking out a policy and administering the government of the State.
The times and the condition of the people demanded the redemption of
the pledge of retrenchment and reform they had so often made before
the people. The opportunity--and a glorious one it was, too--was
offered to the representatives of the Republican party to redeem their
recorded pledges; but they failed to improve it. Those in power permitted
it to pass, never to return.
Within one week after the Legislature convened, and the very day on which
Governor Stanford was inaugurated, it was known that the material
prosperity of the State had been prostrated by storms and floods. It
was demonstrated that the people were unable to pay the expenditures
incident to a long session of the Legislature. The Republicans had
just taken possession of the Government, and in the presence of their
pledges, what course ought the party to have adopted in order to
honestly redeem those pledges? Ought they not to have instantly
determined to pass the few general laws necessary and then adjourned?
Outside of the Legislature there is probably not a man in the State who
has no special bill for his own benefit that he wants passed, who will
not answer the above question in the affirmative. There was, under the
circumstances, no occasion for a session of over four weeks. Indeed,
the real legislation demanded for the State could have been accomplished
in three weeks. A general appropriation bill for carrying on the
Government; a bill to provide for the payment of the national war
tax; an Act relating to fences; a vote on the amendments to the
Constitution, and a bill providing for submitting those amendments
to the people, are about all the laws demanded by the interests of the
State. These Acts could have been matured and passed through both Houses
in three weeks after the inauguration of the new Governor. It was the
policy upon which the leaders of the Republican party should have planted
themselves. A policy recognized as so just to the people would have met
with no successful opposition. The members of no party in the Legislature
would have dared to oppose it. Had the Republicans resolved upon such
a line of policy and carried it out successfully to an adjournment by
the 1st of February they would not only have been voted the gratitude
of the people but they would have so commended themselves to the hearts
and confidence of Californians as to have established on a firm basis
their power as a party in California. But the leaders of that party
were unequal to the occasion. They permitted themselves to be led off
into a contest for an adjournment from the Capital to San Francisco,
in order to promote the personal comfort and convenience of members.
In the discussion over this proposition, and in consummating it, time
enough was sacrificed to have matured and passed all the Acts which we
have named as constituting the legislation needed by the State. For this
waste of time, and for the failure to redeem their pledges of retrenchment
and reform, made before the election, when so favorable an opportunity
was presented for their acceptance, the Republicans will be held
responsible by the people of the State.
FERRY BOAT AT SALMON FALLS.--In five days, we are informed, a ferry
boat will be completed to transport teams across the South Fork of
the American river at Salmon Fulls. It will be remembered that the
bridge at the point named was carried away by the late flood. The
ferry boat will be sixty feet long, and that length is amply sufficient
to take on a loaded team of eight animals.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Weather at Carson City, Placerville, and Strawberry.
CARSON CITY, Jan. 30th.
The weather is clear and cold. There are only four inches of snow.
The ground is frozen hard.
STRAWBERRY, Jan. 30th.
Snow fell to the depth of two feet at this point, and about three feet
on the Summit, yesterday and this morning. The snow being quite light
has drifted and filled up the road badly on the Kingsbury grade, at
Lake Valley, so as to prevent the passage of animals for the present.
Swan's road, as usual, is being kept open by constant travel of his teams.
The road will be opened to-morrow without doubt, as about one hundred pack
mules will attempt it in the morning. There have been no stages from
Carson for two days.
PLACERVILLE, January 30th.
The weather here to-night is mild and cloudy. There are four inches of
snow on the ground, but it is gradually melting. Business is dull, but
reviving.
LEVEES AND BONDS.--In this paper we give an article upon the kind of
levees needed to protect the city, and the plan to be adopted to raise
the money, which is written by "A Practical Engineer." Among a multitude
of counselors safety may be found, and hence we submit to our readers
all suggestions upon levee building which are sent to us. The writer in
this instance is not so polished in style as he is confident in tone. Some
of his suggestions are undoubtedly good, though it is not yet determined
whether a levee will be built up the American or not. The idea of
putting one around the main portion of the city seems just now to meet
with more favor; no idea of issuing bonds to pay for the work prevails;
the only plan thought of is to raise money by direct taxation. With the
cash the cost will be reduced a good deal below $275,000. Sacramento will
issue no more bonds for any purpose. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
SUIT FOR RENT.--A suit for rent was tried yesterday afternoon in
Justice Coggins' Court. Mrs. Cook had occupied the house of B. B. Stansbury,
on L street, near Seventh, as a boarding house, at a rent of forty dollars
.per month. The terms of the lease required payment in advance, but the
month ending January 28th had not been paid. Mrs. Cook decided to leave
for San Francisco with her furniture, but the plaintiff sued for the
month's rent and attached the furniture. The defense rested on the
ground that the flood had rendered the lower part of the house useless,
and the imperfection of the roof greatly impaired the value of the upper
story. There was no lease presented in Court, but the plaintiff testified
that one existed, that it bound defendant to pay the rent above named
monthly in advance. He did not recollect distinctly the provisions of
the instrument, but knew that it was not a "cutthroat lease." It did
not contain a clause requiring the tenant if he should fail to pay the
rent for three days after the commencement of the month, to relinquish
possession of the house, and also pay the rent for the entire year.
Such provisions were frequently incorporated in leases, but not in the
one in question. After hearing the evidence in the case and argument
of counsel, the jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for $10 and costs.
COMMENCED WORK.--The work of driving piles for the reconstruction of
the R street railroad was commenced yesterday afternoon. Two lines will
be driven, fifteen feet apart--one under each rail of the track. The
pile driver employed is built upon an ordinary freight car, which is
moved forward on the track as fast as it is completed. Instead of the
engine usually used for the purpose, by which the hammer is raised by
winding up the rope, a locomotive is employed, which moves backward on
the track sufficiently far to draw it up, and after it has dropped,
returns for another start The point at which the work is commenced is
on R, between Fourth and Fifth streets. The pile driver from San
Francisco, which will commence work on the water near Poverty Ridge,
has not yet arrived.
THE CHAINGANG.--The chaingang, under the supervision of Overseers Long
and Dreman, laid down yesterday four or five street crossings. This
morning they will devote their attention to the adjustment of the
bridge at Eighth and J streets. There are several ditches dug across
both J and K streets which seriously impede the progress of vehicles
of any description. If the weather remains favorable there will be
work for a large number of teams, and all such drains should be bridged.
Wherever the material is furnished, the services of the chaingang can
be had for the performance of the work. Some three or four bridges are
required on J street east of Twelfth, before a team can get into or out
of the city. As Colby's bridge will soon be finished, the smaller bridges
should not be neglected.
POLICE COURT.--The only case tried in the Police Court yesterday was that
of Charles Lawson and James Langtree, charged with the larceny of a boat
belonging to J. A. Crocker. The boat had been lost from a wood barge some
six or seven weeks ago. The testimony tended to show that it was found in
the possession of the defendants, and that they refused to surrender it.
The defendants proved that on finding it they had posted notice of the
fact; had advertised it in the newspapers, etc. After hearing the argument
Judge Gilmer took the case under advisement. . . .
DROWNED IN YOLO.--R. B. McMillan was drowned at the Twenty Mile House,
on the Putah, in Yolo county, on the 27th inst. He had left his house
in the evening to visit a brother in-law, E. McGeary, and in so doing
attempted to cross a slough, in which, although but three feet deep,
he was drowned. His body was found the next morning. McMillan will be
remembered as the person who killed a man named Park, some two years
ago, in a dispute about cattle in Vaca valley. After several trials in
Solano county, in which the juries failed to agree, a change of venue
to Yolo county was granted. In August last he was tried in Washington
and acquitted on account of the case not being properly certified to
the Court. . . .
REPORT OF THE SWALLOW.--The steamer Swallow, on her return from Marysville
yesterday, reported that she was unable to get up the Yuba to her usual
landing at Marysville, and was compelled to discharge her freight on
the bank of Feather river. The channel of the Yuba has so far changed,
and such bars have formed at the mouth as to make this course necessary.
She went up the Feather to the bridge to obtain a landing. Passengers were
sent to the city up the Yuba by small boats.
THE DEFIANCE ASHORE.--Information was received in this city yesterday,
that the steamer Defiance, Captain Gibson, had run aground near Oroville,
and was hard and fast on the bank of the Feather river. During the past
ten days she has been plying between Marysville and Oroville. The main
channel of the river had become so filled up with sand that she left it
and made an unsuccessful attempt to reach Oroville over the flooded banks.
STREET CROSSINGS.--Complaint is made that the lumber of which street
crossings had been constructed, but which the floods have removed from
the proper position, is constantly being used by individuals for private
purposes. It is reported that the crossings at Seventh and I streets,
having floated off a short distance, are being chopped up for firewood.
Material of this character should be looked after by the police. . . .
STILL WIDENING.--The crevasse below R street continues to widen
through the action of the water. It is difficult to determine by a
view from the foot of R street where its southern boundary is. The
houses of Ellison, Billet and Cleal, immediately in front of it, still
stand, and will probably withstand the currant. . . .
DAMAGED GRAIN.--Large quantities of damaged grain are taken daily from
our warehouses for the purpose of feeding hogs, stock, etc., in the
country. It is of course transported from the city in boats, as all
land communication with the country is still cut off. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river during yesterday maintained very nearly
its hight of the night before--twenty-two feet ten inches above low water
mark.
STILL RUNNING.--The steamer Henrietta continues to make daily trips from
Washington to Jerome Davis' ranch, or as near that point as the depth of
water will permit.
THE WEATHER.--A cloudy and drizzly morning, yesterday, was succeeded
by a clear sky and fine weather.
COLD.--A strong and piercing northerly wind prevailed at ten o'clock
last evening, giving promise of a cold. . . .
LEVEE SUGGESTIONS.
EDITORS UNION: As the subject of protecting Sacramento city from being
again inundated is being pretty well discussed, and being a property
holder in yonr city myself, I have a word to say. I will, however,
make this as short as possible, and in order to do so will first say
that I am an old contractor and practical engineer, and that I have had
many years experience--therefore can speak on certain things more
positively than many who have had less experience There have been many
suggestions made, and everybody has a plan, and all are right of
course; but I have only seen one suggestion, in all, that suits
me--and that is, do away with the eastern levee and run one from high
land on the north side of the city to the Sacramento river. We are
now satisfied that the American river must be kept off Sacramento city;
a war has to be commenced and you must strike at the roots of the enemy
at once, with a force sufficient to be effective. If you begin wrong,
and with few men and little money, you will surely have to beat a
retreat, and finally abandon your city. Now, it is evident that if you
put a stop to the current of the American river washing away the
southerly bank, and also arrange for the current to be kept in a
straight course, after the banks are overflowed, and away
from your levees, that any ordinary levee will stand. This will have
to be done or all the levees in Christendom will wash away; for, if
you were to put in a stone wall one hundred feet high and five hundred
feet wide it will be undermined in time by the floods of the American
river and swept away. Now, this is a fact no practical engineer will deny.
If such is the case you are compelled to protect the southerly bank of
the river first of all. It can be done at a comparatively small cost
and in a substantial manner, and in such a way as to save a great many
good and valuable lots to the city. After this is done you will have
to protect the city by leveeing, as raising the whole city is out of
the question, the cost being so great that the object can never be
attained.
The levee on the northerly line of the city should be made from high
land to the Sacramento river, and should be parallel to the general
course of the current of the American river after it is out of its
banks, for that current is the one most destructive to the city;
the current, while in its banks, doing no other harm than to cave them
in and steadily advance towards the city. This northern levee should
be located to suit this current, without any regard to persons or
property, and should be in a straight line, and not as it is now, in
the shape of a streak of lightning, or, as suggested by "Practical
Mechanic." Common sense ought to teach any one that such a system is
wrong. The levees on the north and south should be as wide as the streets
until you approach high land, and should be made the principal
thoroughfares to and from the city, which would insure their solidity.
I would also suggest that both sides of all the levees be planted with
willows, which would prove an ornament as well as protect the slopes
from being washed away by rain. The Front street levee should be raised,
as well at all the levees, to a line at least four feet above
the highest flood of this month.
The money to do this work with is, in my opinion, the first
consideration. You are in debt, but with all yonr bad credit you can
get the work done if you will act properly and in union, as citizens
ought to under such circumstances. Go to work, call your citizens
together, offer a fair compensation for the best plans, together with
all necessary surveys, details, drawings, estimates, bills of materials
and labor; adopt the best and most practical plan, without favor, by a
Board or Committee of practical engineers (not shoemakers), who
have no interest in the plans; issue bonds payable in ten years at
a fair rate of interest, and levy a special tax on your city property
to pay the debt; advertise first, and award the work to the lowest
responsible bidder, justifying in good and sufficient security; have
your bonds and especial tax legalized by Act of the present Legislature,
and you will pick up a contractor who will do your work well and save
your city. You must adopt a system and heave ahead. You want no convict
labor performed, or politicians about; give no shave to this or that man.
Your people have no time now to trifle with this matter; it will take all
this year to do the work, and it should be commenced and forwarded as fast
as possible. If this convict system was adopted, as recommended by one of
the honorable members of the present Legislature, it would relieve the
State of some expense, and saddle on to your poor city three times as
much; if the work was done in that way, it would require you to
support a host of politicians whose extravaganoe you could not bear;
for it is as much as yon can do to pay for your work, let alone such
bills as would be attached to the State Prison labor superintendents.
You need not, as "A Practical Mechanic " suggests, buy a railroad
locomotive, etc., as that is the contractor's own business. Give it
out and be done with it. You can appropriate the money now in the hands
of the Citizens' Committee to the work on the American river, which
would be a sufficient sum for the contractor until the work is nearly
finished.
I hope you will receive many plans and that you will make a good
selection. The work above referred to will cost about $275,000. The
special tax required to pay the above amount will not exceed forty-five
cents on the one hundred dollars per year on your city property at the
present valuation.
I have a survey of all the lines of the work in contemplation, but
not as good a one as I will have in a few days. Being well acquainted
with the location, the one I have is good enough to enable me to know
what l am doing. I hope you will comment upon this as well as all other
plans that may be suggested, and that through your influence you may be
enabled to draw out valuable suggestions from practical engineers who
are well posted on this kind of work, for if they cannot suggest a
suitable plan, certainly none others can.
The plans referred to for turning the current of the American river
will be fully explained, if desired, at any time you choose to see
them.
A PRACTICAL ENGINEER.
San Francisco, January 27, 1862.
THE FLOOD ON BUTTE CREEK.--The Marysville Express of January
29th gives some particulars of the late flood on Butte Creek:
E. O. Ledyard, of Ledyard's ranch, Butte county, who resides on
Butte creek, in company with Keppell, who resides on adjoining ranch,
came down yesterday, and have kindly furnished us some interesting
intelligence. They started on foot from their homes yesterday morning,
a distance of twenty-three miles from this city, and walked on the ice
on the creek about ten miles, and found the same about one and a half
inches thick. They say the whole country in their section has baen
under water, except about fifty acres around each of their houses.
Keppell lost five or six hundred hogs and many head of cattle. Ledyard
also lost ranch stock. A few days ago they turned out their sheep to
feed, and upon the water rising they proceeded to drive them back into
the corral, but before they could accomplish it. they lost about
twenty-five head. The cattle in Butte that were saved from the flood
are miring down, and Ledyard is of the opinion that seven-eighths of
those along Feather river will die of starvation and cold. . . .
TEHAMA COUNTY.--The Independent says:
From the vicinity of Thomes' creek we hear of considerable damage
being sustained by the farmers there. In several places the stream
hss made new channels, cutting in two the farms of Freeman and Miller,
and carrying off large quantities of fence. Newcomer, a farmer in that
neighborhood, seeing what was likely to happen, hitched his oxen to his
house and drew it upon high ground, and saved it; his smoke-bouse was
carried away, but not before it was emptied of its contents.
MARYSVILLE--Ice formed in this city to the depth of two inches on the
nights of January 26th and 27th.
SAN FRANCISCO.--At daybreak on the morning of the 29th, the hills about
San Francisco were covered with snow.
COLD IN SISTER CITIES.--The Alta of Jan. 29th says:
Yesterday was the coldest day ever experienced in San Francisco since
the settlement of the city by Americans. In 1858 the mercury onoe fell
to 27°. On Tuesday morning at daylight, according to Tennent's thermometer,
the mercury stood at 22°, which would be deemed decided cold in the same
latitude in the Atlantic States. Ice nearly an inch thick covered
exposed water, and in the shade did not melt during the day.
The Nevada Democrat of Jan. 28th has the following:
The past few days have been unusually cold, the ice forming of
considerable thickness during the night, and the mercury in the
thermometer scarcely rising above the freezing point during the
middle of the day. Last night was the coldest we have had this
season, and about as cold as we have ever experienced in Nevada.
At nine o'clock in the evening the thermometer stood at 20° above
zero, and at seven o'clock this morning at 16°. The unusual cold
weather, by freezing the sources of the streams must cause the
waters to fall very rapidly in the valleys.
LATE FROM WASHOE.
We have received copies of the Territorial Enterprise to
January 18th. We find the following intelligence in them:
THE FLOOD.--The Enterprise of January 14th says:
At Reed's Station, five mites below Dayton, the water surrounded the
house, and four men, who were occupying it, were obliged to take refuge
on the roof. There were thirty hundred pound of mail matter in the
house at the time, but it was transferred to the roof and received no
damage. At Curley's Station, the Overland stage driver, together with
another man, took to the foothills, driving the stock before them. Near
Reed's station two men were reported on an island. Parties started
from Dayton in a boat, on Sunday morning, to rescue them, and there was
a rumor that the boat had been upset and one man drowned; such, however,
was not the fact, as they arrived safe on the opposite side of the river
below that town. The Succor mill, on the river, suffered severely; the
blacksmith shop, stable, corral and some hay were carried off; the
foundation to one end of the dwelling house had also been washed away.
Both the office and mill were still standing, with the horses tied to
the battery. At this point the Carson was at least two mites wide. . . .
Enterprise, Jan 15th. . . .
The same paper has the following items :
ANOTHER DISASTER AND LIFE LOST.--On Saturday last, a disaster occurred
on Evans' creek, one of the tributaries of the Truckee, which resulted
in the loss of a life. There had been a land slide towards the source
of the creek, which had dammed the stream till a great quantity of water
had collected. The water finally broke away, and about ten o'clock in
the forenoon came sweeping down the creek in a terrible torrent. Three
men, who were engaged in cutting a road to a timber tract on the
mountains, were living in a cabin near the bed of the stream. The
fearful torrent scarcely gave them any warning. Two of them, Washington
Wallin and Alexander Ward, managed to escape; but the other, Adam
Allbough, was caught by the flood, and no trace of him has since been
found. Allbough formerly lived in this city. . . .
A BIT OF SCANDAL.--We learn that the proprietor of a certain hotel
in Gold Hill, the other night, found a member of the bar where he
should not have been--or otherwise, in the chambermaid's room. He
ordered them both out of the house, although it was storming severely
at the time. The girl protested her innocence, the lawyer swore to
it, and all the boarders in the house said it was a shame to turn her
away for so trifling a cause. But the landlord's notions of decency
and propriety were not easily to be overcome, and he dismissed the
maid, lawyer, and all the boarders who objected to his proceedings.
DROWNED.--Stout, of Stout's Crossing, on the Truckee, and a man named
Evans, were drowned during the late storm.
SWEPT AWAY.--The dwelling and blacksmith shop of Saretman, situated at
the junction of Gold Canon and American Ravine, at the lower end of
Sliver City, were swept away by the late flood. The dwelling and part
of the corral of Fairseer, near by, shared the same fate.
THE YUBA RIVER.--The Marysville Appeal of January 29th, thus
refers to the condition of this river:
The extremely cold weather of the past few days has had the effect to
freeze up the upper tributaries of the Yuba, and the stream has
consequently gone down very rapidly, until it has nearly resumed
its ordinary channel. As the flood recedes, it is found that the
sand bars and shoals have greatly multiplied in the river bed, and
all sorts of changes have taken place in the location of the channel.
At the further end of the Yuba bridge, opposite town, a considerable
channel has been worn by the overflow, which took a straight course
across the angular spit of land made by the Yuba on one side and the
Feather, below the mouth of the Yuba on the other side. The earth at
the further end of the bridge has been all cut out by the stream which
soon spreads out over the land opposite town, effectually using it up
so far as its agricultural value is concerned. This cut-off from the
natural current makes the water of the Yuba very low below the bridge,
and, until it is stopped, will be likely to prove a stopper to any
steamboat navigation above the mouth of the stream, though it is not
likely that the new channel aoross lots will be permanent from the
effect of these last floods, but a few more such would make it so.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3384, 1 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION]
SENATE
THURSDAY, Jan. 30, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, the President pro tem, in the Chair. . . .
SUSPENSION BRIDGE NEAR FOLSOM.
Mr. NIXON, from the Sacramento delegation, reported favorably on Senate
Bill No. 40--relative to the construction of a suspension bridge across
the American river near Folsom.
On motion, the rules were suspended, the bill was considered engrossed
and put upon its third reading.
The first section of the bill grants the right to construct and maintain
a public toll bridge near Folsom, in the county of Sacramento, to
A. G. Kinzey and associates.
The second section provides that the bridge shall be of wire suspension,
constructed of the best and most durable material, and to be completed
within six months from and after the passage of this Act.
The third section authorizes and empowers A. G. Kinzey and his associates
to charge and collect such rates of toll as the Board of Supervisors
of the city and county may fix, providing that the Legislature may at
all times regulate, modify or change the rate fixed by said Board of
Supervisors.
The fourth section enables the builders to determine the speed of travel,
riding or driving, over said bridge, the fine for violation of the notice to
be not less than $10 nor more than $50.
The fifth section provides that no ferry or toll bridge shall be
established within one mile immediately above or below said bridge,
unless required by public opinion, and the right be duly granted by
the Legislature.
The bill was passed. . . .
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.
The following: bills were introduced and referred as indicated: . . .
By Mr. LEWIS--An Act granting the right to construct a bridge across
Mokelumne river at a point known as Big Bar, Calaveras county, and to
construct and maintain a road from Mokelumne Hill to the village of
Butte, in Amador county, by Lewis Soar and others. Read twice, and
referred to the Calaveras delegation. . . .
By Mr. HATHAWAY--An Act to extend the time for building the foundation
of the basement walls of the State Capitol building in the city of
Sacramento. Read twice, and referred to the Committee on Public Buildings. . . .
PAY OF MEMBERS.
Mr. OULTON offered the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate be authorized
to proceed to Sacramento tomorrow, January 31st, to receive from the
Controller of the State the warrant for the per diem of the members of
the Senate.
Mr. MERRITT said he wished first to hear the report from the Conference
Committee on the bill relating to the removal of State officers. He knew
that five of the Committee were in favor of removing these officers, while
the sixth was bitterly opposed to it. He expected that the report would
be made in a few minutes, and if that report should pass the two Houses
this resolution would be quit [sic] unnecessary. He understood the removal
of the State officers would cost only the two thousand dollars, and that
each branch would yield in some degree to the other. He asked that
Mr. Oulton would consent to allow his resolution to lie over until
tomorrow.
Mr. OULTON withdrew the resolution.
BILLS INTRODUCED. . . .
Mr. Soule introduced an Act to suspend until the ensuing session of
the Legislature the construction of the State Capitol, now in process
of construction in the city of Sacramento. Referred to the Committee
on Public Buildings.
At ten minutes past two o'clock the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
THURSDAY, Jan. 30, 1862.
The House met at 11 o'clock. . . .
THE REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
Mr. Griswold asked to be excused from serving on the Committee of
Conference on the bill to fix the temporary residence of State officers.
The SPEAKER said it would not be in order.
Mr. AMES said he thought the gentleman might be excused by unanimous
consent, and another person appointed in his place.
The SPEAKER said if no gentleman objected at this stage he would be excused.
Mr. BROWN objected.
Mr. TILTON, of San Francisco, inquired if it was a fact that the
Committee had held a meeting and agreed upon a report. He had been so
informed, and in that case he saw no reason for excusing the gentleman.
Mr. GRISWOLD said the Committee had been in session, but had made no report
and had agreed upon none.
Mr. AMES said the Committee had met, but had deemed it necessary to come
to some conclusion unanimously, and consequently were unable to report.
Mr. Griuwold had expressed a desire to get off the Committee, and his
request that the House excuse him was made with the concurrence of the
Committee.
Mr. EAGAR moved that Mr. Griswold be excused, and the motion was carried.
The SPEAKER appointed Mr. Shannon in place of Mr. Griswold, but that
gentleman asked to be and was excused. Mr. Kendall was then appointed. . . .
AMENDMENT OF THE RULES. . . .
. . .amendment offered to Rule 38. . . .
The first amendment to the rules, as reported, was to increase the
Committee on Swamp, and Overflowed Lands from seven to eleven members.
Mr. CUNNARD asked the reason for the change.
Mr. LOVE suggested that it was because so large a portion of the State
was swamp and overflowed lands at this time. [Laughter.]
The amendment was adopted, . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED.
The following bills were introduced, read twice and referred as indicated: . . .
By Mr. LANE--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge or bridges
across the Stanislaus river at any poiut or points on said river between
Big Canon, above Two Mile Bar, and Charles Jordan's garden, on the right
bank of said river to the Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry Company. To the
Committee on Roads and Highways. . . .
At two o'clock, the House adjourned. . . .
OVER THE MOUNTAiNS.--On Monday, a large number of persons left Placerville
on horseback for Washoe, passing over the mountains on a snowy but beaten
trail. The mail was also dispatched. . . .
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF FRIDAY.
In the Senate yesterday, . . .
A majority of the Committee of Conference on the bill to remove certain
State officers, made a report recommending that the Assembly recede from
its amendments generally, and that the original bill pass with two
amendments, one limiting the expense of the removal to $2,000, and the
other adding the Attorney General to the list of officers required to
remove. The Senate confirmed the report. . . .
The Senate adjourned at one o'clock.
In the Assembly, the Speaker attempted, in a lengthy and rather confused
speech, a defense of his action in appointing upon the Committee of
Conference none but friends of the original Senate bill, (on the removal
of State offices,) and opponent of the will of the Assembly, in relation
thereto. He read Cushing'a Manual in regard to the appointment of Special
Committees, but nothing of the custom in reference to Committees of
Conference. Mr. Shannon responded, adhering to the views previously
expressed by him. The Sneaker's defense is only additional proof of his
inability or disinclination to comprehend a plain rule of parliamentary
usage. . . .
At seven minutes before twelve o'clock, the House adjourned. . . .
REMAINS FOUND.--The body of Judge S. R. Campbell was found lately in
San Bernardino county. He got lost in a recent storm and perished.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Our advices from Southern California show that devastating floods have
visited the flourishing counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino,
and inflicted heavy losses upon the inhabitants. The German town of
Anaheim, which was the center of extensive vineyards, and which promised
to become noted for the production of wine, has been almost entirely
destroyed by the overflow of the small stream upon which it is situated.
The destruction of this vineyard property may greatly retard the
development of the grape culture in that section of the State. Los
Angeles has suffered severely. . . .
On Thursday evening a meeting of the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners
was held in this city. A resolution was adopted instructing B. F. Leet,
Engineer of the Second Swamp Land District, to extend his surreys from
Sutterville up the Sacramento to the American, and up the American as
far as Brighton, with the view of constructing new levee defenses. A
report may be expected from the engineer within twenty days.
The weather in the city yesterday was, in the main, clear and cold.
Last evening the Sacramento stood at twenty feet six inches above low
water mark. The American has at last retired within its legitimate
shores. The water continues to recede from our streets.
THE LEGISLATURE.
The Senate on Thursday passed a bill authorizing A. G. Kinsey and his
associates to construct a wire suspension bridge across the American
river near Folsom, within six months. . . . Hathaway, of San Francisco,
introduced a bill to extend the time for laying the foundations of the
new Capitol building at Sacramento. Soule, of the same county,
introduced a bill to suspend all work upon the building until the next
session of the Legislature. So the cloven foot begins to protrude. . . .
In the Assembly, on the same day, the Conference Committee on the bill
to remove State offices said they could make no report as yet. One
member resigned, and after several had declined to serve the Committee
was filled again. . . . The Senate adjourned at ten minutes past two,
and the Assembly at two.
FENCES IN THE VALLEYS.--The subject of fences in the valleys is
occupying a portion of the attention of the Legislature. A proposition
has been made to repeal all laws relating to fences in certain
localities, but this is too indefinite. Whatever legislation is to
be had in the premises should be specific and positive, or it will
make bad worse. Something for the protection of the farmers of the
valleys is demanded, though we think, in the end, they may find it
for their interest to resort to hedge fences. The willows which grow
with such vigor and with such tenacity of life on our rivers, could
be successfully grown into hedges. The osage orange can also be used,
and so can other productions of California than willows. The rich,
alluvial and moist soil on the river bottoms in the State would soon
produce hedges if once planted. Hedges will not wash away, and with
proper attention they can be rendered more effective for turning stock
than the plank and post fences. In the end they will prove vastly
more economical, as, with ordinary care, they may be made to last for
a generation, if not for a century. Upon this point the Stockton
Independent submits some sensible suggestions, which we copy below :
We think if farmers will change their methods of fencing and building,
they may secure the enjoyment of all the advantages of an overflow
without suffering more than a small fraction of its disasters for
the present year. At Los Angeles they have willow fences, which are
better in every way than the rail fence. We see no cause why they may
not generally be grown in our lowest lands. They would not wash away
or burn up, or need renewal every ten years. If houses and barns were
erected on graded ground and raised foundations, even at the highest
point attained by this flood, there would be no inconvenience, and
stock would be kept dry, secure and comfortable. It is not to be hoped
or very much desired that protection can be afforded to hundreds of
thousands of uncared for and unfed cattle that roam at large over the
country. The stock business must be remodeled, and farmers here must,
like as they do everywhere else, adopt their methods of culture to the
circumstances surrounding them. It is not the possession of large herds
of poor stock by the few, bet the retiring of small numbers of choice
breeds by the many, that will make us a State famous for the number and
quality of our stock.
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--On Thursday two patients died--one at the Gas
Works, named Mary Mullen, of jaundice; and one at; the Pavilion,
William H. Grove (colored), of dropsy. The remains were interred in
the City Cemetery, Rev. Mr. Hill officiating. The sick at the various
stations and at the Pavilion, with one exception, are convalescing.
The number at all the stations kept in operation by the Society is
three hundred. Each day families are assisted to homes and provided
for comfortably. Yesterday all the men at the Hall were notified to
leave sine die, and to-day each family will be assisted as fast as
practicable to get into dry and suitable places, so that in ten days
the Hall of Refuge may be closed. The applicants from ranches and
other places within ten miles, that can reach here, are numerous,
and their situations, exposed to cold and suffering for food and fuel,
while they can watch and secure the stock remaining, is pitiable in
the extreme. The Society has received from Polar Star Lodge No. 56,
at Indian Diggings, $56; from John Leavitt and others, at Virginia City,
Nevada Territory, $150; and from the young ladies of Miss Atkins'
Seminary, Benicia, a trunk full of women's and children's garments,
made by them in their leisure hours. The next three weeks, if the
weather continues fair, will enable the officers and members of the
Society to close their extraordinary duties and resume the usual
routine of operations. . . .
TO SACRAMENTO FOR AID.--Notwithstanding the fact that Sacramento
has been several times pretty much under water, it is a fact that
a good many persons from above and below the city have been brought
here for protection and relief. The Howards in their humane missions,
north and south of the city, have conveyed sufferers to Sacramento for
the purpose of placing them in a place of comfort and safety, where
their wants could be supplied. While these sufferers by the floods
were being brought to the city by the noble and unselfish devotion of
the Howards, the members of the Legislature were hurrying to San
Francisco, in order that their personal enjoyments might be increased.
The contrast is striking. . . .
THE MAILS.
In a note to the Alta from the Postmaster at Placerville, dated
Jan. 26th, in reply to a suggestion that the Express might be
advantageously employed in preference to the mail, the writer says:
In regard .to sending overland via express, yon must have a better eye
than I have to see the advantage. The express and mail leave in the
same coach, arrive at St. Joseph by the same coach, arrive at New York,
Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago by the same trains of cars, and in no
case can the letter via express arrive one hour sooner than the letter
by mail. In regard to your article in this morning's paper, that no mail
had arrived at this office via overland for one month, if you had called
at the Post Office one week ago last Saturday evening, you would have
found that five Overland Mails arrived at that time, and you will see
that up to the 20th instant ninety-three lock bags and ninety-nine
newspaper bags had arrived the present month.
Such an unfavorable season for carrying the mails has never been
experienced since California was obtained from Mexico. The difficulties
of crossing the Sierra Nevada have been great, but, to a certain
extent, could be and have been overcome. But the Great Basin appears
to be filled with water. In the country east of the Sierra Nevada,
where rains were supposed never to fall, the land has been deluged.
The desert so much dreaded by emigrants, between the rivers Carson
and Humboldt, is this year covered with water and presents the
appearance of a vast lake. The waters of the Humboldt and the Carson
have united, and the points heretofore known as the Sinks have
disappeared under the mass of water which has been precipitated into
the basin where those rivers have heretofore disappeared. This waste
of water on the Carson and Humboldt has temporarily suspended the
Overland Mails. So says a dispatch from one of the agents, and his
statement is fully confirmed by the non-receipt of an Overbad Mail
for some two weeks. But the obstacles in the way will soon be removed,
and we may then anticipate the regular arrival again of the Eastern
mails. When the line was established and the contract let, the
Sierra Nevada mountains were supposed to present the greatest
difficulties to be surmounted in the Winter season in transporting
the mails. The wildest imagination never dreamed of the mails being
delayed by high water on the borders of the great desert. That
astounding result has followed, though it may not occur again for
half a century. The Sierra Nevada has proved less of an obstacle
in a time of terrible storms of snow, wind and hail than the waters
of the Carson and Humboldt rivers. But the mails will soon emerge
from under the difficulties which now overshadow them, and resume
their regular arrivals. Had the mail been on the southern route the
result would have been equally disastrous. That route runs down the
Tulare and San Joaqnin valleys, and the road it traveled has been
under water from one to twenty feet in depth, for a distance of
probably a hundred to a hundred and fifty miles. And we shall not
be surprised to hear that the whole Colorado desert, this side of
Fort Yuma, has been and is now covered by the swollen current of that
river. There is a large portion of that desert which is held to be
lower than the banks of the Colorado, and when that river overflows
its banks its waters must necessarily spread over the sandy desert by
which the river is bounded on the west. It is, however, a fact
calculated to excite wonder that the telegraph on the central route
should have been kept in working order through the storms and floods
it has encountered during the past six weeks. That it should have
stood so firmly and so long amid such a conflict of the elements seems
little short of the miraculous. Through all the visitations of rain,
hail and snow, wind and water, the telegraph has worked about as
regularly and steadily as if the elements were in repose. The fact
speaks well for the manner in which the line was built.
THE CAPITAL.--The Nevada Transcript contains a long article in which
sundry imaginary reasons are assigned why Sacramento should not remain
the Capital of the State. We copy a few of the opening sentences:
We are in favor of a removal of the Capital from Sacramento to some
more eligible spot. So is every man who has examined the matter, and
is honest to himself and his country. The press of the State, without
an exception so far as we know, is against us. But it matters not. We
have our strong convictions of the right touching the question of the
removal of the Capital, and we shall urge our reasons now, when the
evidences of the necessity of the step are prominent.
The editor declares himself in favor of removing the Capital from
Sacramento, and says that "so is every man who has examined the
matter, and is honest to himself and his country." He then very naively
adds: "The press of the State, without an exception, so far as we know,
is against us." We must, therefore, if we accept the logic of the
Transcript, conclude that those who conduct the press of the
State have not examined the matter, or if they have that they are
neither honest to themselves nor their country. This is rather a
sweeping declaration of the Transcript, but so reads its
language. The Transcript is very much in the position of
the juror, who insisted before the Judge that a verdict could be
agreed upon were it not for the eleven obstinate men with whom he
was associated. If the Transcript is right, "the press of the
State," that paper excepted, is wrong on the Capital question. But
unless we are greatly misinformed, it is not alone "the press of the
State" that disagrees with the Transcript; the people of Nevada,
or at least seven out of every ten, concur with the press of the State
in the opinion that the Capital should remain in Sacramento. The
Transcript is making a desperate but unsuccessful effort to
paddle its canoe against a strong current.
"A RAILROAD PROJECT SQUELCHED."--The Stockton Independent heads
an article "A Railroad Project Squelched," from which we take this
extract:
It has been pretty well settled since the 8th instant, that the
railroad project which originated wuh the enterprising men of San
Francisco and Placerville, looking to the mouth of the Mokelumne as
its western terminus, is a failure. The land opon which it was
proposed to build the new shipping town is now some fifteen feet
under water, and had the railroad been built, its line from the
starting point to Mokelomne City would have to be at least ten feet
above the land-level to be out of water.
The Independent, though, thinks that the floods have also
established the fact that Sacramento cannot be relied upon as a
starting point for railroads, and concludes that Stockton is exactly
the place for them all to concentrate. The floods have treated
Sacramento rather roughly this Winter, but before another year
rolls round she will demonstrate by her skill and energy that the
City of the Plains is, of all others, the best adapted, by location
and otherwise, for the center of a railway system in the Sacramento
Valley. Moreover, the only railroad in the State, for general business,
has its main terminus in this city; and the day is not distant when
other railways will also terminate in Sacramento. Whenever a railroad
is built from tide water to Placerville, its main terminus will be in
this city. The natural distributing point for the trade and travel of
El Dorado is Sacramento, and to attempt to change the current to some
other point will be found an unnatural and uphill business. The harmony
in views and in action of the people of Placerville and those of
Sacramento, which have prevailed in the past, will continue in the future.
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30,1862.
The sun has been out at intervals this morning, after two days of the
coldest and most disagreeable storm ever experienced on this coast.
Yesterday morning the hills around the city were covered with snow.
During the day and last night we had a cold rain, which turned the
streets into creeks of considerable dimensions. Perhaps, however, we
should be grateful for these things, in view of the alarming prevalence
of the small pox in the city. Cold weather may check its ravages. The
papers are beseeching the people to rush for vaccine matter, and not
to rely upon previous vaccination. The number of cases is nowhere stated,
nor can I ascertain how many have died from this terrible disease. . . .
At the time of writing this no report has been made by the Committee
of Conference of the two Houses upon the Senate bill for removing
certain State offices to this city, and the Assembly substitute
therefor. The appointment of that Committee, so far as the Assembly
was concerned, was disgraceful, whether it was dictated by ignorance
or a disregard of parliamentary usage. The Senate bill provided for
the temporary removal of nearly all the State offices. The Assembly
amended by striking out all but the Governor. The Senate refused to
concur, and the Assembly refused to recede. And here the Speaker
exhibited a woful ignorance of parliamentary law, for the motion which
precedes the appointment of a Committee of Conference should be
"to insist." The motion made was "to adhere." When this latter prevails,
the legitimate effect is to kill the bill. It falls between the two
houses. The motion to adhere was, however, acted upon, as though it
had been simply a motion to insist, and a Conference Committee was
proposed by the Assembly, when such action should have been first
taken by the Senate. But although the Assembly voted never to
compromise--which it did not mean to vote, and would not have done
with a competent Speaker in the Chair, to call attention to the
error--all three of the Committee on the part of that body were
selected from the minority, and all three voted as did Mr. Speaker,
to back down entirely and let the Senate bill stand as it originally
passed that body. The effect of this will be seen at a glance. The
Senate and Assembly disagree upon a certain proposition, and Committees
are chosen to settle the difference, if practicable. The Speaker
happens to disagree with the House over which he presides, and to
agree with the other branch, and accordingly appoints friends of the
Senate, opposed to the will of the House, to confer with a Senate
Committee. In the Conference Committee the Assembly is deprived of
any representation, and the result must naturally be a one-sided
report, which the Assembly will not listen to. It is probably the
first instance of the kind on record. The invariable rule, when either
parliamentary usage or decency is consulted, is that the Committee of
each House shall represent the will of the body to which they belong
respectively. If the Speaker knew no better he is unfit for the
position he occupies; if he did know better, mild language is unsuited
to the occasion. The selection of Barstow for the Speakership was
undoubtedly a misfortune. He is unskilled, excitable and arbitrary.
His manner of putting every motion--in the tone of one making a atump
speech--is ludicrous in the extreme. He is acknowledged to be a very
good man, of education and ability; but his friends must admit that
in the Speaker's chair he is entirely out of place.
The general feeling here in regard to the removal was truly represented
by the leading city papers previous to such action. The statement which
Ferguson of your county made in regard to an indignation meeting being
held here upon the subject while the question was pending at Sacramento,
was no invention, as was charged in some quarters, but had a good
substantial foundation, as I will show. On Sunday, 12th inst., Platt's
Hall was crowded during the day, an organized consultation of citizens
being held there in regard to the disastrous inundations in Sacramento
and elsewhere. On that day Philip Stanford--the Governor's brother--stated
to the meeting that an effort would be, or had been made, to remove the
Legislature to San Francisco, and suggested that an indignation meeting
be held on the following day for the purpose of expressing the opposition
of the people of San Francisco to any such unnecessary and uncalled for
proceeding. The proposition was received with demonstrations of approbation,
and no dissenting voice was raised. On that very day Jacob Deeth, a well
known business man of this city, left for Sacramento as one of a Committee
to carry relief to the sufferers. Having heard Mr. Stanford's proposition
at Platt's Hall, and observed its cordial indorsement by those present,
he made no doubt that a meeting would be held on the day following, in
accordance with the general understanding, and stated at Sacramento what
I have here written in regard to the matter. For my statement I have the
authority of Mr. Deeth himself, whose veracity will not be questioned.
The Capitol arrangements are by no means comfortable as yet, nor can
they be made so in the building now occupied. The offices of the
Sergeants-at-Arms are not convenient to the respective chambers; the
lobbies are small and consequently noisy when crowded, as they generally
are; the location is a noisy one, and the narrow halls leading to the
various rooms of Committees and attaches are dark, dirty and so obstructed
by old furniture that the Secretary of State would find some difficulty
in moving about in them. Some who favored the stampede are much
dissatisfied, as the vote on removing the State offices plainly shows.
Senator De Long is one of the reformed. He voted against the bill to
remove the State offices, and labored to defeat it in the Assembly.
Indeed, I have heard him question the necessity of even the Governor's
removal. Senator Perkins adheres to his first position, but so far as
some arrangements about the temporary Capitol are concerned, in regard
to which he exhibited some anxiety at Sacramento, he might as well have
voted to stay at the latter place.
SACRAMENTO SUBMERGED.--From a private note, received by C. T. Kaulback,
from Marysville, we learn that Sacramento was five feet under water, and
no paper was published there for five days previous to the date of the
letter.--Plumas Standard, January 18th.
It is hardly necessary to state that the above item, so far as it refers
to no paper having been published in Sacramento for four days, is wholly
incorrect. No day has passed by, with the exception of Sundays, in which
a newspaper has not been published in this city, floods or no floods.
And yet newspapers which publish such erroneous statements accuse the
UNION of not giving "detailed and accurate accounts of the flood" in
Sacramento, merely because it has not attempted to make matters worse
than they were, which was needless, and has declined putting in
circulation foolish and absurd stories about the flood. Our own
citizens are the best judges of the truth of history in this regard,
and we have not yet heard of the first individual in this city who has
expressed the idea that the UNION has not published every material fact
touching the magnitude and incidents of the inundation. The Placerville
Republican is one of these very wise newspapers which affect to
believe that the UNION has not been truthful in setting forth the full
distresses of Saccramento [sic], and says this belief, in connection
with the handling which it has given some of the members of the
Legislature, "has lost it many subscribers." If such had been the fact
we should probably have known it, and as we have no such knowledge, the
conclusion is inevitable that the Republican has "falsified the
truth of history," and endeavored to make a little Republican capital
for the benetit of those Republican and very delicate members of the
Legislature whose tender toes have been trodden upon in the comments
which have been made upon the injudicious removal of the Capital. We
can assure the Republican that the subject is not exhausted,
and as it is a matter which vitally interests the people of the State,
we shall probably have a few words more to say about it at our leisure
and convenience.
BRIDGES.--The announcement that G. W. Colby will soon have a bridge over
the slough at the Fort, is gratifying to those who desire to have our
communication with the country opened. As suggested this morning, in
order to get to it bridges will be necessary on J street--particularly
if the crevasse this side the tannery remains open through the winter.
Indeed, it will require several bridges to pass the water which flows
in at that point when the river is high. But the eight hundred feet
break there we presume will be closed as soon as the water falls
sufficiently to enable the work to be accomplished.
We notice that a bill has passed the Senate to authorize certain parties
to build a bridge over the American, at or near Folsom. This is all
right enough, but we suggest that our delegation be a little cautious
about granting bridge franchises near this city, as it is possible
that in connection with building a macadamized road and levee, it may
be found necessary to connect therewith a bridge franchise. Should it
be determined to levee in the main portion of the city, the plan of
chartering a company to build a macadamized road and bridge connected,
may be adopted, in order to secure the desired levee. . . .
BRIDGES IN THE INTERIOR.--We learn that the owners of bridges in the
interior, which have been swept away by the late floods, are generally
making arrangements for the early erection of others in their places.
They will now put their structure above the highest water mark of the
late floods, with a broad, margin for future inundations. Knowing now
a little more of the eventful history of this novel country, and its
propensity to run to extremes in the way of dry and wet seasons, they
will take note of the past and keep a good lookout for the future.
LATE FROM WASHOE.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from Gold Hill,
Nevada Territory, January 28th, gives us the following matters of interest;:
The waters occasioned by the last storm had no sooner commenced subsiding,
promising to give us commnnication with our Capital, Carson City, and
thereby with you also, for, be it known, we miss the UNION, than it
commenced snowing to a depth of from two to three feet, deeper than it
has been either this or last Winter. With that we might have got along;
but last night it changed to a steady, warm rain, and has continued without
the least intermission to the present, ten P. M., with every prospect of
continuing.
The damage sustained no one at present can for certainty say. With but
very few exceptions, all the mills have suffered more or less. In some
instances they have been entirely destroyed, leaving scarce a vestige
to point out the spot of their former existence. Many mill owners had
scores of tons of tailings from which they had great expectations. All,
all is gone! Mining consequently has nearly ceased --I mean among those
who were getting out paying rock. The evil does not rest here. there
are many teams and teamsters here, no less than forty, mostly with four
or six horses or mules. Hay today is worth and selling for $250 per ton;
barley from twelve and a half to fifteen cents per pound, and a very
limited supply at that. As the major part of the hay in the valleys has
either been wholly washed away or so badly damaged as to be nearly
useless, it muat fall very heavy on that portion of our community. In
short, it has check-mated every branch of business without exception.
The roads have suffered with everything else exposed to the storm's
ravages. Silver City road is all but destroyed. By that route there is
no communication, nor has there been for the last week. The only ingress
or egress either to this place or Virginia City is by Blanchett's road
via American Flat. Even that has suffered considerably.
Next to our own misfortunes and prospects, the chief inquiry is,
"I wonder how Sacramento will fare?" but it is uttered in such an
unmistakable tone as to leave no doubt of the speaker's anticipations.
I most sincerely hope that the majority of our fears may not be realized.
Keep the UNION afloat, if possible, for I assure you we miss her here
badly.
It continued to rain till 5 A. M. to-day, with every appearance of
commencing afresh. The waters are running in torrents.
HEAVY LOSS OF CATTLE.--Alvin Fisher, who had some five hundred head
of cattle in the neighborhood of Loving's bridge, on the Stanislaus,
has lost three hundred of them by drowning, starvation, and exposure,
during the late flood.
COLUMBIA.--The snow in this town on Monday, January 27th, was from
eight to ten inches deep. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE BOAT LARCENY CASE.--About a week ago, two men, named James Langtree
and Charles Lawson, were arrested an a charge of petty larceny, in
stealing a boat belonging to J. A. Crocker. They were tried in the Police
Court on Thursday, and--the case being taken under advisement--were found
guilty yesterday morning. The main points in the history of the case are
as follows: About the middle of November, at about noon in the day, they
saw a boat floating down the Sacramento river, and went out and secured it.
They moored it at the levee, nearly fall of water--as it was when they
found it--where it remained for several days. Some acquaintance of theirs,
without their knowledge, loaned it temporarily to another party, and it
was out of their possession for several weeks. On obtaining control of
it again, they went to an attorney, L. S. Taylor, to consult him as to
their legal duty in the premises. In accordance with his advice, they
went before Justice Coggins, and Lawson made an affidavit stating the
fact of having found the boat, and telling where it could be obtained,
etc. They also inserted in the SACRAMENTO UNION, of December 30th, for
three days, the following: "Boat Found. Picked up in the Sacramento
river about six weeks ago, during the first rise, a flat bottomed skiff,
painted lead color. The owner can reclaim his boat by applying at the
Pacific Market, paying charges, etc." They also, in accordance with
the advice of their attorney, posted a written notice of the finding
of the boat at the foot of the stairway of Justice Coggins' office, in
Klay's building. Some three weeks passed and no owner applied for the
boat. In the meantime Lawson and Langtree were employed by the Howard
Benevolent Society. Sometimes they used the boat which they had found,
and sometimes others more commodious or efficient. The boat was kept in
use about the Pavilion. It had not been repainted, altered or changed
in appearance in any manner. It had not been sold, nor has any attempt
been made .to sell it. About a week ago, J. A. Crocker went to the
Pavilion in search of boats belonging to the California Steam Navigation
Company. Seeing the boat in question in possession of Lawson and
Langtree, he claimed it. They told him that they had made an affidavit
before -----, a Justice of the Peace, of having found the boat, and that
if he would go before the same Justice and swear to its ownership, he
could have it; and refused to surrender it until he should do so.
Warrants were obtained, and the parties were arrested. In the trial,
J. A. Crocker testified that the last time he had seen the boat previous
to finding it in the possession of defendants was about six months ago,
when it was sent on a barge to the wreck of the steamer James Blair,
which sank at that time in the Feather river, a few miles this side of
Marysville. Lawson and Longtree--who have lived in Sacramento about seven
years, and whose characters for honesty have never before been questioned.
were yesterday found guilty of petty larceny. They will, to-day, unless a
new trial is granted, be branded as thieves by being sentenced for the
crime. Our chief object in referring to the case is to illustrate how
close is the affinity and how indissoluble the bond which unites justice,
law and common sense.
POLICE COURT.--In the case of Charles Lawson and James Langtree,
tried on Thursday for the larceny of a boat, and taken under advisement,
Judge Gilmer rendered yesterday a verdict of guilty. The case of
Alexander Manown and William Gibson, charged with grand larceny in
stealing powder, was continued until Tuesday, the 4th instant. The
examination of Austin Rodifer, William Dorsey asd Charles Morgan, on
a charge of grand larceny in stealing powder belonging to Oppenheim,
was commenced. and after the examination of Oppenheim, Habersen, Turner
and Pearsons, as witnesses, was continued until to-day. The testimony,
so far as elicited, shows that two of the defendants at different times
offered powder to Oppenheim for sale, and when questioned as to where
they got it refused to answer. These facts aroused suspicion, and on
an examination of the powder house the doors were found to be open.
The walls of the building are twelve inches thick. The eyes in which
the doors were hung were built into the wall, being four inches from
one side and eight from the other. They were forced out along with the
four-inch portion of the wall. One of the defendants had applied to one
of the witnesses for the use of his boat to remove powder for the purpose
of saving it from the flood. Another witness had seen a boat near the
powder house, supposed to be that of one of the defendants. The case is
conducted by P J. Hopper for the prosecution, and J. C. Goods for the
defense. Oppenheim has lost about $6,000 worth of powder; J. & P. Carolan
and Massol & Merwin have also lost heavily.
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday afternoon
over the body of a Chinaman named Ong Kow, who was drowned in Sutter
slough. A. Caldwell, James Keech, W. D. Tranor, T. F. Denin, Jeremiah
Gafney and Wm. R. Gallup were impanneled as the jury. Wm. Holbech
testified that at half-past twelve o'clock yesterday, when passing
Fifth and I streets, he saw some Chinamen taking the body now before
the jury from the slough; witness presumed that deceased had been
drowned. Ah Shue testified that he knew the deceased; his name was Ong
Kow; he belonged to the See Yup Company; he was forty years of age and
a native of Canton; witness last saw deceased alive two days ago;
witness was searching for the body of the deceased with a hook and found
it in the water near the levee; he believed deceased was accidentally
drowned. (The witness don't explain why he thought, before finding the
body, that deceased was drowned, or how he was able to find the body
so readily) . Ah Own concurred in the testimony of Ah Shue. The jury
returned a verdict to the effect that the cause of death was unknown,
but that in their opinion the deceased was accidentally drowned.
LEVEE SURVEY ORDERED.--At a meeting of the Board of Swamp Land
Commissioners, held on Thursday evening, a resolution was passed
instructing B. F. Leet, Engineer of the Second Swamp Land District,
to proceed at once to make a survey of the Sacramento river from
Sutterville to the mouth of the American river, and the American
river to Brighton, and report the result of said surrey to the Board
as soon as practicable. It will be remembered that a survey was made
during the Summer, by Engineer Leet, of the Sacramento as far north
Sutterville, which was then the northern extremity of the district.
Since the late floods the Commissioners have extended the district to
the American river. The members of the Board favor the policy of
constructing a substantial levee along the bank of the American, to
high land, in connection with work of the same character on the
Sacramento. It is expected that a full report can be had within
twenty days, by which the entire cost of the work will be shown.
The result of the survey will be looked for with great interest.
SAFELY REMOVED.--The skeleton of Frank Kosta's new schooner, Sacramento,
was safely towed yesterday from the ways below Y street to the Half-way
House between this city and Sutterville. For two months past she has
been in a critical position, and at each succeeding flood it was feared
she would be carried away. Her owner had had attached to her a number
of empty casks, by which she was buoyed up, and yesterday, by the aid
of the steamer Visalia, she was towed off safely and without difficulty.
She was made secure among the willows near the Half-way House. As she
is the first schooner of her size ever built at Sacramento; and as she
has thus far withstood the perils and dangers of storm and flood, it is
to be hoped her future career may be prosperous and profitable.
THE DEFIANCE.--We are informed that our statemant, made yesterday, to
the effect that the steamer Defiance was stranded near Oroville, is
incorrect. She is not aground at present, and has not been at any time.
She was unable to reach Oroville, on her last trip up, on account of
the filling up of the channel at a point about nine miles south of the
town. She discharged her freight and is now lying in the river, while
her crew is engaged in making a road cut to the turnpike over which
merchandise can be hauled by teams. She will continue during the next
three months to discharge her freight and passengers from Marysville
at this point. Stages and wagons over the new road will connect with
Oroville.
TIME TO WORK.--The crevasse in the northern levee at Seventh street,
although partially stopped, emptied a large amount of water from the
slough into the city during the last ten days of flood. The water has
so far fallen now that none of consequence runs through this opening.
A few hands in half a day, at slight expense, could at present close
it up and make it safe, for the season. If left in its present condition
it will be the source of a great deal of trouble whenever the waters
rise again. We can rely more safely upon gunny sacks in such a case
than upon the weather.
LUMBER FOR BRIDGES.--The steamer Sam Soule, after making her regular
trip up the American river yesterday forenoon with freight and
passengers, took up in the afternoon a cargo of lumber. Great
difficulty has been experienced in transferring goods from the
landing on the river bank to the cars at Hull's ranch, on account
of the bad road over which they have to hauled. The lumber referred
to will be used in building bridges over the sloughs between the two
points.
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river fell about four inches yesterday,
standing at sunset at about twenty feet six inches above low water
mark. Our report yesterday, which read twenty-two feet ten inches,
should have read twenty feet ten inches as the hight of the river.
An addition of two feet of water to a river already even full, is,
at the present season, a matter of so serious a character and of
such dangerous results, that we most gladly make the deduction. . . .
NOT FLOODED.--Yolo City, or Woodland, in Yolo county, has not, we
are informed, been flooded during the present season. An additional
rise of six feet above the highest flood would be necessary to reach
the town. . . .
FROM THE SOUTH.
By the arrival of the Senator at San Francisco we have received advices
from Los Angeles to January 25th. We condense the following from items
in the Star and News :
THE FLOOD.--The rain commenced falling on the 24th of December, and
continued until the morning of the 23d of January, with but two slight
interruptions. On Saturday last, torrents of water were precipitated on
the earth; it seemed as if the clouds had been broken through, and the
waters over the earth and the waters under the earth were coming into
conjunction. The result was that rivers were formed in every gulch and
arroyo, and streams poured down the hill sides. The Los Angeles river,
already brimful, overflowed its banks, and became a fierce and
destructive flood. The embankment lately made by the city for the
water works was swept away--melted before the force of the water. The
Arroyo Seco poured an immense volume of water down its course, which,
emptying into the river, fretting and boiling, drove the water beyond
all control. On Saturday night the work of destruction began. The
vineyard of Mrs. S. T. White was the first to suffer. Almost instantly,
5,000 vines were washed away, besides several acres of land used for
pasture. The destruction continued the next and following days, until
a great breadth of land was washed away which had been planted with
orange and all other kinds of the most valuable fruit trees. E. Moulton
sustained the loss of his entire property. Thirty acres of land were
washed away--nothing left of it; his house and all it contained; his
vineyard, orange orchard and everything he was possessed of, having
been carried down the stream. A vineyard of Wolfskill, adjoining
Moulton's, on the eastern side of the river, was next destroyed.
The current then crossed to the western bank, committing only slight
injury to the Sansevaine property, but making an almost total
destruction of the vineyard of Hammel & Messer. The dwelling house
and cellars were washed away; with difficulty the large tanks of
wine were saved, and acres of land planted in vines were annihilated.
The loss of these gentlemen is considerable. Huber's vineyard next
suffered, several acres having been destroyed.
The water overflowed the vineyards of Frohling and Coronel, but caused
no damage. In some places, as at Hammel & Messer's, large deposits of
sand were left on the ground, almost covering up the vines.
From information obtained through reliable sources, we are satisfied
that the losses, all told, in the city and vicinity, do not amount
to over $25,000. We have them rated an follows : Moulton $10,000,
Mrs. White $5,000, Wolfskill $2,500, Hammel & Messer $5,000,
Huber $1,000, other losses, say $1,500; total, $25,000.
The roads and rivers were, as a matter of course, impassable. The San
Gabriel river had overflowed its banks, preventing travel. It then
became dammed up where it enters the plain, but it forced a passage
for itself, making its way from the eastward to the westward of El
Monte, causing the inundation of those lands. The road from Tejon,
we hear, has been almost washed away. The San Fernando mountain cannot
be crossed except by the old trail, which winds round and passes over
the top of the mountain.
Merced rancho, the residence of F. P. F. Temple, was flooded. The
family effected their escape on a raft.
ANAHEIM.--We have heard that this flourishing little settlement has
been swept away and destroyed. But a few houses, and those on high
ground, have been left standing. The great Anaheim vineyard, it is
said, has been washed away. The land on which it was situated being
all made land, the confirmation of this great disaster may be looked
for. The wall of the church in course of erection for Protestant
worship has sustained injury during the late rains, by the settling
of the southeast corner of the building.
GREAT DISTRESS AT JARUPA.--Rev. Mr. Borgatta, of Jarupa, arrived in
town from his pastorate on Thursday. The intelligence he brings is
of a most unfortunate character. The flood in the Santa Ana river
was so great as to pour into the town, washing away the houses,
leaving the people without shelter. The church, fortunately, withstood
the flood, and thither the people flocked. Everything, of provisions
and clothing, has been destroyed, and the people are left absolutely
in a state of starvation. There are now fully five hundred persons
in the church, without the means of subsistence or the ability to
procure them.
VISALIA--We were informed on Thursday, that the town of Visalia had
suffered greatly from the flood. Rumor makes the destruction of the
town complete, but we have no reliable information on the subject.
A gentleman who arrived in town heard of it, at or on his way to
Fort Tejon.
SAN BERNARDINO.--Reports from this city inform us, says the Star, that
almost the entire property in the valley has been destroyed. Another
report says, that the dead bodies of thirteen Indians had been
discovered, drowned by the flood. . . .
REPORTED DROWNED.--We have heard it rnmored that thirteen bodies of
Americans or Europeans had been found on the Santa Ana river. We have
no means at present of knowing the truth of this story. . . .
PERILS OF A TRAGEDIAN.--McKean Buchanan and his party were twenty-three
hours up a tree in the late flood, near Snelling's, on the Merced. A
correspondent says the suffering party were supplied with some excellent
brandy, which so revived Buchanan and his friends that they walked back
to Snelling's in double quick time. . . .
THE OVERLAND MAIL.--A dispatch from Frederick Cook, Assistant Treasurer of
the Overland Mail Company, dated at Carson, January 27th, says:
I arrived last night from San Francisco, having made all possible progress.
The mountains are impassable for some days for man or horse. Snow fifteen
feet deep on the Summit, and everywhere soft, under a thin crust, causing
man or animal to sink at every step. Will be so until packed down. No
stage has arrived here from the East since the 22d. A large region around
the Sink of Carson is inundated, and the course of the river changed, so
as to cut off our routes. Agent is building a boat to navigate the flood
and bring forward the mails. We are making every exertion to get the
mails through. . . .
TRAVEL IN PLACER.--A correspondent at Illinoistown, in Placer county,
Jan. 26th, says that Charles Rice has now a fine ferry boat at Mineral
Bar crossing, between Illinoistown and lowa Hill, which is in good
running order. . . .
WHAT THE STATE CAN DO.--It has become an important question in the minds
of legislators and others, as to what will be the best plan by which the
State can relieve those who have been heavy losers by the flood--especially
farmers who have not only lost their stock, but have lost their fences,
buildings, etc, have not the wherewith to replace them, and are besides
in debt. To meet the exigencies of the occasion two propositions have
been presented--one is a stay law, and the other a proposition that the
State shall go into the banking business on borrowed capital. This plan
contemplates that the State shall borrow $10,000,000 and then loan it
out in small sums to farmers and others; and it is so impracticable,
one would think, as to defeat .itself; but as grave Senators have taken
it into consideration, we devote some space in exhibiting the folly, so
to speak, in wasting time on it. In the first place, it contemplates
creating a State debt of $10,000,000 and therefore, to be effective,
must be voted for by the people at the next general election; those
needing the money could not receive it from this source until January
next, even if the people should be willing to create the debt for such
a purpose, and therefore, while waiting for the money, they would be
as good as ruined entirely. But supposing no constitutional difficulty
existed to mar the working of this singular plan, it would be heaping
a sort of double indebtedness on the part of the people--in fact would
entangle them in a maze of debts from which they could never extricate
themselves. It would also create a new set of officers, who would have
at their disposal a most dangerous corruption fund. The idea of getting
out of financial difficulties by getting over head and ears in debt,
and paying large rates of interest, is not a new one to individuals,
neither has it ever proven effectual. We hardly think it can be made
any more effective by applying it to communities, and have no doubt
that the Committee to whom the matter has been referred in the Senate,
will report unanimously in favor of giving it the go-by. Instead of
creating more debts, the better plan will be to relieve the people of
the pressure of present debts, Such a plan would allow sufferers by
the flood an opportunity to turn around and help themselves, so that
in time they could become financially as sound as ever. The true plan
of relief would be to enact a stay law, to be in effect say until the
1st of January, 1864. so as to give farmers a chance to get in and sell
their crops, and miners an opportunity to repair their ditches, mills,
flumes, etc., and get their claims again in working order. Such a law
should provide that debts, the collection of which is stayed, shall
constitute a lien on; the property of debtors; that debts in the shape
of notes and mortgages shall continue to bear the rate of interest
heretofore agreed upon, while all book accounts shall bear the legal
rate of interest. A law of this character, if carefully drawn, would
fully protect the rights and interests of creditors, and would at the
same time enable debtors to recover their lost ground. Ruin would not
stare them in the face. On the contrary, they would be eased of the
load which now bears heaviest upon them, and be enabled in good time
to pay their debts without trouble. A stay law may be said to be a
desperate remedy to resort to, but nothing else will avail under present
circumstances. Without such a measure one-half the State will be bankrupt
within six months; and worse still, nearly all the property of the State
will fall into the hands of a few heartless, speculating
sharpers.--San Francisco Call.
p. 4
FRENCH BENEVOLENCE.--On next Monday evening, February 3d, a dramatic
representation will be given in San Francisco, under the auspices of
a Committee of the French Benevolent Society, for the benefit of the
sufferers by the recent floods. The Committee promise an attractive
programme, and expect to realize a handsome sum.
WRECK OF THE FLYING DRAGON.--The Bulletin of January 30th gives the
following particulars of the wreck of this vessel:
The ship Flying Dragon of Boston, but last from Sydney,
Capt. Horace H. Watson, appeared off the Heads last evening, and was
boarded by Capt. Buckingham, pilot, at six o'clock. The wind at the
time was moderate from the southward. When inside the heads, at ten
o'clock, a squall from the southeast struck her. The sails were clewed
up and the ship brought to anchor, but before sufficient chain could
be got out to hold her, she had dragged down to and struck on Arch
Rook, or Bird Rock, which lies about midway between Alcatraz and Lime
and Cavallo Points. It was so thick, the rain pouring down in torrents,
that nothing could be seen. The flood tide kept the ship hard up against
the rock. By half-past eleven o'clock there were three feet of water in
the hold. The pumps were manned and worked with vigor A dozen guns were
fired and signal lights burned. From Alcatraz there came out boats with
soldiers to the rescue. The soldiers lay hold of the brakes and assisted
well at the pumping; but it was of no use. George T. Grimes, her
consignee, was on hand with a tug, for whose services be paid one
thousand dollars, vainly doing all in tug power to pull her off. The
ship, laden with one thousand tons of coal, kept settling lower in
the water. At eight o'clock this morning she was slewed around to
the east of the ledge, Bird rock over her stern, her prow pointing
towards Alcatrez, while several boats might be seen going to and from
the island. At half-past eight her bulwarks had disappeared; at ten
she fell over on her starboard side, and nothing below the gallant yards
was visible. She is a total wreck. Captain Watson and his men had time
to save their valuables and clothing. The wreck and cargo were sold
to-day at one o'clock for $825. She was insured. . . .
PLACERVILLE.--Flour was selling in Placerville, Jan. 29th, at eight
cents per pound, rice from tweive to sixteen cents, and potatoes at
eight cents.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3385, 3 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE. FRIDAY, January 31. 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, the President pro tem. in the chair, . . .
BILLS.
. . . . Mr. LEWIS, from the Calaveras delegation, reported favorably
on Senate Bill No. 55, relative to the construction of a bridge across
Mokelumne river. The bill was sent to the general file.
SUFFERERS BY THE FLOOD.
Mr. BANKS inquired to what Committee had been referred the bill
appropriating $25,000 for the sufferers by the flood.
The SECRETARY stated the Committee on Finance.
Mr. BANKS said he desired that Committee to report it back immediately,
either with or without recommendation.
Mr. PERKINS said the Committee on Finance had had no room wherein to
meet and act upon matters before them. Consequently, business had
accumulated upon their hands. They undertook to meet in the Senate
Chamber one night, but found it all in confusion, and were obliged
to postpone several reports. They would attend to these matters at
the very first opportunity.
Mr. BANKS knew, that the Committee had not had conveniences, and he
made these inquiries in no spirit of discourtesy. He simply desired
that the House might come in possession of the bill in order that
action should be had upon it. In order to have a question before
the House, he moved that the Committee be instructed to report at
their earliest convenience, and went on to state the reasons why he
had not before urged the passage of the bill. He had introduced it at
the request of persons prominently connected with movements for the
relief of sufferers. It was provided in that bill that the Howard
Association of Sacramento should be a Commission to distribute that
money; and gentlemen connected with that Society had earnestly
requested him not to urge the passage of the bill at that time.
One of the last requests made to him on leaving Sacramento was that
he should not urge the passage of the bill, but let it sleep, in
the Committee. He had, therefore, not done anything to secure its
passage. He understood now that there was great necessity for the
passage of some measure of that kind, and therefore hoped the
instructions contained in the motion would be carried out by the
Committee.
Mr. DOLL said, as he was one of the members of the Finance Committee,
that he had not examined the bill, nor even heard it read. He would
give it a careful investigation as soon as circumstances possibly
permitted.
The motion was carried. . . .
TOLL BRIDGE.
The bill to grant the right of constructing a toll bridge across
Mokelumne river, at Big Bar, where the Big Bar bridge has been carried
away, connecting Calaveras and Amador counties, and the right of
maintaining a road commencing at a point one-half mile from Mokelumue
Hill, and running to Butte City, in Amador, to Lewis Soar and others,
was taken from the general file and discussed. The bill grants the usual
rights and immunities for a term of twenty years, provided that within
one year Messrs. Soar & Co. shall have completed a bridge, and thereafter
they shall keep the bridge and road in good repair. The fifth section
leaves it to the Board of Supervisors of Calaveras county to fix the
rates of toll as arranged by them on the first of October, 1861, before
the old bridge was swept away, which rates should not be changed during
the term specified in the bill.
Mr. WATT suggested some alteration in this section, so as to allow the
Supervisors in future to regulate the toll as they might see fit. The
provision that the same toll should remain fixed as stated in the bill,
might prove inconvenient in future.
Mr. LEWIS moved to amend by inserting "such rates of toll as may be
from time to time suggested by the Supervisors of Calaveras county."
Mr. MERRITT said the Courts had decided that when the rates were once
fixed, according to Webster's definition of the word, they could not
be altered. . Such a question had arisen in his (Mariposa) county.
Mr. GALLAGHER said the bill was wrong, and moved it be recommitted.
Mr. RHODES said the stream was not a navigable one; the Act was contrary
to the constitutional provision which established that corporations may
be formed by general law, but shall not be created by special Act. If
the corporation was created by special Act, and thereby stood contrary
to the general law, the effect of the Act would be destroyed and the
company would have no right or title to the privileges involved. This
was a serious consideration. The bill was recommitted. . . .
THE REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
Mr. PORTER, from the Committee of Conference, to whom was referred the
bill contemplating the removal of various State officers from Sacramento
to San Francisco, reported that five of the Joint Committee had agreed
upon an amendment embracing the same provisions as the original bill
passed by the Senate, except in relation to the office of Attorney
General, which it was proposed should be left at Sacramento, by striking
the name out of the bill.
Mr. Merritt said they had several meetings in Committee, and finally
had made a unanimous report from the Senate Committee and a majority
report from the Assembly Committee. They had agreed upon the unanimous
report at one time, but one of the Assembly members would not stick.
The Committee agreed that the Assembly should recede from their title,
and the Senate should recede so as to provide only for bringing down
the Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Surveyor General and
Quartermaster General. The Senate was also recommended to concur from
the third section of the bill from Assembly, limiting that the total
expense of removal to and from Sacramento to $2,000, which was believed
to be quite sufficient. The Legislature had already paid $ 1,000 for
rent this year, and the Committe [sic] thought the building in which
they were now was amply sufficient to accommodate State officers,
Copying Clerks and all. It could be easily shown that the State would
save a larger sum in this way, leaving the question of convenience
entirely out, than would cover the whole cost of removal to and from
Sacramento. Constant reference, for speedy legislation, had to be made
to the offices of the Secretary of State, Controller, etc., and to the
records of the Board of State Examiners. If the Assembly bill were
adopted, some of the members of this Board would come down and others
remain; and there was a law requiring the Governor's Private Secretary
to be Clerk of the Board of officers, which would be regarded impracticable
by adopting the Assembly amendments. The cost of continuing the State
offices at Sacramento during four months had been variously estimated
at $3,200, while bringing them down would be limited to $2,000.
The Senate concurred in the amendments. . . . .
Mr. CRANE said . . . Almost every member on this floor takes a newspaper
known by the name of the SACRAMENTO UNION. We all knew that the boats
arrive here generally about nine o'clock in the evening, frequently
half-past eight o'clock. These newspapers are sold about the street, yet
no member is able to get one until the Senate goes into session next morning.
I am told they come regularly, and if some of these Postmasters or attaches
wouid take pains to get them when they come in the evening, and put them
into our boxes, almost every member could have the privilege of reading
that paper at any rate--a paper that is paid for; while at present we are
unable to get it until the news becomes old.
Mr. SOULE (sotto voce)--You want the Union because it abused the
Legislature for removing to San Francisco.
Mr. CRANE--O, yes! I go in for free discussion. . . .
Mr. NIXON moved to amend by requiring the Porters to do the duty stated
by the Senator from Alameda.
Mr. IRWIN said they had already a Postmaster whose business it was to
do that. The Porter could not get the newspapers at Wells, Fargo & Co.'s,
if he went there.
Mr. HILL said that since he arrived in the city of San Francisco he had
not had a single UNION put on his desk.
Mr. WATT suggested that Senators should not be too hard on the Postmaster.
It was the first time the Republicans were ever in office, and probably
they hadn't got used to it yet. [Laughter.]
The resolution was lost. . . .
BOOKS FROM SACRAMENTO.
Mr. HOLDEN offered the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate be authorized
to procure from the State Librarian such books as may be required or
ordered by the different Senators from the State Library, the expenses
to be paid out of the Contingent Fund.
Mr. PARKS inquired whether this simple resolution would free him from
the rules of the Library. Persons drawing books, he said, were always
charged with them, and if they lost them they would be obliged to pay
three times their value. The Sergeant at Arms had informed him of several
books that he had drawn for members, and he could not tell what had
become of them.
Mr. HOLDEN presumed the order of a Senator would make him responspible [sic].
He had a conversation last night with the State Librarian, who informed
him that arrangements could be made to send books down here at very small
expense. As there were books in the State Library that would be needed,
he hoped this means would be taken of procuring their use.
The resolution was loat.
At one o'clock the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
FRIDAY, January 31, 1862.
The House met at 11 o'clock, . . .
QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE.
The SPEAKER--Gentlemen of the Assembly: Under privilege, I take occasion
to allude to a personal matter between the gentleman from Plumas
(Mr. Shannon) and myself, touching the original appointment of a
Committee of Conference day before yesterday. The gentleman from Plumas
saw fit to arraign the action of the Chair in that regard on the ground
that in appointing the Committee of Free Conference all composed of the
friends of the measure. [The objection was that the Committee was
composed of the enemies, not the friends of the measure.--Rep.] There
was a breach of the parliamentary law governing such a case. The
gentleman from Plumas is wholly in error in his opinion. I can readily
conceive that the error originated in his mind from hastily reading the
latter part of the page in Cushing's Manual, from which he quoted, and
by which he sought to fortify himself in his opinion and placing upon
it that misconstruction of which such rules are a prolific source; and also
from not reading at all the preceding section or page, in which the rule
is clearly stated--"In regard to the appointment of Committees, so far as
the selection of the members is concerned, it is a general rule in
legislative bodies when a bill is referred, that none who speak directly
against the body of it are to be of the Committee, for the reason that he
who would totally destroy will not amend; but that, for the opposite
reason, those who only take exceptions to some particulars in the bill,
are to be of the Committee." This rule supposes the purpose of the
commitment to be not the consideration of the general merits of the bill,
but the amendment of it in its particular provisions, so as to make it
acceptable to the Assembly. It is by no means matter of exultation to
me, but I regret rather to find that a gentleman so frequently right in
his opinions should be for once in error in a matter of that kind. I put
away from me at once all idea of ill intention in the arraignment he saw
fit to make, because any idea of ill intention would be wholly at war
with his well known and constant exhibition of candor, frankness and
manliness of character in this House. Yet, on the other hand, I have
a right to say that the manner of the arraignment was the manner of
complaint, and that it involved an imputation. It involved, in fact,
a serious accusation, so far as it can be serious touching a matter of
that kind. The rule is the reverse of what he stated, although I am
willing to be entirely frank and say, that when the gentleman from
Plumas suggested that the rule was as he stated it, I was of the same
opinion, and when the gentleman from San Joaquin (Mr. Meyers) asked to
be excused, I was glad to avail myself of that opportunity of acting upon
the suggestion of the gentleman from Plumas, thinking that it was right.
But as I found I had been arraigned, I thought it proper to investigate
carefully the whole law touching the matter, and upon that investigation
I find that even if the appointment had been entirely of the friends of
the measure, it would still have been made in accordance with parliamentary
law. I am aware that discussions upon points of order and personal
explanations are generally admitted to be about the most useless of any
which can take place in this body, but at the same time this whole matter
of removal being one of extreme delicacy, so far as relates to the San
Francisco delegation, I thought that it would not be amiss, and that
the House would be willing to indulge me in making a statement touching
this matter, because upon this floor the delegation from San Francisco
represent the feelings, the wishes, the opinions, and I will say the
magnanimity of the people of San Francisco, touching the whole subject
matter of the removal. In all that I have said, and in all that I think,
I do the gentleman from Plumas the justice to think and to believe that
as he has fallen into a slight error, the same into which I acknowledge
fell myself, that for it to be set entirely right it is only necessary
to make this appeal to his candor, to his magnanimity, and I will add
to his entire freedom for all narrow pride of opinion.
Mr. SHANNON--When I arose in my place the other day for the purpose
of calling the Speaker's attention to this subject, I certainly did
it with no ill personal feeling, nor any other motive, except that,
as I then stated, I believed the Speaker had committed unthinkingly
a parliamentary error. I called the attention of the Chair to it in
order that he might in the future avoid that error. I was of the
opinion, and I still entertain that opinion, that it is contrary to
parliamentary custom to appoint a Committee wholly for the enemies of
the measure, and the Speaker had appointed on the Committee three
gentlemen who had spoken and voted against the proposition adopted by
the House, and were therefore enemies of the measure. I called
attention to the fact simply to warn the Chair against such erroneous
action in the future, for I thought that a measure was entitled to have
the consideration of one friend at least.
The Speaker--In reply I will only say that it may be possible that
the gentleman from Plumas has confounded the rule with the American
practice of making up the Standing Committees of legislative bodies,
to be composed of the different parties represented in legislative
bodies. He may possibly have confounded, as I did, that rule or
practice with that other very different practice, touching the
appointment of a Committee to consider a special measure. The origin
and philosophy of this thing in the British Parliament was simply
this--that there the Committee appointed to consider a particular
measure was not only composed of the friends, but of the most ardent
and ablest advocates of the measure. Though the rule may have come down
to us from the British Parliament with some slight modifications, as I
think it has with certainly some modifications, still I think it is
found to be very different from the American practice of ours, which
is too well settled to be disturbed, and which gentlemen will bear
witness that I have not undertaken to disturb, I mean in the
appointment of the Standing Committees so as to represent the
different parties represented in the legislative body.
. . .at five minutes before twelve o'clock the House adjourned.
THE LEGISLATURE.--The model, comfort-seeking, money-spending Legislature,
after virtually resolving themselves into a body of excursionists at the
people's expense, have brought up in San Francisco, and are now enjoying
the pleasures and hospitalities of the Bay City. Nearly a month has
elapsed since the organization at Sacramento, and nothing worthy of
notice has been accomplished, beneficial to the people at large. For this
we can see no reasonable excuse, as there was no impediment to a speedy
organization and immediate attention to the legitimate business of the
session. But, instead of proceeding with the celerity and promptness
which the interests of the community and the condition of the treasury
demanded, they sacrificed all to their own selfish demands for comfort,
disregarded expense, delayed necessary legislation, and entailed upon
the people a long, and from present indications, profitless session--if
not an illegal one. Although the adjournment is accomplished and its
results for good or evil are yet to be known, we cannot refrain from
classing it as an act of gross injustice, unnecessary in fact, selfish
in purpose, accomplished without adequate reasons, and subversive of
the interests and wishes of the people of the State. Butte Record.
THE LEGISLATURE.
In the Senate, on Saturday, . . . A bill to prevent cattle from
trespassing on private property was introduced, and referred to the
Agriculture Committee. On leave, without notice, Crane introduced a
bill concerning chattel mortgages, the design of which is to enable
farmers to mortgage crops sown or to be sown on their lands, and
extending the lien through all stages of harvesting, transportation,
storage and sale, until the mortgage is paid. This bill, if it becomes
a law, will enable hundreds of farmers who have been overwhelmed by
the flood to obtain credit to enable them to raise a crop, who otherwise
would have no means. Its intention is to give to the person advancing
the means to raise a crop an absolute lien, over and beyond all other
claims, upon the crop raised--another effect will be to relieve the
farming community from the disastrous and unjust working of the attachment
law, as under this Act, every farmer can if he chooses, place his crop
entirely beyond such process. The bill was referred to the Judiciary
Committee. The Senate adjourned at quarter past one o'clock.
In the Assembly, the report of a majority of the Committee on Conference
on the bill to remove certain State offices to San Francisco was rejected
by a vote of 32 to 25. Hoag offered a resolution requesting occupants of
inundated lands to make such marks as will indicate the high water line
of 1862, for surveying purposes hereafter, which was referred to the
Committee on Swamp and Overflowed Lands. The murdered Removal Bill was
brought before the House again, toward the close of the session, under
the order of business of messages from the Senate. A motion to table it
was lost. A motion was made to make it the special order for Tuesday.
Shannon rose to a point of order, that the bill was dead, unless the
Assembly should reconsider the vote by which the report was rejected.
Avery, one of Barstow's friends, thought the point of order well taken,
whereupon the Speaker thought so too, for a moment, but after that wanted
further light. Then followed sundry speeches upon the subject, and the
motion to make it the special order was withdrawn. It was left to be
disposed of by or after the final vote upon a motion to reconsider the
vote rejecting the report of the Conference Committee.
A HIGH LEVEE.--We said it had been computed that a levee one hundred feet
high on each side of the Sacramento would be required to carry all the
water to the sea. We did not make the computation, but took the estimate
of another. The UNION calls the statement "nonsense." For the benefit of
those who desire to make the calculation for themselves, we will state
what we suppose the UNION will not deny, that the water ran with a strong
current over an extent of country not less than .fifteen miles wide and
to the depth of four feet on an average.--Nevada Transcript.
We do deny any such allegation. Instead of the water running with a
strong current over such an extent of country, it is nearly an inert
mass of water, except in the sloughs and creeks. This statement of
the Transcript is about as ridiculous as the one first made by it. . . .
MAN DROWNED IN THE MIDDLE YUBA.--Wednesday, January 29th, Thomas Williams,
of the Miners' Exchange, North San Juan, while endeavoring to cross the
Yuba, just above that town, fell into the current and was lost. . . .
STILL STANDING.--The San Lorenzo paper mill, near Santa Cruz, reported
swept away by the flood, is still standing. A portion of the flume and
the dam were swept away, but the mill, building and machinery are unhurt.
COLD WEATHER.--At twelve o'clock last Monday night, at Skillman's Mill,
some fifteen miles above Nevada, the thermometer was down to with one
degree of zero. . . .
NOT AWARE OF IT.--The Nevada Transcript, in endeavoring to excuse
itself for giving currency to a statement that water was running over
the floors of the Senate and Assembly chambers, says it had the
intelligence from another paper. If this was the case, the intelligence
was no less false. It adds:
Yet the UNION, knowing we were in Sacramento at the time the extra was
published, would seem to like amazingly to convey the impression that we
are responsible for it.
The Transcript will please excuse us. We were not aware that so important
a personage as the editor of the Transcript was in our city. If we had
been, we should not probably have chronicled the fact, as it is not our
custom to do such things even in the case of still greater celebrities
than the aforesaid editor, provided any such exist. . . .
SACRAMENTO AND THE LEVEE QUESTION.--The San Francisco L'Union Franco
Americaine," [unmatched quote mark] of Monday, Jan. 27th, contains a
novel article upon the subject of Sacramento and its defenses, embracing
a project for the construction of a combined levee, promenade and rampart.
In introducing his scheme, the writer says : "It does not belong to us to
decide whether the city of Sacramento ought to be the Capital of the State;
but if we were consulted upon that point, we should answer in the
affirmative. The misfortunes which have befallen the inhabitants, and
the losses to which they, and persons elsewhere who have investments in
that city, have been subjected, demand that we shall afford Sacramento
a chance to revive." For the city itself, the writer proposes an inclosure
designed to serve, at the same time, as a protection against the invasion
of the water, a defense against a hostile army, a promenade and a drive.
The general idea of the plan is taken from the fortifications of Paris,
upon which the writer says he was employed. He proposes to make the
rampart--an earthwork, of course--at least three feet higher than the
highest water of 1862. On this rampart would be a promenade, sodded and
planted with trees, forming a pleasant shade. The following is a
tolerably fair hit at our too delicate legislators: "The promenade can,
in case of war, be mounted with cannon, so that if the Legislature should
be besieged in the city they might continue their deliberations without
fear of molestation." For the execution of the work, the writer proposes
to employ those able bodied men who have suffered by the flood and who
have need of work, under the direction of a Committee of Engineers and
other competent men named by the Legislature, who the writer thinks should
authorize the construction of a work at once useful and ornamental to the
Capital of the State. With such labor, it is contended, the city itself
could be handsomely and securely inclosed, at a cost of about one hundred
and seventy thousand dollars.
NAPA--On Tuesday morning, January 28th, a branch of the Napa river, which
has been running a current of five miles an hour, froze over so that cattle
crossed on the ice.
SNOW.--Snow fell at Petaluma on Tuesday night, January 28th, to the depth
of from one and a half to two inches. . . .
WHAT SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE DO?
EDITORS UNION: Allow me through your valuable paper to make a few
suggestions on the above subject. We have been visited with a most
devastating flood. It has ruined thousands, and swept away the fences
of the most valuable farming region in the State. Many of the farmers
owning these lands, having lost their all, will be utterly unable to
replace their fences; and many who are able will find it impossible to
do so in time to make a crop. Therefore, unless we would add the calamity
of a famine to that of a flood; let the Legislature at once pass a law
compelling all persons owning stock of any kind to herd the same on their
own or on public unoccupied lands, and let the punishment for a violation
of said law be summary. Unless this is done it will be impossible for
this State to raise a sufficient supply for its own consumption. This
law should be general, and not special. An abundance of provisions can
be raised in the mountain counties, but unless protection is extended
to them very little will be raised. Apply this law to the valley counties
alone and what will be the consequence? People owning stock in the
valleys will drive it to the mountains, and there suffer it to run at
large, to the great detriment of those who are trying to raise something.
I live in the lower or western part of El Dorado, and it is a notorious
fact that the people of Sacramento, where the hog law is in operation,
drive their hogs into El Dorado, and hire people to keep them on shares.
A hog is as great a nuisance in El Dorado as he is in Sacramento, and we
have petitioned our legislators to protect us against this imposition,
but they have not yet done so. It is to be hoped they will now act in
this matter. It is as difficult for those living in the western part
of El Dorado to make a hog fence as it is for the people of Sacramento.
I say, therefore, let this stock law be general in its application. It
appears to me that everything has been done in this State for the miner,
and little or nothing for the farmer--that the farming interest has been
held subordinate to that of the mining. Now let something be done for
the farmer. Protect him against the encroachments of the miner and stock
raiser. He is the sheet anchor of the State; he will remain with you and
uphold and support the State Government. The miner and stock raiser will
take wings and fly away. As soon as Spring opens the great body of the
mining population will make a stampede for Cariboo, Nez Perces and Salmon
river. Who then will be left to support the State? The farmer. Give him
then that protection which he needs, but has never yet received at the
hands of our Legislature.
A FARMER
DISASTER AT SANTA BARBARA.--Friday night, January 17th, a terrific
avalanche occurred at Curtis' Sulphur Springs, four miles behind Santa
Barbara, in the mountains. Three persons, who were sleeping in a tent
near the spring, were awakened by the falling of some trees, and in
their fright made desperate attempts to escape. They burst through the
canvas, the first man jumping into the flood breast deep. The second
and third followed suit, but were carried over a quarter of a mile by
the flood. Henry Miller, one of the latter, was found dead a few days
after, rocks of over a ton weight having passed over him, fracturing
his skull and mangling his body terribly. When found a rock of enormous
size was resting on one of his legs, and before the body could be moved
amputation was necessitated. Crawford, one of the three, was picked up
terribly bruised and maimed, but will recover. The third man, Mac by
name, escaped unhurt. The flood was so heavy that it was Sunday before
the neighbors could reach the scene of disaster. .Acres and acres of
land, rock and timber were carried off by the flood, opening an entirely
new branch of the mineral springs. The whole surrounding country suffered
terribly from the floods.--San Francisco Alta. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
MITCHVILLE.--This is the name of a new town located on the American river,
about five miles from its mouth, and about a quarter of a mile above the
point at which Hoboken was situated in 1852. The town is named in honor
of McMitchell, one of the freight agents of the Steam Navigation Company,
and consists of a frame steamboat office, two whisky shops, and an
additional one for the storage of freight. It is to this point that
the steamer Sam Soule now makes trips, twice a day, carrying a large
amount of freight, which is taken by teams to the Sacramento Valley
Railroad, and thence distributed throughout the mining region supplied
from this portion of the State. The town presents a primitive appearance,
and the indications are that it will not, for a few years at least,
outrival Sacramento, to which it owes its origin. The artistic portion
of the town consists of two signs, on one of which is inscribed,
"Steamboat Office. N B.--No boarders taken here," and on the other the
name of the town, "Mitchville." On the latter are two not very elaborate
paintings, one of them representing two distressed looking gentlemen
partaking of foaming lager, and another depicting an entirely naked
hombre, whose appearance would excite sympathy from the most obdurate
of our species. The latter picture is supposed to be, in a measure,
indicative of the accommodations afforded by the newly created city.
We have no doubt, however, that the town will answer the temporary
purposes for which it was called into being, and trust that it will
prove profitable to all connected with it.
THE CREVASSE AT RABEL'S.--The waters of the American river are still
flowing into the city through the crevasse at Rebel's tannery,
although the river is nearly or quite down to the natural banks.
For a distance of perhaps eight hundred feet the current flows through,
the depth a short distance from the levee varying from one to two feet.
At some spots near the edge of the river deeper channels have been worn,
but they do not appear to extend any great distance from the levee.
An extensive sand bar is unfortunately forming on the north side of the
river below the crevasse, which runs out toward the southern bank at such
an angle as to tend to force the current into its new channel through
the city. This bar extends about half way across the river. Above the
crevasse and immediately in front of Rabel's premises, large deposits
of sand have collected. At the exact point in front of the tannery,
where the current was the most violent when the Rightmire bulkhead was
carried off, Rabel has recently planted a row of grape vines, on soil
deposited within the last two months. The channel has changed to the
west some eight hundred feet within two years. The entire north bank
of the river has been leveed up with a ridge of sand. We are informed
by T. K. Stewart that the sloughs among the willows on the north side
of the river have all been filled up during the past two months.
THE TRUE BOUNDARY.--In a communication from "An Engineer," with
reference to the boundaries of Swamp Land District No. 2, received
on Saturday, he says: "In speaking of the action of the Board of
Swamp Land Commissioners you say, in this morning's paper, 'Since
the late floods the Commissioners have extended the District to
the American river.' This is an inadvertence, snd is calculated
to injure a good cause. The Board have not extended the district.
The original boundary was the American river, on the north, and that
has never been altered (nor can it be), because it is the natural
boundary. But when the engineer made his survey, taking it for granted
the Sacramento levee was sufficient to guard the upper end of District
No. 2, he very properly began his work below it, and made his returns
accordingly. All the Board has done is to say to the engineer 'Go on
and finish the survey as originally contemplated.' This statement
should therefore be made, because the law contemplates that Nature
makes the districts, and the Board can neither enlarge nor diminish
them. Believing as I do, that the salvation of our city depends on
a permanent reclamation of District No. 2, I am anxious that it may
not even appear that it was an afterthought that brought the city
within the district."
POLICE COURT.--ln the case of Lawson and Langtree, previously tried on
a charge of the larceny of a boat belonging to J. A. Crocker, I. S. Brown,
the counsel for defense, on Saturday made a motion in arrest of judgment
and for a new trial. In support of the motion the counsel contended that
the complaint was defective and not in accordance with the requirements
of the law. The motion was granted and also a subsequent motion to dismiss
the defendants, the boat being awarded to J. A. Crocker. In the case of
Dorsey, Morgan and Rodifer, charged with stealing powder, J. C. Goods,
for the defense, moved for the discharge of the defendants on the ground
that the testimony was insufficient to hold them. After argument of the
motion by counsel, Judge Gilmer stated that he deemed the evidence before
him insufficient to hold the defendants, and he would therefore discharge
them. If there should be other evidence found there was nothing to prevent
the Grand Jnry from a further examination of the case. . . .
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday forenoon
over the body of an unknown Chinaman, found afloat in the American
river. The jury was composed of H. V. Curry, James Williams,
E. S. Curry, L. Traum, Henry Schwegar, and James Bradley. The only
witness examined was H. Koppikus, who testified that he found the body
floating in the water above English's ranch, about two o'clock P. M.
on Friday. The body was in a nude state, It was about five feet eight
inches in hight. There were some marks and bruises about the face and
head, which might have been caused by drift wood. The body appeared to
be that of a Chinaman. It had been in the water several weeks. The jury
returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was a Chinaman whose
name, age and cause and time of death were unknown to the jury.
The body was interred by the Coroner on English's ranch.
REMOVAL OF THE GEM.--The agents of the Steam Navigation Company have
made arrangements with Edward Fell for the removal of the steamer Gem
from her present position, which is on Hopping's, and not Denn's land,
near Rebel's tannery, to the waters of the American river. The work will
be accomplished by means of Fell's hydraulic house raising apparatus.
The distance from the steamer to the river is about four hundred yards,
or a quarter of a mile. The steamer Governor Dana, on her return from
Marysville yesterday, towed up to the tannery a barge containing Fell's
apparatus. He had expected to commence work this morning and complete the
job in seven or eight days. As a lively rain set in last evening, it is
possible that the work may be impeded thereby. The Gem lay yesterday
almost entirely out of water, and in favorable condition for the work
of removal.
SUPPOSED TO BE DROWNED.--Two men, named William Becker and C. H. Gardiner,
in the employ of a man named Richard Fuller, in Placer county, came to
this city several days ago for provisions. On Wednesday, at one o'clock,
P. M., they left Fourth and I streets in a boat owned and rowed by
W. Ladbrook. The boat contained fifteen hundred pounds of provisions,
which were to be taken to Pitcher's, north of Lisle's Bridge, from which
point men and goods were to go by land to Fuller's place, on Auburn
Ravine, twenty-one miles from Sacramento. The boatman was expected to
return to the city on Wednesday evening. The boat containing the three
men is said to have been seen nearly swamped, under a strong gale of
wind, on Wednesday, on the way up, but neither of the men have been
heard from since. It is supposed that their boat filled and sunk,
and that they were drowned. . . .
DROWNED.--A man named Edward Gillan was drowned in the Sacramento
river, near the foot of J street, at about nine o'clock, on Friday
evening. He had been employed as a deck hand on board the steamer
Sam Soule, and fell accidentally from a barge moored alongside the
steamer. J. Baldwin, mate of the steamer, at once landed a boat and
used all exertion within his power to save him, but on account of the
prevailing darkness and the force of the current he was unable to
save him. The body has not been recovered. . . .
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.--At about sunset last evening, a man named Kelly,
while getting out of a boat at the north levee, near Ninth street,
accidentally discharged his gun. The contents entered the left arm
between the wrist and elbow, inflicting a serious wound.
MORE RAIN.--At dusk last evening a rain set in which continued
throughout the evening at a rate which will doubtless cause the
water in and around the city to rise again, though not so high,
it is to be hoped, as to again flood the city. . . .
LARGE BAR.--A large sand bar has been formed by the late flood on
the north side of the American river, opposite Seventh street, the
tendency of which is to force the channel toward the southern bank. . . .
NORTH SAN JUAN.--The Press of February 1st has the following
intelligence: . . .
Prices of a few of the leading articles may be set down as follows:
Flour, per hnndred pounds, $14; potatoes, per pound, 7 cents; butter,
per pound, 62-1/4 cents; sugar, crushed, per pound, 25 cents; candles,
per pound, from 37 to 50 cents; coffee, per pound, from 35 to 50 cents;
camphene (scarce), $3 per gallon; wood, per cord, from $3 to $5. . . .
Between Wednesday morning and Thursday morning, snow fell to the depth
of about fourteen inches.
HEAVY LOSS OF STOCK.--Hersperger, who lives on the Sacramento river,
in Sutter county, has experienced very severe losses in stock on account
of the late freshet. He had six thousand head of sheep and four hundred
head of cattle on his ranch, and the sudden rise of the waters made it
impossible for him to remove them. He has consequently been compelled
to keep them all on about two hundred acres of land, that being all
the dry land in his neighborhood. He has fed all the hay and grain
he had or could purchase, and as a last resort has been obliged to
charter the steamer Visalia, with barges, to transport them to this
place, where he can get access to the hill lands. Over one hundred
head of his cattle have already died from cold and want of fodder,
and the loss of sheep will be still greater in proportion.
--Knight's Landing News.
KNIGHT'S LANDING.--The News says:
It has been reported around the country that Knight's Landing was under
water and no dry land in town. The statement is entirely without
foundation. No water is, or has been, in our town this season, except
what rained in it; and we not only have plenty of dry land, but a good
dry road to the interior, where traveling has been going on all the
season.
OPPOSED THE REMOVAL.--Our Senator, Doll, and our Assemblyman, Thompson,
as well as the senator and Representative from Shasta voted steadily
and persistently against the temporary removal of the Legislature
from Sacramento to San Francisco, and their acts will receive the
approbation of their constituents.--Red Bluff Beacon.
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 1862.
There was a great clamor for the SACRAMENTO UNION in the Senate yesterday.
Crane said he must have it earlier in the day. He had been compelled to
wait for it until near the time for the meeting of the Senate, and he
wanted the Postoffice affairs of the Senate so regulated that he could
have it on the night of its arrival. He expressed the opinion, that
the UNION was a good newspaper, and the Senators generally concurred.
Soule said he supposed Crane wanted the UNION because it abused him for
voting to adjourn the Legislature to San Francisco. To this the latter
replied that he was always in favor of free discussion. Dr. Hill said
he had not had his UNION since the removal, and wanted the fact
remembered. [No order was received from the Sergeant-at-Arms for the
UNION for Senator Hill until yesterday (Sunday) morning. The papers
ordered for members of the Legislature have been properly addressed
to members and regalarly dispatched to San Francisco, to the care of
the Sergeants-at-Arms of the Senate and Assembly.--EDS. UNION.] Watt,
of Nevada, said there would necessarily be some such little
irregularities until the Republicans got used to being in oflice.
In the Assembly yesterday morning, the Speaker opened the session by
a long speech in defense of his appointment of the Conference Committee
on the Removal Bill. He quoted from Cushing's Manual to show that a
bill is never to be referred to its enemies--i.e., those opposed to
the body of the bill and sought, under that rule, to defend his action
in appointine [sic]
none but enemies of the bill substituted by the Assembly
for the Senate bill, upon a Committee of Conference to whom both bills
were to be referred for compromise. Dogberry could not have mixed
matters up more thoroughly. Mr. Speaker Barstow says, in effect,
"The parliamentary law doth enjoin me to put no measure into the hands
of an avowed enemy; wherefore I must perforce send it to a Committee in
which it hath no friend." He evidently lost sight of the fact that there
was an Assembly substitute, and selected friends of the Senate bill as
though it was the only thing to be considered by the Conference Committee.
"None so blind as those who will not see." The authority read by him had
nothing to do with the question (further than that it gives a reason for
a rule, which reason is applicable as well to Conference Committees as
to Committees of one house) for the Manual from which he read has not
a word in regard to Committees of Conference. It is to be regretted that
no member has yet exhibited the knowledge of parliamentary usage, and
the tenacity of purpose which is necessary to the protection of the
House from the consequences of the incapacity of the presiding officer.
The Senate confirmed the report of the Conference Committee yesterday,
recommending the removal to San Francisco of nearly all the State
officers, although the Committee were not unanimous. This was a breach
of general usage, as Merritt admitted in moving the confirmation. If
the Committee on Conference is not unanimous, the effect is, as stated
by him, to kill the measure concerning which no compromise can be
effected. To-day the Assembly had the matter under consideration.
Kendall, of Tuolumne, made the point of order that a Committee of
Conference can only be allowed to report that they have or have not
agreed, and that the report must be unanimous. The Speaker declared
the point of order not well taken. The report having been read,
Shannon raised the point of order again, and was overruled. From the
decision of the Chair he appealed, when the Speaker informed him that
no such appeal conld then be taken. This decision was appealed from,
but the Speaker ruled the appeal out of order. The Speaker having
stated the question to be upon the adoption of the report, Shannon
made the point of order that the report could not be adopted because
made by a portion only of the Committee. The Chair ruled the point of
order not well taken. This decision was appealed from, and the Speaker
subsided for a moment. Shannon then spoke against the Speaker's ruling
a few seconds, when the two became involved in a discussion as to what
the point of order was. A long time was occupied in a general talk upon
the subject, the Speaker replying at length to most of those members
opposed to him on the removal question. Kendall, of Tuolumne, amidst
frequent interruptions by the Chair, read the joint rule requiring
Conference Committees, when unable to agree, to merely report that
fact. Ferguson, of Sacramento, made a very good argument in favor of
the position of Shannon. The Speaker replied in a vehement manner, from
his desk, saying that Ferguson did not understand what he had read from
Jefferson's Manual. The conduct of the Speaker throughout was
characterized by the same dogged obstinacy that has been exhibited by
him before, and of which we have made previous mention. Whoever opposed
his wishes was declared out of order. Several appeals were taken, but
he utterly refused to put any question of appeal to the House. Even the
appeal of Shannon, from the decision that the motion to adopt was in
order, was never put to a vote. The previous question upon this appeal
was obstinately and stupidly ruled to extend back to the report, but
was not in terms ruled to exclude the question of appeal; yet the
Speaker refused to allow a vote of the House to be taken upon what he
admitted to be a question properly before the House, viz: the appeal
taken by Shannon. Among other outrages committed, the Speaker ruled
that while the previous question was pending, the rule required him
to decide, not only all points of order but even an appeal which had
been taken by Mr. O'Brien, arbitrarily, without referring the question
to the House. He did so decide against an appeal taken by that
gentleman, from a decision made. That is to say, an appeal from the
Speaker's decision is, in certain cases, to be made to the Speaker
himself! But after all the efforts of the Speaker to carry his
point, without regard to the rights of members, the rules of public
bodies, or the common courtesy which should prevail in such places,
the motion to adopt the irregular report in favor of removal, was
defeated by a vote of thirty-two to twenty-five. A member changed his
vote to the negative and gave notice of a motion to reconsider. This
fruitless struggle of the Speaker against the House lasted about an
hour and a half.
As a specimen of the enlightened and amiable manner in which the Speaker
discharges the duties of his office, the fact may be mentioned that
there is at least one member of the House that has not been honored
by him by an appointment upon any Committee--either Standing or
Select--although he is the only member from a certain agricultural
county.
In speaking upon a resolution offered by Hoag, of Yolo, requesting
occupants of inundated lands to make such marks upon trees as will
indicate the high water-line of 1862, Maclay, of Santa Clara, said
there were marks now eight or ten feet higher than the. floods of
the present year, and that those marks were "monuments of the folly
of trying to live upon the banks of the Sacramento and American
rivers," The excited individual was not kind enough to inform the
House where people could safely live within the limits of the State.
It is impossible definitely to fathom the motives which prompted
the introduction of the bill of Soule, of San Francisco, to suspend
all further work on the new Capitol until the next session, but it
looks like an opening wedge for an agitation of the question of
permanent removal. Hathaway's bill to extend the time for laying
the foundations of the building is undoubtedly offered in good faith
to relieve the contractor from any penalty for a failure to complete
his work within contract time, so far as the delay has been occasioned
by the freshets.
FROM MARIPOSA.--A correspondent of the Stockton Argus, writing
from Hornitas Jan. 30th, says:
I send you a few items relative to the flood and its effects in Tulare
county. From the 25th of December to January 25th, one month, nothing
was heard of either Millerton or Visalia. The memory of the oldest
inhabitants is "played out." That period designated "time whereof
the memory of man runneth not to the contrary," will begin again,
and date from January, 1862. Winslow, or Long Tom, as he is familiarly
called, arrived at Hornitas last Sunday, having, walked forty miles
to Mariposa creek, packing the mail sack the whole distance. He crossed
one stream in the novel craft known as a sluice box, and paddled over
another in a watering trough. From him we learn that the water at
Millerton was eight feet in the streets. The house and stable of
Wm. Hice, proprietor of the Visalia stage line, was swept away;
damage, so he says, $1,000. Grierson's storehouse was also carried
off; loss about the same as Hice. Goods in the store of Hughes
were damaged to the extent of $1,500. In Visalia the loss was much
greater. A man arrived at Princeton last night, who reports that
twenty six brick houses, including the Court House and jail, have
either been washed away or caved in. The Delta office was
but little injured. These last items I gleaned from Holmes, of the
Mariposa Gazette. The stage of water in the streets of this
town stood at the moderately low point of four feet. Smith's Ferry,
on King's river, is gone--and as Winslow remarks, "the whole country
is slum gullioned from Visalia to Mariposa creek."
MORE MUTTON.--Some two or three hundred sheep arrived in San Francisco
lately by the steamer Senator, it being impossible to drive them overland.
LATER FROM THE NORTH.
By the arrival of the Brother Jonathan at San Francisco we have dates
from Portland to January 15th:
No intelligence had been received from the Dalles or Cascades for a fortnight,
owing to the heavy rains. In Portland they were enjoying excellent sleighing. . . .
FLOOD AT UMPQUA.--A letter from Fort Umpqua, December 12th, says:
We have had the greatest freshet in the Umpqua river ever known.
As our mails have been entirely cut off, we do not know here how great
the damage is above a point about twelve miles beyond the town of
Scottsburg; but if floating houses, barns, rails, and produce of
every description are any indication; the entire conntry has been
devastated by the element. The water has been from ten to fifteen
feet higher, at Scottsburgh than the freshet of 1853, which was then
higher than ever before in the memory of the oldest Indians. As far
as we can learn, the farmers above Scottburgh have absolutely nothing
left. By the register kept at the hospital at Fort Umpqua there had been,
up to the 3d of December, twenty-five inches of continued rain; since
that period it has been augmented to over thirty inches. The river
rose rapidly from the 30th November to the 3d December, then subsided
for a day or two, and then rose again until the 9th of December.
December 14th.--The river is now falling, and has been for two days.
We still have no mail. The bridges and ferries are all gone.
Lord & Peters' store, at Scottsburgh, with many of the houses at
Upper Town, are gone. The new warehouse of Maury and Kruse, at
Lower Town, was swept (with all of the merchandise stored therein)
about twenty miles down the river, and, strange to relate, landed
"right side up with care," just below the wharf at Gardiner. Nearly
all of the contents are undamaged. Allan & MoKinlay's wharf and
store room, at Lower Town, are swept away.
LEVEE.--Eugene City, Oregon, is to be protected from future floods
by a levee.
The loss by the flood has been immense all along the river and valley
lands, but comparatively little loss of life. The damages to Oregon
City alone are estimated at $154,700.
SALMON RIVER MINES.--The Oregon State Republican, published
at Eugene City, says:
The news from the northern mines continues to be exciting. So many are
going from this portion of the valley that we fear there will hardly
be men left to supply the bread of life, and just now there is great
need of laborers to repair the damages occasioned by the high waters.
Sagacious tradesmen are predicting high prices for grain, corresponding
with the late elevation of the aqueous fluid.
THE SECRET OF REMOVAL.--The Republicans, in opposition, we believe, to
the wishes of four-fifths of the voters of California, have removed
the Legislature from Saoramento to San Francisco. They must have had
a potent reason for taking such an unpopular course--a course at once
uncalled for, unnecessary and expensive. What induced Governor Stanford,
whose sympathies were supposed to be with, and interest in, Sacramento,
to favor a removal? Certainly not the paltry inconvenience of the flood.
Before the question of removal was agitated, an up-country paper hinted
that an effort would be made to remove the Legislature to San Francisco
for the purpose of electing a Republican United States Senator in place
of M. S. Latham. It was a significant hint, but attracted little
attention at the time, probably because no one supposed the Republicans
would be guilty of such an outrage. The people of Sacramento felt no
apprehensions, because the Governor and Secretary of State were residents
of Sacramento, and presumed to be interested in her welfare. Singularly
enough, and to the astonishment of those not in the secret, they both
favored the removal. Other leading Republicans strongly urged it. Why?
Did the interest of the State demand it? Was it difficult to transact
the public business at Saoramento? Was it an economical. move? No. Here
is the secret of it. The Pacific Echo says:
Senatorial.--It is said, and an attempt will probably be made by
the Republicans to bring on the election of Senator a year in advance of
the regular time, and that Governor Sanford is figuring and itching for
the position. Latham has another year to serve, and the proper time to
elect his successor will be 1863. To bring on an election now will
require a deal of trafficking, swapping and trading, and perhaps money,
besides prolonging the session, which, on account of the State finances,
should be cut short.
Reader, the above is no joke, much as it may appear like it; it is a
serious fact! Governor Stanford aspires to fill Latham's place. Good
luck has upset his reason. San Francisco is the stronghold of
Republicanism. Wealthy Republicans and an army of Federal officials,
with patronage and funds at their disposal, reside there, and they will
use both freely to assist Stanford in his Senatorial aspirations. Easy
and lucrative positions in the Custom House, Mint, Post Office, Land
Office, etc., will be offered to members to influence them to vote for
Stanford. Stanford knew that his prospect of success would be greater
in San Francisco than Sacramento--leading Republicans were conscious of
the same fact, and, therefore, disregarding the wishes of the people,
and indifferent and reckless of expense, they removed the Legislature
to San Francisco. Not satisfied merely with the removal of the
Legislature, they have introduced a bill for the removal of the State
officers; and Governor Stanford, without waiting for the bill to pass,
and probably more openly to signify his wishes to his friends, has
already selected rooms for himself in the building rented by the
Legislature in San Francisco. With the city, State and Federal
patronage at his disposal, he may see his Senatorial aspirations
gratified. Let the people remember these facts, and mark the party
that squanders the money of the State for personal and political
ends.--Mountain Democrat.
THE FUTURE OF SACRAMENTO.--Many people suppose that because Sacramento
has again been flooded out, and to a greater extent than ever before,
that her citizens will get discouraged and despair of ever making that
city again the place of importance it was prior to those disasters.
To all such we would say, don't be too hasty at jumping at conclusions.
Now everything looks dark; disorder and confusion reigns everywhere, in
all parts of the State, as well as Sacramento; no locality has escaped
entirely--but Sacramento has undoubtedly experienced more than her share.
But let us have, as we very shortly will have, a good spell of dry
weather, and you will see everything change; cheerful countenances will
take the place of desponding ones, and every one will be hurrying about
to repair the damage they have sustained. This weather cannot last
always; and when the change does come Sacramento, true to her
proclivities, will rise again as of old. She must, in the nature of
things, always be a great point. If every man, woman and child who now
own property in that city were to abandon it, yet her natural position
is such that others would immediately come in and take their places
and do the business which must of necessity be done there. But her
citizens know too well their interests, and their will and energy is
too strong, to give up with trifles; and whoever visits that city next
Summer, after the waters have subsided, and then see the business and
confidence of her people, will scarcely believe that their condition
was as bad as it really appeared during her worst afflictions. We took
the ground, in a former number, that these overflows would prove in the
end a benefit to that city; and we firmly believe they will. Sacramento
can and will be put beyond the reach of another similar occurrence to
this. The wealth and all the material is there to do it; and next season
we will see a series of works progressing that the most skeptical need
fear no future calamity like the present. Therefore, we say don't fear
for Sacramento. We of the Sacramento valley can't do without her. She is
our market both to buy and sell in, to a great extent, and we naturally
feel an interest in her welfare. But rest assured these clouds will
soon blow over, and we will have the city, as of old, full of life,
the center of business--and, at the same time, the Capital of the
State.--Knight's Landing News.
ANAHEIM NOT DESTROYED.--San Francisco Alta of January 31st, says:
A gentleman who arrived by the late steamer direct from Anaheim, states
that the reports about the destruction of that place by the flood are
untrue. A couple of houses were injured, but no serious damage was done
to the town or the vineyards. The town is situated in the center of an
immense plain, on land as high as any in its vicinity, and is only ten
miles from the sea, to which there is an easy outlet many miles wide.
It is possible, though; not at all probable, that the town may have been
overflowed, but it is scarcely possible that much damage could be done;
for the water could not have current enough to wash away the soil or bring
much sand to the place, nor could it stand long enough to deposit other
sediment.
SNOW IN THE INTERIOR.--From our interior exchanges we learn that there
is snow on the foot hills generally; varying from two inches to a foot.
A heavy warm rain will precipitate it on the valleys so as to produce
a flood.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3386, 4 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION..]
[SENATE]
SATURDAY, February 1st, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, the President In the Chair, . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED. The following were introduced and referred as indicated: . . .
By Mr. BANKS--An Act to authorize the State Librarian to have certain
books in the State Library repaired. Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Public Library. . . .
Mr. IRWIN presented the claim of Hosman & McManus for covering Battery
street, between Washington and Jackson, with sawdust, per agreement
with the Sergeant-at-Arms, amounting to $325. It was referred to the
Committee on Contingent Expenses. . . .
TRESPASSES.
The PRESIDENT introduced a bill to amend an Act to prevent
the trespassing of animals upon private property, approved March 31,
1853. [Adding the proviso, "on inclosed ground."] Also, an Act for the
punishment to prevent trespasses, which were referred to the Judiciary
Committee.
CLAIMS.
Mr. IRWIN, from the Committee on Contingent Expenses, reported a
long list of claims. He said, in relation to boat hire at Sacramento,
that the expenses were very large, but uuder the resolution authorizing
the Sergeant-at-Arms to hire boats, the Committee felt in duty bound
to allow these claims. . . .
Mr. BANKS said there was nothing to prevent the Committee from auditing
the claims for boat hire; he did not see the force of the gentleman's
remarks. He understood him to say that such a resolution having been
adopted, they must pay all that the boatmen asked. If they were
extortionate, he believed there was nothing in the resolution to prevent
the Committee from auditing the claims at a fair amount.
Mr. NIXON said he han [sic] been called in before the Committee on
Claims to give testimony in regard to boat hire. In his opiuion it
was about three times as much as it should have been. Even then it
would have remained a high price. But they had authorized the
Sergeant-at-Arms by resolution, and could not well repudiate the
contracts he had made. It amounted, be thought, to a contract:
Mr. IRWIN said they were informed by the Sergeant-at-Arms himself,
that he had called upon a great many boatmen in Sacramento, and many
asked as much as $50 a day, while $20 and $30 were the lowest prices
per day he could possibly get boats for. The accounts were very large,
Mr. Irwin admitted, but as a consequence of the resolution, must be
paid. It had cost the Senate much less than the Assembly. In the Senate
it amounted to $475; and in the Assembly to $1,400. The Sergeant-at-Arms
had said it was the best contract he could make, and that he had made
positive contracts.
The PRESIDENT read one man's bill of three days, at $30 per day, making
$90, and another's of five days, at $34 a day, making $170. Mr. Gallagher
inquired whether these items could not be cut down to something reasonable.
Mr. Irwin read the resolution:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be and is hereby empowered and
instructed to procure one or more boats, and to have the same in readiness
for the transportation of the members and attaches of this Senate through
the city of Sacramento during the prevalence of the present flood, prices
to be agreed upon before services are rendered.
Mr. GALLAGHER said if the Sergeant-at-Arms agreed to pay this money,
he had no desire to go back on it; but if not, the bills were exorbitant,
and should be cut down.
Mr. POWERS said he knew the the [sic] Sergeant-at-Arms had made special
contracts, and in some cases had paid bills out of his own pocket.
He was confident the contracts were the very best that could be made.
Mr. DOLL was not in favor of going behind the doings of the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Mr IRWIN said they could not do it if they would.
Mr. WATT said he was only the agent of the Senate, and they were bound
to stand by him. . . .
The report of the Committee was adopted. . . .
CHATTEL MORTGAGES.
Mr. CRANE (on leave) introduced the following bill concerning chattel
mortgages, which was read twice and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
The intention was, he said, to benefit those who had been overwhelmed
and damaged by the flood:
An Act concerning Chattel Mortgages.
Section 1. Any person or persons lawfully possessed of any farming land
in this State, may, for a just indebtedness, make and execute a mortgage
upon all the product then planted, sown or growing, or thereafter,
within the next six months, sown or planted, or raised on such land.
Sec 2. Such mortgage shall set forth and state the amount of indebtedness
and the rate of interest thereon, which the same is intended to secure,
and when payable, and may be either upon crops then planted, or growing,
or standing matured, or: upon crops thereafter, within the next six months,
to be sown or planted, and in either case shall describe the land on
which said crops are, or are intended to be, with reasonable certainty.
Sec. 3. In such mortgage the residence of the mortgagor and mortgagee
shall be stated, and the said mortgagor shall make affidavit that the
mortgage is bona fide, and made without any design to defraud or delay
creditors, which affidavit shall be indorsed upon or attached to said
mortgage, and the mortgagor shall also acknowledge said mortgage before
some officer authorized to take the acknowledgment of deeds and conveyances
in the same manner as conveyances of real estate are required by law
to be acknowledged.
Sec. 4. All mortgages made in pursuance of this Act shall, with the
affidavit and certificate of acknowledgment indorsed or attached, be
filed in the county in which the land therein described is situated,
by the Recorder of said county, in the book or books already provided
and in use for recording chattel mortgages, and he shall index the
same in the same manner as now required by law, and for which said
Recorder shall receive the same fees as now provided
Sec. 5. Such chattel mortgage, when so made, executed and recorded,
shall be and become a valid lien and incumbrance upon the grain or
other crop therein sown, planted or growing, or thereafter within
the next six months to be sown, planted or growing upon the land in
said mortgage described, and such lien shall continue during the
harvesting of the same, and after the same is harvested, and during
the transitu of the same to the warehouse or other place where it
may be stored, or during its transitu to market; provided, however,
that in order to continue said lien upon grain or other produce in the
sack, the mortgagee shall, before such grain is removed from the farm
where the same is threshed and sacked, brand or cause to be branded
or marked upon one side, and nearly the middle of every such sack,
the letter M, which shall be at least two inches long, and in a circle
at least three inches in diameter.
Sec. 6. Any person altering, defacing or obliterating such brand or
mark while such mortgage or any. part thereof remains unpaid, shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall
be fined in a sum not leas than $100 or more than $500, and imprisonment
in the county jail for not less than one month nor more than three months.
Sec. 7. The mortgagee shall be fully authorized, without process of law,
to sell the property so mortgaged, and after retaining the principal and
interest due him, freight, commissions and other charges attending such
sale, shall pay the balance, if any, which shall remain, unto the
mortgagor, his heirs or assigns.
Sec. 8. Any mortgage made in pursuance of this Act shall remain and
be in force from and after the time the grain or other, produce covered
by the same shall have been harvested and sacked, and no longer.
Sec. 7. [sic] No property mortgaged in pursuance of this Act shall
be attached at the suit of any creditor of the mortgagor, unless such
creditor shall first pay or tender to such mortgagee the money then
due him on said mortgage, for principal and interest, and for such
other lawful charges for freight, storage or otherwise, as may have
attached thereto.
Sec. 10. When any such attaching creditor shall have redeemed, he may
hold said property, and upon final process and sale thereunder be shall
be entitled to receive: first, all moneys which he has paid to said
mortgagee, with interest thereon from the time of payment, at the rate
of one and a half per cent, per month; and, second, the remainder of
the proceeds, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be applied
upon or to the payment of such attaching creditor.
Sec. 11. The amount to be paid to such mortgagee upon redemption by
such attaching creditor shall be ascertained by a statement setting
forth the amount due on the mortgage, to be made out and signed by
said mortgagee or agent knowing the facts, and verified upon oath;
and any person making and verifying a wilfully false statement shall
be deemed guilty of perjury, and, upon conviction, suffer all the
pains and penalties attached thereto.
Sec. 12. All laws and parts of laws or Acts repugnant to the provisions
hereof are hereby repealed, and this Act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
On motion of Mr. PARKS, the usual number of copies were ordered printed.
At 1:15 P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SATURDAY, Feb. 1, 1862.
The House met at 11 o'clock. . . .
Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Warwick, who had gone to Sacramento
on business as a member of the State Library Committee. . . .
REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS.
Mr. AMES presented a report from a majority of the Committee of Free
Conference, to which was referred the disagreement of the two Houses on
Senate Bill No. 16--An Act fixing the temporary residence of State officers.
Mr. KENDALL--I rise to a point of order. This purports to be a majority
report from a Committee of Conference appointed to take into consideration
the dissenting votes upon Senate Bill No. 16, and my point of order is that
the Committee of Conference can only report a dissent when they fail to
agree, and that any report from a majority or a minority is not in order.
They can only report a disagreement, and no more, in case they disagree
The SPEAKER--The point of order is not well taken.
The CLERK read the report as follows:
Mr. Speaker: The undersigned, members of your Committee of Free Conference,
to whom was referred "the disagreement of the two Houses on Senate
substitute for Senate Bill No. 16," have had the same under consideration,
and report as follows:
Whenever a disagreement occurs between two Houses of Legislature, the
continuance of which is likely to embarrass their action, retard
legislation and operate to the prejudice and injury of the people,
whose representatives they are, it is customary, and certainly proper,
that such subject of dispute should be referred to a Committee of
Conference, with a view to its adjustment and a reconcilement of
difference of opinion upon a basis of mutual compromise and the best
interests of the State.
It was in this spirit that your Committee entered upon the performance
of their duties in this instance. The entire absence of any political
question, and the fact that this one was one purely of policy involving
only considerations of convenience, economy and dispatch in the
legislation of the session, would seem to have rendered the question
one of easy solution, when tested by the rules of ordinary business
common sense.
Whatever may be the opinion of any member as to the propriety of the
past action of the two Houses, we are now in this anomalous position
The seat of government is located at Sacramento, and the Legislature
is now in session at the city of San Francisco. It is found that
legislation under these circumstances is difficult, seemingly impossible,
and attended with many and serious embarrassments.
Your Committee are of the opinion that these difficulties and
embarrassments may all be removed by bringing certain of the State
officers temporarily to this city.
While your Committee sympathize with the calamities that have befallen
the citizens of nearly the whole State, and while our deepest
commiseration is excited for the citizens of Sacramento, who seem to
regard the temporary continuance of the State officers at their city
as of such vital importance to their interest, involving, in the
opinion of many, their municipal existence and the maintenance of
their municipal credit; we are not unmindful that as representatives
of the State at large, we cannot ignore our duty to the whole people,
and do not believe we are called upon by any considerations of pity,
sympathy or charity to sacrifice a State's welfare to the advancement
of any locality; nor can we deem this question of a temporary removal
of a portion only of the State officers to this city, as a question
of such importance as many would seem to consider.
In our opinion, it is absolutely essential that the Governor, the
Secretary of State, the State Treasurer, the State Controller, the
Attorney General the Adjutant and Surveyor General, should be in the
vicinity of the Legislature when in session.
We do not believe legislation can be honestly, intelligently and
properly conducted without having these officers within the reach
of the members of the Assembly for conference and consultation with
heads of Departments, and for inspection and examination of the books,
papers, records, vouchers and accounts of those Departments.
It is not only the privilege, but, in the opinion of your Committee, it
is the duty of every member of both Houses to make himself familiar with
the operations of our State Government in all its ramifications; and this
can only be done by a careful examination of the detailed workings of
Departments and a careful investigation of their archives.
It was proposed by the Senate to bring most of the State officers to
this city. It was proposed by the Assembly to bring none but the
Governor. In the opinion of your Committee, there exist such intimate
relations between these officers each with the other, and with the
Legislature, that all, as reported by your Joint Committee, should be
removed, or none.
Let us give a few examples to illustrate our meaning, and demonstrate
how intimately the duties of these officers are blended.
The Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General comprise the Board
of Examiners, to examine the books of the Controller and Treasurer; to
count monthly the moneys in the Treasury, filing a monthly statement
thereof in the
office of the Secretary of State. This Board is required to approve all
claims and demands against the State (except salaries of officers), before
the Controller may draft his warrant on the Treasurer for the payment of
the same.
The Private Secretary of the Governor is the Clerk of the Board. If,
then, the views as expressed by a majority of the Assembly prevail, the
Chairman of the Board of Examiners, with its Clerk and all its records,
would be in San Francisco; while the majority of that Board--the
Secretary of State and the Attorney General--would remain at Sacramento;
and would there not be a legal question as to the validity of their acts,
even if the Board, thus divided, should agree to meet and act at either
city?
The Governor is authorized to issue land warrants for sale, to be
countersigned by the Controller, to be deposited in the State Treasurer's
office; the Controller to keep an account of the quantity disposed of.
The Governor, Treasurer and Attorney General compose the Board of Stamp
Commissioners. The Secretary of State keeps the stamps, seals, records,
devices, paper, parchment and material used, concerning the stamps, and
when stamps are executed they are delivered to the Controller, who keeps
a record as a countercheck, etc.
The Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Surveyor General
constitutes a Board of Education. The accounts and money are kept with the
Controller and Treasurer.
The Controller is required, on the last Saturday of every month, to
report to the Stamp Commissioners, Governor, Attorney General and
Treasurer. He must report to the Governor a full and detailed statement
of all the affairs of his office. He is to inform the Legislature, when
required, of all the fiscal affairs of the State.
The Treasurer and Controller are each required to keep open books for
the inspection of all.
The Treasurer must exhibit to the Governor, on the 15th of each month,
an exhibit of all moneys received and paid out by him.
He must give information to either Honse of the Legislature and the
Committees thereof.
He is compelled to report to the Controller within the first three days
of each month, the complete operations of the Treasurer for the preceding
month.
The Surveyor General keeps in his offlce all the plots, surveys and
records of school, swamp and public lands, matters of continual inquiry
from all our constituents as to forfeiture, payments, issuance of
patents--information which cannot be acquired except by visiting the
Surveyor's office and personal conference with himself or his clerks.
Deeds of swamp lands issuing from the Surveyor's office must be signed by
the Governor.
The Adjutant General must make his report to the Governor; must keep
on file in his office, returns, reports, military correspondence, and
an account of all arms, accouterments, ammunition, ordnance stores,
and all military property, to whom issued, etc., etc.; the number,
strength and condition of the militia of the State, matters of deepest
importance at this time, and which our body may be referred to by
important legislation during this session.
All this confusion, embarrassment and difficulty may be obviated by
the temporary removal of certain State oflicers to San Francisco.
The cost is not to exceed $2,000 for coming and returning; to argue
against any possible extravagance of expenditure is simply to fight
a phantom conjured up by the opponents of this measure in want of
better reasons and more consistent excuse.
In conclusion, your Committee deem this measure of importance to the
interests of the whole State, think it calculated to expedite legislative
action, to curtail the length of the session, and necessary for the
convenience of members and intelligent, practical legislation. We also
regard it as a measure of economy, and if there be any political or
sinister movement in it it is without our knowledge, and belongs to the
lobby. We, therefore, recommend--
1st. That the Assembly recede from amendments to sections 1, 2, and 3,
marked respectively A, B and C.
2d. That the Senate concur in Assembly proviso to section 3, marked D.
3d. That the Assembly recede from amendment to title.
4th. Your Committee recommend that the Senate and Assembly amend
section 1 of the original bill by inserting the words Attorney
General after the word Adjutant General, in line three, section 1 of
the original bill.
A majority of your Committee deem it indispensable as a source of
information, to correct and speedy legislation, that the offices of
the State officers should be near and accessible to the Legislature.
The report was signed by Messrs. Ames and Maclay of the House, and
Porter, Shurtliff and Merritt of the Senate.
[During the reading a message was received from the Senate, announcing
the passage of several bills, and also that the Committee had adopted
the majority report of the Committee of Free Conference on the disagreeing
votes of the two Houses on Senate Bill No.16.]
Mr. AMES--I move the adoption of the majority report.
The SPEAKER--The question is on the adoption of the report.
Mr. KENDALL--I feel compelled, however reluctantly, to press the question
I have raised about the reception of that report. In the joint rules which
have been adopted I find this: "In every case of an amendment of a bill
agreed to in one House and dissented from in the other--"
The SPEAKER (interrupting}--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. KENDALL--I rise to a point of order, and my point is that the report
is not in order.
The SPEAKER--The same point has been raised by the gentleman before, and
is already decided.
Mr. KENDALL--I shall be compelled to take an appeal.
The SPEAKER--Does the Chair understand the gentleman to raise a point of
order once before raised by him? That point of order having been raised
and decided, and no appeal taken, he cannot raise it again.
Mr. SHANNON--Does the Chair decide that it is in order to receive the
report of the Committee as read?
The SPEAKER--It is in order, if the House so determine, to adopt the
report of the Committee or reject the same.
Mr. SHANNON--I hold that the report of the Committee is equivalent to
readopting the original bill in this House. That would be the result.
The SPEAKER--Does the gentleman make that as a point of order?
Mr. SHANNON--No, sir; I understand the Chair to overrule the point of
order raised by the gentleman from Tuolumne (Mr. Kendall). I appeal from
that decision.
The SPEAKER--The appeal is not well taken. The point of order having
been decided, and other business having intervened, the right of appeal
is lost.
Mr. SHANNON--Why, Mr. Speaker, what is the question before the House?
The SPEAKER--The question is upon the adoption of the report.
Mr. SHANNON--The Speaker then holds that it is in order to receive the
report from the Committee?
The SPEAKER--The Chair holds that the report having been read, and it
having been moved and seconded that the report be adopted, the question
is on the adoption of the report.
Mr. SHANNON--I raise the point of order that it is not in order to
receive that report.
The SPEAKER--The report has been received and read, and the question is
upon the adoption of the report.
Mr. SHANNON--My point of order is this--we will probably get at it after
a while: That it is not in order for the majority of that Committee to
recommend any thing or bring a measure here.
The SPEAKER--The point of order is not well taken.
Mr. SHANNON--I appeal from that decision.
The SPEAKER--The point of order has been previously raised by the
gentleman from Tuolumne and Mono, and decided, and not appealed from,
and therefore the gentleman from Plumas cannot appeal.
Mr. SHANNON--No negligence on the part of the gentleman from Tuolumne
can cut me off from the right to appeal.
The SPEAKER--Nothing can cut the gentleman off from his right, but other
business having intervened, the appeal cannot be made.
Mr. SHANNON--I appeal from that decision.
The SPEAKER--There is no decision to appeal from.
Mr. SHANNON--The Speaker rules that I have no right to appeal; I appeal
from that decision.
The SPEAKER--Then the gentleman's position is that he has a right to appeal
from the decision.
Mr. SHANNON--Allow me a moment to explain my position. A question comes
before the House--no odds what it is--and the gentleman from Tuolumne
raise a point of order. The Speaker decides that that point of order is
not well taken. Now, does the Speaker pretend to hold that that debars
every other member from the right to raise the same question of order
upon the same issue?
The SPEAKER--Not at all; but the Chair will state to the gentleman
from Plumas precisely the question: The question raised by the gentleman
from Tuolumne and Mono was upon the reception of the petition [report?]
and the Chair understood the gentleman from Plumas, not using the word
reception, but to raise a point of order upon the right of the House to
entertain the report of the Committee, it not being made by the whole
Committee.
Mr. SAANNON [sic]--Let me correct the Speaker; it was upon the right
of a majority of the Committee to make a report recommending certain
things when the Committee had disagreed.
The SPEAKER--That is the question stated in other words. The Chair
ruled against the point of order then made against the gentleman
from Tuolumne and Mono, and the House then passed to the motion to
adopt the report. Up to that time there was no appeal.
Mr. SHANNON--Does the Speaker hold that the reading of that report was
other business?
The SPEAKER--The reading of the report was business. The reading of
the report, and after the reading came the motion to adopt the report.
There is nothing else before the House, and if the gentleman raises a
question of order upon the adoption of that report--
Mr. SHANNON--This is my point of order, that under our joint rules the
Committee of Free Conference had no right to make any report to this
House, except that they disagreed. Joint Rule No. 1 says: "In every
case of an amendment of a bill agreed to in one house, and dissented
from in the other, if either house shall request a conference, and
appoint a Committee to confer, the other house shall appoint a like
Committee, and such Committees shall meet at a convenient hour to be
agreed upon by their respective Chairmen, and shall confer upon the
differences between the two houses, and shall report as early as
convenient the result of their conference to their respective houses
for their action." They must report "the
result of their conference upon the differences between the two houses.
Now, instead of reporting the result, or anything relating to the
differences, they have adopted a report which is substantially a law
if agreed to by the House, for the Senate has adopted it. I appeal from
the decision of the Chair upon the right of the majority of the Committee
to make that report.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman can take no such ippeal. .The. report from
the majority of the Committee is always considered as the report of the
Committee.
Mr. SHANNON--Will the Chair rule whether or not it is in order to receive
that report?
The SPEAKER--No, the Chair will not rule that because it has already
been disposed of by the House. The report has been received and read;
it has not been adopted. .
Mr. SHANNON--Does the Speaker hold that it is in order to be brought
before the House?
The SPEAKER--The Chair holds that it is before the House, that it has
been read, that the adoption of the report has been moved and seconded,
and that that is the question now before the House.
Mr SHANNON--I appeal frem the decision of the Chair, on the ground
that the report is not in order, and that the adoption of the report
is therefore not in order.
The SPEAKER--That the adoption is not in order? That being the point,
the Chair rules it is not well taken.
Mr. SHANNON--I appeal from the decision of the Chair.
The SPEAKER--The question is, shall the decision of the Chair stand as
the decision of the House?
Mr. SHANNON--Now we have got it to a point where we can understand it.
I have read the whole of Joint Rule No. 1, and that rule, after stating
the preliminaries says the Committee shall report as early as convenient
the result of their conference to their respective Houses for their
action. Now I hold it to be parliamentary custom--first, that a Committee
of Free Conference, if they do not agree, can report simply that they
do not agree, as the result of their conference. They cannot make
majority and minority reports simply. And secondly, that a Committee
of Free Conference, if they unanimously agree on a measure, can
substitute all after the enacting clause, or do anything they deem
proper, and refer it back to their two Houses as the result of their
conference for their action. But if they disagree, they cannot report
the subject matter back in any other way than as a dissent or disagreement.
Then upon the report of the disagreement of a Committee of Free Conference
to the House, the question comes up--Shall the House adhere? And if the
House adheres, that ends the matter. If the House refuses to adhere, the
question then comes on receding; and if they recede, the question comes
up on the passage of the original measure. I deny the parliamentary rule,
or custom, or right of a Free Conference Committee to report in any other
way--
Mr. HOFFMAN--I rise to a point of order. The gentleman is discussing
a matter which has been decided.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman from Plumas, much to the surprise of the
Chair, has raised a question of order, that the adoption of the report
is not in order before the House. If the gentleman from San Diego makes
any point of order upon the position assumed by the gentleman from Plumas,
which he is now taking, after the appeal has been taken, the Chair does
not rightly comprehend the point of order.
Mr. HOFFMAN--I understand that he appeals from the decision that the
report is properly before the House.
The SPEAKER--The Chair rules that the motion for the adoption of the
report is before the House. The gentleman appeals from that ruling.
Mr. SHANNON--Perhaps the gentleman understands what he wants to get at.
If he does, it is more than I do.
Mr. HOFFMAN--I do not think you understand what you want to get at.
Mr. SHANNON--If the gentleman ever heard of a point of order upon
a point of order, it is more than I know of.
The SPEAKER--There is no objection to raising a point of order upon a
point of order.
Mr. SHANNON--There can be no such thing; but that is not now the question.
I am appealing from the decision of the Chair--not upon the question being
before the House as a matter of fact, but upon the right of the Committee
to make that report--
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is mistaken in what is his own point of order.
Mr. SHANNON--I understand that it is technically what the Speaker has
stated, but only in form.
The SPEAKER--The Chair apprehends not.
Mr. SHANNON--I was going on with my remarks that it is contrary to
parliamentary rules for the majority of a Committee of Conference to
bring forward a report, and contrary to the rules of the two Houses.
The SPEAKER--The Chair has no disposition to limit the gentleman in
his remarks, but it appears to the Chair that that is quite without
the range of the question he has himself raised.
Mr. SHANNON--I think not. I think the whole subject matter is the report.
It is not a question simply whether that report shall be adopted by
this House; the gist of the thing is the authority under these rules
by which the Committee has acted.
The SPEAKER--That is not the question before the House. The gentleman
from Plumas was precise in his statement of the point of order. The
Chair ruled that the adoption of the report having been moved and
seconded, that question was before the House, and the gentleman from
Plumas appealed from that decision of the Chair, to wit: that the
question of the adoption of the report is before the House. That was
the precise point decided, and the precise appeal, and that question
of appeal is the question now before the House.
Mr. SHANNON--I understand that is the fact. I understand that it is
a question of parliamentary law whether the Chair is right or wrong
in ruling that the report is before the House--
The SPEAKER--Not at all.
Mr. SHANNON (continuing)--whether that report is made properly,
legitimately and legally from the Committee of Conference.
The SPEAKER--There is no such question before the House. The House
has passed that question, the report has been read, and the adoption
of it has been moved and seconded. The gentleman cannot go back upon
matters decided by the House and passed.
Mr. SHANNON--I understand that the House has decided nothing; the
Chair has decided, and from that decision I appeal,
The SPEAKER--The gentleman misapprehends. The point made by the gentleman
from Tuolumne (Mr. Kendall) was ruled upon, and no appeal was taken, and
the matter passed by. The report was then read, and after it was read
the gentleman from Plumas raised the question of order that the Chair
had wrongly decided that the adoption of the report was the question
before the House.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I hold this view of the matter before the House. I think
that if it was out of order for the Committee to make a report of this
kind, of which I have some question, the time to raise the question
was when it was received. The report having been received, and no
appeal taken, I think the proper question now is upon the adoption
of the report. It has been received by the House as a proper report,
whether it was or not, and now the question comes upon its adoption.
I shall sustain the decision of the Chair.
Mr. DUDLEY, of Placer--I am like many others on this floor, unacquainted
with parliamentary usages, but it seems to me that this question stands
in this manner: Upon the commencement of the reading of the report the
gentleman from Tuolumne (Mr. Kendall) rose to a point of order, and stated
that a report could not be made except as a report of differences of
opinion. The point of order was ruled not well taken, and the reading
continued. Now no one could tell or judge of the nature of the contents
of that report till it was read, but at that time no appeal having been
taken, and the report read, accepted, and before the House, I cau see
no reason why the gentleman should raise an appeal upon that issue; and
that is the real issue. Therefore upon that issue I shall vote to sustain
the Chair.
Mr. MACLAY--I am perfectly astonished that this point should have
been raised at this moment. There was a perfect understanding in
the Committee that the majority should make a report, and that the
minority should also make a report. That is what we agreed upon in
the Committee, and I am astonished that the gentleman from Tuolumne
should raise the point of order.
Mr. KENDALL--The remarks of the gentleman from Santa Clara (Mr. Maclay)
call for some explanation from myself. With all due respect to that
gentleman, I claim that this question of the right and propriety of
a Committee of Conference making a majority or minority report was
freely, fully and thoroughly discussed in our Committee meeting--
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order unless he speaks to the appeal.
Mr. KENDALL--I will come to that. As I was going to say this whole
question was discussed in Committee, and the ground I took there,
and wish to take upon this floor, Is this, that a Committee of
Conference, it seems to me by the plain rule of common sense--
The SPEAKER (interrupting)--The gentleman is not in order. The question
is upon the appeal of the gentleman from Plumas, and he is discussing
the right of the Committee to make the report.
Mr. KENDALL--I am endeavoring to confine myself to that point and I
think I understand it--the point of the appeal from the decision of
the Chair is that the reception of a majority report from the Committee
of Conference is in order.
The SPEAKER--There is no such question, and no such appeal.
Mr. KENDALL--It seems I am very dull to-day. Will the Speaker be so very
kind as to state the point?
The SPEAKER--It has been again and again stated by the Chair, and also
well stated by the gentleman from Plumas. The Chair ruled that the motion
made and seconded that the report be adopted, after the report had been
received and read, was in order; that the question before the House was
the adoption of the report; and the gentleman from Plumas appealed from
that decision, and that is the question now before the House. The question
being in form, Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the decision of
the House?
Mr.KENDALL--That is the very question I am trying to get at. I claim that
the adoption of the report is not in order, because the report itself is
not in order. The Speaker decided that it was in order, and the gentleman
from Plumas appealed, and I am trying to speak to that appeal. I claim
that the motion is not in order because the report is not in order. I
was remarking that a Committee of Conference could not make majority and
minority reports, under our rules. The general rule is that when a
Committee of Conference--
The SPEAKER--The gentleman from Tuolumne and Mono is not in order; he
is discussing a question which has been decided by the House, to wit,
the reception of the report. The report has been received and is before
the House. The gentleman,
although at liberty to discuss to the widest extent the question actually
before the House, is not in order to go back to what has been decided
by the House,
Mr. KENDALL--How am I to discuss the propriety of this appeal, unless I
am to discuss whether the motion itself is in order upon which the appeal
is taken? Now, if I show that the whole subject matter upon which this
motion is based, is not in order, it seems to me that I am talking to
the question. I am trying to show that the subject matter which the
motion is made to adopt, is not in order, and, therefore, the motion
to adopt it is not in order. I am trying to discuss that proposition.
Am I right?
The SPEAKER--So long as he confines himself anywhere within the range of
a question before the House, the gentleman's remarks are certainly in order.
Mr. LOVE--What disposition would have been made of this report had it been
a unanimous report?
Mr. KENDALL--lf it had been unanimously reported by both Committees,
both to this House and to the other, then the question would have been
upon its adoption. .
Mr. LOVE--Then is it not a report of the Committee coming from a majority
of the Committee?
Mr. KENDALL--Not from a Committee of Conference.
Mr DUDLEY of Placer--I desire to ask the gentleman a question. Do you
take advantage of your own wrong? You did not appeal at the time you
might have done so.
Mr. KENDALL--I do not see the point or the pertinency of the question,
and therefore I decline to answer it. Our rules are that when a Committee
of Free Conference cannot agree they shall report their difference.
That is the result of their conference, and the rule requires that they
report the result of their conference to their respective houses.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman misapprehends the rule. That is where the two
Committees agree--that is, where the Committee of Conference of the Senate
agrees with the Committee of Conference of the House.
Mr. KENDALL--I do not see it in that light. The rule requires them to
report the result of their conference. What is the result? They are to
report, not their conversations, not the various grounds upon which they
agreed or disagreed, as has been done by the majority of the Committee,
but they are to report the result, and the result is that they agree to
disagree.
Mr. AVERY--I am sorry to consume the time of the House on such a proposition,
and I am surprised that the gentleman from Tuolumne and Plumas should occupy
the time upon it if the gentleman from Tuolumne had appealed at the time
it was his right to do so, but the gentleman from Plumas now raises his
question of order, and upon that the gentleman from Tuolumne goes back
and questions the propriety of the report. I thought at the time it was
a wrong report--that they ought to report that they agreed or
disagreed--but I apprehend that it is wrong now for us to go back over
that action. Inasmuch as the House has equalized that which was perhaps
wrong, in receiving the report, I apprehend it is not proper for us to
go back. We have made it right by accepting and reading the report. I
shall vote to sustain the decision.
Mr. KENDALL--The reason I did not appeal from the decision of the Chair
in the first place was that after raising the point of order, upon
second thought I deemed an appeal premature. I thought the point of
order, and the appeal if the Chair decided adversely, would come up
more properly after the report had been read, because until it was
read, and we were officially made aware of its substance, there could
not be really any grounds of appeal
Mr. AMES--Being Chairman of the House Committee of Conference, I deem it
necessary to make a statement, which I should not otherwise feel called
upon to make, but without attempting to discuss the merits or the
reception of the report. I do not set myself up as a parliamentarian;
I presume the gentleman from Tuolumne is one; but I wish to say that
upon that Committee we had some of the best parliamentarians in the
Legislature, and they decided that the report would be in order; and
not only that, but the Committees did agree--
The SPEAKER--The Chair has endeavored to conflne gentlemen to the
question, and hopes the gentleman from Mendocino will keep within
the range of the question
Mr, AMES--I only wish to say that the Committee had agreed. A majority
of the Committee of the House, and the whole Committee of the Senate,
did agree to this report.
Mr. SHANNON--I hope the Speaker will allow this matter to take a wide
range. This is a very important matter as a parliamentary question,
and I hope the Chairman will indulge the gentlemen to the extent of
their remarks.
The SPEAKER--The Chair is disposed to indulge gentlemen in the utmost
range, so long as they confine themselves to the question.
Mr. FERGUSON--Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask, in the first place, if it is
the background of this large lobby here that prevents the Chair from
recognizing gentlemen.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. FERGUSON--I rose for another question. I understand the question
before the House to be, Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the
Judgment of the House? I understand, further, that the Chair has decided
that a motion made to adopt a majority report from a Conference Committee
is in order.
The SPEAKER--The Chair has not so ruled. The motion was not that the
majority report be adopted, but the motion was that the report be adopted.
Mr. FERGUSON--The Chair has ruled that that motion is in order, and
that report was a majority report. A motion was, made to adopt that
report being a majority report, and upon that a question of order was
raised that it was not in order to make that motion. The Chair decided
that the point of order was not well taken, and from that decision
the gentleman from Plumas appealed. Upon that appeal I shall sustain
the position of the gentleman from Plumas. The rule of this House in
regard to Committees of Conference is a rule founded upon that portion
of Jefferson's Manual which I will read: "At free conferences, managers
discuss viva voce and freely, and interchange propositions for such
modifications as may be made in a parliamentary way, and may bring
the sense of the two Houses together; and each party reports in
writing." I presume that means each Committee--"to their respective
Houses the substance of what is said on both sides, and it is entered
in their Journals." The only proposition, therefore, that we could
entertain would have been a report of what had been said, and that
report would have been spread upon the Journals. They might have said
they had a certain character of discussion, that they had raised certain
questions, and the Committee of the Senate had disagreed with them, and
that report must have gone on the Journals. Now, I think that in the
appointment of that Committee origiginally [sic] the Chair committed an error,
in violation not only of this rule, but in violation of all parliamentary
usage.
Mr. AVERY--I rise to a point of order— that the remarks of the gentleman
are not relevant.
Mr. FERGUSON--Probably the obtuse intellect of the gentleman is not
able to see the point.
Mr. AVERY made a reply which was not heard above the confusion.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman from Sacramento (Mr. Ferguson) does not
evidently comprehend at all the rule he has read or the object of it. The
agreement or disagreement of a Committee of Conference consists in the
ability of a majority of one Committee to agree with a majority of the
other Committee; for there are, in fact, two Committees--one on the part
of the House, and the other on the part of the Senate. The Committee of
Conference, therefore, consists of six parsons, and if two of one body,
being a majority of that body, agree with two of the other body, being a
majority of that body, that is an agreement. The idea is not only novel,
but it is absurd, and the agreement of a Committee of Conference consists
in the unanimous consent of all the members. There is no such parliamentary
rule; there never was any; there is no such rule in Jefferson; none in
Cushmg, and it is an entire absurdity in itself considered. There is no
such parliamentary law, and to adopt such a rule would be to render useless
and put an end to all Committees of Conference.
Mr. FERGUSON--Had the Chair appointed a Committee expressing the will
of the House--that is expressing the will of the majority instead of
the minority, and had they met in council with the Senate's Committee,
and discussed the merits of the question, our Committee would have
returned and reported that they had agreed to adopt the amendment which
had previously been adopted by this House, or, on the other hand, they
would have reported to adopt the bill as passed by the Senate. Then what
course could the Chair adopt but to put the question, Will the House
recede from the amendment lt has adopted? Because the parliamentary
usage is, that if this House refuses to recede, the whole thing is at
an end, and the bill is defeated.
Mr. MEYERS--I think this matter is very simple indeed. I think there
is no use in wading back three or four days or a week and calling in
question what then had gone by. If these things were wrong, then was
the time to rectify them. The question is this morning upon the reception
of this report. The gentleman from Tuolume (Mr. Kendall) brings up a
question of order, that it is not in order to receive the report, and
that was overruled. At that particular point it was competent for him
or any other member to have appealed, but no one chose to avail himself
of that right. Now, the question before the House is, Is its adoption
in order? an appeal having been taken on that point. If we allow the
appeal to reach back through the day's proceeding, and nullify every
proceeding that has taken place before, that would create an interminable
confusion. The previous ruling may have been right or may have been
wrong, but right or wrong it has gone by, and another question is before
the House, namely, this appeal.
Mr. SEARS demanded the previous question, and several gentlemen seconded
the demand.
Mr. FERGUSON--The question now is, was it in order in the first place
to receive the report, and secondly, was it in order to move to adopt
it. If this rule was correct, if Jefferson was right, if the majority
of that Committee do not know more about parliamentary rules than
Jefferson, and if a majority of that Committee had been appointed to
speak the sentiments of the House, and not of a minority of the House,
such a report would have been made, and the Clerk would have entered it
upon the Journal. Then what would have been the question? It would have
been: Shall the House recede from its amendment? and if the House refused
to recede, then the whole matter would have been at an end. Suppose they
did recede then the next question would have been on agreeing to the
bill. The Chair should have appointed a Committee to represent the will
of the House, and not to represent a minority or the other House, our
Committee should have reported the state of the discussions and the action
they had had, and that report should have been spread
upon the Journals. Then had the House sustained its amendment all
would have been at an end, and had the House agreed to recede then
the question would have been: Will the House adopt the bill as it came
from the Senate. Mr. Jefferson says this report cannot be amended or
altered, and immediately after hearing the report the Chair puts the
question on its adoption. I shall vote to sustain the point of order
raised, and I hope for the sake of our future proceedings that the Chair
will not be sustained.
Mr. HOAG--I rise for information ["Question. Question!"] I want to ask
the Speaker a question and upon his answer I'll base another question.
I want to ask the Speaker what was the duty of the Committee appointed
on the part of this House when it went into conference with the
Committee on the part of the Senate--whether it was the duty of
that Committee to represent the opinions of this House upon the
subject under consideration, or the opinions of the individual members
of that Committee?
The SPEAKER--The Chair will reply that if the gentleman from Yolo
(Mr. Hoag), and the gentleman from Sacramento (Mr. Ferguson), will
read their manuals they will find there answers to their questions.
I refer them to page 141 of Cushing's Manual, and with all respect I
will say they will employ their time better in studying their manuals
than in raising questions of order.
Mr. HOAG--Upon that answer I have another question to ask. [Cries of
"question" and confusion.]
The SPEAKER--The previous question has been demanded and seconded.
Shall the main question be now put?
One or two gentlemen demanded the ayes and noes, but the previous
question was declared sustained, and the ayes and noes were ordered
on the appeal, having been demanded by Messrs. Shannon, Hoag and Wilcoxon.
The vote on the question, Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the
judgment of the House, resulted thus:
Ayes--Amerige , Ames, Avery, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow,
Brown, Cunnard, Collins, Dana, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Placer, Dudley of Solano,
Eagar, Hillyer, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Lane, Leach, Loewy, Love, Maclay,
McCullough, Myers, Moore, O'Brien, Reese, Reeve, Sargent, Sears, Seaton,
Smith of Sierra, Teegarden, Thompson of San Joaquin, Thornbury, Tilton of
San Francisco, Van Zandt, Werk, Woodman, Wright, Yule, Zuck--44.
Noes--Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Campbell, Davis, Dean, Dennis, Evey,
Ferguson, Frazier, Griswold, Hoag, Kendall, Machin, McAllister: Parker,
Saul, Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Waddell, Wilcoxon--20.
So the decision of the Chair was sustained.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco, moved to make the report the special order
for Monday.
The SPEAKER said the motion was not in order, as the previous question
had been moved and sustained, and hastily put the question on adopting
the report, Messrs. O'Brien, Shannon, and other gentlemen meanwhile
standing in their places, and shouting "Mr. Speaker!" amid great confusion.
The Speaker recognlzed Mr. Shannon, at the same time stating that no
debate was in order, as the House was acting under the previous question.
Mr. SHANNON--No, sir; it only applies to the appeal.
The SPEAKER--If you refer to the rules you will find that it covers
all questions pending.
Mr. SHANNON--I hope the Speaker will not establish such a precedent.
I hold that when a question of order is raised pending any subject matter
pending before the House, the previous question raised upon that question
of order does not go to the question before the House; it only extends
to the question of order raised.
The SPEAKER--There has been a discussion before upon the effect of
that rule, and I hold as was once ruled when another gentleman was
in the chair that the previous question reached back to all of the
subject matter that is to come before the House.
Mr. BROWN--I supposed that I was voting to sustain the Chair in
holding that the main question was in order before the House. The
main question is the adoption of the report, and that I hold is the
question before the House, and it is not debatable.
Mr. O'BRIEN--Does the Chair decide the point of order not well taken.
The SPEAKER--The Chair so holds.
Mr. O'BRIEN--With all due deference I must appeal from that decision.
I consider that the main question was the decision of the appeal from
the ruling of the Chair.
Mr. BROWN called for the reading of the rule in Jefferson's Manual.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order under the previous question.
Mr, LOVE--I have voted for the previous question under a misapprehension.
I sppposed [sic] the vote was on sustaining the decision of the Chair.
Mr. HOAG--I call for the reading of the report. Several Members--"Read!"
"Read!"
The SPEAKER--The Chair holds that it is not in order under the previous
question to read the report.
Mr. FAY--On that point I ask the privilege of reading a few lines from
Cushing's Manual.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order. The House understands that they are
acting under the previous question.
Mr. ZUCK--What is the question?
The SPEAKER--The question is upon the adoption of the report. The
previous question having been sustained the House is acting under
the previous question, and nothing can be entertained but the statement
of a point of order.
Mr. SAUL--I rise for information.
The SPEAKER--That is not in order.
Mr. IRWIN--I rise to a point of order. The main question was upon
sustaining the Chair, and that question has not been put. That question
exhausts the previous question.
The SPEAKER--A difference of opinion exists The Chair holds that the
question, so to speak consisted of two branches, and the previous
question runs back. It extends back through both branches.
Mr. O'BRIEN--On the Chair stating that the previous question extended
to the adoption of the report before the House, and not alone to the
appeal from his decision, I took an appeal which has not yet been decided.
I hold that the main question before the House was then on the decision of
the Chair that the adoption of the report of the Committee was in order.
The previous question has been moved, the question has been put on the
decision of the Chair, and the House has sustained it-----
The SPEAKER--The Chair has decided it. The gentleman took that point of
order before, and the Chair decided it.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I appealed from that decision.
The SPEAKER--The House cannot decide the appeal under the previous
question. The Chair is required by the rule to decide the appeal
peremptorily, without debate.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I shall have to appeal from that decision.
The SPEAKER--There can be no appeal.
Mr. SHANNON--I rise to a question of order.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is out of order.
Mr. SHANNON--But I rise to a question of order.
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order. The Clerk will call the roll.
Mr. SHANNON--Mr. Speaker--
The SPEAKER--The Clerk will call the roll.
Mr. SHANNON--Will the Speaker state the question before the House?
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. SHANNON--Does the Speaker assume to decide an appeal for himself?
The SPEAKER--The gentleman will refer to his rules. The gentleman from
Calaveras takes an appeal, and the Chair must decide it peremptorily.
That is required by the rule.
Mr. SHANNON--I must appeal to the House. Allow me to read the rule.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order. The Clerk will call the roll.
The Clerk proceeded with the roll call.
Mr. HOAG (when his name was called)--I do not really understand what
I am called upon to vote about. I have risen to a question of order
and for information two or three times, and have been referred to
Cushing's Manual. Now, I have Jefferson's Manual here--
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order. The Clerk will call the roll.
Mr. PORTER--My knowledge of the matters recommended in that report is
not sufficient to justify me in voting upon it, and the Chair has ruled
that it cannot read.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order; the Clerk will call the roll.
The Clerk called the roll through.
Mr. HOAG--Will the Clerk call my name? Now I honestly wish to be
informed [laughter]--
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. HOAG--Will the Speaker tell me whether a vote--
The SPEAKER--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. HOAG--I will take the chances then and vote no.
Mr. AMES--I will change my vote to no for the purpose of moving a
reconsideration.
The following was the result of the vote:
Ayes--Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Cunnard, Cot, Dana, Dore, Dow, Eagar, Hillyer, Hoffman, Jackson, Lane, Loewy, Maclay, Meyers, Moore, Reese, Sargent, Sears, Thompson of San Joaquin, Thornbury, Van Zandt, Wright, Yule--25.
Noes--Amerige, Ames, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Barton of San Bernardino,
Bell, Campbell, Collins, Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Ferguson,
Frasier, Griswold, Hoag, Kendall, Machin, McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien,
Parker, Pemberton, Printy, Saul, Seaton, Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Smith of
Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Waddell, Wilcoxon-32.
So the House refused to adopt the report of the Committee of Free
Conference.
Mr. Evey had paired with Mr. Reed, and Mr. Fay with Mr. Warwick.
Mr. AMES, immediately on the announcement of the vote, gave notice of a
motion to reconsider, which lies over under the rules until the following
day.
Mr. KENDALL--I ask the Chair whether it is in order now to present the
minority report of this Committee.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order; the report is disposed of. It would have
been in order to move the minority report as an amendment of the majority
report at the time.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I desire to read the rule under which I appealed.
The SPEAKER--It is not in order.
Mr. O'BRIEN--I rise to a question of privilege.
The SPEAKER--If there is no objection, the gentleman can proceed. ["Leave,
leave."]
Mr. O'BRIEN--I do not ask leave of the Honee, I have my rights on this
floor under the question of privilege. I am here in my place, and I
desire the Chair to recognize me. I read Rule 46: "All incidental
questions of order arising. after the motion is made for the previous
question, and pending such, shall be decided, whether on appeal or
otherwise, without debate." "Whether on appeal or otherwise." The
House shall de-
[CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE.]
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . The communication under the caption, "Is the Sacramento Valley
Inhabitable?" embraces a very able argument in support of the proposition
that it is practicable to secure ample protection for the valley by a
system of levees, canals, etc. The facts contained in the communication,
particularly those relating to the rivers of the Old World, are of special
interest at this juncture.
Dr. Logan's meteorological report for the month of January will repay
perusal. The unprecedented weather of the past month was carefully
observed, and the record is worthy of attentive consideration and
preservation for future reference. . . .
Notwithstanding the rain of Sunday, the Sacramento and the American
remain about stationary. A considerable quantity of snow is reported
to have fallen in the upper country. At Placerville, last evening,
the weather was clear and cold.
FALSE ALARM.--The Sierra Democrat thus refers to the reports in
circulation in reference to an alleged scarcity of provisions since the
late floods:
A false alarm is that about scarcity of flour and other food. There is
more wheat and flour in the State, by all the accounts of the last
harvest, and allowing for reported losses and shipments, than can
possibly be consumed during the year. Does not everyone know that
the moment there is a prospect of making importation pay the least
profit at all a hundred orders for shipment of wheat and flour will
be telegraphed from San Francisco to the East, and sent to Valparaiso
and other Pacific ports?
That agriculture is to be in disuse in California, even temporarily,
is a mistake. The overflowed lands will produce more potatoes, beets,
and such vegetables, than last year. The deposits made by the floods
will insure this. Barley and wheat can be sown in the Spring and produce
good crops. For years, farmers in some of the Northwestern States raised
but little Winter wheat. The soil was loose, or they had not learned to
plow deep enough, or for some other reason wheat sown in the Fall was
raised out by the Winter frosts. Yet they did not suffer. Spring wheat
sufficed. The southern part of the State, where our fat cattle come from,
has been improved by the rains. Scarcely any stock lost by high water,
and the grazing is luxuriant. Cattle are in better condition than for
many a year before.
HIGH WATER.--The Nevada Democrat has the following:
From some information which we obtained as long ago as 1849, we are led
to believe that a deluge, nearly as great as that recorded in Scripture,
occurred on this coast in February, 1828. This is probably the great
flood referred to by General Vallejo, as having occurred in 1827. Our
informant was one of a party of trappers who were encamped on the
American river at the time of the overflow. After the water had subsided,
they went down to the Sacramento, near where the city now stands, and
examined the water marks on the trees, and from measurements which they
made they ascertained that the water had risen from sixteen to eighteen
feet above the banks. There was a great overflow in Oregon the same Winter,
and the Willamette was higher than it had been at any time since John
Jacob Astor's party settled at Astoria.
If the original banks of the Sacramento had remained during the late
floods, without having been raised or leveed, about the same hight of
water might have been indicated on the trees or other natural monuments.
THE ASSEMBLY.--Our correspondent at San Francisco, in his letter of
February 1st, says:
Several appeals were taken, but he [the Speaker] utterly refused to
put any question of appeal to the House. Even the appeal of Shannon,
from the decision that the motion to adopt was in order, was never put
to a vote.
Our correspondent informs us that this statement should be
corrected. He adds, that Shannon's question of appeal, February 1st,
was in the confusion finally put to vote, but no other one was put.
WEATHER IN THE INTERIOR.--A dispatch to the Marysville Express
gives the following indications of the weather in the towns named,
February 2d:
Chico--Raining here; weather cold; apparently snowing in the mountains.
Oroville--Commenced to rain hard at four P. M. to-day. and still continues.
Nevada--Snowing hard here.
Downieville--Snowing here.
Camptonville--Showing here.
Placervilie--Snowing hard here.
Auburn--Snowing hard here. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.--This is as we expected it would be--our
legislators are generally as apt to seek their own comfort as any other
class of men we have. We think they should have remained at Sacramento,
even at great personal inconvenience, and should only have removed when
unable to discharge their duties as legislators. It seems strange that
while the whole State is sympathizing with the misfortunes of this devoted
city, our representatives are doing that which must injure its future
prosperity more than anything else in their power.--Sierra Citizen.
RISE.--Since the adjournment of the Legislature to San Francisco,
crackers and cheese have gone up to a high figure, owing to the fact
that members had become so accustomed to living on that article during
their short stay in Sacramento that they could not go "Frisco" grub.
Poor fellows! it is a wonder that they don't take to hard
drinking.--Auburn Advocate.
SNOW.--Snow fell at Mokelumne Hill during Monday night, January 27th, to
the depth of two inches. At Rich Gulch and West Point there was from six
to eight inches. On Tuesday night there was another snow storm, which
increased the depth to five inches.
CALVERAS.--Ferries have been established at Big Bar and Middle Bar on
the Mokelumne river, and the mail comes by Big Bar; at the Middle Bar
they have a ferry boat capable of transporting a horse and wagon. . . .
SWAMP LAND MATTERS.
In another column will be found a correspondence between Senator Parks,
Chairman of the Committee to whom the subject is committed in the Senate,
and A. M. Winn, the Chairman of the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners.
The question discussed is one which intimately concerns the people of
California who have cast their lot in the valleys of the State. By the
unexampled floods of 1862 many of them have lost all except their land,
and in numerous instances that has been rendered useless for the present
by the sand and gravel deposited upon it. No such event as a flood had
occurred for nine years, and people living on the rivers in the State
had pretty well satisfied themselves that all dangers from floods had
passed. From this dream of safety they have been rudely awakened by the
events of the past six weeks. The eager question they now ask is, can
the swamp and overflowed land in the State be reclaimed? Those who want
the money in the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund decide at once that it
is useless to attempt a work so hopeless. But experience and science unite
in proclaiming that these valleys can be protected against higher floods
than those which have visited this valley this Winter, by means of levees.
Last season we had high water for weeks; the Sacramento was within a
couple of feet as high as it has been this season, yet it was kept from
overflowing the country from here to near the mouth of Steamboat slough,
by means of a narrow levee raised by the farmers along the river. A
levee broader and higher would have kept the water out this year. But
to build the character of levee needed, is beyond the resources of
the owners of the land, and they have for years past been appealing to
the State to have the money received for the sale of swamp and overflowed
land appropriated to that purpose, as was intended by Congress in making
the donation to the State.
Last year the first step was taken in that direction; a law was passed
creating a Board of Commissioners, and providing for a system of
reclamation and segregation for the State. Under the supervision of
the Board, the swamp and overflowed land has been segregated from that
which is public, and at the same time securing for the State thousands
of acres which had previously been surveyed by the United States
officers. The swamp lands have also been districted; from most of
them petitions for reclamation have been presented to the Board, and
the necessary surveys ordered. In most of the districts the reports of
the surveyors are in, and where the dollar per acre paid the State will
pay for reclaiming, the contracts will be ready to let so soon as the
water falls so as to enable the work to commence. It seems to us that
the course the Board has pursued is not only in accordance with the
State law, but exactly in accordance with the intentions of the Federal
Government in donating the land to the State. It is due the people
living in the valleys, who have purchased this land from the State,
to make an effort to reclaim it; and if the present law is permitted
to stand that effort will be fairly made. And until that effort is
honestly made by authority of the State, it would be a great outrage
upon the rights of those who have been overwhelmed by the floods, to
divert the money in the Swamp Land Fund to any other purpose.
The Legislature last year borrowed from the Swamp and Overflowed Land
Fund to pay members; but it had the grace to provide that the money
should be returned. That body also appropriated $200,000 from the
fund to reclaim swamp land, and placed it at the disposal of the
Board of Commissioners. Legally, we doubt whether that $200,000 can
be touched by the Legislature for its own purposes. It has, however,
begun the game of last year; it has passed one Act to rob the Swamp
Land Fund, to put money in the pockets of members and attaches. Last
year the fund was unappropriated, and provided it were returned no
great harm was done, except so far as the bad precedent went. But this
year the money in the fund has been appropriated to reclaim, and the
people will demand to know by what right the Legislature assumes to
reappropriate the money for the use of its members. The law should
stand as it is, undisturbed, until it has been fairly tested.
LEVEES ANCIENT AND MODERN.--The subject of levees is just now one of
the most important for the consideration of this community, and hence
we publish with pleasure all such communications as the one we give
to-day, signed "J. & R." It was prepared by those who have devoted a
good deal of labor in the investigation of the levee question, and who
are professionally able to furnish in a readable form the results of
experience and scientific research and experiments for hundreds of
years. The article ought to be read with deep interest by those living
in the Sacramento Valley, for it enlarges upon a matter in which they
are vitally concerned. The scientific portion of the article is pretty
well popularized--it is so put that it can be readily understood by the
unscientific reader, though we wish the writer had gone a step further,
and given us a little more in detail the effect a levee of a certain hight
would produce upon the floods in the Sacramento. The parallel between the
river Po and the Sacramento might be given more in detail, and we hope
will be in a second article. That river is longer than the Sacramento
and somewhat wider. It drains a valley not unlike this, and its
tributaries head in mountains on each side, which answer to the Sierra
Nevada and the Coast Range. The Alps range of mountains is just about
the average hight of the Sierra Nevada, and the Appenines are probably
higher than the Coast Range. The snows and rains which fall upon those
mountains send down into the valley immense floods; which have for
hundreds of years been harmlessly conducted to the ocean by means of
levees raised on either side of the River Po. At some points on that
river the levees are thirty feet high, and the bed of the river has
been elevated by the deposits of centuries until the surface of large
tracts of country are below the bed of the river. At the point named
on the Po, where at low water the river is ten and a half feet in
depth, it rises, in high water, to thirty-one feet; at this city,
the depth of the Sacramento river, at low water, is more than ten and
a half feet, while it rose this year twenty-four feet.
As the Po has been confined within its banks for centuries, it would
seem to follow that the Sacramento and American, by the same means,
can be confined to their banks. It is evident, from the experience of
ages, that rivers like those in California can be leveed so as to confine
the water they discharge within certain bounds; and that without any
very great amount of difficulty.
A similar view is taken of the subject by Dr. Logan in his monthly
report. He refers for illustration, to the mighty Mississippi, which
is leveed more or less from the mouth of the Arkansas to the Gulf of
Mexico. Those levees, too, except where the river sometimes undermines
them, confine the water within them, and have done so since the
Government was formed. If such rivers as the Po and Mississippi can
be successfully leveed, so can the Sacramento and the American.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Weather in Placerville.
PLACERVILLE, Feb. 3d--P. M.
The weather here is clear and cold. . . .
CAN'T STAND WATER.--In response to an expression of ours that the
proprietor of Hayes' Park displayed a most liberal spirit, in offering
his buildings, furnished, to the Legislature, free of charge, a sagacious
individual who had obtruded himself into our sanctum, said: "Not so
very d--- liberal after all! He knew the Pubs couldn't stand water no
how, and thought the exclusive right to keep a saloon on the grounds a
pretty good thing. Besides, he knew d--- well there was nothing more
profitable to a bar than a corps of bulkhead advocates."--Amador Ledger.
MICHIGAN BAR.--We learn that the ferry across the Cosumnes river, at this
place, is at last in running order. A number of teams have crossed. . . .
STANISLAUS INDEX.--This newspaper has been discontinued, owing to the
difficulty of making collections, and other embarrassments growing out
of the recent floods. [1860-1862 Knight's Ferry]. . .
SWAMP LAND CORRESPONDENCE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 30, 1862.
Dear Sirs: Inclosed you will please find a copy of Senate Bill No. 2,
which you will perceive if passed will stop all further action in the
reclamation and segregation of the swamp lands. . This bill was
introduced upon the supposition that the Commissioners were about to
let many large contracts that would absorb all the money now on hand,
and thereby deprive the State from borrowing the money for other
purposes; and further, that as the plans and specifications were
adopted prior to the late flood, that they would prove ineffectual.
Now as Chairman of the Committee to whom the bill was referred, I
wish you to state to me whether or not the Commissioners are about
to let such contracts, and whether or not the plans and specifications
for any great number of districts have been adopted; and if so,
whether they were adopted. with a view of reclaiming against such
extraordinary floods as we have just experienced.
By forwarding the above information, together with such other as you
may think pertinent, you will much oblige Your obedient servant,
WM. H. PARKS.
To Swamp Land Commissioners, Sacramento City.
OFFICE SWAMP LAND COMMISSION, }
SACRAMENTO, January 31, 1862. }
HON WM. H. PARKS, Chairman Committee, etc.--Dear Sir: Your favor of
yesterday came to hand to-day, and I am directed by the Board to
answer your inquiries. The bill that you send inclosed, and which
was referred to a Committee of which you are Chairman, provides that
the Commissioners "are hereby prohibited making any contracts under
said Act, approved May 13, 1861, and any contract hereafter by them
made contrary to the provisions of this Act shall be ipso facto
void, and said Commissioners are prohibited making or incurring any
further expense or liability under said Act of May 13, 1861, until
hereafter directed by law." "This bill (your communication states)
was introduced upon the supposition that the Commissioners were about
to let many large contracts that would absorb all the money now on
hand, and thereby deprive the State from borrowing the money for other
purposes," and you, as chairman of the Committee, desire to be informed
whether we "are about to let such contracts." The introduction of this
bill would seem to imply that we intended, secretly, to violate the law,
for the law requires that after adopting a plan for the reclamation we
shall, in some newspaper published in the county in which the district
is situated, advertise thirty days for proposals. No plan had
been adopted, therefore we have not, nor were we about to let
any contract. This is a fact that could have been ascertained in five
minutes by walking from the Capitol to our office. Therefore the object
of its introduction could only have originated in a desire to give
publicity to the fact that the Legislature intended using the Swamp
Land Fund, and thereby destroy confidence in further acts of the Board.
Such a course has effected that object full as well as if the law had
been passed--for the people in this country, most unfortunately, have
but little faith in their officers, and much less in laws subject to
the pecuniary necessities of their representatives in the Legislature.
It was this feeling among the people that we had to contend against
from the beginning. The law provides that if it shall appear that the
aggregate of one dollar per acre of the swamp land in a district will
not reclaim it, individuals must pay the balance in cash, and then the
Board msy proceed to reclaim. Here, again, we were met with objections.
Owners of property say, "What security have we, when we have paid the
balance into the treasury, that the Legislature will not borrow the money
in the Swamp Land Fund, even including the amount of our extra payments,
and leave us again for another year at the mercy of the flood?" We have
invariably answered that we did not believe that the Legislature could
appropriate the same money twice, and that they had by law already
appropriated two hundred thousand dollars for reclaiming the district
where the people had availed themselves of its benefits by petitioning
us to reclaim their lands, according to that law. We called their
attention to the fact that the Act of Congress passed on the 28th day
of September, 1850, provided that the swamp lands were given to the
State "to enable her to construct the necessary levees and drains to
reclaim the swamp and overflowed lands therein," and that "the fee
simple shall vest in said State, subject to the disposal of the
Legislature;" "provided, however, that the proceeds of said lands"
"shall be applied exclusively, as far as necessary, to the purpose of
reclaiming said lands by means of the levees and drains aforesaid."
We told them "we did not believe the Supreme Court would permit a
diversion of the appropriation from its legitimate purpose--that the
Legislature was only the trustee of the people in disbursing that fund
for reclamation, and for no other purpose." We advised them to accept
the proposition made them by the State, in the Act of May 13, 1861,
assuring them that we did not believe the Legislature would violate
that solemn contract entered into by their predecessors.
The Legislature had borrowed about two hundred thousand dollars out
of the Swamp Land Fund at its last session; the people were afraid
that it would not be paid back, but in November last it was returned.
We pointed them to that act as the evidence of good faith on the part
of the State; they received it as such. The sales of swamp lands
increased for a while; but many of our citizens predicted that the
next Legislature, in consequence of pecuniary wants, would not be
satisfied with the law as it stands, and therefore would repeal it
and use the money. We endeavored to quiet the fears of our citizens,
but with little success.
On the 9ih of December, 1861, the floods came and laid waste our
beautiful well cultivated valleys. The rich were made poor in a day;
the poor were made poorer, they had nothing but their energy of
character left. They are willing to work, but no employment can be
had. We hoped that in about forty days we should be able to let some
contracts, and give our suffering citizens work to do, pay them in
money for their labor, and in this way to start them again in the
world. Those who had clothes and provisions to sell would have sold
on credit to our citizens, with such a prospect of getting work. We
had caused the survey of districts to be made, so that the calculations
and computations were divided into small sections, each of which
included one person's frontage, with the object, as the law contemplates,
of offering such person the privilege of building the levee or other work
on the front of his own land, and thus enable him to live upon the money
paid for reclamation, while he at the same time was building a levee to
save his own property, which he could afford to do cheaper and better
than any other person.
But the Legislature blasted our prospects of having the work done
cheaply and helping our suffering citizens in this their time of
need: first, by entertaining a bill for a law to stop the work;
second, by the threatenings of individual members to repeal the
Act, and third, by borrowing one hundred thousand dollars of the
Swamp Land fund. Now we are told that the Legislature is using this
money at the rate of two thousand dollars per day--enough to keep
one thousand of our citizens at work every day the Legislature is
in session, whereby their immediate wants might be supplied without
receiving charity meals at the hands of the noblehearted people of
San Francisco and other places. Charity cannot last always; the time
will soon come when our people will be roaming about from place to
place, hunting a day's work, to buy food for themselves, their wives
and their little children. You in heart are with them, and opposed
to the improper use of the Swamp Land Fund. You are right upon that
subject. The people who have purchased these lands are proud of you
as their representative, standing, as you do, their faithful sentinel,
proclaiming their wants and demanding their rights. You and these who
think with you may be overpowered at your posts; but leave your record
pure, and reward will surely follow.
You ask "whether our surveys are adapted with a view to reclaiming
against such extraordinary floods as we have just experienced." In
answer I can only say that our surveys are adapted to any size of
levee, and all we have to do is to make the estimates according to
the highest water. Only one engineer has recommended an increased
hight of levee in his district in consequence of the late floods,
the engineers of the other districts having calculated their levees
in expectation that at some time the streams would rise much higher
that any flood we have yet seen. You will see by our report that we
have established twenty-eight districts, containing three hundred and
eighty-one thousand and thirty-four acres, of which the State has sold
two hundred and eighty-seven thousand four hundred and ninety acres,
leaving vacant nine hundred and thirty-five thousand and forty acres,
on which has been paid into the Treasury one hundred and forty thousand
three hundred and nine-two [sic] dollars and ninety-two cents. On these
districts we have had seventeen engineers at work--most of them old
and experienced workmen. In the office we have their combined
information, and can call them together for the discussion and
settlement of scientific questions at pleasure, and we frequently
avail ourselves of their knowledge and experience. The lands in the
established districts are all easily reclaimed under the present system
with some little amendment to the law.
We understand that there are three general principles at work against
the Swamp Land Act. First, the holders of large grants see in the
reclamation of these lands a decrease in the demand for lands held
by them; second, speculators cannot contemplate with approval the
idea of lands being so cheaply reclaimed without a chance of making
fortunes by it; and third, the owners of claims against the General
Fund of the State, who desire to be paid out of the Swamp Land Fund
because it has cash in it. All of these parties can give good reasons
for their opinions, and are no doubt satisfied they are right.
We look to the ultimate reclamation of all the swamp lands in this
State. A part of the information necessary to determine a general
system of reclamation is now in our possession, and every month we
are adding to that store of knowledge. We now have the scientific
information that satisfies us beyond a doubt, that we can reclaim
District No. 1, lying between the American, Sacramento, Feather and
Bear rivers; also, District No. 2, lying between the east bank of
Sacramento river and the high lands on the east of the Tule, and
between the American river on the north, and the Mokelumne river and
Burton's slough on the south. There are others which will appear in
our official report; but we cite these, they being the most important,
as an example of our hopes of success. The two districts embrace about
one hundred thousand acres of the finest land in the State. Sacramento
city is included in District No. 2, and must be reclaimed with the
district. Under the law we can appropriate forty thousand dollars out
of the Swamp Land Fund towards its reclamation, the balance necessary
can be raised within the city and district during the course of this
year. For details we refer you to our report.
We have no secrets in the discharge of our duty. .We cheerfully render
your Committee or the Legislature any information in our power. The
subject is an inexhaustible one; the more we investigate it the more
we find to investigate. To me it has become a most interesting study,
an interest which increases every day, while we look forward fondly
anticipating the time when we shall see this beautiful country protected
against floods, and its inhabitants secure and happy in their cheerful
homes. With sentiments of esteem,
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
A. M. WINN,
President of Swamp Land Commissioners.
THE CALAVERAS BLOCKED UP.--The Stockton Independent of January
31st says:
Persons who live in that neighborhood inform us that the Calaveras
river has been choked up by large trees end brush, which are deeply
imbedded in the mud and debris of the old channel, near the head of
Mormon Slough, so that in high water the main body of the stream runs
over its south bank and enters this slough, leaving the lower part
of the river channel comparatively dry. It is quite clear that if
these obstructions are not removed the Calaveras will cut for itself
a new channel, and make its regular debouchement into Mormon Slough
hereafter, to the great danger of this city.
THE UNION.--The citizens of our community never so fully realized
the value of that excellent newspaper, the SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION,
until deprived of it by the recent storm. They unanimously vote
it one of the institutions of the country.--Amador Ledger.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
SACRAMENTO, February 3, 1862
The Board met pursuant to adjournment at 2 P. M. Present--Supervisors
Granger, Hite, Russell, Dickerson, Waterman and President Shattuck. . . .
A communication was received from E. H. Miller, Jr. and Jno. Leavitt,
of Virginia Clty, Nevada Territory, setting forth that they are the
owners of lots and buildings on K and L streets, Sacramento, and that
the same had been badly damaged and much depreciated in value by the
recent floods, and asking permission to fill up the streets in front
of their lots on K street to the extent of two feet, and on L street
to the extent of one and a half feet above high water mark. Referred
to the Committee on Streets. . . .
The Board then adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock this morning.
THE LEGISLATURE.--The wise and sagacious members of the Legislature
have seen fit to adjourn, temporarily, to San Francisco, preferring
the horrible disasters of an earthquake to a pleasant and genial boat
excursion from their boarding houses (in Sacramento,) to the Capitol.
They have committed a great error, and one, too, that they will heartily
regret, if they ever appear before the people again for a similar
position. We are aware that things were not as pleasant and comfortable
as might be desired, or as they expected; but then, under the
circumstances, we cannot indorse their action, and neither will the
people, for many and various reasons; the most essential one of which
is, at this time, that of aiding and encouraging a woe stricken people,
by remaining at their posts and performing their duties. If ever a
community needed the sympathy of the people, and was justly entitled
to it, it is the inhabitants of Sacramento. Millions of dollars have
been invested in that city; public works that are an ornament to any
State, have been erected at a heavy expenditure; among which we can
mention the Pavilion, and added to this are the State Fair grounds,
which were in a good and proper fix, and intended for the benefit of
the State at large, and it behooves the members of the Legislature,
as servants of the people, to guard against their downfall. But are
they doing it! We think not.
Removing the Legislature from that city upon the grounds that it is
unsafe and liable to be overflowed by our heavy Winter floods, will
not only deter capitalists from settling there, but will be the means
of removing capital from there that would otherwise remain, though
its safety from overflow might not be the best. Take the wealth away,
what is to become of the poor class, which constitutes the major portion
of the population? The poor man is dependent upon the rich for his
little home and daily bread. Therefore, remove the Legislature from
Sacramento and the result is the removal of the wealth and the complete
ruin of the poor man. The members of the present Legislature may keep
their "machine" moving all Winter from earthquakes and floods, and
squander all the money within their power, and depress and starve the
poor, still there will be one thing that they cannot control, and that
is the voice of the people. The proud satisfaction of knowing that
they will have to remain at home in the future is a small morsel of
consolation to them.
We hardly think the Capital can be established at any other point
than Sacramento, for its geographical position demands that it should
remain where it is. Flood upon flood may come, and still the people
will not demand a change. The State is able and should appropriate
an amount sufficient to make that city secure in the future from all
such disasters as have befallen it this Winter.--Auburn Advocate.
THE LEGISLATURE.--Our State Legislature has finally adjourned to
San Francisco for the remainder of the session. That such action
would be decidedly unpopular, they were well aware, and it required
a week's adjournment to enable the members of this Republican
institution to fortify their courage sufficiently to dare the
public indignation. Thus does the first act of the great immaculate
Republican party illustrate the principles of retrenchment and reform
it has professed to advocate. The Bee estimates the expense
of removal at $100,000, and states that $30,000 of that sum have
already.been expended. Did the necessity of incurring this great
expense really exist? It is indeed true that the present condition
of Sacramento would for some time cause inconvenience to delicate
members, yet such a state of affairs cannot long exist, and the
people would have by far preferred an adjournment for a time than
that this enormous and needless expense should be thrust upon them;
and (with all due deference to the delicate sensibilities of those
gentlemen who have the public weal so much at heart, composing the
great model-reform party), we may with safety add that the tax-payers
of this State had rather do without Republican legislation for the
season, than to defray the expenses incurred by such unwarrantable
extravagance. If this is a fair sample of Republican legislation,
it is better that we cry for quarter at once, settle up for the damage
thus far committed without murmuring, and let these effeminate
Republicans return to their homes--if they are out of water--where
soft hands can swathe their delicate limbs in dry flannels, poultice
their heads and soak their crackers and cheese in catnip tea. [Very
good prescription.]
When the assembled dignity, with its train, arrived in San Francisco,
the proprietor of Hayes' Park offered most excellent accommodations
for the carrying on of their future operations in retrenchment and
reform, free of charge, but to accept would be too parsimonious an
act for the great Republican Legislature of California, and another
place was selected at a cost of $1,000 per month. Thus has it cost
the State of California about $100,000 to erect a monument over the
grave of defunct Republicanism.--Amador Ledger.
VOTE ON THE REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL TO SAN FRANCISCO.--We notice that
our Senators, Messrs. Gallagher and Lewis, both voted against the bill
to remove the Capital. In the Assembly, Griswold voted for the removal,
Campbell was absent on leave, while O'Brien declined to vote.
We believe it would have been better policy for the Legislature to have
remained at Sacramento. When the servants of the people cannot endure
the natural inclemencies incident to the State they represent, it
would be well for them to resign, and we will venture to assert that
as good men will be easily found in the State as the honorable members,
who will agree to remain in the Capital and take their chances during
the rainy season. This making a migratory institution of the State
Capital on account of a little additional fresh water, does not speak
very well for the fortitude of our public oflicers. : While our friends
in the loyal States are braving fire and water, snow and sleet, in the
service of their country, exposed to all the rigors of a Northern Winter,
without any covering save army tents, our gallant and chivalrous
legislators dare not even expose their well polished boots to the
water of our inundated Capital. In '49 or '52, two-thirds of the
present members would have prayed for just such rainy days, in order
to make money enough to furnish them with victuals. Truly Californians
are retrograding fast in all that constitutes true
manhood.--Calaveras Chronicle.
A MARVELOUS STORY CONTRADICTED--THE FLOOD OF 1862.--A few weeks since
we stated on the authority of an ancient Mexican, that in the year 1828
there was a flood which laid the site of Stockton some fifteen feet under
water. The same informant averred that the ground on which Sacramento
stands was that Winter covered to the depth of twenty feet. At the time,
we only gave this story as the account of an old "native Californian,"
having but little faith in its truth. Captain Weber, who has lived in
this valley for the last twenty years, says he never saw the water as
high prior to 1852 as it was that year. There are still old attaches of
the Hudson Bay Company living in this part of the State, who trapped
and hunted in the valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin for fifteen
years before Captain Weber came to the country, or thirty-five years ago.
They confirm the Captain's statement, and add that for the fifteen years
prior residence of themselves, there was no flood equal to that of 1852.
This knocks away the underpinning of the Mexican's marvelous story, which
we think was a mere fabrication. The flood through which we have just
passed bears with it evidences of such a character as to denote an event
not likely to be repeated in another century.--Stockton Independent.
HOW THEY VOTED.--We are much gratified to learn that our Assemblymen,
Seaton and Waddell, voted against the removal of the Legislature from
Sacramento to San Francisco. Neither the little dash of cold water,
which for a short time would inconvenience them at the Capital, nor
the allurements of the Bay city, conld induce them to so far disregard
the wishes of their constituents as to vote for a measure so repugnant
to them.--Amador Ledger. . . .
NOTICE.
THE UNDERSIGNED HAVING taken the UNITED STATES HOTEL, corner of
Front and R streets, and the only high and dry Hotel in the city during
the late floods, hopes by strict attention to his business to merit a
share of custom from the traveling community in general and the city
community in particular, in case of another flood.
fe4-1m4thp J. J. DENNIS. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE LEVEES.--While Committees, engineers, writers, theorists and
mechanics are busily engaged in discussing the various propositions
for the ultimate leveeing in of our city, considerable anxiety is
felt by many of our citizens on account of the present condition of
the existing levees and the necessity for additional work on them in
the way of repairs. The members of the Committee of Safety appear to
have come to the conclusion to do nothing further at present, but to
wait until the general plan is agreed upon, the proper authority
obtained from the Legislature and the new levees are started under
the control of those to whom such authority may be delegated.
Considerable time must of course elapse before this work can be got
under way. In the meantime the city is constantly exposed, if the rains
continue, to the destructive current of the American river through
the crevasse at the tannery. The evil and injury from this source,
on account of the washing of the new channel and the formation of the
bar across the bed of the old river, increase with each successive flood.
It is impossible to calculate what injury may be done between this and
Spring, if the levee at the tannery is permitted to remain in its
present condition. The Committee of Safety have spent, we understand,
about ten thousand of the sixty thousand intrusted to their charge. Is
it not their true policy, all things considered, to proceed at once and
repair once more the levee at the tannery.. . .
FUNERAL OF JOHN C. BARR.--The funeral of John C. Barr took place yesterday
afternoon, from his late residence at Seventh and I streets. It was
attended by members of Sacramento Commandery. No. 2. of Knights Templar;
of Washington Lodge, No. 20, of F. and A. M., and of Sacramento Chapter,
No. 3, of Royal Arch Masons. The funeral proceeded to Fourth and L streets,
at which point boats were taken for the City Cemetery. The funeral ceremony
was performed by the Rev. W. H. Hill.
THE WATER.--Neither the water in the Sacramento river or that in the
lower part of the city appeared to rise yesterday in consequence of the
rain which prevailed through Sunday night and yesterday. It is reported
by telegraph that throughout a great portion of the mountain district
snow fell instead of rain, from which fact we may fairly infer that we
shall not have another inundation of the business portions of the city
at the present time. . . .
PROGRESSING.--The work on Colby's bridge at Sutter's Fort is progressing
as fast as the weather and circumstances will permit. It will he
completed at least as soon as country teams can get to and from the
slough, on account of the prevailing mud and water.
RAIN.--The rain which commenced at dusk on Sunday evening continued
until about three o'clock P. M. yesterday. The entire amount which fell,
we learn from Doctor Logan, is 1.250 inches. . . .
LAST EVENING.--Moonlight, starlight, clear and cold. Wind in the northwest.
Hopeful promises of fair weather, to be broken probably today or to-morrow.
AT WORK.--Operations were commenced yesterday, by hands in the employ of
E. Fell, in preparing to raise the steamer Gem from the bed of sand in
which she rests. . . .
REPAIRED.--The opening in the north levee, at Seventh street, has been
repaired by the cooperation of the residents of the vicinity. . . .
LAND SLIDE.--On the morning of January 21st; a land slide occurred at
Fort John, Amador county, which carried away the cabin of Kaler, killing
the owner and a squaw, who were occupying it at the time. . . .
[For the Union.]
IS THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY INHABITABLE ?
MESSRS. EDITORS: No subject is of mere interest to the fifty thousand
people who have heretofore composed the population of this valley than
a correct answer to the question which heads this article. If nothing
can be done to retain the rivers within their natural or artificial
banks--if new and additional channels cannot be made--if the sbort curves
and bends of the streams cannot be lengthened, or other means found
within the range of human experience and human effort to cause the
water to pass to the ocean without spreading over the valley; then
the people who reside here must find for themselves some other place
on which to erect their homes. The same causes which combined to
produce the floods of last Winter, and of the present Winter, may
conspire again to produce a flood next year, or that which will follow.
What has occurred may, and probably will occur again. However great the
fertility of the soil, men will not again erect valuable houses,
construct costly improvements, and gather about them large flocks and
herds, unless satisfied that they can be protected from the devastations
of such a flood as that which so lately passed over them.
Persons born and educated in sections of the country which have no
topographical resemblance to the Sacramento Valley and its surrounding
mountain ranges, and who have not been heretofore called upon to
investigate the subject, may, perhaps, naturally conclude that what
they have seen can have no parallel and is without remedy. Editors
of newspapers publish the wildest speculations and the most crude
fancies, one going so far as to assert "that it has been computed
that a levee one hundred feet high would not contain the river during
the late flood."
On this subject, we are not without the experience of other people
and of former periods. The civilized nations of the highest antiquity
were chiefly inhabitants of valleys and alluvial plains. When mankind
ceased to be hunters, and commenced the cultivation of the soil, they
sought the low valleys and margins of streams, because in these
situations the earth was more easily worked and yielded to the same
labor more abundantly than in the hilly districts. The oldest records
and earliest evidences of civilization are connected with the building
of levees or the confining of rivers between artificial embankments,
the diversion of streams and other means to prevent the inundation of
valleys by the sudden overflow from the rivers running through them.
The entire inhabited portion of ancient Egypt was a low, flat country,
liable to inundations from the Nile. Records kept through a series of
ages show that the mean of the rise of the river was thirty feet at
Thebes and twenty-five at Cairo, but it frequently exceeded this.
Levees were constructed to prevent overflow upon the basis of
twenty-eight feet rise at Cairo, and when it exceeded this it caused
great destruction throughout the valley. The levees and canals
constructed by the ancient Egyptians to regulate the overflow of
the Nile and distribute its surplus waters for purposes of irrigation
are among the most wonderful remains of the works of that people.
The country around Babylon was flat, and only prevented from being
frequently inundated by levees on the banks of the Euphrates. The
country on the west side of the river had been annually overflowed
from the earliest period, and tradition ascribed to Semiramis the
construction of the levees which, when Babylon was a city, retained
the river within artificial banks. This country, once so productive
by reason of its levees and canals that popular belief designates it
as the Paradise of the Bible, is now by the neglect of its present
inhabitants turned into a waste, annually overflowed, in which the
waters stagnate. Layard, in writing of the remains of the levees and
canals built by the Assyrians, says the remains exist of a system of
embankments and navigable canals for retaining the water within
artificial banks and the disposing of the surplus, that may excite
the admiration of even the modern engineer. These connected together
the Euphrates and the Tigris. With a skill showing no common knowledge
of the art of surveying and the principles of hydraulics, the Babylonians
took advantage of the different levels of the plains, and of the
periodical overflow of the rivers, to complete the water communication
between all parts of the valley, and to fertilize an otherwise
unproductive soil. A singular discovery of his is worthy of mention.
In making excavations in the mound which covers the remains of the
palace at Nineveh, Layard sunk a shaft to ascertain the manner in which
the foundations for their buildings were constructed, he found that they
were built directly upon the alluvial soil of the valley. In sinking
below this he found layers of pebbles and broken pottery, which were
evidently a portion of a levee built by some former people to prevent
overflow from the Tigris, which at one time flowed at the base of the
palace. The Romans embanked the Tiber, near Rome, and the levees on
each bank of the Thames, above London, which protect from floods and
Spring tides several thousand acres of the richest garden ground, were
constructed at so remote a period that they also are supposed to be the
work of the Romans. The commencement of modern embankments in England
took place about the middle of the seventeenth century, under Cromwell.
He gave the direction of the work to Vermuyden, a Flemish engineer,
who in a few years reclaimed 425,000 acres of swamp and overflowed land
in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and Kent.
The subject of confining between artificial banks rivers flowing from
mountainous districts, and liable to sudden overflows, has engaged the
attention of Governments and engineers for a long period. It is not
something new which we are called upon to investigate for the first
time. A vast number of experiments have been made, and the laws which
govern large bodies of water in motion have been duly ascertained.
The topography of this valley, lying between two ranges of mountains,
and its system of drainage is not unlike that of the valley of Lombardy
lying between the Alps and the Appenines, and drained by the river Po
and its tributaries. The Po takes its rise in the Alps, receiving the
drainage of the southern declivities of this range of mountains. It
flows in an easterly direction for nearly five hundred miles, and
discharges its waters into the Adriatic, about thirty miles south of
Venice. Its waters are liable to sudden increase from the melting of
snows and heavy falls of rain, the rivers that flow into it being
almost all mountain streams. During its long course it receives a
great number of tributaries, its channel being the final receptacle
of almost every stream that rises on the eastern and southern declivity
of the Alps and the northern declivity of the Appenines. The flat
country on the lower part of its course was subject to annual inundation.
Levees were first constructed on its banks during the time of the Romans,
and during the past four hundred years those levees have been the constant
care of the Government. No other river in the world has had its motions
so much scrutinized by the scientific men and practical engineers of Europe.
The result of their investigations and experiments are the formulas which
guide engineers in the making of embankments to prevent the overflow of
rivers. It was the subject of one hundred years litigation between the
inhabitants of the Bolognese and Farnese whether the waters of the Rheno,
should be thrown into the Trenco de Venezeua or the Po Grande. This
occasioned many experiments to be made, and measures to be taken of
that section of the Po and its declivity, and the quantity of water
which it contains in the different stages of its fullness. The Po
receives no rivers from Stelletta to the sea, and its slope in that
interval is found uniformly six inches to the mile. Its breadth in its
greatest freshets is seven hundred and fifty-nine feet at Lago Scuro
with a very uniform depth of thirty-one feet. In its lowest state its
breadth is not less than seven hundred feet, and its depth about ten
feet and a half. Its velocity, as established by repeated observations
during great freshets, is fifty-five inches per second. Here is a river,
more rapid, larger, and twice as long as the Sacramento, receiving the
melting snow of two ranges of mountains, and the drainage of valleys
where the annual fall of rain exceeds forty-three inches, which for
hundreds of years has been successfully retained between artificial
banks, and it is but one of numerous instances that might be cited.
Our own "Father of Waters" ought not to be omitted. Much of the
Mississippi valley is below the surface of the water in the river, and
is only protected from annual inundation by levees varying from five
to thirty feet high, and extending with the banks of the river over
a distance of one hundred miles. What has been done in other countries,
under mere difficult circumstances than any we have to overcome, may be
accomplished here, and the more readily and cheaply because we have the
results of their experience and the history of their mistakes. No
engineer would dare hazard his reputation as to the details of how
the work is to be accomplished until after a survey and investigation
of the difficulties to be overcome. But having seen that works of
greater magnitude have been successfully accomplished, there is little
presumption in concluding that this may be done. The plan to be adopted
depends upon facts yet to be ascertained. Those facts, however, are all
within our reach. The course, the fall, the size of the channel, the
amount of water and the nature of the soil or earths over which it flows
all are readily found. The feet or gallons of water which at any stage
of the late flood were actually in the valley, may be measured with as
much accuracy as a grocer would gauge a cask, and everything else
pertinent to the case may be ascertained with certainty. Obtain that
knowledge and the plan readily follows. But though speculation, without
facts, is not only idle but dangerous, it may aid in confirming rational
conclusions to have in simple form a few of the leading principles
proven by the scientific investigations above referred to. These may
be briefly stated as follows: The principles governing water in motion
are not affected by quantity, but govern alike in a half inch tube or
in the broadest river. The amount of discharge through a channel or
aperture depends primarily on two things--size and form of aperture and
velocity of motion. As estimates of size and form depend on ordinary
rules, they may be dismissed by merely observing that the best form
for a channel, as shown by experiments. is a semicircle, and that nature,
in wearing channels for rivers, strives, as it were, to obtain that form.
The chief object of the rules, is to ascertain the effect of various
causes on the velocity with which waters move. These again may be
considered under two heads, viz: depth of channel, and slope or
inclination of source to mouth. Supposing the latter constant or to
remain the same, depth has two immediate effects; it decides mean
velocity where it is constant, and it accelerates it where it is
increased. Experiments have established these two important rules:
First--Owing to friction, the velocity desreases in regular order
from surface to bottom. The current being measured on the surface,
the velocity of the bottom is ascertained by the following rule:
"From the square root of the velocity of the surface subtract unity
and the square of the remainder is equal to the velocity of the
bottom." Half the sum of these two velocities is equal to the mean.
For example, suppose the current on the surface to run 25 feet per
minute, then the square root of 25, less one, equals 4, and the square
of 4 or 16 equals the velocity of the bottom. One-half the sum of 25
and 16, or 20-1/2, equals the mean velocity. This, through a foot
aperture, will discharge 20-1/2 cubic feet of water in a minute of
time. The rule is founded on experiments, and may vary if run to
ultimates, but within the limits of experience it must be observed.
But though the relation between bottom and top is not affected, the
actual motion is materially increased by the increase of depth on the
same declivity. That is, of two rivers or streams of any size having
the same slope, the deeper will run the faster. The rule or principle
observed in this relation is that the velocities are to each other as
the square root of their mean depths. That is, in the case supposed,
if one of the rivers be sixteen feet and the other twenty-five feet
deep, if the former runs four miles per hour the latter will run five
miles per hour, or in the ratio of the square root of sixteen to the
square root of twenty-five. This rule is also true of all cases, whether
the streams be large or small, deep or shallow. The only precaution
needed in applying it, is that the depth must arise, not by adding to
the fountain or source, for that would change the slope, but by
depressing the bottom from source to mouth. These two rules are
sufficient for nearly all purposes
where this inclination is constant, and if applied will obviate many
errors.
As however slope varies, as the floods are piled up at the fountain, it
is necessary to inquire what rules govern in changes of inclination.
As these are modified by circumstances the first step in the calculation
is to reduce the form of the channel to a given form before applying
the rule. As the velocity is so retarded by friction, the form adapted
is a regular one, which expresses the amount of friction to which the
water is exposed in the true channel. This is done by the following
rule: Divide the area of a cross section of the channel by the length
of the line across the bottom from side to side, from surface on one
side to surface on the other, including all inequalities. The quotient
is called the hydraulic depth, and is equal to the depth the water
would flow if the same amount passed through a channel with flat
bottom and perpendicular sides. Multiply the hydraulic depth thus
found by the fall in feet per mile, and extract the square root of
the product. Eleven-eighths of this root is equal to the mean
velocity of the current, in feet, per second. For example, suppose
the hydraulic depth of a river is ascertained to be sixteen feet,
and the fall per mile one foot; the square root of the product of
these two numbers equals four, and eleven-eighths of four equals five
and a half--the number of feet at which water under these circumstances
will flow in one second. The formula from which this last rule is
deduced is intricate and subject to various modifications. It is
given as an average of results. The tables are made for a great variety
of changes, including all that are likely to occur in practice. Actual
observations have shown that, for ordinary cases, the increase of slope
is followed by an increase in velocity in nearly an arithmetical ratio,
and is so used in preliminary calculations.
Applying the above rules to a supposed case not widely different from
the Sacramento. Suppose a channel 12 feet deep, 600 feet wide, is
raised by floods at its source to 36 feet in depth, and an embankment
on each side of 6 feet be added, giving a third depth of 42 feet, what
amount of water is discharged in each stage on the supposition that at
12 feet its mean velocity is 2 feet per second? The currents, according
to the second rule above given, would stand to each other in the relation
of the square roots of these different depths--say 3-1/2, 6 and 6-1/2.
The increase of velocity, owing to increase of slope, is say in proportion
to the depths--that is as 2, 6 and 7; and compounding these two
proportions, the velocity of discharge will be in the ratio of 14, 36 and
45-1/2. The area of the first aperture equals width multiplied by depth,
or 7,200 feet, which would void 14,400 cubic feet per second. At 36 feet
depth the area equals 21,600, and it would void 222,170 cubic feet per
second. Adding embankment, making depth 42 feet, and it would void 327,600
cubic feet per second. That is, an embankment of 6 feet would make a
difference of 105,430 cubic feet per second, increasing the capacity of
the channel nearly one-half. The effect of this increase may perhaps be
better illustrated in this way: in a square mile there are 27,875,400
square feet; the above surplus would cover it a foot deep in 264 seconds
of time. This difference can be greatly augmented by setting the levees
back from the bank and in other ways. But, as has been said, it is not
only idle but dangerous to speculate without data. Different curves in
the bank, different slopes on different bends, different materials over
which the waters flow, different data of any kind from what is here
supposed, it will be perceived by the above rules, have no given ratio
between estimated results. If what has been written above shall aid in
turning the public attention to a rational view of the subject, the
end proposed is accomplished, viz.: that we may rationally conclude
that the Sacramento valley may be protected against floods, and that
science and experience can be relied on to furnish the plans for
doing it. J. & R. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.--The Legislature has again, so far as the
members thereof could do, made the seat of government a "floating
institution." The people of the State of California for themselves
decided the locality of the Capital, and it was reasonable to suppose
that the subject was finally settled, but we are told that a flood
came--destructive in character and remarkably unpleasant to the members
of the Legislature--and in order to subserve exclusively the
convenience, and to satisfy the whims of honorable Senators and noble
Representatives in their fancied ideas of pleasure and enjoyment at the
Bay, they resolved to take up their abode there, regardless of their
constituents, who have to foot the bill, or of the predicament incurred
should the Supreme Court hold that the laws passed at that place were
unconstitutional. If Sacramento city had been rendered by water, or
otherwise, untenable--no "very unpleasant "--while all the other portions
of the State were unaffected, why, the members could have been excused
for condemning her and repairing to some other place (even in that event
we hold that a law and not a resolution would have been required); but
such was not the case--the whole State, from San Diego to Siskiyou, was
suffering under the effects of the storms: the people of nearly every
locality subjected to loss, much inconvenience and any amount of discomforts.
They have to bear them as best they can, while their temporary agents,
because Sacramento could offer no inducements in way of theaters, sports
of pleasure, or fascinating scenes common to large cities, they must
adjourn to meet in San Francisco. How easy to vote aye on a proposition
which will cost the people one hundred thousand dollars. What need they
care? Many of them, after the Legislature adjourns, will never be heard
of again, unless, possibly, their names be recorded in the passenger list.
Human beings are strange beyond all other animals; many of them are
ruined, and that forever, by clothing them with a little brief authority.
See them "down below " making laws of course--many of them could not tell
you whether a Coroner held Court, or a District Judge convened a Grand
Jury, still they will stand up as large as life when a proposition has
been moved on the outside and call out, " Mr. Speaker, I vote aye," without
ever thinking of the cost. We repeat, what need they care for expenses,
they are working for party and it so happens just now, the Republican party.
Oh you Republican sticklers for purity, economy and reform, the people of
the State will hold you accountable for the unnecessary expense of moving
the Legislature to San Francisco, one hundred thousand dollars will be
placed to your reformed account. If Sacramento really was in such bad
condition, why did you not adjourn for four weeks, that would have given
time for the floods to be assuaged and no additional cost incurred thereby
to the State. We are pleased to learn that the members from El Dorado
county voted against the resolution to adjourn to San Francisco. In
doing so they reflected the will of their constituents--they knew the
right, and as worthy representatives, defended it--for which El Dorado
will kindly remember them. As to what Republicans may do, nothing would
surprise us unless they should perform some praiseworthy
act.--El Dorado Times. . . .
METEOROLOGY OF SACRAMENTO.
[PREPARED EXPRESSLY FOR THE SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION.]
Abstract of Meteorology of Sacramento, with remarks.
By Thomas M. Logan, M. D.
[METEOROLOGY table. . . excluding precipitation & inundation?] . . . .
REMARKS.--Again we have to record the most extraordinary meteorological
occurrences, with their resultant effects, ever experienced since the
American occupation of the country--putting to fault some of our theories
and calculations. During the entire month, all the great valleys of
the State have been more or less inundated in consequence of continuous
rains, which have amounted here in one month, as seen in the table above,
to more than three-fourths of our average annual supply. On the 10th, the
water rose in this city twenty inches higher than the flood of the 9th of
December last, reaching the level of the river, which had attained the
unprecedented hight of twenty-four feet above low water mark. This is
satisfactory evidence that, copious as the rains have been here, they
have been still more so at the sources of our rivers, and doubtless
have there measured three or four times as much as at this locality.
A reliable communication from W. A. Begoli of Nevada informs us that at
a given period we had only about two-fifths of the quantity which fell
in that locallty, and which, from the 26th of December to the 12th of
January inclusive, amounted to nearly twenty-six inches. Doubtless in
some other parts of our steep and rugged mountain chains, which are the
great condensers of the vapor borne from the tropics by the southeast
trade winds, the precipitation has been still more copious; but we are
not prepared to credit all the accounts that reach us of the most
marvelous pluvial deposits, exceeding that of the tropics in our
hemisphere, which is estimated at 115 inches for the whole year. In
England the amount of rain that falls in the mountainous districts is
only a little more than double that of the less elevated portions of the
country; and the effect of the Alps is, that while the annual amount of
rain in the valley of the middle Rhine, and on the plateau of Bavaria,
is only 21 inches, in Berne and Tegernsee, at the foot of the Alps, the
rain is nearly double, or 43 inches. Thus, although the amount of
precipitation varies greatly in different localities, even in the same
latitude, still the mean annual fall in the North Temperate zone is but
37 inches, and we do not think it can much exceed double this quantity
in any part of our State.
No person who has not investigated the subject can form an adequate
idea of the immense quantity of water a single inch of rain over a
large area produces. It has been calculated that one inch, falling
over a surface of 1,000 square miles, would, in being drained off by
a river two hundred yards wide, with a current of four miles an hour,
raise said river eight.feet and keep it at that hight for twenty-four
hours. Now, when we consider that the Sacramento drains about 80,000
square miles [no, 27,800 sq. mi. + San Joaquin Cosumnes to Grapevine,
31,800 s.m. more] before reaching the city, we find no difficulty in
accounting for its late overflows without accrediting all the
exaggerated accounts we read of rain admeasurements. In this connection
we would remark that the Mississippi drains 1,226,600 square miles
[1,151,000] of territory, and yet two-thirds or all the real estate
capital of Louisiana lies below high water mark. Now the regimen of
that river shows that the levees have lowered its level, and by
concentration of its waters vastly increased the discharging capacity of
its channel--so much so as to induce a general settlement of all the
alluvion of the Mississippi, even where the water marks are several
feet high. Reasoning from analogy, therefore, it is readily perceived
that, great as may appear the amount of water to be drained by the
Sacramento, it is altogether insignificant when compared to that of
the Mississippi, and that it is quite practicable to provide a
sufficient channel for its discharge as well as for that of its
tributary, the American, by a judicious system of levees.
Among the meteorological eccentricities of the month, at variance
with our theories and past experience, we have to record the occurrence,
on two different periods, of heavy continuous rains for twenty-four
hours, with a northerly wind. Heretofore, a striking peculiarity of
the rains of California has been their irregularity, falling almost
invariably in showers with southerly gusts of wind, and seldom continuing
with any uniformity. But on these occasions the rain was steady and
settled, measuring in the first instance, on the 6th, 2.690 inches,
and in the second, on the 16th, 3.150 inches. Besides this unusual
phenomenon, we also have to note the heaviest snow storm ever experienced
here, and which lasted about eighteen hours. On the morning of the 29th,
the earth was found covered with a white mantle to the depth of about
an inch and a half, and it continued snowing more or less all day. When
melted, the whole measured in the rain guage 0.250 inches, which is
equivalent to about three inches of snow. Since this the weather has
remained fair and very cold, as shown by the thermometrograph, and we
trust it will prove the breaking up of the long term of warm southerly
winds and rains which, acting on the mountain snows, have produced such
overwhelming diluvial effects. In fact, we have experienced no cold weather
prior to the 27th, and hence may reasonably calculate upon a cold and
late Spring, with a more gradual melting of the snows above us.
Throughout all the storms of the month, the barometer has ranged lower
than it has ever done before at this period of the year. On the afternoon
of the 17th it fell to the minimum recorded above, which is the lowest
reading ever made with our Smithsonian instrument. These extraordinary
depressions of the mercurial column were attended alike with high winds
as well as rain. The most violent of these storms was experienced on the
evening of the 19th, after a steady declension of the mercury for
thirty-six hours. As the gale did not last long here, and did not prove
as violent as we had reason to anticipate from the low range of the
mercury, it is probable that only the outer edge of the great gyratory
movement of the atmosphere reached us. We learn that at San Francisco
the barometer ranged, all through the month, two-tenths higher than here.
The extraordinary meteorological occurrences of the month have not
been peculiar to this State. Our intelligence from Oregon represents
a similar state of things there, and it is probable that Washington
Territory and the entire Pacific coast, for a great distance up and
down this continent, has been visited in like manner.
Our observations have as yet been of too short duration to enable us
to approximate to any conclusion as to our weather cycles. A long
series are required to be combined and analyzed, in such a manner
that general laws may be separated from accidental disturbances,
before a truth can be extracted or a fact established. Such a season
as the present may not occur but once in a quarter or half a century.
On the western coast of Europe a theory has been advanced that the
culminating points of bad Winters occur every twenty or twenty-two
years. Our stormiest Winters may run in short and long cycles. At all
events, the laws which govern them can be read as intelligibly here
as elsewhere, and in due time we trust that the progressive science
of meteorology will enable us to obtain results from our observations
that may admit of a theory in regard to them which will afford some
warning of such a season as we are now experiencing.
LEGISLATIVE.--The desks, chairs and other articles which have been
packed from San Jose to Sacramento, from Sacramento to Vallejo,
from Vallejo to Benicia, and from Benicia to Sacramento, have now
been taken from the Capitol at Sacramento to the old United States
Court house on Battery street, San Francisco, opposite the Custom
House, which has been properly fitted up.--San Joaquin Republican.
The next move none can now say. Why would not it be a good plan for
the Legislature to have a large structure, in which to assemble,
erected on wheels? When members became a little tired of a place,
they could hitch up and put out for another--the people would pay
for it, of course.--El Dorado Times.
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
cide sir, and not the Speaker. That is the rule of the House. . . .
HIGH WATER MARKS.
Mr, Hoag offered the following:
WHEREAS, It is a matter of great importance to this State, and particularly
to the swamp and overflowed land districts, and the farming sections
bordering thereon, that the high water marks of the late floods
throughout the districts, should be correctly, uniformly, and
permanently secured, as a valuable reference and guide in determining
the proper mode to be adopted, and the amount of labor required for
the reclamation of those lands; and, whereas, the people who have
invested their money in and who reside on or bordering the same, being
most interested and best situated, immediately, and while those marks
are fresh and of easy discernment, to secure the same; therefore,
Resolved, That all such persons throughout the State, be, and
they are hereby, urgently requested, without delay, each upon his own
premises, and at such other places as he may deem important and in
conspicuous places, upon permanent trees. buildings, fence posts, or
other durable monuments, plainly to designate said high water marks,
by cutting thereon horizontal lines at the exact hights reached by the
late high water, and immediately above said horizontal lines to cut the
figures '62; also, that all persons living near the boundary lines
between the swamp land districts and the higher lands adjoining, be
and are hereby requested to drive stakes with the figures '62 cut or
painted thereon, into the earth upon the lines reached by the late high
water, sufficiently near together that said lines, with their meanderings,
may be easily traced.
Resolved, That all newspapers throughout the State where persons
may be interested in securing the above object, be requested to publish
in their papers the above resolutions and to call the attention of
their patrons to the same.
Mr. Maclay moved that the resolutions be postponed indefinitely.
Mr. Hoag said this matter had been suggested to him by one of the
most eminent topographical engineers in the State, a man who had been
in the employment of the United States Government for many years past,
and was familiar with all the great valleys on both sides of the
continent. He thought it was of the utmost importance that the high
water mark of the recent disastrous flood should be ascertained and
definitely marked out, for the benefit of those occupying the overflowed
lands, and to assist engineers and others in determining the proper
mode to be adopted in reclaiming and preserving these lands. Rather
than dispose of the subject hastily he would prefer to postpone it
till Monday.
Mr. Maclay said he had observed a disposition to protract this session
by the introduction of propositions which had very little bearing upon
legitimate subjects of legislation. They might with quite as much
propriety appoint a Committee to go to the moon to ascertainn [sic]
whether that luminary had anything to do with the Sacramento flood.
There were marks on trees on the Sacramento river, showing the high
water of previous floods, which were twenty feet higher than the last
flood, and on the American river five or ten feet higher. There these
marks stood as monuments of the folly of living on the banks of those
rivers. He hoped the resolution would be laid on the table.
Mr Hoag stated the object of the resolutions, and said he did not believe
there was a man living on these swamp lands, but would readily comply
with the request made, and consider that the practical survey he was
thus helping to make amply repaid his trouble. The Swamp Land Commission
had spent thousands in surveying lands, but they all knew that nature
was a more accurate surveyor than man. The marks of nature's survey were
now plain to be seen, and the object was to fix them permanently while
they were fresh, so that they might go down to future generations. The
engineer to whom he referred had told him that he had sometimes crawled
up the inside of a hollow tree with a lighted candle, in order to observe
the works of floods.
Mr. Meyers said if the object of the resolution was to stimulate the
attention of those interested, he thought it was a good one, and would
go for it if it entailed no expense hereafter. There were parties
interested who would neglect to make those marks, unless their attention
was directly called to the subject.
Mr. Bell asked if there would be any expense involved.
Mr. Hoag--None at all.
Mr. Bell said it had been stated that there were high water marks on
trees along the Sacramento and American rivers, far above the recent
flood, but he supposed the trees grew upwards, and that consequently
marks upon trees were about as unsatisfactory as they would be upon
floating blocks of wood. It might therefore be that those celebrated
trees that rumor speaks about, like that sycamore to which Gen. Vallejo
was said to have tied his schooner, might have grown considerably since
then. In the happy little valley of Oakland he had noticed the growth
of the live oak trees, and probably there were not one of them there
over one hundred years old. Gen. Vallejo rnight very well have tied
his boat, fifty years ago, to the very top of some of those magnificent
oaks, with a low tide at that. He thought the marks should be made in
some solid, stable place, and trusted that if the resolution passed,
it would be with an amendment to that effect. He was sorry to hear his
friend from Santa Clara (Mr. Maclay) proclaim that it was known to all
mankind that the valleys of the Sacramento and other rivers were
uninhabitable, but the basis of that statement being the marks upon
growing trees, was not a very reliable one, and until there was better
evidence, he hoped they would still conclude that those great valleys
were the garden of the Pacific slope.
Mr. Maclay said the floods to which he referred were those of 1847,
1849 and 1853, and he supposed the trees upon which marks had been
made could not have grown ten or twenty feet higher since those periods.
There were the most positive proofs of the hight of the flood in '47.
The remarks of the gentleman from Alameda, in regard to the growth of
trees, reminded him of the boy who heard a cow bell in the top of a
tree, and his father told him that he remembered planting the tree
there thirty years before, when he was a boy, and it had grown up to
its present great hight, carrying the bell with it, swinging to the
breeze and ringing, and there the bell hung and rung to this day.
(Laughter.) The late flood would leave its mark at least in the memory
of the present generation.
Mr.Tilton of San Francisco said the resolution merely requested
certain persons to perform certain acts, and he thought the better
way would be to pass a bill empowering the Board of Supervisors to
direct the County Surveyors to erect permanent monuments of the hight
of the flood, the expense to be paid by the.several counties interested.
He would move the reference of the resolution to the Committee on Swamp
and Overflowed Lands, for the purpose of making such a report.
Mr. Brown said he saw no reason why the resolution should not pass at
present. It would cost nothing, and they knew by the experience of the
last flood that the inhabitants would derive great benefit from such
marks. There was one individual in Stockton who, to his knowledge, would
have saved $7,000, at least, had there been marks put up of the flood
in 1847, which he believed, not withstanding Mr. Maclay's remarks, was
the only modern flood higher than that of 1862.
The Speaker directed Mr. Tilton to put his amendment in writing.
Mr. Hoag said that in conversation with the engineer to whom he had
referred, the question of having the marks made by the county surveyors
came up, but the engineer replied that the men living on those lands,
and directly interested, would make those marks more certainly than any
officials. They would do it the moment they saw the suggestion, and they
were already upon the ground. If the subject were referred to the county
surveyors, it would not be attended to until spring, when the rains would
have washed out the marks on trees, posts and buildings; besides, there
would be a large expense incurred. If the resolution were passed now, in
less than a week all the marks would be made throughout the State.
Mr. Meyers objected to the proposition of Mr. Tilton, because he
thought it would create an unequal tax.
Mr. Eliason advocated that proposition, stating that what was everybody's
business was nobody's business. One of the greatest interests of
California was involved, and whatever action was taken should be taken
officially and actively.
Mr. Hoag said he would have no objection to the reference provided
the Committee were not instructed.
Mr. Tilton of San Francisco submitted his motion in this form:
"That the resolution be referred to the Committee on Swamp and Overflowed
Lands,.with instructions to report a bill directing the Boards of County
Supervisors to direct the Surveyors of such counties as have been
overflowed to erect permanent monuments at such points as they may
direct, and in such manner showing the highest point reached by the
flood of 1862." He said he thought it was necessary that people should
know exactly how high the flood of 1862 reached; and if they left it
discretionary with every man to record the marks of the flood, some who
desired to sell their property well would place the mark so as to show
that it was very little, if any, under water. The resolution would
therefore amount to nothing, and the only way to accomplish the object
would be by law, directing the County Surveyors to make permanent
monuments that once accomplished, would prevent any man from cheating
by placing his water marks where he pleased.
Mr. Saul said he was in favor of the reference without positive
instructions and believed it would be better not to leave the matter
to parties interested.
Mr. Fay said the proposition would involve a large expense which was
unnecessary. Every man would have a mark of his own at any rate, and
he would vote for the original resolution if it was distinctly understood
that there were to be no relief bills hereafter for services rendered
under it.
Mr. Tilton of San Francisco said such a provision could be inserted
in the bill, and the expense would be paid by the counties interested.
Mr. Fay replied that that could make no difference; the people would
have to pay the expense all the same.
Mr. Ames said he had been in this country through several floods, and
had seen the Sacramento vally [sic] under water for forty days. He had
shown people the hight of the water in those floods, and some of those
who refused to credit his assertions he presumed had been drowned in
the very flood. It was better that this work should be done by authority,
for no business man would go into the valley, and take the word of any
man of whom he proposed to purchase, as to how high the water was.
Mr. Pemberton said the swamp land commission had under the Reclamation
Act caused a great deal of engineering to be done last Summer, and the
levels had been taken for hundreds of miles in the
aggregate with a view to building levees. Most of the engineers would
go over their work to estimate the additional hight required in view
of the late flood, and it would be useless to involve either, the
counties or the State in any expense in those sections, because those
high water marks were already being recorded by authority. In other
sections he thought Mr. Hoag's resolution would be all that was necessary.
Mr. Eliason expressed a doubt whether the matter would be attended to
at all unless it were required to be done by positive law.
Mr. O'Brien moved to amend Mr. Tilton's motion so as only to require
the Committee to consider the expediency of reporting a bill on the
subject.
The amendment prevailed, and the resolutions were referred; with
instructions to consider the expediency of reporting a bill.
BRIDGE AT FOLSOM.
The House proceeded to the consideration of Senate messages, and
Senate. Bill No. 40, an Act to grant the right to construct and
maintain a bridge across the American river, near Folsom, in the
county of Sacramento, was read twice.
Mr. Ferguson moved that the rules be suspended in order that the
bill might be read a third time, and said it only empowered the
parties interested to rebuild their bridge, which had been swept away
by the late flood. They had twice built a bridge there, and now
proposed to build it twenty feet higher than ever before. It was a
local bill upon which the Sacramento delegation all agreed, and it
was absolutely necessary that the bridge should be rebuilt immediately.
The old charter only granted the franchise from year to year, but the
new bridge would call for the investment of too much money to warrant
them in going on with a temporary charter only. They now asked for a
longer franchise to enable them to borrow money if necessary, and it
was desirable that the bill should pass at once.
Mr. Fay said he objected to suspending the rules as a matter of principle,
desiring that all bills should go through their regular course, and
intended to move the reference of the bill to the Sacramento delegation.
However, as the delegation were already agreed upon it, he would withdraw
his objection.
Mr. Collins said he objected.
Mr. Dudley of Placer said he could not understand why the bill should
come up in this shape, and he thought it ought to be referred to the
delegations of the several counties interested.
Mr. Saul said he saw nothing objectionable in the bill. The corporators
asked only for permanent franchise for twenty-flve years, which would
warrant them in making the necessary outlay. Their rates of toll would
still be under the control of the Sacramento Board of Supervisors.
Mr. O'Brien said this debate was not in order because there was one
objection, which was sufficient under the rule to prevent the bill
from taking its third reading.
Mr. Eagar said he objected, because the bill was a very important
one, and he would not withdraw his objection.
Mr. Ferguson said he knew it was important, but it was of very great
importance that the bridge should be rebuilt immediately. The roads
in that direction had all been rendered impassable by the late floods,
bridges had been broken up, etc., and he hoped gentlemen would withdraw
their objections.
The Speaker, while Mr. Ferguson was still speaking, recognized
Mr. Hillyer.
Mr. Ferguson--Have I or not the floor?
The Speaker--The gentleman has not.
Mr. Ferguson--How did I lose it, Mr. Speaker? I had not taken my seat.
The Speaker--The objection having been insisted upon, all debate ceases.
Mr. Ferguson--I am appealing to gentlemen to withdraw the objection.
The Speaker--The gentleman is not in order, and will take his seat.
Mr. Ferguson--I shall not yield the floor upon this dictation of
that Chair.
The Speaker--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. Ferguson--The courtesy I owe to your position.
The Speaker--The gentleman is not in order.
Mr. Ferguson--If I am out of order the Chairman can give me a reason for it.
The Speaker--The gentleman is not in order, and will take his seat.
Mr. Hillyer has the floor.
Mr. Ferguson--The gentleman will not take his seat--
Mr. Hillyer said the counties of Placer and Sacramento were immediately
interested in the bill, and since it must be referred, he moved to
refer it to those delegations. A member suggested that El Dorado be
included.
Mr. Hillyer accepted the suggestion.
Mr. Avery moved to include Nevada also.
Mr. Dudley suggested that the bill be referred to the Committee
on Corporations, and then all interested could go before that
Committee.
Mr. Ames moved to refer it to the Cammittee on Corporations, with
instructions to report on Monday at 11 o'clock; and the other motions
to refer were withdrawn.
Mr. Ferguson--I rise to a question of privilege.
The Speaker--If the amendment is withdrawn. There is only the original
motion before the House.
Mr. Ferguson--I rise to a question of privilege.
The Speaker--There is a subject before the House, that being disposed
of, the gentleman can rise to a question of privilege. The resolution
now is to refer the bill to the Committee on Corporations, with
instructions to report on Monday.
The bill was referred accordingly. . . .
REMOVAL OF STATE OFFICERS AGAIN.
The Clerk read, as a part of the Senate messages, the title of Senate
Bill No. 16--An Act to fix the temporary residence of State officers,
etc.--with a statement that the Senate had agreed to a report from the
Committee of Free Conference upon that bill.
The Speaker said the question was on adopting the report.
Mr. Ames moved that the bill be made the special order for Tuesday, at
twelve o'clock.
Mr. Shannon--Do I understand the Chair that that bill is again before
the House, after having voted to reject the report of the Committee of
Conference? I move that it be laid on the table.
Mr. Ames--I think my motion takes precedence.
Mr. Shannon--I hope the Speaker will understand his business about
that matter.
Messrs. Ames, Maclay and Frasier called for the ayes and noes on the
motion to lay on the table.
Mr. Eagar called for the reading of the bill for information, and it
was read without the amendments.
The Speaker--First reading of the bill. The question is upon laying
the bill upon the table. That motion takes precedence.
Mr. Saul--What will be the effect of not laying it on the table?
How would it stand then?
The Speaker--The motion in order before the House, is the motion of
the gentleman from Plumas, to lay the bill upon the table. The motion
of which that takes precedence, is the motion of Mr. Ames, to make it
the special order for Tuesday at twelve o'clock.
Mr. Tilton of San Francisco--It will require a two-third vote to get it
up again if it is laid on the table.
Mr. O'Brien--Not at all. Under motions and resolutions it can be taken
up by a majority vote.
The Speaker--Undoubtedly. The fact is as the gentleman from Calaveras
has stated. It can come up under resolutions and motions to morrow.
The vote resulted thus :
Ayes--Amerige, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Campbell, Davis, Dean,
Dudley of Placer, Ferguson, Frasier, Griswold, Hoag, Kendall, Machin,
McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien, Parker, Porter, Printy, Saul, Seaton,
Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Teegarden, Thompson of
Tehama, Waddell, Wilcoxon--29.
Noes--Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Cunnard,
Collins, Cot, Dana, Dennis, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Solano, Eagar, Hillyer,
Hoffman, Jackson, Lane, Leach, Loewy, Love, Matthews, Maclay, McCullough,
Meyers, Moore, Reeve, Sears, Thompson of San Joaquin, Thornbury, Tilton
of San Francisco, Van Zandt, Werk, Woodman, Wright, Yule, Zuck--37.
So the Honse refused to lay the bill upon the table.
The Speaker--The question recurs upon the resolution making the bill the
special for Tuesday next at twelve o'clock.
Mr. Shannon--Does the Chair rule that it can be made the special order
for Tuesday?
The Speaker--The Chair sees no objection, though there may be some
doubt about it.
Mr. Shannon--I rise to a question of order. That bill has passed out
of the hands of the House until on Monday, when it may come up under
the motion of Mr. Ames to reconsider.
Mr. Ames--The bill was with the Senate. The action here to-day was
upon the report alone.
Mr. Shannon--My point of order is that until the House finally acts
upon that report, adopting or rejecting it, the bill cannot come before
the House.
The Speaker--The Chair suggests whether or not the adoption of the report
is the passage of the bill.
Mr. Shannon--The Committees report having been rejected--kicked out
of the House in other words, you cannot bring in the measure again
upon what it was based. That would be a stultification of the action
of the House.
The Speaker--The Chair is not able to comprehend the justice of the
principle stated by the gentlemen from Plumas.
Mr. Shannon--Mr. Speaker, I will state it again. The House disagreed
to the Senate bill. It came back again, and the House refused to
recede--in other words, adhered. A Committee of Conference was appointed.
That Committee brought in a report recommending the passage of the bill.
The House to-day refused to adopt that report, which is equivalent to
the rejection of the bill, being the rejection of the action of the
majority of the Committee. Is it not? Then I say the gentleman from
Mendocino (Mr. Ames) gave notice that he would move a reconsideration
of the vote by which the House refused to adopt the report, and until
final action is had on the reconsideration, the bill cannot come before
this House.
Mr. Avery--I think if the Chair reflects a moment he will see the
justice of the grounds stated.
The Speaker--I am inclined to the opinion that the motion to make
it the special order for Tuesday is not in order, and that those who
desire to press the bill must do so upon the reconsideration.
Mr. Shannon--That reconsideration would certainly bring it before the
Honse.
The Speaker--It is an extraordinary position for the bill to be in,
here among the Senate messages, and to me it is a new one.
Mr. O'Brien--I would ask if it is the understanding of the Chair that
this bill is the same in substance as the one which was in the hands of
the Committee.
The Clerk--It is the same bill.
Mr. O'Brien--Then there is a joint rule which I will read. It is
Rule 12. "When a bill or resolution, which has been passed in one
house, shall be rejected in the other, it shall not be brought in
during the same season without a notice of five days, and leave of
two-thirds of that house in which it shall be renewed."
The Speaker--I am satisfied that the joint rule does not obtain--
Mr. Avery--It does not obtain until after the vote upon reconsideration.
Mr. Bell--Mr. Speaker, have you decided the point in your own mind?
The Speaker--As this is to me a very extraordinary position for a bill
to be placed in, a position which I have never known before, the Chair
will be thankful for any suggestions upon the subject.
Mr. Bell--I do not imagine that there is any precise rule upon the
question, and therefore it must be decided upon the sense of justice.
We have for a long time discussed the merits of the subject upon the
report of the Joint Committee of Conference of these two Houses. That
report was not adopted by the House. If it had been adopted, it would
certainly have been impossible for.the House to act upon the bill again
coming from the Senate. and therefore, if the report was thrown out,
it would be equally impossible for the House to act. But the bill is
held before us by the notice of the motion to reconsider, and until
that is disposed of we shall be absolutely contradicting all our action
of the morning, if we consider the bill coming from the Senate.
Mr. Shannon--This is not at all an extraordinary circumstance; on the
contrary it is one of frequent occurrence. The Senate of course cannot
take cognizance of our action until notified, and there is no
notification of our rejection of the report. Meanwhile the Senate has
passed the measure and sent it in with a proper notification. Now our
action this morning in relation to that report holds that subject matter
in obeyance until the reconsideration shall be disposed of. When that
notification from the Senate came up, if the Chair had said it goes
over to await action of the House upon the report of the Committee,
that would have been a proper course. My point is that the House can
take no action upon the measure, and it goes over until the House acts
finally upon the report.
Mr. Ames--If that is the understanding I will withdraw my motion.
The Speaker--Then the bill will be passed upon the file. That is the
operation of withdrawing the motion. . . .
At half-past two o'clock, the House adjourned.
THE LEGISLATURE.
In the Senate yesterday, . . .
A resolution was offered by Williamson, requiring the Sergeant-at-Arms
to provide the hotel-keepers of San Francisco with coal, in order that
they might have fires at their houses to warm the Senators. The bill
to appropriate $25,000 for the relief of sufferers by the floods, the
same to be paid over to the Howard Benevolent Association of Sacramento,
was indefinitely postponed by a vote of 24 to 9. Perkins, Porter, Burnell,
Rhodes, Chamberlain, Shurtliff, Oulton, Baker and Van Dyke spoke as well
as voted for the indefinite postponement. Banks, Harvey, Watt, Heacock
and Quint spoke against such action.
In the Assembly, yesterday, . . .
Several local bills were passed, under a suspension of the rules,
among them, Senate bills authorizing A. G. Kinsay to construct a wire
suspension bridge across the American river near Folsom, . . .
The motion to reconsider the vote by which the Assembly rejected the
Conference Committee's majority report for removal of State offices,
was lost--ayes, 32; noes, 35. The removal project is therefore dead and
buried. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3387, 5 February 1862, p. 1
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF TUESDAY.
In the Senate, on Tuesday, . . . Bills to prevent animals from
trespassing upon private property, and to prevent domestic animals
from running at large, were introduced, read twice, and referred to
the Committee on Agriculture. . . . The Senate, in Committee of the
Whole, considered the bill concerning chattel mortgages, introduced a
few days since by Senator Crane, and referred to the Committee on
Judiciary. This is the bill providing that liens may be created by
mortgage upon crops. The bill was recommitted to the Committee on
Judiciary, with instructions that the same be reported back with
sundry amendments. . . . The Senate adjourned at quarter past two
o'clock.
In the Assembly, . . . A resolution was offered for the appointment of
two messengers, at a per diem of eight dollars per day (the messengers
to pay their own traveling expenses), whose duty it shall be to carry
messages for the Assembly to and from the State officers at Sacramento.
A substitute was offered that a Committee be appointed to confer with
Wells, Fargo & Co., in regard to transmitting all necessary messages
and documents. A motion to lay the resolution on the table prevailed by
a vote of 42 to 20. Senate messages were taken up, and disposed of
as follows:. . . . a bill to make an appropriation for the payment of
boat hire at the State Capital;. . . . A bill to amend the law
concerning the herding of sheep, which had been made the special order
for one o'clock, was taken up and discussed at that hour. The present
law allows the herding of sheep upon all unoccupied lands of the State
or of the United States. The amendment confines the sheep owner to his
own lands, or to land in his possession, and repeals the provision just
named. The bill was, after half an hour's discussion, finally recommitted
to the Committee on Agriculture. A resolution was offered requiring the
Sergeant at-Arms to secure proper healthful ventilation of the Assembly
Chamber. Mr. Fay said the matter would fee arranged during the day.
The resolution was not acted upon. The Assembly adjourned at twenty
minutes before two. . . .
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
MONDAY, February 3, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, the President in the Chair, . . .
MISCELLANEOUS.
. . .Mr. Perkins, from the Committee on Finance, . . . He also reported back
the bill for the relief of sufferers by the flood, recommending its
indefinite postponement, . . .
THE HOTEL KEEPERS.
Mr Williamson offered the following:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms be authorized to furnish
fuel to the hotel keepers of San Francisco, and that the expenses of
the same be paid out of the Contingent Fund of the Senate.
Mr. Williamson said he hoped that would pass. He found a great many of
the members had been rushing furiously around the city for fire, and
were unable to warm themselves. They had found plenty of stoves but
no fire.
Mr. Chamberlain inquired whether the gentle[man?] could not get his
coppers hot without an appropriation for fuel.
Mr. Williamson replied that he could internally but not externally.
The resolution was not acted upon. . . .
SUFFERERS BY THE FLOOD.
The bill for the relief of sufferers by the flood was announced for
final action.
Mr. Perkins said the Committee were fully aware of the extent of
suffering that exists in this State, growing out of these unprecedented
floods, but they did not feel at liberty to recommend an appropriation
of $25,000, in view of the financial condition of the State government.
A large sum of money will have to be raised this year in some way, to
meet the ordinary expenses of the government, and provide for the direct
tax apportioned to the State by the General Government, and we felt
that, under all the circumstances, the appropriation might work very
unequally and unjustly to some portions of the State. We considered
that some of the counties were remote, and would never, perhaps,
receive any of the benefits of this appropriation, although they had
suffered to quite as large an extent, if not more severely than the
counties nearer to us. In view of the whole subject--not lacking in any
degree of sympathy whatever for the community in consequence of these
disasters, and the sufferings of the parties who have been flooded out
and lost all their property, and all that sort of thing--we felt compelled
to report against the passage of the bill.
Mr. Banks--I would say that I introduced that bill at the request of
those who had the relief of sufferers in charge, and for the further
reason that there was a necessity for doing something in the case.
Here were the sufferers, imperatively requiring the necessaries of
life. To supply those, it becomes necessary to resort either to the
State Treasury or private subscription. Now efforts very commendable
and partially successful have been made in the way of subscription.
But private subscriptfon does not answer the end. That mode has been
exhausted. Those that can give are the very persons that will be applied
to in future, and it is not reasonable to expect they will give much
longer. I think the most equitable mode of raising this amount, which
is absolutely necessary, is by taxation, and we can only do it by
making an appropriation from the State Treasury. Now I am told there
is no money there for this or any other purpose; but I am also informed
by those fully competent to judge, that if this bill be passed, the fact
that the money will be on hand in a few months, certainly in the course
of a year, will enable them to raise the whole amount immediately. The
only question which presents itself for our consideration is, shall we
depend upon a few men, who have already given liberally, or shall we
require all to pay a portion of this amount that must be raised? I hope
we will decide in favor of the appropriation system instead of relying
upon private contributions.
Mr. Porter--Some time since I introduced a bill of the same character,
the only change in the present one being that it gives $5,000 more than
that proposed giving. But the circumstances are now different from what
they were then. At that time it was not known what extent of country
was deluged by the flood; but it was known that the vicinity about
Sacramento was entirely overflowed, and it occurred to me that there
were a great many people residing in those low lands that were in
danger of their lives, and to relieve them was the object I had in
view when I introduced the bill originally. But the necessity is now
removed, in consequence of the generosity of the people of San Francisco
who have sent boats to their relief, and we have further ascertained
that this calamity extended throughout the State. If we make this
appropriation now as suggested by the bill, the effect will only extend
to a small portion of country in want of aid, and it will fall short
of the objects intended. The Committee report the indefinite postponement
of the bill; as a member of the Committee, I would suggest that the
same course be now taken by the Senate.
Mr. Banks--The bill which the gentleman speaks of provided for the relief
of sufferers by flood in Sacramento and its vicinity. This makes no
reference to Sacramento, except that the Howard Benevolent Association
at Sacramento shall act as Commissioners to distribute this fund. I
inserted the name of that Society because I think they were in a
condition, by means of their organization and their connection with
this mode to distribute this fund throughout the State more
satisfactorily than any other party.
Mr. Powers-- I would like to ask one question: What means of
communication has that Society with several districts in this State
like Los Angeles and Siskiyou; for instance.
Mr. Banks--Undoubtedly, in any distribution that may be made, there
must be a great deal left to the discretion of those who distribute
the relief. I have no doubt the distribution of a fund of this kind
would be quite considerable. As I said before money for this purpose
must be distributed. It must be collected, and the only question before
us, is whether we shall depend upon a few charitable people or upon
people holding property throughout the whole State.
Mr. Burnell--I moved the reference of this bill at the time it was
introduced, and for that almost received the censure of some of the
Senators. It was very evident at that time it would fail to meet the
object for which it was introduced. It was very evident that a great
many throughout the whole State'had suffered to a great extent, and
that the people in reach of the Howard Benevolent Society were no more
needy than other portions. To put $25,000 into their hands and
distribute it, is an impossibility--was so then, as well as at the
present. I saw a statement in the newspapers that nearly all the people
in the Pavilion have been cared for, and in three weeks the duties of
the Society will have been accomplished. If so, this money could not
be distributed by them to any purpose.. It would cost more than $25,000
to distribute it throughout the State. I do not see why persons in
other portions, who have suffered also, should be taxed to take care
of the people in the immediate vicinity of Sacramento. I am decidedly
opposed to the appropriation of $25,000 for any such object. I do not
think it will be distributed; on the contrary, I think it will be badly
applied.
Mr. Harvey--Notwithstanding there may be many objectionable features
in that bill, yet I believe it is a duty of this Legislature to pass
upon this Act and to make an appropriation to meet the wants of the
emergency. This is not ordinary legislation, it rises above it, and
demands at our hands some action. Let us admit that there are objections
in the bill; that it will not accomplish all that it was intended for.
I hold that this is not for Sacramento alone, but for the whole State,
and the money will reach, in general, the purpose intended. We can
prepare and pass here, day by day, many a bill that will not be half
so commendable, and not so worthy of an appropriation. I hope this will
be referred again to the Committee, and perhaps some amendments made,
and that we may pass upon an appropriation. It is now said these people
are depending on the charity of the community. Such is the case, sir.
There are men in this city who have expended thousands of dollars, and
they have still to continue their appropriations to relieve the sufferings
of the people of this State. I say it is unjust on the part of the
Legislature of California, knowing these circumstances, to pass them
by unnoticed.
Mr. Watt--It seems the great objection to this bill is that the amount
is not large enough, and will not meet the case of all who have suffered
by the flood. Now, I think it is better to relieve some than to relieve
none. I think before this Senate adjourns it will find it necessary to
make an appropriation of $50,000 to $100,000 to enable those who have
had their homes swept away to procure seed. I think it is a very poor
argument to say it will not relieve those in the lower part of the State
as well as those in Sacramento. There is nothing at all said about miners.
Still. I say these $25,000 will do a great deal of good, and I hope the
bill will pass. It has never been denied but the Howard Association has
extended relief to every person who has come to it, whether they lived
in Sacramento or twenty-five miles out. I hope some gentleman will get
up another bill, including provision for seed to those farmers who have
lost everything. It will be a benefit to the whole country.
Mr. Chamberlain--The great objection is that it takes money from one
portion of the people that has suffered equally to the people of
Sacramento and gives it in the hands of those around Sacramento. All the
money to relieve sufferers thus far has gone to that city, and now you
ask us to tax our constituents in other portions, many of whom have
suffered as much, and many have suffered more, to relieve tose who
have received all the money. I will vote for a bill that shall distribute
the money equally throughout all portions of the State.
Mr. Shurtliff--Perhaps there is no county in the State that has
suffered more than the county of Trinity, and if this appropriation
is made, such is the organization of this Society, I believe that the
county named would not receive any benefit. The county of Trinity has lost
more lives than all of this district within the scope of this Society--from
the junction of the Sacramento and Feather rivers down to the confluence
of the San Joaquin and Sacramento. With all its losses, this appropriation
would afford it no benefit. Why, after the late floods on the principal
stream where snch extensive improvements had been made, there is not left
a bridge, a dam or a wall, from the mouth of the river to its sources.
This appropriation affects that portion of the State. The poor are always
with you, and wherever you go into any portion of the State, there you
will find them, and those who have can relieve them. I hope this
appropriation will not be granted. Not that I believe an appropriation
made as contemplated would not be well distributed--no better Society
could have this fund in charge than the Howard Benevolent Society--they
have come to the relief of many a starving family, they have sent their
messengers forth to search for the needy amidst the howling of the midnight
storm--still I cannot consent to make this appropriation, inasmuch as it
is a general appropriation for a local purpose. The interior country,
which is beyond the reach of this Society, is in want of the very staff
of life--where it costs eight cents a ponnd freight merely to lay it down
to be distributed--and will you take one shilling from them? I believe
you will not adopt any such measure. I believe it is far better to rely
on the benevolence of the community. If the State of California appropriates
$25,000 for local purposes, the interior counties will speak through
their Supervisors, and knock at the door for $2,000, and $3.000, and
$4,000---Siskiyou, Trinity, Shasta, El Dorado, and others will apply
to the Legislature, and will you refuse it? It is opening a door for
a greater amount than the State at this time can spare from the Treasury.
Mr. Heacock, representing the county named in the bill--I have felt
some degree of timidity in speaking with regard to the merits of the
bill. I have been through all the floods from the 9th of December, and
I know well the suffering of our people, and of the bordering counties.
I know they are in want; they were, sir, in abject starvation, as it
were. The people of San Francisco and several other counties of the
State have been very kind, have acted nobly. As soon as the news came
to this proud city, as soon as the first rush of water had rolled down,
and back rolled the tidal wave, so soon came succor to our people. They
are not only from Sacramento. They have drifted in the there [sic] with the
waves that rolled down from the mountain counties--not from one but from
all and every of the interior counties. The members of this Society
organized themselves together as a band, to shelter and to feed the
needy, and forsooth, because they could not during the floods go far
out into the county of Yolo, where
" The bending heavens kissed the rolling waves,"
they should fold their arms and go to sleep! because we cannot serve
all alike in every portion of the State, may we not be enabled to serve
a few where we have a perfect organization, a competent organization
of business men, not political men who seek political favors, but men
who had left their banks and their stores to attend to the wants of
their suffering fellow creatures. It is but due to them, due to your
own noble city of San Francisco and to other portions of the State
who have so long held open their purses, that credit should be given
them for what they have done. I hope the bill will pass.
Mr. Watt--I look upon this bill not as an appropriation to build bridges
and repair dams, and other losses. I myself have lost many thousands in
the flood, but I am able to get along without any help. Still, I am
willing to vote for this, and even a larger appropriation to feed the
hungry and clothe the naked. I believe there is not an individual in my
constituency however poor, but is willing to give his last dollar to
feed any man that is hungry, or clothe him who is naked, whether he
lives in the county of Sacramento or anywhere else. I believe the
people of the State of California would appropriate that amount with
a great degree of satisfaction.
Mr. Oulton--I fully concur with the gentlemen who are against the
recommendation of the Committee on Finance and in favor of the passage
of this bill, that it should be the policy of the Government to provide
and care for the destitute of their population; but, sir, I think in [?]
this case the bill is really impracticable. Were this calamity a local
matter, circumscribed by some limit, then I would be in favor of voting
for the relief of that locality; but the visitation has taken a wider
range, while the Howard organization is limited in its sphere. I assume
it will cost more to distribute this money than the amount appropriated
in the bill. When the waters go down, these people in the valley will
still have their ranches, and many have driven their stock to the
mountains. The people in other portions, in mining counties in particular,
who have been damaged, have been damaged irreparably. Men who have spent
years in improving claims, and digging hundreds of feet into the earth,
have their improvements destroyed and their claims filled up. They have
not the power to do this work over again. This bill will tax equally
all persons, while they will not receive a single dollar. That is unjust.
This system of charity reminds me of the Irishman who undertook to make
a blanket by taking a piece off at one end and sewing it on the other.
The policy, if it is to make an equal distribution, is a bad policy; if
it is to make an unequal one at the expense of the many, it is an unjust
one, and should be voted down.
Mr. Baker--I should feel no disposition to say a word on this subject if
it were not for the apparent danger of the passage of this bill. We
should consider the condition of the State, and view the circumstances
surrounding us before we go headlong into the adoption of this measure.
The damage occasioned by this flood has been general; it has visited every
corner, every ravine in the mountains, and every agricultural valley in
the State. Let us take a survey of the Southern portions of the State.
When you go to the Stanislaus, the Tuolumne, the Merced, the San Joaquin
and Kings rivers, you will flnd that the inhabitants have settled all
along the bottoms; all their property and many lives have been lost in
this flood. I received news on Saturday last that a whole valley in that
region was submerged equal to the Sacramento Valley. There is no Howard
Association there, no one to administer to their wants, and they have to
rely upon their own resources. There is no San Francisco for them to go
to to get relief. There is no boat in the Valley to go in. They have no
Capital. They are not under the notice of the Legislature, and it would
be impossible for them to knock at the doors of this Society for relief,
because they are two or three hundred miles from this place. Now, why
should the Sacramento Valley be protected at the expense of other
portions of the State, where sufferings must be greater than in the
Sacramento Valley? Again: let us examine for a moment what would be the
effect of an appropriation to give relief to every portion of the State?
Why, the State is unable to do it. If you appropriate $50,000, or several
hundred thousand dollars, it would be impossible, unless you attach more
machinery to the whole measure for the taking of testimony to ascertain
the amount of suffering and make an equitable distribution, and that
would cost more than the whole thing would be worth. The machinery
itself would consume the whole thing. I am satisfied that my constituency
would not ask any such application. It would cost them more to get their
small portion than it would amount to. The southern portion of the State
is situated like the Northern, except that we labor under greater
disadvantages. You have your steamboats, and the inhabitants can get
to San Francisco and procure relief, but how is it with the population
south or north? Supposing the water in Tulare Valley to be like that
in the Sacramento Valley, the suffering must be great, immense, without
any facility for procuring relief. When we enter into this thing of
making special appropriations for one district, where will we stop?
I hope Senators will consult together on this subject and vote advisedly.
Mr. Rhodes--It seems to me the whole question resolves itself down
into this--first prefacing that no one in this body would be unwilling
to vote any amount of money that this State can control for the relief
of present suffering. It is stated that this amount cannot be drawn
for some weeks to come. Now are we authorized to appropriate money
to compensate those who have lost everything, under the great law
of necessity, to relieve present suffering.
Mr. Heacock--I would inquire whether they cannot get their warrants
from the Controller's office, and procure the money at a very small
discount?
Mr. Rhodes--The law is that no warrants shall be drawu unless there
is money in the Treasury to meet them. Although the money might be
raised, it would not be a legal proceeding. If it will take several
weeks, those who are suffering will be placed in the same position
as we are in when we cannot collect a debt, or a fire destroys our
property.
Mr. Banks--I wish to say in reply to the gentleman from Santa Clara
(Mr. Rhodes) that I am assured the entire amount can be realized
immediately upon the passage of the bill, and can be at once applied
to the wants of the sufferers. I have had that statement made to me
several times by responsible gentlemen on whose statements I would
rely under any circumstances. I do not know exactly the modus operandi,
but I suppose upon the good faith of the Howard Benevolent Society to
pay over the amount. At any rate, I have been assured that nearly the
entire amount would be realized at once for the uses intended. I want
to say one word about Sacramento in this connection. I introduced this
bill, not at the request of the Howard Benevolent Society; I think that
Society would much prefer that the Legislature should appoint some
Commissioners to secure the fair and equitable distribution of this
appropriation. I did not expect that every part of the State would
receive exactly its share, but I expected the money would be distributed
as well as that which has been contributed by the citizens of this State
in former subscriptions. Does any one doubt that the money raised in
San Francisco, amounting in the aggregate to some $70,000, has been
properly distributed? Will any one say that the Howard Benevolent
Society has been unable or unwilling to distribute that fund properly?
Does any one suppose that because the money comes from the State Treasury
they might be derelict in its use? I do not look upon this in the light
of an ordinary appropriation, but as a contribution, just as the Gas
Company of San Francisco and other corporations have sent money to the
Howard Benevolent Society. Now, no one doubts that there is a pressing
necessity--a necessity that must and will be met. I ask you in all
fairness, are you going still further to presume upon the generosity
of San Francisco, San Joaquin, and a few other counties in this State,
and
demand from them, on the ground of humanity, that they shall supply
all that is required. The money will be furnished by liberal minded
gentlemen and ladies, but it is much more fair and equitable that it
should be furnished by the tax payers of this State. If the Howard
Benevolent Society of Sacramento is in your estimation incapable of
doing this work, why substitute some other parties as Commissioners,
but I beg you do it promptly.
Mr. Oulton--The gentleman from San Francisco has entirely misapprehended
the remarks made in regard to the appropriation, so far as they relate
to the Howard Benevolent Association. It was not my intention to impugne
the honesty or even the wise discretion of that Society. We have all
confidence in them as a medium, still we have deeper reasons for opposing
this appropriation--it is upon the ground of injustice to those portions
of the State which cannot.be benefited by it, and which have suffered
equally.
. Mr. Van Dyke--It struck me that the propriety of the report of the
Finance Committee was so apparent that it would be sustained without
any discussion whatever. Now, sir, I conceive that this proposition
is not only impracticable, but that it is a dangerous piece of
legislation. That it is impracticable there can be no question, after
the discussion had upon the measure. It must be admitted that this
flood has afflicted with want and suffering the entire State. The sum
of $25,000, if it could be distributed, would only be a drop in bucket.
The gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Watt] seems to think the principal
objection to the bill is that the amount is not sufficient; we shall
have no difficulty as to that if we pass this bill as a precedent. Half
a million would not meet the wants of the people of this State, properly
distributed, and if we come to that, of course the Constitution would
interpose to prevent the appropriation. I certainly concur with the
remarks made by the Senators from Shasta and Siskiyou (Shurtliff and
Oulton) that the sufferings from this flood would wring sympathy from
the heart of a stone. It is unfair to say that those who may be opposed
to it are destitute of the noblest feelings of humanity. The danger of
this legislation, it seems to me, must be apparent to all. Are we here
to vote away money that belongs to us? Certainly not. Is there any wisdom
in taking the money of the people and paying it back to the people?
Because if we vote it away, where is the money that we shall need for
State purposes to come from? Why, from these same destitute people. The
gentleman (Mr. Shurtliff) has spoken of the flood in Trinity; I make the
same remarks in regard to Klamath, where the water rose over one hundred
feet, and there is not a vestige of property on the river from mouth to
source. The people there are in an infinitely worse condition than the
people of Sacramento or the central portion of the State. If we intend
to relieve suffering, the relief must be general throughout the State,
and I say it is utterly impossible for this State, in her present
financial condition, to meet the demands which will be made upon the
treasury if this bill shall pass.
Mr. Perkins--I do not desire to be placed in a false position by any
attempt to make a false issue in regard to this matter. It strikes me
that here is an effort to change the venue, to change this whole
argument, and instead of putting it on its true ground, gentlemen ask
whether we charge the Howard Benevolent Society with wrong. Why is this
inquiry made here? Has anybody made a charge to that effect, or is the
gentleman from San Francisco (Mr. Banks) the special guardian of the
Howard Benevolent Society of Sacramento? I desired in my remarks this
morning simply to state the reasons which induced the Committee to
postpone this bill. They were reasons of a financial character--the
utter impossibility and impracticability of making this appropriation
or of having it reach the desired object if made. How does Siskiyou
stand, and Humboldt, and Tuolumne? Why, if we make this appropriation
we levy a portion of a tax upon these very people who have suffered as
much as those who receive the benefit. No gentleman has alluded in the
most distant manner to any want of confidence in this Howard Benevolent
Society of Sacramento. We all know the days and nights they have spent
in their efforts to relieve the suffering in their immediate neighborhood,
and no one undertakes to impeach the good motives, charity and industry
of that society. No such statement should be made as that we refuse to
make this appropriation on account of having any doubts of that
Association. I protest against the attempt to turn the current of this
debate in that direction. I will vote against the measure because the
financial condition of the State will not allow it; because injustice
will be done to other portions of the State; and not because I have not
as much sympathy as any other human being with the sufferings, or am
not willing to do as much as I am able to relieve those sufferings.
Mr. Porter--I fully concur with the gentleman who has just spoken.
I represent a county which is favorably situated in regard to drainage,
but in that county one town has been swept away, and since this debate
commenced I have learned that Santa Cruz is in danger also of being swept
away. Now, I want to know whether they will receive any part of this
appropriation? They have not asked for it. I say it is unfair and unjust
to make such an appropriation. There is no one that admires more highly
the charity of the Howard Benevolent Society than I do.
Mr. Quint--I believe every member of this Senate is desirous of aiding
and assisting in the relief of sufferers. There never has been a time
when there was so heavy a call upon those who are able to give as at
the present time. Then the question proposed is this--is the State in
a condition to aid and assist to any considerable extent? if so, to what
extent--in relieving the sufferings now prevailing throughout the State?
I say that notwithstanding her financial condition, she is in a condition
to aid, and should do so to the utmost of her ability. Then what are the
arguments which are urged against the passage of this or some other bill?
In the first place, that it is impracticable, and in the second place,
that the bill is local in its nature. Now, if the bill is of that local
character, certainly there is reason to object to it. It is said it is
taking money out of one pocket and putting it into another. I say it is
an ill wind that blows no one any good. There are citizens, and many,
whose pecuniary interests have been advanced by this flood in every
portion of the State, and whose taxable property has been increased.
These should be taxed. If this bill is impracticable let us frame one
that will be practicable, one that will be general in its character, and
for that purpose I move that it be recommitted to a special Committee of
seven, to be selected by the President from the different sections of
the State for the purpose of taking into consideration the best and most
feasible mode of relieving the sufferers as far as they believe the
State is capable.
Mr. Baker--I hope the bill will not be recommitted, and that the whole
question will be disposed of now while the subject is fresh in the minds
of Senators. I can see no chance whatever of arriving at anything like
perfection in shaping any bill that will cover the case. For instance,
take the extreme northern and southern portions of the State, and it will
be impossible to pass any bill that will go into effect to afford them
relief, so far as their present suffering is concerned--which I understand
is the object of the bill. My hostility to the bill is not hostility
to Sacramento or any other portion of the country. In Tuolumne there was
no news received from Visalia and from Kings river for thirty days, and
it is impossible for us to tell what their sufferings may be. Will you
call upon the Treasurer of the State for $25,000 and then call upon the
pockets of these various sufferers to pay their proportion of it when they
cannot receive any benefit from it whatever. If you could levy a special
tax on San Francisco of $25,000 for the relief of the Sacramento Valley,
you would do justice. Every other portion of the State has suffered, while
San Francisco is the recipient of all advantages of other people's
misfortune. You have taken the Legislature away temporarily from
Sacramento in consequence of their misfortune, and a large population
has flown in here. The city of San Francisco has a large and wealthy
population, and perhaps the misfortunes of Sacramento may result in
permanently giving San Francisco the Capital of the State, by taking
advantage of circumstances and yet San Francisco calls upon the State
Legislature to make this appropriation general.
A member--Did not you vote in favor of removal to San Francisco?
Mr. Baker--I did; but not for a permanent removal.
Mr. Heacock--The gentleman seems to confine the object of this
appropriation to Sacramento. It is not Sacramento alone. The people
of Sacramento could as well get along alone as the people from the
county the honorable gentleman represents; but it is a well known fact
that the sufferers have been brought down by this Society into our midst.
I am willing now to have the taunt thrown back upon us that it is
Sacramento--Sacramento alone that asks for this application of $25,000.
Mr. Harvey--I hope this bill will have the reference suggested by the
gentleman from Tuolumne (Mr. Quint). It would be difficult to make a
bill to meet exactly the emergency; but let us act like men, and meet
it as well as we can. If the application be made, of course all the
unfortunate poor people of this State are entitled to its benefit. The
gentleman from Santa Clara (Mr. Rhodes) has stated, if the money can
be obtained directly, he is willing to vote for the appropriation.
That, I believe to be the sentiment of the House. I am not disposed to
look at this in a financial light--to measure human life with dollars
and cents. I call upon Senators to look the matter fairly in the face,
and let it be acted upon by those who have examined into the circumstances,
into the character of the Howard Benevolent Association, if you please.
I believe that noble institution is entitled to all that has been said of
it, and is the best medium of distributing this fund, the object of which
is simply to meet the urgent necessities of those whose homes have been
made desolate.
The ayes and noes were called, on the motion of Mr. Quint to refer to a
Select Committee, and resulted--ayes, 11; noes, 21. So the motion was lost. .
Mr. Burnell said gentlemen seemed to bring an accusation of want of
philanthrophy and generosity. He disavowed the charge, but believed
that a million of dollars would not meet the demands which would be
made. He had seen the distributions of relief, at Marysville, and was
certain that $1,000,000 must have already been expended .in that way.
An appropriation of $25,000 would be a burlesque; If they intended to
do anything let them vote a million instead of giving $25,000 to a
Society that had already distributed $150,000.
The vote was taken on the motion to indefinitely postpone the bill, and
resulted on postponement:
Ayes--Baker, Bogart, Burnell, Chamberlain, Crane, Denver, Doll, Gallagher,
Harriman, Hathaway, Hill, Holden, Irwin, Kimball, Kutz, Lewis, Oulton,
Parks, Perkins, Porter, Rhodes, Shurtleff, Van Dyke, Warmcastle--24.
Noes--Banks, Harvey, Heacock, Nixon, Pacheco, Quint, Shafter, Soule,
Watt--9. . . .
At 1:10 o'clock P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
MONDAY, Feb. 3, 1862.
The Speaker, called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
THE FOLSOM BRIDGE.
Mr. Machin, from the Committee on Corporations, reported in favor of
the passage of Senate Bill No. 46--An Act granting the right to construct
and maintain a bridge across the American river, near Folsom, in the
county of Sacramento.
On motion of Mr. Ferguson the bill was considered under suspension
of the rules, read a third time and passed. . . .
THE REMOVAL BILL.
The Speaker announced as the order of business messages from the Senate.
Mr. Wilcoxon (at 12-1/2 o'clock) moved that the House adjourn.
Mr. Ames--Pursuant to notice, I move to reconsider the vote by which the
House refused to adopt the report of the Conference Committee--
The Speaker (interrupting)--The motion to adjourn having been made when
no gentleman had the floor, it is always in order.
On a division, the motion to adjourn was lost--ayes, 28; noes,34.
Mr. Ames--I now move a reconsideration, according to notice, of the
vote yesterday by which the House refused to adopt the report of the
Confereuce Committee on Senate Bill No. 16, and I call for the reading of
the report.
Mr. Shannon--I object.
Mr. Ferguson--I rise for an inquiry. What is the order of business before
the House?
The Speaker--Senate messages.
Mr. Ferguson--I hold, then, that the gentleman's motion is not in order.
On Saturday, the gentleman gave notice of a motion to reconsider, and
under the order of motions and resolutions he was entitled to make that
motion, but he did not avail himself of it, and now when the House has
passed to another order of business it is not in order.
The Speaker--The point of order is not well taken, because the motion
is a privileged motion
Mr. Eagar demanded the previous question, and several gentlemen seconded
the demand,
Mr. Saul--I hope gentlemen will not choke off discussion by the
previous question. I hope they will have some consideration for
other gentlemen, and not be eternally springing the previous question.
The Speaker--The Chair has no alternative; the question is shall the
main question be now put?
Mr. Tilton of San Francisco--I would like to have the main question
stated before voting, so that we may know what we are voting upon.
The Speaker--It is upon the reconsideration of the vote upon adopting
the report.
Mr. Saul--That is equivalent to passing the bill, is it not?
The Speaker--It is, if the report is adopted.
Mr. Saul--I hope upon a question of such vital importance the previous
question will be voted down.
The ayes and noes were demanded upon the previous question.
Mr. Zack--I rise for information; I want to know if the adoption of
the previous question is equivalent to the passage of the bill; and
if so, before voting I ask if it is in order to have it read?
Mr. Brown--If the passage of the previous question is equivalent to the
adoption of the report, I certainly hope it will be read.
The Speaker--The Chair has no discretion in the matter. The previous
question, however, is not equivalent to the adoption of the report;
it simply cuts off debate. On the subject of debate it reaches back to
that question.
Mr. Campbell--I desire to know what is the main question.
The Speaker--The main question will didide [divide?] itself into
two branches; that is to say, first it applies to the reconsideration,
and if the reconsideration prevails, then the question will be upon
the adoption of the report, The effect of the previous question is
that it goes back, but only to cut off debate upon both branches of
the question, but not to decide upon either of them
Mr. Campbell--If after the previous question is sustained the motion
to reconsider, does the operation of the previous question extend back
to cut off debate upon the report?
The Speaker--It does so far as to cut off debate.
Mr. Shannon--Upon that point I ask the privilege of the House for but
a minute. ["Leave, leave!" and "object."]
The Speaker--The Chair has no discretion in the matter, that is the
trouble. The Chair must at once put the question--Shall the main question
be now put?
The vote was taken, and the previous question was sustained--ayes,
34; noes, 32.
The Speaker--The question now is upon reconsidering the vote upon
the adoption of the report of the Committee by which the House refused
to adopt the report.
Mr. Saul--If the previou question prevails whst is then the question?
The Speaker--Upon the adoption of the report.
Mr. Saul--Does the previous question extend to that?
The Speaker--It extends to the whole subject matter.
The vote was taken with the following result:
Ayes--Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Cot, Dore,
Dow, Dudley of Solano, Eagar, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Lane, Loewy,
Matthews, McClay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore, Sargent, Sears, Teegarden,
Thompson of San Joaquin, Thornbury, Tilton of San Francisco, Tilton of
San Mateo, Van Zandt, Watson, Werk, Wright, Zuck--32.
Noes--Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Bell, Campbell, Cunnard, Collins,
Davis, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Ferguson, Frazier, Griswold,
Hillyer, Hoag, Kendall, Love, Machin, McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien,
Parker, Pemberton, Printy, Reeve, Saul, Seaton, Shannon, Smith of
Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Waddell, Woodman,
Wilcoxon, Yule--35.
So the House refused to reconsider the vote, and the report of the
Conference Committee is rejected.
Mr. Amerige was paired with Mr. Dana; Mr. Evey with Mr. Reed; Mr. Fay
with Mr. Warwick, and Mr. Eliason with some member whose name was not
announced. The Speaker declined to vote. . . .
[CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE]. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The weather yesterday was clear, bright and cool. The American had risen
about two feet at Rabel's Tannery, last evening; the Sacramento remained
stationary. The water on the plains appears to have fallen somewhat.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held yesterday morning, a
resolution was adopted instructing the Committee on Police and Levee
to draft an Act authorizing the condemnation of lands to public uses,
for the purpose of constructing new levees or turning the channel of
the American river--said Act to be presented to the Legislature for
enactment into a law.
STATE OFFICERS--The question of removing the State officers to San
Francisco was decided Saturday by the Assembly. The report of the
Committee of Conference was first rejected, and on Saturday a motion
to reconsider was defeated by the close vote of thirty-two to thirty-five.
This settles the question for the session. In our judgment the Legislature
will find by experience that this is a wise conclusion, as the
inconvenience of communication between the State offices and the
Legislature will not be found as great as has been anticipated. The
cost will prove much less than that of removing the offices. It is
now to be hoped that the Legislature will go forward and pass such
bills as are required for general purposes, and then adjourn sine
die. A short session is demanded by the condition of the people of
the State.
THE LEVEE QUESTION.--It is to be regretted that any division of
sentiment should manifest itself among our citizens as to the best
plan for locating and building a levee for the protection of the city.
As much as possible there should be a union of sentiment among those
so deeply interested. Probably the best plan to reconcile all
differences would be to submit the whole question to a board of
competent engineers, and then adopt the plan recommended. Before
fixing positively upon any plan, estimates of the cost of lines
suggessted [sic] should of course be submitted. Something must be done,
and the only object and aim of every Sacramentan should be to find
out what system will most certainly protect the city, and then adopt
it unanimously and enthusiastically. . . .
WASHED AWAY.--The amount of land washed away along the banks of
Russian river, by the recent floods, cannot be estimated at less
than one hundred and fifty or two hundred acres. Three farms alone
have been reduced about thirty acres.
THE VOTE TO ADJOURN.
By extracts which we have given day after day from interior papers,
our readers have doubtless perceived that the adjournment of the
Legislature to San Francisco, in search of personal comfort for its
members, is very generally and strongly condemned. It is looked upon
as a discreditable retreat from the Capital because, in common with
the State, it was suffering from the visitation of an inconvenient
excess of water. Country papers do not hesitate to declare that by
the vote to adjourn to San Francisco, the majority perpetrated an
outrage upon the people of the State for which those who voted in
that majority will be held responsible. There is, too, quite a general
conclusion that the Republicans as a party will be made to feel the
consequences of the act. It is correctly assumed that they could
have prevented the passage of the resoluion to adjourn. They did not
do so; and, as the dominant party in the Legislature, must be held to
account accordingly.
The vote, too, sustains the assumption that the leading men who moved
in the matter were Republicans, some of the most active being from San
Francisco. Indeed, but for the activity of a majority of that delegation,
the resolution to adjourn to the Bay City would most certainly have
failed. But let us analyze the vote upon that resolution. In the Senate
those who voted for it were: Republicans--Chamberlain of San Joaquin,
Crane of Alameda, Gaskell of Butte, Harriman of Placer; Hathaway,
Perkins and Soule of San Francisco; Kimball of Sierra, Kutz of Nevada,
Oulton of Siskiyou, Porter of Santa Cruz, Powers of Solano, and Rhodes
of Santa Clara. The Union Democrats who voted aye were: De Long of Yuba,
Hill of Sonoma, Irwin of Butte and Plumas, Pacheco of Santa Barbara, and
Watt of Nevada. Those voting aye of Breckinridge Democrats were: Baker of
Tulare, Bogart of San Diego, Warmcastle of Contra Costa, and Merritt of
Mariposa. Republicans, 13; Union Democrats, 5; Breckinridge Democrats,
4--aggregate majority vote, 22. Those in the Senate who voted in the
negative were: Republicans Banks of San Francisco, and Nixon of Sacramento.
Union Democrats--Burnell of Amador, Denver and Harvey of El Dorado, Doll
of Tehama, Gallagher and Lewis of Calaveras, Parks of Sutter, and
Shurtliff of Shasta. Breckinridge Democrats--Holden of Napa, Vineyard
of Los Angeles, and Williamson of Tuolumne. Republicans, 2; Union
Democrats, 8; Breckinridge Democrats, 3--aggregate in the negative, 13.
In the Assembly the ayes were: Republicans--Avery of Nevada, Battles,
Barstow, Bigelow, Dore, Fay, Loewy and Tilton of San Francisco, Brown
of Santa Clara, Cunnard of Butte, Dana of San Luis Obispo, Eager of
Santa Cruz, Leach and Sears of Nevada, Love of Sierra, Moore of Alameda,
Reed of Sonoma, Sargent of Yuba, Yule of Placer, and Zuck of Santa Clara;
Union Democrats who voted aye--Cot of Monterey, Dudley of Placer, Evey
of Napa and Lake, Griswold of Calaveras, Hoffman of San Diego, Irwin of
Siskiyou, Jackson and Teegarden of Yuba, Matthews of Trinity, McCullough
of Mariposa, Meyers of San Joaquin, Shannon of Plumas, Thornbury of
Siskiyou, Werk of Humboldt, Woodman of Shasta, Wright of Klamath and
Ames of Mendocino; Breckinridge Democrat--Barton of San Bernardino.
Republicans, 20; Union Democrats, 17; Breckinridge Democrat, 1; aggregate
majority vote, 38. Those who voted against the resolution in the Assembly
were: Republicans--Amerige, Rowe, and Van Zandt of San Francisco, Bell of
Alameda, Benton, Barton and Warwick of Sacramento, Collins of Nevada,
Eliason of Sonoma, Porter of Contra Costa and Machin of Tuolumne; Union
Democrats--Dennis, Frasier and Parker of El Dorado, Ferguson and Saul
of Sacramento, Hoag of Yolo, Kendall of Tuolumne, McAllister of Marin,
Seaton and Waddell of Amador; Breckinridge Democrats voting in the
negative--Davis of Tuolumne, Pemberton of Tulare, Smith of Fresno,
Thompson of Tehama, Watson of Los Angeles and Wilcoxon of Sutter;
Republicans 10; Union Democrats, 10; Breckinridge Democrats, 6--aggregate
26. Not voting in the two Houses on the resolution, Republicans, 12;
Union Democrats, 7; Breckinridge Democrats, 3. Of the fifty-four
Republicans--one vacancy--in the Legislature, thirty-three voted
for the resolution and twelve voted against it; of the forty-eight
Union Democrats, one Senator absent in that body, twenty-three voted
for the resolution and eighteen voted against it; of the Breckinridge
Democrats five voted aye on the resolution and nine voted no.
It thus appears that a majority of twelve of all the Republicans in the
Legislature voted for the resolution to adjourn to San Francisco, while
twelve voted no, and ten did not vote on the question. Of the forty-eight
Union Democrats twenty-three voted for the resolution, eighteen against
it and seven failed to vote; giving a majority of five of those who voted
for the resolution, but lacking two of a majority of all the Union
Democratic votes in the Legislature. Of the Breckinridge Democrats five
voted aye and nine no, a majority of four of those who voted against the
resolution, as well as a majority of their seventeen votes in the negative.
The analysis we have given of the political complexion of the vote,
it seems to us, places the full responsibility of the vote to adjourn
to San Francisco to promote the personal comfort of members, upon the
shoulders of the Republicans, and we shall be ready to acknowledge
ourselves greatly mistaken if the majority of the people of the State
do not arrive at the same conclusion.
SPEAKER BARSTOW.--Some of our cotemporaries in San Francisco are quite
exercised about the course of the UNION towards Speaker Barstow. They
wrongfully accuse it of assailing the Speaker personally. This is not
so. We have commented upon the acts of the Speaker as a public officer,
in the exercise of an undoubted right, but we have made no personal
attack upon him. We have, judging from his course in the Chair, said
that he was not fitted for the position, but this might be said of a
large majority of men who are as clever, and filled with as good
intentions as Mr. Speaker Barstow's friends claim he is. Had he
remained in the Chair when the question of adjournment was pending in
this city, and simply voted for the resolution, he would have escaped
remark. But he did not pursue that course; he called another member to
the chair and took the floor as the active leader of the adjournment
forces. This was considered unbecoming--particularly as he manifested
considerable feeling in the discussion--and was commented upon
accordingly. As a Speaker, his rulings in San Francisco, as shown by
the reports, have been of a character so extraordinary as to fully
justify the comments of the UNION.
BODY FOUND.--The body of James M. Scott; who was drowned in attempting
to cross Sutter Creek, at Ione City, on the 16th of January, was found
February 1st, about three miles down the creek, where it had floated on
the bank of the stream. His funeral was largely attended at Ione City. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Weather In the Interior.
PLACERVILLE, Feb. 4th--9 P. M.
To-day was clear and pleasant. Business is reviving.
STRAWBERRY VALLEY, Feb. 4th.
It has been clear and cold, with a pleasant sun, through the day, melting
the snow very little. Sleighing over the mountain is splendid. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT.--. . . .
The case of Manoun and Gibson, charged with the larceny of powder,
was next called. The prosecution proved that the defendants had offered
powder for sale which was owned by J. & P. Carolan. The defense proved
that they were seen gathering up powder which was afloat below the
cemetery. The case, after argument, was taken under advisement by
Judge Gilmer until this morning.
THE SURVEY COMMENCED.--Several days ago the Swamp Land Commissioners
passed a resolution instructing the Engineer of District No. 2,
B. F. Leet, to complete the survey along the Sacramento river, from
Sutterville to the mouth of the American, and along the American to
the highlands at Brighton, and report the result as soon as practicable.
As there is a necessity for an early report, the Engineer has made
arrangements for pushing forward the work as rapidly as possible.
A. R. Jackson, with a corps of men, commenced work at Sutterville
yesterday, and will survey the line up to R street. Another company
commenced st R street and surveyed the city front. It is the intention
of the Engineer to start two additional surveying parties in a day or
two. A. R. Jackson reports that the levee between Sutterville and this
city is not so badly damaged as has been represented.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE MOUNTAINS.--On the 2d instant J.Gates & Brother
shipped a load of goods to Forest Hill and Michigan Bluffs, Placer
county, over a route not hitherto employed for the purpose of
transportation. They started in boats from Fourth and I streets, and
went up the American and across the tule to Oakley's Ranch, on the
high knoll, about a mile east of Lisle's bridge. The goods were at
this point transferred to teams, by which they were taken through
Condemned Bar and Murderer's Bar, to their place of destination.
Oakley's ranch is on the old Nevada road, and teams will have no
trouble in getting to and from that point. It is not improbable that
Placer and Nevada counties will obtain a considerable portion of their
supplies through this source, for a short time, at least.
THE TELEGRAPH LINES.--The telegraph line between this city and San
Francisco is so nearly completed that it will probably be in operation
before evening. The agents of the company have had two boats engaged
in setting the poles acres the tules between Washington and Putah.
They will most likely complete their work today. The line which runs
by way of Stockton will also soon be ready for operation again. The
steamer Eureka has been employed for several days past in coming up
the lower Stockton road and resetting the poles. On Monday evening
another steamer of light draft took her place, and continues the work.
The road is found to be navigable and the boats find no obstructions in
the way to impede their progress. . . .
PROPOSITION TO CONDEMN LANDS.--The Police and Levee Committee was
yesterday instructed by the Board of Supervisors to prepare a bill
to be submitted to the Legislature to provide for condemning to public
use such lands as may be required either for building levees or in
turning the channel of the American river for the protection of the
city..
THE RIVERS.--The Sacramento river has not been swollen to any
perceptible extent by the last rain. The American has risen slightly,
but not sufficiently to subject our city to any inconvenience whatever.
The water in the lower portion of the city continued to fall slowly
throughout yesterday.
THE GEM.--Friend & Terry freighted a barge yesterday with heavy timber
to be employed in the removal of the steamer Gem. It is said that the
steamer will be raised so high as to launch her by a single set of ways
from her present position to the river. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 3, 1862.
The Governor and the Secretary of State were in the Assembly chamber
this morning before the opening of the session, and both declared
themselves opposed to the bill to remove State offices. The Governor's
opinion is that it is important that the State offices should be together,
and the Secretary of State says that business sent him from here can be
dispatched and returned by the next mail in all cases, and without any
extra cost to the State in the way of clerk hire. My statement in regard
to the position of Secretary Weeks upon this measure was based upon my
understanding of remarks made by Senator Crane. The Alta reported him
just as I understood him. He was speaking upon the Senate bill, and
said something in regard to the desire of Weeks that the bill should
be passed in time to go up on the boat that day. Senator Crane, in
reply to our inquiry, says that the Secretary never urged the passage
of the bill, but that he did so far interest himself as to ask that the
question of removal might be disposed of that day, one way or the other;
and that if the bill passed it might contain certain necessary provisions
suggested by him. At the time of writing, the motion to reconsider the
vote of the House on the removal question has not been made. It is to
be hoped that the counsels of the Governor may prevail among some of
his party friends who have steadily favored this unnecessary and
extravagant measure, and that the Assembly will stand by the action
it has taken up to this time, and that, too, by an increased vote. . . .
The motion to reconsider the vote whereby the report of a portion of
the Conference Committee on the removal question was rejected on
Saturday, has just been made [half-past twelve] by Ames, pursuant to
notice. The previous question was demanded and sustained by a vote of
34 to 32. The vote upon the motion .to reconsider the vote of Saturday
was lost, 32 voting in the affirmative and 35 in the negative. It is
to be hoped that no more time will be wasted by the enemies of the
Capital in fruitless attempts to dragoon the majority into their
foolish project for entering the wedge for a permanent removal. . . .
DAMAGES ON THE COSUMNES.--A private letter from the neighborhood of
Daylor's ranch, on the Cosumnes river, lately received by the Marysville
Express, reports a vast destruction of property along that stream.
Large numbers of stock near the river, which the owners failed to drive
to the uplands, perished in the flood of last month. Many orchards--and
the Cosumnes contains many of the finest in the State--have been
completely ruined by overflows. The destruction of fences, barns and
other buildings has also been greater than previously reported. Colonel
Lindsey, whose ranch is located about four miles below the Slough House,
is among the heavy sufferers by this Winter's inundations. The floods
destroyed a portion of his stock near the river, and surviving cattle
were driven to the plains, there to suffer from and die by starvation.
Colonel Lindsey's average loss of cattle is six per day, the poor
creatures expiring from starvation and cold within sight of their
owner's residence. . . .
CEASED TO RUN.--The steamer Henrietta which has been running from
Washington to J. C. Davis' ranch for two weeks past, has hauled off,
on account of the scarcity of water on the tules between the two points. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, February 4, 1862.
The Board met this morning at ten o'clock. . . .
Supervisor Hite offered the following:
Resolved, That the Committee on Police and Levees prepare or cause
to be prepared the draft of an Act providing for condemning to public use
such lands as may be required in protecting the city from overflow, either
by constructing new levees or turning the channel of the American river,
and to transmit such bill to our delegation in the Legislature, requesting
them to have it enacted into a law.
Adopted.
There being no other business before the Board, on motion, the Supervisors
adjourned to meet to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock.
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE--The Sacramento correspondent of the Placer
Herald is quite severe upon those members of the Legislature who
voted to remove to San Francisco. The Herald thinks he is too severe.
He may be, but be is not more so than many of the interior journals:
The question, in a legal point, whether Sacramento or San Francisco is
the Capital, is yet to be settled.. That issue will no doubt be raised
if a law is passed removing the State officers to San Francisco.
Injunctions will issue, and the question be immediately carried to the
Supreme Court for a decision. If the Court say that Saoramento is still
the Capital, and the place where the Legislature shall hold its annual
sessions, then I apprehend that the removalists and stampeders will be
obliged to waddle their worthless bodies back to Sacramento and finish
the session. The question might have been raised by refusing by
injunction the taking of the furniture from the Capitol--but perhaps not,
as other desks and fixtures might have been obtained in lieu of those in
all. The removalists themselves begin to feel uneasy in their new seats
on Battery street--fearing that all their acts may prove illegal. This
is the legal opinion here, though allowance must be made for our local
prejudice. I understand that two of our Supreme Judges have expressed an
opinion that all Acts passed at this session will not be worth the paper
they were drafted on. As there will arise an immediate conflict between
the stock raisers and grain growers, on the passage of a law reversing
the customers of the part relating to fencing--i. e, fencing up cattle
and other stock, and letting grain fields roam at large--you see there
will be a chance, if other causes fail, to get this question before the
Courts at an early day. It will prove strange, indeed, if the Court
shall decide that a "concurrent resolution" of the Legislature works
virtually a repeal of the law fixing the Capital at Sacramento! If
this be good law, why not pass another concurrent resolution removing
the Governor and other State officers to the Bay! But the "Seceders" do
not adopt this mode, but go to work to effect the same by the passage of
an Act to this end, and repealing all conflicting laws. This is certainly
queer legislation, and the sequence is that the greater Act is embraced
in the smaller--or, in other words, the Capital of the State may be
removed, which is a major act, by a simple concurrent resolution, but
a State officer cannot be removed from the Capital (a minor act) without
the passage of a law. If San Francisco be the Capital by virtue of the
passage of the concurrent resolution, why does it not follow that the
State officers are compelled under the old Act to immediately open their
offices at San Francisco? "Oh," say the removalists, "this removal is
only temporary." Then I say, if only " temporary," it is no removal at
all. The distinction cannot be made sufficiently prominent to make the
concurrent removal a legal removal.
The low cunning exhibited in the means to carry a removal of the Capital,
irritates and stirs up the bile of the citizens of Sacramento. If by a
fair and square Act of the Legislature, and no hocus pocus resolution,
the Capital had been removed, not one word of censure would have passed
the lips of the people. Besides, we have a right to complain of the
occasion improved to jump the question. Had Sacramento been subject to
overflows at ordinary storms, which overflows were liable to be repeated,
perhaps this would have been a palliation in a measure for a temporary, or
even permanent removal. But to spring the issue when the whole State was
inundated from Shasta to San Diego, and thus make Sacramento and
Sacramentans responsible for the storms and floods, is piling on the
last hair which tends to break down the energy of a people who have
triumphed over many disasters. The people of the State will pronounce
the act one of the most niggardly and dishonorable exhibited by any
State in the Union. California Legislatures are somewhat noted for
stooping to mean acts, but the last act, the stealing of the Capital,
caps the climax. Hereafter anything can be done, and the people will
express no surprise. Floods like the present in comparison are only
freshets.
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--The Legislature have seen fit to adjourn to
San Francisco to finish the present session of the Legislature. The
personal comfort of the members who voted for this measure seems to
be the only cause given for this strange proceeding. That the people
of the State at large, or a large majority of them, will condemn the
act, is already apparent; and unless we are much mistaken the Republican
party will be held to an accountability before the people for the act.
Had that body adjourned to meet at the call of the Governor, or set the
time themselves--say May next--we believe it would have given general
satisfaction to the people. In fact, the Spring months are, as a
general thing, a much better time for the Legislature to meet than in
January, as at present. In any event, there is no good excuse for the
stampede of the members to the Bay City. The State is impoverished by
floods; one-third of the taxable property of the State is destroyed
thereby, and the two thirds that is left will have to be taxed enough
more in proportion to make up the deficit caused by this loss. Added
to this is the national war tax to be collected this year--half a
million of dollars; and in the face of all these embarrassments the
Legislature must saddle us with from one to two hundred thousand dollars
by vamosing to the Bay for the special comfort of its members. The
proceeding is an outrage on the people of the State, and will be so
considered by them and shown whenever another opportunity offers for
the expression of their opinion.--Knight's Landing News. . . .
THE FLOOD IN COLUSA.--The Colusa Sun says:
This flood has demonstrated the fact that the town of Colusa cannot
be overflowed. Such is the situation of the town that the waters of
the Sacramento overflow the banks above, and run around it, causing
the river itself at this point to raise comparatively but little.
While most of the towns along the river have suffered, Colusa has
been us [as?] safe and dry from the flood as any town in the State. . . .
AGAINST IT.--Both Senator Doll and Assemblyman Thompson voted steadily
to the last against removing the Legislature from Sacramento to San
Francisco. The sentiment in this county will sustain the
vote.--Colusa Sun. . . .
NAPA.--On Tuesday morning, January 28th, a branch of the Napa river,
which has been running a current of five miles an hour, froze over so
that cattle crossed on the ice. . . .
p. 4
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE]
. . . .
Having gone through the regular order of business, at 1:40 o'clock the
House adjourned. . . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3388, 6 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
San Francisco, February 4, 1862.
The Lieutenant Governor called the Senate to order at the usual hour. . . . .
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. , , ,
By Mr. Pacheco--Act to amend an Act supplementary to an Act to prevent
the trespassing of animals on private property, approved March 31, 1855.
[Providing that the third section of said Act shall read: This Act shall
apply to the counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San
Bernardino and San Luis Obispo.] To the Committee on Agriculture.
By Mr. Irwin--An Act preventing domestic animals from running at large
in certain places. . . . .
RESOLUTIONS. . . .
Mr. Heacock introduced the following, which took the same reference:
Resolved, That Wm. Wilson be allowed the sum of $60 for services
as boatman, as per bill herewith submitted, payable out of the Contingent
Fund of the Senate . . . .
THE CHATTEL MORTGAGE BILL.
The bill concerning chattel mortgages reported, with several amendments,
from the Judiciary Committee, was taken up; and the Senate went into
Committee of the Whole to consider it section by section.
A long debate ensued, in which various amendments were proposed, and
adopted or rejected. The principal subject of consultation was the
propriety of authorizing the mortgagee, without process of law, to
sell the property mortgaged, or retain certain amounts for freights,
commissions, and other charges attending the sale. Owing to the
difficulty of coming to any agreement as to the relations between the
mortgagor and mortgagee, in the details contemplated in the 7th, 8th,
9th, 10th and 11th sections. The [sic, punctuation] Senate finally
recommitted the whole subject to the Judiciary Committee. . . .
MISCELLANEOUS. . . .
Mr. Porter, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported Senate Bill
No. 46--An Act to construct and maintain a bridge near Folsom, and
correctly enrolled and handed to the Governor on the 3d inst. . . .
At twenty minutes past two, the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 4, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o clock. . . .
MESSENGERS TO THE CAPITAL.
Mr. Dennis introduced the following:
Resolved, That Philip H. Patten and George T. Bolden be and
are hereby appointed Messengers of this House, at a per diem of $8;
said Messengers to pay their own travelling expenses, to travel daily
between this place and Sacramento, and to transact the business of
this House, its Committees and its members, with the various State
offices; and said Messengers before entering upon the discharge of
their duties shall be sworn to the faithful performance of said duties.
Mr. Van Zandt--In order that the House may consider this resolution
properly, and have time to consider the demands made upon the House,
I move that the resolution be laid on the table.
Mr. Dennis--I hope the gentleman will with draw his motion for an
explanation.
Mr. Van Zandt--I will do so, but with an understanding that I shall
renew it.
Mr. Reed--It occurs to me that the duties which are to be discharged
by these Messengers are rather responsible duties, and it appears to
me that the House ought to require of them something more than a simple
oath. These messengers are to be intrusted with important and valuable
communications, and perhaps even with money, and it appears to me that
this House ought to require them to give pretty heavy bonds for the
faithful performance of their duties. I throw it out as a suggestion
merely.
Mr. Eagar--I offer the following as a substitute:
Resolved, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That a
Committee of three from each House be appointed to confer with
Wells, Fargo & Co. in reference to carrying dispatches to and from
the Governor of the State, or other State officers.
Mr. Dennis--I trust that the substitute will not be adopted. It
strikes me that it must be evident to every member that officers of
the kind mentioned in that resolution are an absolute necessity to
the proper transaction of our business; and the idea of intrusting
such business to an express company, or anybody else except officers
of this House, it seems to me rather out of the usual order of business.
In regard to requiring the Messengers to give bonds, if the gentleman
from Sonoma desires to offer an amendment to that effect he can do so,
and they can give such bonds as may be required. They are gentleman who,
I think, will give entire satisfaction to the House, and I hope that the
resolution will be adopted.
Mr. Van Zandt--I rise to renew my motion to lay on the table. Gentlemen
seem to be in a great hurry about this matter, but I conceive that there
is no need of hurry. Let us consider it well and see what we need and
whom we are to appoint. I desire every member to have time to canvass
the merits of the proposition. I do not know the gentleman named, and
the resolution comes in here decidedly too sudden for me. I renew my
motion to lay the resolution on the table, and shall not withdraw it
again.
Mr. Watson--What does the Chair propose to do with the substitute if
the resolution goes on the table?
The Speaker--The substitute and the resolution go together upon the
table, if the resolution [motion] be adopted. I will inform the House
that if the resolution be laid on the table the substitute goes down
with the resolution. They will go down together.
On a division, the subject was laid on the table --ayes, 42; noes, 21. . . .
NOTICES.
Notice was given of intention to introduce bills as follows: . . .
By Mr. Ferguson---An Act making appropriations for the payment of boatmen
employed by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Legislature during the flood at
the Capital. . . .
LOS ANGELES WATER WORKS.
Under the order of Third Reading of Bills, the House considered Assembly
Bill No. 41--An Act to authorize the Mayor and Common Council of the
city of Los Angeles to borrow money for municipal improvements. The bill
authorizes the city to borrow not exceeding $15 000, to be applied for
obtaining a supply of water for irrigation and domestic uses, and to
issue bonds at ten per cent. To meet the bonds, a tax of one quarter
of one per cent. is to be levied, three-fifths of which is to be set
aside as a Sinking and Interest Fund.
Mr. Morrison said since the bill had been drafted he had received
information that $10,000 worth of the improvements already made had
been swept away by the disastrous flood which had visited Los Angeles.
The delegation therefore proposed an amendment increasing the loan to
$25,000.
The amendment was adopted, and the bill read a third time and passed. . . .
. . .at 1:40 o'clock P. M. the House adjourned. . . .
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF WEDNESDAY.
In the Senate, on Wednesday, . . . .
The Senate was in session about an hour.
In the Assembly, . . .
The Committee on Roads and Highways reported back, without recommendation,
a bill authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Stanislaus river,
and suggested that its proper reference would be to the Committee on
Corporations. It was so referred. The Committee on Public Expenditures
reported in favor of the payment of certain bills for boat hire, etc.
The report was adopted. . . . . On a motion to take up the resolution for
the appointment of two Messengers to make daily trips to and from the
Capital of the State, which was tabled on Tuesday, a debate occurred,
the length of which was entirely disproportioned to the importance of
the subject. Some favored an arrangement with Wells, Fargo & Co. some
thought Messengers should be appointed, and some thought it unnecessary
to provide for doing business with the State officers until there was
some business to be done with them. Maclay of Santa Clara thought the
State officers would yet have to move to San Francisco. No one else seemed
to be of his opinion. The resolution and substitute were finally taken
from the table. The former named two persons who shall be Messengers;
the latter proposed a Committee to confer with Wells, Fargo & Co. upon
the subject. It was finally agreed to refer the whole subject to a
Committee of five. One hour of the day's session was consumed in arriving
at this important result. . . . Dudley, of Placer, gave notice of a bill
to authorize the Governor to reside at San Francisco during the
presdnt [sic] session of the Legislature. . . . Warwick, of the Select
Committee appointed to examine into and report upon the damage done by
the late inundations to the State Library, reported 1,046 volumes damaged,
and also reported a bill authorizing repairs under the superintendence of
the State Librarian, the cost of rebinding any given volume not to exceed
seventy five per cent. of the original cost of the book. The bill was
referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. . . . Ferguson of Sacramento,
on leave, introduced a bill to appropriate money for the payment of claims
for boat hire, which was referred to the Committee on Accounts and
Expenditures. The Assembly adjourned at twenty minntes past two o'clock. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
It appears that on the 10th of January, various counties in the northern
and southern portions of Utah Territory were visited by floods similar
to these from which California has suffered so heavily. At Ogden City
the Weber river rose three feet higher than the highest water ever known
there by the present inhabitants. All the bridges over the Weber and its
tributaries, except one or two, were swept away. The lower part of Ogden
City was overflowed, and the residents were compelled to seek safety upon
higher ground. There has been great destruction of property in various
parts of the Territory. . . .
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held yesterday morning, a
resolution was adopted instructing an attorney, specially employed by
the Board, to commence a suit for an injunction forthwith, to prevent
the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company from laying their track and running
their cars west of Sixth street. The company have already begun to repair
their road within the limits of the city.
The recent rain failed to create any serious rise in the American. Both
rivers are now slowly falling, and the water in the city is gradually
receding. The weather continues clear and cool.
CHANGING AND DODGING.--There has been somewhat more changing and dodging
of votes on the question of removal of the State officers, by certain
Assemblymen, than is consistent with their professions of integrity,
or at all to their credit. Who they are it [sic] pretty well understood by
those who have watched the voting all through the contest on the matter,
and we can assure them they are gaining no enviable reputation by their
vasillating [sic] course. It is not easy to understand why the man who
votes for a temporary removal of the Legislature to this city should
refuse to vote for a like removal of the officers whose presence is
necessary to facilitate legislation.--San Francisco Call.
The above attack on members of the Legislature by a San Francisco paper
is very improper, and will be likely to create enemies for San Francisco
in the interior, and diminish the chances for retaining the Capital in
that city. We are surprised to see such an "abusive" or "vituperative"
article in any San Francisco paper. Surely, the members of the Legislature
are entitled to more respect, and we should not be surprised if they took
a vote to remove at once from the Bay City. Quoting the language of the
Call of the same date as the above extract (barring the italicised
words), we would add:
"O THAT MINE ENEMY WOULD WRITE A BOOK." The members of the Legislature
generally, are in a fair way to be written up into public favor, by the
insane abuse of the San Francisco newspapers. Bad tactics, bad tactics,
gentlemen of the Call. Men unjustly assailed will rise in public
estimation much faster than they could rise by their own merits. If you
have the interest of the people of San Francisco at heart, keep
quiet. You are hurting their cause; you are destroying their interests.
If you keep on in this way much longer, the members of the Legislature
may say, varying the words of the inspired author, "O that the
Call would write a book against us." . . .
FROM THE CALAVERAS.--It is stated that near the mouth of this river
a number of trees have toppled over, as if too heavy to stand straight
in the wet ground, and that many heavy trees have actually sank some
two or three feet deep, and still standing. The soil became so soft
by the quantity of water received, that the trees, roots and all,
settled down without falling over. . . .
A WET SPELL.--Grass Valley National says: Out of seventy-five
consecutive days, up to the 23d of January, only eleven were without
rain or snow; and during that time some six feet of water fell from
the clouds. . . .
AN EARLY ADJOURNMENT.--A resolution to adjourn sine die on the
1st of March has been laid on the table in the Assembly by a decided
majority. It is fair to conclude from this that the Assembly entertains
no hopes of being able to adjourn by the 1st of March. Will that body
be prepared for an adjournment on the 1st of April? Probably not.
We reiterate that this Legislature when it firet convened at the Capital
was in a position to have created for itself a greater popularity with
the people than had ever been achieved by either of its predecessors.
It could have resolved to enact a few general laws, which were recognized
as necessary to keep the wheels of government in motion, and then adjourn
sine die. The work could have been done in three weeks after the
Governor was inaugurated. Had this course been adopted by the Republicans
they would have laid a foundation to the confidence of the people which
could not have been shaken. But they failed to take the tide at its flood;
they waited for it to ebb, and were then carried by it from the Capital,
and confidence of the people, into the Bay of San Francisco.
OUR LEGISLATURE TRAVELING.--The California Legislature, by concurrent
resolution, adjourned on the 22d ultimo to meet in San Francisco on the
24th. Couldn't stand it any longer, so they said. Water raised up to the
bars, and the whisky became light grog, only fit for babies. 'Twas more
than human nature could bear--they adjourned instanter.
Seriously, we regret the action of the Legisture. Perhaps Attorney
General Pixley is correct in his opinion as to the right of the
Legislature to move to any point they may see fit in the State; Murray
gave an opposite opinion--said that all acts of a Legislature held
at any other place than the Capital of the State would be illegal,
null and void. But assuming that Pixley is right, still we regret
the adjournment to San Francisco, especially at this time.
We know that there was much inconvenience, and many annoyances
attending legislation at the Capital this Winter; but how many of
the members constituting the Legislature of '62 have for many Winters
in California worked in mud and water all day long, and at night gone
home to camp without even the luxury of a board floor, prepared their
suppers, and turned into a rude bunk with nothing but blankets for
bedding? We read among the "ayes" on the resolution several names that
we personally know to have done this--done it cheerfully, too. Gentlemen,
has a little temporary honor enervated and rendered you so effeminate
that a little water and mud between your boarding house and the Capitol
frightens you--made your nerves so delicate and sensitive that you shrink
with terror from an element in which you have almost lived for
years?--Trinity Journal.
SEVERE ON STOCK.--A private letter received in Sonoma, from a gentleman
residing at Hermitage, Mendocino county, dated January 8th, states that
the destruction of stock in that region by the late storm has been
immense. The writer thinks the first shipments from there will be
composed exclusively of hides and horns! . . .
ICE IN WASHOE.--The late cold weather in Washoe has frozen the lake
of that name to the depth of five inches. Skaters are amusing themselves
on it, and parties are cutting and storing it away. . . .
FLOOD IN UTAH.--The late rains seem to have extended to Utah Territory.
The Deseret News of January 15th says:
There has more water fallen in this part of the Territory since the 1st
of November last than ever before during the same length of time since
the settlement of the conntry by the Saints, but no material damage
has been done to property, excepting to wheat in the stack, which had
been put up, as is too often the case in this country, without proper
regard to security in the event of storms. In several of the northern
counties, as reported, no inconsiderable amount of grains in stacks,
and some that had been thrashed and not properly secured, has been
damaged by the heavy rains that have fallen within the last ten weeks.
Reports received from the northern counties of late represent that in
that part of the Territory large quantities of water have fallen within
the last few weeks, more than ever before witnessed by the inhabitants
at any season of the year since they have dwelt in the mountains.
John Murdock, who left Ogden City on Monday last, reports that the
northern counties have been visited by a great rain storm which
commenced on Friday, the 10th instant, and continued till Sunday,
causing an overflowing of the streams, doing much damage to roads,
bridges, mills, etc., and destroying much property on the bottoms,
which were inundated by the flood. The Weber at Ogden City rose some
three feet higher than it did either at the time of the freshet last
Spring or during the flood in November, overflowing the bottoms and
inundating the lower part of the city, compelling the people in those
localities to leave their habitations and retire to higher grounds
for safety. The full extent of the damage sustained by the unexpected
overflowing of the streams in Weber county had not been fully
ascertained when Murdock left, but at and in the vicinity of Ogden
it was great. All the bridges on the tributaries of the Weber, with
one or two exceptions, had been swept away. . . .
MAIL BAG FOUND.--Marysville Appeal of February 5th says:
One of the mail bags lost by the upsetting of the boat containing
the Nevada mails, while crossing the Yuba a few days since, was
picked up by E. A. Shepherd, on his ranch on Feather river, just
below town, yesterday. The bag was pretty much used up, and the
papers were pulp. The letters, however, were saved, and were fonnd
to contain packages for San Francisco, Sacramento, Oroville, Shasta,
La Porte, and twenty letters for this place, among which were two for
the Appeal, looking rather mildewed from their moist secession.
The rest of the packages were dried and duly forwarded.
BAD WATER.--By the following from the Bulletin it would seem
that the people of Sacramento are not the only parties who suffer from
muddy water:
Does the Bensley Company get its water from the Yellow Sea? Will its
supply of yellow ocher never give out? Must we drink puddle water all
our lives? A word from the Company as to what we may hope and expect
concerning its wretched supply would rejoice a patient community that
in these days of floods cannot get clean water to drink or wash in.
ANOTHER DONATION.--Mayor Teschemacher, of San Francisco, acknowledges the
receipt of $67.75 from sympathizing citizens in Sonoma, for the
destitution by the flood. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE LEVEE SURVEY.--The work of surveying the Sacramento and American rivers,
around and near the city, under B. F. Leet, Engineer of the District, is
progressing rapidly. As the members of the Board of Land Commissioners
were anxious to obtain an early report, and as the work of surveying at
the present stage of the water is very difficult, he was compelled to
call in the assistance of several other engineers, several of them the
engineers of other districts, with whose assistance the work is now going
forward. A. R. Jackson, Engineer of Districts No. 4 and No. 8, is engaged
with his corps, as stated yesterday, in surveying the courses and distances,
and in taking the levels on the Sacramento, from Sutterville up to R street.
Reed Bigler, with his corps, commenced on Tuesday the transit line at R
street, on the: Sacramento, and up to last night had run the courses and
staked the.distances up to Seventh and D streets. He will be followed
without delay by an Engineer with the level. George H. Goddard, Engineer
of District No. 1, will, with his corps, engage in the survey--perhaps
to-day. C. C. Tracy, Engineer of District No. 13, is also ready to lend
his assistance. Reed Bigler is assisted by Thomas Reed, also a Civil
Engineer. It will be seen that there are some six experienced engineers
engaged in the work, who should together form a reliable Board. .
THE EXPLANATION.--It has been a matter of surprise and a source of
complaint with many that newspapers sent to and from the Eastern States
so often fail to reach their place of destination. The following extract
received in this city a day or two since, and dated Ruby Valley,
January 11th, 1862, will shed some light on the subject. It is written
by a member of the Second Regiment California Cavalry, in the company
of Captain McLeon, stationed at that point: "We have plenty of newspapers
here. The bad roads, and the want of horses and coaches to convey the
mail through to California, render it necessary for the Mail Company to
have almost all the newspaper mail stowed away in the different stations
between here and Salt Lake. All we have to do is to open a canvass mail
bag and help ourselves. The mail agents don't care, why should we? I have,
myself, for the last few days, been passing away the time in reading
papers published all over the Northern States. We take them by the half
bushel. The Overland Mail is a humbug so far as carrying papers and
letters through punctually in the Winter is concerned; at least it is
so with their present facilities."
POLICE COURT.--In the case of Manown and Gibson, who were tried on
Tuesday on a charge of stealing powder--the case being taken under
advisement--Judge Gilmer announced yesterday that he would hold the
defendants to answer to the charge of destroying marks on wrecked
property. The counsel for the defense intimated his intention to
apply for a writ of habeas corpus for the purpose of obtaining the
release of his clients. They were subsequently released on bail. . . .
A ROUGH WALK.--Dr. J. Edwards and G. W. Prior, of San Francisco,
arrived in the city yesterday from Nevada Territory. They walked
from the Johnson mining district, on Walker river to Folsom, and
were two weeks in making the trip. They represent the road over
the mountains as in bad condition--though not so much worse than
usual in the winter season, as is generally supposed. They were able
to make from seven to nineteen miles per day. They speak of their
journey across the mountains and back as "a very pleasant trip."
The stage agents on the eastern slope are said to use no exertion
to keep the road open, and the result is that foot passengers out
travel the stages with ease. Johnson mining district is located at
the east and west forks of Walker river, and is as yet but thinly
settled, the mines having been but recently discovered. It is said
to compare favorably as to mineral wealth with the more celebrated
districts of the Territory. . . . .
THE LINE COMPLETED.--The telegraph line between this city and San
Francisco was completed at about dusk laat evening. The work of
setting the posts and extending the wire across the tules of Yolo,
has been progressing, under the management of Superintendent Gamble,
during the past week. About four miles from the city a cable of about
one-third of a mile in length has been laid for the purpose of allowing
aail boats to pass and repass without interrupting the wire. Along this
section poles have been driven, on which the wire will ultimately be
extended. The Superintendent is confident that the line can now be kept
in repair, by means of which we shall be kept posted in San Francisco
affairs.
FINISHING UP.--But little has been done in our city, since the commencement
of the flood epoch, towards either erecting new buildings, or completing
buildings previously begun. An exception to this rule may be found in
the new building of Dr. Morse at the northeast corner of Second and K
streets. During the past ten days carpenters, plasterers, painters,
glaziers, etc., have been actively employed on it, and yesterday a stock
of drugs was exposed for the first time in the corner store. The upper
portion of the building is being fitted up as a place of residence. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3389, 7 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 5, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock . . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. Porter, from the Committee on Roads and Highways, reported that
Assembly Bill No. 29--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
or bridges across the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge and
Ferry Company, should be referred to the Committee on Corporations.
The bill was so referred.
Mr. Hillyer, from the Committee on Accounts and Expenditures, reported
favorably some additional accounts for boat hire, and certain other
accounts, which they had examined and corrected. For boat hire:
A. Clary, $147 claimed, $90 allowed; W. H. Watson. Jr., $60, allowed;
Boyington & Malone, $56, allowed; J. T. Enright, $100, allowed;
Boyle & Adams, $40, allowed; John Gallagher, $17.25 claimed, $15.50 allowed;
Henry Pierce, $20, allowed; A. Dallas, $20, allowed; Kirby, $5.50, allowed;
Thomas Crescent, $50, allowed; H. J. Clayton, $11, allowed;
A. E. Mead, $39, allowed; W. Williamson, $60 claimed, $10 allowed.
Total claimed, $675.25; allowed, $547. . . . Aggregate claims allowed,
$893 50. All of which the Committee recommend to be allowed and paid out
of the Treasury.
Mr. Matthews said the Committee had already allowed $1,104 for boat hire,
and inquired if these bills included any which were at that time rejected.
Mr. Hillyer replied in the negative, and said he believed the Committee
had allowed none but just claims.
The report was adopted. . . .
MESSENGERS TO AND FROM THE CAPITAL.
Mr. Dennis moved to take from the table the resolution introduced yesterday,
appointing two messengers, P. H. Patten and G. T: Bolden, at $8 per diem,
to travel daily between San Francisco and Sacramento, to transact
legislative business with the State officers. He said his object was to
refer the resolution to a select Committee of five. There seemed to be
an impression yesterday that there was a disposition to rush this thing
through; he had no such disposition, but believed the appointment was a
necessity, and desired to have the matter inquired into.
The Speaker, in reply to Mr. Hagar, said if the resolution was taken up
the substitute--the joint resolution for the appointment of a Committee
to confer with Wells, Fargo & Co. with reference to carrying dispatches
to and from the State officers--would be taken up with it.
Mr. Avery said he was sorry to see a disposition to create so many
useless offices. He hoped they would go on with legitimate business,
and allow
this matter to sleep the sleep of death on the teble.
Mr. Shannon said the Legislature having determined not to remove
the State officers to San Francisco, no one could deny but some
kind of arrangement was needed for the transaction of business
between here and Sacramento. It must either be done by messengers
or by Express, and he saw nothing wrong about the proposition to
refer to a select Committee of five, to inquire inte the necessity
of having messengers, and whether that would be cheaper than to do
the business by the Sergeant-at-Arms or by Express. The interests
of the State would not be jeopardized by such reference, and when
the Committee reported the House could take such action as it saw
fit.
Mr. Machin said be hoped the proposition would not prevail. It
appeared to be the disposition of the House, as it had been all
along, to do all the traveling, and whatever traveling was to be
done hereafter he trusted would be done by the members in person.
Mr. Dennis said there was an accumulation of business in the hands of
the Sergeant-at-Arms, which most members were not aware of, and it
would be the duty of the Committee to investigate that matter
thoroughly, and report what was best to be done.
Mr. Van Zandt said he moved yesterday to lay the resolution on the
table because he thought the members had a right to select the persons
to do business for them. He wanted a voice in that matter, and did not
want persons outside to be continually suggesting, arranging, and
calculating plans for the House. He did not object to appointing
messengers, but he wanted time to consider the proposition and the
fitness of the persons proposed. It would be a post of trust, and bonds
should be attached to it. He moved to postpone the matter till Friday,
and make it the special order for 12 o'clock on that day.
Mr. O' Brien urged the propriety of referring the matter to some
suitable Committee.
Mr. Van Zandt withdrew his motion to make it a special order.
Mr. O'Brien said he could not say whether messengers were necessary
or not, but he was willing to leave the matter in the hands of a
Committee, and if they reported in favor of a messenger or messengers
he would be willing, regardless of party, to vote for any proper
person, of good character and integrity, who would give proper bonds.
Mr. Reed said, if the resolution was allowed to lie on the table, they
would soon discover, in the course of business, whether or not there
was any necessity for messengers, and when that necessity became
apparent it would be time enough to take up the resolution. He was
connected with various Committees, but had not yet discovered any
such necessity, nor did he believe that others felt it.
Mr. Saul said he was glad to find, although rather late, that the
gentleman from Sonoma believed they could get along here without the
State officers. Yet they must have some communication, at least once
a week, to get their pay. Last week the Sergeant-at-Arms was gone three
days on that account, creating an expense for mileage, etc. He thought
the best way would be to refer the matter to a Select Committee, to
report when they got ready and according to the necessities of the
case. He was not tenacious in regerd to who should be appointed
messengers, if they were good and faithful men, and gave ample bonds.
Mr. Watson moved to amend the motion to take from the table, by adding
that the resolution be referred to a Special Committee of five, with
instructions to report on Friday, at 12 o'clock, and that the subject
be made the special order for that day.
Mr. Fay proposed a further amendment, that the Committee be instructed
to confer with Wells, Fargo & Co., and ascertain upon what terms they
would do the business for the Legislature. Mr. Ferguson said, if they
had a messenger, it would be necessary that he should be at all times
where he could be directed by the House. They would require a messenger
to send messages to the Express office, and it was not competent to use
the Sergeant at Arms for that purpose. He thought they had better take
up the resolution now, and go into Committee of the Whole, if necessary,
to discuss the qualifications of the persons proposed. Before Friday
they might have a dozen messages to send to the Governor, and they must
employ some messengers.
Mr. O'Brien called for a division of the question, so that the vote
should be first taken upon the motion to take the resolution from the table.
Mr. Reed asked if it was in order to move to lay the whole subject matter
on the table.
The Speaker said he thought not, as it was already on the table.
Mr. Meyers moved to postpone indefinitely the whole matter.
Mr. O'Brien said that was not in order, because the subject was not yet
before the House.
Mr. Maclay said he thought the resolution had better remain on the
table for the present. He was on the Committee on Claims, and some
of the members of that Committee would be obliged to go to Sacramento
in order to have access to the records. Claims were being presented,
and they could not tell without examining the records whether or not
they had ever before been paid, and for his part he would never vote
for claims until he had examined the records. Messengers could not
transact that business, and he did not know how they could legislate
intelligibly unless the Committees had free and full access to the
offices now in Sacramento.
Mr. Hoffman said until the necessity was shown he should be opposed
to allowig [sic] somebody a per diem for being ready to do something
which perhaps would never be required to he done. He hoped the
resolution would not be taken up, at least until there was business
enough to warrant it.
Mr. Battles asked if it did not require a two-thirds vote to take
up the resolution.
The Speaker replied that it required only a majority vote, the
resolution having lain one day on the table.
The following was the vote on taking the resolution from the table:
Ayes--Barton of San Bernardino, Benton, Campbell, Davis, Dean, Dennis,
Evey, Ferguson, Frasier, Griswold, Hoag, Irwin, Jackson, Kendall, Matthews,
McAllister, Morrison, O'Brien, Parker, Porter, Reeve, Sargent, Saul,
Seaton, Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Thompson of Tehama, Thornbury, Waddell,
Warwick, Watson, Werk, Woodman, Wright, Yule--35.
Noes--Amerige, Ames, Avery, Battles, Bell, Bigelow, Brown, Collins,
Cot, Cunnard, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Solano, Eagar, Fay, Hillyer, Hoffman,
Lane, Leach, Loewy, Love, Machin, Maclay, McCullough, Meyers, Moore,
Printy, Reed, Reese, Sears, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of San Joaquin,
Tilton of San Mateo, Van Zandt, Worthington, Zuck--36.
So the House refused to take the resolution from the table.
Mr. Irwin offered the following:
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed, whose duty
it shall be to inquire into the necessity to transact business between
the State House and Sacramento, and also to inquire whether the object
can be reached in any manner involving less expense, said Committee
to report to this House on Friday next.
Mr. Fay proposed the following as a substitute:
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of one to confer
with Wells, Fargo & Co., as to the terms upon which they will do the
messenger business between this place and Sacramento, and said Committee
report to this House forthwith.
Mr. Warwick said he sincerely hoped the matter would not be referred
to a Committee of one. That was narrowing it down to rather close
quarters, for the gentleman from San Francisco (Mr. Fay) might be
the Chairman and the whole of that Committee. He hoped the House
would make the Committee consist of at least five.
Mr. Irwin said since the Legislature had decided not to bring the
State offices here, it must be apparent that some means of communicating
with them was absolutely necessary. His resolution proposed a Committee
of five simply to inquire into the necessity of employing messengers,
and whether some less expensive method can not be adopted. It therefore
embraced everything contemplated in the substitute, leaving the whole
subject to the discretion of the Committee, which the Speaker would
appoint. He hoped the original resolution would be adopted.
Mr. Fay said he would be glad to see the House commence to do bnsiness
economically and in a business-like way, instead of going around Robin
Hood's barn to accomplish every little thing. A Committee of one to
confer with Wells, Fargo & Co., would be just as good as a larger
Committee, and then the House could act as it chose. He did not doubt
that a contract could be made with Wells, Fargo & Co. to do all that
was required for five dollars a day, which would save the expense of
special messengers. That Company was in the regular and legitimate
business of expressing letters, packages and treasure, and the business
would perhaps be safer in their hands than in the hands of other parties.
Mr. Avery advocated Mr. Irwin's resolution. Although he agreed with
the remarks of Mr. Fay as to Wells, Fargo & Co., still he thought
the better way was to refer the matter to a Committee of five, so
as to get it out of the way of the House, and go on with business.
Almost every day some resolution of this kind was brought in, creating
great delay of business.
Mr. Fay withdrew his amendment, and the resolution proposed by
Mr. Irwin was adopted.
BOOKS FROM STATE LIBRARY.
Mr. Machin introduced the following:
Resolved, That the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee be
hereby requested to procure from the State Library copies of all
the statutes and Supreme Court Reports of the State of California,
to be kept in the room of said Judiciary Committee, for the use of
the members of this House.
Mr. Bell said he was not aware of any intention to offer this
resolution, but he regarded it as an inspiration of the gentleman
introducing it, for these books were absolutely necessary to the
Judiciary Committee. They had not now in the Committee room a single
law book, State report, or even so much as a primmer [sic].
Mr. Kendall concurred with Mr. Bell as to the necessity of having
the books.
Mr. O'Brien suggested that it would be very expensive to get the books
here.
Mr. Machin said it was absolutely necessary for all the Committees
to have access to the laws.
Mr. Dudley, of Solano, said it would cost him six bits to get all the
statutes of the State since 1850 brought from Sacramento, and he
supposed it would cost as much more to get the Supreme Court Reports.
Mr. Eagar said the resolution was unnecessary, beosuse any member
could now get what books he wanted from the State Library.
Mr. Bigelow said he would agree to pay the expense out of his own
pocket.
Mr. Fay proposed to introduce gentlemen in want of books to the best
libraries in the city, where they could get books free of charge.
Mr. Dudley, of Placer, asked who would guarantee the protection of
the books while here. If the resolution passed they would next want
a temporary Librarian.
Mr. Bell said the Chairman of the Judiciary
Committee would undertake to be responsible for them.
Mr. Kendall said it was true they had access to certain libraries,
but they could not take the books to their Committee rooms, where they
were most needed. They could not remove the books from the Mercantile
Library rooms, and although the Young Men's Christian Association had
kindly invited them to take books, he supposed they were books upon
divinity rather than law.
Mr Watson moved to lay the resolution on the table. Lost, on a
division--ayes 24, noes 26.
Mr. O'Brien moved to amend; the resolution so as to read:
Resolved, That the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee be
directed to communicate with the State Librarian, and request him
to forward to the Assembly for its use, copies of all the statutes
and Supreme Court Reports of the State of California, to be kept in
the room of said Judiciary Committee, for the use of the members of
this House.
The amendment prevailed.
Mr. Battles insisted that the resolution was unnecessary, because
any member could now get books.
Mr. Dudley of Placer said the Judiciary Committee was a great institution,
having charge of all sorts of bills and almost everything else, and he
doubted the propriety of turning an institution of that enlarged
character into a library. He would sooner suggest that every bill be
referred to it, and that a pole be erected, with an inverted hat upon
it, to which every member should make obeisance as he went by. The
resolution amounted to nothing, and the House had the other day voted
down a similar one, when the great bugbear--the Banquo's ghost--was
raised, that it was an initiatory step toward the removal of the Capital.
There were plenty of books to be had in the public and private libraries
of San Francisco, which had been generously thrown open; and if they
turned the Judiciary Committee's room into a State library, the next
step would be to appoint as Librarian the person eulogized the other
day as having been born of poor but honest parents.
Mr. Bell said this resolution coming from an unexpected source,
showed the Judiciary Committee that their light that they wotted
not of had gone abroad, exciting the admiration, and even the envy
and jealousy of the gentleman from Placer (Mr. Dudley). There were
plenty of law libraries, and good ones, in San Francisco, but would
the gentleman from Calaveras (Mr. O'Brien) and others of the Committee
come to its meetings with ten or fifteen books under hia arm? The
Committee had been honored by a visit from the Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court, and that functionary had to bring in his hat or under
his arm the authorities he expected to appeal to on some great matter
before the Committee. He suspected that the gentleman who offered the
resolution had not so much the dignity and glory of the Judiciary
Committee in view as he had the comfort and convenience of members.
They would make the Judiciary Committee the custodian, and then members
of the Claims, Ways and Means and other Committees would come to the
Judiciary Committee room, smoke their cigars, drink their--cold
water (for they were all temperance men), borrow and lose their books,
and then make them responsible. Now the expense involved would not be
more than twice six bits, and the gentleman from San Fraucisco
(Mr. Battles) generously proposed, some Saturday, after he had seen
the Sergeant-at-Arms, to put his hand in his pocket and pay that
enormous sum out of his own per diem. The Judiciary Committee were
doubtless growing to be a learned, able and comprehensive body, but
they could not get along without books. It was the gentleman from
Placer alone who saw no need of books. Perhaps in future years, when
the gentleman from Placer, and other gentlemen who were in favor of
stealing trout from the limpid waters of Lake Bigler, had returned to
their constituents, been received with peans, and sent back year after
year to the Legialature, their wisdom would become so entirely equal
to all emergencies and exigencies of law and all else relating to State
and nation, that no books would be needed; but until that time, the
Judiciary Committee would ask to be allowed these two dozen books.
Mr. Dudley of Placer, said he thought books could not be of much
value when they had the radiating intelligence, the learning and
the sonorous, syren like voice of the Chairman of the Judiciary
Committee, who upon every important question rose and stated that
during some former period of his legislative career that measure
came up, and he approved or advocated it, whereupon a rabble follows
at his heels, crying out, "Oh! Bell! Oh! Bell, what have you done!"
as though the whole legislation of California was under his thumb.
What was the use of books when they had a man of character in their
midst? [Laughter.] He had been led to exclaim, many a time, "Upon
what meats doth this our Cesar feed, that he hath grown so
prodigious?"
Mr. Bell--Shakspeare. [Laughter.]
The resolution was adopted.
Mr. Frasier offered a resolution of thanks to the Young Men's
Christian Association for their generous offer of the free use
of their Library to the members of the House, which was adopted. . . .
STATE LIBRARY.
Mr. Warwick said he desired to introduce a bill, and preliminary to that
ask leave to read a report from the Committee on the State Library. The
report was read, stating that the Committee had visited Sacramento, and
found that the whole number of volumes injured more or less by the late
flood was 1,046, including some rare and valuable works, which could not
be easily replaced. Some of these works would scarcely pay the cost of
binding, but among them were many national and State documents which
could be replaced for little more than the cost of transportation. Among
the most valuable works were some dating back as far as A. D. 1500. With
regard to the unfortunate destruction of books, a list of which was
appended to the report, the Committee felt obliged to exonerate the
State Librarian from all blame. The first flood, occurring in December,
was supposed to have fixed the highest water mark which the water could
reach, and every reasonable precaution was taken before the second flood,
but the water rose two feet higher than before, wetting the lower shelf
of books, the swelling of which broke the upright so as to precipitate
the books into the water. The Committee therefore exonerate the Librarian,
and recommend that he be authorized to contract for binding such works
as are worth it, and to sell such as will not pay for binding. They
therefore recommend the passage of an Act to authorize the State Librarian
to have certain books in the State Library repaired.
The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. . . .
THIRD READING OF BILLS. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 34,--An Act concerning roads and streets in the town of
Auburn, was read a third time.
Mr. Dudley, of Placer, said he was opposed to the bill upon principle,
although, as it was urged by his colleague (Mr. Hillyer), whose district
alone was affected by it, he would not directly oppose it.
Mr. Hillyer defended the bill, stating that his constituents demanded
its passage. Auburn had suffered quite severely from the flood this
season, many culverts having been destroyed, which it would cost $700
or $800 to repair. The bill only provided for dividing the township
of Auburn into two road districts, one of which was to consist of the
village of Auburn, the trustees of which would expend all the money
raised for road purposes therein. They had a special road law in Placer
county, dividing the county into ten districts, each of which used
its own fund.
Mr. Dudley said his objection was, that about nine tenths of the
property in the township was owned in Auburn, while nine-tenths of
the road was outside.
Mr. Bell said he was bitter enemy of this bill, and thought they ought
not only to defeat it, but to repeal the special road law of the county.
Mr. Meyers also opposed the bill, stating that it was a wrong principle
to make by special legislation a few roads very good, at the expense
of making all the rest very bad.
After a protracted debate, a division was taken, and the bill was ordered
engrossed by a vote of--ayes, 31; noes, 17. . . .
SACRAMENTO BOATMEN.
Mr. Ferguson, on leave, introduced an Act making appropriations for the
payment of the boatmen employed by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Legislature,
during the flood at the Capital, which was read twice.
Mr. Ferguson explained that under the resolution the boatmen could not
obtain their pay from the General Fund, as that fund was appropriated
exclusively to the payment of members and attaches of the Legislature.
He moved to suspend the rules in order to put the bill on its passage;
but objection being made, some discussion ensued, in the course of which
Mr. Hillyer stated that the Committee on Accounts and Expenditures would
allow no further claims of the boatmen.
The bill was finally referred to the Committee on Accounts and Expenditures.
At 2:20 P. M. the House adjourned. . . .
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF THURSDAY.
In the Senate, on Thursday, , , ,
A bill was passed amending the law authorizing the construction of a
free bridge across the Feather river at Yuba City. . . . A resolution
was adopted, calling upon the State Capitol Commissioners for information
concerning the condition of the Capitol building--what contracts had
been made in connection therewith, what materials are now on hand for
the construction of the same, and what amount of money has already ben [sic]
advanced by the State on account thereof. The Senate adjourned at twenty
minutes past two. . . .
In the Assembly on Thursday, . . . A concurrent resolution, that the
President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House :be empowered to
employ two messengers to facilitate communication between the Legislature
and the State officers at the Capital of the State, was referred to the
Special Committee on the subject, to be appointed under resolution of
Wednesday. . . . The bill making an appropriation for the payment of
certain claims for boat hire was considered in Committee of the Whole,
amended, and passed. The amount of the claim is about $1,650. The House
[adjourned?] at a quarter before two. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 1862.
The removalists are constantly exerting themselves to make the removal
of State officers to San Francisco appear a necessity. To this end
they made a hard fight yesterday against taking from the table a
resolution offered on the previous day, for the appointment of messengers
to facilitate communication between the Legislature and the State
officials at the Capital. The vote as announced was--ayes 35, noes 36.
The resolution in itself was of no great importance, but the motive which
induced the opposition to it is evidenced by the fact that the friends
of the late effort to remove the State officers generally voted against
taking it from the table. Those who voted aye stand politically thus:
Republicans, 32; Union Democrats, 3 ; Secession, 1. The noes stood:
Republicans, 6; Union Democrats, 25; Secession, 4 [backwards?].
The removal clique
hope, by steadily opposing everything tending to facilitate the transaction
of business under the present arrangement, to force the transfer of
the State officers to San Francisco. Of course some voted with them
yesterday, under a misapprehension of the effect of their votes, or
because they thought messengers unnecessary. The subject was finally
referred to a Select Committee, who will report upon the necessity of
messengers or of a contract with the express company for the transmission
of business dispatches, etc. There are members who dare not vote at
once for a removal, who will aid the measure, nevertheless, in all side
motions intended to aid in the accomplishment of that object. If the
State offices could once be temporarily removed to this city,
it would not be ten days before a demand would be made for an extension
of the time for their remaining here. We have already a proposition
for suspending all work upon the new Capitol until the next session,
and a movement for removing and keeping the State offices here "until
the next session," would be in keeping with it. Those who say there
are no advocates in the Legislature of a permanent removal of the
Capital are either ignorant or untruthful. A high State official
assured me but a day or two ago that he was standing in the way of
active attempts toward the accomplishment of such a purpose. . . .
Although the Assembly yesterday ordered a Special Committee of five,
in reference to the appointment of messengers to carry communication
to and from Sacramento, the Speaker made no appointment then, and has
suffered the House to adjourn today again without discharging his duty
in the premises. Does he hope by delaying the matter to so inconvenience
the Legislature as to extort votes from members in favor of a removal of
the Sute officers? Any fair Committee will report means for communication,
which will prevent any trouble; but if the Speaker will not appoint the
Committee the public business must be delayed in consequence. . . .
EGYPT-CALIFORNIA
Editors Union: . . . .
The valley of California, like that of the Nile, is undoubtedly capable,
under proper management, of producing food for many millions of people.
There are, however, some characteristic differences which it may be well
to note:
1st. Egypt, being a rainless country. watered only by the Nile, all the
land above the reach of irrigation from the river is, of necessity, a
parched and arid desert; whereas, California being surrounded by high
mountains, which are abundantly supplied with perennial streams,
irrigation is rendered practicable, not only on the elevated portions
of the valley but far up the slopes of the mountains.
2d. The overflow of the Nile occurs in June, July and August the hottest
portion of the year, thereby rendering the growth of trees impossible
upon overflowed land. In California the overflow takes place when
vegetation is nearly dormant, and therefore many sorts of trees may be
safely grown where the land is occasionally submerged.
3d. The cereals and other annual vegetation can only be grown on the
overflowed lands of the Nile--all beyond the overflow and what may be
pumped up from the river is a barren waste. All the country susceptible
of cultivation is flat and nearly uniform in temperature, whereas in
this country we have by the elevation of our mountains, every variety
of climate, from semitropical to arctic, and can therefore successfuily
cultivate almoat every plant and tree found between the tropic of
Cancer and the arctic circle.
The recent disasters by floods will probably bring lands which are above
high water mark more into repute; but this overflow of land in Winter,
when vegetation is dormant, is, I believe, regarded in all countries
as a blessing. Some of the largest cities in the world have risen up
in countries subject to annual overflow, Baylon [sic], Ninevah, Memphis
and the modern capital of Russia may be cited as instances. These
ancient cities were for a long time seats of empire, and were in a
great measure supplied from countries subject to annual inundation.
It is true they have passed away, but so also have great cities built
upon the dry land.
The people of California have suffered greatly from the recent
terrible floods; but how much more terrible and destructive this
visitation must have been had it been delayed half a score of years
longer. Our people now know where and how to build in order to avoid
the next great flood. It will not do to abandon Sacramento. Every
citizen of the State has an interest in its success and prosperity.
Better tax the whole State a sufficient sum for its protection against
floods than abandon it now.
GEORGETOWN, January 30, 1862. E. H.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
We publish a suggestive communication, over the signature of "Pioneer,"
urging upon the Legislature the appointment of engineers to examine the
Golden Gate, and ascertain whether that outlet is sufficient to discharge
the water of our valleys, and if not, whether it could not be widened?
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held yesterday, the draft of an
Act, providing for levying a special tax to pay the Rightmire claim, was
approved and recommended to the favorable consideration of the
Legislature. . . . The Superintendent of the City Cemetery reported the
number of deaths in the city during the month at thirty-seven. The cemetery
has not been seriously damaged by the inundation. The weather continues
clear and pleasant. The rivers are slowly subsiding, and the water in
the city continues to recede. The main thoroughfares are in almost as
good a condition as they have been this Winter.
Howard Association.--. . . . The station at the Fort will be closed
on Saturday, the families remaining having sick children. The families
at the Hall are daily being fitted out and placed in comfortable homes,
and it is intended to close the Hall this week, if practicable. The
number upon the hands of the Society yesterday was one hundred and
sixteen. Contributions have been received from John Leavitt, Virginia
City, Nevada Territory, $250; citizens of Greenwood, $200; balance of
funds at Grass Valley, per A. Delano, $30; H. S. Beck, Eureka, Sierra
county, $25; Dwight Hollister, Sacramento river, $10; J. Williamson,
proceeds of benefit concert, Nevada, $332. These contributions are
timely, and of great benefit to eke out the funds and enable the
Society to conclude its arduous labors. . . .
TELEGRAPHIC.--The Marysville Express is informed that the
telegraphic line between Marysville and Bear river, a distance of
twelve miles, is now in working order. The line is down between
Sacramento and the Twelve Mile House. The Northern Line is now in
working order from Marysville to Chico; and with Downieville there
is telegraphic communication. . . .
RAIN IN TUOLUMNE.--Dr. Snell, of Sonora, a gentleman who has the
reputation of making correct meteorological observations, reports
that from November 10, 1861; to January 23, 1862, 102 inches of
rain had fallen--equal to 8 feet 6 inches of water spread over the
entire country! During the period mentioned there were 69 rainy days. . . .
CITY AUTHORITIES AND BUSINESS.
Upon the. Board of Supervisors the Consolidation Bill devolved the
municipal power guaranteed to the city by that bill. But the provisions
of the law conferred only a limited power on the Board for municipal
purposes, and even have been so bunglingly administered as to present
to the people more of a caricature than a real government. In times
of trials and misfortunes caused by epidemics, or by fires and floods,
the people of a city, generally depend for aid upon their city
authorities. To those in power they look for plans of relief and for
the ways and means necessary to enable them to repair damages. In most
of the cities of the Union the reliance upon the authorities by the
people would be well founded; the municipal government would come to
the rescue with a vigor and power which would soon restore confidence
and reopen the channels of trade. Sacramento, however, is an exception
to the general rule; she has the shadow of a city government, but the
substance has departed. Was ever a city, amid such trials, tribulations
and destruction, so little aided and encouraged by her city government?
Can any citizen point to a single act of our city authorities which has
benefitted the city in the least since the first flood in December? The
Board authorized ferries to be established at the Fort slough, which
could only be used when the water was at a low stage; it has since
authorized a toll bridge to be built over the same slough. Beyond
these negative acts, what has the Board done for the city during the
past two months of floods? Absolutely nothing. It has not even pretended
to aid the city beyond the employment of the chain gang to lay down
crossings and bridges in a few instances, where the material was
furnished by individuals. So little confidence had the people in the
administrative ability of the Board, that when money was raised to repair
our levees, it was placed in the hands of a Citizens Committee to be
expended.
The Board of Supervisors--alias our city authorities--has not, however,
remained entirely idle. It has held its regular sessions, and it has
managed to get up a kind of side issue with the Railroad Company, for
the gratification of members and the ridicule of the people. One of
the latest acts in the farce is the employment of counsel and the
passage of a resolution ordering him to bring suit against the Railroad
Company to prevent said company from running its cars below Sixth
street. Verily, as one of the members suggested, the Board is making
itself "the laughing stock of the community." A lawsuit, though, in
which the city is sure to suffer a defeat, is no laughing matter, as
the people will be compelled to foot the bill. The community very well
knows that the city has no ground of action against the company until
after the six months notice has been given, as prescribed in the
ordinance. The community is also aware that the Board of Supervisors
possess no authority whatever to employ counsel for the city. For legal
advice and assistance the members by law are dependent upon the City
and County Attorney. But his legal opinion is understood to be adverse
to the course the Board has deemed it proper to pursue, and hence, said
Board takes the responsibility to employ counsel and order him to proceed
to bring suit without regard to the legal rights in the case. Why should
not the Board "become the laughing stock of the community?" But,
independent of all questions of right, we maintain that the present is
not the proper time to be raising issues with the Railroad Company.
If ever the railroad can be made beneficial to the city, the present
is the occasion when such an end can be accomplished.
It is known that for near two months the intercourse of this city with
the interior for the shipment of goods has been completely destroyed
by the high water. It is true that for a portion of this time the
roads outside of the city have also been impassable, but had means
of communication existed, so that goods could have been transported
to and from Sacramento, the condition of her citizens and her business
would have been vastly different from what it is now. The city has
suffered from the suspension of her legitimate business almost as
heavily as from the floods to which she has been subjected. After the
first flood, goods, for a few days, were hauled to the cars on the Upper
Stockton road, at rates ranging from six to ten dollars per ton. The
great flood on the 10th of January destroyed even that poor resource.
The plan was then adopted of sending goods by steamer to some point on
the American, at the rate of ten dollars per ton, thence to the station
at a further cost of four dollars per ton, and thence by railroad to
Folsom, we suppose, at the usual rate. This circuitous and expensive
mode of reaching the country, has forced all the wholesale grocers to
establish branches at Folsom, and goods which ought to be sold here,
are now furnished customers in that town to the injury of Sacramento.
The tax, too, upon country merchants is enormous. Were the railroad in
operation these oppressive expenses upon the trade and business of the
city would be at once reduced. Hundreds of dollars a day would now be
saved to the business of our merchants were the cars running into the city.
It is therefore of .vital interest to the business of the city to have the
railroad put in a running condition as early as possible, as there is
little probability of a road passable for heavily loaded wagons to the
high land being provided before Spring. But, like the dog in the manger,
the Board of Supervisors will neither provide for building a road nor
permit, if they can prevent it, the Railroad Company to repair its line
into the city. Let us hope that the Legislature will soon relieve us from
the incubus of such an apology of a city government. .
LEVEE REPAIRS.--It. is certainly a matter of very great importance to
this city to have her levees so far repaired as to keep out, if possible,
the Spring floods. The weather appears to be so much settled as to promise
us immunity from further floods during the Winter, and those we may
anticipate in the Spring are not likely to prove as high as those we
have experienced this Winter. To keep out the water will therefore not
prove a job so very difficult provided the work is begun immediately,
and is pursued with energy. That break at the tannery can be closed
without much difficulty in a couple of weeks, and then by repairing
the Thirty-first street, or building a new cross levee, the water which
comes in at Burns' slough would pass harmlessly by the city. . . .
NARROW ESCAPE.--We adverted some time since to the narrow escape of
McKean Buchanan and his troupe on the Merced, during the late floods,
and the fact that an iron safe containing $2,000 in gold pieces, was
floated from a cellar in Snelling's Hotel to the distance of a quarter
of a mile. The Stockton Republican adds:
The company, consisting of quite a large nnmber of persons, was at
the hotel at Snelling's, at the time of one of the floods. The house
is near a large oak tree, and a cable connected the two. J Buchanan sat
in the parlor of the hotel until the water was even with the window-sills.
The current was terrible. Suddenly there was a tremendous crack, and he
exclaimed, "Save yourselves! make for the tree." The ladies, Mrs. Buchanan,
Miss Buchanan, Mrs. Hall, Miss Woodcock, and three other ladies, were well
wrapped in blankets and lifted into the tree. Buchanan and two other men
followed them. Some articles of wardrobe and the drum was also with
difficulty got into the tree. The party remained a long time, though
the citizens of Snelling's went at once to work to rescue them. A boat
was finally got across, and fifty or more citizens stood prepared to
rescue the party should it overturn. They got safely over however, to
high land, though they crossed a slough lately made, which was raging
and roaring like a mountain torrent. The kind hearted and hospitable
people of Snelling's sheltered the unlucky travelers, and most of them
are still there. Mr., Mrs. and Miss Buchanan are at the house of Mr. Lake,
wagon maker. Miss Buchanan is represented as behaving with remarkable
courage and calmness through all the danger. The hotel and the tree were
both carried away within a few minutes after the party was rescued. . . .
LETTER FROM MARYSVILLE.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
MARYSVILLE, Feb. 5, 1862.
Under the auspices of Charles E. De Long, who represents Yuba county in
the State Senate, a meeting of "the citizens of Marysvllle" was held at
the City Hall last night. The object of the meeting was to take steps to
secure the seat of State Government. The meeting, although not largely
attended (there being at no time one hundred persons in the hail), will
probably become magnified by the memorialists, and deserves a passing
notice. J. A. Paxton was called to the chair, and William B. Latham chosen
Secretary, when the proceedings commenced. As an old gentleman up this
way remarked, Charley De Long is troubled with a verbal looseness, and
is never present at any pubic meeting without suffering a passage. On
the evening referred to, he was compelled to do all of the talking.
Charley said that the Legislature has adourned [sic] to San Franisco for the
session, and will probably stay there during the next; and if by that
time Marysville can accommodate the Legislature, he believes this city
would be declared the Capital. De Long says that Sacramento will not
remain the Capital unless soon protected by levees, and as that is
impossible (!) he concludes that he will remove the thing. He further
stated that Sacramento was "a mere swamp," and, having violated those
promises made to obtain the Capital, has no right to that wished-for
boon. He furthermore stated that members generally spent their per diem
and considerable more during the session, so that our hotels, etc., would
be much benefitted by his proposed change. Having thus eased himself of
this burden of ideas, forth came the Senator's " plan." He "suggests"
that the capitalists of this city subscribe between one and two hundred
thousand dollars, erect a building suitable for a Capitol on Cortez
Square [This land was twice flooded during the Winter] and offer it to
the State. Generous Charley! Of course all the money in the city
will be immediately transmuted, with more than a magician's skill, into
a Capitol building!
But what do you suppose our wise and august Senator told those cautious
gentlemen of means who wanted to know what they could do with this
immense building if Sacramento should succeed with the levees, and the
Legislature should refuse to "walk into our parlor?" Why, says our ready
representative (and his face was all aglow with a radiance like unto that
of Mr. Pickwick when he had performed some great act), why. if the
Legislature shouldn't come up here, why you don't lose
anything; you have your building just as much as if the Legislature wss
holding daily sessions in it! Of course, all doubts were dispelled!
Who would dare to say "elephant!" Mr. De Long's plan must work
(although I don't think it will), and the greedy capitalists will
"all speak at once!" After appointing a Committee to further De Long's
objects, the meeting adjourned to meet again. Charley "expects the UNION
(which he considers the biggest part of Sacramento) will howl against
this move." Messrs. Editors, don't howl; be not afraid. The
"little giant of Yuba" is harmless. He never was known to bite.
And now I have a very few words to say to the people of Sacramento.
Mr. De Long admits that there would not be any hope of getting the
Capital away from your city, if your levees were all built and there
was no danger of an inundation. His arguments and hopes are founded
upon the expectation (as he declared) that Sacramento cannot be
protected. I know, and you know, that it can. The question of
whether it shall, rests with you, Sacramentans. Act promptly,
unitedly, energetically, and you can erect breastworks, long
enough, and high enough, and strong enough, to defy the ravages of the
two rivers which assail you. Act in the future as you have always acted
in the past, when you have given satisfaction to the State, and even
little C E. De Long cannot injure you. PUBLICOLA.
INQUIRY OF WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
EDITORS UNION: The property holders on Eighth street, between J and K,
ask for some information regarding the following points : First, why
the Board of Supervisors should not authorize to have substantial
bridges laid across the ditch on Eighth street, since it seems they
had the power to dig and tear said street to pieces, although the
said property holders paid formerly for the filling up out of their
own pockets? Second, if it would not be more proper, and of more
importance, and better for said Board of Supervisors, to adopt measures
towards improving the streets, which are at present in the most
deplorable condition, whereas it seems said officers idle away the
public time by passing ordinances about "swinging signs," which might
have been done last Fall or the coming Spring?
THE PROPERTY HOLDLERS.
WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
EDITORS UNION: It is understood that the Citizens' Committee have on
hand about twenty-flve thousand dollars. As every flood damages this
city actually and constructively fifty thousand dollars, and as the
Legislature would probably return to Sacramento were the levees properly
secured, how is it that the Committee exhibit no energy in the premises?
The amount of trade directed into other channels by each succeeding
flood, would probably far exceed the amount in the hands of the
Committee, which amount is said to be equal to the sum required to
protect the city from the usual inundation in March or April. INQUIRER.
SAN FRANCISCO LADIES SAMARITAN SOCIETY.--This Society has published a
brief report of its doings since January 9th:
Total of applicants registered, 1,583; men, 461; women, 437; children, 685;
total number of families in the foregoing, 307; total number of persons
in these families, 1,210. Of these families 150 applied for only partial
relief, wood, blankets, etc. The remainder (157) have been wholly provided
with homes, in rented houses, with stoves, bedding, and provisions for
two or three weeks. Of these 157 families, there have been sent to other
places to resume business, 21. There have been finally supplied and
discharged, 34. Leaving dependent for continued supplies, for at least
one month, in whole or in part, 102 families. To which we must add of
applicants from the class first named, for partial supply, say 25. Making
a total of 127 families, and of persons, 508, who require organized
charitable aid to keep them from actual want. These persons are mostly
wives and children of men who have returned to save what they can from
the wreck by flood, and prepare for the return of their families. They
are thus truly strangers in our midst, destitute of all save that which
they have received at the hands of our citizens. Having secured the
continuance of the services of gentleman who are familiar with the relief
already afforded the sufferers, we shall be able to reach them promptly,
and thus prevent their becoming destitute. . . .
LOSS OF STOCK IN SHASTA.--Referring to the disastrous effects of the
late storms and flood on cattle, the Shasta Courier of February 3d says:
At Piety Hill nearly all the cows have died. A. Prior has suffered quite
a heavy loss; some twenty head of his stock have died this Winter.
D. Frank has lost some fine stock brought across the Plains last year,
some twelve head of his cows having perished. A drove of six hundred
head of cattle from Oregon was driven to Winter in the hills between
South Cow creek and Bear creek, and from the cold and starvation the
owner has lost three hundred head. He has taken the hides off all these
dead cattle, and perhaps they may bring him two or three dollars a
piece at the tannery. The dead carcasses of these animals have attracted
thither all the coyotes and wolves for miles around, and during the
night the howls of these wild animals can be beard a long distance off. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
TRADE ON THE AMERICAN.--The steamer Sam Soule is at present making but
one trip per day up the American river. The water is becoming so low
that she touches a bar a short distance below Lisle'e bridge. As the
bar is composed of freshly deposited sand, the current cuts it away
very quickly under the boat, and she is soon set afloat again. At
Mitchville business continues to be lively. In addition to those
previously established, Daly & Rust have opened a grocery store. Some
two or three open bars are doing a large business. A teamster of the
town having relieved a companion who had suffered under Job's affliction,
awoke yesterday morning and discovered himself to be a practicing
physician, as announced by a sign put up in the night, running "Dr. West
Evans, Physician and Surgeon. Particular attention paid to the removal
of boils, etc., etc. N. B.--American fives taken at par." Some forty
teams were in the town yesterday, geared up and ready for service, when
the steamer should arrive. As she approached the landing she blew her
steam whistle. The horses took fright, and a general stampede commenced.
The teams became entangled among each other, and the drivers came
promptly to the rescue. Order was restored out of chaos before any
great amount of damage was done. The shipment of freight to Mitchville,
though still lively, is not so heavy as when the steamers first began
to run. . . .
COUNTY SEAT OF YOLO.--A delegation from Yolo county left the city
yesterday for San Francisco, for the purpose of obtaining from the
Legislature the passage of an Act to change the county seat from
Washington to Woodland, formerly known as Yolo City. It is said
that a majority of the voters of the county have already signed
petitions for the above change, the flood rendering it a matter of
convenience to nearly the entire agricultural region. Woodland is
twelve miles this side of Cacheville, and is centrally located in a
geographical point of view. . . .
RAILROAD REPAIRS.--The work of repairing the R street railroad is
progressing more rapidly within the last few days than heretofore.
Piles have been driven at a distance of fifteen feet apart from the
starting point, between Four and Fifth streets, to the west line of
Sixth street. Heavy girders are adjusted on the piles. The track is
laid as the work progresses. The pile driver from San Francisco has
not yet arrived, but is expected daily on the schooner Harriet K.
THE ANTI-RAILROAD COMMITTEE.--In accordance with a resolution adopted
by the Board of Supervisors yesterday, Supervisors Granger, Hansbrow
and Russell were appointed a Committee to confer with F. Hereford,
the counsel previously employed by the Board to enforce by by [xic] legal
means the removal of the railroad from Front street and from R street
west of Sixth. The Committee and the attorney had a meeting of conference
yesterday afternoon. . . .
THE RIGHTMIRE CLAIM.--A bill was approved by the Board of Supervisors
yesterday to be submitted. to the Legislature, providing for a special
tax on city property to pay off the claim of A. D. Rightmire of
$1,002.25 for making preparation to build a bulkhead at Rabel's tannery
during last fall.
SATISFACTORY.--The style of weather with which we were favored yesterday
gave general satisfaction. If the weather clerk shall continue in like
manner to meet the popular demand, he will not be legislated out of
office by the Citizens' Committee.
DRAINAGE.--The chain gang has been at work for the past two days in
digging a drain through the alley, between Front and Second streets,
from J street to M. Property on J street, near the upper end of the
ditch, has been considerably benefited thereby.
THE GEM.--About thirty-five men have been engaged at work on the
steamer Gem for several days past. A large quantity of timber has
been landed on the ground. The work advances successfully and will
probably be completed within a week. . . . .
[For the Union.]
THE LEVEE SYSTEM--IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Having noticed the article in your issue of the
4th instant--"Is the Sacramento Valley Inhabitable?"--I should like to
propound or suggest what seems, in the comparison and analogy drawn
between certain valleys in Europe and that of the Sacramento and other
valleys, to have escaped their attention, and that is, what is the
proportionate area of the outlet through which this immense quantity
of water is discharged? It appears to me, from what slight knowledge
I have of the outlet or entrance at San Francisco, better known as the
"Golden Gate," and which if it continued to hold back the water and
submerge us, as it has done the past ninety days, may prove anything
but a "Golden Gate,") [no ( ?] that a very vital point, in our troubles
may there be found, also, as some other party has to the "UNION" of a
few days since suggested, at "Carquinez Sraits." It is a well known
fact, that the entire basin formed by the area of our several valleys
and the mountain sides, contiguous thereto, has no other discharge
than the "Golden Gate," and that most of the water passing through that
outlet must also pass through the Straits of Carquinez; and the further
fact, that such a small outlet discharges so much water fully
demonstrates that any enlargement, no matter how small, would be
proportionately cheaper than building such high and extensive levees
along the entire river banks. Another strongly demonstrative fact of
the disproportionate size of the outlet is that in the recent floods
the current running out of the Bay of San Francisco is said to have
acquired a speed of eleven miles per hour, the water being backed up
to attain such a velocity.
In view of these facts, would it not be an economical and practical
investigation or operation for our Legislature to appoint and empower
a competent Board of Engineers, familiar with such matters, to
investigate and examine the above mentioned localities--Golden Gate
and Carquinez Straits--in reference to the widening and deepening of
the channel and removing such rocks, reefs and other obstacles as now
interfere with our safety and prosperity. The result to San Francisco
harbor might also be very beneficial, by making a less deposit of
and carrying off more sediment--the present filling up being occasioned
largely by the indirectness of the channel and the incapacity of the
discharge. I submit these ideas, hoping it may induce those of
experience in such matters to investigate and establish whether there
may be any validity in the suggestions herein contained, and whether
or not the proportionate expense of enlarging the outlets would not
be much less than such an extensive system of high levees.
PIONEER.
MARYSVILLE, February 5th. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river has fallen to about nineteen feet
six inches above low water mark. The water in the lower part of the
city recedes at about the same rate as that of the river--two or three
inches per day. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Thursday, Feb. 6 1862.
The Board met at ten o'clock this morning. Present--Supervisors Granger,
Hill, Hansbrow, Hite, Russell, Dickerson, Waterman, and President
Shattuck. . . . .
The report of R. F. Jacobs, Superintendent of the City Cemetery, for the
month of January, was received and filed. . . . Due the Cemetery for
permits, $65; due the Cemetery for lots, $248: none of which had been
collected in consequence of the temporary absence of parties from the
city and the scarcity of money during the flood. The Cemetery is stated
to have been but little damaged by the inundation.
Supervisor HANSBROW moved that the following Act be presented to the
Sacramento delegation in the Legislature, with a request to have it
enacted into a law:
An Act to allow the Board of Supervisors of Sacramento county to levy
a special tax.
The People of the State of California, represented in Senate and Assembly,
do enact as follows:
Section 1. The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento,
shall have power to levy a special tax, which shall be collected in the
manner now prescribed by law for the collection of taxes, sufficient to
pay the claim of A..D. Rightmire, arising out of a contract entered into
by said Board of Supervisors and said Rightmire, not exceeding the sum
of one thousand and two dollars and twenty-five cents.
Sec. 2. The tax to be levied and collected under this Act shall be paid
into the County Treasury, and be constituted as a separate fund to pay
the claim of said Rightmire.
Sec. 3 This Act shall take effect immediately after its passage.
The motion was agreed to. . . .
Supervisor HANSBROW moved that a Committee of three be appointed to
confer with Mr. Hereford, the attorney employed by the Board in the
proposed suit against the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company. Agreed
to.
Supervisors Hansbrow, Granger and Russell were appointed to act as the
Committee.
On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Monday, Feb. 17th, at two P. M. . . .
p. 4
OUR LEGISLATURE--ITS DUTIES.
[From the Shasta Courier.]
We say, without the fear of successful contradiction, that the people
demand a short session.. We further hold, that since the removal of the
Legislature to San Francisco, it would be unwise to pass any laws to which
the people would not yield a ready assent, for the reason that there are
doubts, and grave ones too, as to the constitutionality of the present
removal, and, consequently, doubts as to whether any laws passed in San
Francisco can be enforced by judicial action. We hold further, that the
only laws which are deemed of vital or immediate importance are such as
would secure the adoption and assumption of the Federal war tax, and its
payment, which of course would require an amendment to the Revenue Law.
There are other laws which we would like to see passed, in ordinary times,
but for the present we would prefer that the statutes remain unchanged,
and that our already afflicted and tax-ridden people should be no further
taxed for an unconstitutional Legislature. We believe that an Act for
the assumption of the Federal war tax, whether constitutionally passed
or not, would be readily obeyed by the people of the State, for a large
proportion of our population are disposed to aid the Federal Government
to their last dollar in the prosecution of the war; and those who are
so disposed would be deterred by an overpowering public sentiment from
resisting its enforcement; hence, it matters but little where this law
is passed. But in regard to other laws, no such argument can be urged.
There is nothing to prevent a resistance to the Fence Law, for instance,
or to the law altering or amending the present Constitution--there is no
moral obligation resting upon any one not to test their constitutionality,
so that in the absence of a decision of the Supreme Court to the effeot
that the place of making the law is not an essential element in its
validity, we think the Legislature would be acting very unwisely in
holding a protracted session. For our own part, in the face of the
decision of the Supreme Court, in the case of the People at the relation
of Vermeule vs. Bigler, we cannot see how the Legislature was removed
at all, for it is difficult to imagine how much stronger language can
be used than the following from the above cited case:
Chief Justice Murray says, "That unless the Act removing the Capital
(Feb. 4, 1851) was constitutional, the legislation at the place to
which the Capital was so removed would be a dead letter on the statute
book, and holds that the place is an essential ingredient to correct
legislation, as much so as it is to a proper administration of justice;
and if a decision wonld be coram non judice because the Court
was not holden at the place appointed by law, by a parity of reasoning
the acts of a legislative body done at any other place than the one
appointed must be equally void. That there can be a de facto
seat of government, or that the reason which would operate to cause and
render obligatory the acts of a de facto officer can apply in
this case, is a proposition I cannot assent to."
We have always advocated the calling of a Convention to amend the
Constitution. We believe that most of the changes proposed by the
Legislature would work well; but we also know that the loss in
legislating on the subject for one week would cost more than the
salaries of the present incumbents for the next year, or during their
present terms, and besides, the same reasons for changing the number
of Supreme Judges (the most important of the proposed changes) do not
now exist with the same force as formerly.
We might urge argument after argument against a long session, but our
chief ones are, that the people are suffering from heavy calamities--that
most of the counties in the State are insolvent--that our Federal Union
is in danger and needs the substance of her citizens to support her--it
is better to bear laws that are not exactly what they should be, than in
times like these to call new men and measures into existence--and that it
is the universal wish of all classes that the Legislature should adjourn
without delay.
There are, however, bipeds (we will not oall them men) who,
for the sake of securing to themselves a paltry advantage--the sake of
their ten dollars per day and San Francisco society--will advocate much
legislation. To such we have no word of advice ; they are beyond the
depths to which our pen can sink; they are Neros, who would fiddle while
their country was in flames. We are assured that our representatives have
only to be convinced of what is the popular will, to have them use every
effort to carry it out: and it is with this view that we have penned
this artiole, feeling that in so doing we are acting the part of an
honest journalist.
When the dangers which now threaten our very hearthstones are dispersed,
wben peace shall have been won, when as brothers we can sit down under
our own vine and fig tree, then we will be ready to go with him who goes
the farthest in trying, by legislation if need be, to provide for every
imaginary want of our people.
THE SWAMP LAND SUBJECT.--The underadded sensible article on the Swamp
Land question, we clip from the San Francisco Journal:
We donbt the policy of abolishing the Swamp Land Commission, now
attempted in the Legislature. The reclamation of lands under that
system is entirely practicable, and we see no earthly reason why it
may not be made economical. The objection to the system by Governor
Downey and others opposed, seems to be that the fund accruing from
the sales of the lands will be consumed in the payment of engineers
and other officers. Such has certainly not been so far the result,
and why it should be so in the future is known only to those who are
peculiarly gifted with the powers of prophecy. But suppose that it
were indeed the case, even then it is much better to reclaim the lands
than to let them lie idle. The principal objeot of the reclamation
is not so much to create a big fund in the treasury as to throw hitherto
useless acres into cultivation, and thus to increase the taxable property
of the State. A wise statesmanship looks to the remote, far more than
the immediate results.
Besides, if the margin for expenditures under the existing statute is
too large, it can easily be cut down by judicious amendment. It is
poor policy to overthrow the entire system on account of a single defect,
and one which may be so readily remedied.
Furthermore, the citizens of various swamp land districts have paid
their money into the fund, $138,000 of which is now in the treasury,
with the pledge of the State that it was to be appropriated to the
reclamation of their land. To break up the system in the summary manner
proposed would be an act of great injustice to them, and the delay
occasioned, at this time of present urgent necessity, would force many
of them to abandon their homes and property. The State Government must
keep its faith with these people.
We haye advocated the employment of convict labor in the process of
reclamation and the harmonious conjunction of the two plans of
operation--under the Swamp Land Commission and that under the cities
or counties directing convict labor--produce speedy and great results
for the general good of the country. There is no reason why the two
should conflict, and no necessity whatever that one should supersede
the other.
THE WINTER OF FLOODS.--The Winter of 1861-2 will be pointed at in
future years as a memorable Winter of great and devastating floods.
The loss of life and property will afford eventful details in the
annals: of California. Withont the imagination of looking back from
the future, we can already realize the precautions that will be taken
to guard against like destruction of property. We can almost observe
the desolate farms along the banks of the rivers, apparently as rude
and wild as though never disturbed by the agriculturist. The effects
of the flood will be felt all over the State. Provisions, clothing,
mining and farming implements, and all other necessaries will advance
to prices of old times. Channels of rivers will be cleaned ont,
facilitating navigation, and mining creeks, gulches, etc., will be
rendered almost new again for mining operations. New placers will be
opened by the washing away of banks and excavations of earth. As time
rolls on the steamers and teams will be rapidly replacing what has been
destroyed, giving employ to thousands of industrious persons. Levees
must be built and new buildings erected at Sacramento and other places,
and the public highways, bridges, etc., need considerable repair
and rebuilding. The destruction of this Winter will bring immigration
of working men who can have safe assurance of day labor, in order to
get a small capital to start in the more ambitious business of life.
W
ith all the misfortune of the present Winter, we feel certain of
greater prosperity than ever in our thriving Pacific State, which will
render her more than ever worthy the motto, "Eureka."--Yreka Journal.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3390, 8 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 1861. [sic]
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. RHODES, from the Judiciary Committee, to whom was referred Senate
Bill No. 70--An Act concerning chattel mortgages, reported the same back
with a substitute, recommending its adoption.
Some discussion took place as to whether the bill could be considered
at the same stage when the report was made. The bill was placed on
the general file. . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED.
The following bills were introduced, read twice and referred as indicated:
By Mr. PARKS.--An Act to amend an Act authorizing the Board of Supervisors
of Sutter county to construct a bridge across Feather river, approved
April 11, 1859, and to repeal section nine of an Act amendatory thereof
and supplemental thereto. [Section nine of the Act alluded to is made to
read that the Board of Supervisors may collect such amount as they may
deem proper, and cause the same to be set apart as a special fund for
the purpose of repairing said bridge and keeping in repair the road at
each end of said bridge, and that they be authorized to draw their warrant
on the State Special Fund for the above mentioned purpose.
Mr. PARKS explained that the Board of Supervisors were authorized some
few years since to build a bridge across that river, which extended into
two counties and they had no right to make any repairs. This was simply
authorizing them to collect a toll to repair the bridge.
The rules were suspended, the bill read a third time and passed.
By Mr. VAN DYKE--An Act for the relief of John T. Cary, Treasurer of
Klamath county. [The amount of mileage and commission forfeited under
the Revenue Act, by not being present at the office on the precise day
required by the Act.] To the Committee on Claims. . . .
RESOLUTIONS. . . .
On motion of Mr. PORTER,
Resolved, by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That the Board
of Commissioners appointed to superintend the erection of a State Capitol,
by provision of an Act entitled an Act to provide for the construction of
a State Capitol in the city of Sacramento, approved March 29, 1860, be
requested to report forthwith to this Legislature--1st, the present
condition of the Capitol building; 2d, the contracts that have been
made by them relative to the same; 3d, the amount of money expended,
and for what expended; 4th, the amount and condition of the material
now on hand for the erection of the building paid for by the State,
or upon which the State has advanced money, if any. . . .
CHATTEL MORTGAGES.
The bill concerning chattel mortgages, being a substitute from the
Judiciary Committee, embracing various amendments suggested on Tuesday
in Committee of the Whole, was considered in its order. Mr. Crane said
the Committee was extremely desirous that this Chattel Mortgage Act
should be passed upon to-day. If the bill was to become a law, so as
to afford the relief contemplated, it was high time it should be passed
and the fact known throughout the State.
The bill was read by sections as amended:
Section 1. Any person or persons possessed of any farming land in this
State, may, for a just indebtedness, make and execute a mortgage upon
all his or their interest or any part thereof in the produce there
planted, sown or growing, or thereafter, within the next six months,
to be sown or planted or raised upon such land.
Sec. 2. Such mortgage shall set forth and state the amount of
indebtedness and the rate of interest thereon, which the same is
intended to secure, and when payable, and may be either upon crops
then planted and growing, or standing, or upon crops thereafter
within the next six months to be sown, or planted, or standing,
including all volunteer crops, as well as crops of grass or hay,
and also fruit growing or to be grown, and in all cases shall
describe the land on which said crops are or are intended to be,
with reasonable certainty.
Sec. 3. In such mortgage the residence of the mortgagor and mortgagee
shall be stated, and the said mortgagor and mortgagee shall make
affidavit that the mortgage is bona fide, and made without any design
to defraud or delay creditors, which affidavit shall be indorsed upon
or attached to said mortgage, and the mortgagor shall also acknowledge
said mortgage before some officer authorized by law to take acknowledgment
of deeds or conveyances, in the same manner as conveyances of real
estate are required by law to be acknowledged.
Sec. 4. All mortgages made in pursuance of this Act, shall, with the
affidavit and certificate of acknowledgment indorsed or attached, be
recorded in the county in which the land therein described is situate,
by the Recorder of said county, in the book or books already provided
and in use for recording chattel mortgages, and to widen the same in
the same manner as now required by law, and for which said Recorder
shall receive the same fees as now provided; provided, that in every
county in which the Recorder is compensated by salary said fees shall
be paid into the treasury by such Recorder.
Sec. 5. Such chattel mortgage, when so made, executed and recorded,
shall be and become a valid lien and encumbrance upon the grain, grass,
fruit or other crop then planted or growing, or thereafter within the
next six months to be sown, planted or growing upon the land in said
mortgage described, and such lien shall continue during the harvesting
of the same, and after the same is harvested, and during the transit
of the same to the warehouse, or other place where it may be stored,
and during its transit to market; provided, however, that in order to
continue the said lien upon grain or other produce in the sack, ball [bale?]
or package, the holder of the mortgage shall, before such grain or
other produce is removed from the farm where the same is threshed,
sacked, boxed, baled or packed, brand or cause to be branded or marked,
upon one side, and near the middle of every such box, sack, bale or
package, the letter M, in a plain, legible manner, which shall be
surrounded by a circle.
Sec. 6. Any person preventing the making or branding of any such produce
as mentioned in the preceding section, or altering or defacing such
brand or mark with intent to defraud the holder of such mortgage while
such mortgage or any part thereof remains unpaid, or placing such brand
or mark on any such bale, box, sack or package when the same is not
mortgaged with intent to defraud, delay or hinder the creditors of the
owner thereof, shall be guilty of misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof
shall be fined in any sum not less than $100 nor more than $500, or
imprisoned in the county jail not less than one month nor more than
three months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
The holder of the mortgage or his agent may at all times lawfully enter
upon the premises covered by such mortgage, take possession of the
mortgaged property, mark all sacks, bales, boxes or packages, and in
case the mortgagor or his executors, administrators or assigns shall
fail to properly harvest and secure said crop, may harvest, pack, sack
or box the same, the actual cost whereof shall attach to said property,
to he collected as a part of said mortgage in the same manner as freight
or commission or storage.
Sec. 7. The holder of the mortgage shall be fully authorized, after
the debt shall have become due, without process of law, at any time
after he has given five days notice to the mortgagor of his intention
so to do, to proceed and sell the property so mortgaged, and not less
than the usual market rates, or so much thereof as may be necessary to
satisfy the principal and interest due him, together with the freight,
commission and other charges attending such sale, and shall pay the
balance of the money arising from such sale or sales, if any may remain,
and on demand, deliver all such property which may remain unsold unto
the mortgagor, his executors, administrators or assigns, or to the
Sheriff or other officer who may have given notice and levied process
thereof as provided in the sixth section of this Act.
Sec. 8. Any mortgage made in pursuance of this Act may remain and be in
force for one year, from and after the time when the grain or other
produce covered by the same shall have been harvested, and no longer.
Sec. 9. If any property mortgaged in pursuance of this Act, shall be
attached or levied upon at the suit of any creditor of the mortgagor
or his assigns, such creditor shall have no right to take possession
of said property, but his levy shall only operate as a lien upon the
surplus which may remain after the mortgage, commission, freight and
other lawful charges shall have been fully satisfied, as provided in
the seventh section of this Act. And a certified copy of the process
levied shall be served upon the mortgagee and mortgagor, his or their
assigns or agents, and being so served, shall operate as a levy npon
such surplus.
Sec. 10. Upon such levy being made, the holder of the mortgage, or his
agent, shall, on demand, make a statement setting forth the number of
sacks, bales, boxes or packages which he holds under the mortgage, and
the kind and quantity, and also the amount due him, which statement shall
be verified by his oath. And ahall at all reasonable times thereafter
make a statement of the same, upon request of any creditor interested,
and any surplus of such produce, or of money arising from the sale
thereof, which may remain after fully paying such mortgage, and freight,
commission and other charges, shall be paid and delivered over to the
officer making such levy, as provided in the seventh section of this Act.
Provided, however, that such creditor so so [sic] levying process, may,
at his option, pay or tender to such mortgagee, his agent or assigns,
the money then due him on such mortgage for principal, interest, and
other charges, such as freight and storage, which may have attached
to the same, and in such case such creditor shall be entitled to the
immediate possession of such property, and on sale to satisfy his
judgment, shall retain, first, the amount which he paid to redeem the
same from said mortgage, and the rate of one and a half per cent. a
month from the time of such payment; second, all charges for the care
and keeping of such property, and third, the amount due him on his
judgment, or so much as may be paid thereby, the surplus, if any,
which may remain, to be returned to said mortgagor, his administrators,
executors or assigns; and provided further, that in all cases the wages
of laborers engaged in harvesting, hauling, threshing, sacking, boxing
or baling any such crops, shall be and become a lien thereon prior to
all other liens whatever, such claim, however, not to exceed $50 to any
one person, and be sued for within thirty days from the time that the
labor was performed.
Sec. 11. All laws and parts of laws or Acts repugnant to the provisions
hereof are hereby repealed, and this Act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
Mr. BAKER said, so far as the merits of the bill
were concerned, he believed Senators were well advised. The bill ought
to be on the statute book, under the circumstances calling for it. We
had a Homestead Law exempting $5,000 worth of real estate in the shape
of a farm, which would be useless without .some enactment wherby [sic]
the honest farmer could secure his creditors. As his constituents were
concerned in the matter, he felt considerable anxiety that the bill
should pass.
Mr. CRANE said he believed the bill to be one of the most important
measures of the session that would afford relief to a large portion of
our community, who had been overwhelmed by the flood, and who had nothing
left but the soil they live on and a few tools and farming utensils. The
design of the law was to give to capitalists who might advance money to
raise crops, a lien upon that crop over and above all other creditors
until his advances had been satisfied. As a principle of abstract
equity, it was right, and no one would dispute it. Two-thirds of the
farmers would not be eble [sic] to do anything without such a law under
the circumstances existing throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin
Valleys, and a crop would not be raised this year in California.
This was a State of great reverses. Men who were poor this year would
be rich next, and vice versa. Those who had lost their all by this
flood might be worth $12,000 in six months, as he had seen in the case
of a farmer with only a few acres of land. This flood would greatly add
to the fertility of the soil; it would make this country like the valley
of the Nile, yielding two-thirds more than in ordinary seasons. Next
year the farmer would obtain large prices, owing to the fact that on the
other side of the continent vast armies had been withdrawn from labor.
Was not this a wise and better measure than it would be to borrow millions,
and lend millions to the people? Was it not better to enable the people
to help themselves than to help them? There had been great complaint
that the Attachment Law was a curse to the community, an the Judiciary
Committee had before them more than one proposition to abolish that
law. This bill would enable the farmer to shelter himself from the unjust
operation of that law. Another advantage would be the reduction of the
rate of interest, by giving the money lender absolute and unquestionable
security and furnishing abundance of capital at quarter of one per
cent. a month, thus saving from two to two and one-half per cent.
There was no country in the world where so much capital was congregated
in proportion to the number of capitalists as in California. He could
conceive of no valid objections to this measure. He denied that the
bill would promote frauds, for under existing laws the debtor could
already put his property out of its control. Besides the bill made all
possible provision for the security of creditors, while it enabled
farmers to negotiate loans on favorable terms, in a simple and
expeditious way, each man acting as his own Commissioner. He did not
believe the farmers were such rascals as to take advantage of a good
law enacted for their benefit, and appealed to the representatives of
the mining counties to lend their aid in establishing the law.
Mr. BURNELL concurred with Mr. Crane as to the importance of the bill,
and as to the honesty of the farmers, and said credit was as a general
thing more dependent upon the integrity of the party than on any
security. This bill would in his opinion help the farmers out of
their present difficulties by relieving them of the little property
left. It would enable the farmers to mortgage not only all his property,
but all he expected to have, giving his property into the control of
his creditor. Of all men, the farmer should himself control and attend
to his own business. Men could not afford to farm on the credit system.
He had been interested in farming ever since he lived in the State, now
represented a farming district, and knew all about the profits of farming.
Farmers could not obtain help if it was understood that their property,
present and prospective, was mortgaged; and he thought the terms of the
bill were such as would invite the perpetration of frauds of every
description. The thresher generally took his pay out of the farmer's
grain, but the mortgage proposed would prevent it and subject the farmer
to great inconvenience. In the hands of the money lender and speculator,
the farms would be badly couducted, and the farmers would fare very hard
indeed. The whole system of mortgages was, in his judgment, all wrong.
The bill provided for the mortgage of first vegetables, etc, and the
result would be that that sort of produce could not be sold at all.
The whole thing was wrong, and could only operate against the farmer.
The trouble was that all these relief bills for the farmer were
favorable to the money lender, and if they would only let the farmer
alone, he would work out his own salvation. It would demoralize the
honest yeomanry to give them unrestricted credit, and lead to ruinous
habits of extravagance. In a few instances the bill might be of some
benefit, but on the whole the country would be much better off without
it. The bill would only tend to introduce a reckless system of farming,
which was by all means to be deprecated. The farmers were now guileless
and ignorant of all shenanigan, and if they did not fall into the hands
of sharpers and money lenders, they would come out all right another year.
Mr. RHODES said, after the remarks of Mr. Burnell he did not feel like
undertaking to pronounce a eulogy upon farmers, but he thought that that
gentlemen had entirely mistaken the scope and object of the bill. The
gentleman ignored the fact that under the present laws the farmer could
mortgage all his growing crops, his barns, and everything else. The
gentleman had made a good argument against getting in debt generally,
but he had really advanced nothing against this bill. The alternative
of the farmer now was that either he must put in no crop this year,
or he must as a general thing mortgage his property, either lands or
crops, to raise the means of putting in crops. The advantage of this
bill was that it protected the farmer better than the present chattel
mortgage law. It gave him an opportunity of doing in advance that which
he might now do afterwards. It was certainly better for the farmer to
control his own property, but this bill would not interfere with such
control. It was inconvenient for a man to fall into the hands of money
sharks, but the poor devil who had nothing but his hands must perforce
seek aid somewhere. He disliked so much machinery as this bill proposed,
but nevertheless he believed it was an improvement on the old chattel
mortgage law. If fruit or vegetables were mortgaged the contract between
the parties might arrange as to the time of sale, and no difficulty need
be apprehended on that score.
Mr. PORTER said he represented an agricultural district, and had
intended to move an amendment, excluding his district from the operations
of the bill, if he had had an opportunity. He fully agreed with the
views advanced by Mr. Burnell, and thought the bill would work
injuriously to both farmers and merchants in his district. It looked
like enabling farmers to defraud their present creditors for the benefit
of their future ones. In his section the trouble with most of the farmers
was, that they had too much credit.
Mr. BAKER said he admitted the honesty of the farmers, and it was that
class of men that ought to be protected. The farmers were intelligent
enough to guard their own interests, and would not avail themselves of
this law unless their circumstances required it. He thougqt [sic] the
opposition to the bill arose almost entirely from a misconception of
its objects.
Mr. BURNELL. said he was aware that farmers could now mortgage their
growing crops, but it was a simpler and more comprehensible process
than under the paraphernalia of this bill. He wanted this bill to
stand entirely upon its own merits. He thought it was better for a
farmer to mortgage his land half a dozen times than his crops once.
A man need not sell his lands if they are mortgaged, but his crops he
must sell. He did not believe that the bill would reduce the present
rates of interest, which were not from two to two and a half per cent.,
and no farmer could live by borrowing mouey at such a rate. He had not
intended to intimate that farmers were an ignorant class, but he did say
they were not so well posted as others in the tricks of trade. They
would take care of themselves very well if they were not legislated
into limbo.
Mr. RHODES suggested that if they had so much intelligence, the farmers
could be trusted to decide when they would or would not mortgage their
crops.
Mr. BURNELL replied that any one could get rich if he could raise the
money to do it with. The business of legislation should be to prevent
holding out inducements to unwholesome credit. Farmers depended
peculiarly on individual enterprise, and should be especially well
guarded therefore in that particular. He would prefer that the bill
should not apply to his county. The present law amply protected the
money lenders, and this bill would only tie up the produce of the
farmer for the benefit of speculators in market. He believed abundant
crops would be raised the coming season for all the wants of the State
without the aid of any such bill.
Mr. PORTER, referring to some of the details of the bill, said he
thought it placed rather dangerous power in the hands of merchants.
By selling produce on five days' notice it might bring not more than
half its real value.
Mr. RHODES replied that they might give thirty or forty days' notice if
they chose. The time might be agreed upon between the parties.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said he regarded every farmer, including himself, as an
honest man, but merchants, nevertheless, would insist upon having
security. The greatest necessity for the bill was in the harvesting
of the crop, which involved the largest expense. The speculators
would manage generally to throw the crops into the market all at
once so as to bring down the price, and combinations would be formed
which it would be impossible to resist. In his county there had been
little suffering from the flood, but he thought there were individual
instances where it would be of benefit. If he thought, like Mr. Burnell,
that the law would compel farmers to mortgage their crops, he would
vote against it.
Mr. BURNELL said if snch a system were generally adopted, men would
be compelled to resort to it.
Mr. LEWIS asked what would be the effect of the law on the little
homestead farms in the mining districts? Their owners' credit would
not be good under this law unless they first abandoned their homesteads
in order. Homesteads might be relinquished, but a man would be very
foolish to do it.
Mr. VAN DYKE said he was still in favor of the leading features of
the bill, although he thought some of the details might be improved.
In his district men considered their farms as a sort of sacred heritage,
and were very reluctant to hazard them by mortgage. That was in
accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, and he thought it was
the duty of the Legislature to legislate in such a manner as to protect
the homestead as much as possible. Such would be the tendency of this
law. It was well enough to extol the farmer, but such eulogy did not
meet this practical question. He contended that the law would tend to
reduce the rate of interest by enhancing or increasing the security.
Mr, GASKELL asked that the bill be postponed
in order to give him and others an opportunity of examining it further.
Mr. CRANE said he thought the bill had been long enough under
consideration, and the Senate was as well prepared to act to-day as
it was likely to be.
The Senate refused to postpone the bill.
The ayes and noes were ordered, and the bill was passed by the following
vote:
Ayes--Baker, Banks, Chamberlain, Crane, Doll, Hathaway, Heacock, Kimball, Kutz,
Lewis, Nixon, Oulton, Perkins, Powers, Quint, Rhodes, Shafter, Soule,
Van Dyke, Warmcastle--20.
Noes--Bogart, Burnell, Denver, Gaskell, Harvey, Harriman, Holden, Parks,
Porter, Shurtliff, Williamson--11.
STATE LIBRARY.
Mr. CRANE offered the following:
Resolved, That the Committee on the State Library be allowed
two days absence, to proceed to Sacramento and examine the State
Library.
Mr. BANKS said the Committee of the House had already been there and
made an elaborate report, and presented facts which he supposed were
sufficient.
Mr. CRANE said the State Library was partially under water, and it
was absolutely necessary to make that examination; not less than
$3,000 worth of books had been under water.
The resolution was adopted--ayes, 12; noes, 10.
Mr. PARKS, from a special Committee, reported back Senate Bill
No. 2, relating to swamp lands, with a recommendation that it be
referred to the Swamp Land Committee. The bill was referred accordingly. . . .
At twenty minutes past two o'clock P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 6, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. HILLYER, from the Committee on Accounts Expenditures, reported back
with a slight amendment Assembly Bill No. 61--An Act making appropriations
for the payment of boatmen employed by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the
Legislature during the flood at the Capital.
Mr. MACHIN, from the Committee on Corporations, . . . Also reported back
Assembly Bill No. 29--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge or
bridges across the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry
Company, with a substitute, and a recommendation in favor of the passage
of the substitute, as the Committee do not find the original bill
consistent with the general laws governing corporations. . . .
LEGISLATIVE MESSENGERS.
Mr. DORE offered the following resolution, which on his motion was
referred to the Select Committee ordered to be appointed yesterday
in relation to messengers:
Resolved, by the
Assembly, the Senate concurring, That the Speaker of this House and
the President of the Senate be and they are hereby authorized (whenever
in their opinion the same is necessary) to appoint two messengers at
a per diem of $8 each, to travel between this city and Sacramento, and
transact the business of the Assembly and Senate, their Committees and
members, with the various State officers. And before entering upon the
discharge of said duties, said messengers shall take an oath to faithfully
perform the said duties, and give bonds in the sum of $20,000 each;
such bond, when deemed sufficient for the purposes of this resolution,
shall be approved by the Joint Judiciary Committee of the two Houses. . . .
SENATE BILLS.
The House proceeded to the consideration of messages from the Senate. . . .
Senate Bill No 95--An Act to amend an Act to authorize the Board of
Supervisors of Sutter county to construct a bridge across Feather river,
and to repeal section two of a supplementary Act, was read twice.
Mr. SHANNON explained that the bill was intended only to authorize a
portion of the money received from tolls on the bridge between Marysville
and Yuba City, to be applied to repairing the road leading to the bridge
at either end. The late high water had washed away the banks so that
there was danger in case of another flood that the bridge would be
carried away. It was important that the work should be done immediately;
and he asked a suspension of the rules to allow the bill to pass
immediately.
Mr. PRINTY objected, and the bill was placed on file. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO BOATMEN.
On motion of Mr. FERGUSON, Assembly Bill No. 61--An Act making
appropriations for the payment of boatmen employed by the
Sergeant-at-Arms of the Legislature during the flood at the Capital,
was taken from the general file. It makes appropriations from the
General Fund for the payment of the various boatmen, whose accounts
have heretofore been allowed, amounting in the aggregate to $1,651.50.
The bill was considered in Committee of the Whole (Mr. SHANNON Chairman),
reported back to the House, and the ayes and noes demanded on the passage
of the bill.
Mr. YULE said he voted no on this bill as a friend of Sacramento, not
wishing to have it go out to the world that it cost so much per day for
the Legislature to remain in Sacramento.
Mr. CUNNARD said he voted aye for the reason that he wanted it known
what it cost the Legislature to remain in that delectable city, and
that when the SACRAMENTO UNION came to make out its final account
against this Legislature for that removal it might have the data to
make it up from.
The vote resulted--ayes, 56; noes, 3--Messrs., Dudley, of Placer, Maclay
and Yule giving the negative votes. So the bill was passed.
At 1:40 o'clock P, M. the House adjourned.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF FRIDAY.
. . . .
In the Assembly, . . . A bill by Saul for the protection of farmers and
to regulate herding of stock. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture. . . .
House adjourned at three o'clock.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .This clear and bright weather is having a most favorable influence
upon the city. While the rivers are slowly subsiding, the water in the
lower part of the city is rapidly receding. The main thoroughfares are
in as good a condition as we have ever seen them.
A correspondence between the President of the Board of Swamp Land
Commissioners and Clement B. Ellis, engineer, will be found in our columns.
A NOVEL PROPOSITION.--Among the many propositions made to raise the
grade of Sacramento and levee the bank of the American river is one
of a very singular character, which a correspondent at Dutch Flat has
forwarded to us. In order to show in what various forms genius in
California will manifest itself, we give his idea of what might be
done in the premises. He says:
A great many deep and rich cuts in various mining sections of the
country have been caved out by the late remarkable freshets. Not only
the ordinary pay dirt has been washed out, but great quantities of
gold, and also bowlders of extraordinary size--say twenty to thirty
tons each, though the latter were considered immovable. It is, therefore,
my opinion that a good deal of the precious metal has found its way down
the American river as far as Sacramento. I would then advocate the
formation of a Mining and Grading Company to run water and dirt in a
large size sluice box for a number of miles from the American river
into Sacramento. It might pay a large amount of money, in gold, and
also grade a road, beginning on high land with a short sluice box,
then letting the rock and sand out, and setting new boxes on it to
lengthen it until it reached the Sacramento river. The water could
be let out of the city in drains. I venture to say miners with capital
would undertake the job if an inducement was offered them. They could
fill the streets six or eight feet, and build a road which would operate
as a levee, say 100 feet at the base and 80 feet at the top. I submit
the plan for your consideration.
All that we have to say is, that if any miners wish to work the American
river bed in this way and turn the current so as to carry a portion of
it away from this city, and use the balance for sluicing, now is the
time to pitch in, or as soon as the water falls somewhat. It would be
about as extensive a mining operation as ever came to our knowledge.
THE FLOOD IN WASHOE.--A correspondent of the UNION, J. R. Sproul, writing
from Dayton, February 1st, says, in reference to the loss of life there,
and the incorrectness of former accounts:
In the first place, we were like all others, thinking that Carson river
did not rise so high, until it was too late. On January 11th, the waters
came up so fast, by evening we had to leave our house, cross the race
to the mill and blacksmith shop; and I made two trips to the house from
the blacksmith shop. I had taken my bread and one sack of flour, and sent
over what bread was on hand, and some of the hands crossed the two ladies,
Mrs Mary A. Landon and Mrs. Andrews, with nineteen men, leaving four men
in the house, George Landon, O. Crandall, J. L. Forbs and N. Davis, who
had a boat tied to the door of the house, which we had caught adrift in
the evening. Just at daylight the house went off, and the parties
started for us, but the water was too strong, and the boat steered down
stream until they made a safe place to land. On Saturday morning,
January 12th, eight persons started from our place in our own boat,
Mrs. Landon, Mrs. Andrews, William.Dayton, William Brumer, Henry Miller,
Jesse Andrews and G. W. Brett. Brett is the only one who came out safe.
Henry Miller stood in the water up to his waist five hours before being
rescued, and has not got over his injuries as yet. I saved myself by not
going in the boat; I stopped on the island with fourteen other men
sixty-five hours before we were rescued. When our entire island was
about to be overflowed, my men took the only lumber left and built a
raft. We owe our rescue to the Barton Brothers and a few friends on
shore, who built a boat for our relief. Our loss was about $16,000.
NEVADA COUNTY.--As, one of the straws which show the sentiments of
the people of Nevada county on the adjournment to San Francisco, we
publish the subjoined extract from a private letter received in this
city from a prominent citizen of that county referring to the matter,
he said: "The Legislature by adjourning to San Francisco has done an
act which does not meet with the approval of the people of this
county. There is no justifiable reason for it. Those of our members
who voted for the removal, I think, will yet regret that they voted
to sacrifice the public interest for their own convenience.
SALMON FALLS.--The ferry of A. H. Richards, at Salmon Falls, El Dorado
county; is finished, and teams are crossing. A communication is now
open between the south and middle forks of the American river.
It was suggested yesterday that, for this Winter a dam built of lumber
might be put in at the break this side of the tannery, which would keep
out the water at that point this Winter and Spring. The lumber would not
be very expensive, as an elevation of five feet would probably be
sufficient. Plenty of drift lumber to answer the purpose, can probably
be obtained above and floated to the spot. The suggestion is worthy of
consideration, as that is an ugly opening to remain there until next Spring.
VISALIA SAFE.--The Stockton Republican is informed that but few
places of business have been injured in Visalia. Jacobs & Berger is
perhaps the only store damaged. The buildings which have been lost are
mostly brick dwelling houses which were put up with the aid of clay
instead of lime. The water in town was fully as high as represented.
Seven houses were washed away in Millerton. All the mining apparatus
on King's river was swept away. At Sccttsburg, McCrae's store stood
and the goods were saved from Hill & Royal's. The water was seven feet
higher in that locality than in 1852. . . .
AN ACT.
In relation to Swamp Land District No. 2, as established by the Board
of Swamp Land Commissioners, and to amend an Act entitled an Act to
provide for.the reclamation and segregation of swamp and overflowed,
and salt marsh and tide lands, donated to the State of California by
Act of Congress, approved May 18, 1861.
The People of the State of California, represented in Senate and Assembly,
do enact as follows:
Section 1. Upon the completion of the survey and estimates of the cost
of reclamation of Swamp Land District No. 2, as established by the Board
of Swamp Land Commissioners, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of
said Board of Commissioners to certify the boundaries of said District
to the Board of Supervisors of Sacramento city and county, together with
a statement of the total cost of the permanent reclamation of said district
as estimated and returned by the Engineer of said District, and a statement
of the amount of money to which said district is entitled of the moneys
now in the Swamp Land Fund.
Sec. 2. After the receipt of said certified statements, and at the time
provided by law for the assessment of State and county taxes, the Board
of Supervisors of Sacramento city and county is hereby authorized to
cause to be levied on all property within the boundaries of said District,
a tax which, in the aggregate, when added to the amount in the Swamp Land
Fund to the credit of said district, shall equal the cost of the permanent
reclamation of said district as estimated and reported in the plan to be
adopted by the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners.
Sec. 3. The assessment thus levied shall be collected as other taxes are
collected, and be paid into the State Treasury for the benefit of said
District No. 2, as hereinafter provided, to be applied in the work of
reclamation, as is provided in the Act entitled an Act to provide for
the reclamation and segregation of swamp and overflowed, and salt marsh
and tide lands, donated to the State of California by Act of Congress,
approved May 13,1861.
Sec. 4. The money thus authorized to be collected shall be received
by the State Treasurer and be credited by the Treasurer and Controller
to Swamp Land District No. 2, and upon the completion of the survey
of said District No. 2, it shall be the duty of the Board of Swamp
Land Commissioners to certify to the Controller and Treasurer of
State the number of acres of swamp and overflowed land in said District
claimed as the property of the State, whereupon the Controller and
Treasurer shall set apart from the Swamp Land Fund one dollar for each
acre thus certified, and credit the same to the fund of Swamp Land
District No. 2, which is hereby established, and which, with the tax
authorized to be levied and collected by the provisions of this Act,
shall constitute a Special Fund for the reclamation of said district,
under the provisions of the Act of which this Act is amendatory.
Sec. 5. Upon the completion of the work of the reclamation of said
District, the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners shall deliver the
levees, and other work of reclamation, to the control and custody
of ------, who are hereby appointed Levee District Commissioners,
the first two of whom shall hold oflice for one year, and until the
general election thereafter; the other three shall hold office for
two years, and until the general election thereafter; their successors
shall be elected by the people of the District, and they shall hold
office for two years from the time of election.
Sec. 6. The Levee District Commissioners shall have power to hire labor,
purchase material, and let contracts for the keeping of the levees and
other work of reclamation of said District in repair, and may certify
accounts to the Board of Supervisors for the same, payable out of the
fund in the County Treasury hereinafter authorized to be collected.
Sec. 7. The said Levee District Commissioners shall, annually, on or
before the first Monday of March, of each year, certify to the Board
of Supervisors the estimated cost of the keeping of the levees and other
works of said district in repair, and the Board of Supervisors shall
thereupon levy a tax upon all property in the district, which, in the
aggregate, shall equal the amount thus estimated. The tax thus authorized
to be levied shall be collected as other taxes are collected, and be paid
into the County Treasury as a Levee Fund, and be paid out on the warrant
of the Auditor, upon accounts certified by the Levee District Commissioners,
and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Sec 8. The Board of Supervisors of Sacramento city and county shall pass
orders or ordinances providing a punishment by fine or imprisonment, or
both, to persons convicted of cutting the levees, or injuring other work
constructed for the reclamation of the district. . . .
THE OSAGE ORANGE HEDGE.--The wholesale destruction of fences by the
recent floods has again directed the attention of farmers to the
expediency of substituting hedges. A resident of Illinois gives the
following as his experience in raising an Osage Orange hedge:
In the year 1858 I purchased hedge plants to the amount of ten dollars,
which I set out, making one hundred rods of hedge. The first year the
setting and cultivating cost me six dollars. The second year, cultivating
and trimming cost two dollars; the third year, trimming, two dollars.
I plowed a large land on the side of the field on which I set my hedge,
so I had neither the ridge nor the dead furrow for my hedge row, but
level ground; then with a common plow I made a furrow in which I set
my hedge, placing the plants about four inches apart, and covered them,
so as to leave the ground perfectly level. I took a double shovel-plow,
and as often as the weeds sprang up or the ground became baked I plowed
it up, keeping the ground level. I did no trimming the fint year. The
second year I trimmed once, which I did about the first of April, cutting
the hedge about three inches above the ground. The third year I trimmed
twice; first, about the first of April, cutting the hedge about one foot
from the ground; second, the first of July, cutting about three feet
above ground; after which, my hedge has been completely adequate to turn
all my stock. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.--The Placerville Republican says it
has no word of justification for those who voted to adjourn to San
Francisco. The Republican is very different from most of its
Republican cotemporaries, which defend the act on principle. For instance,
the Appeal is very angry because the press generally of the
State condemn the movement. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
BUSINESS REVIVING.--With the continuance of fine weather each succeeding
day tends to the revival of business in our city, and to the restoration
of the ordinary and usual routine of life in our midst. Our stores are
all open, and many of them are doing an active, though not a heavy trade.
Teams, drays, express wagons, etc., are kept stirring upon the streets.
The steamers to Red Bluff, to Marysville, and to Brighton, are carrying
off freight, and the hundreds of small boats, which come to the city from
various point in our own county and in Yolo, continue to carry out supplies
for the surrounding population. As the water recedes, the chances of
getting into the city with teams increase. Ranchmen who reside on the
upper and lower Stockton roads, and who have heretofore been entirely
cut off by the water, now come up to Poverty Ridge with their teams.
Colby's bridge at the Fort will soon be finished, when farmers from the
portion of the county lying east of the city will have free access to
our midst. In the farming districts the plows are in motion wherever
the .ground is dry enough, and grain will be sown and seed planted
wherever practicable, with a fair prospect of remuneration. If we have
no further visitation in the way of storm and flood, our city will very
soon be the theater of activity and industry. . . .
INSOLVENCY.--Frank Leibling filed a .petition yesterday in the District
Court, asking for a discharge from his debts and liabilities. The
petitioner is a resident of Sacramento, and on account of losses by
floods, bad debts, heavy expenses, etc., has become hopelessly insolvent.
He commenced the business of peddling fancy goods in the fall of 1858,
with a cash capital of $14, and continued in that business until the
flood of the 9th of December, 1861. Those who were indebted to him at
that time, both in the city and county, lost all or nearly all the
property they possessed, and have moved to places unknown. His own
household furniture, worth $800, was also destroyed. His losses are
given at $1,650; total liabilities, $1,053.42; total assets, $397.50. . . .
WINDBOUND.--The steamer Goodman Castle was dispatched down the river
yesterday morning for the purpose of towing up some of the schooners
which have been wind bound below for several days. The Harriet K,
having on board the pile driver for the use of the Railroad Company,
was among the number. She had not returned at seven o'clock in the evening. . . .
IDLE.--The pile-driver at the R street railroad was unoccupied
yesterday on account of a scarcity of raw material. A supply of
piles is on the way up from San Francisco.
WATER GAUGE.--A temporary water gauge has been put up at the foot
of N street, as a substitute for.the city gauge, which was carried
away a few weeks ago. . . .
FALLING.--The water in the lower portion of the city during yesterday
and the night before fell four or five inches.
A BENEFIT.--The benefit for the sufferers by the floods, given at
the American Theater, under the auspices of the French Benevolent
Society, on Monday evening, February 3d, will probably net about
one thousand dollars. . . .
CONDITION OF THE CROPS.--The Stockton Independent has the following
on the prospect of grain crops:
We learn that the late flood has caused no perceptible damage to the
growing grain in the neighborhood of Mokelumne City, except in such
places as were subjected to a full sweep of the current. Where the
water quietly flowed over volunteer grain, or grain newly sown but
far enough advanced previous to the overflow to have formed a healthy
root, it is said the appearance of the crops was never better, and
farmers are in good spirits over the cheering prospects of a successful
harvest. The deposit of sediment over the fields of grain has been
so distributed that it has rather benefitted than otherwise the
volunteer grain. A considerable portion of the land had been but
recently sown when the heavy rains made their appearance; the ground,
being mellowed by the harrow, the slightest flow of water washed away
the grain. These fields will be resown as early as the weather will
permit, and should they escape another overflow it is highly probable
they will yield a heavy crop. Such is the opinion of the oldest farmers
on the low lands along the Mokelumne. If, then, this is the extent to
which the crops have been injured in a portion of our county where
nothing but their utter ruin was expected, we may reasonably entertain
hopes that in other portions of the country not visited by the flood to
the same extent, the crops will prove abundant and.remunerative to the
farmers who in so many ways have been sufferers. Good crops the coming
year will more than make up the losses occasioned by the destruction of
houses, fences and stock by the late flood. . . .
DESTITUTION.--The San Francisco Call says:
"At no time for many
years has there been so many unemployed men in San Francisco as today.
Many common laborers are willing to work for anything which will keep
body and soul together while the flood compels them to remain in the
city, and numbers who generally earn a comfortable living, now seek
the station house for gratuitous lodgings nightly." . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3391, 10 February 1862, p. 2
RAINY DAYS OF 1849-50.--A gentleman, resident, we believe, of Sonoma county,
remarked in our hearing yesterday, that he had never experienced, during
his long residence in California, a season at all comparable with the
present for severe storms. There was something unmistakable in his manner
and appearance that led us at once to surmise that he was indeed a
patriarch. Accordingly, after apologizing for our inquisitiveness, we
ventured the query as to the length of time he had lived in California.
He replied, that he came out here in 1829, and had resided since that
period continuously in the country west of the Rocky Mountains. There
had been four years prior to his arrival, i. e. , the winter of 1825,
a rainy season, surpassing in severity any ever before experienced by
the then oldest inhabitant. But our informant gave us to understand that
he had never witnessed in the course of his thirty-three years'
experience of California winters such a cold and wet season as that we
are now passing through.
In this connection it may be appropriate, as well as interesting, to
give a record of the rainy days of the entire wet season of I849-50.
Some time ago a Marysville journal gave an incomplete list, but the
subjoined is the only full record of the rainy days of that memorable
season. It is extracted from a journal kept by a gentleman then living
at Bidwell's Bar, Butte county: . . . .[table of precip. days, not amounts]
,--San Francisco Alta. . . .
SACRAMENTO HOWARD BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
Supplement to Report for December, 1861.
Our last monthly report promised another, supplementary, in a few days,
which was prevented by the returning flood.
In the report of transactions for December the sums of $10,395.60 from
Messrs. Castle & Kittle, Committee, was acknowledged.
We append a list of the donors, merchants of San Francisco, as a record
of their liberality and practical sympathy.
DeWitt, Kittle & Co. $500.00 Bro't forward $6,073.00
Donohoe, Ralston & Castle & Freeborn 250.00
Co.. .... 500.00 Moses Ellis & Co. 250.00
W.T. Coleman & Co. 500.00 Jas. Patrick & Co. 250.00
Stanford Bros..... . 500.00 Dickson, DeWolf &
Mark Brumagim & Co...... 250.00
Co . . . . . . . . . 500.00 Abel Guy.. . . 250.00
Macondray & Co..... 500.00 B. C. Horn & Co. . 250.00
W. R. Garrison. .... 100.00 Janson, Bond & Co. 100.00
C. Adolph Low & Co. 150.00 Main & Winchester 100.00
W. C. Talbot & Co.. 150.00 Redington & Co... 100.00
A. S. Rosenbaum & Tubbs & Co........ 100.00
Co.. ... . . . 125.00 Snyder & Reed .. 100.00
Loning Feuerstein 100.00 E. F. Griffin & Bro 100.00
C. W. Brooke & Co. . 100.00 R. G. Sneath .... 100.00
Ross, Dempster & Co. 100.00 J. H. Coghill & Co.. 100.00
Frank Baker & Co.. 100.00 Turner Bros.. ... 100.00
S. H. Meeker & Co.. 100.00 J. B.Thomas.... 100.00
Sarah Chase Cargo. 100.00 Randall & Jones.... 100.00
George Gordon 100.00 Blackman, Howard
Falkner, Bell & Co. 100.00 & Co.............. 100.00
Fargo & Co. ...... 100.00 A. B. McCreery.... 100.00
Jones & Bendixen 100.00 Holliday & Flint 100.00
C. O. Turner & Co.. 100.00 Flint, Peabody & Co. 100.00
Geo. Howes & Co. ... 100.00 Tobin Bros. & Co.... 100.00
Weil & Co. . .. .. ..... 100.00 R. E. Brewster & Co. 50 00
Stevens, Baker & Co. 100.00 McRuer & Merrill.. 50.00
Tay, Brooks & Backus 50.00 M. Frisius.... ...... 50.00
Dodge & Shaw..... 50.00 Geo. F. Hooper..... 50.00
H. Webster & Co..... 50.00 J. D. P. Teller .... 50.00
Crane & Brigham . . . 50.00 Hodge & Wood . . . . 50.00
E. T. Pease & Co. .... 50.00 Adams, Blinn & Co.. 50.00
Steinhart Bros.. ... . . 50.00 Murphy, Grout & Co. 50.00
James Phelan 50.00 C. P. Lolor.. 50.00
George T. Grimes.. . 50.00 Jno. B. Newton & Co. 50.00
Sullivan & Cashman 50.00 Liverpool and Lon-.
V. Marziou & Co.... . 50.00 don Insurance Co. 50.00
Irvine & Co. . . . . . . 50.00 A. T. Lawton ..... 50.00
Eggers Co ... 50.00 E. H. Parker...... 50.00
J. W. Brittan 50.00 H. Gerstung ...... 50.00
Janes & Lake 50.00 S. D. Farwell . . . . 50.00
Fonda & Gray...... 25.00 Verplanck & McMul-
Rountree Bros...... 25.00 lin....... 40.00
Fordham & Jennings 25.00 C. K. Smith. . . 50.00
Voisin, Ris & Webster 25 00 Neuhaus & Tillmann 25.00
H. Levi Co 25.00 R. B. Swain & Co... 25.00
Marden & Folger. . . 25.00 Breed & Chase...... 25.00
Locke & Montague. 25.00 C. H. Strybing. . . . 25.00
Hunter & Co.. ....... 25.00 W. Langerman & Co. 25.00
B. Eugene Auger... 25.00 Wm. Horn 25.00
R. Hockofler 25.00 Riley & Mullen 25.00
D. McDaniel. 20.00 Wegener & Shoenbar 25.00
Geo. B. Gammons & C. H. Livingston.... 20.00
Co............... 20.00 Stephen Smith .. 20.00
Cameron, Whittier & Shattuck & Hendley 20.00
Co 20.00 Nathaniel Page ..... 20.00
J. O. Eldridge 20.00 Amos Phinney & Co. 20.00
J. C. Horan & Co.... 20.00 Kruse & Euler 20.00
Alfred H. Cohen... . 20.00 F. Saulnier & Co... ..10.00
D. R. Provost .. 20,00 W. H.Stowell....... 10.00
J. Frank & Co....... 20.00 A. J. Coghill 10.00
A. L. Edwards & Co. 10.00 Elam & Howes..... 10.00
Cash..... 10.00 J. L. Taggard & Co. 10.00
Emil Grisar........ 10.00 J. Barbier 5.00
J. D. Callahan...... 5.00 A. M. Ebbets 5.00
John Winter........ 3.00 John Carroll 2.60
--------- ---------
$6,073.00 Total $10,395.60
In addition to those mentioned in our report for December, we acknowledge
our indebtedness to the following parties for sundry articles.
Kelly, Byrne & Co., San Francisco, dry goods.
Polack Bros., San Francisco, clothing.
Heller & Morganthan, San Francisco, clothing.
Ladies of San Francisco, per Austin Schmidt, 50 packages and trunk clothing.
Uhfelder & Kahn, San Francisco, clothing.
J. Scriber & Co., San Francisco, bedding.
Kelly, Mott & Co., Sacramento, tinware, etc.
Messrs. Mellvlle, Sprague & Hoyt, Sacramento, milk.
Wm. Parker, Sacramento, sausage meat.
With the above, closes our report of transactions for December, and up
to January 6th, 1862, when the Society was again operating in its
customary manner, the families and destitute it had cared for all
provided and settled in comfortable homes.
Report for January, 1862.
The flood of Friday, January 10th, was anticipated, and provision
made for the care of city suferers [sic] by opening the Pavilion on Friday,
at 7 o'clock, A. M. Boats were sent in every direction throughout the
city to rescue those in peril, and at 3 P. M. dinner was served to 350.
At night there were in the Hall 550 persons, and on Saturday four
additional Stations were established, and arranged with a view to comfort
and economy. Saturday night was one of severe trial, as the inundation
was then known to have extended in every direction. Hundreds had fled
to the first two story house at hand, and were without cooked food,
clothing, bedding, or means of procuring either. Adequate relief from
the stores on hand was impracticable, and when at 12 o'clock, P. M.,
the steamer Nevada arrived with intelligence that the steamer Cornelia
would soon reach the dock with additional supplies of cooked and other
food, and clothing, we were impressed with deep gratitude to Him who
had inspired the entire population of San Francisco with the noble and
prompt spirit to forward so bountiful and appropriate a supply. The
contents of the packages showed that families had taken their ready
cooked meats from the table, clothing from their wardrobes, and stores
from their larders; all of which were speedily distributed to families
in and out of the city.
On Sunday and Monday three additional Stations were established at
remote points below the city, and for two weeks four were continued;
two were closed in three weeks, and the last one at the Fort will be
closed on Saturday the 8th instant, at which time it is hoped the
Pavilion may be again closed, and this time finally for such a purpose.
Upwards of 1500 persons were dally fed and provided for ten days, and
the number at this date remaining upon our hands is 212.
The dispensations for the last month will exceed 3000, and the number
of persons relieved will exceed 10,000!
Our operations have extended from Fremont to Rio Vista, and from the
Coast Range on the West to the foot hills on the East.
In this department of our labors we acknowledge the eminent services
of volunteer boatmen from San Francisco, who with cheerfulness and
alacrity have undertaken and discharged laborious duties to our
entire satisfaction. Had we the names of all, it would afford us
pleasure to make mention of them--those so far as given us, have
been already mentioned in the daily papers.
The United States Revenue Cutter "Shubric," Capt. Pease, made two
trips up the river, rescuing a large number of persons from danger.
Captain James S. Lawson, of the U. S. brig Fauntleroy, generously
loaned a whale-boat and fixtures, which has enabled us to relieve
a large number of sufferers inland.
The California Steam Navigation Company, through their President,
R. M. Jessup, Esq., tendered any and all of their boats to the Society
on Sunday, the 12th, to convey sufferers up or down the river.
The number that availed themselves of this most liberal offer, as
well as the large number rescued by the humane efforts of the officers
of the various steamers, who stopped at every place on the river where
a house was to be found, entitle them to the lasting gratitude of the
people of the entire valley. The amount in passage money thus donated
we estimate at $10,000. We further acknowledge their kindness in
furnishing the steamer Sam Soule to the Society for rescue of families,
without further expense than cost of the wood. All the freight shipped
to the Society has been delivered without any expense.
The proprietors of the steamers Nevada and Sacramento have likewise
delivered all freight free of expense.
Our hearty thanks are also due and given to Mrs. Lawson, at Sutter's
Fort, who has had charge of that station, and by her excellent
management and care not only relieved the large number under her
protection, but economized and saved our property from waste.
The Central Relief Committee of San Francisco, H. P. Teschemacher,
Esq., Chairman, are entitled to our warmest thanks, for their arduous
and untiring efforts to render us assistance since the flood of
December 9th. All of our orders and requests for aid have been promptly
and fully met, and their labors in San Francisco for relief of those
who fled from this city and valley will never be forgotten by the
recipients of their bounty. We have, since January 6th, received from
this Committee provisions, clothing and bedding, to the amount of
$3,000, and cash $2,000, as will be seen by the Treasurer's report.
By the steamers Nevada and Cornelia we received 94 boxes, barrels
and packages of cooked meats, 29 packages of clothing, 91 sacks of
coal, and 248 boxes, barrels and packages of breadstuff and provision
of all kinds, in all 462, contributed or collected by South Park Market,
Deeth & Starr, J. L. Sanford, Mr. Williams, A. P. Bessey, Swain & Brown,
Mr .Shelland, C. D. Elliott, Mr. Brockwood, from Howard street, between
Third and Fourth, Mr. Simpton, J. J. Haley, C. J. Halley & Co.,
Crane and Allen, Third Ward Committee; Dodge and Austin,
Fifth and Sixth Ward Committee; Masten and Smiley, Second Ward Committee;
Nash and Taylor, Pacific Bakery, Fourth Ward Committee;
J. M. McDonald & Co., International Hotel; C. J. Dempster,
Hildebrand & Shultz, Wheeler & Martin, Platt's Hall Committee, Pierce & Co.,
Marks & Gove, Mr. Fell, C. A. Hunt, W. K. Brown, personally and for
Committee; American Exchange, Ninth District Committee, Butler and Chenery,
Committee; William M. Blossom, O. B. Crary, R. G. Sneath and Hayton, Tenth
District Committee, Mr. Sather, Zum, Cerf & Stein, and James Donahue.
Since which we have received from
J. T. Pennell, San Francisco, provisions.
Cutting & Co., San Francisco, pickles and vinegar.
Pollack & Brothers, San Francisco, clothing.
Ladles' Relief Committee, Petaluma, 1,000 pounds of flour, 8 packages
of provisions, and 8 cases of clothing [?].
Unknown person, Benicia, sack of clothing.
Pupils of Miss Atkins Seminary, Benicia, women and children's garments,
made by themselves.
R. J. Walsh, Colusa, fresh beef and mutton.
This spontaneous and truly Californian response to the wants of the
sufferers of this valley imposed most onerous labor upon the Society,
which has been performed with cheerful zeal, and none have been refused
aid unless we had undoubted proof of their ability to provide for
themselves. For fifty-eight days, with the short interval of two days,
the energies and resources of the Society have been taxed to the utmost
to reach all cases that might exist, far or near, of want or distress.
Our success is a matter of gratulation; and the people who, from all
sections of the State have sent us donations of money and food, are
assured that they have been applied with impartiality, a strict regard
to justice and the demands of humanity. It is proper to state that
neither officer nor member can receive compensation for labors performed
under any circumstances.
We have buried twelve persons since the flood of December 9th.
The smallpox has been in our midst, having had twenty-four cases in all,
of which number four died, one is still in a confluent state, and all
the others now indoor care convalescing. By great effort the spread of
this disease has been effectually checked, and at an expense altogether
of $950.
We have been made the almoner of all the public contributions sent to
the city with the exception of the donations from the Catholics of San
Francisco, which was sent for disbursement to the Pastor of St. Rose
Catholic Church.
The stage proprietors, Sacramento Valley Railroad, Telegraph and Express
Companies, and the medical fraternity have all rendered us gratuitous
services.
Our estimate for the closing up of all cases dependent upon us, to
March 1st, is $6,000, of which we have $1,500 on hand.
Large numbers of farmers and persons living at a distance have been
aided, and will hereafter need temporary help, and at least one-half
we have received the past month has been expended upon those living
outside the city limits.
Should no other floods visit us, our poor can be sustained by the regular
income of the Society after March 1st.
The Society has been regularly incorporated under the State Law, and
will ever be ready to aid in furtherance of charitable objects.
It aims only to aid the destitute and sick poor within the city limits,
but will always in time of general calamity, extend its benevolent
designs wherever its means and ability will permit.
We are aware of the feebleness of language to express the thanks that
are due to the persons who have directly and indirectly strengthened
our hands and filled our purse and store, and as agents selected to
disburse the abundance of others, we, in behalf of all the sufferers
befriended, invoke the choicest blessings of Heaven upon each and all
the donors.
The following is the Treasurer's report:
Balance on hand January 6, 1862 ........... $8,810.62
Received from P. L. Weaver, San
Francisco ..... .. ......... . $100.00
Cutting & Co., San Francisco. 25.00
R. Cooper, San Francisco .......... 5.00
L. L. Robinson, San Francisco ...... 100.00
Miss C. A. Larkin, San Francisco .. 25.00
Ed. A. Morse & Co., San Francisco . . 25.00
San Francisco Delegation, steamer
Nevada, San Francisco. .. ... .... 33.50
Lady visitor from San Francisco . .. . 50 00
San Francisco Gas Co.............. 1,000.00
Central Relief Co., San Francisco .. . 2,000.00
S. P. Dewey & Son, San Francisco. . . 200.00
Mr. Green, San Francisco........... 10.00
Ira P. Rankin, "soldiers' fund," San
Francisco .... ............ 300.00
H. Woodleaf, San Francisco.. 20.00
Heavy Dew, San Francisco ....... 10.00
Mrs. S. S. Bryant, San Francisco.... 20.00
---------- 8,928.50
Grace Church, by W. H. Hill, Sacra-
mento ..... 60.00
James W. Brown, Sacramento 5.00
W. C. Felch, Odd Fellows' contribu-
tion for Mr. Gemmill, Sacramento. 15.00
Lieut. Hale, Co. F, 4th Regt. C. V.,
Sacramento .. ......... 5.00
J. M. Ball, Co. F, 4th Regt. C. V.,
Sacramento ......... 5.00
T. S. Naylor, Sacramento ........... 6.50
J. F. H. Forbes, Sacramento 25.00
Mrs. Daly, Sacramento... 1.00
Captain Littleton, Sacramento . ... 5.00
Miss R. E. Doyle, Sacramento ....... 5.00
H. Greenbaum, Sacramento......... 10.00
Captain Foster, Sacramento 50.00
B. Morgan, Sacramento..... ....... . 10.00
Unknown parties, Sacramento 7 50
---------- 210 00
A. G. Richardson, Initiation fee 5.00
Miss Mary Atkins, Benicia ..... 20.00
Citizens of Stockton, per B. W. Owens, bal-
ance of relief fund.. ................... 288.20
Clay Lodge 101, F. & A. M., Dutch Flat 100.00
Citizens' Committee, Dutch Flat 786.50
Citizens' Committee, Dutch Flat 46.00
Citizens' Committee, Dutch Flat 17.50
Attaches Navy Yard, Mare Island 475.00
Passengers per steamer Nevada........ .... 17.25
Sundry persons, Mountain View, Santa Clara. 100.00
Hon. William Watt, Nevada . . . 50.00
Ladies' Relief Committee, Petaluma. ...... 487.00
Sacramento Rangers, C. V., Benicia 260.00
Citizens of Grass Valley......... . . 2,305.00
Mountain Forest Lodge, F. A. M., per U. S.
Beck, Eureka, Sierra county........ 100.00
R. J. Walsh, Colusa......... . ... 20.00
Company K, 3d Infantry, C. V., Benicia.. . . 140.00
Polar Star Lodge, I. O. O. F., Indian Dig-
gings 50.00
John Leavitt and others, Virginia City, Ne-
vada Territory.......... .......... 150.00
----------
Total [foots to $14,555.95, can't find the diff.] $13,311.47
EXPENDITURES
For provisions ............... $3,119.30
For clothing 1,012.37
For furniture, mattresses and blan-
kets. ........................... 954.60
For dry goods 775.11
For boots and shoes ........... 636.50
For hardware and stores...... .... 216.58
For boats, boatmen and steamer... 1,946.50
For donations to persons leaving
the city, and board.. ..... ...... 732.05
For rents...... ....... ...... 393.00
For smallpox nurses and expenses. 413.50
For medicines 182.41
For salaries of stewards and depu-
ties. 210.00
For wood, hauling, etc....... 358.15
For nurses..... 179.88
For cooks. 144.50
For labor, cleaning houses, etc. ... 386.60
For advertising, milk, meal, etc.... 94.03
---------- 11,755 08
----------
Balance February 4, 1862 $1,556.39
RECAPITULATION.
Received since December 9,1861,
from San Francisco, in cash . . . $24,513.40
In merchandise, etc 15,000.00
---------- 39,513 40
Received from all other sources in
cash..... 8,307 40
In merchandise, etc. ............. 3,000 00
---------- 11,307.40
----------
Total $50,820.80
In the above is included only that received by the Society at Sacramento,
from all sources.
The amount disbursed by the Central Relief Committee at Platt'a Hall,
and otherwise in San Francisco, we have no means of estimating.
On behalf of the Society.
GEORGE W. MOWE, President.
R. T. Brown, Secretary.
Sacramento, February 4, 1862. . . .
p. 3
NOT A BAD SHOW FOR GRAIN.--The San Joaquin Republican has the
following statement, which is at once curious and gratifying:
We learn from Hamilton, of the Sonora road, that there is not so bad a
show for farmers as many wonld suppose. He has carefully examined his
grain, which was put into the ground before the floods, and found it
not injured in the slightest degree, but on the contrary, doing well.
The current passed over his place at a furious rate, the water having
been from one to three feet deep at times. He lost three miles of fence.
The grain of his neighbors is in equally good condition. There is no doubt
that there is plenty of time for those to put grain in the ground who have
had theirs injured, and that good crops can be realized. . . .
THE OVERLAND MAIL.--The Postmaster of San Francisco has received the
following dispatches: . . .
CARSON CITY, February 7--4:15 P. M.
S. H. PARKER, Postmaster: Mails arrive and depart regularly between here
and Salt Lake, and running regularly for the last ten days. No mails
detained here. Mails that were detained at Sand Springs have all been
brought forward and sent over the mountains. The Overland road has been
changed so as to avoid the mud at Sink of Carson. Cook, the Treasurer of
the Overland Mail Company is out on the road. VANDERBERGH. Agent O T. Co. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Sacramento river stands at nineteen feet, three inches above low
water mark. The American runs over the bank at Rebel's tannery very
slightly, and the effect is a considerable decline in the hight of
the water in the lowar section of the city.
It is expected that the steamer Gem, which lies high and dry between
the Agricultural grounds and Rabel's tannery, will be moved this
afternoon towards the American river.
Owing to the San Francisco wires being out of order, during the
latter part of last evening, we are without our usual dispatch. . . .
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF SATURDAY,
In the Senate, on Saturday, . . . .
A bill was passed authorizing Adam Denzler to construct a bridge across
the Mokelume river at Middle Bar. . . . A message was received from the
Governor announcing his approval of the bill to authorize the construction
of a bridge across the American river at Folsom. . . .
In the Assembly, on Saturday, the Speaker announced the following
Committees: . . . Select Committee in relation to communication between
San Francisco and the State Capital, Irwin, Dennis, Campbell, Sargent
and Tilton of San Francisco, . . . The bill concerning fences was made
the special order for Thursday next, at one o'clock, and ordered
printed. . . . The Senate concurrent resolution calling for information
in regard to the condition of the new State Capitol, the amount of money
advanced by the State thereon, etc., was referred to the Committee on
Public Buildings. . . . The House adjourned at ten minutes before two
o'clock.
The Marysville Appeal is generally a fair, truthful and
courteous paper, but the adjournment to San Francisco seems to have
caused it to forfeit a portion of its character. In speaking of this
paper and its course its language is almost vituperative--it is certainly
not courteous--and its statements are not of the most exact order. For
instance, it says:
We should be sorry to believe that a majority of the people
of Sacramento share in the malignant and bitter feeling manifested by
the UNION, in its personal abuse and selfish persecution of those members
of the Legislature who were for an adjournment.
We have never manifested bitter nor malignant feeling about the adjournment,
because we have felt none. The act we have condemned as detrimental to the
interest of the State, and we have pointed to the debate as being barren
of all reasons in justification of it--except the personal comfort and
convenience of members. This was not personal abuse of members--except
so far as publishing truth is personal. But here is a statement which
is untrue. The Water Works were in operation during the high water as
usual, and in all the hotels they had an abundance of hydrant water.
Here is the statement to which we refer:
Those who remained in the drowned city were forced to live in damp and
crowded hotels whose lower stories were under water, and were forced to
sustain life on unwholesome diet, the only drinking water being dipped
from the streets, the washings from stables and privies.
THE LEGISLATIVE REMOVAL.--Some of the papers rather childishly allege
that the Legislature removed to San Francisco because the SACRAMENTO
UNION ridiculed some of the friends of removal. Such an excuse is or
should be insulting to the members. It is presnmed, though it may be
a violent presumption, that they are men of intelligence, principle and
firmness. If the plea of their apologists be correct it proves them to
be weak, petulant, egotistical and childish--easily offended, indifferent
to the interests of the State, and unfitted for legislative duties.
Because they were ridiculed by the UNION is no justification for their
precipitate removal from Sacramento. Better offer no excuse than one
so weak and insufferably stupid.--Mountain Democrat.
We commend the above and the following, from the same paper, to the
Marysville Appeal and other Republican journals, which appear
to be rather out of temper about these times:
It was a piece of reckless extravagance to remove the Legislature to San
Francisco, and the Bee justly holds the Republican party
responsible for it, and so will the people. Of fifty-eight votes given
for removal, thirty-two were cast by Republicans ; and of forty given
against the measure, but thirteen were cast by members of that party.
If Governor Stanford had advised against it, it would have been defeated.
The Speaker, by his unparliamentary and arbitrary rulings, gave every
advantage to the friends of removal, and clearly indicated that it was
a party measure. . . .
NOT PUBLISHED.--The Nevada Transcript, referring to its editor
being in Sacramento at the time of a late flood, says he met writers
for the UNION while in that city. Very likely; we have several. The
trouble is, that they did not think the arrival of the editor of the
Transcript important enough to mention the fact, either publicly or
in the editorial room.
RAIN THIS YEAR.--Thomas Tennent [Benicia? San Francisco?] furnishes
the Bulletin the following statistical information regarding
the quantity of rain which has fallen during the present season:
Rain up to January 31st 38.02
Rain up to February 3d .79
------
Total 38.81
. . .
COTTON, TOBACCO, SUGAR.
. . .There is another point from which legislation may encourage
agricultural productions. It is to secure, as far as practicable, the
protection of farmers on our river bottoms from the destructive effects
of such floods as have overwhelmed them this Winter. The alluvial lands
in the valleys are those which can alone be relied upon for the extensive
production of cotton, tobacco and sugar, in the future, and those lands
cannot be depended upon for cultivation unless the rivers of the State
can be confined within their channels by means of embankments. To build
those embankments or levees, will require a large sum of money which
can only be obtained from the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund, as now
provided by law. The greatest protection, therefore, which the
Legislature can extend to the farming interest of the State, is to hold
the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund as sacredly devoted to the reclamation
of that land by the Act passed by the last session of the Legislature.
That Act provided a system for the reclamation of the swamp and overflowed
land of the State, in exact accordance with the provisions and intention
of the law of Congress under which the donation was received.
[For the Union.]
A QUESTION OF VERACITY.
MARYSVILLE, Feb. 8, 1862.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The Appeal of this morning having questioned
the truth of a statement made by me through the columns of the UNION, it
is due to you as well as to myself to verify what I stated. In my last
letter to you I informed you of De Long's proposition to build a State
House upon a public park in this city. Not considering the site proposed
as any improvement upon Sacramento, I stated that "this land was twice
flooded during the Winter." To this the Appeal (continually
exercised for fear the UNION will say something harsh about somebody)
replies that my statement is "simply false." This is so much at variance
with the Appeal's usual manner of disposing of matters that I
am at a loss to conceive why the editor allowed a paragraph like the
one mentioned to go into his paper.
I now reiterate my statement. I know that it is true, because I
saw the water two feet deep on the land. If this should not
convince the editor, I refer him to Mr. Cass, the gardener of Cortes
Square, who lives in a building situated where the proposed State House
is to be. From a conversation with him to-day, I am quite certain he will
verify my statement.
I will not imitate the peculiarly courteous style of the Appeal editor,
and say that he lies, but I insist that he is seriously mistaken. The
heading of the article I am correcting was very proper. The word "Silly"
was a correct index. PUBLICOLA..
LATE FROM TULARE AND MARIPOSA.--An expressman from Mariposa furnishes
the Stockton Independent with the following intelligence:
. . . .The roads between this place and the mountains have been
rendered almost impassable by the late snows. Land slides are complained
of everywhere in the districts east of the low foot-hills. At Visalia
some eighty houses and buildings of all sorts have been destroyed by
the flood. In the grazing and farming regions of Tulare county
grest [sic] losses have been sustained. Nearly all the fencing has
been swept away, and it is reported that the stock has almost wholly
perished. The whole country at the head of the San Joaquin has been
covered with water. Many farm houses, stables and storehouses have
been swept away, and when the full details of disaster reach us. it
may be expected that Tulare will be found to have suffered more in
proportion to her wealth and population than any county in the State. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest, yesterday, in
American Township, on the body of an unknown Chinaman, found afloat
near Norris' Bridge, on Saturday afternoon. S. Baley, George Warren
James, ----- Muldrow, A. J. Kimby, W. H. Armstrong and T. Rose served
upon the jury. Ira L. Beamis and J. H. Witherspoon were examined as
witnesses. The body had been found by Beamis, and appeared to have been
in the water over a month. The deceased had on a belt containing three
dollars in coin and about twenty in gold dust. The name, age and cause
of death of deceased were unknown. The jury rendered a verdict according
to the facts.
CANARIES IN DANGER.--A day or two ago a fine canary belonging to
Mrs. Siddons, near Front and I streets, was taken from a cage by a
hawk. Some four other canaries have been lost in the same manner in
the same neighborhood. Cages have been left exposed out doors, the
hawk makes a dart at his prey, the bird becomes terrified and clings
to the side of the cage, and the hawk by inserting its talons draws
it out between the wires, frequently mangling it in the operation.
The scarcity of small birds on account of the flood doubtless makes
these birds of prey more daring and desperate than usual. . . .
RECREATION.--While many of our residents of both sexes and all ages
were engaged yesterday in boating in and below the city, many others
enjoyed the afternoon by a promenade upon the levees. The crevasse
below R street and the site of the repairs on the railroad were visited
by large numbers, while the northern levee, as far out as Twentieth
street, presented an animated appearance. In the exercise of boating
considerable difficulty is experienced, on account of the decrease of
water and the numerous bars below the railroad. The day was pleasant,
and it was by many pleasantly occupied.
THE AMERICAN.--The water is now so low in the American river that it
has almost ceased to run from the river into the city through the
crevasse at Rabel's tannery. If it were not for the openings in the
levees on the Sacramento below R street the city would very soon be
dry again. We shall unfortunately be annoyed with back water from that
source so long as the Sacramento keeps up. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO.--The water in the Sacramento last evening stood at
nineteen feet three inches above low water mark. . . .
CATTLE IN SUISUN BAY.--A person writing from Grizzly Island, Suisun Bay,
says:
I was out on the island recently, traveled most all day, and, to my
surprise, I never saw one dead animal on our place. I crossed and went
on to Hooper's ranch, on the Montezuma; the cattle are dying very fast
there. I would not put our cattle on the hills, if anybody would take
them off and put them back for nothing. I was over about one thousand
acres of dry land on the back of the island; the cattle can lie on dry
ground, in good shelter, and look first rate. I would hardly believe
we could produce fat cattle now, but if I did not see some amongst our
yesterday, I am no judge. Some of our cows are fat; I am surprised to
see them looking so well. There is plenty of feed for them, and that is
more than you can say of the hills. The cattle are dying there every day
for want of feed. . . .
FOR THE RAILROAD.--The sloop America and schooner Harriet K arrived on
Saturday morning from San Francisco in tow of the steamer Goodman
Castle. They bring to the railroad company a pile driver and a large
number of piles to be used in repairing the road. The pile driver has
not yet been brought into service, but will be as soon as practicable.
THE GEM.--The work on the steamer Gem is so far advanced that it is
expected she will make a forward movement this afternoon. She will not
be raised and launched, as at first reported, but will be moved
horizontally to the river by means of Fell's apparatus. . . . .
THE FLOOD IN SANTA CRUZ.--The Sentinel of January 30th has a general
article on the damages done by the flood in its county, from which we
extract the following:
The river San Lorenzo reached its highest point on the morning of the
11th, the current being very rapid and pressing heavily against its
western bank. During the two weeks which followed, the great quantity
of rain which fell kept the river well up, and fears were entertained
that the town would sustain material damage, owing to a new channel being
formed, bearing close against the east side of Main street A ditch was
cut through a narrow neck of land on the opposite side of the river,
and a little above town, around which the river doubled, with a view
to straighten the channel, but the banks fell in on the approach of the
water, rendering the work done of no avail. Efforts were made to dam
the new channel, and thereby turn the water, but owing to the heavy
body of water coming down, this attempt also proved futile, and now
that the water is low the river opposite here runs several hundred
feet nearer town than it did previous to the freshet. As a consequence
of this change, much property has been destroyed which would have
otherwise been safe. The current undermined a lot of land belonging
to J. B. Arcan, carrying away the house formerly occupied by
O. K. Stampley. Mrs Cathcart lost a part of her orchard. A portion of
Willow street leading to the beach is gone. Cooper & Co. lost some
fencing, W. C. Greenleaf two barns, J. Robertson's wagon shop is much
injured, J. Q. Russell and Wm. Davis sustained some damage, R. E. Vestal's
buildings are much injured, A. M. Peterson lost a barn, and his remaining
property damaged, the buildings of John Daubenbiss. Harry Hovey,
Peter Wilkinson and Antonio Morceal were more or less damaged. Patterson
and Winterhalder lost their slaughter house and some other out buildings,
Samuel Drennan lost a barn and some fencing, the rear end of Wm. Moore's
livery stable was considerably injured, Wm Elliott lost some hogs and was
otherwise loser, Elihu Anthony sustained considerable damage, the house
occupied by J. G. Bobbitt was carried away, and much other damage
sustained in the immediate vicinity of the town which we cannot at
present call to mind. On the river above town damage to a large amount
was done. Duncan & Warren's tannery is a total loss, and cannot be set
down at a less figure than $20,000. The paper mill, in the loss of dam,
flume and outbuildings, and the material injury to the mill and machinery,
will be $10,000 or 15,000. Graham's, Hicks', Love's and Bryant's saw
mills were all swept off, as well as every dam on the river. Miller's
saw mill was damaged. McPherson's saw mill and dam were injured to a
considerable extent. Some idea of the aggregate loss can be imagined
from the above list.
At Pescadero the river overflowed its banks and flooded the whole of
the bottom lands. About fifteen hundred sacks of potatoes were washed
off, aside from which no material damage was done. Dr. Goodspeed,
who came down from that place last week reports the bridges on the
road leading to Santa Crux all gone, and the roads in a very bad
condition. The Soquel creek not to be behind hand, has done much
damage to the town. The lots and buildings belonging to
J. F. J. Bennett and Mr. Eldridge have disappeared; so also has the
Town Hall and other buildings. All the dams on the creek were washed
out, but the mills are safe. The bridge over the Aptos creek, on the
road leading to Watsonville, was carried away by the drifts of
floodwood. On the Corralitos the saw mills belonging to Eagar & Co.,
May & Co., Brown & Sanborn, and Pruett Sinclair were almost entirely
destroyed. The flume of Hame's grist mill was carried away. In Pajaro
less damage was done than was at first reported. The bulk of the damage
done in that vicinity was in the washing away of fences, from the
overflow of the low lands. Judge Peckham and a few others lost a few
acres of valuable soil. We learn that the Salinas plains are all
inundated, and that a large amount of stock were drowned, but we
have nothing reliable from that quarter . . .
SYMPATHETIC IMITATION.--If we understand the UNION's reasoning, in
relation to the Legislature going away from Sacramento, this conclusion
is arrived at: "If a man finds his neighbor sticking knee deep in the
mud, it is the moral duty of the discoverer to immediately look for a
corresponding mud hole, and jump into it, over his
boots.--Placerville News.
It may be. Nevertheless, we should remember that Sacramento has had
her feelings sorely tried, and did not find sympathy where they had
the most reason to expect it. The impudence and gross ingratitude of
the Yuba delegation in voting against Sacramento because it was a mud
hole, was quite sufficient to upset the philosophy of any city or paper.
They put on airs, and voted with the higher class who represent land
instead of mud and water. --Butte Record. . . .
[For the Unlon.]
AN INSIDE LEVEE ARGUMENT.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I presume no apology is necessary for desiring to occupy
a small space in speaking of the condition of our city, and the steps
proper first to be taken. All of our citizens bear evidence to the
prosperity, in an unusual degree, of Sacramento for the year just past,
dovrn to the memorable and disastrous flood of November [sic] 9th. More
buildings had been erected than in any other year since 1855. Not a half
dozen vacant dwelling houses could be found within our whole limits.
Property was steadily increasing in value, the upward tendency having
been evident for several years previous. Upon the average, property,
whether stores or dwellings, paid to the owner a larger per centage upon
the market value than similar property did in our larger sister city.
Now why should any one feel disheartened at the future prospects of
our city? Has the population of our State decreased? Have the mines
which underlie the prosperity of our whole people become suddenly
exhausted? On the contrary, have not the discoveries in Washoe and
Esmeralda given new employment to thousands of busy miners, whose
very bread, as well as every implement and wheel, must be furnished
from this side the mountains, and in good part, especially the machinery
and breadstuffs, from Sacramento--to say nothing of all the wagons and
draft animals and general teaming outfit.
The State has been flooded. Nearly every community has suffered.
The great Sacramento valley has been made an ocean of swift running
waters. We have not escaped. Three times has the liquid element buried
our thoroughfares. Perhaps for twelve days during the Winter our main
streets have been inundated. Is this any reason for discouragement?
Why, in seven years we have not put seven cartloads of dirt upon all
the levees about the city. We have worn them down and cut them open,
and left them down and open, and even choked up a passage for water
that should have been left quite unobstructed. If these great floods
have taught us anything, it is that, unless California can afford to
throw away and abandon as uninhabitable this great valley of the
Sacramento, there must be some central rallying place, some place of
refuge, where in time of like diaster [sic] all may flee for safety
and protection. Why, but for Sacramento, how many lives do you suppese
would have been swallowed up by the insatiate floods this very Winter?
Hundreds, if not thousands, owe their lives this minute to the refuge
they could only find in our struggling but gallant city; and to the
strong arms and brave hearts of her unselfish people will the tribute
of gratitude be ever extended by untold numbers who were rescued from
certain death by flood or famine by their timely aid.
I say if there can be such dreadful inundations in this valley, there
exists, more than ever, a necessity for one place that shall be
entirely fortified against the floods. That we can do it, do it readily,
do it thoroughly, do it securely, do it for all time almost, no one
doubts. Then how? Here, of course, begins a diversity of opinion. The
first man says, build your levee long, strong and high--go from
Patterson's to Sutterville at least. Let us look at this before we
go farther. If orders came from Washington to General Wright, the
military commander of this Department, to protect Sacramento by
earthworks against an enemy that might approach from any direction,
in other words, wall in the town with such material as the soil readily
afforded, what do you think he would do? Would he look at the chart
of Sacramento to see where were its paper limits? Would he begin one
end of his defenses at Brighton, the other at Sutterville ? On the
contrary, would not common sense dictate that he lay out his line
around the real city, not the farm land and pasture lots adjacent.
He would see that a short line could be more quickly built, consequently
cheaper. Because it was shorter, it would also be more easily defended
in time of danger. For the same reason the annual repairs would be
less. When the treasury was low, and an attack might reasonably be
expected with the first storms of the next Winter, after which no
work on the line, however much needed, could be done, would not the
reasons thicken for adopting a plan which could be accomplished within
a limited time, and for a sum obtainable under such circumstances?
If we had time and money to build it this year, both of which we have
not, the long line of levee would be comparatively secure. The short
line which we can pay for, and build within a single Summer, would
be absolutely secure so far as human efforts can be relied upon.
For example, take the I street levee as a pattern, and say begin your
work at its intersection with Front--raise it perhaps five feet; follow
it in its turn up Sixth to H, thence to Seventh, thence north to the
firm high land near Willow Lake, not far from or on D street, but not
approaching near enough to endanger the structure by washing of the water
thence easterly on the best ground to such cross street as will include
the new Capitol with one or two blocks to spare, thence to R; thence
to Front and place of beginning. Suppose a levee upon that route
eighty feet wide at base, 40 feet wide at top, to be ever open as a
carriage way, beaten and packed down: the elevation everywhere to be
at least five feet above the high water of this Winter. No man living
will say that such a levee wonld be insecure. Ah, but you say that
defends the city--that it don't defend the country nor even all the
suburbs. Very true; my idea of the matter is, that the city has the
first claim upon us. After the State, county and seven millions of
private property are made secure, if the territory beyond can't be
protected by the property interested, then we will come to your rescue
to any amount deemed reasonable within our means. But until the city
is really and truly defended by the best means at our command, I will
prophesy that capital and population come no more to us. The best word
in our language is "confidence," and unless by our acts we can inspire
that at home and abroad, it is in vain that we toil and try to build
a city, however much the demands of commerce appear to require it.
The Commissioners of Swamp and Overflowed Lands have kindly offered to
take us under their wing, tax us and let us go. Therefor, they propose
to build or repair a levee upon two sides, or along our exposure to the
two rivers; the money not thus expended, of course, to be applied
elsewhere. In other words, the money to be raised in the city, as
compared with that raised outside, is as seven to one; and to be
expended for the direct and real benefit of the city, as one to seven!
True, these Commissioners, having leveed District No. 1, which coming
up the Sacramento terminates at Sutterville. find they will have the
magnificent sum of five thousand dollars to spare, which they freely
throw in as a sort of an inducement for us to consent to a direct tax
to raise sufficient money to build a levee from Sutterville to Patterson's.
This, they tall us, is "Swamp Land District No. 2." In their extreme
modesty they have even drafted a bill designed to become a law to "take
us in" nolens volens. I have only further to say upon this
subject, if we raise money by taxation for any such purpose, it would
be only fair that it should be disbursed by our own authorities.
If it is urged that the style of levee herein indicated is
unnecessarily heavy and massive, I reply that it ought to be not
only secure but "beyond suspicion." Steam cars could bring the earth
from the ridge or that vicinity--plenty of parties stand ready to
donate blocks or ten acre tracts for excavation.
You may divide the business world into two sorts of men--one ready
and confident, willing to take things upon half proof and go ahead;
the other more slow and careful, timid even in financial matters, and
not taking any unnecesary risks. For our purpose it unfortunately
happens that the latter class have the most means as a general thing.
Whether the difference is constitutional or only the result of
experience matters not. Now, for this class of people who have the
money to invest, we wish to make our city seem to them and really
be as secure a place in which to own a block or a homestead as any
city or town in the United States.
I have freely but hurriedly expressed my views upon one or two
important points as they come up in our history. The majority may
disagree with me. They are certainly the views of ONE MAN.
p. 8
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
. . . .BILLS INTRODUCED. . . .
Mr. Saul introduced an Act for the better protectton of farmers, and
for regulating the herding of stock, which was read twice by title and
referred to the Committee on Agriculture, with instructions to report
as early as possible. . . .
Accordingly, at ten minutes past three o'clock, the House adjourned. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 8, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock, . . .
REPORTS. . . .
Mr. MOORE, from the Committee on Agriculture, reported back, with
amendments, Assembly Bill No. 58--An Act for the better protection of
farms, and for regulating the herding of stock. The following is a copy
of the bill:
Section 1. Owners of cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats and hogs are
required to keep the same under fence or under the charge of a herder
or herders.
Sec. 2. Stock of the above description found trespassing on the lands
of others, whether inclosed or not, may be taken up, and beirg placed
in a safe inclosure shall be held liable to a fine on each head of
such stock, at the discretion of the Court before which the case may
be tried, and for damages and costs of feeding and caring the same.
Sec. 3. All persons taking up stock of the above description for
trespass shall immediately thereafter post notices in three public
places in the township in which such persons reside, containing a
description of brands, ear. and other marks, whereby owners may identify
them as their property.
Sec. 4. If the owner, owners or agents of such stock come forward
within five days after the time such notices were posted, and prove
them to be their property, the persons taking them up shall deliver
them to such owners or agents upon their paying all costs, charges,
and damages sustained by reason of their trespassing.
Sec. 5. If, however, the owner or owners, or agents, do not come forward
within five days, then the persons taking up such stock shall immeditely
notify the nearest Justice of the Peace for the township wherein the
trespass has been committed, and said Justice of the Peace, after having
had the same posted in three public places in the township for the space
of five days, shall then proceed in legal form, and cause the said stock
to be sold at public auction; provided, however, that the owner or owners,
or agents, may at any time before such sale takes place prove their
propert[y and?] receive the same by paying all fines, costs, charges,
and damages.
Sec. 6. If the parties cannot agree on the amount of damages and
charges, then each party may choose one disinterested person, and if
they two cannot determine the amount of damages and charges, the
Justice of the Peace shall be the third party to the arbitration,
and the majority shall fix the amount of said damages and charges.
Should the owner, owners or agents of such stock not come forward,
then the person taking up such stock shall select one person, the
Justice of the Peace being the second party, and they two shall
select a third party and they shall form the arbitration, and shall
proceed to determine the amount of damages and charges.
Sec. 7. The arbitrators shall receive a fee of one dollar each, and
the Justice shall receive a fee of one dollar for each notice, and for
all service performed by the Justice under this Act, and for all services
performed by other officers, the same fees as are allowed to civil
officers in similar cases.
Sec. 8. If, after paying all fines, costs, charges and damages, there
should be any surplus money, the Justice of the Peace shall pay the
same to the owner, owners or agents of the stock, provided they
prove they are entitled to it, within ten days after the sale, and
when the money is not claimed then the Justice of the Peace shall pay
the same to the County Treasurer, and if not claimed within one year,
then said moneys shall become a part of the County School fund.
Sec. 9. Any Justice of the Peace refusing or neglecting to pay the owner
or agents of the stock, or to the County Treasurer, as provided in
section 8, shall be liable for the same on his official bond, and shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be
punished by fine not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars.
Sec. 10. The provisions of this Act shall not apply to stock being
driven in transit on the public highways, but the owners or drivers
of such stock in transit, shall not be permitted to graze their stock
along the way on the possessions of other parties without their consent,
and for any infraction of this provision they shall be liable for the
trespass and damages, and the parties so injured may recover damages
and costs before any Court having jurisdiction of the same.
Sec. 11. All laws and parts of laws, so far as the same conflict with
the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed.
Sec. 12. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after
its passage.
Mr. BENTON said there was great necessity for the immmediate passage of
the bill, as the fences throughout the Sacramento valley had nearly all been
swept away by the late flood, exposing orchards and gardens to the inroads
of the cattle that are left. He was informed, on good authority, that
the people of that valley were desirous that the bill should pass
immediately.
Mr. PORTER said his impression was that the bill virtually abolishes all
the fence laws of the State, making
all animals liable for trespass, whether upon inclosed or uninclosed
lands. A bill of that character, he thought, should receive full
consideration, and he hoped the bill would be printed.
Mr. MEYERS said this was an important subject, and no doubt a law of
the kind ought to be in force in some counties immediately. The State
was generally interested in the subject; and there were conflicting
interests to be consulted. Quite a number, if not a majority of the
counties of the State would not desire such a law to extend to them,
and he thought the bill had better be printed, so they all could examine
it. He was in favor of the speedy passage of the bill.
Mr. AMES said the bill was a very important one, for it not only changed
the fence law in certain counties, but it was a general Act applying
to the whole State.
The bill was ordered printed, and on motion of Mr. O'BRIEN made the
special order for Thursday next at one o'clock. . . .
SENATE MESSAGES. . . .
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25, relating to the erection of the
Capitol (calling for certain information) was, on motion of Mr. Reed,
referred to the Committee on Public Buildings.
Senate Bill No. 110, an Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across the Mokelumne river, at Middle Bar, to Adam Denzler was read
twice and referred to the delegations from Amador and Calaveras, with
instructions to report on Monday, if possible, . . .
THIRD READING OF BILLS.
The House took up business on the general file, and the third reading of
Bills.
Assembly Bill No. 29--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
or bridges across the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge and
Ferry Company was after brief discussion, referred to the delegations
from Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and San Joaquin. . . .
Senate Bill No 95--An Act to amend an Act to authorize the Board of
Supervisors of Sutter county to construct a bridge across Feather
river, and to repeal section 2 of a supplementary Act, were discussed
at some length, Mr. Printy objecting that he apprehended the bill would
interfere with the navigation of Feather river. The bill was finally
referred to the Committee on Commerce and Navigation with instructions
to report on Monday. . . .
. . .at ten minutes before two o'clock P. M. the House adjourned.
WASHOE ITEMS.--The Territorial Enterprise has the annexed:
On Sunday afternoon, January 26th, a company of five started from Dayton
in a boat, for the purpose of reaching the opposite shore. After gaining
the center of the stream, by some means or other, the boat was capsized,
and two men, named Henry and Joe Winters were drowned. The rest of the
party reached the shore in safety. Henry was an Engineer in Sutro & Co.
mill, and Winters was a laborer for Keller & Co. Up to yesterday evening,
the bodies of the unfortunate men had not been recovered. . . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3392, 11 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 8, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, . . .
By MR. LEWIS.--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge across
the Mokelumne river at Middle Bar to Adam Denzler and associates. To
the Amador and Calaveras delegation. . . .
A message was received from the Governor, through his Private Secretary,
announcing his approval of Senate Bill No. 46--An Act granting the right
to construct and maintain a bridge across the American river, near Folsom. . . .
Mr. LEWIS, from the Calaveras and Amador delegation, to whom was referred
Senate Bill No. 110, an act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across Mokelumne river at Middle Bar, reported favorably thereon, and
the bill was sent to the general file. . . .
THE NATIONAL WAR TAX.
Senate Bill No. 99, an act to provide for the
payment of the direct tax apportioned to California by an act of
Congress, was taken up, with the following substitute, recommended
from the Committee on Finance:. . .
Mr. OULTON said there was no necessity for passing the bill immediately,
while to his mind there were many objections to it. It had been estimated
by those who were competent that the depreciation of property in the State
from last year would not be less than $40,000,000. Last year it was
$147,000,000, and this year about $100,000,000. . . .
Mr. PERKINS said he had no idea that property in the State had been
reduced $40,000,0000. Everybody knew that property had increased millions
of dollars within the last year. Nearly one half of the entire tax would
be paid by San Francisco. . . .
BILLS PASSED.
The bill granting to Adam Denzler and associates the right
to construct a bridge across Mokelumne river at Middle Bar, the old one
having been carried away by the flood, was considered engrossed, read
a third time and passed, under a suspension of the rules. . . . .
BILLS, ETC.
Mr. QUINT introduced a bill to grant to certain parties the right to
construct a bridge at Burns' Ferry, on the Stanislaus, which was
referred to Committee on Roads and Highways. . . .
At 2:40 P. M. the Senate adjourned. . . .
In the Legislature on Monday but little business of general interest was
done. . . .
In the Assembly, . . .
The bill to authorize the construction of a bridge across the Mokelumne
river at Middle Bar, was reported back with an amendment, and placed
on the general file. The Committee on Agriculture were granted leave
to withdraw, for correction, their report upon the fence bill. The
report contained a recommendation for the passage of the bill, which
had been placed there by mistake, the Committee not having agreed upon
any recommendation. The Committee on Public Buildings, reported back
and recommended the immediate adoption of the Senate resolution of
inquiry in relation to work done upon the new State Capitol building. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .We learn that considerable progress has been made in the matter of
a plan for protecting our city. A joint Committee, appointed by the
Citizens' Committee and the Committee of Safety, have agreed upon the
main features of a bill which will be forwarded to the Legislature as
soon as the survey of the line of the levee on the Sacramento and American
rivers shall have been completed. Farther particulars will be noticed
in our local column. . . .
The Sacramento fell yesterday about three inches, and the level of the
water in the city decreased to even a greater extent, owing to the fall
of both rivers. . . .
DOINGS OF THE LEGISLATURE.--The Calaveras Chronicle of February
8th thus speaks of the present Legislature: . . .
The bill to remove the State offices to San Francisco, was defeated in
the House. With a part of the Government in Sacramento, the Capital of
the State, and the balance at the Bay, the wheels of legislation will
be very apt to be clogged quite often during the session. Very serious
doubts are expressed by many citizens as to the legality of laws passed
at this session while away from the Capital. If ever any litigation
arises from laws made this Winter, the cases will be carried to the
Supreme Court, and in the opinion of eminent lawyers, the enactments
will be declared void, as being done contrary to the Constitution of
this State. If, in addition to the cost of this Legislature, which bids
fair to exceed that of previous years, their proceedings are decided to
be unconstitutional, the tax payers will hold all those who participated
in the removal, to strict accountability.
It is time for the people to become aroused to the full importance of
sending their most intelligent men to legislate for them. Let each
political party present its best candidates, and then if the people do
not choose the most honest and capable, they certainly cannot find fault
with the men they have elected. It is not the legislators who are to
blame if inefficient, but the voters who elect them.
IN SEARCH OF MATRIMONY.-- The Calaveras Chronicle of
February 8th relates the following case of seeking for a wedding under
difficulties:
A friend of ours, whose marriage we chronicle this week, had quite
a number of mishaps by flood, before he was enabled to enter into
the blissful state of matrimony. Accompanied by a friend and lady,
the would be groom and bride crossed the Stanislaus on Thursday
evening, the 9th of last month, on the ferry boat at O'Byrne's
ferry. During the night the water rose rapidly, and carried away
the boat, cutting them off from all communication with this side.
The Justice of the Peace, who was to have made the twain one flesh,
could not get over the river, and as the distance precluded the idea
of hearing the responses, he gave up the job. The water, in the
meantime, rose some forty feet and carried off the house in which the
wedding party were stopping. Here was a dilemma; the ladies were
placed in an out-house for protection against the storm, as there was
no dwelling within several miles. Having no carriage to take them
away, they were obliged to go on foot through the mud and rain, to an
Italian ranch some five miles distant; the whole party remained there
for two days, with such accommodations as a goat ranch furnished. They
got a team at last which took them that day four miles, to another
ranch, where they stopped over night. The next day they traveled about
seven miles through the pitiless storm, when they arrived at Montezuma
Flat, where the silken cord was tied. We have never heard of a more
uncomfortable journey on the broad road which leads to matrimony.
ACCIDENTAL DROWNING.--The Calaveras Chronicle of Feb. 8th
relates the following particulars of a sad occurrence:
On Sunday, the 2d of February, two men were drowned while crossing
the Mokelumne river at Big Bar. Three men started from the Amador
side in one of the small skiffs used on the river, to come over the
stream; one of them, Lawrence Martin, was somewhat inebriated, and
it is supposed, as they were passing through a heavy current, he
swayed with the motion of the boat, causing it to fill with water
and sink. Charles Kilton struck out for the shore he had just left,
and being a good swimmer, got safely to land. One of the two men was
seen several times to stand for a moment on his feet, with the water
about up to his waist, but the force of the current took him along,
and the last seen of him he was going over the falls below. The other
man was swept along with the stream, and soon lost from sight. The name
of the passenger was Lawrence Martin, who leaves a wife and three
children in Oxford. Warren county, New Jersey; he came to California
in December last. A. J. Peterson, a native of Sweden, was the name of
the other man lost; he has been for some time employed as a ferryman
at Big Bar. The bodies of the drowned men have not been recovered. . . .
PROSPECTS FOR WORK.
A few days since a San Francisco paper remarked that there never had
been, at any one time, so many men in that city out of employment.
We may add that there are many in this city who are seeking work, in
order to enable them to support their families, without being able to
find it. The accounts received from the interior of mining claims
filled up, milis destroyed, flumes and dams carried away, ditches
and canals rendered useless, justify the conclusion that thousands
of men in the State are temporarily deprived of work. A large portion
of the mining in the State, for several years past, has been carried
on by means of water taken from creeks and rivers and distributed
among the miners in different localities. How many of these ditches
and canals have been rendered for a time useless by the floods we are
unable to determine--though we think but few in the State have escaped
without more or less injury. Those highest up in the mountains, where
the canons are steep and the water rolls down their sides in torrents,
have been subjected to the heaviest trials and have been most seriously
damaged. A ditch in Trinity in which ex-Governor Johnson was interested
in 1859, and which cost over one hundred thousand dollars, we are assured
by a citizen of Trinity has been completely swept away. So thorough is
the destruction that it will never be rebuilt. This is only one case among
the hundreds in the State. Unquestionably the torrents have developed
rich diggings heretofore unknown to miners, but they have yet to be
discovered, and when located it may be found impossible to work them
for the want of the water which can alone be furnished by ditches in
good repair. A prosperous Summer for mining may very likely follow
the floods of Winter, which have cut new channels and filled up old;
which have removed the tailings in ravines, creeks and rivers, and
replaced them by the auriferous deposits of the surrounding hills and
mountains. Ground which was considered worked out will be found to pay
again, while discoveries of new and rich diggings are likely to be
announced in various sections of the State. But it will require a year
of prosperous mining to replace that which has been lost in the mines
by the snow slides, land slides and floods of 1861-2. Among the canals
in which this county is interested, the Natoma stands first, and is
probably most seriously damaged. Its dam in the American has been
carried away, and it will be some time before it can be repaired. In
the meantime, the hundreds of miners who depended upon the Natoma Canal
for water must remain idle, unless they can find temporary employment
elsewhere. How much the North Fork Canal, which comes down on the west
side of the American river, has been injured we are not advised. The dam
of this company may also have been swept away. The ditches at Michigan
Bar, on the Cosumnes, have not been definitely heard from. From the
numerous ditches and canals in El Dorado county, we have no report,
except from the Eureka Canal, which runs from the head waters of the
Cosumnes, by Diamond Springs, El Dorado, and down to Clarksville,
which is near the eastern line of this county. This canal is so
located that it has escaped serious damage by the late storms. We
are informed that the company is now able to run their main canal
and branch ditches full of water to the several localities they supply.
No interruption of mining has been experienced on the line of this
canal, and it is one of the few in the State to which the same remark
will apply. The company not long since completed an extension of their
line to Clarksville, near which town they have built an immense reservoir,
which enables them to supply mines on ravines and gulches leading into
the American river on one side, and Deer creek and the Cosumnes on the
other. The district supplied for the first time with water is a large
one, and known to be rich in surface diggings. This mining district is
from eighteen to thirty miles from Sacramento, and is therefore
accessible to those who need work residing here and in San Francisco.
Miners in other localities, who are temporarily out of work, can
probably find claims in the district which will pay them good wages. . . .
WILL REBUILD.--Sawyer will bnild a wire suspension bridge across the
South Fork of the Mokelumne, near the site of his old bridge, which
was carried off by the flood in December last. . . .
THE WEATHER ON THE SUMMIT.--S. R. Dunham, who resides at Webber's Station,
one mile east from the Summit, on the Henness Pass, has kept a rain
gauge and a thermometer during the present Winter, and has also carefully
measured the depth of snow that fell on the summit. Lammon, while on his
way over, obtained from him the following statistics. Up to February 1st
42 inches of rain and about 50 feet of snow had fallen since the Winter
set in. The 50 feet of snow, if reduced to water, would probably equal
about 60 inches--making a total of about 102 inches of rain and snow on
the summit up to the first of this month. The following figures from
Dunham's thermometrical table shows that there has been some very cold
weather on the Summit: November 24th, 10 degrees below zero; December
12th, 12 degrees below zero; January 4th, 28 degrees below zero;
January 10th, 15 degrees below zero; January 24th, 12 degrees below zero;
January 25th, 13 degrees below zero; January 26th, 10 degrees below zero;
January 27th, 4 degrees below zero; January 28th, 20 degrees below zero;
January 29th, 10 degrees below zero; January 30th, zero; January 31st,
30 degrees below zero; February 1st, zero. We think there must be some
mistake in the figures for January 4th and 31st, more likely the former
should have been 18 and the latter 3 degrees below zero. The mistake might
have been made in transcribing the figares. January 28th was the coldest
day we have had this year at Nevada, the thermometer, early in the morning,
standing at 12 degrees above zero. At Skillman's mill, about fourteen miles
below here, the mercury fell to about zero, and it is not improbable that
it was 20 degrees below zero at the Summit.--Nevada Democrat. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE FRONT LEVEE.
MSESRS. [sic] EDITORS: . . . It is with confidence that we bring before
your attention, and will receive your due consideration, a law now in
existence, but has not been attended to, and one which interests us
materially, viz: To keep the levee clear of wood and merchandise. We are
the few ladies who have remained by our homes during the disastrous floods,
amid all the troubles and privations, and now, on the receding of the
waters, our energies are employed in washing, scrubbing and drying, which
will occupy some time, and as there is only one part of the city available
for recreation by walking, viz: from your office Hotel Opera D'Eau down
the levee on the banks of the swift-rolling Sacramento, and along the
railroad to the crevasse, which walk is enhanced by the repairs
progressing there, we are completely prevented enjoying our
perambulations during this fine weather, from the present state of
the levee. Nor would we be so importunate were it caused by the flood,
but it has been so for years, and there are plenty vacant lots to place
the obstructions, instead of rendering impassable the only walk in the
city. We trust that you will be enabled to have the obstacles removed
by next Sunday, and have no doubt the act will redound with honor and
praise to yourself, as it will confer a lasting obligation on
THE LADIES..
SACRAMENTO, Feb. 10, 1862.
COPPEROPOLIS.--A correspondent of the Calaveras Chronicle, writing
from Sait Lake Valley, January 27th, says:
I am told that Copperopolis is extremely dull. The inhabitants have mostly
gone. In the absence of other employment, the few that are left amuse
themselves by buying and selling copper claims, on paper, of course, no
money being used in the transactions.
CHANGED ITS CHANNEL.--The Amador Ledger is informed that the Mokelumne
river changed its channel about two miles below Put's Bar, destroying
the most valuable portion of the fine ranch of J. W. D. Palmer, and
doing incalculable mischief to the other ranches in the immediate
vicinity, . . .
THE RELIEF COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH ASKING QUESTIONS.--In the Monitor of
Feb. 8th appears the following grave charge against the members of the
Sacramento Sufferers' Relief Committee:
"The number of persons now receiving relief at St. Mary's Hospital,
Stockton street, is seventy-five. Every one sent by the Relief Committee
was received without question, and no means spared to promote their
personal comfort. According to statements of reliable persons, the
same impartial and charitable conduct has not been followed by the
parties representing the Committee, at their offioe in this city.
Qaestions have been asked concerning the nationality and religion of
persons seeking relief; and in one instance, in addition to refusing
aid, insulting and false statements were made affecting members of
the Catholic Church and their conduct during the recent flood. They
were charged with not contributing for the relief of the sufferers
like other classes; and that if they needed assistance they should
look to their own Church. The fact is, without claiming any greater
liberality for Catholics than for members of Protestant denominations,
they did their duty and responded to the appeal made, generally and
generously. It is not necessary to dwell upon this point--the public
know full well the charge is unfounded, and will, we believe properly
estimate the man or men who could both refuse assistance and insult
people who were forced to seek food and shelter, under circumstances
where words of encouragement should only be spoken and charitable deeds
performed. The provocation, it must be recollected, was, that the
applicant, when called upon, stated she was a Catholic."
We are informed by a member of the Committee that no such distinction
was ever made, and that no questions were ever asked of any applicant
regarding their religion or birth, but that all those who were destitute
were provided for alike. The person to whom the Monitor refers
as authority, he says, is the keeper of a boarding house, where a number
of families have been provided with accommodations at the expense of
the Committee. One family, however, the Committee refused to provide for,
as the husband was in the employ of the city of Sacramento and had scrip
at the time, and wrote to his wife that he should sell his scrip and
provide for them. Upon presenting the bill to the Committee for the
board of this family, they refused to pay it. Hence this breeze. Catholic
or Protestant, Jew or Gentile, whoever is destitute by means of the
flood only, applying to the Relief Committee will be cared
for--Bulletin. . . .
BODY FOUND.--The body of Henry Fresh, son of A. J. McKinsey, was found
in the river at Bullard's bar, Sierra county, recently. . . .
MARRIED.
At the Montezuma House, Tuolumne county, Jan. 14th, John Gilliland
to Isabella Tapaan. . . .
Stop That Break In the Levee, or
go to BEALS and get your Likeness taken before another flood. Unless
the citizens of Sacramento go to work and try to stop the water from
coming into the city you will not have one dollar to pay for a Likeness.
So Perkins says--Barstow Speaker.
BEALS' ROOMS--115 J STREET, between Fourth and Fifth.
Pictures, damaged by the Flood, cleaned, fe11-1m . . . .
WILLIAM BECKER LEFT SAC-
ramento on the 29th day of January, in a boat with two other men, for
the Six Mile House. His hight is five feet ten inches; dark hair and
whiskers; very heavy mustache. He had on two flannel knit undershirts,
one white and the other gray, a hook [?] overshirt, black cloth coat and
gray pants, black India rubber leggins and black rubber coat. He had
two letters with him that Mr. Fuller took out of the office and gave
him--one addressed to Jacob Bitner, and the other to himself, William
Becker. He had a purse in his pocket with a ten dollar gold piece in
it. Any word concerning him left at the Mineral Point Hotel, or at the
UNION office, will be very gratefully received.
fe11-2; HATTIE BECKER. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
COMMITTEES AND LEVEES.--A Joint Committee from the Committee of Safety
and the New Charter Ccmmittee, has been engaged for several days past
in preparing a bill to be presented to the Legislature, to provide for
the construction of a levee on the west and north of the city. The main
features of the bill have been agreed upon, and the Committee awaits the
report of Engineer Leet to perfect it and send it to San Francisco for
legislative action. It provides for the appointment of three Commissioners,
who shall have control of the work, and grants the right of way from the
foot of either Y or R street on the Sacramento to the high land at
Brighton. It is proposed to build the levee about sixty feet in width
at the base. The details of the route, manner of construction, etc.,
will depend upon the report of the survey now being made. It is thought
that the bill can be enacted into a law within a week from the time of
its leaving the hands of the Committee. The greater portion of the
Committee of Safety are in favor of commencing wvrk at the tannery--to
repair the crevasse as soon as it is ascertained from Leet's report where
the new levee should run. Their view of the matter is that a section of
levee may be built so as to shut out the water at present, and yet form
a portion of the new levee, so that no work rnay be thrown away. A
portion of the Committee, however, oppose any further action on the
part of the Committee of Safety, and favor the policy of waiting until
the law is passed and the Commissioners are appointed, and then
surrendering into their hands the balance of funds now in their
hands--about $50,000. The Committee of Safety during the last eight
weeks experienced considerable difficulty from property owners in
the prosecution of the work of repairing levees. One would object
to too much earth being taken from the street inclosed in his garden,
because his neighbor, a a [sic] block further off, had a portion of the street
also inclosed, and had had no earth whatever taken from it. Another
would object to willows being cut from his ground. Another would shoot
any one who would touch his lumber for use on the work, and still
another would not loan his ax to the Committee, because they ought to
buy their own axes. But, while this class of men were very niggardly
on the above named points, they were exceedingly liberal in giving
advice and instruction. The Committee man who happened to have charge
of any job of work would receive from this source more orders in an
hour than he could obey in a week. The members generally appear to
think that this phase of levee improvements is about "played out,"
and that when the work is resumed those who have control over it
should have the right of way granted by the Legislature. . . .
A SUGGESTION.--Everybody is anxious to have the crevasse at the tannery
repaired before we have any more rain. The Committee of Safety are
anxious to spend no more money if they can avoid it until the general
plan is agreed upon. It has been suggested by several citizens that the
Committee make arrangements to commence the work and call for volunteers,
and that there are hundreds who would meet and do one, two, three or four
days work free of charge. It is said; also, that teams in abundance can
be had in the same manner. It would be desirable as a preliminary step,
that the experiment might not prove a failure, to open a roll in advance
for the signatures of those who are willing to respond to the call.
POLICE COURT.--The case of Shellers, Jesus and Julien, charged with
grand larceny in stealing oil and camphene during the flood, was examined
and taken under advisement. . . .
THE GEM.--At two o'clock yesterday afternoon it was thought that the
Gem would not be started on her way to the American river until this
morning. Active preparations were being made to that end. Those who
were engaged at work about her remained in the vicinity over night. . . . .
TRADE ON THE AMERICAN.--In addition to the Sam. Soule, on the American
river, the steamer Gipsy makes daily trips to Brighton, stopping at
the new landing of Washington & Co., on the north bank of the river,
near Norris' bridge. A lively trade is being done at that point. . . .
DROWNED.--On Saturday, February 8th, John, a little son of Nicholas
Schawb, was drowned in the Yuba river, at Marysrille. . . .
p. 4
LEGISLATION IN SAN FRANCISCO.--The San Francisco correspondent of the
I>Sierra Democrat (Union) writing February 2d, thus speaks:
Well, here we are in the fourth week of the session of the Legislature,
and not anything. of importance has been transacted by either House.
In the early part of the session, days and weeks were suffered to pass
away in idleness; growing out of the struggle to adjourn the session
to San Francisco; and when that unnecessary step was accomplished,
still further time was wasted in making needed preparations for proper
legislation: and thus it is that the State has been mulcted in a sum
not less than fifty thousand dollars and not one dollar's benefit
received in return therefor. Much of this bad management is
attributable to the Republican party, who went into power with
retrenchment and reform, and abandoned it when opportunities for
economy were presented to them. Considering how that party went into
power on the very tide of popularity--when the hopes of the entire
people were centered in them, to save the State from extravagance and
useless expenditures--they have made a failure much more lamentable
thau that of the old Know Nothing party, with Neely Johnson at its
head. The Republicans appear be deficient in that kind of management
which tends to render a powerful party like theirs permanently popular
and successful. Not that they have not leaders sufficient (because
the great difficulty is.that they have too many in their ranks who
aspire to be leaders); but the difficulty is, they lack not only the
suaviter in modo but the fortiter in re, and a total
ignorance in men and things. Had they had the proper kind of a
leader--one capable of shaping the policy of a great party--he never
would have sanctioned the prominent part taken by Republicans in
adjourning the session of the Legislature from Sacramento to this
city. A worse stroke of party policy there could not have been,
because the Republican party is thoroughly identified with that
movement and the entire responsibility, whether for good or for evil
must be borne by them; and there is no loophole for them to escape
through, because Ashley the State Treasurer, Warren the State Controller,
Pixley the Attorney General, and their subordinates, worked with all
their strength to accomplish the adjournment in question ; and it was
even said that Governor Stanford gave a tacit consent to the removal
in the hope of gaining power and influence, tending toward his election
as United States Senator in the place of M. S. Latham. Be that as it may,
one fact is self-evident: he did not use the slightest influence to
prevent the removal, but on the contrary worked for it. The change
from Sacramento to San Francisco will not cost the State less than
twenty five thousand dollars, and it would not be surprising if the
amount reached forty thousand dollars, at a time when the tax-payers
of the State are groaning under the burdens heaped upon them. There
was no more necessity nor justice in the adjournment of the Legislature
from Sacramento than there would have been for yourself to have
abandoned Downieville on account of the loss of your office by the
flood. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3393, 12 February 1862. p. 1
THE DAWN OF REASON.--The Legislature has done one good and sensible
thing in refusing to pass an Act removing the State officers from
Sacramento to the Bay. This indicates, in a degree, a return to reason
on the part of our legislators. We hope they will not break down in
their efforts to remove the stigma now resting on them for the hasty
and uncalled for removal of themselves; but as the weather is now
settled and the streams running down, repair their injured reputations
by returning and doing their legislation at the legitimate Capital
of the State. We might have said, finished their legislation--but
having examined both sides of this question, we have grave doubts
whether anything they have done as far as it affects others than
themselves and their own organisation, is legal. If the law makes a
certain point the Capital of the State, no concurrent resolution can
annul that Act. Nothing but another Act repealing the one in force can
be legal; hence the necessity of an immediate return to Sacramento, and
a renewal of all general business, and a prompt completion of all
business yet to be done; and let us have a short session. There can
be no excuse now for that body remaining longer at San Francisco.
Their excuse was, they could not get to the Capitol from their hotels,
except in boats; this is no longer the case. The principal thoroughfares
of Sacramento are now dry and passable, and every indication of a
continuance of good weather; and if the members who voted for the
removal were sincere in their motives, when the cause is removed they
should prove their sincerity by an immediate return.
Knight's Landing News. . . .
LEGISLATIVE--THE CHINESE.--There seems to be a prospect of a lone
session of the Legislature, judging from the number of bills which
have been announced. Indeed, from private advices we learn that many
believe San Francisco will be honored by the presence of the "assembled
wisdom" until the "glorious Fourth of July," thus taking one-half of
the year legislating for the other half. It may be all right--we may
be wrong--the people's wants [?] may be better known to their servants
than their masters---but to our finite judgment it does seem that all
needful laws might be passed in a very few weeks. Up to the present
time, however, nothing has been, done except to remove the Solons from
Sacramento, the Capital of the State, to San Francieco, the commercial
metropolis. At last advices they were not comfortably located, but
were making themselves so as fast as they could. The San Franciscans
were placing saw dust on the street, probably preparatory to throwing
dust in the eyes of our law makers . . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
It is expected that a large Overland letter mail will be received
at the Post Office in this city to-day, including such matter as has been
delayed by the late storms. . . .
The steamer Gem was moved yesterday about two hundred feet from the place
where she landed during the late flood. . . .
HOWARD ASSOCIATION.--The Pavilion was closed on Saturday last, all but
two families having been placed in good houses, rents paid, and provided
with everything necessary to comfort. The majority had lost houses, stores,
furniture and all else, so that they required settting [?] out from
bed-rock.
The two families remaining had sick members, whom it was not prudent to remove.
The station at the Fort will not be closed until Saturday next remaining
families having sick children.
The Society buried, on Sunday, two children of Mr. Spinner, and
Mr. Stagner, deceased from small pox, the one reported in the January
report as in a confluent state. This is the last case known to exist
in the city, all others having recovered.
Persons from ranches still apply daily, and the number of dispensations,
though decreasing, is now required by those who have thus far failed to
get labor sufficient to support themselves and families. In a few days,
if the present weather continues, the usual avocations can be resumed.
Donations have been received from Jno. Leavitt, Virginia City, $33;
employes of Gould & Curry, Silver mining claim, Virginia City, $260,
and from the mine, $100; Campo Seco Lodge No. 100, F. & A. M., $100;
Sierra Lodge No. 24, I. O. O. F., Downieville, $75; General Relief
Committee I. O. O. F, Sacramento, $110.
These amounts will help to pay the accounts for this month, and prevent
the stoppage of supplies to ranchmen and others, which by the custom of
the Society would be done when out of funds. Thus far, since the 4th inst.,
when there was $1,500 on hand, we notice the receipts from all sources
amount to $1,600--making a total of $3,100; while the expenses for the
month, at the Society's estimate, will be $6,000.
The silent operations of the Association prevented hundreds from knowing
the extent or completeness of their arrangements and operations. An
hour's converse with either of the officers will be sufficient to impress
any heart with lasting regard for the society, and secure his constant
ffort to foster and build it up, so that it may always have a
superabundance of means at command.
POSTAL NEGLIGENCE.--The Postmaster at Indian Springs, Nevada county,
under date of February 10th, inquires why the mails are not received at
that office, He says:
We have had no mails for seven days. The stage passes each way every
day, and carries the mail for offices above. When the roads were
impassable, and the stages could not run, we did not complain; but
now that the roads have improved, and they are running regularly and
carrying the mails, it is not very pleasant to be deprived of our UNION
until it is a week old, and sometimes it has arrived eighteen days after
date. We think there is unpardonable neglect somewhere, and should like
to know where it is.
We hope the Postmaster here will institute some inquiries in the premises.
ADMISSIONS.--The Marysville Appeal, having been temporarily deprived
of its usual editorial oversight, has been making some very random
charges. Having made some late statements of an unfounded character,
it has commenced retracting them. It now admits that Cortez Square was
flooded once, and that the citizens of Sacramento had access to clear
and wholesome water. It will, by and by, take back its other
misrepresentations when it has time to reflect upon their extreme
silliness. . . .
NARROW ESCAPE.--The old adobe wall of a building in Sonora lately caved
in just as the mother of a family of four young children had got them
out of their beds, over which the walls tumbled, where they must have
been crushed to death but for the providential removal.
SNOW IN MARIN COUNTY.--"Tamalpais," or the high peak--2,500 feet above
the sea--was, on the third of February, covered with snow down to nearly
its base, and has remained so for about a week.
LOSS OF SHEEP.--Senator Parks, of Sutter county, has lost out of 3,000
sheep all but 1,300, they having suffered from the flood, cold and hunger. . . .
SHOULD THE LEVEES BE REPAIRED?
It is pretty certain that no general system of rebuilding and
strengthening our levees can be adopted in time to protect the city
from the floods of the Spring months. The repairing of the old
levees, therefore, becomes a question which concerns deeply every
citizen of Sacramento. If the levee is left open this side of the
tannery, as shown by a correspondent, any rise of five or six feet
will pretty well fill the city with water. It might not cover the
streets north of L, but it would interrupt all communication by land
with the country, and leave the new bridge over the slough alone in
its glory. Whatever plan for building a permanent levee may finally
be decided upon, the interests of Sacramento seem to point to repairing
the break this side of the tannery. A correspondent who has examined
the ground, and who ought to be a competent judge, as he was educated
for a civil engineer, expresses the deliberate opinion that the break
at that point can be filled and made secure for two thousand dollars.
This we think an under estimate, but suppose it cost four or five
thousand dollars, will not the object to be accomplished justify
the expense? This is the real question to be answered. To us it
appears very clearly that it would. The argument which "G. R. M."
makes in favor of trees and brush to prevent the effects of the
current in washing down the bank and levee, and in causing deposits
to be made, we fully indorse. The sand deposited in the peach trees
which were piled along the levee on the outside, forms a bank which
is fully as high as the water rose along the front of the levee at
that point, and completely defends it. We do not see why a similar
effect would not follow if trees and brash were piled in, as suggested,
on the outside of a new levee built this side the tannery. We learn
that one reason why the Committee is hesitating, is that the members
are anxious to place the work on the line, which is recommended by
the engineers, and thus secure what they build as a part of the
permanent levee. This is proper, but to lose such fine weather for
work as we have experienced for the past ten days, may prove a public
misfortune, as the river may rise before the work can be completed.
For fifteen hundred or two thousand dollars "G. R. M." estimates the
Thirty-first street levee may be repaired from the American to R street.
If this estimate is reliable, there can be no question about the propriety
of repairing that line at the same time the work is going on at the
tannery, provided the Committee determine to fill that crevasse. To
keep out our ordinary Spring floods is not a very difficult matter.
Even the low narrow levees we had have always done that. It required
the most tremendous flood of a century to demonstrate to us that our
old levees, which had not been touched for some eight or nine years,
were not sufficient to turn any flood which was likely to be
precipitated upon us. Against such an extraordinary flood as that of
January 10th ordinary levees will not answer, but they will turn such
floods as we have experienced in the Spring months during the past ten
years. It is, therefore, reasonable to calculate that the levee this
side the tannery, and that on Thirty-first street, may be repaired in
three weeks so as to secure us against high water for the balance of
this season.
There is, too, a considerable work which ought to be done on the levee
between Sixth street and Twentieth. The American river, north of Sixth,
Seventh and Eighth, has so changed its currents that it sweeps down
within a short distance of Willow lake, and within a hundred yards of
the angle made in the levee between D and E streets. It has during the
Winter formed a bar nearly opposite Sixth, Seventh and Eighth streets,
which covers acres, and unless the current is changed, two years will
not pass before the bed of the river will be forced into the lake, and
against the levee as direct and in fully as threatening a manner as at
Rabel's tannery for the past two years. To prevent this the river will
have to be straightened. When the river was at its height in January,
the current ran directly against the levee along the streets named, and
forced the water over it into the city, making several breaks in it.
These breaks have been temporarily closed by the labor of the Committee
and by the efforts of a public spirited citizen who raised a subscription
to pay for the labor and superintended the work himself. But those breaks
are closed in an unsubstantial manner, and need more work before the water
again rises, in order to make them secure. There is quite a serious break
at Twentieth street, where the road crossed, and where the levee was cut
down to nearly the level of the surface, which might be filled in a couple
of days.
We have said that we thought $2,000 a small estimate for stopping
the crevasse this side the tannery, and we may add that we think a week
is a very short time within which to do the work unless more than
seventy-five men are employed. :However, the expense may be brought
within $2,000 if the Committee will call for volunteers to help do the
work. We are greatly mistaken if men enough to do the work do not
volunteer if the appeal is made. Large numbers of our citizens feel
more able to give work than money for levee building. No harm will
follow a zealous effort to raise volunteers enough to do the work
necessary at the tannery and to repair the Thirty-first street levee
to R street. Repairing the latter and closing the crevasse at the
tannery will secure the city against everything but back water, which
under no circumstances will rise higher than L street. Said work, too,
would secure communication between the city and the country for the
remaining portion of the Winter and during the Spring. . . .
FALLING.--The Yuba river, it is stated, is falling rapidly. . . . .
THE FLOODS OF 1862.--A friend remarked to us a few days since that the
floods of this Winter were higher and more destructive than any which,
so far as evidence went, had occurred for two hundred years. We thought
him extravagant, but find that his opinion is sustained by others and by
facts which bear directly upon that point. The Humboldt Times in giving
the reasons why the Klamath Indian Reservation had been abandoned, states
that it had been five times overflowed, and in each instance to a depth
never before known among the Indian traditions. On the Klamath the Times
says: "Every Indian ranch, for a distance of twenty-five miles from the
mouth of the river up, was carried away; bottom lands that were covered
with trees of two centuries growth, were swept bare of timber, root and
branch." The conclusion, therefore, on the Klamath, is that no such flood
has been experienced for two hundred years.
The same character of evidence applies to the Russian River valley. A
gentleman, who had the statement from men who have been on the ground
since the freshet, informs us that an old adobe house, built by Russian
hunters in 1808 on Russian River, had never been disturbed by the water
until this year. The water, in January, was fifteen feet in depth where
it stood, and left not a sign of it remaining. The water in the valley
of that river was from six to ten feet in depth over an immense surface
of country never before overflowed. The destruction of property was so
great as to almost depopulate that valley. The loss of stock was fearful,
one man stating to our informant that the water drowned for him twelve
hundred head of beef cattle. . . .
MORMON ISLAND.--A correspondent of the UNION at Mormon Island writes,
February 10th:
The roads between this place and the Valley Home, on the Coloma road,
have been impassable since the flood. Our Road Overseer, however, has
been at work with a posse of men and has improved the roads, so much
so, that in two days teams will be able to pass as usual. . . .
THE FLOOD SOUTH.--The Visalia Delta of January 30th says:
On Kern river the flood proved even more disastrous than we anticipated
last week. Every mill and dam on the river is gone, save one. Above
the Forks, Caldwell's water wheel and gearing for arastras were
completely cleaned out. A little lower down, March & Co.'s mill,
together with the two others, erected by Lightner and Keys, were
washed off, as was also the dam and flume which supplied the water
power to the three mills mentioned. These were 4-stamper mills, and
cost in the aggregate gome $12,000. Still further down, Erskine
Brothers' mill, which cost in the neighborhood of $30,000, was swept
away, and only the shaft and a portion of the large wheel saved.
Some expensive metal gearing for amalgamating purposes is supposed
to be safe, though it cannot be ascertained until the water subsides.
A couple of miles below Erskine's mill stood the dam and mill of the
Mammoth Lead Company, a 12 stamper mill, which cost $60,000. The dam
and flume are gone, leaving the mill standing. The water wheel and
gearing of the Messrs. Redfield, on the same bar with the Mammoth,
was carried away, and the arastras buried "fathoms deep" in sand and
drift. The only bridge across the river is also gone. The water rose
some fifty feet.
The same paper adds:
When the flood first came down, we, with others, wondered where the
water came from; but after learning of the fearful torrents which
descended the mountains, we are more inclined to wonder where it all
went to--for certainly Visalia got but little of it. Had this valley
been but twenty or thirty miles wide, the water would certainly have
been ten or fifteen feet deep. The Kaweah, Tule River, and Deer Creek,
were fnll enough to bring down pine trees 100 feet in length, roots,
branches and all.
Snow was still on the ground at Bear Valley and Mariposa, and on the
morning of February 5th it was snowing at the first mentioned place.
CORONER'S INQUEST.--The body of an unknown Indian was found yesterday
morning floating in the Sacramento river near the foot of I street, by
a Mexican. Coroner Reeves held an inquest on the body, George Young,
C. L. Huntington, J. Dame, James Pollitt, H. L. Fisher and R. Galligan
acting as Jurors. Chief Watson and officer McClory, who had aided in
securing the body, were examined as witnesses. No information concerning
the deceased was elicited. The body was well dressed and appeared to
have been in the water about two weeks. There were no marks of violence
visible. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.
PREPARING A PASSAGE.--A number of the boatmen of the city were engaged
yesterday in opening a channel across some of the sand bars this side of
Poverty Ridge. They want the right of way secured and safe by the time
the cars commence to run to Poverty Ridge.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
WORK ON THE GEM.--The work on the steamer Gem, for the purpose of
replacing her in the river, is progressing rapidly. E. Fell, the
contractor, has about twenty men employed in the undertaking. At
sunset last evening she had been moved about two hundred feet. A
solid track of heavy timber, fourteen by sixteen inches square, is
laid down, and she is moved over it by means of iron rollers. She is
drawn forward by block and tackle. In order to bring her bow toward
the river, it is necessary to lay a circuitous track on which she will
make about half a circle. Two to three more days will be required before
she reaches the water's edge. As a matter of economy in time, she is
being calked and painted as she progresses on her journey to the river.
The entire weight of the steamer is about one hundred and fifty tons.
FERRY RUNNING.--The ferry at the Fort, on K street, has been running
for the past two days. Teams with empty wagons, or with very light
loads, pass in and out of town by way of J street. The traveling would
be good, except for the six or seven cuts across the street, which are
so deep as to cause great difficulty in getting over with loads. A
little labor and expense would remedy the evil. There are many, teamsters
and others, interested in having the street repaired. If the President
of the Board of Supervisors would call for volunteer labor among the
teamsters and stablemen of the eastern part of the city, and fix upon
a day for the purpose, there could no doubt be force enough got together
to finish up the work in a day. . . .
NOT HEARD FROM.--Nothing has yet been heard concerning the bodies of
the three men who are supposed to have been drowned on the 29th of
January, a few miles north of the American river. Mrs. Becker, who
with others spent a day or two in search of the body of her husband,
advertises a description of his person and clothing. J. Knaggs [?] and
others were out all of yesterday with boats in search of the bodies,
but failed to find them or gain any information concerning them. . . .
TRAVELING FACILITIES.--It is expected that on and after Friday next the
cars from Folsom will come to Poverty Ridge, instead of stopping, as at
present, at Brighton. At about the same time Colby's bridge, at the
Fort, will be completed.
THE TRADE IN HIDES.--The shipment of hides to San Francisco has been
very lively since the commencement of the rainy season, resulting from
the large number of cattle drowned by the floods. Several thousand from
Red Bluff were sent below by yesterday's steamer. . . .
[For the Union]
CITY PROTECTION.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I desire to say a word or two, through your paper to
our Safety Committee, and to the public generally, in reference to our
levees and the protection of the city. The water in the American river,
at this time, is about two feet below the natural banks, and yet the water
runs into the city through the channel cut by the current of the river
to the depth of say eighteen inches. If nothing is to be done, to repair
the breaks in the levee, a rise of five or six feet in the river would
overflow the city once or twice more this Spring, and the confidence that
our brave and devoted citizens have in our permanency will be totally
destroyed. That the river will rise to the extent just indicated is
inevitable. Now these breaks can be permanently repaired in one week's
time, and at a cost of not more than two thousand dollars. One hundred
men, and twenty five teams would do the work in six days. Twenty-five
teams, including teamsters, at four dollars per day will be one hundred
dollars. Seventy-five men at two dollars per day will be one hundred and
fifty dollars. This makes two hundred and fifty dollars per day, or
fifteen hundred dollars for six days. The way to make the levee is to
get trees and brush from the opposite side of the river which can be done
by a flat boat conducted by a rope drawn diagonally across, and deposit
them in the embankment. These trees and brush should be placed in the
levee from the lowest point in the bed of the river attainable, to
prevent the current from undermining the embankment, with the tops
ranging up the river at an angle of about forty-five degrees. This brush,
placed in the levee as here indicated, will not only prevent the bank
from being washed away, but will catch and retain sand and sediment
enough to make a levee two or three times as wide, and as high as the
old one. A small lot of peach trees, just below the present break, were
dng up last Fall and deposited in the deep ditch caused by the earth being
taken out for the levee. Where these trees are the sand and sediment
have filled up the ditch and formed an embankment as high as the levee.
Above this the levee is entirely gone, and below much damaged. This is
positive evidence of the effect of brush along the levee. If more
evidence upon this point is wanted, it can be furnished by going just
above the tannery, among the willows and cottonwoods. In these thickets
the sediment deposited by the last floods is not less than from eight
to ten feet on an average, and in places where the trees are gone the
old surface remains almost uncovered. The breaks above Twentieth
street can be repaired for say two thousand dollars, and the levee
along Thirty-first street, to the R street levee, for from fifteen
hundred to two thousand more, and all this can be done by two hundred
men and fifty teams in one week. It is said that nothing can be done
until a bill is passed by the Legislature condemning the land along
the line of the repairs, and the right of way obtained. This is a
mistake; the consent of all parties interested can be obtained in one
hour, for the Committee to take all the materials necessary for this
work. If we must go through the Legislature and through the slow forms
of law before we can commence work, the stable door will not be locked
before the horse is stolen. This won't do. Get the right of way at once,
and commence the work withont delay, and our city will be saved. It
only requires an examination to demonstrate that this work can be done
at or below the figues indicated; and when in the vicinity, the evidence
is abundant to show that trees and brush must be used to prevent a
recurrence of the disaster which has almost swept us from existence.
Our Committee of Safety, and the public generally, must awake to the
dangers that threaten us, and work while they can. Here we have had
two weeks of the finest weather, and nothing has been done. The Spring
freshets will raise the river to some extent, under any circumstances,
and when the water raises an inch we get the benefit of it.
G. R. M.
FROM THE NORTH.
By the Columbia, at San Francisco, we have intelligence from Humboldt
to February 7th. We append the following news:
THE KLAMATH INDIAN RESERVATION.--It is the intention of Superintending
Agent Hanson to recommend the abandonment of the Klamath Indian Reservation,
and establish one in its place in Smith River Valley, fifteen miles north
of Crescent City. He has purchased, for Government, the large farm of
Col. Buel, situated centrally in that valley, and has had the Indians
who were sent from this country a year ago to the Klamath, removed
thither. The reason for the proposed change, says the Humboldt Times,
is that the freshets of this Winter not only swept off nearly all the
improvements on the Klamath Reservation and the bountiful crop of last
year, but the soil itself. What were cultivated fields of choice land
previous to the floods, are now barren sand bars and flats covered with
bowlders.
There was no place on this coast better adapted to the purposes of
an Indian Reservation than the lower Klamath previous to the disastrous
floods of last month, when it was completely isolated. There are no
inducements for white people to settle within fifteen miles on either
side; a sufficient amount of good land on the bottoms, and a never
failing supply of fish in the river. If it is true, however, that
the rich soil of the bottom lands has been washed away, it is now unfit
for the purpose. The Reservation has been inundated five several
[sic, syntax] times since the first of last month, and at each overflow
the Klamath rose higher by many feet than any Indian tradition gives in
account of. Every Indian ranch, for a distance of twenty-five miles from
the mouth of the river up, was carried away; bottom lands that were thickly
covered with trees of two centuries growth, were swept bare of timber,
root and branch.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY.--The coldest and most severe storm ever known in this
region by white men occurred on Sunday and Monday, January 26th and
27th. There was quite a gale from the northward, with rain, sleet, and
snow. At daylight on Monday morning the mercury was down to
23° Fahrenheit; being several degrees colder than the "oldest
inhabitant" ever experienced before. Large numbers of cattle and horses
perished from the inclemency of the weather and the grazing lands being
covered with snow and ice in the southern portion of the county.
HOOPA VALLEY.--Rich gold diggings have been discovered in Hoopa Valley,
developed by the flood and land slides. Near the lower end of the valley
it is reported that somewhat extensive diggings have been found that pay
ten cents to the bucket, while higher up the valley forty cents to the
bucket is obtained. . . .
PHOTOGRAPHS.--Some six or eight photographs of the steamer Gem, and
views in the vicinity, were taken yesterday afternoon by Dickman. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
Great Salt Lake City, Jan. 19,1862. . . .
THE MAILS.
The first mails from the East for six or seven days, passed through
here this afternoon, and another heavy load of mail matter is expected
to-morrow. There has been no mail from the West for several days, but
the Company's agent is going to keep sending on all that arrives as far
West as it can get. The contractors on the eastern line report terrible
damage to the roads through the mountain passes. Bromley tells me that
the stage yesterday was upset about twenty times coming through; it
brought nothing but paper mail, and no bones were broken.
LIBERAL.
LETTER FROM SIERRA.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
The Storms in Sierra--Prospects of California--Sacramento--Legislative Removal--Salmon Rlver and Cariboo.
Howland Flat, Feb. 9, 1862.
After more than two months of almost incessant storms it has again
cleared away, and the bright, beautiful sky is once more visible. The
wild cataracts which have so long sounded in our ears have ceased their
roaring, rolling and tumbling down the deep canons, and the bright,
beautiful, welcome moon to-night sends her rays dancing through the ice
covered branches of the surrounding forest in silence. How changed the
scene; how pleasant the change. The last two months have, indeed, been
dreary ones to the dwellers in the mountains. While we sat in our homes
amid the rugged cliffs--while the wild storm was raging without--while
the roaring cataracts were rushing rudely in their onward course to the
beautiful valleys below, carrying with them the loss of life and immense
destruction of property, a thrill of sympathy went through our souls with
every pulsation of life. Sierra county has, perhaps, suffered as little
as any county in the State by the disastrous flood which has just visited
California. Yet there has been a great deal of damage done to ditches,
flumes and mining claims. There are thousands who have lost their all,
and the State's prosperity has been checked for a time, but it is no use
to get discouraged, for we have within the borders of California more rich
treasures than are contained in any similar space in the known world--a
climate, as a general thing, unsurpassed upon the habitable globe. With
these, combined with the indomitable spirit of our people, California
will come forth again brighter and more prosperous than before. The
year 1862 may be a dreary one to many, but in a few years the disasters
of 1862 will almost be forgotten. Levees will be built for the protection
of the low lands and cities in the valleys, for, be it known, a country
as rich in soil as those valleys, backed by the inexhaustible mines of
the Sierras, will not be allowed to go to waste. The present disasters
will be a theme for the enemies of California to harp upon. It will be
said by those persons that the valleys of this State have proved a failure
for agricultural purposes, but this will amount to nothing. The rich
deposits beneath these mountains will reclaim all those rich lands, and
there will yet be one of the richest farming countries under the dominion
of the Stars and Stripes. We must not expect prosperity all the time.
We have had scarcely an event to mar our onward course since the settlement
of the State. The merchant had almost come to the conclusion that he had
but to sit in his counting room, and wealth would flow into his lap; and
the farmer, beneath the shade of his vine and fig tree, and wealth would
certainly be his portion. Was there ever a country where the pioneers
went swimmingly along without any misfortune? Was there ever a country
in her onward march which has surpassed California in prosperity and
greatness in the same length of time? Never! Then why should we be
discouraged or murmur? Send our present misfortunes on down the stream
of time, and let them pass on into the oblivion of forgetfulness, and
look not behind but forward to the day star of prosperity which will
again come forth full of smiles, crowned with wealth and luxury.
You have many sympathizers in your city's disasters through the mountains.
Your people do not appear to be discouraged. Long may Sacramento survive
and outlive all her enemies, is the wish of the writer.
There is scarcely but one opinion in regard to the removal of the
Legislature from your city, and that is of condemnation of the act.
The people expected better things in the way of economy of the present
party in power, from the promises made upon the stump and through their
papers. The removal seems to have been made more in spite, regardless
of the expenditures, than to suit the fastidious taste of some of those
nice members who were so horrified at the sight of a little water in the
streets. We do not think it would have seriously injured the intellect
of our two Sierra members, who voted for the removal, if they had
remained, and got their feet a little dampened in attending to the
arduous duties of legislating for the dear people. They will be kindly
remembered for the act in future by the people of Sierra. It is an old
saying, if a man starts down hill, every one must have a kick at him;
so we presume the Legislature thought Sacramento was going down, and they
must give her a kick at the expense of the State by removing to
San Francisco. The people could have stood the removal better most
any other time than the present. We have a heavy tax to pay to assist
in putting down an unholy rebellion which is threatening the dissolution
of our glorious Union. Combined with the destruction of millions of
property by the flood, it is an unpardonable act, one which the people
will remember. . . .
W. B. S. . . .
LATER FROM FORT YUMA.--A correspondent of the Alta, residing at
Colorado City, writes under date of January 27th, as follows:
Our desert country has been the scene of the largest flood within
the knowledge of the oldest inhabitant. On the 22d the Colorado
and Gila rivers commenced rising simultaneously. The greater body of
water coming from the Colorado caused the Gila to back and overflow
the whole country. Before word could be sent to the Fort, the water
was four feet high, and rising rapidly.
Major Rigg immediately detailed twenty men to render assistance to the
sufferers. They crested the Colorado in a scow, but before they could
reach the scene of destrnction, Mr. Hooper's fine adobe warehouse, one
hundred and forty feet long, was entirely destroyed, together with all
the fine buildings belonging to the Colorado Navigation Company. Captain
George A. Johnson's elegant dwelling was nearly destroyed. The principal
sufferers are Messrs. Hooper, Samuel Welles, B. F. Gage and the Colorado
Navigation Company. The loss will probably exceed $30,000. . . .
Gila City was entirely destroyed by the flood.
POWER OF THE FLOOD.--A correspondent of the San Francisco Journal,
at Michigan Bluffs, relates the following of the power of the late
flood near that locality:
If I were to tell you that at Junction Bar, a pile of stones, one
hundred feet long, fifty feet wide, and from fifteen to twenty feet
high, many of them as large as could be lifted with a derrick, and
weighing, hundreds of pounds, was entirely carried away, far down
the stream, by the waters, you would think it hardly credible, yet
I have the testimony of W. Cusick, a man of unquestioned veracity,
that such is the fact. He says no one who did not witness it can
have an idea of the sublimity of the scene. When, under the pressure
of the powerful current, the rooks commenced moving, they made a noise
like that of distant thunder, or an approaching earthquake. Trees,
four feet in diameter, and of great length, were carried, root and
branch, down the impetuous stream, seething in the muddy waters and
crashing against the rocky bluffs. Waterwheels, derricks, flumes,
dwelling houses, and, I am sorry to add, several human beings shared
the common fate, and were borne off by the turbulent waters. . . .
LETTER FROM A VOLUNTEER.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
Camp Latham, near Los Angeles, }
Headquarters First Cal. Volunteers, Feb., 1862 }
There has been little change worthy of note in our camp since my last.
The same companies of infantry and cavalry are here. There have been
great rains here as well as with you, and we have seen very little
sunshine since the 21st of December. The rains are not over yet, as
at this present time it is raining, with every prospect of continuing
for some time to come.
We have stood the rough weather very well in our "Sibley" tents, though
we have not been entirely comfortable, but if the great cause of
Constitutional Government can be advanced by our lying here we are
content. To add to other annoyances we have been deprived for about
a month, of news from any quarter, as the "Overland Mail" to Los
Angeles mired down in the mud and quit until better times should arrive. . . .
Five companies have been ordered here from San Pedro, that have been
lying there for some time; they were to leave on the 1st instant, but
I judge were prevented by bad roads and weather. . . .
SOLDIER..
p. 3
. . .
FLOODS IN SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.--A correspondent of the Bulletin,
writing from San Bernardino, Jan. 29th, says:
From about the middle of Decamber to the middle of this month it rained
almost uninterruptedly, but the rain fell gently and did no damage; on
the contrary, was a blessing long wished for. The hearts of the farmers
and stock raisers grew large and their faces cheerful at the prospect
of a glorious season. But on the 16th, 17th and 18th the rain came down
more violently than I have ever before seen it in this or any other place,
and the consequence was terrible. The valley of San Bernardino is a
perfect basin in the bosom of mountains, watered by numerous small
streams which have their source in the hills, and after flowing through
the valley till they join the Santa Ana river, thence flow down towards
the seacoast. As the Summer advances, many of these little streams dry
up or sink in the land, and the Santa Ana itself can be crossed in many
places with shoes on, without wetting the feet. But on the days that I
have stated, such was the torrent of rain which fell that every creek
became a river, and when they united all their forces with the Santa
Ana, and rushed howling through the valley, bearing everything before
them, the sight was terrible. For miles the country was under
water--the stream rushing along at the rate of fiftsen or twenty miles
an hour. Whole farms have been swept off and thriving villages are seen
no more. The remnants of fine houses, beds, clothing, grain and cattle
are scattered down the river for miles.
On Warm creek, which had a number of dams for the purpose of raising
the water for irrigation, every dam was swent away, and one or two
houses destroyed. The ranch of F. Von Leuvin is covered up four or
five feet in sand. The house of Parish, one of the finest in the valley,
was swept away, together with every other house on that street. Both the
flouring mills of Conn & Allen and Weeks are either swept away or so much
damaged as to be unfit for use. Right opposite the town, which stands on
high ground, and for a mile below, the water was over a mile in width.
Families were awakened by the water rushing into their houses, and had
only time to get out when they were swept away. But for the gallantry of
the soldiers encamped on the banks of the Santa Ana, at a high bluff, many
lives would have undoubtedly been lost. One gallant fellow forded the
torrent, and swam where it was too deep to ford, with a babe in his
arms and a boy of five years old hanging to his whiskers, and brought
them safe to camp, where the matron of the hospital took care of the
little ones till the mother could be got, which was not for 24 hours
afterwards. Soon the camp was filled with women and children. The
officers gave up their tents and did everything in their power to
relieve their distress. Finally, a large tent was erected outside of
the lines for the accommodation of the unfortunate ones.
The village of Aqua Mousa [Agua Mansa], lower down the river, was
entirely swept away, and where it stood the sand is piled up five or
six feet high. Hundreds are homeless and destitute, for everything they
had was also carried off by the raging waters. On the Woppa not a
farm was left. Whole flocks of sheep were lying dead in the bed of the
river. A large portion of Roubidoux's ranch is destroyed, also his mill
on Lydell creek. The farm of Lord is destroyed and his house swept away.
Waite, formerly editor of our paper, lost his house and a portion of
his land. It is impossible to estimate the amount of damage done.
In the town not a bridge or dam has been left, and almost every house
is more or less damaged by the rain. The Court House is gone.
Our citizens turned out nobly for the benefit of the sufferers, almost
every one who could afford it subscribing liberally.
It has now cleared off, the skies have become clear again, and the river
has gone down. It will be some time before our valley recovers from the
blow it has received.
INTELLIGENCE FROM MARIPOSA--PHENOMENA.--
A correspondent of the UNION writing from Princeton, Mariposa county,
February 2d, favors us with the following interesting items:
While on the banks of the Merced river I saw on last Wednesday,
January 29th, two of the strangest sights ever witnessed, perhaps,
and not knowing that they have been noticed elsewhere, I will take
the liberty here of describing them. The first is simply that of a
fall of snow, covering the San Joaquin valley to the depth of one or
two inches. A sight flurry of snow had occurred but a day or two
previously, and that had been pronounced without precedent in the
experience of the oldest white inhabitant of the plains. This last
snow storm fairly made the habitues shudder with dread at the triumph
of such extreme northern principles. The weather moderated, however,
and the snow disappeared during the day; a south wind blowing up heavy
clouds towards the east, when at 4 P. M. the second phenomenon appeared,
viz: a seven-ribbed rainbow in the eastern clouds; seven concentric and
distinct series of prismatic colors, besides the secondary bow which
appeared outside as usual. The main or primary bow was widest and
brightest, the others being within and apparently partly behind the
first, receding and diminishing in brilliance to the seventh, which
was barely visible. Near the top of the arch where it was dimmer three
or four ribs only could be seen. The total width of the bow was perhaps
three times that of the ordinary rainbow, or some eight degrees. It
appeared like an arcade of rainbows seen in perspective, like Bayard
Taylor's hasheeish-eating visions. I have never seen any account of such
a phenomenon before, and would like to see it accounted for on optical
principles. Colored rings may be produced by pressing two pieces of plate
glass together, but then that isn't exactly a rainbow. [We would call
the particular attention of Dr. Logan to this phenomenon and hope he
will report.--EDS. UNION].
A cold blustering storm of rain and snow has again set in here,
(Princeton), but does not prevent the working of the mill and mine,
which have not been stopped since the rains commenced, a most fortunate
thing for "Las Mariposas."
About half half the Benton dam was carried away and part of the race-way
or flume. The mills were scarcely injured at all.
RAIN STORMS IN CALIFORNIA.--Alexander S. Taylor, in a recent article
on the rainy seasons in California, says that these immense rain storms
seem to return about every twenty-five or twenty-seven years, with
storms of only a medium severity at the expiration of every ten years,
by way of compromise. The first wet Winter in California, of which we
have authentic account, is that mentioned in Cabrillo'a voyage--1548-49.
In 1802-3 occurred another tremendous rain storm, and again in 1812.
In 1824-25, 1832-33, and 1842, there were still greater floods, and in
1848-49 very heavy falls of rain and snow. In 1852, the rains were heavy,
since when they have been comparatively light until the recent freshet,
which seems to have renewed the pluvial glories of the bygone time.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3394, 13 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 10, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, the Lieutenant Governor in the chair. . . .
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. The following bills were introduced, read twice
and referred as indicated:
By Mr. CRANE.--An Act concerning roads and
highways in the county of Alameda. He moved that the rules be suspended
and the bill considered now for the reason that it was one of a local
character entirely, the object being to enable the Board of Supervisors
of Alameda county to repair roads and highways which had been rendered
impassable by the flood. The people of his county had been unable, until
within a few days, to reach this city except by small boats, and now that
the flood had subsided, the roads were left quite impassable, unfortunately,
the general law failed to meet the exigency of the case.
The Senate refused to suspend the rules--ayes, 14; noes not counted.
The bill was referred to the delegation from that district. . . .
BILLS.
Mr. QUINT, from the Tuolumne delegation, reported a substitute to Senate
Bill No. 111, relative to granting the right to construct a bridge across
the Stanislaus, at Burns' ferry. . . .
At 1:30 P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 10, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. FAY, from the Committee on Commerce and Navigation, reported back
Senate Bill No. 95 --An Act to amend an Act to authorize the Board of
Supervisors of Sutter county to construct a bridge across Feather
river, etc.
Mr. KENDALL, from the delegations from Calaveras. Tuolumne, Mono,
Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin, reported back Assembly Bill No. 29
(a substitute)--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge or
bridges across the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry
Company, with a favorable recommendation from all except the Calaveras
delegation.
Mr. O'BRIEN, in behalf of the Calaveras delegation, made a minority
report on the same bill, recommending its passage with certain
amendments.
Mr. GRISWOLD, from the Calaveras and Amador delegations, reported back
with amendments, Senate Bill No. 110--An Act to grant the right to
construct a bridge across the Mokelumne river at Middle Bar, to Adam
Denzler and associates. . . .
Mr. LOVE, from the Committtee [sic] on Public Buildings and Grounds,
to which was referred Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25--relating to
the erection of a State Capitol [calling for certain information],
reported in favor of the immediate passage of the resolution. Placed
on file.
On motion of Mr. TILTON; of San Francisco, the
Committee on Agriculture had leave to withdraw the report made on Saturday
in favor of the passage of Assembly Bill No. 68--An Act for the better
protection of farmers, and for regulating the herding of stock. [The
Committee had agreed to report the bill without recommendation, but
through a misapprehension it was reported favorably by Mr. Moore.]
BILLS INTRODUCED.
. . . .
By Mr. MORRISON--An Act to provide for the reclamation of the swamp
and overflowed lands of this State, by the construction of levees,
canals, floodgates, etc. and to provide for the employment of convict
labor. To the Committee on Swamp and Overflowed Lands, and ordered printed.
Mr. MORRISON said he had labored carefully in drawing up this bill,
with the aid of scientific men, but he did not think it was perfect.
It contained some novel features, and related to a subject of the greatest
magnitude, since about six millions of acres of the best portion of
the State were now submerged. Unless a proper system of reclamation of
those lands was adopted, the State was in danger of becoming a barren
waste. He hoped, therefore, the bill would receive proper attention. . . .
By Mr. WILCOXON --An Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors of
Sutter county to levy a special tax for the repair of the Court House
in said county. Placed on file. . . .
THIRD READING OF BILLS. . . .
Senate Bill No. 95--An Act to amend an Act to authorize the Board of
Supervisors to construct a bridge across Feather river, etc.--was passed. . . .
At 3:15 o'clock the House adjourned.
SACRAMENTO, Thursday--3 A. M.
The San Francisco boat has not yet arrived, and we are therefore without
the Legislative proceedings of yesterday. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
Legislative proceedings of two days will be noticed in our issue today,
the steamer not having arrived yesterday morning from San Francisco in
season to have the legislative reports in the issue of that day. . . .
Our dispatch from San Francisco speaks of a flood which has visited a
section of that city. . . .
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF TUESDAY.
In the Assembly, on Tuesday, . . . .
The Special Committee appointed to report some plan for facilitating
communication between the Legislature and the State officers, made
their report, stating that Wells, Fargo & Co. would carry all messages
and other matter for one or both Houses for S350 per month, but
recommending that the Assembly appoint two Messengers at $8 each per
day, to be in the constant service of the House. After some debate,
the report was rejected, only nineteen voting for its adoption. Members
had found communication by mail and express convenient and reliable,
and no .messengers seemed necessary.. . . .
The bill to authorize the construction of a bridge across the Mokelumne
river and Middle Bar, was under consideration during the most of the
day's session.
RABEL'S TANNERY.--The following statement signed by James Beardslee,
F. Rabel, and W. C. Hopping, residing in the neighborhood of the tannery,
has been placed in our hands. We understand from one of the signers that
they make no objection to their earth being used for repairs in the levee.
Our publication was predicated on information obtained from the Committee:
In the Bee of a late date it is given as a reason why the
Committee decline to repair the levee break on the American river, that
the owners of the land refuse to let their earth be used. Now, we who
own most of the river front in the vicinity of the crevasse, desire it
understood that the assertion is entirely incorrect and unfounded,
inasmuch as they have not been applied to or conversed with on the
subject by the Committee.
In the UNION of the 11th, also, the editor gives a list of acts of
annoyances to the Committee, which justifies them in declining to
repair the breach. We regret that the editor, in making charges so
disreputable, had not given names instead of slurring a whole
neighborhood. We profess to be no less patriotic and public-spirited
than our fellow citizens of the community. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION
A Small Flood--Late from China--Rebel Success--American Vessels--Land Surveys--Accident--The Sacramento--Racing Match.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12th.
A large pond of water accumulated above the intersection of Turk and
Jones streets broke over Jones street at two o'clock this morning,
pouring a torrent into St. Ann's valley, flooding the basements of
all the houses therein. One person has been arrested charged with
digging the outlet. The space bounded by Mason, Turk, Taylor and Eddy
streets is submerged by water five feet deep in some places. Crowds of
people have visited the place to-day. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
VOLUNTEER WORK ON THE LEVEES.--The members of the Committee of Safety
have decided to commence work to-morrow morning at Rabel's tannery
with such Volunteer force as shall be on hand and ready to aid in
closing up the crevasse at that point. Any who are ready to labor
themselves or to furnish teams are requested to leave their names at
Figg's store, J street, below Third, or with any member of the Committee,
or to be on the ground ready for work at an early hour to-morrow morning.
The property holders in the neighborhood stats that there will be no
difficulty in procuring material with which to build the levee, and the
Committee will be prepared to furnish food and implements to all who
will work. If the right spirit is shown, it is believed that the tannery
and Burns slough may both be made safe from any moderate flood by voluntary
labor. In the manner proposed, all who are in earnest in their desire to
make the city secure can contribute, practically, to that end. Men ought
to do a few days hard work, and those will, no doubt, who do not rely
upon physical labor for a living. It is not the intention of the members
of the Committee to spend the money now in their hands for the repairs
referred to, so that if this experiment shall fail the work will not be
done until the Legislature has settled upon and legalized a plan for its
accomplishment. . . . .
CLOSED UP AND OPENED.--Some two or three days ago the drain on Eighth
street, which crosses J, was closed up at the alley near Protection
engine house, by parties in the neighborhood, for the purpose of making
a passage for wagons along Eighth street. The result was a rise in the
water of the flooded portion of the town north of J street, of eight or
ten inches. Yesterday several men from the St. Louis Stable and Illinois
Stable on the plaza, and one or two blacksmith shops in the neighborhood,
repaired to the spot and reopened the drain and build a bridge across it.
All parties are thereby accommodated; teams are no longer obstructed on
the street by water in the canal.
NARROW ESCAPE.--At about 4 o'clock on Wednesday forenoon an accident
happened at the ferry near the fort, which came near resulting fatally
to those concerned. Mrs. Holmes, wife of Jack Holmes of the Lake House,
with a hired man were coming into the city with a two-horse buggy.
As they approached the slough the horses became frightened, and rushed
on to and entirely over the ferry boat, plunging with buggy and passengers
into the water. Mrs. Holmes fell between the two horses and was carried
under several times. A small boat was quickly manned, and she and the
driver were extricated from their critical position. One of the horses
was drowned and the other was saved. . . .
INSOLVENCY.-- . . . . J.W.Richmond also filed a similar petition. He has
been engaged in this city and county for several years in the broom making
business; and more recently in the milk and dairy business. He met
with heavy losses during the late flood by the drowning of cows, etc.,
and from other causes. His losses are given at about $7,300; his
liabilities at about $6,000, and his assets, chiefly exempt from
execution, at about $1,600. . . .
CAN'T USE IT.--The agents of the railroad company are unable to use
the pile driver brought up from San Francisco in the work of repairing
the road, on account of the water having become so shallow along the
line of: Q street that it cannot float. The piles will all probably be
driven by the apparatus already at work. . . .
PICKED UP.--A trunk was picked up during the late flood by J. S.
Harbison, at his ranch below Sutterville, which contained ladies'
clothing. Letters in the trunk were addressed to "Mrs. Leman," which
it is supposed is the name of the owner.
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento had fallen last evening to about 18 feet
7 inches above low water mark. It is falling so low that there is good
room to hope that we shall have no Spring storms sufficiently heavy to
swell it again above the level of our streets.
NEW FERRY STARTED.--A new ferry boat, at Live Oak City, has been started
within a few days. It takes the place of Putnam's bridge, which was
carried off by the late flood. . . .
STILL WEARING AWAY.--The Sacramento levee, above R street, continues
to wash away with considerable rapidity, notwithstanding the falling
of the river. Before another rise takes place it should receive attention. . . .
CHAIN GANG.--The chain gang, under overseers Dreman and Long, has been
at work for several days in repairing First street, above the Gas Works.
The work will be finished to-day. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO RELIEF COMMITTEE.--During the past week some twenty
families have been provided with comfortable quarters, and all the
single men who have applied for relief have been furnished with work
by the Committee. Arrangements are nearly perfected by which sufferers
can be accommodated to better advantage to themselves and at less expense
to the Committee. All male sufferers by the flood can find work
immediately, we are told by calling at the Committee's rooms. The
contributions continue to come in, but not as rapidly as could be
wished, as there is much yet to be
done.--Bulletin, Feb. 10th. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3395, 14 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION. .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11, 1862.
The Senate met at the usual hour, . . .
REPORTS . . .
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, from the Committee on Agriculture, to whom was
referred Senate Bill No. 84--An Act to amend an Act preventing the
trespassing of animals upon private property--reported back an amendment
including the county of Monterey, at the request of the delegation
of that county. The bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary. . . .
Mr. CRANE, from the Committee to whom was referred Senate Bill
No. 118--An Act concerning roads and highways in Alameda county--reported
that the roads in said county were in a ruinous condition, having been
washed away by the flood, and the bridges destroyed; and it was not
possible to repair the roads and rebuild the bridges without taking
the action contemplated by this Act. . . .
GENERAL FILE.
The Senate proceeded to consider bills on the general file. . . .
Senate Bill No. 111--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across Stanislaus river, at Burns' Ferry, was also ordered to its
third reading. . . .
At 3:15 P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 11, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
LEGISLATIVE MESSENGERS.
Mr. IRWIN, from the Select Committee on the subject of messengers to
transact the business of the House with the State officers in Sacramento,
etc., submitted the report of the Committee. The Committee say they cannot
recommend the adoption of the resolution authorizing the Speaker of the
House and President of the Senate to appoint messengers whenever business
shall demand their services, but state no ground of objection to that
resolution. The Committee received a proposition from Wells, Fargo
& Co. to transact all the business of the House, its Committees and
members with the public officers and State Library for $350 per month,
their messengers to be placed under oath whenever desired; and also
considered the proposition that the House appoint two messengers. They
are of opinion that the latter plan has advantages over the proposition
of Wells, Fargo & Co. which more than compensate for the additional cost
of $130 per month. Two messengers at $8 per day, would cost $480 per
month, but they could give superior attention to their business; having
nothing else to attend to, and being able to spend their whole time while
in the city in the building where the Assembly meets, and where members
can have access to them at all times. The Committee therefore recommend
the appointment of two messengers for the Assembly, and that they be
required to give bonds in $10,000 each for the faithful performance of
their duties the bonds to be approved by the Speaker.
The question was stated on the adoption of the report.
Mr. COLLINS asked what would be the effect of its adoption.
The SPEAKER said the House would thereby vote to appoint two messengers,
but the time and manner of appointment would remain open.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco, made an explanation of the report, in which
be said the Express Company would only hang up a letter bag, while if
the House appointed its own messengers they could have a room in the
building, and the members could be in constant communication with them.
The Committee reported in favor of employing two at once, rather than to
waste time in debate about the other.
Mr. HOAG inquired if the messengers could not do the business of both
Houses just as well as of one.
Mr. TILTON replied that the Committee was unanimously of the opinion
that the House should do its own business independently of the Senate.
M. HOAG insisted that it would be a pecuniary advantage to have but one
set of messengers for both Houses.
Mr. CUNNARD said there was no necessity for having more than one
messenger, but it seemed that it was deemed necessary to appoint two
so as to satisfy both parties. He thought it was time to stop business
if it had come to that pass that they must appoint more attaches than
they wanted for the sake of pacifying parties.
Mr. REED said he was in favor of the proposition of Wells, Fargo & Co.
They could transact the business with as much facility as special
messengers, and at a less cost. The only objection was the anxiety
of some members to get places for their friends, and he was down on
the zeal manifested by some members in hunting up places and pettifogging
friends into place.
Mr. DENNIS said as he was the introducer of the original resolution,
he supposed the geatieman's remarks must be aimed directly or indirectly
at him. but if so the gentleman was entirely mistaken. He had no
acquaintance with one of those gentlemen named in his resolution till
about a week ago, although he was a resident of his (Dennis) county.
He thought it would be a great convenience to employ special messengers.
Mr. AVERY said he had seen no necessity for the office of messenger thus
far, and believed members got books or whatever else they wanted from
the Capital, by Wells, Fargo & Co. or by mail without any difficulty.
Mr. BROWN opposed the report, and said it was time all attempts of this
kind to get men into places was stopped. He therefore moved to postpone
the report indefinitely.
Mr. O'BRIEN said, inasmuch as a respectable Committee of five intelligent
members appointed to investigate this vexed question, had reported that
messengers were necessary, he was willing to abide by their judgment.
Mr. WATSON demanded the previous question, which was sustained, but the
Speaker decided that the previous question only applied to the motion
to postpone indefinitely.
The ayes and noes were demanded, and the motion to postpone was
lost--ayes 32, noes--36.
Mr. FAY moved to recommit the report, with instructions to the Committee
to arrange with Wells, Fargo & Co. for the transaction of the mesenger
business for the Legislature.
Mr. BELL moved to amend by instructing the Committee to report in
favor of the appointment of one messenger by the presiding officer
of each House.
Mr. HOAG said, in the course of further discussion, that he was informed
that messengers would have to pay their passage by steamer, and the
usual rate for whatever freight they carried. If Wells, Fargo & Co.
were employed, there would be no such charge against the House.
Mr. FAY suggested that if the fare was raised the messengers would bring
in relief bills.
Mr. DENNIS said he understood Wells, Fargo & Co. proposed to do the
business for both houses for the price named by them.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco assented.
Mr. BELL's amendment was rejected.
Mr. MEYERS advocated Mr. Fay's proposition, which, after further talk,
was also rejected.
The vote was taken under the operation of the previous question on the
adoption of the report, and resulted thus:
Ayes--Campbell, Dean, Dennis, Frasier, Griswold, Kendall, McAllister,
O'Brien, Parker, Reeve, Sargent, Shannon, Smith of Sierra, Teegarden,
Thornbury, Waddell, Wilcoxon, Woodman, Worthington--19.
Noes--Amerige, Ames, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Barton of San
Bernardino, Battles, Bigelow, Brown, Collins, Cot, Cunnard, Dow, Dudley
of Placer, Dudley of Solano, Eagar, Fay, Hillyer, Hoag, Hoffman, Jackson,
Loewy, Love, Maclay, Meyers, Moore, Morrison, Porter, Printy, Reed,
Reese, Seaton, Smith of Fresno, Thompson of Tehama, Thompson of San
Joaquin, Van Zandt, Watson, Wright, Yule, Zuck--39.
So the report was rejected. . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Bills of the following titles were introduced, read twice and referred
as indicated: . . .
By Mr. DUDLEY of Placer--Act to authorize the Governor of the State
to reside and keep his office in the city of San Francisco during
the. thirteenth session of the Legislature, in the year 1862, and to
fix his place of residence and office thereafter [at Sarcamento]. To
the Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr. DUDLEY, in introducing the bill, said he really hoped that all
asperities that had arisen on account of the unfortunate condition
of Sacramento, which had caused the removal of the Legislature to
San Francisco, would be laid aside, and they would pass this very
necessary bill authorizing the Governor to reside in San Francisco
without opposition. It struck him as a very remarkable fact that since
this body had been here it had not received a single Act. word or deed
of recognition from the Chief Magistrate of the State. He hoped there
was nothing behind that fact, but at all events a bill of this character
could do no harm, as it would tend to legalize and strengthen their Acts,
and would be an accommodation to the Governor.
Mr. WARWICK attempted to address the House on the subject, but
Mr. Tilton of San Francisco called him to order, on the ground that
no question was before the House, and the point of order was sustained. . . .
DENZLER'S BRIDGE.
The House took up Senate Bill No. 110--An Act to grant the right to
construct a bridge across the Mokelumne river at Middle Bar to Adam
Denzler and his associates.
Several slight amendments were adopted.
Mr. HOAG proposed further amendments, and the amendments being rejected,
strenuously opposed the bill as granting too many privileges to the bridge
company at the expense of the traveling public.
Mr. O'BRIEN replied, contending that the bill was carefully guarded in
its provisions, placing the bridge under the operation of the general
law and giving the county the right to purchase it at the end of five
years.
After a protracted discussion, in which several others participated,
the bill was passed. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 66--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
or bridges across the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge and
Ferry Company--was taken up, and pending a motion to make it the special
order for to-morrow at one o'clock--
The House, at five minutes before three o'clock, adjourned. . . .
SAN BUENAVENTURA.--A private letter from San Buenaventura, February 7th,
to the Alta, states that two persons, named Baxter and Hewitt met with
difficulty in crossing the Santa Clara river, the latter being drowned
and the former having a narrow escape. The whole of San Buenaventura
was destroyed by the flood, the town being under water, from one to four
feet deep. It rose with great rapidity, attaining a hight of forty inches
in as many minutes. Every adobe wall in town went down with a crash:
houses fell in all directions, and a general stampede ensued. The canon
became a whirlpool with the waters, driftwood, etc. At the copper mine,
adjacent to the San Buenaventura, nearly everything was destroyed--wood,
tools, ore and earth, are mixed up in inextricable confusion. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .The Howard Society of this city has received for the flood sufferers
$300 from the benefit given by the French Benevolent Society.
The Committee of Safety will commence operations in repairing the break
at Rabel's tannery to-day. It is expected that a large force will be in
readiness to engage in this much needed work.
Colby's bridge, on J street, will be opened today for travel.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF WEDNESDAY.
The most important business transacted in the Legislature on Wednesday
was the adoption by both houses of the following concurrent resolutions:
WHEREAS, It is reported that the Finance Committee of the House of
Representatives have stricken out the appropriation for the California
Overland Mail service for inefficiency of service and for economy;
therefore
Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concuring, That the Daily
Overland Mail is of vital importance to the people of the Pacific coast;
that in the event of a war with a European power (which is not improbable)
the overland would be our only secure route for the transportation of
mails, passengers and treasure; that the late interruption occasioned
by floods of unprecedented severity should not operate to the prejudice
of the present route.
Resolved, That the Dally Overland Mail Company's numerous stations are
a necessity to the continuance of the Overland Telegraph, which cannot
be kept in order through a long stretch of uninhabited country without
the aid rendered by the Overland Mail Company.
Resolved, That our Senators be instructed and our Representatives be
requested to use their strongest exertions to induce the Federal
Government to transfer from the Overland route all printed postal
matter, other than the letter mail, to a steamship by way of the
isthmus of Panama, And that the schedule time for the letter mail
across the continent be reduced to sixteen days, from the 1st of
May to the 1st of November, and twenty-three days from the 1st of
November to the 1st of May, and in addition to this service that the
Pony Express be restored.
The Mail Agent for this State desired to take with him to Washington
an expression of the Legislature upon this most important subject.
The Republicans of California should labor hard to prevent the National
Administration from repeating the offenses committed by Cotton State
politicians for so many years, in this matter of communication between
California and her sister States. If the party now in power refuses
to continue the Overland mail service, its supporters in this State
will have some up-hill fights to make hereafter. . . .
In the Assembly, on the same day, . . .
A long debate over a bill granting a bridge franchise in Tuoiumne county,
consumed most of the day. . . .
ADVANCING SLOWLY.
It may be possible that the Legislature is preparing in Committee the
business of the session, but, so far, the evidence of labor performed
is very limited. Not a single Act of a general nature has been passed;
we believe that about the only bill presented to the Governor for his
approval is the one authorizing a bridge to be built at Folsom. . . .
Somebody, too, will be called upon to answer for adjourning from the
Capital to San Francisco when the business of the people could have
been much more economically transacted in Sacramento. It is time for
members who claim to be in favor of reform to manifest their faith by
their works. . . .
The adjournment has added considerably to the legislative expenditures,
and we remember no instance in which a retrenchment has been effected.
Situated as the people now are, they demand a short and an economical
session, and they will be satisfied with no other. They will not accept
as an apology for a long and costly one that the business of the State
could not be transacted in a short time. They know that such is not the
fact; they know that had the members determined to finish the business
of the State and adjourn, that it could have been done as easily in sixty
days as in a hundred and twenty. All the Acts demanded by the public
interest could have been perfected and enacted into laws had the
Legislature remained at the Capital, before the first of February--in
truth the work might have been done in four weeks from the day the
Legislature convened. But unless there is a great improvement in the
progress of doing business the session must extend into May. . . .
DAMAGE AT EL DORADO.--A correspondent of the UNION at El Dorado,
county of El Dorado, February 11th, says:
Things are looking better up this way. Every one is at work. The plow
is turning over the soil, trees are being planted, and miners are doing
better than they have been for some time. Money will soon be more
plenty, judging from the amount of dust shipped from here during the
last ten days. . . .
Cigar Speculation--Overland Letters--The Flood--Benefit for the Flood
Sufferers--The Price Surrender.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13th. . . .
The water is gradually falling in St. Ann's valley. The damage to walls
and furniture by the flood has been considerable.
The late benefit given for the flood sufferers at the American Theater
by the French Benevolent Society netted $1,000--$700 of which was
paid over to the Samaritan Society, and $300 sent to the Howard
Society at Sacramento.
LEVEE REPAIRS.--Every man in this city, and every man in the section
of country south of this, is interested deeply in having the Spring
floods of the American kept from passing through or east of the city.
The closing immediately of the breaks in the levee on the American is,
therefore, an undertaking which should receive the universal support of
the community. The Committee of citizens has determined to go forward
with the job, provided men will volunteer to do the work. The Committee
will furnish board and tools for all who may volunteer, though where men
have tools, they may or will use their own. Owners of teams, too, can do
their country a service by having them on the ground. In two weeks the
American can be shut out permanently, and who is there in this community
who would not give two weeks work to accomplish an end so desirable?
We heard a man in his seventieth year say, a few days since, that he had
been driven from his home twice by water--that he had no property of
consequence to be protected; but that he felt interest enough in
Sacramento to give one month's work toward building the levee, and if
he did not do as much work as any of the young men, he would give two
months time. This was manifesting the right spirit, and we expect to
see hundreds exhibit a similar spirit to-day, and present themselves on
the field of labor designated by the Committee. The farmers, too, living
below the city, should come up and put in a few days' work to save their
farms from a Spring overflow. High water in April and May will be vastly
more destructive to vegetation, fruit trees and crops than high water in
December and January. Where fruit trees have not been destroyed by
deposits of sand and mud, they are not yet seriously injured by the
water. Those who cannot go themselves should send a man. We heard quite
a number of citizens, yesterday, pledge themselves to be on hand this
morning, or send a substitute. With a strong force, the break at Rabel's
can be repaired in a week, and the city insured against water from that
source for the remainder of the season, Another week would suffice for
closing Burns' slough, and the people would then be prepared for grappling
with the crevasse below R street No better season nor better weather can
be asked for putting up good levees. That levee this side of the Tivoli,
which has stood so well, was built in midwinter in 1853. If we had such a
levee around the city we might consider ourselves pretty safe, though it
is not as high as it should be, as the water came within a foot of the
top during the high flood. It has not been touched in the way of
repairing it since the year it was built.
We repeat that it is the duty of every Sacramentan to lend a hand to
complete this necessary work of repairing the levee on the American.
Self-protection is said to be the first law of nature, and in obedience
to this law, let the people of this city and surrounding country turn
out and render their assistance to rebuild the levees. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE FLOODING OF CORTES SQUARE.
MARYSVILLE, February 12, 1862.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I again crave a space in your columns to defend my
veracity, and to reply to the "malignant and bitter " abuse of the
Marysville Daily Appeal. I should care very little for anything
it might say about me, if it had not pronounced a statement in the
UNION, written by me, untrue. I said that Cortes Square in this city
"was twice flooded during the Winter." The Appeal replied,
"it is simply false."
I leave it to any candid reader, does not the Appeal thereby
convey the impression that the Square was not flooded at all? It denies,
in toto, my statement, and does not explain that the land was flooded
once. In the UNION, I then said, "I now reiterate my statement. I know
that it is true, because I saw," etc., etc. The Appeal, with
extraordinary perception, discovers that I have backed down, because I
did not use the word "twice" in my reiteration! No one questions the fact
that the Square was flooded in January, and the Appeal admits
that "on the December flood the water stood in some of the low alleys and
little paths," etc. If this were so, the flower beds would also have
been flooded, for in many places they are lower than the paths that
border them. With a bold attempt at misrepresentation, the Appeal
adds: "One could walk from C street into the main entrance [of the
Pavilion, situated in the center --COR.] dry shod," during the December
flood. To the members of the Legislature (to influence whom the articles
in the Appeal were probably written), this would seem convincing.
But here again, a knowledge of the facts is of some avail to explain
matters. The walk leading to the main entrance of the Pavilion is of
brick--the only brick walk in the Square--and is nearly a foot higher
than the ground it crosses. The ground adjoining it might have been
completely covered with water (as it was, twice), and still the walk
be high and dry. When reading the articles in the Appeal, I can
truthfully exclaim . "Faith, here's an equivocator;" and I am led to
ask, "What trick, what device, what startling hole, canst thou now find
out to hide thee from this open and apparent shame"--for it is a shame
in a public journal, to equivocate facts in order to create a false
impression.
The gardener of Cortes Square has said to me that during the flood of
January the water was two feet deep all over it, and three feet in
some places. He also says that the water was seven inches higher then
than in December. This would leave quite a depth for the first flood.
As I sailed along a street bordering on Cortes square during both floods,
and had an opportunity to see for myself, I have no hesitation in saying
that I believe the statement of Mr. Cass to be mainly correct.
The water entered Cortes Square from the east, and entirely crossed it
so as to touch the sidewalk on the west. As the sidewalks are about six
inches higher than the sqaare, and as water will find its level, it is
fair to presume that the water was at least six inches deep during the
first flood. I have no doubt the articles in the Appeal were
written by the local of that journal. If my supposition is correct, it
only proves what many have before thought: his particular kind of
talents are much better fitted for making low puns and conundrums than
for writing editorials for a leading public journal.
A gentleman--an
educated, accomplished, scientific gentleman, but who, much to his
disgust, was beaten for County Surveyor at our last election by an
inexperienced young man--of this city, ventilates himself upon this
question in this morning's papers. Not a word says he of the December
flood, while the inferences from his observations all prove that Cortes
Square was flooded by it, yet the Appeal publishes it. I had
scarcely expected such frankness on their part; they do not often let
both sides of the controversy be heard through their columns. This
gentleman is desirous of knowing how my property would be damaged by
having the Capital here. That is the argument. Never mind the interests
of the State; never mind the expense; never mind the right or justice
of the matter; we must have the Capital, it would benefit our
property so much! Thus reason the removalists, but I cannot agree with
them. It has been agreed that Sacramento is the best place for the
Capital, and the misfortunes of the past Winter have not altered the
case. If it was decided to remove the Capital there would be no warmer
advocate of the claims and advantages of Marysville than myself; but
the attempt to take advantage of the crippled condition of Sacramento
to injure that city is unworthy of honorable men. It is too much like
striking a man when he is down, to win my support, or the support of
the majority of her citizens. I deny having misrepresented this city.
My home is here and my interests are here; but the welfare of the State
is of more concern to me than what little property I own.
For shame upon the conductors of that journal, who, while continually
professing friendship for sufferers by the floods, are secretly striving
to strike a fatal blow at a city which has suffered more than any other.
PUBLICOLA.
SUFFERERS BY THE FLOODS
should call and buy their Groceries and Provisions at 94 K street, corner of Fourth, of
fel4-1m1stp FELTER.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CORONER'S INQUEST.--At about noon yesterday, John F. Lynch and R. Ross,
discovered a dead body in the water near the lower point of the ridge of
land on which the City Cemetery is located. During the afternoon Coroner
Reeves held an inquest over the body, Isaac Brown, C. Harvey, Napoleon
Rochon, Frank Leibling, George Jarvis, and B. H. Shumacher acting as
jurors. J. F. Lynch testified to the finding of the body, but knew nothing
as to the cause of death. The deceased had about his person a Bible,
bound in morocco, with a gilt cross on both sides; a four bladed white
handled knife; a buckskin purse and clasp; a five cent piece; a Chinese
coin; a locket with the figures "72" engraved on the inside, a teaspoon
and two pipes. The deceased was about 5 feet 8 inches high, rather heavy
built, with black hair and sandy whiskers. He appeared to have been of
Irish birth, between thirty and forty years of age, and was dressed in
coarse dark cloth coat, dark pants and vest, and gray woollen shirt and
drawers. The body had been in the water several weeks. R Ross confirmed
the testimony of the above named witness. The jury returned a verdict to
the effect that the body was that of a white man, between thirty and forty
years of age--the name, time and cause of death being unknown to the jury.
Probable cause of death, drowning. . . .
NEW BOAT CLUB.--A meeting of boatmen was held last evening at Mack's
Saloon, Sixth and M streets, for the purpose of forming a boat club, for
the better regulation of boat charges between the city and Poverty Ridge.
The club was organized, and the following officers were elected: President,
D. McLaughlin; Secretary, J. T. Enright; Treasurer, H. Pierce. The club
fixed upon one dollur as the price of passage to or from the Ridge, and
selected Fifth and L and Sixth and M as the starting points from the city.
In consequence of the sand bars between the city and the Ridge, passengers
will be compelled to leave the boat several times and walk a block or more,
and then take another boat. By the arrangement of the club, through tickets
will be given at each end of the route. The cars from Folsom are expected
to come in with passengers as far as Poverty Ridge to-day, and until the
road is completed.
ODD FELLOWS' RELIEF.--Donations have been received by.the General Relief
Committee, I. O. O. F., of this city, from the following named Lodges of
the Order: California No. 1, San Francisco, $100; Harmony No. 13, San
Francisco, $100; Templar No. 17, San Francisco, $100; Bay City No. 71,
San Francisco, $150; Magnolia No. 29, San Francisco; $25; Charity No. 6,
Stockton, $200; Mountain Rose No. 26, Rough and Ready, $50; Placer No. 38,
lowa Hill, $220; San Juan No. 67, San Juan, $50; Franklin No. 74,
Placerville, $75; Olive No. 81, Dutch Flat, $100; Olive Branch Encampment
No. 9, $25--total, $1,195. From Lodges in this city: Sacramento No. 2,
$300; Eureka No. 4, $150; El Dorado No 8, $150; Capital No. 87, $200--total,
$800. Whole amount received, $1,995. . . .
EARTH IN DEMAND.--Several men, with a team, commenced on Wednesday to
load up for the purpose of hauling off earth from the embankment near
the site of Wilson's mill, at the mouth of the American. The property
holders in the vicinity, who believe the safety of their property to
be endangered by cutting away the bank, objected. The workmen claimed
to have been sent there by the Committee of Safety, but finally desisted.
In the eastern portion of the city, where there are sand bars three, four
and five feet deep, there is an abundant supply of earth for all the
immediate demands of the community. . . .
RAILROAD REPAIRS.--The pile-driver on the R street Railroad had progressed
yesterday afternoon as far east as Seventh street. There was but little
work to do between that point and Tenth street. From Tenth to Sixteenth
street the embankment requires filling up before the track can be laid
down. Some thirty men were engaged yesterday at this portion of the work,
taking the earth from the side of the bank. The work, it is thought, will
be complete to Poverty Ridge in about ten days.
COLBY'S BRIDGE.--Colby's bridge across the slough at the Fort will be open
for travel today. The proprietor has purchased the lumber for constructing
bridges over each of the cuts across J street near Fourteenth and Fifteenth
streets. There are seven or eight of these cuts, and when bridged the
street will be passable for heavily loaded teams.
THE VOLUNTEER WORK.--The volunteer work of repairing the levee at the
tannery is expected to commence this morning. A number of names were
enrolled at Figg's store yesterday, and many who have not given in their
names have expresssed [sic] their intention to be present and "participate
in the proceedings of the meeting." . . .
THE WATER.--A lively current of water at the present time comes into the
city at the openings through R Street near Fifth and creates a channel
running to the east, and passing out again at Tenth street. The only
water which comes into the city at present enters from the Sacramento
through the crevasse below R street. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3396, 15 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 12, 1862.
The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR called the Senate to order at 11 o'clock, . . .
OVERLAND MAIL.
Mr. MERRITT asked leave to make a motion. He observed by the telegraphic
dispatches from the East that the Finance Committee of the House of
Representatives had stricken out the appropriation for the Overland
Mail, upon the score of inefficiency of service and as a matter of
economy. Some resolutions on the subject had passed the House. A
gentleman connected with the line informed him that he would leave
for the Eastern States to-morrow, and desired that the interests of
California should be indicated by the passage of such resolutions as
might be deemed proper. He moved that the resolutions from the Assembly
be taken up and considered now.
The motion was agreed to, but the resolutions had strayed away from
the Clerk's desk.
Mr. MERRITT then offered the following:
WHEREAS, It is reported that the Finance Committee of the House of
Representatives have stricken out the appropriation for the Overland
Mail service, for inefficiency of service and for economy: therefore,
Resolved, by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That the Daily
Overland Mail is of vital importance to the people of the Pacific coast;
that in the event of a war with a European Power (which is not improbable)
would be our only secure route for the transportation of mails, passengers
and treasure; that the late interruption occasioned by floods of
uninterrupted severity, should not operate to the prejudice of the present
route.
Resolved, That the Daily Overland Mail Company's numerous stations
are a necessity to the continuance of the Overland Telegraph, which cannot
be kept in order through a long stretch of uninhabited country without
the aid rendered by the Overland Mail Company.
Resolved, That our Senators be instructed, and our Representatives
requested, to use their strongest exertions to induce the Federal
Government to transfer from the Overland route all printed postal
matter, other than the letter mail, to a steamship line by way of
the Isthmus of Panama, and that the schedule time for the latter mail
across the continent be reduced to sixteen days from the 1st of May to
the 1st of November, and twenty-three days from the 1st of November to
the 1st of May--and in addition to this service that the Pony Express be
restored.
Mr. MERRITT said the latter resolution, relating to the change of schedule
time, he understood from good authority, the Overland Mail Company were
willing to accede to. The storms of the season had been very great along
the route, but the mail had nevertheless been tolerably regular. He
predicted that we should probably not have another such a Winter in
ten years. The telegraph would probably be inefficient at some time when
it was needed, unless protected by a regiment or so of troops--judging from
the way they did things in military affairs now--which would cost a million
dollars or more. He understood the Company were willing to reduce the
expense to the sum of $250,000, if the printed matter were put on the Pony
Express. It was superfluous to talk about the necessity of this Overland
Mail.
Mr. SHURTLIFF thought the resolutions were a little too sweeping in
relation. He suggested that daily papers, or merchants, might desire
to have printed matter come by the letter mail. He offered several slight
amendments which were accepted by Mr. Merritt.
[ Mr. MERRITT in the Chair.]
Mr. PORTER moved to strikeout so much as related to the transportation
of mail by the steamship line, and also that portion which relates to
the Pony Express. He thought it unfair that the people of California
should request the General Government to spend the amount of money they
had been spending for this mail service. It far exceeded the amount of
the Federal tax we had
to pay for the support of the war. California had been a standing
expense to the Government, and been petted too much. With the conveniences
afforded by the Overland Mail, he would cheerfully refrain from asking
anything further.
As the amendment failed to reach the President's desk, the resolutions
were adopted in the shape that they were offered. . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED. . . .
Mr. LEWIS (on leave) reported from the Amador and Calaveras delegation
a substitute to Senate Bill No 55--An Act granting the right to construct
a bridge across the Mokeiumne river at Big Bar, to Lewis Soyer and others,
which was placed on file. . . .
By Mr. DE LONG--An Act for the relief of certain persons who have suffered
by the late flood. To the Special Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Mooney. . . .
At five minutes before four o'clock, the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO. February 12, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. MOORE, from the Committee on Agriculture, reported back Senate Bill
No. 62--An Act for the better protection of farmers, etc. . . .
GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING OF BILLS.
Assembly Bill No. 88--An Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors of
Sutter county to levy a special tax for repairing the Court House, was
ordered engrossed. . . .
OVERLAND MAIL ROUTES.
Mr. PORTER said a concurrent resolution, adopted by the Senate to-day
had come in from the Senate, relating to the subject of the Overland
Mail service. He had been told that the Mail Agent had been ordered
to Washington to communicate with the Department there, and would leave
to-morrow. He desired to have the resolution acted upon before his
departure, and if in order, he would move to take up the resolution
immediately.
The motion prevailed, and the Senate concurrent resolution relating to
the Overland Mail service was taken up, read and adopted, in concurrence. . . .
STANISLAUS BRIDGE.
Under the order of unfinished business, the House took up Assembly Bill
No. 66--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge or bridges across
the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry Company.
The amendments reported by Mr. O'Brien in behalf of the minority of the
delegations were read. They reduce the term or the franchise from
twenty-five to twenty years, require the Company to build a bridge at
Two Mile Bar within two years, gives the Board of Supervisors power to
regulate tolls annually, etc, and bring the bridge Company under the
operation of the general law.
Mr. O'BRIEN moved the adoption of the amendments, and said be only
desired to see the bill properly guarded. The bill now gave the
Company the bridge franchise at Middle Bar, without requiring them ever
to build that bridge, and he thought it looked like a huge
monopyly [sic]. They would build their bridge at Knight's Ferry and
prevent any one from building the one at Two Mile Bar, which might
compete with them. He was opposed to monopolies.
Mr. KENDALL opposed the amendments and said it was remarkable that the
bill was only opposed by persons living this side of the Stanislaus
river, who were hardly at all interested while all on the other side
were unanimously in favor of it. The fact was that for want of
communication the people in Tuolumne and all the region beyond the
Stanislaus were in about as bad a condition as they were in 1852-3, when
the people were in distress for the means of subsistence. They wanted
the bridge immediately, and in order to give them a good permanent
bridge it was necessary to grant the Company a good franchise, which
would warrant the investment of capital. The effect of the amendments
would be to kill the bill, and he hoped they would be rejected. The
bridge at Two Mile Bar had been swept away and was really of no use,
so long as there was a bridge at Knight's Ferry.
Mr. MACLAY said he wanted light on the subject. He wanted to know if
the parties asking this franchise were loyal men, for he was resolved
never to vote to grant a franchise to any man unless he was loyal to
the Union [applause], and ready to sacrifice all they had, bridges and
everything else, to sustain the Government. He wanted to know whether
any of the parties interested were Secessionists at heart.
Several gentlemen assured Mr. Maclay that the parties concerned were
Union men.
Mr. MACHIN advocated the bill and opposed the amendments. He thought
the counties interested should be allowed to decide what sort of
franchise should be granted. They wanted to give the Company a good
monopoly so as to induce them to build a good bridge.
After further discussion, the amendments reported by Mr. O'Brien were
severally rejected.
Mr. HOAG proposed an amendment fixing a license to the bridge of from
three dollars to twelve dollars per month, one-half to go to the County
Treasury and the other half to the State. He advocated the measure at
great length, being frequently interrupted by questions of order and
interrogations.
The amendment was finally rejected, and the bill was passed by a vote
of--ayes 38, noes 10. Those who voted no were Messrs. Bigelow, Collins,
Dean, Dow, Hoag, O'Brien, Parker, Printy, Sargent and Seaton.
At ten minutes before four o'clock the House adjourned. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .Work was commenced yesterday on the levee at Rabel's tannery,
and quite a volunter [sic] delegation was present. There will be a
still larger attendance, it is thought, to day. . . .
THE GOVERNOR ON ADJOURNMENT.
Under the above head the San Francisco correspondent of the Marysville
Appeal--who is understood to be the State Printer and editor of
that paper--makes the following labored defense of the Governor's course
on the adjournment question. Such a defense or apology for his Excellency
was hardly called for at this time, unless somebody's corns are sore from
the pinching of the shoes of public opinion. The UNION felt no disposition
to pursue the subject beyond laying the case before the people. At some
future day we may have something more to say about the manner in which
the adjournment was carried, and the indifference on the question exhibited
by the Governor. We expressed the opinion that Governor Stanford could
have prevented the adjournment, and in defending his course, the San
Francisco Mirror admitted that he might have done so, but that
his devotion to the interests of the State, in preference to those of
a local character, governed his action in the premises. He may have
concluded that the interests of the State demanded that the people
should be subjected to the expense of an adjournment to San Francisco;
if he did, his judgment and ours differ widely on that point; in our
opinion, leaving Sacramento out of the calculation, the good of the
people of the State demanded that the Legislature should have remained
at the Capital, and that it was the public duty of the Governor to
prevent an adjournment, if in his power. The Sacramento papers are
the last in the State who would intentionally do an injustice to the
Governor. They have known him long and intimately, and would greatly
prefer, in commenting upon his public acts, to praise rather than
censure. But they could not close their eyes and ears to that which was
passing before them in relation to the adjournment. If Governor
Stanford had labored earnestly with his party to prevent the passage
of that resolution, the conductors of the Sacramento papers would have
been fully advised of the fact. But their information was of the opposite
character, and they reflected the sentiment of a very large majority
of this community when they alleged that the Governor did not exert
himself as he might have done to prevent the passage of that resolution.
His motives have been canvassed by others--not by us. We have been content
to place the issue upon public grounds, and on those grounds to hold him
and the party he represents responsible for the flight of the Legislature
from the Capital. It is doubtless time that the Governor expressed the
opinion that it would be bad policy to adjourn to San Francisco; he could
not have done otherwise, but there is a vast difference between a simple
expression of opinion and a vigorous opposition to a measure before the
Legislature. It was a matter which concerned the people of the State, and
they will be slow to accept the apology that the Governor hesitated to use
his influence in their behalf for fear somebody would say he was interfering
with legislation.
We are accused of having "misrepresented" his Excellency; we enter the
plea of not guilty, and ask for the proof. Where and when have we done
so? The Appeal insists that the vote to adjourn was not a party
one; has any one insisted that it was a strict party vote? We have said,
and we reiterate the declaration that a majority of the Republicans voted
to adjourn; that a majority of that party could have defeated the
resolution and did not--and therefore the party would be rightfully held
responsible before the people. And we add, that it was the Republican
influence from and in San Francisco that set in motion the adjournmemt
ball. But we should not have referred to the matter for the present,
had not the Appeal gone so for out of its way to apologize for
the Governor, and arraign the Press of Sacramento. We quote from that
paper:
It is well known that the Executive himself opposed the removal scheme,
as costly, of doubtful legality, and not pressingly necessary. The
Sacramento papers have been very unjust to him in regard to his position
on this subject, as well as with reference to the adjournment. They
have charged him with failing to use his influence against adjournment,
and still seek to hold him personally responsible on that score,
arraigning him and the party which elected him, as though both had
committed a heinous crime against popular rights and interests. Even
falsehood has been resorted to in this spiteful warfare. Governor
Stanford and the Republican party can stand the assaults of the UNION
and Bee, which find no journals to reecho their outcry but such
as lack loyalty or respectability, and would fain, like themselves, make
of this adjournment question a lever to hoist an unsound party back into
the power it has for so many years abused. The Appeal has shown
that if any blame can be rightly attached to adjournment, it must be
shared by all parties; but no portion of it belongs to the Governor.
Your correspondent happens to know that this officer steadily and
earnestly opposed adjournment from the very first day that it was
suggested as a possible contingency until it was accomplished, using
every proper means to acquaint legislators with his opinions on the
subject. He did not, it is true, forget his station so far as to lobby
and buttonhole, coax and threaten, as the UNION would have had him do;
but the writer of this knows that he privately protested against the
movement as likely to protract the session and embarrass the new
Administration, and as ungenerous and impolitic, taking in view simply
the interests of so heavy a taxpayer as Sacramento. Being himself
largely interested in the welfare of the city, having his home and
business there, having lived there for many years, built himself up
there, and, with his brothers been among the most liberal in promoting
the welfare of the place, it would have been most singular if he had
taken any other course. The citizens of Sacramento know he was faithful
to them, and I have heard some of the best of them declare that the
UNION's injustice and misrepresentation have not decreased but
strengthened the esteem in which he is justly held. So it will be
throughout the State. The people will not think less highly of their
popular Chief Magistrate, whom they carried into office on such a mighty
wave of loyalty, because he is assailed and falsified by a malignant
local interest. They will esteem it just as much a duty to encourage
and sustain the State as the Federal Administration, and will indignantly
frown upon the efforts making to use the comparatively unimportant
adjournment question as a means for building up an opposition party
tainted with all the covert treason that rallied around McConnell and
Downey. They will lend themselves to no such mean, unpatriotic scheme. . . .
PROSPECTS IN TEHAMA.--The Red Bluff Independent prophesies that
a good time is coming. It says:
After so long a time of dismal rain and floods, we can appreciate the
beautiful weather with which we have been blessed the past week. Should
this weather continue, farmers will have sufficient time to put in their
crops, and a bountiful harvest may be expected. The ground is so
thoroughly soaked that the dry Summer will affect the moisture of the
earth but very little. It will probably be the best grass year that the
country has been favored with since '54, and we bespeak good times for
the farming community. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Sacramento and Nevada--The Chrysopolis at Mare Island--City
Observatory--Case of Outrage--Conviction of Forgery
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14th . . . .
Four thousand letters by the Overland Mail arrived here last night. . . .
THE NEW CITY CHARTER . . . .
The next thing should be an Act providing for a levee system adapted
to the wants of the city. . . .
{For the Union.]
THE WAR TAX AND THE SWAMP LAND FUND. . . .
The depreciation of property by floods is a further reason why the tax
for State purposes should be put up to three-fourths of one per cent.,
and any further running in debt avoided. . . .
REPUBLICAN.
THE FLOOD IN SAN FRANCISCO.--In reference to the flow of water into
St. Ann's valley and the damage occasioned thereby, the San Francisco
Herald of January 13th says:
Taylor street is five feet lower than Jones street, there being a grade
of five feet to the block, and the water consequently rushed down to
Taylor street, and the lots on the north and east sides of the block
being all filled except twenty-five feet in the middle of the front
on Taylor street, the flood took its course down that lot, and then
swept across Taylor street and down the lot opposite, on which a house
is erected, now occupied by Mrs. McLaughlin, into the block bounded
by Taylor, Turk, Mason and Eddy streets. On the first block where the
water ran there are but four houses, one on the north side occupied by
Wetherbee, of Wetherbee & Cook, and three on the southeast corner, one
occupied by Nightingall, but none of these houses suffered the slightest
injury, all being above grade, and the lots filled. On the second block,
however, there are a number of valuable improvements, and not one escaped
some injury. Facing the vacant unfilled lot, through which the water made
its way, were Englander's stable and Mrs. McLaughlin's and Mrs. Lee's
houses, and these narrowly escaped being washed away. The water did wash
away a large quantity of soil, outhouses, chickens, etc. From here it
burst down and swept away fences and outhouses so as to make its way into
Judge Campbell's (of the Twelfth District Court), on Turk street, and
C. V. Grey's, on Eddy street. The basements and outbuildings of these
houses were speedily submerged to the depth of from four to five feet.
Judge Campbell has suffered a loss of several hundred dollars, and
furniture, clothing, etc., to the value of about a thousand dollars,
are destroyed in Grey's, some being very valuable pieces which had been
saved from the fire which devastated this gentleman's property in the
same locality some three years ago. Grey's daughter and Miss Herrick
(daughter of H. P. Herrick) narrowly escaped with their lives. They were
sleeping in the lower story, and Grey, who had been awakened by the noise
of the rushing torrent, only just succeeded in saving them from being
carried away with the rush into the lower part of the block, where the
water was from eight to ten feet deep. Next, eastwardly to Judge Campbell's,
on Turk street, are two houses which are on the grade, but the stables in
the rear were slightly flooded. Then comes a house belonging to Donovan,
the lower story of which is submerged, and the occupants had a narrow
escape; and next is a new house not quite finished, the basement of
which is also submerged. B. Geraghty's brick store, on the corner of
Mason and Turk streets, has the basement full of water. Next north of
this, on Mason street, is a frame house, the lower story of which was
submerged, the occupants narrowly escaping with their lives and losing
everything else. Next to this are two handsome frame houses belonging
to Silverberg, and occupied by Messrs. F. Tillman and W. Horr, the
basements of which were flooded to the depth of some four feet, and
considerable loss occasioned. Next to these is a house the basement
of which had just been finished, and which is also flooded. Thomas had
just erected a home on Eddy street, near Grey's, which was fortunately
just high enough to escape being flooded, but his fences and out houses
are nearly all carried away. The loss on this block is, it will be
perceived, quite serious to the parties concerned; and this, in addition
to the injuries to Taylor and Jones streets, all resulted from an
unpardonable malicious act of vandalism. . . .
[For the Union.]
HO FOR LEVEE VOLUNTEERS--SELF ACTION FOR SELF PROTECTION.
MESSRS. EDITORS:--"God helps those who help themselves," is a maxim
both old and true. There is no use in wasting words or time in idle
talk. Unless the break in the levee near the tannery is soon stopped,
we shall be in continual apprehension of various successive floods from
now to the first of May. Kind nature has given us a bountiful supply
of sunshine once more, and if it will only continue for ten days, we
can, by our own energy, be comparatively safe again. Therefore let the
suggestions of many citizens during the last few days be considered
immediately, and carried out accordingly.
As near as I can learn, this is something like the plan, viz: Let all
our citizens who are capable of working, give one, two or six days work
towards repairing the levee. Some can bring more than one hand;
those who can't leave their business can send a substitute. I have heard
the neighboring farmers say that "if we would only give them a chance
they would instantly bring both men and teams to our aid." A force of
five hundred men would repair the crevasse within six days; and
the occasion would be one of excitement, and afford more actual enjoyment
in the consciousness that we were protecting ourselves, than discomfort.
Not one man to whom the proposition has been made, but what indorses
it most cordially. The article in this morning's UNION will give a
more elaborate explanation of the feasibility of the plan. All the
trees and brush on the opposite bank of the river, (which is now
narrow) can be had freely, and a rope can be stretched across and
a ferry boat at once established for bringing all the material for
a "bulkhead " we need, for the present.
Those having the necessary implements for working, such as shovels,
spades, etc, conld bring them; and to those who do not have them, they
will be furnished. It is said there is no reason why we should not have
a jolly time while about it, and for that purpose an ox, roasted whole,
is offered, and will be something of a novelty. And last, but oh! not
least, numbers of fair ladies, who have an experimental knowledge of
the effects produced by the invasion of the clear and sparkling waters
of the American river on the "sacred soil" of their lovely homesteads,
will be there to enliven the scene and cheer us by their presence.
Without trying, nothing can be done--with it, possibly
everything. Send notice to the country, and, witdout doubt, we
will have ample accession to our own force.
Since writing the foregoing, the movement has commenced. About forty
of our citizens appeared on the theater of operations to-day, and
made good progress. Although the force was manifestly inadequate to
the completion of the task, yet they worked joyously and with fine
spirits, confident that the great mass of our citizens would not
shrink from affording an equal proportion of assistance in rapidly
pressing the matter forward. A painful apprehension seems to prevail
generally by those interested therein that unless we are protected
from the Spring freshets large quantities of shrubbery will inevitably
be destroyed. Æsop relates the story of a traveler, whose wagon had
become fast imbedded in the mad. Seeing the great Hercules standing by,
he implored his assistance; to which he replied: "First put your own
shoulder to the wheel, and if you do not succeed, it will then be time
to ask for aid." Therefore, if we do not immediately go to work--"pitch
in"--put our own shoulder to the wheel--we not only shall be without
protection, but have the poor consolation that we don't even deserve it.
FRANK.
FEBRUARY 14th.
STOCKTON MUD.--The Stockton Independent says, in reference to the
"sea of mud" with which Stockton is troubled:
A gloomy picture presented as the result of the recent flood, is that
which meets the eye of the visitor to the southwest portion of the city.
The depth of mud and sediment has here completely crushed out all sign
of vegetation. The force of the current westwardly through Sonora
street is seen in the deem [sic] channels formed partly by artificial
means, but principally by the water, carrying with it and depositing
such a depth of mud as would now require a subsoil plow to bring to light
the former surface of the earth. It will be found to be difficult foot
traveling in this part of the town until the natural process of drying
up shall have been fully completed. Since the water has receded and left
in its place a sea of mud, boats are out of use for the purposes of
navigation. Many of them can be seen securely tied to the fences as
they were when the water fell and left them upon dry land. . . .
SNOW IN OREGON.--Eugene City Republican, of January 25th, says:
The snow disappeared from the valley last Tuesday, having remained on
the ground twenty-five days. Snow showers are falling again. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE VOLUNTEER WORK ON THE LEVEE.--In accordance with previous
announcement, the work of repairing the levee at Rabel's tannery,
by the voluntary labor of our citizens, was commenced yesterday
morning. Some fifty persons were on hand and put in either the whole
or a portion of the day, in the exercise of the manly art of shoveling
dirt. At an early hour in the morning it was thought by W. T. Knox
of the Committee of Safety, and superintendents Turpin and O'Brien,
that nothing more could be done through the day than drain off the
water, which stood in pools on the street, and prepare the ground for
more active operations today. Two teams brought on to the ground--one
a single team, belonging to N. Currier, from Avery's lumber yard, and
the other a span of mules, were discharged for the day; and some of
those who were on the ground for the purpose of working went away again
under the impression that but little would be done until this morning.
On further reflection, and as the volunteers increased in numbers, it
was decided to start the work at once on such ground as was sufficiently
dry to admit of a commencement. The survey of Engineer Leet will bring
the new levee at this point on B street, which runs south of the river
from one hundred to three hundred feet. It is the design of the Committee
to construct at present about three blocks of the new levee running
along B street, from Twenty-fourth to Twenty-seventh streets. A cross
levee will therefore be necessary at each end to connect with the river.
The upper one will be about one hundred and the lower three hundred feet
long. The work was commenced yesterday on the lower cross levee on
Twenty-fourth street. It was laid out sixty feet wide at the base, and
will be built from four to five feet high. After the work commenced it
went on in spirited style. There were at no one time more than forty men
at work together, but some worked for a few hours only, making the
aggregate number, as already stated, about fifty. Among the number were
one lawyer, an editor, several boss mechanics and a number of tax payers
who have accumulated property by hard work, and who mean to keep it by
the same means. There were, in addition, a number of others who do not
own a dollar's worth of real estate in the city, but who desire its
prosperity and are willing to give a tew days labor to secure that end.
A portion of those employed were sent as substitutes by those who were
unable or unwilling to go and work themselves. We noticed some two or
three colored men actively engaged who were there not as substitutes for
anybody else, but to bear their own share of the burthen in the
protection of the city. All things considered, there was a very fair
start made for the accomplishment in contemplation. There should have
been, and there will doubtless be to-day, a much larger number present.
A large number of those who cannot go themselves made arrangements
yesterday to send substitutes, for three, four, five and six days. The
old saying that "many hands make light work" is as true of levee building
as of any kindred enterprise. The work begun may easily be completed
before the rivers rise again, and from the spirit manifested yesterday,
we have no doubt it will. Tools for all will be furnished by the
Committee. Meals are furnished, also, and sleeping apartments for those
who desire to remain there over night. For eating and sleeping purposes
the Tivoli House has been engaged by the Committee. A number of ladies
visited the locality yesterday afternoon, some going up the American
in boats and others walking up the levees.
FLAG PRESENTATION.--An elegant regimental flag has been provided by
ladies of Sacramento, designed for the Fifth Regiment California
Volunteers, Colonel Bowie's. Arrangements have been made for its
presentation at Camp Union on Monday next, at about noon. The ladies
instrumental in its preparation, have selected Mrs. G W. Chesley to
make the presentation. It will be received hy Colonel Bowie. The flag
was prepared by Norcross, of San Francisco, and is an admirable specimen
of workmanship in its line. The flag was nearly prepared at the time
of the first flood, it being the intention at the time to make the
presentation in the presence of the entire regiment. The continued
storms have caused unintentional delay. One company only of the
regiment remains at camp at the present time. . . .
INSOLVENCY.--Francis Colegrove filed a petition in insolvency yesterday
in the District Court, setting forth therein the following facts: The
petitioner is a resident of Sacramento county, and has met with heavy
losses in stock, lumber, fencing, teams, hay, grain, etc., by the late
floods; also, in farming operations and in sickness and death in his
family. The petitioner came to this State from New York in 1852, and
with a capital of $2,200 commenced farming on the Cosumnes river. In
many of his farming operations he was quite successful, but met with
subsequent losses, which render him insolvent. His liabilities are
given at $4,937.35, and assets at $672.50. . . .
THE GEM.--It was fonnd to be impracticable to remove the steamer Gem
by the route at first selected, from the fact that the ground was too
soft to afford sufficient purchase for the apparatus used in drawing
her forward. Some two days have been spent in turning her partially
around to start her on a different line. She is moved by means of a
windlass turned by a span of horses, the windlass connecting by block
and tackle with the boat.
MAIL MATTERS.--There were nearly ten thousand letters received in San
Francisco a few days since by the Overland Mail, which was the largest
number ever received there in one day from the same source. At the same
time, ten thousand seven hundred were received in this city. Sixty-nine
bags of papers were received at the Sacramento office yesterday. . . .
STILL CAVING.--The Sacramento levee, a short distance above R street,
continues to cave in on account of the action of an eddy in the river
in front of it. It will be a very dangerous point if we have another
rise in the river. . . .
NORRIS' FERRY.--The new ferry-boat was started yesterday across the
American at Norrie' bridge. The roads north of the river are said to
be in good condition. . . .
THE CHAIN GANG.--The chain gang was engaged yesterday in repairing J street, between Fourteenth street and the Fort. . . .
NOTICE.
THE UNDERSIGNED HAVING
taken the HIGH AND DRY HOTEL, corner of Front and R streets, and the
only high and dry Hotel in the city during the late floods, hopes by
strict attention to his business to merit a share of custom from the
traveling community in general and the city community in particular,
in case of another flood. The Bar will be furnished at all times with
choice Wines, Liquors and Cigars, Lager Beer, Scotch and English Ales.
fe4-1m4thp J. J. DENNIS.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3397, 17 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS presiding, . . .
LAND FOR LEVEE PURPOSES.
An Act for the condemnation of certain lands in the city and county
of Sacramento for public use.
Section 1. If the municipal authorities of the city and county of
Sacramento shall at any time deem it necessary for the protection of
the city from overflow to construct levees or to turn the channel of
the American river either in whole or in part, the lands necessary and
proper for such purpose or purposes may be condemned to public use as
in this Act provided.
Sec. 2. Whenever it shall be determined to construct, or widen, or
raise a levee, or to turn the channel of the American river, the city
shall cause a survey to be made, and a map to be prepared, showing the
lands that will be required as well as those necessary and proper for
the location of the work as such as may be proper to furnish material
therefor, and also showing the sections and subdivisions of sections,
United States survey, in which so much of said lands as are outside the
city are situated, and the blocks, lots and fractions of lots of so
much thereof as are in the city. Upon the completion of such map, in
such manner that the land required can be ascertained and segregated
thereby, it shall be delivered to the District Attorney, who shall file
it, together with a petition to condemn for public use the lands
designated thereon, in the District Court. Upon receipt of such map,
the Clerk shall hang it in a conspicuous place, and the Judge receiving
the petition shall direct publication to be made at least twenty days
in two newspapers published in the city, giving notice to parties
interested that the petition has been filed, that the maps designating
the land sought to be condemned can be seen in the Clerk's office, and
that the application for compensation for such land will be heard at a
time and place specified; which time shall not be less than twenty nor
more than thirty days from the issuance of the order.
Sec. 3. At any time after the filing of such petition, and before the
expiration of twenty days therefrom, the District Judge, either in
chambers or in open Court, shall appoint three Commissioners to ascertain
the compensation to be made for the persons entitled thereto for the
land designated on the map as being required; each of which Commissioners
shall take the oath of office, and shall be compensated out of the City
Treasury, in a sum to be fixed by the Judge, and either of such
Commissioners may administer oaths to witnesses, and may issue subpenas,
and any contempt of such subpenas, or of the rule on witnesses hereinafter
provided for, or contempt committed before the Commissioners whilst in
the discharge of their official duties, shall be punished by the District
Judge in the same manner as though the offense had occurred in his Court.
Sec. 4. At the time and place mentioned in the notice given, the
Commissioners shall meet, a majority of them being sufficient to
transact business, and may adjourn from day to day, and fix the time
for hearing the several cases, and may continue any case for a period
not longer than two days, unless the District Attorney, or the claimant
or his attorney consent to a longer continuance; and they shall subpena
such witnesses as are required by the District Attorney, who shall appear
before them for the city, or by any claimant, or who they or either of
them may themselves wish to be examined; and any witness having once
appeared may be put under rule for his future appearance without subpena
either in that particular case or in any other in which either party or
the Commissioners may wish to examine him; and having heard the allegations
and proofs of the parties, visited and examined the ground, if they deem
proper, and gathered all the information they can obtain, the Commissioners
shall proceed to determine the compensation, if any, to which, in the
opinion of the majority the several claimants are entitled; provided,
that in ascertaining such damages they shall take into consideration the
improved value, if any, which, in their opinion the work about being
undertaken will, when finished, cause by protection or otherwise to other
property of the claimant. The subpena of the Commissioners shall be
served by the Sheriff, who shall be allowed no compensation therefor,
except such mileage as is allowed in criminal cases, which shall be paid
him out of the City Treasury.
Sec. 5. The Commissioners shall keep a journal of their proceedings,
and as soon as the labors are completed shall file that and all papers
connected with their duties with the County Clerk, and shall certify to
the District Court a statement of the several cases before them, the
conclusions arrived at, and the award, if any made in each; and if any
of the land designated on the map as being required for the work had no
claimant before them, stating that fact and the compensation, if any,
that should be made for it.
Sec. 6. At any time within ten days after the filing of their awards
by the Commissioners, any party feeling aggrieved may, upon two days'
notice to the District Attorney and the filing of a statement of the
fact relied on, supported by proper affidavits, move the District Court
that so much of the proceedings of the Commissioners as affect him be
inquired into; whereupon, if the proceedings of the Commissioners have
been irregular, or their duties seem to have been performed in bad faith,
the District Judge shall make such order as may be just and proper in
the premises, either for a rehearing before the Commissioners or for a
trial of the facts before himself, but otherwise the proceedings of the
Commissioners shall be confirmed. And if no motion for such inquiry is
made within the time specified, or if such notice is made, then as soon
as the time is determined an order shall be entered at large in the
District Court, confirming the valuations found or finally determined;
and then the map filed, and a copy of the order of the District Court
shall be recorded in the County Recorder's office, and thereafter, upon
the filing for record of the receipt of the County Clerk for the
aggregate sum found to be due by said order for the whole property
required, the land designated and described on the map as being,
required, shall vest in fee simple in the city of Sacramento.
Sec. 7. In case any compensation is awarded for any land for which
there is no claimant before the Commissioners, the party entitled
thereto may file his claim and prove his right in the District Court
at any time within a year from the date of filing of the findings of
the Commissioners. And if any money awarded under this Act, either to
a party named or to an unknown owner, remain unclaimed in the Clerk's
hands for the space of one year, it shall be deemed to be abandoned
for public use, and shall be, by the Clerk, paid into the treasury
for the use of the City School Fund.
Sec. 8. This Act shall take effect from and after its passage.
Referred to the Sacramento delegation. . . .
GENERAL FILE, AGAIN. . . .
Senate bill--An Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors of San Joaquin
county to issue certain bonds, and to provide for the payment of the
principal and interest thereof--was considered.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN urged in favor of the immediate passage of the bill,
the bad condition of the roads leading to the Southern mines and the
general destruction of bridges.
The bill was considered engrossed, under suspension of the rules, and passed. . . .
. . .at half past one the Senate adjourned. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, the President in the chair. . . .
[CONCLUDED ON EIGHTH PAGE.]
p. 2
MOVING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.--The Yreka Union, referring to
the conduct of members in voting for the removal of the Capital, says:
We expect that the water was not the very best for drinking purposes;
no doubt nicely polished boots ran some little danger of getting soiled
if their owners wore them to and from the Capitol, and it may have been
that the food furnished, under the circumstances, was not of the daintiest
kind. But we will venture to say thst [sic] many of the honorable gentlemen
who so magnified these little inconveniences, have seen the time when
muddy water from a prospect hole was thought very good; when a pair of
leaky, pot-metal boots were the sole, and perhaps soleless, article of
the kind they possessed, and when tough beef steaks and tougher flapjacks
constituted their standing bill of fare. . . .
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
INTRODUCTORY.
As it is probable that some explanation will be looked forward to by
many of the readers of the UNION for the reasons and motives which have
induced the writer of the following article to address its readers on
the above subject, I may at once explain as follows:
On calling at the San Francisco Post Office on Saturday last, amongst
other matter which I received was a copy of the UNION of the 4th instant.
I am not aware to whom I am indebted for this favor; whoever it may be
I take this means of tendering to the party or parties who forwarded the
same my best thanks. The number of the UNION alluded to contained several
articles of great general as well as personal interest, amongst which
I will only specially point out three, namely: The able article signed
J. & R., the letter of A. M. Winn, and the valuable paper on "the
Meteorology of Sacramento," by Thomas M. Logan, M. D. In the course of
the following paper I shall have occasion to allude frequently, to each
and all of the papers described, differing in opinion on some points,
but agreeing with all on general principles; it is possible, however, I
may differ with each on special details; in such cases it will be my care
to employ language void of offense. In the ardor of controversy it is,
however, always possible that in the earnest advocacy of even modified
opinions, the form of expression may sometimes, from ambiguity or other
cause, be such as unintentionally to the writer convey an obscure or
double meaning. Should any such occur in the course of the topics which
may hereafter be dwelled upon, I hope such will be overlooked and not
commented upon until the entire of this paper is concluded, as it may
happen that anything which might be deemed offensive or erroneous will
be adequately and satisfactorily explained in some succeeding leading
head. I therefore respectfully request that such as may feel a difference
of opinion as to my views, or may think that I have in any way been
uncourteous in their expression, will oblige me by reserving any comment
until the series are completed, after which, if it is found requisite
to explain away ambiguity or offense, I shall be happy when called upon
to explain or make the amende.
I have used the term series as the most apt expression for the form
of division into which this article is intended to be divided. I have
adopted the mode which will be followed under the impression that it
was the best manner by which I could convey popular information on a
recondite and extraordinarily comprehensive subject, one little studied
and still less understood than any other branch of civil engineering,
and one on which more mistakes have been made even by eminent engineers
in their respective periods, than could be summed up in all the other
branches of that diversified profession.
A few words in explanation are probably dne from me in order to account
for my thus addressing the readers of the UNION. I have already mentioned
the fact of my receiving a copy of the UNION from some strange hand.
I can only account for it having been forwarded to me in consequence of
there having apeared in the San Francisco Bulletin of Monday last
an article by me headed, "Science and the Storm," in the course of which,
amongst other matters, I pointed out one of the means by which the
destructive effects of floods arising from sudden heavy rain falls or
melted snows might be mitigated, perhaps prevented, most assuredly their
evil consequences could be arrested if combined with other and practicable
aids. At the time of writing the article alluded to, I had not the
slightest conception it would draw forth any other observation than
that of possibly attracting the attention of scientific individuals
and societies throughout California to many incidents connected with
the late storm of which it was desirable that note should be made whilst
the memory of the events is fresh or the data existing. Whilst doing so,
I could not resist the opportunity of throwing out some crude hints as
to one of the palliatives that could be adopted in more ways than one
very advantageously. In this connection I may add that that the opinion
there given, as well as others that I am about to give, are not the
result of a sudden inception consequent upon the attention drawn thereto
by the late floods, but are the oft times and carefully poised reflections
on observations made during my first journey through the mountains and
mining districts which snrround the low lands of the Sacramento, San
Joaquin, etc., made nearly six years ago, which have acquired additional
strength from the information derived at every subsequent journey.
They are not, therefore, like the speculations of the recent crop of
pseudo metallurgists that sprung up on the discovery of the Washoe
mines as rapidly as mushrooms and "as plentiful as blackberries," who,
because they, by a few weeks or months study, taken up for the occasion,
learned something that they did not know before, wholly ignored the fact
that others deeper versed and better informed had long been acquainted
with the inapplicability of their pseudo-improevd [sic] processes. The
general principles which I am now induced to lay before the readers of
the Union are of old conception, and as such, therefore, merit greater
attention than if they had only originated out of the pressure of the
occasion. Should any serious errors be discovered I am willing to incur
the opprobrium arising from the attempted dissemination of mistaken
views, which might be justly deemed only a venial offense if they had
been merely hastily considered, but which would display an ignorant
impertinence when published after undergoing the mature deliberation
of years. Fairly open, therefore, to just censure, if censure is
deserved on my part; I hope, on the contrary, if I make my positions
in a reasonable manner, so that they will meet with approval, and, if
practicable, with adoption. I shall at once proceed to the consideration
of the sübject under a series of divisions, commencing with that of
ON LEVEES.
I am induced to notice the subject of levees in the first instance
because it naturally comes uppermost in ordinary minds, or those who
may not have paid any attention to the subject that if a river rises
twenty feet from extreme low water mark it is only requisite to form
the levees two feet higher to be safe; or if the extreme rise is twenty
two feet, the levees must be twenty-four feet, and so on, increasing
perpetually. In fact nothing is more common than to hear, especially
from parties who have resided on the lower Mississippi, that it is
the easiest thing imaginable to control or keep within bounds the floods
of the Sacramento which may occur during the periodic rain storms of
California; one of the chief objects of this paper will be to show that
such persons take only a very superficial view of the subject; the
problem to be solved is one by no means capable of so easy a solution.
On account of its importance and its being perhaps the most prominent
of proposed palliatives or preventives as yet brought before the public
view, and intrinsically being one of the highest interest, I have deemed
it most pertinent, and will probably prove more effectively instructive
to take the matter of levees into consideration first rather than leave
it to be treated in what may be termed its naturally scientific sequence.
One considerable advantage will be derived from doing so, namely, the
dispersion of error, and thus make way for the reception of truth, for
it is always easier to implant an entirely new fact on the unbiased
mind than to do so where an error has at the same time to be uprooted.
It is justly observed in the able article of J. & R. that for all
practicable economic purposes by appealing to science, the waters
that inundated the Sacramento valley can be be [sic] gauged as
accurately as the contents of an ordinary cask, and illustrative
formulae are given to show how their destructive effects may be
alleviated or corrected. It is one thing, however, to be scientifically
correct in principle and another to make it availably practicable in an
economic and pecuniary point of view. As remarked by J. & R., nothing
will be easier for parties acquainted with ordinary engineering than
to calculate the size and kind of channel best adapted to carry off
the surplus flow of water and the hight of levee necessary in such
case to protect great centers and depositories of valuable property,
such as Sacramento. While the valuable article of J. & R. is marked
with considerable perspicuity, it does not indicate whether the
remedial measure which they candidly admit is only a crude suggestion,
as it necessarily must be on the data yet known, is intended only so
far as to meet the case of Sacramento, or the whole Sacramento valley.
From the general tenor of the paper. I should suspect the former, from
the title of the article--"Is the Sacramento Valley Inhabitable"--I would
almost suspect the latter, to be the meaning. I shall endeavor briefly
to show that if the intention was merely to indicate how the city and
immediate locality around Sacramento is to be preserved, that the gain
would not equal the cost, and that if it is contemplated to embrace in
the improvement the entire Sacramento valley liable to inundation, that
mere levees, unassisted by other precautionary measures, will prove
wholly ineffective. It is due to J. & R. to state that I look upon
their paper as one only roughly suggestive, and not at all as an
elaborated idea. It will consequently be seen that not the slightest
intention exists on
my part to detract the smallest degree from their scientific acquirements.
These observations are made in no carping or fault finding spirit, but
are merely taken as a text on which to pend a theme respecting a
generally erroneous popular impression.
RAIN FALL.
Comparisons have been made between the cases of the valleys of the Po
and Mississippi and the Sacramento valley. Although there may exist a
general parallelism, when the details have to be worked out and
elaborated for practical purposes the resemblance will be found
to fail.
If my memory is not defective, on two occasions during the
late rain storm four inches of rain fell in the course of. twenty-four
hours, certainly on one occasion it did so, or approximated so closely
upon that amount as to render it perfectly admissible as a basis of
calculation. Reasons will be given hereafter, when treating on the
meteorology of the district which I am about to review, that the rain
fall must frequently have been more than the four inches taken as a
basis of estimate in the following calculation:
If a line is drawn from the mouth of the American river, thence along
its southern water shed up to the point where the watershed of its
south fork terminates, on the western flank of the Sierra Nevada, and
thence northerly, along the western watershed of that sierra, until it
meets the range above the Big Meadows, from which the waters diverge
into southerly and northerly courses, then drawing the line to the head
of the navigation of the Sacramento, and thence along the Sacramento to
the mouth of the American river, it encircles an area considerably above
one hundred square miles, or 278,784,000,000 square feet. Estimating the
rain fall at four inches in twenty-four hours, it will only be required
to divide the area by three in order to obtain the number of cubic feet
of water which would have fallen in that time. The quotient so derived
will amount to 92,928,000,000 cubic feet. If we again divide this by
86,400, the number of seconds in a day of twenty-four hours, we will
find the quotient to be 1,075,000 cubic feet of rain per second. Let
ns compare this with the heaviest floods of the Mississippi.
The following is extracted from the report of Charles Ellett, Jr., to
whom was intrusted the survey of the Mississippi, under order of Congress,
who estimated the total discharge of water during the high flood of 1851,
for every second to be 1,134.500 cubic feet. Mr. E., however, further
observes this amount only expresses the discharge through the channel,
to which had to be added the volume carried off by the Atchafalaya,
which was estimated to be, below the mouth of the Bayou de Glaiser,
April 26, 1851, per second, 122,700 cubic feet. Add for diminution of
discharge, owing to reduction of surface, 12,800 cubic feet. Aggregate
discharge per second of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya, at high water
of 1851, 1.270.000 cubic feet.
As, however, the flood. of 1851 was three inches iower than that of 1850,
immediately below the mouth of the Red River, Mr. Ellett calculated that
the high water discharge of the Atchafalaya and Mississippi combined
could not at the top of the flood of 1850 have been less than 1,280,000
cubic feet per second, or about one sixth more than would fall in the
same period on a part of the left bank of the Sacramento between the
mouth of the American river and the head of the navigation of the
Sacramento. For reasons which will hereafter be adduced, I am convinced
that for more than two consecutive days during the late storm the rain
fall on the left bank of the Sacramento was upwards of four inches each
twenty-four hours, and that at a time when the soil was saturated and
overflowing with previous rains and evaporation stationary; consequently
at such a time the rain immediately as it fell would at once either
commence its descent to augment the waters of the lower Sacramento or
replace the preceding deposited waters already coursing onward. In snch
a flood it is not unreasonable to calculate that were its overflow
confined by levees, it would require their capacity to be equal at
least to the conveyance of the volume of the Mississippi at its highest
floods, descending at the rate of seven miles per hour; for the difference
of volume between 1,280,000 cubic feet per second discharged by the
Mississippi, and 1,075,000 cubic feet per second supplied, as represented,
to the Sacramento (or 205,000 cubic feet), will be more than compensated
by the waters furnished by the Sacramento itself above the head of its
navigation and the tributaries along its right bank. Before grappling
with, it is well to form an estimate of the enormously gigantic character
of the power possessed by the monster it is proposed to subdue; the
preceding calculations and comparisons have been made in order to convey
in some measure to the unprofessional reader a popular conception of
the magnitude of the enterprise proposed to be undertaken--of confining
the Sacramento within levees during heavy rain storms.
It is well that the reader should here be informed that the immediately
preceding remarks, pointing out the obstacles incident to the plan of
controlling the waters of the Sacramento by mere levees, does not touch
on probably one-third of the actual difficulties which exist, or that
it is proposed to bring into operation, which will be noticed in due
course hereafter. The residents and parties most directly interested
in the reclamation of the lands running through the center of the
State need not fear, however, but remedial measures will be adopted;
it will be the ultimate object of this series of papers to point out
some of the most prominent. It will be the endeavor of the writer to
fairly describe all the advantages and disadvantages which exist, or
that may be brought into being, for converting the Sacramento Valley
into a secure and habitable condition and to control the flood-waters,
so that in future they may not become destructive. As will be shown
hereafter, the physical geography of central California is fortunately
extraordinarily favorable for carrying out the requisite preventative
constructions. In fact, it will be shown hereafter that many seemingly
natural and daily increasing artificial obstacles may, by a proper
exercise of ingenuity, be made to contribute their part towards the
ends desiderated, thus converting evils into sources of good. . . .
p. 3
LETTER FROM THE HUMBOLDT MINES.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
Santa Clara, Humboldt Co , N. T., }
January 2, 1862. }
Progress and Development of the Country--Humbolt [sic] County
Organized--Candidates for Office--Population or the Mines--Location of
the County Seat--United States Fort on the Humboldt--Mining Operations
In Progress--The Rise of the Humboldt, etc.
Hoping that the waters of the mighty flood have dried up and subsided,
and that delightful portion of mother earth known as Sacramento valley
is again visible, and that this may reach its destination in safety,
I will endeavor to inform you of the stirring events transpiring in
this new and prosperous country. . . .
Our Winter has been very agreeable thus far; we have had but one storm
to speak of, which came on about the tenth of November, and lasted about
ten days. Snow fell in the mean time to the depth of one foot; but warm
rains caused it soon to disappear and the Humboldt river to rise two
inches above low water mark . . .
WYOMING. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE.--The Legislature has gone and went and done
it at last. The whole body, tail and all, has adjourned to San Francisco.
The resolution to adjourn was passed on the 22d of January. We do not
believe the act will meet the approbation of the people, or receive the
sanction of even a considerable portion of them. The determination to
adjourn seems to have taken possession of the members, and adjourn they
would, whether the act was right or wrong. We have not been at Sacramento
since the flood, and cannot therefore speak from observation, but we do
expect that getting about the city, when the water was at the highest,
was attended with some difficulty, and doubtless at that time, next to
impossible for the Legislature to transact business. But it is barely
possible that our present Legislature will do anything towards improving
the laws of the State, even if it should continue in session from now
until next December; and it is not within the scope of human power for
this, or any other body of men, to make them worse. Taking this view
of the matter, and it is the opinion of a majority of the people of the
State, we think, had the gentlemen composing the Legislative body really
been as anxious to guard against a useless expenditure of the people's
money, as many of them professed to be in their debates npon the removal
question, they would have devoted the time consumed .in wrangling about
adjourning and where they should adjourn to, to creating the few really
necessary laws the State requires, and then adjourned sine die. Had
the members of the Legislature adopted this course, all the legislating
needed for the present year would now be completed, and the gentlemen would
have been at home among their constituents, with their chance of becoming
returned to the next Legislature, much better than it will be, we fear,
at the close of the San Francisco session.--Yreka Union.
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .The work on the levee, at Rebel's tannery, is progressing finely.
The Sacramento river stands now at seventeen feet seven inches above low water. . . .
THE LEGISLATURE. . . .
In the Assembly on Friday, . . . A petition from the Wool Growers'
Association of California, remonstrating against the passage of the
bill concerning the herding of sheep (confining sheep owners to their
own lands), was read and referred to the Committee on Agricullture.
The Special Committee intrusted with the business of removing the
legislative paraphernalia to San Francisco, reported to the Assembly
the cost of the same, viz.: $1,330. . . . The Committee on Ways and
Means were instructed to report tomorrow upon the bill providing for
the removal of the Governor's office to San Francisco. The Senate bill
concerning chattel mortgages was taken up among the Senate messages,
and referred to the Judiciary Committee. . . .
LEVEES FOR PROTECTION.
In another column we give quite an elaborate article, written by a
civil engineer of reputation, upon the practicability of protecting
the valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin by a system of levees.
The writer approaches the subject by rather a circuitous route, but
exhibits evidence of having reflected carefully upon the question
discussed, and of scientific acquirements. His extensive calculations
of the quantity of water which fell upon a given surface in a given
time, the quantity discharged in a second by the Mississippi, and the
discharging capacity required in the Sacramento to enable it to carry
off the water falling in a storm, at the rate of four inches in
twenty-four hours, upon the water shed described, we turn over to our
correspondents J. & R. It appears from the reasoning and facts of
Rowlandson that he considers the Sacramento as being differently
situated from that of any river in Europe, as he concludes it cannot
be leveed so as to control its waters, without the aid of other agencies;
those other agencies he proposes to describe in another article. If the
water of the Sacramento rises twenty-four feet when no levees are in
existence, we hardly suppose that any one who has reflected upon the
matter would assume that a levee two feet above high water on each side
of the river would be sufficient. In ordinary seasons such a levee
might answer, but in extraordinary floods like those to which the
people of California have been subjected this Winter, the water would
overtop and carry them away. In no instance during the high water we
have had was the levee at any point broken and carried away by the
pressure of the water against it; in every case of break the water
ran over the top, and the levee was then cut away by the force of the
current. The levee over which the water of the American poured in such
torrents had not been repaired or strengthened in nine years. It had
been worn down by travel, by the rains and winds; had settled by its
own weight, and in some places been reduced by cultivation, and still
for nine years it turned the torrents of that turbulent river from the
city. Had it been properly cared for, and raised even two feet higher,
it would have successfully resisted the extraordinary high floods of
the river this Winter. But we had rested so long in safety that people
became confident and in a proportionate degree indifferent as to the
condition of the levee.
The condition of things at the tannery on the American is one case in
point, and the break below R street on the Sacramento is another. The
river there, in consequence of a large bar which has formed on the
opposite side, cut into the east bank last year so as to seriously
threaten the levee. To resist the encroachment of the water the Board
of Supervisors expended a thousand or two last spring. After being so
admonished we should naturally suppose that advantage would have been
taken of the low water to strengthen and protect the levee at that point.
But nothing of the kind was done. The Summer and Fall were permitted to
pass without the first step being taken to prepare the levee at that
point for the high water of this Winter. Even the Railroad Company,
which was deeply interested in the permanency of the levee, made no
effort to strengthen it. Early in the Fall we called the attention of
the Board of Supervisors to the necessity of doing something to prevent
the current of the Sacramento from encroaching on the levee at the foot
of R street; if nothing else could be done it was suggested that the
Navigation Company might be induced to haul their steamers from the
Yolo side and moor them along the bank of the river at that point.
Had that been done, or a boom of logs, timber or driftwood been fastened
along the front, the R street crevasse might have been prevented. The
boats or the logs would have protected the bank against the force of
the current, and the effect of the waves caused by the wind and by the
San Francisco boats. But indifference reigned, and we now have a crevasse
there which will be difficult and costly to fill; another one is threatened
above R street, and unless the cutting of the current is stopped it will
work through before a month passes. It looks to us as if the boom of
logs which is fastened to the bank above where the current is so
steadily wearing away the levee above R street, had something to do
with turning it upon that particular point. Right well are we satisfied
that if the logs were removed to where the cut in the bank has been
made, they would prevent its further progress. A people as careless
of their safety, or as neglectful in providing means to protect
themselves as those of Sacramento have been for the past eight
years, merited a severe chastisement, and they have received it.
If it teaches them to provide effectually for the future, and the
wisdom of giving prompt and energetic attention to the preservation
of their levees after they are built, the losses and sufferings to
which they have been subjected will prove a lasting benefit. . . .
BRIDGES.--The citizens of Nelson Point, Soda Bar, Indian Valley and
other places in Plumas county, have commenced the erection of bridges
to replace those swept away by the freshet. . . .
LETTER FROM MARYSVILLE.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
MARYSVILLE, February 15, 1862. . . .
The question of removing the State Capital is about settled as far
as Marysville is concerned. An adjourned meeting of about thirty
citizens was held last night, but amounted to but little. Those
extremely sensitive persons (C. E.'s and others) who think that in
my correspondence to the Union exposing the fallacies of this agitation
I have sought to deride Marysville, are entirely mistaken. I say it
not to the derision, but to the credit of our citizens, that the scheme
to make Marysville the seat of Government by robbing another city of
its advantages has failed. It was characteristic of the gentleman who
introduced a resolution (which was passed) instructing our
representatives in the Legislature to obtain authority for the city
of Marysville to issue bonds to the amount of one hundred thousand
dollars for the purpose of erecting a Capitol, to preface his remarks
by saying that, as "very few of our citizens had taken a part in the
matter," he would, etc., etc. . . . .
PUBLICOLA. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 1862:
This day ends the sixth week of the thirteenth session of the Legislature.
In the Senate, one hundred and fifty-eight bills have been introduced,
and in the Assembly, one hundred and seventeen, making a total of two
hundred and sixty five. Of these, eleven have become laws, to wit: . . .
an Act authorizing the construction of a bridge across the American
at Folsom; . . . These startling measures all originated in the Senate.
They form the total of the work thus far completed by the Legislature, so
far as law-making is concerned. It will be seen that they are all special
or local bills, and trifling in their nature. There is reason to believe
that some general Acts will be passed before the final adjournment. In
addition to the eleven Acts named, five Senate bills and six Assembly
bills are enrolled and ready for the Governor's signature. They are all
special or local, except one . . . The five Senate bills referred to are: . . .
an Act to amend the Sutter county free bridge law; . . . and a bill
authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Mokelumne river.
No Assembly bill has yet been presented to the Governor for his approval,
although six, as above stated, have been enrolled, . . . So you see the
Assembly has been at work. The six Acts above recited are important ones,
i.e. they are importent to somebody, or they would never have passed. They
make an average of one bill a week, and although three of them were for
the benefit of the little city of Los Angeles, and two of them had more
reference to the dead than the living, they must nevertheless be regarded
as so mnch work done, and taken as proof that the wheels of government do
revolve, so far as the legislative department is concerned. The reason
they have not yet been presented to the Governor for his approval is that
His Excellency signified to the Enrolling Committee of the Assembly his
intention of very soon making arrangements for spending as much time in
San Francisco as the public business may require. I think the general
opinion among members is that no law is necessary to enable the Governor
to be in San Francisco whenever he may think his presence here necessary,
and that he may legally sign bills in whatever locality they may be
presented to him. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE VOLUNTEER WORK.--The volunteer work on the levee at the tannery
was resumed on Saturday morning. There were about sixty men engaged
on the work during the day. There ought to have been at least four
times that number. Those who were there made their work tell; and
considering the wet condition of the earth, and the small number of
men employed, a formidable embankment hes been thrown up. It is evident
from the work already accomplished that the entire crevasse can be
closed up in a week if the proper spirit is shown. It is an easy
matter for those who are too busily engaged to go and work themselves
to authorize the Committee to hire substitutes at a dollar per day.
The time is now peculiarly favorable for the work, and as we know not
when we may have additional rains, there should be no time lost. The
work will be resumed this morning by, it is presumed, a greatly
increased force.
THE FALLING WATER.--It is a matter of congratulation with all
concerned that the water in our rivers and elsewhere is falling
steadily and fully as fast as could be anticipated. The gauge in
the Sacramento last evening indicated seventeen feet seven inches
above low water mark. The lower part of the city is becoming daily
more and more free from the inundating element. The supply is entirely
cut off from all points on the American river, and that which enters
from the Sacramento below R street is greatly diminished. Along the
long line from which the levee south of R street is washed entirely
away, the natural ground. is now above water. There are several
channels worn in the ground, through which the current continues
to run. These are encouraging facts to the residents of both city
and country, and justify energetic action in the work of renovation
and repair.
TELEGRAPHIC ARRANGEMENT.--The telegraphic wires between this city and
San Francisco, by way of Yolo county, have heretofore been connected
at the Sacramento and Yolo bridge by a cable sunk across the bed of
the river. It has been, on various occasions, disturbed by drift wood,
etc., and a new arrangement has been adopted, to avoid such interruption.
An upright staff has been erected on the center of the draw, about
ninety-seven feet high, on which the wire is supported. As the draw is
frequently turned, a swivel has been adjusted on the top of the staff,
on which the wire rests, obviating all straining of the wire, by opening
the draw. At the west end of the bridge the wire is supported by another
staff, seventy feet high, and at the east end by the limb of a sycamore
tree.
BOAT RACING.--At about four o'clock yesterday afternoon a boat race came
off below R street, between Parker's Whitehall boat, manned by C. Johnson
and J. Peeler, and Mooney's boat, manned by W. Johnson and H. Small.
The boats started from a point below the City Cemetery and came to a
stake near the railroad and returned, distance about two miles. Parker's
boat won the race, making the trip in about fourteen minutes. A second
race then took place--J. Peeler alone rowing Mooney's boat, and a man
named Brown rowing Parker's. Brown won the race, making the trip in twelve
minutes. Another match has been made up for $100 a side, to come off on
Sunday next. There were a large number of spectators on the railroad
yesterday to witness the exhibition.
RAILROAD REPAIRS.--The work of repairing the R street railroad has
advanced as far east as Fifteenth street, at which point the pile
driver is at work. But about three blocks are unfinished, lying
between Fifteenth and Eighteenth streets, over the principal portion
of which piles will have to be driven. A considerable portion of the
railroad track--sills and rails--is found to lay alongside the
embankment. As the water falls, it is exposed to view. A locomotive
was engaged yesterday in removing such as could be gotten out of the
mud to Fifteenth street to be relaid.
HAD A HAND IN IT.--On Friday last, when the volunteer workmen at
the levee, at Rabel's tannery, were at dinner, two ladies who had
visited the ground, took a shovel each and worked some ten minutes
in shoveling dirt. oae of them remarked, as they laid down their
shovels, "there, they can't say that we didn't have a hand in
building the levee." We commend their example to some two or three
thousand men of the city. . . .
WILL MEET TO-DAY.--The Joint Committee from the Committee of Safety
and the new Charter Committee will, we understand, meet at one
o'clock to-day, for the further consideration of the bill to provide
for the construction of the new levee on the west and north of the
city. . . .
NOT AT WORK.--The work on the levee at Rebel's tannery was suspended
yesterday. There was some talk of continuing it through the day, but
it was finally decided to adjourn over from Saturday evening until
this morning. . . .
THE MOUNTAIN ROADS.--The Placerville Democrat of February 15th says:
We learn that the roads in the mountains have been greatly improved
during the last week, and that they are in excellent condition for
pack trains. Much work has been done upon them, and the worst parts
were first attended to. Trees and bowlders have been removed, gullies
filled up, walls built, and snow beaten down
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, the Lieutenant Governor in the Chair, . . .
PETITIONS AND REPORTS. . . .
Also, Senate Bill No. 144, for the relief in T. McLaughlin [for services
as boatman to the Controller's office], recommending its indefinite
postponement. . . .
Mr. Lewis from the Calaveras and other delegations, reported favorably
on the Stanislaus bridge bill. . . .
At 2:30 p. m. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
SENATE MESSAGES. . . .
Senate Bill No 55--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across the Mokelumne river, etc., to Lewis Soher [?] and others, was
read twice and referred to the Calaveras and Amador delegations. . . .
. . .at ten minutes before three o'clock, the Honse adjourned.
SACRAMENTO.--We visited this city on Thursday, and much to our
surprise found dust blowing in the streets. The sidewalks and
crossings are in better condition than they were last Winter, and
in a week or two the city will present a good appearanoe. It is the
intention to build a levee extending as far out as Thirty-first street.
This is as it should be. The idea of leveeing in the entire county
is an obsolete one. If any one supposes for a moment that the
Sacramentans are cast down on account of their misfortune, or that
the city will not be improved and rendered secure, they may as well
disabuse their minds of the idea. Sacramento is and will be all
right.--San Francisco Spirit of the Times.
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11,1862. . . .
The Union is greatly in demand among returned Californians, the copies
received by the delegation passing from hand to hand after they have
finished reading them, and finally bringing up in the mail bag en route
for some distant friend. They usually reach us from California in
twenty-eight and thirty days. The energy and public spirit evinced by
the people of Sacramento in the recent struggle against their ancient
foe are themes upon which your citizens here exchange congratulations
as often as they meet. No city in the United States ever exhibited such
recuperative powers, nor rose superior to such dire disasters. That you
may again roll back the flood, and your future pathway over Jordan be
dry land, must be the prayer of every Californian. . . .
DROWNED.--Mike Walch; brother-in-law of Sweeney, who was killed near
Indian Diggings on Thursday, February 13th, started with the Coroner
for that place and was drowned in attempting to cross the Cosumnes,
at Buck's Bar.
p. 8
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]. . .
THIRD READINGS AND GENERAL FILE.. . . .
Senate Bill No. 84--An Act to amend an Act preventing the trespassing
of animals on private property, approved April 28, 1855 [adding the
county of Monterey to those included under its provisions], was taken
up and ordered to a third reading.
Senate Bill No. 111--An Act granting the right to construct a bridge
across Stanislaus river at a place known as Burns' Ferry, to certain
persons therein named, was amended in accordance with several suggestions
from the Judiciary Committee, and by substituting six months in the
place of one year, to commence operations, and of one year instead of
two, to complete them.
Mr. Holden moved, as a separate section, that the provisions of the Act
shall not be deemed as exempting the holders of the franchise from the
requirements of the general law in reference to licensing.
The motion was lost, and the bill ordered to a third reading. . . .
COUNTY AND STATE PERMITS.
Senate Bill No. 95--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across the Mokelumne river, at Big Bar, Calaveras county, and to
construct and maintain a road from Mokelumne Hill to the village of
Butte, Amador county--was amended in accordance with the report of
the Judiciary Committee.
Messrs. Porter, Banks and Crane opposed the bill on the ground that
a general law existed under which parties could be licensed by any
county Board of Supervisors, who were required to renew the license
every half year.
Mr. De Long said men were unwilling to invest $40,000 or $50,000, and
trust to the generosity and fairness of a Board of Supervisors, which
might pounce upon any little accidental fault connected with the bridge
or road, from difference in politics or some other reason of the same
sort, and stop the franchise.
Mr. Burnell said, in order to obtain a franchise, a number of rules
must be attended to. The whole thing was lumbered down and tied up
with such a vast amount of machinery that nobody would have anything
to do with it. It depended entirely upon the will of the Board of
Supervisors.
Mr. Crane quoted section 5 article 4 of the Constitution, to show that
the Legislature had no right to create corporations by special Act,
except for municipal purposes.
Mr. Porter submitted the question whether the Legislature was willing
to pass three or four hundred special road and toll bridge laws, when
a general law existed covering the whole question. He considered it
injustice to the people to sit here at their expense and legislate for
private interests.
Mr. De Long said we should never have the bridges now needed throughout
the State unless something more than six months licenses were granted,
which might be stopped from political favoritism.
Mr. Crane suggested remedying the evils of the general law, and limiting
the power of Supervisors.
Mr. De Long said in the absence of any other system he preferred this.
The bill was passed.
FROM THE ASSEMBLY. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 66--An Act to grant the Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry
Company the right to construct and maintain a bridge or bridges across
Stanislaus river--was read twice and referred to the Stanislaus and
Tuolumne delegations. . . .
THE REMOVAL COMMITTEE.
Mr. Porter, from the Joint Special Committee on Removal of the Capitol,
reported a list of expenses incurred for transportation, porters' wages
and laying down carpets, amounting to a total of $1,330, and the
assignment of Committee rooms in the Exchange Building, as agreed on by the Joint Committee. [See Assembly]
A wrangling debate of a quarter of an hour ensued, in which members found
fault with the work of the Committee in the matter of assigning rooms,
and several unsuccessful motions were made to adjourn.
Mr. Powers moved to strike out that part assigning rooms to the Governor
and his Secretary, for the reason that there was a Contingent Fund
providing for expenses of the Executive. He had no right to sponge
upon the Legislature. He had no right to be down here anyhow.
Mr. Banks thought it a small piece of business to make such an objection.
Mr. Watt said he had nothing to say about the rooms, but he objected to
applying the word "sponged" to the Governor.
Mr. Parks said he had left the Capital for the convenience of the
Legislature.
The amendment was rejected.
Mr. Van Dyke said the expenses were not so large as anticipated when
the resolution was passed to come down here. The Senate had been the
first to move in the matter, and the principal objection was the
expense it would incur. He confessed himself agreeably surprised, and
thought the Porters' bills (a total of $116) quite reasonable.
That portion of the report relating to room was finally adopted, with
several amendments; and the balance, relating to expenses, was referred
to the Committee on Claims.
At three o'clock P. M. the Senate adjourned.
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
PETITIONS. . . .
Mr. Warwick presented a remonstrance, signed by James E. Parker, Secretary
of the California Wool Growers' Association, protesting against the
passage of an Act before the Assembly to restrict the herding of sheep,
as extraordinarily oppressive, and discriminating against the industrial
pursuits of the Association. He says, in behalf of the Association,
that the sheep interest has received no aid from the State; and they
hope the State will not interfere with it unjustly; that the wool product
of the State for 1861 was 16,914 bales, or 4,000,000, pounds, besides
which 600,000 pounds were consumed in the State. This wool was sold at
twelve cents per pound, but the shippers received twenty-four cents per
pound, making the value of the product of that year $1,104,000. The
exports for four years are stated as follows: In 1858, 6,464 bales;
1859, 10.570 bales; 1860, 12,082 bales; 1861, 16,914 bales. During the
past few months there have been lost by flood, of full grown sheep,
about 100.000; lambs, about 500,000--total, 600,000, so that the
current year will hardly, therefore, exhibit any increase; but setting
aside the results of this year, the annual increase of sheep averages
forty-five per cent., and the improvement in grades of sheep, quantity
and quality of wool is about the same. Great attention has been paid
to the introduction of high grades. More money has been paid within
the last three years for this purpose than in any other State of the
Union for ten years. California presents to the sheep farmer natural
advantages unsurpassed by any State or country. The increase of this
interest has been marked, although it has received no State encouragement.
Competent parties estimate that the annual clip of 1872 will be
30,000.000 pounds. They say that a law like that proposed will seriously
embarrass the wool interest, which, before many years, will occupy a
leading place in the productions of the State. Mr. Warwick asked the
reference of the paper to a Special Committee, but on motion of Mr. Ames,
it was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
REPORTS. . . .
Mr. Hoffman, from the Committee appointed to procure and cause to be
fitted up proper apartments for the Legislature and its attaches, and
to remove thereto the property and appurtenances of the Legislature,
submitted a final report. They recommend the payment of the following
bills: California Steam Navigation Company, for transporting property
and appurtenances, $1,000: Kennedy & Bell, for furnishing and laying down
carpeting and matting for the Senate and Assembly, $214; three porters'
services for seven days, $28 each; two porters for four days, $16 each;
total, $1,330. The Committee report the assignment of rooms in the
Exchange building, used as a Capitol, as follows: Room No. 1, to the
Governor; No. 2, Governor's Private Secretary; No. 3. Assembly Committee
on Ways and Means; No. 5, Committees on Military Affairs, of both
Houses; No. 6, Assembly Judiciary Committee; No. 7, Committee on
Claims of both Houses; No. 9, Special Committees; No 12, Committees
on Federal Relations and Public Morals of both Houses; Nos. 13 and
15, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly; No. 16. Committee on the Judiciary
of the Senate; No. 17, Committees on Elections of both Houses, and
Finance Committee of the Senate; No. 18, Enrolling Clerk of the Senate;
No. 19, Copying Clerk of the Senate; No. 39. Enrolling Clerk of the
Assembly No. 38, Engrossing Clerk of the Assembly; No 40, Copying Clerk
of the Assembly; No. 37, Engrossing Clerk of the Senate. The Committee
report that the whole cost of removal from Sacramento, and fitting up
apartments, etc., is $1,330, and conclude by asking to be discharged.
Mr. Hoffman said a bill had been drawn, and would be presented in the
Senate, making the necessary appropriations.
The Speaker said if there was no objection, the report would be received
and placed on file and the Committee discharged. . . .
THE REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.
Mr. Dean proposed the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee upon Ways and Means be and are hereby
instructed to report tomorrow upon the bill now in their possession,
entitled an Act to authorize the Governor of this State to reside and
keep his office in the city of San Francisco during the present session
of the Legislature. . . .
THE FENCE BILL.
After several postponements of other business, the House at a quarter
to two o'clock took up as the special order Assembly Bill No. 68--An
Act for the better protection of farmers, and for regulating the herding
of stock, and considered the bill in Committee of the Whole
(Mr. Tilton of San Francisco in the chair.)
Mr. Irwin moved to amend the bill so as not to apply to Siskiyou county.
Mr. Avery moved to add Nevada county to the amendment.
Mr. Wright said he proposed to offer a section at the proper place, which
could be made to cover all the counties.
Several other members asked to have their counties excluded.
Mr. Meyers said he supposed not more than half a dozen counties desired
such a law, including Alameda, San Joaquin, Yuba, and perhaps two or three
others, and he thought the bill had better be amended so as to name them,
and exclude all others.
Mr. Wright called for the reading of his amendment.
Sec 12. This Act shall not apply to the counties of Del Norte, Klamath,
Humboldt and Calaveras.
Other members asked to have added the counties of Napa, Marin, Sonoma,
Lake, Trinity, El Dorado, San Diego, San Mateo, Los Angeles, Contra Costa,
Santa Clara, Shasta, Amador, Nevada, Placer, Colusa, Tehama, Tuolumne,
Mono and Santa Barbara.
Mr. Ferguson said if members would allow the bill to be read through
perhaps they would find it was not so objectionable. He would move,
after it was read, to refer it to the Sacramento delegation, and have
it amended so as to include only Sacramento, and then gentlemen who
desired it coald have their counties added.
Mr. Meyers said it would be unjust to refer the bill to only one
delegation, when others were equally interested.
Mr. Saul said he had desired to present the bill only as a local bill
for Sacramento, but had consented, at the urgent request of other
gentlemen, to make it a general bill. He proposed to offer a section
that the Act should apply only to Sacramento, and then members who
desired could add their counties.
Mr. Ferguson moved that the Committee rise and report the bill back
without recommendation, with a view to referring it for amendment.
Mr. Bell said nothing was to be gained by referring the bill. A great
deal of the wisdom of the Agricultural Committee had already been
expended upon it. He was in favor of the bill for his counties, and
thought that those who did not want it ought to be satisfied with
exempting their counties.
The motion that the Committee rise was carried--ayes, 40; noes, 16,
and the Speaker resumed the chair.
Mr. Ferguson moved to refer the bill to the Sacramento delegation and
such other delegations as desired to be added.
Mr. Bell opposed the motion and expressed regret that representatives
of the mining counties should object to allowing the agricultural
counties to have such a fence law as they desired. There was no measure
before the Legislature in which so many people exhibited so deep an
interest. He had been button-holed, waylaid, overwhelmed, surrounded
and prayed to, by men from Alameda county, who said, for God's sake,
let us have that bill through.
The Speaker called Mr. Bell to order for speaking upon the merits of
the bill upon a motion to refer, and addressed the House at some length
in reprehension of the practice of making eloquent and profound speeches
on that motion, which he considered a waste of time.
Mr. Ferguson said he wanted the bill referred in order that it might be
maturely deliberated upon. He knew that it was not applicable to some
portions of Sacramento county.
Mr. Bell insisted that in the existing state of the country, the bill
ought to pass at once without any reference.
Mr. Tilton of San Francisco, moved that the bill be postponed
indefinitely.
Mr. Ferguson objected that that would prevent the subject matter of
the bill from being introduced again during the session.
Mr. Tilton said he thought it did not. The bill could be introduced
as a bill applying to their counties.
Mr. Shannon said he believed the motion to commit took precedence.
Mr. Ferguson said his motion was to refer to the Sacramento, Yolo,
Alameda, San Joaquin and Yuba delegations.
The Speaker said a motion to postpone indefinitely had the precedence.
Mr. Warwick said, then he hoped the motion would not prevail, for this
was a matter of the most vital importance to Sacramento county in
particular.
Mr. Hoag said he understood a motion to commit took precedence of a
motion to postpone.
The Speaker said the motion was not to commit, but to refer.
Mr. Hoag--I will use the term "commit." I move to commit the bill
to those delegations.
The Speaker--Then that motion has precedence.
Mr. Ferguson and some others inquired whether the indefinite postponement
of the bill would not prevent the introduction of the substance of the
bill.
The Speaker said the indefinite postponement did not prevent bringing
in another bill. It only prevented bringing in this identical bill.
Mr. Collins moved to amend the motion to commit, by instructing the
delegations to insert a provision applying the bill only to such
counties as might be designated by their respective delegations.
Mr. Hoag said he would accept the amendment.
The Speaker said, then the motion was, in effect, to refer the bill
to a new Committee.
Mr. McCullough said he was requested by one of the members from San
Joaquin to ask that that county be stricken from the list, and the
member said that although most of the fences in his portion of the
county had been washed away, still they preferred to fence in their
agricultural lands and their grain rather than their stock.
Mr. Meyers said, as one of the delegation from that county, he hoped
it would be included.
The bill was referred to the Sacramento, Yuba, San Joaquin, Yolo,
Alameda and Amador delegations, with the instructions by Mr. Collins. . . .
GENERAL FILE. . . .
Assembly Bill s [?] No. 88--Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors
of Sutter county to levy a special tax for the repair of the Court House
in said county; . . .
Assembly Bill No. 56--An Act for the relief of the taxpayers of
Mendocino county--was debated.
Mr. Avery urged that there was no necessity for the bill, since under
the general revenue law the District Attorney was already authorized
to suspend executions.
Messrs. Ames and Hoffman controverted that view.
Mr. Ames urged the passage of the bill as an act of humanity to about
two hundred persons in the county who had been destroyed by the flood.
On a motion by Mr. Shannon to postpone the bill indefinitely, the ayes
and noes were demanded, and the motion was lost--ayes,16; noes, 39.
The bill was ordered engrossed, on a division--ayes, 36; noes. 11. . . .
Assembly Bill No 7--An Act to extend the time
for collecting delinquent taxes in the county of San Diego--was taken up.
Mr. Hoffman said it was true his county had not been ovewhelmed by
floods, but they had suffered a worse disaster in the removal of the
Overland mail. The delinquents wanted till Spring to enable them to
sell their stock, and then they would be able to pay their taxes.
Mr. Eagar moved to postpone the bill indefinitely.
Mr. Shannon moved to make this bill, together with the bill for the
relief of the taxpayers of Mendocino county, the special order for
Monday at one o'clock.
Mr. Ames called for a division of the question, and the Speaker put
the vote--"Shall the question be divided," which was carried.
The bill in relation to San Diego county was postponed till Monday.
Mr. Ames raised a question of order, that the bill relating to Mendocino
county was not in possession of the House, having been ordered engrossed,
and in the hands of the Engrossing Clerk.
The Speaker said the bill had not passed out of the possession of the
House so far but that the House could make it a special order.
It was then postponed till Monday.
At forty minutes past three o'clock, the House adjourned.
THE LEGISLATURE.--The people of the State had reason to hope that the
present Legislature would confine itself to business, and make this an
exception to former California Legislatures, by doing what was necessary
to be done, and adjourning sine die. But the present prospect is
not very encouraging for a short session; the Legislature is dragging
itself slowly along, just as if the State had not been laid waste by
floods and the people impoverished. Will some member urge a short
session, and save the State a few thousands, at least; will gassy
members please make short speeches? . . . Will the present Legislature .
. .pass a law to relieve farmers from fencing in their crops, for the
present year especially; . . .--Red Bluff Independent.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3398, 18 February 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
Another communication from T. Rowlandson, on the subject of protecting
our valleys from inundation, will be noticed. . . .
The levee line at Rabel's tannery was occupied yesterday by some ninety
enterprising citizens, who were engaged in throwing up intrenchments
to protect the city against invasion by water. It is understood there
will be on the ground a still larger number to-day. A contribution was
taken up yesterday, and raised sufficient to employ one hundred men for
five days on the above mentioned works. . . .
ANOTHER PROJECT.--A correspondent of the Marysville Appeal,
referring to statements that Cortes Square, which was proposed as a
site for the State Capitol, had been under water, proposes to give a
heavy tract of land of which he has control, for the object. It
measures 240 feet, fronting on D street "and extending one hundred
and sixty feet back to Maiden Lane, on ground that never was under
water since Noah's time." . . .
TO STRAIGHTEN THE AMERICAN.--Senator Heacock has, as per our report,
introduced a bill into the Senate, which provides for condemning land
on the American river for the purpose of straightening it, which was
referred to the Sacramento delegation. A bill of this character is very
much needed, and one should be passed at an early day. We would, however,
suggest that the bill may be simplified to some extent without impairing
its efficiency. Under the provisions of the bill, as published, it will
require a pretty long time to obtain an order of condemnation; the process
is too long, and can be shortened without imperiling the rights of the
parties interested. It is of vital concern to this city to have the power
conferred upon its authorities to straighten, or, if need be to protect
the city, to turn the American into a new channel. This power should be
conferred upon the city in language which cannot be misunderstood or
misconstrued, and which will fully provide for the exercise of said power.
For a few thousand dollars we are assured that the whole river may be
turned through a slough known as Hoyt's, about a half mile above Rabel's
tannery. Such a change of the channel would relieve the city of the
danger from the current in the bend at Rabel's, and many years would pass
before the river would again threaten the city at that point. It is
there where the large crevasse has been opened, and through which the Gem
was carried by the current. It is also claimed that turning the river at
that point would remove the danger from the bend which is steadily cutting
its way into Willow Lake, and thus approaching the city at the locality
where the present levee crosses Sixth and Seventh streets. But we are
inclined to think that it will be necessary to send the river through
Maulden's slough into the Sacramento, some distance above its present
mouth, in order to relieve the city of all danger from the bend which
is advancing through Willow Lake. But to straighten the river, or to
divide its waters by canals, it is necessary for the city to be clothed
with authority to condemn property for that purpose. The manner, and
points where it shall be done, are matters to be decided by engineers
after having thoroughly examined the river and its channel.
The new city charter makes no provisions for building and repairing
levees; it is proposed, as we understand the matter, to have a separate
law paased creating a Board of Levee Commissioners, whose authority
shall only extend to the levees within the city limits; but within
the city their power to be absolute on the levee subject. This will
prove a good plan if the right kind of men are selected for
Commissioners. But a bill to create a Board of Levee Commissioners
should contain the provisions for condemning land for straightening
the river, which are included in the bill of Senator Heacock.
There is another matter which may need consideration. In the levee
plan pretty much agreed upon by the Committee of Safety, the city
will be called upon to pay a portion of the cost of a levee from
Thirty-first street to Burns' slough. If this is done, authority
should be conferred on the city Levee Commissioners to act in
concert with the Swamp Land Commissioners in building a levee and
keeping it in repair between those points. In providing for levees,
a general system should be adopted which will answer to work upon
for years. It is conceded that we must collect in the city an annual
levee tax, and when collected, a body should be in existence authorized
to expend it The utmost vigilance hereafter will be demanded on the
part of those who have control of the levees.
We are glad to know that the Committee are pushing ahead with the work
of rebuilding the levee at the tannery. The time to make hay is while
the sun shines, and while this favorable weather lasts not a minute
should be lost. It is gratifying, too, to see how cheerfully and
energetically our citizens respond to the call for volunteers to
work on the levee. The number of volunteers has increased every day
since the work was begun, and we hope will continue to increase daily
until it is completed.
ON THE INSUFFICIENCY OF LEVEES.--In this number we give another article
from T. Rowlandson on the insufficiency of levees alone to protect
Sacramento and Sacramento Valley. He seems to think that the Straits
of Carquinez have much to do in piling up the water in this valley,
and that the water of the San Joaquin also added to the quantity in
consequence of the inability of those straits to pass off the mass
of water which accumulates in the two valleys. There may be something
in the reasoning, though we confess that we are not engineer enough to
discover it. The water in the straits, as well as in the bay this side,
is salt; the level is the same as the sea outside the Golden Gate; it
is influenced by the tides to the same extent, and therefore we do not
see how the width of the outlet at Benicia affects the level of the
water above, more than the rise of the tide would, were the bay ten
times as large. But this may be a common error, which Rowlandson's
arguments and facts may correct. He appears to ignore all the experience
of Europeans, for the past few hundred years, in leveeing, to keep
rivers within their banks, so far as this valley is concerned. His
views are worthy of consideration, and will call forth articles in
response. The discussion will prove beneficial in instructing the public
on the important subject.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. . .
COLLECTING COMMITTEES.--During the greater portion of yesterday and
a portion of Saturday, Committees were actively engaged in obtaining
subscriptions for the levee repairs at the tannery. B. C. Whiting and
C. Coffin canvassed one portion of the city and Frank F. Taylor and
W. P. Coleman another. They received either subscriptions in cash or
the names of those who are willing to send workmen to labor in their
own stead. They were very successful. The Committee will be prepared
this morning, it is said, to hire a hundred hands for one week without
touching a dollar of the original fund in their hands. . . .
BODY FOUND.--The body of a man was found on Saturday last about three
miles below Washington, on the Yolo side, near the edge of the tules.
An inquest was held by Justice Willmer of Washington. The jury brought
in a verdict that deceased was a white man, about thirty years of age,
name unknown, that he came to his death by drowning. . . .
A CHANCE FOR WORK.--Superintendents of the levee work at the tannery
will probably employ to-day from seventy-five to one hundred workmen
to push forward the work of closing up the crevasse. They pay a dollar
per day and board. . . .
THE WORK AT THE TANNERY.--There were some seventy or eighty men at work
at the levee at the tannery yesterday. There will probably be more to-day,
as the Committee is authorized to hire a larger number than heretofore,
to be paid from private funds. . . .
FLAG PRESENTATION AT CAMP UNION.
The presentation of the regimental flag to the Fifth Regiment,
announced a few days since, took place at about 1 o'clock P. M.
yesterday at Camp Union. The flag was prepared.by D.Norcross of
San Francisco, several weeks ago, at a cost of between two and three
hundred dollars, at the instance of the following named ladies of
this city: Mrs. W. C. Kibbe, Mrs. R. Beck, Mrs. E. P. Figg,
Mrs. W. S. Mesick, Mrs. J. G. Downey, Mrs. G. Cushing, Mrs. J. P. Robinson,
Mrs. L. Williams, Mrs. John Arnold, Mrs. D. W. Earl, Mrs. J. H. Carroll,
and Mrs. G. W. Chesley. At about 12 o'clock M. yesterday, a company of
about twenty-five ladies, including most of the above, and a number of
gentlemen, started from Sixth and N streets, in boats for Camp Union.
At a previous hour, R. Robinson, Judge, and P. Robinson, Associate Judge
of the Court of Sessions, with the members of the Grand Jury, had left
the city on the invitation of Colonel Forman, for the camp. . . .
After the dismissal of the battalion the ladies returned to the boats,
escorted by the band of the Fifth Regiment and by Captain Smith's company.
The company arrived in the city, after a rather rough boat ride, at about
seven o'clock in the evening, evidently greatly pleased with their visit
to Camp Union.
THE FUTURE OF SACRAMENTO.--Under the above head, the San Francisco
Herald and Mirror publishes the following encouraging, as well
as kindly and handsomely expressed editorial upon Sacramento--her citizens
and her future:
The calamity which has befallen Sacramento--the late beautiful City of
the Plains--is a matter of history. It stands a wreck, but still clings
together with an inherent vitality that gives promise that it may once
more--not in a year, perhaps--but with cumulative progress, regain its
fair proportions and wonted vigor, and resume and retain its rank as the
second city of the State. Its future is a matter of deep interest not
only to its own citizens but to us of San Francisco and the people of
the State at large. Those of its citizens with whom we have conversed
speak hopefully of the future, and give us assurance that during the
present year the city will be guarded against a recurrence of a calamity
similar to the one from which it has just suffered. There is certainly
every inducement to extra exertion in this respect on the part of its
citizens. Its admitted superior location in a commercial point of view,
as the center of the State, and the large amount of property involved
should not and cannot be yielded up without a desperate struggle. But
when the matter is looked at calmly, the security sought for can be
attained with comparative ease and at little cost.
If the municipal finances are not in a condition to effect the rebuilding
of the levees on a wider and firmer basis, and of an adequate hight, let
the entire able-bodied male citizens give their individual services to
the good work, or furnish substitutes, and without doubt the desired
defensive embankment will soon be erected. The contemplation of the
work to be done, while the city is still partially submerged, naturally
magnifies its extent to herculean proportions, which will assuredly
dwindle away when the waters have abated, and its citizens find indeed
that there is dry land beneath them. The history of the past--truly
wonderful energy and elasticity exhibited by its people, under repeated
and scarcely less severe visitations by fire and flood--assures us that
the apparent withered flower will revive and bloom again with increased
beauty and vigor.
That there has already been a happy change in the feelings of
Sacramentans in regard to the future, we may cite the fact of so
many of their families returning, who have been resident here since
the inundation of their city. Their homes have been made comfortable,
and with the lapse of time and the springing grass, a new spirit will be
infused in the community. The work to be done will be accomplished, the
vestiges of the flood be hidden from view under the pleasing garb of
general prosperity.
Such is the hope of its people. And such we know to be the earnest
desire of San Franciscans, despite the futile attempts of the leading
journal of Sacramento to prejudice us in the esteem of its readers.
The liberality with which San Francisco has responded to the claims
in their behalf, give proof of our brotherly feeling, and community
of interest will secure its continuance without abatement.
If Sacramento proves to be but true to itself its recuperative energies
will enable it again to triumph over adversity, and again take rank as
one of the fairest cities on the continent. Never say die!
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY, Feb. 17, 1862.
The Board met, pursuant to adjournment, at two o'clock P. M. yesterday. . . .
The petition of Hoyt and others, for the right to rebuild a bridge
across the slough north of Lisle's bridge, was referred to the
Committee on Roads and Bridges, with instructions to report on the
same tomorrow. . . .
The following petition of Samuel Norris was read by the Clerk:
Your petitioner, Samnel Norris, respectfully represents that he is the
owner and in the possession of the land on both sides of the American
river at the place known as "Lisle & Hereford's Ferry;" that the public
convenience requires that a ferry should be established and maintained
at said place; that he is now the owner of the ferry franchise at said
place, having purchased the same of the former proprietors of said
"Lisle & Hereford's Ferry;" that he is well acquainted with the business
of running ferries, having kept and maintained ferries over said river
at various points for many years; that he has the proper boats and tackle
to properly keep and maintain said ferry in good order; that he has
given the proper notice of this application for a license to run a ferry
at said place, as will appear by the affidavits herewith filed; wherefore,
he prays your honorable body to grant him a license to keep and maintain
a ferry at said place, or some convenient place in that vicinity, according
to the statute in such case made and provided.
The petition was accompanied by an affidavit showing that proper notices
had been posted at various points by the petitioner of his intention to
make the application.
E. B. Crocker appeared before the Board as counsel for the petitioner,
and J. W. Winans for Pearis & Harris, the owners of Lisle's bridge.
E. B. Crocker desired the Board, if there was no opposition to the
petition, to grant the prayer thereof.
J. W. Winans said there was opposition, and had been all the time; that
as the petitioners asked for the right to locate a ferry within a mile
of the bridge of his clients, and indeed at the same locality, it was
their duty to prove by evidence that the public interest required snch
ferry. It was, however, their duty to serve a notice of their intention
to apply for the franchise on the proprietors of the bridge. He denied
that any such notice had been served, and the first point for the
petitioners to prove was the service of such notice, or they could not
properly be heard.
Supervisor GRANGER thought the subject matter at issue would doubtless
be carried to the higher Courts, and it would be best to postpone
action until the proper notice had been given.
Supervisor HANSBROW thought the Board should act upon the case, doing
justice to the parties, and allowing the Courts to settle all law points
connected with it.
E. B. Crocker was willing to proceed with the introduction of testimony.
The presence of. the opposite party rendered a service of notice
unnecessary. He did not desire to consume time, but would prefer to
submit the evidence, and then the opposite side could argue the matter
as long as they chose. He did not design to consume time uselessly.
J. W. Winans did not like the harmlessness of the opposite counsel. It
was like the foot of a cat. At first you could feel but the velvet paw;
but confide in it too far and you would feel the claws. He, for one,
should not trust to it. He demanded the regular and formal notice.
On motion of Supervisor GRANGER, the consideration of the petition
was postponed until the first meeting of the Board in next month--the
petitioner to give the usual notice.
The petition of Pearis & Harris for the right to run a ferry at the
same place was, on motion, continued until the same day.
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 2.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
PROPOSED ABSURD AND OBNOXIOUS LEGISLATION.
Immediately after forwarding my former communication, I observed in
the Alta of Thursday an article detailing the provisions of a
measure either introduced or about to be introduced into the Legislature,
with the object of what is called reclaiming the swamp lands, and
applying convict labor to the purpose. Both objects appear no doubt
to the superficial observer highly praiseworthy, and provided the
convict labor so directed would eventually possess an unalloyed
beneficial tendency, there can be no reasonable objection to its
being so engaged. In fact, whatever plan may finally be adopted,
the public thanks are due to the gentleman who made the proposition,
for pointing out a mode of usefully employing labor which has hitherto
been very expensive, and almost useless to the State, which possesses
at the same time the advantage of having a punitive character beyond
that of simple improvement.
I may here explain that I make no objection to the construction of
levees as part of a comprehensive system of reclamation and mitigation
or prevention of the injurious or destructive effects of future floods.
I merely wish to be understood as opposing the idea that levees alone
will effect any permanent advantage; on the contrary, their construction
will greatly aggravate the evil. This will be best seen by pursuing
the analysis to its extreme limits, by which it will be perceived that
the danger to such places as are situated like Sacramento from future
floods will increase precisely in proportion as reclamation of what
are called the swamp lands proceeds by means of levees, unaccompanied
by other preventives.
COMMON ERRORS RESPECTING THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY.
It is an ordinary error with the bulk of mankind to mistake names for
things, and also to contemplate with an undue interest that which
immediately surrounds their own local position and interest. It has,
perhaps, occurred to few residents of Sacramento, that their late
misfortunes have been quite as much attributable to the rain which
fell south of the American, as to that which fell during the same
period to the north and west of Sacramento. Without insisting that such
is the case I deem it more than probable that the disaster which lately
visited Sacramento would never have occurred had it not been for the
indirect influence of the reflux occasioned by the rain which fell south
of that city. Parties observing the floods pouring through the
Sacramento; and the American rivers past their houses, very naturally
but unthinkingly suppose that the rise of their waters are solely due
to the mass of waters supplied within a given time from above; there
being no return stream from the south, the prejudicial effect of the
water falling in that direction is unnoticed. If, however, as I believe
will be found to be the case, on close investigation, the volume of
water which passes through the Straits of Carquinez is chiefly derived
from the country south of Sacramento, it will be at once obvious to the
observer how important an object to the present inquiry is the hydrography
of that part of the basin which lies to the south of Sacramento, the only
outlet to the entire valley being the Straits of Carquinez. Owing to the
chief centers of intercourse being differently placed--one in which the
trade is chiefly confined to the district whose surplus waters are
drained by the Sacramento, the current of which descends from the north
to the South; and the other Stockton, on the San Joaquin, the chief
trading center of what commonly receives the name of the Southern
mines; the waters of the San Joaquin pursue a course from south to
north, the reverse of the Sacramento. The waters of both, however,
combine and afterwards jointly pursue a westerly course to the ocean
through the Straits of Carquinez. If, therefore, as I believe to be
the case, the amount of water furnished by that part of the basin south
of Sacramento during the extensive rain storms like that with which we
have been lately visited, is beyond the capacity of those straits for
discharging the whole rain-fall of the southern water shed, as it
accumulates in the intervening valley, the surplus must necessarily
accumulate and add to the volume poured down by the Sacramento and
its eastern and western affluents. Had it not been for the fact just
stated, it is highly probable that no flood would have occurred at
Sacramento. I am inclined to believe that had the Straits of Carquinez
possessed a capacity equal to the discharge of the waters coming from
the south, and in addition thereto of only one-half or one-third of
that of the Sacramento, as it passes the city to which it has given
a name, its late disasters would not have occurred. In giving this
opinion, however, it presupposes that the unreclaimed marsh or tule
land on the right bank of the Sacramento is to continue in its present
unimproved condition, as a receptacle or safety valve for the surplus
waters of that river, on the occasion of sudden floods. If the river
Sacramento received or combined with no material accession of waters
below the city of Sacramento before it arrived at the Straits of
Carquinez, the danger of that city, from that river, being overflowed,
could probably be wholly obviated by a slight elevation and
strengthening of the levees. If not it certainly could be accomplished
by some very simple improvements in addition thereto on the river below
Sacramento. To prevent all future damage arising from the American
river some additional arrangement, easily practicable and comparatively
inexpensive, will have to be made, in any case. The remedy to be
employed should be a comprehensive one; if it is not comprehensive,
disaster and disappointment will follow as an inevitable consequence.
As ordinarily recognized geographic divisions, it is customary to speak
of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys; as convenient forms of common
expression they are excusable. It would, however, be difficult to assign
any good reason for drawing a separation so far as physical geography is
concerned, and none whatever for its hydrography. It consequently follows
that in any speculation having for its object the reclamation of the
central valley of California or the maintenance within its bounds of
its storm-floods, all the circumstances connected with the entire area
of these valleys must be constantly kept in view
WIDENING THE STRAITS OF CARQUINEZ.
It is intended to reserve for a future occasion the estimate, in
figures, of the capacity or incapacity of the Straits of Carquinez
for discharging the volume of water which finds its way to that
outlet from the central valley of California. The writer intends to
merely assert for the present that it is incapable of carrying away,
during extraordinary floods, the waters as they accumulate. This will
be perceived to be a self-evident proposition when it is reflected that
if they had a sufficient capacity for that purpose no overflow would
exist nor waters accumulate in the central or lowest parts of the
valley. The idea has consequently been suggested that a large part
if not the entire evil would be prevented by excavating and widening
the Straits of Carquinez. It will be shown, when we come to figures,
that so far as practical economy is concerned, this could not be
accomplished. When, however, all the data are collected (if that
should ever be), and proper estimates based thereon, it is possible
in such an event that it may be fonnd that some works of the character
under notice ought to be made in order to make a perfect whole.
The Straits of Carquinez must always form one important base of
calculations, whatever may be the course eventually followed. No
axiom in hydraulics is so well understood and unhesitatingly admitted
as that the capacity of discharge of a stream at any given velocity
is that of its smallest sectional area; this exists in the Straits
of Carquinez.
DESTRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES TO BE ANTICIPATED FROM DAMMING BACK THE
WATERS FROM THE SWAMP LANDS UNLESS OTHER PALLIATIVE ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY
ADOPTED.
It has already been shown that the sectional area of the Straits
of Carquinez at its narrowest part is unequal to the discharge of the
waters of heavy rain storms, which find their outlet through that
passage, and derived solely from the water shed of the great central
valley of California. Owing to this inadequate outlet it is computed
that for a longer or shorter period something like 6,000,000 acres of
land are annually inundated to a depth more or less, according to
circumstances of position. This is the effect in ordinary years;
occasionally, as in the late instance, the area covered by water is
more extensive, and the floods become so high as to either overtop
their banks, or form crevasses in the neighboring levees, in either
case to the great destruction of property, and occasionally of life,
that had relied for security on those ofttimes frail and delusive
barriers. If such is the case in the present condition of things,
when perhaps no space so extensive as Sacramento has as yet been
inclosed with levees, what must the consequences be when as it is
proposed, the swamp lands are leveed by millions of acres? We already
know what has occurred while the floods are at liberty to spread
themselves over a district extending 300 miles in length, and from
20 to 50 miles in breadth, covering an area of more than 10,000
square miles, upwards, most probably, of 7,000,000 acres; without
such an open space, what would have been the destructive character
of the torrent which must otherwise have torn its way through the
lower part of the central valley of California? The ravage which must
have occurred is too vast to contemplate, and the magnitude of the
power too great for human comprehension; had it been confined within
narrow bounds and put into destructive motion. As popular but weakly
illustrative examples may be pointed out what has been described as
having occurred on the rivers in Northern California and Oregon: the
Klamath and others, for example, it has been stated; rose respectively,
forty, fifty and seventy feet and upwards above their ordinary level
of high floods. On looking at a map it will at once be seen how much
smaller an extent of country is drained by the Klamath as compared with
the area of the entire water shed of the central California Valley.
The disadvantage of the latter, however, does not stop here; the head
waters of the Klamath comprise some very considerable lakes, which
have the effect of greatly retarding the arrival of the upper waters
into the lower portions of the river, probably to the extent of
preventing the former mingling with the latter until after the first
force of the flood in the lower portions of the stream has been expended.
On the other hand, the waters which we have now under consideration
have only to travel a short distance before they reach a large inland
sea, possessing, for the ordinary purposes of estimation a common
level--on reaching the margin of which the roaring torrents become
absorbed and their destructive strength neutralized in the placid and
almost currentless waters of an extensive sheet of water.
The examples and comparisons given will serve to show the immense
conservant influence exercised over the dangerous consequences of
th [sic] angry flood through the agency of the lakes and morasses of
the valley drained by the Sacramento and San Joaquin. Whether wisely
or unwisely, in the thoughtlessness of inexperience, and further
prompted, no doubt, by a too eager thirst of gain, what so frequently
deadens the faculties of mankind to ulterior consequences; a great
city with large surrounding interests has been located in a position
liable to occasional inundation, unless the flood waters of the
surrounding country can be by some means or other lowered during
future heavy floods, or if this cannot be effected, its outward
barriers will have to be strengthen and elevated. It is the opinion
of the writer that the former can be accomplished without having
recourse to the latter; to attain this object, however, it will be
requisite to carry on some additional works as antidotes to the evils
which otherwise would arise if the swamp lands are to be inclosed
as proposed by the mere formation of levees, and no counteracting
agency put in operation to counteract this dangerous tendency--the
illustration of which will not now occupy muoh space.
It has already been shown that the straits of Carquinez are inadequate
to maintain the interior waters at their normal level. The
widening of them, to the extent requisite for this purpose, would be
a much greater undertaking than most persons suppose, and if
accomplished would not be altogether an unmixed good. If, therefore,
these straits are inadequate now for the purpose of maintaining the
interior waters at a level sufficiently low as to prevent their
overflowing, and damaging places where large existing interests and
properties are located, how much must that danger be increased, and
how much oftener will such damages occur, when a part of the low lands
are inclosed, and the waters leveed out therefrom? At present the
overflowed lands form a part of the large area whose conservative
agency is at this moment so effective in reducing the level of the
flood waters, and thus practically curbing their destructive agency
within bounds. Diminish the area over which these waters now spread
themselves, and an intensely destructive force must accumulate, already
found occasionally unmanageable, without the aid of any such extra
assistance.
What is true of the whole is true of a part; if we reason this way
or the reverse it will become self-evident to the most unreflecting
mind that the proposed mode of reclaiming the swamp lands by levees,
erected to prevent t he incursion of flood water where it is now free
to do so, can only have the effect of increasing the mean level of the
water not so leveed. Levee 10,000 acres out of 6,000,000 acres, and
the increased depth would scarcely become perceptible. Levee 100,000
aores, the increased depth would sensibly manifest itself; inclose
1,000,000 acres, and probably the floods of any ordinary Winter, as
well as the usual Spring floods, consequent on the melting of the snows,
would become uncontrollable; to inclose 5,000,000, unless works are
contemporaneously constructed for the purpose of concentrating the
injurious effects of more leveeing, I hold to be out of the power of
man, with the materials at the engineer's command. In a theoretical
sense, the word impossible is almost excluded from the modern
engineer's vocabulary, but when cost and the balance of advantages
and disadvantages have to be carefully weighed, the balance, be it
favorable or unfavorable, is justly deemed, in a worldly point of
view, the true test of possibility and practicability.
CAPITAL MEETING IN MARYSVILLE.--The Appeal, of February 15th
has the following notice of this affair:
At a special meeting of the Common Council last night, the Committee
to whom was referred the proposition to quitclaim the interest of
the city in Cortes Square made a minority report in favor of such
action. Some discussion ensued, and the Council refused to adopt
the report of the Committee by a vote of 4 to 3. After some unimportant
business, the Council adjourned, and an adjourned meeting of citizens
was convened to hear the report of the Committee upon the Capital
question. They reported progress, though their progress does not
amount to much. A resolution was adopted authorizing the Committee
having the matter in charge to draft an Act to be offered in the
Legislature authorizing the city of Marysville to issue her bonds
in the amount of $100,000 for the purpose of creating a fund for a
Capitol building. The meeting was then adjourned, subject to the
call of the Chairman of the Capital Committee.
ACCIDENTS IN INDIAN VALLEY, PLUMAS COUNTY.--The Standard of
February 8th, has the following:
We learn that while Ben. Hunsinger, a resident of Indian Valley,
was attempting to drive a team loaded with flour through one of the
streams which abound there, his horses became entangled and were both
drowned. His wagon; also, was. upset, and its contents lost. Hunsinger
barely escaped by clinging to a willow until succor arrived.
Another accident occurred about a week since, at the same place, which
came near having a fatal termination. Peck, in company with another
man whose name we did not learn, while attempting to cross the river
in a boat, by some carelessness upset it. Peck's companion was unable
to swim, but succeeded in holding on to the boat, and drifted to a
place of safety. Peck swam to some willows, where he stood up to his
armpits in water until rescued. When taken ashore he was found unable
to stand, so thoroughly was he chilled.
DID HE LOSE BY IT?--The Nevada Transcript, we notice, is bent
on moving the Capital from Sacramento to some other point, it does
not care much where. A "casual observer" would naturally suppose
that the editor of that paper was, in 1848 and 1849, really an owner
of the land where Sutterville now is, and that he had made an
unsuccessful attempt to get the town of Sacramento located on his
property. He "pitches" heavy into Sacramento, now that she is in
distress. For shame, Mr. Transcript! Should you succeed in your
endeavors, you can exclaim, "Solitary and alone we set this ball
in motion."--Red Bluff Beacon.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3399, 19 February 1862, p. 1
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 3.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
ROBBING PETER TO ENRICH PAUL.
It does not appear to have occurred to the advocates of reclaiming the
swamp lands by the mere aid of levees, that the same levees that would
keep out ordinary floods would be the means also of retaining within
their limits a great mass of what is commonly called back water.
Self-acting flood gates could no doubt be constructed that would permit
the outflow of this back water, when the main body of water had receded
a level below that of the inclosed back water, but in extreme cases like
that which has continued from November last until the present time, or
say ten weeks in all, the lands inside of the levees must continue
inundated to an extent not much less than they are at present. This
fact is merely stated for the purpose of showing that in order to
secure immunity from the damaging effects of floods it is as essential
even for those lands which it is proposed to reclaim by mere leveeing;
to devise means in addition thereto as will be effective in reducing
the level of the main body of flood waters.
There is, however, another consideration of even greater importance
than the one just noticed: supposing any given quantity of acres is so
effectively leveed in as to exclude the flood waters from that particular
area, it must in such case become self evident that the mass of water
so excluded must add to, and, according to its volume must increase
the height of the outside flood, and consequently the necessity, of
constructing the levees proportionally higher. If the lands so leveed
only inclose 10,000 acres, the increase in depth so caused would not
be perceptible: if 100,000 acres, it might possibly be manifest; if
1,000,000 acres, the effect would net only become apparent in the
increased depth of the excluded waters, but would also make its
inflaence apparent in another and more serious manner. The rise of
the waters exterior to the levees proposed to be constructed would
not, however, be proportional to the volume excluded by their means,
because the pent out waters would, in the first place, diffuse themselves
over the unflooded low lands forming its margin, for it must always
be kept in view, when studying this question, that the dry lands
surrounding the main waters to a very considerable extent are only
very slightly elevated above the extreme hight of the late flood.
The swamp lands are ordinarily estimated to cover more than 6,000,000
acres, of which, probably, 1,000,000 will be always so much under water
as to be unfit for anything but rice culture. If this is a tolerably
correct approximative estimate there will remain a balance of
4,000 000 acres on which ingenuity and labor may profitably be expended
in their improvement; unless, however, such improvements are carried
out on a comprehensive system so as to afford every acre of this area
its due proportion of levee protection, it must become self evident
that partial reclamation of detached portions can only have the effect
of aggravating the injury on the remaining part and progressively
increasing the cost of leveeing the balance, whilst as the works
proceeded the pent out waters would gradually extend themselves over
the rich border level lands that had never previously been subjected
to inundation, until a point would be arrived at where every acre of
indifferent land that would be reclaimed would be at the expense of
submerging an equal area of the best lands in the State. It will be
made evident hereafter that, so far as practical economy is concerned,
the reclamation of the swamp lands is an impossibility, to any
considerable extent, by means of mere leveeing.
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BACKING OUT THE WATER FROM EXISTING SWAMPS
AND THROWING IT INTO EXISTING NON-OVERFLOWED LANDS.
It must be perfectly clear to the meanest capacity that unless means
can be devised to carry off the water excluded by levees as rapidly
as they add to the accumulation of the main waters, they must diffuse
themselves over the bordering sound lands. Hereafter I will demonstrate
that the discharge of the flood waters as they flow into the valley is
an impossibility in any case, whilst by diminishing the area for their
reception to any considerable extent, by attempting to reclaim the
swamps by means of levees, would necessitate the construction of
levees so elevated; as to be highly dangerous, especially when it is
considered how ill adapted for the purposes is the material at hand
for their erection. If, therefore, no means of a practical character
can be devised to carry off the pent back waters leveed out, and
prevent them from spreading over the sound lands not now overflowed,
and as it could be demonstrated in such an event that the reason of
the latter being inundated would be in direct consequence of the
leveeing out of the waters from the swamps heretofore submerged,
it would follow as a natural judicial sequence that the proprietors
of the so reclaimed swamp lands, with the promoters of their construction,
would be liable for all pecuniary losses and damages consequent on the
construction of such levees and thus preventing the flood waters from
disseminating themselves over areas wbich they otherwise naturally
would do, according to their relative levels. This is a view of the
case which appears to have been wholly overlooked. As you have in
Sacramento the supreme judicial Court of appeal, perhaps you could
easily ascertain from its members whether the above statement is
based on sound equity and law.
LOW ESTIMATE OF THE ABILITY REQUIRED TO DEVISE MEASURES AND
SUPERINTEND THE NECESSARY CONSTRUCTIONS TO OBVIATE THE DAMAGE WHICH
MAY ARISE FROM FUTURE FLOODS.
A glance at that part of Mr. Morrison's bill recently introduced into
the Legislature, having for its object the reclamation of swamp lands,
and which appropriates the magnificent (?) sum of $3,000 dollars for
plans, is perhaps the strongest evidence that could be produced of the
extremely low estimate put upon the ability required to devise remedial
measures for the prevention of the destructive effects which may arise
from future floods. Perhaps I may be wrong in supposing that so
comprehensive a plan was contemplated for such an insignificant reward;
it is probable that the $3,000 which it was proposed to offer as one
douceur, or a series of douceurs, was merely intended for a plan or
plans of constructing a mound or similar barrier for inclosing a
particular section of the swamp lands; if so, it is almost as excessive
a premium as in the former case it would be underrated.
To draw a plan and make an estimate for a levee of any given hight
across a flat marsh, is what may be accomplished by an ordinary
macbanic, or land surveyor. The skill required is not much beyond
that of being acquainted with the common rules of arithmetic. To
devise means to balance the inflow and outflow of water for the district
under consideration, and keep the water courses free, especially under
the existing deficiency of data--to control the water fiend within
harmless bounds, at the same time not to interfere with, but to make
the various operations required coincident with the perfect reclamation
of five-sixths of existing swamp lands, without in the least endangering
the immunity from overflow of the low marginal lands not hitherto
subjected to inundation, is an object worthy of the earnest attention
of the greatest engineer that ever existed, for it requires talents
not only of the highest order, but further, that those talents should
be fairly equipoised, otherwise it may be, as it often has occurred
during inquiries of a similar character, that too much value is given
to one phase of the subject and too little to others. In the present
case, I am firmly convinced that it is only by the most exact adjustment
of the different forces which perform their various functions that
immunity from future danger can be securely effected, and at the same
time be accompanied by the correlative advantages of reclaiming four
or five millions of at present worse than useless swamps.
With every respect for the ability and integrity of the various Boards
of Supervisors, County Surveyors, and other officers, which it is
proposed to form into local Courts of direction and superintendence,
I will put it to the plain common sense of the readers of the UNION,
are such parties fitted to select or adjudicate on what, if it is to
be a real benefit, must be a comprehensive plan, divested of all leaning
to mere local interests? Are they not, on the contrary, convinced, as
all experience has shown, that they are much more likely to countenance
objects of local rather than a generally beneficial character? It might
be considered that public surveying officers wonld form the fittest
quorum with whom to leave the adjustment of measures having for their
object the prevention of damage from future floods; It must, however,
be kept in mind that the parties usually filling such offices are
generally only land surveyors and draughtsmen, who, unless through
a natural taste and predilection have made the subject of hydraulics
in all its branches a special study, are nearly as unfitted to
propose remedies for the evil as an equal number of any other educated
branch of the community. A party may be a most excellent topographical
surveyor, may be able to execute with the most admirable skill and
beauty of outline and shading, a section or plat; yet, from not having
given adequate attention previously to this subject, may be almost
completely disqualified from throwing out any useful remedial
suggestions.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Another contribution from T. Rowlandson, on the subject of levees and
other appliances as a protection against water, is published.
Over one hundred persons were engaged on the levee at Rabel's tannery
yesterday.
J street is now passable for teams, and the bridge over the slough will
be in order early to-day. . . .
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS--MONDAY. . . .
In the Assembly. . . .
The bill to authorize the Governor to reside at San Francisco during
the session came up, and pending its consideration the House adjourned
at half-past two o'clock. . . .
LEVEE BUILDING.--The work of rebuilding the levee this side the tannery
goes on encouragingly. Some hundred or more men were at work yesterday,
and were making good progress, considering the wet condition of the earth
which had to be handled. Most of the work so far has been done with
shovels, though it was the intention of the superintendents to put wagons
to work in the afternoon. The Committee ought to push the work to the
utmost extent now it is begun, so as to secure the levee against the
next rise. The earlier it is completed the more time it will have to
settle before it is tested, and the more time will be at command for
lining it thoroughly with brush. From the manner in which the water
will strike the levee, a heavy defense of brush and bags of sand will
be necessary in order to protect the levee from the action of the
current. If the good weather continues, the work of repairing the
levees should be pushed forward with all the energy which money can
infuse into men. Five hundred men would close all the breaks up to
Burns' slough in a little over a week's time. If they were closed we
might rest secure from the Spring floods. The work below R street, on
the Sacramento, ought also to be grappled with. The money in the hands
of the Committee was subscribed for the purpose of protecting the city,
and why not expend it in accordance with the intention of those who
volunteered to loan it to the city. In favorable weather the work ought
to be pushed day and night . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION. . . .
CARSON CITY, Feb. 18th. . . .
Weather very cold and dry. . . .
CATTLE AND SHEEP IN COLUSA.--The Colusa Sun of Feb. 15th says:
We learn from J. D. Tarleton, from the northwest corner of the county,
that the loss of stock was not so great there as was anticipated. The
snow was not a great deal deeper near the mountains than it was here.
He represents the grass as being much better than on the river. That
in the foothills about Wilson's is good. Stony creek was four feet
higher in the hills that it was ever known before, doing a great deal
of damage to fencing. Some on the plains have lost many cattle.
Coffee, at the Black Butte, says that out of nine hundred head of
cattle, he does not think he will be able to find more than three
hundred. Searce has also lost many cattle. Sheep seem to have done
better on Stony creek than about here, as it is stated that Walker
lost but very few out of his flock of several thousands. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. . .
ROADS IN THE COUNTY.--Windsor A. Keefer, Overseer of Road District No. 6
of this county, in a late report to the Board of Supervisors, gives the
following description: of the roads within his district: "Placerville
and Coloma road destroyed from Keefer's to Oak Hill, 150 yards, from two
to five feet deep; from Oak Hill to McWilliams', 125 yards, from two to
five feet deep; from McWilliams' to Colby's Lane, bridge destroyed and
forty-five feet washed away; from bridge to Brighton, 250 yards, from
two to four feet deep; from Brighton, Five Mile House and C. L. Conner's
house, whole road destroyed, for the distance of 200 yards, to the depth
of eight feet (opposite C. L. Conner's orchard); from Conner's house to
J. S. Bowles' road, 470 yards, to the depth of from twelve to twenty feet;
from Bowles' to Riley's, 165 yards, to the depth of from sixteen to
eighteen feet; from Riley's to Manlove's, 440 yards, to the depth of
from twelve to twenty feet; from Manlove's to Rooney's, 440 yards, to
the depth of from eight to ten feet; from Rooney's to Lowell's, 330 yards,
to the depth of from eight to ten feet; from Lowell's to Stephens', 150
yards, to the depth of from eight to twelve feet; from Stephens' to
Patterson's, about 400 yards, in depth from one to four feet; the lane
dividing the Five Mile House from Conner's, totally impassable for 250
yards and covered with water. The Jackson and Drytown road, from Hull's
ranch to McWilliams' is impassable for 200 yards; from McWilliams' to
Whiteside's, destroyed for 100 yards from one to two feet; from Whiteside's
to Nelson's, swampy for a distance of 400 yards." It strikes us from the
above description--if not overdrawn--that the roads in that district need
repairing.
RAILROAD REPAIRS.--A.corps of workmen was engaged yesterday afternoon,
on the Front street railroad, in cleaning the earth and rubbish from the
track, to prepare the way for the cars. The repairs between Poverty Ridge
and Sixteenth street are not yet complete, but on and after to-day an
engine will be run on each side of the break, and passengers will be
carried through by walking a few blocks from one train to the other.
The trains will leave Front and K, and run as far out as the track
extends. Planking has been laid down across the water wherever any
break exists on the line of the road, so that passengers will experience
no difficulty in making the trip. The piling will be completed and the
track laid within eight or ten days at the furthest, when the cars will
run without interruption from one end of the route to the other. . . .
CARPENTER'S BUILDING.--An additional portion of the rear wall of
Carpenter's building fell a day or two ago. The portion still
standing, together with the timbers inside, etc., are in a very
unsafe condition. The matter of the removal of the walls was
introduced by a member of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday,
and the President said he would confer with the Chief Engineer
of the Fire Department on the subject. That officer, however,
does not consider that he has any authority to act in the premises,
as the building has not been impaired by fire. The property is owned
by C. K. Garrison, of San Francisco.
COLBY'S BRIDGE.--Colby's bridge, at J street, near the Fort, will
be open for the transit of teams to-day. It was nearly completed
last week, but it was deemed impolitic by the builder to finish it
and throw it open for travel until the openings across J street should
be repaired and made passable. Several days have therefore been spent
in filling up and bridging them. The traveling is now good, both this
side and beyond the Fort, for vehicles of all descriptions. . . .
THE STOCK LAW.--A resolution was adopted yesterday by the Board of
Supervisors requesting our Senators and Assemblymen to oppose the
passage of the bill of Assemblyman Saul, which requires the herding
or fencing of stock. By the provisions of the bill, stock, upon
trespassing upon the lands of others than the owner, may be taken,
up and after notice, etc., may be sold in twenty days from the time
of trespass. . . .
NEEDS ATTENTION.--The large cistern at the corner of Tenth and K
streets remains open and exposed day and night, without a cover of
any character. It is large enough to receive a span of horses, driver
and wagon, and drown at least three-fourths of them. It should be
either fenced in or covered over. . . .
THE GEM.--The steamer Gem had, at sunset last evening, been removed
to within twenty-five or thirty yards of the water's edge at the
tannery. She will probably not be launched until to-morrow, as she
will need caulking, etc., before she returns to her native element. . . .
FERRY AT WILSON'S.--A ferry has been established by W.D. Wilson at
the old crossing of the Cosumnes, at Daylor's Ranch, in place of the
wire bridge carried away by the late freshet.
AT WORK AGAIN.--Workmen have been engaged for a day or two past on
the Capitol grounds, in clearing the way for the resumption of the
mechanical portion of the work.
FALLING--The Sacramento river had fallen last evening to a point
16 feet 9 inches above low water mark.
SUSPICIOUS.--Floating clouds and a southeasterly wind last evening
before sunset were regarded by many as ominous of rain. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, February 18, 1862.
The Bosrd met yesterday pursuant to adjournment. . . .
Supervisor RUSSELL gave notice that he would offer an ordinance to
provide for the setting up of monuments to regulate the grade of streets.
Supervisor GRANGER, from the Fire and Water Committee, to whom had been
referred the petition of W. Sutherland for permission to erect a frame
house on the block between Sixth and Seventh, and K and L streets, reported
in favor of granting the prayer of the petition. In making the report
he stated that the locality named was within the fire limits, and under
ordinary circumstances he should report against the petition. The flood,
however, had been so destructive, and reduced to poverty so many of our
citizens, that it was impracticable to erect, in many instances, fireproof
buddings. He therefore reported contrary to the rule heretofore followed.
The report was adopted.
Supervisor WOODS stated that be wished to offer a preamble and resolution
in relation to the bill to provide for the herding of stock, offered in
the Legislature by J. B. Saul of this county. After reading a copy of
the bill referred to, he offered the following:
Whereas, we have seen the provisions of Assembly Bill No. 63, introduced
by Mr. Saul, and entitled "An Act for the better protection of farmers,
and for requiring the herding of stock," and whereas we are satisfied
that the provisions of such bill, if it should become a law, would,
instead of affording protection to said class of the community, prove
a serious detriment to them, and would, further, drive from our county
a large portion if not all of the stock raisers, who pay a large
proportion of our county taxes ; Therefore, be it
Resolved, That our Senators and Assemblymen be requested to use
all possible means to have the passage of said bill defeated.
Supervisor HITE was opposed to the adoption of the resolution, and
thought a large portion of the residents of the lower part of the
county desired the bill to become a law.
Supervisor WATERMAN was satisfied that but few of his constituents
were in favor of the law. On the contrary, it would drive stock owners
from the county.
Supervisor GRANGER desired the resolution to lay over for a day.
Supervisor WOODS was in favor of immediate action, as he believed
the bill would come up for further action in the Assembly in a few days.
On the question of adopting the preamble and resolution the ayes and
noes were called, with the following result: Ayes--Granger, Russell,
Woods and Waterman--4. Noes--Hite--1.
Supervisor HITE, frem the Committee on Roads and Bridges, reported that
the bridge for the building of which a contract had been made with
G. W. Colby, near the Fort, was completed and would be thrown open for
travel to-morrow morning; that J street was in good travelling order;
that the contractor had encountered many obstacles in completing the
work, but had surmounted them all. The report was received and placed
on file.
The Board then adjourned until ten o'clock, A.M.. to-day. . . .
FROM THE SOUTH.--The Los Angeles News of February 12th has the following:
The late flood damaged nearly all the mills on Kern river, five works
being swept away. The damage, including loss of dams, etc., is set at
about $20,000. The toll-bridge across the river was swept away, and in
one instance twenty feet of sand deposited in an arastra mill.
Marsh & Co.'s mill, on Greenburn mountain, was damaged to the amount
of $2,000. The Lion Valley Flouring Mill was covered with thirty feet
of sand, and nearly all the farms in the same locality were injured.
D. W. Alexander, of the Soledad Ranch, whilst on his way to Kern river,
was overtaken by the rising water, and obliged to cut his horses loose
from the carriage and escape to a tree, but the night being cold he
was compelled to descend and exercise to keep from freezing. After
being in the water all night, he succeeded in reaching a house about
daylight, some six miles from where he left his carriage.
From the 24th of Deoember to the 6th of February there were but ten
days of clear pleasant weather in Los Angeles.
DAMAGE TO THE KLAMATH RESERVATION.--In reference to the damage
occasioned by the flood to this reservation, already referred to
in the UNION, the Appeal says:
We learn from Hanson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Northern
District, that the whole amount of damage to the Indian Reservation
at Klamath river, will amount to $50,000. Every vestige of the
improvements was swept off, even to small cabins which were perched
upon the bluffs, one hundred feet above the ordinary level of the
river. The soil was stripped off by the tremendous current, laying
bare the bowlders and cobble stones below, and where the current was
less rapid, the flood swept in the sand, which now lies on what was
once arable land in a stratum of five or six feet in depth. This
wholesale destruction has had the effect to necessitate the abandonment
of the reservation, and a new reserve has been formed at Smith's
Valley and in a location secure from floods.
THE LEVEE WORK.--Over a hundred hands were employed on the levee
at the tannery yesterday. The earth is still too wet; to shovel to
advantage, but rapid progress is made, notwithstanding the fact.
More men, it is expected, will be act to work to-day. Teams are also
in demand. Those that can spare them gratuitously can find work
without pay, and those who cannot, can find both work and pay. . . .
[For the Union]
THE CHINESE QUESTION.
As Connected with Our Material Interests.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Our citizens have been so much occupied with the damage
the flood has brought to their doors, that a scheme to deprive our city
of a portion of our present, and more of our prospective business, has
seemingly escaped their attention.
The project to sweep the Chinese entirely from our State . . . .
Next, in regard to the future of our city. In a series of articles
written before the flood, I endeavored to show the necessity that
existed that we should encourage home manufactures to make business
and capital for our city, and give the diversity of culture to the
surrounding country that should be more profitable to our formers
than grain raising exclusively had been. . . .
CALIFORNIA. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3400, 20 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION..]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 17, 1862. The Lieutenant Governor called the
Senate to order at 11 o'clock, . . .
BILLS ENROLLED. . . .
Mr. Porter reported correctly enrolled Senate Bills No. 95--An Act to amend
an Act authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Sutter county to construct
a bridge across Feather river; . . . No. 110--An Act granting the right
to construct a bridge across Mokelumne river to Adam Densler and
others; . . .
At 3:10 P. M. the Senate adjourned. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 17, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
SPEAKER BARSTOW ON ROOSTERS.
The special order for one o'clock was taken up, being Assembly Bill
No. 3--An Act to extend the time of collecting delinquent taxes in the
county of San Diego.
Messrs. Porter and McCullough opposed the bill on the ground that it was,
in effect, repealing the provisions of the Revenue Law in that county,
so far as the collection of taxes was concerned, and would be followed by
similar bills for other counties.
Mr. BARSTOW (the Speaker) said: I agree fully with the suggestions of
the gentleman from Mariposa (Mr. McCullough). There is a flood of bills
before us, the object of which is to nullify the Revenue Law at this
crisis in our affairs. This appeal comes from a county which has not
suffered by the late flood. Whatever may have been said to the contrary,
I am not the enemy of the people of Sacramento; on the contrary, I admire
those brave sufferers. The heroic people of Sacramento, San Joaquin and
the mining counties, all of whom have been injured and suffered greatly
by the floods, do not come here with any such petition. I have never felt
any hostility to that brave people who have gone to work nobly to remedy
their own disasters, instead of coming to us with petitions of this kind,
and I think if anybody ought to be favored here it should be the much
injured but heroic people of Sacramento. And yet none of these much
injured persons of the State are asking such a thing. The claim coming
from this county is absurd and ridiculous. In order to show you how
ridiculous it would become if this bill were passed as a precedent, let
me suppose a case. I will suppose a division of a county, if you please,
and there comes into the Legislature a representative of that new county.
I will say it is Mr. Jones of Rideout Slough, if you please, or Catfish
Bar, if you please. Now, the people of his unfortunate locality have
been deprived of all their roosters, if you please, by the depredations
of the Mongolian races, if you please, all except one solitary rooster,
and he was swept away by the flood. And the last that was seen of him he
was soaring aloft on a chip, clapping his wings like Napoleon chained to
a solitary rock, and saying, in the language of Gallileo, "Othello's
occupation is gone." Wherefore, resolved, that all of Mr. Jones'
constituents of Catfish Bar who have lost their roosters by the predatory
Chinese or the floods don't pay no taxes no how. [continues, somewhat
humorously. . . .]. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.
Assembly Bill No. 96--An Act to authorize the Governor of the State
to reside and keep his office in the city of San Francisco--was taken
up, the Committee on Ways and Means having recommended its indefinite
postponement.
Mr. Dudley of Placer said he had introduced the bill,
and was a member of the Committee of Ways and Means, which reported it.
It appeared from the Journal of the House and the newspapers that that
Committee had, as a Committee, reported in favor of indefinite
postponement; yet at the time action was taken in the Committee, it
was agreed that the report should be made only as a report of the
majority of the Committee. The Clerk and the Chairman of the Committee
both plainly understood so; and though he had no inclination to submit
a minority report, he thought it was unfair to represent it as a unanimous
report, which would, of course, include him. As to the propriety of the
bill, he would not detain the House long. It was true, as the majority
of the Committee said in their report, that the Governor had given it
as his opinion that he could sign the bills in San Diego, Klamath or any
other part of the State. He was glad to find the sentiment gaining ground
that legislation could be carried on elsewhere than at the Capital.
He had been unalterably, persistently opposed to bringing down the State
officers, but had thought it was a matter of policy merely to authorize
the Governor to keep his office here in San Francisco during the session
to prevent the Banquo's ghost of the Capital removal from being raised.
At the end of the session, he proposed to fix the Governor a residence
at the Capital again, as now fixed by law. He intended this bill merely
as an enabling Act. He did not profess to understand the motives of
gentlemen, but be had remarked that those strongest in favor of the
removal of State officers were bitterly opposed to this bill. He had
heard that there was a "vaulting ambition that o'erleaps itself," and
so when men could not grasp all, they would sometimes reject part. He
had no feeling in the matter, and would leave the bill in the hands of
the House.
Mr. Tilton, of San Francisco, said he had at first favored
the bill, but finding that the Governor did not deem it necessary he
was willing to let the Governor take the responsibility.
Mr. Warwick said it had been asked why the Governor had not yet signed
any bills of the Assembly. The only reason was, that no bills of the
Assembly had yet been presented to him. He hoped the report of the
Committee on Ways and Means would be adopted.
Mr. Avery moved that the bill be indefinitely postponed.
Messrs. Dudley of Placer, Ames and Matthews, demanded the ayes and
noes, and the following was the result:
Ayes--Amerige, Avery, Bell, Dore, Eliason, Evey, Ferguson, Hillyer,
Hoag, Irwin, Kendall, Lane, Loewy, Love, Maclay, Meyers, Orr, Tilton
of San Francisco, Warwick, Woodman--20.
Noes--Ames, Battles, Collins, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Dudley of
Solano, Eagar, Griswold, Leach, Machin, Matthews, O'Brien, Parker,
Pemberton, Porter, Reese, Sears, Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Thompson
of Tehama, Thompson of San Joaquin, Van Zandt, Werk, Wilcoxon,
Yule--25.
So the House refused to postpone the bill.
Mr. O'Brien said he hoped the bill would pass so as to prevent any
question in the future as to the legality of the Governor's signature
to bills. It was a matter which involved no expense.
Mr. Meyers said the same argument would apply to all the State officers
as well as to the Governor:
Mr. O Brien said the law required the Governor to reside at the Capital;
there was no such law in regard to the Capital.
Mr. Ames--I move to amend the bill by inserting after "Governor" the words
"Controller and State Treasurer."
The ayes and noes were demanded on the amendment.
Mr. Warwick inquired if this matter had been sprung because of the
absence of three members of the Sacramento delegtion. Was it fair
because gentlemen found that delegation weak to press the vote
to-day? The time of the House had been sufficiently consumed on this
useless question and why not put it off till to-morrow, when the House
would be full. Sacamento members were absent on Committee duty, and
it was unfair to spring the question then.
Mr. Eagar said there had been no springing of the question; the bill
came up in its regular order.
Mr. Fay moved to postpone the bill till two o'clock to-morrow.
Mr. Shannon moved to strike out the enacting clause.
Mr. Yule moved to postone the amendments indefinitely.
Mr. Eagar moved that the House adjourn, which was carried--ayes 25, noes 15.
Accordingly, at 2:25, the House adjourned.
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 1862.
The Senate met at the usual hour, the President pro tem. (Mr. Shafter)
in the Chair. . . .
ASSEMBLY BILLS. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 66--An Act to grant to the Stanislaus Bridge and
Ferry Company the right to construct and maintain a bridge across
Stanislaus river, was read a third time and passed.
BOAT HIRE FOR THE ASSEMBLY.
Assembly Bill No, 61--An Act to make appropriations for the pay of
boatmen employed by the Sergeant at Arms of the Assembly, for services
rendered in conveying members to and from the Capitol during the flood,
which was reported without recommendation from the Committee on Claims,
was taken from the general file.
Mr. De Long asked what reason was assigned for taking the money out of
the General Fund.
Mr. Parks moved to strike out the last two sections, repealing all
Acts in conflict with this, and providing for immediate operation,
which was carried. He said the vouchers were mere accounts, amounting
to $1,600, and not sworn to, although the Sergeant-at-Arms certified
as to their correctness.
Mr. Powers moved to strike out General Fund and insert Contingent Fund.
He did not understand why they passed a resolution to take out of the
Contingent Fund, and now proposed to take it from the General Fund.
Mr. Parks said that would make preferred creditors of the boatmen, and
as the Assembly would draw from the General Fund whenever they needed
more money, it amounted to the same thing.
Mr. Watt moved to indefinitely postpone the bill; it was a thing they
had nothing to do with.
Mr. Van Dyke thought the bill enormous, and desired to see it referred
to the Committee on claims, with power to examine persons.
Mr. Gallagher opposed that reference. He said the Committee were startled
at the enormous amount of the bill, and did not feel like acting upon it.
Mr. Nixon said he was in favor of indefinite postponement. The Senate
had enough to answer for in the payment of its own infamously high boat
hire. He had just returned from Sacramento, and heard it rumored in a
playful manner that the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly, Mr. Clayton,
had it "played upon him " by the boys, in this way: One boatman would
come to his room and tell him he had a flne boat he wanted to hire and
would take him out to see the boat. The Sergeant-at-Arms would take his
name down. Then another would come and show him the same boat at a
different place, and his name would be taken down. The Senate had nothing
to do with the matter, and he hoped they would wash their hands clean.
Mr. Gaskell thought the responsibility of contracting this enormous
debt should rest with the House, because they detained the Legislature
at Sacramento, and had caused this expense.
Mr. Van Dyke said there appeared to be a disposition to punish the
Assembly, and make them appear odious instead of protecting the
interests of the people. There would be no use in postponing.
The money in the Contingent Fund came from the people, in the same
way as that in the General Fund.
Mr. Merritt favored the postponement. He said the Contingent Fund
was supposed to be administered with economy, while $1,600 was an
enormous sum for boat hire in these days of economy and reform,
inaugurated by a new party. In old Democratic times, in 1850, members
hired their own boats, and would as soon have thought of half-soling
their boots, or hiring carriages at the expense of the people, as to
have hired boats. He called on his reform frienda to follow their
example, as the Democrats would do if they ever got into power again.
Mr. Chamberlain asked how Mr. Merritt voted on the Senate resolution.
Mr. Merritt said he was absent.
Mr. Oulton charged the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly with
recklessness and extravagance.
The question was taken, and the motion to postpone indefinitely carried. . . .
[CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE.] . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The Citizens' Committee on collecting funds and procuring labor for repairing
the levee, have received about $600 in money and work. The labor was
progressing yesterday on the levee until the rain came. It will be resumed
to-day.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS--TUESDAY. . . .
The Senate, . . .
Assembly Bill appropriating $1,650 for boat hire at Sacramento was
indefinitely postponed.
In the Assembly the bill to authorize the Governor to have his office
at San Francisco during the present session of the Legislature came up,
and was killed by a vote to strike out the enacting clause, upon motion of
Shannon. . . .
BEAR RIVER BRIDGE.--We understand that English's bridge, over Bear
river, is nearly completed, and will soon be ready for teams to cross.
The bridge was carried off by the flood of December 9th, since which time
there have been no facilities for crossing the stream.--Nevada Democrat.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION. . . .
Stabbing Affair--Reported Resignation of Judge McAllister--Death of
Belle Cora--Legislative Proceedings.
San Francisco, Feb. 19th. . . .
In the Senate, the State Library Committee reported five hundred volumes
damaged by the flood, one-half of which are duplicate documents, and
that three hundred dollars will repair the other half.
A bill for a bridge across the Stanislaus river, at Burns' ferry, passed. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE. . . .
THE COLLECTING COMMITTEES--The citizens who have been engaged, for
several days past, in collecting funds and promises of labor for
repairing the levee at the tannery, report that they have received
in cash about $400, and in promises of cash and labor about $200--total,
$600. B. C. Whiting, of the Committee, called on a number of the Chinese
merchants on I street, and each one who was asked contributed promptly
and cheerfully. In one or two instances they said that if it was
necessary they would contribute again, if called on. When one of the
Committee was soliciting contributions in a barber shop, a non-resident
of the city, who had not been applied to, volunteered a donation of
$5. The gift was received, and his name recorded as J. W. Kaull, of
Amador county. In some instances parties amply able to contribute would
refuse to give a dollar. . . .
THE LEVEE WORK.--About one hundred and thirty men commenced work
yesterday morning at the new levee at the tannery, but were compelled
to desist on account of the rain. The earth, which was already too wet
to handle to advantage, became more so early in the day, increasing the
difficulty of shoveling it. It is the design to resume work this morning,
if practicable.
RAIN.--A moderate rain prevailed yesterday in the region of Sacramento.
The amount which had fallen at nine o'clock last evening was four-tenths
of an inch, as reported by Dr. Logan. The entire rain of the season
foots up as follows: November, 2.170; December, 8.637; January, 15.036;
February to date, 1.660. Total, 27.503.
THE CARS RUNNING.--The cars ran to and from Front and K streets at the
usual hours yesterday. On reaching Fifteenth and R streets, passengers
were compelled, of course, in the unfinished state of the road, to walk
several blocks, and then take other cars for Folsom, the same interruption
occurring with the down trains. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento having fallen three inches within twenty-four
hours, stood last evening at about sixteen feet six inches above low
water mark. The rain of yesterday, of course, produced no perceptible
change. . . .
THE GEM.--The work of removing the Gem was temporarily suspended yesterday
on account of the rain. She is still within sixty or seventy feet of the
edge of the water. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
WEDNESDAY, February 19, 1862.
The Board met yesterday, pursuant to adjournment, at 10 o'clock A. M. . . .
Supervisor HITE, from the Committee to whom was referred the preparation
of a bill to provide for condemning lands along the American river, for
the building of levees or turning the channel of the river, reported
that a bill had been prepared and submitted to the Legislature by our
county delegation.
Supervisors HITE and WATERMAN. from the Committee on Roads and Bridges,
reported in favor of appropriating $75 towards the repair of the bridge
across the slough north of Lisle's Bridge. Supervisor HITE stated that
H. M. Hoyt, the Overseer of the district, in his application, had
designated the above named sum for the work, but he had since petitioned
for over five thousand feet of lumber, and money enough to pay for the
work of building the bridge. The Committee were willing to grant the sum
named for lumber, and no more.
Supervisor WATERMAN thought that if the lumber was furnished, the
Overseer ought to do the work by the labor of those who owe road
tax, of which several hundred dollars were due. There were bridges
to repair all over the county, and it would not answer to spend too
much in one place.
Supervisor WOODS stated that lumber of all descriptions could be had
at the bridge cheaper than any where else in the county, as there was
a large amount of drift wood in the vicinity. He was in favor of
granting §75 and no more.
The report of the Committee was adopted. . . .
Supervisor WOODS moved that Supervisor Dickerson be allowed to record
his vote on the resolution adopted yesterday taking ground against the
stock-herding bill of Assemblyman Saul.
Supervisor DICKERSON stated that he was unavoidably absent the day
before, at the time the resolution was offered. Had he been present,
he should have voted in favor of the resolution, as he was opposed to
the bill. The vote was so recorded.
The Board then adjourned until ten o'clock A. M, to-morrow. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 5, 1862.
The Mails.
We have had no California mail since the first week in January. A Union
of the 6th got in a week ago, imbedded in a ball of frozen papers and
letters, like a fossil of the pre-Adamite ages. "Providence" is an
excellent assistant to mail contractors--of course nobody would ever
think of being so profane as to grumble at the dispensations of
Providence, and, therefore, must we be silent if not content. We are
looking to-day for a mail, but our faith is not very robust.
Loss of California Mail Matter.
In addition to the general pounding together of soaked and frozen mail
matter from the West, I have to notice the entire loss of a considerable
quantity of mail, in a creek aboat forty-five miles to the east of this
place. It is ever dangerous to credit first rumors in this great country,
for email events not unfrequently assume colossal proportions. I have
therefore waited for a glance at the affidavit of the "Conductor"
accompanying the reported lost mail. The statement of Ely, the gentleman
alluded to, when simmered down to decent proportions, is that a small
stream, ordinarily no impediment in crossing, became so suddenly swollen
at the time of the passage of the mail stage that, though the leaders
went over without difficulty, the current struck the wheel mules and
coach, before the wheel mules crossed the stream, and within one minute
from the time the leaders crossed, the stream had swollen some six feet,
which forced the leaders back into the stream and against the wheel mules,
and the current became so strong while in this condition, that by its
force the coach was upset and the mail sacks lost." [no opening " ?]
There were fifteen sacks in all, ten of that number were recovered,
the letter and two paper sacks were therefore lost. I do not know that
Ely includes two sacks of Wells, Fargo & Co., in the three lock [sic]
sacks; but it is certain these were lost. The remainder of the affidavit
is but details about caution, efforts to save, difficulties, etc. This
occurred on the evening of the 11th ultimo, and as far as I can learn
from an examination of Post bills received here at that date, the
unfortunate mail must have been that from Sacramento, January 1st,
and from San Francisco of the previous day. Business men, of course,
will call into requisition duplicates, for though much may have been
recovered from the water, as stated, that element is exceedingly
destructive to the impressions of the pen.
It is fair to accept the affidavit of Ely; but there is no grounds for
hope that the loss has been any less than that at which he states it.
The rush of water at the time swept every loose thing before it, nearly
drowned the mules, buried the stage in the sand and seriously injured
one of the employes. The Eastern company has had a vast amount of labor
thrown upon its extra expense account, for making roads, bridges, etc.,
and apparently have toed the responsibility handsomely. Of the West I
can report nothing, only Cook is still hemmed in at Carson, and his
presence there is sufficient assurance here that everything that can be
moved in the direction of opening up communication with the East will be
attended to. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE CHARTER--CITY BONDS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: As it has been settled by the Committee that our bonds
are not to be paid, and as our people generally have determined that
repudiation of some kind--either open, bold and defiant, as was advocated
during the December flood, or covert and circumlocutory, as proposed in
the new charter--must be accomplished, it is well to consider whether
the end aimed at cannot be accomplished and we at the same time satisfy
our creditors and escape the opprobrium of repudiation. Ere this the
disasters and losses of Sacramento are known wherever there is the
possibility of a bond being held, and the holder feels assured that a
city overwhelmed as we have been cannot promptly meet her obligations,
and therefore he expects some sort of composition, but he does not
anticipate that we will meet him with legal chicanery, and the
unmercantile, undignified, and unmunicipal-like speech--"Mr. Dutchman:
Long yeais ago some of our authorities exceeded their powers, and issued
scrip they had no right to issue. We knew it at the time, but as it was
issued to our own citizens to build levees and keep the wheels of
government in motion, we didn't say anything about it then, but now we
wish to tell you that five dollars of that scrip is a component part of
that one thousand dollar bond you hold, therefore we won't pay you until
that five dollars is segregated, and as we're going to take a long time,
two or three years probably, in determining whether that illegal five
dollars is really in yoar one thousand dollars, or in the one we sold
to your neighbor, the Frenchman, and as we are a long way off, and intend
to have divers forms and official ceremonies to be gone through before
we can examine your bond at all, you might as well look upon it as lost,
and make us a present of it, but as you've been pretty clever when we
needed money, and as we shall want some more from you soon to build our
railroads and ditches, etc., we'll give you $300 for your bond after
awhile, say ten or twelve years, if we can't find anybody that will take
less. There, you needn't talk about our impudence, and want of faith and
honesty, and tell us you had made up your mind to compromise with us on
a fair showing of our condtion. We know all about it. We know that even
if the contract was originally illegal, a consideration was given for
it, and that it has since been ratified and confirmed time and again
by parties both legislative and municipal, having the ability to contract,
and that if you choose to insist we must eventually pay, but as we've
made up our minds to wrong you to the utmost we'll law you to the end."
Is not this, in effect, the exact speech the charter makes to our
creditors? Now, if, with a less amount of money than we propose to
expend upon this bravado, we can retire our debt, and at the same time
give satisfaction to our creditors, it should be done. And I think
it caa. Every capitalist in Europe, great and small, is acquainted with
the system of falling annuities. It is the plan adopted by their own
Governments, local authorities, and great corporations, when bankruptcy
seems approaching. A six per cent, falling annuity should, and as soon
as holders were satisfied of the certainty of the payments being promptly
made, would be worth about seventy cents, but if it is only worth fifty
cents, it certainly is a great deal better for the bond holders than
the complicated proposition whereby they are eventually to receive
thirty cents or less; and it only requires a slate and pencil to show
that this system will, without subjecting ourselves to the charge of
chicanery and subterfuge with our creditors, cancel the whole of our
debt with less money than it will take to redeem three-quarters of it,
if that much is found to be legal, uuder the bill; and that too without
taking into consideration the fact that under the proposed plan there
is a point--that where a prorata division of the interest money would
give the outstanding bonds more than ten per cent on the assumed value
of $30--where all further redemption must cease, excepting at greatly
increased prices. Will our financiers study the question of "Falling
Annuities" before finally deciding on the plan of getting rid of our
city debt? . . .
p. 4
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.] . . .
Senate Bill No. 144--Act for the relief of T. McLaughlin, for services
as boatman, was indefinitely postponed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 18, 1862. . . .
PROPOSED REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.
Mr. Tilton, of San Francisco, in the chair.
The House took up under the order of unfinished business, Assembly Bill
No. 96--An Act to authorize the Governor of the State to reside and keep
his office in the city of San Francisco.
Mr. Warwick moved that the bill be made the special order for Thursday
next, at one o'clock.
Mr. Shannon said he understood that the Governor had stated to the
Committee having charge of this bill, that it was unnecessary to pass
any such bill, because he would remain in San Francisco anyhow, for the
convenience of the Legislature. Such being the case, he moved, in order,
to test the sense of the House, to strike out the enacting clause of the
bill.
Mr. Warwick and others seconded the motion, which was carried. So the bill,
having been beheaded, was lost. . . .
THE WAR TAX--AGAIN. . . .
Mr. Reed approved of the idea, and said he would heartily concur in the
proposition if it was finally determined to raise the money by direct
taxation. But he doubted the practicability of raising the money in time
by taxation, on account of the late great destruction of taxable property
by flood, and the consequent depression of business. . . .
At five minutes before two o'clock P.M. the House adjourned. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3401, 21 February 1862, p. 1
. . .
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS.
SOWING WHEAT.--It is the opinion of many farmers that, in consequence
of the late floods, as much wheat as is possible should be sown as
early as it can be put into the ground. Owing to a variety of causes
Sacramento valley, which has always produced largely this article,
will not be able to come up to its usual standard of quantity; but
it will fall back on potatoes and such other crops, which are not
so necessary to be put into the ground early. While this will be
the case in many localities which have been flooded, other sections
which have been wont to pay little or no attention to the raising of
wheat, but have been busy in raising other crops, will exchange work
with Sacramento valley and, put in a heavy wheat crop this season.
In this connection the Petaluma Journal says:
Our farmers can hardly sow too much wheat this season. There must
necessarily be a great demand for it, at remunerative prices.
Sacramento valley, as we have before intimated, cannot this year
raise much of a supply of this product. Therefore the large amounts
which in times past have been grown there, must this year be grown
elsewhere. Sonoma county, in its salubrity of climate, the fertility
of its soil, and its freedom from the heavy deposit of sand, which
in the Sacramento valley are now lying on the richest farms, affords
opportunities of the finest kind to supply the demand. Our farmers
must see this, we think, as we do, and they will therefore act
accordingly. The raising of potatoes last year proved profitable,
and undoubtedly will this year; but we doubt if they can be raised
as profitably this season as wheat and other grains. While there is
no disputing the statement that the Sacramento valley cannot produce
largely of wheat, yet it is undoubtedly true that of potatoes, which
may be planted quite late in the season, it can produce abundantly.
The production of roots this year may be the extent of its operations,
and confined to this branch of farming, it will send such a supply to
market as will greatly interfere with the calculations of the producers
of these articles elsewhere. Of course, we are liable to err in our
judgment, and therefore would have no farmer act solely on our advice.
Let all, however, consider these suggestions treating them as hints
that may serve to put them on the right track. Let all be upon their
guard and not act blindly, and governed alone by the success or failure
of the past, but consider that deluging floods which have laid in waste
the farms of prolific valleys, must very materially change the operations
of this year from those of the past . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Several communications are published in our columns to-day. . . . one in
regard to floods and their action in connection with the waters of Suisun
Bay and Carquinez Straits, . . .
There has been collected in this city within two or three days the sum
of $1,126 for the protection of the city by repairing our levees. The
largest portion was paid in cash, and the balance in work at one dollar
per day. The work at the tannery is progressing rapidly.
The steamer Gem, which has been ashore some days near the Agricultural
Grounds, will be launched into her proper element about ten A. M. to-day.
ROAD OVER THE MOUNTAIN.--By a private letter we learn that the heavy
rains on the mountain seriously injured the wagon road built by the
counties of Sacramento and El Dorado, from Brockliss' bridge to "Dick's
Station"--a distance of about twenty miles. A number of the small bridges
were carried away; in some places the walls on the lower side had slid
down the mountain, and at other points slides have occurred, filling up
the road with large rocks and trees. The writer thought when he examined
it about two weeks since that it would cost some three or four thousand
dollars to repair it. But since then a considerable work must have been
done by those living on the road, and by the mail contractors, towards
opening it.
The Board of Supervisors of El Dorado have legal control of the road
so far only as to appropriate the tolls received in keeping it in repair,
but in the Winter they are insufficient to pay for such extensive repairs
as are demanded, and the Supervisors are at a loss as to the best course
to pursue. The Ogelsby road, on the south side of the river, and which
took most of the paying travel last Fall, is closed, the bridge gone,
and the writer thinks will not be open for a mouth or more. Some change
in the law seems to be required which will give the Board of Supervisors
of El Dorado control of the road, so that they may have it repaired
without waiting for tolls. An offer has been made the Supervisors to
take the road with the present rate of tolls, and keep it in repair for
five years. If responsible men will take it on these terms, and give bonds
for the faithful performance of contract, it is the best disposition
the county can make of it. No mountain road can be kept in repair except
by tolls, and as there is a rival road those who leased it would be
compelled to keep it in good repair or lose the travel.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN.--Owing to ill health, T. Rowlandson
of San Francisco informs us that he is obliged to defer for the present
the continuation of his articles on the subject of "California Floods."
In the mean time, however, he sends us the following:
I was glad to see in your publication of Tuesday, received by me this
morning that one measure is proposed for the future relief of Sacramento
from the disastrous effects of future floods--that the serious attention
of its citizens is being attracted to the straightening or turning of
the American. For the relief of Sacramento I hold one or the other of
the above named plans to be indispensably requisite, whatever other
plans may be adopted in connection therewith. As a matter of personal
opinion, however, I believe that to turn the river will be the most
inexpensive mode, taking efficiency into consideration. From calculations
made by me since my previous communications were forwarded to the
Union, I find that the difficulty of devising means of neutralizing
the destructive effects to which the lower lands are liable after
heavy rain storms, are even beyond my original anticipation, and will
consequently render it the more requisite that the utmost amount of
fall within the shortest length is the plan which should be adopted,
if at all compatible with expense, as compared with others. . . .
CITY INDEBTEDNESS . . .
Dealers in bonds and stocks in Wall street are well informed as to the
ability of Sacramento to pay her large indebtedness, and their estimate
of that ability is expressed in the twenty-five or thirty cents they offer
for them in that market. They perceive that whatever may be the disposition
of the people to meet their obligations, that since they have been
subjected to such heavy losses by high water, they are unable to pay in
full, and must sooner or later offer a compromise to creditors or fail to
pay even the interest. The day for that compromise has come, and the
question which the Committee has been considering, and which the community
is reflecting upon, is in what form shall it be presented? . . .
FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE FLOODS.
EDITORS UNION: Will you be kind enough to ask of your country friends
to send you, or to our address through the postoffice, statements,
1st, Of the effect of the late floods on the tides in Suisun Bay,
especially at or near the Straits of Carquinez. 2d, Of the east and
west boundaries of the late overflow. This can be done by stating at
or about what point it reached on the north or south side of a section,
giving the township and range in which it is located. Any other
information concerning the flood, as depth, course and character of
current, time of rising and falling, etc., etc., would be thankfully
received by all interested in the welfare of our valley, and especially
by J. & R. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Suit and Judgment against Sureties of Beverly C. Saunders--Ranch
Patent--Influx of Gold.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20th. . . .
Mount Diablo is covered with snow. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE. . . .
THE GEM.--It was expected that the steamer Gem would have been launched
yesterday afternoon, but arrangements were not quite completed. She
occupies a position at the water's edge a short distance below Rabel's
buildings, with her stern at the edge of the water and her bow elevated
about six feet. She rested last evening upon a large number of jack-screws.
Heavy timbers were being adjusted under her, greased with tallow, to make
her transit into the water an easy and harmless operation. Additional
timbers were sent up yesterday afternoon, and it is expected that by ten
or eleven o'clock to-day she will again be afloat and in a more appropriate
location than a peach orchard.
THE COLLECTING COMMITTEE.--Collecting Committees have succeeded in
raising for levee repairs the sum of $1,126, including $100 in the
hands of E. P. Figg. Of this amount, $777 are in cash, and $549 payable
in work at one dollar per day. The Committees have canvassed nearly the
whole city, and have generally met with a liberal spirit among all
classes. There are some five or six firms, however, quite able to
contribute, who have not yet done so, but who probably will to-day.
The largest contribution--$30--came from A. Lamott. One teamster, who
said everything he had owned was destroyed by the flood except his team
and five dollars, gave the five dollars to the Committee. . . .
THE LEVEE WORK.--There were about a hundred and twenty hands at work
yesterday on the levee at the tannery. The work is commenced along the
entire line which is to be constructed at present. The greater portion
of the ground is still too soft to work teams to advantage. A large
number of wheelbarrows are kept going, and the work advances as rapidly
as could be anticipated. Seven teams were employed yesterday in hauling
from the upper end of the levee the sandy deposit which may be had in
abundance in the adjoining gardens and orchards. A larger number of teams
will be set to work to-day. . . .
ON THE AMERICAN.--Although navigation on the American river has been
suspended so far as the Brighton trade is concerned, the steamer Gipsey
still runs to the landing of Washington & Co., near Norris' bridge.
One of the Company's boats went up last evening to the tannery with
additional lumber to be used in getting off the steamer Gem.
BUSINESS REVIVING.--Our business men say that within the past few
days business has become quite active. The cars are running to Folsom,
and teams get out to all parts of the mines freighted with such goods
as are in demand on account of the exhaustion of the supplies during
the flooded period. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, Feb: 20, 1862.
The Board met, pursuant to adjournment, at ten o'clock A. M.
Present--President Shattuck and Supervisors Granger, Russell, Woods,
Dickerson and Waterman.
The minutes of the last two meetings were read and approved.
Supervisor WATERMAN stated that a petition had been presented some
two months ago by W. Hicks for license to run a ferry at the Cosumnes,
but had never been acted upon. The agent of the petitioner was now
present and desired to be heard on the petition.
The agent referred to stated that on account of the damage done by the
late floods, they were compelled to run two ferries across sloughs in
connection with the main ferry, and were therefore under a great deal
of extra expense. They desired therefore to have license, heretofore
$200 per year, reduced, and the rate of fare, heretofore eight cents
per head for stock, increased to a bit a head, and for foot passengers
heretofore free, to two bits each.
The license was, on motion, renewed, and bond fixed at $2,000.
Sapervisor WATERMAN moved that the license be reduced from $200 to $100
per annum.
Supervisor GRANGER moved to amend by making the amount $150.
Supervisor WOODS thought there should be no reduction of license.
The question on Granger's amendment was carried, and the license fixed
at $150 per year.
Supervisor Granger moved that the old rates of toll be adopted except
as to foot passengers, and that ten cents each be the rate of toll for
them. In making the motion, he stated that the Sacramento and Yolo
bridge had cost three times as much money ($72,000) as any other bridge
in the county; that its rates of toll were lower than those proposed in
the present case, and yet that they were high enough, and no change would
be deemed desirable by the proprietors.
The question being taken, the motion of Supervisor GRANGER was adopted. . . .
Supervisor RUSSELL informed the Board that he would defer until next
meeting offering the ordinance of which he had given notice, for the
erection of monuments to regulate the grade of streets.
The Board then adjourned until the first Monday in March, at two
o'clock. P. M. . . .
[For the Union.]
COUNTY SEAT OF YOLO.
MESSRS. EDITORS: . . . The objections to the present location at all
seasons of the year become doubly forcible and urgent on account of the
inundation of the eastern portion of the county. It has been entirely
impracticable to reach Washington except by water, and by that means
frequently with the greatest difficulty, and through innumerable
annoyances and great loss of time. Petitions to the Legislature, asking
for the removal of the county seat to Woodland, have been circulated
and signed. There were 1,800 votes polled in the county at the last
election. So many have been driven off by the flood that it is fair
to estimate that there are not now more than 1,500 voters in the county. . . .
A YOLO VOTER.
YOLO COUNTY, February 17, 1862. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3402, 22 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION..]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 19, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, the Lieutenant Governor in the chair.
The Journal was read and approved.
REPORTS. . . .
Mr. Crane, from the Committee on State Library, to whom was referred
Senate Bill No. 68--An Act to authorize the State Librarian to have
certain books repaired--reported that the Committee had made a personal
examination and found 1,000 volumes more or less damaged; only one-half,
however, sustaining any material damage, the others being slightly
wetted so as to spoil the labels, which could easily be glued on again.
Not over 250 needed to be rebound, and it would not cost over $300.
About 500 were public documents, and could be duplicated. . . .
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. . . .
Senate Bill No. 111--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across Stanislaus river, at Byrnes' Ferry--was taken from the general
file, read a third time and passed. . . .
At two o'clock P. M. the Senate sdjourned. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, Lieutenant Governor Chellis presiding. . . .
GENERAL FILE. . . .
A message was received from the Governor announcing the approval of
Senate Bill No. 95--An Act to amend an Act authorizing the Board of
Supervisors of Sutter county to construct a bridge; also, Senate Bill
No. 110--an Act granting the right to construct a bridge across Mokelumne
river at Middle Bar, to Adam Densler and others; . . .
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. . . .
By Mr. Harvey--An Act for the relief of purchasers of swamp lands
[providing for the suspension of the ten per cent. interest where
cash has not been paid, the object being to enable them to recover
from the misfortunes of the flood. To the Committee on Swamp Lands. . . .
At half-past two P.M.. the Senate adjourned. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
[CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE.]
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We learn by telegraph that snow fell generally throughout the interior
yesterday. . . .
The steamer Gem was successfully launched on the American river yesterday. .
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. . . .
Our legislative sessions ought to be held in the Fall, when communications
are open, free and rapid between all portions of the State. In the Winter
season nearly one-half the State is either beyond the reach of the mails,
or reached with great difficulty, in consequence of rain-storms,
snow-storms, high water and impassable roads--in ordinary seasons, and
in extraordinary seasons like the present, communication with a large
portion of the interior becomes simply impossible.
There are no good reasons which can be offered why the sessions of
the California Legislature should be held in the Winter season, except
that it is the season when Congress meets, and when most of the
Legislatures North and South hold their sessions. . . .
FLOODS AND THE OUTLET AT CARQUINEZ.--We find the following communication
on this subject in the Alta:
The recent floods have directed the attention of many scientific and
practical men to the consideration of the means to be employed for the
protection of the central valley of our State from the disasters of such
overflows, and it is presumed to be the object of all to reach the best
remedy, rather than to sustain any assumed or preconceived theory. Upon
this presumption I take it that not even the most proficient and assured
advocate of any theory or plan will object to having his attention called
to facts which have been observed by others, while they may have been
overlooked by him.
The SACRAMENTO UNION has published two articles, written by Mr. Rowlandson,
of San Francisco, wherein it seems to be assumed that the great cause of
the extensive overflow of the valleys has been, and will be, the
insufficiency of the channel afforded by the Carquinez Straits for the
discharge of such a quantity of water. Now, I do not know Mr. Rowlandson,
but he is apparently a man of fine scientific attainments--he may,
nevertheless, have overlooked a fact which seems to me fatal to his theory.
I have the assurance of a number of persons living above the Straits that
though they have had extraordinary high tides during most of the period of
the greatest floods, still, at low tide the water ran out to as low a
point as it ordinarily does, showing that Suisun bay was not materially
affected by the vast flood poured into it from the central valleys.
It appears to me that the accumulation of water has been, to a great extent,
occasioned by the numerous cross currents, and other obstructions to the
direct flow of the waters from the valleys. Most persons traveling the
Sacramento river during the prevalence of the floods, will have observed
that while in one reach of the river the water would be pouring into it
with great force from the right bank, in the next reach it would be found
coming in with equal force from the left bank, and the consequence is
that the passage of the current in the river is checked, and the floods
held back which might readily pass through the Straits after they once
get into the Suisun bay.
My sole object being to direct attention to these facts, which appear
to me to have been overlooked by Mr. Rowlandson, I will not presume
further upon your space at present.
In this connection we publish the following note from Mr. Rowlandson to
the UNION:
I would be very much obliged if any of your correspondents or readers
could afford me a tolerably approximative estimate of the area of
land overflowed when the Sacramento river stands at ten feet low water
mark.
I wish also to inquire whether the low water mark referred to
is an accepted standard level for convenience of reference, but below
which the river may occasionally fall, or does it mean the lowest level
to which the waters of the Sacramento opposite the city were ever known
to fall, and thus be a fluctuating or plan of a fixed datum? In ordinary
cases, it is usual to have the datum or fixed point founded upon averages.
If any of your readers could also afford information upon other points I
should be much obliged, such as the season at which, on the average of
years, the highest and lowest water marks have been reached, and their
relative differences in each year, and the rain fall of each year, etc.
All the data pointed out are of the utmost importance to a satisfactory
elucidation of the difficult problem which it is sought to have solved,
namely: the future safety of Sacramento from the dangerous consequences
of floods, combined with the reclamation of the lands at present overflowed
without throwing the burthen of the excluded waters on other districts
now free from their incursion.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Observance of Washington's Birthday--Departure of the Golden Age--Samaritan
Society--Arrival--Rain.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21st. . . . .
There has been a light but steady rain all day. . . .
A substitute for bill providing for binding damaged books in the
State Library was adopted and read a third time. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE. . . .
RAIN AND THE LEVEES.--The region of Sacramento was visited yesterday by
additional rains, which set in in the morning, continued quite moderately
during the day, but increased to quite a storm during the evening. We have
had several weeks of good weather with slight exceptions, but the indications
of yesterday seemed to promise a renewal of the storms of the early period
of the Winter. Fortunately the rivers are down so low that considerable
rain will be necessary to fill them to the natural banks. The Sacramento
stood last evening fifteen feet above low water mark, or more than eight
feet below the highest point of the present season. The levee on the north
of the city, west of Twentieth street, is about as good as it has been
during the season. At that point there is an opening thirty or forty feet
wide, which will admit water on a level with the natural ground. At the
tannery the late repairs had progressed so far that by close watching and
hard work a rise of two or three feet above the natural bunk may possibly
be kept out of the city. Two or three days more of work, or twice the
number of hands at the commencement, would have made it much more safe
than it is at present. Burns' slough and all points between it and the
tannery are entirely exposed, as they were when the rains ceased a month
ago. The Sacramento levee above R street is in such a condition that a
high rise will be pretty sure to bring the water through opposite Crump's
house. Energetic measures should be resorted to to prevent such a result.
LAUNCH OF THE STEAMER GEM.--The steamer Gem was launched into the waters
of the American river, at Rabel's tannery, at about three o'clock yesterday
afternoon. All things had been prepared, including a full head of steam
in her boilers, and by means of a line connected with a windlass across
the river, she was started from her repose and smoothly and naturally
glided into the stream. An hour or so was occupied before she started
to the city, when she put on steam and came down in fine style. At she
made her appearange from the mouth of the American she received a warm
welcome from her sister steamers. On both sides of the river their bells
rang and their whistles pealed out their notes of joy at her safe return
from so perilous and extraordinary a journey. The Gem was carried through
the crevasse on the 23d of January, about four weeks ago. The cost of
getting her into the water again, by the aid of Fell's apparatus, has
been but about $3,000. . . .
DEAD BODY FOUND.--Information was brought to Coroner Reeves yesterday
afternoon, that a dead body, supposed to be that of a Chinaman, had
been found on the American, near Patterson's, at the ranch of John
Studevas. The Coroner will visit the locality this morning and hold
an inquest. . . .
MORRISON'S LAND BILL.
EDITORS UNION: I have just read Morrison's Land Bill (published in the
Union of the 14th instant) for the employment of the convict labor of
the State upon works for the reclamation and protection of lands inundated
by this Winter's floods.
Sections three and four, as I understand them, are mandatory,
and restrict the Board of Control to the acceptance of such plans,
specifications, estimates, etc., only as may be based upon the mode
of reclamation and improvement prescribed by the bill. To my mind
there are several objections to these sections. They give no scope to
engineers to suggest, and the Board to adopt, a better plan (if there
be any), than that now present to the minds of the Committee on Swamp
Lands. They call for plans, specifications and estimates, without
providing the means of making the proper examinations upon which to
base them; for no engineer, whose opinion is worth anything, will make
plans and estimates for works so important without examining the country,
and looking into the causes and effects of the overflow, as means of
coming to his conclusions. The small sum of $3,000 provided, will scarcely
pay the expenses, even if he be successful in obtaining the prize.
Instead of restricting them, then, as the bill does, let it be so amended
as to authorize the Board of Control to invite reports from engineers
suggesting the outlines of the best and most practicable plans which
occur to them, for preventing or abating the effects of a like flood,
from which the Board can select, and will have a distinct object in
view, and can order the necessary surveys and examinations, and present
plans, specifications and estimates to the next Legislature. The subject
is one of great importance, and time should be taken to consider it;
the consequences of adopting a bad or imperfect plan will tell by
millions against the prosperity of the State. A Civil Engineer.
YOLO COUNTY, Feb. 19th. . . .
BALL AT MICHIGAN BAR.--In consequence of the prevalence of storm and
flood during the Winter we have had no balls and dancing in Sacramento
as usual at this season of the year. A Washington's Birthday Ball was
announced to tske place last evening at Crouch's Hall, Michigan Bar.
The weather was not very favorable, unless it was more agreeable there
than here. . . .
BAD CROSSINGS.--We have been requested to call attention to the bad
crossings on the south and west sides of the junction of Fourth and
K streets, but as there are no crossings there, we have but a poor
foundation for an item. The location is central, the travel extensive,
and the necessity for good crossings, urgent. . . .
FINANCIAL SUGGESTIONS.
Messrs. Winans and others, Committee--Gentlemen: In the Union of this
morning I observed some remarks upon the "City Indebtedness," and
suggesting a mode of paying it. In every particular it should meet
with your indorsement, and the bill you have submitted be altered
to meet this very evident requirement. I have heard many interested
parties, both debtors and creditors, express their approbation of the
proposed scheme. It possesses this unqualified merit, that the parties
with whom we have to deal in the settlement are those who are familiar
with the system of capitalizing principal and interest and paying in
annual instalments, and will readily understand that they will receive
a benefit by this proposed capitalization. The condition of your city
by reason of flood is world known ere this, and your creditor is
wondering what effect such will have upon his bills receivable from
Sacramento. Introduce this and you take him at a time when he will
compromise in the sale of the commodity he holds as quickly as your
merchants disposed of barley that was injured by the flood. Delay the
matter until your city shall be reclaimed by new and stronger levees,
and the floods of '61 and '62 be forgotten, or another class of
citizens, who were not here in the times just passed through by us,
and everything resumes its flourishing condition, and your taxes are
levied and interest paid as usual, through fear of public clamor against
repudiation, and you know as well as any of us that your financial
condition will be worse than ever, for the money you propose to raise
for purposes of redemption cannot possibly succeed after three years
of redemption shall have passed, at the rate you stipulate--i.e.,
thirty cents; hence, the money raised for that purpose goes into the
General Fund, to be frittered away as money in the hands of a corporation
always is when not directed by stringent law. Remember, if we could
always have you gentlemen to appoint to places of trust our agents,
we would not fear the result in the disbursement of our funds, but the
bill as submitted provides for the usual republican form of election by
the "dear people," and who can tell whether when the next new Board shall
assume power, we may not have our Redemption Fund continued (in the hope
of being able to redeem) that through such a tempting net money may be
procured for other purposes than those you now propose to use it for.
It may be said that the bonds cannot be called in for exchange into
"annuities." In reply I would say that our creditors have heretofore
exhibited their doubt as to our ability to pay, or the validity of
their bonds, virtually acknowledging that we could do with them as
we chose, or else they were magnanimous to a fault, for they cheerfully
surrendered ten per cent, for a new issue :of six per cent, which,
upon undoubted security, would have been equivalent to a gift to us
of about $700,000, or four-tenths of our debt; for a six per cent. bond
is worth but six-tenths of a ten per cent debt. But much further and
stronger is the argument, that by the plan proposed, our creditors are
absolutely improved in their pecuniary condition. To illustrate:
The best evidences of the value of our bonds is the price you propose
to redeem at, and the price you might purchase for if you had money in
hand. The first is thirty cents as a maximum, the latter twenty cents
as a maximum. Now you take $30 and invest and you do not have as much
money at the expiration of fifteen years as $7 will produce invested
at the same rate of interest per annum, adding annually your $7 under
the annuity system. If such be a fact (and compute it for yourselves),
will your creditor not jump at the chance of getting the most money he
can out of a bad debt?
The citizens have confidence in you as a Committee, yet possessing
equal intelligence would expect you to listen to argument to show you
might err, and if you found you had, in any matter as important as this,
believe you would cheerfully correct it. I submit, then, that you
carefully investigate the subject and determine whether or not a law
authorizing the appropriation of sufficient funds to meet seven per
cent. per annum upon your principal debt, and no provision for
appropriation to Interest Fund, and authorizing the payment of what
may be proper as commissions to bankers or others, for the trouble of
negotiating for their correspondents abroad, in making this exchange
of bonds into annuities, will not cover the whole ground of our
difficulty, financially. If it will not I cheerfully submit, and am
a . . . MUGGINS.
SACRAMENTO, Feb. 21, 1862. . . .
p. 4
[CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.] . . .
REPORTS. . . .
Mr. O'Brien, from the Calaveras and Amador delegations, reported back Senate
Bill No. 55--An Act to grant to Lewis Soher and others the right to construct
a bridge across the Mokelumne river at Big Bar, with amendments. . . .
Mr. Eagar, from the Committee on Ways and Means, reported back Assembly
Bill No. 16--An Act to appropriate money for the benefit of the Ladies'
Seamens' Friend Society of the Port of Sau Francisco, with an amendment
reducing the appropriation from $10,000 to $3,000.
Mr. Barton of Sacramento, from the same Committee, submitted a minority report
on the same bill, signed by himself and Messrs. Parker, Teegarden and Dudley
of Placer, recommending that the bill be postponed indefinitely, on account of
the condition of the Treasury and the recent disasters by floods. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3403, 24 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[For some reason which has not been explained to us, the proceedings of the Legislature for Friday did not reach us yesterday. We are indebted to the Bulletin and Alta for the following report:]
ASSEMBLY.
FRIDAY, February 21st
House met at eleven o'clock A. M.--Speaker Barstow in the cbalr. . . .
Pending the arrival of counsel in the case, the Enrolling Committee
reported as correctly enrolled:
Assembly Bill No. 67 granting to certain parties the
right to build bridges on the Stanislaus river. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 88, authorizing the Sutter county
Board of Supervisors to levy a special tax for repairing
the County Couurt House. . . .
House adjourned at four o'clock.
p. 3
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 4.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
EXISTING EVIDENCES OF RECENT FLOODS.
Among other interesting considerations connected with this inquiry, there
is one which at the present moment occupies a considerable share of public
attention, namely: How often may the occurrence of floods such as have
been witnessed during the present season be anticipated? As also the
collateral inquiries: Are there evidences of higher floods having
occurred? may such be anticipated in future? Upon the correct solution
of these questions the character of any proposed remedies ought to be
based. For the present I shall not enter into any elaborate details as
to why I believe that storms, more or less similar to that of the present
year, may be anticipated at least about once in twelve years, or about
eight times in the course of a century. This opinion is, however, given
on the presumption that we are correct in assuming the past twelve years
as the normal climatic condition of Upper California. Whether this opinion
is correct or not, I shall defer noticing it until I come to consider the
general and special meteorology of the State and its subdivisions. I must,
however, here state that from the direct oral testimony of native
Californians, confirmed in a large degree by several natural evidences
which had previously been noticed by me, I am strongly inclined to believe
that instead of rain storms and great amounts of rain failing during the
rainy season, taking place what may be termed spasmodically, light and
heavy wet seasons occur irregularly in cycles of a more or less number
of years. As regards the personal evidence if it is to be depended on,
I should infer that the number of very wet years would preponderate over
the comparatively light rainy seasons. Taking the experience of the past
twelve years, as a standard of reference for comparison with the years
occurring antecedent to the occupation of California by the United States,
this last period being one in the course of which the annual downfall has
been light. If this opinion should be at all well founded, it the more
essentially behooves those interested in property subjected to inundation
by flood and freshet to at once see that they have it properly and
permanently secured from the injurious influences of flood, for it is
possible that the present season may only be the commencement of a wet
cycle. Dismissing this episode for the present, I shall proceed to detail
what have appeared to me evidences conclusive that the river Sacramento
and several of its chief affluents, on its laft bank, had within very
recent periods risen much higher than the hitherto recognised highest
floods, as well as some other natural phenomena, illustrative of the
probability that heavier and more continuous rain-falls rnust have
occurred in this State prior to its occupation by the United States.
Among the most singular characteristics of the arborescent growth
(chiefly coniferae) amidst the canons and high lands composing the water
shed which supplies the upper waters of the three forks of the American
river, none appeared to me so strikingly curious on my first, nor was
this feeling ever lessened by later visits, than the numerous small
areas occupied in many cases by solitary, in others by sparsely
distributed dwarfed members of coniferae of different ages and
relative hights, but all presenting the appearance of much greater
age than would be indicated by their size. To a non-observing person
these appearances would probably have been get down to what is
indefinitely understood by that still more indefinite expression,
"a freak of nature," or perhaps to the circumstance of uncongeniality
of soil. In some cases, the latter idea might be correct; but a careful
examination of several such patches, and comparing the condition with
adjoining places, where trees of similar species were growing in
comparative luxuriance, I have quite as frequently as otherwise
discovered that so far as circumstances of soil are concerned, any
variation was imperceptible. I was, consequently, forced to the
conclusion that this difference of stunted and healthy growth in spaces
contiguous to each other was owing to the fact that the healthy had
sprung into life during what to them were favorable or wet seasons,
whilst the stunted and slow growing were ushered into and passed the
earlier years of their existence during unfavorable or dry years. The
phenomena just noticed can be observed ir many parts of the mountain
districts, but I am not aware of it forming so very marked a feature
of the landscape as around the upper waters of the American river.
It is within the capacity of the simplest intellect to believe that
if two sets of coniferous seeds, planted in a given situation, the
first sown during a very wet cycle of from five to ten years, and
the other at the commencement of a dry one of similar length, that in
an arid, rocky soil, the former might get sufficiently started and
their roots penetrate to a depth where they would always find moisture
during the dryest season, and thus maintain an uninterrupted growth;
whilst the other might become stunted, owing to the aridity of the
soil and to the droughty character of the season immediately succeeding
the development, and thus partially or permanently check their
development as plants. I do not know how far these opinions may be
shared by other observers who may reside within the district alluded
to. If the phenomena can be accounted for on any other ground than
that to which I have adverted, I shall be very thankful to any one
who will give the correct explanation or expose my error.
There are other means of deducing information on this point, by
searching such evidences as are afforded by sections of the detritus
and alluvion which chiefly compose our placers, as also by the
examination in many places of the upper or ordinary surface soil.
It is a general opinion, though far from proved, that the bulk of
California placers accumulated while submerged. As a general fact,
although not giving an adherence to it as a whole, it may pass without
dispute, so far as the discussion of the present question is concerned.
There exist however, many sections of placers which show that the drift
has baen accumulated at two, three or more times, and not unfrequently
with the fine gold distributed in thin horizontal lines separated from
each other by bands of detritus, the lowest series composed of heavy
cobble stones on rounded or angular lumps of quartz, diminishing to
gravel up to impalpable alluvion, superimposed in the order of their
size and consequent facility of sinking in water. Wherever such
appearances are to be seen the inference may be fairly drawn that
such deposits have been the result of local rather than wide spread
oceanic agencies. The limited attention which I have been abie to pay
to this subject whilst traveling through the mining districts, has led
me to infer that the major part of the placers have been formed by agencies,
not greatly differing from those which have been witnessed during the
present season. If this opinion should be corroborated, or found to be
correct by future investigations, it will greatly strengthen the testimony
in favor of the probability that on prior occasions, and very recently,
with reference to geological time, much heavier floods have existed in
California than any respecting which we possess authentic information.
The difference between geologic and historical is, however, so great,
that it would be unsafe to reason upon the former unless we could
fairly bring it within the scope of the latter, the ratio between the
two being probably proportionate, as centuries are to minutes. There
are some points in reference to this part of the inquiry on which we
may form hypotheses with pretty nearly perfect safety, namely: That all
the evidences derivable from physical geography and geology point to the
inevitable conclusion that up to a time long anterior to the generally
recognised period of five thousand years, the physical outline of
California has not greatly differed from what it is seen at present;
changes there may have been, but such as are only of a minor character,
and would not at all influence this inquiry. It is true that in many
places there are tolerably indubitable appearances that since the placer
drift was deposited more or less of an upheaval has taken place. Assuming
such to be the case, it would only go to establish the fact that California
would be more liable to suffer from floods subsequent to, in place of,
prior to, such presumed upheaval. The only way in which it.could at all
be assumed that any variation in the physical features of California might
probably in time past have caused greater quantities of rain to fall and
larger floods to occur, would be on the hypotheses that the western water
shed of the Sierra Nevada at one time extended some hundred miles back
into the country now known as the great basin but then assumed to be
occupied by mountains overtopping the existing Sierra. But all geological
evidence on both sides the Sierra contradict such an assumption; we are
consequently drawn to the necessity of concluding that the superficial
covering which overlies the foothills and vales to the east of the
Sacramento and the San Joaquin have been brought down by and deposited
in their present position through existing agencies, and that what has
occurred may occur again, for there is not the slighteat shred of an
argument that can be adduced to satisfactorily show that, durirg the
latest epoch of the world's history, meteoric agencies have in the
smallest degree changed, so far as to diminish the tendency of heavy
rain falls. On the contrary, if the whole State has undergone a slow
but general upheaval, it would in such an event be safe to conclude
that this tendency has rather been aggravated than lessened.
I am about to relate a matter which will greatly serve to illustrate
the species of information which may be derived from observant miners.
I believe it was on my first introduction to the California Academy of
Sciences, early in 1856, that there was brought before the notice of
the meeting some pieces of charcoal that had been discovered in digging
near Columbia, Tuolumne county, and were found at a depth of thirty or
forty feet from the present surface--the exact depth I cannot now
remember, but it was possibly several feet more; the charcoal had a
freshness of appearance as though it had only been buried the week
prevously. I am quite aware of the almost practical indestructibility
of charcoal when buried in the earth, or remaining under water. I have
seen the charred stakes taken from the banks of the Thames, when tradition
relates that the Britons rallied behind wooden forts constructed to defend
themselves against the Romans under Julius Caesar, which defenses were
fired and burned by that celebrated invader. I have also seen charred
wood and charcoal taken from the Foggdike, Lincolnshire (constructed by
the Romans), as well as found in the vicinity of extinct iron furnaces
in the hematite district of North Lancashire, and the green sand of
Surrey, etc.; in all such and numerous other like cases, wherever there
has existed indubitable evidence of the charcoal or charred timber being
buried three centuries, the exterior parts of the charred matters become
of a dull, in place of a shining metallic, black appearance. On these
grounds, therefore, I inferred that the pieces of charcoal obtained from
Columbia must have been placed there since the discovery of America by
Columbus, and as a consequence, also, the whole of the superincumbent
detrital matter must also have subsequently accumulated.
When the matter was brought before the notice of the Academy I was, like,
I believe, the whole of the members present, sceptical as to the truth of
the charcoal having been found as asserted, nor was that scepticism
converted into belief until on visiting Columbia about two months
afterward and calling on a gentleman who had been a fellow passenger
with me from New York, I observed mixed amongst other curiosities
arranged on the mantel piece, a small basket filled with pieces of
charcoal; this at once led to inquiries respecting the charcoal alleged
to have been found in the vicinity; to my great surprise I was informed
that it had been found by the gentleman himself, his father-in-law and
some others, and that it had been derived from diggings which I had just
come from inspecting. The gentleman I allude to is a man of veracity and
education, and there can be no reasonable cause for doubting his statement
made to me and confirmed as it was by his father-in-law and others who
were present at the discovery. The party alluded to is Mr. Landor, who
is now the local manager and largely interested in the most successful
of the Mount Diablo coal claims. Such apparently small matters ought not
to be over-looked by intelligent miners, for they are like the canoe
paddle and pieces of wood which were observed by Columbus to be cast
upon the shores of the western isles, and first directed his mighty mind
towards another continent; impressions of leaves, pieces of twigs may all
form links of important evidence; such should be recorded and verified,
as they ought to be, if possible, soon after their discovery.
At the time alluded to above, the diggings around Columbia had not
proceeded to any considerable depth excepting in a few places, and
those not exposing any remarkable features. At that time the surface
soil about Columbia was plentifully furnished with what appeared to
me to be limestone, or rather coarse marble bowlders. Little had been
dug around these blocks at that time, nor could I obtain any definite
information, either from Landor or others whether they were the outcropping
rocks in situ or blocks removed from any distance. I could not obtain
any information at that time whether a similar kind of rock could be
found in the neighborhood--indeed the general impression was a negative
one to such an assunption. This unsatisfactory condition of the inquiry
necessarily had to remain until further discoveries could be made. I held,
myself, a very strong opinion that the limestone rock would be found below.
I was led to this conclusion from observing that although many of the
bowlders had their angles somewhat round, others were nearly sub-angular.
and others that had the lower portions brought into view by recent
digging possessed tolerably sharp angles in the lower parts that had
not been exposed to the plow but certain decomposing action of the
moisture and carbonic acid of the atmosphere. The correctness of the
theory thus formed by me was fully exemplified. On a second visit some
time afterwards, if I recollect right it was the Fall of 1857, by which
period very extensive excavations had been made or the line of road
from Sonora through Shaw's Flat and Springfield to Columbia, tall
pyramidal, steeple like and fantastic forms of water worn limestone
rock projected upwards from the main rock, affording the most
indisputable evidence of having at one period, and over an immense
space of time, been subjected to the slow but certain abrading
influences arising from the joint action of the atmosphere and running
water. It would occupy too much space to describe to the reader the
mingled feelings with which I viewed these mute but perfect evidences
of the state of things which had existed prior to the valley having
been filled up with the existing gold bearing debris. That a stream
had flowed in this place through a limestone valley, having for its
bed the limestone rock, until the whole became filled up by one or
more heavy floods loaded with detrital matter, was perfectly evident.
The place under notice presented all the appearences which are to be
seen in the limestone district of Craven in Yorkshire, and Dove Dale,
in Derbyshire, England. One particular rock near Shaw's Flat reminded
me very much of Pike's Pool, on the Dove, so graphically described by
old lsaak Walton. The evidence to be derived from these facts goes far
to show that if any change at all has taken place in the climate of
California, it is that destructive floods may be anticipated during the
present and future years to be more frequent than in times long past. It
is true that the filling up the hollows or canons with drift, as in the
case noticed, might be caused or aided by other extraneous circumstances
not now taken into account. Fully admitting this, such admission would
not at all remove the pretty certain fact that if the climate of that
part of California differed at all from what we see at present, it could
not have been by being more humid. The inference, if any is to be drawn
from the circumstances related, favor the conclusion that the meteorology
of California was probably less humid then than at the present moment.
I have previously drawn npon such natural evidences as are open to and
patent to every one to examine; there are others of a personal character.
What I am about to relate took place during the Summer of 1859, and
occurred under circumstances where there could not exist the shadow of
a suspicion for the statements made being other than in the most perfect
good faith.
At the time alluded to, I paid a visit to General Vallejo, at his
residence at Sonoma. I possessed a letter of introduction from a
gentleman residing at San Francisco. My visit was one purely relating
to agricultural matters, in connection with which the subject of climate
must ever be a prominent one. On my making some remarks respecting the
climate of California, General Vallejo very emphatically observod that,
owing to the character of the seasons which have occurred since the
occupation of the country by the United States, those who have immigrated
here have no conception of the very heavy rains and floods which
sometimes occur, several instances of which he then detailed. At this
conversation several other parties were present, and if called opon,
wonld confirm its substance. It made a great impression on me, and I
have ever since waited with interest to observe the development which
time would make in elucidating the truth or error of the General's
observations.
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .The proposed Act of the Committee of Citizens for building and
repairing levees in Sacramento county, will be noticed in our pages.
It will be read with interest by our citizens.
A warm rain set in yesterday, which, it was thougtt by some, would have
the effect of precipitating another flood upon the Sacramento valley.
The low state of the river may prevent such a calamity. . . .
THE LEVEE BILL.--After considering the subject from every point of view,
the Commitee having the subject in charge have agreed upon a bill, which
we publish to-day. It proposes a compromise, by which Sacramento may be
located in Swamp Land District No. 2, and still her own levees be under
the absolute control of the City Board of Levee Commissioners. But it
conforms to the general system established by the State law last year,
and which the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners are engaged in reducing
to practice. It establishes a Board for levee purposes independent of the
city government, and places the responsibility of building and repairing
levees upon men of substance and character, who are to undertake to
discharge the duties pertaining thereto without compensation. The bill
confers upon them no patronage, and leaves them in a position independent
of everything but the public good.
There has, from the first agitation of the question, been manifested a
strong determination to have the money raised in the city for levee
purposes expended under the supervision of the city authorities. This
bill provides fully for that object, while at the same time it harmonizes
in its provisions with the general law for reclaiming swamp and overflowed
lands. It is, as it ought to be, stringent in its provisions for levying
and collecting taxes, for unless the money is forthcoming the work of
thoroughly protecting the city cannot be executed. The six dollars poll
levee tax is pretty strong, and will be likely to be objected to, though
we presume there are but few men in the city who will not cheerfully pay
six dollars to aid in building levees around it which the water will never
overtop. The right to sell franchises for toll roads in and out of the
city, to be located on the levees, may be advantageously used by the
Board of Commissioners. The levees will make the best road in the county,
but the use of them for roads will reduce them annually in hight, and
unless the Commissioners provide that they shall be kept at a certain
elevation they may be worn down a foot or two in a few years. The city,
under this bill, is to pay one-half the cost of building a levee from
Thirty-first street to above Burns' Slough, the work to be done by
contracts let by the State Board of Swamp Land Commissioners. It will
be well, too, while we are about it, to authorize the Commissioners to
build a cross levee back of the city, if one is pronounced necessary.
After the outside levee is built, we are quite confident a cross levee
will be decided necessary as a kind of double protection.
COLD.--Tuesday night, February 11th, says the Mariposa Gazette,
was the coldest ever experienced here by white men. The thermometer
showed the temperature to be 12 degrees below the freezing point.
Ice was formed in many places about the town to the thickness of an
inch. In this office, water in buckets froze to the thickness of
five-eighths of an inch. . . .
FALL OF RAIN AND SNOW.--It is stated that S. R. Durham, who resides
one mile east of the summit of the Sierras, on the Henness Pass route,
has kept a record of the fall of rain and snow there. Up to February
1st, forty-two inches of rain and about fifty feet of snow had [piece
torn out]...t in. . . .
BODY FOUND.--The body of J. A. Peterson, one of the men drowned on Sunday,
February 2d, was fourd in the vicinity of Boston Bar, Calaveras county,
some five or six miles below the ferry where he lost his life. The body of
the other man has not been recovered. . . .
THE EL DORADO MOUNTAIN WAGON ROAD.
PLACERVILLE, Feb. 22, 1862
EDITORS UNION: Having occasion to pass over the "County Mountain Wagon
Road" between Brockliss' bridge and Strawberry station, the past week,
I gave particular attention to the same with reference to its condition
and state of repairs going on. From Placerville to the bridge the public
road is passable for teams, and for a few miles up the river, where in
consequence of the late violent storms the road is carried away by the
land slides in numerous instances, and in every ravine the bridges and
culverts are all gone to Dick's Station, thus closing the road for teams.
Horses, men and pack animals pass without difficulty. I found about a
dozon men employed by the County Superintendent, doing all that they are
able to do with the means at his command, to open the road, for general
travel, as also the Overland Mail coaches, now suspended. As near as
I can judge it will cost to put this road in a passable condition for
teams, at least three thousand dollars, and one month of time. Under
the present law the Superintendent can only expend the receipts of tolls
on the bridge in keeping this twenty miles of road in repair, all of
which has been applied, and now that a large outlay is demanded the fund
is in debt at least twenty-five hmdred dollars, and next to no receipts
accruing.
The very great necessity for the immediate opening and keeping in repair
this important route over the mountains to Washoe, and across the
continent, renders some additional legislation indispensable, that
the Board of Supervisors may adopt such means by additional tolls or
otherwise that the travel may sustain the road. It is understood that
prominent men doing business on the route are willing to put the road
in gocd condition, and keep such bridge in repair for the tolls to be
collected thereon, without further compensation. This would seem to be
the best arrangement that could be made for the teamsters as also the
traveling public, when it is seen that the fund is largely in debt, and
the road closed without a still larger expenditure, which they ars not
authorized to make. And lengthy experience has taught that in California
no good roads are to be found unless it be those built by private
enterprise, and sustained by much greater tolls upon the travel to
support tham. And further, no class of persons are more willing to pay
the tax than teamsters, over the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The main turnpike road from Strawberry to the summit is in excellent
order, and the Kingsbury grade, eastern summit, is being rapidly repaired,
and will be good condition for teams within a month. The Oglesby road,
south side of the American river, is closed with snow.
Yours, B. R. N. . . .
FROM RIO VISTA.--A correspondent of the UNION, writing from Chapman's
Mound, February 21st, expresses the opinion that the settlement of what
was originally Rio Vista is not altogether extinct. He says:
The town of Rio Vista has scattered down the river about two miles,
leaving considerable dispute in regard to the proper site, which I think
is pretty well settled by the grant now in progress in the Legislature,
giving the franchise to J. McWorthy and J. Briminy for a wharf. If the
parties should comply immediately, it will be a great benefit to the
community, but otherwise the citizens will be under the necessity of
looking further for aid. According to the present franchise, the town
will be located one mile and a half below the former town of Rio Vista,
which will be some twenty feet above high water mark, making it safe from
high water, if nothing more. There are a number of persons awaiting the
wharf franchise to begin their buildings, which will be more extensive
than ever were thought of on the old site. The water has fallen so that
the old site is pretty well out, but those that have had buildings there
will never build more there. There is plenty to eat at the new location,
but chances for bedding are scarce. Parties coming to this place would do
well to bring their blankets with them. There have been several hundred
head of cattle landed here by different steamers, a great many of which
have died, and many more will die unless fed. There are about one hundred
tons of hay here, which will last but a short time for the amount of
stock here which must be fed to save them. , , ,
CASUALTY.--On Thursday, February 13th, a son of William S. Hughes, of San
Rafael, fell into the creek running near the residence of his parents, and
was drowned. He was discovered shortly afterwards, but life was extinct. , , ,
[For the Union.]
PROTECTION OF OVERFLOWED LANDS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The review of Thomas Rowlandson, in your numbers of
February 18th and 19th, of the bill introduced in the Assembly by Murray
Morrison of Los Angeles, does not examine fully the means by which
Morrison seeks to prevent future overflows of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin rivers.
The articles in question are limited to show that a "mere" system of
levees will not answer, but in the opinion of Rowlandson the evil would
thereby be aggravated. The means proposed by the Assembly bill are, that
the rivers shall be straightened in certain places where engineering
science shall show its practicability, by making proper cut-offs;
that the rivers shall be dredged to some practicable average depth,
and that levees of proper solidity and hight shall be erected on their
banks. Such works, planned by intelligent engineers, executed by the
labor of four or five hundred men engaged therein for a term of five
years or more, ought fully accomplish the objects contemplated by
Morrison. For this work the State has at its disposal some six hundred
convicts, a portion of whom are temporarily leased at thirty cents per
diem to work sewing machines, to the loss of a great number of respectable
females who formerly earned a living by similar means. The State shonld
lease its convict labor in the manner suggested in Morrison's bill, and
in the course of a few years the increased taxable value of reclaimed
land would repay the State many fold the cost of its maintenance.
The State should not seek to make prison labor self-sustaining by
creating a competition with private individuals, by leasing convicts
to contractors at merely nominal wages. The cost of maintaining
penitentiaries is a grievous burden to all classes; but the State in
selecting the industry of any particular class acts both unwisely and
unjustly.
The feasibility of executing the works contemplated by Mr. Morrison
with the labor of convicts, cannot be measured by the principles
governing joint stock or speculative companies. Under any system the
cost of maintaining the prisoners will be an expense to the State, and
the question for our legislators to determine is, shall its cost fall
on certain classes of artizans, or shall it be devoted to further the
great interests of the commonwealth. The labor, if employed as suggested,
really costs nothing. It stops a leak in the treasury. The bill provides
for an allowance from the State to the different districts for the care
and maintenance of the convicts, which will save the State one-half its
usual outay for the same object, even where the prisoners have been farmed
out. With labor at such rates, employed in objects worthy of the policy
of a State, and under conditions that offer hope to the criminal, the
financial question which often prevents the execution of engineering
projects exists not.
Mr. Rowlandson fears that the Straits of Carquinez are not adequate to
the discharge of the waters which have caused our present disasters. The
narrowest point of those straits is nine hundred yards, and their depth
at that point is one hundred and twenty feet, a greater area than discharges
the mighty Mississippi.
The rapid discharge of the waters of the Sacramento has been prevented,
it is true, by an impediment, but not one existing at the Straits of
Carquinez. The real cause will be found at what may be called
" Dams"--namely, the Hog's Back, at which point the depth is but six
feet, and at various other points of the river there are obstructions
of but little greater depth. These "dams" have prevented the flowing of
the water, and it will be found that the damage has occurred above those
points.
The removal of these obstacles will not require great labor nor expense.
Proper dredging machines would soon form a channel of sufficient depth,
and the material raised could be discharged on either bank, as required.
The effect of this would be to make the swamp and overflowed land back
of these levees immense reservoirs or lakes; and the rivers would thus
be freed, at a critical period, from the rain-shed of that immense
area---the waters of which would be gradually drained as the rivers fell.
Morrison's bill also contemplates a system of drainage of the overflowed
lands by canals, which may be of sufficient width and depth to answer
for purposes of transportion.
The Mississippi, below its junction with the Missouri, runs an immense
distance with a width not greater than three fourths of a mile, and
a depth not any greater than that of the Straits of Carquinez The
average width of the river is about one mile--with a depth at Nachez,
four hundred miles above its mouth, of one hundrad and thirty feet, and
at New Orleans, one hundred and twenty miles from its mouth, its depth
is estimated at fifty fathoms: and all this water flows over bars not
deeper than fourteen feet; whereas at the Golden Gate we never have less
than thirty-six feet at dead low water, and the opening of the Golden
Gate is far greater in delivery than all the mouths of the Mississippi.
From the sources of the Mississippi to the Missouri the medial rise is
about fitteen feet; between the mouths of the Missouri and Ohio, the rise
is twenty-five feet; end for a greater distanoe below this part it is
fifty feet, thence subsiding to Baton Rogue [sic], one hundred and eighty
miles above New Orleans, to thirty feet. Mere levees have protected all
these low lands from annual inundation--the levee serving as a splendid
road.
The Coast Survey of the United States furnishes much valuable information
on this subject, and referring to it, I remain your obedient servant, JOHN
ROACH.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21. 1862. . . .
LOSS OF STOCK IN OREGON.--The Portland Advertiser of February 15th has
the annexed in reference to the loss of stock in Oregon:
The loss of cattle east of the Cascades is frightful: During a
residence of several years in that section, we can form a tolerable
estimate of the losses sustained by stock raisers in that neighborhood,
which are said to be about 3,000. On Hood river we learn that Benton
has lost the whole of his stock. We set dswn the loss of cattle at
1,200 head between the Cascades and the Dalles. On the Umatilla we
also fear a loss of about 1,500 head. Wallace Cushman is said to have
lost 300 head at John Day's River. At Walla Waila, in Oregon, Walter
Davis, U. Jerrold, Preston and Brunton are supposed to have lost
1,000 head. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE TWENTY-SECOND.--Washington's birthday was not celebrated in this
city by any general or concerted demonstration on the part of our citizens,
but they were nevertheless not unmindful of the character of the day.
The Courts and banks were closed. While the prevailing storm rendered
impracticable the display of many of our larger flags, others of medium
size were thrown to the breeze, among which were those of Confidence,
Protection, Sacramento and Eureka engine companies. Appropriate salutes
were fired in the forenoon by members of Protection and Eureka Engine
Compunies, and another by the last named company in the evening. The bells
of Protection and Young America Engine Company were rung in the evening
in commemoration of the day.
RENOVATION.--George Schmeizer, on J street, aear Eighth, has fitted up
an apparatus for the purpose of renovating damaged nails. It consiats of
a wooden cylinder, into which the nails are placed, and which is turned by
steam until they scour the rust from each other and become again fit for
use. The vast quantity of nails which have been wet and damaged by the
floods render this operation necessary. They are too valuable to throw
away, and too rusty to use to advantage in their present condition.
The new process renders them fit for use, though not quite so good as
new. Emery wheels and buff wheels are being fitted up, at the same
establishment, for polishing damaged cutlery of which there is also a
large amount in the city.
THE RIVER AND THE CHANGES.--The water in the Sacramento had fallen on
Saturday to a point fourteen feet six inches above low water mark--lowest
point attained since the first flood. Between Saturday evening and last
evening it had risen twenty-one inches, standing at sixteen feet three
inches above low water mark. On the night before the flood of December
9th the river stood at about nineteen feet. We have, therefore, an
advantage of about three feet above the stage of the river at that
time. This difference will tend to carry off more rapidly the waters of
the American as they descend, and possibly avert entirely the danger of
another inundation.
THE CALIFORNIA.--The steam fire engine brought to this city last
Summer by P. Donahue, of San Francisco, and exhibited at the State
Fair, has spent the past Winter in the basement story of the Pavilion.
Sometimes she was submerged by water, sometimes the floor floated and
kept her up and sometimes broke beneath her weight and let her down.
She now looks considerably worse of the wear, but is to be brought out
and brushed up, and we are informed by parties who have chartered it,
for the purpose of pumping out cellars. She can dispose of a large
quantity of water in the course of an hour or two when the steam is
up. . . .
INQUEST AT BRIGHTON.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest on Saturday morning
at Brighton township, on the body of an unknown Chinaman found afloat
in the American river at the ranch of John Studeras. The jurors impanneled
were J. Routier, Andrew Bell, N. Routier, J. L. Clearly, C. B. Church and
George Deitz. The witnesses examined were J. Studeras and W. Arrison. The
jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased probably came to
his death by drowning, but that the name and age of deceased were
unknown. . . .
RAIN.--Dr. Logan reports as follows on the late rains: That which fell
on Friday amounted to 0.365 of one inch; that of Friday night and
Saturday to nine o'clock P.M., 1.155; that of yesterday to nine o'clock
P.M. to 0.180--total, 1.700. The rain of the season amounts to nearly
thirty inches, as follows: November, 2.170; December, 8.637; January,
15.036 ; February to date, 3.360--total, 29.203.
THE LEVEE BILL.--The bill prepared by the Committee of Conference to
provide for the construction of a new levee, will be found in another
column. The Commissioners named in it for carrying on the work, are
L. B. Harris, Charles Crocker, W. F. Knox, J. D. Lord and E. P. Figg
of the city, and A Runyon, Josiah Johnson and Washington Fern of the
county. . . .
THE NEVADA.--According to the last reports from the steamer Nevada she
was being raised by the aid of schooners, chains, etc., at the rate of
four inches per day. The pump was likely to be set in motion within a day
or two to free her hold from water. . . .
THE RAILROAD.--The repairs on the railroad are so far advanced that it
is thought the track will be connected by this evening or tomorrow
morning, and the trains run to and from Folsom, with freight and
passengers, without interruption.
CHURCH REFITTED.--The Fourth street Baptist Chnrch--Rev. F. Charlton--has
been refitted and newly furnished since the last flood, and will soon be
opened for religious services. . . .
[For the Union.]
SWAMP LAND.
MESSRS. EDITORS: On the 28th day of September, 1850, Congress passed the
following Act:
An Act to enable the State of Arkansas and other States to Reclaim the
Swamp Lands within their limits.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That to enable the State of
Arkansas to construct the necessary levees and drains to reclaim the
swamp and overflowed lands therein, the whole of those swamp and
overflowed lands made unfit thereby for cultivation, which shall remain
unsold at the passage of this Act, shall be and the same are hereby
granted to said State.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the
Secretary of the Interior, as soon as may be practicable after the
passage of this Act, to make out an accurate list and plats of the
lands described aforesaid, and to transmit the same to the Governor
of Arkansas, and at the request of said Governor cause a patent to
be issued to the State therefor, and on that patent the fee simple
to said lands shall vest in the said State of Arkansas, subject to
the disposal of the Legislature thereof: Provided, however, That the
proceeds of said lands, whether from sale or direct appropriation in
kind. shall be applied exclusively, as far as necessary, to the purpose
of reclaiming said lands by means of the levees and drains aforesaid.
Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, That in making out a list and plats of
the land aforesaid, all legal subdivisions, the greater part of which is
wet and unfit for cultivation, shall be included in said list and plats,
but when a greater part of a subdivision is not of that character, the
whole of it shall be excluded therefrom.
Sec 4. And be it further enacted, That the provisions of this Act be
extended to, and their benefits be conferred upon, each of the other
States of the Union in which such swamp and overflowed land, known and
designated as aforesaid, may be situated.
If language has not lost its power, the plain intent and meaning of this
Act is simply that Congress has made the Legislature the Trustee to sell
the swamp land in this State, and reclaim it with the money it brings.
The members of Congress were pretty good judges of human nature when they
passed the Act. They saw that it might become, as it has, a "corruption
fund;" therefore, they provide distinctly that the lands shall be subject
to the disposal of the Legislature, provided they shall apply the money
it brings "exclusively to the purpose of reclaiming said lands, by means
of the levees and drains aforesaid." The whole Act seems to anticipate
that unfaithful trustees might be found in some of the States at
least--little thinking, perhaps, that the high-minded citizens of the
Golden State would so far sink their honor by a cruel, heartless violation
of their sacred trust. Had those now acting as members of the Legislature
taken the School Fund, and robbed our children of two years education,
it would have been nothing compared to the annual destruction of our
property, the unsafe condition of our families, and total wreck of our
faith in public men.
The whole line of the Sacramento vailey presents one vast scene of
desolation. Men with their families had settled along the banks of the
river, and labored for years to gather around them the comforts of
life--their cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry had increased, until they
were in comfortable circumstances--they had their beef, their butter,
their eggs, and indeed everything that was necessary to render them
happy--they looked forward to the time when the State would reclaim
the swamp land and render their homes secure. When the Legislature
provided a Board of Commissioners to reclaim their lands, hope
increased, the people talked favorably of the enterprise--they bought
swamp land with a hope of its being reclaimed--they looked forward to
the time when they could cultivate the soil and become rich by its
products and increased value of their farms. The Democrats had borrowed
the money out of the Swamp Land Fund, they had promised to pay it
back--the people thought they had no right to touch it and were afraid
it would not be returned. The Republicans promised to be more honest
if the people would elect them. They had faith in their promises and
placed them in power. November came; the two hundred thousand dollars
was honestly paid back into the treasury by the Democrats; confidence
was restored. The law provides that we may make our own levees, and pay
for them at the contract price, if they can be used as a part of a general
system of reclamation. The people went to work, having full confidence
in the honesty of their new party; the floods came and destroyed our
property; we looked forward wlth hope to the time when the Commissioners
would let some contracts, that we might get work at some price that wouid
enable us to improve our own property and get money enough to buy bread
and meat while we were at it. But how do we stand new? "Man's inhumanity
to man makes countless thousands mourn." Our honest party has thrown
cold water upon our hopes--again they have borrowed a part of the Swamp
Land Fund, and now propose to repeal the law passed for reclamation, so
that they may get the balarce. Not long since the honor of Sacramento
city hung in the balance of public opinion, but honor prevailed, and
now, in the midst of unparalleled suffering, the people of Sacramento
stand a head and shoulders above our honest Legislature. They had money
in their treasury, and were actually struggling for existence for want
of it; but it had been otherwise appropriated--honor forbade their
touching it, and they would not do it. How different with the
Legislature--our honest Republlcan Legislature! They find an
appropriation of two hundred thousand dollars to reclaim the swamp
land--they care not that it is thus appropriated. They find the Swamp
Land Commissioners trying to relieve the people by letting contracts
under the laws, thereby giving employment to thousands of our suffering
fellow citizens. They see ths shining double eagles lying in the Treasury,
and cannot resist the temptation to pay themselves ten dollars a day for
doing no good, but harm to the ccuntry. What do they care about the
thousands of suffering people who would work hard for one dollar per
day in making the necessary "levees and drains" required by the donating
Act of Congress? What care they for the tears of ths weeplrg wife and
the famishing cries of children that might be legitimately relieved by
the use of the Swamp Land fund? If they wanted money, they could, like
individuals, have borrowed it--they could have issued their bonds,
payable next Fall out of the first of the "General Fund," and let
the Swamp Land Fund alone. Now they have destroyed confidence. The
faith the people had in their new party is gone--they, on the stump,
loud of reform before the people, and now they turn their backs upon
them and deprive them of money that they have no more right to touch
than they have to take our money out of our pockets, or sell our wives
and children into slavery, to raise news to pay themselves ten dollars
per day to "revel in the halls" of San Francisco. Would the members of
the Legislature now go home and attempt to justify themselves in this
inexcusable act? No; they never expect to go back with honor to
themselves--their fault is recorded upon the pages of our legislative
records, as a blot, a stain, never to be expunged, and only to be read
by future generations as we now read the records of any other faithful
representatives. LET THERE BE LIGHT. . . .
THE PROPOSED LEVEE LAW.
An Act concerning the Construction and Repair of Levees in the County of Sacramento, and the Mode of raising Revenue therefor.
The peop!e of the State of California, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. A Board of City Levee Commissioners, with the powers and duties
hereinafter provided, is hereby created for the city of Sacramento, which
said Board shall, until its members are elected and qualified as hereinafter
provided, consist of Lewis B. Harris, Charles Crocker, Wm. F. Knox,
J. D. Lord, and E. P. Figg; three of whom shall hold office for two, one
for three, and one for four years, from the first Monday of the month next
succeeding the next general election--their respective terms of office to
be determined by lot at the first meeting of the Board. At the general
election in 1864, and at the general election annually thereafter, the
qualified electors of the city of Sacramento shall elect one Levee
Commissioner, who shall take his seat in the Board on the first Monday
of the month next succeeding his election, and hold office for three years
and until his successor is elected and qualified. If from any cause a
vacancy shall occur in the Board it shall be filled by the remaining members
of the Board.
Sec. 2. A Board of County Levee Commissioners for Land District No. 2,
with the powers and duties hereinafter provided, is hereby created, which
said Board shall, until its members are elected and qualified as hereinafter
provided, consist of A. Runyon, Josiah Johnson, and Washington Farn,
who shall, at their first meeting, determine by lot which of them
respectively shall hold office for two, three and four years from the
first Monday in October next, and until their respective successors are
elected and qualified; and at the general election in 1864, and at each
general election thereafter, the votes of the county outside of the city,
and within Swamp Land District No. 2, shall elect one Levee Commissioner,
wto shall take his seat in the Board on the first Monday in the month next
succeeding his election, and shall hold office for three years, and until
his successor is elected and qualified. If from any cause a vacancy shall
occur in the Board, it shall be filled by the remaining members of the
Board.
Sec. 3. No person shall act as a Levee Commissioner until he has taken
the constitutional oath of oiffice; nor shall any Commissioner receive
pay for his services; and if any Conmissioner shall in any manner,
either directly or indirectly, be interested in any contract for
constructing or repairing any levee, or for furnlshing any materials
therefor, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction
thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars,
or by imprisonment for no more than six months, or by both such fine
and imprisonment.
Sec. 4. As soon as the Board of Swamp and Overflowed Land Commissioners
have finally adopted a plan for the reclamation of Swamp Land District
No. 2, they shall certify so much of the plan specifications and
estimates as relate to the work adjacent to the American river, and as
relate to the work adjacent to the Sacramento river, and north of the
south line of Y street in the city of Sacramento, to the Board of City
Levee Commissioners; and said Board, as soon as possible after
receiving such plans, specifications and estimates, shall, if they
approve the same, proceed to cause so much of the levee required by
said plans as lies within the city to be constructed on the line and
in exact accordance with the plans and specifications certified to
them; provided, however, that they may cause such levee to be made
broader and higher than the width and hight designated; and provided,
further, that if the Board of City Levee Commissioners do not approve
the plans certified to them, or disapprove of any part, thereof, or of
any part of the specifications and estimates therefor, they shall notify
the State Commissioners of the fact, whereupon a joint meeting of the
two Boards shall be held, and the determination arrived at by such
joint meeting or meetings shall be final of the matters in controversy.
Sec. 5 Before proceeding to construct the levee within the city, the
Commissioners shall divide it into two or more convenient sections, and
shall then advertise for at least ten days in two city papers for bids
for each separate section, or for the whole work; which bids, at the
time and place appointed, shall be opened in public; and, as soon as
convenient after the bids have been opened, the Commissioners shall let
the work either in sections or as a whole, to such bidder or bidders as
they shall deem most advantageous--not being limited to the lowest bldder;
or they may reject all the bids and then either re-advertise, or proceed
to procure materials, employ labor, and construct the work.
Sec. 6. The Board of City Levee Commissioners, their agents and employees,
may enter upon and take possession of any land that may be necessary for
the levee within the city, or any land either in the city or in the county
outside the city, that may be neoessary or proper to furnish materials for
its construction, and may have the same condemned for public use in
accordance with section sixteen of the Act of May 18 1861, entitled "An
Act to provide for the reclamation and segregation of Swamp and Overflowed,
and Salt Marsh and Tide Lands, donated to the State of California by Act
of Congress," or under the provisions of any law that has been or may be
passed authorizing the condemnatton of lands for levee purpeses in the
city and county of Sacramento; provided, however, that no award of damages
shall be made for the use, occupation, excavation or embankment of any
street or alley or other city property, or for any damages claimed in
consequence of such use, occupation, excavation or enbankment; nor shall
any damages be awarded to any party when the levee to be constructed will
occupy the line of a levee heretofore constructed; and provided, further,
that in estimating the damages to be awarded in any case, the Ccmmissioners
appointed by the District Court shall take into consideration the benefit,
if any, that will accrue to the claimant by reason of the increased
protection to his other property, if any he has,
Sec. 7. All the levees outside the limits of the city of Sacramento
required for the reclamation and protection of Swamp Land District
No. 2 shall, as soon as possible, be let out, by the Board of Swamp
Land Commisioners for construction, as is now provided by law; provided,
however, that as soon as the work required on the American river, outside
the city limits, is let out, the City Levee Commissioners, or some one
for them, shall pay one-half the estimated cost of the construction of
said levee from Thirty-flrst street up to and including Burns' slough,
into the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund of District No. 2, provided the
amount required has been received in the City Levee Fund, hereinafter
created, but if not so received, then out of the first moneys that are
received in it.
Sec. 8. As soon as the levees north of a point to be fixed at or near
Sutterville (by the Board of Swamp Land Commisioners, as the dividing
line between those thereafter to be controlled by the City, and those
to be controlled by the County Levee Commissioners), are finished, the
Swamp Land Commlssioners shall deliver them to the City Levee
Commistioners, whereupon the title to said levees and their appurtenances
shall vest absolutely in the city of Sacramento, and thenceforward the
City Levee Commissioners shall have the charge, care and control of all
levees in the csty [sic] of Sacramento, and also of all levees in Swamp
Land District No. 2, north of the point to be fixed as in this section
before mentioned; and said Commissioners may raise, widen and strengthen
them at their pleasure, but shall not alter their line, or in any way
diminish their hight, size or strength; and said Commissioners may, with
the consent of the city authorities, cause the levee on the American river
side to be turnpiked and used as a road, and may collect tolls thereon for
the Levee Fund; or they may, with the consent of the city anthorities,
contract with any person or persons for raising, enlarging and
strengthening said levee, such work to be paid for by a lease, with
the right to collect tolls for a period not longer than ten years, and
the rate of tolls be fixed from time to time by the city authorities;
provided, however, that no such lease shall be made unless the franchise
is put up for public competition after at least thirty days notice in two
city papers. And all the levees in Swamp Land District No. 2, south of the
aforesaid point, shall, as soon as they are finished, be delivered to the
County Levee Commissioners for District No. 2, whereupon the title to
said levees and their appurtenances shall vest absolutely in the county
of Sacramento, and thenceforward the County Levee Commissioners for
District No. 2 shall have the charge, care and control of all of said
levees, and may raise, widen and strengthen them at their pleasure,
but shall not alter their lioe [sic], or in any manner diminish their
hight, size or strength.
Sec. 9. Both the City and County Boards of Levee Commisioners herein
created, shall, from personal inspection and examination, annually make
and certify to the proper authorities--city or county as the case may
require--on or before the first Monday in March, an estimate of the
amount of money that will be necessary to put the levees under their
control in perfect repair, and keep them so during the year. And upon
receiving such statemeut, the city authorities shall levy upon all
taxable property within the city and within the lines of said levees,
a tax sufficient to raise the whole amount of money so estimated to be
required, less the sum, if any, then in the City Levee Fund, and not
required for expenditures then already incurred. And upon receivirg such
statement the Board of Supervisors shall levy upon all taxable property,
outside the city, in Swamp Land Distrlct No. 2, a tax sufficient to raise
the whole amount of money so estimated to be required, less the sum,
if any, then in the County Levee Fund, District 2, and not required for
expenditures then already incurred. The taxes levied under this section
shall be collected as other city or county taxes; and the city tax shall
be paid into a special fund entitled "the City Levee Fund," and the
county tax into a special fund entitled "the County Levee
Fund--District 2;" and the money shall only be drawn out of said funds
upon warrants for claims for levee pnrposes allowed by a majority of
the proper Levee Commissiones, and approved by the proper city or county
authorities.
Sec. 10. During the session of the Board of Equalization hereinafter
provided for, the City Levee Commissioners shall file with it a
statement of the whole sum of money necessary to construct the levee
within the city, to pay one-half of the estimated cost of that portion
on the American river east of the city up to and including Burns'
Slough, and to repay the amount expended by the Citizens' Levee
Committee for repairs; and the Board of Equalization shall, after
the whole value of the taxable property within the city and within
the lines of the levees has been ascertained, make an estimate (by
first deducting from such whole amount fifteen per cent, for anticipated
delinquencies, and then by dividing the sum required by the Commissioners
into the remainder) of the rate of taxation upon each one hundred dollars
value of property that will be required to raise the sum needed; and
the rate so found, using, however, a full cent in place of any fraction
of a cent, shall be and it is hereby levied as an ad valorem tax upon
all taxable property within the city of Sacramento, and within the lines
of the levees proposed to be constructed; and a poll tax of six dollars
is hereby levied upon each able-bodied man within the city, and between
the ages of twenty and fifty years, and said poll tax shall be collected
in the same manner as other poll taxes; and all taxes levied by this
section shall be paid into and be drawn out of the City Levee Fund in
the manner prescribed in section nine.
Sec. 11. As soon as possible after the passage of this Act, the Assessor
shall make a copy of ths names of persons and descriptions of real estate
and improvments assessed in the city and within the lines of levee as
aforesaid, in the year 1861; and then using the equalized assessment
roll of 1861 as a basis for making his estimates, he shall proceed and
make an assessment of all taxable property within the city and within
the levee lines as aforesaid, keeping, during the time he is so engaged,
an advertisement in each paper published in the city, stating the fact
that he is making an assessment, and requesting parties interested to
call at his office and deliver him a statement of their properrty; and
as soon as such amusement is comp!eted, the Assessor shall deliver it
to the Auditor, who shall forthwith give notice, by publication in each
paper published in the city, that the special levee assessment roll has
been completed and is in his possession, open fcr examination, and that
the Board of Equalization will, upon a day named in the notice (which
day shall not be less than five nor more than twelve days from the first
publication of the notice); meet to hear and determine complaints in
regard to valuations and assessments therein.
Sec. 12. Upon the day specified in the notice required by section eleven
for its meeting, the Board of Equalization shall meet, and continue in
session from day to day so long as may be necessary, not exceeding twelve
days, exclusive of Sundays, to hear and determine such objections to the
assessments and valuations as may come before them; and the Board may
change the valuations as may be just, and may cite any person to appear
before them and answer concerning his property, and may assess any person
or property omitted by the Assessor and liable to taxation. The Assessor
shall be present during the sessions of the Board, and shall act as its
clerk, and shall note all alterations in value, changes in the descriptions
or subdivisions of real estate, and in the owners thereof, or changes in
the value of the improvements therein, and additions to the assessment
made by the Board; and within ten days after the close of the session
he shall have the total values, as finally equalized by the Board,
extended into columns and added up, so that the total value of the
taxable property within the city may be known; provided, however, that
neither the Assessor nor Board of Equalization shall assess any titular
interest in any land other than either the whole fee or an ascertained
undivided portion thereof; and upon the tenth day (or sooner, if the
Assessor has the roll completed) from the close of its session aforesaid,
the Board of Equalization shall again meet and determine the rate of
taxation, as provided in section ten, and shall certify the rate to the
Auditor, Tax Collector, Treasurer and District Attorney; and the said
Board, or a majority of its members, and the Assessor shall then certify
to the aasessment roll as finally equalized and determined, and the
Assessor shall deliver it to the Tax Collector, who shall, during the
sixty days next following, collect thereon the amount of taxes levied,
extending the sums received in figures as they are paid; and as soon as
possible, not exceeding ten days, after the expiration of the sixty days,
the Tax Collector shall deliver said roll to the auditor and make a final
settlement with him, and the Tax Collector shall at the same time deliver
to the District Attorney a duplicate of so much of said roll as remains
unpaid, which duplicate shall be known as the "Delinquent List;" and the
District Attorney, upon receiving such delinquent list, shall forthwith
commence actions in the name of "The People of the State of California"
for the amount of tax hereinbefore levied and unpaid; and all the
provisions, excepting such as are hereinafter modified or rendered
nugatory, of the Act of May 17, 1861, entitled "An Act to legalize and
provide for the collection of delinquent taxes in the counties of this
State," are hereby extended to and made applicable to all taxes levied
under this Act, and delinquent; provided, hovever, that when any real
estate is assessed to unknown owners, or, being aseessed to some person,
the true owner is unknown, the District Attorney may employ some competent
person to search the title and ascertain the owner, for which the party
makirg the search may be allowed two dollars and fifty cents in each
suit, to be charged and collected as costs; and provided, further, that
when any real estate is assessed to unknown owners, or, being assessed
to some person, the true owner is unknown, and the District Attorney
uses a fictitious name to represent such true owner or owners, and
joins therewith the names of real parties, it shall not be necessary
to serve summons on any such real parties personally when summons is
served by publication as hereinafter provided; and provided, further,
that in case of estates of deceased persons, it shall not be necessary
to present the claim to the executor or administrator, or Probate Court
or Judge, but by reason of the non-payment of the taxes it shall be taken
and deemed, in both law and equity, that the claims have been presented
and rejected, and that the Probate Court has directed the issue to be
joined in the Court where the suit is brought, which Court is hereby
given jurisdiction for that purpose, and execution is hereby authorized
to issue and be levied upon the interest of the estate in the property
described in the complaint, in the same manner as against other judgment
debtors in civil actions; ard provided, further, that when any real
estate is assessed to unknown owners, or, being assessed to any person,
the true owner it unknown, any number of complaints may be included in
one general summons, giving (in place of the names of the parties and
thing in action in an ordinary summons) the amount claimed, a description
of the property, the fictitious name used to represent the true owner
or owners, and the real party or parties, if any, joined as defendants
to that particular claim--substantially as follows: "To recover $-- from
[John Doe], representing the true owners, and [John Brown, John Smith and
John Jones], supposed to be parties interested, for taxes levied on [the
east half of lot 8 between H and I and Fourth and Fifth streets, in the
city of Sacramento;" [sic, no close "]"] and so on with a similar
condensation for each complaint wished to be embodied in the summons;
and upon publication of such summons as hereinafter provided, service
shall be complete upon all persons and parties whomsoever, whether
named by their real names or preserved by the fictitious name, owning,
claiming, or having any interest in or on any land or improvements
described in such general summons; every such general summons issued
shall be returnable in not less than thirty nor more than forty days
from its issuance, and shall be published one time per week four weeks
in some newspaper published in the city of Sacramento; and provided
further, to obviate an unnecessary multiplicity of action, for the
recovery of delinquent taxes, that when any person or property delinquent
for taxes levied under this Act is also delinquent for any taxes levied
either in 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, or State Capitol taxes levied under
the Act of April 21, 1861, all the taxes due from any such person or
property may be included in one complaint, and all the provisions of
this section shall apply, and they are hereby made applicable, thereto,
and the proceedings shall be had in the same manner and with the same
force and effect, as though only the taxes levied under this Act were
sued for; and, provided further, that a certificate by the officer
having the custody of any delinquent tax roll, of any entry therein,
shall be prima facia proof in any Court, of the person or property, or
both, assesed, of the delinquency, of the amount due and unpaid, and
that all the forms and requirements of law in relation to the levy and
assessment have been complied with; and provided, further, that no
redemption shall be made from a sale under this Act excepting in accordance
with the provisions of the Act of May 17, 1861, entitled "An Act to
provide revenue for the support of the government of this State," but.
provided, further, that no person shall redeem unless he first pay to
the purchaser the amount, if any, of all taxes and costs thereon, paid,
on the same property, by the purchaser after his purchase, together with
legal interest on the amount; and provided, that any person holding any
certificate of any tax sale for the same property, may at any time redeem
any other outstanding tax certificate the time for the redemption of
which has not expired; and that in case of such redemption any subsequent
redemption shall be required to redeem as well the original purchase,
as all redemptions subsequently made, provided, however, that in redeeming
redemptions he shall only be required to pay legal interest on the amount
of redemption paid.
Sec. 13 The directions in this Act given in regard to the manner of
assessing, equaling and levying the taxes, shall be deemed directory
only; and the assessments, valuations, assesment roll, and delinquent
list, in this Act provided for, are hereby made valid and binding, both
law and equity against the persons and property assessed; and the taxes
levied shall become a lien upon the property assessed, upon the
determination of the rate of taxation as herein provided, which lien
shall not be in any manner whatever discharged until said taxes and
costs, if any accrue, are paid; and all officers who are required to
render any service in assessing or collecting any taxes levied under
this Act shall have and receive for their own use such fees and
compensation as are now allowed by law for similar services.
Sec 14. Upon the presentation to him of any certificate signed by
J H. Warwick, Charles Crocker and Alexander Boyd, or any two of them,
of the amount of money advanced by the holder or his assignor to the
Citizens' Committee for levee purposes, the Auditor shall draw his
warrant therefor on the City Levee Fund; provided, that when any
certificate presented exceeds one hundred dollars the Auditor shall
draw his warrant therefor in such sums not less than fifty dollars
each, as the holder may demand, and such warrants shall be receivable
for any taxes levied under this Act.
Sec. 15 As soon as the City Levee Commissioners shall certify to the
Treasurer that all the cost of constructing the levee within the city,
and one-half the estimated coat of constructing the portions on the
American, east of the city, up to and including Burns' slough, has
been paid, the Treasurer shall proceed to pay out of the City Levee
Fund, and in the order in which they were drawn, the warrants issued
under the provisions of section fourteen.
Sec. 16. If any money shall remain in the City Levee Fund after paying
the warrants as provided in section fifteen, or shall thereafter come
into said fund from any of the taxes levied by section ten, the City
Levee Commissioners may use it in constructing inner or cross levees,
or they may use it in macadamizing or otherwise improving one or more
outlets of travel to and from the city; and if no such money comes
into the City Levee Fund, or it is insufficient, and the Commissioners
deem any inner or cross levee necessary, they may cause the same to be
built, and the money therefor shall be levied and collected upon their
estimate in accordance with the provisions of section nine; provided,
that the tax necessary to pay for such inside or cross levee shall only
be levied upon the real estate and improvements inclosed thereby.
Sec. 17. In case the Swamp and Overflowed Land Commissioners shall,
from a legislative diversion of the Swamp Land Fund and consequent want
of money, be unable to let out the constructing the levees for Swamp
Land District No. 2, so as to be completed on or before the first day
of October, 1862, the City Levee Commissioners may construct so much
of such levees as they may deem necessary for the protection of the
city; and the cost of such construction (excepting the one-half
hereinbefore provided for, from Thirty-first street to Burns slough),
shall be paid into the City Levee Fund out of the first moneys that
come into the State Treasury applicable, to Swamp Land District No. 2;
or said City Levee Commissioners may advance the amount of money
required for such construction, and the money so advanced shall be
returned into the Levee Fund out of the first moneys that come into
the State Treasury applicable to Swamp Land District No. 2
Sec. 18. If any person stall cut, or dig away, or in any manner lessen
the width, or diminish the hight or strength of any levees within the
county of Sacramento, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon
conviction thereof; shall be punished by a fine of not less than
twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment
for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or by both such
fine and imprisonment
Sec. 19. This Act shall go into effect on and after its passage, and
all Acts and parts of Acts inconsistent or conflicting with this Act,
are hereby repealed, so far as to exempt the county of Sacramento from
their operation.
p. 8
SUBSTANTIAL RELIEF.--A woman with five children came down from
Stockton on Wednesday and applied to the Samaritan Society for
relief. It seems from her story that they resided on the Stanislaus
river, about eight miles from Knight's Ferry; that during the late
freshet her husband, having placed their clothing, etc. on the fence
surrounding their residence, took them in a boat to a point of safety,
and on returning found the house, fence, clothing--everything gone--swept
away in the flood. They desired to procure lumber to erect them a
shelter. On the authority of a note addressed by members of the Executive
Committee of the Society, lumber dealers on California ard Steuart
Street, yesterday, in less than two hours, had contributed between
3,000 and 4,000 feet of suitable lumber for the object in question.
We regret that we are not advised of the names of the generous
contributors.-- San Francisco Herald, Feb. 21st.. . . .
THE BEEF AND SHEEP TRADE.
The following, from the Bulletin, contains some statistics in the
above connection, and also some remarks on the estimated losses of cattle
and sheep by the late floods:
We notice at Steamboat Point, foot of Third street, an extensive melting
and packing establishment, called the "New York Steam Tallow Works," of
which Cornwell & Co. are the proprietors. These gentlemen are understood
to be associated with one of the largest soap and tallow manufactories
in New York city. They commenced their operations down the coast a year
ago or more, but on trial were satisfied that the business could be carried
on more advantageously in this city, and accordingly removed to the above
locality in October last, since which time they have rendered upwards
of 175,000 pounds of tallow, all of which has been packed in large casks,
holding 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, and shipped direct to New York and Liverpool,
on owners' account. In future, it is proposed to ship the greater part to
Liverpool. These parties buy droves of cattle and sheep upon contract,
sending to the retail markets all the choice pieces of beef, and then
rendering the balance of the carcass and the entire sheep into tallow
by means of steam. They inform us that just prior to the late flood they
ware offered a contract of six thousand head of beef cattle (from three
to ten years old) at six dollars per head, delivered in this city, beginning
1st of April next, and so on, as fast as required. Or, rather, they were
to have all the fat cattle out of a drove of eighteen thousand, at the
price named. This contract they would have accepted and closed, but
before signing, and while waiting for one of the principals to arrive
in the city, the rain came on and the contract was suspended. These
cattle are now in the southern part of the State, or in the vicinity
of Monterey and San Luis Obispo. At the same time they were offered by
other parties one thousand head of fat cattle, all four years old, at
four dollars per head. These cattle are twenty miles below the last named
place. During the past week owners of the cattle in question have been
in town, endeavoring to perfect their contracts, which it is more than
probable will yet be done, at about the same figures.
Yesterday a drove of 6,000 sheep was offered to this company at
$1.12-1/2 per head, to be delivered as wanted--500 to 1,000 per week.
These were quarter bred and Mexican. A week ago a drove of 12,000 sheep,
ha!f bred and some American, were offered to them at $1 per head, which
were to be delivered across the bay, where the [sic] are now grazing.
Our informant gives it to us as his impression that the loss of beef
cattle and sheep by the late floods is largely over estimated. He
says, however, that in Santa Cruz county a single party (resident
in this city) has lost this Winter one-half of his flock of 12,000
sheep for want of proper care and attention--starved to death; the
sheep were allowed to run wild without shepherds to care for them.
The entire drove of sheep, more or less surviving, are offered for
sale, as a lot, "at the buyer's owrn price "--say 75 cents a head,
or $3,000 as a round sum for the drove, to be delivered at the ranch.
These sheep have died wholly from disease growing out of neglect, not
by floods.
It is the impression of our informant that no sheep or cattle have been
lost by drowning below San Juan, Monterey county, and that in his opinion
50,000 sheep is a large estimate for the total loss throughout the State.
As for lambs, the loss in this State, is always large from exposure, and
the per centage this year over previous seasons does not, he thinks,
exceed 7-1/2 to 10 per cent.
The best sheep growers in Morterey county, and below, say that the
increase is usually 80 per cent, though, in the northern counties of
the State the increase is diminished by cold, etc. Col. Hollister,
one of the largest sheep growers in the State, as we are informed,
says he raises in Monterey county, year by year, from 75 to 80 per
cent. increase, and that this year promises no exception to the rules.
Further, all large cattle dealers with whom our informant has conversed
say that feed was better this Winter before the flood than usual,
and consequently the herds were in a better condition to withstand the
subsequent cold and rains, and that their losses by the flood are not
very much in excess of their usual average in past years. In the San
Jorquin valley the whole loss is said to be not over 7 to 10 per cent,
of the whole, while in the Mount Diablo districts from 8 to 12 per cent,
is an outside estimate.
Since writing the foregoing we have had an interview with one of the
largest sheep owners in the State, residing in San Juan, Monterey county.
He says that his loss of lambs, from a flock of ten thousand sheep, by
exposure, will not exceed three hundred, and no sheep. From another flock
of eight thousand, belonging to the same party, the lambs were not dropped
until after the flood, and he does not know of any loss in that flock
this Winter. A neighbor of his, to whom we have before made reference
in this article, states his loss of limbs by exposure from four to
five hundred out of a flock of eight thousand sheep. Another says thet
his loss of lambs is only one out of twenty. Another says he has had not
over five per cent. loss. Another, in Sasta Barbara county, lost eight
hundred lambs out of three thousand.
These reports are all from the southern counties, where the lambs this
season were dropped earlier than usual. Our information shows that the
great reported loss of sheep and lambs in the State is from Mexican
flocks; it being far greater in them than in the case of American flocks. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3404, 25 February 1862, p. 2
NEWS FROM THE MORNING.
. . .About three feet of snow fell on the summit of the Sierra Nevada during
the late storm. The rain of Sunday did not extend to the summit.
A brother of D. D. Kingsbury, well known in this city as a bridge builder,
lost his life, February 22d, in the mountains, by a snow slide. . . .
The waters of the American rose over its banks yesterday morning, taking
away some one hundred feet of the new levee at Rabel's tannery, where
repairs have been recently made. The current spread itself over a portion
of the eastern and southern sections of the city, and was rapidly ruuning
off last night. At noon the American ceased to rise further, and was
falling late in the day. The Sacramento stood at sunset last evening at
seventeen feet three inches above low water mark. It had risen one foot
since the previous day.
Some fifty feet of the railroad embankment was washed away yesterday
this side of Poverty Ridge, seriously interfering with the running
of the cars. It will, of course, be repaired at once.
THE COMMITTEE AND THE LEVEE BILL.
EDITORS UNION:--A communication in yesterday's Bee contains so many
misstatements in relation to the Committee who drew the levee bill,
that it may not be amiss to correct them.
First--The Committee did not "take it upon themselves to prepare a
levee bill," therefore they were not a self-constituted Committee."
Second--They are not "all large real estate owners;" not even a majority
of them are so; indeed, only one can be fairly considered as such.
Third--The Committee did not at any time have under consideration the
question, "How can a levee be built without taxing real estate to pay
for it?" or any other question akin to it, but, without any question
or debate of any kind, it was unanimously agreed by a Committee, a
majority of whose members were more interested in personal than
real estate, that personal and real property were equally protected,
and should be equally taxed, and then had the "cool impudence" to put forth
such an "unjust and unmanly scheme." Seven such men as L. A. Booth,
L. B. Harris, Mark Hopkins, C. H. Swift, W. F. Knox, B. B. Redding
and D. O. Mills should have had more modesty.
One word in answer to an inquiry of the Bee, Why so much?" If the
Swamp Land Commissioners fail to build the levees outside the city
limits, the City Commissioners will have to do it; and in that event
there will be a deficiency of from $15,000 to $20,000. The Committee
do not thiuk it "is bad " or "looks bad" to require "draymen, mechanics,
policemen, small dealers, clerks," etc., and a large class who pay no
other taxes, to contribute a small part of their earnings to protect
the city, and moreover the Act provides for the surplus being appropriated
for improving outlets from the city. ONE OF THE COMMITTEE.
THE BILL PREPARED.--As prepared by the Committee, the levee bill does not
seem to contain any section which authorizes the Levee Commissioners to
condemn property for the purpose of straightening the American river. It
is as necessary for the protection of the city that the American be
straightened as it is to build strong levees. The authority to do it
should rest in the hands of the Levee Board; they should have full power
to take possession of and condemn for that purpose any land which may
be necessary. The opening of the slough known as Hoyt's, above the
tannery, would accomplish the end fully of turning the river from the
city, and relieve it from all danger from the sharp bend where the
present break is. The same remark applies to the bend opposite Sixth
street. The river can be, some half a mile above, turned across into
the Sacramento something near a mile above its present mouth. These
changes would relieve the city from threatened encroachments, and
place the levees in a secure position. But in order to accomplish the
work of straightening the river, somebody must be clothed wifti proper
authority.
In the levee bill reported there is a section empowering the Levee
Commissioners to condemn land for levee purposes. The Commissioners
may enter upon and take possession of any land needed for levees, and
may have the same condemned, as provided in the present swamp land law.
This we understand to mean that they may take possession of the land,
and subsequently proceed to have it condemned. Such power they ought
certainly to possess, for if they have not the right to take immediate
possession, and then condemn the land, they will often find themselves
seriously embarrassed. The six dollar poll tax for the benefit of the
levee fund, which is provided for in the new levee bill, will meet with
determined opposition. The principle is condemned as wrong and unjust,
as property ought to pay for its own protection. The Committee will
probably deem it advisable to modify the bill in this particular, as
the provision may prove a dead weight in the Legislature.
AMENDMENT OF THE SWAMP LAND LAW.
Senator Parks, Chairman of the Committee on Swamp and Overflowed Land
in the Senate, has introduced a bill to amend the law of last year, which
we publish. It sets apart as a special fund, for the benefit of the same,
the money received in each Swamp Land district, and when the dollar per
acre is insufficient to reclaim the land in said district, authorizes a
tax to be levied to raise the required sum. The principles of the bill are
understood to have met the approval of a majority of the Swamp Land
Committees in each house. If the Legislature does not seize all the money
in the Swamp Land Fund and appropriate it to promote the personal comfort
of members, such a law as the bill which Senator Parks proposes would
operate favorably. Its passage would place every swamp land district in
a position to be reclaimed wherever the people of the district decided to
be taxed for that purpose.
The following is the bill to which we refer:
An Act supplemental to and amendatory of an Act entitled "An Act to
provide for the Reclamation and Segregation of Swamp and Overflowed and
Salt Marsh and Tide Lands donated to the State of California by Act of
Congress, approved May 15, 1861." The People of the State of California
represented in Senate and Assembly do enact as follows:
Section 1. Upon the completion of the survey and estimate of the cost
of permanent reclamation of a swamp land district, established or to be
established by the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners, it shall be the
duty of said Board of Commissioners to procure from the Registrar of the
State Land Office a certified statement of the amount of money paid into
the Swamp Land Fund of the State by the purchase of land within such
district, and to file said statement, together with a list of the swamp
and overflowed, salt marsh or tide lands included in such district, with
the Controller of State; said Board shall also file a statement of the
amount of money that has been expended in the survey of said district
and. In other expenses incidental thereto; and the money then in or
thereafter received in the Swamp Land Fund as having been paid by the
purchasers of land within the district thus certified, less the amount
expended in the survey, shall be set apart by the Controller and Treasurer
of State from the Swamp Land Fund, as a special fund to the credit of
such district, to be applied in the reclamation of said district, as is
provided in the Act to which this Act is supplemental and amendatory;
provided, that in no case shall more than one dollar for each acre of
the swamp, tide or marsh land in such distrlct be thus set apart from
the Swamp Land Fund excepting that where more than one dollar per acre
is paid as is hereinafter provided, the whole sum so paid shall be thus
set apart.
Sec. 2. The Board of Swamp Land Commissioners shall also cause to be
recorded by the County Recorder of each county in which a district or
part of a district finally established by them may be situate, a certified
statement of the boundaries of the district, together with a detailed
list by sections and subdivisions of sections of all the swamp, marsh
or tide lands embraced in said district. They shall also file with the
Treasurer of each county in which such lands are situated, a certified
list and map showing the lands by sections and subdivisions of sections
embraced in such district.
Sec. 3. Upon the receipt of the certified list and map the County
Treasurer shall open an account with each district thus certified,
and credit said district with any money that may then be in his hands
and received as principal or interest for any swamp, tide or marsh
lands included in said district, and all money thus placed to the
credit of a district, or thereafter received for land within a district
as principal or interest, or for the tax hereinafter authorized to be
levied, shall be by him received for the use of and paid into the State
Treasury, to the credit of the Special Reclamation Fund of the district
from which it was received.
Sec. 4. If from the report and estimates of the engineer, and after
the approval of the plan of reclamation by the Board of Commissioners
it shall appear that the amount in the State Treasury to the credit of
a district be not sufficient to reclaim said district, the Board of
Supervisors of each county in which such district or part of a district
may be situate, shall, and they are hereby required upon presentation
of a petition from the holders of patents or certificates of purchase
of swamp, tide or marsh lands within the district, representing one
third in acres of the whole of said district, levy a tax on all real
estate and improvements on real estate, within that county and within
the boundaries of such district, including all real estate and
improvements to be protected from overflow by the reclamation of such
distrlct, which tax shall, in the aggregate, when added to the amount
in the State Treasury to the credit of such district, equal the amount
of the cost of permanent reclamation as estimated and returned by the
engineer for said district.
Sec. 5. The tax thus authorized to be levied shall be collected as
other taxes are required to be levied and collected, and the laws for
the collection of State and county taxes are hereby made applicable
to the tax authorized to be levied and collected under the provisions
of this Act; provided, that the tax shall be levied and collected on
the assessment of real estate and improvements made for the current
fiscal year during which the petition was received.
Sec. 6. The tax thus authorized to be levied and collected, shall be
paid into the State treasury, to the credit of the fund of the district
from which it was received, to be applied in the reclamation of such
district, under the provisions of the Act of which this Act is
supplemental and amendatory.
Sec. 7. After such tax shall have been levied, it shall be the duty of
the County Treasurer to collect from the purchaser of any swamp, marsh
or tide lands on such district not theretofore sold, the amount of said
tax in the aggregate of his purchase, at the rate of one dollar per
acre, in addition to the amount of principal and interest now required
by law to be paid, and said amount, with the principal and interest,
and cost of survey, shall be paid into the State treasury, to the
credit of the reclamation fund of the district.
Sec. 8. Upon the completion of the work of reclamation of a district,
the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners shall, on the part of the State,
deliver the levees and other work of reclamation to the Board of
Supervisors of the county in which the same may be situated, and at
the general election held next thereafter, there shall be elected by
the voters of the district three persons to serve as Levee Commissioners,
who shall determine by lot which of them respectively shall hold office
for one, two and three years, and at each general election after the
first election herein provided for, the votes of such district shall
elect one Levee Commissioner to hold office for three years, and the
persons elected as herein provided shall form a Board of Levee
Commissioners, a majority of whom may exercise the powers hereinafter
granted them.
Sec. 9. The Levee Commissioners shall have power to hire labor, purchase
material and let contracts for the keeping of the levees and other work
of reclamation of their district in repair, and may certify accounts to
the Board of Supervisors for the same, payable out of the fund in the
County Treasury hereinafter authorized to be levied and collected.
Sec. 10. The said Board of Levee Commissioners shall annually, on or
before the first Monday of March of each year, certify to the Board of
.Supervisors the estlmated cost of the keeping of the levees and other
works of the district in repair, and the Board of Supervisors are hereby
directed and required to thereupon levy a tax on all property in the
district which shall in the aggregate equal the arnount thus estimated.
The tax thus authorized to be levied shall be collected as other taxes
are required to be collected, and be paid into the County Treasury as
a Levee Fund and be drawn out on the warrant of the Auditor, upon
accounts certified by the Levee Commissioners and approved by the Board
of Supervisors.
Sec. 11. If any person shall at any time or in any manner lower or alter
any levee to facilitate crossing, or shall cut, destroy, or in any other
manner whatever injure or destroy any levee or tide-gate or embankment or
other work constructed for the purposes of reclamation, or in any manner
whatever diminish the hight, width or strength of any levee or embankment
of a district or cross levee within a district, he shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of
not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or by
imprisonment for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or by
both such fine and imprisonment; and in every case of conviction the sum
of fifteen dollars shall be charged as costs and be paid to the Prosecuting
Attorney for his own use; and all fines collected under this Aot shall
be paid into the Levee Fund of the district
FRONT STREET.--Whatever may be the final-determination as to raising
the foundation of the whole city to high water mark, there can be no
question about the practicability and propriety of raising Front
street, and the business houses on the east side to the level of the
grade of the levee. The buildings on that street can be readily raised,
and at a comparatively small cost. The levee during the approaching
Summer will be put up a couple or three feet, and then the stores on
Front street should be placed on the same level. There is plenty of
room on Front street for all the heavy business of the city, and the
experience of this Winter admonishes merchants, particularly those in
the wholesale trade, that it is necessary for them to get into stores
which are above the highest water ever seen in Sacramento. This object
can probably be more easily accomplished on Front street than in any
other portion of the city. By a little concert of action the different
blocks might be carried up together. As the railroad is extended into
the country the greater will be the tendency of the wholesale trade
towards Front street. So great a proportion of goods will be forwarded
by railroad to customers that merchants in the wholesale business will
find it greatly to their interest to be convenient to the depot. But
the main consideration for the present will be the facility with which
stores on Front street can be placed above all danger from high water.
Merchants could in a very short time place themselves and their stocks
in as safe a position as the Chinese merchants on I street have occupied
during the floods which have destroyed so much of the property of our
native merchants. Had the grocery, hardware and other wholesale dealers
been located on I street they would have saved money enough to have
built a levee around the city. Levee or no levee, the true policy of
all merchants dealing in heavy goods, is to get into stores which are
above the grade of the levees. When so situated they will consider
themselves perfectly safe--and not before,
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . Legislative Proceedings..
In the Senate. . .
The bill empowering the State Library Trustees to have books repaired was passed.
In the Assembly ,. . .
The Committee on Ways and Means were instructed to report to-morrow on the Senate bill transferring the Swamp Land Funds.
The Rain In the Interior--Hight of the American at Coloma--Casualty--The Mountain Road.
PLACERVILLE, Feb 24th.
The rain of Sunday night did not extend to the summit of the mountains,
and will not carry off the snow.
The water had risen four feet in the American river at Coloma, at dark this
evening. [This will not affect the American here much, as the river at
Coloma is narrow.--EDS. UNION.]
It is now cloudy, but indications are unfavorable to much rain.
A brother of D. D. Kingsbury, the well known bridge and road builder,
lost his life on Saturday by being buried beneath a snow slide on the
grade west of Lake valley. The body was recovered on Sunday.
The road over the Summit is reported impassable to-day. About three feet
of snow fell during the late storm.
WEATHER IN WASHINGTON TERRITORY.--The Vancouver Telegraph of
January 24th gives the following statistics on the weather in Washington
Territory. They will prove interesting in connection with the data
published in reference to the weather in this State:
Since the latter end of October or the beginning of November last,
the fall of rain and snow has been almost incessant except when it
was too cold to either rain or snow. The whole coast was inflicted
with a flood of waters never before known to the white residents,
and now we have had to endure almost a month of the coldest weather
ever before felt. Indeed; our visitations from this source have not
been sparingly dealt out or coveteously [sic] withheld.
We have been favored by Charles Besserer with the following table,
prepared from the meteorological register kept at the hospital of
the garrison at this place, showing the state rf the atmosphere during
the coldest days of each Winter from 1849 to 1862. From this it will
be seen that last Friday, January 17th, was the coldest day by
9 degrees of any previous time during this period of twelve years,
the mercury standing at sunrise on that morning at 10 decrees below zero:
Sunrise. Daily mean.
1849-50, January 5, 1850 ........ 20 26.5
1850-51, December 5, 1850....... 22 26
1851-52, December 3, 1851....... 29 29.15
1852-53, December 22, 1852...... 7 16
1853-54, January 3, 1854 ........ 17 18
1854-55, December 20, 1854, ,,. 21 25
1855-56, December 28, 1855....... 0-1 8
1856-57, January 8, 1857...... 2 14.33
1857-58, Februury 15, 1858...... 14 16
1858-59, December 7, 1858. . . .... 8 18
1559-60, December 5, 1859. . 10 15
1860-61, December 7, 1860 , . . 28 32.66
1861-62, January 17, 1862.. ...... 0-10 2.83
We have also been furnished from the same source a statement of the
thermometer during the last week, as follows:
1862. 7 A.M. 2 P.M. 9 P.M. Daily mean.
January 16, 0-7 18 0 3 66
January 17, 0-10 13 3 2.33
January 18, 3 16 16 11.66
January 19, 14 17 14 15
January 20, 16 25 23 21.33
January 21, 28 33 33 31.33
January 22, 38 46 38 39
Fletcher has also again favored us with a statement of the observations
made by himself from his thermometer, which will be found to differ
slightly from that of the hospital register. The cause of this
variation is doubtless a difference of the situation of the thermometer,
and the time of taking the observations. Fletcher's has a direct northern
position, while that of the hospital is, we believe, to the westward.
However, this difference between the two statements is but comparatively
slight, and we publish them both for the purpose of showing that in the
main they are both correct.
1862. Sunrise. Noon. Sunset, Average.
January 15.... 16 32 10 19-33
January 16...... 0-10 16 6 4
January 17...... 0-12 15 10 4.38
January 18...... 4 20 16 10.66
January 19..... 12 17 14 14.33
January 20 17 32 28 25.66
January 21......28 36 34 32.66
January 22 35 42 40 39
PERILS OF THE NORTHERN MINES.--The Portland Advertiser of February
11th has the following in reference to the dangers of a Winter residence
in the Salmon river and Nez Perce mines:
For some time we have been completely cut off from any communication
with the mines. By the latest intelligence from the Dalles, we learn
that no person has been found bold enough to ventore overland to Walla
Walla, a distance of 181 miles. The ill fated party, of whom Jagger was
one, were the last who ventured over that waste of snow. Of the number
that composes that expedition, three are already dead--Jagger, Riddle
and Mulkey--two are still missing, and no doubt lost, as they have not
since been heard from--Davis and Allen--two others, Jeffreys and
Wellington, have had their legs amputated, and, should they recover,
will be cnpples for life. It is also intimated that Moody, Gay and
McDonald will share the same fate as Wellington and Jeffreys--amputation.
Only three of the whole party have escaped unscathed--James, Niles and
Bolen. This is a sad catalogue of misfortunes. But is it all? We fear not,
and must wait patiently for further advices. The severity of the weather,
the depth of the snow, and the length of the season, have had no parallel
in this section of country. The ice piled up on the river almost
approaches the dimensions of icebergs. All this, taken with the scarcity
of firewood in that neighborhood, renders a trip to that quarter as much
to be feared at this time as a pilgrimage over the eternal glaciers of
Greenland.
If the storm of snow extended to Salmon river, we greatly fear for
multitudes who are in nowise prepared for such a visitant. We are no
alarmists; but we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that over one thousand
men are as it were, cut off from the outside world, and for what length
of time none can predict. Have they plenty of provisions? This is a
most important question, but we will try and answer it. Last November,
provisions were seling at Salmon river at the rate of one dollar per
pound; pack trains were in demand, and four trains succeeded in getting
in. Others, in the latter part of that month, failed to get over the
mountains. We know of several parties who attempted to reach Florence
City in the beginning of December with flour; they returned to Lewiston
failing to make the trip. Since then, small parties of three or four
may have succeeded in carrying a few hundred pounds of provisions over
the mountain, but is this all sufficient for one thonsand men? Again,
it is well known that there are great numbers at Salmon, who had no
conception of what Winter in such a quarter meant. A great many of
them are from Oregon, who were never before at the mines, and who more
than likely made no provisions for such a season. Since then, two months
have elapsed, and two more are likely to follow before anything can be
done to remedy such a state of things. We hope all may be well, and that
we are mistaken, but "sufficient for the day is the evil thereof."
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
RAILROAD INCIDENT.--A little incident happened in connection with the
morning train from Folsom yesterday, of a somewhat peculiar character.
When the train reached Hull's ranch the passenger car and some seven or
eight freight cars, from the displacement of a bolt or some other cause,
became detached from the engine, leaving the tender and one or two
freight cars still connected with it. The Engineer and John H. Carroll,
who was also on the engine, kept too sharp a lookout ahead to think of
looking behind, and dashed on at an increased pace, entirely unconscious
of the dissolution of the union which had so recently united them and
the passengers together. As they approached the workmen at Sixteenth
and Seventeenth streets they were hailed with inquiries as to the
missing cars, but thinking the men were cheering the first train in
from Folsom since the flood, they courteously responded. The engineer
blew the whistle. Carroll rang the bell, and the engine increased its
speed. On they came to Front and K streets, when, on stopping, they
discovered their passengers and cars to be among the missing. They
went back at once, on an exploring expedition, and found the cars some
three or four miles from the city, awaiting their return--under the
guardianship of Conductor Osborne, who was in the passenger car at
the time of the accident.
RISE IN THE RIVERS.--Considerable anxiety was felt throughout the city
yesterday from a fear that we were about to be visited by another
inundation. The rains of the previous day had caused the rivers to
rise, and at an early hour in the morning the water commenced to come
into the northeastern portion of the city from the American river. There
proved to be no just foundation for alarm, so far as the business portion
of the city was concerned. The Sacramento river had risen during the
night about a foot, And the American at Rabel's about three feet. The
new levee, at which volunteers and hired workmen have been engaged during
the past week, gave way at one or two points, and a hundred feet or more
was soon destroyed. Through this opening, the crevasse at Twentieth street
and many points between the tannery and Burns' slough, the water came in,
in such volume as to flood to the depth of two feet the most of the city
lying east of Tenth and north of J streets. The outlet through the R street
railroad was such that the water poured off freely, doing but little damage
while it remained. Before twelve o'clock the water ceased to rise, and
during the afternoon it declined both in the city and in the American
river. . . .
RAISED.--The floor of the K streei market is to be raised about four
feet above its present position, to provide against future floods. . . .
THE RAILROAD.--The railroad repairs west of Poverty Ridge were so far
completed on Sunday night, that yesterday morning's train left the depot
at Front and K street, and made the first through trip to Folsom with
passengers and freight. The morning train from Folsom also came through,
but by about noon the road again became impassable by the action of the
current of water which set in in the morning from the American river.
That which came from Burns' slough, from the Tivoli, and from the tannery,
seemed to concentrate west of Poverty Ridge, and so weakened about fifty
feet of the embankment which had heretofore withstood the floods, that
it became unsafe to attempt to pass with the train. Arrangements were
made for piling the weak spot. The work will be commencsd and probably
finished to-day.
CLOSED UP.--With the first train from Folsom yesterday, the agents of
Sneath & Arnold, Booth & Co., and Lindley, Hull & Lohman, who have kept
open branches of their stores at Folsom during the late floods, came into
the city, all having closed out their establishments at that place. As
the cars will now run regularly they deem it unnecessary to keep open
any longer their stores at that place. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3405, 26 February 1862, p. 1
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 5.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
EVIDENCES OF FORMER FLOODS CONTINUED.
Being compelled by necessity to compose my last paper somewhat hurriedly,
I overlooked some notes made during my first and second journeys to the
mining districts which bore directly on the points under notice. In one
respect I do not regret this circumstance, as it gives me the present
opportunity of apologizing for the somewhat garrulous tone of the
preceding related evidences, the facts detailed will I hope, compensate
for the deficiency of style, and shonld it appear, after being printed,
that they are not related with sufficient lucidity, it will be my endeavor
in some future paper to clear up any obscurity. I was in too great haste
to round periods or weigh the language employed, so as to gracefully lay
before the readers of the UNION some facts which the bulk of observers
would scarcely deem worthy of notice; but which, on this important
inquiry, possess a high value, for we are not like European countries
where carefully recorded meteorological observations have been continued
from half to three-quarters of century or upwards, thus furnishing
general and average data on which calculations may be based with some
reliance. In California on the contrary, I believe that the oldest
series of meteorological observations do not amount to a decade, and
those have been made in positions which, though of high relative value
under existing circumstances, in consequence of their total absence prior
to the occupation of the State by Americans are the only ones which we
now can refer to, have generally been made in the large centers of
population in the low lands, and not in the mountains where the heaviest
deposits of rain take place. Calculations based on rain gauges situated
at Sacramento, San Francisco, Stockton, Marysville, etc., would be very
fallacious, and it is doubtful if any rain gauge in the mountain has been
carefully observed for more than half the period of those noticed in the
low lands. As this is a deficiency that time and time only can remedy,
we are necessitated to resort to all other sources of information that
can legitimately be called as evidence, for time, if he will not wait,
neither will he move hurriedly and flap his wings in order to speed his
onward course for any exigencies of man.
Amongst evidences of comparatively recent floods, which I observed during
my two or three first journeys through California, were the following: On
the left or southern bank of the Yuba, a few miles from Marysville, there
did and probably does exist a considerable space of very slightly
undulating land, composed chiefly of angular pieces of quartz and other
rocks, from the size of peas to half a pound weight or more, but chiefly
from two to five or six ounces in weight, intermixed slightly with a fine
ochrey colored soil the vegetation was exceedingly sparse, but making all
allowance for the arid character of the soil and the droughty nature of
the Summer climate, I felt convinced from long experience and observation
on this class of subjects, that had the stony soil under notice been covered
with vegetation only half a century, there ought to have been seen a greater
amount of carbonaceous vegetable debris than appeared to exist. Further,
I remarked that the vegetation increased gradually on traveling to the
south and west towards Hock Farm, the soil imperceptibly changing from
an almost stony desert into a sandy and ultimately an argillaceous one,
the vegetation being more developed in the same order, the order of the
deposited soil being that which occurs when the materials are subjected
to flowing waters, such as will probably be seen to follow the recent
floods. There is another fact which always interested me, respecting
which I never could obtain any satisfactory information, and as it is to
be seen not far from Sacramento, perhaps some of your readers will
volunteer the desired intelligence.
The appearances alluded to are to be seen to the right or eastern side
of the road usually taken by the stages between Sacramento and Marysville.
A careful observer will remark in the direction alluded to that for a
considerable distance a low bank of sandy soil will be seen to run for
some miles on the east side of and parallel to the road, raised from
eighteen inches to three feet above the western or lower part, on which
the stages ran. The rise is abrupt and well defined. My first impression,
which has remained up to the past few months, was that the low bank
alluded to was occcasioned by an upheaval. Recent events have induced me
to think that the bank might have been caused by the ripple or the current
of a flood, or the two combined. Perhaps some attentive observer residing
in the neighborhood will take up the inquiry, and report the result.
WHAT IS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR THE PRESENT EXIGENCIES OF SACRAMENTO.
If it was only requisite to take into consideration what ought to be
done in order to relieve Sacramento from future danger, the task would
be a very simple one. In such a case, provided no extensive leveeing
was to be carried out in future on the swamp lands, all that would
be necessary would be to raise the existing barriers a little higher
and strengthen them, and, see that they were always maintained in good
order, with these safeguards inroads even from the most threatening
quarter--the American river--might cease to be apprehended. If to
accomplish this it should be found requisite to raise the levees around
Sacramento ten feet higher than they are at present and to strengthen
proportionately, that would be the most effectual and cheapest plan.
But contemporaneously with the citizens of Sacramento raising their
defenses so as to meet and successfully beat off the destructive
agencies of future floods, other parties will be engaged (by leeveing [sic]
out, or what is called reclaiming swamp land,) as zealously in causing
the exterior waters to assume a higher level than they have done
heretofore, and if carried on to the extent proposed, namely, of
reclaiming five millions of acres, must eventually cause such a state
of things that the levees to be erected in order to effectually restrain
the water during the heavy floods, will have to be constructed so elevated
and of such great breadth in consequenoe of such elevation, as to be
beyond the bounds of practicability, having a due regard for the cost
of capital and labor required. While the swamps are open as they now
exist, and being used as a species of compensating reservoir, with no
danger of their being circumscribed in future, leveeing is the fitting
course to be pursued, and any further consideration of the subject would
be unnecessary. It may, however, with great justice be apprehended that
a large and not uninfluential party will insist upon having the low lands
now so useful as a reservoir reclaimed; in which case it behooves all
interested in Sacramento to devise or adopt measures best calculated
to meet such altered circumstances, and prevent what otherwise might
be productive of disastrous results.
There are two ways to look at this subject, one from a purely Sacramentan
point of view, in which the interests wholly and solely of Sacramento
are considered not subordinate to, but in conjunction with, those
connected with the general welfare of the State. It is gratifying to
reflect that so far as I can at present see, the interests of both are
so nearly identified that it is scarcely possible to do good for one
without benefiting the other. From the absence of accurate data on my
part, it is possible that I may be deceived in this respect, but after
carefully weighing all the elements of the inquiry which I conceive
pertain to it, than even in the limited sense of looking at it in a
purely Sacramentan point of view, the most judicious measures which
could be adopted are those which also wouid ultimately coincide with
those of the State at large. As some of the reasons which I am about
to adduce will have to be again advanced, when I come to review the
whole matter, I shall for the present relate them in as few words as
pessible. I presume it is unnecessary to dilate on any theory raised
on the presumption that the greatest source of danger from inundation
arises not from the Sacramento but from the American river. Such has
been the fact, and such might have been inferred from the proximity
of the city to its head waters especially when taken in conjunction
with the general physical outline and meteorological condition of
the districts which furnish the waters to its three forks.
In the course of the following calculation I shall assume the rain
fall to be occasionally equal to four inches in twenty four hours.
I have used a similar estimate by way of illustration on a former
occasion, and I intend to employ the same in all cases, excepting
when it is obviously unfitted. The estimate is an easy one for
convenience of reduction into feet, and though many may think it
excessive, I think I shall be able to show before the entire of this
paper is completed that it is an under rather than an over rated
estimate, and will have the further advantage of possessing a common
standard of comparison and calculation.
In a general way it may be estimated that the three forks of the
American river, above their junction, drain an area of twelve hundred
square miles, which would receive in the form of rain in twenty four
hours, 11,151,026,666 cubic feet, or 137,141 cubic feet per second,
calculating the rain fall as amounting to four inches during the period
indicated. The most popular mode in which I can exhibit to the
comprehension of the general reader this great mass of water, is to
state that if a trough was made four hundred and fifty feet wide and
thirty feet deep, and the entire column flowed at the rate of ten feet
per second, only 135,000 cubic feet per second would be discharged,
leaving 2,141 cubic feet per second to accumulate, or 184,982,400 cubic
feet in twenty-four hours. It is true that sometimes of the quantity
of rain that falls a part is absorbed by evaporation, another part
sinks into crevices in the earth and accumulates to form springs,
another portion may be absorbed by the turf and porous sands, or
other absorbent soil. If the inquiry was instituted for the purpose
of ascertaining whether a sufficiency of water could be obtained,
these questions would be highly pertinent, and for which appropriate
deductions would have to be allowed. In the present case, scarcely
any abatement ought to be made for the items noticed; in the first
place the very heavy and so justly dreaded rain-falls usually occur
after previous rains, when evaporation is at a stand; the earth is
saturated and the fissures in the subjacent rocks are already filled
to overflowing. Should, however, any such crevices absorb a portion
of the rain-fall, it would only be in consequence of its issuing as
springs at an equal rate below, and so adding to the main outflow.
Under such circumstances, therefore, the only way in which it is
possible that any of the excess of water can be stored, must be
within the banks of the river itself. This would, doubtless, be a very
large amount, but with respect to which no reasonable approximative
calculation could be made, excepting from careful observation made
on the spot at the period of flood; it may, therefore, be safely
calculated that at a rainy crisis like that we have just undergone,
and appear likely to undergo again, that it in the event of a heavy
fall of rain like four inches in the twenty-fonr hours, to all practical
purposes an amount equal to that would rapidly find its way to the
river and its various tributaries in a not far greater amount of time
than that occupied by its deposition. Part of this, as previously
observed, would be stored within its banks, as evidenced by the
rising flood; and if these banks were insufficient it would, as in
the late case, overtop and eventually make a breach into them and flood
the neighboring lower lands. In seeking a remedy for this evil, it must
be borne in mind that it is not the whole mass of waters which we shall
have to contend with, but only such part as is in excess of ths safe
capacity of the river; but this excess will vary greatly, according
to circumstances. Perhaps in the case of the American absolute security
might be attained if one fifth of its present inflow of waters during
heavy floods could be impounded or delayed in its course from head to
embouchure. Without knowing the rate of discharge of the American during
the late floods, nor the width nor depth of that stream, I feel satisfied
that I am making a statement on a tolerably safe basis in declaring that
if the upper waters of the American were impounded, as they easily might
be on the three forks to the extent of one thousand millions cubic feet
each, that Sacramento, so far as the American is concerned, would have
no need to fear future floods. The conservant tendency of such works
would not rest alone on the mere impoundage of such bodies of waters--the
whole upper streams would be equally retarded in their course from head
to overflow, owing to the lake-like character given to its course. The
value of this may be estimated when it is considered that if we can
doable the time required for a flood to pass away we double the capacity
of the watercourse, for the latter may be quite eqnal to the conveyance
of a given volume of water if allowed fortyeight hours for its discharge,
but would be incompetent to do so if it was to be rushed through in
twenty-four.
Respecting the capability of storing and the practicability of impounding
the upper waters of the American, I only recommend that which I know
has been successfully done under much more difficult circumstances, and
I believe with objects of even less importance. Respecting the cost of
such an undertaking, or the exact position where the reservoirs ought
to be placed, I cannot at present make any explicit statement, nor
could I give other than the most general idea as to the value of such
impounded waters for sluicing, irrigating, manufacturing, or other
economical purposes. All those would depend upon the judicious or
injudicious selection of each site, and the comprehensiveness of views
of the party intrusted with their selection--on which, and other points,
I will have more to say when I review the whole matter as connected with
the interests of the State. I do not conceive that Sacramento ought to
be at the sole expense of constructing works by which other parts of the
State would receive a large or greater benefit than herself. But I do
most earnestly press upon her citizens to weigh well the importance of
taking measures during the present session of the Legislature to obtain
powers that will enable them--if the funds can be obtained--to construct
works sach as those indicated and to be hereafter selected, so as to
form part of a more extended plan in which the whole State ought to
participate: in which case the outlay on account of the works constructed
for the defense of Sacramento from the incursions of the American river,
ought to be reimbursed.
I have already expressed an opinion that of the proposed model of
improving the outlet of the American, I conceive the better way would
be to turn, rather than straighten it. I adhere to that opinion, and
I feel considerable confidence that whenever the surveys are completed
stated by the UNION as being now made, that the theodolite will second
my views. I have seen a suggestion, copied, I think, from a Fremont
paper, for cutting a new channel from that place to Suisnn Bay. Prior
to observing the suggestion I had conceived a somewhat similar idea.
In an engineering point of view there does not exist any obstacle, and
some benefit could no doubt be occasionally obtained by such a cut off.
On the whole, however, I think the same end could be obtained in an easier
manner, and still retain the main waters of the Sacramento in its old
channel for outscouring [sic] objects during the Summer season. I am not
acquainted with the levels of the marsh land to the southwest of Fremont
sufficiently well to know whether or not an extensive byewash might not
be erected near that place. These and all other matters of like detail,
can only be safely touched upon when something like accurate data,
levels, rain fall, velocity of currents, tides, etc., etc, art obtained,
and measures ought to be adopted immediately to obtain them. In the
meantime, so far as Sacramento is concerned, I see no hope of alleviating
her unfortunate position should the following year prove as rainy as the
present, excepting those just noticed. Should the data indicated be
obtained and prove favorable, and a more extensive plan adopted founded
on them, I have every reason for believing that the reclamation of the
swamp lands may be carried out without endangering Sacramento or the
marginal levels; as, also, that the course of the Sacramento river could
be so much deepened and improved as to permit during the driest season
much heavier vessels to reach that city than has heretofore been the
case. These are points deserving of attention and worth struggling for.
[For the Union.]
THE LEVEE BILL.
MESSRS. EDITORS: As the new Levee Bill is necessarily so long that but
few readers will remember all its provisions upon a single reading, and
as I am one of those who studied it carefully and thoroughly in its course
of preparation, I wish to answer some objections that have been made to it.
Firat. In regard to your suggestion that it will be well to authorize
the Commissioners to build cross levees, if necessary, I call attention
to section sixteen, a portion of which is as follows :
The City levee Commissioners may use it [the surplus money, if any] in
constructing inner or cross levees, or they may use it in macadamizing
or otherwise improving one or more outlets of travel to and from the
city; and if no such money comes into the City Levee Fund, or it is
insufficient, and the Commissioners deem any inner or cross levee
necessary, they may cause the same to be built, and the money therefor
shall be levied and collected upon their estimate in accordance with
the provisions in section nine; provided, that the tax necessary to
pay for such inside or cross levee shall only be levied upon the real
estate and improvements inclosed thereby.
And this provision partially explains why a poll tax is levied--a part
of the bill which I do not defend per se, but only show why it was
deemed necessary.
Second. In regard to your suggestion about the American river, section
six authorizes the Commissioners to condemn under either the Swamp Land
Act or any Act that has been or may be passed for the condemnation, etc.,
in Sacramento county. The object of this is that the bill introduced by
Senator Heacock, at the request of the Supervisors, is, notwithstanding
your objection to its being complicated, much more simple in practice
than proceedings under the Swamp Land Law or any other law on the
statute books. And as that proposed law was, at the request of the
writer of this, amended in the Senate by inserting after the words,
"city authorities," the words, "or City Levee Commissioners," the
Board will, upon the passage of the two proposed laws, have free power
to turn the American and condemn the lands necessary for the purpose.
This is another reason why a surplus of money beyond the actual cost
of the outside levee is needed.
Third. In regard to the power of the Commissioners to make a toll road
or lease out the franchise, I think an examination of section eight will
convince you that your fears that the levee may be reduced in hight are
groundless, until the levees are all complete and delivered over, but
after that "they" (the Commissioners) "may, with the consent of the city
authorities, contract with any person or persons for raising, enlarging
and strengthening said levee, such work to be paid for by a lease,
with a right to collect tolls for a period not longer than ten years,
and the rate of tolls be fixed from time to time by the city authorities;
provided, however, that no such lease shall be made unless the franchise
is put up for public competition after at least thirty days notice in
two city papers."
If we can't trust the two bodies, the "Levee Commissioners " and the
"city authorities," to make a safe contract, after the entire people
have had the whole matter publicly before them for "at least thirty
days," we may as well cease any attempt at municipal government,
particularly as the franchise can only be granted in payment "for
raising, enlarging and strengthening the levee" after it has been
made to the full hight and width required by the engineers.
Fourth. If it is the general intention to levee the city so as to be
perfectly safe, and to oe [sic] assured within a month or six weeks from
now that such a levee will be made, a surplus fund must be raised to meet
the contingency provided against in section seventeen--i. e., the
probability that the Legislature will steal the Swamp Land Fund, and
thus render the State Commissioners powerless to assist the city. . . .
AN AMUSING MISTAKE.--The San Francisco Call relates the following:
We were told yesterday of an amusing mistake at Platt's Hall, while that
building was thrown open the other day for the relief of sufferers by
the flood. Mrs. S-----, a lady as rich as she is benevolent, and as
"old fashioned" as unassuming, appeared each day to minister practically
to the wants of the suffering. Ignoring hoops, she was looked upon as
a "sufferer" herself, and was constantly detained while traveling through
the hall with the well-intentioned inquiry, "Madam, what can we do for
you?" The interruption became at last so amusing that the good old lady
found it necessary to surround herself with crinoline of ample
circumference to prevent mistakes.
THE QUANTITY OF RAIN.--We have been favored with a statement of the
amount of rain that fell in this neighborhood from December 22d to
February 2d, inclusive. The rainy days of December, commencing with
the 22d were: the 22d, 23d, 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th. 30th and 31st;
January 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 16th,
20th, 22d, 23d, 24th, 27th; February 2d. During these days of December,
8-5/8 inches of rain fell; of January, 48-3/8 inches; of February,
1-3/8 inches--making a fall of 58-3/8 inches of rain in the course of
six weeks. Besides this, snow fell on the 30th and 31st days of
January.--Santa Rosa Democrat. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Another paper from J. Rowlandson on the subject of protecting the
Sacramento valley from inundation appears in our columns today.
A suit has been commenced by The City and County of Sacramento against
the Sacramento Valley Railroad, and an injunction applied for to prevent
the running of cars west of Sixth street. . . .
Our dispatches show that there was a severe hurricane at Carson City
yesterday, and attended with some damage.
An account of the weather in the interior yesterday will be observed in
our telegraphic column. We do not apprehend a further flood at present. . . .
THE RIGHT TO CONDEMN.--A correspondent suggests that the right to condemn
land for the purpose of straightening the American is granted in a bill
introduced by Senator Heacock, and that to provide money for that purpose
was one of the objects for suggesting a levee poll tax. The State Board
of Swamp Land Commissioners also possess the right to condemn land to
straighten levees, but still we think the right to do so should have been
distinctly and positively conveyed in the levee bill. It may, however,
answer all purposes as it stands. The bill is cautiously worded, and its
provisions were evidently well considered before they were adopted and
reported. We doubt whether a bill can be drawn better calculated to
accomplish the objects in view. A few alterations may be needed, but
as a whole it should prove acceptable to the people of the city. But
if the Legislature seizes on all the money in the Swamp Land Fund, one
of the main objects of the bill will be defeated, as the effort has been
to make it so harmonize as to enable the State and city Boards to move
in concert, though acting independently of each other. Should the State
Board find itself unable to act for want of funds, the city will be
compelled to go forward and provide as best she may for her own protection.
If thrown upon her own resources, she will probably fall back upon the
system of cross levees, by which she will fortify her own position, and
leave those outside to do the same. . . .
VISALIA.--A gentlemen who recently arrived in San Francisco informs
the Alta that no stock of any consequence has been lost. The
waters have subsided wholly, and travel has been resumed. Some little
loss has been sustained by the washing away of fencing. No lives were
lost, and but one house, that of brick and adobes, washed down. The
residents believe that the overflow will add to the wealth of the county. . . .
PERSONAL PROPERTY.--There appears to be some opposition to a tax on
personal property for levee purposes; but is not this opposition founded
more on a selfish than a just and patriotic consideration? Personal
property must be protected as well as real. In the late floods the
loss of personal property has been ten times greater than the loss
of real property, and so it would be were the city to be inundated
next Winter. The great loss in property in such a calamity as a flood
will always fall on personal property. The amount of that kind of property
destroyed in the city would have built several levees. It is deeply
interested in a levee, and can well afford to pay a reasonable tax to
aid in building one. It is certainly matter of surprise to hear so much
said about being taxed to build a levee, upon which the salvation of
themselves and their business depends. We had supposed there was not
a man in Sacramento who was not willing to pay his portion of the tax
necessary to build a levee for the protection of the city; but it seems
we were laboring uuder a mistake. It is conceded that the true policy
of Sacramento is not to burden the business of the city more than is
absolutely necessary, but this levee matter is an exception to the
general rule, and should be so considered by every Sacramentan. The
bill reported may possibly require a few amendments. It will then be
found as near what we need as we can well have framed. It will be pretty
sure to effect what is demanded for our protection, and should be
sustained as adapted to our wants and necessities. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
SAN FRANCISCO. Feb. 25th.
. . .There has been a heavy rain all day. The sewer corner of Montgomery
and Sacramento streets overflows and floods the neighborhood. . . .
Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate, . . .
Nixon introduced a bill for the relief of Sacramento sufferers by floods.
Referred to the Finance Committee. . . .
Heacock offered a resolution directing the Sergeant-at-Arms to procure
boats or build a bridge across Battery street, at Washington, to enable
members to reach the Capitol, and instructing the Committee to inquire
into the necessity of removing back to Sacramento. Battery street has
been flooded all day. . . .
In the Assembly . . .
The Committee of Ways and Means reported favorably on the bill to
transfer money from the Swamp Land Fund. Placed on file. . . .
Hurricane in Carson City.
Carscn City, February 25th.
A terrific hurricane has prevailed here all day. It commenced storming day
before yesterday, and gradually increased ever since until to-day. It has
snowed and rained alternately and blows with great violence. Buildings
have been unroofed, and one or two brick buildings were so badly cracked
that it is unsafe to remain in them. The gale still continues.
The Weather in the Interior.
PLACERVILLE, Feb. 25th.
It is rainy and showery. The streams are not high. The wind is blowing
hard.
FOLSOM, Feb. 25th.
It is raining hard. The weather is very warm. The river is rising slowly.
NEVADA, Feb. 25th.
It has been snowing for the last three days. A warm rain set in to-night
and the snow is melting fast, both here and at Downieville. The streams
are rising very fast. [These flow eventually into the Sacramento.]
MUD SPRING, Feb. 25th.
It is raining very hard here. The streams are rising fast.
COLOMA, Feb. 25th.
It has been raining quite hard this evening. The river is rising slowly.
It is not as high as yesterday.
AUBURN, Feb. 25th.
It has been raining nearly all day. The river is rising slowly. Weather warm.
MINING PROSPECTS IN SIERRA.--In the course of an article on the manner
in which the late floods have affected the mining streams and gulches,
the Sierra Citizen says:
There has been removed from the gold-bearing streams of Sierra county an
average of ten feet of tailings. Now, for the last six years these
tailings had to be got clear of, and they contained so small an
amount of gold that they were not considered worth washing, yet they
all had gold scattered through them. The freshet has sluiced this gravel
and left the gold in the bottom of the river. The miner has at once got
rid of the tailings and the gold is saved, and now when he commences
work the river will pay from the top down. If we mistake not, there
will be more gold taken from the river and creek beds this season in
our county and in the State than in any season for the last six years.
While the harvest in the valley may be short, we predict the proceeds
from the rivers will be greater than usual.
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
Just published, and for sale in every Bookstore in this State. A CORRECT
LITHOGRAPHIC VIEW of the INUNDATION OF THE STATE CAPITAL--CITY OF
SACRAMENTO, showing J and K streets from the levee. Price, 40 oents,
for those that are printed, on large Drawing Paper, suitable for framing;
those that are printed on thin French paper are sold at 25 cents. They can
be folded up and sent in a letter without additional postage. The trade
will be supplied by addressing A. ROSENFIELD, Publisher, San Francisco.
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
STATE CAPITAL
fe.26-6t4thp*
FOUND.--PICKED UP, FLOATING in the Sacramento River, 13 miles below
this city, a FLAT-BOTTOM BOAT, painted lead color, with the oars, a
spade and other things in it. Ths owner can take it away, by proving
it and paying charges. at the Ranch of ROB. FLINN,
fe26-3t* 13 miles below Sacramento.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
RAILROAD INJUNCTION SUIT.--W. W. Upton and F. Hereford, on behalf of
The City and County of Sacramento, commenced suit yesterday in the
District Court against the Sacramento Valley Railroad Company asking
for an injunction prohibiting the company from running cars upon Front
Street or on R street west of Sixth street. The complaint, which is
quite voluminous, cites the Act of incorporation of the city, and the
various ordinances of the City Council and Board of Supervisors. granting
and regulating the right of way of the Railroad Company. Ordinance
No. 53, passed by the Mayor and Common Council, granted to the company
the right "to construct on the R street levee a temporary railroad
track, from Sixth street along the said levee to a point sufficiently
near the Sacramento river to allow of a.proper connection to come on to
Front street northward of their railroad track," the temporary track to
come along Front street northward to M street. Said track was to be used
only for transporting by horse power the material necessary for constructing
the road. The Council, also, reserved the right to have the track removed
after the expiration of twelve months, on six months notice. Subsequently
ordinances were passed granting the franchise of laying the track along
Front street to a point on Front between K and L streets, upon the same
terms and conditions as accompanied the former grant. It is alleged that
the company has violated nearly all the conditions and requirements of
the franchise, and has had notice to take up the track, but has failed
to do so. It is, therefore, prayed by the plaintiffs that a decree be
made by the Court requiring defendants to remove their tracks and all
buildings and obstructions of every character connected with said road,
and "that an injunction be issued perpetually enjoining and restraining
said defendents, its agents, employes, superintendents, conductors and
trustees and their successors and. assigns," from longer using the streets
and alleys in question for the purposes above named. . . .
STILL CAVING IN.--The embankment at and near the foot of R street,
continues to cave in, from the effects of the eddies in the current at
that point. The encroachments of the water have been such that arrangements
were made yesterday morning on the part of the railroad company to protect
the front from further injury. The large platform scale, especially, was
endangered, and required protection. For this purpose a pile driver was
brought into requisition and set in operation. A line of piles was driven
in front of the scale for the purpose of building a plank bulkhead, behind
which the earth was to be filled in and a solid embankment made. The work
was suspended at noon, and when the men returned it was found that a
portion of the western wall which had been exposed for several weeks, had
fallen in, and the scale could only be saved by removing it. This scale was
over sixty feet long. It was constructed for weighing two cars at a time,
and cost about three thousand dollars. It is the purpose of the company to
pile the entire front of their works so far as the caving of the embankment
has rendered such a course necessary. . . .
SETTLING DOWN.--The two or three frame buildings on the south side of
K street, east of Fifth, occupied as a portion of the Waverley House,
have settled to such an extent within two or three days as to be in a
dangerous condition. The foundation beneath them had been covered with
water, and the uprights on which they stood had become weakened from
decay. The buildings have settled to the depth at some points of a foot
or more. The work of bringing them back to their former position by
blocking up was commencad yesterday . . .
THE RIVERS.--Sacramento river at sunset last evening stood at 16 feet
10 inches above low water mark, having fallen slightly through the day.
The American river, at the tannery, had fallen about a foot within the
past twenty-four hours.
RAIN--We learn from Dr. Logan that the aggregate amount of rain which
had fallen at nine o'clock last evening, since our last report was
0.370 of an inch. Total amount for the season, 29.573 inches. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3406, 27 February 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 1862.
The Lieutenant Governor called the Senate to order at 11 o'clock, . . .
BOOKS IN STATE LIBRARY.
Senate Bill No. 68--An Act to authorize the rebinding of books in
the State Library [appointing F. Foster and E. B. Crocker of Sacramento
to rebind and repair the injured volumes, and sell worthless ones at
auction]--was considered in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Oulton asked why Messrs. Crocker and Foster were named in the bill
instead of the Board of Trustees of the State Library. He thought cheating
or rascality might be hidden in the bill, and moved to insert, instead,
the "Trustees of the State Library," who could be assembled very easily,
as three of them lived in Sacramento.
Mr. Burnell thought he could see a nice little job of $500 to $1,000 in
this thing. The parties were named, and could charge what they liked.
Mr. Crane ridiculed the idea of calling the Governor and Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court and others together to get down on their knees and
smell through a pile of damp and musty books for the purpose of
ascertaining which should be repaired. It would cost more to assemble
them than the repairs would amount to.
The amendment was adopted--ayes 17, noes 12. The bill was read a third
time and passed under suspension of the rules. . . .
ASSSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 24, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
The Speaker laid before the House a communication from the Superintendent
of the State Reform School, in response to a resolution of the Assembly
inquiring in regard to the present condition and future management of the
State Reform School. The Superintendent refers to the flooded condition
of the country since the first of December, when the school was opened,
and the fact that nevertheless eight boys had been received at the school,
one of whom was brought thirty-four miles, the journey occupying three days;
another requiring two days to come from Sacramento county, and a third,
requiring five days to come, from Placerville. The constant discussion in
the Legislature of the subject of removal or abolition of the school has
rendered it inexpedient to make much exertion to obtain boys, who would
perhaps only be removed, or escape at their leisure, as a part of the walls
of the institution have been destroyed by recent storms and floods. The
constant agitation of the subject of removal or extinction of the
institution, the reiteration of charges of its being a penal institution,
and a home for criminals, has militated against its prosperity, and he
regretted that the institution should have been condemned before it had
been tried. The location might not be a good one, and he trusted the
motives of those who had thus prematurely condemned the institution
were good.
On motion of Mr. Sears the further reading of the communication was
dispensed with, and the communication was referred to the Committee
on Education. . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. Smith of Sirrra, from the Committee on Counties and County Boundaries,
reported that the petition of citizens of Yolo county for the removal of
the county seat from Washington to Woodland appeared to be signed by
a majority of the legal voters of the county, and the representative from
that county had declared that he considered such petition in the light of
instruction. The Committee think, however, that the subject ought to be
left to a direct vote of the people of the county, especially as persons
living in the flooded districts might complain that an undue advantage
had been taken of their condition. The Committee therefore decide in
favor of submitting the question at a special election to be held in
Yolo county for the purpose, and the representative from that county
would at an early day present a bill for that purpose.
SENATE MESSAGES.
The House took up the order of messages from the Senate. . . .
Senate Bill No. 111--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across the Stanislaus river, at a place known as Burns' Ferry [near or
is O'Byrnes Ferry], to certain persons therein named--was read twice and
referred to the Tuolumne and Calaveras delegations. . . .
RESOLUTIONS.
. . . Mr. Eagar introduced a resolution requiring the Controller to draw
his warrants for the payment out of the Contingent Fund of the Assembly
of certain boatmen employed by the Sergeant-at-Arms at Sacramento.
It would be recollected, he said, that the Senate jumped the House bill
after the House had passed theirs, and his object was to provide for paying
the boatmen in some way. He moved to refer the resolution to the Committee
on Expenditures.
Mr. Hillyer said the House had already passed a resolution of this kind to
pay those boatmen.
Mr. Eagar said he did not so understand.
Mr. Bell said the Committee having the resolution could report all the
facts.
The resolution was referred to the Committee on Expenditures and Accounts. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . There was a rise of water yesterday in the lower part of the city,
which has been overflowed since the late floods, of about three feet. At
sunset last evening the water ceased to rise. The Sacramento rose yesterday
some eight inches. . . .
OVER THE MOUNTAIN.--A letter was received yesterday in the city,
announcing that the Ogleby road, from the Junction House near Strawberry
Valley, was open for travel for horsemen, footmen and pack trains.
It was written by a man who has been engaged with a party in putting
it in a condition for use. The bridge across the American on that road
was carried away, but one has been built for temporary use, and in a
short time a new bridge for teams will be completed, the timber for one
being on the ground. Men started up Tuesday to frame and put it up. The
proprietors are men of energy, and they assure the public that the road
will be opened for wagons in a short time, unless more storms like those
in January are visited upon the country. The snow on the 22d, the day
the letter was written, was two feet in depth on the road. It has since
been brought down here by a warm rain.
THE COSUMNES.--We are informed by a gentleman who arrived from the
Cosumnes last evening that the river was greatly swollen when he crossed.
All the bottoms of the stream were inundated. He spent an entire day in
getting from Wilson's to the Slough House, some five or six miles. . . .
STATE FINANCES.
. . . The returns of the Assessors make the taxable property of the
State $147,000,000; those returns were made before the terrible floods
to which the State has been subjected had spread desolation over the
land. By the action of floods the taxable property of the State has been
reduced millions of dollars. How many no one can determine definitely,
but the loss must approximate twenty-five millions. The subtraction of
such an amount from the taxable property of the people, will force the
Legislature to fix a higher rate on the millions which remain, to meet
the wants of the State. From sixty the State tax will probably have to
be raised to eighty cents on the hundred dollars, and if the war tax is
to be levied this year on property, the rate will be increased to over
one per cent., without including the interest tax. To this rate county
taxes will add generally a hundred per cent. In this city, when the
United States, State, county, city and levee taxes are added together,
they will run up to just about the interest paid on money in the old
States. But the levee tax must be paid, be it more or less; the existence
of the city depends upon it; and hence the people of the city are
naturally anxious to be relieved of as much direct tax for other
purposes as the nature of the case will admit. Under the most favorable
arrangement possible our taxes this year must range higher than ever
before paid by property in Sacramento. Her people are, therefore,
justified in demanding the most rigid economy in State, county and
city affairs. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Trouble about Water--Attempted Suicide--Small Pox--Sierra.Nevada--White Flags at Memphis--Arrival of the St. Louis--Passengers.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 26th.
Parties in St. Ann's valley, yesterday attempted to cut a channel
through Market street to draw off the water. The people South of it
resisted. The police interfered and restored quiet.
A woman attempted suicide to-day with a knife, and inflicted serious but
not fatal wounds. Cause, depression of spirits in consequence of severe
losses of husband by the flood in Sacramento and Marysville.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
RISE IN THE AMERICAN.--On account of the late rains the American river
rose during Tuesday night and yesterday some three or four feet at the
tannery. In consequence of this rise a large quantity of water was
discharged through Burns' slough, through the crevasse at the
tannery--a large share of the volunteer work having been swept
away--and through the several openings in the levee between the two
points. The water in the flooded district of the city, of course,
began to rise, and during the forenoon it advanced so rapidly as to
cause considerable uneasiness among many, lest the business portion
of the city should be again subjected to overflow. For several hours
in the forenoon it rose at the rate of four, five or six inches per
hour. In the afternoon the rise became more moderate. During an hour
or two before night it was equal to but about an inch an hour. At sunset
the water seemed to have attained its hight. A large portion of the
town north of J and east of Eighth street, and south of L street, was
affected by this rise, although no great damage was done, as all who
reside in those portions of the town are, from experience, always ready,
and cannot be taken by surprise. The Sacramento river, during the day,
rose about eight inches. . . .
LISLE'S BRIDGE.--Arrangements are being are being [sic] made for the
reconstruction, as early as possible, of Lisle's bridge, which was
partially carried away by the flood in the early part of the Winter.
Dr. Pearis has returned within a day or two from a tour in the
mountains, where he has been to make arrangements to obtain piles
for building the piers. Abont three hundred in all are needed, and
arrangements have been made to procure them on the Yuba river. They
will be rafted down the Yuba to the Feather, down the Feather to the
Sacramento, down the Sacramento to the American, and up the American
to the bridge. The scarcity of Oregon piles at San Francisco renders
it necessary to procure them as above indicated The new bridge will
be elevated some six feet higher than the old one.
MIRED DOWN.--J street, between Twelfth and the Fort was again rendered
impassable yesterday by the action of the overflow. The small bridges
were washed away and the old cuts were washed out again. At about ten
o'clock in the forenoon a teamster attempted to go out to the Fort with
a six mule team. At Fourteenth street the animals mired down, became
entangled among each other and were saved with great difficulty. Three
sets of harness were cut off and were carried off by the current and
lost. . . .
NEW FOUNDATION.--The railroad pile-driver was set to work yesterday at
driving piles for a foundation for the turn-tables at the foot of R street.
The old foundation consisted of pine timber, which has rotted out.
Redwood piles are now being driven, with the design of rendering the
work more durable. . . .
CARRIED AWAY.--All of the bridges recently constructed by G. W. Colby,
on J street, between Twelfth street and the Fort, except one, were
yesterday carried from their moorings by the freshet. The material
was secured, and will be replaced as soon as practicable. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river rose eight inches yesterday between
sunrise and sunset, standing in the evening at 18 feet 5 inches above
low water mark . . .
PROTECTION AGAINST OVERFLOW.
An intelligent correspondent of the Bulletin submits some views
in reference to this subject which are worthy of consideration:
How shall the swamp and overflowed lands of this state be reclaimed is
now one of the prominent questions of the day. I understand that the
Commissioners appointed to answer this qnestion officially say that
they mast be reclaimed by building a levee or embankment on the high
ground on each side of the streams, so as to confine all the water
within the channel. Others, claiming some engineering knowledge, say
that these levees must be built, not on the banks of the streams, but
a considerable distance back from the stream, so as to form a channel
of great capacity. A careful study of the topography of the swamp land
districts, and of the circumstances of the case, must cause serious
doubts as to the feasibility and policy of either of these systems of
reclamation.
By the first plan, not only would a large quantity of valuable land be
taken for the purpose of constructing the embankment, but in order to
make a channel of sufficient capacity, the banks would have to be raised
an immense hight and made enormously strong, for they would have to
confine within a channel but a few rods wide a body of water not less
than twenty miles wide and two feet deep, and that, too, in a crooked
stream, and with nothing but loose alluvial soil, mixed with tule and
other vegetable deposits. Any money expended on a system of reclamation
such as this must be worse than thrown away. We are referred to the
example of the dikes of Holland, the embankments of the Po and the levees
of the Mississippi. Without referring to the enormous expenditures in
the construction of works such as those that protect Holland and the
valley of the Po, and without showing the unreliable character of the
protection afforded by the levees of the Mississippi, or the difference
of the circumstances in favor of that river, it is enough for my present
purpose to direct attention to practical instances along our own streams,
where nature has confined the American and other rivers within their
respective channels by strong rocky embankments which, in some instances,
are scarcely strong enough to resist the action of the madly-rushing
torrents that rise more than one hundred feet above low water mark. When
we consider the character of the American river at Folsom during a freshet,
it seems to be the extreme of folly to propose the confining of its water
within a crooked channel of ordinary width by alluvial embankments.
The second plan--that of building embankments in the tule some distance
back from the river, so as to make a wide stream of larger capacity--is
but little if any better; for, in that case, the foundation will be
imperfect, the material will be very defective, and the embankments must
be built a considerable hight before they reach the level of the surface
of the river. Besides, this system would be destructive to the many
fertile farms of the banks.
Upon what plan, then, it may be asked, can the swamp lands of this state
be reclaimed? To this question I reply: Cut large drains from the upper
portions of the swamp land districts through the lowest parts of the
same to the bay making them as nearly straight as possible, and making
eaoh drain in two parts, with the earth excavated thrown up between
the drains to form a roadway. Willows may then be planted on each side
or this embankment to protect the banks against the action of the current.
Willows should be planted at some distance from the channels along the
lines of these artificial streams, so that any washing of the banks will
only serve to increase the capacity of the stream, with liability to
form other channels. By this plan of reclamation, thorough, general
drainage would be secured. These artificial streams being straight, or
nearly so, would have a much greater fall than the natural streams, which
are very crooked. There would be no obstruction by abrupt curves, and
the rapidity of the current would prevent deposits. Besides furnishing
excellent roads, this plan would embrace an admirable system of canals
for the transportation of the products of the fertile regions through
which they extend. On these canals small steamboats might be used. Small
drains could be cut through the farms for the purpose of more effectually
draining every part of the country; but this, of course, would have to
be done by the farmers themselves. By this system of drainage the swamp
lands would be rendered tillable, and the slight overflow to which they
would be subjected during very high water would benefit rather than
damage them. With proper legislation, fences on such lands may be
dispensed with, or drains can be made a good substitute for fences,
and the houses can be erected on artificial mounds raised a few feet
above the natural surface of the ground. This plan of drainage will
not necessarily involve an elaborate system of surveys, for by marking
the hight of the water about the same time, at different points, the
level of a whole district may be easily ascertained at a small expense,
and with a degree of accuracy fully equal to that of an ordinary survey. . . .
p. 4
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedlies--No. 6.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
METEOROLOGY OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA.
There are two elements in this inquiry that strictly stand in relation
to each other as cause and effect; the amount of rain-fall must always,
in any given water shed, chiefly regulate the outflow. In the present
instance, there being only one outflowing stream, the calculation of
the amount under any given set of circumstances, can be ascertained
with a degree of accuracy quite new enough for all practical purposes.
That branch of the inquiry is consequently very much simplified. No plan
for the prevention of a recurrence of the recent disasters would be at
all worthy of acceptance that had not for one of its elementary bases
accurate tables of the diurnal and average outflow of water through the
Straits of Carquinez at given hights of flood and tide. The data for such
estimates can at any time be had by employing properly qualified persons
to make the gaugings. As the waters at Carquinez are influenced by the
tides, these calculations will be more difficult than that of gauging a
river proper, whose stream maintains a continuous direction of flood,
notwithstanding which, even in tidal rivers, the flow will always be
found to increase or decrease with the ratio of volume and fall. There
being no difficulty in arriving at the volume of the outflow with
sufficient accuracy for practical purposes, this part of the question
may be dismissed with the observation that, in order to obtain safe
data, it would require that the surveys or gaugings at Carquinez should
be continued for some time, not only at the hight of floods, but also
at extreme low water. Having shown how this outflow may be ascertained,
I shall proceed to describe the manner in which the rainfall will have
to be estimated; before, however, doing so, it will be well to allude
to some of the chief laws which influence the direction of the winds
and the amount of rain-fall. In doing so it is possible that I may be
led to explain some of the phenomena connected with the evolution and
absorption of heat, and shown by the effects connected with the deposition
of rain, and the results which follow evaporation. Such amplification
would be tolerably well connected with the subject, and not out of place
if the space usually accorded to such questions in a newspaper would
justify anything like digression. if I find it advisable to adventure
such extra details, they will be found useful both to the mining and
agricultural interests. I have penned the preceding remarks because I
think there are good reasons for believing that, owing to the particular
position which California occupies on the earth's surface, there exists
a reasonable probability that the agencies which promote or retard heat,
cold, moisture or dryness are very critically balanced, some of which
are evidenced by every day occurrences, which I may afterwards notioe.
It is one of the properties of the atmosphere, when heated, to become
susceptible, according as the temperature becomes elevated, of retaining
in a certain ratio a greater or less quantity of water in the form of
vapor (invisible.) We therefore find that within the tropics, the
hottest zone on the earth, the atmosphere retains the largest amount
of water, or, what is commonly known in scientific language, the dew
point is very low. As this dew point is of considerably interest,
especially in the more elevated mining districts, it may be well here
to describe the mode of ascertaining it, as first employed for that
purpose by the illustrious Dalton. This he accomplished by filling a
thin glass tumbler with cold spring water; he then observed if dew was
found upon the outside, and, if so, the temperature was too low. Pouring
this out, and carefully drying the vessel, he replaced it, having allowed
it to regain a little heat from the surrounding atmosphere. This
manipulation was repeated until the dew ceased to be deposited. He then
marked the temperature of the water at the instant that it was sufficiently
cool to cause a faint appearance of dew on the glass. This was the dew
point, and the difference between the temperature of the water which
occasioned the deposition of dew upon the glass and the temperature
of the atmosphere would indicate the relative amount of invisible aqueous
vapor in the atmosphere. When they closely approximate the dew point
is said to be low; when they vary a great number of degrees the dew
point is said to be high. Usually, in California, during the dry season,
the dew point is very high, but not infrequently in the wet season it is
low, and I suspect that in the mountains, during the Winter, excepting
when frost prevails, that the dew point is very low. It would be both
useful and interesting to know the dew points in the chief mining regions,
and to have it compared with the rain gauge and the barometer. Perhaps
this may be the means of drawing attention to the subject. The experiment
is one easily made by any intelligent person. Professor Daniels invented
a very elaborate instrument with the same object, but for all general
purposes the glass, thermometer, and cold water are adequate, and these
can be obtained, if the occupant is so disposed, by the inmate of every
mining cabin.
CHIEF CAUSES OF THE WINDS.
The regions bordering on the equator are the hottest on the earth, as
the sun is near their zenith; setting from these zones the temperatare
diminishes proportionately as the poles are approached. There is
consequently found an upper current from the equator towards the two
poles, and a lower one from the poles to the equator. The air from the
poles becomes heated in the neighborhood of the equator--it ascends and
returns again towards the extremities of the terrestrial axis. From this
cause we ought to find a north wind in the northern hemisphere, and a
south wind in the southern; these combine with the motion of the earth
from west to east, from which there resulls a northeast wind in one
hemisphere, and a southeast in the other. The diameter of the parallel
circles diminish proportionately as they recede from the equator, and
as all the points situated in the same meridian turn round the axis of
the earth in twenty-four hours, it follows that they move with a
velocity much greater as they are nearer the equatorial line. But as
the masses of air which flow from the north towards the equator have
an acquired velocity less than that of the region towards which they
are directed, they therefore turn more slowly than do the points situated
near the equator, and they oppose to the elevated parts of the surface
of the globe a resistance analogous to that of a well defined northeast
wind. For a similar reason, the trade wind of the Southern hemisphere
blows from the southeast. At the equator the trade winds from both
hemispheres meet, one coming from the northeast and the other from the
southeast, resulting in the formation of an east wind, for the same
cause as that of one billiard ball being struck with another, the
direction afterwards taken being intermediate between that of the two
balls. In the Northern hemisphere, in the upper region of the atmosphere,
as the heated air advances towards the north and as it proceeds towards
the pole, it gets more and more in advance of the earth's rotatory
motion. The combination at this motion from the west towards the east,
with the original direction from south to north, occasions a southwest
wind.
Within the torrid zone a large portion of the heat transmitted by the
rays of the sun is absorbed by the waters of the ocean, giving rise to
an immense evaporation, and consequently lowering the temperature of that
part of the earth. The rarefied air of the torrid zone, together with its
combined aqueous vapor, becomes gradually cooled, and consequently
condensed, in passing into an other latitude, thus giving rise to clouds
and eventually to rain, cotemporaneouely [sic] with this condensation, whether
exhibited in the form of cloud or mist, or still more palpably in the
shape of rain, and is being contiguously evolved. A more equable
temperature is thus formed in the various parts of the earth, the fierce
rays of a torrid sun being mollified by the vaporization of water and
consequent absorption of heat; on the other hand the colder atmosphere
of northern climes is rendered more genial by the heat evolved owing to
the condensation of the vapors so produced. Such is a brief account of
the general laws which influence winds and rains. They are drawn up,
however, simply as general principles, and may be regarded as holding
true chiefly on what may be termed as oceanic climates. Considerable
variations are found to prevail where high mountain ranges or extended
plains between such ranges occur to change the general characteristics.
With respect to California, both these circumstances are found operating
on its climate.
Although the above are correct general views, it would be unsafe to
apply them strictly to the particular condition of California, for
though it is quite correct to say that the atmosphere at the equator
becomes heated and rarefied, and consequently, is forced in ascending
currents into the upper regions and afterward into northerthly and
southerly courses, thus supplying the vacancy occasioned by the lower
currents of heavier and colder atmosphere which flow toward it from
the poles; but as the lower and colder current advances from the colder
regions of the earth, it becomes gradually warmer every step that it
advances, whilst on the other hand the upper current becomes cooler and
less capable of retaining in the form of vapor the water which it had
absorbed under the torrid zone; it will become evident that a point must
exist somewhere in which the specific gravity of the two currents of the
atmosphere must become balanced. As however the lower current would
gradually, as it proceeded towards the equator, become capable of
retaining a larger amount of aqueous vapor, while the upper current
becomes less retentive, it occurs in some favored parts of the earth
where such an equilibrium exists, that the seasons only alternate from
Spring to Summer and from Summer to Spring. Geographically, California
is not far from such a position, but its being such a terrestrial
paradise is prevented by another circumstance: the atmosphere of the
valleys of California becomes intensely heated, and in some measure
gives rise to the almost constant winds which blow from the Pacific
into the interior, giving rise to a west wind. This tendency is further
increased owing to the stream of hot and lighter atmosphere, which
ascends into the upper regions, from the Gulf of California through
the entire length of the great basin east of the Sierra Nevada. The
very evenly balanced position of the condensing and absorbing powers
of the atmosphere may be almost daily witnessed near San Francisco, the
residents of which city, as well as its visitors, must have been
frequently struck with the splendid appearance of the outer line of the
Coast Range, covered, as they frequently are, with huge fog banks,
looking like mountains capped with snow or an immense mass of cotton.
A careful examination will, however, disclose the fact that in place of
being steady, as would be presumed by a superficial observer, heavy
clouds of mist are constantly rolling over; yet, notwithstanding such
constantly and largely accumulating additions from the Pacific,
the eastern outline, usually about one-third way down the mountains'
brow, becomes changed, or if perceived it requires almost a microscopic
inspection to observe it. Nothing could more clearly indicate the evenly
balanced condition of the atmosphere as regards absorption and
condensation. If the atmosphere was dryer than it is usually seen to be,
the fog as it rolled over, would be absorbed in larger quantities, and
its lower outline would be seen to gradually advance up the hill, possibly
clear it to the summit or altogether. If it possessed a less power of
absorption, the fog would increase and descend into the valleys. Almost
similarly placed is California between points of extreme dryness and
humidity. Lower and part of the Gulf of California is almost rainless.
This lies to the south of us. In the opposite--in Orgon [sic] and
Washington Territory--we witness the other extreme, namely, a country
where great humidity prevails. Between these extremes stretches a
country embracing probably ten degrees of latitude, an extent which,
when it is taken into view the variable influences which act upon the
causes of the winds, is too limited to render it at all surprising to
witness in central California spasmodic or cyclical changes in the
seasons of different years from wet to dry and from dryness to excess
of humidity.
Respecting the influence of mountains in inducing excessive rains, which
will be alluded to the succeeding division of this series, I may mention
that a considerable part of, and the happiest period of my life, was
passed in the mountain and lake district of England, and it is there
that I gathered and garnered so much information in reference to the
influence of mountains in producing rain. Owing to this fact, and the
generally acknowledged possession of special acquisitions of importance
in connection with hydraulic investigations, I was called upon to take
a prominent part in the important inquiries respecting the supply of
London and Liverpool with water, in the course of which the laws which
regulate the deposition of rain underwent the most searching investigation.
I do not, therefore, approach the subject as a new one, though my
reputation on these matters is quite new to California or only known
to a few acquaintances.
EFFECTS OF MOUNTAINS IN LOWERING THE TEMPERATURE AND PRODUCING RAIN.
The same effect is produced in occasioning cold by ascending above the
level of the sea as in passing from the equator to the poles, an
elevation of a trifle less than three hundred feet, being equivalent
to passing one degree of latitude to the northward for the precipitation
of rain. Owing to causes which it would require too much space here to
explain, within a limitted [sic] range of elevation, mountains are far
more effective in occasioning the sensible condensation of moisture than
would be produced by the passage of an atmosphere similarly laden with
aqueous vapor into what might be deemed a corresponding colder latitude.
Many persons have expressed their incredulity as to the heavy amount of
rain said to have fallen in some of the mining districts. For my own
part I not only believe in their accuracy, but I venture to affirm that
if rain gauges had been placed in positions not far removed from some
of those of which reports have been given, it would have been seen that
far greater quantities have fallen than any thing that has yet been made
public. It will perhaps astonish many of the readers of the Union to
learn that nothing has yet been stated as equalling the rainfall of many
places in England with the localities of which I am well acquainted.
Respecting the accuracy of what I am about to relate, I pledge my
veracity for their correctness. The wet character of mountainous
districts may be attributable to several causes, partly to radiation,
which by lowering the temperature precipitates the aqueous vapor in
the form of rain--the diminished pressure of the atmosphere and
consequent lessened capacity for retaining the vapor of water is another
assisting cause. One of the chief reasons in central California, probably
arises from the fact that owing to their elevation the mountains on the
eastern side of the State are better situated for catching the upper,
or that current of the atmosphere which flows from the equator towards
the north pole. The greater evaporation in mountain districts from
exposure to winds, but especially from the effects of diminished pressure,
may jointly sometimes produce an amount of cold sufficient to precipitate
rain from a current arriving from the south filled with vapor of water
to the point of precipitation.
The driest portion of England averages not more than 22-1/2 inches,
but the best of the sea places, like Lancashire, situated near hilly
districts, average from 36 to 40 inches of rainfall per annum, but
the hilly districts themselves greatly exceed the latter. Respecting
the mountains in Wales, I have no accurate record of the rainfall,
but of the lake district of England I can refer to more than I shall
deem it necessary to quote extracts from.
FALL OF RAIN IN THE LAKE DISTRICT OF ENGLAND IN THE YEAR 1848.
Inches.
Bassenthwalte Hales 66 40
Gillerthwaite, Ennerdale 97 73
Lowswater Lake 76 66
Foot of Crummoch Lake 98 07
Gatesgarth, Battermere 133.58
Wastdale Head 115 32
Langdale Head 130 35
Seathwaite, six inches above the surface 160 89
Seathwaite, eight inches above the surface 157 22
Stonethwaite 180 24
The maximum rain-fall was obtained with a mountain rain gauge placed
on Seathwaite common, 1334 feet above the level of the sea. This gauge
indicated an amount of fall of 177.55 inches.
In Ireland, it was accurately ascertained that on the Mourne mountains,
county Down, the fall at Lough Island Ruvy [Reavy?] was 72-3/4 inches;
Spelga, 74 inches, and this amount, I feel convinced, must have been
exceeded at Killarney, the west of Cork, the Nine Pins in Galway, and
part of Mayo.
Reasoning only a priori, I should have inferred that any of
the districts just noticed would be less likely to be inflicted with
a heavy annual rain fall than many parts of the Sierra Nevada.
Unless it has been equaled or exceeded during the wet year (in England)
of 1860, the greatest flood I ever was acquainted with in the lake
district was one in consequence of nine inches of rain having fallen
in forty-eight hours. Windermere, the largest lake in England, rose
seven feet perpendicular in one night, notwithstanding a considerable
part of the flood had to drain through three other lakes of considerable
size, besides many smaller sheets of water locally denominated tarns.
Yet this immense rise in a large lake took place from the drainage of
an area not exceeding one hundred and sixty square miles. There are some
circumstances of an aberrational character respecting the deposition of
rain on mountains, as compared with neighboring plains, the only one of
which I shall at present allude to is, that, starting from any standard
level of low ground, or the sea, it will be found that rain gauges placed
in different positions, say 500 or 1,000 feet, or any other intermediate
distance elevated above each other, the lowest will be found to have
collected the least amount of rain, the quantity increasing as we ascend
to a certain point, which in the lake district of England was found, as
far as my memory serves me that the maximum quantity was obtained, at
somewhere under 3,000 feet of elevation.
There are several causes for this which can easily be accounted for
on the principles previously set forth, which regulate the direction
of the wind and the precipitation of rain, but would be too lengthy
to now particularize. Perhaps no better elucidation of the fact could
be given than that afforded by the graphic description of the ascent
of the Peak of Teneriffe by the late Captain Basil Hall. About
two-thirds of the way up the mountain, the Captain relates that for
a considerable distance they passed through a body of that almost
imperceptible form of rain known by the vulgar denomination of a
scotch mist, but which nearly saturated their clothes with moisture.
Whilst in this position he pulled off one of his gloves. Soon after,
on emerging into the clear upper atmosphere, evaporation became so
rapid that the voyageurs fonnd themselves uncomfortably cold, and the
Captain was about to have recourse to his remaining glove; on endeavoring
to put it on his hand, he found that, owing to the extraordinary dryness
and rapid eveporation of the clear upper atmosphere, the glove had become
as shrivelled as though it had been p!aced to dry in an over-heated oven.
It is probable, therefore, that the diminished amount of rain fonnd in
the rain gauges placed at great elevations is owing partly to the
diminished capaoity of the atmosphere for retaining vapor of water
produced by the joint effects of lower temperature and lessened
specific gravity in consequence of diminished pressure. I do not
suspect that any of these causes will affect the calculation much,
on account of California being placed in a latitude fifteen degrees
nearer the equator than the lake district of England, in consequence
of which the point of maximum rain fall will be much more elevated on
the Sierra Nevada. This and the inferior quantity of rain which falls
on the plains and other low places are the only deductions which would
have to be made from the data which I have assumed to be a maximum
average for the entire district, namely four inches in the course of
twenty-four hours. In some places I am satisfied that, on the Sierra
Nevada, five, six and even more inches have fallen during that time.
I shall, however, have other opportunities of showing that the amount
which I have taken for the basis of calculation is by no means excessive. . . .
GOLDEN STREAMS.--Miners are thinking, many of them, that the late
freshets brought into the creeks and rivers fresh deposits of gold, and
that the beds of streams will yield as well next Summer as they did
in '52. It is true to some extent that the streams are richer than
last Summer because of this high water, but not to the extent
anticipated. The deposits in these streams have been slowly
accumulatirg for thousands and thousands of years. The slowly
decaying quartz vein yields a portion; slides from, and washing of,
the hillsides another portion; but very slow is the concentration of
as heavy a metal. as gold, scattering over the whole country in more
or less quantities. Mariposa creek will probably pay better the coming
season than last, because immense amounts of old tailings, many of
which have not been disturbed since 1852, have been washed down and
away, distributing the gold contained in them in the channel of the
streams--Mariposa Gazette. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3407, 28 February 1862
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 1862.
The Senate was called to order at 11 o'clock by the Lieutenant Governor; . . .
REPORTS. . . .
Mr. Heacock, from the Committee on Public Buildings, reported back
amendments to Senate Bill No. 53--An Act to extend the time for completing
the basement walla of the Capitol at Sacramento. . . .
Mr. Oulton, from the Committee on Claims, reported back Senate bill in
relation to paying Porters engaged in the removal of the property of the
Legislature from the Capital at Sacramento, without reconsideration.
The President said these claims should not be paid by bill, but no
objection being made, the bill was placed on file. . . .
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Bills of the following titles were introduced, read twice and referred
as indicated: . . .
By Mr. Nixon--An Act to appropriate money out of the General Fund for
the relief of sufferers by the flood. To the Committee on Finance.
By Mr. Porter--An Act making an appropriation for the payment of the claim
of James Whitney and others for the transportation of property and
appurtenances of the Legislature to San Francisco, and fitting up
rooms for the same. [Appropriating $1,330 for the California Steam
Navigation Company; $[garbled] for Kennedy & Bell; $28 for D. W.
Van Cour[?]; $28 for John Crevis; $28 for Wm. J. Horton; $[?] for
J. Dogherty, and $16 for J. Bolan ]
On motion the rules were suspended to consider the bill immediately. It was
ordered to a third reading. . . .
RESOLUTIONS.
Mr. Heacock offered the following:
Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, that the
Sergeant-at-Arms be directed to procure boats to build a bridge at
the intersection of Washington and Battery streets from the State
House, to enable the members of the Legislature to reach the Capitol
and that the Committee on Water Courses be instructed to inquire into
the necessity of removing the said Capital from San Francisco, and
adjourning to some other place, in search of dry land.
Mr. Chamberlain moved to refer the resolution to the Committee on
Agriculture, which was lost.
Mr. Irwin moved to refer it to the Sacramento delegation, which was
carried, amidst laughter. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 25, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
BILLS APPROVED.
A message was received from the Governor announcing his approval of
the following Assembly bills:
. . . No. 66--an Act to grant the right to construct a bridge or bridges
across the Stanislaus river to the Stanislaus Bridge snd Ferry Company: . . .
THE WAR TAX.
The special order for one o'clock was takn up, being the substitute
for Senate Bill No. 99, and Assembly Bill No. 118--both providing for
the payment of the direct tax apportioned to the State by Congress,
and both reported to day from the Committee of Ways and Means--with
amendments. The bills were read by the Clerk. . . .
Mr. Barton, of Sacramento, said he was opposed to the creation of a public
debt, but when great misfortunes befel a community it was necessary to
pledge the public credit, and it was the exact condition of California
to-day. A great public calamity had swept over the State destroying, in
his opinion, $100,000,000 of property. The farmer, the stock grower, the
merchant, the mechanic, and the banker, were all involved in this calamity.
It was true that gentlemen estimated the loss at much less, but he did not
credit their estimates. He believed this State had suffered more than any
State in the Union, not excepting those which had been devastated by civil
strife. To impose an additional tax at this time, would therefore be an
intolerable burden. Let them at least have one year to recuperate by
adopting the bond system. People had no idea of what the basis of taxation
now was, and there was very little reliance to be placed in this capitation
tax.
Mr. Porter said if they issued bonds they would have them to pay at a
future time, with all their accumulations of interest. He believed the
losses were much greater by flood than had been suggested, and that under
the more effective operation of the revenue law, the assessment this year
would nearly, if not quite, equal those of last. . . .
Mr. Wright said . . . It was said that a great amount of property had
been destroyed, but those who had lost their property would have no tax
to pay upon it. . . .
Mr. Shannon said he believed the resorting to bonds would do much to
destroy the credit of the State by convincing people abroad that the
floods had destroyed everything in California. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .Among matters of interest in our pages today, there are several
communications on the subject of overflows and their preventives; also
correspondence from Washington. The articles on the flood and the means
of guarding against their consequences, are fuil of valuable suggestions,
which we trust will attract the attention of our citizens and the members
of the Legislature.
On Wednesday night the Sacramento rose about a foot, causing the river
to stand nineteen feet above low water mark, It remained at about that
hight last evening. The American was falling yesterday. The water in the
lower part of the city receded, but very slowly. We had more rain last
evening. . . .
THE FLOOD IN MONTEREY.--A private letter received in San Francisco from
Monterey speaks of the effects of the storm there. The letter bears date
Feb 13th. The writer says that the beautiful residence of Eugene Sherwood,
on the Salinas river, near the Mission of La Solidad, was completely
washed away, together with the out-houses and nearly everything they
contained. The Salinas, which is usually about one hundred and fifty
yards wide, is now over a mile wide; and where the banks of the river
used to gradually descend to the river's edge, they have caved away,
leaving the banks ten feet high on each side. At Indian Valley, only
forty miles from Monterey, the snow had been knee-deep, and at Monterey
it had fallen to the depth of six inches . . .
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
. . . There is another amendment to the Constitution which we should
like to see Mr. Barton or some other member introduce, and that is,
a section to change the time of holding elections in California, and
the day for the convening of the Legislature. These propositions were
argued in this paper years ago; the idea is not new; it is one which
has been forced upon our mind by an experience which extends through
most of the sessions held in the State. The conviction that the
Winter, in this climate, is an inappropriate time for holding the
sessions of the Legislature, is strengthened from year to year. The
arguments against Winter sessions have been intensified by the
extraordinary events of the present Winter. The floods have destroyed
communication in nearly every portion of the State; members have for
weeks been unable to correspond in any way with their constituents;
those constituents are as ignorant of what their representatives are
doing as if they lived in the South Sea Islands. Such a condition of
things ought to be provided against, and can be by simply so amending
the Constitution that our elections shall take place in the month of
July, and the session commence on the first Monday in September. At
that season of the year communication with all parts of the State is
perfect. From Sacramento three-fourths of the people of the State can
be reached through the mails and the express within twenty-four hours.
No Winter has passed in ten years during which communication with some
sections of California have not been interrupted. Let the session of
the Legislature be held in the Fall, and the intercourse between
representatives and their constituents would be undisturbed by storms
and floods.
MORRISON'S SWAMP LAND BILL.
In this bill a new system is proposed for the reclamation of swamp and
overflowed land. It proposes to employ the convict labor of the State
for that purpose in building levees, canals, straightening rivers, etc.
The first reason assigned for employing convict labor is to prevent the
competition of that kind of labor with the "law abiding classes of both
sexes, who live by the labor of their own hands." The present contract
system is condemned, because it creates an unjust and undue competition
with honest labor in mechanical and manufacturing pursuits; but the
author of the bill seems to lose sight of the fact that his proposition
to employ convicts to build levees, dig canals, etc., brings convict
labor into competition with a class of day laborers who find it more
difficult than any other class to find steady and remunerative employment.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to employ convict labor in any branch
of human industry without bringing it into direct competition with the
honest laborer. There are some branches of manufactures not followed in
the State which might be for a time introduced into the State Prison
without encroaching upon upon labor in the State. But to build levees,
canals, etc., by convict labor, would necessarily bring that kind of
labor into direct competition with the day laborer, who, in truth, earns
his bread and that of his wife and children by the sweat of his brow.
The labor competition question may, therefore, be left out of the argument
for Morrison's bill. It is, though, none the less true that convict
labor may be advantageously applied to the building of levees, digging
canals, etc. The idea of applying convict labor for such purposes was
suggested in a pamphlet on our State Prison system, published by P. A.
Roach, in 1857, and it has since been a favorite theory of his.
Immediately after the flood of December 9th he called our attention
to the pamphlet, and we published some extracts from it The following
is a portion of one of them:
If the labor of the prisoners were under the control of the State,
aa it ought to be, various works of great importance might be undertaken.
For instance, the improvement of the navigation of the rivers leading
to the Capital of the State might be at once commenced. Sacramento and
Marysville, each in just proportion for such an object, would probably
furnish their quota of provisions and guards for the maintenance and
safety of the convict, with hulks for their lodgment; and it is doubtful
whether more would escape at any time from its wooden walls, than do
now from San Quentin, with its brick ones. Then let the people of
Stockton, who desire to improve the navigation to their town, enjoy
the same privilege--its people guaranteeing to take charge of the
prisoners, and in the event of their escape, to offer, as the people
of Sacramento would, a reward for their apprehension, even twofold
greater than is now required by the lease under which their services
are held. And the people of San Jose, and perhaps of San Francisco,
might profit by the same labor. As there are many hundreds in the
institution, the Legislature might appoint a Committee, consisting
of the Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer and Surveyor
General, to apportion the number that each locality ought to have;
and the Sheriffs of the different counties, where the labors were to
be performed, might be authorised by the Board of Supervisors of their
respective counties to appoint proper deputies to assist the State
authorities to safely guard the prisoners.
After the improvement of the rivers shall have been accomplished, or
the public roads opened, let the Surveyor General set apart, of the
swamp and overflowed lands, so many acres for the support of the Insane
Asylum, so many for the State Hospital, so many for Orphan Asylums in
the State, to be divided among the different denominations; so much for
the Public Schools, and then, under proper officers of the State, let
the prisoners work to reclaim them. While their labor thus employed
would not come in competition with that of the mechanic. It would
add immensely to the wealth of the State. If each convict reclaimed
per day but sufficient to pay for his maintenance, the State would
be a gainer; but with the engineering talent we have among us, the
construction of large canals would drain millions of acres, and then
would be serviceable for the purposes of navigation. Millions of the
most productive lands coald then be offered at low prices and in
reasonable quantities to the actual settler, and their value applied
to reduce the indebtedness of the State, the interest of which is
gnawing at our vitals.
The leading idea of Roach was to employ convict labor in improving
the navigation of the rivers and in reclaiming swamp and overflowed
land. These appear to be the leading ideas in the bill of Morrison.
It appoints the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Surveyor General's
Board of Gontrol [sic] of the swamp and overflowed lands in the State,
and authorizes this Board to lease convicts to the Boards of Supervisors
of certain counties. The bill does not seem designed to disturb the
Swamp Land Law of last year, and still, if passed, it would interfere
with it materially, and therefore ought not to become a law. There
are, however, provisions in it which would operate well if added to
the law of last session. It is doubtless true, as the author of the
bill assumes, that levees may be built and canals dug by convict labor,
at a cost much below the figures where other labor is used. Hence it
might bcome a matter of decided public interest to employ convict labor
upon certain improvements. A swamp land district might be able to reclaim
the district with convict labor, but could not for want of sufficient
funds to accomplish the work, if compelled to employ other labor.
The employment of convict labor to build a portion of the levee, it
may be found, would save the city some thousands of dollars. It is
probable, too, that convict labor could be advantageously employed in
digging a canal to straighten the American river; also in digging a
canal from Knight's Landing, through the tules to Suisun Bay.
The idea of building reservoirs to hold back the water which falls in
the mountains might also be carried out to some extent by the aid of
convict labor. But in order to take the advantage of this labor for
levee and other purposes, it seems to us that power to make contracts
to be completed by convict labor should be given to the State Board of
Swamp Land Commissioners, and to the Board of City Levee Commissioners.
They might be authorized to ascertain definitely the upon [sic, syntax]
what terms convicts could be obtained from the State, and then to
advertise for proposals to do the work, taking the convicts upon the
conditions specified. The Board might call for bids to do the work upon
certain terms with convicts, or at a given price to employ other labor.
The bids would show the difference, if any, between the cost of the work
to be done with regularly employed labor or with convicts. If the
difference should be found as great as twenty-five or thirty per cent.,
it would be something of an object to the city to build its levees with
that kind of labor. . . .
A CANAL ADVOCATED.
In this paper we give an interesting communication reviewing and
correcting some of the figures of Mr. Rowlandson, and advocating a
canal from Brighton to a point below Sutterville, with a capacity equal
to carrying one-fifth of the water of the American during a flood. Such
a canal would, undoubtedly, greatly relieve the levees of this city from
the pressure of the American; but, is it practicable to build it, with
our means? And, if built, would not the whole river be discharged through
it in a very few years? Our correspondent would have added to the favor
conferred upon our readers, by giving an estimate of the probable cost
of such an improvement. It would be very large, even if the work were
done by convict labor.
In the high floods of this Winter a large body of water was discharged
from the American at Brighton, which made its way across the country
and into the Sacramento above and below Sutterville. The largest portion
made its way into the tules below the city, by crossing the upper Stockton
road at or near Harrigan's, and the lower Stockton road through a depression
this side the Louisiana Race Course, and over a portion of the land owned
by Senator Latham. A body of water several feet in depth and fully an
eighth of a mile in width was discharged at that point; it ran with a
strong current and presented the appearance of a large river. Portions
of the water which left the river at Brighton, spread over the plains
further south, crossing the upper Stockton road at and this side of the
Lake House, and making its way towards the Sacramento, through sloughs
crossing the lower Stockton road below the Six Mile House; but the main
portion ran between Latham's house and the Louisiana Race Course; and
hence we conclude that to be the natural channel for discharging the
water from that source. That point is about three miles from the city,
and the water coming through that depression enters the tule between
this city and Sutterville. It would have to be emptied into the Sacramento
above that point, or it would overflow the country from here to the
Mokelumne river. To go below Sutterville for a discharge point would
make the line more than eight and a half miles in length, and nearly
half of it on the Sacramento bottom, where the embankments of a canal
would have to be made high and strong.
Subsequent to the first flood, which damaged the railroad between the
city and Brighton, the Superintendent sent out a party and had a survey
made for the purpose of determining where the water came from, where
it went to, the directions it took and the probable quantity precipitated
against the railroad. That survey, we understand, showed that a portion
of the five highest feet of the flood was forced over the natural bank
of the river at Brighton--that it spread over the plains in different
directions, attacked and destroyed the railroad at sundry points, and
then flowed off southwest, following the sloughs and depressions, to
the bottom lands of the Sacramento. A canal of the size named by "A. F. G."
would discharge a large quantity of water, but we very much doubt whether
it could have carried the five feet water which was precipitated upon
Brighton township, and which caused so much destruction to the railroad.
The survey by the railroad company establishes the fact that a levee
of at least six feet will be required at points along the south bank of
the river from Burns' slough to Patterson's, unless a canal is determined
upon. As the water has never before, since Americans settled in the
country, been known to run over the bank of the river opposite Brighton,
we may reasonably conclude that the water was this year at least five feet
higher than it has risen since California was taken from the Mexicans.
It is gratifying to see so much interest manifested in levees, "reservoirs
and canals," for amid all the suggestions and plans discussed the people
of Sacramento may be able to select the one best calculated to insure
future safety.
[For the Union.]
OVERFLOWS AND LEVEE DEFENSES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The meteorological phenomena of the Pacific slope
of the continent is a subject of vast importance to California, and
the study of its varying phases should receive the attention of all
classes of our people, as the happening of seasons of unusual drouth,
or an excess of humidity like the present, affect the business and
social relations of every person in the State. Having been an observer
of the peculiarities of the different rainy seasons for twelve years,
I may possibly be able to state some facts which account for the greater
rapidity with which the floods precipitate upon the valleys than they
did during the first years of the gold discovery---for it is a well
authenticated fact that the rain storms now send down the inundation
from the mountains in a much shorter period than formerly. Throughout
the mining districts the earth has been washed entirely from the bed
rock, from an area of land which may be computed by the million of
acres; hence, what rain falls on this impervious shed is at once passed
into the rivers and sent as rapidly into the valleys, whereas formerly
it soaked into the alluvial surface and penetrated to the gravel strata
overlying the bed rock, and following the dip, became lost in subterranean
caverns, rivers and lakes, or rose in after time and on lower elevations
in springs and gushing fountains. The region above described is mostly
below the snow range, and will in all coming time be subject to the same
rapid discharge of the rain deposited upon it; yet this cannot be
considered as the cause of the sudden swollen condition which our mountain
streams assume on the falling of a warm and copious rain.
In the Winter of 1849-'50, when the storms were more nearly like those
of this season than any other season in the interim, I noticed that the
rains came mostly from the southeast having taken their rise from the
Gulf of California and passing up the great basin of the Mohave desert,
penetrated to the Tulare valley, and reached every locality of the State.
A similarity attends the rains of this season, most of our storms having
come from the southeast, and have alike copiously watered every district
and locality on the Pacific slope. If my memory is not at fault, the
early rains of 1849 were quite as heavy as those of 1862, and the season
was much warmer. Indeed, the evidence of this fact was that the grass on
the stock ranges was well advanced on the first of February of the former
year, while the first of March of this season will find the herds over a
great portion of the State in a starving condition. It is true there was
an overflow in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys in January of 1850,
yet, although there had been and there were warm rains, the flood was
nothing in magnitude to the inundation of January, 1862. In 1849, the
earth had not been sluiced from the bed rock, and at that time the mining
regions, and far above, to the very passes of the Sierra, the country was
timbered with a dense forest. Warm, long continued and copious as were the
rains of 1849, they failed to melt the snows buried amid the giant coniferous
tribes of the Nevada range. Fiercly [sic] as the storm might beat against
those tall and reeling pines, they sheltered their frigid guest from the
massing columns of old Neptune, and turned his humid breath into ice drops
ere it reached far down within its cold, drear canopy. The snows of '49
did not melt until the Summer solstice rose high in the meridian. Not so
with the snows of '62, and why? Because there are no longer deep, dense,
dark forests covering the great snow-belt, within which the Winter rains
penetrate. Worse than Goth and Vandal, has swept with the besom of
destruction through the timber-lands of California, and she is shorn of
much of her magnificent forests, which have long rendered efficient servioe
in modifying the extremes of meteorological change. It is no new theory,
that the destruction of mountain forests has the effect to produce floods
in the Winter and drouth in the Summer. This fact has often been alluded
to in the basin of the Mississippi.
Having thus briefly alluded to causes which render it probable that we
shall be no more exempt from floods in the future than we have been in
the past, I propose in a future communication to make some suggestions as
to modes by which we may defend ourselves from such calamitous visitations.
WILSON FLINT.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Sad Accident---Memorial from San Francisco Board of Supervisors--Case of
Small Pox--Chinese Address--Arrivals--Rain--Professor Whitney's Address
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 27th. . . .
The paving of streets here is delayed because contractors cannot get
cobble stones from Folsom, and serious inconvenience results. . . .
It is raining steadily. Weather warm. . . .
Legislative Proceedings. . . .
Chamberlain, De Long and Warmcastle were appointed a Committee on the
bill for the relief of the State Capitol contractors.
The Committee on Public Buildings reported against the bill to suspend
work on the Capitol until next year.
The Senate almost unanimously refused to concur in the Assembly's
amendment to the bill transferring the funds from the Swamp Land Fund.
The bill is considered dead. . . .
Ferguson, on a privileged question, accused the majority of tyranny
in refusing to grant him an opportunity to give notice of a motion
to reconsider the vote on the swamp land transfer bill. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE RAILROAD.--The present condition of the railroad on R street is not
such as to give assurance of uninterrupted communication with the country
if the heavy rains continue. A large number of workmen were employed in
repairing it as soon as practicable after the water of January 10th and
11th had subsided. A pile driver was brought into requisition to drive
piles for open work across the channels worn through by the flood, at
which points the track was kept at its former higbt. But on a portion
of the route between Twelfth and Seventeenth streets, the track was
lowered some four feet from its original point of elevation. A considerable
portion of the embankment at this point had been washed away, and as
earth could not be procured until after the rails were laid it became
necessary to level off that which was available and construct the track
upon it. The result of this arrangement is that the water of yesterday
and the day before was within from a foot to a foot and a half of the
top of the track, and in some places the action of the water tends to
soften the embankment. No serious difficulty will probably be experienced
if the water shall rise no higher, but a rise of two feet would overflow
the road for four or five miles, and in all probability wear large
portions of it away. The road was completed on Sunday night last, and
on Monday morning several trains ran through in each direction. Before
night, however, a portion of the embankment near Fourteenfh street became
weakened by the action of the water to such an extent that it was deemed
unsafe to cross it with a train of cars. Since that time passengers have
been taken from Front and K streets to the break in one set of cars and
then transferred to another. The late freshet from the American river
tended to still further impair the breach. For a distance of about a
hundred feet the embankment was washed away, but the frame work and rails
clung to their place tenaciously, although forced in a curve of several
feet from a straight line. Several of the rails are bent by the force of
the water into the segment of a circle. Workmen have been engaged in
depositing in the crevasse cobbles from Folsom, of large size, which are
brought down by the car load. It was thought yesterday that the break
would be so far repaired by night as to admit of the transit of cars
and the re-establishment of through travel. . . .
CURRENT.--During yesterday, the water from the city ran in strong
currents through each of the openings in the R street railroad
embankment. At the Tenth street opening, especially, there appeared
to be a fall of sixteen or eighteen inches, and the current was
correspondingly strong and rapid. Through this opening it was almost
impossible for boats to pass in coming into the city. A large amount
of water must be contributed hourly by the American to keep up the
supply.
K STREET MARKET.--The work of raising the floor of the K Street Market,
which was commenced several days ago, was completed last evening. It has
been raised four feet above its former position, but is still not up to
high water mark by about three inches. The story is still sixteen feet
high in the clear, and though not so commodious in appearance as
heretofore, it is convenient and well adapted to the business to which
it is devoted.
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river had risen yesterday morning five
inches during the night, and remained through the day at nineteen feet
above low water mark. The water in the inundated portion of the city,
at sunset last evening, had fallen but three or four inches since the
evening before. . . .
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS
Levees, Reservoirs or Canal.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Your readers are much indebted to Mr. Rowlandson for
his elaborate articles upon the all absorbing topic of the California
floods--a monster which every man in the State seems bound to grapple
with, if he will keep his homestead or his business secure, and with
God's help "may we lay the tyrant low! " Nevertheless success in any
great undertaking, so far from depending upon every man rushing to the
same individual work, depends much rather upon a consistent subdivision
of the labor, ample care being also taken, as a matter of course, for
providing all necessary cost. Just then as an army requires its Generals
and other officers, its fighting men, its.commissariat and its
Legisture [sic]; so this California flood question (a rather too homely
truth,) demands a prompt Legislature, with ample funds at command,
skllfull engineers and troops of good hands to complete the work; and
may the work be done well and as it ought to be done. If every citizen
and every ranchman will readily contribute to the great work they will
assuredly reap ten fold advantages in having their property improved at
once and forever. And in so doing they will render even more effectual
assistance to the work than if in their zeal they had taken shovel in
hand and commenced to raise, without forethought, something in the shape
of a levee, perhaps quite inadequate to the real necessities of the case.
It is natural that we should all be rather impatient when the devastating
tyrant is rushing in upon us every few weeks throughout the season, but
as Mr. Rowlandsen justly remarks, "Before grappling with the monster it
is well to form an estimate of the enormously gigantic character of the
power we propose to subdue?" It is at once clear, then, that the question
is primarily an engineering one, and is of such vast importance that, as
Mr. Rowlandson further remarks, in another article, "to devise means,
etc., that are required is an object worthy of the earnest attention of
the greatest engineer that ever existed." We may all of us be very
thankful, therefore, if the requisite talent and skill is brought to bear
upon the subject. Still, Mr. Rowlandson's observations are intended for
general perusal, whether by scientific or unscientific readers; and as
the question concerns nearly all alike we are anxious to digest carefully
what we read, and obtain as much information as possible upon the knotty
point; but Mr. Rowlandson will, I hope, pardon me for saying that it is
somewhat difficult to analyze the contents of such voluminous articles.
To obtain clear ideas of Mr. Rowlandson's views it is necessary to compare
one article with another, and there appears to be some discrepancy which
wants correction. I find, for instance, on referring to your paper of
February 17th containing Mr. Rowiandson's introductory article, under
the heading "Rain Fall," he appears to regard the American and Sacramento
basins as including an area of above 100 square miles--considerably above
100, he says; but still he bases his calculation upon 100, giving
278,784,000,000 square feet, and estimating the rain fall at four inches
in twenty-four hours gives a quotient of 92,928,000,000 cubic feet, or
1,075,000 cubic feet per second. In last Wednesday's paper, however, I
find he takes the three forks of the American river as draining an area
of 1,200 square miles, which gives us, he says, a rain fall at four inches
in twenty-four hours of 11,151,026,666 cubic feet. Now, having already
seen that 100 square miles gives us 92,938,000,000, one reads at first
with some surprise that 1,200 square miles give us only about one-ninth
the previous product. A moment's consideration makes it obvious, however,
that 100 square miles really signified 10,000 and no more than 1,200 is
intended by the statement of 1,200 in Wednesday's paper. This 1,200 square
miles, however, should give us 11,351,360,000 cubic feet rainfall in
tweaty-four hours, and not 11,151,026,666 cubic feet; and it
should also give us 129,067 cubic feet per second instead of 137,141
cubic feet. These errors, whether of type or not, have crept in
inadvertently, no doubt, but as conclusions are based upon them accuracy
is the more requisite. It follows, therefore, that the trough 450 feet
wide and 30 feet deep, which Rowlandson mentions by way of illustration,
will more than contain the discharge of water of 129,067 cubic feet per
second, as it will discharge, according to Rowlandson's showing, 135,000
cubic feet. Instead, therefore, of there being an accumulation of
184,982,400 cubic feet in twenty-four hours yet to be discharged, our
trough could have discharged 512,611,200 cubic feet more in twenty-four
hours than required.
I have done now with corrections, as I need not allude to what Mr. Roach
has already answered respecting the Straits of Carquinez, that is another
branch of the subject I do not care to go into. I come now, however,
to the principle or method proposed for securing Sacramento against floods
from the American, and here I find Mr. Rowlandson starts with a very
satisfactory statement, "That perhaps absolute security against the
American might be attained if one-fifth of its present inflow of waters
during heavy floods could be impounded," etc. Now without at present
discussing the merits or demerits of impounding such a body of water,
I may be allowed to adopt the standard of one-fifth as a basis for
another proposal to discharge the water--and I will take for illustration
the idea of a trough. We have already seen that the trough Mr. Rowlandson
alluded to, 450 feet wide by 30 feet deep, would discharge 135,000 cubic
feet per second, while we have not in flood time perhaps much more than
129,067 cubic feet per second to discharge. Now then if one-fifth the
size trough will suffice, it would appear that a trough 180 feet wide
by 15 feet deep would answer the purpose amply. This, then, might be
the average for a canal, properly leveed and cut as required between
Brighton and some favorable bend in the Sacraramento beyond Sutterville,
in all about eight and one-half miles long, in place of, I believe, about
twenty-five miles round by the rivers. Now such a canal would at least
help to do what nature points out as requisite, that the present
circuitous and dangerous route of the American should be straightened
and relieved at a safe distance from Sacramento, and sent by a short
route to the Sacramento river. A large tract of country besides the
city of Sacramento would be rendered safe by a plan of this kind, while
it would also relieve a large district beyond the opposite, or
northwestern bank of the American. The existing levees must of course
be repaired to seme extent, but to make them at all adequate to keep
out high floods would be a very expensive operation, take up a great
deal of valuable ground, or side lots, to widen the levees, and from
their proximity to Sacramento would be constantly wearisg away by the
increasing amount of traffic, besides their tortuous course would be
exposed to the full force of the river, tending, as again and again
it does, to form breaks. Nor would such levees do anything for the
plains between Sutterville and Brighton, or the opposite banks of
the American, alluded to.
Where circumstances are favorable, impounding the water as Mr. Rowlandson
proposes, may be a very happy suggestion, but what locality could be
advantageously chosen? Are not the best mining districts near the borders
of the rivers, and could they be obtained at a price that it would be
worth paying for using as a reservoir? Would there not also be another
source of danger and terror to the miners lest the pent up flood should
overwhelm them in a few short hours? I am inclined to think that
impounding would meet with very great opposition amongst the mining
population. A canal between Brighton and beyond Sutterville would carry
the water safely away, and preserve the American banks from the excessive
pressure to which they are subject; and we need never again have misgivings
about a few days rain or snow. The husbandman and tradesman could throughout
the year perform the regular business of each with undeviating regularity,
and may we hope that the grand work will be started soon. Apologizing for
trespassing at such length upon your valuable columns, I am yours,
SACRAMENTO, Feb. 27, 1862. A. F. G. . . .
OPENING OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
EDITORS UNION: The Board of Education on the 17th inst. resolved that
certain schools should be opened on the 3d of March, and the balance
on the 17th. At the regular meeting, last Monday evening, fearing and
indeed anticipating the present partial overflow of the city, the
President was authorized, in his discretion, to postpone the opening
of any or all of the schools until the 17th. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3408, 1 March 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 26, 1862.
The President pro tem. called the Senate to order at the usual hour, . . .
STATE CAPITAL.
By Mr. Shurtliff (on request)--an Act for the relief of contractors upon
the foundation and basement walls of the State Capitol building at Sacramento.
Mr. Chamberlain moved to refer it to a special Committee of three.
Mr. Heacock thought it should be referred to the Committee on Public Morals.
He did not see why it should be taken out of the hands of that Committee and
referred to another.
Mr. Gallagher disliked very much to differ with his friend from
Sacramento, but would certainly oppose that reference. Some weeks ago
a bill of the same nature was referred to that Committee, and no report
has yet been made. The Commissioners had authorized the contractors to
go on, while there was five feet of mud and water on the premises, and
no stone or lime in reach, or money at command. This is wrong. As a friend
of Sacramento, and to these gentlemen (Messrs. Blake and Conner), he said
it was high time something should be done. There seemed to be a
disposition on the part of some to try to crush these parties. He wanted
the matter met fairly and squarely. There was no railroad communication
to Folsom connecting with the quarries. Since the adoption of a resolution
several weeks ago, the contractors had put on four or five men, merely
to gratify the whim of these Commissioners.
Mr. Porter favored the reference to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. Heacock replied to Mr. Gallagher that the bill introduced some
two weeks ago had been reported back several days since, and was in
the hands of the Clerk. It had not been detained in their pockets, but
was reported back as soon as possible under the circumstances. There was
no intention to keep Blake and Conner out of their just right. They
desired to meet the question of permanent location of the Capitol upon
fair and square terms. Those who were opposed to Sacramento would be met
in a fair and manly way. If the Legislature was opposed to Sacramento,
let it be known, and let them take the Capital wheresoever they pleased
Mr. Gallagher inquired what he proposed to do with the question if
referred to the Committee.
Mr. Heacock said when that came up in its official capacity he would
do as he thought best. He did not think Blake and Conner could get
along in a proper manner with their contracts. The flood had stopped
their operations, and he was willing to give them all of the time
allotted in the bill drawn up by themselves. All he asked was that the
interests of the State should be taken care of. He moved the bill be
referred to the Committee on Public Buildings.
Mr. Burnell said there had been two bills referred to that Committee,
and reported back. This bill brought up the whole Capitol question,
whether the Commissioners should go on with their contract in the water
and mud, or whether the whole matter should be clotted up. He did not
believe that either the State, as a general thing, or the Commissioners,
were anxious that these men should work at present. He did not believe
that the matter would be expedited very much by the bill introduced this
morning. He thought the Committee on Public Buildings quite as capable
of disposing of this matter promptly as any other Committee. He urged
the necessity of knowing immediately what was to be done.
Mr. Soule said he introduced, more than a month ago, a bill to suspend
work for the present on the Capitol, and to have a Committee appointed
to investigate the condition of things. He wished to inquire what had
become of that bill.
Mr. Heacock said it was in the hands of the Committee on Public Buildings.
The motion to refer to the Committee on Public Buildings was lost--ayes,
14; noes, 14; the President pro tem. voting in the negative.
The bill was then referred to a Special Committee of three, hereafter to
be appointed by the Chair. . . .
THE GENERAL FILE.
. . . Senate Bill No. 53--an Act to extend the time for building the
foundations and basement walls of the Capitol building at Sacramento
[until the 12th of November, 1862]--was placed at the head of the file
for to-morrow, the Senate having refused to lay it on the table by a
vote of--ayes, 6 ; noes, 24. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 26, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at ten minutes before eleven o'clock,
the clock in the Assembly Chamber being ten minutes too fast. . . .
THE SWAMP LAND FUND.
Mr. Jackson moved a suspension of the rules in order to take from the
files and put upon its passage Senate Bill No. 152--an Act in relation to
the transfer of certain funds.
The rules were suspended and the bill was read. It transfers $100,000
from the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund to the General Fund, to be
used solely for the pay and mileage of members and attaches of the
Legislature, except that $3,000 is appropriated to the Contingent Fund
of the Assembly, $2,000 to that of the Senate, and $3,125 for postage
for the Legislature.
An amendment reported by the Committee of Ways and Means providing for
the repayment to the Swamp Land Fund from the first receipts on and after
the second Monday in August instead of September, was adopted.
Mr. Fay moved to amend so as to allow the State Printer to receive
payment from this appropriation, as the Printer had not yet received any pay.
The amendment was adopted.
The Speaker pro tem, said the question was on the passage of the bill.
Mr. Saul said this Legislature had now been in session nearly fifty days,
and had yet accomplished nothing of very great importance to benefit the
State. It had removed the Legislature away from the State Capital, had
taken $100,000 out of the Swamp Land Fund to pay its members and officers,
and had turned out two members of unsatisfactory politics.
Mr. Van Zandt said $60,000 of the first appropriation from the Swamp
Land Fund had gone to pay the State officers.
Mr. Saul said the State officers had as much right to it as they had.
This was emphatically a Legislature of great expectations, but he was
mortified to see it rapidly dwindling down into very small potatoes.
They had no right to touch a dollar of this Swamp Land Fund. The Act
of Congress granting to the State the lands from which it was derived
expressly stipulated that it should be used for the reclamation of the
lands and nothing else, yet they were taking this money which belonged
to drowned out families and ruined farmers, to put it into their own
pockets. They had done nothing but make Buncombe speeches, appoint
retrenchment Committees and pass Union resolutions, belying the promises
made to their constituents, and this robbery would not be among the
least of the sins they would have to answer for. Did they comprehend
what this money would be worth if applied to its legitimate object? By
the removal from the Capital they had proclaimed to the world that the
great interior valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin were fit only
for deserts, and now they were taking away the means by which alone these
lands might be reclaimed. If it could be shown that there was no immediate
use for this money, he would not object to borrowing it, but the money
was wanted now, and to take it was downright robbery.
Mr. Hillyer inquired if the gentleman had not drawn his portion of
the money previously transferred from this fund.
Mr. Saul said he never was in a position like this before. He came
to the Legislature not on his own seeking, but rather by accident,
and he would take care to guard against such accidents in the future.
The Legislature was the servant of the people, but by passing this
bill they would prove unfaithful servants, and he was determined
that they should go upon the record. Let some of those patriotic
reform and retrenchment disinterested gentlemen bring in a bill
levying a direct tax in order to place the General Fund on a cash
basis rather than take the money for their per diem out of this fund
and thus turn poor women and children and ruined men out of their homes.
Mr. Fay said he wanted the gentleman to name one single instance in
which this bill would put any one out of his home.
Mr. Saul said he could furnish the gentleman with scores of names if
he would come to his desk, but he would not publish the names of his
neighbors to the world.
Mr. Avery repeated the question of Mr. Hillyer, whether Mr. Saul had
drawn his pay out of that portion of this fund previously transferred.
If so he wanted to know the difference between receiving the money and
transferring it.
Mr. Saul said he had drawn his money according to law, and since the
treasury became bankrupt he had used his warrants in another way and
got his money by paying for it. He was willing to go on in that way
to the end of the session.
Mr. Eagar asked if Mr. Saul voted against the former transfer.
Mr. Saul.--You bet, he did.
Mr. Maclay said the gentleman acknowledged that he received his
share as long as the money lasted, but was not the receiver accounted
as bad the thief?
Mr. Saul said it was pretty much the same thing, and there were many
thieves about. It was never too late to reform, however, and he hoped
in this respect the reverend gentleman from Santa Clara (Mr. Maclay)
would set a good example of piety, morality, honesty, and the rest of
the T's, They might as well give up all idea of ever reclaiming the
swamp lands and repeal the excellent law of last Winter as to prostrate
that law by continually transferring the fund. Men would not settle on
those lands if the State deprived them of the money they paid in to be
set apart for their reclamation. They wanted the Commissioners to go
forward with their improvements.
Mr. Teegarden asked if Mr. Saul understood that this money was to be
paid back next August, and if he thought Sacramento would be dry enough
to levee by that time.
Mr. Saul said the money could not be paid back in August. The bulk of
the taxes would not come in till along in December. That was only a sugar
plum for the people, but the people would not be deceived by it. They
wanted the money spent, and more with it, that they would raise by taxing
themselves, to protect themselves against scenes like those of this
Winter. He had no doubt those lands would be dry in August, and the
gentleman would be high and dry, too. The Spring and the Summer was
the time to use this money in building levees, so that they could
settle and become firm to resist the floods of Winter. They were ready
to put up levees last Fall, but concluded to trust their old levees one
Winter more, so as to build at the proper season. Now there would be no
money to go on with but their own. Thank God, the people could get on
independent of the Legislature; if they could not they would be in a
pitiable condition; and whether the State helped them or not those
levees would surely be built. But the Legislature had no more right
to take that money than to take the coin out of the vaults of any
banker in San Francisco. This fund had been, made a cat's paw of long
enough. There had been received into the fund $253,446 19, of which
the Swamp Land Commissioners had expended $28,000, and if this bill
passed making $200,000 drawn by the Legislature, only about $20,000
would remain to commence operations with next Spring. Besides there
were $47,923 34 paid into the General Fund previous to the creation
of the Swamp Land Fund in 1858, which should have been passed over to
the Swamp Land Fund, but for some reason that had never been done. He
protested against such treatment of that fund. Let these reformers in
want of money get it upon their warrants, for the credit of the State
was good, and they could get enough to live upon. He imagined very few
members came to the Legislature to make money by it.
Mr. Reed asked if the gentleman had hypothecated his scrip, and if so,
whether that was the reason he was in swampum-- [The rest of the question
was not understood.]
Mr. Saul said that was a very singular question, coming from the member
who set himself up as a model; who lectured the House last night upon
its dignity, and said members acted like drunken men at a corn husking
in Indiana, and who, just before, had been sitting with his heels higher
than his head.
Mr. Worthington called the gentleman to order for wandering from the
question.
Mr. Saul said he was trying to speak to the question, and if he was not
as eloquent as the gentleman from San Francisco, he hoped to be excused,
sinoe he was neither lawyer, preacher nor doctor.
Mr. Worthington--What is the gentleman?
Mr. Saul said he would tell the gentleman, as he was rather a new comer
into the House. He was an unsophisticated young gentleman from the swamp
land and submerged districts of the country. He knew it was up-hill
business to oppose this bill, but he was determined to give those who
passed it all the odium of the measure, and when they returned to the
people he wanted their record on this bill so plain that he who runs
may read.
Mr. Fay said he thought Mr. Saul had made as many buncombe speeches as
any other man. He could not remember a word that he had uttered that was
really practical. He had been talking with his friend Mr. Pemberton, one
of the Swamp Land Commissioners, and not at all given to buncombe, and
from him he learned that there was no probability that the swamp land
interest would be injured by this transfer.
Mr. Pemberton said Mr. Fay must have misunderstood him. He had said he
feared that interest might suffer, but to what extent he was not prepared
to say.
Mr. Fay said he had remarked that the objections to taking this money
was like a man refusing to allow one pocket to trust the other, and
simply throwing discredit on the State's credit, and it was in reply
to that, that he understood Mr. Pemberton to say that probably if the
money was repaid the 1st of August, there could be no serious objection.
Mr. Saul asked if the gentleman believed that $200,000 could be repaid
by the 1st of August.
Mr. Fay said he believed the State was able to fulfill its obligations:
and if the Commissioners wanted the money, there would no difficulty in
getting it, if the State agreed to pay it the 1st of August. That was
what he understood from Mr. Pemberton--that the Commissioners would not
suffer because the State credit was good, and the money would be replaced
in time to meet any exigency.
Mr. Pemberton said he had observed in this private conversation which
had been brought into the discussion, that while he could not tell how
rapidly or how soon the work of reclamation might proceed, it was his
opinion that $100,000, at least would be needed before next Fall.
Mr. Fay said he could not see how the swamp land interest was to be
affected by this transfer in the slightest degree, even if $100,000 were
wanted by next August.
Mr. Saul asked if the Legislature could not get along by hypothecating
its own scrip, as well as the Swamp Land Commission. If not they might
better have staid in Sacramento, for there they could have got credit.
Mr. Hoag asked if an amendment would now be in order.
The Speaker pro tem. said it would not, for the bill had had its third
reading and was now on its passage.
Mr. Watson demanded the previous question.
Mr. Porter said he hoped the House would not apply the gag on this
important question.
On a division the House proposed to sustain the previous question--ayes
29, noes 30.
Mr. Hoag moved to recommit the bill, with instructions to the Committee
on Ways and Means to report the following as an amendment:
The Treasurer of State is hereby directed to pay over to the Assistant
Treasurer of the United States at San Francisco, the sum hereby
transferred, as a payment in part of the direct tax apportioned to
this State by Act of Congress, enti- [sic] "An Act to provide increased
revenue from imports, to pay the interest on public debt, and for other
purposes," passed the 6th day of August, 1861, and the Controller of
State is hereby directed to draw his warrant in favor of said Assistant
Treasurer of the United States for the sum of money in this section
directed to be paid to him, in the same manner as in the disbursement
of revenue, provided for State purposes.
The Speaker pro tem. ruled the amendment out of order, for being foreign
to the subject matter of the bill.
Mr. Worthington read from the statutes to show that the Swamp Land Fund
was paid into the Treasury as a part of the revenue of the State, and
was liable to be used for any purposes which the Legislature might
direct. He contended that it was an idle fallacy to suppose that
they were obliged to let that money lie idle in the Treasury when it
was wanted for other purposes. Where then was this robbery referred to
by the accidental gentleman from the swamp lands? Transfers had been made
heretofore from time to time, but he had not heard of any indictment
of the Legislature, or judicial investigation on account of the alleged
crime. He did not believe the bill would turn any widows or destitute
people out of house and home.
Mr. Saul replied that this was special pleading, and read from the Act
of Congress providing that the money received from the sale of such lands
shall be used solely for purposes of reclamation. The Legislature, he
said, had already directed how this money should be used, and it would
be a breach of faith to divert the money into any other channel.
Mr. Worthington said a similar transfer was made last Winter, and a part
of this very fund was that which had been repaid from the General Fund.
Mr. Saul replied that that transfer was made before the Swamp Land
Commission was created. He would not have hesitated to vote for the
transfer last Winter, because then the money was not needed, but was
lying idle.
Mr. Avery said if it was robbery now it must have been robbery then.
Mr. Saul said this wise Legislature--this Legislature of retrenchment
and reform--proposed now to make this transfer, and to repeal all
conflicting Acts. He submitted that that was robbery.
Mr. Fay inquired if the Legislature last Winter had not power to pass
a law appropriating that money.
Mr. Saul replied that if it was a question of power, they undoubtedly
had. The Speaker had decided that this House could do anything.
Mr. Fay inquired if this Legislature then had not power to repeal the
Act of last Winter, and abolish this Commission, putting the funds back
into the Treasury as they were before.
Mr. Saul said he understood the force of that argument; it was a threat
that for fighting this appropriation they would repeal the Swamp Land
Bill. He said they might as well defeat it at once as to defeat its
provisions.
Mr. Fay said he would ask one more question. If they had power to do all
this had they not power also to pass this bill, and was it robbery to do it?
Mr. Saul said he would answer as plainly as an unsophisticated young
gentleman from a swamp land district could. The Legislature used its
power wisely last Winter by creating the Commission and providing ways
and means for reclaiming those lands. The same power that created could
abolish it was true, but that would be as abuse of power.
Mr. Shannon said he desired to offer aa amendment to insert the words
"State officers," so as to allow all State officers to receive pay from
the fund as well as the Legislature.
The Speaker pro tem. decided that no amendment was in order as the bill
had received its third reading and was on its passage. Mr. Shannon
appealed from the decision of the Chair, and after a long debate the
decision was sustained.
Mr. Shannon moved to reconsider the third reading of the bill. Lost on
a division--ayes, 27 ; noes, 27.
Mr. Shannon moved to recommit the bill, with special instructions to
the Committee on Ways and Means to insert his amendment and report
immediately. His object was, he said, to give the State officers and
their attaches an equal chance with members of the Legislature. He
denied the right of the Legislature to transfer a fund and make
themselves preferred creditors to the detriment of other legitimate
creditors of the State. He held that to be unconstitutional, and if
the Governor did his duty he would veto it; and even if it were not
unconstitutional, it was a narrow and selfish policy.
Mr. Love said he should vote for the amendment.
Mr. Hoag moved to add to the instructions an amendment providing that
none of the Swamp Land Fund received from the Eighteenth Swamp Land
District snail be transferred, and none of the members of the Legislature
coming from that District shall be paid out of such fund. The amendment
was ruled out of order as not pertinent to the bill.
Mr. Fay said he hoped Mr. Shannon's amendment would prevail, for he saw
no reason for excluding State officers.
Mr. Shannon's motion to recommit with instructions was carried.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
By Overland Telegraph . . . .
Verily, this has been a Winter of inundations. We have suffered heavily
on the Pacific coast from the superabundance of the aqueous element.
The valley of the Ohio has also experienced the disastrous effects of
an overflow. And next, we hear from the distant Danube--the greatest of
European rivers--of a most destructive flood, consequent upon a rain of
four days duration. In one district alone it is reported that 80,000
persons need relief. Pesth and Presburg, in Hungary, had been inundated,
and bridges, viaducts and other valuable property destroyed. The railroad
property reported to be damaged is probably that of the line running
from Pesth to Vienna via Presburg--which is within the reach of an
inundation. . . .
The weather was clear and Spring-like yesterday. The Sacramento rose about
nine inches, reaching nineteen feet nine inches above low water mark.
The water in the lower part of the city rose several inches; but no
apprehensions of another general inundation seem to be entertained. . . .
ABOUT RIGHT.--The bill to take another $100,000 from the Swamp Land Fund
and transfer it to the General Fund, for the benefit of members, was, at
last accounts, hanging between the two Houses. It ought to hang there
until it is dead, though we take it for granted the members of each
branch consider themselves so much in need of money that they will
finally agree to pass it, even if they have to give the State officers
a chance to get a portion of it. There is likely to be some delay about
obtaining the money if the bill passes, as it is rumored that the question
of the legal and constitutional right of the Legislature to make a transfer
of money once appropriated for a special purpose is about to be tested.
Two hundred thousand dollars of the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund was
appropriated last Winter to reclaim swamp land, and it is contended that
the Act conferred a vested right upon the purchasers of that land, which
cannot be taken from them by a subsequent Act of the Legislature. Those
who take this view of the case, will probably take steps to have the
matter judicially settled, provided a bill to seize another $100,000
passes. . . .
The Citizens' Committee may with propriety give thsir attention to the
weak point in the levee at R street. If taken before the water breaks
through it can be easily strengthened so as to prevent the water from
forcing an entrance at that particular locality. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 28th. . . .
Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate, . . .
The bill to suspend further work on the State Capitol until next session
came up.
Soule, its author, said he had been charged with aiming at permanent
removal. He denied it, and said he did not care a continental d---n
where the Capital was located.
Nixon said he was satisfied permanent removal was the object poorly disguised.
Soule said he had denied improper motives and Nixon could believe what he
pleased.
Porter, De Long and Gaskell favored the bill.
Heacock and Nixon insisted on an indefinite postponement.
It was referred to the Committee on Public buildings. . . .
THE MINERS.--Accounts from the interior, where miners are engaged in
working old diggings, represent that they find new gold in places where
they supposed it was entirely worked out. The presumption is that the
heavy rains have made sluices of the gulches, washad new earth into
and out of them, and leaving behind fresh deposits of gold. If the late
floods have done a good deal of harm in the State they will not have
been without some compensating advantage. Many an old 1849 miner will
retnrn to his former and favorite grounds and try them over again. While
he has been absent the floods have been doing some tolerably heavy
prospecting. . . .
REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY.
The Grand Jury of the Court of Sessions having disposed of the business
of the term, presented last evening the following final report:
To the Honorable the Court of Sessions of the County of Sacramento:
We, the Grand Jury for the January term, A. D. 1862, would most respectfully
report that we have been in session eighteen days, . . .
In regard to roads and highways, we would report that on account of
the unprecedented state of our county on account of the late rains
and floods, we have not been able to make as thorough an examination
of them as we could have wished, but we have ascertained enough to
satisfy us that they are not in as good condition as the necessities
of the county require, and would recommend to the Board of Supervisors
to require of the several Road Overseers a prompt performance of their
duties, and also reports to them of the condition of the roads in their
several districts, that efficient measures may be adopted for their
repair. . . .
And in consideration of the necessary expenses that must be incurred
to repair damages caused by the late flood, we recommend that our
Senators and Assemblymen endeavor to procure from the State a release
or donation of the State's interest in said taxes to the city and county. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .A POPULAR IDEA.--The Grand Jury report rendered yesterday, contains
a recommendation that application be made to the Legislature for the
passage of such laws as will insure the collection of all the delinquent
taxes due the county from 1850 to 1857 inclusive. It is also suggested
that the State relinquish its right to said taxes in consideration of
the damage done the county by the flood. The proposition to collect the
back taxes, if submitted to a popular vote, would be carried by an
overwhelming majority. Many malicious persons urge that those of our
heavy property holders who are behind hand in this respect, could hit
upon an easy and effectual plan to build the levees, viz: by paying their
back taxes for that purpose.
FREIGHT FOR FOLSOM.--Freight cars for Folsom were taken successfully
across the weak spot in the railroad at Fourteenth street on Thursday
evening, and yesterday a large amount of freight was sent out. So
great was the rush of business in this line that the teamsters and
draymen, engaged in delivering goods at the depot, were compelled to
form in a long line and wait, many of them, several hours before they
could discharge their loads. At one time there were forty seven vehicles
in the line at one time. The prospect is that our merchants will do a
lively business during the present month. . . .
REQUIRES ATTENTION.--The Sacramento levee, above R street, continues to
wash away steadily, and as the river is rising constantly the point
becomes more and more dangerous. If a crevasse is formed at that point,
the result to property will be more disastrous than that of any similar
opening, at any other point. The Committee of Safety should give the
subject prompt attention. . . .
FLOOD VIEWS.--We have received copies of two lithograph views, published
by A. Rosenfield, San Francisco--one representing J street from the levee,
and the other, K street from the same point. They are very correct.
Hossack & Crawford, corner of Fourth and K streets, have them for sale. . . .
ONLY BLOCKS.--In speaking yesterday of the railroad between Twelfth
and Seventeenth streets, we designed to say that "four or five blocks"
would be submerged if the water should rise a foot and a half higher.
The item read, erroneously, "four or five miles." We have no desire to
crowd so large a section of the road into so small a compass for the
malicious pnrpose of having it submerged and washed away. . . .
STILL RISING.--The water in the inundated portions of the city, contrary
to all reasonable expectation, rose yesterday some six or eight
inches--on what pretense or excuse, we are unable to determine.
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento river last evening had risen nine inches
within the past twenty-four hours, and stood at nineteen feet nine
inches above low water mark. . . .
A RELIEF PLAN.
EDITORS UNION: In these times of floods and general destruction of
property, and the misfortunes which Sacramento labors under for want
of means, I will suggest an idea which, if adopted, will assist some
little. The people of Sacramento and El Dorado counties, by a direct
tax, built a bridge and road to the summit of the mountain, which has
proved of vast benefit to both counties. The immense rains of the present
Winter have made that road impassable for teams without a large outlay
of money. That will have to be raised by tax, lease, or sale of the
road. I would propose that the Legislature pass an Act giving the
Supervisors of the two counties power to sell the road, and donate
the amount to Sacramento to assist her, in a measure, in her
misfortunes. It would be nothing more than returning to them their
own, and at the same time place the road in competition with private
enterprise.
MANY CITIZENS.
FROM VICTORIA.--Our dates from Victoria are to February 11th. We find
the following in the Colonist:
We conversed yesterday with F. Fulford, who left Lillooet Flat on the
13th, for this place, and has been twenty days in making the trip. He
says that only about thirty animals belonging to packers have died; but
nearly every Cayuse pony belonging to Indians is dead. The oldest Indians
say they never saw so severe a Winter. When Fulford left the Flat there
was very little snow; but three days after, when he reached Port Anderson,
on Anderson Lake, snow fell to the depth of three feet on a level, and
the storm, in all probability, reached Fraser river valley--although it
frequently happens that snow falls at Port Anderson and does not reach
Fraser river. Packing over the Harrison-Lillooet road is suspended.
Snow on the Douglas portage is five and six feet deep; on Pemberton
portage it is nearly as bad. Anderson Lake is frozen for a distance of
two miles, and the lake steamer is frozen in. It is the opinion of
packers that if the last snow storm reached the valley of the Fraser,
half of the animals are dead by this time. Animals on the Bonaparte,
at last reports, were looking well. An inconsiderable amount of snow
had fallen.
From passengers by the Emily Harris we learn that snow on the trail
between Alkali and Williams' Lakes covered the ground to the depth
of eight feet.
A letter had been received at Lillooet Flat which stated that a new
auriferous creek had been struck at Cariboo. It is situated some
seventy miles from Antler, and the prospects obtained indicate that
it contains far richer deposits of the precious metal than any stream
yet struck there. The creek is believed to be the one which was
discovered late in the season by John Rose & Co.
The men wintering at Cariboo are said to be comfortable and the
weather at the diggings is represented as mild.
Ice at New Westminister is sixteen inches thick.
At Yale stocks of provisions are short and high. Flour is selling
at $6 a sack. China rice is held at twenty cents per pound, and one
of the heaviest merchants of that town writes, under date of January
31st, that he has only two sacks left, for which he is asking $10
per sack. The weather at the date he writes was "very cold."
At Lillooet there is a little barley and no hay, and flour is fed
to the pack animals. Flour is selling at $28 per barrel.
Flour at Hope is $3 a sack. Plenty of everything save ground coffee.
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: It is rather a thankless task to correct discrepancies.
In spite of every care they will sometimes occur, and perhaps, too, where
they look very ugly. For instance, in my letter of yesterday I undertook
!to correct some discrepancies in figures which Mr. Rowlandson, I suppose,
overlooked in his letter No. 6, published in Wednesday's UNION, and
I believe I was especially careful therefore, as in duty bound, to
see that my own figures were correct. Nevertheless, between yon and me,
my attempt at correction has partially failed, fortunately not so as to
affect my ultimate canal proposition, but in two earlier references to
Mr. Rowlandson's figures. The first mistake occurs in cubic feet, about
six inches down my yesterday's letter, which reads, "now having already
seen seen [sic] that 100 square miles gives us 92,938,000." Instead of
"38,"we should read "28," as before stated in the paragraph. The second
mistake occurs about seven lines further on, where my letter reads,
"this 1,200 square miles, however, should give us 11,351,360,000 cubic
feet. Instead of "351," we should read "151." I hope these necessary
corrections will be acceptable to your readers, and I will only add my
best thanks for your publication of the letter and the kind attention
yon have drawn to my remarks in your leading columns. With respect to
the precisely best course for a canal to carry off the flood waters of
the American river, it is perhaps, with due deference to you, still
rather premature to be too definite.
I am glad that you do in effect approve a canal proposition. The details
for that canal must be a matter for still maturer consideratlon. But if
it is practicable to benefit a considerably larger agricultural area,
in addition to the city, than you propose, and for comparatively little
greater cost than our city alone might require, we can hardly take too
comprehensive a view of the subject. When this is properly understood
will there be any property owner who may be interested who would not
gladly, if necessary, offer his quota towards it? l am sure there are
some who would declare in plain phraseology--I hope wlthout offense to
you readers--" By gum, I'll double it if you like. [sic, no close "]
But has it never appeared to capitalists that it might be made to pay
for itself and return a handsome income to the projectors? There is
perhaps nothing like individual enterprise--at least in the old
countries--and we have got the same blood in us, only let us do the
right thing the moment weather permits. Let us at least give our
legislators some inducement to return to us, and then by and by we
shall have some hopes of seeing our beautiful Capitol completed and
form the crowning adornment of our city. Nor should we, also, then
forget to raise a temple to our Maker really worthy of praise, and
consistent with our prosperity and grateful acknowledgments. How many
blessings indeed does not the mind's eye see looming in the future
dependent upon this canal question! But we must be doing not dreaming!
So, once more yours, A. F. G.
SACRAMENTO, Feb. 28, 1862.
FROM THE NORTH.--Advices from Portland are to February 21st. We find
in our files the annexed items:
C. H. Miller, of Mossman & Miller's Express, gives us a few items from
the mines. He states that the snow is from ten to fifteen feet deep on
the mountain from Slate creek to Florence, bnt that travel in and out
has been constant enough to keep the trail in a passable condition for
animals. Provisions seem to be plenty in the mines. No mining is being
done, except an occasional attempt by some, with the use of fires and
the constant application of hot water to keep the rocker free from ice.
At Slate creek mouth, Mr. Miller met a party just in from a point above
that place on Salmon river, who reported the discovery of better mines
than those in the neighborhood of Florence. They had quite a large
quantity of gold, a specimen of which, worth $4, the expressman brought
down. They came down from the mouth of Slate creek for provisions, and
immediately returned. The precise situation of these diggings could not
be learned from the discoverers.--Walla Walla Statesman.
A correspondent of the Times, W. B. Park, a butcher, tells in
a letter dated February 16th, a large story, as follows:
I have just arrived here from the Salmon mines, having left the diggings
December 26th, and visited Oro Fino, en route down, which place I left on
January 2d. When I left Salmon there was about two feet of snow, and the
weather was beauti(ul and warm, and the miners were generally at work upon
their claims, and doiag as well as formerly. Some of them were making a
big thing. Bridge's claim was paying largely a day or two before I left
I offered him $7,000 cash for his claim and he laughed at me; I think he
will be able to take out of it $50,000. The Wiser claim is still paying
very largely. They were not workirg Jack Munro's claim when I left.
McKivet & Co.'s claim, on Nason's gulch, is paying largely; Charles
Wilson's claim, on one of the tributaries of Summit flat, is also
paying largely, and many others I might mention. Wages are $10 and $12
per day, and hands to work at these prices are scarce. The mines are all
they have been represented, and I think the country already prospected
is capable of liberally rewarding a population of 15,000 miners, and
I can see no reason why a much larger portion adjacent, should not be
equally as rich in gold. I found the snow about three feet deep on the
east side of the mountain as I came out. From the summit most had blown
off, and the wind was strong and severe. No snow on the mountain four
miles beyond Slate creek, and none on the Salmon river. We had a good
journey to Oro Fino and out to Lewiston and Walla Walla. Remained at
Walla Walla till January 18th. On that day, at ten o'clock, the thermometer
stood at 23° below zero. It had stood as low as 31° below. Came as far
as Wilson's creek in Blackamoor's stage. Here we became impeded in snow
and the stage turned back. I came on foot the remainder of the way to
the Deschutes. I was with Brown, whom we had to leave on the way. We had
a severe trip. Arrived nt the Dalles safely, and found that many persons
who had preceded us had suffered greatly, and some had died.
It was ascertained that six persons had perished from exposure to the
cold. The names of five of them are as follows: Jagger, Allphin, Davis,
Mulkey and Riddle. The name of the Sixth man was unknown.
THE SALMON RIVER MINES,.--There is much good sense in the following extract
from a communication, written by a Salmon river miner, to the Portland
Times:
As to the farmers of Oregon, who are preparing to abandon their farms
by thousands, I think they are simply crazy! If these mines prove as rich
as they are generally supposed to be, a good farm will be more valuable
to the farmer, and yield him more gold in the next two years, than the
best set of mining claims in the Nez Perces country. Stay where yon are,
and if it prove a failure, as most of the great gold discoveries of late
years have, you will be no worse off; if it proves a success, wait--let
the gold come to you.
A gentleman near Portland states that he knew several farmers who some
time ago had determined to go to the mines, had now changed their views,
and will remain at home, attending to the gold diggings which can be found
in every man's farm.
RAIN GAUGE.--The San Francisco Bulletin gives the following rain
gauge for February:
February 2 in. 0.79
February 5 in. 0.04
February 19 in. 0.44
February 21 in. 2.09
February 22 in. 0.80
February 23 in. 0.84
February 24 in. 0.33
February 25 in. 1.49
February 26 in. 0.38
_____
Total inches 7.20
For season prior to February inches 38.02
______
Total....... inches 45.22
Total for the season of 1853 and 1854 . .. .inches 23.81
Total for the season of 1854 and 1855 inches 23.68
Total for the seassn of 1855 and 1856...... inches 21 66
Total for the season of 1856 and 1857 inches 19.91
Total for the season of 1857 and 1858 inches 21.81
Total for the sesson of 1858 and 1859 inches 22.22
Total for the season of 1859 and 1860 inches 22.27
Total for the season of 1860 and 1861 . . inches 19.72
Total for the season of 1861 and 1862 inches 45.22
. . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3409, 3 March 1862, p. 1
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, March 1,1862.
To-day closes the eighth week of the session, and the condition of the
business before the two houses points clearly to the rescinding of the
joint resolution to adjourn sine die on the 31st inst., or to the
ignoring of about two-thirds of the bills already introduced, and a speedy
check to the flood (of other bills) still pouring in. No important measure,
originated this Winter, has yet become a law. . . . to suspend further
work on the State Capitol until next session (understood to be the entering
wedge for a permanent removal); . . . Forty other bills are miscellaneously
special, such as appropriations to benevolent societies, large and small,
relief of flood sufferers and the like. . . .
At last we have a pleasant day, though a cold one; and the streets are
getting to be passable, as the wind and sun, and tramp of pedestrians,
harden the freedom's soil beneath our feet. . . .
[For the Union.]
OVERFLOWS AND LEVEE DEFENSES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In a former communication I stated the proposition
that our State was more subject to sudden inundations than at the
period of its first settlement by its American population, and adduced
as reason for this theory the fact that the timber had been cut off
and destroyed by fire, to such an extent that the snows, exposed to
rain and the warm southwest winds, melted rapidly and poured down the
precipitous channels of the rivers simultaneously with the small streams
of the foot hills, which have their sources below the snow belt. Keeping
this assumption in view, let us look in the face the full magnitude of
the work required to protect Sacramento city from overflow.
In the first place, the myriads of tons of earth, gravel and bowlders
washed from the bed rock, leaving the hills the impervious roofs to shed
the water into the rivers, which act as gutters, have filled up the beds
of the streams below the foot hills, so that those former gutters no
longer conduct the waters through deep and serpentine channels to the
ocean. In fact, we need close our eyes no longer to the reality that in
times of freshets our rivers have no channels, or in other words, we have
no rivers. The inland "sea speaks to the mountain" as "Alp to Alp," and
the wild desolating water "goes where it listeth."
During the flood of January, 1850, I followed up the bank of the American
river, and observed that the stream was deep and turbid from the Sacramento
to Patterson's, and that its precipitous walls of sandy alluvial were but
little disturbed by any current then setting against them. This was before
mining had sent down the rivers any considerable amount of tailings. Mark
the change of twelve years. From a little way below the narrow and rocky
gorge of the river at Folsom, its bed has become an inclined plane, filled
up almost to a level with its banks, even to where it debouches into the
Sacramento. Down this inclined plane the river torrent, lashed into madness
as it dashes through the granite walls at Folsom, foams onward resistless
in its fury. At Brighton, low down on the plain, giant oaks, which overhang
either bank, with hundreds of feet of solid land in their rear, were swept
away in a night of the floods of this Winter. Indeed, as the inundation
approached Sacramento, it came rolling onward a wall of water, like the
perpendicular front of a continuous avalanche. It is said that water finds
its level, but hydrostatics, when applied to California floods, are at
fault. The momentum gained by the water in its rapid mountain career forces
it into eccentric movement, so that it may be said to absolutely pile up
wherever a real or seeming obstacle happens in its path. Now it is against
this avalanche of water from the Sierra that we have to defend ourselves,
and in doing so we must not base our calculations upon what has been the
condition of the country as regards the former water channels, but upon
the changes which have taken place and those likely to occur in the future.
I venture the prediction that before ten years shall have passed the
American river will have filled its bed to a level with its banks and
formed a dam entirely across the Sacramento, so that the latter stream
will discharge its waters through the tule in Yolo county into the main
channel again at Rio Vista. I suppose such a prediction will create a
derisive smile; but look a moment at the facts. Before the 9th of December
flood, the American river was all along its course, where there was any
mining ground, a vast deposit of cobble stones, run out from tunnels and
sluices, forming embankments, which, in many places, entirely walled across
its channel. Where are those millions of tons of gravel and paving stones?
The river bed and its banks have been swept clean of all obstructions below
Folsom for a long distance, and it is quite likely bowlders, suitable for
paving the streets of Sacramento, may be obtained this season in the
American below Smith's garden. Every freshet rolls the drift of gravel
and cobble stones nearer and nearer the Sacramento--its advance
guard--quicksand, having already formed an immense bar below the mouth
of the American, reaching nearly to the Yolo bank, and bare at low water
more than two-thirds of the way. If the debris coming down from mining
claims was quicksand, the moving currents of water would keep it drifting
onward to the ocean so that the channels of the rivers would deepen as
the banks narrowed, but the bulk of the washings from the mountains is
clay or gravel, the first forming what is termed slum, a substance which
solidifies after precipitation, so that the water passes over it. This
is what is filling up Suisun bay and the lower Sacramento. At my place,
two miles below Sacramento, where the river has more than an average
width, and runs in a straight line, the bed of the river has been raised
about ten feet, entirely across, during the four years that I have been
making examinations. It would be a matter of great interest to the public
if Dr. Logan would make a series of experiments, showing the amount of
earth carried past Sacramento city by the river in a year. By
precipitating the earth held in solution during the time of greatest
rise and at low water in the Summer he could approximate very nearly
to a correct estimate. As a matter connected with the fertilization of
our barren plains, the subject would be full of interest.
Having made this communication already too long, I must defer the subject
of levees to another time. Wilson Flint. . . .
FLOUR AND WHEAT.--In its notice of domestic produce, the San Francisco
Mercantile Gazette says:
There is probably less animation in the market and fewer sales of flour
and wheat in progress, than for any like period in many months; even
the local demand for flour has in a great measure ceased, so far as
regards sales from first hands. Our quotations must be looked upon as
quite nominal, while receipts of all kinds of grain, etc., from the
interior are light. Bad roads and low prices are very effective barriers
to the marketing of surplus stocks held by farmers. The weather for a
week past has been again stormy, and the rains so severe as to stop all
plowing and seeding, and otherwise greatly retard the usual seasonable
duties of the agriculturist. The late rain has been accompanied with
much warmth of atmosphere, so that the snow upon the mountains is melting
freely, and the premature opening of fruit blooms is apprehended. As
we write, our prospects are not so brilliant as at the date of our last
issue, a week since. We do not now believe that business generally can
resume its wonted channels much before the first of April. The plowing
and sowing season will be proportionately retarded. . . .
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--Senator Perkins, in the course of his remarks
on yesterday, in the Senate, on the bill suspending the work on the State
Capitol building at Sacramento, stated that the people of San Francisco
desired the Capital located here, and that his constituents were in favor
of it. We deny the statement as being utterty without foundation, and
challege [sic] the Senator to the proof. We have as good means of knowing
the news and sentiments of the people of this city and county, on that
matter, as Senator Perkins, and we utterly deny that they are in favor of
any such change in the location of the capital as that announced by the
Senator. There never has been the slightest indication given that the
people here desire it, unless Perkins considers the Taxpayers' Union the
people; and that association, consisting of a. few members, may be in
favor of the proposed change, but that the masses of the people are is
a gross perversion of the truth.--Sam Franciso Spirit of the Times. . . .
p. 2
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, Feb. 27, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock--the Lieutenant Governor in the chair,
and Messrs. Irwin and Pacheco absent. The Journal was read by the new
Assistant Secretary and approved. . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. WARMCASTLE, from the Committee on Public Buildings, reported in
favor of indefinitely postponing Senate Bill No. 61--An Act to suspend
the operations on the State Capitol building until the session of the
ensuing Legislature. . . .
THE GENERAL FILE.
Senate Bill No. 53--An Act to extend the time for completing the
foundation and basement walls of the Capitol building in the city
of Sacramento--was made the special order for 11-1/2 o'clock on the
same day, by request of Mr. De Long. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, Feb. 27, 1862.
The House met at eleven o'clock. . . .
THE FEDERAL WAR TAX.
. . .
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco . . . The valuation of Sacramento last year
was $12,000,000, and it was a liberal allowance to say that $2,000,000 of
that had been destroyed, and perhaps as much more in San Joaquin.
Mr. MYERS said the loss in San Joaquin had been overestimated; it would
not amount to half so much. . . .
Mr. lRWIN said it had been stated that the loss of property in the valleys
of San Joaquin and Sacramento was greater than elsewhere, but he believed
it was an error. Other portions of the State had suffered very heavily.
He had a letter from Siskiyou county stating that the losses would reduce
the assessments this year more than one half. That was the general opinion,
and Trinity and other counties in the mountains were in the same position.
He did not believe the actual destruction of property amounted to more
than $27,000,000, as stated by Mr. Tilton of San Francisco, but the
property remaining would be found to have greatly depreciated. . . .
Mr. WRIGHT said, in the counties of Del Norte and Klamath the valuation
would not be one-third of last year, . . .
Mr. MEYERS said he believed the losses by the flood had been greatly
over estimated. . . .
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco said the gentleman from Nevada had, in his
opinion, rather over estimated the poll tax and under estimated the taxable
property in the State. He was still of opinion that the valuation of the
State would reach $120,000,000, . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, Feb. 28th.
The Senate was called to order at eleven o'clock by the Lieutenant Governor, . . .
REPORTS.
. . . Mr. PERKINS, from the Finance Committee, reported back Senate Bill
No. 208--An Act to appropriate money out of the General Fund for the relief
of sufferers by the flood--having filled the blank in the bill with the
sum of $1,500; . . .
THE CAPITAL QUESTION REVIVED
Senate Bill No. 61--An Act to suspend until the ensuing session of the
Legislature the construction of the State Capitol now in process of
construction in the city of Sacramento--was taken up, with a recommendation
of the Committee on Public Buildings that the same be indefinitely
postponed. It reads as follows:
Section 1. That so much of an Act entitled an Act to provide for the
construction of a State Capitol in the city of Sacramento, approved
March 20, 1860, and so much of the authority of an Act entitled an
Act amendatory of and supplemental to an Act entitled an Act to provide
for the construction in the city of Sacramento, approved May 29, 1860,
approved March 29, 1861, as authorizes the construction of a State Capitol
in the city of Sacramento, is hereby suspended until the meeting of the
ensuing Legislature of this State.
Section 2. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer and Attorney
General, together with one member of each branch of the Legislature, to
be appointed by the respective presiding officers thereof, are hereby
constituted a Committee of Examination, who shall, during the ensuing
Summer and Fall months, examine into the safety and practicability of
completing the construction of the said State Capitol, and report their
conclusions, and the reasons upon which they found such conclusions, to
the ensuing Legislature. If, after making a thorough examination, they
conclude that the present location of the State Capitol is an unsafe or
unsuitable, and cannot be made a safe and suitable one without a large
outlay of money on the part of the State, they may examine other
localities, and report to the ensuing Legislature where, in their
opinion, is the most suitable site for a State Capitol, stating the
reasons which induce them to select such site.
Sec. 3. The authority of the Board of Commissioners and architect created
by any of the Acts named in this Act, are hereby suspended, and their
salaries stopped.
Sec. 4. The Governor and Attorney General are hereby created a
Committee to confer with George W. Blake and P. Edward Connor, the
contractors for building said State Capitol, and ascertain on what
terms the said contractors will suspend the construction of said
Capitol until the action of the ensuing Legislature, and report the
result of their conference to the Legislature as soon as practicable.
Mr. SOULE said he hoped the bill would not be indefinitely postponed.
Since introducing it he had been accused frequently of doing so as an
entering wedge for the removal of the Capital to this place. He denied
it emphatically. He was willing to have the Capital put anywhere, on
the top of Mount Diablo if they liked, anywhere it would not wash away
or tumble down. The foundation walls of the new building had been submerged
four times this Winter. He had been informed that the Capitol building
would cost $2,000,000 if carried on as commenced, and if so some steps
should be taken to ascertain with a reasonable degree of certainty that
it could be protected, after once completed, without another outlay of
$2,000,000.
Mr. PORTER also hoped the bill would not be indefinitely postponed. He
considered it one of vital importance. There was now upon the ground a
vast amornt of material that could be saved, amounting to a value of
$19,760, the State having paid seventy-five per cent. upon it. The
perishable material on the ground was about $5,000. There were two
million brick in the walls, worth $8,000, and which could be taken out
if the place were deemed an improper one for building the Capitol. If
the Legislature should deem Sacramento an improper location, over
$40,000 worth of material could be saved. The State, at the present
time, was unable to go on and build the Capitol upon the plan proposed.
He wanted to know where the money was to come from to do it. Last year
the disbursements exceeded the revenue of the State, and this year
matters would be worse. He hoped some of the gentlemen in favor of the
indefinite postponement of this bill would suggest some plan by which they
could pay for it without issuing bonds. There was no doubt to his mind
that it was an improper and unsafe place to locate the Capitol.
Mr. GASKELL said, in order that no Senators might be misled by what
purported to be a report from the Committee on Public Buildings, he
would state that at the time that conclusion was arrived at, there were
four members of the Committee present. He was opposed to the report, and
thought the bill ought to pass with amendments. He thought the majority
of the Committee were in favor of it, and if they had all been present
the Committee would have reported favorably. In favoring the passage of
the bill he did not intend or desire to hurt the interests of the city of
Sacramento. He did desire to look after the interests of the county that
sent him here. If two or three millions were to be spent in the
construction of the capitol, it should be demonstrated to the people
of the State that Sacramento was a safe place for it. Gentlemen stated
that only thirty or forty thousand dollars would be expended this Summer,
and without any further appropriation; but he was opposed to expending
another dollar at present. The Legislature had been compelled to leave
Sacramento, and that city was again inundated. The people of California
wanted to know to a certainty abont it. The passage of the bill would not
injure the prospects of Sacramento, but would induce her people to renewed
energy in trying, if possible to protect their city.
Mr. OULTON inquired how much of the $50,000 appropriated last year for
the Capital was still unexpended. Mr. SOULE replied about half of it.
Mr. PORTER said he had been trying to get at the facts of the case for
thirty or forty days, and had finally to get at it by rumor.
Mr. OULTON said if $16,000 was all that could be saved to the State by
passing this bill, he certainly hoped the recommendation of the Committee
would be acted on by the Senate. He had voted for temporary adjournment,
and was held, along with others who voted for that measure, as an enemy of
Sacramento, besides being submitted to many frivolous little charges about
personal comfort, etc. These charges were made by the press and
representatives and people of Sacramento. Still, he would endeavor to
live above such trivial charges, and vote impartially on the bill. The
people of California, through their representatives, had located the
Capital at Sacramento, as they supposed permanently. Whether wisely or
not mattered not, it had been done. He still believed it was a fit place
for the Capital, and that the city would be protected against all floods
that would in any way injure public buildings and property of the State
that might be located there. If only $16,000 was left unexpended, he
did not know that the State could save much by the passage of this bill,
which provided for the appointment of a Commission to travel all over the
State. If there was anything that had proven itself completely and
decidedly a humbug, it vvas these Committees traveling around to examine
into matters of this nature. He hoped the bill would be indefinitely
postponed.
Mr. DE LONG said he was one of the Committee on Public Buildings,
and had consulted with three or four of that Committee who were not
present when the bill was considered. He certainly was not present,
and did not concur in the report.
Mr. GASKELL said it was not the Chairman's fault, who had notified all
and requested them to be there.
Mr. DE LONG classed himself under the same category as the gentleman
from Siskiyou (Mr. Oulton), having likewise fallen under the displeasure
of the citizens of Sacramento. They were considered their enemies
because they had voted for adjournment to this city. The statements of
the public press should in no way influence him on this measure, nor
would he be intimidated thereby. It was true a former Legislature had
determined for the people of this State that the Capital should be
permanently located at the city of Sacramento; and it was true, also,
that the people of the State had acquiesced in that decision. But it
was also true that when that decision was made, the facts now existing,
so appalling in their nature had not occurred. The perpetuity of the
Union, in which the State was to assist, and the expense of the war,
now falling upon every man,was not considered. Protected, as Sacramento
was deemed to be, substantially, no dangers from floods were feared.
Now it was an open question upon which men differed honestly, whether
the present location of that city could be protected at all by such
an outlay of money as would be made there. It was also true that our
people, with an empty treasury, were called upon to pay taxes of such
a nature that it almost seemed a misfortune at the present time to be
an owner of property. With the safety of its location undetermined and
with a tax to be paid for other purposes, he did not believe among his
constituents there was a single man who desired him to entail upon them
the additional tax of proceeding with that building. He visited the
location several times last Winter, and so did the gentleman from
Siskiyou. The whole vast valley of the Sacramento was submerged. A
combined war of the elements seemed to threaten the valley with
destruction. But it made no difference whether it was a misfortune
or not, the result was here, and it spoke for itself. Did the Senator
wish, by his vote, to continue the construction of that building upon
that soil--a building that, in his humble judgment, it would require
ten or fifteen years to complete, at the rate they had been proceeding
with it--and necessitate the expenditure of millions of dollars? Could
he say that was consistent with the vote he cast on the removal of the
Legislature to this city? Could he say to his constituents he considered
that city safe from overflow, and fit to accommodate the Legislature,
when he did right to come to San Francisco on the ground that it was
unsafe and in an improper condition? The two systems could not be
harmonized except by one method, and that was the Senator's confidence
in the ability and energy of the people in protecting themselves from
a second inundation of the nature they had received this year. The Senator
could not go beyond him in his admiration of the people of Sacramento
for their energy. In every place where that had been called in question,
he had ever yielded the palm to the citizens of Sacramento for the most
untiring energy and perseverance that he ever saw displayed in any
community. They had built that city in a place where God and nature
never intended a city should be erected. They had seen it devastated,
had rallied to its rescue, had protected it time after time, had
apologized for its misfortunes, had expended that degree of zeal, energy
and industry which were well calculated to lead to the belief that they
would protect themselves from any exigency. But he said there was a doubt,
and he was unwilling to plunge the State farther and further into an
outlay of money where there was an uncestainty [sic]. It was no spirit
of pride, or enmity, or rivalry, that caused him to make these remarks.
Let them first determine--could they and would they protect their city
from any future danger of this nature, and thereby render it a proper
place for the Capital. First determine that, and he was amongst the
last that would ever vote for its removal. Any effort that might be
made here, this Winter, to remove the Capital from Sacramento, he would
oppose by his vote and voice. That was what he promised at Sacramento,
when it was urged that their temporary removal was merely an initiatory
step to first get the Legislature here and then effect their permanent
removal from the city of Sacramento. He would take no advantage of
misfortune, and would wait with that question until, equal handed in
the contest, the figbt would come up in their midst and upon their own
floor. If this bill did not pass, how was it proposed to expend that
amount? By issuing bills for the relief of contractors, upon the ground
that the flood had interrupted the railroad and cut off their material?
He asked whether the people believed that a building upon that magnificent
plan, if an overflow of this kind occurred again, would escape the
probability of a fall? He asked whether any such thing as danger of its
falling had been anticipated in laying the foundation. He protested in
the name of those he represented, against the further expenditure of
money, and levying and assessment of taxes to continue the building,
until the question was solved by the people of Sacramento themselves,
who were most interested "Can you, will you, during the intervening
session of the Legislature protect your city so as to lead, on calm,
cool judgment, to the conclusion that there is no future danger of an
overflow?" If the contrary were the case, it would be wise to save this
expenditure. He wished to see the bill amended in one particular, namely:
to strike out that portion providing for the appointment of a Commission
to travel around the State to select some place for a Capital. From the
experience of this Winter, they, the members of the Legislature, he said,
were led to believe that there was a great deal of useless expense being
incurred in continuing that contract, and until the foregoing question
had been determined they were unwilling that their constituents should
have to pay taxes for the construction of the Capitol.
Mr. SOULE inquired whether it was possible to build a levee high enough
to protect the city.
Mr. DE LONG replied, and said that question could not be determined.
He deemed it a doubtful case. If the levees were to be built a foot
higher it would still be impossible to determine whether it was safe.
But, in all human probability, it would be considered so, and that
hypothesis would be acted upon. He knew that even in that case it
would not be safe, because twenty-four hours continuance of any of
those great storms, which migh tas [sic] easily happen as not, would,
in his opinion, have destroyed and blotted out from the face of the
earth every city and hamlet and habitation in the Sacramento Valley.
But, hoping against anything of that kind, if Sacramento should, this
Summer, show sufficient energy to complete a new and higher levee, the
next Legislature would undoubtedly permit the construction of the
Capitol to go on. We were building a Capitol more gorgeous and
magnificent than any State in thr Union, and yet had not a dollar.
The State of California, in constructing it, would be like a little bit
of a boy with a great big man's hat on. A magnificent Capitol, and not
a cent in the treasury, but in debt for the whole amount.
Mr. PARKS said he would favor the indefinite postponement of the bill,
for the very reason that he believed it would cost the State double the
present contract if the bill were passed. For the State to undertake to
annul the contract without first having ascertained on what terms they
could annul it, was a very dangerous thing in his opinion; $16,000 would
not justify it on the part of the Legislature. It was true the bill
provided for a certain Board of Commissioners to ascertain the terms.
But the same bill tha! annulled the contract appointed a Commission to
ascertain the terms after it had annulled it. It should not require a
second thought of any Senator to see how dangerous it would be for the
State to annul the contract made with an individual for building that
Capitol without first ascertaining the terms. The contractor would
apply for damages against the State which would be double the amount
of $16,000. If that were the case, the Act would be perfectly worthless.
Mr. DE LONG (interrupting,) moved that the bill be referred to the
Committee on Public Buildings, and stated that if it were so referred
they could amend it so as to do away with these objections.
Mr. PARKS said if these objections were removed, the bill would still
be worthless.
Mr. DE LONG--Aha!
Mr. PARKS said he was coming to it. This bill not only
anticipated stopping the contract, but removing the Capita! permanently.
It selected Commissioners to ascertain whether, in their judgment, the
city of Sacramento was an eligible place or not. He was opposed for one
to creating such Commissioners. The Legislature had once decided that it
was a fit place, that Sacramento should be the Capital, and contracted
in addition for a capitol building. The Commissioners could not exceed
in their expenditure the present appropriation. He believed himself that
the State was not prepared to proceed further this year. But let them go
on and expend what had already been appropriated. If the gentleman from
Yuba wished to know whether there was sufficient money in Sacramento to
levee the river, it would be known by the time the next Legislature
assembled.
Mr. PORTER inquired when the present contract expired.
Mr. PARKS could not answer the question, but anticipated the Senator's
argument by stating that whilst individuals had been greatly damaged by
the floods in this State it would not be at all out of the way to suppose
that the State must be somewhat a sufferer too. In all probability the
State would be called upon to relieve the individuals who took that
contract, for the reason that they did not anticipate at the time they
took it the losses to be endured by the flood. If the State escaped with
a small loss in that way, she would only be bearing her burden with the
people at large. It was true the contractor had not performed his work
in accordance with the contract; but he had been prevented by the flood.
All that was wanted, in his opinion, was to determine whether the State
was able to make another appropriation or not. If they decided not, as
a matter of course no further appropriation would be made, and the
contractor allowed to expend what was already appropriated. At the
same time he believed it was necessary to introduce some bill diminishing
the expense of the Commissioners now in charge of the building. He
would favor such a bill. But as for annulling the contract without
matters being first investigated, or appointing Commismissioners or
Committees looking forward to the removal of the Capital, he should
oppose it in every instance. The Capital had been chosen by a former
Legislature, approved throughout the State as the Capital, and he had
not the slightest doubt there was enough property at stake in Sacramento
to protect the city without holding this rod of terror over its citizens
of removing the Capital unless they built great levees. He thought
$16,000 would be only one-fourth what it would cost if the bill were
passed. But it was in no way probable that they could agree with the
contractor so as to save the $16,000. It would require $16,000 to put
the building in a shape that it would do to stand over until next year.
The material on the ground had better be put into the building. It
appeared to him that Senators advocating this bill looked more to the
removal of the Capital than saving $16,000.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN would oppose anything that looked to a removal from
Sacramento, but favored the provision of putting a stop to all expenditures
upon this or any other Capitol. California was not in a position to
build a Capitol. It was like a man in debt over head and heels trying
to build himself a fine house. The matter needed reference to some
Committee, in order to understand upon what terms the contract could
be rescinded. He believed the contractors were willing and anxious to
give up their contract.
Mr. SOULE said he knew they were.
Mr. DE LONG said they had sent in a petition, which amounted to that.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said he had a petition in his possession, asking for an
extension of time.
Mr. PARKS said he would admit all that.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN expressed a desire to examine the bill further.
Mr. SOULE said they had already had five weeks time.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said he thought the present Capitol building in
Sacramento in all respects adequate to the wants of the Legislature.
Mr. OULTON said the Senator from Yuba misconstrued his remarks,
representing that he was in favor of going on and making additional
appropriations. He was entirely opposed to that, and believed
Sacramento did not ask it any more than the contractors did The
cry of economy and retrenchment was raised here. They were going to
save $16,000 to the State. If the contractors asked to be relieved why
not grant their prayer and discharge them from their contract. That
would save the $16,000 without doing anything looking toward a permanent
removal of the Capital. Gentlemen said they were opposed to permanent
removal. They said so and advocated such bills as this; but he had
great reason to doubt the sincerity of the statement. He believed they
did it for the purpose of "keeping it. to the ear, but breaking it to
the hope." He had voted for temporary adjournment in good faith, and he
had no fears that his constituents were not intelligent enough to
understand the matter. They knew it was impossible to transact business
in Sacramento. They knew also that that was a temporary state of things,
which could be remedied in future. He believed the people of Sacramento
had the means and the will to protect their city. A great deal had been
said about the walls of the present Capitol building, that the foundations
were in danger, etc. He had been on the ground and seen these walls.
He could not tell whether the foundations were secure or insecure, but
believed they were perfectly secure, and that the condition of things
exisitng there this year never would exist again. If the rain continued
twenty-four hours and washed away every village, it was equally true
that if it continued forty-eight or one hundred and sixty hours it would
wash away a great deal more. The argument was not a fair one. The State
of California had annulled one contract--the State Prison contract--and
how many thousand dollars had it cost her? The same result would occur
in this case if the contract were annulled. If the contractors desired
relief there were other ways of having it done.
[Cries of "Question."]
Mr. PORTER said the contract expired in April. He moved that the bill
be recommitted to the Committee on Public Buildings, with instructions
to make inquiries as to terms, etc.
Mr. NIXON said it became him to say a few words in this connection.
Nothing had astonished him so much during the time he had held his
seat in this Senate as the introduction of this bill by the Senator
from San Francisco (Mr. Soule). He wished to make no personal charges
against the Senator, but at the time the removal question was under
discussion at Sacramento the Senator assured him that neither he nor
the San Francisco delegation would do anything after the removal that
would look toward a permanent removal of the Capitol. This bill looked
very much to him like a move of that sort. He looked upon it as the
most mischievous course for that purpose that could have been concocted.
It brought against Sacramento all other portions of the State that had
ever taken part with that city for the Capital. It threw open the question
until next year, and dragged it into political issue before every
political clique in the State. For that reason the intent appeared to
him to have been mischievously con-
p. 3
ceived. The bill was calculated to
bring in delegations from every county aspiring to be the Capital in
opposition to Sacramento city. More than that, so far as economy or
stopping the work was concerned, it was no economy. He did not know until
this morning that there was so small a portion of the appropriation
unexpended, but a large quantity of the material on the ground had been
paid for, within twenty-five percent, of its real cost, and could be
worked up during the Summer without any loss to the State. A small
quantity could be worked into the building without any loss, and it
was for that reason that the Board of Commissioners had ordered the
contractors to work the lime into mortar. The concrete basement walls
having been laid, there was nothing to do but to mix the lime and sand,
and to put a few hands on the ground to lay the bricks upon the mortar.
That was the reason the contractors had been ordered to go on, and not
because the Commissioners desired to put them to inconvenience. It was
to save the property of the State. He felt friendly toward the contractors,
and thought the State ought to allow them adequate relief for their
losses by the flood. The friends of Sacramento did not ask any
appropriation, but simply requested that the work might go on; that
its interruption might not cast an additional gloom over the desponding
spirits of that people. It would be better for the taxpayers of
Sacramento to pay this paltry sum of $16,000 to the State, and let the
work go on; it would be paid back in the way of revenue during the
coming year. Operations on the levees were going on that would amply
protect the city, some of the best talent in the State being now
employed in preparing estimates, and, in conjunction with the Swamp
Land Commissioners, commencing the work. It was a fair and plausible
conclusion that they would keep the water out for all time to come,
at least in any such flood as had been seen yet. He was satisfied they
would build a levee to keep out a flood even greater than this, which had
probably not been equalled for hundreds of years, and would not be again
in that time. If these gentlemen were favorable to Sacramento they should
not be so stringent about the expenditure of the paltry sum of $16,000.
The object of this bill, he believed, was to bring other parts of the
State in competition with Sacramento for the State Capital, and next
year delegations would come up pledged against Sacramento. It was an
excellent beginning to log-rolling through any measure whatever. It
was not proper for him to impugn the motives of the Senator (Mr. Soule).
It was with painful utterance that he alluded to it at all, but,
believing as he did, he must express an opinion.
Mr. SOULE denied any such motive in introducing the bill, and replied
that the Senator might believe just what he d--n pleased.
Mr. HEACOCK said as representatives of Sacramento they naturally felt
very ticklish when these matters came up, whether in wolf's or sheep's
clothing, whether the ass' ears protruded or not.
Mr. PERKINS (interrupting) asked whether the gentleman referred to him.
Mr. HEACOCK begged the gentleman's pardon, and said his ears were not
long enough. It was not only the valley of Sacramento but every other
valley that had been devastated.
Mr. PERKINS made some remark to the Speaker in an under tone.
Mr. HEACOCK said be hoped the Senator from San Francisco would allow
him to continue with his remarks, as he never interrupted Senators.
Mr. MERRITT asked whether the question was on the reference or indefinite
postponement.
The PRESIDENT replied the reference.
Mr. HEACOCK expressed contempt at the pretext of saving $16,000, and
said these gentlemen would vote the utmost figure in paying Messrs.
Blake & Connor, and would relieve them in even more than $16,000. That
amount was arrived at by their own figuring. He concurred in the remarks
of Mr. Parks, and said the Senator from Sutter had ascribed to the
citizens of Sacramento that degree of enterprise and zeal which they
truly possessed; time and time again had they met misfortune and
conquered adversity. The city had fallen and risen again like the
Phoenix from her ashes, and her energy remained. She would rebuild
her levees one, two or eight feet if necessary. Their own interests
were sufficient at stake to call forth that protection. In order to
explain himself to his people he took occasion to say that when the
question of temporary adjournment came up in Sacramento, he was obliged
to abandon his house for three days and nights, and prevented him from
aiding in the endeavor to defeat that measure in the Senate. His family
were sick, and leave of absence had been granted him by request of the
Senator from Humboldt (Mr. Van Dyke), the UNION omitting to state the
reason of his absence, and subsequently holding him to account.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN moved that the bill be recommitted with the following
instructions:
Ordered that the bill be recommitted to the Committee with instructions
to confer with the contractors, and receive their proposition for
rescinding the contract, and report a substitute bill for the
discontinuance of work on the Capitol that shall not in any feature
look to the future removal of the capital.
Mr. MERRITT hoped the instructions would not be adopted, but had no
objection to a simple recommitment. Anything looking to interfering
with the contractors he would oppose, and he would vote against paying
them a single dollar. As certain as the contracts were repealed they
would have to pay five times or ten times as much as would be saved.
The State had never attempted to interfere with contracts, but she had
been mulcted in a large amount. In taking the contract, Blake & Connor
had also taken the chances. If they had $50,000 over, they would be
sure not to give it to the State; so he hoped the State would hold them
to their contract. He had no objection to stopping the work until it
was ascertained that Sacramento was a safe place. He wanted the State
to carry out fully her part of the contract, and give the contractors
no excuse for neglecting theirs.
Mr. SOULE inquired whether men could not be relieved from a contract by
the interposition of God or an enemy.
Mr. MERRITT thought not.
Mr. PERKINS asked who he attributed the flood to.
Mr. WILLIAMSON said the Republican party.
Mr. MERRITT said he would not try to answer that question. The
contractors had not been damaged so much as they made out. He wished
the bill so perfected as to stop the salaries of the Commissioners until
the safety of the foundations could be determined on. If one week's
interference were had with the contractors, they would be sure to knock
at the next Legislature for a relief bill. What had the State done to
entitle the contractors to relief? If there was a breach of contract let
the matter come before the Courts.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said the contractors and the State were about equally
desirous to get out of this contract. He was willing to give them a
chance to be divorced.
Mr. SHAFTER said they had voted under precisely similar circumstances
to relieve contractors heretofore, with the exception that the occasion
for it was not the act of God. If it was fair last year it was fair
this, but he would not say that it was fair either year. He was opposed
to having the State come forward declaring that they were unwilling to
fulfill the contract. The bill provided that the Commissioners' salaries
should be stopped. He was in favor of that. A Committee had better be
sent up to see those gentlemen. The misfortune in not being able to
execute the contract was theirs, but they had no claim in consequence
upon the State. If $16,000 or $40,000, including materials, could be
saved, he thought it should be done, and regretted that the gentleman
(Mr. Nixon) had assailed his colleague; it would do him no good; it
would do nobody any good, and it would not help the question. He was
for picking up the odds and ends and saving them. The question was narrowed
down to whether they should or should not confer with these contractors.
He thought they had better confer with them, as any business man would do.
Mr. HARVEY desired that the motion to refer should be put and voted down,
and wanted the bill indefinitely postponed.
Mr. OULTON said be could not see what would be gained by recommitting
this bill. If the contractors were anxious to be relieved, they were
the parties to come to the Legislature, and not the Legislature to go
to them. They had friends enough here in both branches to attend to
their case; let them introduce a bill for their relief. He was of opinion
that if a Committee were appointed to ask the contractors, they would
be found pretty still. He was in favor of meeting the question now--should
we do anything that looked toward the removal of the Capital from Sacramento.
Mr. VAN DYKE said inasmuch as three of the members of this Committee,
which was composed of seven members, had not concurred, and asked to have
the bill recommitted, he thought that the proper course for the Senate
to pursue. He, for one, was not in favor of taking any step looking
to the removal of the Capital from Sacramento, and was also opposed
to incurring further expenses until it was demonstrated that that was
the place for the Capital.
Mr. DE LONG said there were four members of the Committee who were
opposed to the report.
Mr. HEACOCK said each and every one of the members had been invited
to the meeting, and that he himself proposed to lay the matter over
until they could be heard on the subject, but since the entire Committee
had been invited it was decided proper to act upon the bill. .
Mr. DE LONG said he was not casting any reflection upon the gentleman's
course, he had always acted uprightly; but there were four against the
report and they asked far a reconsideration, when there came up argument
after argument to oppose it. They did not propose to rescind the contract
until they received the assent of the contracting parties. If the
contractors were unreasonable in their demands the Committee would not
report favorably upon the bill. When the Committee merely asked that the
bill should have consideration they asked to have instructions committed
with the bill, prohibiting the Committee from doing anything looking to
a permanent removal of the Capital. Why this nervous fear on the part of
the Senator from Sacramento? Was he afraid that evidence would come
before that Committee that would militate against his pet plan? If hasty
legislation was painful in its effects why did he ask to have indefinitely
postponed a bill that had not received consideration except from three
members of the Committee.
Mr. SOULE said it had received thirty days consideration.
Mr. DE LONG said until to-day he never knew the merits of the bill.
The framer was undoubtedly familiar with it, and the three gentlemen
who considered it also, but the rest of the Senate were not. He repeated
that he would carry out fully every pledge he made when he voted for
the removal of the Legislature to this city. But in this day of our
calamity and heavy taxes, on behalf of those he represented he did not
want any farther expenditure until it was decided that Sacramento could
be protected from the flood. He thought it the most imprudent and
improper action, in view of what had passed within the last few weeks,
and what was passing now at Sacramento, to continue the building of the
Capitol. Let the contractors execute their release, and then the State
would be safe against any contingent liability. If they could save
$16,000 was that not an item for consideration, or was the State so
wealthy that $16,000 need not receive consideration? Why did these
gentlemen vote to pay an assistant clerk five dollars per day, and
spend $700 in discussing the matter? He liked consistency.
Mr. MERRITT called for the reading of the instructions, and the
Secretary read; whereupon he asked for a division of the instructions,
and then upon the reference. He desired to vote for the reference and
against the instructions.
The question was taken on the adoption of the instructions and lost.
Upon the recommitment of the bill,
Mr. PERKINS said as the whole subject had been gone into, of the
temporary and the permanent removal of the Capital, of the pledges given
by A, B and C, in regard to matters in the future, he had a word to say
to this, and a vote to give.
Mr. MERRITT said the gentleman was not in order.
Mr. PERKINS replied that he would follow the course of debate and
keep in order. [Laughter.] He voted for the removal, and without
pledging himself to anybody, white, black, ring-streaked or speckled.
A MEMBER--What has that got to do with the reference?
Mr. PERKINS--Well, that has as much as your argument had. [Laughter.]
He continued that he was in favor of the reference, and wanted to say
here that he repudiated this idea that was constantly harped upon by
the honorable Senators from Sacramento, that no Senator here could say
one word to that Capitol at Sacramento, unless he was willing to open
the doors of the Treasury wide and broad, and he was charged with
desiring to put in an entering wedge for the removal of the Capital.
Whenever the most distant allusions to this question came up, up jumped
twenty persons and cried out, "Entering wedge," and removal of the
Capital from that poor, flooded, and he had almost said God-forsaken
city. [Laughter.] Twelve years ago he was at Sacramento city, where
it was located now, and he felt then, as he felt to-day, that it was
no place for a city, or town, or habitation for any living thing--flooded
out then, with water twelve, fifteen and twenty feet deep. He had felt
so ever since upon that subject.
Mr. NIXON inquired whether the gentleman, when the water was so deep,
immediately went down to Sutterville.
Mr. PERKINS replied no; he knew nothing about Sutterville. It was a
pity some gentlemen did not know more about Sutterville before they
invested their property in that mud-hole, Sacramento city. If they
could only get their property out of it, we should see such an exodus
as never had been seen in this or any other State. But they could not
get out. At the very time the citizens of Sacramento were abusing
members of the Legislature for going away, the steamboats were filled
with families fleeing from that city, which was uninhabitable for any
living thing, and yet they were all abusing them for trying to get away
too. There was a good deal of talk about a few thousand dollars more or
less. It was stated that the building would never be completed short of
a cost of $2,000,000, if built accord-to the plans and specifications.
If the State wanted a place to sink money--a great big, large, broad hole
to sink money for the next five years--they had it there. There was not
a better place in the State. There was not an inch of solid ground within
fifty feet of the spot where the Capitol was to be erected, and the
waters always stood on a level from the river to the foot hills. Dig
down, and the moment you come to the level of the Sacramento, there you
would strike water for one, two or three miles. There was no foundation
for a single building in the whole city. As they progressed with the
work the opportunity would increase, and they could go on spending
money for the next five or ten years. The State of California did not
want such a Capitol. It is like a little boy, as the gentleman from Yuba
had said, with a big hat; it was all hat, and very little boy. [Laughter]
It was a good chance to keep on, in order to give those people a show.
There was only one chance of making that city entirely safe, and that
was to commence at the foot-hills, and levee the entire State. [Laughter.]
Who that had been up there could say that Sacramento was even an
island? It was all one sea. Poverty Ridge, the burying ground, he
believed, was out of water. There was another thing gentlemen harped
upon whenever this subject came up, and that was that they wanted to
injure the people of Sacramento. Who wanted to injure the people of
Sacramento? It was not him. He had friends there of twenty years standing
and he did not wish to injure them. They had property there; he was sorry
they had it there, and wished they owned it in a better place. But they
owned it there, and they were his friends, while legislators were here
not to watch the interests of Sacramento, but the finances of the State,
and ought to be allowed to do it without having their motives impugned
upon every occasion. Gentlemen ought to be allowed to express honest
opinions, without being charged with personal hostility to Sacramento
or the people of Sacramento.
Mr. HEACOCK inquired whether the Senator, in his remarks about
impugning motives, alluded to him.
Mr. PERKINS said he thought he had heard something from him that
sounded like intimating, whenever anything had been said, that they
were hostile to Sacramento, and were anxious to take the Capital away,
and that there was a double purpose on the part of the San Francisco
delegation when they voted for the temporary removal. Had he heard no
such thing from any person here?
Mr. NIXON asked whether he thought Sacramento was a fit place for the
Capital.
Mr. PERKINS said he would answer that question, as he happened to be
a friend of his. He did not think Sacramento was a fit place for the
Capital of the State. He had no fear in saying he was in favor of this
place (San Francisco) for the Capital. His constituents were in favor
of it. Nine out of every ten of the residents of this good city and
county of San Francisco would vote for having the Capital here. Perhaps
the gentleman thought their hotel keepers and shopkeepers had no interest
in this matter. But they had; and they wanted it here as a matter of
dollars and cents. What did they want it for up there? It was a matter
of dollars and cents. They did want it here; and if they could get it
here fairly they meant to have it here. But they were not going to
log-roll, and offer lots here, and lots there, in order to induce them
to come here. They had not done anything of the sort, and did not intend
to. One thing they did say, and that was, wherever this Capitol might
be built, in the name of heaven let it be built upon dry ground--somewhere
where it would not be in danger of being washed away, and where no more
boat bills would come in for from $1,500 to $2,000, for enabling members
to get around. He had to touch upon that matter delicately, as the people
of Sacramento were delicate about it. One thing he would say, the city
and county of Sacramento had never paid anything for his boat hire. He
had paid his own boat hire.
Cries of " Question," "Question."
Mr. PERKINS said he hoped this matter would be referred. He exonerated
the Senator from Sacramento from all blame in regard to the Committee.
He (Mr. Perkins) had frequently been invited to be present at the
Committee, but never could make it convenient. He would be present at
the next meeting. When this question came again he had a great many
things to say about it, and he intended to have his say about it fairly
and squarely. He did not believe in saying they were opposed to getting
the Capital away from Sacramento, and then trying to get it away. It
was a fair warfare. The Capital had never been located yet. They undertook
to locate it, but the only way in which the location could be found was
by the lead and line. [Laughter.] It was an object, financially, to
Sacramento and San Francisco, Benicia, Marysville, Stockton, San Jose,
and various other places near where his friend from Sutter (Mr. Parks)
resided. He thought it not improbable that Marysville would come down by
and by and ask for the Capital. She was modest as well as her Senators.
Mr. DE LONG said it was a capital city.
Mr. PARKS thought the Senator from San Francisco very ungrateful indeed,
and ought to be the last Senator upon this floor to commence such a
tirade upon Sacramento. He was the only Senator who had received any
consideration there at all. He was the only Senator to whom any relief
was extended whatever. [Laughter.] And to see such ingratitude was
certainly--well, he should blush at any rate whether he did or not.
Particular attention had been paid to his wants while there, and now
he repaid it in this ungrateful manner by abusing the city of Sacramento.
[Laughter.] He would not chastise him, for he had no doubt his own
conscience would chastise him sufficiently hereafter. But he should
correct one thing, which he had positively misstated, and that was about
the foundations in Sacramento. Walls and buildings had fallen in
Marysville, San Francisco, and other places, at a loss of millions,
but there never had such an event occurred in Sacramento, he corrected
himself by excepting the old theater, which did not fall on account
of its foundation.
Mr. PERKINS asked whether the Senator was certain about this statement
as about other statements.
Mr. PARKS said he thought he was.
Mr. PERKINS inquired what made the walls of the new Capitol building fall.
Mr. PARKS replied by asking whether the Senator supposed it was the
foundation giving way of a wall eight feet in base and three feet high?
Mr. PERKINS intimated that they were seventeen feet high anywhere.
Mr. DE LONG said fourteen.
Mr. PARKS asked Mr. Nixon what was the actual hight of the present walls?
Mr. PERKINS said when the water got down they could find out.
Mr. NIXON said, about nine feet to the top of the stone.
Mr. PARKS said the walls were laid in concrete and perfectly solid.
The foundation, in his opinion, was good and substantial.
Mr. HEACOCK replied to Mr. Perkins' statement that there was no solid
earth anywhere within fifty feet of the Capitol building. As proved by
the borings of the Superintendent before the work was commenced, there
was twenty-five feet of solid clay within three feet of the top of the
soil.
The question was taken on recommitment to the Committe [sic] on Public
Buildings, and lost by the following vote:
Ayes--Bogart, Chamberlain, De Long, Harriman, Hathaway, Holden,
Merritt, Perkins, Porter, Powers, Rhodes, Shafter, Van Dyke,
Warmcastle, Watt--15.
Noes--Banks, Burnell, Crane, Denver, Harvey. Heacock, Irwin, Kimball,
Kutz, Lewis, Nixon, Oulton, Parks, Quint, Soule, Vineyard, Williamson--17.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said that, after a closer examination of the bill,
he was unwilling to vote on it otherwise than to postpone it indefinitely.
Mr. DE LONG moved its reference to the Judiciary Committee.
SEVERAL MEMBERS--"No!" "No!"
Mr. DE LONG asked why not? Gentlemen said they were for fair play.
There were certain objectionable features in the bill which could be
amended. If there was a legal question involved relative to releasing
the contractors, it was proper that the Judiciary Committee should pass
upon it. Were gentlemen determined that these expenditures should be made
under any circumstances? He trusted not. All he asked was time, and if
they could not show that the State would save sixteen thousand dollars
by it, they would report against the bill. Senators should not object
to giving them at least an opportunity to try. He believed they were doing
it for the sole purpose of forcing the expenditure of the money anyhow,
properly or improperly. Whether it was feasible or not to build the capitol,
he made this motion for the purpose of determining whether there was any
honesty in the opposition to this bill.
Mr. SOULE said he voted against reference to the Public Building Committee,
because they had already considered it for thirty days, but he was willing
it should go before some other Committee for a reasonable time.
The motion to refer was carried by the following vote:
Ayes--Messrs. Bogrart, Chamberlain, Crane, De Long, Gaskell, Harriman,
Hathaway, Holden, Kutz, Perkins, Porter, Powers, Rhodes, Shafter, Soule,
Vandyke, Vineyard, Warmcastle, Watt--19.
Noes--Messrs. Burnell, Denver, Doll, Harvey, Irwin, Kimball, Lewis,
Merritt, Nixon, Oulton, Parks, Quint, Williamson--13. . . .
CALIFORNIA DRIFT.--Capt. E. G. Howes of the schooner Wild Pigeon, just
arrived from Mazatlan, reports having seen large quantities of drift
of every conceivable character, two hundred and fifty miles off this
port. The sight was so unusual even to his accustomed and observant
eye, that he noticed the phenomena most particularly. He reports that
it looked like the debris from some sunken city, and he thought San
Francisco had gone under. The fact that drift that far seaward is seldom
seen in this latitude, is a singular confirmation of the intensity of
the great flood which lately devastated California.--S. F. Herald.. . .
THE FLOOD IN PALESTINE.--Late advices state that immense quantities
of rain have recently fallen in the Holy Land. The cisterns at
Jerusalem have been filled as they have not been for the last two
hundred years. The flood appears to have visited the entire world,
with the exception of Eastern Asia, and further advices may take away
this exception. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
In the line of communications we have two, Thomas Rowlandson and Wilson
Flint, on the subject of floods, . . .
The Sacramento continues to rise, and last evening stood at about
twenty-one feet above low water mark. As a consequence, the water in
the lower, inundated portion of the city is backed up and increased in
depth. Workmen were employed yesterday in strengthening the weak place
in the levee above R street. The Committee of Safety and the Sacramento
Valley Railroad Company co-operated in this work. No change is noticeable
in the American. . . .
THE CAPITOL CONTRACT.
The debate on the bill introduced by Senator Soule of San Francisco to
suspend the work on the State Capitol, rescind the contract, and appoint
a Committee to examine the foundation and future prospects of Sacramento,
and report to the next Legislature whether this city was a suitable place
for the Capitol, exhibited a disposition on the part of several Senators
to pave the way for permanent removal. The pretended object was economy,
though the argument in favor of said economy was formed upon the belief of
the speaker that Sacramento was not exactly the place for the Capitol. Now
if those Senators honestly desire to economize for the State, they will
permit the present contractors to go forward with their contract, allowing
them in settlement a reasonable compensation for any real loss they may
have suffered by the water. But the fact is they have been prevented from
going on with the work, but otherwise have not been very seriously injured.
Their heaviest loss was in lime and cement, a large portion of which the
State had paid for. The loss by flood to the State the Architect estimated
at about $3,500 while the sand that was filled in around the foundation by
the water it would have cost the State fully seven thousand dollars to have
put there. It was filling, too, which had to be done in the progress of
the work. The foundation, so far from being injured by water, has really
been benefitted in the judgment of those who ought to know. All statements
about the bad foundation in Sacramento are made by men who are ignorant
of what they say, or they wilfully misrepresent. The Architect of the
Capitol--now Superintendent--after boring and testing the ground thoroughly,
pronounced the foundation, for a large building, the best he ever laid a
wall upon. This fact has been demonstrated by experience: the foundations
of the heavy brick buildings in the city have not, in a single instance,
been affected by the water around the buildings or in the cellars. Indeed,
the firmness of brick buildings under the circumstance s is wonderful. A
San Francisco Senator--Perkins--(you know Perkins!) had considerable to
say about foundations in Sacramento. We judge that he has never read the
testimony taken in favor of the bulkhead. San Francisco citizens then
testified that whole blocks of buildings were gradually settling towards
the bay, and if the bulkhead were not built, there was danger of their
sliding in out of sight, Some swore that the mud was at least ninety
feet deep under certain improvements along the city front. That same San
Francisco Senator had something to say about the safety of the Capitol if
it remained here. He would move it to the Bay City for safety. Well after
it were placed there who would insure a large brick building in that city
against the effect of earthquakes? Within the past ten years we have read
of frequent shocks in San Francisco, which caused people to run out of
their houses, without being particular as to the dress they appeared in.
Before twenty-five years pass who can say positively that every brick
building of any size will not be prostrated by an earthquake? No mortal
man will declare that there is no danger of such a catastrophe overtaking
that. city. It is therefore a piece of barefaced impudence for the
Senators of a city liable to such a terrible visitation to be talking
about other cities being unsafe. . . .
SNOW IN SIERRA.--A few days since, about four feet of snow fell near
La Porte. There has been large quantities of it in other portions of
the northern and eastern sections, and they have undoubtedly caused
the present high condition of the Sacramento. . . .
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The glimpse at a copy of your publication recently
afforded me the opportunity of glancing at the letter of A. F. G., to
whom I am obliged for pointing out the glaring mistake of 100 being given
in place of 10,000 square miles. Whether the other errors mentioned by
A. F. G. are mine or typical ones, they are not of very great importance
where such relative quantities are only alluded to by way of illustration,
and not as advising practical operations to be based upon them.
A subsequent letter of mine respecting the Straits of Carquinez will,
I trust, satisfy A. F. G. that my reference thereto and inference as to
their capacity was not an unjust one. At the present moment I cannot enter
into detailed calculations, but I cannot help expressing my surprise as
to how A. F. G. arrives at the conclusion that the difference between
129,067 cubic feet per second and 137,141 cubic feet, or in round numbers
a less amount by 8,000 cubic feet per second than my rough and perhaps
erroneous estimation, would require a trough of only one-fifth the capacity
which I alluded to by way of exemplification. The remarks respecting
turning the American river and conveying it by the shortest route meet my
approval and correspond with opinions which I presume by this time are
already published.
With respect to mining districts being on river bunks, I am quite aware
of the fact, but the canons best adapted for impounding the waters of
the American are those which have been and ever will be the poorest for
river mining, whilst, on the contrary, such reservoirs would be of
priceless value if utilized for the extraction of gold from what are
usually denominated dry diggings, and capable of being made of great
collateral advantage to agriculture. In any works to be proposed I
anticipate that all parties are to be not only fairly but fully
compensated for any interference with their equitable interests, but
not too outrageously paid for any loss which they may be at. for
condemning their claims for public purposes. It is quite probable,
however, that anything which the public would have to pay on that
account would be more than recompensed hereafter by the yield of gold
from such reservoirs by the application of proper appliances.
The remarks of Wilson Flint corroborate part of my views, and those
the main ones, respecting the influence on the rain falls of California
derived from the warm current which sets in from the tropics up the Gulf
of California through the Mojave county.
T. ROWLANDSON.
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE
THE LEVEE AT R STREET.--During the past four weeks the Sacramento levee
above R street, in front of the house of W. Crump, has been steadily
washing away. Up to Saturday morning, a space of about two hundred feet
in length and perhaps forty in width in the center, had washed out. The
eddies which form at that point have acted upon the base of the embankment,
and undermined it so as to cause it to cave constantly from the top. By
this means the levee proper had been entirely cut through, and the steady
rise in the Sacramento had brought the water almost to the top of the
natural ground behind the levee. The steady advance of the Sacramento
rendered it certain that longer neglect might be attended with serious
consequences, and on Saturday, at noon, the Committee of Safety and the
agents of the Railroad Company, commenced the work of repairing the levee.
Superintendent Robinson brought a piledriver to bear, and commenced to
drive two tier of piles along the front and nearly in line with the
original bank of the river. It is designed to lay a railroad track along
this line after filling in the space with gravel. Under the management
of the Committee of Safety some forty men were employed to construct a
temporary levee in front of the opening. The material used was Folsom
gravel, delivered on the ground by the railroad company. In addition to
the above precautionary measures a large number of the cottonwood trees
along the levee were cut down, and placed in the crevasse to counteract
the effect of the current. This work commenced on Saturday, was resumed
yesterday morning, and continued through the day. By last evening the
levee, some eight feet wide, four feet high, and about one hundred and
fifty feet long, had been constructed, and the point was comparatively
safe. The river had risen until the water was within six inches of the
top of the bank, so that had not the new levee been constructed, a slight
additional rise would have started the water into the city. The place
was visited during the entire day by large numbers of men, women and
children.
BOAT RACE.--Several hundred persons visited the vicinity of Sixth and
R streets at three o'clock yesterday afternoon--some in boats and others
on foot--for the purpose of witnessing the boat race announced to come
off at that time and locality. The boats were to start from the knoll
near the Cemetery, at which point the Judges and a band of music were
stationed. They were to come up to within a few yards of the railroad,
and turning a post, make a circuit to the south and return to the judges'
stand. The boat owned by Mooney was rowed by Mooney and Pierce, and
Parker's boat was rowed by Peeler and "Scotty." Mooney's boat won the
race, coming in a boat's length ahead, and Mooney and Pierce were awarded
the wager of $100, made between the parties. A second race took place
between Henright and "Chris," on the one hand, and "Dutchy " and Quinn
on the other, resulting in the success of the first named party. The
water below the railroad, near the locality of the race, was unusually
calm and smooth, and a large number of Sacramentans were out in boats,
enjoying the day. . . .
NEW PORT OF ENTRY.--We learn from W. Webster that while at Georgetown,
four miles east of the river, and fifteen miles south of the city, a few
days since, a little sloop, the Mallard, of about three tons burthen,
arrived from Sacramento with merchandize to Kork & Co. She landed at what
is now called Smith's landing, but what is probably, in ordinary seasons.
Smith's pasture field. The Mallard was built in a blacksmith's shop in
Georgetown, by two young men of the village, and has kept the place
regularly supplied with provisions, etc., from Sacramento. The ground
on which Georgetown is located was not inundated during the flood, but
the place was a city of refuge, All its buildings were thrown open for
the benefit of those who lived nearer the river and were more unfortunate.
TO BE REGRETTED.--The parties who have charge of the improvement of the
levee at the foot of R street have had the cottonwood trees along the
levee cut off some six or eight feet from the ground, leaving only the
stump of that hight remaining. It is greatly to be regretted that the
limbs of the trees were not taken off some three or four feet from where
they fork. By so doing all of the tree which could be used to advantage
at the levee would be obtained, and from the remainder we should soon
again have had ample shade on the levee, The practice of smothering
bees to procure the honey has become obsolete. That of destroying trees
to obtain the branches ought to be. . . .
THE SCHOOLS.--Notice has been given by the President of the Board of
Education that the High School and First Grammar School and Primary
School No. 3 will open this morning, the first two at Franklin School
House, and the last named on the alley between I and J and Fourth and
Fifth streets. The Franklin School House, last evening, was surrounded
by water. Whether that circumstance will affect the case or not we are
not advised.
A PLEASANT DAY.--We were favored yesterday with pleasant weather, which
was generally appreciated and enjoyed by our citizens. Most of the
churches of the city were opened for religious service and were well
attended. All available streets and levees were appropriated, in the
afternoon into promenade purposes, and the placid waters south of the
city were made to contribute to the general enjoyment by the boating
portion of our population. . . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento, from contributions from its northern
tributaries, continues to rise without intermission. It stood
twenty-one feet above low water mark last evening, having risen since
Friday night fifteen inches. The water in the flooded district of the
city rises also, though not so rapidly as that of the river. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE SUBJECT OF LEVEES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: A great deal has been written by numerous
correspondents--some anonymous, and some writing over their proper
signatures--on the subject of protecting the city with levees, and
various opinions have been expressed and plans suggested in reference
to the all-absorbing question. In view of the conflict of opinions, as
exhibited in the articles of these correspondents, and the difficulty
of arriving at any very satisfactory conclusion in consequence of this
contrariety, I suggest that a corps of at least three of the most able,
learned and experienced civil engineers in the State be employed to make
a thorough survey of the country and and [sic] rivers round about the city,
followed by a full and detailed report on the subject, in which they
shall propose plans for the complete protection of the city, and for a
system of grades and drainage that shall insure us immunity in the
future from the overflows, stagnant water, mud and every other nuisance,
such as have offended our senses and created disgust with every one who
favors the spirit and energy in a people at this enlightened day, that
will urge them, at every hazard and without regard to expense, to protect
themselves from all such injuries and annoyances. They have sorely
afflicted us, as a community, for the last ten or twelve years, and
we should surely endure them no longer. I doubt not the entire
practicability of protecting the site of this city, and of maintaining
uninterrupted intercourse between it and the country during all seasons
of the year, whilst the entire arrangement shall be such as to insure
us firm, clean streets, and every other surrounding to give the place
an aspect of neatness, pleasantness and healthfulness.
But the first step to be taken towards accomplishing these desirable
and very practicable results is a through [sic] scientific survey--the object
being to found and erect the beautiful and prosperous city upon a firm
and enduring foundation. Heretofore we have been without the guidance
of science and skill, and have expended hundreds of thousands of dollars
under the direction of ignorant pretenders, where we have been betrayed
into a false sense of security only that the ruin that awaited us
might be all the more wholesale and overwhelming. The late terrible
disasters that have overtaken us, and our present deplorable and helpless
condition, at the very mercy of the floods, should surely arouse us from
our fatal lethargy, and urge to such decided and persevering action as
will insure uninterrupted progress and prosperity in the future.
A survey by such a corps of engineers as proposed, and a favorable
report from them as to the practicability of protecting our city and
making it safe from submersion or interruption of communication with
the interior, would go very far to restore public confidence, to enhance
the value of real estate, to quiet the agitation of the Capital question,
and to hasten the general improvement and advance of the entire city.
I feel that I am by no means over-confidant in respect to the effect of
proper action on our part according to these suggestions, and I hope they
may not be unheeded by those invested with the power to carry them out if
they be disposed so to do.
I have all along doubted the policy of repudiating the legally constituted
authorities of the city, because I regard them as competent and faithful,
and fully disposed to carry out honestly the wishes of the people, with
the view to the best interests of the city. But whether the Committee of
Safety or the Board of Supervisors shall take action, I earnestly urge that
no time shall be lost in employing such a Board of Engineers and putting
them to work without a moment's needless delay, as this will be but laying
the foundation upon which we must base our hopes for security and prosperity
as a people. It strikes me that the better plan would be to place such an
amount of the funds now in the hands of the Committee at the disposal of
the Board as may be deemed necessary for the special purpose of defraying
the expenses of the proposed survey and for nothing else, and at the
approaching session they may take immediate steps to put the good work
under way without a day's delay. This step, it seems to me, would at
once revive the hopes of the doubting and dejected, and infuse new life
and energy into every one. And I would say set apart at least $5,000 for
the object, to show our earnestness, and to command at once the best
engineering talent in the State; but without the purpose of recklessly
wasting or extravagantly expending any amount of it. If the cost of the
survey, the preparation of the plans and the superintending the
construction of a work of such magnitude and vital importance should
amount to $10,000 or $20,000, it would be far better to expend such an
amount in that way than to waste again large sums as heretofore under
the direction of the ignorant, without attaining the end aimed at. It
is the custom everywhere of governments and associated capitalists, to
avail themselves of the advantages of science in the planning and
construction of all important works, and we should not be so short
sighted and contracted in our views as to dispense with its indispensable
aids from a narrow and false notion tion [sic] of economy.
To refund all the money that has already been expended by the Committee
as well as what may be still in their hands, and to provide an ample
fund to construct works of complete defense against floods, a law
should at once be passed, authorizing the Supervisors to levy a special
tax as large as may be deemed necessary. Whether the special tax shall
be imposed on real estate only, or partly, to a certain extent, on
personal property also, I will leave to others to determine; but I
believe that every bona fide citizen, who has an attachment to
the city and feels in consequence a deep interest in its welfare, would
cheerfully pay a reasonable or equitable portion of the tax upon his
personal property, even although he might not be the holder of real
estate. But the bulk of the expenditures should, clearly to my mind,
be paid by the realty. NIL DESPERANDUM.
METEOROLOGY OF SACRAMENTO.
[PREPARED EXPRESSLY FOR THE SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION.]
Abstract of Meteorology of Sacramento, with remarks. BY THOMAS M. LOGAN, M. D.
METEOROLOGY.
[February,
14 - Number of clear days
14 - Number of cloudy and foggy days
11 - number of rainy days
. 4.2 - inches of rain? unclear in table.]
REMARKS.--Notwithstanding the rain of the month has been so much in excess,
as shown by the table, in keeping with this extraordinary season, February
has proved, according to our expressed anticipations, the pleasantest month
of the Winter. It generally constitutes a period of interregnum between the
early and the latter rains, during which the increasing warmth of the sun
begins to make its influence felt on vegetation. In fact, it is our first
vernal month; the leafing process, for the most part commencing during
the second week and proceeding to completion at a temperature not much
exceeding that of the latter part of the month. Owing, however, to the
earth remaining cold and ungenial in consequence of its thorough
saturation and the large proportion of relative humidity, Spring has
been much retarded, as we had reason to predict it would be in our last
month's remarks. Nevertheless the willow has been in flower for some ten
days past, and in favorable situations the peach was seen in blossom
towards the last of the month. A further prolongation of wet weather will
have a tendency to keep back vegetation for many weeks yet, and we would
not be surprised if, as sometimes happens, the temperature of March will
not much exceed that of February. Our farmers thus may have still time
to sow their grain with a reasonable prospect of a fair return.
Up to the present period a little over ten inches more than our annual
average of rain (which is twenty inches) has fallen; and if the season
continues to bear the same relation it has thus far sustained to that
of 1849-'50 and 1852-'53, we will receive between forty and fifty inches
this year, or much more than double the average. In the former season,
14.500 inches fell during March, April and May; and in the latter,
11.950 inches during the same months.
Although the lower parts of the city were again inundated by the rise of
the American after the late rains towards the close of the month, the
Sacramento has been, comparatively, but slowly affected. From the level of
twenty feet, six inches, on the 1st, it steadily declined to its minimum
for the month, viz: fourteen feet, six inches above low water mark, until
the 22d. After this it responded in a measure to the rains and on the 28th,
when its temperature reached fifty degrees, indicative of the influence of
melted snow, reached an elevation of nineteen feet nine inches above zero.
It seems at the present writing (1st March), to be rising slowly, as shown
by the new gauge, which was set up on the 7th by the proprietors of the
UNION, conformably with annotated marks corresponding with the scale of
the late city gauge, which was carried away during the freshet. The great
hight attained by the Sacramento river this year, and the crevasses
resulting therefrom, have tended to produce loss of confidence in the levee
system heretofore adopted for the protection of the city. We are therefore
pleased to perceive that the subject is receiving the attention of
engineers and capable writers. Without attempting to engage in the
interesting discussion, with which the public mind is now being properly
exercised, we take occasion in this connection to add to our remarks,
that having paid some little attention to the general physics of the
river, we do not believe sufficient data have yet been carefully obtained
from observation and experiment for the final adoption of any new system
of treatment of the Sacramento. Reasoning a priori, however, from
the principles deduced from a study of the regimen of the Mississippi,
by Mr. Forshay, an eminent engineer of Louisiana, viz: that the channel
of the river is made by the abrasive force of its waters, and that a
less force would produce a smaller channel, and a greater force a larger
channel--hence a concentration of its waters would increase the capacity
of the channel, and conversely, diffusion of its waters permit it to
fill (partially) by its own sediment--and hence levees do not raise but
lower the lerel of the waters: we inductively arrive at the conclusion
that any distrust in the levee system as at present applied to the
Sacramento, so long as the embankments are kept in repair, would be
altogether illogical and irrational. Such inference, however, would not
hold good with regard to the American, for reasons which are obvious.
The latter is merely an affluent of the former, into into which it
discharges the water derived from its three sources on the western
slope of the Sierra Nevada, and which converge and unite about some
twenty odd miles to the eastward of the city. It drains a region mostly
below the snow range, and subject to rapid discharge of the rain
deposited on it, which, we apprehend, amounts not infrequently to more
than four inches in twenty-four hours. From its mouth to its source it
is but little over one hundred miles in length, and is very sudden in
its descent until it approaches near the city at Brighton, when it
becomes deflected from its southwestern to a northwestern course. It has
been said of such torrents that "they lay down what they will remove, and
remove what they lay down," and there seems to be little reason to doubt
the general truth of the postulate, testing it by the present example.
For like all mountain streams, only in a much greater relative proportion,
it brings down in its rapid descent a vast quantity of detritus and
washings from the hills and mines, which are transferred by it from
one location to another, while immense quantities are deposited near
the mouth; especially when its recipient is full, and where natural
causes retard the rapid flow of its waters. That this is so can readily
be ascertained by questioning the topography of the vicinage of the site
of this city, which will be found to be nothing more nor less than a
fluviatile delta, intersected with sloughs, through which the American
was formerly relieved at stages of high water of the Sacramento. Now,
while for the last twelve years the freshets of the American have been
confined by levees, parallel with its deflected course in this immediate
locality, the quantity of washing from mining causes has increased to
such a degree, that the bed of the stream, especially as it approaches
its recipient, where the force of the current decreases, has been actually
raised so high that the levees no longer serve as a protection against
the accumulated mass of waters to the north of the city--the less so as
they are founded on the quicksands which underlie the country in the
neighborhood of the mouth of the river. Under these circumstances we
must go back to nature and follow her indications, by reopening one or
more of those outlets, which have been injudiciously closed. The point
or points where this shall be done, must be decided by engineers and
experts, after having thoroughly examined the subject in all its bearings. . . .
p. 6
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies--No. 7.
ERRONEOUS IMPRESSIONS AND FALLACIOUS STATEMENTS.
Over the signature of John Roach, there appeared in the number of the
UNION for Monday last a letter, in which, without in any way unfavorably
criticizing the statements which I have made, would lead parties who had
not perused the whole of my opinions, as published through the columns of
the UNION, to very erroneous conclusions as to the tendency of my published
remarks. Mr. Roach states that I have not examined "fully the means by
which Morrison seeks to prevent future overflows of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin rivers." I believe I understand this much, namely, that he
proposes to employ convict labor, respecting which I am at war with him.
I differ with Morrison as to the proposed Boards of Supervisors, on grounds
adduced by me, and by inference I may have led those who have favored
my papers with a perusal, to conceive, what I feel is a fact, viz: that
we are not sufficiently informed on the chief points of the inquiry to
be at all capacitated to recommend any particular line of legislation,
or the construction of any; special species of works. So far as the
prevention of danger from future overflows of the Sacramento and the
San Joaquin rivers, by means of Morrison's bill, is concerned, I strongly
opine that, on the contrary, if any change took place at all, should
such a bill ever be permitted to pass, it would be for the worse; that
not only would the convict labor presumed to be saved be thrown away,
but the probability is that obstacles and interests would be raised
calculated to retard any judicious improvements that could be proposed
hereafter. I enter my my [sic] strongest protest against coupling the
question of preventing, if possible, any damage arising from future
floods, and that of using prison labor. The latter, if it is deemed
fitting to do so, might be adopted at time. As regards myself, I freely
agree to the proposition; the only difference between me and Roach
being that I would wait for the same to be efficiently used after a
well digested, practical plan has been matured, or previously carefully
prepared and accurate data; the latter at the present time being
entirely wanting--to urge the attainment of which is one of the
objects of these papers, respecting which I think I may without
egotism say that they have in no inconsiderable degree awakened the
public mind to a knowledge of the fact that an efficient solution of
this difficult problem is not so very easy as is commonly imagined.
Roach states very plausibly, The State should lease its convict labor
in the manner suggested by Morrison's bill, and in the course of a few
years the increased taxable value of reclaimed land would repay the
State many fold the cost of its maintenance." This is begging the
question with a vengeance, for Roach has not produced one tittle of
evidence to show that the State would be benefitted the value of the
reclamation of one single acre; it is all hypothetical in the highest
degree. He further says: The means proposed by the Assembly bill are
"that the river shall be straightened in certain places, when engineering
science shall show its practicability, by making proper cut-offs that
the rivers shall be dredged to some praticable [sic] average depth, and that
levees of proper solidity and hight shall be erected on their banks;
such works planned by intelligent engineers, etc." The questions which
naturally arise on perusing this paragraph, are: In what places
straightened? What engineers? etc., etc., All indefinite! The most
singular part of Roach's letter is that concerning dredging and canals.
Roach observes: "The rapid discharge of the waters of the Sacramento
(quite ignoring the still greater body of water which, for convenience,
may be styled the San Joaquin flood) has been prevented, it is true, by
an impediment, but not one existing at the Staits of Carquinez. The real
cause will be found at what may be called 'dams,' namely, the Hog's Back,
at which point the depth is but six feet, and at various other points of
the river there are obstructions of but little greater depth. These dams
have prevented the flowing of the water, and it will be found that the
damage has occurred above these points."
"The removal of these obstacles will not require great labor nor expense.
Proper dredging machines would soon form a channel of sufficient depth,
and the material raised could be discharged on either bank as required.
"The effect of this would be to make the swamp and overflowed land back
of these levees immense reservoirs or lakes; and the rivers would thus
be freed, at a critical period, from the rain-shed of that immense
area--the waters of which would be gradually drained as the rivers fell.
"Morrison's bill also contemplates a system of drainage of the overflowed
lands by canals, which may be of sufficient width and depth to answer
for purposes of transportation."
The above are pretty fair specimens, to which I shall add a few others
of the fallacies which. more or less pervade the public mind. Before
controverting such, I wish, however, to point out the incompatibility
of Morrison's plan with the reclamation of the swamp lands, as admitted
in one of the above quoted paragraphs, where it is proposed to convert
them into immense reservoirs or lakes, whilst in the very next paragraph
it is proposed to drain the same by navigable canals. If it is intended
that the swamp and overflowed land is always to be allowed to be swamp
and overflowed, where is the use of making canals to drain them, for
even if such overflowed lands are only to be inundated during a part
of the year, it is doubtful whether the time during which they would
be dry enough for the purposes of cultivation would be sufficiently
long to remunerate the farmer, if floods are permitted to unrestrictedly
inundate them whenever of sufficient volume to do so.
Pausing for a moment in the controversy with Roach, I wish to put this
question very emphatically to all who feel an interest in this important
subject. Is the question of the reclamation of the swamp lands to be
entirely dismissed in reference to this question? If so all engineering
difficulties vanish, so far as the preservation of Sacramento is
concerned, and possibly also with much marginal swamp land that might
in such case be leveed. The course of the Sacramento river can be
deepened and its navigation improved so as to be of great service to
Sacramento during the dry season, by the means proposed in Morrison's
bill; but as to its in any other way contributing towards the wealth of
the State, I deny, unless it contains some propositions other than those
detailed by Roach, of which I am not aware. Roach lays great stress on
dredging, and appears to conceive that if the "dams" were only dredged
out a clear water way would be made for the upper waters. Roach might
be permitted a plan of dredging to fill up the Hog's Back to the surface
of the water, by any means be chose, and he would not lessen the quantity
of water that would pass out through the Straits of Carquinez, to the
extent of one tea cup full in twenty-four hours; or he might dredge to
any depth he might desire, yet he might swallow with the utmost impunity
and without the slightest danger of injuring his constitution, all the
additional water that would, in consequence of such dredging, pass through
the straits of Carquinez every hour. Above the narrowest part of the
Straits of Carquinez they gradually but regularly expand, within a short
distance, to be more than four times the breadth that they are at their
narrowest part, thus furnishing an ample volume of supply, notwithstanding
the existence of the Hog's Back--the sectional area being more than
relatively increased in breadth as it diminishes in depth.
As far as I am informed, the criticisms of an adverse--or perhaps it
would be better to denominate them as doubtingly suggestive
observations--which have appeared in the public prints, relative to
what I have published on the subject, have referred to some remarks
which I have made in respect to the Straits of Carquinez. Respecting
such critical remarks, in the first place, I wish to state that I did
not attach that importance to this subject which appears to have been
done by others, who can only--judging from the remarks made--have very
casually or carelessly perused what I have stated on the subject. It
is quite possible that I may have been less explicit than was desirable
on this, and I dare say many other matters are obnoxious to the same
criticism. It should be remembered in extenuation that I am not writing
an elementary treatise on hydraulics different sections of which have
filled volumes; still less could it be expected of me to enter into
minute details in regard to the cognate sciences of meteorology,
geology, etc., the former being essential to the elucidation of the
amount of water with which we might reasonably anticipate to have to
deal the other as an aid in the absence of long continued, attentive
observations made with meteorological instruments adapted for various
purposes of inquiry, as the only source for indicating under our present
limited means of information whether prior floods have equalled the
present one. I found. the country suffering under a great disaster,
which had fallen upon the State so unexpectedly, and, as a consequence,
so unprepared were the sufferers that their minds are more than usually
plastic for the favorable reception of any plans which hold out plausible
grounds for relief, especially if of a seemingly immediate and uncostly
character. The evil is of too great a magnitude to be mitigated in the
smallest degree by any tinkering operations. If good is to be obtained,
it must be by entering upon the inquiry in the most comprehensive spirit,
and the remedies to be carried out consequent on such inquiry ought to be
of the most permanent character and maintain themselves when constructed,
unaided by artificial assistance, and capable of lasting to the crack of
doom. Such are not only practicable, but would be the easiest and speediest
of realization. Knowing by long experience how very little the subject
is understood by even professional men whose occupation was most likely
to make them acquainted with its various phases, and fully anticipating
that a plentiful crop of suggestions, having plausibility for their
only recommendation, were likely to spring up, I thought I would help
to assist the sufferers and do something towards putting the matter into
its full and proper light before the public if I attempted a synoptical
review of the causes and suggested remedies for the present disaster.
Prior engagements of a similar character, combined with an early acquired
taste for studying the means of improving and the causes which influenced
the formation of shoals, etc., in tidal rivers and harbors, perhaps in
some measure extenuates, if it does not justify me in adopting the
didactic style of address which pervades this series. The figure alone
of the outlet of any mass of waters, be they tidal or otherwise, must
always be a very important element in any hydraulic inquiry of this
character, even where the capacity is adequate to permit the in or
outflow desiderated. According to the figure of the section and velocity
of a current above or below its least sectional area, impediments may
arise or be permanently removed. The study of the proper figure to be
adopted in an ordinary stream is generally a difficult one, and is
rendered much more complex when, as at the Straits of Carquinez, tidal
influences are also brought into action, the improper appreciation of
which in any calculations like those now under consideration, would be
productive of disastrous, though probably very unexpected results. Errors
of this character are numerous. and have occurred to parties who otherwise
have been highly eminent engineers. From some, but to me very unaccountable
cause, parties have inferred and reasoned on the assumption that I ignored
all tidal influence at Carquinez. If what I had stated had been carefully
attended to, the converse of that opinion might have been fairly drawn,
for in the concluding sentence I observed "that even if the Straits of
Carquinez were widened, it would not prove an unmixed good," for this
very obvious reason, namely, that the same artificially increased
sectional area which would admit an increased out flow of flood water,
would also permit the ingress of an increased portion of tidal water.
The character of the outlet of any stream must always be an important
subject in inquiries like the present, but on the capacity must chiefly
depend the kind of artificial assistance which may be best adapted to
attain the end had in view. When I first commenced this series, I was
in the most perfect ignorance as to nearly all the data connected with
the sectional area of the Straits of Carquinez, but my attention was
more particularly directed to them owing to seeing, whilst composing
my earlier papers, a paragraph in an up-country paper (a Stockton one,
if I recollect right) in which it was stated that nothing could be done
to lower this and future floods, unless the Straits of Carquinez were
widened; this induced me to review their effects previously to what I
intended to have done, otherwise I should not have referred to them
untill [sic] the very last section. Some future calculations respecting
the mass of water which had to be dealt with, induced me to pay more
special attention to this division of the inquiry. Having only the
coast survey map to refer to, I found that measuring from the small map
included in that survey, that the width of the narrowest part of those
Straits might be estimated at half a mile, or 880 yards, only twenty
yards less than Mr. Roach states it to be. As to depth I could only
form an approximative estimate by inductive reasoning. In this way,
after satisfying myself of the amount of water which must inevitably
seek a passage through these Straits, proportioning these to different
rain-falls and making due allowance for the effects of tide, I
conceived that it would not be very incorrect to assume that a depth
of one hundred feet might be depended upon, even though it should be
requisite to artificially increase the width to one thousand yards,
or 3,000 feet, if this was calculated as a quadrangular trough, which,
however, is not the case, as the actual trough would be the segment of
a circle, or an ellipse. Such an estimate would afford a sectional
area of 300,000 square feet, and if the whole passed through it at the
rate of ten feet per second, would discharge three millions cubic feet
of water per second, or forty millions more water than was ever known
to pass through the two chief openings of the Mississippi. Mr. Roach
states, and I thank him for the information, that the narrowest section
of the Straits of Carquinez is 900 yards, or 2,700 feet wide, and 120 feet
deep. If, as in the former comparison, this was calculated as a
quadrangule [sic], it would afford a sectional area of 328,000 square
feet, through which, if the current flowed at the rate of ten feet
per second, would discharge a volume equal to 3,280,000 cubic feet
per second, or 280,000 cubic feet beyond what I had made my estimate,
based on simple induction. I am excedingly glad that the case is as
stated by Mr. Roach, as it at once removes all difficulty as to the
sufficiency of other modes being practicable for producing the following
advantages:
1. The removal of danger from Sacramento and the low country being liable
to future overflow;
2. The construction of a river sufficiently capacious to admit
ocean-going steamers of the largest size up to Sacramento at the
periods of greatest drouth;
3. The perfect reclamation and cultivation of from four to five
million acres of swamp lands, and probably one million more susceptible
of rice culture;
4. The navigation to be kept open without the aid of expensive dredging;
With some other advantages, which, if a fair estimate were made, would
be quite equal in value to the whole of the above, further reference
to which must for the present be deferred.
In the preceding calculation I have preferred exhibiting their relative
values in formula adapted to the humblest arithmetical capacity, for
which purpose, also, I have exhibited them in the form of the simplest
mathematical figure. A considerable deduction in a strict calculation
would have to be made from the preceding estimates as to the volume
discharged in a given time, owing to the actual circular or ellipsoid
form of the trough. For present purposes, however, no error will arise
from making the calculations of the outflow on that which would be
discharged by means of a rectangular trough. These calculations have
been based on the supposition that the current would continuously flow
towards San Francisco. Such, however, would not be the case. On ordinary
occasions there would be a period twice in the course of twenty-four
hours when the water would be at a stand still, and a greater or less
number of hours when the water would be flowing continuously from the
Bay of San Pablo towards Sacramento. I admit that during floods an
apparently continuous discharge would probably appear on the surface,
but the main under current of salt water would be flowing eastward in
greater or less quantity, according to the period of flood tide. No plan
can ever be adopted calculated to produce permanently beneficial results,
nor can they even be devised, not to say effected, until the capacity of
the Straits of Carquinez for discharging the upper, in conjunction with
the tidal waters, is ascertained with something like approximation to
correctness.
One of the most astonishing things which I ever witnessed, and certainly
was not prepared to find existing in a community claiming to be educated
and civilized, is the boldness with which legislative action is attempted
to be taken on deeply important matters without any real consideration
having been paid to the subject; all inquiry and data are ignored.
Roach, in his advocacy of the bill introduced by Morrison, assumes that
the Straits of Carquinez are capable of discharging any amount of flood
water, or at all events a quantity equal to that which we have witnessed
the present year. Such an opinion is incorrect in every conceivable point
from which it may be viewed. Not only was the level of the waters above
the Straits of Carquinez elevated, owing to the incapacity of those
Straits for permitting their outflow, but the velocity and consequent
total discharge for any given time was diminished owing to the remarkable
fact that the waters of the Bay of San Francisco and San Pablo themselves
became so surcharged that the ordinary ebb of tide was imperceptible.
It is said by some that for a week it did not amount to two feet. I feel
pretty confident that for twenty-four hours it did not amount to more
than four feet during a period of ten days. If Roach wants these facts
verified I respectfully refer him to the habitues of the wharves of
San Francisco. Not only has tidal influence much to do with this question,
but no plan ought to be adopted on any other basis than such as are
founded on calculation made on the highest tide occurring simultaneously
with the highest conceivable flood.
I shall now proceed to show, according to Roach's own data, and assuming
even that like the Mississippi the flood waters would pour through them
continuously at the rate of ten feet per second, that in such a case they
are scarcely equal to the discharge of one-half of the flood waters which
would seek an outlet through them.
In a former paper I gave a calculation as to the amount of rain water
which probably fell in the district, including the American river and
a large part of the left bank of the Sacramento, estimating the same
at 1,075,000 cubic feet per second. At the time of making this calculation,
and for future use I estimated that the following additional quantities
would be a tolerably fair approximate estimate as to what might be
assumed to fall on the remaining parts of the water shed. In this way
I considered that three times that quantity would probably fall on the
water shed to the east and west, but south of the parallel of Sacramento,
and an equal amount by the country north of the head of navigation of
the Sacramento and that lying on its right bank, or a total of 5,375,000
cubic feet per second; more than double the Mississippi. I subsequently
made a calculation for the purpose of seeing whether the estimate would
be corroborated by a general calculation made for the entire water shed.
For convenience of calculation, it may be estimated that, in round
numbers, the drainage of the water shed, whose only outlet is at the
Straits of Carquinez, occupies an area equal to 50,000 square miles,
on which, if it ever averages a rain fall of four inches in twenty-four
hours, there must be received in that period, 479,160,000,000 cubic
feet, or 5,545,844 cubic feet per second, a quantity, when assisted
by prior and subsequent minor rains, quite adequate to temporarily
obliterate all the canals and levees proposed to be constructed through
the means of Morrison's bill.
The four inches rain fall is one which probably some may be prepared
to dispute; if so, and over a genuine signature, I am ready to break
a lance on the subject.
The great defect of Morrison's bill is that it will be wholly ineffectual
as to effecting the benefits which it proposes to attain, and must,
consequently, only lead to a waste of public money and labor, both of
which ought to be husbanded, even though the labor to be employed be that
of convicts; and also it proposes to keep even, according to Roach's own
showing, the swamp lands in a semi-inundated condition. . . .
A BODY DISCOVERED BY A DOG.--A short time since, as Captain Haven was at
work in his field, in Marin county, his dog came to him with the arm of
a man in his mouth. Upon following the dog back in the direction from
whence he came, he found the body of a man buried beneath some logs
in a creek close by, with his head and shoulders only exposed to view.
It proved to be the body of Zachariah Taylor, a native of Bourbon county,
Kentucky, who had been missing for about two months.
p. 8
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, March 1, 1862.
The President pro tem. called the Senate to order at eleven o'clock, . . .
REPORTS.
. . .Mr. CHAMBERLAIN reported, without recommendation Senate Bill
No. 218--An Act for the relief of the contractors upon the foundation
and basement walls of the Capitol building at Sacramento, which was
referred to the Judiciary Committee, who have another bill of the same
nature under consideration. . . .
Mr. QUINT introduced a bill for an Act to grant to James H. and
Charles J. Dearing the right to construct a bridge or bridges across
the Tuolumne river, which was read twice and referred to the Tuolumne
delegation. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, March 1, 1562.
The House met at eleven o'clock. . . .
SACRAMENTO BOATMEN.
Mr. HILLYER reported from the Committee on Public Expenditures and Accounts,
on the subject of paying boatmen employed by the Sergeant-at-Arms during
the flood at Sacramento. The bill making appropriations for that purpose
having been defeated, the Committee report resolutions paying all the
boatmen employed out of the Contingent Fund of the Assembly, and rescinding
former resolutions on that subject. The names and amounts in the resolution
are the same as in the bill introduced by Mr. Ferguson some weeks since,
and rejected in the Senate.
Mr. WARWICK moved to add an allowance to a boatman named Porter, for five
days attendance with his boat, at $20 a day.
Mr. FERGUSON advocated the amendment, and said Mr. Porter alleged that
his claim was thrown out because he refused to sell it at a discount.
Mr. BATTLES said $50 had already been paid to Porter.
Mr. FERGUSON moved to recommit the bill, with instructions to allow
Porter $100, and that motion was pending when the time for the special
order arrived. . . .
NAVIGATION ON THE MOKELUMNE.--This river is open for navigable purposes
from its mouth to the town of Woodbridge, in San Joaquin county. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3410, 4 March 1862, p. 1
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
. . .DROWNED.--On Wednesday, February 26th, Michael Lyons, a miner residing on
Boston Bar, was drowned while crossing the middle fork of the American. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE CANAL PROPOSITION.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Will you allow me to correct an entire misapprehension
of Mr. Rowlandson relative to my canal proposition, although, at the
same time, I should think that very few of your readers who have paid
the least attention to the subject can have fallen into so complete an
error? The difference between Mr. Rowlandson's erroneous estimate of
137,141 cubic feet rain fall per second, and 129,007, the true amount,
taking it at 4 inches in 24 hours over an area of 1,200 square miles,
had nothing whatever to do with my estimation of the requisite capacity
of a canal to carry off one-fifth of the American flood water. I
certainly might, if I had felt disposed, have taken into account the
deduction between 127,067 and 135,000 cubic feet, which latter quantity
of water Mr. Rowlandson informed us a trough 450 feet wide by 30 feet
deep could discharge in a second. But, notwithstanding his previous
error, and the real capability of the trough discharging 512,611,200
cubic feet more in 24 hours than it could be required to do if 129,067
cubic feet per second was all it had to discharge, I still preferred
as it were to give Mr. Rowlandson the whole benefit of the difference,
and simply proposed a trough, or canal, capable of discharging one-flfth
of 135,000 cubic feet per second, or in fact 27,000 cubic feet per
second instead of 25,814 the fifth of 129,067, I need to have done.
Your readers are already aware that I took the idea of one-fifth of
the rain fall from Rowland son's important remark that "perhaps absolute
security against the American might be attained if one-fifth of the
present overflow of waters during heavy floods were provided for" (beyond
the natural bed of the river, of course ). If there was any value to
be attached to that remark--which appeared to me to contain the whole
gist of the matter, from which a practical deduction could be drawn--it
followed, I think, pretty clearly that if a trough 450 feet wide and 30
feet deep could carry off the whole of the flood water, or rather more
than the whole, estimating it at four inches in the American basin a
canal of 180 feet wide by 15 feet deep could carry off one-fifth as
required.
I should be loth, however, to affirm that a trough of 450 feet wide by
30 feet deep would suffice to carry off the entire body of water of an
American freshet, as a rain fall of four inches in twenty-four hours is,
I understand, much too low an estimate when the melting of the snows has
to be included. It is not unlikely that at least double the capacity
might be required. In such case "absolute security" could not be
attained against the American by even one-fifth of the doubled amount;
but whatever the quantity may be to provide against in future floods,
it may be done with far better safety and advantage by a suitable canal,
properly leveed, than by trusting to a system of mere river levees, which
afford us scarcely any security. Without trespassing longer, and regretting
that I had not time to pen these remarks earlier in the day, I am
yours, A. F. G.
SACRAMENTO, March 3, 1862. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . The Board of Supervisors met yesterday afternoon. The greater portion
of the session was occupied with the hearing of parties in the controversy
concerning a ferry over the American, near Lisle's bridge. . . .
The Sacramento remained about stationary yesterday. Nothing was done
towards strengthening the threatened portion of the Front street levee,
except by the wanton and unnecessary cutting down of valuable trees to
use as a check to the current. . . .
LEVEE BILL.--As there is a possibility that the Swamp Land
Commissioners may be deprived by the Legislature of the means to go
forward with the levee as proposed in the bill, it may be prudent to so
word a section as to authorize the City Board of Levee Commissioners to
build cross levees, if deemed advisable, without waiting for the levee to
be built from Thirty-first street to Burns' slough, It looks now very much
as if the city would be left to her own resources in building levees. If
she is, the cross-levee system will be adopted. . . .
BILL TO OPEN THE CAPITAL QUESTION.
The bill professing to provide for rescinding the present contract and
suspending the work on the State Capitol, appears to have been formed
with the view expressly to open the way for a permanent removal of the
State Capital from Sacramento. It would require but a very simple bill
to rescind the present contract and suspend the work on the Capitol.
If this were the only object in view, why was such a section as this
incorporated in this bill?
Section 2. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer and
Attorney General, together with one member of each branch of the
Legislature, to be appointed by the respective presiding officers
thereof, are hereby constituted a Committee of Examination, who shall,
during the ensuing Summer and Fall months, examine into the safety and
practicability of completing the construction of the said State Capitol,
and report their conclusions, and the reasons upon which they found
such conclusions, to the ensuing Legislature. If, after making a
thorough examination, they conclude that the present location of the
State Capitol is unsafe or unsuitable, and cannot be made a safe and
suitable one without a large outlay of money on the part of the State,
they may examine other localities, and report to the ensuing Legislature
where, in their opinion, is the most suitable site for the State
Capitol, stating the reasons which induced them to select such site.
Such a section is susceptible of but one interpretation; the intention
of the author of the bill was to open up the whole question of removing
the State Capital, and have it placed in a favorable position before
the next Legislature for removal. A Committee of Examination is provided
for, with power to examine into the safety and practicability of completing
the State Capitol, and if they conclude the present location "is unsafe
or unsuitable," they may examine other localities and report to the next
Legislature. The bill is the first step toward introducing the Capital
issue--after it has once been decided and acquiesced in by the people--into
the politics and future Legislatures in the State. But we are not
disappointed in the zeal manifested by certain gentlemen who took pains
to protest that they were not for permanent removal though they they [sic]
did favor a temporary adjournment to San Francisco. It was easy to see
then that there was a cat in the meal. Temporary adjournment, with those
men, covered a permanent removal design. They were for a temporary
adjournment because it was impossible to transact the business of the
State in Sacramento. We insisted then that the legislation necessary
could be completed here, and subsequent experience to this date has
established the correctness of our declaration. There has not a day
passed since the week the Legislature adjourned on which that body
could not have held a session as comfortably, and transacted its
business more satisfactorily than in San Francisco. There has been
water in the suburbs of the city, but none about the State Capitol
building, or on the business streets of the city. The Legislature could
have remained here until this time, and by to-day ought to have been
able to adjourn sine die. The members hastened to the Bay City because
they were afraid the water would subject them to personal inconvenience,
or a great bodily harm. The interest of the people had but little to do
with the vote to abandon the Capital.
In the debate on the bill, Senators seemed to trouble themselves
considerably about the practicability and possibility of building a
levee that will protect Sacramento. The anxiety on this point was
expressed by those opposed to this city as the Capital, levee or no
levee. But why need this point be discussed? If Sacramento does not
build levees which scientific engineers admit are ample for the positive
protection of the city and the State Capitol, our citizens will not ask
that the Capital remain here. Bat, as a matter of right and justice, they
ask that another Summer be afforded them to place their city in a condition
conceded to be safe from all future inundations. They protest, too,
against that kind of professed friendship which would do no injustice
to Sacramento while under the cloud of misfortune, and then adds,
"but we do not think it possible for her to recover from her prostrate
condition and build levees high enough to protect the city from future
inundations." For this kind of friendly expressions in the Legislature,
Sacramento is not particularly thankful.
The statements made in the Legislature about foundations in Sacramento,
as was remarked yesterday, are widely at variance with the facts. No
brick building has ever fallen in this city because of the insufficiency
of the soil upon which the foundation walls were laid. In this particular
the ground upon which the city is located exhibits a firmness which is
rarely met with in soil classed as alluvial. If it was of the character
represented in the Legislature, the heavy brick buildings in the city
would long ere this have been a mass of ruins. But Senators and Assemblymen
can easily obtain reliable information on the foundations of the new
Capitol by applying to the Superintendent. Some of them seem to need
information badly on this particular point, though we fear that in a number
of cases the old adage will apply--"there are none so blind as those who
will not see."
If the State is unable, from a lack of means, to go on with the new
building, the fact is a legitimate argument against further appropriations
for the present. It is, though, no argument against the present location
of the State Capitol. No appropriation has been asked for this year,
and, therefore, this cry of economy and inability to expend any more money
sounds suspicious when coming from those who avow their hostility to
Sacramento as the Capital of the State.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Fire on the Polynesia--Casualty-- Committee Suits--The Case of
Schell--Fort Yuma News.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 3d.
. . . The bill appropriating money to the relief of flood sufferers was
indefinitely postponed without discussion. . . .
In the Assembly, a resolution to pay Sacramento boatmen $164 was adopted. . . .
THE LATE STORM IN BUTTE.--The Butte Record of March 1st says:
It has rained here for nearly two days, with slight intermissions, but
it did not appear to extend far into the mountains until Wednesday evening.
On Thursday morning the river commenced to rise rapidly until the bar,
in front of town, was covered and the ferries stopped crossing everything
except foot passengers. On yesterday, the weather cleared off bright
and warm, and the river had crawled up towards the point of the first
freshet, so as to put the citizens under the tune for preparing to move
from the old flooded districts; but although the water is rolling deep
over the bar, it was rising very slowly yesterday, and, no doubt, the
pleasant change will prevent a farther rise and not endanger property
by another overflow. All the streams in this vicinity--not bridged--are
impassable, at present, but one clear day will run them down. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
DANGEROUSLY STABBED.--A man named James Donavan was dangerously and
dreadfully stabbed at about one o'clock P.M. yesterday, at Front and
K streets; by a man named John Friel, alias Dutch John. Friel and another
man, both under the influence of liquor, were in a dispute on the sidewalk
on Front street, near Frank Kosta's coffee stand, when Donavan, also
intoxicated, stepped between them, pushing Friel back from the other
party. A scuffle then ensued between them, and Friel fell backward over
a wood-horse, with Donavan on top of him. As they arose spectators
observed a knife in the hand of Friel, and it was soon discovered that
Donavan had been stabbed. The knife was taken from Friel which he
surrendered reluctantly, and he was removed to the station house by
officers Cody and Locke. The wound received by Donavan proved to be
a gash four inches long, on the left side of the abdomen, just above
the hip. A large portion of the bowels protruded, and as the wounded
man walked up K to Second to Morse's building, with the assistance of
one or two citizens, some four or five feet of the bowels issued from
the wound. It was replaced by Dr. Morse, by whom the wound was dressed.
Donavan was then taken to the station house by Chief of Police Watson,
as he could not conveniently be taken to the Hospital on account of the
water by which it is surrounded. Dr. Phelan was subsequently called,
and gave Donavan such assistance as he required. It is thought that the
wound, though extremely dangerous, may not prove fatal. Donavan is an
Irishman by birth, and has been employed until recently at O'Brien's
gardens, near Rabel's tannery. Friel has been employed as a deck hand
on the upriver steamers. . . .
NEARLY DROWNED.--Robert O. Harmon, a child of J. B. Harmon, about six
years old, came near being drowned at nine o'clock yesterday morning
near his father's residence at Seventh and G streets. While passing
along the sidewalk on G street, near Eighth, he stepped on to some loose
planking and was precipitated into the waters of '"Lake Hedenberg," at
that point about three feet deep. He had been told by his father the day
before, in case he should ever fall into the water to "not to sink to the
bottom like a muggins, but to swim." This advice he did not probably
remember, but practically he seems to have acted upon it to the extent
of his ability. He sank to the bottom but came up again and .paddled
on the top until assistance came, which did not arrive until several
minutes had elapsed. . . .
THE RIVER.--There was but little change in the state of the Sacramento
river yesterday, the water standing throughout the day at about
twenty-one feet above low water mark. . . .
"WOODMAN, SPARE THAT TREE."--The work of destruction among the trees
along the lower part of the levee still continues. A fine sycamore
fell before the axe of vandalism yesterday. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY, March 3, 1862.
The Board met to-day at half past two o'clock P.M. . . .
A petition was received fiom A. L. Jackson, praying for permission to
remove his frame house to a safe location. Granted. . . .
The report of Chief Engineer Graham, of the Fire Department, for the
period from August 8th to March 3d, was received and filed. . . . The
condition of the cisterns cannot be ascertained until the water recedes
from the city. Some of the damage done by the floods had been repaired. . . .
A report was received from Eli Mayo, Poundmaster, . . . In consequence
of the general breaking down of fences it was impossible for him to
restrain cattle from trespassing. . . .
The application of Samuel Norris for license to establish a ferry across
the American river, and the application of Pearis & Harris for the same
purpose, were taken up, and Messrs. Crocker, Williams and Winans, counsel
for the opposing parties, were allowed to discuss the points involved
in this protracted controversy. Mr. Winans argued at length against the
introduction of evidence showing that Samuel Norris held a license for a
ferry in bygone days as irrelevant to the present issue.
Supervisor GRANGER said that there were only two questions that the
Board ought to consider. If it was shown that Pearis & Harris had a
franchise for a toll bridge at the point mentioned, and that when the
bridge was carried away they established a ferry to meet the requirements
of the public, the Board could proceed no further in the matter.
After some further discussion, the Board agreed to have the evidence
Mr. Crocker, counsel for Samuel Norris, had to submit, and the counsel
proceeded at length to submit the testimony in his possession, but not
without frequent interruption and objections from Winans and Williams,
counsel for Pearis & Harris.
Lerow, Hopping, Rabel and other witnesses were examined, to elicit
information in regard to the condition of things in the vicinity of
Lisle's Bridge, the existence of a ferry there at present, and the
necessity and practicability of establishing a ferry. Without
concluding the case the Board adjourned to meet, to-morrow morning
at eleven o'clock. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 16, 1862 . . .
Floods in the South.
The tidings from "Our Dixie" during the past two weeks have been anything
but cheering. The Santa Clara and the Rio Virgin have fairly swept away
entire settlements. Other streams, before scarcely able to supply small
settlements with irrigating water, increased with such rapidity, and took
such dimensions, that the improvements of years of hard labor have been
wasted in a night, and utterly destroyed. Nurseries there had been
established, from which all the settlements expected to draw their
cuttings and young trees; and the greater portion of them, if not all,
have scarcely a trace of their existence left. Sereral letters from the
camps of the new cotton planters are printed in the News, giving unpleasant
relations of the floods. One writer says:
"As the morning dawned and the waters of the Santa Clara and Rio Virgin
become visible from our engagement, men were seen climbing on the highest
objects about camp to get a view of the awful angry flood--the like of
which the present inhabitants never saw. It has rained here half the time
for more than four weeks, and the streams have been high but not
dangerously so till the night of the 17th, when the Virgin and the Sauta
Clara became mighty rivers, and both man and beast fled from them
terrified. Some horses, mules and cattle are reported drowned, but the
extent of the damage in this and other respects is not yet fully known,
as we have not heard from the Upper Virgin country, but believe it has
suffered greatly. Fort Clara and one-half the adjacent houses are
entirely washed away, with the fine [?] orchards, nurseries and vineyards
at that place. The angry waters are now roaring wildly over the same spot
where three days ago stood a comfortable school house filled with children,
and many other houses occupied by families three days since have entirely
disappeared. Tonaquint, a little town a mile or two from us, is deserted,
and much valuable land on the Santa Clara bottoms has been ruined, and all
this by a little stream that in common stages is about like City creek.
The Indians assert that about forty years ago a similar flood occurred." . . .
The Mails
To and from Sacramento are shaping into regularity and schedule time,
with a fair prospect of improvement. You may expect a few days interruption
from heavy snows at the South Pass. No stage has passed there for three
days. The companies East and West have, I think, had a salutary intimation,
by the momentary withholding of the million appropriation, that large
improvements during the coming Summer, will alone save the continuauce
of that contract. They had everything very fine for good roads and dry
Weather, and in hours and minutes probably could defy the worst criticism
in the performance of obligations; but even with that admission in living
up to the letter of the law, they have undoubtedly learned something that
will secure regularity Winter as well as Summer. . . .
PROSPECTING IN DOWNIEVILLE.--The Sierra Democrat says:
Prospecting is an old feature growing into practice again since the
floods. The surface of the earth and the beds of the streams, and
whatever rested on them, have been so much disturbed by the high
water, that prospecting parties find many pans of rich dirt, without
much digging. We heard one of these prospectors say the other day that
he had picked up a little more than four dollars in one spot from the
rocks in the stream--having seen it through the water. Old miners are
confident of rich pay in the river beds the coming Summer. . . .
THE FLOOD IN THE EAST.--The Cincinnati Commercial, of
Jan. 31st, says:
The river here has risen over eight feet in twenty-four hours, and
was still rising rapidly. The lower floors of the buildings bordering
on the levee east of Broadway and west of Main, are covered with water
of from four to five feet in depth. At Pittsburgh, last night, there
was twenty-eight feet water, and the Alleghany and Monongahela rising
rapidly. We have already intelligence of the destruction of a large
amount of property at Pittsburg and elsewhere by the freshet. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3411, 5 March 1862, p. 1
LETTER FROM CHICAGO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
Chicago, January 31st.
The Floods on the Ohio.
The Ohio river has been sporting itself at a great rate, and overflowed
its banks, to the terror of the quiet inhabitants. You have doubtless
had the prominent facts by telegraph, but I append the following from
the correspondence of the Cincinnati Times, written on board the
steamboat Superior, January 22d:
The beautiful Ohio is now as majestic and turbid as the great Father of
Waters in all his glory. The little Superior just booms over the boiling
bosom of the overflowing river. It was a grand sight as the boat passed
when in front of the Queen City. The river was bounded on both sides by
submerged buildings, crowded with people enjoying the sight of the flood.
It was surprising to see that the water had backed up below the junction
of Fifth street with Front, and that many houses there were partially
under water. Millcreek had the appearance, from the deck of the steamer,
of a large lake, its shores covered with villas. The body of water at some
points must have been over a mile in width, The railroad track was submerged
for some distance this side of the bridge.
A short distance below Millcreek, the river was reaching the railroad track,
and in some places the road was almost undermined. Every wave deepened the
inroad, and I am certain that by the time this reaches you, the track at
some points will be washed away, and the Whitewater canal, which it
protects, turned loose in the raging Ohio. At one point, the ends of
the track overhung the river, and seemed just ready to fall in. Workmen
were engaged endeavoring to stay the inroad, but apparantly with little
success.
Down about Sedamsville, many of the beautiful suburban residences which
adorn the river bank were surrounded with water. Some were even flooded
to the depth of several feet. Some of the vegetable gardens further down
are entirely covered with water. The damage on the lower river road will
be very heavy. I observed one house which was almost undermined by the
washing away of the banks, and which must go into the river.
At Industry four houses are submerged. The water is just crawling into
the old foundry there, which will not require a very heavy wash to bring
it down.
Home City, adjoining Industry, is high and dry, except an old stable,
which bids fair to float away.
Opposite Industry is a little settlement called Taylorsport, well known
to the picnicers from Cincinnati. Its front row of houses is being
washed out, a process that will not do any harm to the reputation of
the village.
The flood has covered an immense tract of country adjoining the Great
Miama. It is now certainly deserving of its name. The water today was
within two or three feet of the floor of the railroad bridge, and above
that the Miama is wider than the Ohio. The bridge is thought to be secure.
It is the third one, I believe, that has been erected by the company
across the mouth of the Miama.
Lawrenceburg presents a truly desolate appearance. About one-half the
buildings are in the water. The front is protected against the
encroachments of the river by the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railroad
track, but the flood entered by the Great Miama. The upper and lower
portions of the town are divided by an immense sheet of water. Some of
the buildings are entirely under water. There is great suffering there
in consequence of the calamity, but the dry houses have been thrown open
with great generosity to those flooded out of their homes. Between two
and three hundred houses under water were counted from the deck of the
steamer. The Fair Grounds, east of the city, are inundated, and several
large frame buildings promise to be carried away by the flood. I was
informed that a number of hogs and cattle had been drowned. Both the
railroad tracks here are covered with water, and a few more feet will
inundate the whole lower part of the town. The wharf boat lies alongside
the depot, which, in the ordinar& [sic] stage of water, sits high up.
Below Lawrenceburg the river is from three to four miles wide. Several
farms are inundated, the water extending back to the knolls in the
distance. Several farm houses near the bank of the river are exposed to
a sweeping current. They are deserted, and likely to be swept away. The
railroad track has disappeared, and its whereabouts are only to be
distinguished by the telegraphic poles, which still preserve their
rectitude.
Aurora looks almost as desolate as Lawrenceburgh. Hagen's creek divides
it. On the upper side of the creek forty buildings are under water and
have been deserted. In the town proper, only the buildings on the river
front have received a visit from the flood. Their number sums up fifteen
or twenty, and includes the St. Charles Hotel. The upper stories of all
seem to be occupied. Below Aurora, a cooper's shop and several adjoining
buildings are under water, and the stock is fast floating off. At a little
settlement below, which is above the flood, the whole population seem to
be engaged in gathering drift wood, and have large piles on the land. For
some distance the turnpike running down the river is under water. Below
that, great tracts of bottom land on both sides the river are overflowed.
Several extensive farms are completely under water. At one point I saw a
large number of hogs on a very small spot, fully half a mile from shore.
Auother foot of rise will drown them.
An account written a day or two subsequently, in the same paper, says :
At the close of our report yesterday at noon, it was considered by many of
our old river men that the river was almost, if not quite at a stand,
although rumors were afloat at the time that the flood was increasing.
By calculation it was supposed that the Allegheny rise would not reach
this place until this morning, before which time it was hoped by those
who had anything to lose that the waters would sufficiently abate to
allow of the coming water without doing much damage. In the afternoon,
however, it was evident that the waters began to swell, giving evidence
that the expected rise had come along somewhat in advance of the
anticipated time. The rise, however, was not as rapid as during the
last few days. From five o'clock last night to seven o'clock this
morning, the flood crept up about ten inches. Since that time up to
nine o'clock, it has been rising at the rate of about half an inch per
hour. The flood at this latter named hour had reached to about half way
of the block on Walnut street, between Water and Front streets, almost
shutting out egress to Water street, either east or west. On Main street
it had progressed to about sixty feet above Water street, and had, from
the gradual rising of the wharf, greatly circumscribed the space of
wharfage left from yesterday. At the corner of Sycamore and Front
streets, in the sewer, it stood almost on a level with the gutters on
either side of the street. On Broadway it is level with the lower
curbstone of Front street, almost shutting out an entrance to the
railroad office located on that corner. From the latter point to the
little Miami depot, the scene riverward presents a scene of desolation.
All the cellars, yards, etc., are entirely submerged, and all kinds of
appliances have been brought into use to secure such movable property
as was placed therein. Front street east of the Deercreek bridge is
entirely under water, driving all foot passengers to Third street, as
the only safe avenue for travel. Through the entire route in the
Seventeenth Ward the scene is one of ruin and desolation. All the
houses standing near what was formerly the bank of the river now stand
out in a sea of water, the flood sweeping around them without mercy.
At Columbia all the houses south of the turnpike are inundated and
rendered uninhabitable. Through the immense bottom extending to the
Little Miami river, the water has taken entire possession, and presents
a scene of desolation such as has not been witnessed for many years
in that fertile region.
The road leading to Union Bridge is several feet under water, preventing
all access to the bridge. The residents at Mount Washington, many of whom
do business in this city, are now forced to go as far up as Newtown in
order to eflect a crossing. The bridge over Crawfish has been swept away.
The entire Little Miami bottom has been covered to the depth of a number
of feet from the mouth of the river to above Newtown, sweeping fences,
haystacks and everything at all movable before it.
This morning; several small frame tenements passed down the river.
The flow of driftwood has considerably decreased since yesterday morning,
showing the probability of an early subsiding of the waters. . . .
Miscellaneous Items.
. . . There was a regular "bang up" snow storm in New England, and as far west
as Utica, last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and nearly all the railroads
were blockaded. The snow was piled so heavily on the roofs at Albany that
some of the weaker structures were crumbled; among them a livery stable
(J.L. McCormick's), loss $2,500. Several persons were also hurt on the
sidewalks by snow slides. . . .
The late rains have caused a rise in the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers,
and a flood prevails at Pittsburg, Pa., some of the lower parts of the city
being overflowed. . . .
The infernal machines and chain cable placed in the Mississippi by General
Pillow have been swept away by the prevailing flood and gorging ice,
leaving a clear passage for our gunboats. . . .
MEPHISTOPHELES IN NEW YORK.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT..]
A Tremendous Storm and its Consequences--. . . Three Great Fires--. . . The Sleighing and the Skating--The Value of Sunlight--. . .
NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 1862.
Oh, Gemini! what a storm we had on Friday night and all day
Saturday [01/24-01/25]. Phew! talk irreverently as they do about a
certain relative of mine in a gale of wind--why he couldn't hold a
candle to the ferocious "blow-out" that Boreas and his particular friends
gave us on this occasion. It hailed and it blew. It rained and it blew.
It snowed and it blew. It blew and it hailed. It blew and it rained. It
blew and it snowed. It blew until "all was blew." The tide rose in its
indignation at the receipt of so many blows until it overflowed the streets
down town, put out the fires and stopped the press of the Journal of
Commerce, sent the ships flying in all directions from their moorings,
and made the travel all day Saturday perfectly frightful. A ferry-boat
might have done an excellent business along Broadway. The slush and mud
were nearly up to one's knees. Fancy a woman crossing a fasionable
thoroughfare at such a time. Good hevings! [sic] I did nothing all day
but contemplate the waders in the streets and think of the Royal
Order of the Garter.
As if for spite, a deuce of a fire broke out Saturday evening, and with
the gale theu blowing it soon demolished some large warehouses in Bridge
street, destroying property to the value of nearly half a million of
dollars. A few hours afterwards another large fire broke out; and early
next morning a tremendous conflagration commenced in Pearl and Fulton
streets. This last one was emphatically a "rouser;" it destroyed the
Fulton bank and nine other large buildings, besides coming very near
the destruction of the United States Hotel. The wind suddenly chopped
round, as if by a special providence, or the hotel would now be a mass
of ruins. . . .
. . .the storm was succeeded by a freeze, on Sunday, and Jehosaphat!
didn't we have nice sleighing out in the Central Park. The skating on
the lakes, though, was not so good, because the hail and rain roughened
the ice when they froze together; but it was pretty fair, and on Sunday
and Monday they do say that fifty thousand men and women were out
enjoying themselves in that region. Sunday was a charming day. The sun
was out in all his glory, and the day was prime. Monday was a ditto. . . .
To-day it clouded over again. This afternoon it snowed. The sleighing is
excellent; . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held yesterday, an application
of Samuel Norris for permission to establish a ferry over the American
river, near Lisle' s Bridge, was refused, and a temporary ferry license
was granted to Pearis & Harris, who hold the franchise of the bridge.
The weather continues mild, clear and pleasant. The Sacramento is falling
slowly, and the water in the lower part of the city has a tendency to
recede.
Deputy Surveyor E. H. Dyer completed, on Monday, the survey of what
is known on the maps as " the dotted line," from the Sacramento to the
American river, and left the city yesterday for San Francisco to submit
his report. . . .
A FLOATING HOUSE.--During the late flood, the house of Judge Hamlin, near
the Buttes, Colusa county, was floated from its foundation about a mile
into a slough. The Colusa Sun says:
It was then caught and tied up to a tree for safe keeping, where it
remained until Thursday, February 27th, when the freshet again started
it off; but it was caught a second time, after floating about three
miles farther down the slough. That concern may well be regarded as
floating property. . . .
TAXABLE PROPERTY DESTROYED BY THE FLOODS.
In its advocacy of the direct system for raising California's portion
of the war tax, the Bulletin, as we view the subject, greatly
underrates the loss of taxable property by the floods. In reviewing
the debate in the Assembly on the two propositions--direct tax, or
bonds--the Bulletin assumes that the speakers in favor of the
bond system largely over estimated the losses in the State caused by
the unprecedently high water in December and January. Those estimates
ranged from $27,000,000 to $47,000,000; the destruction of taxable
property by the floods is put down by the Bulletin, as the out
side figure, at $5,000,000. There is a wide difference between this
calculation and those made in the Assembly and by intelligent and
reliable men not in the Legislature. We have conversed with no man
who has given the subject consideration who estimated the loss at less
than twenty per cent. on the taxable property in this State. This would
fix the amount at a little less than $30,000,000. This may be somewhat
over the mark, for we concede that sum to be a large one; but the
destruction has been fearful, and if not as much as twenty per cent., is
a large figure over the estimate of the Bulletin. Of course the
real loss can only be approximated by estimate; the figures of the
Assessors in the State must finally be appealed to for a settlement of
the question. A good deal of light, though, might be thrown upon it by
intelligent men in the different counties in the State. In order that
some data may be furnished for calculation, we hope men interested in
the subject will voluntarily publish the estimate of the loss of
taxable property by the floods in the respective counties in which
they may reside.
The assessment of last year gave the taxable property in California at
$147,811,617 16; revenue from same, at sixty cents on the
$100, $899,081 90. This would have been the amount of revenue had the
tax all been collected. The argument of the Bulletin is that with
the increase in the value of taxable property in San Francisco, and the
improvement to farming land in some of the Bay counties by the rains, the
assessed value of taxable properly in the State, in 1862, will exceed
$140,000,000. Any improvement which may have been made ia land for the
production of a crop, as suggested in the argument, will produce no effect
on the taxable value of the property.
Our cotemporary selects Colusa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sutter, Tehama,
Yolo, and Yuba, as the seven counties which have sustained the bulk of
damage by floods. The drift of its argument may be gathered from this
extract :
We find on examining the Controller's report, that the taxable property
of these seven valley counties was but $32,465,129 85, their assessment
of taxation being $195,642 14. It will be seen, therefore, that if they
had been entirely blotted out and washed away, the loss to the State in
taxable property would have been only about what was the lowest estimate
made by members of the Assembly of the loss to the State, and but about
half of what was the general opinion of those who expressed any opinion
at all. But when it is considered that of this sum $4,966,506 is composed
of the value of city lots and improvements in the city of Sacramento,
and at least $3,000,000 of personal property in the same city (the taxable
valuation of which has depreciated but little, and that not permanently)
and that $6,419,276 is assessed to Yuba county, a large portion of which
is in uninjured property at Marysvllle, we find that nearly one half the
original sum named, viz: $32,000,000, should be deducted from any estimate
to be made on this basis. But we are disposed to assume the entire taxable
property of the counties named as a basis for calculation. We have nowhere
seen it stated by any intelligent and well informed authority that in
these counties the ultimate loss can exceed ten per cent. of the value
of property. There can be little doubt that that will cover all damage
sustained by any of these counties, and that would give the sum of
$3,246,512 98, as the losses in these counties. Three and a quarter
millions of dollars is a large amount to be swept away, but little in
comparison with the $147,000,000 of taxable property of the State. But
suppose, in order to leave a wide margin, we nearly double it, and place
the loss at $5,000,000. It is scarcely appreciable when we come to calculate
the whole property of California, and would, in any event, yield but
$30,000 of revenue, while the single county of San Francisco was assessed
for the year 1861, as a State tax alone, $259,439 74.
Those conversant with the losses in this city will readily detect the
fallacy of the above reasoning as applied to Sacramento. The bulk of the
loss here was in personal property; the owners of that species of property
compose the majority of the sufferers. Competent judges estimate that
the taxable value of the real and personal property in this city has been
reduced from $7,966,506, to $6,000,000. Some even put the loss at a higher
figure. In the farming region east and south of this, in the county, where
the real and personal property was last year assessed at something like
a million of dollars, it is estimated that now the Assessor would be
puzzled to find property that would be valued at $250,000. And then the
Bulletin fails to give all the agricultural counties which have
been seriously injured by overflows. In the San Joaquin valley there are
other counties than San Joaquin which are heavy sufferers. The loss, too,
on Russian river was considerable. But one of the leading errors in the
calculation is the ignoring of the mining counties as sufferers in the
general calamity. In referring to them the Bulletin said:
While it is true that the floods have extended throughout the State, it
is apparent that in the mining regions the damage has been mainly confined
to the carrying away of county bridges, the impairing of roads and merely
temporary injury to flumes and ditches. Much of this property is not
embraced in the Assessors' returns, and, moreover, it is probable that
the benefits arising from the replenishing of placers, the discovery of
new diggings and the clearing away of vast quantities of "tailings," the
accumulation of years, will at least compensate for the losses sustained
when we make the estimate in the aggregate. Of course individuals, and
perhaps certain districts, will suffer; but, on the whole, the benefits
will nearly, if not quite, balance the damages.
We are greatly mistaken if the loss of taxable property in the mining
counties has not been about as great in proportion as in the valleys.
The destruction of improvements, of ditches, of flumes, mills, tunnels,
turnpikes, houses, fences, bridges, etc., has been immense. The storms
and floods may improve mining in many instances, but that will not add
to the taxable property, or restore that which is lost, in time to benefit
the assessment this year. The bridges and roads to which the
Bulletin refers were, in nearly every instance, private property,
which was registered in the Assessor's list. The county of El Dorado
alone must have lost bridges which were asseased at over a hundred
thousand dollars. The loss of bridges in this county must amount to
nearly or quite $50,000. An old resident, and one of the best informed
men in the county, assured us in January that the floods had destroyed
property in Trinity to the value of at least one million of dollars.
Other mining counties have doubtless suffered as severely as Trinity.
We concede that the losses by floods ought not to be overestimated ia
this State; as a general rule we do not think it will be done, for the
reason that it is very difficult to overestimate the effects of such a
widespread calamity. It has visited all portions of the State, and a
close investigation will show that all have suffered more or less.
ACCIDENTS IN MONTEREY COUNTY.--Drowned near Natividad, a Spaniard by
the name of Deblo, on the 22d February, in the Natividad creek.
On the 24th, W. F. Kidder, while boating wood from the beach at the mouth
of the Pajaro river, was carried over the breakers and also drowned.
UNPRECEDENTED RISE.--On Friday night, February 21st, the rain commenced
falling so fast that by two o'clock Saturday morning, the 22d, Petaluma
creek had risen one and one-half inch higher than ever before. A quantity
of grain in the Evans Flour Mill, in East Petaluma, was somewhat damaged, . . .
FLOODS ON THE OHIO.
Our Chicago correspondent gives a very graphic account of the floods on
the Ohio, and the damage which was done to the city of Cincinnati and
other towns on its banks. Houses were submerged, roads overflowed,
railroads covered up and buildings washed away. Great suffering was
caused by the calamity--the inundation having occurred about January 22d,
a peculiarly inclement season of the year. In Cincinnati, the Queen City
of the West, the flood was the cause of much inconvenience and suffering.
All the houses standing near what was formerly the bank of the river stood
in a sea of water, as it is represented, the flood sweeping around them
without mercy. At Columbia all the houses south of the turnpike were
inundated and rendered uninhabitable. The accounts do not show that there
was that degree of desolation and suffering that was experienced in
Sacramento--the area overflowed being somewhat more limited--but many of
the aspects of the flood are similar.
Considering the fact that a considerable portion of the city of Cincinnati
is located on what is called the bottom, or the first bank of the Ohio
river, and is occasionally subject to inundation, it is very remarkable
that the people of that city have not altogether removed to the high
hills, two or three miles back, where they could be out of the way of
water as well as out of the way of business. It looks like sheer madness,
that they have not long ago abandoned their great stores and warehouses,
their spacious public buildings, their flourishing factories and
magnificent churches, and fallen back on some wilderness spot where they
could not be visited by any aqueous dispensation. How much better would
they have been off if they only had some such enlightened counsel or in
their State Legislature as the distinguished Perkins, to instruct them
in the mysteries of locating cities, as well as necessary articles of
furniture and other creature comforts. He could have told them that it
was very dangerous to establish a town near a large body of water, and
could instance Sacramento, which was liable to floods, and San Francisco,
which was subject to earthquakes, and also had pitfalls, where unhappy
visitors disappear almost nightly and give no sign of departing vitality.
He could have informed them that Cincinnati was not a fit place for a
white man to live in, even though thousands had invested their all there,
and were surrounded by endeared associations of home, business and friends.
What a pity it is that a Perkins could not be sent as missionary to the
benighted region of the Queen City of the West, and console and instruct
ita barbarous inhabititants [sic], who have not sense enough to select
a proper abiding place, and are too ignorant to foretell and guard against
the visitations of Divine Providence.
CROSS LEVEES.--We publish a sensible article on the levee bill, in which
suggestions are made which should be heeded. Power should be given to
the City Levee Board to build cross levees, if deemed advisable. A
section should be framed and added, giving them the power without
regard to the action of the State Board of Swamp Land Commissioners.
The City Levee Board should also be clothed with power to condemn land
for straightening the American, and, if deemed advisable, to turn a
portion of the river through a canal.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate, . . .
Nixon introduced a bill concerning the construction of levees at Sacramento.
Referred to the Sacramento delegation. . . .
[For the Union.]
OUR LOCAL LEVEES.
"To make aasurance doubly sure,
And take a bond from fate."
MESSRS. EDITORS: Notwithstanding the all absorbing interest levee
matters possess for your local readers, the subject must begin to bore
those who are more distaut, and who have not aa deep a pecuniary stake
ia the ultimate result of the discussion and elucidation of the matter
as we whose all depends upon correct conclusions being drawn from the
whole premises before our authorities attempt to reduce theory to practice.
Therefore, feeling some slight qualms at the idea of being deemed a bore,
I resisted as long as I could, in hopes some other correspondent would
anticipate me in asking some questions and propounding some propositions
which I conceive should be asked and considered before "the Levee Bill"
is finally acted on by the Legislature.
Does the proposed law, as published, fully meet the views and requirements
of this community? There is no doubt that it is excellent as far as it
goes; but does it go far enough? Now, whilst the law is in embryo, is
the time to think. Does it provide for the immediate building of all
the levees that can, by any conceivable possibility, ever become
necessary? Is there not danger that the Committee, in common with
the community at large, place too much confidence in the security to
be afforded by the levee on the Sacramento, south of the city, to be
built by the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners--a levee in no manner
under the control of the city--one which the city will have no right
to repair or prevent being destroyed--a levee extending down the
Sacramento almost to the extreme end of the county, around Snodgrass'
slough and up the Mokelumne, and liable at all times to be cut by the
farmers and ranchmen to make road-crossings and to facilitate communication
between one part of their possessions and another? It may be replied
that penal laws will prohibit this, and the safety of the farmers' own
property will prevent it. The rejoinders are, who will enforce the law?
and familiarity breeds contempt. A few years without freshets, and the
country levees would be looked upon as the useless rubbish of a past
age, and probably be used to fill up the ditch, so as to make a level
field. Does not every one who has walked around our own levees remember
a dozen places where they were cut down in Summer for the convenience
of those either living in the vicinity or having to cross them
frequently? And did not the Railroad Company obtain at least the tacit
consent of the city fathers to fill up the only egress there was for
waters coming in back of the city? and was not this embankment (put
in place of the original trestle work) the cause of the water forcing
itself into the city over the east levee on the 10th of December? And
did not the Supervisors themselves, within a year or eighteen months,
pay for having the levee cut away at Tenth street to accommodate brick
teams? A piece of engineering perhaps not quite equal to the attempt
to drain Sutter Lake into the cellar of the St. George Hotel, yet one
which would have subjected its perpetrators to innumerable invectives
and anathemas had the railroad embankment broken east of Seventeenth
street and saved the east levee, but deluged us with back water through
the Tenth street opening.
But, waiving these objections, it is suid that a competent engineer has
reported that this river and slough levee will give us perfect safety
on the south. So, too, did another engineer, alleged to be equally
competent, last year assert that his bulkhead at the tannery would
yield absolute protection, yet the first flood washed it from existence.
To err in judgment is human. No man is infallible. Therefore it is not
surprising that the logic of facts has demonstrated one error in the
calculations of the Swamp Land Commissioners' engineer: the city levee
on which he relied for the protection of the district from the waters
of the Americau has washed away.
But to return to the proposed law. Will the levees provided to be
constructed under it, even if they resist the current and save us
from inundation, be sufficient to give us that moral protection--that
feeling of safety in ourselves and assurance of it to others--which is
absolutely necessary for the future prosperity of our city? The immortal
modern high priest of Cloacina is a fair exponent of the views and
feelings of that unfortunately large class of mankind who have neither
mental caliber nor power of prolonged attention sufficient to invesgate
either the cause of any evil or the probable efficiency of any proposed
remedy, but who make a hasty diagnosis from the little of the surface
that comes under their glance, and then emphatically and dictatorially
declare the subject beyond the control or aid of human power, and resist
and denounce every effort of investigation and attempt at salvation made
by another. And our levees to be effective must protect us as absolutely
against this class of men as against the surging rivers. The protection
must not only be real against the water, but. it must be so superabundantly
sufficient as to carry conviction, self-evident demonstration, to the
lowest order of intellect--even to such as San Francisco occasionally uses
in making a Senator.
Can that feeling of security to ourselves and of confidence to strangers
be given with merely the levees proposed in the bill? Or must we, in
addition to a broad and high wagon road levee up the American to the
high lands, wherever they are, also have a substantial cross levee on
or near the line now used? This is a question of vast importance, and
one which, with your permission, I will discuss in a future
paper--suggesting now, that whilst we are raising money, a very few
additional thousands will place the R street and east levees in better
order than either of them were immediately preceding the first flood, ***
THE FLOOD IN THE STEREOSCOPE.
A SERIES OF TWENTY-SEVEN
VIEWS OF SACRAMENTO CITY AND VICIN-
ITY, during the great flood, FINELY PHOTOGRAPED. $7 50 per dozen.
Sent to any address by mall, postage paid, on receipt of the price. For sale by
LAWRENCE & HOUSEWORTH,
m5-1m2p 637 Clay street, San Francisco.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . . HEALTHY EXERCISE.--If no other good cornes from our Winter and Spring
floods, the healthy and invigorating exercise of rowing will serve to
cheat the doctors out of many a fee. The passion for "handling an oar"
seems to have become universal, and we are glad to see that girls as
well as boys devote their leisure to this good work. The bloom of health
has been brought to many a cheek, and we hope all parents will encourage
this exercise of the oar and paddle in their children. On "Lake Hedenberg,"
in particular, many lively times, resulting from contests between the
juveniles of both sexes, can be witnessed almost any hour of the day.
Some of the young misses prove themselves "masters" of the art. Let
others "go and do likewise." . . .
BODY FOUND.--A coffin containing a skeleton, found afloat on Monday
afternoon on the American river, near Lisle' s bridge, was reburied
yesterday morning by Coroner Reeves. It was make in a workmanlike
manner, but of half-inch pine, and had undoubtedly been washed from
its former place of interment in the mountains by the late floods. . . .
ANOTHER PUMP.--E. Fell has recently ordered, at the Vulcan Iron Works
of San Francisco, an additional hydraulic pump of equal size and capacity
with that of the one heretofore in use for house-raising purposes. It
will be finished in about twenty days, and will be brought to this city,
where he expects to have use for both after the rains are fairly over. . . .
FALLING.--The water in the Sacramento river fell some two or three
inches yesterday, and that of the lower part of the city at about
the same rate. The water north of J street fell still more rapidly. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Tuesday, March 4, 1862.
The Board convened at 10 A. M. . . .
Supervisor HITE offered the following, which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the city members be and they are hereby appointed
a Committee to take such action as they deem proper in providing a
revenue for building a levee and improving the city front, and that they
report to this Board by a proposed bill or otherwise.
On motion, the hearing of the ferry controversy between Samuel Norris
upon the one part and Pearis & Harris on the other, was resumed. The
evidence for Samuel Norris having been submitted by E. B. Crocker,
counsel for that gentleman, J. W. Winans, on behalf of Pearis & Harris,
opened the case for his clients. . Documentary and other evidence was
adduced to show that the title to the land on the north bank of the
American, in the vicinity of Lisle's Bridge, was no longer vested in
Samuel Norris; that Mr. Norris' interest in the bridge had been formally
conveyed to Mrs. Amanda C. Harris; that Pearis & Harris now held a license
for a toll bridge; and that when the bridge was damaged by the December
floods Pearis & Harris maintained a ferry as long as there was any access
to the river banks at that point. All the evidence for the contestants
having been submitted, the points at issue were argued at length by
E. B. Crocker, after which the Board took a recess until two o'clock,
P. M.
After the Board had reassembled, Mr. Winans proceeded with his argument
on behalf of Pearis & Harris. He characterized the application of Norris
as an attempt to take advantage of a calamity in which the whole community
had shared.
Mr. CROCKER rejoined rather sharply. One point made in his argument
was, that an Act of the Legislature prohibited the erection of bridges,
without draws, over navigable streams, and the American had been declared
a navigable stream as far as Brighton. Special charters alone conferred
the right to build such bridges, and Pearis & Harris had not complied
with their charter.
Mr. Winans was allowed to respond.
Supervisor HITE moved that the prayer of Mr. Norris be denied.
Supervisor WOODS moved to amend, to the effect that the prayer be granted.
Supervisor HALL hoped that time would be allowed for consultation,
and that a decision would be postponed until to-morrow.
Supervisors HITE and GRANGER said they were just as ready to vote upon
the question now as they would be at any time hereafter, and hoped the
decision would be given without further delay.
The ayes and noes were called upon the amendment, with the following
result:
Ayes--Dickinson, Woods, and Waterman--3.
Noes--Granger, Russell, Hite and Hall--4.
So the amendment was lost.
Supervisor HITE withdrew the original motion, and Supervisor GRANGER
moved that the prayer of Pearis & Harris for a temporary license for
a ferry be granted.
The ayes and noes were called, with the following result:
Ayes--Granger, Russell, Hite, Dlckerson, Hall and Waterman--6.
No--Woods--1.
So Pearis & Harris obtained the license.
Several Supervisors explained that they were in favor of granting
licenses to both parties.
It was then decided that there had been no final action upon the petition
of Samuel Norris, and Mr. Crocker requested that a direct vote should
be taken.
Supervisor WOODS moved that a license be granted to Samuel Norris to
establish a ferry over the American river at Twentieth street. Lost.
Ayes--Supervisors Dickerson, Woods and Waterman--3.
Noes--Supervisors Granger, Russell, Hite and Hall--4. . . .
An application was received from W. D. Wilson for a license to run a
ferry across the Cosumnes river, on the Jackson and Drytown road, where
the same individual had a toll bridge, which had been carried away by
the flood. The consideration of the application was postponed, on account
of the lack of evidence to make the license legal. . . .
FROZEN TO DEATH.--The body of David Chandler was found March 2d, on
Oregon Hill, Yuba county, where he had frozen to death about five weeks
since. The Express of March 3d says:
The deceased left the Indiana Ranch on the evening of the 27th of January,
intending to go to Dr. Cannon's sawmill, near the Milk Ranch, where he
had been employed as engineer, since which time he had not been heard
from. The citizens of the neighborhood instituted a search and found the
body on Sunday last, where it had been buried in the snow for about five
weeks. At the time he left the ranch it commenced snowing, and it is
believed that he lost his way, and perished in the snow. Chandler was
formerly from Salem, Massachusetts, and has a married sister living in
Sacramento. If she should wish any information she can address
J. G. Cannon, M. D., Indiana Ranch, Yuba county. . . .
STONY CREEK.--The velocity of the waters this Winter in Stony creek,
Colusa county, has depressed the channel of the stream and lowered the
bed generally. Most of the old fords have been destroyed, . . .
LOSS IN SHEEP.--John Bowland of Stony creek, Colusa county, has been particularly unfortunate in the sheep business this Winter. He had a flock of about six hundred in number, and lost the last one of them,
[For the Union]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 8.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
CALIFORNIA FLOODS COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
It has been stated in some hypercritical remarks that in ignoring levees
I oppose the experience derived from the Po and other European works
of a like character, and what has been accomplished on the Mississippi.
The time has arrived when I can without going out of the track of the
main argument enter into some explanation respecting such sentiments
as have been erroneously imputed to me. Before I quit the subject
I am vain enough to believe that I shall be able to satisfy an attentive
reader that it is not because I ignore what it is asserted has been
accomplished on the Mississippi, the Po, the Lincolnshire marshes, etc.,
but it is because I am better aware of the facts connected with the
above named cases than Mr. Roach, or others who have seen fit to comment
on my statements before I had the opportunity of fully explaining my
views, based upon calculations made with reference to the case of
California solely, and founded upon the experience derived from the
defective character of the works which from time to time have been
constructed at the places named. The ineffective character of many
of the plans that from time to time have been adopted, and which have
been so pointedly and zealously alluded to, ought rather to serve as
beacons of warning than as brilliant lights of guidance. The latter
part of Mr. Roach's letter consists of a series of quotations as to
the form, depth, etc., etc., of the Mississippi, of which it maybe
remarked as it was of Mrs. Malaprop, that "there can be no arguing
with one so polite as to permit every second syllable to be in favor
of the opponent." Like the assumption made by Mr. Roach, that the
Straits of Curquinez are equal, in spite of tidal influence, to the
discharge of a volume of water as large as that of the Mississippi,
ignoring at the same time that the flood waters, the proper control
of which is the question under consideration, are upwards of four times
the quantity discharged by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya.
To one fact respecting the Mississippi I wish to draw Mr. Roach's
particular attention, and I shall give it in the words of Mr. Ellett:
"It is the curious circumstance that the actual channel of the
Mississippi--or what may be denominated as the Mississippi between
banks--carries more water in time of flood towards the head of the
delta than near the mouth of the Red river, or thence to the sea.
In other words, more water is discharged by the actual channel of
the river immediately below the mouth of the Ohio, or even above the
mouth, as high up us Cape Girardeau, than passes Natchez or New Orleans,
or any intermediate point."
Cubic Feet.
The discharge of the Mississippi below New
Orleans, at the top of the flood of 1851,
(from measurement taken June 16th, and
corrected for extreme high water) was,
per second 995,000
The discharge through the channel below
the mouth of Red River when the sur-
face was highest, June, 1851 was, per
second 1,134,500
The discharge of the channel at Memphis,
at the top of the flood of May, 1850, as
deduced from the report of Robert A.
Marr, was 958,000
The discharge one mile below the mouth of
the Ohio, June 10, 1851, while the water
was seven feet ten baches below the high
Water of 1850, and nine feet below that
of 1849, and rising about one foot per
diem 1,223,000
The discharge about one mile above Cape
Girardeau, June 17, 1851, when the water
was 4 7-10 feet below the high water of
1844, was 1,025,000
The discharge at this point, above the
mouth of the Ohio, during the high
water of 1844, was estimated at... 1,200,000
Respecting the above table, Mr. Ellett makes the following pointed
observations:
"Those quantities, it will be observed, are in all cases the volumes
which flowed down between the banks of the river, and are exclusive
of the waters of overflow which enter the swamps above, and feed
and maintain the floods below.
"If we compare the volume discharged in 1851 below the mouth of the Ohio,
while the flood was yet nearly eight feet below the high water of 1851,
with that known to have passed Memphis at the top of the flood of 1850,
we will have data to justify the conclusion that more than forty per
centum of the volume discharged by the channel immediately below the
mouth of the Ohio passes over into the swamps of the southern counties
of Missouri and escapes the measurement at Memphis. And in order to form
a correct judgment of the masses of water to be dealt with in the attempt
to control the floods of this river, it must be further observed that a
great volume of water also leaves the channel of the Mississippi above
the Ohio, and passes around through the swamps of Missouri, and
consequently escapes even from the measurement below Cairo.
Some of these losses Ellet attempted to compute, and he thus found--
Cubic Feet.
The discharge of the Mississippi below the
mouth of the Red river, per second, at
the top of the flood of 1851, was 1,134,500
The discharge below New Orleans, during
the high water of 1851 995,000
__________
Lost between Red river and the place of
observation, eleven miles below New
Orleans 139,500
This loss Ellet attributed partly to the discharge of the crevasses
below Red river, and partly to that of the two natural outlets, the
bayous Plaquemine and La Fourche, and apportioned them as follows:
Cubic Feet.
The high water discharge of the Plaquemine
was found by measurement to be, per
second 28,500
That of La Fourche 10,200
__________
Total discharge of the two natural outlets 38,700
By deducting the discharge of the above two natural outlets from the
total loss of water between the mouth of Red river and a point eleven
miles below New Orleans, we obtain the discharge of all the crevasses
at the time of the extreme high water of 1851. This discharge was
100,800 cubic feet per second. Neglecting the fraction, we may presume
that in 1851 a volume equal to 100,000 cubic feet per second, or about
ten per cent, of the total discharge of the Mississippi at New Orleans
escaped from the channel and passed through the vents in the artificial
levees below Red river. Reasoning on the above, Mr. Ellet observes:
"But we have already seen that if the volume discharged by the river at
high water were increased 35,000 cubic feet per second, the surface would
be raised below Red river about one foot. We cannot, however, thence
conclude that if the crevasses, which, as we have seen, discharge
100,000 cubic feet per second, had been all closed up, the water would
have risen at any point within a fraction of three feet. These crevasses
were distributed all along the coast, and many of them were too far below
Red river to affect the hight of the floods materially there; while an
increase of more than 35,000 cubic feet per second would be required to
raise the surface twelve inches at New Orleans." The reader's attention
is especially called to the words in italics which appear in the
succeeding quotation: "It is indeed impossible to say with certainty
what would have been precisely the increased hight of the flood of 1851
at any point, if the levees below Red river had been
high enough and strong enough
to support the weight of the water which was upon them. The writer can
only express the opinion, the correctness of which he cannot fully
demonstrate, that if the levees had withstood the pressure, the flood
of this year would have been about two feet higher at and near Baton
Rouge than the line which it actually attained, and consequently
if the crevasses had not occurred to vent the water, the levees
of Lower Louisiana, which were only ten or twelve inches above the
flood, must have been generally overflowed. It follows, therefore,
that if it be determined hereafter to rely exclusively on levees,
and prevent the recurrence of crevasses altogether, these levees, to
sustain a flood like that of 1851, must be made from Red river to New
Orleans competent to resist an increase of ten per cent, on the volume
discharged by the river. This condition, it is apparent, would involve
the entire reconstruction of the embankments on both sides of the river;
and hence, in order to retain merely the crevasse water of this year,
the levees must be entirely reconstructed or new outlets must be opened
competent to vent 100,000 cubic feet per second--which is more than
is now drawn from the Mississippi at high water by the Atchafalaya
itself." It is clearly shown from the above that New Orleans has been
saved from inundation not because the river was securely leveed but
for a reason quite the contrary, namely, because the levees on the river
Mississippi were defective.
In another place Ellet remarks: But it is not these visitations of
Providence (alluding to exceptional high floods) which we have here
to discuss and provide for. It is only those most disastrous floods
which now almost annually occur, sweeping over the works of industry
from year to year, devastating extensive regions and which are referable
to causes which society has created and is still creating, and what it
is therefore in the power of society to prevent.
"The floods which now carry distress and destruction into the Lower
Mississippi, it is maintained, are essentially the result of artifical
causes. The water is supplied by nature, but its hight is increased
by man. * * * * The subordinate causes have been discussed. The remaining
and the prominent cause it is proposed now to consider. THIS CAUSE
IS THE EXTENSION OF THE LEVEES."
If such are found to be the results by only partially leveeing the
Mississippi, what disastrous consequences may be anticipated to follow
(if such could be accomplished) the impoundage within levees of the
vast floods which drain into the great central basin of California. I have
already shown that occasionally there must flow or fall into this basin
a volume of water amounting, in the aggregate, to upwards of 5,000,000
cubic feet per second, or more than three times the volume ever passed
the Mississippi during the greatest flood, when at the highest point and
at the most capacious part of the river, which occurs about one mile below
the mouth of the Ohio, in which place it is 4,031 feet wide and 71.3 feet
deep.
The average sectional area, at high flood, of the Missis-
sippi from Vicksburg to Donaldsonville is, square feet... 215,200
The average sectional area from the Ohio to New
Orleans, square feet 200,000
The average depth, from 1-1/2 miles above Cape
Girardeau to McMasters' plantation, about
eleven miles below New Orleans, is about, feet 100
The average width of the Mississippi, from Cape
Girardeau to McMasters' is, feet . .......... 3,236
Sectional area of the Straits of Carquinez, on the
authority of Mr. Roach, square feet ...... 824,000
The facility of discharge from the last is, however, very much reduced,
owing to tidal influence, which will cause a reduction so great that
the Straits of Curquinez cannot be estimated as having a discharging
capacity beyond one-half of that of the Mississippi at its junction
with the Ohio, Carquinez, according to the state of flood and tide,
varying probably from 500,000 to 800,000 or 900,000 cubic feet per
second, or not equal to one-fifth of the capacity required to at once
convey away the entire drainage.
For convenience of. illustration, I in a former paper made an estimate
of the capacity of the Straits of Carquinez, calculating the same as
a rectangular trough, in which case, if the current moved with an average
velocity of ten feet per second, the volume which would pour through
would be equivalent to 3,240,000 cubic feet per second; as, however,
it would not be rectangular, and other small causes of obstruction might
exist, it is probable that a fluctuating volume of not more than from
2,800,000 to 2,900,000 cubic feet ordinarily passes through per second
when the tide is near its lowest stage. To effect this supply, it.will
be requisite that the proposed straightened, dredged and leveed
water-course above should, at least, be of equal capacity. If such a
construction was even practicable, it would be ineffective, so far as
draining all the flood waters; and as to increasing the velocity by
raising the proposed levees, I apprehend, even at the rate of ten feet
per second, there are no materials at hand for their formation that
would withstand the abrading influence of such a current. What has been
stated ought to satisfy any candid mind that New Orleans and much of the
country bordering on the lower Mississippi have been saved from inundation
not in consequence of levees, but to the circumstance that at various
parts of the line of levee they have at high floods been always found
more or less ineffective. Having shown the evil and inability of levees
on the Mississippi, it might be deemed useless to dwell longer on the
want of similarity between the position of that river and the case of
Central California. It may, however, perhaps serve a good purpose to
explain some other points of dissimilarity that are thoughtlessly
overlooked. Few things are more difficult of removal than popular
impressions of the numbers in California personally acquainted with
the delta of the Mississippi. It is doubtful if one could be found who,
if the question was put to him, "Have the construction of levees on the
Mississippi been effective in preventing the destruction of property and
life from floods? [sic,no "] would give, and that most conscientiously,
other than
an affirmative answer; yet nothing could be further removed from the
truth. Such becoming an accepted opinion, the pertinency of attempting
a like remedy in the case of California is easily rendered popular,
especially when seconded by comparisons, made between the enormous
extent of country which is drained into that celebrated stream and
that of California, the ratio between which is as twenty-five to one.
If, therefore, argue these presumed well informed parties, the mighty
Mississippi, which drains a country twenty-four times more extensive
than that comprising the water shed of Central California, can be
curbed by levees, why cannot the same effects be produced in the latter
by similar means. This appears very plausible, yet the cases are quite
dissimilar. If levees were really effective in the former case, as
represented (which, however, I have shown them not to be), the vast
space from which the waters of that river are drawn would be favorable
to this efficiency, whilst the limited area of the California water
shed is unfavorable to their profitable adoption. These facts will be
apparent when I draw attention to the actual and relative proportions
of space, rain fall, etc., of the two basins. The California basin
drains an area equal to 50,000--that of the Mississippi, 1,226,000
square miles. The rain fall in the Mississippi valley is estimated to
amount to 40 inches per annum, or equal to 113,952,141,466,666 cubic
feet. The California valley will most probably receive an amount of
rain during the present season of not less than sixty inches, or
6,469,000,000,000, or at the rate of eighteen to one. The most marked
features of difference, however, have yet to be noticed. The rain fall
on the Mississippi basin is spread pretty evenly over the whole year;
in some places the Autumnal, in others the Spring, Summer or Winter rains
prevail, in consequence of which the effects of heavy rain falls are
more equalized throughout the entire year, were it not for this
circumstance the character of the Mississippi would be very different
to what it is. Another cause exists which very much modifies, or
rather weakens the destructive effects arising from floods, which is
the immense withdrawal of water from such an extensive area by means of
evaporation. No gaugings have ever been instituted to even approximately
ascertain the amount, but it must be enormous. I may here state,
parenthetically, that in, all the calculations made in this series of
papers, I have omitted and probably shall omit all reference to
evaporation. This has been done because at the time of high floods during
the rainy season in California evaporation is in abeyance, and therefore
possesses no influence in modifying the destructive consequence of
floods arising from extremely heavy rain falls. In calculations made
for the object of securing permanent and self-maintaining remedial
constructions, the subject of evaporation would become an important
consideration, one quite as serious as that which the rain fall
constitutes at this stage of the inquiry. The widespread branches and
extended length, of the main arteries of the Mississippi tend very greatly
to influence and modify the character of the floods, and make it a much
easier engineering matter to subject them to control yet with all these,
and other matters that must occur to any one, it has been, found that
levees are ineffective for that purpose. How different is the ease of
the water shed drained by the Sacramento and the San Joaquin, in which,
for all practical purposes, it may be stated that nearly the whole of
the rain fall which floods this valley is precipitated into it at once.
With the exception of the waters of the extreme northern portion of the
Sacramento, the flooding and subsiding of the various rivers which flow
into the valley are simultaneous, the upper waters of the Sacramento,
and the Sacramento only, not contributing to aid the first flood, but
sufficiently near enough to assist in maintaining that flood at the time
that the other rivers are subsiding. But there is another point which
appears to have been wholly overlooked, namely, that in place of the
rain fall in California being distributed over the whole year, that which
is productive of destructive floods occurs only during about three months,
If we take the rain fall of the present season at sixty inches, for the
water shed under consideration, from the 1st December, 1861, to the 1st
of March, 1862, it will be found that if a similar fall took place during
the remaining rain months of the year, the total would be equal to two
hundred and forty inches for the whole year, This fact alone must convince
any one that no analogy can be fairly drawn between the case of the
Mississippi volley and that of California, if even levees had been as
effective on that river as they have notoriously been the reverse. . . .
THE FLOOD.--Upon taking a calm and intelligent survey of the field
covered by the late inundations, it appears that while portions of
the farming lands of the State have been subjected to serious damage,
only a small portion has been ruined for the purposes of agriculture and
a large proportion, especially in the southerly part of the State, where
our fat cattle come from, have been actually benefitted by the soaking
they received. The rural industry of the State can never meet with a
reverse sufficiently calamitous to destroy it.--Santa Cruz Sentinel.
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, March 3, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock . . .
BILLS REPORTED.
. . . Mr. QUINT also reported favorably on Senate Bill No. 238 --An Act
to grant to James H. Dearing and Charles A. Dearing the right to construct
a bridge across Tuoloumne [sic] river [at Stevens Bar, one-half mile from
Jacksonville, the old bridge having been washed away]--which was read a
third time and passed under suspension of the rules. . . .
Senate Bill No. 208--An Act to appropriate money out of the General Fund
for the relief of sufferers by the flood--was indefinitely postponed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, March 3, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
On motion of Mr. HILLYER, the resolution reported on Saturday from the
Committee on Expenditures, to pay the Sacramento boatmen, was taken up
under suspension of the rules, read and adopted. . . .
SENATE BILLS.
The House took up the order of messages from the Senate. . . .
Senate Bill No. 68--An Act to authorize the re-binding of books belonging
to the State Library--was read twice and referred to the Special Committee
on the State Library. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3412, 6 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . Advices from British Columbia state the cold has been intense in the
Cariboo region. Rich gold fields are reported to have been discovered there. . . .
The Sacramento fell about three inches yesterday, and last evening stood
at twenty feet six inches above low water mark.
MISSISSIPPI LEVEES.--In his article of yesterday, T. Rowlandeon quotes
quite extensively from the writings of a civil engineer, Ellet, to show
that the levees on the Mississippi were unequal to the protection of the
country from overflows; and that in high water it was indebted for its
safety to the vents by means of sloughs, etc., and not to the levees.
In explanation, it is fair to state that two schools of engineers have
written upon the sufficiency of the levees on the Mississippi and their
effect upon the rise of water and the deposit of sediment. One class
contended for the levees; the other insisted that nature should be
followed, aad that all the natural vents for the water in the Mississippi
which had been closed should be reopened, and those open enlarged if
possible, so as to give the surplus water in that mighty river a chance
to find its way to the Gulf in other than the regular channel. A large
volume has been written on the issue without any final settlement, except
that the policy of building and maintaining levees has always prevailed
in Louisiana as the leading system for controlling the floods of the
Mississippi.
In the Winter of 1850 a crevasse occurred a few miles above New Orleans,
which discharged an immense body of water into Lake Ponchartrain, and
caused the lake to back its water into the suburbs of the city. Such
a torrent was poured through that crevasse that the water in that lake
as well as in several of those connected with it became so fresh as to
destroy oysters, and in some instances fish were sacrificed. While the
water was flowing through that crevasse, an animated and interesting
discussion was maintained through the papers, by civil engineers, as
to whether that crevasse should or should not be left open, and form
a vent for the surplus water of the river. Those who argued that it
should be closed prevailed, and the crevasse was closed after the water
subsided. The question is still an open one, and we presume that Mr.
Ellet, from whose writings Rowlandson quotes, is one of the engineers
who wrote in favor of as many openings as practicable to carry off the
surplus water of the Mississippi, instead of confining it within its
banks by means of levees. Authority equally strong may be found in the
writings of engineers in favor of the levee system. The evidence of no
single engineer is conclusive on the question in issue. . . .
SACRAMENTO.--We regret to see any opposition to the bill appropriating
funds for the carrying on the work of constructing the State Capitol at
Sacramento. The City of the Plains has been wisely selected as the Capital
of the State, and before another wet season comes upon us, all danger of
inundation will have been securely provided against.--S. F. Herald.
SAN JUAN PRESS.--This journal comes to us in miniature size, about as
large as a quarter of a sheet of the San Francisco Call. The
Press says it will continue to be issued in its present form
until the storm breaks permanently away and times get better. . . .
FROST IN LOS ANGELES.--During last month the vicinity of Los Angeles
was visited by heavy frosts, which did great injury to fruit trees.
Trees in bloom were killed for.the season. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Shipwreck and Loss of Life--Cold Weather at Car-
iboo--Exports--Conviction--United States Semi-
Annual Interest--Suicide.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 5th. . . .
British Columbia papers represent the cold as being intense in the
Cariboo district and provisions scarce. Rich gold fields are reported
to exist in the country watered by the North river. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
STEAMBOAT ACCIDENTS.--The steamer Victor left the city on Wednesday
morning of last week for Red Bluff. When within ten or fifteen miles
of that point, a portion of her machinery got out of order and she
was unable to complete her trip. A small boat was sent back to the city
to order such new castings as were required to place her again in running
order. On Saturday morning last the steamer Swan left the levee with
about eighty tons of freight, also for Red Bluff. On Monday morning,
when opposite Jacinto, one hundred and seventy-five miles up the river,
she ran upon a newly formed bar and was unable to get off again. A small
boat was sent down to the city with information of the fact, and the
steamer Gem left yesterday morning for the purpose of taking off the
freight of the Swan and supplying the Victor with her new castings and
machinery. It is to be hoped that the Gem will stick to the river, and
not be enticed off on any exploring expedition through the agricultural
regions of the upper portion of the State. . . .
FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.--A meeting of this Society will be held next
Friday evening, in the High School room, for the purpose of reorganizing
the Association. The late floods have prevented meetings for a considerable
period, but they will now be held more regularly.
STILL AT WORK.--The pile driver at the foot of R street is still busily
engaged in driving piles in front of the railroad works. The current is
less destructive to the bank than it was before the trees and piles were
placed in a position to protect it. . . .
THE CHAIN GANG.--Preparations were made yesterday by the chain gang,
under the direction of Overseer Long, to commence to-day to clean out
the sediment from the cistern tank at the Water Works. . . .
THREATENING.--A cloudy sky and southeastern wind threatened additional
rain yesterday, but a clear sky in the evening assumed a more promising
appearance.
FALLING.--The water in the Sacramento fell yesterday about three
inches--standing at twenty feet six inches above low water mark. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Wednesday, March 5, 1862.
The Board convened to-day at half-past two o'clock P. M.. . . .
A communication was received from R. D. Ferguson, one of the
representatives of the city of Sacramento in the Assembly, in reply
to a resolution of the Board requesting our "Senators and Representatives
to use all honorable means to defeat the passage of Assembly Bill
No. 68," entitled "an Act for the better protection of farmers and for
regulating the herding of stock." Mr. Ferguson favors the application
of such a law to those portions of the county which have been inundated
and injured by the floods of December, January and February.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that the communication be referred to a Special
Committee of three. He thought this action was due to Mr. Ferguson, as
one of the Representatives of the city, and to the importance.of the
subject. He had doubts in regard to the propriety of his course upon
the question on a previous occasion.
Supervisor WOODS said the communication was addressed to the Deputy
Clerk of the Board, and therefore the Board was not obliged to treat
the paper with any respect.
Supervisor GRANGER characterized the objection as merely technical and
trivial.
The motion was agreed to--ayes 6, noes 1--Supervisor Wood.
The PRESIDENT appointed Supervisors Granger, Woods and Hall to serve
as the Special Committee.
A petition was received from G. W. Colby, contractor for building a
bridge at Sutter slough, asking for the action of the Board to stop
the break at Rabel's Tannery, and also for an extension of the time
allowed him to complete the bridge until the 1st of August.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that Mr. Colby be granted the extension of
time asked for. Agreed to. . . .
SNOW STORM.--On Friday night, February 28th, the snow was so heavy and
wet in Shasta that it caved in the Catholic Chapel, the Stage Company's
shed, the L part of Desmond's hotel, and also several smaller buildings,
GENERAL NOTICES.
A Card.--The friends and patrons of
the steamer "DEFIANCE " are hereby informed that I have this day sold
all my interest in said boat. In making this statement I feel that an
explanation is due to those who have so generously patronized the little
steamer, and aided her in making the struggle she has to maintain her
position on the river.
The object of an opposition is to bring the price of freight and passage
to a fair standard price. If it fail to do this, it is valueless to the
public and ruinous to the enterprise. I am now satisfied, and was at the
time I built the "Defiance," that this can only be accomplished successfully
by running a direct line from San Francisco to the upper ports, thereby
securing the through freight without the necessity of reshipping or
subjecting it to the onerous tax of the monopoly. This could have been
effected by the "Defiance" had she not been deprived (as I believe
unjustly) of a license to cross the Bay, thereby confining her to the
upper river, and making her dependent, to a great extent, on the lower
boats for the freight she carried.
These circumtances, taken in connection with the fact that most of the
wood on the route has been swept off during the late floods; the little
that is left (as I understand) having been purchased by the Steam
Navigation Company, and the boiler of the "Defiance " being unfit for
the use of coal, thereby leaving no alternative but to purchase fuel at
an exorbitant price in Sacramento, I have concluded that I can best serve
the interests of both the public and myself by withdrawing from this
unequal contest until such time as I can prepare to enter the field on
more equal terms.
With feelings of gratitude for past favors, and a hope that I shall still
receive their support in my new enterprise, I tender my sincere thanks
to the friends of the "Defiance." JNO. C. GIBSON.
Sacramento, March 3, 1862. m5-3t
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, March 3, 1862.
The following is the conclusion of our report of Monday's proceeding,
after quarter before four o'clock, when our report closed in order to
reach the Sacramento boat: . . .
Senate Bill No. 55--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge
across the Mokelumne river to Lewis Soher and others--was amended as
recommended by the Calaveraa delegation and passed. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, March 4, 1862.
THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR cailed the Senate to order at the usual hour, . . .
Mr. BOGART presented a resolution from the San Francisco Board of
Supervisors permitting the Legislature to stretch chains across Battery
street at both corners of the Capitol building, to be let down for the
accommodation of the stores, and procured at the expense of the State.
He also offered a resolution from the Special Committee, to whom the
matter was referred, directing the Sergeant-at-Arms to procure the
chains, etc.
Mr. OULTON inquired whether the Committee knew how much the chains would
cost?
Mr. BOGART replied ten cents a pound, the chains to be twenty-four feet long.
Mr. CRANE inquired how much they could be sold for.
Mr. NIXON wanted to hear from the gentleman from Yuba (Mr. De Long),
as it went in direct opposition to the sawdust question.
Mr. DE LONG replied that he had not heard the resolution read, but
understood it to be a proposition to chain up San Francisco. He thought
it could be happily amended, in being made to provide for chaining up
Sacramento. [Laughter.]
The resolution was adopted on a division--ayes, 21; noes, 8.
Mr. RHODES said it was appropriating private property for public purposes
with a vengeance.
Senate Bill No. 55, In relation to a bridge across Mokelumne river, was
taken up for concurrence with Assembly amendments. As the Clerk had not
signed the amendments, the bill was sent back to the Assembly. . . .
CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR OF LEVEES AT SACRAMENTO.
Mr. NIXON introduced a bill for an Act concerning the construction and
repair of levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising
revenue therefor, which was read twice and referred to the Sacramento
delegation.
[The bill provides that a Board of City Levee Commissioners, with the
powers and duties hereinafter provided, is hereby created for the city
of Sacramento, which Board shall, until its members are elected and
qualified as hereinafter provided, consist of David B. Harris, Charles
Crocker, William F. Knox, J. D. Lord and E. P. Figg; three of whom shall
hold office, one for two; one for three and one for four years from the
first Monday of the month next succeeding the general election, their
respective terms of office to be determined by lot at the first meeting
of the Board. At the general election in 1864, and at the general election
annually thereafter, the qualified electors of the city of Sacraanento
shall elect one Levee Commissioner who shall take his seat in the Board
on the first Monday of the month next succeeding his election, and hold
office for three years or until his successor is elected and qualified.
If from any cause a vacancy shall occur in the Board it shall be filled
by the remaining members of the Board. It also provides for a Board of
County Levee Commissioners for Swamp Land District No. 2, to consist of
A. Runyon, Josiah Johnson and Washington Fern, who shall at their first
meeting determine by lot which of them respectively shall hold office
for two, three and four years from the first Monday in October next. . . .
THE GENERAL FILE..
. . . Mr. Lewis moved to take up Senate Bill No. 55--An Act granting to
L. Soher and others the right to construct a bridge across Mokelumne
river--which was carried, and the bill read a third time and passed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, March 4, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
REPORTS.
. . .Mr. WARWICK reported back Senate Bill No. 63--An Act relative to
binding books in the State Library.
Mr. WARWICK said the whole number of books injured was 1,080, but some
of them did not require rebinding as it would be very easy to replace
them with new books. He asked that the bill be put on its passage at
once, because some of those books were mildewing and spoiling.
Mr. AMES moved to refer the bill to the Committee of Ways and Means.
THE CHATTEL MORTGAGE BILL
The special order was taken up, being Senate Bill No. 70--An Act concerning
chattel mortgages. . . .
Mr. FERGUSON advocated the bill as a practical measure of relief to save
from utter bankruptcy and ruin the farmers of the great valleys of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin, whose homes had been overwhelmed by the recent
floods. . . .
THE STATE LIBRARY.
The House resumed consideration or Senate Bill No. 68--An Act authorizing
the rebinding of books in the State Library.
Mr. AMES moved to recommit the bill, with instructions to the Library
Committee to amend by providing that no more than three hundred volumes
shall be rebound, at a cost not exceeding four hundred dollars.
After debate, the motion to recommit prevailed. . . .
HOLCOMBE VALLEY.--The Los Angeles News of February 26th thus speaks
of the mines in this vicinity:
Bad weather still continued at Holcombe Valley. Snow and rain had fallen
alternately in great quantities for several weeks past. At last accounts
the valley was covered with snow, and the weather extremely cold. Very
little water was running in the streams and gulches. The road continues
open and was fast improving. The high water in the Mohave river has
receded so far as to enable teams to pass and repass with safety.
Nearly all the miners at San Francisquito canon had suspended operations
for the want of a sufficient supply of water for washing. Work would be
again resumed in a short time; the melting of the snow in the mountains,
it was expected, would soon commence, and would probably yield sufficient
water to enable the miners to continue their operations for at least two
or three months. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3413, 7 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .The Sacramento continues to subside, but very slowly. Last evening the
river stood at twenty feet six inches above low water mark. . . .
REPAIRING THE ROADS.--As the water in the American has fallen within
the banks, no serious obstacle, unless it is want of means, exists to
prevent the repairing of J or K streets, east of Twelfth, so as to enable
teams to enter and depart from the city. Since the late high water the
business of the city has all been transacted by means of the railroad.
But the time has arrived when one or the other of the streets named should
be repaired. We are inclined to the opinion that K street can be more
easily repaired than J, though it would, in the event of a rise in the
American, be much sooner covered with water. But with the exception of
a few cuts where the ground has been worn or washed off, the street is
very much more solid than J street. For several blocks the street is
filled with sand from one to three feet deep; this sand will make a
good road. We understand that Colby, who built the bridge at the slough
and the small bridges over the cuts on J street, is making an effort to
get plank to lay down over the worst portions of the road from Twelfth
street to the slough on that street. If he succeeds in this and rebuilds
the bridges high enough, the road to the fort on the line of J will soon
be rendered passable for loaded teams. There is a good deal of sand along
that line which might be advantageously used for repairing and elevating
the roads.. In the West and South where the people build over ground so
soft as to render it impossible to secure a solid road of earth, a
"causeway," as it is termed of logs, large and small, is laid across
the track. It is left uneven and rough, but it remains solid for years.
Sometimes they are made of rails. A portion of the road from Twelfth
street to the Fort might be rendered passable for the rest of the Winter
by such a process if the timber can be obtained. From what we hear it
might possibly be got from the drift on the land of George R. Moore,
just east of Stewart's. There is said to be an immense amount of lumber
lodged there of all sorts and sizes. It is very necessary that the road
be put in traveling condition as soon as possible, and it would not be
a bad idea, for those interested to give the matter a little of their
attention. . . .
AID TO SACRAMENTO SUFFERERS.--The officers and men of Company C
(Colonel Carleton's regiment). First Infantry, California Volunteers
have subscribed ninety-three dollars towards Sacramento flood
sufferers. The officers who are in Camp Latham, of the Fifth Infantry,
California Volunteers, have also subscribed sixty dollars for the same
purpose. . . .
FATAL LAND SLIDE IN SAN MATEO.--On the morning of March 2d a land slide
was discovered in Deer Gulch, in the Redwood Mountains. San Mateo county,
ten miles back of Redwood City. At the bottom of the gulch, three men,
Bowers, Jones, and another man, name unknown, occupied a house, and
manufactured shingles. Their bodies were taken out next morning. The
slide was supposed to have occurred on February 28th. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
INSOLVENT SUIT.--Joshua T. Bailey filed a petition in insolvency
yesterday in the District Court, asking to be discharged from his
debts and liabilities. The petitioner has been engaged in the business
of ranching; and stock raising in Sacramento county, having commenced
in 1853 with two hundred and thirty head of American cattle, eleven
American horses and two hundred and forty head of sheep, wagons,
harness, etc., etc., of the aggregate value of about $30,000. The
petitioner lost from the depreciation in value of stock etc., about
$20,000; by farming and farming improvements about $14,000; actual
losses from destruction of stock by flood, disease, etc., $15,000.
Of this amount $11,500 worth was lost by the floods of the present
season. Petitioner and his family have worked steadily and iudustriously,
but their earnings have not been equal to his losses. The petitioner has
paid about $10;000 in interest, and his outstanding indebtedness is now
bearing interest at the rate of two and a half and three per cent. per
month. The liabilities of the petitioner are given at $4,288 14. Assets,
exempt from execution, $2,508.
THE WIRE BRIDGE.--Thomson & Kinsey, proprietors of the wire bridge at
Folsom, made a contract several weeks ago with Halliday & Co., of San
Francisco, for the construction of a new suspension bridge, to be
erected on the site of the one which was carried away by the flood on
the 11th of January. The work of building the abutments has been
commenced. The work of the preparation of the wire is being done at
San Francisco. It is expected that the bridge will be completed sometime
in April. The new bridge will be about sixteen feet higher than the
former one. The only means of crossing the American at Folsom at present
is by means of cars and the railroad bridge. Teams cannot be driven across. . . .
IMPROVEMENT OF J STREET.--G. W. Colby, who owns the bridge on J street,
across Burns' Slough, is making arrangements to put J street in passable
condition for teams, by private subscription and voluntary labor. It is
proposed to purchase lumber enough to plank such portions of the street
between Twelfth street and the slough as require it, and. to grade the
remaining portion so far as is necessary. A number of teamsters have
signified their readiness to assist in the work free of charge. As we
shall have no other outlet from the city for teams for several weeks,
it is highly important that this project be carried out. . . .
FLOATING PALACE.--A flat boat, eighteen feet long and nine feet wide,
is being built at the foot of N street, which is to be roofed over and
weatherboarded so as to serve as a portable house. It will be occupied
on marsh land thirty miles below the city, by men who will be engaged in
ditching such land as is out of water. They don't expect to be flooded
out of their house by high water, but will always adapt themselves in
the circumstances of the case.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, March 6, 1862.
The Board met at 11 a. m., but as the Committee on Roads, Ferries and
Bridges were not ready to report in the matter of the Jackson and Drytown
road, an adjournment was effected until 2 p. m. At that hour, the Board
reassembled . . .
Supervisor GRANGER, from the Special Committee appointed to consider and
report upon the communication of R. D. Ferguson, member of the Assembly,
submitted the following:
Resolved, That the resolution heretofore passed by this Board
in regard to the fencing law, be and the same is hereby so far modified
as to request our Senators and Representatives to exclude from the
operation of the proposed law all that portion of the county that was
not overflowed during the floods of 1861 and 1862.
Resolved, That the Clerk of this Board send a certified copy of
this resolution to the delegation from this county in the Senate and
Assembly.
Supervisor WOODS was opposed to a law having only a partial application
to the county. If there was to be any legislation upon the subject, he
desired that it should cover the whole county.
Supervisor WATERMAN would favor the resolutions, with a slight amendment
fixing the precise localities to which the law should apply, and excluding
the district along the Cosumnes river, which was represented by Supervisor
Woods and himself. His constituents were generally stock owners, and they
had good fences. There was no necessity for legislation in regard to that
portion of the county.
Supervisor HITE said that necessity requires such a law. Farmers,
especially at this time, ought to be protected against the trespassing
of stock. If every man knew that he was compelled to take care of his
cattle, it would be done.
Supervisor DICKERSON remarked that if the season were not so far advanced
he would favor the passage of a fencing law. But, at this time, the first
business of the farmer was to put in his crops.
Supervisor GRANGER advocated the first resolution as a measure of relief
to those who had suffered severely by the flood.
Supervisor WOODS moved to amend the resolution so as to include the whole
county.
The ayes and noes were called upon the amendment, and it was lost by
the following vote:
Ayes--Dickerson, Woods--2.
Noes--Granger, Russell, Hite, Hall, Waterman--5.
The original resolutions were then adopted by a unanimous vote.
Supervisor HALL, from the Committee on Roads, Ferries and Bridges,
submitted a report in relation to the Placerville and Coloma, and Jackson
and Drytown roads, and a new road which had been proponed as a substitute.
The Committee stated that they had examined those portions of the roads
mentioned in the petitions and remonstrances referred for consideration.
It had been found that the Placerville and Coloma road was impassable,
and the Jackson and Drytown road, from Hull's house to Thirty-first street,
was in a very bad condition. The report favored the granting of the petition
for laying out a new road, and suggested that Viewers be appointed.
Supervisor WATERMAN concurred in the report, with the understanding that
the old roads were not to be declared vacant. The report was so amended.
Mr. Tilton of Brighton township was permitted to argue at length against
granting the prayer of the petitioners for the new road. He endeavored
to demonstrate that if the old Placerville and Coloma road wers vacated,
there were many residents of Brighton township that would have no direct
means of communication with Sacramento city.
Messrs. Roney and Day were also heard in advocacy of the maintenance of
the old roads, and Mr. Conner upon the other side of the question. Mr.
Conner said the Placerrville and Coloma was irretrievably ruined. He did
not desire the vacation of the old road; that was not necessary, for there
was no longer a practicable road there.
The report of the Committee was unanimously adopted.
Messrs. Waters and Hull were appointed Viewers, for laying out the
proposed road. It was understood that these gentlemen represented the
rural interest, and that the old roads were not to be vacated.
Supervisor RUSSELL reported in favor of a petition from A. M. Jackson,
praying. permission to remove his frame house to L street near Sixth.
Mr. Henley, on behalf of the Trustees of the Methodist Church in that
immediate neighborhood, urged the Board to refuse the prayer of the
petitioner, chiefly because any increase of frame houses in that vicinity
would endanger the church property.
Supervisor GRANGER considered the granting of such petitions, under
existing circumstances, a matter of charity.
Supervisor HITE said he had ascertained that Jackson leased the lot where
he was located and the one to which he proposed to remove, and he was
opposed to granting the petition. It would be to set a bad precedent.
The report of Supervisor Russell was adopted, and the petition,
consequently, granted. . . .
INDIAN COMMISSIONER FOR ARIZONA--FLOODS AT FORT YUMA, ETC.--Major Rigg,
commanding the post at Fort Yuma, writes as follows, under date of
February 12th, to a friend in this city: . . .
I have but little news of importance to communicate to you. We have had
our share of the flood. For some time we were completely surrounded by
water, the flood coming from both the Colorado and Gila river. Arizona
City and Colorado City were emphatically wiped out; also Gila City, not
a building left to mark the site here where once flourished a thriving
place except Colorado City. Captain George A. Johnson's residence
(Steamboat Company) was not entirely destroyed. The machine shop,
however, being built of adobe, was washed away. Hooper's store also
shared the same fate. Immense damage was sustained all along the river.
Many animals, horses, cattle, mules, sheep, etc. were drowned or mired
and starved to death. The Indians suffered very much, having lost nearly
all of their provender, besides many were drowned. . . .
THE CALAVERAS.--The Stockton Independent advocates the plan of
clearing the channel of this river from its obstructions, in order to
prevent the water from flowing into Mormon Slough. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . . SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, March 5, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, . . .
GENERAL FILE..
. . . Senate Bill No. 53--An Act to extend the time for the completion
of the foundation and basement walls of the Capitol at Sacramento
(introduced by Mr. Hathaway, with amendments by Mr. Heacock) was taken up.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN moved to refer it to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. HEACOCK said he was opposed to the motion. He did not know why
it should be referred to the Judiciary Committee, when all but one
on that Committee were opposed to the interests of Sacramento. The bill
had been reported back favorably once, and acted on by the Senate. If
it was not a proper bill let it be laid over until the other bills on
the same subject could be reported, and then let them be considered at
the same time. To refer the bill to a Committee where all but one were
opposed to the interests of Sacramento, he thought very unjust.
Mr. WARMCASTLE said there were two other bills of the same sort before
the Judiciary Committee and favored the reference.
Mr. HEACOCK said the bill simply provided for an extension of the
contract of Blake & Connor until November next. The only question the
Committee on Judiciary could consider at all as a point of law, he
apprehended every lawyer would agree with him upon, namely, that the
bill as introduced did not provide that Messrs. Blake & Connor should
give new bonds. The Committee held that if the time was extended without
requiring them to give new bonds, or file the assent of their sureties,
that they could go on and give up their contract; and they had reported
an amendment giving all the time the contractors asked, but seeking also
to protect the interests of the State by forcing the contractors to give
new bonds.
Mr. GALLAGHER said that, notwithstanding all but one member of the
Judiciary Committee were opposed to Sacramento, he could not think that
men acting under the solemn oath of office would do anything but what
was right and just. He understood this bill was simply to grant an
extension of time. He was willing not only to give them that, but to
afford them some relief. The action of the Commissioners for the
construction of the Capitol--which neither of the representatives from
Sacramonto, he would do them the justice to believe, would sustain--in
compelling these parties to go on with the work at this time, he belleved
to be very injurious to them. The Commissioners had the power to crush
them, and he was fearful of the results of allowing them to continue
without restriction.
Mr. HEACOCK asked why, if the gentleman was in favor of passing a
bill for an extension of time, he wanted this recommitted?
Mr. GALLAGHER said it was stated that the losses by the contractors were
very slight indeed. He was willing to allow them for the lime which had
been spoiled.
Mr. BURNELL thought there were no reasons for referring the bill.
The gentleman from Calaveras seemed to apprehend that certain parties
were going to be crushed, that this State was going to fall upon them.
The danger was the other way, for contractors invariably fell upon the
State. The idea of referring this to the Judiciary Committee to prevent
the State from being crushed, was simply ridiculous. If they had lost
$1,000, or $10,000, they would get relief if it took ten years to do it.
There was but a single proposition in the bill. He did not see what could
be gained by the reference of this bill, unless it was delay. The bill
had been considered by one Committee. He thought the proper course would
be to lay it over. He was opposed to letting it go on to the close of
the session to be passed over in the hurry of business.
Mr. HEACOCK raised a point of order that the amendments reported back
by the Committee had been adopted by the Senate, and the bill could
therefore not be recommitted.
Mr. PARKS said it could not be amended, although it might be recommitted.
The only way to amend it now would be to refer the bill with special
instructions.
The PRESIDENT said it could not be amended in any case before engrossment.
Mr. WARMCASTLE moved to lay it on the table.
Mr. NIXON wished to correct a statement in reference to the position
of the delegation from Sacramento.
The PRESIDENT (Mr. Shafter) said he hoped the delegation from
Sacramento would take some other opportunity to do it.
The bill was laid upon the table. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, March 5, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
FURTHER REPORTS.
. . . Mr. WRIGHT, from the Library Committee, reported back Senate
Bill No. 68--An Act providing for rebinding books in the State
Library--with amendments, according to the instructions of the House,
limiting the number of volumes rebound to 300, and the cost to $400.
The amendments were adopted, and the bill was passed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3414, 8 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Sacramento stood at about twenty feet three inches above low watermark
last evening. Rain fell yesterday, but not in any considerable quantity.
The water in the lower part of the city remains nearly stationary, with a
slightly receding tendency. . . .
DROWNED.--A man named Richard Bell was drowned at Nevada, March 3d, while
endeavoring to cross a bridge where the planking was taken up. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . Legislative Proceedings.
In the Assembly . . . The two houses disagreed in the matter of repairs
of the State Library books, and a Conference Committee was appointed on
the part of the Assembly. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
REMOVAL OF FATHER CASSIN.--lnformation was received in this city a day or
two since to the effect that Father Cassin had been removed by Archbishop
Alemany from the priesthood of St. Rose Church. . . . A correspondence
has also taken place between the officers of the Howard Benevolent Society
and Bishop Alemany, concerning the alleged neglect on the part of Father
Cassin, of women who died while under the care of the Society during the
late flood. This correspondence may also have contributed to the final
result. . . .
LAMBARD MILLS.--The Lambard Flour Mills, on I street, near Second, after
standing idle for nearly two months, commenced running on Monday morning
last, and have been kept busy during the week. The building in which
these mills are located stands on the north side of I Street and on
the edge of Sutter slough. The flood of December 9th submerged the lower
story, and during the most of the time since that date there has been
water on the lower floor, which formed an impediment to the running of
the machinery. At the present time the water is kept out by the use of
a pump, which is driven by the engine. As the building was located on
the edge of the slough, and as the machinery was driven chiefly by means
of shafting, it was feared that the walls, floors, etc., might have settled
to such an extent as to render repairs and alterations necessary before
starting again. These fears were found, on experiment, to be unfounded,
everything about the establishment proving to be as firm and solid as
before the visitation of the flood. . . .
THE WORK ON J STREET.--The work of improving J street was commenced
yesterday, and though but few hands were engaged a good start was made.
Five bridges were constructed, varying in length from thirty to sixty
feet. Two-inch Puget Sound lumber--of which ten thousand feet have been
purchased--is used for their construction. As portion of J street near
the slough is covered with water, it is designed to cross to K at
Twentieth or Twenty-first street, and improve the route upon that street
to the Fort. . . .
SLOWLY.--The Sacramento river falls very slowly. It was still about
twenty feet above low water mark at sunset last evening. . . .
ANOTHER BOAT RACE.--Another boat race will take place to-morrow afternoon
at three o'clock, at the usual locality, below the railroad between
Mooney's Whitehall boat and the Fashion. The first named boat will be
rowed by J. Mooney and R. Pierce, and the Fashion by H. N. Pearce and
J. Thomas. A wager of $500 is said to have been staked on the result.
K STREET.--A subscription list was circulated yesterday in the eastern
portion of the city, to raise funds for the improvement of K street
between Twelfth street and the Fort. It is designed to fill up all
low places in the street with willow brush from the American river,
covered with sand, of which there is a great abundance to be had along
the entire line. . . .
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 9.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
CUT OFFS--CONTRADICTORY LEGISLATION--THE PROPOSED TULARE CANAL.
Cut offs may be mischievous or beneficial according to the circumstances
under which they are made. Thus a cut off below Sacramento city would
undoubtedly tend to carry away the water more rapidly from above and
around it towards the general outlet at the Straits of Curquinez, but
a cut off above Sacramento would only facilitate the precipitation of
the flood waters on to that locality, unless such cut off was constructed
so as to discharge its waters below that city. Although the latter might
be very useful in the case of moderate floods it would only hasten the
evils during a following great rain fall; that is, whenever the supply
became heavier than the Straits of Carquinez possessed a capacity for
discharging it. This would vary, according to the nature or the tide,
and, in some measure, the winds which might prevail simultaneously with
the floods under notice.
If anything really beneficial is to be effected for the relief of the
inland cities of California located in the low central valley, such as
Sacramento, Stockton, Marysville, etc., from the disastrous effects of
future floods, it is of the utmost consequence in order to perfect a
thoroughly comprehensive and effectual system of relief that measures
be immediately taken for the purpose of clearing away contradictory
legislation and the neutralizing or purchasing all interests opposed
to such a desirable object, especially when combined with the laudable
purpose of simultaneously reclaiming 5,000,000 acres of land and
converting it from an unsightly marsh into fields waving with golden
grain, or luxuriant pastures studded with lowing herds, or filled with
flocks of sheep, regarding which animal the old Spanish proverb relates
"that wherever its foot touches the land is turned into gold." Incident
to such measures if finally adopted, would be the enormous reservation
of mechanical power consequent on the imprisonment of flood waters,
which, under their natural condition, are sometimes so terribly
disastrous. It would be; accompanied by benefits similar to those
which follow the adoption of the principles of civilization by savage
man, namely: the conversion of fitful, destructive and objectless power
into continuous, well directed, useful labor. In the brief summary which
will close this series, I shall advert to the measures which ought to be
adopted, and also dwell in some degree upon the means by which they may
be facilitated, in order to avoid future danger and obtain prospective
advantages; before arriving at which I have something to say on several
other matters, one of which can perhaps be appropriately alluded to at
the present moment; that is the great tendency of past, present and
prospective legislation to form such a muddle of interests as will
speedily, and, if not instantly and effectually stopped, form an
effectual bar to the practicability of carrying out any comprehensive,
truly effectual and beneficial plan hereafter.
I am only aware of the quantity of swamp land alienated from the State,
from the letter of Mr. Winn (see Union of the fourth ultimo), by which
it appears that the State has disposed of its interest in 287,490 out of
381,034 acres that have been surveyed under the existing Swamp Land
Commission; there still remains, probably 4,000,000 acres of land,
capable of being converted into the highest state of fertility. These
ought to be retained by the State, and not an acre more be alienated
until a definite and comprehensive plan is adopted, after the strictest
scrutiny and mature deliberation. This estate might be made the basis
for obtaining the requisite funds for commencing and in part completing
the works requisite for its reclamation contemporaneously with the
execution of works that would equally relieve the cities of the plains
and the swamp lands themselves. Part being completed, the drained and
secured lands might be sold, or a loan could be obtained on the
improvements so made, and thus step by step the whole might probably
be completed within ten years from, the time of commencing operations.
If such a scheme was honestly and unanimously set about, I am satisfied
all the funds requisite for the execution of the works which I contemplate
could be obtained at the rate of ten per cent. per annum, whilst the
benefit which would enure to the State would, at the expiration, be
worth more than cent [sic] per cent. per annum in direct increased revenue
derived by its inhabitants, and wholly excluding in this estimate the
collateral advantage of resting in perfect security from any future
damage arising from floods. In another way the State has, I believe,
alienated, or gone far towards doing so, an additional 500,000 acres,
or in round numbers, 800,000. In the latter case I allude to the Tulare
Canal Company. This scheme has twice or oftener obtained franchises
from the Legislature. The first one was forfeited; a second or third
one was granted by the last Legislature, the trustees of which, I
understand, have done very little towards accomplishing the results
promised, which promises were the means of obtaining their franchise.
I do not know whether I am rightly informed or not, but I understand
that, owing to non-fulfillment of the conditions on which the franchise
was granted, the company possessing the existing charter will have to
come before the present Legislature for the renewal, or what is tantamount
thereto, namely, an extension of time. This matter should be suspended,
until a thorough inquiry and accurate data has been obtained for devising
the best means for obtaining the various advantage in view.
It is possible, indeed probable that, to a cer: tain [sic] extent, the
existing arrangement regarding the Swamp Land Commission and a portion
of its fund would be the easiest and most expeditious mode of obtaining
the means for the construction of works which, whilst made in consonance
with a general plan, could with justice be taken advantage of for rendering
the city of Sacramento perfectly for the ensuing Winter, even though it
should prove as wet as the current season. The Tulare canal, however, is
a different matter, for if I understand that it means anything at all, it
means a canal made with the object of accelerating the flow of water from
the county proposed to be drained by it towards the common outlet at the
Straits of Carquinez. If it does not accomplish this, it would not
accomplish anything that is valuable, and would be perfectly useless to
its grantees. I know nothing of the practicability of this scheme in a
pecuniary or an engineering point of view. I only know that if, when
executed, the canal does what it is intended to do, it must, by more
readily inundating the lower valley, cause a reflex action on the waters
issuing from the Sacramento and American rivers, and very much enhance
the danger of Sacramento being again flooded on the occasion of a
repetition of similar rain storms to those which we have lately
experienced. On another account I shall have occasion to again refer
to this matter. I wish here to be most emphatically understood as by
no means advocating the forfeiture of, or in anywise abolishing the
equitable claims of parties already interested in either the lands already
alienated under the Swamp Land Act, or what are proposed to be by the
Tulare Canal Act. What I desire to see done is that all these matters
should be prevented from becoming paramount to, and exercising an
injurious tendency on, works hereafter to be proposed, which would have
a much wider, more permanent and profitable tendency, while those proposed
under the two Acts named would be directly injurious, so far as regards
increasing the destructive effects of futiure floods, and might also at
the same time be calculated to produce a clashing of interests that would
be fatal to the construction of any really valuable works in future.
Whatever rights or equities may have been obtained, owing to the
indifference of the public and the supineness of previous legislators,
let them be fairly, in fact, fully paid for, if required to be condemned
for public use.
Mr. Winn, in his letter, states that "we look to the ultimate reclamation
of all the swamp lands in this State." If so, notwithstanding his staff
of seventeen scientific assistants, as yet not one of them has publicly
shown any practicable plan for accomplishing so desirable an end.
"Levees!" "Levees!" have been all the cry. It is possible some hidden
Stephenson or mute but as yet inglorious Brunel may be amongst this
body; but as yet the public knows nothing of the fact, while it does
know and feel that a glorious opportunity for the display of genius has
as yet passed without the opportunity having been seized by any of its
members. I do not advocate the abolition of the Swamp Land Commission
and its staff; they may be made useful as an adjunct to a more pretentious
body, having more comprehensive objects in view and a clearer idea as to
the mode of accomplishing its various objects. This section, containing
matter relating to cut-offs, affords me the opportunity of explaining
that in a former paper, when asserting that all the dredging that could
be accomplished on the Hog's Back would not occasion a tea cup full more
water to hourly pass through the: Straits of Carquinez, I ought to have
stated "on occasions of overflow [no close "], when the river is confined between
banks the effect of dredging would undoubtedly very greatly increase the
flow towards and the discharge through the Straits of Carquinez. For
this and similar omissions and occasional deficient lucidity. I have to
request the reader to overlook, as I have observed that some confusion
of ideas may sometimes be occasioned owing to my having attempted to
explain too much or too many phases of a subject rather more briefly
than it was possible to accomplish. For the preceding other shortcomings,
I respectfully crave the reader's indulgence, on the ground that all
these papers have been written very hastily--part sometimes at my
residence and part at San Francisco, while attending to appointments
respecting widely different subjects, and not unfrequently attempted
to be revised whilst in conversation with others. This attempted apology
is obnoxious to the remark that I might have taken more time to have
written what I have done. This I would gladly have done, so far as my
own feelings are concerned, but as I could not tell how soon I might
be able to afford more time to devote to the subject, and feeling
satisfied that if action is to be taken on the matter there was not
a moment to lose, I have ventured to present my views to the public
notwithstanding the crude character of their composition. I may
conclude this episode by observing that all the chief engineering
points which I have or shall have to notice on this subject were firmly
impressed on my mind nearly six years ago, when I first visited the
various canons which receive the head waters of the different rivers
that discharge themselves into the valleys of the Sacramento and San
Joaquin, having previously, to that first journey been called upon as
consulting engineer on inquiries similar to and only varying from the
present by difference in magnitude. I was necessarily more impressionable
to the fact of the utilitarian purposes to which the physical
characteristics around these head waters were capable of being
converted, and I sighed to think that probably not until long after
the mind which then dwelt upon this subject had been separated from
its earthly tenement, and the hand that pens this had returned to
primitive dust, would the public mind be awakened to the great importance
and value of the works I have indicated, and shall hereafter advocate.
A sudden, though to me not altogether unexpected catastrophe, has drawn
public attention to the matter. According to results it will be seen
whether it has been sufficient to arouse the energies of the citizens
of California to manfully combat with and successfully overcome the evil.
THE OHIO--THE PO--THE LINCOLNSHIRE FENS.
Having recently obtained some statistics respecting the floods of the Ohio,
which will be serviceable as illustrative of the rate at which flood-waters
"between banks" pass down swollen rivers, I repeat them here. The greatest
flood of the Ohio, respecting which there is either tradition or record,
is the one of February, 1832, when this river attained a height of 31 feet
at Pittsburg, 442 feet at Wheeling and 63 feet at Cincinnati, above its
Summer level.
This flood is recorded to have attained its highest mark from place to
place along the Ohio as follows:
Pittsburg, February 10th.
Wheeling, February 11th (evening), 83 miles.
Marietta, February 13th (noon), 176 miles.
Maysville, February 16th (night), 405 miles.
Cincinnati, February 10th (midnight ), 460 miles.
Louisville, February 21st (morning), 613.
From the above it would appear that the flood traveled from Pittsburg
to Cincinnati, a distance computed to be 400 miles, in seven days and
a half, or at the rate of sixty-one miles per day, or two miles and a
half per hour. This is a very slow rate I suspect, when compared with
the velocity of the American river at high flood; probably not quite
one-half the rate of the latter under similar circumstances.
Whilst alluding to the American river it will not be out of place to
make allusion to some comments of A. F. G. respecting my calculations
on this point. I have not time to go over the estimates now, which is
the less requisite, as I am quite willing to accept that gentleman's
corrections, by remarking upon them however, as to a note which I
forwarded to the UNION on the 1st instant, I fell into an error owing
to the hasty glance which I could then only give to it. What I presume
A. F, G. must have intended to express was the fact that to carry off
the one-fifth of the flood waters which I propose should be impounded
in the canons on the upper parts of the three forks, can be securely
carried away by a canal as proposed by A. F. G., respecting which a
very practical rejoinder is made in some remarks by the editor of UNION,
namely, that apparently to a bystander who witnessed the stream flowing
through the recent crevasse of the American river, a canal such as
proposed by A. F. G., would be inadequate for the purpose. This is only
what I should a priori have anticipated, and for the following
seasons [sic]:
First--The impounded waters have necessarily a primary influence in
obviating floods to the extent of the volume so withheld, but there
are other consonant agencies consequent on such impoundage.
Second--The retention of so large a volume of water at the time of high
flood will proportionately retard the rate of outflow of the balance which
is drained by the lower parts of the river, by which means the secure
carrying power of the river between banks is increased ratebly to the
extra time so acquired for the discharge.
Third--The lake like character given to the upper waters tends greatly
to diminish the velocity of their flow through such lakes, thus retarding
their, descent until the first flood waters of the lower water shed have
had time to discharge themselves without endangering the couutry adjoining
the banks of the river.
It will thus be seen that the collateral advantages of impounding the
upper waters are fully equal to and probably exceed that of reducing so
large a mass to simple quiescence. When I rather empirically estimated
that the impoundage of one-fifth of the rain fall during twenty-four
hours, of the area drained by the American would suffice, for safety,
I had in view all the accessory advantages to be derived from such an
operation. The correctness of this view is corroborated by the
observations of the editor of the UNION. But the proposal of A. F. G.
is defective in a most important point, namely, the fact that even though
such a canal proved effective in saving Sacramento, it will only hasten
the inundation of lands below, for A. F. G. errs very much in inferring
that the Straits of Carquinez possess a capacity equal to the safe
conveyance in time of flood or the drainage of the large valley to which
they are the outlet.
My remarks respecting the Po must he brief; in fact it is the less
necessary to enter into the particulars of this river, as many of a
similar character have been touched upon when treating of the Mississippi.
The rain fall on the water shed drained by the Po is somewhat similar to
that which drains into the Misnissippi, namely: forty inches per annum,
not limited, as is the case of California, to three or four months, but
spread not very unevenly over the entire year. It is true that the season,
from June to the end of October is very dry, the supply of water to the Po
is, however, in such cases, maintained by the melting of the accumulation
of snow and ice on the Alps. This remark also applies to California under
analogous circumstances, namely: the melting of the snows of the Sierra
Nevada.
It must, however, be kept always in view that this special similarity
exercises no influence on the comparison. I have already stated that
during seasons like the current one, it is a low estimate to calculate
the rain fall of the area which drains through the Straits of Carquinez
at 60 inches in the course of three, whilst that of the Po us only 40
inches extended over twelve months, or six times the proportional amount
falls in the valley of California within a given time. There is also
this fact favorable to the Po, as also with the Mississippi, when
compared with the case of California, that evaporation exercises an
enormous influence in ameliorating the floods which descend to the Po.
As an illustration of this, it may be mentioned that of the amount of
rain fall which drains from the water shed of the Ohio into that river,
only forty per cent, finds its way into that tributary of the Mississippi,
sixty per cent, passing off in evaporation. There is every reason for
believing that as great or a greater percentage of the water shed of the
Po passes off in like manner. The evaporation in the California valley is
no doubt very great, but its influence only becomes manifest to any extent
after all danger from floods has ceased to be threatening. Practically,
therefore, no abatement on this account can be made when contemplating
the construction of works for avoiding the destructive effects of floods
in California in the arrangements of plans for keeping open the water
courses during the dry season evaporation is an important element, but
not requisite to'be entered upon in the present state of the inquiry.
Nor does the extraordinary difference between the case of the Po and
California end here; the entire water shed drained by the Po cannot
exceed twenty-five thousand square miles, whilst that drained through
the Straits of Carquinez is at least double that area, or fifty thousand
square miles. Notwithstanding all these advantages in favor of the Po,
and a system of leveeing that has been accumulating upwards of two
thousand years, the levees are overflowed almost annually, and their
neighborhood inundated. These floods are in consequence, in part, of
the defective principles and arrangements originally made on initiating
the levee system, and partly to a natural cause, namely: the shallow
character of the sea into which the Po debouches. The Po, like the
Mississippi, annually increases the elevation of its bed, and consequently
renders it indispensably necessary from time to time to elevate the
levees in proportion. In the absence of surveys, executed with the
minutest accuracy, it would be impossible to say how far this evil can
be guarded against through the favorable or unfavorable nature of the
fall from Sacramento to Carquinez. Whatever may be the favorable
circumstances, it is highly probable that they will be more than
neutralized by the circumstance that the rivers San Joaquin and
Sacramento are to some extent tidal rivers, which the Po and Mississippi
are not. This tidal influence is perhaps the most difficult matter to
get over of any connected with the subject, as its bearings are so much
ramified.
The fens of Lincolnshire have been alluded to as a very opposite case,
where leveeing, it is asserted, has proved very efficient. In this, as
in many more instances, "distance lends enchantment to the view"--in
this case both distance of time and distance of space. This extensive
area of lowlands is about seventy miles in length, varying from twenty
to forty miles in breadth and covering a space amounting to very near if
not full 700,000 acres. Part of this space was subjected to the
incursions of the sea, to prevent which levees became indispensable.
Their adoption, however, to too great an extent, in order to protect
the interior portions from the effects of land floods without the aid
of other accessories, caused the greater part of this area to remain
in a scarcely half reclaimed state. It is highly probable that the
attempt at reclamation was first made by the Romans. The "long causey,"
twenty-four miles in length, was made of gravel three feet thick and
sixty feet broad by those conquerors. A cutting was made across this
embankment a few years ago, which displayed the permanent character of
the works constructed by that extraordinary people. It was laid upon
the turf, the first layer being oak branches, then a tolerably thick
layer of rough flag stones, afterwards alternate layers of gravel and
clay, which in the course of time formed a cement which nothing but an
unwearied application of the pick could remove. This episode will serve
as an illustration of the kind of works that I contemplate and would
recommend; it ought also to remove the objection raised by. A. F. G.
to impounding of the upper waters of the American and other rivers; for,
if properly constructed, there is not the slightest danger of such
reservoirs bursting their embankments. I of course never contemplated
that such would be permitted to be made other than in the most
substantial and perfect manner. The slip-slop and ephemeral nature
of the embankment made for such purposes by private water companies,
as exhibited in such works made in California previous to this period,
would form a very inadequate criterion as to what ought to be done in
the formation of works that should be made to last all time. History
shows that, notwithstanding the efforts of the Romans, the fen county
remained a desolate one for ages afterwards, the first energetic effort
at reclamation in modern times being made by Morton, Bishop of Ely,
A. D. 1478. In the reign of Elizabeth, the general drainage of what was
called the great level became a matter of public interest, at the latter
end of which reign and the beginning of James the First, A. D. 1600-1606,
several Acts were made and charters granted for the improvement of the
fen districts--not, however, without opposition on the part of the "fen
men," who stated that the reclamation of such lands would cause the
destruction of wild ducks and other water fowl. During the Commonwealth
more energetic measures were taken under the superintendence of Vermuyden;
very imperfect, however, were all these attempts which were afterwards
from about 1770 to 1800, almost rendered valueless in consequence of
breaches made through the original levees; owing to conflicting interests
no systematic and energetic efforts were made toward obtaining effectual
relief until the year 1818, from which period, until the year 1830, works,
both of drainage and leveeing, were simultaneously carried on under the
advice of the celebrated engineers Tilford and Rennie. I have drawn up
the brief sketch of the history of the drainage of the Lincolnshire fens,
with the object of showing that the existing flourishing country was only
the result of a series of efforts made after repeated errors, ftnd a
comprehensive system adopted suitable to meet all the exigencies of the
case. I could have adduced some striking examples had time and space
permitted. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, March 6, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, . . .
The Assembly amendments in reference to repairing books in the State Library
were opposed by Mr. Parks, and rejected. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3415, 10 March 1862, p. 1
LETTERS FROM WASHINGTON.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2d.
The longest way round is said to be sometimes the shortest way home,
and acting upon this ancient and paradoxical maxim I sent a letter
containing the proceedings of Congress up to the 30th ult., by the
steamer which left New York yesterday. We receive letters by the
overland mail so irregularly and of such uncertain ages, that a pretty
large proportion of the business and friendly correspondence with the
Pacific is reserved for the steamer. It is a little curious, that while
we get the UNION and other California papers twenty-eight and sometimes
twenty-seven days old, letters are often thirty-five days in coming
overland. The recent floods west of the Rocky Mountains, and indeed
the freshets and storms which have prevailed throughout the North and
West, have, it is feared, added to the difficulties of the overland
service. Joined to these causes of interruption are the operations of
the Missouri bridge burners. It is said that men born to be hanged will
never be drowned, so I suppose it were in vain to wish that the high floods
might be severely destructive to human life in the particular localities
infested by these wretches. . . .
p. 2
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, March 7, 1862.
. . .Senate Bill No. 178--An Act supplementary to an Act to provide for
the segregation and reclamation of swamp lands--was taken up.
Mr. PARKS offered an amendment, making all persons altering levees in
hight, width or otherwise, guilty of and punishable for misdemeanor;
which was adopted.
Several amendments were made in Committee of the Whole. The bill was read
a third time and passed, by a vote of--ayes, 17; noes, 7. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, March 7, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
THE STATE LIBRARY.
A message from the Senate announced that that body had refused to concur
in Assembly amendments to Senate Bill No. 68--An Act to authorize the
rebinding of books for the State Library.
Mr. SHANNON moved that the House recede, as he was satisfied that the
sum to which the expenditure was limited by the House was altogether
insufficient, and as the law already gave the Trustees of the State
Library full power to manage the Library Fund, to restrict them in this
respect would have no other effect than to prevent them from repairing
the books.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco, said he hoped the House would not recede.
The amendment was adopted unanimously upon a statement of information
in possession of the Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr. WARWICK said the Trustees had control only of the library fund which
was set apart for the specific purpose of the purchase of the books. That
fund was in a healthy condition, having been carefully husbanded, and as
the Trustees had not squandered that fund he saw no reason to suspect that
they would squander any appropriation for rebinding the books.
Mr. BARTON of Sacramento said he thought somebody was going to make a good
thing out of this rebinding. He understood that the State Librarian had
without authority transferred about half the books to Sun Francisco, and
that two dollars per volume had been named ias the price of rebinding, but
the State binder had told him he thought he could reblnd the books for
seventy-five cents each. He hoped the House would adhere to its position.
After further debate the House refused to recede from its amendments,
and on motion of Mr. Ames, a Committee of Free Conference was appointed.
The Speaker appointed as such Committee, on the part of the House, Messrs.
Ames, Shannon, and Tilton of Saa Francisco. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, March 8, 1862.
Lieutenant Governor Chellis called the Senate to order at the usual hour. . . . .
ASSEMBLY MESSAGES.
A message was received from the Assembly, announcing the disagreement of
that body as to the Senate amendments to the bill authorizing the rebinding
of books in the State Library, and the appointment of a Committee of
Conference.
The PRESIDENT appointed Messrs. Denver, Oulton and Harvey as a Committee
on the part of the Senate. . . . .
p. 3
PERILOUS, BUT FUNNY AND LAUGHABLE.--One of the richest adventures of
this season of floods came to our knowledge a few days ago. A gentleman
residing in the southern part of this county, having urgent business at
home, started from this place, post haste, in a rain storm, last Tuesday,
determined to "brook" all obstacles that might obstruct his path or
prevent him from being with his family during the impending flood, that
he saw plainly must be the result of the rain storm. He made about half
the distance the first day, and put up for the night with a friend. On
Wednesday morning he saddled up, and started on his way rejoicing, little
dreaming of the "sad fate" in store for him. Arriving at a small stream,
now swollen to a mad torrent, some two miles from the place where he spent
the night, and concluding that the passage would be not only difficult
but considerably "wet," our hero took the precaution to doff his clothing,
all, save his shirt, tied them in a bundle to the horn of his saddle,
took the oath, mounted his steed and plunged into the muddy waters. At
the first plunge down went his horse, and overboard went the rider. The
horse relieved of his burden, struck boldly for the opposite shore, while
our hero, unable to stem the current, landed upon the same side from which
he started, covered with mud and benumbed with cold. Here was a dilemma,
perplexing as it was laughable, though we doubt if our hero was at all
inclined to be humorous. In a primitive state of nudity (barring the
shirt), shivering with cold, his horse and clothes upon one side of an
impassable stream, and himself upon the other, he took a long passionate
look to charger, clothes and stream, as things he might not see
again--and hastily seceeded from the scene of his misfortune, his shirt
tail streaming in the wind like a flag of truce, making 2:40 time for
the house he had left in the morning. Begrimed with mud, and resembling
a Camanche warrior who had found somebody's clothes line, footsore and
out of breath he arrived at the house of his friend. But here was a poser;
his modesty forbade his appearing before the family in his present plight,
and to stay outside was to freeze. Self-preservation being the first law
of nature, he determined to make a bold dash, and a bed standing near the
door furthered his plans, and with one bound he was inside and landed
safely out of sight under the bed, tipping over the--"wash basin." The
novel apparition caused a general stampede of the inmates--ladies and
children screamed, the cat ran up the chimney, and the dog lowered his
caudle appendage between his legs and shyed into the furthest corner.
The gentleman of the house came to the rescue; matters were explained,
dry clothes furnished, our hero came out from his hiding place (the ladies
retiring from the room), dressed, and appeared to enjoy the joke as hugely
as any of them. Before night his his [sic] horse returned to him, and the
next day he pursued his journey, comforting himself with the reflection
that "all is well that ends well."--Red Bluff Independent, March 4th. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Telegraphic communication with the East has been interrupted for
several days by very heavy snow storms that have occurred beyond the
Weber station. The break occurred between the Weber and Millersville
stations, and the depth of the snow has retarded the repairing of the
line. When the floods were at their hight on this side of the Sierra
Nevada, it is said that there was considerable feeling among the folks
who have charge of the eastern end of the line because the communication
was interrupted in this State. Now the boot is on the other leg. But
unavoidable accidents are charitably regarded in California. . . .
We continue to receive and publish communications in reference to
floods and the construction of levees--topics in which we have a vital
interest, that must not languish as the peril of the waters is temporarily
averted.
The Sacramento stood at about nineteen feet ten inches above low water
mark last evening. It is subsiding very slowly. . . .
SALT LAKE.--A dispatch to the Bulletin, dated at Salt Lake,
March 8th, has the following:
It snowed very hard here last night, and the snow fell to the depth
of thirteen inches. Quite a storm raged both east and west of here.
Communication with the East is momentarily expected. Owing to the
immense depth of the snow and the bad roads, the repairing of the
telegraph line is somewhat retarded.
The mails from the East are detained by the continued storms and deep
snows along the line. Only four mails have passed here since the 9th
of February. . . .
[The trouble in the telegraph line is between Weber and Millersville
stations. Weber is about forty miles east of Salt Lake.--EDS. UNION.] . . . .
[For the Union.]
THE CANAL PROPOSITION.
EDITORS UNION: I observe that Mr. Rowlandson still adheres to his theory
that the narrowness of the Straits of Carquinez is the chief cause of
Sacramento and the swamp lands adjoining being flooded when our rain fall
is heavy, and that a canal to straighten the course of the American could
not therefore cure the evil. Mr. Rowlandson has, however, failed to observe
to what extent the Sacramento is really affected by the combined
impediments of the narrow Straits of Carquinez (which, after all, has a
pretty deep channel), the Hog's Back, a much worse obstacle, and the flood
waters of the Mokelumne and San Joaquin rivers. Now if all these put
together only back up the Sacramento waters to a very inconsiderable
distance, far below Sacramento and Sutterville, the objection so far as
it affects Sacramento has no weight whatever. By reference to the several
grades of fall of the Sacramento and American rivers, this can be proved
beyond dispute. No doubt the canal must have greater capacity than the one
I suggested, by adhering too closely to what Mr. Rowlandson assumed would
afford "absolute security" to Sacramento. You have before observed, however,
that means must be found for what is necessary to be done. Yours,
etc., A. F. G.
A TELEGRAPHIC FEAT.--The New York Times of February 7th relates
the following instance of direct telegraphing from Boston to Salt Lake:
The feat of telegraphing from Boston to Salt Lake City was performed
on Saturday night, the operatives at either end of the wire exchauging
the compliments of the season. The dispatch from Salt Lake City was
dated 8:35, and was received in Boston at 10:30. The route taken by the
dispatches was through Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis, and
from thence directly across the prairies. The operators at Omaha City
and Salt Lake City reported the weather very cold, with deep snow. An
attempt was made to open communication with San Francisco, but it failed,
probably from the absence of the operator. Arrangements have been made,
and it is expected that on Thursday night communications will be sent
direct from Halifax, N. S., to San Francisco. . . .
STORMING IN THE MOUNTAINS.--An individual who came down from La Porte,
Sierra county, February 7th, informs the Marysville Express that a severe
snow storm was raging in the mountains. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE
THE STEAMER SWAN.--At an early hour on Saturday morning, the steamers
Gem and Victor arrived at the levee from Red Bluff. It will be remembered
that the Victor broke a portion of her machinery, a week ago; that the
Swan, in going to her aid, ran on to a sandbar, and that the Gem left
on Wednesday morning for the purpose of assisting both. The castings
taken up by the Gem enabled the Victor to repair and return to the city.
The Gem had the misfortune to tear off several of the paddles of her
wheel, but the injury was not so great as to prevent her from running.
The Swan is in a position from which she can only be extricated by
considerable labor and expense. She ran upon a sandbar recently formed,
the existence of which was unknown to the pilots. The waters have since
fallen so far that the steamer is entirely out of water. About eleven
o'clock on Saturday forenoon the steamer Victor started up the river
again with the apparatus necessary to bring the Swan back to her natural
element. The Navigation Company had entered into a contract with Edward
Fell, who recently launched the Gem at Rabel's, to accomplish the same
result in the present instance. The apparatus taken up on the Victor
was used in the case of the Gem. It is the design of those who have the
matter in charge to paint and caulk the Swan before she is launched, so
that she will not be fairly afloat again short of a week or ten days.
MOONLIGHT AND MUSIC.--On Saturday evening a number of social parties
were out boating ou the waters south of the city. The vicinity of the
railroad and Sixth and Seventh streets resounded with vocal music,
chiefly from female voices. The water was unusually calm, the moon
bright, and the evening pleasant. Such opportunities for pleasant
excursions should be generally embraced, and especially as it is to
be earnestly hoped that after the present season they will never return
in their present form. . . .
SHOULD BE ATTENDED TO.--The sidewalk in front of No. 153 J street has
been raised some two or three feet above its former level and above
those of the adjoining stores. The east end is provided with steps
for the benefit of foot passengers, and the west end is not. There
is danger of accident at night, and great inconvenience at all times
produced by the omission. The subject should receive early attention
from those whom it may concern. . . .
STILL SOWING.--Farmers in the vicinity of the city are still plowing
land which has been inundated, with the intention of sowing wheat.
There are others whose land is yet too wet to plow, who say they will
sow wheat in small quantities for experimental purposes whenever it
becomes dry enough, although that may not be until the Fourth of July. . . .
THE BOAT RACE.--A boat race took place yesterday afternoon, below the
railroad, between Mooney's boat, pulled by J. Mooney and R. Peirce, and
the Fashion, pulled by H. N. Pearce and J. Thomas. The race was won by
the Fashion by about her own length. . . .
RAIN AND RIVER.--A moderate rain set in at about eight o'clock last
evening. The city gauge indicated nineteen feet nine inches in the
Sacramento above low water mark. . . .
FROST.--The frost was so heavy in the vicinity of the city several
mornings last week as to injure the fruit trees which were in bloom. . . .
[For the Union.]
OVERFLOWS AND LEVEE DEFENSES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In my last communication I intimated that I would in
the next direct my attention to levee defenses for Sacramento City.
I could have desired to have discussed more elaborately the subject of
overflows in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, before treating
upon modes of defense, so that the full magnitude of what we have to
encounter may be borne in mind while arranging for its resistance; but
there are urgent reasons for immediate attention to the levees required
to protect Sacramento City from inundation. In the first place, the
State has commenced the erection of Capitol buildings in Sacramento,
and as the session of the Legislature will soon close, legislation is
needed in aiding the city to accomplish the work of leveeing the city,
as it depends much upon what showing the city makes in its efforts to
render the property of the State safe, as to whether the work of building
the Capitol will be continued this season.
Not only for the above reason is there a deep anxiety felt by large
communities besides Sacramento, as to the securing, at that point, of
access from the navigable waters to the mountains, it being the
distributing point of a very large portion of the trade and travel of
California, as well as Nevada Territory.
Now in order to make this access certain and available to all modes of
conveyance, it is necessary that a levee should be built from the
Sacramento river along the south bank of the American to high land.
It is true that railway communication may be had over trestle work,
and if it is conceded that the railroad will answer all purposes, then
we at once waive all pretense that there is any need of a city at
Sacramento. No one will deny that cheap steamboat fares and railway
connection has vastly increased the "forwarding" business on the landing,
and proportionately decreased the wholesale trade of Sacramento. The plan
of some, which is to levee in a portion of the town, thereby making it an
island, will totally fail to recover to our drenched city its former thrift
and prosperity. The chief reliance in the future of Stockton, Sacramento
and Marysville will be found in the local trade of a contiguous and rich
agricultural country, and unless this trade is fostered and kept in constant
communication it will furnish itself with local conveniences, and be diverted
to the greater and more centralizing markets of San Francisco. It would be
well for those favoring the plan of isolating Sacramento from the country
by making it an island, to estimate the loss it would annually sustain
by permitting the American river to flow over its south bank and inundate
the heretofore productive farms along the Sacramento from the American
to the Cosumnes river. Indeed, the floods of this Winter are likely to
sadly demonstrate that Sacramento City can illy afford to have the farming
country around her an unproductive desolation. Look at the subject as we
may, and whatever its bearings, any levee system adopted that does not
turn the entire volume of the American river north of Sacramento City,
fails to bring any substantial benefits to the town.
It has been gravely suggested that a canal could be cut somewhere near
Brighton to carry off a portion of the water of the American river,
and discharge it into the Sacramento near Sutterville. Such a proposition
would create a dubious smile from the person making it, on an inspection
of the country and an estimate of the size of a canal sufficient to
afford perceptible relief to the turbulent and swollen American. I pass
such a project by without discussion, holding to the opinion that it is
best not to allow an undesirable guest to gain admission to your domicil.
In other words, that to attempt to carry the American river both sides of
the city, is to permit it to some time take a notion to drive directly
through the town. Even were a canal cut through the locality indicated
found of service in disposing of the surplus waters of the American, such
a viaduct would, in no long time, form a bar across the Sacramento so as
to destroy the navigation to that city. To permit the American river to
overflow its south bank and traverse the country toward the Cosumnes, is
to endanger all modes of communication during the season of floods, as
the avalanche of water, bearing along accumulations of timber from
uprooted forests and broken bridges, will sweep away any trestle work
the Railroad Company may build, which allows the passage of such a torrent.
In my opinion, the Railroad Company should join with the city in the
construction of a levee from Oak Ridge to the high land near Patterson's,
or perhaps build that portion of the levee, and aid, to some extent, by
bringing down rock needed in the construction of the line from Oak Ridge
to the mouth of the American. The levee from Oak Ridge to Patterson's
would of course be the superstructure for the rails, but below Oak Ridge
the line of the levee would have to deflect from a straight course to
accommodate itself to the most favorable formations of the land and
protect the northern part of the city, so that it would be of no use
to the railroad except as a matter of protection against an inundation.
No mere earth work can successfully withstand the floods of the American
river, nor should a levee, however strongly built, be located so as to
allow of the accumulation of any considerable body of water against it.
The momentum and accumulative force of our precipitous mountain streams
is beyond estimate, and when our levees are so designed as to direct
and lead the torrent rather than breast it, they will put to the test
the ingenuity of Science in a contest with Nature.
In my next, I will endeavor to show what effect a levee, which shall turn
the entire volume of the American river north of the city, will have upon
the navigation of the Sacramento river. WILSON FLINT. . . .
DEFENSES OF STOCKTON.--The Stockton Republican thus speaks in
reference to the importance of protecting that city for the future
against the incroachments of floods:
The floods of 1862 have demonstrated to the people of this city that
one of two things must be done, to protect us from the ravages of high
waters which may descend from the mountains--either to build a high and
substantial levee, for the purpose of turning the water from the plains
into Mormon Slough; or to open the natural channels or sloughs traversing
the town, and let them ever remain unobstructed. In order to accomplish
the latter proposition, it will be necessary to open Miner's avenue and
Oak street, and deepen and widen the sloughs traversing them, leaving them
entirely free from the incumbrance of fences and houses. This will cost
a large sum of money, and still those residing on the line of those
sloughs will be liable to overflow during extraordinary freshets. The
levee system, it strikes us, would be not only more economical, but safer.
Experience now demonstrates that a levee four feet high, and of sufficient
base to resist a heavy pressure of water, on the east side of the city,
would have saved us all the inconveniences and losses occasioned by the
mountain currents which visited us the present Winter. Against back water
we can make no successful defense; but a tithe of the loss sustained by
water from the plains this season would place us beyond the possibility
of disaster from that quarter in the future. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3416, 11 March 1862, p. 1
[For the Union.]
PROTECTION FROM FLOODS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In a former communication I promised to show what
benefits would accrue to the navigation of the Sacramento river below
the city, by the construction of a levee along the south bank of the
American, which should turn its entire volume north of the town, and
in order to arrive at a proper understanding of the subject it will
be necessary to describe the. topography of the country adjacent to
the mouth of the American river on its northern bank. From Folsom,
until the American river passes Norris' bridge, the stream will in
all coming time be confined to a narrow bottom on its north side, as
a high bluff reaches down within a few hundred yards of the river to
the place indicated; but after passing Norris' bridge nearly opposite
Smith's Garden, the land to the north spreads out into a wide tule
basin extending nearly up to the mouth of the Feather river, and
having only a narrow belt of land to separate it from the Sacramento.
Now this great basin must become the receptacle of the debris from the
American river. It is supposed by some that the basin described will
be reclaimed by a projected levee which is to extend from high land on
the American river to the Sacramento, and thence along its east bank
to the Feather, and up the latter to high land on Bear river.
Notwithstanding that an official survey shows that all this (District
No. 1) can be reclaimed for some thirteen thousand dollars less than
there will be in the Swamp Land Fund of that district (some sixty
thousand dollars), I beg to suggest that there are a number of
arroyos not disposed of, among which may be named Coon creek and
Auburn ravine, either of which would fill up in two days time of the
floods of this Winter the said basin, after being leveed, to say nothing
of the Bear river and Auburn canal, and the canals of the North Fork
of the American river, which discharge into it throughout the year.
It is possible that "absorption," as somewhere explained, will dispose
of the vast body of water to be precipitated upon District No. 1. The
presumption, however, is that the term "absorption "is designed as a
figurative expression rather than to have a practical bearing. Really
the work of reclaiming the district north of the American river is
one of such magnitude as to be beyond the reach of the present generation.
It can only be done when there shall be a dense and wealthy population
on our high lands. A swift, voluminous stream, like the American,
bearing along its bosom the wreck of gigantic forests, and the
sedimentary drift of ariferous mountains, dissolving under hydraulic
batteries, can never be restrained within the limits of its former
natural banks, by any levees within the compass of our pecuniary
resources, and one side or the other of its banks must be surrendered
to extraordinary inundations. Suppose that a contest should be entered
into by persons on the opposings sides of the river, in the construction
of works calculated to defend each from overflow; which would, in the
outset, possess advantages of position and pecuniary resources, enabling
it to surpass the other in the strength and magnitude of its works? It
must be obvious that the eight or nine millions of capital invested in
Sacramento city would outweigh the Swamp Land Fund of sixty thousand
dollars, or the means of those holding unproductive swamp lands. Then,
again, the country south of the American river and to the west of Brighton
is elevated above the bottom land on the north side, and the indications
are that the American river has been gradually shifting its junction with
the Sacramento towards the north and west for a long period. Oak Ridge,
Poverty Hill, and the high sand bank composing the City Cemetery as well
as the bluffs of Sutterville, have successively been at the mouth of the
American river, where it debouched into a great inland sea--as each of
the prominences named have been raised by the surf and trade winds
throwing up on the beach the sand and debris discharged from the river.
It is most natural to follow nature, and artificial aid can greatly
facilitate the American river in seeking a still further north and
western outlet into the Sacramento.. The time is, comparatively, not
remote when the American river had its principal channel through Sutter
Lake, and out into the Sacramento near the Water Works. Much alarm has
been felt by residents of Sacramento, lest the American river should
cut itself a channel directly into the town from Rabel's tannery, or
at a lower point, on Judge McKune's ranch. It is true that at these
two points the river has made vast approaches to the south within a
few years, but at both it has been done by the current of the stream
setting at an acute angle, which was so sharp at Rabel's that its eddy
has formed an immense bar above it, which is likely to divert the American
entirely from the point at the tannery, and turn the stream many hundred
yards to the north. The American river is encroaching far more rapidly
on its north than south banks. I stated, in a former communication, that
I was of opinion that inside of ten years the Sacramento river would be
entirely filled up at the mouth of the American, so that the bulk of water
would flow through the Yolo tule to the Bay, below Rio Vista. I am more
and more strengthened in this opinion as I examine the causes which are
likely to produce such a result. The Feather and American rivers,
discharging into the Sacramento within twenty miles of each other, act
as the great sluices to carry off the tailings of more than half of all
the mining claims in the State, as on these streams and their branches
are located most of the large hydraulic mining enterprises. Now, during
the low stages of the river in the Summer, the tide acts on the Sacramento
to the mouth of the American, and makes it slack water nearly to the
month of the Feather twice during the twenty-four hours. These phenomena
greatly facilitate the precipitation of the slum, or clay held in solution
by the waters of the Yuba and Bear rivers. Extensive bars, bare during
the Summer season, have already made their appearance in the bed of the
Sacramento, above the mouth of the American, as high up as the Feather,
and when this process shall have gone on for a few years longer the work
of turning the upper Sacramento into the tule on the Yolo side will be of
easy accomplishment. Indeed, the Feather river will, at no distant time,
burst through the west bank of the Sacramento, and traverse the great tule
district on that side, because the tule bottom will be lower than the bed
of the Sacramento; hence, my theory is, that the Sacramento river below
the city will become a navigable tidewater slough, like that upon which
is built the city of Stockton. All evidences show that the present slough
at Stockton was formerly the main channel of the Calaveras river.
As the distance from the mouth of.the.American to the bay is much shorter
by the tule than by the meanderings of the Sacramento, it occurs to me that
the best mode of getting rid of the excess of water brought down by the
American would be to open a channel through the west bank of the Sacramento
to the tuhe opposite the mouth of the American river. A steam excavator
working in a scow from the level of the low water in the tule would cut
its way through to the Sacramento in a very brief time and at small cost.
It is a noticeable fact that at Rio Vista the banks of the river are but
a little above the tide flood while at Sacramento they are about twenty
feet; while the tule bottom is also about twenty feet lower than the
land on the banks of the river near Sacramento city on the Yolo side,
thus indicating a fall of nearly twenty feet, which could be availed of
to dispose of a great part of the water of the American during a sudden
inundation. The tule having a width of some miles would carry off a vast
body of water without any perceptible rise, as, once obtaining momentum
from the impetuous American, it would reach the bay in a much shorter
time, on account of distance, than when confined within the banks, of
the Sacramento. The effects of this would be to render the reclamation
of the land on the east side of the Sacramento river a matter of little
difficulty and would afford ample drainage to Sacramento city, nor would
it be as destructive to the river lands on the Yolo side as at first
glance would, be supposed. Indeed, on the lower Mississippi it has been
found that the safety against inundations consists in the greater number
of outlets from the main river, subdividing and carrying to the sea an
element which, if allowed to concentrate, brooks no human
restraint. WILSON FLINT. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We are still without telegraphic communication with the East. . . .
Another communication upon the subject of protection from floods, from
the pen of Wilson Flint, will be found in our columns. . . .
The Sacramento continues to subside very slowly. Last evening the river
stood at about nineteen feet seven inches above low water mark. Rain
fell yesterday, but not in a menacing quantity, and the atmosphere was
as raw and chilly as that of an Eastern November. A continued rain is
to be feared while the Sacramento remains so far above low water mark. . . .
THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MAIL ROUTES.
The unparalleled storms of this Winter have vastly increased the Winter
difficulties of carrying a daily mail on the Central Overland route.
Such rain storms and floods on the Sierra Nevada and in the great basin
have never been witnessed since the country was known to the white man.
Probably a century has passed since anything like as much rain fell in
one season in the section of country between the Sierra Nevada and the
Rocky Mountains. As a consequence the obstructions to traveling have
been vastly greater than were anticipated, as all calculations were
based upon the average of Winters for the past ten years. Such a terrible
Winter as the past was not included in the estimate. So much greater
than was expected have been the difficulties encountered, that a few
persons have been drawing comparisons between the Central and Southern
routes favorable to the latter. The conceded prompt and regular
performance of the mail service on that route is instanced to sustain
the position. But these persons forget that the Southern Overland Mail
was exclusively for the carrying of letters, and that too at a time when
the main correspondence of the State was done by mail steamer, as the
steamer's contract was then in full operation. It was semi-weekly instead
of daily. The present Overland Mail service is six times a week, and the
contractors carry all the letter and newspaper mails. There is now no
mail-steamer contract from New York to San Francisco. In quantity and
weight there is, therefore, an immense difference between the service
to be performed now on the Central and that which was performed on the
Southern route. Persons, too, who favor the Southern route, appear to
base their comparison between the two upon the past Winter and its
unexampled storms and floods, and the Southern in the condition it was
when the letter mail was carried over it. They fail to take into the
calculation the fact that the rains and floods have been as severe, if
not more so, on the Southern route than they have on the Central. The
Tulare valley, in this State, through which the line ran, has been for
weeks impassable for a mail coach. The country south of that, in
California, has been nearly in a similar condition. On the Colorado
we have the testimony of Major Rigg, at Fort Yuma, that nearly the whole
country was under water. The fort was surrounded, the elevated ground
upon which it stands forming an island. The Gila Valley has also been
under water to a great extent, so great as to render traveling in it
impossible except in boats. The country east of the Gila--including the
route through Texas, Arkansas and Missouri in an ordinary season of
weather is rendered almost impassable on wheels, as may be seen by the
description of the country. In order to show the character of the country
on the Southern route and the desperate condition in which the road must
have been during such a Winter as the past, an intelligent friend, who
has closely observed it, sends us the following description of the route
from Missouri to California:
. . . .
From Fort Yuma to Los Angeles is 254 miles. After leaving the Fort,
and for ten miles, we are near the Colorado river. I am of the opinion
that nearly all of this ten miles must have been inundated during the
past Winter, and even further west; I have reason to believe that for
150 miles east and west of the Colorado, there would scarcely be ten
miles entirely free from obstruction with one half the rain that has
fallen here this season. Carissa creek, 106 miles west of Fort Yuma,
and on the west of the Colorado desert, is the only running stream after
leaving the Colorado. This creek runs through a notch in the hills, and
along the stage road, and loses itself in the sands of the desert. This
notch is similar to one in the mountains 60 miles east of El Paso--similar
at least in one respect. In case of heavy rains they become the only outlet
of waters over a large tract of country. On the Rio Grande, I think, of
fifty or more miles; and the road is in the beds of the streams.
Thirty-seven miles beyond Los Angeles is Rancho del Chino; from there
to Temescal, twenty miles, is much danger from overflows. There is a
stream at Temescal whose banks are low, and the whole country along the
route very flat.
From Los Angeles to San Francisco, four hundred and sixty-eight
miles--surface varies from beautiful plains to steep mountains. From
Kern river to Posey creek, ten miles, with hills between. Hilly from
Posey creek twenty-seven miles west; then forty miles to Visalia, of
which there can scarcely have been five miles during the past Winter
that has not been obstructed by water. The country is similar to that
from Visalia to the San Joaquin river.
From my knowledge of the country from the Colorado to the Red river
in Eastern Texas, feel warranted in saying that with one-fourth part
of the rain that has fallen in California this season, the mails cannot
be carried with the same regularity that they have been on the Central
route; and even now, with no more than one-eighth of the fall of rain
that we have had here, I much doubt whether a fair competition would
show the Southern route to be superior. Then, the six or eight hundred
miles greater distance is at least a small objection.
TAXABLE PROPERTY DESTROYED.
A few days since the Bulletin published an article on the loss of
taxable property in the State by floods, in which the aggregate was put
down at five millions of dollars. In the article it was assumed that the
loss by floods fell mainly upon the counties of Colusa, Sacramento, San
Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba. Not admitting the correctness of the
conclusions of the Bulletin, we replied by advancing our own
views of the probable loss. The Bulletin responds and says:
The SACRAMENTO UNION, usually pretty correct in its statements of facts
and estimates, questions the justness of our conclusions, but hardly
advances argument sullicient to overthrow them. It places the loss at
probably $30,000,000. Although our cotemporary controverts our position,
it does not make out a good case. It says the damage has probably equaled
in amount twenty per cent, of the taxable property of the State, and in
confirmation says:
Those conversant with the losses in this city will readily detect the
fallacy of the above reasoning as applied to Sacramento. The bulk of
the loss here was in personal property; the owners of that species of
property compose the majority of the sufferers. Competent judges estimate
that the taxable value of the real and personal property in this city
has been reduced from $7,966,506 to $6,000,000. Some even put the loss
at a higher figure.
Now it certainly strikes us that, putting the question in that light,
effectually disposes of the UNION's calculation, and indorses our
statements, although in our former article we did not think it exactly
fair to make the estimate on merely the personal property of the seven
counties named by us. By reference again to the Controller's last report,
we find that the entire personal property assessed in the counties of
Colusa, Sacramento, San Joaquin; Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba--the great
central valley counties, most injured by the floods--amounted to but
$16,386,021. If this had been entirely swept. away the loss would have
been but half what the UNION suggests as probable, to the entire State;
but if we take 20 per cent, of that sum as a fair proportion of the loss
sustained, we find it amounts to but $3,277,204--a sum within the
aggregate presented by us as the probable loss to the State by the floods.
Our article was devoted principally to showing that the destruction of
property was general in the State and not confined to the seven
agricultural counties named. This branch of the argument the
Bulletin passes without remark, but it extracts what we
said in reference to its statement that the taxable value of the
$3,000,000 of personal property in Sacramento had been but slightly
reduced by the floods, and, strangely enough, argues from that extract
an indorsement of its conclusions. Our statement of the losses of
personal property was directly at variance with that of the
Bulletin, and hence could not have been an indorsement. Our
estimate was that the destruction of property in the State, real and
personal, would reach twenty per cent., which, on the assessed value
of last year, would amount to a little less than thirty millions of
dollars. Our remark about the personal property in Sacramento had.no
reference to the State at large, though the Bulletin assumes
that it applied to the personal property of the whole State. We took
twenty per cent, on all the property in California, real and personal,
as the basis of our calculation; our cotemporary takes as the basis of
its twenty per cent, estimate the personal property in seven counties.
It seems to ignore the fact that the estimate of the reduction in the
assessed value of property in the city of Sacramento was equal to almost
two-fifths of the entire loss it concedes to the State. There is a wide
margin between the estimates of the Bulletin and our own. If that
paper is right, we are most egregiously in error and, as we suggested
in a former article, the question can only be settled by the returns
of the Assessors.
From the Nevada Transcript we copy a short article, in which
that paper places the estimated loss at four times the sum named by
the Bulletin, which would make $20,000,000. The
Transcript said:
The Bulletin sets the figures at $5,000,000 for the losses
sustained by the State by the late floods, which is pretty certain
to be quite below the mark. The loss has been variously estimated
from the low sum of the Bulletin to thirty per cent, of the
taxable property of the State, which would amount to some $45,000,000.
There is a wide difference of opinion regarding these losses; Probably
the loss in confidence is quite as great to the State in the long run,
as the destruction of property, and the loss of the latter probably
reaches the figures of the Bulletin, multiplied by four. The
Assessors' books, in a few months, will give us a more reliable account
of the losses by floods than any we now have. . . .
MOKELUMNE HILL WATER WORKS.--The work on the flume has been urged
forward during the last few days of pleasant weather with all possible
dispatch. We learn that the water will be into town by the first of
next week. The company suffered severely by the late disastrous floods,
but with characteristic energy the officers have overcome all the
difficulties which, at first, appeared almost insurmountable, and
have now nearly completed all the repairs.--Calaveras Chronicle.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . .SIDEWALKS.--We called attention yesterday to the condition of the
sidewalk in front of No. 153, J street. The premises are owned by
G. H. Goddard, and we are informed that when he raised the sidewalk,
he constructed a slope at the westward end for the benefit of foot
passengers, but that the proprietor of the adjoining
building--Garwood--objected to it and required its removal. As
instances will frequently occur in which isolated sidewalks will be
elevated several feet above those on either side, there should be a
distinct regulation defining the obligations of each party. Each
property owner should certainly keep his own sidewalk in such condition
as to be free from danger in either daytime or night.
STOCKTON AND COOVER'S MILL.--The new mill being built by Stockton and
Coover, at Folsom, will be located fifteen feet higher than that which
was carried away by the flood, and two hundred feet further from the
center of the stream. It will, therefore, be less exposed to the effect
of accumulated driftwood duriug high water. A contract for its erection
has been entered into with Amos, of the firm of Amos, Finney & Co., lumber
dealers, of San Francisco. The first cargo of lumber for the work arrived
from Sau Francisco yesterday. The new mill will be four stories high
and sixty feet wide by eighty feet long. It is expected to have the work
completed by or before the first of September next.
RAIN.--Yesterday may be set down as a rainy day, on account rather of
persistent effort than of actual achievement. The amount which had fallen
at nine o'clock P. M., within the past twenty-four hours, as we are
informed by Dr. Logan, was 0.250 of an inch. As the water of the
Sacramento stands nineteen feet seven inches above low water mark,
we cannot stand a very heavy raiu without being flooded again, but
nothing need be feared from such contributions as that of the past
twenty-four hours. . . .
OPEN FOR TRAVEL.--J and K streets have been so far repaired that
teams and vehicles of all descriptions pass to and from the city
by way of Colby's bridge at the fort. On the two streets named there
have been eight different bridges constructed over the cuts and channels
running across the street--making an aggregate length of five hundred
feet. If we are not again subjected to heavy rains, communication
with the country will not again be cut off. . . .
THE BRICK TRADE.--Some fifty or sixty thousand brick have been boated
from the brick kilns to Fifth and L streets, where they are piled up
to be removed by wagons to the levee for shipment to San Francisco. . . .
COMMERCIAL.--Arrived yesterday: Schooner Lizzy T. Adams, from San
Francisco, with thirty-five thousand feet of lumber for Coover & Stockton's
mill at Folsom. . . .
OUTSIDE MINING DISTRICTS OF WASHOE.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION..]
SONORA, March 3, 1862
Believing that information concerning many of the "outside districts" so
called, of Washoe might interest those of your readers who had some time
during the past two years read sanguine rumors of their richness, it was
my original intention to add to your usual New Year's statistics a succinct
account of the progress and prospects of the entire Washoe country as
far as explored. The all engaging theme of floods and their disasters
kept back the intended article, . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3417, 12 March 1862, p. 1
[For the Union.]
RECLAMATION OF SWAMP LANDS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I see in your issue of Saturday last that T. Rowlandson
still contends that the Straits of Carquinez have not capacity for
discharging the waters that are conducted into Suisun Bay during our
rainy seasons, especially during such seasons as the present.
Mr. Rowlandson is decidedly in error. I hare conversed with citizens
of Benicia whose business upon the wharves at that place for years
past, and also during the present rainy season, has given them facilities
for observing the high and low water marks at that place. They assured
me that at no time during the late flood was the water in the Straits,
during low tide, more than eight inches above the lowest low tide mark
of the Summer season, nor were the highest tides of the past Winter more
than eighteen inches above the highest tides of the dry season. I have
obtained these statements from no less than five diflerent individuals,
whose familiarity with the Straits, and business upon the wharves at
Benicia, enables them to know that they are correct. However much
Mr. Rowlandson may scout the idea of levees and cut-offs, and advocate
his chimerical notions of damming up the waters in the mountain gorges,
he may continue to "sigh" and rest assured that it will be longer after
"the mind which" conceived those notions "has been separated from its
earthly tenement and the hand that" penned them has "returned to
primitive dust," than even he is inclined to believe, before his
speculations become practicable. I think Mr. Rowlandson has been
wrongly informed with regard to the capacity of the Straits of
Carquinez. They are evidently sufficient to carry even more water
than has passed through them this year. I wish to trespass upon your
columns a little farther, for the purpose of drawing the attention of
your various correspondents upon this subject, and the public generally,
to a few facts which are these: the distance from the mouth of Feather
river, or Knight's Landing, by the course of the river, to Suisun Bay,
is about one hundred miles, the fall about sixty feet, while the distance
across the country to Suisun Bay is less than fifty miles, with the same
fall as the river. Cache and Putah Creeks empty their waters into the tule
on the west side of the Sacramento river, and so long as there is no other
way provided to run those waters to the bay, except through a course which
nature has provided, that body of tule can never be reclaimed. Now a canal
may be dug from a point on the Sacramento at or near the mouth of Feather
river, to Suisun Bay, leading into the bay through the gap between the
Montezuma and Potrero hills, large enough to carry onethird the waters
of the Feather and Sacramento rivers and all the waters of the Cache and
Putah creeks into the bay below the mouth of the river. If the waters of
the creeks above mentioned alone could be carried to the bay direct, it
would materially decrease the quantity of water in the Sacramento valley,
much more than persons unacquainted with them would be willing to admit.
I will not pretend to estimate the cost or the dimensions of such a canal,
but I will say that the Sacramento valley never will be effectually
reclaimed without it, and if the good people inhabiting the valley wish
to be protected from any chance of being overflowed again, it is the
first move that should be made, after securing the city against flood; or
this reason--if the canal is dug, it will so decrease the water in the
river that they can easily levee against it while, if it is attempted
to reclaim entirely by leveeing, the first Winter that comes like the
one we have just experienced, the levees must inevitably be swept away,
and more damage will be done than has been sustained this season. J. M. D. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The fall of rain on Monday night and during yesterday caused some
apprehension here. Our dispatches from the interior, however, are of
a character to allay any fears of a speedy overflow in this vicinity.
The storm extended over the eastern and northern portions of the State,
but it is stated that there is no considerable quantity of snow this side
of Strawberry Valley. The streams have risen, but not to an alarming
extent. The Sacramento remains about stationary. The American has a slight
tendency to rise.
We publish another communication in reference to floods, levees, the
capacity of Carquinez straits, and the feasibility of constructing a
canal from the Sacramento to Suisun bay. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO.--A dispatch to the Bee yesterday contained the following: . . .
Since the first of last November, less or more rain has fallen here during
sixty days. It has been raining lightly for the past forty-eight hours. . . .
MORTALITY AMONG CATTLE.--The Grass Valley National of March 8th has
the following:
We regret to learn that the farmers, ranchers and dairymen in this portion
of the county have suffered severely from losses in stock of all kinds
during the past Winter. We have heard of some who have lost almost their
entire herds, others losing the greater portion, and others a less number.
Many died undoubtedly from starvation and exposure to the inclemencies
of the weather, where they were turned out to shift for themselves--whilst,
in many other instances, numbers of cows, horses and young stock, apparently
in good order, some of them marketably fat, well sheltered and taken care
of, with plenty of food, have unaccountably and suddenly died. Some of the
latter exhibited symptoms similar to, and answering the description of the
terrible and destructive cattle disease which has prevailed in the Eastern
States during the last few years. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate, the report of the Conference Committee on the State Library
Bill, restricting the amount for rebinding books to $500, was adopted. . . .
The Weather In the Interior.
MARYSVILLE, March 11--10 P. M.
Very little rain fell here since six o'clock this morning. The river is
rising gradually.
OROVILLE, March 11--10 P. M.
It rained a little this morning, but none since. The river has risen about
a foot.
CHICO, March 11--10 P. M.
It rained furiously all last night, but there was none to-day.
STRAWBERRY, March 11--4 P. M.
For the last three days there has about two feet of snow fallen at this point. It is now raining, and is quite warm.
NEVADA, March 11--9 P.M.
It has not rained since four o'clock, to any amount, but it is very cloudy
and murky. The streams have risen but little, although the rains are high
in the mountains. It is absorbed by the snow, and does not yet begin to
run off.
PLACERVILLE,, March 11--9 P. M.
The storm of to-day extended over all the eastern and northern portions
of the State and Nevada Territory. In the early part of the day rain fell
heavily below the snow line. On the Summit the snow changed to rain in the
afternoon, but it is falling but lightly. There is no snow this side of
Strawberry Valley, in any considerable quantity. At Webster's Station the
river is rising very gradually. At Coloma the river has risen two and a
half feet, and it is still rising slightly. It is not raining here at
present.
FOLSOM, March 11--8 P. M.
The American river has risen about one foot to-day. The weather is clearing up.
The Weather at Salt Lake.
SALT LAKE CITY, March 11--10 P. M.
The weather is getting warmer. The snow is reported to be twenty-five feet
deep on Big Mountain. . . .
GAME.--The game stalls of the city are quite well supplied with hare and
other game, considering the difficulties in the way of hunting which
prevail over a considerable portion of the country. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
HIDES.--The steamer Victor arrived from Red Bluff yesterday morning,
bringing down four thousand hides taken from drowned cattle. She brought
down on a former trip four thousand seven hundred. Within the last sixty
days. this steamer has brought from Tehama county alone twenty thousand
hides. It is evident from these figures that the destruction of cattle
by the flood has been enormous. The Marysville boats, and the other
Red Bluff boats, constantly bring to the levee corresponding evidences
of its disastrous work. A large portion of the cattle drowned of
course escape the knife, and fail to contribute hide or horn to the
commercial interests of the world. . . .
THE STEAMER SWAN.--The steamer Victor arrived from Red Bluff yesterday
morning. She reports the work of getting off the. Swan as progressing
favorably. While she remains in her present position a new bottom will
be substituted for the old one. To make this alteration and caulk and
paint her will require some five or six days. . . .
THE RAIN.--The rain which set in on Monday evening continued moderately,
but with little intermission, until yesterday afternoon. Dr. Logan reports
the amount which had fallen last evening, within the past twenty-four
hours, at 0.810 of an inch. the entire amount of the present rain is
1.060, and the amount for the present month is 1.195 inches. . . .
THE RIVERS.--There was no perceptible change in the Sacramento river
yesterday, The American at its mouth had risen last evening some two or
three inches. As a rise of two feet at Rabel's would cause an overflow
of the banks, we shall doubtless have a rise of the water in the city
to-day from that source. . . . .
PREPARING.--Many of our merchants, fearful of another inundation, made
preparations for it yesterday by raising portions of their goods. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3418, 13 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The break in the Continental Telegraph is at Echo Canon, a steep defile
in the Wichita Mountains, which form the eastern boundary of the valley
of Salt Lake. Very heavy snow storms and drifts buried poles and wires,
and all efforts to reconstruct that portion of the line seem to have been
unavailing. Arrangements have been made to establish a new station on the
eastern side of the mountain. Thence the dispatches will be carried a
distance of forty-five miles by stage, to the first station on this side.
Under this arrangement there will only be about twenty-four hours delay
in the transmission of dispatches. . . .
Dispatches from the interior are of a character to allay apprehension of
a flood at this point. Considerable snow and rain had fallen, but the
rise in the American--three feet at Folsom since Tuesday night--is not
at all alarming. The Sacramento rises very slowly, and the water in the
lower part of the city has not been greatly increased by the rain. In
brief, there is no immediate danger of another flood. . . .
CHANGING ITS COURSE.--The Visalia Delta gives the following
instance of the readiness with which streams in this State accommodate
themselves with new channels:
During the recent flood Tule river has changed its course, and that so
completely as not to leave even a sluice stream in the old bed. It now
turns out from the former channel at a point nearly two miles above
Goodhue's crossing, and striking off at right angles from its former
course runs nearly due west, crossing the main road at a point about
three-fourths of a mile south of Murray's residence. Whether it continues
this course to the lake, or heading north again enters its former
channel, no one seems to know, lf the former, it will render valuable
an immense body of Government land which has hitherto been useless.
THE FLOOD IN MONTEREY.--The Santa Cruz Sentinel of March 7th says:
The beautiful residence of Eugene Sherwood on the Salinas river, near
the Mission of La Soledad, was completely.washed away, together with
the outhouses and nearly everything they contained; The Salinas which
is usually but one hundred and fifty yards wide, was over a mile wide;
and where the banks of the river used to gradually descend to the river's
edge, they have caved away, leaving the banks ten feet high on each side.
At Indian valley only forty miles from Monterey, the snow had been
knee-deep, and at Monterey it had fallen to the depth of six inches. . . .
FLOOD INJURIES.--A gentleman just from the Tuolumne river informs the
Stockton Independent that in the neighborhood of Bradley & Parker's
ranch, a good deal of damage has been sustained by the late flood. In many
places the ranches have been covered two feet deep with quicksand. Some
have lost all their fencing. and others a few of their cattle. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
The Weather In the Interior.
FOLSOM, March 12th.
The weather is clearing off. The river is at a stand, and there is not more
than a foot rise since last night.
CHICO, March 12--8 P. M.
It commenced raining about ten o'clock last night, and continued till
eleven A. M. to-day. It has cleared up now, with a fair north wind.
OROVILLE, March 12--8 P. M.
It cleared up at two o'clock, and has been clear since.
MARYSVILLE, March 12--8 P. M.
It is clearing up this evening, with a north wind. The river is rising,
but very slowly.
NEVADA, March 12th.
It cleared up at four p. m. It is now clear and warm. It has rained none
since two o'clock. The streams are but little swollen.
PLACERVILLE, March 12 --9 P. M.
The rain ceased this afternoon, and it is clear.
STRAWBERRY, March 12--9 P. M.
In the last twenty-four hours the snow has fallen to the depth of two
feet. It is now sleeting and raining slightly. The stage is just in from
Lake valley, with mail and express, having made the trip in five hours.
COLOMA, March 12--9 P. M.
It is bright moonlight. The river is at a standstill, and is about
three feet higher than yesterday morning. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
THE RIVERS.--The rains of Tuesday night and yesterday forenoon created
the general impression that the city would be inundated again within
twenty-four hours. At about noon yesterday the rain ceased, and during
the afternoon the northwest wind dispelled the clouds from the sky.
Last evening was clear and moderately cold. The rain had but slight
effect upon the rivers. The Sacramento rose but about three inches--the
American, at the tannery, but about two feet--and the water in the lower
part of the city some five or six inches. During the forenoon yesterday
the water in the northern portion of the city rose several inches, from
the overflow from the American through the opening in the north levee;
but the advance was inconsiderable. From telegraphic information from
Folsom and various points in the mountains, it is evident we are to have
no additional flood at present . . .
FILLING WITH BRUSH.--Two teams and one flat-boat have been engaged for
two or three days past in conveying brush from the American river to
J and K streets, for the purpose of filling in the mud holes near the
fort. The boat is used on Burns' slough, between the river and the Fort. . . .
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 1862.
. . . Whatever may be said of the Overland Mail, in its adaptability to
all the wants of the public, the contractors have shown unsparing energy
in the use of the means at their disposal along the route, to comply with
the terms of their contract; and when the extraordinary severity of the
season is considered, they may be said to have performed wonders. An
examination of the returns in the Post Office Department for the quarter
ending Dec. 31, 1861, shows that up to that time, during the whole period,
the mail had only missed once of getting through in schedule time. No doubt
there have been many delays since the unprecedented floods of the past
month became an obstruction. Mr. Latham, in his capacity as a member of
the Post Office and Post Route Committee, received dispatches yesterday
from Carson Valley and stations this side, representing the Sink of the
Carson and all that region to have become an inland sea, across which the
mails were being ferried as rapidly as possible. In the Rocky mountains,
one of the company's stages was dug out of a snow drift twenty-three feet
deep. The Indians were employed to carry the mails through the passes of
the mountains, and the company seemed to be doing all in its power to
fulfil the terms of its contract. These may be stale items to your readers,
but they prove that even in this most unexampled season of storms and
floods, the obstacles in the way of performing the service with tolerable
regularity, and by various ingenious shifts, are not such as the enemies
of the route can hereafter declare insurmountable. . . . .
To-day is the first day in which the sun has shown for a longer duration
than two hours in twenty-two days. Three weeks ago yesterday the bad
weather began, and it has rained or snowed, with intermissions of only a
few hours, every day since. Five snow storms have occurred within the
period, the severest of which fell on Monday, when we had it on a level
five or six inches deep. In this state of the weather to move an army,
or detach even a battalion to operate against an enemy, was clearly out
of the question; a fact which the "On to Richmondites" appear to have
virtually admitted. The condition of some of the camps on the other
side, from accounts which reach us here, must be very distressing,
though I have yet to hear of any serious discontent or outbreaks among
the men. . . . The worst effect of the bad weather and roads I have
mentioned in a previous letter, namely, the obstruction of teams loaded
with the daily supplies of the camp, in their passage to and from the
soil of Virginia. How transportation is effected for a distance of eight
and ten miles, to our most distant camps of the "army of the Potomac," at
Washington, I can scarcely conceive. Yet the regular procession of teams
through streets continues at all hours of the week day. The horses look
dreadfully jaded, and the drivers have the appearance of resurrected
antediluvians with some of the old mud of the deluge still clinging to
their persons.
Regarding the prospects of an army movement, I do not see the first
faint hope at present. Even if the fine weather should hold on, it will
take a fortnight of sunshine at least to make roads passable. A writer
in Hooker's division, on the Lower Potomac, says:
"The idea of moving an army in this vicinity or, in fact, anywhere on
the Potomac, below Washington, is preposterous. A regiment alone could
not be moved three miles a day, without baggage. Every footstep made
in the track of another but sinks deeper and deeper in the yielding
soil. A month at least of unbroken dry weather will scarcely suffice
to render the roads passable for the movement of our army. Freezing
weather will not answer the purpose now. The mud is too deep to allow
more than a crust to be formed from any probable cold snap we shall
have this Winter. The effect of one warm day would again render the
soil as impassable as before, and all military movements would, per
force, suddenly terminate, and communication with our stores be rendered
impracticable."
It is well understood among the troops here and elsewhere on the Potomac
that active operations are delayed by the weather and roads alone. An
order has been recently issued to the commanders of divisions in Virginia,
directing all surplus baggage not actually needed for troops on the march
to be sent here and warehoused. Another order directs the hospital surgeons
to send the convalescent patients to Annapolis and elsewhere, so as to
have ready as many spare beds as possible. The health of the army is much
better than might be presumed from their exposed condition. The sanitary
condition of this city is also improving. the number of cases of smart
pox and typhoid lever gradually diminishing. Still, we see funerals
every day, and often as many as four and five in one day, passing. along
our public streets. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, February [sic] 11, 1862.
Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS called the Senate to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. DENVER, from the Committee on Free Conference, in reference to
substitute for Senate Bill No. 68, in reference to library expenses,
reported a substitute, with a proviso fixing the limit at $500. The
report was adopted. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, March 11, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock.
. . . Senate Bill No. 200--An Act making an appropriation for the payment
of the claim of James Whitney and others for the transportation of the
property and appurtenances of the Legislature, and fitting up apartments
for the same--was read twice and referred to the Committee on Claims. . . .
Mr. AMES, from the Committee of Conference on Senate Bill No. 68--for
rebinding books in State Library--reported a proviso limiting the expense
to $500. Adopted. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3419, 14 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
After the vexatious silence of a week, the Coutinental Telegraph takes
up the war story where it was dropped on the evening of March 4th. The
connection between the station east of Echo Canon and this side of the
Wachita Mountains is made by stage. . . .
In the State Senate, yesterday, a bill relating to the levees of
Sacramento was read twice and placed on the file. . . .
Tha anticipated flood has been postponed--on account of the weather. . . .
LOSS OF SHEEP.--A member of a firm in San Francisco, engaged in the wool
trade, in a note to the editors says:
My estimate of losses, although so very severely criticized by the
Bulletin, is likely to fall very much below the real loss.
I have correspondence now from nearly eighty ranches, and the general
loss so far foots up 19 6-10 per cent. of old sheep and 51-1./2 per cent,
of lambs. My statement, you will perceive, is based on an estimate of
5 per cent, loss of old sheep and 50 per cent. loss of lambs. I refer to
this as I notice a little controversy between yourselves. and the
Bulletin relative to the aggregate loss ot personal property,
and being, so far as it goes, corroborative of your estimate.
THUNDER.--On Friday, March 7th, a thunder storm occurred in Mariposa.
The lightning was quite vivid, and the thunder of the most improved pattern. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate the bill relative to levees in Sacramento was read twice
and placed on top of file. . . .
[For the Union.]
FARTHER OPENING OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Permit me to give information through your columns,
that provided there be no greater flood than now prevails, the following
city schools will open on Monday next, the 17th instant, viz: Grammar
School No. 3, Miss Stincen teacher, corner of G and Thirteenth street;
Primary School No. 5, Miss Osborne teacher, in the same building;
Intermediate No. 1, Miss Kercheval teacher, in the old High School
building, on M street, between Eighth and Ninth (front room); and
Primary No. 1, Miss Emons teacher, same building (rear room). The
land access to this building will be for the present through Eighth
street only.
The schools in P street at the Octagon Church, on L street, and at the
corner of N and Sixteenth street--must be postponed for awhile longer;
the last. named, it is hoped, for a week only. Permits must be obtained
from Dr. G. Taylor, 117 J street. Yours, etc.,
WM. H. HILL, President, etc.
MARCH 13, 1862. . . .
UNION BRIDGE.--By reference to our advertising columns it will be
perceived that this bridge (crossing the South Fork of the American
river at Uunion [sic], El Dorado county,) is again in traveling order.
The proprietors having, at a great outlay, reconstructed and repaired
the first of the many bridges across that stream which were carried away
or rendered impassable by the great rise, are deserving of great credit
and liberal patronage. . . .
UNION BRIDGE.
THE UNDERSIGNED WOULD IN-
form their former patrons and the public generally that their Bridge,
crossing the South Fork of the Amercan river at Union, El Dorado county,
is again in thorough order for travel, the portions carried away by the
late floods being permanently replaced. This Bridge is on the shortest
and best roads from Sacramento to Georgetown and Placerville via Coloma
to Auburn. Come and try it.
m18-12t2p INGALSBE, POAGUE & BROS.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . . RETURN OF THE SWAN.--The steamer Swan returned to the city at
about eight o'clock last evening, after an absence of about two weeks
on the Upper Sacramento. The rise in the river at the point at which
she stranded enabled those who had her in charge to get her afloat
several days earlier than they could otherwise have done. She was to
some extent repaired while on the ways, but not so thoroughly as was
at first designed. E. Fell, the contractor, and his apparatus, returned
to the city on board of her. . . .
A FINE DAY.--Yesterday presented an agreeable contrast to several of
its predecessors, and appeared to be the forerunner of a spell of fine
weather whether of long or short duration is a matter of uncertainty. . . .
NO CHANGE.--There was little or no change in the stage of the Sacramento
river or of the water in the lower portion of the city yesterday. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO.--A dispatch to the Bee yesterday contained the following:
A large portion of the land lying along either side of the Market street
railroad, at and beyond Hayes' valley, is still submerged. The late rains
have raised the water thereabouts, and in some places it encroaches beyond
the fences bounding the lots alongside the track. Two or three shanties,
half buried in water have been partially capsized. The city end of the
Yerba Buena Cemetery is in a lamentable condition, fences partially carried
away, and the ground completely covered with water, many of the tombstones
being barely visible. . . .
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS.
THE VINEYARDS OF LOS ANGELES.--The San Francisco Herald of the 6th says:
Gilmore, of the firm of Hobbs, Gilmore & Co., resident agents of the Lake
Vineyard, returned on Tuesday on the steamer Senator from a trip to Los
Angeles, and gives a cheerful account of the prospects of the vineyards,
etc., in that locality. . . . The road to San Pedro is not in passable
condition for teams, but with a continuance of good weather will be in
fine order in a few days. . . . There having been, within a few years,
great attention paid to the culture of oranges, and those of the best
qualities, there is no doubt but that California will in a year or two
be fully supplied with a prime article of fruit from that direction.
The opening of the road to San Pedro will enable our citizens to test
and appreciate their quality. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 11, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Tuesday's proceedings
after 3:45 o'clock P. M., when the report of that day closed for the
Sacramento boat.]
THE SWAMP LAND FUND.
The CLERK read the message of the Governor, vetoing Senate Bill
No. 152--An Act transferring certain funds. . . .
Mr. WARWICK--As small a matter as this may appear to some, it is one of
the most weighty that has yet been before this House, involving nothing
more or less than the lives and property of hundreds and hundreds of the
people of this State. There is no action of this House which will have
more solemn effect than its action this afternoon with regard to the
message now before it. I know there are some gentlemen here who smile
at the idea, of a few paltry dollars which they may possibly gain by
passing this bill over the veto of the Governor. But if they do it the
whole Sacramento valley will be one scene of desolation from one end to
the other. [Laughter.] Yes, sir, gentlemen may smile, but nevertheless
that will be the effect. The ruin of hundreds of families in that valley
will rest upon the heads of those who see fit to advocate the passage of
that bill. Now, I say without fear of contradiction that there is no man
upon the floor of this House poorer than myself to-day; that there is no
man on this floor more in need of what that bill will afford if passed
over the veto of the Governor than myself--yet I would sooner have my
hand taken off and my voice hushed forever than I would lend my aid to
a measure that will ruin hundreds and hundreds of families. That is the
effect of it. I address myself not only to the common sense but to the
heart and soul of this House. I appeal to men by their own wives and
families; I ask them if they are willing to deprive the State of this
fund which is set apart to be the protection to the inhabitants of the
whole Sacramento valley? If it is taken away it cannot by any possibility
be returned in time to be of any service whatever, and what is the
consequence? Hundreds in that valley are on the verge of ruin now,
whose farms are laid waste and whose homes are made desolate, and they
are looking toward this Legislature for protection. We can see them
appealing to us on every side from that vast sea that runs from mountain
to mountain and throughout the whole length of the Sacramento valley.
We see the little remnants of their homes rising up above the surface
of the waters. They appeal to us for protection, and I ask this
Legislature are they willing for the sake of a few paltry dollars, or
for the sake of a trifling expediency, to turn a deaf ear to that
appeal? I trust they will not override the action of the Governor.
If the Senate has done so, on them rests the responsibility. but let
this branch, which has thus far, and justly, I believe, been termed
the conservative body, show that they have something more than petty
interests at heart, and are willing to sacrifice something, at least,
for the benefit of the entire State. [Applause.] . . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3420, 15 March 1862, p. 1
GRAIN IN THE UPLANDS.--We learn that the grain crop in the uplands is
doing remarkably well this season, and that an unusually large crop is
being cultivated. Nicewander, a farmer, whose land is on the dry ridge
near French Camp, informed us that he was not seriously interrupted
by the rains of the Winter, in preparing his ground and sowing his
grain. He has succeeded in putting in three hundred acres of wheat,
all of which at this time bears the most promising appearance. We think,
considering the present prospect of a short crop in the low flat lands,
it would be a good venture for mountain and upland farmers to sow a
large crop.--Stockton Independent.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Continental Telegraph is again in operation throughout its whole
extent. Previous to the completion of the repairs on the line, the
dispatches accumulated during a delay of more than a week were brought
by stage to Salt Lake, and thence have been sent us in the regular
order of dates, beginning with the news of March 6th. . . .
From San Francisco, we learn that a lake near the Mission Dolores
broke through its banks, at an early hour yesterday morning, and
destroyed property to the value of about fifty thousand dollars.
No lives were lost. Fears of floods from other lakes in that vicinity
are now entertained. . . .
A GRADE FOR J STREET.--In another column we publish a notice for a
meeting of the property owners on J street, to consult and determine
something about the grade to be adopted for that street. Quite a number
of owners are ready to raise their buildings to the grade as soon as
the weather will permit; and while they are about it, they are anxious
to put their buildings above the high water mark of this year. They
say truly that while they are raising their buildings, a difference of
one or two feet is a matter of no importance, while it is a matter of
great consequence that the floors of business houses be placed above
high water mark. If so placed, the basements of most buildings will not
be much below the surface of the ground, and would, therefore, be very
valuable for storing goods and other purposes. But the great consideration
is the elevation of the business portion of the city above high water
and beyond all danger from floods. The Board of Supervisors have the
question under consideration, as the grade previously established was
found nearly or quite two feet too low. If the grade of J and K streets
is once established at the right hight, the owners of property would in
a few years build up to it. A similar grade, too, is practicable for Front
street. That street can be more easily graded and the buildings raised
than any other in the city. . . .
New York, March 7th.,
Intelligence from Bremen, January 15th, states there has been a great
flood in the Moisy. Three cities were destroyed, and thirty lives lost. . . .
FIENDISH.--The following passage occurred in the proceedings of the
Assembly on Tuesday last while the Act for transferring the Swamp Land
Fund was under discussion, Mr. Warwick speaking:
As small a matter as this may appear to some, it is one of the most
weighty that has yet been before this House, involving nothing more or
less than the lives and property of hundreds and hundreds of the people
of this State. There is no action of this House which will have more
solemn effect than its action this afternoon with regard to the message
now before it. I know there are some gentlemen here who smile at the
idea or a few paltry dollars which they may possibly gain by passing
this bill over the veto of the Governor. But if they do it the whole
Sacramento valley will be one scene of desolation from one end to the
other. [Laughter.] Yes, sir, gentlemen may smile, but nevertheless that
will be the effect. The ruin of hundreds of families in that valley will
rest upon the heads of those who see fit to advocate the passage of that
bill.
Yet we are informed that the allusion to the sufferings of the people
of Sacramento valley was a matter for laughter in the Assembly. We are
of opinion that such perfect heartlessness was never exhibited in a
legislative body before. The present Legislature enjoys a monopoly of
the article, and the suffering people of the State will probably remember
the fact.
NOT EXACTLY.--The Stockton Republican of March 12th contained the
following:
Information reached this city yesterday afternoon that this unfortunate
city [Sacramento] had been again heavily overflowed. It seems a very
hard case, and a universal sentiment of regret was expressed at the
misfortunes of our neighbor. The people of that city have displayed
an energy which has done them infinite credit, but the elements this
year are above all control. All we have to say is to wish better luck
next time, [sic] We shall not always have such seasons.
We are very thankful for the expressed sympathy, but the fact is, there
has been no new flood in Sacramento. The late rains scarcely made a
ripple in our neighborhood. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
The Reported Triumph at Manassas--Excitement and Rejoicing--Destructive
Flood--Arrivals.. . . .
A lake about half a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide, among the
hills near the Mission Dolores, broke through its bank at one o'clock
this morning, and precipitated itself into the valley below, utterly
crushing and destroying the splendid residence of M. Pioche, with the
fine garden, stable and carriage houses, and carrying away one hundred
feet of the Market Street Railroad. The grounds and gardens of Woodward
are damaged to the amount of four thousand dollars, being buried in nearly
five feet of sand and mud. Pioche's damage is twenty thousand dollars.
Great damage was done to the gardeners, whose early crops were nearly
ready for market, and which are now covered with two or three feet of
water. The total damage by the flood is estimated at fifty thousand
dollars. The persons in Pioche's house narrowly escaped with their
lives. There are fears that another lake in the vicinity will break
through, and workmen are embanking it.
Joel N. Brown sues the Spring Valley Water Company for $5,000 damages
sustained by the flooding of his lands in San Mateo county with water
from their main pipes. . . .
GRADE FOR J STREET.
OWNERS AND AGENTS OF REAL
ESTATE on J STREET are requested to meet at the COUNTY COURT ROOM, THIS
(Saturday) EVENING, at 7-1/2 o'clock, for the purpose of determining the
propriety of ESTABLISHING A HIGHER GRADE FOR J STREET than the one now
existing.
m15-1t PROPERTY OWNERS.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.--At a meeting of the Board of Delegates of the Fire
Department, held . . . To this end the Committee would suggest, as a
basis for the consideration of the Board, supposing the taxable property
of the city to be reduced by recent disasters to $5,000,000, the setting
aside of fourteen cents on the one hundred dollars of the amount heretofore
assigned to the Contingent Fund, . . .
INSOLVENCY.--G. K. Van Heusen filed yesterday a petition in insolvency
in the District Court. . . $1,000 from damage by flood, . . .
A HEAVY JOB.--During several days past, the chain gang, under the
direction of Overseer Long, has been engaged in cleaning out the
sediment from one of the tanks at the Water Works. There is found
to be a much larger quantity collected than on any former occasion,
and of a much coarser quality. Heretofore some two or three feet of
fine mud has required removal. At present there is a collection of
about four feet in depth, of quite coarse sand. It is being removed
by emptying down a chute into the slough at the rear of the building. . . .
BOAT RACE.--The boat race of to-morrow will take place at about three
o'clock, between C. Johnson and W. Brown. Both are represented to be
skillful boatmen. . . .
WINTER-KILLING OF TREES.--The Grass Valley National says that a large
number of fruit trees in the vicinity of that town, and in localities
above Nevada, have been Winter-killed. In several cases every peach tree
on some small ranches have been killed, and many apple trees also. In the
vicinity of Nevada many plants and shrubs that have heretofore withstood
the Winters, have been killed during the severe Winter just past; but we
are not aware of the fruit trees having been injured to any considerable
extent. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday March 13, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, the Lieutenat [sic] Governor in the chair, . . .
The Governor also sent in the report of the Capitol Commissioners, in
answer to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, describing the present
condition of the Capitol building, naming the contracts entered into
and the moneys expended. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, March 13, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
THE PLACERVILLE ROUTE.
Assembly Bill No. 183--An Act to authorize the
Board of Supervisors of El Dorado county to lease the Sacramento and
El Dorado wagon road for a term of years, was amended as recommended
by the delegation.
Mr. FERGUSON opposed the bill. The counties of Sacramento and El Dorado
had gone to the expense of taxing themselves to build that highway as
a free road, inviting the people coming across the continent into
Sacramento county, and now it was proposed to take that road and place
it in the hands of private parties to levy tolls upon it, so that the
expense incurred by the counties in making it a free road would go for
nothing. He considered it an act of great injustice.
Mr. BENTON said this wagon road was built by the joint money of those
counties, but it was made a toll road ultimately, in order to keep it
in repair. This Winter it had been badly damaged, and the counties could
not afford to carry it on and repair it, which would cost $5,000. It
was therefore proposed to lease it out in such a way as to keep a good
road with the lowest practicable rates of fare. The majority of the
Sacramento delegation thought this plan would accomplish the object
better than in any other way. His colleague (Mr. Ferguson) proposed no
other plan.
Mr. FERGUSON said the real object was to give this public road to the
owners of private roads which had been damaged beyond repair. They would
allow these parties to collect tolls from the public road because they
find themselves unable to collect tolls from their own roads. The object
was said to be to open the road immediately, yet this bill allowed three
months for the parties to put the roads in repair, and in the meantime
they were to be allowed to collect tolls. The fact was that these men had
no money to repair the road but depended upon the tolls as a matter of
speculation.
Mr. DENNIS said he and his whole delegation were ignorant even of who were
to have the franchise. Certain parties had been applying but failed to get
the delegation, and were now opposing the bill.
Mr. FERGUSON said they were shrewd log rollers, and had got somebody to
draw a substitute which would accomplish the object.
Mr. BENTON said he thought his colleague did not himself believe the
insinuation. Mr. Dean drew the bill, and he would like him to answer it.
Mr. DEAN inquired if Mr. Ferguson meant to reflect upon his motives?
Mr. FERGUSON said he did not, but he thought Mr. Dean had been imposed
upon. He proposed to meet the delegation from El Dorado half way and
would favor a plan of selling the road to the highest bidder, provided
it could be submitted to the people. He thought there was no necessity
of taxing the people. If the county took the toll they would be able
in three months to put the road in better order than these men would
put it in who were working behind the screen.
Mr. WARWICK called Mr. Ferguson to order, as his time (twenty minutes)
had expired.
Mr. REED suggested that in order to harmonize the conflicting views the
bill be recommitted to the Committee on Roads and Highways.
Messrs. Benton, Dean and others objected.
Mr. SAUL urged the necessity of the measure, in order to have a passable
road this season. It was necessary, in order to compete with the Oglesby
road, to improve the grades and shorten the distances.
Mr. AVERY spoke of the excellence of the Henness Pass route, but that this
central Placerville route ought also to be kept open.
Mr. FRASIER said the great object was to have a good road across the
mountains, leading into the central part of the State.. This road was
as necessary now as at the time it was built. In ordinary seasons the
usual tolls might keep the road in good repair; but the past Winter had
been a most extraordinary one, and the road was now almost utterly
impassable for teams. The Road Fund was now exhausted, and the question
was should the road be abandoned, or should measures be devised to put
it in good order again? He thought this bill was the best if not the only
plan that could be devised for that purpose.
Mr. FERGUSON said he believed it would be as much for the interests of
the counties to sell the road as to put it into private hands in this manner.
Mr. WARWICK said from Slippery Ford on to Nevada the road was in private
hands, and had been put in good repair, notwithstanding the disastrous
Winter while the public road this side of Slippery Ford was impassable.
Mr. DEAN said he had not anticipated any opposition to this bill,
especially from any of the Sacramento delegation. He could not see how
any man in his senses could oppose it. He gave a brief history of the
road since the first opening of the route, and strongly urged the passage
of the bill.
Mr. WARWICK moved the previous question, which was sustained, and the bill
was ordered engrossed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3421, 17 March 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, March 14, 1862.
Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS called the Senate to order at eleven o'clock, . . .
REPORTS.
Mr. PERKINS, from the Finance Committee, reported back Senate Bill
No. 241--An Act to appropriate money for the relief of destitute females
in the State California--without recommendation; . . .
[CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE,
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . By our dispatch trom San Francisco we learn that Sans Souci lake
has been drained, as a measure of precaution. . . .
MOVEMENTS OF CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS.--By a private letter from Camp
Kellogg, near Los Angeles, dated March 5th, we learn that there are
now encamped, in that locality four companies of cavalry and nine of
infantry. Companies E and G of the Fifth Regiment, and two companies
of the First, are under marching orders for Fort Yuma or Fort
Mojave--it is uncertain which. The volunteers of Company G, Fifth
Regiment, have repaired the San Fernando road, which was damaged
by the Winter floods. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Lake Drawn off--Shooting Affair--Elopement--Incorporation--St. Patrick's
Celebration--Arrivals.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 16th.
Sans Souci lake, near the lake which recently flooded the Mission, is
being discharged through an artificial outlet, doing but little damage
to the low lands. The break in the Market Street Railroad has been
entirely repaired. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday afternoon
over the body of a colored man named James Burris, who was found dead
in the morning near his place of residence, on the alley between Fourth
and Fifth and N and O streets. The circumstances of the case leave some
room for the suspicion that the deceased was the victim of foul play.
He had lived alone, it appears, at the locality referred to. The house
is surrounded by water. He had not been seen for several days, and when
search was made for him, his body was found in the water near the house.
The house was open. The body showed marks of a bruise over the left eye.
The jury was composed of Amos Woods, Thomas Flitcroft, G. A. Lockhart,
John O 'Farrell, P. L. Hickman and Henry Hoole. The principal witness was
William Burris, a brother of deceased, who testified that the deceased
was a native of the State of Delaware and was fifty-one years of age.
He had been missing since Friday, the 7th of this month. The witness lives
in San Francisco, and came up for the purpose of searching for the deceased,
He went to the house in a boat, in company with Dr. Stephenson and
A. D. Barghost. The deceased was subject to fits, and might have fell
into the water on account of having a fit. When the body was discovered,
it was lying in the water about six feet from the doorstep, the water
being about seven feet deep. The deceased had no money about his person
when found. He had told witness that he had eight or nine hundred dollars
loaned out but did not say who had it. W. C. Stephenson corroborated the
testimony of the first witness, and added that the deceased was Treasurer
of the Seventh street Methodist Church, and it was supposed that he had
some forty dollars on his person or about the house at the time of his
death. A. D. Barghost also corroborated the above testimony. The jury
returned a verdict to the effect that the cause of the death of the
deceased was unknown to the jury, but that they were of the opinion that
he was drowned in this city between the 7th and 9th of March. The funeral
will take place from his late residence at ten o'clock this morning. . . .
INSOLVENCY.--D. D. Berwin applied on Saturday, in the District Court,
for the benefit of the insolvent Act. The petition states that the
applicant has been a resident of Sacramento for eight years, and has been
engaged in the clothing business. He lost by the floods of the past Winter
about $1,500 in damage to his stock of goods; the remainder of the stock
was then seized and sold by the Sheriff. The total losses of the applicant
are given at $2,650; liabilities about $3,000, and assets, chiefly exempt
from execution, $1,300. . . .
THE STREET GRADES.--A meeting of J street property owners was held at the
County Court room on Saturday evening for the consideration of the
propriety of raising the grade of the street. The proceedings of the
meeting are reported in another column. The meeting adjourned until
to-morrow evening, at which time property owners of the city, generally,
are expected to be present. . . .
BOAT RACE.--The boat race yesterday afternoon, between C. Johnson and
W. Brown, which came off below the railroad, resulted in the success of
the last named competitor. . . .
MEETING OF J STREET PROPERTY OWNERS.
Pursuant to a published notice, a meeting was held on Saturday evening
at the County Court room, composed of owners of real estate on J street,
for the purpose of considering the propriety of adopting a higher grade
for the street than the one now existing.
On motion of R. H. MCDONALD, T. M. Lindley was called to the chair, and
A. C. Sweetser was appointed Secretary.
R. H. MCDONALD said the meeting had been called for the purpose of
consultation on the propriety of agreeing upon a higher grade for J street
than that which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors prior to the
first flood. He was not there to advocate any particular grade, but
desired to see the city fully protected and safe from flood. He understood
the Hite grade to start at I street eighteen inches above the old high
water mark--22 feet 6 inches--but soon after its adoption, the water
rose about twenty-one inches above the old high water mark. He, therefore,
thought the future grade should be eighteen inches above the high water
mark of the present year. He based his views and calculatlons upon the
expectation that we should have a substantial and efficient levee which
would protect the city. If we were not to have such a levee, he should
not deem it worth while to go to the expense or trouble of raising the
grade. By raising the grade there would be double security gained. If we
had had during the past Winter but one street above the water, it would
have made a vast difference to the interests of the city. One hundred
thousand dollars worth of trade had been compelled to leave the city
from the want of a single street above water. He thought it not only a
matter of policy, but it was absolutely of vital interest to the city
to raise the grade, but he desired to hear the views of others on the
subject. If buildings were raised at all, they might as well be raised
all the way as half-way to high water mark.
The PRESIDENT stated that the object of the meeting was to obtain an
expression from all interested on the subject, that the best policy might
be adopted.
H. M. BERNARD was opposed to any single street adopting a grade. He
thought a general plan should be adopted for the whole city.
I. S. VAN WINKLE thought it our duty to ourselves and to future
generations to adopt a grade and a policy now which would meet any
future emergency. Had we in earlier times paid attention to the opinions
of Vallejo and others of experience, we should have been out of the
reach of destruction by the past flood. Let it not be said in ten years
from this that we were equally negligent as to our own experience. We
should adopt a grade a few inches above the highest water of the season,
though he thought eighteen inches unnecessarily high. There should be a
fixed grade. He put up a new building last year and endeavored to find
out the grade, but nobody appeared to know what it was. He built according
to the grade, as nearly as he could learn, and the water rose three feet
ten inches over the floor.
R. H. MCDONALD then offered the following :
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that the grade
of J street be established at twelve inches above high water mark,
measuring from the top of the gutter.
He stated that he believed this grade would meet all interests more fully
than any other, and to test the sense of the meeting he offered the above
resolution. The foundation walls of most of the J street buildings were
now about two and a half feet below the floor. The water had risen three
and a half feet above the floor. These figures added made six feet.
Add to this twelve inches above high watermark and we would have seven
feet, just enough for a magnificent basement. He believed this basement
would be worth more to the owner in every instance than the cost of
making the alteration. These basements were necessary for purposes of
storage and would greatly enhance the value of our property. To raise
any less than the figures named would spoil these basements, and it
would be better to go higher than the flood required, in order to secure
them. It would not do to dig the cellars lower than the surface of the
natural ground, or the foundation walls would settle.
H. M. BERNARD thought it very selfish for the J street property owners
to get together and adopt a grade without regard to the interests of
other portions of the city. He owned no property on J but he did on
L street. There were many others who were interested in other portions
of the city, but they were too bashful to come forward and express
their views. As for himself, he was always ready to say what he thought.
He always paid his taxes, and thought his interests, though not so
extensive as those of many others, just as much entitled to consideration
in a movement of this character. He was in favor of the meeting
adjourning until Monday or Tuesday evening, and of inviting property
owners from all parts of the city to be present. There should be no
snap judgment taken. A regular system of grade should be adopted. He
was unwilling to see one or two streets graded and impassable mud holes
left in the cross streets. The owners of property in the lower portion
of the town were as anxious on this subject as anybody else. Don't
shuttle the water down on them without providing for carrying it off.
That would not do. Call a general meeting and give the people a chance.
The PRESIDENT stated that the meeting was not of an exclusive
character--that all present were expected to participate in the
proceedings--that a high grade was required on at least J, K and
L streets.
LORENZO HAMILTON said there was a wide difference outside on the grade
question. The cost of raising the grade was a matter of great importance.
He thought that if the city was thoroughly leveed there would be no
necessity for raising the grade. We should build a levee which would
make another flood impossible. We could not afford to do both. The
expense of raising the grade added to that of the levee would be more
than the people of the city could bear. Let it go abroad that we have
built a levee which will protect the city against any flood which can
possibly occur. If a few busiuess streets are raised, the dwelling houses
in other portions of the city would not be, nor was it desirable that
they should. We must therefore have a levee that could be relied upon.
Before any steps were taken on the subject he hoped the matter would be
thoroughly investigated and the expense calculated. He had made some
slight calculation on the cost of raising the grade and believed it to
be so great as to render the policy impracticable.
H. T. HOLMES was an outsider, but was anxious to see the streets raised.
Get one street up and ethers would follow. There was a grade already
established by the Board of Supervisors--the Hite grade. The only
question was, should we go higher, so as to be entirely safe.
E. P. FIGG presented a communication to the meeting from L. B. Harris,
the owner of one hundred feet of property on J street. The communication
was read. It took ground against raising the grade of J street more
than one foot. The author was confident that a levee would be built
which would render the city entirely secure.
A. C. SWEETSER stated that he represented considerable property on J street,
and was instructed to cast his vote against a high grade at the present
time. The owners relied upon a high, strong, safe levee.
I. S. VAN WINKLE said the object in establishing a grade was not to
commence now or next year to raise buildings, except where owners desired
to, but to have a grade for the government of all who wish to put up
new buildings. New buildings could be put up at the proper hight, and
at some future time the streets could be graded. He would himself have
been thankful for such a grade before building last year, as it would
have saved him great expense. When looking at the immense torrents
of water which came down the American river, with the logs and drift
wood which are swept along with such great force, it became evident
that there was no such thing as absolute safety from levee. They might
be cut away at any time. There was nothing like having the streets above
high water mark.
H. T. HOLMES stated that the grade, if adopted, would not compel any
to raise their buildings. It would regulate those which are yet to be
built. Then whenever the owners of two-thirds of any block wished to
raise, it could be done. Such a grade already existed, but it was not
high enough.
L. HAMILTON said that great confusion would be caused on account of
irregularity of sidewalks. He thought that sidewalks should be made
to conform with each other. He relied upon the construction of levees
full and complete. They would have to be built high and strong, for
the beds of rivers were constantly filling up. He knew that the bed
of the Yuba had raised ten feet within ten or twelve years, and he
believed the American had changed in the same manner. To raise the
grade of the streets at the present time would be a confession of
weakness and of want of faith in our ability to levee the city. Let
no such confession go forth. The vote was then taken on the adoption
of Dr. McDonald's resolution.
The PRESIDENT announced the resolution lost.
Dr. MCDONALD called for a division on the question on it adoption [sic].
J. GREENBAUM thought the action of the meeting too hasty. There should
be more caution and more time devoted to the examination of the subject.
The Hite grade, which was referred to, was not designed to meet the flood,
but to provide for sewerage and effectually drain the city. It was essential
to look at the cost of raising the grade and to ascertain whether it could
be borne or not. There would be municipal tax, State tax, war tax, etc.,
etc., and care should be observed before adopting another policy which
must, of necessity, be very expensive. He did not want a grade adopted
until it could be put in practice. He was opposed to having one building
high and another low and was not willing, in traveling along the sidewalks
to be forced to go up and down a set of step ladders all over town.
Establish a grade whenever property owners were ready for it, and then
make everybody conform to it.
R. H. MCDONALD thought the expense of grading the streets would be far
less than was generally supposed. Whenever the work should be undertaken,
a railroad and locomotive would be necessary. There was a vast quantity
of sand and earth in the eastern portion of the city, recently deposited
there. By laying a track on J street, it and the cross streets could
be filled up speedily and cheaply. He was satisfied that the cost to
each twenty foot lot on J street would not exceed $250 The basement stories
in each building would be worth much more than amount [sic].
I. S. VAN WINKLE said there were but few brick buildings in the city
in 1854, and if we had had the proper grade then great expense would
have been saved. Last year was one of unusual prosperity, and a large
number of new brick buildings were erected. They will now have to be
raised at considerable cost. We all admit that this is no place for a
city. The ground is like a sponge. The water comes in from the river and
overflows the lower part of the city, even when there is no flood. How
was it last year? We had to pump out the water at great expense, and it
ran back as fast as it was pumped out. The only remedy for this was to
adopt a grade above high water mark. We must profit by experience and
act with wisdom. He was in favor of a high grade, and wanted it adopted
if it ruined him.
R H. MCDONALD called for a division of the meeting on the adoption of
the resolution.
C. H .GRIMM was impressed with the idea that it was injudicious at this
time to take any decided action on the subject. The city should be left
pretty much as it is until we see what can be done with the levees. He
would let the grade of the streets rest for another year.
H. T. HOLMES inquired what the last speaker would do with new
buildings--let them be put up this year to require raising the next?
C H. GRIMM apprehended that there would be but few of them put up any
time soon.
J. GREENBAUM was not prepared to decide as to the grade of eighteen
inches above high water. But what ever hight might be agreed upon, let
there be uniformity as to streets and sidewalks. There was no necessity
for haste. Let there be an adjournment for the purpose of getting a
general expression of opinion on the subject
R. H. MCDONALD again called for a division on the adoption of the resolution.
H. M. BERNARD contended that the Chair had pronounced the resolution to be
lost before a division had been called for, and that it was therefore
disposed of.
The PRESIDENT of tte meeting stated that such had been his decision until
the division had been called for but that upon such call being made he
receded from the decision and considered the resolution still before the
meeting.
The resolution was then, on motion, laid upon the table until an adjourned
meeting, and on motion of H. M. BERNARD the meeting adjourned until
Tuesday evening at the same place, the Secretary being instructed to
invite a general attendance of property owners from all portions of the
city. . . .
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
. . .SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, March 15, 1862
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, the Lieutenant Governor in the chair, . . .
THE GENERAL FILE.
The Senate took up Senate Bill No. 251--An Act concerning the construction
and repair of levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising
revenue therefor.
On motion of Mr. NIXON, the reading was dispensed with, and he explained
the nature of the bill. The levee was to be built from near the mouth of
the American river, along the north side of the city, to the high land in
the neighborhood of Brighton, and to be used as a public highway and
macadamized, the franchise to be a property of the city. All conflicting
opinions with reference to the bill had been compromised and settled,
one-half of the expense to be paid from the American River Levee Fund of
the city, and the other half from the Swamp Land Fund belonging to the
county.
Messrs. HOLDEN and BANKS made further inquiries as to the nature of the
bill, as it had not been read.
Mr. PARKS said he had examined it, and the Swamp Land Commissioners had
examined it. The citizens of Sacramento preferred to build their own levee;
leaving this new subject to the Swamp Land Commissioners, who had the right
to determine the position of the levee, its hight and breadth, leaving it
with the city to increase the hight and breadth if they pleased. He thought
the citizens of Sacramento were doing more than their share in the
enterprise, but they preferred to have immediate control of the matter
themselves.
Mr. HEACOCK offered an amendment, providing that the expenses incurred in
searching titles be entered as costs in the case, which was adopted.
Mr. SHAFTER called attention to the fact that, after the work was concluded,
the levee would be the property of the city of Sacramento, who might make it
a toll road or lease the franchise. He did not think it wrong, but wanted to
have it understood.
The bill was considered engrossed, read a third time and passed.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3422, 18 March 1862, p. 1
ATLANTIC INTELLIGENCE.
From our late Eastern files we collate the following intelligence: . . .
New England Items. . . .
The late storm in Vermont caused more obstruction to travel on the highways
than anyother that has occurred for several years. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We have no telegraphic advices from the East to lay before our anxious
readers this morning. The wires are down at Strawberry. The line will
probably be in working order today.
A heavy fall of rain has occurred in the interior. At Auburn the river rose
three feet, but it has since fallen two feet, and at Folsom it has also
subsided. This relieves us from the apprehension of an overflow. . . .
Two communications in reference to floods and protection against their
destructive effects, will be found in our columns. The views expressed
are as widely divergent as the estimates of costs. "In the multitude of
counselors there is safety." It is to be hoped so. But there is another
proverb, ancient, vulgar and unscriptural, which refers to the damage
done by a superfluous number of cooks about the broth. Some plan of
protection against the tendency to turn the streets of Sacramento into
Venetian canals is an urgent necessity. . . .
There has been another rise in the American, and a consequent rise of
the water in the eastern portion of the city to the extent of about a
foot. The water in the southern section of the city has risen about six
inches. The Sacramento shows a rise of about six inches. The rise is
attributed to a heavy fall of rain in the upper country.
MORRISON'S BILL AND LEVEES.
An earnest advocate of Morrison's bill--providing for the employment of
State Prison labor in building levees and straightening rivers--appears
again on the subject. The advantages flowing from cut-offs and from
dredging such localities as the Hog's Back are undoubtedly fully as
great as claimed by Mr. Roach. The labor required to cut canals across
bends in rivers and to manage dredging machines, it is considered might
be furnished from the State Prison, and as an adjunct to the system of
swamp land reclamation might be advantageously adopted. Convict labor
could also be employed successfully in cutting a canal from Knight's
Landing to Suisun Bay, provided such a canal were determined upon
Convicts could, to be sure, be employed to build levees; but we doubt
whether the work can be performed with that kind of labor for less per
cubic yard than the price for which contractors would undertake it. But
we see no prospects of the bill becoming a law during this session, unless
it is adopted as a subordinate branch of the present swamp land system of
reclamation.
The suggestion that the Straits of Carquinez might be increased in width
by the labor of convicts does not strike us very favorably, for were such
a work necessary it would require more gigantic preparations and means than
could be made at or furnished from the State Penitentiary. It would be a
herculean undertaking, and one which it is not very likely man will ever
engage in. Men living at Benicia declare that the floods of water sent
down from the mountains do not make any perceptible difference in the
line of low water north of the straits when the tide is out. The level
of the water at high and low tide remains the same above the straits,
and hence it is pretty well demonstrated that the Straits of Carquinez
are amply sufficient to pass all the water which may collect in the
valleys above. The only effect produced by the high water upon the
tides above the straits is, that the point at which the current of the
river and that of the rising tide neutralize each other is pushed further
down in the bay. Instead of meeting and exactly balancing at the "Hog's
Back," as it may be assumed they do at low water--the opposing currents
are equalized at a point miles below. As consequence the retiring tide
appears to carry on its surface a mass of fresh water. An immense quantity
of salt water which usually flows through the straits and into the bays
above is displaced by fresh water, without, of course, making any
perceptible difference in the level of the water, at low or high tide
in the Bay of San Pablo. Suppose, therefore, the straits were made wider,
how could that affect the water in the Sacramento river? On the levee
question Roach furnishes some excellent authorities in reply to those
quoted by Rowlandson about the insufficiency of the levees on the
Mississippi. We stated at the time that there were two schools of
engineers who had written on the effect of levees and natural and
artificial lateral channels on the Mississippi; one of which contended
that levees caused the river to fill up and were unsafe--while the
other argued that levees must be the main dependence, and that they
did not cause the river bed to rise. Rowlandson quoted from one of the
former; Roach quotes from several of the latter. Each class fortified
itself with scientific calculations, investigations and experiments.
The State of Louisiana adopted the system advocated by the school of
engineers who argued the building of levees as the main protection for
the sugar and cotton land of the State. It was adopted years ago and has
never been departed from. The levees built have protected the country from
damage, except under extraordinary circumstances. Levees have also
protected Sacramento, except under extrordinary [sic] circumstances.
It is shown by Mr. Roach that a vastly greater amount of water falls in
the valley off the Mississippi than in that of the Sacramento. The
communication is one which may be read at this juncture with profit. . . .
NOT PRACTICABLE.--The plan for protecting the valleys from the effects
of floods, suggested by Mr. Rowlandson, will be pronounced totally
impracticable by nineteen men out of twenty. The expense would be
enormous, and the pounds, after they were built, would be about as
liable to break away as levees. Such a plan is not likely ever to be
adopted in California. The undertaking would be one of the most gigantic
ever undertaken by man. To make such a system safe and effective would
cost as much as to build the Pacific Railroad.
MEETING OF PROPERTY OWNERS.
A meeting of property owners on J street was called and held last
Saturday night, at the County Court room, to consider the question of
raising the grade of that street. Views were interchanged to a
considerable extent among those present, and some diversity of opinion
was manifested. A few were for relying on a levee, but the majority
seemed to concede that the foundation of the business streets should
be elevated. Some opposition, too, exhibited itself to any proposition
which looked alone to an elevation of the grade of J street. We take it
that an ordinance fixing the grade of one street will also establish it
for all the others. It must be remembered that an ordinance has been
passed by the Board of Supervisors establishing a grade which, we believe,
is the previous line of high water twenty-two and a half feet. This grade
was for the gutters on J streel, the crown of the street to be eighteen
inches higher. Such is the grade now fixed by law; all buildings hereafter
to be erected must conform to this grade, and, as a consequence, the street
would finally reach that line as high up as Tenth street, if not clear to
the Fort.
The late floods raised the line of high water from twenty-two and a half
to twenty-four feet, and the question now is, not whether a high grade
is to be established, as an original proposition, but whether one already
fixed by law shall be so changed as to cause it to conform to the first
idea of coming up to high water mark. When the ordinance was passed, had
the high water mark been twenty four feet, that would have been the grade
of the gutters on J street. The proposition now is simply to change the
present grade so as to bring it up, as was at first intended, to high water
mark for the gutter grade of J; or, if thought advisable, six inches above
that. It will take eighteen inches to bring the grade to high water mark,
and two feet to bring the line six inches above that point. If the gutter
line were raised eighteen inches, the crown of the street would be the
same number of inches above high water, and the stores on the street would
stand on a line just about two and a half feet above the old high water
line of twenty-two and a half feet. The proposed Hite grade was a foot
higher than the one adopted, but the water in the Sacramento rose a foot
over that.
To reach the present grade, buildings must be raised, and the street filled
about twenty-two inches; if raised to correspond with the new high water
figure, J street would have to be filled three feet and four inches. If
there were good reasons for bringing J street up to high water mark before
the late floods, there are certainly more cogent reasons for still keeping
the grade up to that line.
We have, from the first, advocated a high grade as an additional security
against damage by high water, and the experience of the past Winter has
shown that it would have been a wise policy had it been adopted in 1853.
But the point of high water then was considerably submerged in 1862. The
cost then would have been small compared with the expense now, but the
question of cost is one for property owners to decide, as they will be
called upon to foot the bills. It is not an expense which the public will
be called upon to stand.
But if property owners wish to place themselves in a position of
absolute safety they will determine upon building a levee broad and
high, and also to raise the business houses and streets of Sacramento
above high water. We entertain no doubts of the ability of the people of
the city to build a levee which human judgment will pronounce perfectly
safe, and still we think owners will exercise a high degree of wisdom if
they insist also upon having the grade of the city put at or above high
water. It will, with the levee, insure absolutely the safety of property
in the city. It will do more; it will restore perfect confidence in the
future of Sacramento, and add to the value of property three times the cost
of raising it, and filling the streets. It is certain that those who build
will go up with the first floor above high water, and stores thus situated
will be the first in demand when men of business desire to rent. Indeed,
in the course of a year it will be found difficult for the owner to rent
a store, the floor of which is on the present grade. Hence it is the
interest of owners of property to urge the adoption of a grade which
will insure them for all time.
The meeting Saturday night adjourned to meet again to-night in the County
Court room.
MORE ABOUT LEVEES.
EDITORS UNION: Much has been said of late about levees. Plans have been
various--some expensive and some otherwise. One plan--and a cheap one--was
advocated by the UNION for the protection of the levee at the tannery. My
object in referring to it is to show that what you advocated was not only
cheap, but sensible. I wish to state and refer to what all can look at by
going on to the ground.
After the first flood, the Citizens' Committee built a levee farther back
from the river, which was also carried away. Could that have been
protected? Let us see. Along the A street levee, and between that and
one on the immediate river bank, are a large number of peach trees, which
have been removed from some ground, and placed there without particular
care.
Then the levee was carried away by being undermined next the river, so as
to let the high waters across the fields between the two levees. The result
was that the peach trees before mentioned caused the sand to lodge among
the branches to more than one-half the depth of the A street levee, while
outside of this brush the land is swept clean of sand. If any one should
say that there was no current there, I would state that those trees are
apparently in the trench made by procuring the material for the levee.
Now we all know that water seeks the lowest places for its passage. The
only thing that could have prevented the current was the brush.
That is the thing desired to prevent the current. Now had this
brush or others been placed on the river side of the new work would it
not have been saved by accumulating sand in the same manner?
But to go still further back--before the floods. You advocated putting
brush in the river along the caving bank, so as to form a bar and prevent
the layer of sand from washing out and letting down the surface, which
is not acted upon by the water to any great degrae.
Again: It was proposed to cut the trees from from the bar opposite the
tannery, and thus give the current free course, and in the direction in
which it comes from above. Those plans carried out would most likely have
prevented the breaks at the tannery. T. F. P.
OLD WASH BY FLOOD.--San Juan Press cites the following facts to show
some of the good effects of the late flood:
In visiting the claims of Gilbert and Bicknell, on Sweetland creek, a
short distance above the town of Sweetland, our attention was called to
spots on the naked granite, the surface of which had undergone partial
decomposition, which were literally gleaming with the precious metal.
These claims had heretofore been thoroughly worked, and the bed rock picked
into to the depth of from one to six inches; and yet, here was the gold
again abundant, and visible to the unaided eye. A panful of gravel was
broken from a space of the rock not more than forty inches in circumference,
which we panned out ourself, and which, upon being subsequently weighed
in the scales of Dannals & Menner, yielded half a pennyweight of gold--equal
to about forty-five cents, Gilbert and Bicknell are again working over their
ground, and making from ten to thirty dollars per day to the hand. . . .
FLOOD NEAR SAN JUAN.--The cottage residence of John McCoy, in Sebastopol,
Nevada county, was seriously injured lately, with its improvements, by the
breaking away of a large volume of water collected in a basin. ...
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
Rain In the Interior.
AUBURN. March 17--9 P. M.
The American river had risen about three feet at noon to-day. No rain here
to-day. Clear and pleasant this evening.
COLOMA, March 17--8 P. M.
The river at noon had risen about three feet. Has fallen two feet since
and is still falling. Sky clear.
PLACERVILLE, March 17--9 P. M.
It rained hard all last night. Clear now.
FOLSOM, March 17--9 P. M.
Weather clear. The river is falling.
RED BLUFF, March 17--9 P. M.
Weather pleasant here to-day.
CHICO, March 17--9 P. M.
Clear and pleasant.
OROVILLE, March 17--9 P.M.
Clear and pleasant.
NEVADA, March 17--9 P.M.
It rained throughout the mountains till 10 A.M. to-day. Cleared up
at 2 P. M., and clear yet.
Charter Election in Marysvllle--The Union Ticket Successful--Weather.
Marysville, March 17--10 P. M..
. . .The weather is moderately warm, with no rain.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
HIDES FROM TEHAMA.--The steamer Victor brought down yesterday thirteen
hundred hides from Red Bluff. We stated recently that the Victor had
brought from Tehama county within sixty days, over twenty thousand hides,
chiefly from drowned cattle. The San Francisco Bulletin republished
the item, but the next day made the following statement: "Yesterday we
reprinted from the SACRAMENTO UNION an item on this subject, which we are
assured is altogether erroneous, as tending to show a much greater loss of
cattle by the recent floods than is the actual fact. But a comparatively
small quantity of hides now coming to market have been from cattle lost
by the floods. The great bulk of the receipts is composed of dry hides,
which are the usual Winter collection in the interior, now finding their
way to the seaboard, while those from drowned cattle come to hand
'green.' [sic, no close "] We are assured by officers of the Victor,
who have had ample facilities for informing themselves, that our statement
was entirely within bounds. That boat has brought to this city in three
trips alone--recently made--over twelve thousand hides, and the aggregate
amount brought by her is nearer twenty-five thousand than the number named.
More than seven-eighths of the amount are from cattle drowned by the flood
and those which perished for want of food. The dry hides of the season
which, from that section, nearly all come from Shasta and the mountain
region have not yet been brought into market. Not a wagon load of them,
we are assured, has yet been brought to Red Bluff, nor can they be at
present on account of the bad condition of the roads. It is a well known
fact at Red Bluff that more cattle have died during the Winter in Tehama
county than the number returned by the Assessor for last year. Three stock
owners alone, Chard, Thorn and Toombs, have lost over six thousand head.
We are also informed that cattle continue even now to die constantly for
want of food, and that the hides of not more than two-thirds of those
which have died have been saved. . . .
BODY FOUND.--Information was brought to Coroner Reeves last evening, by
Andrew Hunt, that the body of an unknown man had been found afloat some
six miles north of the city, near the Dry Creek House, on the Marysville
road. The Coroner will visit the locality this morning, for the purpose
of holding an inquest. The body, we are informed, is dressed in working
clothes, and the pockets contained $47 in coin. A boat left the city
about the 28th of January, with three men, for Fuller's ranch, on Auburn
ravine, Placer county, which never reached that point, and was never
heard from afterward. Two of the men were named Wm. Becker and C. H.
Gardineer, who lived with Fuller, and the other was W. Ladbrock, the owner
of the boat. It is possible that the body found yesterday is that of one
of the three men referred to. . . .
RISE IN THE AMERICAN.--Quite unexpectedly the American river commenced
to rise yesterday morning, and discharged so much water into the city
through Burns' slough, the crevasse at Rabel's, and other openings in
the north levee, as to affect sensibly the stage of the water in the
flooded districts. During the day. the water north of J street rose
about a foot, and that of the southwestern part of the town about six
inches. A strong current continued to pass through the eastern part of
the town from the openings referred to to those in the R street levee.
We learn by telegraph that there have been heavy rains in the mountains
within the past few days, although we have had none in this city. . . .
THE GRADE MEETING.--An adjourned meeting of city property holders generally
will be held this evening at the County Court room to consider the propriety
of raising the grade of the streets of the city. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Monday March 17, 1862.
The Board convened to-day at 2 P.M. . . .
Supervisor HITE submitted the following:
An Ordinance to amend the Ordinance fixing the Grade of certain streets.
The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento do order
and ordain as follows:
Section 1. Section twelve of Ordinance No. 4, fixing the grade of certain
streets, is hereby amended so as to read as follows: Section 12. The term
"high water mark" used in this ordinance shall be taken and deemed to be
a point on the water gauge twenty-four feet above low water mark.
The ordinance was laid over under the rules. . . .
LOSS OF SHEEP.--It is rather curious to note the inequality in the
loss of sheep in the same neighborhood. On the plains just this side
of Stony creek, Jeff. Walker and the Sproat brothers each had four or
five thousand head; the latter lost about two thousand, while the loss
of the former was less than fifty. This difference is owing a great deal,
no doubt, to the management of the herds; but it is more to be accounted
for from the time the ewes were permitted to drop their lambs. Late lambs
have done best this season. During the snow Walker kept his sheep in a
corral three days, without food, and lost but few, while those who let
theirs out lost immensely.--Colusa Sun. . . .
GOLD PROSPECTS IN TRINITY.--The Trinity Journal argues that the late floods
have not been without corresponding advantage. Whilst most of the
improvements along Trinity river have been either entirely swept away,
or much damaged, the immense body of water rushing down this stream has
washed heavy deposits of earth off many flats and bars, leaving nothing
for the miner to do when the water falls to its usual stage but to wash
the pay dirt. In some instances the entire bed of the stream has been
changed, and the old channel is nearly dry, saving to the miner, during
the coming Summer, much labor and expense in damming and fluming. We have
talked with miners residing along the river at different points for a
distance of sixty miles, and they all have about the same story to
tell--that Americans and Chinamen are busy everywhere, especially at
points where the water has bared the bed rock on the bars and banks,
and it is sufficiently low for them to get at it. We have heard of many
instances where men are making as high as an ounce per day, working with
a rocker, just picking up and washing the bed rock, left bare by the floods.
Many river miners express the opinion, notwithstanding the great destruction
of dams, flumes and mining machinery on the river, that there will be more
gold taken from the Trinity the coming Summer and Fall, than in any one of
the past five years. As to the dry placer and gulch diggings, there never
has been so favorable a season for working them since the discovery of
gold in California. . . .
p. 4
[For the Union.]
CALIFORNIA FLOODS.
Their Causes and Suggested Remedies.--No. 10.
BY T. ROWLANDSON, SAN FRANCISCO.
CUT OFFS--OUTLETS--AND STRAIGHTENING WATER COURSES.
The advocates of the levee system rely upon the auxiliary aids which they
suppose can be obtained by cut offs, outlets and straightening of streams.
If such could be made of practicable use, this train of reasoning would
apply; as, however, the only outlet which exists for the flood waters
which fall in the district under review is inadequate to their discharge
whilst retarded in their overflow towards the Straits of Carquinez under
the existing state of things, how much more susceptible of inundation must
the low lands become when the rain water from the extremities of the water
shed are hastened into the central lowlands by cut offs or straightened
streams. It is true that the advocates of such cut offs are probably
limited in their views to only making such as could be conveniently found
between Suisun Bay and Sacramento city. In such a case, the relief to that
city could only be very limited and confined to light floods; on the contrary,
the construction of a canal or cut off such as is proposed to Tulare would
probably hasten the arrival of the immense body of water which falls in
that district fully one-half, and consequently render Sacramento obnoxious
to overflow with its present levees during floods occasioned by a less fall
of rain than has as yet been known to produce destructive consequences.
As to outlets they are practically impossible. Where can such be made? The
only possible place where such a mode of relief could be carried out would
be by deep cutting and tunneling from the Bay of San Francisco to the San
Joaquin through some of the ravines between the Mission of San Jose and
Hayward. The construction of such an outlet, I presume, there is no one
bold enough to recommend. The last remark will serve to show how natural
is the comparison that has been made respecting the country under notice
and the Mississippi, because in the latter case one set of engineers
advocated the opening of old, or the construction of new outlets for its
flood waters. The entire want of analogy between the two cases must be
evident at a glance to the most obtuse intellect. A word, however, in
defense of Mr. Ellet; that gentleman was neither opposed to making levees
nor to the opening of old or new outlets; he simply apportioned the just
value of each, a notice of which, although it would be perfectly in plan,
would be so lengthy that it is on that account inadmissible.
WHAT THE ADVOCATES OF LEVEES OUGHT TO PROVE.
Except for the purpose of executing works that would be required in any
case as a part of a comprehensive system, not one cent of money ought to
be allowed to be expended either by the Swamp Land Commission or others,
of funds under public control, unless they or the other advocates of the
levee system produce evidence that such operations will be of permanent
advantage, as a whole, and not calculated to interfere with future attempts
at improvement. In order to do this, they have to show the means by which
they propose to carry off the water from the whole of the low lands--the
size of water course or river requisite for the purpose, the rate of
discharge, velocity, hight of embankment, etc., etc. No one has as yet
attempted anything of the kind; hitherto it has all been "blind hazard."
In order to facilitate the calculations of such as are still devotees of
the levee system as a panacea, I will here insert what I consider the
elements on which the problem ought to be based. In the first place,
however, I wish to call their attention and that of the public generally,
very emphatically to one or two points connected with the inquiry. The
first, which appears to have been very generally overlooked, is, that
at Carqninez, and for a considerable distance further in the interior,
the stream is not a river proper but a tidal one, which very much reduces
the amount of its discharging capacity; so much so that it is quite
unequal, under existing circumstances, to the discharge of even moderate
floods with sufficient rapidity to keep the swamp lands from being
overflowed. In the preventatives which I shall hereafter propose, I
have based my calculations on the presumption that any remedy, to be
efficient, ought at least to be equal to the neutralization of any evils
this might arise from a rain fall of twelve inches over the entire water
shed during the space of one week or seven days. I think it will be
admitted that we have had at least one week of such weather during the
current season--such a fall over the entire space, say 50.000 square
miles, would be equal to something over 2,300,000 cubic feet per second.
Now, the problem the levee advocates have to solve is the discharge of
this volume of water in such away that it shall not inundate the low lands
nor overflow the cities on the banks of the various rivers; and in fact,
to do no damage whatever. Unless they show this, or show how far they can
accomplish this by means of levees, all their assertions as to the efficacy
of levees alone ought to be disregarded. I may here add that with the
materials of which the banks of any trunk or branch stream would have to
be constructed, I do not anticipate that a mean velocity greatly exceeding
five feet per second could be maintained without injury to the banks.
PROPOSED MEASURES FOR RELIEF AND RECLAMATION.
Owing to the fact that very few persons nre acquainted with the country
north and south of the parallels of Sacramento or Stockton, very vague
and very inadequate impressions exist as to the vast area comprehended
by the water shed, whose only outlet is to be found at Carquincz. It is
in extent quite equal to the entire area of England proper, and probably
of Wales also. The rain fall of England and California, when taken on an
average, is probably not greatly dissimilar, the great difference between
the two being that whilst in England the rain is usually distributed over
the entire year, in California it cannot so far as it practically relates
to this subject be extended over six months. Notwithstanding the difference
in favor of England, destructive floods are not unknown in that country.
During the present century these have been much mitigated, owing to the
many precautions taken, which have been suggested by experience; but still
more so in consequence of the increased value of impounded waters for the
supply of towns and for manufacturing purposes. This relief from floods,
however, only applies to the head waters. On rivers flowing through low,
flat districts floods are more frequent than heretofore. This is owing to
the great increase of tile and other drainage of late years, executed on
cultivated lands. The consequence has been that the rain water which
previously took months of permeating the soil, whilst at the same time
much passed away by means of evaporation, is now quickly carried forward
to the various rivers rapidly--so rapidly, in fact, that the ancient banks
are frequently found inadequate for their office. Inundations follow.
These injurious consequences have in some instances been attempted to be
remedied by dredging and obtaining a greater outfall. Tidal volume in such
cases sets in higher and sooner than known before, and although the land
owner may find his outfall better, he also discovers that a concurrent
high tide and upland flood overtops the ancient banks, robs the meadows
of their burden or sweeps away his ripened grain. The instance just given
illustrates two things--the extraordinary susceptibility of riven to
circumstances apparently trival [sic] and often overlooked, and the great
difhculty of adjusting the current of rivers subjected to tidal agencies,
especially when combined with the irregularities occasioned by flood and
drought.
In estimating the extent of the works necessary to be constructed in order
to alleviate or entirely prevent the known disastrous consequences of
floods in California. I have taken as the basis of my calculation a rain
fall, as previously alluded to, namely, one foot or twelve inches falling
in the course of one week or seven consecutive days. This would equal per
week 1,393,920,000,000 cubic feet. This quantity, and upwards, I propose
to have impounded and kept back until the entire of the water which would
fall on the low lands had passed away. For this purpose I propose to have
constructed reservoirs possessing an aggregate capacity of
1,500,000,000,000 cubic feet, seeing that there would be about
200,000,000,000 cubic feet that, owing to its falling on the lower
lands, could not reach such reservoirs. I anticipate that an impoundage
capacity equal to that named would be equal to all emergencies, as it
would leave a margin of about 400,000,000,000 for the possible chance
of being found one-fourth filled at the commencement of a rain storm,
and also for the fact of any discrepancy in the calculation, in consequence
of the rate of rain fall being greater in the elevated districts than in
the plains of the 8,000,000 acres of low lands, which I do not expect can
be taken off in any other way than by means of drainage and rivers. I
estimate that only six inches of rain would fall thereon during the
hypothetic seven days. This, I believe, is in accordance with Dr. Logan's
observations at Sacramento. The amount would therefore be 174,240,000,000
cubic feet, or say in round numbers 300,000 cubic feet per second, which,
together with some water that necessarily would escape impoundage, might
possibly make a total of 500,000 cubic feet per second--a volume which
could. without any great difficulty, be made to pass through the Straits
of Carquinez. The flow of the impounded water would of course be regulated
at pleasure, and would not be permitted to flow excepting in small
quantities or to the low lands until the chief part of the water which
had fallen, or the latter had been discharged, facilities for carrying
off which would be constructed in the shape of draws, in some instances
of a capacity sufficient to be used for purposes of navigation.
The main carrier or river, with a branch to Stockton, and probably another
to Tulare lake, should be constructed so as to maintain as near as possible
an equable flow, with a depth of not less than fifty feet in the driest
weather, with proportionate embankments and discharge. This could easily
be obtained. The deepening of the Sacramento and the lower San Joaquin
ought to be produced by the force of the outscouring floods, assisted
and guided by human effort. Once deepened and completed, these main arteries
could always be kept open by regulating the passage through them of the
flood and impounded waters. With aids of this character the river Sacramento,
at a very slight expense, may be made capable of floating an ocean-going
steamer to the city of Sacramento during the driest season.
DISTRIBUTION OF WORKS NEEDED, AND PROBABLE COST.
In the preceding section a general outline has been given of the principles
on which preventives ought to be constructed. I shall soon briefly address
myself to their probable distribution and charge so as to attain the greatest
amount of relief or other benefit at the smallest cost. I consider that
from the San Joaquin to the Feather river, both inclusive, by selecting
the most appropriate ravines and canons on those and the other intermediate
rivers, five hundred thousand millions cubic feet of water may be impounded;
that on the upper Sacramento and some of the larger tributaries on its
right bank, where the impounded waters would not require such elevated
embankments as in ravines and canons, owing to the more expanded and
lake-like form which the impounded waters would assume in those places,
would suffice to retain four hundred thousand millions cubic feet, and that
by the construction of temporary reservoirs in the low district six hundred
thousand millions cubic feet could be held back so as to be prevented from
adding to the first rush of the flood, and could be allowed to flow off
gradually. The last I look upon only as a temporary measure to be abandoned
as the other works progressed, feeling satisfied that so valuable would
the impounded waters in the high reservoirs be found, that capital would
readily be forthcoming, and the public would loudly call for the impounding
of every drop of water that it would be practicable to accomplish; the
lower reservoir would consequently be a comparatively inexpensive one,
and the mounds composing it would be worth all the original expenditure
for future use as roads, canals for drainage, and, in some cases, for
navigation also, which canals are contemplated as adjuncts to the general
works which, as already briefly noticed, comprise the construction of a
deep flowing river to Sacramento, and a branch to Stockton. The chief
features may be gleaned from the following table:
Cubic Feet,
An aggregate length of embankment of
80 miles on the various head waters
alluded to, averaging 100 feet high,
and calculated to contain 500,000,000,000
An aggregate length of embankment on
the upper Sacramento and some of
the chief tributaries on its right bank,
averaging 25 feet high, to contain . . . 400,000,000,000
Thirty-five miles of embankment on the
low lands, 10 feet high, to contain... 600,000,000,000
-----------------
Total 1,500,000,000,000
The cost of constructing the above, together with the accessory works
indicated, would probably amount to between twenty-five and thirty
millions of dollars. For the latter sum, I feel convinced, something like
a perfect system of canalization could be constructed, capable of carrying
heavy freights to nearly the summit of the Sierra Nevada. This fact will
be again alluded to.
INEFFECTIVENESS AND COSTLINESS OF THE PROPOSED LEVEE SYSTEM.
The ineffectiveness of a mere levee system will be best exemplified by
drawing attention to the state of things now existing in the low lands.
The first inroad into Sacramento took place on the 9th of December, and
it is not unfair to suppose that with the Spring floods arising from
melting snow, the water will continue nearly as high as at present until
the first week in May next, allowance being made for some little rain
during the interval between now and the latter period. Supposing the most
complete system of levees that could be devised had been constructed, I
will put it to the common sense of the most ordinary observer to estimate
how many acres of the low lands of the California valley would have
escaped inundation for the continuous five months from December to May
during the current season; further, will it not be June, July, or possibly
August, before the present flood will have wholly retired from the lowest
portions of the valley? Mr. Winn very naively states that they (the Swamp
Land Commission) contemplate the entire reclamation of the swamp lands.
Unless some other agency than the construction of levees is devised by that
body contemplation will prove the Alpha and Omega of their efforts. I have
had as much experience as most living persons in regard to the reclamation
of swamp lands, as well as to the appropriate use of such lands when
reclaimed; nevertheless, I feel considerable curiosity to learn at what
sum per acre the Swamp Land Commission anticipate reclaiming the whole of
the swamp lands, even if by this means such an end could possibly be
accomplished. I venture to assert that it cannot be done for a sum so low
as five dollars per acre.which on six millions of acres, would amount to
the maximum sum which I calculate would effectually reclaim the entire area,
besides making a navigable river fifty feet deep up to Sacramento and
Stockton, and free those cities, Marysville and other low situated places
forever from all future danger occurring from excessive floods.
IMMENSE COLLATERAL GAIN TO BE OBTAINED BY THE IMPOUNDAGE SYSTEM
I have already shown that irrespective of its not being more costly,
whilst decidedly more effective, and possessing other advantages over
the levee system; in fact making so large a balance in favor of the
impounding system, that without at all enlarging upon any extra advantages,
the decision of the choice between the two proposed modes might be safely
left in the hands of any impartial and qualified judge on what has already
been stated. Safety from future inundation, and the reclamation of six
millions of acres of swamp land, form but a very small portion of the
advantages obtainable from the impounding system, which, although it
would curb the monster, would merely form a negative benefit. The next
step would be to convert its Titanic strength to civilized and useful
purposes. Its irresistible and almost boundless power for mischief has
recently been only too well exemplified whilst uncontrolled and unguided.
The same amount of force would still be existent in the impounded flood,
respecting which it would be for man to say whether it should be permitted
to idly expend its force in dribbling over desert stones or at once be put
to civilized use as a motive power.
It would not be difficult to show that it would be easy, to accumulate in
the manner already described a power equivalent to 2,000,000 horses, acting
day and night without interruption during the entire year--a power
exceeding that employed by the entire textile manufacture of Great Britain.
Assuming that not more than the power of 500,000 horses would be required
in California within a moderate period, for working saw, grist, woolen or
other mills, pumping or other useful application of power, and valuing
that power at only $100 per annum, per horse, this alone would be worth
$50,000,000 per annum; but $100 per horse is a very low estimate, rather
under the value set upon power in England, where coals cost not more than
two dollars per ton. In fact, California possesses advantages for obtaining
cheap power in connection with rapid and easy intercourse, beyond almost
any other country, and might easily not only, become independent of the
Eastern States and Europe for her own. supply of textiles, but is in a
position for supplying the markets of Asia and South America more favorably
than Europe, and could successfully compete with the manufacturers of the
latter continent. If capital and enterprise were only rightly directed,
California would speedily become a great mauufacturing as well as a great
agricultural State. Most prominent among the items belonging to.one or
other, and in some cases both these great sources of natural wealth, may
be named the following:
Wool.--Already considerable attention has been given to the growth
of wool, though probably with less judgment than energy, and steps towards
manufacturing the same have also been adopted in a way highly creditable
to the enterprising spirit of California. With facilities of power such
as have been indicated there can scarcely be a doubt but the entire present
growth of wool of the State, or that may be anticipated, could be consumed
here. Amongst the latter, I wish to have a word to say about a peculiar
kind for the growth of which the swamp lands, if perfectly reclaimed,
would be peculiarly well adapted. I allude to the Lincolnshire long wools.
The reclaimed swamp lands would be capable of supporting at least ten
millions of this breed of sheep annually, together with a fair proportion
of other stock and farm produce. These ten millions would average a clip
of fifteen pounds per fleece, worth for exportation at least thirty cents
per pound, or an annual value of forty-five million dollars. But if this
wool was manufactured in California it would be worth ten cents per pound
more, or equal to sixty million dollars for the raw material alone,
irrespective of labor, manufacturer's profit, etc. This particular species
of wool and sheep will only flourish on particular soils, such as those
which the swamp lands ought to be converted to, and which now exist in the
fens and marsh lands of Lincolnshire. Since the introduction of alpaca wool,
the Lincolnshire long wools have been gradually increasing in value for the
purpose of making a similar fabric to that composed of alpaca, and in
consequence of which, Lincolnshire luster wool is worth forty-two cents
per pound, with a rising market, and so eager are the wool-staplers for
its production, that it is deemed sufficiently interesting for the Central
Farmers' Club (London, England) to select for discussion on November 3d,
"The desirability of Increasing the Growth of Luster Wool," to be
introduced by J. Anderton, Bleckheaton, Leeds. The alpaca wool can be
imported from the west coast of South America, which country, also, is
the chief consumer of both manufactured fabrics. When I state that on
coming to California I had as a fellow-passenger from New York to Panama
the gentleman, Joseph Hegan, who first introduced alpaca wool to the
manufacturers of Great Britain, and that I have worn a waistcoat made
from a piece presented to me, manufactured from the first bale of alpaca
that ever was manufactured, it will at once be seen how rapidly manufactures
develop themselves under favorable circumstances; and I know of no place
so favorably circumstanced as California, provided her citizens have the
prudence and energy to adopt and carry forward the requisite measures.
There are other sources of agricultural and manufacturing wealth which,
for their full development, require some species of power. Such are flax
and rape--the textile of one requires machinery even for its rudest
manipulations as a raw product, whilst the elaboration of the prepared
fiber into finished cloth requires a greater amount of power than even
King Cotton; the seeds of both the plants named require powerful pressure
and grinding engines in order to express their valuable oils, whilst the
remaining cake is useful as food for stock. Flax is required for bagging
to mix with wool in order to make true linsey woolseys, instead of the
cotton imitation called winceys. If it is required to have the mixture
made of the more luxurious silk, we are nearer to the great silk producing
region of Asia than Europe, and could, if the Winter floods of California
were made useful, be manufactured into the heavy species of plain silk
goods as cheaply as in Europe. These are only the crude outlines of what
may be accomplished--a limited space forbids my dwelling further thereon.
I must leave this part of the subject by curtly stating that if my views
are adopted it will be the occasion of making the hills and ravines of
California to ring with industry, and her vales to smile in security and
plenty.
Perhaps what has already been recited only forms one-half of the benefits
to be obtained by adopting the measures I have indicated. After doing
duty at the grist, saw, flour, woolen or silk mills, the water can
afterwards be made use of by the miner and subsequently again by the
agriculturist, before it eventually performs its last office of doing
the double duty of bearing ocean bound vessels to or from the port of
Sacramento, at the same time performing the office of an automatic dredger.
I will only allude to one matter more to which such impounded floods may
be made useful, namely, as a means of communication between Sacramento and
Nevada Territory, either by a system of canalization to near the summit
level, or as a means of power for working a railroad over the Sierra
Nevada, and also in many cases as a means of conveying the splendid
timber found on the western flank of the Sierra Nevada towards the
plains of the San Joaquin, which district is now chiefly supplied with
lumber from Humboldt, Oregon or Puget Sound.
An enterprise such as I have marked out would be an honor to and worthy
of the Golden State; more real glory would result from it than all the
victories achieved by all the conquerors that have lived from Sesostris
to his modern prototype, Napoleon le Grand; it would be worthy of, as
it would form an everlasting memento of, a great and wise people.
Should the engineer intrusted with such a task execute the duties as
he ought, and complete them in such a manner that all the parts would
be so fairly balanced as not to need repair or reconstruction for ages
to come, he need not, when in the fullness of time he should be called
hence, desire a nobler sepulture than to be entombed amidst his works,
beside a stream whose furious floods he had tamed, whose gentle murmur,
added to the rustle of waving grain, would form an appropriate and perennial
requiem in such a place, neath the gloriously cerulean arched canopy of
heaven; while a simple slab to denote the spot, might be added to the
ordinary obituary, like the illustrious architect of St. Paul's: "For
his monument," Circumspice. (Look around you.)
[For the Union.]
MORRISON'S BILL--LEVEES, DREDGING, ETC.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Jury duty has prevented until now my making any further
remarks on Morrison's Reclamation Bill. The swamp and overflowed lands of
the State are estimated at six millions of acres; but on the principle
adopted in the Arkansas Act, we would be entitled to much more. A recent
debate in the Legislature, to send a Commission to Washington, claimed
that we were entitled to several millions more. Besides the enormous
value of the lands, the necessity of improving the navigation of the
rivers, and of preventing the recurrence of inundations, are causes why
the leading measure of the session should be the elaboration of a system
to protect the vast interests of the State, imperilled by floods,
hurricanes, etc. The bill before the Assembly offers a starting point
for this purpose, and it will be strange indeed if discussion does not
lead to a plan to attain the sought for remedy. We have engineers of high
ability among us, and the State, by liberal offers, should encourage their
presentation of plans, etc.
The swamp lands and the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers have been
frequently surveyed by United States and State engineers, and by United
States surveyors since 1853. The formation of a system of drainage and
river improvement is therefore greatly lessened by such work. If, however,
the allowance offered by the State for the preparation of plans, etc.,
be not sufficient, an adequate amount should be appropriated.
The means suggested in the bill for accomplishing these great works are:
by making proper cut offs, so as to straighten the river; by deepening the
channel of the river, and by the erection of proper levees; also, to
harmonize with the works of reclamation made by engineers under Act of
1861, by aiding the same by canals for drainage and transportation.
These methods to attain the object have met with criticism, and obstacles
to their practicability have been suggested by various parties. The writer
who has given his views at greatest length upon the subject, Mr. Rowlandson,
thinks that the difficulty exists in the inadequacy of the Straits of
Carquinez to discharge the waters of the central valley of California.
Let it be admitted for the present that that rocky passage is the obstacle
to the flow of water. If such prove to be the case, after investigation,
it is an additional reason why the State should employ its labor in
widening it. To enlarge this discharging point, now so much greater
than the area through which the Mississippi flows, and to make it
adequate to discharge even double the quantity of water that passes New
Orleans, let the prison labor be employed to enlarge the Straits to whatever
area competent engineers may decide to be necessary. Work of that character
is worthy of engaging the attention of the State. A good old hulk, costing
but little to answer the purpose, could be anchored near the point and be
fitted up as a more secure and healthier prison than San Quentin, and with
advantage to the inmates of that crowded school of vice. Such occupation
of the prisoners would prevent, for the present, the necessity of having
a branch prison, and would prevent the competition which is now fostered
by the State against the interests of the working classes. As this work
could not be undertaken at wages current over in the old States, the
employment of this special labor will not deprive even the day laborer
of any work that can be now projected at which be can earn living wages.
From our financial necessities, it seems to me that the work must be done
by the convicts or be left undone. If the State, however, can employ
hundreds of hired laborers at good wages, let her do so to the extent
of her ability but she should also employ the prisoners who cost her,
under any circumstances, a certain amount per annum. In this manner the
cost of the work would be lessened, and it could be done in a more
substantial manner.
I allude to the Mississippi river because so many of your readers have
seen its course, etc., and because certain points offer comparisons for
consideration. Carrollton, where all the waters of the river pass, is
fifteen feet above tide and is 110 miles from the mouths of the river.
Sacramento is 120 miles from its mouth, the Golden Gate, and is some 45
feet above tide. On the former the bar is fourteen feet, and at the
Golden Gate is thirty-six. With the declivity from Benicia to the Golden
Gate, and from the depth of bed from that point to the ocean, with its
corresponding velocity of discharge, I thought that the cause of the
overflow of the rivers would exist far above that point. Above Benicia
for many miles the channel is five fathoms, and until its reaches the
Hog's Back it is not less than two. Above the dam or shoal again it
deepens to three, four, and in some places five fathoms. Above and
below the Hog's Back and a few other points the greater depth of water
with its power of scouring the channel, is neutralized by such
obstructions. The loss of velocity, caused there by shoaling, produces
a retardation of discharge which causes the waters to deposit their
sediment at every point between similar dams and the source of the river.
Increase the depth of the river at those points to twelve feet--a labor
that can be easily accomplished--and the waters, urged with greater
velocity, will soon carry on the sand, etc., and deepen the channel
from Sacramento; in fact, deepen it so much that heavy laden ships can
ride at the wharves of the Capital. In the first place, the dredging
machine should be used to deepen the channel at these bars, then the
water in due time would deepen them further and keep them free.
Glasgow, the most flourishing city of Europe, owes its progress to the
artificial improvement of the Clyde. There the dredging machine has been
one of the principal appliances of the improvement.
The surveys made of the Sacramento in 1850 by Commander Ringgold, showed
that at the quay of your city the lowest tide was 1.6 feet--the highest
2.6 feet; a fact which shows that Sacramento may be a city of the sea,
as well as of the plains, if her people desire it.
Another means of effecting the improvement of the river is by making
proper cut-offs.
The Sacramento, in its course to the ocean, meanders to the east and west.
From Sutterville to the lower point of Redding's Reach, the bend to the
eastward is greater than its length. At Point Sutter the river divides,
and the loss of water lessens the depth materially in the channel.
If closed, this branch would add greatly to the power of the main channel
to deepen itself.
Cut-offs have been made in the Mississippi for the purpose of shortening
the time occupied in transportation; but some of them made in violation
of the principles governing the matter, did more injury than good. As
a means, with little other assistance, it is looked upon by engineers of
the highest capacity as fully equal to prevent overflow of the Mississippi.
Albert Stein, in his articles ou the Mississippi valley and the improvement
of the river, suggests the cut-offs as a remedy for the Father of Waters.
I will, however, quote his words:
"The fall in the Mississippi is so slight and gradual that there is no
possibility of any cutoff increasing the velocity so as to prevent or
impede navigation.
"Neither can the velocity be so increased by straightening the channel
as to render it dangerous to the banks." The crevasses in the Mississippi
are not caused "by the increased velocity of the waters, but by the checks
placed upon it by the interposition of bends, etc., which, retarding the
velocity and impeding the discharge of the water, cause its surface to
rise, and thereby increase the pressure against the levees; they never
occur in a straight river of normal breadth and under proper levee
regulations.
"On the other hand, were the channel made straight by the use of cut-offs,
the increase of the velocity, although it could not be made so great as to
impede navigation, would, by the increased rapidity of discharge and by
deepening the bed, lower the surface of the water, and thereby relieve
the levees from the pressure of the water, which, in the present condition
of the river, breaks through them in high water, while the very straightening
of the channel would lower the surface of the river, and consequently
reduce the pressure against the levees, and thereby remove the danger
of crevasses."
I have sought in the libraries here for works of various distinguished
engineers who have made rivers their study. Perhaps in the State Library
you may find Dubuat's Principes Hydrauliques, Frisi on Rivers and Torrents,
Weale on River Engineering, Robinson's Theory of Rivers, etc.
The system of leveeing has been pronounced by one of the reviewers of
the bill as likely to increase the extent of the inundation by confining
so large a body of water in narrow channels.
On this subject the Mississippi levees offer an example. Those barriers
are the only protection of the sugar and cotton fields of Louisiana,
whose annual production is far greater than the yield of our gold fields.
Major Barnard of the engineer corps, after an examination of the menus
necessary to protect the low lands, speaks as follows:
"What is the effect of the levee system on the bed of the river? Does
it cause it to rise, or does it, on the contrary, have the opposite
effect ? [sic, no close "]
He answers as follows: " I have but few words to say on the subject of
levees. If the results I have given in this paper are correct, then the
levee system, instead of favoring, as is alleged, the tendency of the bed
of the river to rise, has precisely the reverse effect. By confining the
waters within their limits, they increase the velocity and abrading power
of the current, causing a deepening rather than elevation of the bed.
This velocity may become too great for convenience, causing a rapid
destruction of the banks; but the tendency to prevent elevation is not
less true. It may safely be affirmed, therefore, that the bed of the river
(Mississippi) is now lower than it would have been had no levees been made.
If, as is probable, all schemes for relieving the river from its
surplus water by lateral discharges fail, then levees must remain,
as they now are, our only safeguard. * * * * The levees should be much
wider and higher than they now are. When the bank is curving the levee
should be so far removed from the river as to be beyond all danger, etc."
G. W. R. Bailey, a distinguished civil engineer of Louisiana, in reviewing
adversely Ellet's system of reservoirs for protecting the Lower Mississippi,
writes as follows : "A system of leveeing should be adopted. The State
should be divided into five or more districts, with natural boundaries.
The levees should be made higher, with wider base and a greater width than
now. When danger of caving is imminent. they should be put further back,
and in time, regardless of individual interest and remonstrance.
"Professor Forshey of Louisiana, having made the subject his study for
years, having made extended series of observations and examinations,
assures us that, the measurements for every decennial period from 1820
to 1850 show a diminished instead of an increased rise. The average from
1820 to 1830 was greater than from 1830 to 1840, and still greater from
1840 to 1850.
"All the facts, as well as our own obsevation, convince us of the truth
of Professor Forshey's results. Professor Forshcy is of opinion that the
extension of levees has the effect to lower the river, by causing it to
excavate a larger channel in which it can accommodate a larger body of
water than before."
The levees on the average appear to be about five feet high, thirty feet
at the base and seven and one-half at the top. Overflows have occurred
by the breaking of the levees, a false economy often placing them on
the brink of the bank; whereas, if placed back a few hundred feet they
would have resisted the pressure. The levees extend some five hundred
miles, and it frequently happens that to float timber to the stream the
levee is cut and often not repaired before the rainy season. But all
experience proves that these causes could be removed at little expense.
The rain shed at Baton Rouge in 1855 was 62.10 inches; at Fort Pike, La.,
71.92; at Fort Wood, La., 60.63; at New Orleans, 50.90. During the same
period in California the rain shed was as follows: San Francisco, 23.59;
Benicia, 16.62; Sacramento, 21:32; Fort Miller, 24.51; Fort Reading, 29.02.
I ask attention to the contrast of California and Louisiana--at the two
inland cities, New Orleans and Sacramento, at the two respective
headquarters and at the two principal forts the rain fell as follows: [See Army Register.]
Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter.
Sacramento 9.02 0.00 3.74 8.56
New Orleans 11.29 17.28 9.62 12.71
Benicia 6.40 0.01 2.65 7.56
Raton [sic] Rouge 15.08 19.14 12.48 15.40
Fort Reading, Cal. 11.30 39 4.89 12.44
Fort Pike, La..... 16.70 23.61 18.96 12.65
I have not been able to ascertain the heaviest fall of rain in any given
day at a point on the Sacramento and Mississippi, but hope that some of
your readers may be able to give the comparison. Robinson's Theory of
Rivers gives an instance which may apply to the Sacramento and the American
in connection with leveeing and of lateral discharge. In 1720 the waters
of the Rheno, a river of Lombardy, were added to the Po. The former was
189 feet wide, nine feet deep, with a declivity of fifteen inches in the
mile, and forty-four inches velocity per second. The Po was 759 feet wide,
thirty-one feet deep; declivity, six inches per mile, and thirty-one inches
velocity per second. These rivers were united, and the Po continues to
deepen its channel every day with great advantage to navigation, although
before the junction fears of disastrous results had been entertained.
JOHN ROACH
SAN FRANCISCO, March, 1862.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3423, 19 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We are again unable to lay before our readers any telegraphic news to-day
from the East. In addition to the break in the line at Strawberry, which
has been repaired, there is some trouble at or near Omaha, in Nebraska
Territory, which will undoubtedly be remedied soon. . . .
It rained some at Red Bluff yesterday. At other points there were some
indications of rain last evening. . . .
The Judiciary Committee of the Senate have
[torn] . . .ed a bill to cancel the State Capitol contract. . . .
[torn] . . . here is no important change in the rivers to
[torn] . . . ice. The water in the flooded portions of
[torn] . . . city remains nearly stationary. . . .
[torn] . . . An earnest meeting of our citizens was held
[torn] . . . he County Court Room last evening, and the
[torn] . . . eral expression of sentiment was in favor of
[torn] . . . highest [torn] . . . for our streets.
[State Fair]. . .
[torn] . . . n its indebtedness. In
[torn] . . . of the valleys, the Ag
[torn] . . . uffered by the floods. A
[torn] . . . of its library was destroyed,
[torn] . . . operty in the office of the So
[torn] . . . on is not injured; but the wall
[torn] . . . ark is considerably damaged.
[torn] . . . eral thousand dollars to put it in
[torn] . . . a condition as it was at the time of the
[torn] . . . But the energy and ability of the Society
[torn] . . . on remove all such obstructions from the
[torn] . . . of its prosperity.
WHY WAS IT DONE?--Our delegation in the Legislature have made some
unnecessary changes in the names sent down as Commissioners in the
Levee Bill. The names in the bill were agreed upon after due consultation
among our citizens, and ought not to be changed except for good and
sufficient reasons. They were recognized as qualified, responsible men,
who have a deep interest in the future welfare of the city of Sacramento.
They were to be paid no salary for their services, and hence others could
not want the position because it paid. Then why were the changes made?
As the Commission is now arranged, there is not a mechanic or an engineer
on it, and not more than one or two who are accustomed at all to the kind
of work to be done. The Commissioners in the bill, as it passed the Senate,
are L. B. Harris, Charles Crocker, H. O. Beatty, J. D. Lord and Francis
Tukey. Harris, Crocker and Lord were in the bill as it was framed by the
Committee. Beatty and Tukey are substituted for E. P. Figg and W. F. Knox.
The Levee Bill should become a law as soon as possible, and ample power
ought to be given to the Commissioners to do whatever is necessary to
secure a levee which will certainly protect the city. A clear and distinct
right to build inside levees, if deemed advisable, should be granted to the
Board. The salvation of the city depends upon the provisions of the Levee
Bill and upon the action of the Board created by the Act. Its importance
to the community cannot, therefore, be over estimated. But what is done
should be quickly consummated, for the season for action is rapidly
approaching. Much, it will be recollected, has to be done before the
work can be commenced. A plan is to be settled upon, the rate of taxation
determined, the tax levied and collected before a great deal can be
accomplished under contract. All that is needed in the premises is for
our delegation to agree upon the bill, and the Legislature, in view of
the condition of the city, will pass it without a word of objection. Its
speedy or tardy passage depends upon the action of our own delegation.
THE GRADE MEETING last night was nearer unanimous than any one we ever
attended on any occasion. A high grade was popular--only two votes against
the resolution to put J street two feet above high water mark. Dr. McDonalds
proposition was to put the grade line of the gutter one foot above the late
high water mark; it was amended so as to make it two feet above that [changed
to "that"] line, and upon the latter the meeting voted with a unanimity
rarely seen on any question of a public nature. The flood was a convincing
argument in favor of a high grade.
After the grade meeting adjourned, another was called on the levee
question, and several gentlemen expressed themselves on that subject.
Some were in favor of having Sacramento take care of herself, while others
would go out to Burns' slough. All, however, were in favor of a strong
and a high levee.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .SAN FRANCISCO March 18th. . . .
Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate, . . .
The Judiciary Committee reported a bill to cancel the State Capitol contract,
release the contractors from all liabilities for non-performance, provide
for the payment of all cost incurred to this time, forbid the Commissioners
from making any further contracts until authorized by future legislation,
and causing the duties and compensation of the Capitol Commissioners to
cease on the 1st of May. . . .
Weather In the Interior.
RED BLUFF, March 18--9 P. M.
It is cloudy with appearance of rain. It rained a little this afternoon.
OROVILLE, March 18--9 P. M.
The weather is mild and cloudy.
PLACERVILLE, March 18th.
The weather is clear--a few clouds hanging over the mountains.
NEVADA, March 18--7 P. M.
It was clear and pleasant until noon; then it commenced clouding up.
It is now very cloudy and warm. Some rain is expected.
LEVEE MEETING IN NICOLAUS.--The following proceedings of a recent meeting
in the above locality have have been placed in our hands for publication:
At a meeting held by the Settlers of Nicolaus and Vernon townships, of
Sutter county, March 15th, at the town of Nicolaus, for the purpose of
devising ways and means for the building of a levee from the mouth of the
Feather river, along the east bank of the same, to the highlands in the
vicinity of the mouth of Bear river, the following resolutions were
unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The late destruction of property in this district, caused by
inundation, makes it indispensably necessary for us to protect ourselves
from such future calamities--
Resolved, That we take immediate steps for the construction of
a levee from the mouth of Feather river, along the east bank of the same,
to the highlands in the vicinity of the mouth of Bear river.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to confer with
the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners, and endeavor to obtain from said
Board an equivalent appropriation, according to the specifications made
by the Engineer of Swamp Land District No. 1.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to ascertain the
cost of a levee sufficiently strong.
Resolved, That a Committee of Ways and Means, consisting of three,
be elected by this meeting, who shall be required to prepare a list of
assessments, in proper ratio, of the settlers of this district benefitted
by the levee, and submit said list to an adjourned meeting for such
modifications as may be deemed just and necessary.
Resolved, That the proceedings of, this meeting be forwarded to
the SACRAMENTO UNION for publication.
The meeting then adjourned until Saturday, March 28th.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
[gap down the middle of the column]
LEVEE MEETING.--At the clo[se of th]e street
grade meeting at the County [Court] room last
evening, S. Cross, by request, [took] the chair
and said that there were those [present] who were
prepared to make suggestion[s for th]e meeting
on a subject kindred to that wh[ich th]ey just
had under consideration. He [then] called upon
I. S. Van Winkle, who addres[ed th]e meeting,
suggesting that the interests of [the ci]ty required
a levee extending along the A[meric]an and Sac-
ramento rivers, as at present[, then] down to the
highlands at Sutterville, the[nce t]o Brighton,
etc. This levee, the speaker [thou]ght, should
be sixty or eighty feet wide, a[nd th]ree or four
feet above high water mark. [It co]uld be used
as a carriage way as well as a [?], and might
with propriety be made a toll [road], etc. H. M.
Bernard thought the revers[e an]d wished to
know where the money sho[uld c]ome from to
build it. He was in favor o[f ?]ttle compact
city well protected [meaning?]. The cit[y s]ide of Four-
teenth street, paid but $3,0[?? p]er annum in
taxes, and it would already r[equir]e forty, if not
seventy, years for that prope[rty to] pay its share
of the cost of building the [leve]e to Brighton,
along the American river. [?] Hamilton had
seen ground similar to that [?]ied by Sacra-
mento leveed, at Hartford, [Conn]ecticut, by S.
Colt. The, levee had stood a[s if C]olt had. built a
small city on the ground,[where] the water for-
merly overflowed it twenty [feet] deep. Several
other speakers addressed [the] meeting, but on
account of the lateness of [the] hour we were
compelled to leave, and a[m u]nable to give a
complete report of its pro[ceed]ings. We feel
confident, however, the leve[e w]as not built, but
don't know whether the [?] proposed was
adopted or not.
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coro[ner] Reeves held an
inquest yesterday on the bo[dy] which had been
found afloat on Monday [near] the Dry Creek
House. six miles north of th[e cit]y. Samuel Cor-
rington, J. W. Hodgkin, [?] Harvey, James
Owen, A. H. Davis, and [?]nubbs, acted as
jurors. L. E. Hunt test[ified] that at eleven
o'clock on Monday forenoo[n h]e discovered the
body afloat in the slough, [and] drew it near the
shore, and informed Mr. [?]as and others of
the circumstance. Witne[ss d]id not know the
name of the deceased. J. [P.] Bane examined the pockets of the deceased,
and found therein a pocket comb, an earthen pipe, a key, a threebladed
knife, a buckskin wallet, containing two $20 gold pieces, one $5 piece,
and four half-dollars--in all $47; and a slip of paper containing a
memorandum. J. P. Bane corroborated the testimony of the last Witness,
and described the clothing and personal appearance of the deceased. He
thought the deceased had been drowned about two months, A. Hunt,
O. W. Wallace and E. Hancock corroborated the testimony of the previous
witness. The jury re-
turned a verdict to the ef[fect t]hat the name and
age of deceased was unkn[ow]n, but that he came
to his death from accidental drowning. The
body was buried in a pr[ivat]e grave yard near
the Six Mile House. . . .
IDENTIFIED.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest yesterday over the body of
an unknown man six miles north of the city, in American township. After
his return to this city it was ascertained beyond the possibility of a
doubt that the body was that of W.Ladbrook, the boatman who left this
city on the 29th of January, with Becker and Gardiner, for Fuller's
ranch. The articles found in the pockets of the deceased were identified
by the friends and acquaintances of Ladbrook. The proprietors of the Gas
Works Retreat, near the American river, recognize these articles, and also
his boots and other clothing. A slip of paper in his pocket contained a
list of items of [?] the expense of material and work in building his
boat. The deceased was an Englishman by birth, and has a mother still
living in England, A boat picked up in Yolo county by residents of
Washington has been identified as Ladbrook's. He was thirty years of age. . . .
THE STREET GRADE.--At meeting held at the County Court room, last
evening, a resolution fixing the grade of J street at two feet above
high water mark, was adopted, and the officers of the meeting were
instructed to request the Board of Supervisors to make such the legal
grade of the street. The proceedings of the meeting are fully reported
in another column. . . .
STREET GRADE MEETING.
Pursuant to adjournment, a meeting of the property holders of this city
was held last evening at the Coanty Court room.
About eight o'clock the meeting was called to order by Dr. MCDONALD.
He moved that, in the absence of T. M. Lindley, who presided at the former
meeting, Judge Samuel Cross be called to the chair. Agreed to.
A. C. SWEETSER acted as Secretary, and read the minutes of the former meeting.
The following resolution, offered by Dr. McDONALD at the previous meeting,
then came up for consideration:
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that the grade of
J street be established at twelve inches above high water mark, measuring
from the top of the gutter.
H. M. BERNARD said he had been erroneously represented in the minutes as
opposing a high grade. He would be sorry to oppose any thing of the kind.
He was glad to see property owners present from all parts of the city,
and did not doubt that there would be a fair expression of views on the
subject. He desired to have the grade fixed, but he was not in favor of
raising the streets at this time. We have a levee to build, and that was
a sufficient burden for the present. He thought the citizens had been
bamboozled long enough in regard to the levee question, and that they
had now determined to take the matter into their own hands. He concluded
by expressing the hope that the meeting would take some action in reference
to the bill now before the Legislature.
By request, the SECRETARY read the pending resolution:
Z. DAVIS moved to amend by striking out "top of the gutter," and
substituting the phrase "measuring from the gutter."
Dr. MCDONALD accepted the amendment. He said he hoped there would be
a general expression of opinion. They had met for consultation. It was
not a question whether we should have a grade or no grade. A grade had
been established after the first flood, but a subsequent flood showed
that this was insufficient. His proposition was to put the grade a
suitable distance above the highest water we had known here. A high
grade was absolutely necessary. What had happened once might happen
again. Some persons entertained the opinion that as we were going to
have a new levee, the raising of the streets would be unnecessary. He
predicated [sic] all he had to say upon the understanding that we were going
to have a good, substantial levee. But business men must have a stronger
guarantee of security. Every gentleman present knew that all levees are
liable to breaks. We know how utterly unmanageable the American river
becomes at times. Rats, gophers, and other animals would eat holes in
any levee, and open the way for the incoming waters. We had men in our
city who had set fire to our houses. The same individuals might at any
time go outside of the city and cut way the levee. Raising the grade
of the streets would prevent disastrous consequences to the business
portion of the city. The most formidable opposition to this movement
came from non-residents, who did not intend to make any further investments
in the city, but wanted to draw as much out of the city as they could
without doing anything to advance its welfare. The speaker then entered
into an argument to show that no great expense would be incurred in
making the proposed improvement.
J. H. CULVER said he felt an interest in this matter, because the grade
of J street would govern the grade of the other streets. He wanted the
highest possible grade. He would, however, support Dr. McDonald's resolution.
W. K. MORROW said he had been a citizen of Sacramento for twelve years.
He had lived here when the grade of K street was four feet lower than the
natural surface of the ground, and had witnessed its gradual rise. He had
built a great deal in this city and always favored a high grade. Whether
we stayed here or left and sacrificed our property, this was destined to
be a great point for trade, and we should not allow others to reap the
benefits we might enjoy. Dr. McDonald's movement was the best he had ever
known in Sacramento. By raising the grade of the principal streets, we
would eventually gain a higher grade for the whole city.
Dr. J. P. MORSE said he did not attend the meeting with the idea of
adding anything to the complete and satisfactory arguments of
Dr. McDonald. He rejoiced at this movement; it looked more like making
Sacramento a city set upon a hill, giving it a character for permanence,
and raising it above the wailings of the petulant Perkins, than anything
he had seen here during the whole term of his residence. It looked like
the beginning of a new era. It looked as if we were not of that sort of
humanity that could be crushed by disaster, and it would prove that the
greater the calamity the greater the recuperative power and sagacious
wisdom would the citizens of Sacramento exercise. He could add that one
argument to those already so ably set forth. By raising the city out of
the mud we would not only do much to restore the confidence of the business
community, but render Sacramento beyond all question the healthiest city
in the world. A friend had reminded him that New Orleans was fifteen feet
below the high water mark of the Mississippi, and he had answered by
referring to the annual prevalence of a malignant fever in that city,
which had swept an average of two hundred and fifty persons per diem to
their graves. Even now, in spite of many visitations, Sacramento enjoyed
an enviable reputation for its general salubrious condition; by raising
the grade it might challenge comparison in sanitary advantages. The
opposition to his movement comes chiefly from non-residents--persons
who were luxuriating in Paris and other European cities, and who had
instructed their agents to oppose any measure that promised to increase
the taxes upon their.property. These men were a curse to Sacramento.
They cared nothing for the welfare of the city--nothing to promote its
interests, and were anxious solely to draw the rents for their property.
The speaker hoped that the proposed improvement would be rigorously
pressed, without regard to the wishes of these absentee lords.
Z. DAVIS thought the proposed grade was not high enough. He moved to
amend the resolution by striking out twelve inches and substituting eighteen.
A. HAMBURGER moved to amend the resolution by substituting twenty-four
inches. His reason was that the beds of the rivers were filling up, and
the next flood might be two feet higher than the last.
L. A. BOOTH thought that the original proposition of Dr. McDonald would
be sufficient, and would be less expensive to property holders.
Dr. MCDONALD said he accepted the amendment offered by Mr. Hamburger,
because he was perfectly satisfied that the proposed grade was not too
high, but his object was to elicit a general expression of opinion.
J. LEAVITT and L. FRINCK favored such a regulation of the grade as would
insure drainage without subjecting the southern portion of the city to
overflow by the water from.the business section.
MARK HOPKINS said the proposed high grade was recommended by economical
considerations. If we raise but slightly, there will be but little
compensating advantage for property owners; but if we adopt a high
grade, those who raise their buildings will gain spacious basements
which will rent as highly for billiard saloons and restaurants as the
second stories of those structures. He was in favor of the highest grade
proposed, and if it were a few inches higher it would suit him better.
H. M. BERNARD lived in the southern portion of the city and was in favor
of the high grade, for the reason that the low grade would place L street
below high water mark. L street must become the Broadway of the city in the
future and the grade should be so high that the water could never reach it.
J. LEAVITT thought the streets south of L street should be remembered.
The Capitol was located on M street, which must some day become the center
of the city. On account of drainage, the southern streets must of necessity
be lower than the more northern. He was, therefore, in favor of the highest
grade suggested.
The question was called on Booth's amendment.
L. A. BOOTH said he was now satisfied that the highest grade was the proper
one, and he therefore withdrew his amendment.
The question was then taken on the amendment of Hamburger, to fix the grade
of J street at twenty-four inches above high water mark, and the proposition
was carried with two dissenting voices.
JOHN LEAVITT then moved that the Board of Supervisors be notified by the
officers of the meeting of the action just; had, with the earnest request
that they adopt it as the legal grade of the city.
R. H, MCDONALD stated that the Board of Supervisors had deferred action
on the subject for the purpose of ascertaining the action of this meeting,
and he had no doubt the Board would be governed by the decision of to-night.
L. HAMILTON would not have said anything this evening, except for the
remark of the last speaker. If the Board wan likely to enforce this
grade, he felt inclined to express himself still further against it.
There were not more than eight or ten J street property holders present
at the meeting. He knew as a fact that, when the matter was agitated
formerly by circulating petitions, one half or two-thirds of these owners
were opposed to disturbing the grade. They expressed their wish that the
grade should conform to the buildings already erected.
A VOICE--Was that since the flood?
L. HAMILTON--Yes.
A VOICE--No, sir.
J. F. MORSE--Before any flood?
HAMILTON--Well, I may be mistaken as to the time. But it should be
remembered that in raising this grade we at a single blow destroy at
least fifty per cent, of the value of the buildings on the streets.
To build the levee will cost two, three, or perhaps five per cent on
the property, but to raise these buildings as proposed will cost at least
fifty per cent, of their value. We must also remember another point.
Suppose any one has a building worth $10,000, which is mortgaged for
$5,000. By the establishment of this grade you break him up. He must
inevitably go under. You will ruin the owner and give his property to
the mortgage holder.
J. MCCLATCHY-- Well, somebody else will get it.
HAMILTON--Very good. If it is your intention to break up such men, go
ahead. A few years ago there were fifty jobbing houses on K street; now
there is not one. and there are but five or six on J street. The jobbing
houses are the only ones to whom the basements are of any value.
McDonald & Co. and E. P. Figg might require basements, but nobody else
this side of McDonald's did. Clothing dealers, fruit dealers, etc., did
not need basements, and could not use them. There is no use for them.
JOHN ISAAC--We need them for lager beer cellars.
HAMILTON--We have plenty of lager beer cellars already. We had better
let the grade go, and concentrate our efforts on the levee. If this
is done, we shall have a better city in twenty-five years than by any
other course. Take any two-story building, and it will cost two thousand
or three thousand dollars to raise such buildings.
J. F. MORSE said he had a standing offer from a responsible party to
raise his building at Second and K street, 40 by 80 feet, for $1,200.
R. H. MCDONALD said he had been told that day by a responsible party
who was now present that he would raise the St. George Hotel for $4,500.
HAMILTON--Well, that is a good deal of money, too.
JOHN ISAACS--And it is a good deal of a building
HAMILTON--The Ebner House would cost, he had been informed, $3,000 to raise.
MARK HOPKINS--Ebner is in favor of the high grade.
HAMILTON--I think a levee will be amply sufficient to protect us. If we
have the levee we don't need the high grade. If we have the grade we don't
need the levee. Who ever heard of leveeing in a city which was above
high water?
J. Z. DAVIS moved to amend Leavitt's motion by adding to the request
to the Board that they erect monuments or put up marks of the grade on
the streets.
H. M. BERNARD thought the Almighty had made so distinct a mark where
the high water had been that we needed nothing more.
R. H. MCDONALD thought we should have monuments or marks erected in order
that the line might be seen and known, but on some argument whispered in
his ear by J. McClatchy, concluded it would be best to not have them erected.
The question was then taken on Leavltt's motion, which was carried.
The meeting then adjourned sine die. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, March 18, 1862.
The Board met at two p. m.-- . . . .
Supervisor RUSSELL moved that a license be granted for a ferry across
the Cosumnes river at the crossing of the old Jackson and Drytown road--the
license to run for six months and the price to be $80. Agreed to.
The amount of the bond was fixed at $1,000, and the rates of toll fixed
for Wilson's bridge, which was carried away by the floods, were fixed
for the ferry. . . .
LATE FROM HONOLULU.--We find the annexed intelligence in Honolulu papers
to March 1st by the ship George Washington: . . .
Kanakadour has suffered terribly from bad weather. The Polynesian says:
Thunder, lightning, rain and hail, and even snow, according to some, have
prevailed in quantities and duration beyond the memory of the "oldest
inhabitant." . On Friday night, the 14th inst., hail fell in Koolauloa
on this island; we are told, in quantities to be scooped up by the hands,
and people crossing the Wainae mountains that night report that snow fell
thick on the mountain peaks.
The Waikiki plains were at one time almost literally a sheet of water,
and partial freshets occurred in several directions, though the main river
of the Nuuanu Valley was not filled so as to endanger the bridge leading
over it. How many inches, or, rather, feet of rain fell that night, we
have not learned, but the amount must have been enormous.
On the 28th January last, a severe storm visited Waialua and adjoining
places, on Molokai. The sea rose to an excessive hight, and the fish
ponds on its margin were all overflowed and swept clear of their contents.
On the night of the 29th, a shock of an earthquake, lasting five seconds
and upwards, was felt.
The clipper ship Storm King had a quick run down of only nine days and
ten hours. During the first three days out, she made eight hundred and
seventy-five miles, or two hundred and ninety-one miles a day; on the
third day, the run was three hundred and seventeen miles--some of the
fastest sailing that we have recorded lately. The only passages shorter
than this are those of the Black Hawk, in 1859, nine days and nine hours;
and the Fair Wind, in 1861, eight days and seventeen and one-half hours.
The latest news from Washington brought by the Storm King was only 15
days old when delivered in Honolulu.
The schooner Kalihiwai, eleven tons burthen, went ashore at Kalihiwai,
Kauai, Friday, February 14th, and became a total wreck.. . .
THE RIVER.--The Sacramento last evening stood at nineteen feet eight
inches above low water mark, having raised but a few inches from that
point for nearly two weeks. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3424, 20 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We are still without telegraphic advices from the East. . . . The line is
down east of Overland City. A terrible snow storm has been raging for two
days between Fort Laramie and Omaha, Nebraska Territory, and it is stated
that emigrants have cut down telegraph poles in order to obtain fuel.
Stages carrying the Overland Mail were abandoned near Overland City, in
consequence of the depth of snow. . . .
At the meeting of the Board of Supervisors held yesterday, no business
of importance was transacted. The ordinance fixing a higher grade for
the principal streets of the city will be considered and acted upon to-day.
We are enjoying delightful weather. The business portion of the city is
as dry as could be desired, and the water in the overflowed districts is
slowly subsiding. . . .
OPPOSITION TO THE CHARTER--COURSE OF OUR DELEGATION.
. . .Under the old charter the expenditures for the city government
were limited to one hundred thousand dollars, and this too when the cost
of administering it was greater than it should be now. That sum included
all the improvements made around the city, repairs of levees, etc., and
was not generally much exceeded by the Council. And for the one hundred
thousand dollars we had a pretty efficient city Government. Under the
Consolidation Bill we have not had an efficient Government, while the
expenditures for its administration reached, in the year ending September
1st, 1861, as per the report of Thomas, $124,235. And even with this
enormous expenditure, the Board of Supervisors is powerless to accomplish
anything for the good of the city in the case of an emergency. Witness
its inability to move one step in aid of the people during the floods
which laid waste their property. This condition of things the citizens
of Sacramento pray the Legislature to change in the manner proposed in
the bills they have perfected and sent to San Francisco. They petition
for the passage of those bills as they came from the hands of the
Citizens' Committee, without material change and they protest earnestly
against most of the changes made in the charter as it passed the Senate.
Most particularly obnoxious is that amendment which legislates the four
city members of the Board of Supervisors into the new Board of Aldermen
The people of the city passed a vote of want of confidence in the Board
of Supervisors, when they elected a Citizens' Committee to receive and
expend the sixty thousand dollars made up by subscriptions to a loan for
levee purposes. Under these circumstances, it strikes us as a remarkable
and unjustifiable proceeding for our delegation to legislate them into
the new Board. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .The Break in the Overland Telegraph--Snow Storm--Stages Abandoned.
SALT LAKE, March 19th.
The Eastern line is down east of Overland City. It is reported that
emigrants have cut down our poles for fire wood.
A terrible snow storm has been raging the last two days between Fort
Laramie and Omaha, Nabraska [sic] Territory. The snow reported four to
six feet deep.
A stage was deserted to-day by the driver several miles west of Overland
City. It was fast in the snow. The stage from the East, due at that place,
was also fast in the snow. The team had escaped. No coach has passed that
point for two days. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
WEDNESDAY, March 19, 1862
The Board met at. 11 a.m. . . .
. . .A communication was received from A. C Sweetser, Secretary of the
meeting of citizens called to give an expression of opinion in relation
to the street grade. The Secretary furnished a certified copy of the
resolution adopted by the meeting, in relation to the grade of J street.
Received and filed.
Supervisor HITE said there was an ordinance pending which was intended
to settle the grade. The meeting of citizens had since declared in favor
of a still higher grade than that fixed in the bill. He moved that the
consideration of the bill be postponed until to-morrow to allow time for
consultation and amendment. Agreed to. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, 1862.
. . . The Sacramento delegation . . . There are two other bills in the
hands of the delegation, the passage of which is not perhaps imperatively
demanded. . . . The other bill is for the relief of that much wronged
individual, A. D. Rightmire, who lost a thousand dollars by not being
held, by your authorities, to his contract to repair the levee at Rabel's
tannery, in December last. The bill proposes to authorize the Supervisors
to levy a special tax in order that each tax-paying citizen may have the
privilege of contributing his mite towards paying a thousand dollars to
Rightmire, who was magnanimously released from the aforesaid contract to
do work he could not do, but for the performance of which he was bound in
a magnificent sum, with good and sufficient sureties. The bill was introduced
by Ferguson on Saturday, and referred to the delegation. Whether or not
it has any friend besides Rightmire and his friends in your Board of
Supervisors, I am unable to say. . . .
CALIFORNIA FLOOD MAZURKA--
With a fine Lithographic View of the late flood on J street. By Max Zorer.
Just published by E. L. RIPLEY & CO., Sacramento. Price, 50 cents. Copies
sent by mail on receipt of the cost in postage stamps, m20-2p6t
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . . K STREET BRIDGE.--Soon after the December flood the Board of Supervisors
authorized the construction of a bridge across Burns' slough at K street.
On the occurrence of the January flood it was carried away. It landed, it
is said, a short distance below Sutterville, and may be obtained again and
restored to its former position for less than quarter its value. The matter
has been brought before the Board of Supervisors, but no action has been
taken on the subject. The residents of K street--stable keepers, store
keepers, etc.--are agitating the matter of regaining the bridge and
readjusting it in its place. A subscription list will, we are informed,
be opened at the store of W. Hendrie, Tenth and K streets, for the purpose
of raising the funds necessary for the accomplishment of the above named
object. Preparations have already been made for improving K street, by
laying brush wherever it is needed on account of the mud. A large quantity
of brush from the tops of cottonwood trees has been collected, and as soon
as the water falls a few inches more, the work of distributing it will be
commenced, and the street will be graded and rendered passable for teams.
It is said that ranchmen living eight miles east of the city already go to
Folsom to trade, on account of the difficulties of getting to and from
the city. . . .
MATERIAL FOR GRADING.--Workmen were engaged yesterday at Holmes' lime house,
in wheeling out several hundred barrels of lime, which had been in the
building since the first flood, having been, of course, destroyed by the
water. It is now wheeled out and used for grading Sixth street. Several
hundred barrels of calcined plaster and cement, also destroyed, are used
for similar purposes. . . .
CALIFORNIA FLOOD MAZURKA.--We have received from the publishers,
E. L. Ripley & Co., 101 J street, Sacramento, a piece of music composed
and dedicated to the Sacramento Howard Benevolent Society by Max Zorer.
It represents a lithographic flood scene on J street, from a photograph
by Vance. . . .
DITCH BROKEN.--ln Nevada county, near Chalk Bluff, the ditch of
Hussey & Durham was . . . [page cut off]. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3425, 21 March 1862, p. 1
GOLD IN YUBA.--Yesterday, Rodman of Natchez, in this county, came down
with two hundred and forty ounces of gold for assay, and reports the mines
in that section in a very prosperous condition. As an evidence of this, he
exhibited to us a nugget which was picked up in that region, weighing sixteen
ounces, which was almost pure gold, found on the surface, and is valued
at $288.--Marysville Express, March [page cut off]. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Continental Telegraph is still silent. There is a deep, broad field
of snow between us and the seat of war, and the electric flash is suspended.
It is uncertain when the working of the line will be resumed. . . .
It seems we are not yet done with the Rightmire contract to build a bulkhead
at the tannery. He is now at work to get a bill through the Legislature to
compel the people of this city to pay him a thousand dollars for giving up
a contract which it was impossible for him to execute. He gave a good bond,
and his securities unquestionably considered themselves fortunate when the
Supervisors agreed to rescind the contract. But Rightmire, after surrendering
the contract and obtaining his bond, came forward with a claim for a thousand
dollars, damage sustained by going to San Francisco and purchasing piles.
But the Board of Supervisors finally rejected his claim, and our delegation
in the Legislature should go and do like wise. . . .
SNOW IN THE SOUTHEAST.--The snow on the hights over which the trail from
Mariposa goes to Yosemite, is of an unknown depth; it in many instances
reaches to the lower limbs of trees, J. C. Lamon lately made the trip on
snow-shoes to the entrance of fhe valley, and matters looked so
unpromising--the bed of the valley being to appearance deep with snow--that
he returned.
REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.--As we anticipated some time since, the removal of
the State Capital from Sacramento was but the beginning of a series of
movements towards its permanent removal. A bill has been introduced into
the Legislature rescinding the contract of and stopping the work upon the
State Capitol. Such a bill can have but one object in view, and the State
Capital question will again become mixed up in the politics of the
State.--Douglas City Gazette.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . The Columbia river was not yet open within three miles of the Dalles. . . .
Cattle are dying from disease in Oregon in immense numbers. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . .SPRING.--Yesterday was the most Spring-like day of the season, and as the sun
crosses the line to-day, and as there is no appearance of an equinoctial storm,
we may safely bid adieu to Winter, and it is to be hoped, to the floods, which
have this year been its persistent and unwelcome companion. Fruit trees are out
in bloom; trees of other kinds are fast assuming a garb of verdure, and grass
and grain, wherever they are not submerged, are rapidly clothing the ground
in green. In the northeastern portion of the city gardens are being plowed and
spaded, and seed, shrubbery and trees are being planted with taste and care to
beautify and adorn the dwelling houses with which they are connected. The soil
is now, in many places, in fine order for working, and labor upon it is
advantageously expended. . . .
FILLED IN.--Thomas O'Brien was engaged yesterday in filling up the opening
in the north levee at Twentieth street. A little labor at that point will
render the levee passable to pedestrians up to the tannery, and also exclude
the water from coming in, should the water rise again. . . .
HYDRAULIC APPARATUS.--It is said that there will be in the city during the
ensuing Summer, three different contractors with hydraulic house raising
apparatus, to aid in placing the city above high water mark--that is, if
the high grade is finally adopted. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, March 20, 1862.
The Board convened at 11 A. M. . . .
Supervisor HITE said the ordinance fixing the grade was in order to-day, but
the measure was not ready to be submitted to the Board. It was proposed to
raise double the amount of property that would be affected by the former
ordinance, and the expense of the improvement would be comparatively
trifling. The present grade has a too abrupt pitch to the south. His idea
was to so regulate the grade, that from I to M there would be a fall of only
six inches to the block, and from M to R a gradually increasing fall of from
six to thirteen and a half inches. The streets from First to Fifth were to
have a fall of six inches to the block. This plan would secure a drain to the
south, while securing the principal portion of the city against destructive
overflows. Time and care were required to perfect a measure of so much
importance, and he therefore moved that the consideration of the subject be
postponed until the next meeting of the Board. Agreed to. . . .
Supervisor Dickerson was appointed a Committee of one to examine and report
upon the condition of K street bridge, which had been carried away by the
flood and lodged on Mosher's ranch. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, March 18, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Tuesday's proceedings,
after 3:45 p. m., when the report closed for the Sacramento boat.] . . .
Mr. RHODES, from the Judiciary Committee, reported back Senate Bill
No. 218--An Act for the relief of contractors on the foundation and
basement walls of the State Capitol building at Sacramento, with a
substitute, recommending its adoption; also, Senate Bill No. 61--An Act
to suspend until the ensuing session of the Legislature the construction
of the State Capitol at Sacramento--recommending its indefinite postponement. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3426, 22 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Another week of telegraphic silence. . . .
FURTHER FROM THE NORTH.
We give below some details of news received by the steamer Brother Jonathan,
which has arrived at San Francisco, in addition to the intelligence given
in our telegraphic column yesterday: . . .
HARD TIMES IN THE MINES.--Bridges, of Oregon City, who arrived on the Julia,
at Portland, from Salmon river direct, says that he left the Salmon river on
the 8th of February. The snow was deep at the mines. Very little work doing
and it was very cold. Between Lewiston and Walla Walla, the snow was deep in
places and the roads bad. He met a number on the way--more than he wanted to
see in a suffering condition. It was very cold and bad traveling. He stopped
some time at Walla Walla. The Commander of the Fort was renting out the mules
to packers, to pack to Lewiston and Salmon. He tried to buy one, or rent or
hire one, but found it no go. Left Walla Walla for the Dalles; saw men, on
their way down, frost bitten and suffering. A man at John Day's, a German,
was badly frozen. Paid thirty dollars for the use of a horse from the Umatilla
to the Dalles. On south side hills, the snow was melted off the ground, and
the grass was beginning to spring up. Met a few on the way to Walla Walla,
between Des Chutes and John Day's; tried to turn them back but could not.
Bridges had been in the upper country since the first excitement, and be
earnestly advised all parties bound upward, to stay down for one month or
six weeks to come. He says it is madness to go up at this time. He also says
the news from Oro Fino is that the snow at that place is four feet deep.
Little mining was done. There was plenty of provisions. Bridges is the last
man in from Salmon river. L. Day, Tracy & Co.'s messenger, says that a man
who left Salmon river on the 28th of January reports the snow five and six
feet deep, extremely cold, and all mining operations suspended; that
provisions were plenty for those already in the mines, but so many were on
the way there that it was fearful food would give out before new supplies
could get in.
CONDITION OF STOCK.--The Dalles Mountaineer of March 1st, says:
Jeffreys' agent writes to him from the Yakima Valley that the "stock is
still dying; not from starvation, but from disease. Cattle in good order
lie down and die, and from this fact I conclude there is some disease
among them. The Indians have lost a great many horses--some, all they
had. The snow is about two feet deep, with a heavy crust on top. But few
of your cattle have died as yet, and I am in hopes that we shall escape
any serious loss." From the Tygh we learn that four-fifths of the cattle
in that Valley are dead. Elder & McDonald have lost five hundred out of
five hundred and sixty-five head; Hubbard & Jeffreys have lost but a few;
Armitage, of Eugene City, has but twenty out of two hundred and fifty.
Solomon Jeffreys expresses the opinion that should the snow remain on the
ground ten days longer, every hoof in the Valley will be lost." The Indians
report everything dying at Warm Spring Reserve. The settlers are entirely
out of feed in the Valley. The cattle on the various creeks in the vicinity
of the Dalles are all dying off. On Three Mile creek cattle that have been
fed for weeks back are dying.
The Walla Walla Statesman says:
Out of the thirty thousand head of cattle supposed to be in this Valley
last Fall, it is doubtful whether five thousand head are living, and the
numerous bands of sheep have almost disappeared. Out of one lot of seventeen
hundred only three hundred are alive. At a moderate estimate, this Valley
alone has sustained, by loss of stock, a loss of one million of dollars.
The horses and mules have fared better, because they were better cared for,
and this Winter's experience has proved them much better calculated to
endure the cold. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
CORONER'S INQUEST.--Coroner Reeves held an inquest in American township on
Thursday evening, on the body of an unknown man found afloat in the American
river by P. K. Crohan and John Koppikus. James Mularen, Isaac Chase,
James A. Brant, David Foss, John Neff and J. H. Witherspoon were selected
as jurors. P. K. Crohan testified that while in a boat in the morning he
discovered the body lying on a plank, with another plank or board lying on the
breast. The body was without clothing of any description. Witness thought the
deceased must have been dead two or three mouths. He saw no belt, money or
valuables about the body. He knew nothing of the name or age of the deceased,
or the cause of his death. John Koppikus testified that he was in the boat
with Crohan, and corroborated his testimony. David Morton corroborated the
testimony of the first witness, and added that he had tied a rope to the plank
on which the body was lying, to make it fast, after the others had started
to the city for the Coroner. The deceased was about five feet high, with
black hair, and of light build. Witness could not say whether deceased was
a white man or a Chinaman. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that
the name, age and cause of death of deceased were unknown, but that he had
probably been drowned.
MISCELLANEOUS ROBBERY.--The rooms of A. G. Tryon, on Sixth street near I,
were entered by thieves on Thursday evening, before ten o'clock, during the
absence of the proprietor at the theater, and plundered of a large quantity
and great variety of goods, wares and merchandise. Among the articles stolen
were a brown cloth overcoat, a gray Summer sack coat, two pair black pants,
a dozen and a half white shirts, a dozen and a half pocket handkerchiefs, six
pair drawers, four under shirts, four pair white linen pants, four linen coats,
a dozen pair socks, a half dozen towels, three shirts, two pillow slips, two
pair white blankets, a Colt's revolver, a silver snuff box, and a variety of
nick-nacks too numerous to mention. The entrance was effected through the front
door, which could not be very securely fastened on account of having been
disarranged by the recent floods. . . .
FRESH FISH.--The occupation of fishing, which has been going on quite
briskly for several days past at the crevasse below R street, was not
so successful yesterday as heretofore. There is a short bar formed by
the natural bank which runs out into the water perhaps a rod. The fish
have chiefly been caught by men and boys with their hands while passing
up stream over the bar. Others, however, are caught with small nets from
the shore. These fish--perch, sunfish, etc.--are presumed to come up from
the Mokelumne. From some cause or other they come up from the channel east
of the river which connects together the various sloughs of the flooded
district. We are informed that our neighbors over at Washington are much
more successful than those of this side in piscatory sports. . . .
AT WORK.--The work of capping the piles recently driven in front of the
railroad depot at the foot of R street has been commenced, preparatory
to laying the railroad track on top of them. A double tier of these piles,
the width of the track, extends along nearly the entire front of the depot.
When the track is completed, the railroad company will deposit cobbles enough
along the line to constitute a bulkhead which will resist all further
encroachment from the current. . . .
MUSICAL.--Sacramento has been favored during the past week with a nightly
serenade by a choir composed of a million and a half of frogs. There is no
probability that the music will cease during the present season. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, March 20, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock--. . . .
PETITIONS AND REPORTS.
. . .Mr. BANKS, from the Committee on Corporations, reported several amendments
to Assembly Bill No. 300, relative to the construction of a bridge across
Mokelumne river; and as the stream was regarded navigable daring three months
in the year for small steamers, providing snags were removed, leaving the
matter of building the bridge with a draw, about which some difference of
opinion existed, to the local Board of Supervisors. There were two parties,
between whom considerable rivalry existed.
Mr. BURNELL moved to suspend the rules to consider the bill now. It was of
great importance to Stockton, whose thoroughfares were kept closed, to the
benefit of their rivals of Sacramento.
The motion was lost.
Mr. BANKS said the report recommended the reference of the whole matter to
the local authorities.
The bill was placed at the head of the file. . . .
THE GENERAL FILE.
Senate Bill No. 300--An Act to grant the right to construct a bridge across
Mokelumne river, to J. H. Woods, near Woodbridge, San Joaquin county--was
read by sections.
Mr. BURNELL urged the necessity or passing the bill, and said the bridge
had been washed away. The proposition to require a draw bridge he thought
impracticable. The navigation of the Mokelumne had never been heard of,
and was practically impossible. If the matter were left to the local Board
of Supervisors, there would be a scramble for the contract, and the bridge
would be delayed to the detriment of a large portion of country.
Mr. BANKS gave the reasons which had influenced the Committee to make the
report they had made. The stream was navigable daring three months for very
small steamers drawing twenty inches of water, and during the rest of the
year it was navigable for very small salmon.
Messrs. HARVEY, BAKER and GALLAGHER opposed the recommendation of the
Committee to refer the question to the Board of Supervisors. Although their
interests were in favor of a navigation of that stream, it was an utter
impossibility, the Mokelumne being a crooked, narrow river, and filled with
snags and sandbars. It was navigable only in flood time, like the surrounding
country. The effect of compellng Mr. Woods to construct a draw would be to
cripple him, while he had lost immense amounts by the tlood, and besides done
as much for the improvement of that section of the country as any other
resident.
The Committee recommendation was rejected.
[Mr. PARKS in the chair.]
A number of amendments which were claimed to be provided for by the general law,
were rejected and others of the same sort adopted.
The bill was read a third time and passed . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, March 20, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
SENATE MESSAGES.
The House took up the order of messages from the Senate. Assembly Bill
No. 300--An Act chartering a bridge across the Mokelumne river--came from
the Senate amended. The amendments were concurred in. So the bill is passed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 22, Number 3427, 24 March 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, March 19, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Wednesday's proceedings.] . . . .
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
The House took up the order of Senate messages.
Senate Bill No. 251--An Act concerning the repair and construction of
levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising a revenue
therefor--was read twice and referred to the Sacramento delegation. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, March 21, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
Mr. AVERY reported correctly enrolled and handed to the Governor for approval,
. . . No. 300--An Act to grant the right to construct and maintain a bridge
across the Mokelumne river, to certain parlies therein named. . . .
p. 3
MINING IN SHASTA.--But little mining has been done in Western Shasta during
the past Winter, owing to breakages in the ditches. But the times have changed.
The Argus, published at Horsetown, says, under date of March 15th:
We learn that mining in the Cottonwood section has again commenced, and if
no unforeseen even [sic] occurs to deprive those disposed to labor of water,
we have reason to believe that the amount of gold taken out will be equal to
that of the best seasons that have passed, notwithstanding depopulation by the
Nez Perces excitement. At Janesville, on the North fork of Cottonwood, we
state upon the most reliable authority that three hill claims are now yielding
from seven to fourteen dollars to the hand per day. And here we will assert,
from observation, that while hill claims in the vicinity have yielded as high
as twenty-five to thirty dollars a day to the hand for months, it is probably
the least tested gold region in California. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
We have no telegraphic advices from the East. It was expected that tlhe line
would be in operation yesterday, but the repairs were not completed. The
elements permitting, and the managers on the other side of the mountains
continuing their labors, we shall have a gleam of light firom that quarter
to-day. We trust that when the news does flash this way we may say, with
Vice President Hamlin. "It is in order to hurrah!"'
A communication from J. & R. in relation to floods, . . . will furnish
abundant food for reflection to those who take an interest in local topics. . .
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. . . .
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE, }
SACRAMENTO, Cal., Dec. 15, 1861. }
To His Excellency, John G. Downey, Governor of the State of California:
Sir--I have the honor to submit herewith a statement of the transactions
of this Department for the year 1861. . . .
The Capitol building is now undergoing the necessary repairs and improvements,
and will be ready at the assembling of the Legislature.
Respectfully submitted.
JOHNSON PRICE, SECRETARY OF STATE.
THE CHARTERS. . . .
Therefore, this clause does not support the charge of repudiation made by
our Senators. But, say those gentlemen, thirty-five per cent, of the revenue
to be colleoted will not pay the interest on our public debt. To this the
Committee reply, it will pay the interest on our legal indebtedness; and if
the interest is to be paid on all the bonds out, the forty-nine per cent.
proposed by the Senators will fall considerably short of paying it. In fact,
so much has the taxable property of the city been reduced by floods, that
the 55 per cent. provided in the Consolidation Bill would not pay our
interest this year. That fund must be short in January, 1863, no matter
whether a new bill is or is not adopted. The Consolidation Bill doea not
authorize the levy of a tax high enough to meet the interest in full. . . .
Are the people of this city in a condition to pay an increased rate of
taxation for the support of the City Government? Most unquestionably they
are not. By an unforeseen interposition of Providence their ability to
pay has been greatly reduced, while their burdens, under the most favorable
circumstances, must be increased. They have a heavy levee tax to pay in
addition to those for the support of the National, State, County and City
Governments. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.. . .
SAN FRANCISCO, March 23, 1862. . . .
The weather here has been oppressively hot to-day. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO..
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, March '22, 1862.
The Sacramento city charter fight . . .
I ought in justice to say that the Rightmire one thousand dollar claim
is not, to my knowledge provided for in the bill--a fact which ought
certainly to subject it to a charge of contemplating "repudiation." From
the numerous erasures and changes in the original bill, made by or for
the benefit of individuals, one is almost forced to conclude that had
Rightiuire been sufficiently on the alert, he too might have been protected
by some "provided" or "provided further." . . . .
[For the Union.]
TAXES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: If the Heacock, Nixon, Redding & Co. bill should become
a law, we will have to pay this year the following taxes:
State Tax, say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 85
Government Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
County Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 00
General City Tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 50
Special Floating Debt Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Special Redemption Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Levee Tax, say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 00
-----
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7 05
Just think of it--$7 05 on every $100 you possess! This company bill
levies for city purposes general, and special taxes, of $1 95; the
citizens' bill, $1 25; difference in favor of latter bill, 70 cents.
Or the company bill makes us pay $50,000 to $60,000 more per annum than
the citizens' bill. . . .
LIVE AND LET LIVE.
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE
STILL UNSAFE.--The cistern at the corner of Tenth and G streets is still
uncovered, the lid having been carried away by the flood. Men and animals
are in constant danger of being drowned in it. It is a source of constant
complaint from all the neighbors of the vicinity. The Board of Supervisors
and the Chief Engineer together ought to be able to devise the ways aad
means of building at least a one board fence around it, to prevent serious
accident. . . .
THE METROPOLITAN THEATER.--The Metropolitan Theater, like most of our
public buildings, suffered considerably during the past Winter by the
action of the floods. The proprietors. J. and T. Hutchings, have been
engaged for several weeks in the work of overhauling and renovating the
establishment. The interior of the building has been repainted, and the
seats, wherever necessary, have been recushioned. As the water is just
leaving the lower portion of the parquette, the work of renovation
will--if we have no return of high water--soon be completed. Among
other changes made in the interior is the transformation of a portion
of the rear of the building into a place of residence for one of the
proprietors. . . .
THE RIVER.--The water in the Sacramento river has fallen to a point 19
feet above low water mark. It retreats slowly. . . .
p. 8
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.] . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, March 22, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
REPORTS. . . .
Mr. SAUL, from the Sacramento delegation, reported back Assembly Bill
No. 282--An Act for the better protection of farmers in Sacramento county,
and to regulate the herding of stock in certain portions of the same, with
an amendment. He asked that the bill be placed on its passage, as it was
purely a local bill.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer said his was an adjoining county, and he would like
time to examine the bill.
Mr. FERGUSON said it would not affect his county as it applied only to
the overflowed portions of Sacramento county.
The bill was read for information. It provides that stock may he taken
up for trespass on lands which are
not fenced, on the American, Sacramento, Mokelumne and Cosumnes rivers,
overflowed in 1862, provided that cultivated land on public highways shall
be fenced or ditched.
Mr. DUDLEY said the bill was more objectionable than he had supposed before
it was read. Members had no idea of the extent of the flood above Sacramento.
Stock was herded and grazed upon the public domain in Sacramento, and this
was a stringent law to confiscate such property.
Mr. FERGUSON said the law was only to protect people in Sacramento county
who were unable to fence in their lands. The planting season had arrived,
and the ranchmen had gone to work in the expectation that a protection law
would be passed. The objections of those living on the high lands had been
all met and satisfied.
Mr. WILCOXON opposed the bill as likely to prove injurious to the people
of adjoining counties.
Mr. AVERY suggested that the bill be placed on the file to allow members
to examine it. He thought that would save time and satisfy all parties.
Mr. SEATON suggested a proviso that the Act shall not apply to any stock
owned in Amador, Placer, and other adjoining counties.
Mr. DEAN said if the bill did not apply beyond Sacramento county such a
proviso was hardly necessary.
Mr. MEYERS said he thought the request of the delegation from Sacramento
was very unreasonable.
Mr. BARTON said he thought there was an uncalled for factious opposition
to this bill. It suited Sacramento, and nobody else was interested.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer denied that he factiously opposed the bill. His
delegation only wanted to know what the provisions of the bill were.
The ayes and noes were ordered, on suspending the rules for the present
consideration of the bill, and resulted--ayes 30, noes 15. So the rules
were suspended. Those who voted in the negative were: Messrs. Barton of
San Bernardino, Collins, Dudley of Placer, Dudley of Solano, Griswold,
Hillyer, Cot, Machin, Eagar, Sears, Smith of Fresno, Thompson of Tehama,
Thompson of San Joaquin, Wilcoxon, and Worthington.
Mr. WILCOXON moved to postpone the bill till Monday at half-past two
o'clock. Lost--ayes 14, noes 23.
Mr. HILLYER said be thought the request of the representatives of the
adjoining counties, to have till Monday to examine the bill, was a
reasonable one. He moved to place the bill on the top of the file for
Monday. Ruled out of order.
Mr. O'BRIEN said be considered this as a purely local matter, and did
not want to see the time of the House wasted in its discussion.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer insisted that this hasty action was unjust to his
constituents.
Mr. SAUL moved to make bill the special order for two o'clock on Monday.
Mr. FERGUSON opposed the motion, and said the bill had been before the
House for more than a month, and these gentlemen had had ample opportunity
to examine it. If it was further postponed there was no assurance that
these talkative gentlemen would read it. The people of Sacramento were
clamorous for this protection. and if the bill was postponed at all it
should be to a time when the delegation could be present. He moved to
amend the motion so as to postpone till Tuesday.
Mr. SAUL, accepted the amendment, and the bill was postponed till Tuesday
at two o'clock. . . .
[For the Union.]
IS THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY INHABITABLE?
MESSRS. EDITORS: In an article under the above caption, published in the
UNION of February 4th, numerous instances were given to show that greater
difficulties than we have had to contend with have elsewhere been met and
mastered; and the conclusion was drawn that "the Sacramento valley may be
protected against floods, and that science and experience can be relied
upon to furnish the plans for doing it." Few seem to have doubted the
justness of that conclusion, but "science and experience," as yet, appear
to be very far from agreeing on a plan. Such being the case, it may not
be uninteresting to continue the discussion in the spirit at least of the
article above mentioned, and to measure a few of the leading facts obtained
from experience and observation by the rules which govern or constitute
the science. The subject may be considered under the following heads:
1. The formation of the valley and the topography of its overflowed
districts. 2. The success of what has been done toward rendering those
overflowed districts habitable; and 3. The correctness of the views of
those who own and work the land, and whose purse is to furnish the capital
to reclaim it. Reasons for a system of reclamation, based on the formation
of a valley, may, at first thought, seem rather far-fetched, but they are
indispensable for two purposes: to answer arguments that lead to such
conclusions as the widening of straits at one end of a river, and building
of reservoirs at the other, for the purpose of preventing an intervening
overflow, and to assure the laborer that be is aiding rather than contending
with nature, in giving permanence to that which she has left unstable. For
such an end it is worth considering.
THE FORMATION OF A VALLEY.
It is a common but very superficial view to look upon rivers as channels
cut by water through the upper strata of pre-existing valleys. The truth,
however, is the reverse of this, the river being the cause and not the
effect. To make this evident we have only to trace through its various
stages the process of its formation. At one period every valley was a
depression between mountain ranges either connected with or separated
from the ocean. As the California valley was doubtless at one time
separated from the ocean this shape may take precedence in the order of
description. Whether the depression had water in it at first or not is
a matter of no moment, for if not the surplus evaporation of the ocean
soon filled it, and the original state of an inland valley may therefore
be asserted to have been a lake or sea whose bottom and sides were rocks
and rocks only. Water and air aided by the extremes of heat and cold soon
broke and disintegrated the rocks on the sides and precipitated them into
the gulf below, at first in great bowlders and at last in fine particles.
Thus, whilst the rain increased the quantity, the tilling of the pit
elevated the waters, and eventually they poured over the lowest or burst
through the weakest part of the rim. This part, consequently, was the first
to begin to wear, and always wore the fastest. So soon as disintegration
had sufficiently advanced to permit the material of which it was composed
to hold water, little rills were found on the margin, and though their
course was short and their volume insignificant, each began to form a
little delta at its mouth and to contribute its mite [sic] to the power
of the general mass of the waters in enlarging the gap of exit to the
ocean. As this enlarged, the surface of the lake fell, and the courses
of the rills were lengthened. Two or more of these tending in the same
direction mingled their waters, cemented their deltas into a common bank,
and vigorously prosecuted the formation of a new delta at their common
mouth. Rills thus became rivulets, and these again at the next stage of
decrease in the lake, consequent upon the enlargement of its mouth, mingled
their waters, cemented their deltas and formed brooks. By a similar process
brooks formed larger streams, whose united deltas formed the valley and
whose united current constituted the river. At every stage of this formation
there were two distinct parts; the lake.which may be called the still
water, and the tributaries or running water. The first could rise or fall
only when all parts of it rose or fell at the same time. The last might
rise or fall not only separately, but could rise or fall at one end before
it did at the other. Thus no matter at what stage of the formation, from
rill to river, the mouth of the running stream always came in contact
with a surface of water all parts of which rose and fell together; and
at that point its energies were devoted to the formation of a delta. A
river and its valley thus formed, and all rivers and valleys are formed
on this principle, may be divided into natural sections, by drawing lines
at right angles to the general course of the stream, and through, or but
little above, the mouth of each of its tributaries. These sections
constitute a distinct formation thus far, that each is made by debris,
deposited by that part of the stream which lies between it and the source,
without receiving contributions from the waters below it. At the period of
its completion each secison, [section?] counting from the source downward,
constituted the mouth of the river, and below it was the gulf. The same may
be affirmed of each tributary, with the qualification that the last section
of the tributary proper terminates at the first bench above its point of
intersection with the main stream. Now, although the waters below contributed
nothing toward the formation of the sections or deltas above, the elevation
of each section depended materially upon the elevation of the surface of
the lake below. If that fell rapidly, debris which it might have enabled
the stream to deposit on an upper section was carried lower down, and the
banks were left too low to hold the waters of more than an ordinary flood.
Thus it is seen that at each successive stage of the formation the debris
pressing from the circumference inward enlarged the deltas as the surface
of the common receptacle fell, and this fall again depended on an outlet
or mouth of the lake, which, as has been said, was the first to begin to
wear and which always wore the fastest.
If, then, no convulsion has disturbed these natural relations of common
mouth to a general stream through aggregate deltas, they are as well
adapted to each other as members of the animal organization to the common
body. These principles obtain in the formation of all valleys, whether
the original pit or gulf be inland or an arm of the sea. The filling
in the latter case also comes from the margin, and is pressed forward
till it meets a counteracting force. The first beach forms at the foot
of the mountain, the next at the foot of that, and so on to the sea.
Little streams join themselves together by uniting their deltas, till
they have filled the pit, and seek for permanence. The mouth regulating
their action, and measuring, as it were, their daily labor, finally
secures to them repose and stability. If the mouth be too large it
will fill up; if it be too small it will enlarge. It would rather be
deep than wide, but it will widen if it cannot deepen, and it will hold
the productive energies of the entire body in abeyance until it has
accomplished its purpose. The principles on which this action takes
place are as well understood as any hydronamic laws, and no fact is
better established than what is termed the regimen of a river (the
regulation of permanence and stability), begins at the mouth. The
regimen of debouch is attained when the mouth is just large enough,
and not too large, to let the volume of water pass through it without
altering the slope of the surface. Till this is attained, or when
attained, if disturbed by art or accident, the whole energy of the
stream is devoted to establish or restore it. When established it is
indeed often unsuited to commercial convenience, as is the case with
the Mississippi, Columbia, and in truth of nearly all streams with deltas
rapidly forming at their mouths; but it is never too small for the ready
efflux of its greatest volume of waters. Commercial defects may often
be remedied (as was done at Cleveland, Ohio), by piers aiding the river
to carry its debris farther into the still water; but art never yet
attempted to enlarge or diminish the regimen of a river at its mouth
without meeting with inglorious defeat. It would be interesting to
illustrate this part of the subject by reference to the history of deltas,
but space will permit the mention of only a few of the most remarkable
ones. Adria, which gives name to the sea (Adriatic), was a perminent port
in the days of Augustus, but is now twenty miles from the coast. The
Mississippi has extended its delta fifty miles into the Gulf since the
day its waters received the body of its great discoverer. The common delta
of the Ganges and Brahma-pootra, has an area of some 65,000 square miles,
one-third of which is annually overflowed. The engineer who should propose
to reclaim these deltas by deepening the Adriatic, and widening the Gulf
stream, and dredging the fathomless "swatch" of the Bay of Bengal, would
act on the principle that the mouth of the river is sometimes to small
for its body. There is not much presumption then in taking for granted,
until undisputed facts shall establish the contrary, that the Golden Gate
and the Straits of Carquinez are not exceptions to an universal rule.
Attention may, therefore, be turned to
THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY.
A glance at the map will suggest, what the most careful examination will
only confirm, that the section of country lying at the head of Suisun bay
is a delta formed by the action of three rivers--the San Joaquin, Mokelumne
and Sacramento. It is a plain cut by sloughs into a number of islands,
whose surface is nearly level, raised but a few inches above high tide and
covered with swamp grass and tule. In extra floods, like the brakes of the
Mississippi or the Sunderbund of the Ganges, they are entirely covered with
water. If, now, we suppose these islands to be swept away, the upper margin
of the bay would be the recipient of three rivers instead of one, and as
the debris from each of those rivers was used in the formation of those
islands, they cannot with propriety be appropriated to the valley of either.
The Sacrameuto valley proper terminates, then, at this supposed margin of
the Bay. It deserves a more minute description.
The lower extremity of the high lands, near the mouth of the Cosumnes, is
the eastern terminus of the Sacramento valley proper, and a point of the
Montezuma hills, just below the former site of Rio Vista, is the western
terminus; the line uniting these two points is, of course, irregular.
The high lands from the Cosumnes sink gradually to the west, along, or
rather to the north of the right bank of the Mokelumne, and between these
and the Sacramento is a tule drained by Snodgrass slough, in which there
is an elevated sand ridge, known as Dodson's Mound. The Mokelumne extends
to the west to within a half mile of the Sacramento, at a point near the
head of Georgiana slough, and the rivers are there united by Tyler's
slough; the bank of the Mokelumne being about seven feet lower than that
of the Sacramento. The left bank of the Sacramento partially retains this
relative elevation along the next island to the head of Jackson
slough--distant from the San Joaquin about five miles; thence it
gradually sinks to the tide level, at a point opposite the Montezuma
Hills. It may be safely asserted that all above this line is a Sacramento
formation. The Sacramento or Old river (from the head of Georgiana slough
to the lower end of Grand Island twelve miles), is wide with banks
comparatively bluff and falling rapidly on either side toward the
interior. To the southwest of Grand Island is a broad stream, which,
as you proceed to the north branches to the west (Cache slough terminating
in the tule), and to the east (Steamboat slough) entering or tapping the
Sacramento above Grand Island, and six miles north of the Georgiana. Above
Steamboat slough is Sutter slough and other smaller sloughs on the west
side of the Sacramento. Now, at a low stage the river, the tides ebb and
flow through all of the above sloughs and rivers, so that from the head
of the Georgiana slough one may float in a skiff, by seizing the tide,
north, around Grand Island; east, to the Cosumnes; south, to Suisun, or
west to the head of Cache slough; and travel in either direction at the
rate of three or four miles an hour. But when the water is over the banks,
whilst there is little or no current on the east side of the Sacramento for
a distance of twenty miles above the head of the Georgiana, the water pours
down Cache slough from the tule on the west in such volume and with such
force as completely to neutralize the current in Steamboat slough. These
facts alone show that an embankment from the highlands on the Cosumnes to
the head of Georgiana slough on the the east side of the Sacramento, and
another around Grand Island on the west, would neither increase the volume
of water in Cache slough, nor in any manner affect the condition of the
waters of the Mokelumne, the San Joaquin or Suisun Bay, provided all the
rivers were at their highest stage at the same time; and when this is not
their condition, the natural channel has sufficient capacity to carry all
the waters of the Sacramento. Here, then, is located a basis of operations
where art may finish what nature has begun and carried so near to completion.
In addition to the facts above stated, there are two others, which require
more explanation than this article will permit, and which confirm the above
conclusion beyond a peradventure, viz: the relation of the curves of the
Mokelumne and Sacramento rivers, and the character of the bed rock or
substratum of tuffaceous clay along the dividing line above described.
This stratum is seen in the beds of the rivers and sloughs, at the Hog's
back, at the head of Jackson slough, in the Sacramento, and at the mouth
of Whitaker's slough in the Mokelumne. It forms the foundation of the
high bank or levee which nature has built along the outline of one of her
formations and it had sufficient elevation and firmness from the beginning
to turn in their courses the majestic rivers that originally mingled their
waters at its base. Leaving for future consideration the islands which lie
below the base line here described, and which are generally but improperly
included in the Sacramento valley, the topography of the upper districts
may be continued as follows: At low water the tide is felt about a hundred
miles further up the river. At Sacramento it is some twenty-two inches, and
at Fremont just perceptible. The land on the left or east bank, in high
water, is covered for an average width of between four and five miles as
far up as Sutterville, where the high lands approach within a few hundred
feet of the bank. The middle part of this overflowed district is low, the
river bank being comparatively high and falling to what may be denominated
the tule level of the interior, which is always withi n a few inches of
the line of high tides. During the flood the waters of the American and
Sacramento sweep over the district with a rapid current till they meet the
flood waters from the Cosumnes and Mokelumne, where they remain till a fall
permits them to pass into the Mokelumne, or they again return to the
Sacramento, passing down its channel, or crossing through the sloughs on
the west to the tule at the head of Cache creek slough. The soil of the
east bank is a tenacious clay loam, well adapted to the purposes of
embankment, and the fall along the bank from Sutterville to the head of
the Georgiana is a little more than eleven feet. The delta on which
Sacramento stands has a substratum of quicksand washed in from the
American, which here enters the Sacramento with a fall from the high
lands on the east of some seventeen feet, or about five feet to the
mile, and consequently with a current that drives its mud-freighted waters
through numerous sloughs for some two miles above the main point of
intersection. This stream, so to express it, commands its own channel.
When low, the waters of the swollen Sacramento back some distance up it,
but its south bank is too high to be flooded by them; and when high it
not only claims its own delta below, but forces its way over the low
lands on the north against the opposing current of the greater stream.
The upper part of the American is a mountain torrent descending at the rate
of about one hundred feet to the mile, and through gulches of such formation
that to impound waters within them in efficient quantities would require
walls and embankments compared with which Egyptian pyramids would dwindle
into insignificance, and when built they would soon be filled with debris
by the unwearied efforts of nature in the formation of valleys. From the
American to Feather river is about twenty miles. The overflowed district
lying between them is similar to that below the American, but is more
intersected with channels, which in the rainy season are filled with water
from the plains and foot hills to the east. The bank of the river, as is
universally the case in fluviatile formations, is higher than the interior,
and the average level of the plain is somewhat higher than the lower
district, and its average width is also, perhaps, a little greater. The
overflowed waters enter this district from the Feather river and its
eastern tributaries, and pressing downward till they meet the current of
the American or the south bank of that river again return to the main
channel of the Sacramento. The Feather river is nearly parallel in its
course to the upper Sacramento; receives all the large tributaries from
the east; and as it passes through a rolling country, has but little
overflowed lands above the town of Nicolaus, ten miles from its mouth.
Above the Feather river to the Buttes, about forty miles, is another
district similar to the ones already described, and the highlands, there
approaching to the bank, turn the floods from above, back again into the
main channel. Another small district above the Buttes, and the valley
narrows, and the hanks are sufficiently elevated to retain the stream.
Crossing over the river, Willow creek, about twenty miles above the
Buttes, is the last tributary on that side of the Sacramento. Below it
are Grapevine creek, Carter creek, Sycamore slough, Cache creek and Putah
creek, which in Summer sink in the tule between the river and foot hills
on the west, and in time of floods mingle their waters with the overflowing
of the main river and debouche through Cache slough and the tides at the
foot of the Montezuma Hills. From Knight's Landing along the western tier
of sections in range two east, United States surveys, it is thirty-four
miles to Cache slough, and the fall is estimated at sixty-two feet. This
line in all its parts is considerablv lower than the right bank of the
river, and during a flood the waters sweep down it with a current described
by a fisherman as being "too strong, sir, for a Whitehall with two pair
of sculls." The overflowed district at the southern end is about fifteen
miles wide, forming what is denominated a pocket, in which the eddying
waters find a level and gradually flow round the eastern extremity of
the Montezuma hills, back to the main channel of the Sacramento.
These facts seem to warrant the conclusion that the east bank of the
Sacramento might be leveed without increasing the waters on the western
side, and that a channel might be found or made on the west side that
would permit the efflux of the surplus waters before they could be of
detriment to the valley. It is claimed for them only that they warrant
a scientific examination with a reasonable prospect of success. The
probability of that success is increased by "what has been done," and
by the "views of the owners of the land," which will be treated of in
another article. J. & R.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3428, 25 March 1862, p. 2
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . .INSOLVENT SUIT.--James Kelly filed a petition in insolvency yesterday,
in the District Court, asking for a discharge from his debts and liabilities.
The petitioner came to this State about four years ago, with a cash capital
of about $3,000. After engaging in hotel and saloon keeping in San Francisco
for two and a half years, and losing $1,500, he purchased a ranch in
Georgiana township, in this county, and continued in the business of
farming until the inundation of the Sacramento valley. He was then compelled
to leave his ranch, losing in improvements, etc., about $2,000. The total
amount of the liabilities of the petitioner is given at $2,545 75. Total
amount of assets, $1,525. . . .
LIBRARY LECTURES.--The floods having subsided, the Winter course of
lectures inaugurated by the Library Association, will be resumed, commencing
to-morrow evening . . .
NORRIS' BRIDGE.--The road to and from the city, by way of Norris' ferry,
has been in an impassable condition during the greater portion of the
Winter, in consequence of the prevalence of the floods. Within the past
day or two the road is again open, and teams can now get to and from the
city without difficulty. Ranchmen of Center anil American townships,
especially, will be accommodated by the opening of the road. . . .
INDICATIVE.--The floating clouds and temperature of the atmosphere
yesterday were regarded by some as indicative of approaching rains. . . .
p. 6 [?]
LEVEE MEETING IN NICOLAUS.--The following proceedings of a recent meeting
in the above locality have have been placed in our hands for publication:
At a meeting held by the Settlers of Nicolaus and Vernon townships, of
Sutter county, March 15th, at the town of Nicolaus, for the purpose of
devising ways and means for the building of a levee from the mouth of the
Feather river, along the east bank of the same, to the highlands in the
vicinity of the mouth of Bear river, the following resolutions were
unanimously adopted: [several typographic disconnects on this page]
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3429, 26 March 1862, p. 2
[For the Union.]
A MEETING PROPOSED.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Please give notice that there will be a meeting this
evening, at early candle light, on the corner of Fifth and Q streets,
of all parties who are interested in those dwelling houses in the lower
part of the city, that are upside down, lying upon their sides, under
water and full of mud, for the purpose of considering and adopting
the following resolution, to wit:
Resolved, That as Senators Heacock and Nixon have determined
to add seventy cents to our taxes, for the benefit of office holders
and scrip brokers, we offer them our houses and lots as part pay of
said taxes, on condition that they will grant us a little more time
on the balance, without being the first to twit us with repudiation,
An early attendance is requested, as the debate may be a stormy one,
if the wind nnd rain are favorable. '62, Secretary.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE
. . . DEATH AND FUNERAL OF JOHN F. MADDEN.--John F. Madden, an old
resident of Sacramento, died about one o'clock yesterday morning, at
his rooms on J street, near Third, after an illness of about a week.
He was vaccinated some ten or twelve days ago, and was taken ill on on
Monday the 17th inst., in the County Court room, which was the last day
on which he was absent from home. His disease turned to erysipelas, which
baffled the unremitting exertions of his physician, Dr. Simmons, and friends.
He was at the time of his death Clerk of the Court of Sessions, County Court
and Probate Court, as deputy under Jared Irwin, County Clerk. The several
Courts adjourned yesterday morning out of respect to his memory and to
attend his funeral, which took place at three o'clock in the afternoon.
At that hour his remains were placed in a hearse and followed by a large
number of friends to Fourth and L street, at which point the coffin was
transferred to a boat and followed by about a hundred and thirty persons,
in some thirty boats, to the City Cemetery, where they were interred. The
rites of the Episcopal Church were administered at the grave by
Rev. W. H. Hill. . . .
THE FIRST CROP.--The firat crop of grass of the season was cut on Monday
afternoon in the yard of Jared Irwin, on Tenth street near F. The water
stood upon the ground at this locality but a short time, and for several
weeks past the white clover in the yard has grown very rapidly, and
had attained a hight of eight or ten inches. When cut with a scythe it
turned off an excellent swathe. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3430, 27 March 1862, p. 2
[For the Union.]
THE PEOPLE'S VS. THE OFFICEHOLDERS' BILL.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The people of this city are called upon to-day to
perform a duty as sacred and as solemn as any ever before presented
to an aggregate multitude. It is a question not less important than
life and death. For what is life if spent in servile subjection to
the caprice of a worthless, vulgar crowd, whose sole stock in trade
is their political capital, and whose only arguments are the bowie
knife and the revolver. Let the people turn over the pages for the
past seven years, track up all the political winding, and see who is
responsible for the enormous debt under which we are now staggering.
Is it not a part of the same clique that are taking part against the
people's bill now, and pressing into their service all the scrip sharks,
plug uglys, bummers and wharf rats--the depraved and guilty followers of
dishonest and unscrupulous leaders? And this same vile clique, now that
the people are suffering under visitations of a seemingly offended Deity,
tell the people that what of their substance has not been consumed by fire
and flood must be surrendered for their support and that of their abandoned
retainers. Those wretches, too lazy to work and too ignorant to earn a
support in any honorable pursuit are an incubus on the body politic ten
times more dangerous than the professional robber, against whose
depredations we may have security by watching, but against their licensed
plundering there is no safety. Citizens, will you submit to be longer
governed by these men? There is a debt of nearly two millions of dollars
against the city. What have we to show for it? We have not, with the
exception of the Water Works, a single public building--no jail, no
hospital, no school houses that deserve the name--our Court rooms in
the second story of a rented building, with a whisky shop at the main
entrance--our Treasurer's office in a couple of dingy rooms in some
other part of the town, and the rest of the officers scattered around
whereever they can obtain furnished apartments. To complete the picture,
three-fourths of the city under water for the last six months, and our
doughty Supervisors, who should be fighting the liquid element with pick
and shovel (instruments that most of them seem well qualified to handle),
instead of exhibiting such usefulness are passing ordinances against the
Railroad Company, whilst the raging waters are plowing up every street
and highway, and carrying devastation and ruin to the hearths of thousands
of families. With an impudence that has no parallel on record, four of
these Supervisors that permitted the banks and levees to be fretted away
for want of a few loads of clay in good season, now come forward, headed
by that huge mass of uselessness, Shattuck, and desire that the people
shall continue them in office. After several years patient submission to
the most outrageous wrongs and chicanery, the people conclude to take the
affairs of government into their own hands to administer them faithfully,
and to bend their efforts to relieve each other of the enormous load of
debt with which we are now embarrassed. What are the results? The hornet's
nest has been assailed, and the lying buzz of repudiation is the only
sound they could utter against the people's right to protect
themselves. . . .
K.
[For the Union.]
REPUDIATION.
MESSRS. EDITORS: "I will not harm thee myself," as the canting Quaker said to his dog, "but I will turn thee into the street and call aloud 'mad dog !'" That is the spirit which prompts the cry of repudiation against the People's Charter. The charter in no single provision either suggests or warrants what belongs to repudiation. It simply provides for an examination of our public debt, and if any portion of it can be demonstrated to be a fraudulent and unjust claim, to refuse to acknowledge it. A fraudulent claim is not a debt in law, equity or common honesty, and as there can be no repudiation without a just and legal debt, so the cry of repudiation upon the People's Charter is like the cant of the Quaker that was intended to destroy his dog.
Repudiation is a cheap means of trying to destroy a charter that gets rid of a Board of Supervisors, who for city purposes had not energy or credit enough to procure a standing place for drowning stock, let alone furnishing boats to save the lives of those citizens who honored them with office. CITIZEN. . . .
EVERY MAN who is at heart a Sacramentan, ought to consider it his duty
to go to the polls and cast his vote for one or the other of the proposed
charters. There is no man in the city who does not owe so much to flooded
and crippled Sacramento. Merchants cannot afford to neglect to vote or to
permit those about them to neglect the duty. If necessary, let them close
up to attend to the public business Sacramento to-day needs the aid of all
her true friends. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE . . .
RAIN AND RIVER.--At nine o'clock last evening a moderate rain commenced.
At eleven o'clock the rain had increased, and the indications were that
we should have a rainy night. The Sacramento, at sunset last evening,
stood at 18 feet 7 inches above low water mark. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE SHATTUCK DYNASTY.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I wish to ask the citizens of Sacramento whether they
wish to continue the Shattuck dynasty, under whose beautiful reign their
homes were made desolate, in power for a longer period? If they do, then
they will vote for the Senate Bill, which has a section providing for its
retention in office. The Shattuck Government stood by when your homes were
threatened with the floods, and when it had ample time to make your levees
secure, and never lifted a finger. When the floods came in upon us, the
energetic Shattuck and his associates quietly pocketed the people's money
and did nothing. They had not sense enough to know that they were humbugs
of the first water, but remained in office, thereby preventing the people
from taking matters into their own hands and protecting themselves. Do
the people want these men in office longer? Then vote for the Senate and
Sheriff's Bill, for this makes them rulers and lords over Sacramento for
the present, if not for all future time. Look around, and see how you are
governed, with no public buildings worthy of the name, no lamps in your
streets at night, hardly any protection from robbery, with your levees
prostrated by the flood, your Supervisors laughing at your calamity and
mocking when your fear cometh, and your Sheriff's office fleecing the
people and endeavoring to fasten upon you an oligarchy of its own
creation. How do you like this? Will you have the inefficient,
anti-working, anti-progressive Shattuck, who pockets your earnings and
does nothing, rule over you, or will you govern yourselves? If you admire
Shattuck and his works, vote for the Senate Bill; if not, then vote for
the Citizens' Bill.
A SUFFERER.
[For the Union.]
THE GREAT GRIZZLY BEAR.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I wish you would be kind enough to inform the people
of Sacramento that unless they build a levee one hundred feet at the
base and top around the whole county we'll take the Capital away from
you. Also, if you don't raise your streets ten feet at once, we'll take
the Capital away from you. Also, if you don't fill in the unsightly slough
north of the city, we'll take the Capital away from you. Also, if you
don't appoint a Board of Health that'll keep the small pox out of your
city, we'll take the Capital away from you. Also, if you don't continue
President Shattuck in oflice we'll take the Capital away from you. Also,
if you don't pass Senator Heacock' s Bill, who fled from your city because
it was flooded, we'll take the Capital away from you. Also, if you don't
tax your poor people seventy cents more for the benefit of scrip
speculators and the Sheriff's oflice, we'll take the Capital away from
you. Also, if the DAILY UNION, whose prosperity and power are a constant
reproach to sluggards, does not cease its support of the Citizens' Charter,
we'll take the Capital away from you. Also, if the Board of Supervisors
don't furnish a room suitably supplied with all necessary comforts for the
use of Senator Perkins next Winter, we'll take the Capital away from you.
Oh! what a fearful weapon is that grizzly bear! THE CAPITAL.
[For the Union.]
A FAMILY MAN SPEAKING.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I am living in a small garret room of my almost destroyed
house. I can only once in a while get a day's work. My family have been
sick, and our little Julia was lost because we could not get a doctor
and proper care. We are willing to work, but we cannot get it to do.
We have no money, and our credit is almost worn out. Please do not make
our taxes too much or we can't save our home when the water goes down
and we can work our garden. Yours, in distress, FAMILY. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE BEE AND REPUDIATION.
MESSRS. EDITORS: The Bee and several of its friends "of that ilk"
have a great deal to say . . . . It is no wonder the people are poor,
and find it difficult to meet their obligations, when they have such a
load of sin and corruption to stagger under as compose the present city
and county governments, with a few honorable exceptions, men whose whole
object is to feather their nests, while they leave the people, whose
interests they have sworn to protect, a prey to the floods and a horde
of merciless harpies in the shape of reckless, easy-going and do-nothing
politicians. . . . .
CITIZEN.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3431, 28 March 1862, p. 1
LETTER FROM THE SUMMIT.
[FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT.]
This region of the "mighty summit of the Nevada" is much more important
than I had previously imagined. I have seen it under disadvantageous
circumstances, I admit, and only to a limited extent; but, I confess,
my ideas of its importance, vastness and wealth were very imperfect.
The weather since I have been in the mountains has been terribly
severe--snow, rain, sleet, frost, all mixed up in a constant medley,
with only a few days fine at long intervals, so that pleasure and business
have been suspended. Still there is much worthy of observation. Prominent
among those things which arrest the attention of the curious, are the
land-slides, caused by the unprecedented season we are now, it is hoped,
leaving behind us for good. Its gloom and desolation have visited all
parts of the State, and it seems to me the property and interests of
every person have suffered more or less. But these landslides are not
more wonderful than terrible. No one, without a personal examination,
can form a correct idea of their marvelous character. The amount of earth,
large trees, immense rocks--sweeping bridges, roads and everything else
presenting an obstacle in their irresistible progress to the river--is
really awful; while the huge chasms upon the mountains' top whence they
started, and the accumulated debris scattered in all directions at
the bottom where they stopped, invest their desolation with something akin
to sublimity. By one slide in this neighborhood a rock, computed to weigh
at least 120 tons, was hurled from its resting place of ages to the slopes
of the river. Fortunately, though escape appears so miraculous, no lives
have been lost. In this respect the snow slides are more dangerous.
Doubtless you have heard of one of the Kingsburys, while in the act of
opening their trail for pack animals to pass, being killed a short time
since by one of these slides; they are so sudden, so rapid, that it is
impossible to escape them without the most vigilance. You may depend upon
it, travelers passing the dangerous spots exercise that vigilance, and
keep their weather eye wide open.
All the roads from Placerville, it cannot be denied, are in a deplorable
condition; no one can predict with certainty when they will be open for
wagon travel, or the amount it will cost to repair them. Since I have
been here, the proprietors of both roads have hired hands to commence
the repairs in earnest, and as quickly discharged them again, from the
continued severity of the weather. Now, however, we are enjoying three
fine days in succession, and as the sun crosses the line to-morrow, let
us hope the worst is over. All agree that on the summit such an immense
deposit of snow was never known before at any time. For a long distance
the telegraph poles are only just visible. Thus sympathy, for your section
in particular, which strongly pervades this community is kept alive; for,
if at the end of this month or the beginning of next, a warm rain should
come, it is painful to contemplate its effect upon the lower portions of
the State. As everything affecting America, for good or evil, affects
England to the same extent and in the same degree, so any calamity to
Sacramento is injurious to the interests and happiness of California at
large. Let us, therefore, hope we may be spared this last visitation--if
not, you may be prepared for it. When the weather positively settles, there
will be busy times up here; at present it is impossible to do anything.
It is one of the peculiar features of California, that wherever a man may
reside temporarily, he hears in general conversation, nothing but discussions
upon the peculiar interests of that section. Thus in one place it
will eternally be water-ditches or water-rights, and the laws controlling
them; in another it will be grain, its prices, and its prospects; in a
third, quartz and the per centage it will pay; in a fourth, comes an
elopement, the disgusting details of some girl marrying at thirteen, or
the spicy "denouement" of a local crim. con., and so forth. Here it is.
of course, the roads--which is the best, which ought and which will
command the travel of the ensuing season? In introducing this topic,
I have the advantage, that it is not of local but general interest.
Passing over the prejudiced views and statements of interested parties,
I must confess, my personal observations lead me to favor Ogilby's or
the lower road along the river. The grade on this road is excellent,
easy and free from those short, severe pulls, so numerous upon the upper
and old road, and so distressing to animals. When the bridges are repaired
upon the Ogilby road, which they are preparing, and thoroughly rebuilt,
some people think seventy-five or one hundred men can complete the repairs
in six weeks or two months. It will, I think, take more men and longer
time than that for the upper road. I regret to say the stockholders of
both roads must be severe losers. This statement is not made to subserve
a particular purpose, but impartially from observation, and in justice
to the traveling community. It will, I think, be the middle of June before
wagons get right through.
The hotels along the road I found to be very superior to what I expected
so far up in the mountains, with charges reasonable. Hay is only the
moderate sum of $140 a ton; barley the same. . . .
When the snow disappears thoroughly, some month hence, I intend having
an occasional day of grouse shooting, which are plentiful here in the
mountains. If successful, I shall do myself the pleasure of sending
"Quien Sabe" a couple of brace for the expression of his good will
and friendship, and perhaps a shot at himself in the meantime, He did
me one injustice in his "corrections," which some day I must correct. . . .
CIMON.
SUMMIT SIERRA NEVADA, March 20, 1862. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . Dispatches from Placerville and one or two other places in the
interior, state that the rain fell quite heavily on Wednesday night,
but the storm did not extend over a wide region of country. The water
in the upper part of the city rose about a foot in consequence of the
rain. But the weather has improved somewhat all around, and there is
no reason for apprehension. . . .
SNOW AT KLAMATH LAKES.--The Yreka Union, speaking of the snow and the
Indians in the above locality, says:
One of the Klamath Lake Indians came in town one day this week. He
represents the snow to be about three feet in the vicinity of the lakes.
There is, however, but little confidence to be placed in what these
Indians say, as they have associated with white men so long, and are so
near civilized, that it is next to impossible for one of them to tell the
truth. According to the fellow's story, the snow is some two feet deeper
now out there than it was four weeks ago. The fact is, these Indians are
getting so that their word is but very little better than a white man's. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION. . . . .
Weather in the Interior.
PLACERVILLE, March 27--8:30 P.M.
We had a heavy rain last night till eight o'clock this morning; balance
of the day and evening cloudy.
COLUMBIA, March 27--8:30 P.M.
About six inches of suow has fallen since last eveniug, and is still snowing;
stages and pack trains still continue to pass the summit notwithstanding
the roads are very bad.
MARYSVILLE, March 27th.
Rained part of last night; none to-day.
NEVADA, March 27th.
Last twenty-four hours been cloudy, and sprinkles of rain at intervals,
but not enough to lay the dust.
RED BLUFF, March 27th.
Rained very little last night; clear to-day till four o'clock P.M.,
when it rained till dark.
OROVILLE, March 37th. [sic]
Rained all last night; been clear all day till four P.M., and been cloudy
with very little rain since.
CHICO, March 27th.
Rained at intervals last night; none to-day. . . .
MINING IN HOLCOMBE VALLEY.--The Los Angeles News of March 19th
remarks in this connection:
The weather in Holcombe valley continues cold and but little in the way of mining has been done since the last heavy storms. The weather has been so cold for the "past two weeks, that sluice-washing was entirely suspended, and but little could be done with a rocker, there being only about two hours during each day that water would not freeze. Several parties had commenced taking out quartz. The mill of Tibbetts & Co. was in operation, and that of Nicholas was undergoing repairs, and it was expected would be ready to start in a day or two. Tibbetts & Co. have purchased a steam engine which will arrive at their mill about the 15th of April, where it will be erected and set in motion as speedily as possible; it is expected this mill will do a brisk and paying business, this season. The road to Holcome valley was open, passable and clear of snow, at last accounts, with the exception of about sixty miles, which distance was passable for pack-trains.
FARMING IN CONTRA COSTA. -- The Contra Costa Gazette says:
The late fine weather has enabled our farmers to make considerable progress
in plowing and seeding the ground. Though crops may be put in later than
usual, there will probably be no trouble about their maturing, and none
the less grain harvested because the season's work has been delayed. It
is quite likely that some land which has hitherto produced largely, will
not be in a proper state for cultivation this year, on account of the
excessive amount of rain which has fallen, but on the other hand large
tracts have bean plowed on hillsides and hilltops which have hitherto been
unmarked by a single furrow. The amount of land devoted to wheat this year
is far greater than ever before, and judging from the past the harvest should
be an unusually bountiful one. Good crops and fair prices will go far towards
repairing the losses suffered by the farmers during the past Winter,
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]. . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, March 25, 1862.
[Ths following ls the conclusion of our report of Tuesday's proceedings
after 3:45 p. m., when the report closed for the Sacramento boat:]
SACRAMENTO FENCE BILL.
The House proceeded to consider Assembly Bill No. 282 -- An Act concerning
fences and to regulate the herding of stock.
Mr. SAUL said the bill provided for the regulating and herding of stock
only in certain portions of Sacramento county, and proceeded to explain
the provisions of the bill. He had received several petitions in favor of
the bill from large stock owners, who were perfectly satisfied with the
provisions of the bill. There were no vacant lands on these rivers.
They were mostly grain lands, gardens, orchards, etc., which would be
ruined unless they could' be protected against stock. He could not see
the justice of requiring these people to fence their lands to protect
them against vagrant bands of stock from adjoining counties or elsewhere.
He contended that stock which was not worth taking care of was not worth
having.
Mr. WILCOXON moved to amend the bill br providing that the Act shall not
apply to that portion of Sacramanto county lying north of the American river
and west of the road leading from the city of Sacramento and Marysville.
Mr. SAUL said he hoped the amendment would not prevail. He wanted the
Sutter county men to keep their cattle at home. The area proposed to be
excluded contained some 13,000 acres, and was all occupied along the
Saerainento river. That whole district--comprising Swamp Land District
No. 1--would be reclaimed this Summer and be exceedingly valuable. He
knew of one man there who had a vineyard worth more than all the vagrant
stock in the district. This vagrant stock, following the waters as they
receded would trample down crops, vineyards and everything else. Men had
gone to that district from Sacramento and built them nice little homes.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer said this was an extraordinary bill, doing away with
the fence laws altogether, and doing great injustice to stock owners. Stock
was liable to be seized on the public domain by any person having a shadow
of title. The bill offered a bonus to persons to go out and seize cattle.
The bill would deprive the cattle in the grazing portion of Placer county
from going to the tules for water in the Summer, under penalty of seizure
for trespass. The odious and oppressive features of the bill would apply
to a vast extent of country, including thousands of acres which had never
before been flooded since California was inhabited by Americans.
Mr. WARWICK said he thought Mr. Dudley was laboring under an error in
regard to the bill. There was a broad belt of country between Placer
county and the land this bill was designed to protect. If cattle in
Placer wanted water they would more conveniently go to Bear rirer.
Legislation had hitherto been altogether in favor of stock raising,
and more money was expended to fence cattle out than all the cattle
were worth. The bill had been drawn with every care for the interests
of their neighbors; and as this bill was vitally necessary for those
who proposed to raise crops this season, he hoped the House would pass it.
[Mr. BELL in the chair.]
Mr. HILLYER said this was very far from being a purely local bill, for it
affected all the adjoining counties. He denied that there was a belt of
high land between the overflowed land in Sacramento county and the
agricultural land in Placer county. . . .
Mr. HILLYER proceeded with his remarks.
Mr. FERGUSON replied and advocated the bill. It was intended to extend
to those people the estray laws, which applied to them fully before the
flood, when their fences were all standing. The only objection could be
from those counties where stock raisers wanted to quarter their stock
upon other men's farms. They asked only the same privileges that they
would have had if their fences were not swept away. Why should they allow
this stock to destroy the property of those poor farmers who hsd suffered
from the disastrous flood. In Brighton township thousands of acres had
been plowed ready for ths crops. bur the farmers were not able to fence
their lands, and were relying for protection upon the passage of this bill.
Mr. DUDLEY of Solano gave notice of an amendment.
The amendments reported by the Sacramento delegation were apopted [sic].
The amendment proposed by Mr. WILCOXON was read.
Mr. FERGUSON said there was no good reason for the amendment, and
Mr. Wilkoxon's county (Sutter) did not join Sacramento at all, except in
the way of two tooth picks placed together at the points.
Mr. BENTON said the people of the high lands of Sacramento county were
willing to agree to take care of their stock this season for the benefit
of poor people who had been drowned out. and he thought it was small and
mean for those outside counties to object.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer said if the gentleman had discovered something small
in this opposition, he would diecover something large in the vote. He denied
that the opposition to this bill was factious.
The ayes and noes were ordered on Mr. Wilcoxon's amendment, and resulted:
Ayes--Ames, Collins. Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Dudley of Solano, Griswold,
Hillyer, Jackson, Lane, Matthews, Orr, Pemberton, Sears, Seaton, Smith of
Fresno, Thompson of Tehama, Thompson of San Joaquin, Tilton of San Mateo,
Waddell, Wilcoxon, Wright, Yule--22.
Noes--Amerige, Avery, Barton of Sacramento, Benton, Campbell, Fay, Ferguson,
Frasier, Gordon, Hoag, Loewy, Meyers, Moore, O'Brien, Porter, Reeve, Sargent,
Saul, Shannon, Smith of Sierra, Van Zandt, Warwick--22.
So the amendment was rejected.
Mr. SAUL moved to suspend the rules to consider the bill engrossed,
in order to put the bill on its passage. Carried.
Mr. DUDLEY of Solano offered an amendment.
Mr. FERGUSON raised a question of order, that the bill having been
considered engrossed the amendment was not in order.
The SPEAKER pro tern. said the point of order was not well taken, for
the reason that he had put only one motion, which was to suspend the rules.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco appealed from the decision of the Chair,
and a long discussion followed, which was brought to a close by the
previous question, and, on a division, the Chair was sustained--ayes,
26; noes, 17.
Mr. SAUL said he was willing to accept Mr. Dudley's amendments which
related to the width of ditches used as fences to turn cattle.
Mr. AMES moved that the House adjourn. Lost.
The amendment was adopted; the bill was then considered engrossed, read
a third time by title, and the ayes and noes were demanded on its passage,
resulting as follows:
Ayes--Amerige, Ames, Barton of Sacramento. Bell, Benton, Campbell, Collins,
Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Eagar, Eliason, Fay, Ferguson, Frasier, Gordon,
Hoag, Loewy, Moore, O'Brien, Parker, Porter, Printy, Reeve, Sargent, Saul,
Shannon, Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Tilton of San Francisco, Van
Zandt, Waddell, Warwick--32,
Noes--Dudley of Solano, Hillyer, Lane, Machin, Sears, Thompson of Tehama,
Thompson of San Joaquin, Wilcoxon, Yule--9.
So the bill was passed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3432, 29 March 1862, p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Continental Telegraph managed to get up for a while, give us a glimpse
of some hard fighting in Virginia, and then to get down again in an extremely
provoking manner. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
STEAMER CHRYSOPOLIS AGROUXD.-- The steamer Chrysopolis left San Francisco
on Thursday afternoon for this city, having taken the place of the Antelope,
which boat has been running alternately with the New World for several
weeks past. At daylight yesterday morning she had not arrived, nor had
anything been heard of her. It was concluded, of course, by all concerned,
tliat some accident had happened, at least to her machinery, if not
anything of a more serious character to the boat and passengers. Several
hours passed, and she still failed to appear. The agents of the Steam
Navigation Company received telegraphic information that she had left San
Francisco at four o'clock, and passed Benicia at about half-past six
o'clock, the usual hours at these points. Further than this, nothing
could be heard concerning her. Between nine and ten o'clock in the forenoon,
the steamer Swallow was dispatched down the river to ascertain the location
and condition of the missing steamer, and extend such aid as her necessities
might require. Two o'clock P. M. arrived, and nothing had been beard of
either the Chrysopolis or the Swallow. The Young America had arrived from
Marysville, and after landing her passengers and re-wooding, she drew up
to the Sau Francisco landing, took aboard passengers, freight and mail
matter and started for San Francisco. Throughout the day considerable
anxiety was felt by our citizens on account of the nonarrival of the boat.
A large number of persons, hacks, omnibuses, express wagons, etc.,
remained on the levee in anxious expectancy, and those who had either
friends as passengers or merchandise as freight on board, became quite
uneasy. The probable cause of the delay was discussed and a variety of
suggestions were made. The steamer might have broken a shaft, or burst a
cylinder head, or exploded a boiler, or caught fire, or struck a snag or
stuck on the Hog's back, or the Nevada might have been raised and a regular
Monitor and Merrimac naval engagement ensued in which the Chrysopolis was
disabled. Such was the state of fact and feeling on the subject until about
dusk, at which time Edward Taylor of th [sic] Navigation Company received
the following dispatch which explained the mystery: "The Chrysopolis is
hard aground in the middle of the old river, one-fourth of a mile above
Churn's Island, heavily loaded." This dispatch came by telegraph from
Benicia, but had been sent by Romer, the clerk of the steamer, to that
place, by a sail vessel. It was dated "Rio Vista, March 28, 1862, eight
o'clock and twenty minutes A. M." The island referred to is about forty-five
miles this side of Benicia, and a still greater distance from this city.
The Chrysopolis had on board about 720 tons of freight. At 11 o'clock last
night the Swallow returned. A citizen who went down and returned with her
furnishes us with the following information : "The non-arrival of the above
steamer yesterday morning, and the telegraphic advice that she passed Benicia
at the usual time, caused the dispatch of the Marysville boat, Swallow,
Capt. Summers, to learn the reason. She left at 9-1/2 A. M. and found the
Chrysopolis aground in the old river about two miles from the spot where
the steamer Nevada is sunken. She took on board one hundred and fifty tons
of freight, three hundred passengers, the mails, express and at 4 o'clock
started on her return, arriving at her dock at 11 p.m. The Chrysopolis has
been hauled off for repairs for six weeks past, and this was her first trip.
Captain Chadwick went up the old river to avoid the sharp and tortuous bends
of the slough, the wind blowing fresh. She had on board 720 tons of freight,
the accumulation of the past week. The floods have made a bar just below the
island, in the old river, a place where there has hitherto been plenty of
water, and at this point the steamer is hard and fast, bow in to shore, and
held by two hawsers. This occurred at 11 P. M., Thursday night, and Captain
Chadwick dispatched the Clerk to the mouth of the river to intercept any
vessels bound up or down, and to charter the steamer Flora Temple if
necessary, lying by the Nevada. Word was sent by sloop to Benicia, to
be telegraphed the owners and agents, of the situation of the steamer, and
by midnight other steamers would be on hand sufficient to take off all the
freight, when the Chrysopolis would once more float and return to port. The
passengers bore their detention with cheerfulness, us the officers did all
in their power to make them comfortable, and the hardship was greater to
them than to any others. The Young America, which left at two P. M. with
passengers and mails, was passed by the Swallow, in the slough, at five
P. M. The Swallow left last night for Marysville, and the Governor Dana
goes up this morning.
THE LEVEE CUT.-- During Thursday, the water in the American river rose
about a foot, which caused it to flow through the open places in the
levee into the city, thereby adding to the annoyance of inundated gardens
and yards in the eastern portion of the town. Between one and two o'clock
yesterday morning, Thomas O'Brien, who resides near to Rabel's tannery,
on his way home from the city, discovered that the levee had been cut at
Twentieth street, evidently by some malicious person who anticipated so
much of a rise in the American that the original crevasse at that point
wouid be reopened. It will be remembered that a gap of about forty feet
in width remained open for several weeks in the Winter, which rendered
it impracticable for foot passengers to get backward and forward to the
tannery. O'Brien and others closed up this breach about a week ago.
Yesterday morning, on making the discovery, he informed B. Ready and
W. B. Ready, who reside in the neighborhood, of the fact. The first named
of the brothers, with O'Brien, repaired to the spot and found that a ditch
had been cut across the newly made levee about two and a half feet wide
and of equal depth. The earth had been but recently removed. The police
should keep a sharp lookout in the vicinity, and the man that would be
guilty of cutting the levee, even though no flood of consequence is
imminent, should be dealt with without mercy. The admission of any water
into the city which can be kept out is at this time a serious evil, and
should be prevented if possible. O'Brien and Ready kept watch about the
place with a double barreled shot gun, but the guilty party did not again
make his appearance.
THE TRACK LAID. -- The rails have been laid on the new track along the levee
at the foot of R street, which rests on the piles recently driven by the
railroad company. Granite and cobbles may now be discharged from the cars
to schooners with but little trouble. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The water in the Sacramento still remains at about 19 feet
above low water mark. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3433, 31 March 1862 p. 3
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, March 28, 1862
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
THE LEVEE BILL.
During the preceding business, the Assembly bill -- An Act for the
construction of levees, dykes, canals, etc.. and for the employment of
convict labor -- had come up as the special order, and been two or three
times postponed for a few minutes for other business.
Mr. SHANNON finally moved to postpone the bill till five o'clock,
remarking that it related to corralling the swamp lands. The motion
prevailed.
Subsequently, Mr. MORRISON said inasmuch as the subject was one of vast
importance, the measure being calculated, in his judgment, to benefit the
State millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars, and inasmuch as
the measure was too important to be taken up and discussed at a late hour,
when members were fatigued, he moved the bill be made the special order
for to-morrow (Saturday), at 1-1/2 o'clock P. M. The motion prevailed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, March 29. 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
THE SWAMP LAND BILL.
The House took up, at 3:10 o'clock, Assembly Bill No. 83 -- An Act to provide
for the reclamation of swamp and overflowed lands, by the construction of
dikes, etc., and the employment of convict labor.
Mr. MORRISON addressed the use in support of the bill, contending that
it provided the only practicable mode of saving to the State the
6,000,000 of acres of agricultural land now subject to overflow, and
worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the State. He referred to the
experience of scientific men in the great valley of this Mississippi.
[Mr. Morrison was still speaking at 3:45 o'clock.] . . .
AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS ABOUT PAJARO VALLEY. -- The Monterey Union of
March 21st says: . . .
The balance of the valley on the snme side to the beach, a distance of
about seven miles, has not one-twelfth been sown yet, and a portion has
on it such deposits of sand and flood-wood that it cannot be farmed
this year. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.. . .
Californians have begun to indulge the hope that the peril of floods has
passed for the season. Dr. Gibbons of San Francisco, an able and intelligent
meteorologist, contributes to our columns a table of statistics, showing
the quantity of rain that has fallen subsequent to the 25th of March,
during the past eleven years, The inference from those figures is that
drenching rains and consequent floods are still to be feared. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE. . . .
THE RIVER. -- There is but little change in the condition of the Sacramento
river within the past three days. It still stands at about nineteen feet
above low water mark. . . .
EL DORADO WAGON ROAD. -- The Mountain Democrat, in speaking
of the improvements on this road, says:
On all parts of the wagon road laborers are at work improving it, and in
a short time it will be ready for teams. The superintendent is giving his
whole attention to it, and has employed none but stout and industrious men
to work, The storms and land slides injured it to a much greater extent last
season than any previous one, and of course it takes a longer time and more
means and a larger number of hands to repair it. The improvements now being
made, too, are of a substantial character, and will be proof against an
ordinary storm. The hotel keepers and ranchmen along the road are assisting
to put it in order, and the proprietors of toll roads are also working a
large number of hands, so that in a few weeks, if we have no bad weather
to delay the work, the whole road will be in excellent traveling condition.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3434, 1 April 1862, p. 2
. . . The Overland Telegraph Line -- The Mall.
SALT LAKE, March 31st.
The line east of Omaha is still down. The storm is raging so hard east of
Fort Laramie that it cannot work to-night. We will try and get you a report
to-morrow from Omaha, taken from the St. Louis papers, if the line does not
get to working east of Omaha.
There has been no Eastern mail received here since the 23d. It is detained
by the streams being so high as to be impassable. . . .
SNOW IN NEVADA. -- A severe snow storm set in on Friday night, March 28th,
in Nevada. The depth of the snow, Saturday morning, was six inches. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3435, 2 April 1862, p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTBD SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, March 29, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, the LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR presiding, . . .
THE CAPITOL QUESTION AGAIN.
Senate Bill No. 218 -- An Act for the relief of the contractors upon the
foundations and basement walls of the State Capitol at Sacramento -- was
taken up, and the title of the substitute of yesterday read.
Mr. HEACOCK offered an amendment, striking out all after the enacting
clause, and inserting provisions wluch he said gave Blake & Connor all
the advantages of the present bill, and left a blank where the Committee's
substitute had $3,000.
Mr. RHODES said the substitute reported by the Judiciary Committee
directed that no further contract should be made until authorized by
the Legislature. The amendment by the Senator from Sacramento proivided
that the Commissioners might go on and make such contract as they should
deem advisable. Both bills provided for the relief of Messrs. Blake & Connor.
The Judiciary Committee were quite unanimous in the opinion that in
consideration of the state of our finances and the difficulties existing
in Sacramento as to to what plan they would adopt to protect the city
against floods and inundations, it was better not to go on until matters
stood in a more favorable position.
Mr. HEACOCK said this amendment gave Blake & Connor the whole amount
given by the Committee, which was the amount shown by the report of
the Commissioners as due the contractors. He had been informed that
that was too much, and was unwilling to give them more than $3,000,
unless the majority of the Senate should think otherwise, in which case
he would go with them. The question involved was simply this: Shall the
work on the State Capitol go on, or shall we wait twelve months to see
whether the people of Sacramento will construct their levees so as to
make the location of this building safe for the Capitol? To do this,
they would be obliged to sell thousands and thousands of dollars worth
of material on the ground for whatever it would bring. If they gave the
amount called for by Messrs. Blake & Connor, there would be a balance
in the appropriations of $46,884. Then the question was simply whether
the State of California would admit that 8,000,000 acres of her principal
valley was uninhabitable and untenable for the purpose of saving $46,000.
If he had understood him right, Mr. Perkins stated the other day that not
a solid foot of earth was to be found in the neighborhood of Sacramento
within fifty feet of the surface. The report which this Senate had called
for and received from Mr. Clark, the Superintendent of the Capitol,
stated, on the contrary, that they had found the soil to be from three
feet to three feet six inches in depth, under which lay a firm bed of
clay twenty-five feet deep, which in turn rested on bowlders, etc.
The trenches for the reception of the concrete were dug down through
the surface soil, and rested two feet in the solid bed of clay. He
apprehended that there was no civil engineer inside or outside of the
Senate who would venture to say that there was a better foundation for
any building in the State. He merely referred to these facts because an
assertion of that kind from the Senator from San Francisco, owing to his
general character of probity, bore weight, while unfortunately for him it
was not upported by the truth in this case. The State bad already spent
in the construction of
these basement walls $103,686 66, and the people of Sacramento by their
own subscription had expended for the land $68,000. And now it was
proposed, for this mere bagatelle of $46,000, to stop the entire work
for one year at least. This land would remain dug up, a cancer in the
heart of the city of Sacramento, and a monument of the folly of the State.
By stopping the work on the Capitol, and declaring the Valley uniahabitable,
they would make the generous city of San Francisco the loaded down
poor-house of the rest of the State for four months in the year, and all
the cities of the State walled poor-houses to protect the inhabitants of
the country. Sacramento poured into the treasury annually a tax of
$55,302; her own voice was therefore not to be altogether without weight.
Stop the work for one year, and where would be the $55.000 -- echo
answered, where? Her property would be depreciated, and they would be
forced to repudiation. Let the bondholders of San Frandaeo know the
verdict of the Legislature. People in San Francisco held the evidences
of our indebtedness while Sacramento was battling against fires and
floods, the conspiracies of the combined elements. Let them not load this
last feather's weight upon her back to destroy her from the face of the
earth. He would say, that of those fourteen hundred votes on one of the
City Charters, which would apparently favor repudiation, there were not
five of them that were in fact in favor of repudiation. But, if they took
from Sacramento the Capital, a different result must transpire. The people
had built more hotels and more stores because the Capitol was located
there; by removing the Capital, they would force them back into the old
channel. They would destroy them completely. And with what spirit would
men go to work this Summer to rebuild their levees, clean out the five
feet of mud from their homesteads, reset their vines and rosebushes knowing
that the Capital to them was lost, and that not by any act or crime of
their own, for the energies of that people had been able to surmount all
obstacles to progress that the elements hitherto brought against them.
The only apology, all the time, in the world, was to save $46,000. They
condemned the very ground on which the city itself was built as unsafe
ground -- that city which had, during the past year, paid her fifty-five
thousand dollars into the State treasury. Upon what stump was this matter
of the removal of the Capital first discussed, and was it alleged that
this balance of the appropriation should be saved? Since they had removed
to San Francisco the press had complained in thunder tones that needed
no lessons to understand, that the people wanted the Capital to remain
permanently at Sacramento, and that they wished no stumbling block
interposed to prevent the continuance and construction of the new Capitol,
which should stand as an ornament to our State. Where were any of these
questions discussed except in the Legislature? Was this Legislature
prepared to take the matter all upon itself, uncommanded and uninstructed,
to say that this work should be stopped? Was it not as certain as that
the sun would rise in to-morrow's sky that the coming six months would
see the levees rebuilt, as they had been done time and time again before,
that the washed off homesteads of Sacramento would be erected anew in
their places, and that their families and little ones would continue to
abide there, a part and portion of our proud Golden State? And yet they
must save these $46,000. They had been making appropriations out of a
depleted treasury to much more than this amount. He had voted for some
of them intended for charitable objects. But here was an appropriation
already made for a matter in which the entire State had an interest.
If they stopped the work they would not only force repudiation upon the
people he loved so well, but they would lose from the treasury more than
the amount they would save. He would now wait to hear from the other side
of the House.
Mr. DE LONG said he regretted very much that he would have to take a
position antagonistic to the Senator from Sacramento, knowing very well,
as he did, that he was wrapped up in the interests of his constituents.
But as Mr. Heacock owed a duty to his constituents, he likewise owed a
duty to his. He represented a county fifth in the list of taxpaying
counties of this State. That community did not believe it wise to continue
building a Capitol upon the magnitude which was proposed in the present
plan, leaving out of the question entirely the fitness of Sacramento for
that location. Was it wise, with our million of indebtness, to continue
building a Capital that would cost $2,000,000? The argument of the
gentleman from Sacramento appeared to be that because we had commenced
we must continue. He (Mr. De Long) said it would be unwise, insane to
continue building such a Capitol at Sacramento or anywhere else. If the
Legislature was to remain at Sacramento, let them buy the Court House,
which could be done for less than the foundation walls of the new Capitol
could be raised six feet higher. He repeated that California would look
like a little boy with a very big hat on, to be in debt $2,000,000 and
almost on the verge of repudiation, and to have such a Capitol. The press
of Sacramento persisted in regarding him as ona of their enemies, although
he had formerly and still had many friends in Sacramento. He had said, when
the temporary removal was in question, that he would oppose any scheme
looking to a permanent removal. He repeated it now, and would act up to
that policy. He believed that the contractors on the State Capitol building
could not he compelled by law to finish their contract. Did the gentleman
call $46,000 in the State treasury a mere bagatelle, when the treasury
had not in it forty-six cents? He would vote for the release of those
contractors, because he believed they were already released by an act of
God. In answer to a question of Mr. Parks in reference to the Committee
Investigation, he referred him to Senators Rhodes and Shafter, who were on
the Committee with himself. Unless these contractors were released a long
litigation would ensue. It would be injurious to both parties; and the
release should be made, if not in law then in equity. He did not think
any one familiar with the representatives of Sacramento and her press,
would deny that they were gifted with ingenuity. They would make out of
every misfortune a blessing. When they had spent $46,000 to no purpose
on account of the flood, which covered the whole over with sand, they
would say the sand was needed, and the flood therefore was just what
they wanted. At that rate they would never get the building above the
ground in God's world.
Mr. PORTER hoped the original bill would pass,
and after hearing Mr. Heacock's speech, entertained serious apprehensions
for the welfare of the people of Sacramento. The whole plan of the building
would have to be altered. If they went on with it, they must at least put
the building above high-water mark, and keep the Legislature from being
flooded out again. About one-third of the entire expense thus far had been
for Capitol Commissioners and Secretary. Was that not an excess for their
labor, which ought not to be tolerated? These men did not build the
Capitol. If five feet of mud lay around the walls, as the gentleman from
Sacramento had stated this morning, it was not a fit place for the Capital
any way. He was willing to go on if they could make it safe.
Mr. GALLAGHER said he was in favor of leaving the location of the Capital
unchanged, but at the same time in favor of the Committee bill in preference
to the substitute of Mr. Heacock. He believed that one year was a very short
time in comparison with the future, and that the people of Sacramento could
afford to wait that long. If they built up their levees efficiently, there
would be more confidence in the city of Sacramento next year than all that
had been spoken. It pained him to be compelled to differ with the Senator
from Sacramento upon this or upon any subject. He was his friend; and he
respected and loved him. Upon the whole, he thought it the wiser plan to
desist from work for one year. These contractors had done their best to
go on. One of them, Mr. Connor, he knew, had thrown everything into the
balance in order to continue the contract. But the combined elements had
conspired against them. He was in favor of doing them justice, and nothing
more than justice. Unless they could have the amount they asked for,
$10,000, the Legislature had better let the matter go by the board anyhow.
Less than that amount would not pay their debts. He honestly believed that
the people would be better pleased to let the matter lay by for one year.
We were a proud State, and wanted a Capltol that would be an honor to us.
The present building would take ten years to complete. He believed, with
the Senator from Sacramento, that the people of that city were entirely
able to protect themselves, and that they had the energy to do it.
Mr. GASKELL said, according to his figures, the question was whether
they should spend $69,000 instead of $46,000. He thought the work should
be stopped for a year, and did not apprehend that the question of
8,000,000 of acres being inhabited or not was involved in this at all.
He was willing that the Capital should remain at Sacramento; his
constituents were willing to leave it there. But they were not willing
to spend this large amount of money in order to leave it there, unless
it was irrevocably demonstrated that the city could be protected. He did
not believe that this question had anything to do with the permanent
location of the Capital. He believed it was permanently located at
Sacramento. But he was in favor of purchasing the present Capitol building
at Sacramento instead of going on with the new one. The argument that we
had already expended $100,000 was not a good one, for if the State was in
folly heretofore she ought not to continue in that course. He honored the
gentleman from Sacramento for standing here and advocating the interests
of his constituents. But there was no such question at issue as the
permanent removal of the Capital. For these reasons he would vote for
the substitute and not for the amendments.
[Mr. Irwin in the chair.]
Mr. PARKS said the one proposed to release the contractors and continue
the work, while the other proposed to release them also, and discontinue
the work. He would advocate the amendments of the Senator from Sacramento.
He believed that the people of the State desired the work continued. He
believed that it would be an economical thing to go on with it, and an
expensive thing to discontinue it. The principal expenditure, thus far,
was for materials, which might as well be used as not. There was no doubt
expressed from any source but the State was going on to build this Capitol,
and that the location would be Sacramento. He sent up the following
amendment to the amendment of Mr. Heacock, "Provided, that from and after
the first Monday in May, 1862, the Board of State Capitol Commissioners,
or any member thereof, shall receive no compensation whatever for any
services performed as such Commissioners." He hoped it would be adopted,
because the Commissioners were citizens of Sacramento and could afford to
serve. The gentleman from Yuba had stated that it would cost $2,000,000 to
complete this Capital. He did not believe anybody could produce figures to
warrant such a conclusion. The architect stated that on the present plan,
if continued, the building would be completed for $500,000. He would
hereafter propose an amendment that not more than $250,000 additional
should be expended in the Capital, and that the plan should be so modified
as to agree with that sum, about $150,000 having, he said, already been
appropriated. The question was whether they had not better go on slow and
sure in building this State Capitol. Ohio required fifteen or twenty years
to build her Capitol, and most States required two or three years. This
State was old enough to have a Capitol, and the people desired that the
question should not be eternally agitated, obliging Senators to change
and swap votes from time to time thereon. He reminded Messrs. Gaskell and
De Long of their appeals on behalf of Oroville the other day, where money
had been invested on the supposition that the town was to be the Capital.
The same argument applied here with tenfold more force.
Mr. GALLAGHER said a!l the contractors asked was simple justice -- to be
reimbursed for what they had lost by the flood.
Mr. HEACOCK, In reply to Mr. Gaskell's assertion that sixty-nine thousand
dollars was the amount involved, read several sums from the official
reports. The substitute proposed to make use of material that would bring
at auction some thirteen thousand seven hundred and forty-four dollars,
which was less than half of what it had cost to the State.
Mr. CRANE said he would support the Committee substitute. It was said
that this question was an entering wedge for the removal of the Capital;
It might be so, but he did not think so. He believed that the Capital
should have been located in the first place on some more eligible and
safe spot. But the present question was a different one. The flood had
swept away the levee of the American river and left the city of Sacramento
liable to submersion at every freshet. He was of the impression that
during every past session of the Legislature that it had been overflowed,
except in those portions where the streets had been raised. There was some
question whether it was possible to protect the city by levees constructed
with that alluvial soil. Senators from Sacramento asked them to take their
word that the city could and would be protected. He thought the better and
wiser course would be to wait and see. As to the legal question involved in
canceling the contract, he had not examined it in particular, but if the
contractors were not released, the simple, evident result would be that
they would go into insolvency. They could not go on even if the Legislature
refused to cancel the contract. He reckoned, from the whole amount
appropriated thus far ($115,500), that $69,900 was the amount now remaining
unexpended. By saving this amount for another year, they would not say any
such thing as that the Sacramento valley was uninhabitable, or that the
Capitol should be removed. According to his view, the idea of the Senator
from Sutter that the Capitol could be erected for $250,000, was simply
ridiculous. It would be worse than the small boy with a big hat to top
off such foundations with so paltry a Capitol. The estimates before the
Committee showed that the building would cost, total, $2,300,000. In
making these remarks, he had no ill feelings towards Sacramento. What
was the small pittance of $69,000 to the great city of Sacramento? He
did not suppose that he would change any votes from what he said. But
the question had been forced prominently before them, and had been
before them since they met. They had been driven away from the city
of Sacramento, and the fact was that the Capital to-day was not at
Sacramento. If they enacted that the Capital should be at the city of
Sacramento, and if the floods prevented the Legislature froom [sic]
meeting there, all their enactments would only be nugatory. It might
be that Sacramento could prevent the recurrence of these calamities.
He trusted to God that she might be able. But it was only just and right
that the work should be suspended until another year. He referred, as an
example, to the frequent suspensions of that great work of the Erie canal.
The conclusion that the Committee had come to with reference to the
material on hand at Sacramento was that most of it was of such a nature
that it could not be much injured by any flood. Most of the value was
in cut stone. It was true there was some loose wood shanties, brick, etc..
but the portion damaged was proportionately small.
Mr. OULTON repeated the reasons why several days ago he had opposed
the bill in the place of which the substitute had been adopted. He now
could scarcely say which bill to vote for, the substitute or amendment
of Mr. Heacock. He did not think that California could afford to
appropriate her entire receipts for two years, several millions, on
her State Capitol, as would be necessary if the work was continued on
the present plan. The system of changing contractors frequently he
regarded as a very expensive one, that should be prevented. If the
matter could be recommitted with a prospect of adopting some plan for
a Capitol at a cost of from $500,000 to $750,000, he would be in favor
of that. But he must oppose, on behalf of his own constituents, the
prosecutlon of such an expensive work as that now proposed. He was
also opposed to relieving State Capitol contractors. They ought to
bear their own losses. He would therefore vote against both bills
unless they were modified to suit him.
Mr. BURNELL said since California was a State this question of the
Capital was constantly agitated. We were now called upon to decide,
directly or indirectly, the great question whether the Sacramento
Valley was inhabitable or not. They might disguise this thing as they
chose, such would be the result. The Capital had been settled at
Sacramento; Sacramento was in the center of the Sacramento Valley,
and the Sacramento Valley was pretty much all the State of California.
The question was whether they, by their action, should declare to the
world that a part of the Sacramento Valley, comprising $8,000,000 worth
of property, was unable to protect itself against water. If California
ever became a wealthy and great State, her wealth and greatness must
grow up principally in the Sacramento Valley; and if Sacramento city
could not be made a fit place for the Legislature, California would
never amount to much as a State.
Mr. PORTER wished to inquire whether Sacramento city comprised the
Sacramento Valley.
Mr. BURNELL said he intimated no such thing, but the idea that Sacramento
could not protect herself against floods was ridiculous. She could do it
and would do it. He was opposed to indicating to the world, by the action
of the Legislature, which represented every interest in the State, that
Sacramento could not protect herself. Why did any one wish to discontinue
this work for a year instead of going on now? It was simply because they
feared that the valley of the Sacramento was uninhabitable. He had no
apprehensions for the future. Other countries had been visited by floods
as well as California. He was opposed, as other speakers had stated they
were, to the expenditure of $2,000,000. If Sacramento was not a fit place
for the Capital, let them remove it this Winter, and let the State have
a Capitol with proper accommodations. He was informed by the Treasurers
department that they were obliged to employ two night watchmen to prevent
the money of the State from being carried away by thieves.
Mr. DENVER -- By water, you mean.
Mr. BURNELL -- No; by thieves, because there is no safe place to keep it
in. He continued that he believed the little city of Marysville, which was
aspiring for the Capital, was pretty nearly surrounded by water this Winter.
The Capital had floated around long enough. Everything in the legislation
of the State had hinged and turned upon the Capital question or some
bulkhead question. He wished this matter settled. San Francisco, one of
her representatives had stated, did not want it here; she was a great
city, and they did not need it to build up her prosperity. He understood
that there was a great fund accumulating at Marysville to purchase land
for the State if the Capital could be located there. Santa Clara, Alameda,
and a portion of San Francisco were anxious to get it. He never wished to
see legislation depend upon this Capital question again. If the Sacramento
Valley was uninhabitable let them remove the Capital to Stockton or
Mariposa, or Humboldt, or somewhere, and set the matter at rest.
Mr. GALLAGHER said the Capitol question was not under consideration.
Mr. BURNELL replied that it undoubtedly was, and the fact was as open
as a ladder, plain and unmistakeable. He commended the gentleman from
Alameda to the stock policy of the Erie Canal. There never was such a
brainless policy in the world before, as the result proved.
Mr. DE LONG asked whether he was in favor of the floating policy.
Mr. BURNELL said the one was about as undesirable as the other. He
referred to the report of Mr. Ruggles on the construction of the Erie
Canal, to show that the State would have saved millions and millions
by the immediate conclusion of that canal. The Legislature had to meet
more claims for breaches of contract than the interest of the money to
construct the whole canal would amount to. That was a much more
magnificent thing than the construction of the State Capitol. Eventually
the canal was completed, and every one could now see by the figures
whether the stock policy was bad or good. He was in favor of giving
this all the consideration that an important question deserved. It
involved the interests of every county -- Siskiyou, Humboldt, San Diego
and Mariposa, etc. -- alike. Without intending to prevent discussion,
he would move to refer the bill and substitutes to the Committee on
Claims, with instructions to report back to some extent the views of
the Senator from Siskiyou, limiting the amount of expenditures for the
Capitol to a reasonable sum.
Mr. GALLAGHER said he liked openness, and did not like that dark,
hypocritical cant that characterized the action of some men. He must
say, and he could prove it now, that the gentleman from Amador,
[Mr. Burnell,] some weeks since said he was opposed to this measure.
Mr. BURNELL said two or three weeks since a bill was introduced for
the purpose of relieving the contractors, and he was opposed to it,
and in favor of letting the parties go on and fulfill their contract.
Mr. GALLAGHER asked Mr. Burnell whether he did not then say that
contractors always got the better of the State, and he was not in favor
of reimbursing them.
Mr. BURNELL said the gentleman was bringing up a private conversation here,
which he understood about as well as the man in the moon. His memory was
exceedingly tenacious.
Mr. GALLAGHER said the intention of the gentleman from Amador, he
conscientiously believed, was to smother this bill. He believed it
from his past action. Why did he not, like the noble Senator from
Sacramento, take a bold and open stand. Instead, he got up and moved
a reference, with the avowed object of killing the bill. His
(Mr. Gallagher's) object simply was to have justice done to the parties
concerned in the contract. That was all he asked, because that was all
they demanded. They had made a contract that they could live and stand
by, but for the floods, which had prevented them from working for the
past five months. He therefore wished the question considered and decided
now, fairly and squarely. If the bill were referred, it would not have
time to get to the other House and be considered there. For weeks he
had been trying to get that bill up, but, for some reason or other, he
had been overruled and outvoted in every case. He did not like to see
the gentleman from Amador get up here at this hour to make a long speech
without letting it become known what he was driving at, and finally sit
down making a motion to recommit.
Mr. BURNELL said the Senator seemed to consider all men dishonest but himself.
Mr. GALLAGHER -- You will not misrepresent me. I will not stand it.
Mr. BURNELL requested the gentleman not to go off on a tangent before
he was hurt, and disavowed any intention to defeat the measure. He had
insisted upon it, on the contrary, that the Capital question should be
settled now, and yet the gentleman saw it looming up darkly that he
(Mr. Burnell) and others were playing a deep trick.
Mr. GALLAGHER said the word dishonest was not used nor applied to any
one but himself.
Mr. BURNELL said if he was a hypocrite he supposed he must be dishonest.
He had an interest in this question, and had been requested by Senators
who had come to him to move a commitment. He had done it in good faith,
and pledged himself if the bill was reported to-morrow morning he would
at once vote upon it. Let them adopt a plan somewhat in accordance with
the finances of the State. The Senator from Calaveras was a member of
the Committee on Claims, and be thought all parties in the State would
be represented on that Committee.
Mr. DE LONG said he would not charge the Senator with hypocrisy, but he
would say he was cunning. If the Committee on Claims reported that bill
to-morrow morning it would go to the foot of the file; and it would then
take two-thirds of the Senate to take it up. In all human probability it
would never be acted upon. The Committee on Judiciary have been at great
trouble to get all the facts and the correct figures; and there was no
fault found with their report. He wished to know how they were going to
put up any suitable building at $250.000 upon a foundation intended for
one to cost $2,000,000.
Mr. SHAFTER -- Put a small top on it
Mr. NIXON said the Capitol could be built according to its present plan
and the specifications in the architect's office, with brick and rough
cast, for $500,000.
Mr. DE LONG said it was impossible.
Mr. PARKS said the gentleman from Yuba had had the whole of this thing
through his fingers. He now wanted him to enlighten the Senate as to how
much had gone into the hands of officers.
Mr. GALLAGHER called for the reading of the report.
Mr. NIXON presented to Mr. De Long a statement
from the architect's office, giving the figures in proof of his assertion.
Mr. DE LONG -- What report is that?
Mr. NIXON -- It is made out by authority.
Mr. DE LONG -- Sacramento authority? I do not consider that good authority
(returning it to Mr. Nixon without looking at it).
Mr. NIXON explained the nature of the document, pending which one of the
Pages placed the Committee's report into Mr. De Long's hands.
Mr. DE LONG read several items from the report. The money expended had
done no good; the Capitol had stuck in the mud. As good an authority as
the Senator from Sacramento informed him that it could not be constructed
short of $2,250,000. California could not afford to give any amount
sufficient, nor could the Committee on Claims discover any plan to build
any Capitol upon those foundations for $250,000 or $500,000. It would
go only a very short way, and the proposition of the gentleman from Amador
to curtail the work to that amount was impracticable. How could he do it?
Mr. RHODES -- By his shrinking machine.
Mr. DE LONG thought he probably had one of them up in Amador, and
intimated that he had run his judgment through it before he came down
here. The object of this was delay; he had made fights in the Legislature
before, and knew what all this was for. This attempt to attract the
applause of the community at the expense of the State was a poor business.
Whenever there was a charitable appropriation to be made for orphans or
widows, a cry was sure to come up from that portion of the Senate, first
from the Senator from Sutter, and then from the representative of Amador.
We hadn't the money to go on. It was all very nice to go on feeing a pack
of contractors, and to say that $46,000 was mere bagatelle.
Mr. BURNELL said he was in favor of cutting off the pay to officers.
Mr. DE LONG said he did not think the Committee on Claims so much more
intelligent and industrious that they could be expected to furnish the
Senate any more evidence than the Judiciary Committee had done, nor that
they were more candid or trustworthy. Senator Burnell he considered
prejudiced in his views, while the Committee on Judiciary had been impartial.
Mr. PORTER said the gentleman from Sutter proposed to put in granite half
way up the first story and then change the plan and put on brick. That met
the views of the Senator from Amador completely. Probably he desired a
canal built somewhere so as to navigate up to the wall. He wanted it settled
that the Capitol should not be at Marysville or any other ville, and a bill
reported providing that the permanent location shall be Sacramento. Under
the circumstances, he (Mr Porter) thought it should be committed.
Mr. PARKS said there had been a good deal said about sincerity and
insincerity. He was willing to allow that the Senators from Calaveras,
Yuba and San Francisco were as honest as himself. But he believed their
motives were personal, or that they had personal friends whom they desired
to serve.
Mr. GALLAGHER said he had no right to refer to him in that manner.
Mr. PARKS said he had only referred to him in a dignified and proper
manner. It was his interest in personal friends that made him so sensitive.
He (Mr Parks) was in favor of referring the matter to the Committee on
Claims, with the same sincerity that the Senator from Calaveras opposed
it. It was for the interest of the State that he wished it, too, and not
for individuals. He had never seen the assurance of the gentleman from
Yuba outdone in his life, when he knew that he was currying favor with
his own section in view of their votes. The question was not before the
Senate in a tangible shape. They got up an estimate that the Capitol would
cost two million five hundred thousand dollars, without showing a particle
of evidence in proof, except that the assertion was made by the Senator
from Alameda, and echoed by the gentleman from Yuba. Architects were to
judge what the building would cost and not members of the Senate, who
knew nothing about it. He did not suppose that the gentleman from Yuba
made out the figures of the Committee's report from the way he had presented
them to the Senate. This thing had been conducted on a very loose system.
A big per centage had gone to the pay of officers and for preliminary
purposes. But that was not the fault of the State. The old contractors
said "if you do not give us twenty-eight thousand dollars we will hold
you in obeyance for one year, during which all the employes will draw
pay, and it will amount to more than we ask of you." The State was forced
thus to comply, because the contractors had given bonds that were not
worth a cent. Gentlemen were as tenacious to defend them as the gentleman
from Calaveras was now, ready to jump up in a chivalrous manner and say
they were responsible for what they said outside.
Mr. GALLAGHER protested that the gentleman had no right to make use of
such language in reference to him.
Mr. PARKS said his name could not be alluded to but ha was sensitive.
Mr. GALLAGHER said ha had called the gentleman to order before, and he
had a right to insist that ha should keep within proper bounds.
Mr. PARKS expressed his belief that he had said nothing but what was
right and proper. He was in favor of the reference in order to get the
bill into a proper shape, and would be ready to act to-morrow morning.
This was not a matter to make a joke of, but one in which a large city
had some interest. There were different propositions before the Senate.
One was to get certain parties relieved, another to stop the work, and
another to fix or change the permanent location of the Capital. No one
would impugn the honesty and motives of the Committee on Claims.
Mr. NIXON said he was in favor of recommitting the bill and substitute,
and did not rise for the purpose of impugning the motives of any Senator.
But it struck him as very peculiar, that among Senators who were
advocating the propositions contrary to the interests of Sacramento,
that one was hailing from the ancient Capital of the State (Mr. Rhodes),
whose constituents he understood, would not object to having the Capital
back at San Jose. As to the Senator from Yuba, he would not pretend to
impugn his motives, but if he was rightly informed he desired it for his
own people. He understood his constituents held a meeting some time since,
which was addressed by himself, in order to adopt some plan whereby they
might have the Capital at Marysville. (To Mr. De Long) -- Am I right?
Mr. DE LONG -- Go on.
Mr. NIXON -- Am I right ?
Mr. DE LONG -- Go on. [Laughter.]
Mr. NIXON said he knew he was not doing the gentleman injustice, for if
he was treading on his toes he would resent it very soon. He was informed
that $60,000 had been already expended for land, and that they could raise
$160,000; also, that they would be in the field next year to press their
claims for the Capital against those of Sacramento. That accounted, perhaps,
for the interest the gentleman took in the Capital question upon this floor.
As to the Senator from Alameda, [Mr. Crane,] he remembered some time since
some splendid excursions from the Capital of this State to the city of
Oakland. He did not know whether his friend from Alameda took any interest
in them or not
Mr. CRANE -- l would say that I don't want the Capital at all; we want
it here.
Mr. NIXON said he would not say that the gentleman was not willing to
come over every year, although it might be flooded; he would not say that
he was ashamed to go away from the Capital this Winter; he did not know
whether he was or not. But he did know that the beautiful village of
Oakland had been a rival claimant for the Capital. He did not blame her
for that; he rather admired her, because it showed a laudable ambition.
If she could accomplish her end, he thought she was very deserving of it.
In relation to this Committee on Judiciary, which reported the bill under
consideration, and the members of which had become its champions, he would
like to have heard from one member of that Committee, and that was the
Senator from San Francisco, Mr. Shafter. He did not know whether he would
oppose the location of the Capital at San Francisco or not. He did not
believe the Senator would oppose it, provided he thought it were the wish
of his constituents to have the Capital here. Now the motives of these
gentlemen, as they were high, he would not impugn. But he did think it
was somewhat strange that the principal advocates of this bill should all
have a hankering after the State Capital in some way or other, either
directly or by their constituents. He thought perhaps it was their
constituents they were wishing to please; not that they had the remotest
idea that the Capital would be removed from Sacramento, but they wished
to stand well at home, etc.
Mr. PORTER -- Will the gentleman allow me? I would like to have him
recollect Santa Cruz.
Mr. NIXON said he had no doubt the people of Santa Cruz and many other
places would like to have the Capital where they resided. It certainly
would please these constituencies if their representatives had sufficient
influence to carry the Capital home with them. The gentleman stated that
if $5,000,000 of property invested in Sacramento were untenable, then the
great heart of the State of California, upon which we based our hopes of
the future, would all be dashed to the earth. He had not told them that
by wiping out the prospective future of the great valley of the Sacramento
they destroyed the hopes of the thousands who lived there. It was not
the paltry sum of $45,000 they wished to have expended in Sacramento
that made them speak in favor of continuing the work. But it was the
effect it would have abroad, and throughout other parts of the State.
It would be taken for granted that the present Legislature had not the
confidence that we could protect our property in that city. Our credit
would sink below zero in the East and everywhere else where it existed.
It would even affect the credit of the citizen of Sacramento. His property
might be mortgaged for half what it was worth. He might see his way clear
from embarrassments, but if the credit of the city was destroyed the
property located there could hardly be mortgaged. We had upon our
shoulders all that it was possible for us to bear at this time, owing to
the adversities we had recently met with. We had not the control of the
elements. No place on this continent had been subjected to greater
adversities than Sacramento. They (the Legislature) and the press accorded
to us the energy to stand up under adversity. Now we had to say,
"Gentlemen, we are passing through a crisis which will place our future
upon a permanent basis; permit us to go on and expend the balance of
the appropriation, $45,000." He (Mr. Nixon) asked it of them as
magnanimous men. It was but a mere pittance any way, and if we had
not restored confidence by the time of the coming session, he would
pledge himself that next Winter he would advocate no further appropriation
for the building of the Capital at Sacramento. He was in favor of the
recommittal of this whole question, that a bill might be devised which
might cover all the ground contemplated by these two bills. He entertained
the most friendly feelings for his friends, Messrs. Blake and Connor;
he did not wish to see them injured by the calamities that had injured
so many at Sacramento. He would not place them on the same ground
that he would a contractor who had taken a contract from him personally.
If the flood had swept his materials away it should be the loss of the
contractor. He would be more generous to these contractors, because he
thought the State of California could afford to be generous. In his
frequent intercourse with the Superintendent of the Capitol building
he had obtained information that the Capitol could be built upon the
present walls for $500,000. which would answer all the purposes of a
more costly structure. He thought his friend from Yuba had been talking
here without much knowledge of the question under discusslon. Very true,
he might have been upon the walls and come to the conclusion that
$2,000,000 could not complete the structure. The only difference in the
two estimates was as to the material. It had been contemplated by some
to build it of granite from Mount Auburn, and to make it a monument of
the industry of the State, so that every Californlan might in future be
justly proud of it. But if they wanted a less expensive building, make
the walls of brick and cover them with mastic, as most of the bnlldings
were done in this city. The cost would not be one fourth that of the hewn
granite, which was the most costly building material in
the country. The cutting of it run up the expense. Put on plastic mortar
with the trowel of the mason and it would scarcely cost one tenth of the
granite estimate. The Senator from Butte had a word to say on this
question. He was in favor of purchasing the Court House of the city of
Sacramento. He (Mr. Nixon) did not think that proposition in accordance
with the greatness of the State of California. We, as a State, are looked
upon by the balance of the civilized world as one of the most favored of
all. The Capitol of California should, if possible, correspond to her
greatness. The foundation walls should correspond to our future, and if
this Capitol was not built in four or fire years, he presumed the
Legislature were unanimous in saying, when it will be concluded, let it
be such an edifice in which every man would take pride when he laid his
eyes upon it. He had heard it stated, repeatedly that the State officers
were not properly provided with rooms, that the location of the State
Treasurer was a disgrace, situated in the basement of a Court House
erected for the incarceration of felons. To purchase such a building
for a permanent Capitol he called preposterous. it was belittling to
our State and did not correspond to the general cry of the progress of
the people, He hoped that the whole matter might be recommitted, and
wished to see it disposed of an early day. Make the time for the Committee
to report as early as possible, and he would guarantee to do everything
he could to bring about a speedy consideration.
Mr. OULTON disclaimed, in making the suggestlon to Mr. Burnell to refer
this matter, any intention to kill the bill or any enmity to Sacramento,
but his object was simply to discharge what he felt to be his duties.
He would do the same thing were the Capital located in any other place
than Sacramento. The removal of the Legislature did not, in his opinion,
enter into this question at all. It was simply whether they were able to
go on or not. He contended that they were not, and even if they were able,
it would be useless and extravagant to go on. He wished to see whether a
bill could not be drawn up to limit the amount this building was to cost.
He found that some $17,500 had been paid out to officers who did nothing.
He wanted to see this stopped. If we were going to build a Capitol, he
wanted it to correspond with our resources, without paying one-fifth to
those who were merely seeing that the work was properly done.
Mr. RHODES disagreed with Mr. Oulton, and regarded any further reference
as worthless. They had a plain duty before the Senate. .Each of them
proposed to release the contractors by paying the full amount for work
done and $3,000 for labor and materials lost.
Mr. NIXON said he understood the contractors were not willing to take that
amount. The bill, if passed would therefore involve the State in a law suit.
Mr. RHODES said he was simply stating certain propositions in the two
bills. The precise figures might be $2,000 or $10,000. If the matter
went to the Committee on Claims, he ventured to lay that it would be
impossible for them to agree upon what amount should be inserted. He
had the facts and figures and knew something about the flood, had his
own ideas, etc., so that when the Committe [sic] reported, it would still be
an open question.
Mr. NIXON Inquired whether an appropriation of $3,000 would have any
binding effect on the contractors.
Mr. DE LONG said the bill did not take effect unless the contractors
accepted the amount therein stated.
Mr. RHODES said the Committee on Claims could not reconcile the Senate
to the proceedure [sic] of the work until the next Lexislature [sic]
should meet. Could they enlighten the Senate or give them one fact whioh
they did not know, or devise any plan that was worth a straw? Were not
Senators aware that it was part of the bill now that the Capitol should
not cost more than $500,000? Did they not also know that the Legislature
was omnipotent and might in future fix it at $2,000,000 or more, though
the present Legislature had fixed it at $250,000? They would make no
binding law by such a course. They could accomplish nothing, fix nothing,
make nothing so fast but the next Legislature might change it. It seemed
to him there were some of the strangest arguments offered as reasons why
the bill should be recommitted, the strangest being the idea that the
Sacramento valley would be declared uninhabitable. Was his own word upon
that subject worth any more than that of any inhabitant of the Sacramento
valley? .Who believed that the valley was not inhabitable because the work
on the Capitol should not go on? The gentleman from Amador might as well
say that because we paid some money for charitable institutions, we had
therefore millions of money in our treasury -- they appropriated money,
therefore they had plenty of it.
Mr. WARMCASTLE inquired what was the amount of relief demanded by
the contractors?
Mr. RHODES replied some $12,000 altogether, including tools and the
interest which they would be obliged to pay if they hypothecated the
warrants they received. Permanent removal had nothing to do with the
question. He would tell the Senator from Sacramento, candidly and in
the presence of the Senate, that he did not desire the Capitol at San Jose.
Mr. NIXON said the gentleman meant to say that he expected the Capital
to remain where it is, but would not contradict the allegation that his
constituents would have some hopes and would desire the Capital;
furthermore, that if he should represent their interests, when he should
return to them they would extend their right hand of fellowship, and
desire him to go back to the Senate.
Mr. RHODES said he intended to adopt the Jeff. Davis policy, and induce
them to let him alone from this time hence. At the close of the session
he would return home as a private citizen, and he would pledge himself
to submit willingly, as a citizen of Santa Clara or San Jose, to one per
cent. additional taxation rather than have the Capital go there. The
question was a financial one, and depended, so far as the permanent
Capitol was concerned, on the people of Sacramento, who had now two
charters before the Legislature looking to a cheaper city government,
and protection from the floods. . : . : . .
Mr. PARKS said he believed it was the policy of, the State at least to
put the materials on hand into some shape where they could not be
destroyed. He believed that the law could be so framed that the building
should not cost more than $250,000. He had no doubt of it in the world.
If they commenced the work now, so as to cost $250,000, the next Legislature
could not stick $2,000,000 upon it reasonably, and would not. It was
possible to frame the bill in such a way as to curtail the expense.
Suppose a few thousand dollars additional were needed now to go on with
the work, to get some extra brick, lime, etc., there was no better way
in the world than to allow the material to go into the building. He did
not care whether the bills were referred to the Committee on Claims; he
would as soon have it go to any other Committee.
Mr. GALLAGHER said he was opposed to the reference, believing it was
intended to kill the bill: If he had used harsh language to the gentleman
from Amador, it was probably because the blood coursed too rapidly
through his veins, and he was sorry for it, as he now believed that
gentleman to be honest. The Senator from Sutter had seen fit to take
the matter up; to him he had nothing to say.
[The Lieutenant Governor in the chair.]
Mr. BURNELL said the Committee on Claims was made up of Messrs. Parks,
representing Marysville; Banks, San Francisco; Rhodes, Santa Clara;
Oulton, Siskiyou and Gallagher, Calaveras. He had named that Committee
because they represented all parts. If the Senator from Calaveras had
seen the error of his ways he accepted his apology with great pleasure.
He believed the Capitol could be brought within the expense of $250 000.
The reason why estimates were made to amount to $2,000,000 was because
extravagant plans were adopted. It was their duty to throw restrictions
around the Capitol Commissioners, and if a subsequent Legislature repealed
them, all right; they were not responsible.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN thought it impossible for the Committee to prepare a
plan for placing a small bullding upon a big foundation, like a small
hat upon a big man within the time allotted before adjournment and
believed recommitment would kill the bill. His constltuents, were
they consulted, would say they were unable after the losses they had
sustained; to be taxed for this splendid Capitol, as contemplated.
He. would not vote for suspending the work because he was an enemy of
Sacramento, but he did not believe in doing them justice, in order to
do injustice to his constituents. If they had another such flood in
twenty or thirty years: they could afford to adjourn again without much
trouble.
Mr. DE LONG wished to know how much the state was going to save; he
understood the cement on hand was destroyed, the planks were floated
off, the sheds gone to Davy Jones' locker, and the tools, bricks and
stones all buried in the mud, rendering it necessary to clean them off
first before using. Let them pay the Superintendent, and for cleaning
off the bricks, and see how much they would save.
Mr. PARKS said there was eleven thousand dollars' worth of property there now.
Mr. DE LONG said they were decently burled, and safe; unless men there
were in the habit of stealing things that they could not lift, they would
be on hand when wanted, as soon as Sacramento had raised her levees as her
representatives said she would do.
Mr. PARKS asked how the gentleman wanted it proved that Sacramento could
be protected by the levees they might build. They might not have another
such a flood in twenty years.
Mr. DE LONG said if they built them up to high water mark this year, it
was to be supposed they had proved it. He would then consider her safe;
otherwise he would not. The Senator from Sacramento argued that they had
suffered fire and flood, and why now discontinue the Capitol. It was not
because they loved Sacramento less, he would say in reply, but because
they loved the balance of the people more. They could not go to their
constituents, who had been similarly visited, and tell them with a good
conscience that they were taxing them for a building more magnificent and
a dream more idle than that of the Pacific Republicans. It struck him that
the worthy representatives of Sacramento had fallen into a great error
when they seemed to think that this thing of the Capital was the property
of Sacramento city -- that the Capital was given to any locality, instead
of for the benefit of the State. He had always understood that it was solely
a matter concerning the interest of the State. If at any time the fair City
of the North should put up her claims she would not expect to get the
Capital unless she could show that it was to the interest of the State
to put it there. She would come, asking nothing upon the ground of
sympathy, but offering her land and buildings free of charge for all time
to come. It seemed that the Senator from Sacramento had got a sort of
mental microscope which he carried about in his breeches pocket, and
with which he looked into every man's heart. How he had obtained his
information with reference to himself (Mr. De Long) he could not say,
but if he was correctly informed it was certainly a fact. He had an
imagination as great as that of the gentleman from Sutter, who had a
glorious imagination. He had been finding entering wedges ever since
this session convened. When they proposed to flee from the storms,
floods and destruction which drove away the men, women, children and
families of Sacramento, then he saw an entering wedge to the removal
of the Capital. He alluded to the abuse which the press had heaped on
them for adjourning to San Francisco, and made editors out at best only
human beings, who sat in their offices, and sometimes lacked correct
information. His manifold reasons for voting to adjourn he could give
when called upon. He merely alluded to the delicious beverage that was
taken from the streets, which they were obliged to sip. When it was
proposed to save the people from the expense of the Capitol building,
the gentleman saw another entering wedge. As both the Senators from
Sutter and Sacramento could see this latter entering wedge, he wondered
that they did not establish a Mutual Admiration Society upon this question.
He concluded by calling the motion to refer nothing more than a dodge
intended for delay.
The question upon reference was taken, with the following result:
Ayes -- Messrs. Banks, Bogart, Burnell, Denver, Doll, Harvey, Heacock, Holden, Irwin, Merritt, Nixon, Oulton, Parks, Quint, Van Dyke, Warmcastle, Watt, and Williamson -- 18..
(CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE.
[ p. 4 ]
[ CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
Noes -- Messrs. Baker, Chamberlain, Crane, De Long, Gallagher, Gaskell,
Harriman, Hathaway, Hill, Kimball, Kutz, Pacheco, Porter, Powers, Rhodes,
and Shafter -- 16. . . .
p. 2
. . . .
THE CAPITOL CONTRACT QUESTION. -- The discussion in the Senate on
Saturday last on the bill to relieve the State Capitol contractors
appears to have been lengthy and animated. The advantages and
disadvantages of Sacramento as the Capital of the State were very
generally canvassed by the speakers, though we do not see that there
was any necessity for going over such ground while considering that
particular bill. But it seems impossible for any question to rise
touching the new Capitol building which, in the opinion of certain
Senators, does not present an opportunity for fierce assaults on
Sacramento. At any rate, such opportunities are improved to give
the city a few broadsides. Senator Heacock offered a substitute,
which provided, as we understand it, that the contractors should be
paid any damage they may have sustained, but should not be released
from their contract or suspend the work. Our Senators labored earnestly
and ably to defeat the passage of the bill, and finally succeeded in
having it referred to the Committee on Claims, by a vote of 18 to 16.
A report from that Committee will again bring up the subject; but the
vote to refer is considered as a pretty fair test of the strength of
those who desire to pass a bill to suspend the work on the new Capitol,
as a preliminary step to a suspension of the work altogether. The
proposition to suspend the work, under the circumstances, we think
obtained several votes of Senators who would not vote for a permanent
removal. We take it for granted that Senators Gallagher of Calaveraa,
Harriman of Placer, Kutz of Nevada, Kimball of Sierra, and Gaskell of
Butte; who voted against the reference, would not favor a permanent
change of Capital. Their constituents are content to have the Capital
remain in Sacramento, provided, of course that her citizens can defend
her from the floods of the American. This ability was doubted in the
debate,but the people of this city will demonstrate before the 1st of
next November, that they can build a levee which will be admitted by
the present doubters to be amply sufficient to protect the city against
any flood, unless it rises ten feet above the high water of this year.
When this is done, we hope to hear no more crocking about the inability
of Sacramento to protect herself from the inroads of high water, on the
part of those who are laboring to deprive her of the Capital. Experience
has proved that up to this date, the Legislature could have transacted
its business in this city without inconvenience, and that, therefore,
said body took its flight to San Francisco when it was more scared than
hurt.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO, April 1st.
. . . .
It has rained here part of the day.
Weather In the Interior.
PLACERVILLE, April 1st.
It has rained and snowed here all day, and is still cloudy. It is snowing
on the mountains, and stages are unable to make the passage from Lake
valley to Strawberry.
AUBURN, April 1 -- 9:30 P. M.
It has rained here all day slightly. The streams are a little swollen.
COLOMA, April 1 -- 9:30 P. M.
Rain fell here during most of the day. Now and then we had a little snow.
It is cloudy now.
The Portland Advertiser publishes the following extract from a
private letter written by one Neal McClenchy. It speaks of hard times:
LEWISTON, March 2, 1862.
* * I have had a terrible time of it in trying to save my oxen. I bought
up all the oats and barley I could find, but that soon gave out, and as
the snow did not melt any, I was compelled either to let my oxen die, or
feed them with something else, so I have been giving them beans for some
time now, and think they will weather it through. This is a costly wav,
but I could not let them die, and am very well satisfied that I have
saved them any way. You can judge what it costs me when I tell you that
beans such as mine are worth fifty cents per pound. You have, I suppose,
already heard of the severe weather and the amount of suffering which the
people in this neighborhood have endured, also the loss of cattle, mules
and horses which have been destroyed in this upper country. I cannot
describe the misery which has existed among the people this Winter. But
it would seem all of no warning to the men bound to Salmon. * * Parties
are leaving every day for the mines, and large numbers are coming in from
Walla Walla, having packed their grub on their backs all the way. There
are no horses for sale, as they are all gone in, so the miners are making
a merit of necessity, and act as their own pack mules. . . .
p. 3
. . . .
THE WEATHER. -- We were favored yesterday with a specimen of weather
which was far from an improvement on that of March. It is to be hoped
that there will be improvement as the month progresses. . . .
A TURBULENT RIVER IN EUROPE. -- The river Moselle, like our American,
has startled the old residents on its banks by forcing for itself a new
bed. But rivers are not allowed to cut up such pranks in the old world,
for we are informed that workmen are employed, as well as the troops of
the garrison, in making the river return to the bed it has quitted. . . .
DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD IN MECCA. -- The Boston Traveler has the
following item of news:
An intelligent gentleman, who has for many years resided in Syria,
says, in a recent communication to a friend in this city: "There has
been a flood of rain at Mecca: "three hundred lives lost; one-third
of the city destroyed; the great sacred Mosque. Haram esh Sherif,
flooded; the holy Black Stone submerged; and the great library almost
destroyed." And he adds, very naturally and pertinently, "I cannot,
in view of this fact, forget that the massacre in Damascus was planned
and decided upon in that same so-called Holy City!" . . .
p. 4
. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO LEVEE BILL.
Mr. SAUL, from the Sacramento delegation, reported back Senate Bill
No. 251 -- An Act concerning the construction and repair of levees,
and the mode of raising revenues therefor, with amendments [substituting
certain names, and providing for a different basis of assessment by taxing
personal as well as real property].
Mr. FERGUSON opposed the latter amendment, contending that it was not just
to assess personal property when the only object was to protect real estate.
Mr. WARWICK defended the amendment, and said the people of Sacramento
were heartily in favor of it. Personal property needed protection
certainly, and this was the only way to raise the necessary revenue.
Mr. SAUL also advocated the taxation of personal property.
On a division
the amendment was carried -- ayes 15 ; noes 10. but no quorum voting.
Mr. WATSON moved a call of the House. Lost.
Mr. BARTON moved to recommit the bill. Lost.
The ayes and noes were demanded on the amendment, and resulted -- ayes 32 ;
noes 18. So the amendment prevailed. The following is the vote:
Ayes -- Barton of Sacramento, Battles, Bell, Bigelow, Dean, Dennis, Dore,
Dudley of Placer, Fay, Hillyer, Hoag, Irwin, Jackson, Kendall, Loewy, Love,
Meyers, Moore, O'Brien, Orr, Parker, Printy, Reeve, Sargent, Saul, Sears,
Shannon, Thornbury, Warwick, Woodman, Wright, Mr. Speaker -- 32.
Noes -- Amerige, Ames, Barton of San Bernardino, Brown, Cunnard, Ferguson,
Griswold, Lane, Leach, Matthews, Morrison, Reese, Seaton, Thompson of
Tehauia, Tilton of San Francisco, Van Zandt, Waddell, Watson -- 18
The bill was then read a third time and passed, and the Clerk was directed
to transmit it to the Senate. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3436, 3 April 1862, p. 1
SACRAMENTO METEOROLOGY AND NECROLOGY.
[REPORTED FOR THE UNION FROM THE RECORDS OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.]
METEOROLOGY.
MARCH, 1862, . .
. . .Number of . . . rainy days . . . 14 . . .
. . .Quantity of . . . rain and fog . . . 2.800 . . .
Remarks. -- Contrary to general expectation, it will be seen that the monthly
amount of rain has fallen considerably below the average; and consequently,
the earth having become drier and warmer than we had any reason to
anticipate, Spring has advanced in a corresponding pace with the gradual
increase of temperature. We are pleased to hear that the farmers upon the
higher lands have, for the most part, availed themselves of these propitious
circumstances, and we see no real reason for discouraging them in their
endeavors to make the best of a bad season; on the contrary, the records
of several years, already published, afford strong motives for present
hopefulness. We may first observe that the month of March, just passed,
bears no comparison whatever to the Spring of 1850 or 1853 -- the two
seasons of maxima rains. In March, 1850, it was estimated that about ten
inches of rain fell, and in the same month in 1853 seven inches are
recorded in our register. By the table above it will be seen that less
than three inches have fallen during the present March, and this in such
a gradual manner as to produce no very material effect upon our rivers.
Now, then, It may be worthy of notice, that the rainfall in April for the
average of eleven years, from 1849 to 1861, has been less than one-half
the preceding March. This would give us less than one and a half inches
for the present month of April; and the same published tables show that
the rain-fall for May is seldom more than half what it is in April. It
may be almost too good to hope for only two and a quarter inches of rain
between the 1st of April and the 1st of June; but we have, perhaps, as
good a basis on which to predicate that small amount as Doctor Gibbons
has for a much greater amount, in his late interesting but too depressing
communication, published in the Union. The chief danger, however, at this
time to be apprehended, is from the sudden melting of the snows from an
excessive increase of temperature, accompanied by warm rains. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
No telegraphic dispatches from the East. The weather probably interferes
with electric communication on both sides of the Sierra. . . .
Quite a heavy rain set in last evening. Dispatches from Oroville and
other places in the interior state that the storm was quite general in
those parts yesterday. Another rise in the rivers is to be feared. . . .
THE PEOPLE'S CHARTER AND THE BULLETIN
An editorial was published in the Bulletin of Tuesday on the
"People'a Charter and its repudiating character," which is not exact
in its statements, and which is calculated to mislead the reader. A
writer who presumes to comment upon the finances and financial policy
of a city of which he is not a resident, ought at least to be correctly
informed upon the question he is discussing. In treating of the character
of the funded debt of Sacramento the Bulletin said:
The bonds of Sacramento whose legality is now questioned were issued
mauy years ago. Some $400,000 of them were expended in the various
injudicious efforts at levee building. Now the harbor dues for goods
landed on a portion of this same levee amount, under good management,
to $25,000 or $30,000 per year. This is ample provision for paying the
annual interest on the levee bonds.Some $400,000 more of the bonds went
to build the city water works. since which time the people have had
water brought into their houses instead of paying water carts three
prices for a more limited supply. Do the people expect now to get their
water free, and still repudiate the interest on the water bonds from
which they have derived such signal benefit? This cannot be. In fact
the water works do yield the city, under good management, about $50,000
per annum -- more than half enough to pay the interest on the entire debt.
The amount of bonds issued for levee purposes is much greater than the
Bulletin states; far more than the sum named were issued for
building levees as early as in 1852. In truth the large majority of the
indebtedness of the city was created building levees. A few hundred
thousands were expended in building engine houses and purchasing engines,
in erecting water works, buying pipe, engine, etc., and for some other
objects, including schools; but the main debt was created for work
performed on levees. The receipts for harbor and levee dues are not
connected directly with the bonds; they were never created a special
fund to pay interest on levee bonds, and ifthey [sic] had been the
Bulletin has over estimated them. From September 1, 1860, to
August 31, 1861, the receipts of harbor and levee dues amounted, as
reported by D. J. Thomas, who was employed by the Board of Supervisors
for that purpose, to $22,627; they have not in late years reached
anything like the sum named by the Bulletin.
The bonds issued for Water Works summed up a little less than $300,000.
The old City Charter contained a provision which prohibited the Council
from contracting a debt over a certain sum, unless the same was first
sanctioned by a vote of the people. A plan for building water works was
presented by Gordon of San Francisco, in which the entire estimate of
expense was placed at $125,000. For that sum he offered to build Water
Works of a certain capacity. The Council submitted the proposition to
the paople; they voted upon it in the Spring of 1853, when the city was
so flooded that merchants were doing business at Hoboken, and the plan
was adopted by a large majority. By a vote of the people the Council
was authorized to expend $125,000 in the erection of Water Works. In
the course of that year the city authorities took the responsibility
of entering into a contract for building Water Works, which amounted
to nearly $300,000. All beyond the $125,000 of that sum this paper
declared, at the time, was illegally created. We insisted that no
contract of such magnitude should be entered into without first being
submitted to a vote of the people. But the legal question was not
raised, and the bonds were issued pledging the credit of the city
and the income of the water works for the payment of the principal
and interest. To our surprise, the holders of those bonds surrendered
them and accepted the conditions and provisions of the Consolidation
Bill.
The building of the R street and Thirty-first street levees in the
same year presented another example of authority exceeded. The people
voted to expend $50,000 in that work; the Mayor and Council went forward
and expended nearly $100,000. In this case the UNION called attention to
the fact that all the bonds issued over $50,000 would be illegal, unless
the people by their votes authorized the addition to their indebtedness.
Other cases might also be named, but we have given enough to show that,
in a legal controversy, the Courts might hold that a considerable portion
of the public debt of Sacramento was not created according to the terms
of the law. We have referred to these cases also to show that the
Citizens' Committee had reasonable grounds to sustain them in proposing
to assert the legal rights of the city even at this late day.
The income from the water works, the Bulletin puts down at $50,000;
the report of Thomas gives the aggregate receipts from that source at
$32,564, for the year ending August 31, 1861; the expenditures for the
same time were $26,596. Some $10,000 of this sum, it is claimed, was paid
for extrordinary [sic] expenses -- purchasing pump, etc.; but the ordinary
expenses are estimated at over $12,000, which would reduce the income
from that source, as administered under the Consolidation Act, to about
$20,000, instead of $50,000, as stated by the Bulletin.
But the greatest blunder of our Bay cotemporary is in this statement:
Again: Some $300,000 or $400,000 of the bonds were issued since 1853,
to pay for elevating the main streets of Sacramento to the high water
mark established by the floods of that Winter. But for those elevations,
portions of J and K and intervening streets would have been six and seven
feet under water this Winter, whereas they were only submerged three and
four feet. Will the people who are enjoying the benefits of these
improvements retuse to pay six per cent. inerest [sic] on the money
expended for them? It cannot be possible.
The elevation of J and K streets--not to high water mark, as we insisted
then ought to be done--was paid for by assessments on the property
fronting on those streets, and not by the city, as assumed by the
Bulletin. No portion of our public debt was created for such
improvements. They were paid for by the individuals who owned the
property. In reference to the two charters, the Bulletin
remarked :
We think the people decided wisely, and had the Bulletin been
a Sacramento journal.it would have advocated the People's Charter as
against the other proposition, while we could not have indorsed all
the provisions of either.
The UNION, as a Sacramento journal, advocated the People's Charter,
as altogether better than the substitute which met the approval of
our Senators; but we never claimed that it was perfect. As a whole,
it was a vast improvement upon the present condition of things. The
financial scheme, though, we think would be greatly improved by making
the apportionment of the revenue for municipal purposes the same as
it is in the Consolidation Bill. It is our conviction the creditors
of the city can force such an apportionment through the agency of
the Courts, in spite of any law thut may be passed by the Legislature,
and, therefore, we think it would be sound policy to make said
apportionment in the new charter. The only change required is to
strike out thirty-five per cent and insert fifty-five per cent, to
the Interest and Sinking Fund. It is this point upon which the hue
and cry of rediation [sic] has been hung; remove it, and all such clamors
must cease. The provision to redeem bonds to run thirty or forty years,
at thirty cents, is not repudiation in any sense, for no holder is under
any obligation to sell his bonds at that price. It is, however, more
than they are now worth in the market.
The investigation of the Fund Commission into the legality of bonds
issued will settle nothing definitely; their decision will not be law;
it will merely be their conclusion upon the evidence before them; the
legal rights of bondholders, if the issue is raised, must be determined
by the Courts.
In 1858, when the new bonds were issued, the agent of the authorities
who was employed to examine and report the amount of indebtedness
reported that "in his opinion several hundred thousand dollars of the
bonds then out were illegal [no close quotes],
but as no steps were taken to have his
opinion rejected or confirmed in Court, the city and county authorities
went forward and funded all the bonds which were presented. In so doing
it is contended by many that they exceeded their authority, as they were
directed to refuse to fund bonds suspected of having been illegally issued,
in order to present a case and have the question determined by a Court of
competent jurisdiction. Certain it is that not a bond of Sacramento can
be finally declared illegal except by the Courts, and whenever they so
decide, we do not think any one will call it repudiation.
THE FLOATING DEBT. -- Our Senators appear determined to provide for the
dealers in scrip, or rather audited accounts in this city. We say dealers,
for we understand that most of the claims have been sold by those in whose
favor they were audited. They are therefore in the hands of speculators.
And the provision of the bill introduced, that the school teachers,
policemen, etc., shall first be paid, will prove of very little benefit
to those classes. There is no doubt about the final payment of this
floating debt; the city, unless it can be shown to be illegal, must
ultimately provide for its payment. But it is a hard case for her to be
forced to pay it in a single year, and that the one succeeding such
destructive floods as have swept over her. Hence we think our Senators
at fault in trying to pass bills to compel the collection of a tax for
that purpose. Cannot some plan be devised by which certificates of
indebtedness -- somewhat like those the Secretary of the Treasury is
authorized to issue, bearing an interest of ten per cent, and made
payable in two and three years -- interest to be paid with the principal,
may be issued?
If the incubus of this floating debt were removed for a short time,
the city might start under a new charter with prospects of being able
to maintain a government and keep out of debt, even on the revenue
authorized to be raised by the Consolidation Bill. But unless she can
start under a new charter without a floating debt to be paid out of
current receipts, it will be impossible for her to sustain a government
and incur no additional indebtedness. But if the floating debt can be
provided for on a plan that will enable the city to prepare for its
payment in two or three annual instalments, there would be a prospect
of bringing everything in the city government to a cash basis. This
should be accomplished, if possible. Our Senators have passed a bill
through the Senate to levy the same amount named in the Senate Charter
to pay the floating debt of the city -- twenty cents on the hundred
dollars--and all the delinquent taxes. The people did not vote for
the proposition, but let that pass. Can such a provision be legally
made for the payment of this floating debt? We think not. Under the
provisions of the Consolidation Bill, is not the Treasurer bound by
the law and by his oath of office, to apportion fifty-five per cent.
of all revenues for municipal purposes to the Interest and Sinking
Fund? Can the provisions of the law be evaded by a special Act levying
a special tax? They cannot; and if the twenty cents on the hundred
dollars is collected under the bill passed through the Senate, and
paid into the treasury, it will have to be apportioned as provided
in the Consolidation Act. We do not see how such a result can be
escaped. Again -- the delinquent taxes, as collected, must be paid
into the treasury and be distributed among the different funds, the
same as if they had been collected with the other taxes. The money
cannot legally be directed into another channel. Fifty-five per cent
must go to the Interest and Sinking Fund, and the remainder to other
funds. If parties who are interested appeal to the Court, they can
force an apportionment of all the money collected in this city for
municipal purposes, in accordance with the terms of the Consolidation
Bill. Therefore, all efforts to get through special bills to levy
special taxes for special purposes will prove labor lost. . . .
PAJARO VALLEY. -- The Monterey Union of the 21st of March says
Pajaro Valley is unsurpassed in its richness of soil and production of
abundant crops, but the unparalleled rains have this season so retarded
farmers from putting in grain, that in the upper part of the valley,
embracing the first two miles down from its head, on the south side
of the river only about two-thirds is now in crops, nearly all wheat. . . .
MELTED AWAY. -- The eight feet of snow which fell in Nevada, on the
night of March 28th and during the 29th and 30th, disappeared March 31st.
SNOW. -- On Saturday night, the snow fell at considerable depth on the
Coast Range, and the frost was quite sharp in several localities, . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.. . .
SAN FRANCISCO, April 2d. . . .
Legislative Proceedings. . . .
The substitute bill in relation to the State Capitol, reported by the
Committee, was debated at great length, and finally passed by the following
vote:
Ayes -- Baker, Banks, Burnell, Chamberlain, Denver, Doll, Gallagher, Harvey, Harrirman, Heacock, Holden, Irwin, Kutz, Merritt, Nixon, Parks, Quint, Shurtliff, Vineyard, Watt, Williamson -- 21.
Noes -- Crane, Gaskell, Hill, Kimball, Pacheco, Porter, Rhodes, Shaffer, Soule -- 9.
The bill releases the present contractors, allows them $10,000 and
authorizes the Commissioners to proceed with the work to the extent
of the unexpended balance of the appropriation. This was all that was
asked by the friends of Sacramento, and settles the question as to the
position of the Senate on the Capital question. . . .
Weather in the Interior.
OROVILLE, April 2d.
Rained nearly all day, and very hard since four o'clock this afternoon.
PLACERVILLE, April 2d.
Raining little here; weather cold and windy. . . .
p. 3
. . .
THE RIVER. -- The water in the Sacramento, at sunset last evening, stood
eighteen feet three inches above low water mark. . . .
RAIN. -- The showers of yesterday culminated last evening in a steady rain,
which continued through the latter part of the evening, as though we were
destined to have a rainy night. . . .
p. 4
. . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, April 1, 1862.
The Senate met at 11 o'clock, . . .
THE STATE CAPITOL CONTRACT.
Mr. PARKS, . . . He also reported back
substitute to Senate Bill No. 218 -- An Act to authorize and direct
the State Capitol Commissioners to cancel and annul the contract for
building the foundation and basement walls of the State Capitol at
Sacramento, etc., with amendments striking out all after the enacting
clause, and inserting a bill with the title, "An Act in relation to
the construction of the State Capitol building, and to annul contracts
heretofore entered into."
They found the figures in the case as follows:
Am't appropr'd March 29, 1860. $100,000.00
Am't appropr'd May 20, 1861 . . . 50,000.00
-----------
Total appropriation $150 000.00
Amount paid Michael Fennel.. $34,614.55
Amount paid Blake & Connor .. 34,177.70
Due Blake & Connor 11,392.51
-----------
Total in building and material. $80,184.81 [sic]
Salary of Architect $5,840.00
Salary of Commissioners 9,421.85
Salary of Secretary 2,000.00
-----------
Total salaries $17,361.85 [sic]
Plan and specifications ... 1,500.00
Abstract of title of land . . . . 350.00
Office and tool house 240.00
Laying corner stone, filling wells, etc 365.00
-----------
Total preliminary expenses $2,455.00
Total amount expended 100,001.66
-----------
Balance of appropriation $49,998.34
The amount paid officers, the Committee stated, amounts to 17-1/2
per cent., and only 75 per cent. applied to the construction of the
building. Blake & Counor claimed for damage and loss by several
floods to sheds, tools, derricks, etc $2,000.00
Material and labor since January 1, 1862 1,006.75
T. P. Roach, release of sub-contract 2,000.00
P. O. Dano, release of sub-contract 1.200.00
Nutting & Kittridge (Iron work) 565.00
Interest paid on audited accounts against the State
for raising money 715.38
Anticipated interest to January 1, 1863 5,520.36
-----------
Total $13,007.49
From which Blake & Connor propose to deduct 3,007.49
-----------
Making a net loss to the State on contract of $10,000.00
Mr. GALLAGHER moved to suspend the rules to take up the Capitol Bill
now. It was important and must be acted on.
Objections were made, and a count of the Senate was had.
Present 34 -- ayes 20, noes not counted.
Mr. GALLAGHER thought there was some mistake, and called for the ayes
and noes. It was admitted on all sides that the bill was important, and
unless considered now it could not be passed.
Messrs. GASKELL and DE LONG proposed that it should go to the top of
the file for to-morrow, which was assented to. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3437, 4 April 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.. . .
By a dispatch from Salt Lake we learn that the Overland Mail stages have
had a very rough time owing to the high water, the deep snows and Indian
depredations. . . .
The weather has cleared again, and the rivers do not as yet exhibit
a threatening rise. . . .
RELEASING THE CONTRACTORS.
The bill which has passed the Senate -- and which was reported from
the Committee on Claims -- on the Capitol matter, releases the contractors
and pays them $10,000 for damages sustained by floods. The report of the
Committee is full and presents an exhibit of the sum appropriated for the
Capitol and expended so far on the work and for salaries, etc. There has
been $150,000 appropriated toward building the Capitol; of this sum,
$68,791 have been paid to the contractors; $11,392 are still due to the
contractors; $17,361 have been paid the Architect, Ccmmiasioners [sic]
and Secretary; $2,455 were paid for specifications, for abstract of
title, for building an office, and for expense of laying the corner
stone -- making a total of $100,000 expended, whilst $50,000 remain
unexpended. With the $10,000 to be paid to the present contractors, it
appears that $110,000 of the sum appropriated has been expended --
$75,469 on the buildings and $34,532 for damages and salaries of
Superintendent, Commissioners, Secretary, and for plans and laying the
corner stone. The Commissioners have been paid $9,425.85; their Secretary,
$2,400. The position of Commissioner is a responsible one, but the labor
has not been very heavy, though at times excessively annoying. If they
have been paid too liberally, the fault was with the Legislature which
established the Commission and fixed the salary of each Commissioner.
The members of the Board were hampered in their action into making the
first contract, as the law compelled them to accept the lowest bid if
a good bond was offered. Fennell & Co. bid so much lower than others
that the general impression was, they could not complete the work if
they uudertook it. But they offered a good bond, and the Commissioners
were bound to accept it, and award them the contract. They failed to go
on with the work, and rather than sue on the bond the Legislature deemed
it advisable to release them from the contract and piy them for such
material as they had on hand. Appraisers under the law were appointed,
and of their proceedings the Committee on Claims in their report,
say:
When the Capitol Commissioners annulled the contract with Michael
Fennell, Reuben Clark was appointed appraiser on the part of the State,
and W. B. Carr appointed by Mr. Fennell. They two appointed Mr. Turton --
the three to constitute a Board of Appraisers to estimate the value of
work done, and material on hand at the time the contract was annulled.
Carr and Turton estimated the value of work done at and material on hand
at $34,614.55, and Reuben Clark appraiser on the part of the State,
estimated the same at $27,448.82, making a difference in the estimate
of $7,170.73; and it is not unfair to assume that Clark's estimate was
correct, he being Superintendent of the work.
Without impugning the honesty, or reflecting upon the judgment or
disinterestedness of the majority of the Board of Appraisers, it is
but fair to presume that Mr. Clark, with a thorough knowledge of the
business, and having had constant supervision of the work, estimated
the work and materials ut their correct value.
After thu two appraisers were appointed, who were, if they failed to
agree, to appoint a third, the proceedings, as we recollect, were brought
to a standstill for some time by a failure on the part of the two to
agree on a third. One was finally accepted on the part of the State,
with whom the appraiser of Feunell & Co. was satisfied; and the result
was the award the correctness and justice of which the Committee question.
The State was compelled to pay $7,170.73 more than the Superintendent of
the Capitol building believed the materials of Fennell & Co. were worth.
In all such instances the State, as a general rule, is the sufferer.
In consequence of the amount paid for salaries, etc , the Alta
expresses the opinion "that there has been gross incompetency or gross
dishonesty in the management." The Commissioners performed their duties,
we believe, faithfully under the law. The first year their duties were
somewhat laborious and responsible. They had a plan to adopt and a
contract to let. True, it might all have been done for less money, but
the compensation of the Commissioners was fixed by law, and they took
simply what the law allowed them. Last year when the appropriation was
reduced to $50,000, the compensation of the Commissioners should have
been reduced in proportion. But the $50,000 yet in the appropriation
is to be expended under the direction of the Commissioners, and the
work is to go on. This was the object our Senators had in view, and
they are entitled to the credit of having secured it handsomely. They
have secured the continuation of the work on the Capitol building until
the present appropriation ia expended. By next Winter Sacramento will
be in a condition to confidently expect another appropriation to continue
the building of the State House. . . .
NOME CULT AND OTHER RESERVATIONS.-- John B. Clark, Special Indian Agent of
the Northern District of California, was recently in Red Bluff, and states
that nearly double the amount of land on this Reservation has been fenced
in this season, and much better crops expected than have been raised
heretofore. As a substitute for the Klamath Reservation, which was
destroyed by high water, a large tract of land has been purchased on
Smith river, stocked and planted with crops. The Nome Lackee Reservation
is in a miserable condition, and the Red Bluff Independent advocates the
project of selling it. It says this would open a large tract of fine land,
sufficient for a hundred white families, while the Indians could and
should be removed to Nome Cult, where they can be better cared for and
kept much cheaper than where they now are. . . .
THE TELEGRAPH NORTH. -- Strong, who is now engaged on the line between
Yreka and Portland, says he will have it completed in about four months.
A new line is also to be built south of Yreka on the Sacramento river,
which will greatly add to the present facilities. The old line is much
injured between Yreka and Weaverville, many of the poles having been
washed away. . . .
p. 3
. . .
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. . .
Rising. -- The water in the lower part of the city rose two or three
inches yesterday afternoon, caused doubtless by additional contributions
from the American river, produced by the late rains. . . .
p. 4
. . .
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION..]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, April 1, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Tuesday's proceedings,
after 8:45 o'clock, when the report closed for the Sacramento boat] :
ASSEMBLY BILLS . . .
Assembly amendments to Senate Bill No. 251 -- An Act concerning the repair
and construction of levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of
raising revenue therefor -- were concurred in. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO COUNTY ANTI-FENCE BILL.
Mr. BURNELL moved to take Senate Bill No. 252 [the anti-fence bill drawn
up for the benefit of the farmers of Sacramento county] from the hands of
the Sacramento delegation, and refer it to the Committee on Agriculture.
He had some interest in Sacramento county, and paid taxes there.
Mi. HEACOCK said it provided that only that portion of Sacramento county
lying south of the American river, which has been overflowed, should be
in any manner affected. All the fences had been carried off, and farmers
owning stock were required to keep it fenced. The question involved was
whether $15,000 should prevent the raising of $100,000 worth of produce,
and have the freedom, besides, to destroy orchards and farms to the amount
of $200,000. The gentleman from Amador was not affected by it except so
far as his cattle might stray down into Sacramento county.
Mr. BURNELL said it must be apparent to all that the Senator from
Sacramento who had just spoken was not the proper party to judge fairly
as to the merits of that bill. He (Mr. Burnell) had looked it through,
and it was one of the most outrageous bills that any legislative body
had ever brought before it. It confiscated every man's property that
was running at large. He wished it referred to the Committee on
Agriculture, to obtain their opinion of it. If there was anything
defective in it. he was desirous it should be surrounded with proper
safeguards. He made the motion now, rather than after it had been
reported, because he wished to produce no delay.
Mr. HEACOCK said the delegation would report it tomorrow morning. He
preferred the question should come up then. They would try to get it
through if possible. He called for a division, and the question was
first taken on vacating the order.
The ayes had it by a close vote.
Mr. HEACOCK disputed the count, and was about appealing from the
decision of the Chair, when --
Mr. GALLAGHER proposed to let the bill go to the file and come up in due
time on its merits.
Mr. HEACOCK assented to that if the gentleman from Amidor was willing. .
Mr. BURNELL was satisfied. If the bill stood on its merits he did not
think it would stand long. Placed on file. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3438, 5 April 1862 p. 1
. . . .
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, April 2, 1862.
THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR called the Senate to order . . .
END OF THE CAPITAL AGITATION.
Senate Bill No. 218 -- An Act to authorize the State Capitol Commissioners
to cancel and annul the contract for the construction of the foundations
and basement walls of the State Capitol building -- came up at the head
of the file.
[Mr. .MERRITT in the chair.]
The amendment of the Committee on Claims was read by the Secretary --
striking out all after the enacting clause, and inserting the following:
Section 1st provides for the release of Blake & Connor, paying them
$10,000 for damages.
Section 2d provides that the architect shall so modify the plans as to
bring the aggregate cost of the building within $500.000.
Sections 3d 4th and 5th provide that the Commissioners shall be authorized
to sell such material as will not be applicable to the modified plan,
together with that which was damaged; then to contract for the delivery
of any material needed to be put, with the material on hand, into the
building by days' work, under the direction of the Superintendent
(,Mr. Clark), not to exceed in the aggregate the amount of the
appropriation unexpended.
Mr. DE LONG said as he understood the report of the Committee on Claims,
they had finally agreed with the friends of Blake & Connor to remodel the
bill so as to allow the work of going on until the appropriation was
exhausted. He was not going to make a speech, but merely said on behalf
of those he represented, that he protested against it. From the present
state of finances it was inexpedient to continue the erection of a Capitol
in that locality. It was the hight of insane folly at present to continue
upon that magnificent scale, when it would be uncertain for months to come
whether it would ever be of any value to the State. He hoped they would do
no such unwise act as to adopt this amendment. The original bill proposed
to stop the work and save $49.000. All this talk about the material going
to waste amounted to nothing, because Blake & Conner themselves had informed
him that the material was of such a nature that it could not be destroyed
either by fire or flood. All that could float had been washed away. The
materials would bring their first cost easily. This going on by the day
he did not believe in.
Mr. PORTER said he believed the substitute provided for a change of plan,
and for day"s work instead of contract work. He would like to know how
they were going to carry on the day's work economically. He concurred
fully with the remarks of the gentleman from Yuba.
Mr. GASKELL thoughti prudence dictated that they should not expend
further money. He concurred with Mr. De Long also.
Mr. Harvey said it appeared to him Senators did not take as comprehensive
a view of this matter as they ought. He held that if the people of this
State suspended work on their Capitol, the effect would be to lose instead
of save money. There was taxable property at Sacramento last year which
brought in a revenue of $100,000. This year, if the work were stopped,
it would be so depreciated as not to bring in more than $10,000. As a
matter of policy, and mere finance, it would be cheaper to go on. If it
cost $50,000, or half a million, the whole was but little in comparison
to the development of that portion of the country. He had no more doubt
than he had of his existence that if the opportunity was given them, the
people of Sacramento would protect themselves and the public works. He
urged that the opportunity should be given them. If the Legislature
stopped this work, they would depress every interest in Sacramento; but
if by their acts they showed that they desired to develop that country,
a fair inducement would be held out to go ahead.
Mr. BURNHILL said it was admitted that the agricultural interest was the
soul and life of the community. He knew of no act that would be so
successful in preventing a large amount of revenue from coming into
the treasury, as stopping the work at Sacramento. It looked almost like
a direct act with that object in view. He had been informed that even
as matters now stood property had decreased there in value one half.
Mr. SHAFTER asked the Senator from Sutter how the
Committee made out $10,000 of damages to Blake & Connor.
Mr. PARKS referred him to the report of the Committee on Claims, and
repeated several of the items for his information.
Mr. SHAFTER desired to know whether allowance was made in these figure
for throwing up sub-contracts.
Mr. PARKS said that was what it was for in several cases.
Mr. SHAFTER said he would be very sorry to suppose for a moment that
anything he could say would affect the result; he had no idea it would.
But he must express his dissent from all work going on this year. As a
mere business question, he regarded the proceeding as prodigal and
extravagant. The money involved was $40,000 in round numbers. The brick,
etc., could be sold for cost. Last year there was a little hitch in the
bill, to which he took exception, when the Senators from Sacramento
begged him not to interfere, because it would look like enmity. He
thought then the Capital should be at Sacramento, and thought so still,
notwithstanding the flood, because he was not disposed to believe that
the calamity was severe enough to warrant a removal. He did not think
Sacramento the most suitable place to build a Capitol, but was of the
opinion, nevertheless, that it could be built there safely. Upon the
present plan, however, he looked as a piece of extravagance. California
would not complete it in the next fifty yean. It wai nonsensical to talk
about the greatness of the Golden State. We had not the money. There was
a general disposition to go in debt not only on the part of the State,
but of individuals. The friends of Sacramento should, in self protection,
let this matter rest for a single year. The Capitol scheme would cost
three million dollars in his opinion, and he had seen a numher of State
Capitols put up. That forty thousand dollars was not going to do any
good at all. He did not believe it would build the first story, and
after having spent it, they would have uncovered walls left as at present.
If it should turn out that a different plan must be adopted, the whole
would be lost. Had he been a member of the Legislature he would have
opposed the building of the Capitol altogether, and favored the purchasing
of the Sacramento Court House. Live within our means. The whole matter
of the Capitol was like the prodigal who squandered all before he even
came into an inheritance. It was our duty to economize. He was opposed
to putting $3,000,000 into the Capitol for grandeur. He wanted the Capitol
for business. Were Senators going to convince people that that whole
country was not five to ten feet under water? It was like a sea -- a
waste of water twenty-five or thirty miles in view at any point. Should
the Legislature swear now that there was none there at all. [Applauee
in the lobby.] It was absurd. The water was there and everybody knew
it. It inundated that city and nobody could deny it. They were beaten
out of town, notwithstanding the attacks of newspapers about personal
convenience, etc., by absolute necessity, if they went on with the work
it would only show that the Legislature was as mad as that people were
unfortunate. When they demonstrated, as he had no doubt they would within
two months, that Sacramento was a safe and good place, there would be
time left to build the Capitol. He did not like to see the friends of
contractors so nervous as to lose all sense of propriety. The contractors
had been smitten by the act of God, and were justly entitled to relief
from the State, which was more able to bear it than they were. San
Francisco did not need the Capital. Her natural advantages would enable
her to maintain her supremacy without it. Stockton, Marysville and Marin
county had their institutions; Sacramento was entitled to the Capital.
These local interests should be met in such a manner as to keep a balance
of power, if possible, among the various districts.
Mr. NIXON said he intended to occupy but a very few moments of time. The
delegation had already occupied time sufficient, and he had no doubt every
Senator's mind had been made up already; consequently nothing he could say
would affect the result. In regard to Mr. Shatter's remarks, much that he
had said he agreed with. He believed that the location of the Capital at
Sacramento was acquiesced in by the people of the State of California, and
until the recent calamity we had heard no voice to find fault. But since
the adjournment of the Legislature to this city, schemes had been set on
foot, as he thought, looking towards a permanent removal. Indeed, it had
been avowed on this floor that such were the intentions of the people of
one locality at least. It had been asserted that this expenditure was
unjustifiably prodigal and criminal. He took issue with the Senator from
San Francisco in that respect, and said, in reply, that there was no such
thing as prodigality in the plans and specifications. He believed the
building was none too capacious to afford the Legislature, the different
departments, etc., suitable room for the transaction of the business of
the State. The plans and specifications were perhaps the best that could
be found in any State of this Union. Ample room was provided, because the
young and growing State seemed to demand it. He did not believe this State
was poor in its resources. The people of California, in commencing a
Capitol, should commence it with a view to the ultimate wealth and
prosperity of the State. This Capitol, he was informed, could be built
for about $500,000, to afford all the room intended by the original plan;
but it would have to be built of different material. With foundations and
walls of granite, and the interior to agree, it certainly might be made
to cost $2,000,000. But if close economy was to govern the decisions of
the Legislature, he was willing to acquiesce; but in justice to the people
he represented, he thought the unexpended appropriation should not he
discontinued. It was merely asked that the money in the present
appropriation might be left in the hands of the Commissioners. The people
of this State were noted for their energy, and he did not think the people
of Sacramento would be so despairing as to neglect their own defense. It
would depress property to have the news go out, that in consequence of the
insecurity of buildings at Sacramento, the State had been obliged to suspend
work on the Capitol. The Legislature should avoid doing that which would
unnecessarily depress any portion of the State, let alone the policy of
depressing the whole of the real estate of the second city of the State.
It was not the paltry sum of forty thousand dollars that made him advocate
the continuance of work, but if the Commissioners were allowed to go on,
the word would not go out that they were unable to protect their property
from periodical floods visiting the Sacramento valley. In regard to the
opposition Sacramento had met from some quarters, he had no particular
fault to find. He knew the constituencies of many gentlemen present had,
in the past, contended for the capital in their respective towns and
villages. Their hopes had been excited afresh. The Senator from San
Francisco stated that the Legislature were driven out of Sacramento.
Perhaps they were. Hundreds of others were driven out. It was represented
as a matter of great doubt whether Sacramento would not be entirely
abandoned. As the suspicion was altogether unfair, he did not wish it
to rest upon them by stopping work during the coming year. He had been
informed several days ago that $150,000 was raised for the Capital at
Marysville. All he had to say was that those people were very energetic
and ambitious. He applauded them for it. He had no fault to find with
the Senator from Yuba for contending strenuously on behalf of the interests
of Yuba county, and he hoped others would not blame. The unanimity of the
press against another removal of the Capital was referred to, after which
the Senator took his seat.
Mr. DE LONG said he was making no fight for the removal of the Capital.
If he was, he would ask it in uuqualifiable language. He spoke for his
constituents, and said on their behalf that it was not right to make this
further expenditure at this time. How could he tell hs constituents that
he had acted honestly in voting away their money for this wild project
of building a Capital where eight feet of water stood for months this
Winter? If it was an argument that the valley of the Sacramento was
declared uninhabitable, it would be an argument that San Francisco,
Vallejo and Benicia were uninhabitable also, because the State refused
to build a Capitol there. It was a stubborn fact that the water stood
there, that the streets and the site of the Capitol were subject to the
same catastrophe again. Were they going to delude the world into the
belief that there was no danger by continuing to sink money in that
building. He was in favor of relieving those contractors, because they
had suffered from an act of God. But he did not believe that in order
to do them an act of justice, they should squander $40,000. Col. Connor
was at Benicia, und«r marching orders with his regiment for the East,
and he was for releasing him. But he would rather vote against the whole
bill than lose those $40,000. If the people of Sacramento were as
energetic as their representatives alleged, if they would put up their
seawalls, then why not wait till next Winter?
Mr. NIXON inquired why they were straining themselves at Marysville to
raise funds to get the Capital there?
Mr. DE LONG said he would reply frankly. In consultatiou at Marysville --
although this was entirely foreign to the subject, he would reply as he
had been asked -- he (Mr. De Long) told them that if they would raise
sufficient money to build a Capitol to meet the wants of the people of
the State, all the officers included, place their building upon one of
their public squares in the center of the city where the floods did not
come, then, in another Winter, if Sacramento had not her levees built,
if she remained subject to inundation, and the State finances were still
low and growing worse every year, if they could arm their representative
with a deed and key to that building, and if in the Summer time they
connected themselves by a railway with that city, then they might come
in and compete with Sacramento for the Capital. That was all. There was
no attempt now to change the Capital on the part of anybody. If they placed
this $40,000 into the foundations, would the representatives of Sacramento
be in any better condition to defend themselves against this war upon them,
if a war should be made? He believed this was the very worst policy
Sacramento could pursue, because the $40,000 in the basements would be
lost, and as it took the last cent the State had, the people would unite
to call it extravagant. For his constituents, he would say that the harness
wore them, for they had gone through the experience of heavy taxes. When
the Capital was located at Sacramento there was no intention to prefer
Sacramento to Benicia or any other place because it was Sacramento. The
argument now seemed to be that because Sacramento demanded it they must
go on, on, on with the Capitol. He repeated that he could not go back to
his constituents and tell them as their agent that he had helped to invest
that money for the benefit of Sacramento, instead of the State. Messrs.
Burnell and Harvey were more particularly the representatives of Sacramento,
according to their own showing yesterday. He did not like combinations. If
there was any combination to keep on this contract, he would be opposed to
the whole thing. If Sacramento was properly leveed next year, there would
be no power that could remove the Capital from Sacramento. The only good
that the Capitol had done this Winter, he understood, was that it had
stabled a very fine Durham cow, and he understood the cow had increased
her stock while she was there.
Mr. OULTON said he belonged to the Committee on Claims which reported
this amendment, and it was not sympathy for Sacramento that induced him
to favor a continuance of the work on the Capitol, but he did it because
he believed it the interest of his constituents, and of the entire State,
that this work should go on, and go on in a proper form. He was not a
member of the Legislature that located the Capital at Sacramento, but
those present who were could testify to the fact that this Capital
question was mixed up with every question in the State, even the bulkhead
question. It was for the interest of the people of the State to have pure
legislation, and not to be controlled by such questions as this. By
continuing work on the Capitol this would remain a closed question.
Mr. DE LONG inquired whether they could not logroll just as well if the
work went on.
Mr. OULTON said the people had acquiesced in the decision of the
Legislature making Sacramento the capital. By stopping the work they
would fix public attention on the question whether Sacramento was not an
improper place. The policy of the State was become fixed and permanent.
Our miners and business men had come here to make money and go home again.
We should show those who came here the advantages of a permanent home, and
that the State was prepared to guard, maintain and protect their permanent
interests. In no way could this desirable object be better accomplished
than by the prosecution of this work. Mr. Shafter desired a capitol for
use, and not for ornament The same amendment that he energetically opposed
looked toward a capitol for use and not for ornament. The bill required
that the Architect should, under oath, report thirty days a plan reducing
the whole cost to $500,000.
Mr. SHAFTER said that was exactly the law now.
Mr. OULTON said the fact furnished one good reason why this bill was
necessary. He quoted from the report to show that one-third of the whole
appropriation thus far had been spent for purposes which did not further
the construction of the building.
Mr. SOULE -- You don't propose to make any change in the officers?
Mr. OULTON said they did propose to make a change with regard to the
officers. The Commissioners could be made to obey the law just as well
as any other officers. He thought this bill would keep them inside of
$500,000. If it did not, let the astute Senator from Alameda offer an
amendment that would. As to the damages allowed in the bill, $10,000,
he considered it a little too large. He believed the interests of the
people would be furthered by prosecuting this work in a moderate way.
These Senators that talked about squandering money, he found were just
as ready to vote for big appropriations as any of them. If they had this
Capitol they would have a place to meet without wandering from pillar
to post, a place for the offices and departments, a place for the Supreme
Court, etc.
Mr. GASKELL considered the relief of the contractors just, and the
expenditure of further money in Sacramento this Summer eminently unjust.
Between the internal crash that was going on now in Sacramento, he
believed that this would only add to their grievances. He referred
to an address in the Union to the Legislature, signed by leading
citizens, and looking upon their future prospects in the most gloomy
manner. They were fighting among themselves in regard to the best
manner of governing themselves. If the Legislature were to assist
them through their present difficulties, he thought it would have a
bad effect. Nothing but an act of Providence could declare that either
Sacramento or the Sacramento Valley was uninhabitable. This was an
unequal contest -- the people of Sacramento against the verdict of
the Almighty. Nevertheless, he hoped they might succeed. If the
Legislature decided that this work could go on, this beautiful little
fight between the Senate and Citizens' Charter would be renewed, and
next Winter they would return to Sacramento to find that between the
two they hnd done nothing to protect themselves against the floods.
They admitted themselves that this would be the last feather to break
the camel's back. He believed that if the Charter Bill was passed,
that would he the last feather to break the camel's back. Rather than
submit to the enormous taxation that was proposed, people would flee
from the city. The friends of this expenditure were uuwllling to
appropriate a cent for the reclamation of the hundreds of human beings
that had become degraded to the lowest depths from the use of liquor,
and yet they were in favor of appropriating $5,000,000 for the purpose
of keeping Sacramento up. He was sorry that the friends of the
contractors should make such a combination on this measure, if they
had made the combination as he supposed, he was not in favor of building
a mighty Capitol at Sacramento whose dome should reach high iuto the
heavens, while its base should rest on six feet of slush.
Mr. OULTON said this thing of getting up a cry of "a combination" was
something like the trick about mad dog. It was not right that a combination
should be charged unless they could allege something to support the
hypothesis. He did not believe there was any combination.
Mr. GASKELL said he did not assert that any combination existed,
and he hoped not.
Mr. PARKS asked why he had insinuated it, then.
Mr. GASKELL said the bill was prima facie evidence of it.
Mr. QUINT said the Capital had long been a floating institution.
The constituents of almost every Senator wanted it now. In watching
this matter with a jealous eye the people of Sacramento did justly,
and wh t [sic] they should do. He narrated the several steps by which
the Capital had been located at Sacramento, and quoted from the Act
describing the land, which was not to take effect until the people
of Sacramento had purchased and donated that land to the State. If
Sacramento had failed in her part of the contract, he wished some
Senator to state wherein. She had spent some $68,000 or $70,000 for
that land. Had not the State held possession of it, and reaped the
benefit of it.
Mr. DE LONG, by leave of Mr. Quint, moved to strike out sections five,
six, seven and eight of the bill, authorizing the Commissioners to go on
with the work. He would subsequently move to insert an additional section,
providing that the work shall stop until again directed to proceed by
the Legislature.
Mr. CRANE thought the proposition made by the Senator from Yuba did not
meet the idea.
Mr. RHODES suggested that by striking out these sections the bill would,
in substance and effect, be nothing else than the substitute bill.
Mr. DE LONG said Senators did not seem to understand it, ami mixed up the
two questions.
Mr. PARKS thought it very unfair that the gentleman from Yuba should ask
leave to make a motion, and then move an amendment that would cut off the
very speech that he was making.
Mr. QUINT continued his remarks. Senators all were willing to release
the present contractors. Sacramento was as much a party to the contract
as Blake & Connor. He thought Senators were not disposed to act towards
Sacramento with the same spirit of fairness that they were towards
Blake & Connor. Now why not?
Mr. RHODES said he was not in favor of releasing them if the contract
was to go on.
Mr. QUINT said he was not in favor of visiting upon Sacramento such an
infliction as the removal of the Capital would be. Every one knew what
effect the temporary removal of the Legislature from Sacramento -- which
was considered as an entering wedge to the permanent removal -- had had
upon property in that city. He argued that the several Acts of 1860 and
1861, in connection with the State Capitol, made Sacramento a party to
the contract. There was no use in disguising the fact that the location
of Sacramento had given it an importance that would otherwise have left
its lands and property almost worthless. What was the cause of it? There
was no question that the location of the Capital had a great deal to do
with it. There was last year some eight million dollars of taxable property
there. Anything tending toward a removal of the Capital would decrease
real estate one-half. If it were removed, property would not be worth
one-quarter of what it was last year. There was no doubt the report of
the Assessor would be so affected. The effect of a suspension of the work,
while an appropriation of $40,000 was left unexpended, would be to depress
the people with the idea that the removal of the Capital was a fixed fact,
and their energies would be palsied, instead of causing them to take hold
with energy, as they would do if the appropriation went on. It was their
duty to encourage and aid the people of Sacramento in such a case. Instead
of stopping the work, they should, if anything, appropriate more money. He
had no doubt whatever but Sacramento would protect herself against any
future flocd. Was $8,000,000 of property not sufficient to protect itself?
If they removed the Capital, then that $8,000,000 would next week not be
worth $2,000,000, and that amount might not be able to protect itself. The
amendment of the gentleman from Yuba was unjust and would be seriously felt.
He had no doubt of it at all that the great majority of the people of this
State were in favor of keeping the Capital at Sacramento, where it had been
these number of years. That the turning of the appropriation would have the
effect he described, he had no doubt whatever.
Mr. BAKER said when this measure first came up he was indisposed to spend
any further money out of this appropriation, except to relieve the
contractors. But since the introduction of the substitute, he must say
that he was in favor of it in its purity. His reasons were, that if the
Capitol did not go on toward completion there would be a permanent
removal on foot, and the question would be before the Legislature next
session. They would spend more money in discussing a permanent removal
next session, than the whole of the appropriation would amount to if
it were thrown away. If they stopped the work now, it would be understood
by the people generally --if he had understood the talk -- that this
Capitol would be considered on wheels, as it had been before. It would
be considered an open question at the next Legislature. But if they
went on with the building it would settle that question in the public
mind. So far as the question of economy was concerned, they expended
$39,000 for the purpose of keeping this work on its usual routine. If
they withheld it they would depreciate property in Sacramento city and
valley to an extent, as well remarked by the Senator from El Dorado,
so serious as to cost our State, perhaps, a greater amount in revenue.
Again, the people of Sacramento had suffered great calamities in
consequence of the flood. Now supposing it took half the property of
the Sacramento valley to reclaim the country from inundation, they were
yet bound to do it; and he doubted very much whether good would not
come to the State by such an expenditure of $500,000 to reclaim the
valley of the Sacramento, instead of letting it remain its present
condition where private parties would not be able to effect anything.
The value of the State consisted, in a great degree of the agricultural
interests of the Sacramento valley. If this work went on, it would brace
up the value of the property and the courage of the people of Sacramento,
and it would enable them to secure the city from further inundatlon,
while at the same time the State would lose nothing financially. While
it would promote the interests of the people of Sacramento, it would do
them nothing more than justice.
Mr. PARKS said if he had not been alluded to on several occasions he
would not have said a word. He did not suppose what he would say would
change the vote, but he must confess that the opposition to this bill
had been driven to some of the most violent assumptions and extraordinary
positions he had ever heard of in debate. The Senator from Butte
(Mr. Gaskell) undertook to say it was impracticable to construct a
Capitol at Sacramento, because there was an irrepressible conflict
between the people as to the way they should govern themselves. This
was one heavy argument, and after making a rambling debate, not relative
to the point at all, he wound up by saying that there was an irrepressible
conflict between the citizens of Sacramento and God Almighty. He presumed
to hope that the citizens of Sacramento would conquer. [Laughter.] These
were violent propositions, but they were no more ridiculous than some
of the arguments that preceeded his. The gentleman from Yuba founded
all his arguments on the proposition that the $39.000 to be expended
at Sacramento would be squandered -- thrown into a mud hole, and rendered
worthless. Starting on this false position, as he was very capable of
doing, he got a wide range from the merits of the bill. It was a violent
assumption that money appropriated for a Capitol was squandered. The bill
provided that every dollar should go into the State Capitol, not a dollar
to public officers; it released the contractors, and had no other purpose
in the world. That argument consequently did not hold good. In his opinion
it was to the very best interests of the people of the State to slowly
and gradually erect their Capitol at Sacramento. The question had been
once discussed, and he believed it would be detrimental to open it again.
As the figures showed $100,000 had been expended already, the State had
paid for all the preliminaries, and he believed it was to our best
interests to progress slowly with the work. Let the $39,000 left in the
appropriation be expended in a legitimate manner. The Senator from San
Francisco (Mr. Shafter) appealed to the friends of Sacramento that they
should not be too tenacious in this matter for the interests of Sacramento.
He (Mr. Parks) owned not a dollar of property in Sacramento; he had never
been
Sacramento. His desire was to have this question of a Capital settled,
and finally settled. All would remember the circumstances under which the
Capital was located. Whether it was thought that the State was in a proper
financial condition or not, necessities demanded that the bill to erect a
Capital should pass, and it did pass. The citizens of Sacramento condemned
$68,000 worth of property and donated it to the State, which had already
spent $150,000 on the Capitol. It was too great an amount to warrant
flattered by her press, nor had the citizens shown him attentions. Nor
did he owe them one dollar. But he was prompted to support the bill on
behalf of the interests of his own constituents as well as the people of
the opening up of this question again. These remarks he merely made to show
that the friends of the bill had no local interest in Sacramento. He did
not presume that the gentleman from Siskiyou had any local interest there.
He knew that he had none himself. After a thorough examination of affairs
as they now stood it was, he believed, to the advantage of the State to
go on. Whilst there had been unnecessary expenditures, this bill prevented
anything of the kind in future. There had been much said about the expense
of this Capitol. The very plan first submitted by the architect and adopted
would have built it for $500,000, without diminishing the size one brick.
But the Commissioners took it upon themselves to make a much more
extravagant building, without increasing the size or plan. It was the
peculiar style of architecture that made it so expensive -- the use of
stone from the base to the dome. The Committee had ascertained that the
work had not progressed so far that the State would be very much the loser
by modifying the plan of the Commissioners, so as to agree with the
original plan of building with brick. Then the whole thing would come
within the purview of $500,000. The Committee had offered a section, making
it obligatory upon the builders so to modify the plan. All that was
necessary was to construct the Capitol of the same size as the
Commissioners' plan, only of different material. The architect was
obliged to make his statement under oath, in order that the Commissioners
might be governed thereby. It was objected that the Commissioners might
not act in accordance with the plan. He would say that they had entirely
changed, that there was only one of the old ones left; and he had no
doubt the present Commissioners would acquiesce in the plan firrst
anticipated. The Senator from Yuba undertook to put the friends of
the present contractors in a peculiar position, by threatening them,
if they did accept of his terms, to refuse to release them entirely
unless the work was not positively and unequivocally stopped. He
(.Mr. Parks) was not desirous of placing their release upon any such
conditions. If it was right to release them at all, it was right to
release them whether the building continued or not. The amendment of
the Senator from Yuba was nothing more nor less than the original bill,
of which this was amendatory. He could not have drawn it nearer to the
original proposition.
Mr. GASKELL asked whether the gentleman was not opposed to the original bill?
Mr. PARKS replied in the affirmative, and said he was so still. He was
then charged with being the enemy of the contractors; and without
conversation to-day he was charged with being their friend. He was not
their friend. He wished to see whether the walls were to be let alone,
and tumbled down to the ground again or not. That was his ground for
relieving them. Under no consideration in the world would he release
those contractors if it was made contingent that the work must stop,
that the walls must tumble down and go to decay and the materials be
wasted, thereby losing all the State owned in the matter for the mere
purpose of releasing the contractors. He hoped the friends of these men
would not be guided at all by such threats. He did not know whether they
were going to support the bill of the Committee on Claims, except one,
who, being a member of that Committee acquiesced in the bill. It was in
bad taste for the gentleman from Yuba to make such a threat.
Mr. GASKELL did not like to see the gentleman put the representative of
Yuba in a false position while he was absent.
Mr. PARKS said he was not responsible for the Senator's making a speech
and running away before he was answered. That was an additional instance
of bad taste, if anything. He (Mr. Parks) was sorry himself the gentleman
was not here. There were not two separate propositions. The Legislature,
in acting upon the matter, must look to what condition it left the capitol
in after the contractors were released. He was willing and free to give
the contractors an additional amount upon the understanding that the
State would hereafter be protected. If the property of the State could
be protected -- the building progressed with slowly and surely; if the
citizens of Sacramento could be dealt with in good faith, as he believed
they should be and could, then he was not opposed to their release. The
gentleman from Yuba accused him the other day of moving to recommit solely
for purposes of delay, and himself demanded a square fight. Now he placed
him in the position of a friend of the contractors. It was a square
proposition -- the figures were all before the Senate -- whether this
State should proceed with the little sum of thirty-nine thousand dollars;
should take care of the material on the ground, put it slowly and surely
into the building between this and next Winter. The proposition that
Sacramento was uninhabitable was absurd and hardly worth replying to.
They appealed to you to rest the building until it was determined whether
Sacramento was inhabitable or not. He did not consider that a question
at all. It had met disaster. Other cities had met disasters before and
were prosperous still. He was as confident that Sacramento was inhabitable
as San Francisco. If th«y could protect their $8,000,000 of property,
then the Capitol was safe. He hoped the amendment of the gentleman from
Yuba would be voted down.
Mr. Harvey said the gentleman from Yuba had replied to his remarks that
this thing of declaring Sacramento uninhabitable was played out. He would
mention one strong point bearing on the matter, which was worthy of
consideration. It was estimated before the flood that there were some
eight and a half millions' worth of property in the city. Since then the
value had fallen, until it was now estimated at six millions. He held
that the effect of suspending that work at the present time would be so
depressing to the city that the revenue of the State would be reduced
directly move than $40,000. It affected the credit of the State at home
and abroad. He thought Senators ought to take comprehensive views with
regard to this question. A combination was charged upon him and the Senator
from Amidor, and it was said that they were interested in Sacramento. He
had no interests in Sacramento at all; but he took the grounds he did
because he believed them to be for the interest of the State. The gentleman
from Yuba was at one time fighting one interest and then another. Yesterday
he took into his charge the interests of San Francisco, and was fighting
the delegation.
Mr. GALLAGHER believed he was the party alluded to by the representatives
of Butte and Yuba, as forming combinations. He would take part of the
responsibility at least, and would not be very sensitive neither. The
remarks made by him upon this floor, and as reported in the public press,
had been invariably the same on this point, that he never would, by any
vote or act, do anything tending to a permanent removal of the Capital
from Sacramento. He said so still, believing Sacramento, from its position,
to be the place for the Capital. He called the attention of Senators to
the fact that if the Legislature had adjourned last Monday, according to
the resolution adopted, the Capital contract would not have been modified,
this wise provision not incorporated, and the contractors obliged to go
on with the same expensive structure. By looking at the bill, it would be
found that the whole work would be allowed to cost only $500,000, and that
the $39,000 would be expended this Summer through the agency of the
architect, a gentleman whose honesty and competency no Senator would deny.
One consideration in favor of the bill was that the people of this State
would have a stronger and more abiding confidence in Sacramento and her
ability to protect her property than could possibly exist if this
appropriation were stopped. Some hard language had been used in regard to
the friendship he was manifesting on behalf of the Capitol contractors.
He was proud to see now that everybody considered it only as an act of
justice to relieve them. Not that they had a bad contract, for they could
have made a handsome profit. But no man could look into the future and
see what devastations were to take place by flood and fire. He would
support the bill as recommended by the Committee on Claims, which was
adopted by them after a careful investigation, by, perhaps, as close
financiers as any that sat upon this floor, or ever occupied a seat in
the Senate of California.
Mr. HILL said, after the feeling and eloquent appeal made by the Senators
from Sacramento, he might be induced to waver as to how he should vote on
this bill. But he submitted that the interests of a thousand fellow
citizens, who had suffered equally with the Sacramentans, rose up and
demanded that they should not place upon their shoulders a burden, and
grasp from them the last plank for the Sacramentans to float on, leaving
them to sink. Upon this consideration he at once determined to vote
against a further continuation of the work on the State Capitol as unwise.
He differed as to the effect it would have on Sacramento. He believed it
would be more politic for the Sacramentans to have it stopped than
continued. It would be a stimulus upon their energies, and cause them to
go work and build a levee big enough to convince the incoming Legislature
that they were secure. What effect would a few thousand dollars have in
laying up the bricks and mortar on hand, if Sacramento did not convince
the next Legislature that they were secure from the flood? None at all.
It would be a detriment to Sacramento. It would exasperate the feelings
of the public, at seeing that their money had been so foolishly expended.
If it should ever be his fortune to be in the Senate again, and he trusted
it would not, he would always vote, on the permanent removal question,
" No." . . .
The question was taken on the amendments nf Mr. De Long, striking out
all that portion relating to the continuance of work on the State Capital.
They were rejected viva voce. by a strong vote in the negative.
The amendment (or substitute) of the Committee on Claims was adopted on
a division -- ayes, '28; noes not counted.
On the final passage of the bill, Messrs. Williamson, Shafter and Parks,
demanded the ayes and noes
Mr. PORTER hoped that memorial would be read. It contained some valuable
information. . . .
The memorial was ordered read by a vote, and the Secretary went though it
in about fifteen minutes. It is a prosy repetition of speeches in the
Legislature this Winter, and winds up by recommending Sutterville as the
site for the genuine Sacramento of the future. The fact was also stated
that the memorialist owned property there which would answer for the
Capitol to stand on.
The question was taken on ordering the bill to a third reading, with
the following result:
Ayes -- Baker, Banks, Burnell, Chamberlain, Denver, Doll, Gallagher,
Harvey, Harriman, Hathaway, Heacock, Holden, Irwin, Kutz, Merritt,
Nixon, Parks, Quint, Shurtliff, Vineyard, Watt, Williamson -- 22.
Noes -- Crane, Gaskell, Hill, Kimball, Pacheco, Porter, Powers, Rhodes,
Shafter, Soule -- 10.
The bill was then passed by precisely the same vote
Mr. PARKS moved the adoption of the Committee title -- An Act to authorize
the Stnte Capitol Commissioners to cancel and annul the contract for
building the foundation and basement walls of the State Capitol building
at Sacramento, and to settle with the contractors therefor.
Mr. RHODES moved to amend that title so as to declare that the Sacramento
valley was inhabitable. As that was the object of the bill, it should be
in the title. It was the strongest point in the argument.
Mr. PARKS said it was not germaln [aic] to the subject of the bill.
Mr. GASKELL hoped it would go all over the country that the Sacramento
valley was inhabitable.
The PRESIDENT ruled the motion out of order, on the ground that no such
language was in the bill, which must be titled in accordance with its
provisions, and not with the arguments used in its favor.
An appeal was taken and the Chair sustained. The forty-fifth rule was
suspended, and bill sent to the Assembly. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, April 3, 1862.
The President pro tem.(Mr. Shafter) called the Senate to order at
11 o'clock, . . .
Mr. NIXON moved to reconsider the vote on the Senate bill relating to the
levees of Sacramento city, by which the Assembly amendments were concurred in.
Mr. RHODES said there was an error in the amendments, and the object was
to make all the amendments agree.
The motion was carried, the amendments nonconcurred in, and the bill
sent back to the House. . .
p. 2
. . .
LEVEE BUILDING.
OFFICE OF SWAMP LAND COMMISSIONERS, }
SACRAMENTO, April 4, 1882, }
James P. Harris, J. McNamara and Philip E. Drescher -- Gentlemen: By
letter from my friend Mr. Drescher, dated March 24, 1862, I learn that
your citizens residing in Reclamation District No, 1 held a meeting not
long since at the town of Nicolaus, in Sutter county, at which you were
appointed a Committee to confer with the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners,
in relation to the amount of money that would be due to that portion of the
district, according to the engineer's estimate, and whether we would be
willing to let you have that amount if you build the levee according to
the plan and instructions of the Commissioners. As a reason for the request,
he says: "We apprehend that the levee proposed by the engineer to be built
with the Swamp Land Fund will not be strong enough to withstand the current
of water above the town of Nicolaus, therefore the settlers have called a
meeting to take some action in conjunction with the honorable Board of
Swamp Land Commissioners to insure a substantial and safe levee on this
part of the District, which levee of itself will reclaim one-fourth of the
area of District No. 1."
To this inquiry you ask a written answer to be laid before your citizens
at a future meeting. We have now thirty-four districts established in
this State, embracing nearly four hundred thousand acres of swamp land,
and as the people in those districts are all alike interested in my answer,
I shall publish it for general information.
I am not content with the more legal performance of legal duty as one of
the Commissioners; but while acting in that capacity I want to do all the
good I can by reclaiming the swamp lands, and, if possible, incidentally
helping our citizens who have suffered so much from the late and most
disastrous floods.
Whenever a petition is presented to us, signed by the holders of patents
and certificates of purchase of swamp lands that are susceptible of being
reclaimed in one body, and the petitioners represent one-third of the
number of acres in the tract described, it is our duty to appoint an
engineer to make an examination and survey of that tract of land. He
is to report its condition and cost of complete reclamation; we examine
the report and adopt his or some other plan of reclamation. After the
report is adopted, we advertise thirty days for proposals to do the work,
and then award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, unless we
deem it too high. The contractor enters into bond for double the amount
of the contract, conditioned for its faithful performance. One half of
the contract is to be paid as a given portion of the work is completed
and approved by the engineer; the other half when the whole contract is
done.
The ninth section of the Reclamation Swamp Land Act of May 13, 1861,
provides that "whenever it shall be found necessary to use any levee or
embankment, or other means of reclamation, which has been constructed by
any person owning lands, the said levee, embankment, or other work shall
be measured, estimated, and paid for to said owners at the contract price,
and the sum so paid shall be deducted from the amount to be paid the
contractor."
From this brief statement you will learn precisely what we can do. If
your citizens go on and build the levees so as to become a portion of
the plan to be adopted, and the engineer reports that it is done properly,
we are bound to pay for it at the contract price. Our object is to hasten
the protection of your homes against another flood. If you build the levees
yourselves, we feel assured that you will, for your own safety, do it well.
As to the sufficiency of the Swamp Land Fund to reclaim your district and
reclaim it well, there can be no doubt; the Engineer reports that there
will be $13,000 to spare, but it will take it all, and if it takes more,
the late amendments to the Swamp Land Act will enable us to raise the
balance by taxation on the property of the district. The money belonging
to each district is, or will be, in the State Treasury for the purpose
of their reclamation, and can only be drawn for the purpose of paying
for the work as it is done.
I trust this answer will be satisfactory; if not, I will with great
pleasure answer any other questions that you may deem necessary for
the promotion of your interests.
Your friend and ob't servant,
A. M. WINN,
President Swamp Land Commission.
p. 3
. . .
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. . .
NEW SIDEWALK. -- The floods of the Winter were destructive alike to private
and public property, respectiug not aught with which they came in contact.
Several of our churches suffered severely from this source. The basement
story and the sidewalks of thu Catholic Church were greatly damaged thereby.
Workmen were engaged yesterday in constructing a new sidewalk on the K street
front, and we are informed that the Seventh street sidewalk will also be
repaired, and the basement as soon as practicable. . . .
RAISED AGAIN. -- The greater portion of the Waverly House, on the
southeast corner of Fifth and K street, settled down about a month ago,
under the influence of the water surrounding it, some three or feet [sic].
Although the buildings are old, they have been raised higher than they were
before, are firmly supported by new timbers underneath, and present a more
substantial appearance than they did before the flood. , , ,
FINE WEATHER. -- Yesterday as a sample of Spring weather gave general
satisfaction. More of the same sort will be generally welcomed and
appreciated. . . .
SINGULAR PHENOMENON. -- The San Mateo Gazette publishes the
annexed narrative, under date of March 29th:
On Monday morning last, William Durham visited the Woodside Dairy Farm,
for the purpose of making some repairs around the surface works, or
receiving reservoir of an old Artesian well on that place. That well
had been dry, or in other words, had not overflown for several years,
but when he reached it, he found it throwing a heavy stream of water
eight feet high -- by far the finest stream in this section of the
country, and was informed that it had been so flowing for several days.
But the most extraordinary feature of all is that, upon examination, the
water was found to contain, as it came from the well, large quantities
of redwood sawdust. Nothing had been done about the well by which the
said dust could get into it there, and there is not a sawmill near, as
far as can be learned, or any other place from which the dust could come,
within six miles of there. The sawdust comes directly up from the bowels
of the earth, and the question seems to be, how it got there. . . .
p. 4
. . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, April 3, 1862.
THE SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
Senate messages were taken up. . . .
Senate Bill No. 218 -- An Act to authorize and direct the State Capitol
Commissioners to cancel and annul the contract for building the foundation
walls of the State Capitol, etc. -- was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Public Buildings. . . .
A GOOD BARGAIN.
A RANCH FOR SALE, CON-
taining 160 acres, situated on the Santa Rosa road, five miles from the
town of Petaluma, Sonoma county, completely fenced with the best kind
of fencing, with cross fences, dwelling house newly built with a good
well, stable, sheds, etc., for farming purposes. There are ten thousand
old and young Grape Vines; about twelve hundred Fruit Trees, situated on
a part of the farm so as to be protected from the winds. It is well wooded,
and has been entirely uninjured by the last floods.
The above is on the Cotate Grant, the most perfect title in the State of
California, which will be sold at a great sacrifice -- for $3,000 -- $1,800
in cash, the rest on a bond of mortgage at two per cent, for two years.
Apply at the Ranch, which is known as Dr. THOMAS' RANCH, or direct your
letters to the Petaluma Post Office, W. H. THOMAS, Dentist. The Proprietor
would not sell the above property had it not been for the floods at
Sacramento. a2-1m . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3439, 7 April 1862 p. 1
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[ SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 3d. . . .
Terrible Gale and Loss or Life.. . .
BOSTON, March 29th.
Nineteen fishing vessels were lost in a gale, which
occurred between the 1st and 4th of February, off Gloucester. By this
disaster 138 fishermen were drowned. . . .
The Gale at Cairo.
CAIRO, April 3d.
A tremendous gale from the southwest passed over Cairo at three o'clock
this morning, and for the time destroying everything movable. Barracks
and houses were leveled to the ground. . . .
The Great Storm at Cairo, Illinois.
CAIRO, April 2d.
In the great storm the shipping at this port was badly damaged.
The loss of life is supposed great. The steamer Philadelphia is reported
sunk and all on board lost. As far as ascertained, the Transport lost five
men blown overboard. Several others had their decks broken. Steam tugs were
early dispatched down the river. What damage was done to the fleet at
Island No. 10 is not known. Hospital boat J. Ives at Mound City was severely
injured and several buildings destroyed. The roof of the St. Charles hotel
at Cairo was blown off. The Cairo and Columbus wharfboat was blown across
the river and now lies high and dry ashore. The steamer Illinois had both
chimneys and the upper cabin blown away, by the falling of which four or
five lives were lost. . . .
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 1862. . . .
On Monday last one of the severest gales ever known in this section of
country visited our city, damaging property and destroying life to a
fearful extent. Not less than a dozen persons received injuries more or
less severe from falling houses, chimneys and signs, and three or four
were killed outright. The heaviest loss of property was sustained by the
Baptist Congregation on Thirteenth street, whose fine church edifice was
almost totally demolished. It was my lot to be passing along an adjacent
street when the accident occurred. The force of the wind was such as to
sweep a man almost entirely off his feet. Chimneys, patent ventilators,
sign boards and other portable articles were flying on all sides. The
tall spire of the Baptist Church, 160 feet in hight, rocked violently,
and, finally, during a tremendous blast of old Boreas, lost its footing
and sank down with a terrific crash, nearly burying the church in the
ruin. Had it fallen otherwise than vertically it must have destroyed a
great many lives in the adjacent buildings, but. as it was, no one was
hurt. The congregation will set to work to repair their loss, and have
the sympathy of the other religious communities of Washington generally.
Trinity Church was also damaged by the gale, but suffered no material
loss. The tents and huts of some of the camps in exposed situations were
levelled to the ground, and several soldiers injured. At Brightwood, a
Sergeant of a New York regiment was killed by the falling of a hut. The
storm prevailed over a wide tract of country, visiting New York and
Boston with its violence.
The tornado of Monday, however, appears to
have been a forerunner of brighter days, in a meteorological sense, for
it scattered the rain clouds and gave us two days of pleasant sunshiny
weather. Under the influence of the sun and wind, the face of the country
has greatly improved and the roads rendered passable again. But rain
fell again on Wednesday, and the weather may hardly yet be considered
settled. The face of the sky is most anxiously consulted, for the belief
is almost universal that only the condition of the roads delays operations
directly from this point against the enemy. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, April 5, 1862.
The Sacramento Levee bill has finally passed both houses, and is
being enrolled. It will doubtless be presented to the Governor during:
the afternoon, but not in time to permit of a copy being forwarded to
the UNION by this day's boat. The alteration in the Assembly in relation
to personal property was not correctly made in the first place, and the
bill had to be sent back fron the Senate. It is all straight now, and I
shall be able to send a copy by Monday's boat. The bill taxes real and
personal property equally,.and imposes no per capita tax. The
following gentlemen are appointed Commissioners: Charkes Crocker,
W. F Knox (in place of H. O. Beatty), H. T. Holmes, Francis Tukey and
Charles H. Swift. No other changes have been made in the original bill. . . .
p. 2
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.] . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, April 4. 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
p. 3
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
The House took up the order of Senate messages. . . .
Senate Bill No. 251 -- An Act concerning the repair and construction of
levees in the county of Sacramento and the mode of raising revenue therefor
(already passed the House) was received from the Senate with a slight
amendment correcting a clerical error, and the amendment was adopted in
concurrence. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO Saturday, April 3, 1862.
Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS called the Senate to order at the usual hour, . . .
ASSEMBLY MESSAGES.
The Senate, on motion of Mr. HEACOCK, concurred in the amendments of the
Assembly to Senate Bill No. 251 -- An Act in relation to the levees of
Sacramento and mode of raising revenue therefor -- amendment relating to
taxes on personal property. . . .
p. 4
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[ SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 5th. . . .
The Late Storm.
Cairo, April 3d.
The storm Wednesday morning was very severe at Point Pleasant. Two
soldiers were killed and several wounded by the falling trees at that
place. The steamboat Philadelphia which was blown away in the gale has
been found ashore near Columbus. Three of her crew were lost, and eight
persons were blown overboard from the steamboat America, and drowned. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. . .
FIRE. -- At about nine o'clock last evening, a two-story frame house on
the south side of M street, between Third and Fourth, was destroyed by
fire. The building was owned by J. Kyle, who with his family moved out
of it a few days ago. The fire is presumed to have been the work of an
incendiary. The house was surrounded by three or four feet of water,
but one or two streams were brought to operate upon the fire. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.. . .
SAN FRANCISCO, April 6th.
. . .Miners are leaving Salmon river for the lower country, on account
of scarcity of provisions. It will be a month before provisions can be
taken into the mines. The streams are very high, and snow at the diggings
is ten feet deep. All the papers and their correspondents discourage
present efforts to reach the mines. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.,]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, March 21, 1862. . . .
Narrow Escape.
The break and interruption of communication on th« Eastern telegraphic
line last week, though disagreeable and annoying, had at least one good
result -- in saving the life of an unfortunate sister who had got hedged
up in the Big Mountain amid impassable snow. The employes sent out from
this office to repair the line, after a great deal of hard labor and
fatigue, reached a shanty within half a mile of the summit, where they
concluded to take what shelter it might afford to rest themselves and
deposit their provisions and blankets. The snow was very deep everywhere,
and in some places was fourteen feet higher than the poles -- and they are
twenty feet out of the ground. Some stations had also been completely
buried. Seeing a portion of the shanty alluded to above the snow, they
concluded to get in by digging and so commenced, when they were suddenly
startled by hearing a human voice within. They continued their efforts
to break down the door and succeeded in getting in, where they discovered
a helpless woman who had been there for ten days without food, fire or
blankets. She was in a pitiable condition but had life enough in her to
tell her story. As far as I can learn from other sources besides the
telegraph employes, the woman had some time ago left her husband in
St. Louis on account of his bad treatment, and had reached Utah in hopes
of living with sorne friends. Possibly, absence and distance lending
enchantment to hsr reflections on her former home, she resolved very
late in the Fall to attempt the journey back to the States with a little
infant. The Winter overtaking her, she took refuge at a station far east
of this. The persons, discontented with her, treated her unkindly, and
forced her to return to Salt Lake, but retained the child. Becoming crazy,
if she had not been as much before, she set out again to see her child,
and got caught in the heavy storm that covered the mountains with thirty
feet of snow. She had taken refuge in this shanty and could not get out
again. Without other food than what she could conveniently take day by
day -- she had no subsistence to look to on entering the hut -- and for
the ten days that she had been hedged in there she had subsisted on some
few heads of wheat which lay scattered about the stable, which the
better-fed horses of the Mail Company had probably trampled under their
feet. The fortunate break in the wire has saved her life.
Local.
The Salmon River mines are attracting more attention here than is thought
prudent to acknowledge -- Jew and Gentile feels alike interested,
and "spec." runs high.
There is much uneasiness about the melting snows; the Jordan is already
high, and a few days warm sun will make a mighty difference in the volume
of water that will rush through the canon streams. Danger is apprehended.
The roads have been and are still terribly bad. The western mail stage,
one evening this week, stuck about three miles south of this, and the four
horses had to be detached till daylight -- they could not get out the empty
stage. The roads before good are terribly cut up.
By the bye, alluding to mails recalls to my recollection a paragraph in
the UNION of the 7th, alluding to my notice of lost mail matter in a
creek about forty miles to the east of this, on the 11th of January last.
I am pleased to know that no Sacramento mail matter was lost, and would be
equally pleased to learn yet that none from any quarter had been lost;
notwithstanding my statement then was made from the affidavit before me,
and was verily true. Reliability is the ambition of a correspondent, hence
I refer to this again, as I had a suspicion that the paragraph announcing
the Sacramento mails "all safe" admitted of a construction unfavorable
to my former statement. I could not pretend to tell what mail was lost,
as it was not stated in the affidavit: I only knew that five sacks were
lost, and that the Sacramento and San Francisco mails of the dates I gave
must have been in the water at the same time. Let me add, I saw the same
affidavit, or a copy of it, placed in the hands of Mr. Watrous, for perusal,
ten days after, when he passed through here. I think this statement due
the Union, for if we have pride, it is in reliability and being
LIBERAL. . . .
p. 8
LETTER FROM BOSTON.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
BOSTON. Feb. 28, 1862. . . .
Wind, snow, fire, each in turn and out of turn. . . . gentle dripping,
of warm Spring-like rain that came calmly and lazily down from a sky which
had hard work to frown. I sat through the piece, and at the end came out
of the theater, naturally enough. But the sky had changed,
"And such a change!
O night and darkness, ye are wondrous strange!"
The calmness had given place to fury, and instead of a gentle sympathetic
rain, I met a furious. insolent snow storm, filling the air with thick
flakes careering madly about with the force of a driving norwester. Bad
enough, indeed, for the comfort of the unprepared traveler through city
streets, but still worse in the reflection one makes upon the hazard and
peril of the great deep. . . .
, . . .and of the storm which accompanied it,
and which blocked up all the railroads and left us three days without
any intelligence in particular from those districts known as
"tooral-looral." Truly rural they are now. indeed, with a covering of
snow thick enough to clothe them for two mouths, unless we are visited
with sudden rains and "thews." In the latter case, freshets are imminent,
and we of the Eastern States will be as wet as you poor drowned rats of
Sacramento. Pardon my unfeeling allusion to your calamities. Of course
you have my warm sympathies in your deluge, but the greatest misfortune
has its ludicrous side somewhere. One thing is sure, however; if we in
Boston should be inundated, and have to paddle about from house to house,
our State House stands so high that the waters cannot reach it. So our
Legislature won't have to adjourn to the summit. of Mount Pisgah, or even
to Blue Hill, in like manner as your band of California Spartans were
driven from your city to seek higher ground! . . .
ATHENIENSIS.. . .
ROADS OUT OF STOCKTON. -- The Republican says:
It may be stated that Stockton has not had direct communication with the
interior, by stages and freight teams, for a period of four mouths. These
facts, unpalatable as they may be, should be sufficient to arouse our
people to provide some remedy for an evil which is so rapidly sapping
the prosperity of Stockton. This matter affects every man who has
selected Stockton as a home. A bill is now before the Legislature
asking a franchise to build a horse or steam railway from this city
to Copperopolis. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3440, 8 April 1862 p. 1
MEPHISTOPHELES IN NEW YORK.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
NEW YORK, February 27, 1862.
The Weather.
It's snowing again; as I pen this the great white flakes are coming down,
just as if somebody up above was picking spitefully to pieces an ermine
cloak about the size of the universe, and dropping the bits about our
ears. The gentle touch of each snowdrop on the window pane is like that
of the tap of some fairy finger, and the pure, uusullied sheet of white
which the night has thrown over street and house-top, covers, like
charity, a "multitude of sins," in the shape of dirt. We had a violent
storm on Monday, which pretty well carried off all the snow that had
accumulated in our thoroughfares. On Tuesday it cleared off, cold --
bitterly cold, and the wind blew a hurricane, unroofing some houses;
upsetting one building completely, as though it had been made of cards
instead of bricks; carrying off a church steeple or so; playing the
mischief with the shipping at the piers, "and all that sort of thing."
Yesterday, Nature put on about as sulky a look as ever worn by any woman
on a washing day, and last night commenced another snow storm in earnest.
Now for the sleigh bells again! . . .
MEPHISTOPHELES. . . .
p. 2
. . .
SOME SNOW. -- The snow on Big Mountain, east of Salt Lake, where the
telegraph line was down so long some time since, was said to be
thirty-four feet deep. We would like to know where the discoverers found
a pole long enough to measure it. . . .
HEAVY WIND. -- At Devil's Gate, Nevada Territory, a stone building was
completely demolished by the wind lately. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. . .
DITCH FILLED UP. -- The Eighth street ditch, dug for the purpose of
draining off the water from the north of J street, was yesterday filled
up at the alley between J and K streets. The work was done by the chain
gang, by order of the President of the Board of Supervisors, to keep the
ditch from emptying its contents into his yard. The reason assigned for
so doing was that parties south of K street had dammed up the ditch
crossing that street, which drains Shattuck's premises, and he was under
the necessity of following the same policy. He holds to the principle
that if everybody damns him he must dam everybody in return. . . .
p. 4
ATLANTIC INTELLIGENCE.
From our Eastern exchanges by Overland Mail, to March 8th, we compile
the following: . . .
The Great Inundation in Germany.
The terrible inundations in Germany still continued at the latest
accounts. From Berlin, February 8th, we learn that the great dike of
the Elbe at Niogripp is broken, and the whole mass of the water had
been precipitated upon the Berlin, Potsdam and Magdeburg Railroad,
and had completely overthrown the dike at Buda. The Meuse journal informs
us that the waters which have desolated Liege and its neighborhood are
solwly subsiding, but still cover a large portion of the valley between
Namur and Maestricht, in the low countries.
The Neckar at Caunstatt had risen twelve feet; the Nagold at Calw, the
Murr at Backnaog, and the Rems at Schorndorf, had overflowed their banks.
At Hall, the Kocher inundated the town to such an extent that the new
Market Square was navigated by boats, and scores of people had to escape
by these from the second story of their dwellings.
At Trier, the flood at one time reached the hight of eighteen feet, but
was falling. The Saar, at Saarlouis, at one time got as high as twenty-two
feet, but on the 4th ult. coal barges were passing down the valley of the
Moselle from that river. Along the adjacent railroads dams had burst and
banks had fallen in, and the tributary mountain streams had swept off their
side paths and foot bridges. The neighboring mills were stopped for some
two weeks.
Madgeburg [sic] accounts state that the dam at Guebs had given way, thus
completely isolating the village, which is in a deep valley, and exposed
to floods in two directions. The cattle which were tended there, in
large numbers, were in danger of being totally lost.
In the north and east of France, toward the Belgian frontier, the floods
in the valley of the Sambre, were on the Departmental Road, No. 12.
between Belaimout and Aulnoys, as high as the breasts of the horses,
and this continued to be the case for nearly three days. , , ,
Miscellaneous.
The gale recently in the East caused considerable damage throughout the
country. It was more severely felt, however, through New England than
elsewhere. The Boston Journal has the following of its effects:
The thunder storm extended over a wide range of country. We hear of it
on Cape Cod and as far east as Kittery, Me. Several casualties by lightning
are reported at Sandwich -- the wife of Alfred Cheval was struck by
lightning and seriously injured. The house was uutouched.
At Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as we learn from the Chronicle,
the spire of the North Church was struck, the points knocked from the
top of the conductor and the gilt ball blackened, and a piece shattered
off. In the ambrotype saloon of Salen, the pictures were knocked down
from one side of the room, a chair prostrated and a stove funnel spread
open. At the farm of Charles Hayes, at the Plains, a large pine tree
was struck and much shattered down to the roots, where the fluid went
into the ground and came out in the railroad bank, twenty-five yards
or more distant, throwing earth and large stones on the track. The
Congregational Church in Kittery was also struck by lightning in the
same shower.
We learn from our Barnstable correspondent that the gale was very severe
in that vicinity. Such was the intensity of the cold and wind that any
vessel caught in Barnstable Bay could not have survived the night. More
or less damage to buildings and fences has been done in all parts of the
town.
The spire of the Unitarian church was injured. The Agricultural Hall,
the largest public building in the county, was blown down, and now lies
a heap of ruins. The east roof of this building was lifted and taken
whole a distance of seventy-five feet. The valuable portrait of Daniel
Webster, which adorned the hall, has been saved without injury. This,
with the flag of our Union (which was found without a star or a stripe
missing) is about all that will be saved from the hall. The loss to
the Society cannot be less than twenty-five hundred dollars. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3441, 9 April 1862 p. 1
ATLANTIC INTELLIGENCE.
Our dates from New York by the steamer St. Louis from Panama are to
March 11th. We make room for the following interesting intelligence: . . .
The Storm In Northern Maine.
A correspondent ot the Boston Journal, writing from Bethel,
Maine, on the 28th of February, says :
The snow in many places is higher than the tops of the cars for thirty
or forty rods in a place; and as they only cut a place through just wide
enough to "rub and go," the passage through them seems much like going
through an underground tunnel. In two places on the road the snow was
actually drifted several feet higher than the top of the smoke stacks
of the engines.
On Monday night of last week, a house occupied by two families in the
town of Mexico, Maine, was completely buried by an avalanche of suow.
In the morning the neighbors, on discovering the disaster, set to work
to release the buried ones. By tunneling forty feet through the enormous
bank, they succeeded in reaching the front door of the house, which was
immediately opened and the frightened occupants of the dwelling were
released from their precarious situation. . . .
p. 2
. . .
COLD COMFORT. -- After having suffered almost beyond estimate by the
floods of the past Winter; after having had one-fifth of the taxable
property in the city swallowed up by the remorseless waves, it would
be natural to expect a little sympathy at least from our own members
in the Legislature. But the majority appear to have lost sight of the
misfortunes of Sacramento, and the necessity which exists of rendering
her aid in every form, under existing circumstances. She demands a
simple and economical City Government; she asks the authority to
investigate the legality of the acts of her officers in creating the
crushing debt which is piled upon her; she asks that the taxes of her
people be rendered as light as possible. Were it consistent with her
safety, Sacramento for this year ought to be relieved from all taxes;
she is in no condition to pay them, and yet the majority of our
delegation seem bent upon an increase of taxation instead of a decrease
of that kind of burdens. They forget that the elements have greatly
reduced the ability of this people to pay taxes. Including the State,
national, school and poll tax, our citizens will be called upon to pay
seven dollars poll tax this year. The majority of our delegation would
compel us to pay one-fifth of one per cent, for the benefit of scrip
brokers, and one and one-half for municipal purposes. They sympathize
with the people in their distress by proposing to increase their taxes
for municipal purposes nearly a hundred per cent. From all such
sympathizers the people will pray to be preserved. Their sympathy will
prove a heavy load for the tax payers of this city to carry, and they
pray to be saved from any increase of their taxes for the support of
a municipal government. The people ask, if the Citizens' Charter fails,
that the Legislature pass no special Act for the benefit of scrip
speculators. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
SAN FRANCISCO, April 8th.
The Sacramento Levee Bill has been approved by the Governor, and will
be filed in the office of the Secretary of State to-morrow morning. . . .
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
WASHINGTON, March 10, 1862.
. . .
Congressional,
On Wednesday, March 5th, Mr. Sumner introduced his bill to provide for
carrying the mails from the United States to foreign ports, of which the
following is a copy: . . .
Immediately on the introduction of the bill, [California Senator Milton]
Latham arose and made the following remarks:
I move that that bill be referred to the Committee on the Post Office
and Post Roads, and that it be printed. In making this motion I wish to
make a statement to the Senate. It is well known to this body, as well as
to the country, that for the past few months the overland communication
between the Pacific coast and the Atlantic States has been almost entirely
interrupted in consequence of severe and unprecedented floods. The valley
of the Sacramento has been visited with a flood almost unparalleled in
the history, I may say, of the world, certainly of this country. The same
calamity has happened to Carson Valley, as well as to Salt Lake, and the
consequence has been that the daily overland mail established bp [sic] Congress
during the last Congress has not been able to bring mail matter through
with as much expedition as could have been desired. The result has been
that the commercial intercourse between the Atlantic and Pacific States
has been in a great degree interrupted, and merchants having business
with the Pacific coast and South America have been compelled to send
their letters under Government envelopes by the express companies, in
order that they might reach their place of destination in safety. The
petitions sent here by the citizens of different cities, presented by
the honorable Senator from Massachusetts, would convey the idea that
there was a disposition on the part of general ship merchants not to
carry mail matter for the Government when they were in the receipt of
the ordinary postage given them by law. Such, however, is not the case.
The line of steamships plying between New York city and Aspinwall, and
between Panama and San Francisco, for the first time in the history of
the Government, have determined not to carry either the dispatches of
the Government sent to its own officers on the South American coast, or
to oblige the mercantile community by taking under Government envelopes,
through the express companies, letters which relate to their business; and
it is to guard against an outrage of this kind that this bill is proposed
by the Senator from Massachusetts. I intend to offer it as an amendment,
if I can get the sanction of the Committee on the Post Office and Post
Roads of this body, to the Post Office Appropriation Bill, so that, if
possible, this evil may be corrected. I say. sir, it is an outrage for
these vessels, plyiug under the protection of the American flag, to refuse
to the Government of the United States, and to the commercial interests
of this country, the simple privilege of sending, so long as the Government
is not deprived of its revenue, their communications upon their ships.
Mr. COLLAMER -- And paying them for it.
Mr. LATHAM -- And also paying them for it. Why, sir, the very companies
who refuse to carry these dispatches have received over ten millions of
dollars from the Government of the United States for carrying our mail
matter. For ten years we paid them over nine hundred thousand dollars a
year; and now, when they find this great calamity of floods happening to
our country, causing a loss of life and millions of property, they think
it is a fit opportunity to put their iron heel on the Government in order
to force a mail contract from the United States whether it approves or not.
I say, sir, it is an outrage which the Government of the United States
should rebuke at once by passing a law that these vessels shall not be
allowed to clear from the ports of the country and receive the protection
of our flag unless they are willing to adapt themselves to our wants and
necessities. I have felt it proper, as a representative from the Pacific
coast, to make this statement. I shall have more to say upon the subject
when the bill comes up for legitimate consideration. I move that it be
printed and referred to the Committee on the Post Office; and Post
Roads.
The motion was agreed to. . . .
p. 3
. . .
THE RIVER. -- The water in the Sacramento river had yesterday fallen
to about seventeen feet ten inches above low water mark. . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, April 7, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO CITY CHARTER BILL.
The House proceeded to consider bills on the general file. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 290 -- An Act to incorporate the city of Sacramento -- was
read by title. . . .
Mr. BARTON of Sacramento said that Sacramento was now in about the same
condition that San Francisco was a few years ago, when she repudiated about
a million of dollars or more. They had concluded that a portion of those
city bonds of Sacramento were illegal, and had decided to appoint a
Commission to investigate the matter. If none were found to be illegal,
of course the whole matter would remain as it was, so that the creditors
of the city would be fully secured. This indebtedness was created in
various ways. For instance, for the construction of the R street levee,
the people voted to appropriate $125,000, while the officers superintending
the work expended $250,000, exceeding their instructions by the people. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3442, 10 April 1862 p. 1
. . .
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Monday's proceedings
after 8:45 o'clock, when the report closed for the Sacramento boat.]. . .
BILLS INTRODUCED. . . .
Mr. SEATON -- An Act appropriating money to pay the cost of removing the
State printing office to and from San Francisco. To the Committee on Ways
and Means. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
SACRAMENTO NOT ALONE. -- At a ball given at a fashionable hotel in
Rio Janeiro, reeently, during the dancing of the Lancers, the ball room
was suddenly inundated by a rise in the river, the ladies being forced
to get on chairs and into the orchestra. In a few moments the water in
the room was two feet deep, and many valuable jewels were lost. The
ladies, who were all very wet, were eventually carried in the arms of
the people to the upper rooms of the hotel. The inundation subsided in
about two hours. It might be asked, as it has been by certain Legislative
wiseacres and others, in regard to Sacramento, why don't the people
leave that unfortunate city? . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
Legislative Proceedings
. . .
The bill to release the State Capitol contractors, and to empower the
Commissioners to expend the balance of the appropriation, passed the
Assembly as it came from the Senate, by an overwhelming vote. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE CHAIN GANG. -- Detachments of the chain gang were at work yesterday
on J street, near Eignteenth street, in charge of Overseer Long and on
Seventh street, near L street, under Overseer Dreman, in the work of
ditching and draining the city. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
. . .
WEDNESDAY, April 9, 1862.
The Board met at 10 o'clock a. m. . . .
Supervisor RUSSELL called the attention of the President of the Board to
the necessity of constructing a ditch on Eighth street, between J and L,
in order to relieve residents of that section from the water now there.
The PRESIDENT was of opinion that this could not be done without subjecting
other residents to inconvenience. He desired to consult "the greatest good
of the greatest number," and intended to do so, without regard to being
"cursed" by a few who might be discommoded.
Supervisor GRANGER offered the following:
Resolved, That the President be authorized, whenever the property
holders furnish sufficient lumber, to build a sewer, commencing on G street,
running down Eighth; to use the chain gang to dig the ditch and build the
sewer and cover the same; provided, however, that there shall not be left
open at any time a space exceeding thirty feet of said ditch.
Adopted. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3442, 11 April 1862 p. 2
. . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, April 8, 1862.
. . .
The Senate bill to release the State Capitol contractors has not yet
been reported from the House delegation. An effort will be made to reduce
the allowance to Blake & Connor to five thousand dollars. If this is
persisted in, and is successful in the Assembly, I fear it will defeat
the bill entirely, for the sum fixed in the Senate was a sort of compromise
between the friends of the contractors and the Senators friendly to
Sacramento. If the bill falls between the two houses, Blake & Connor
will probably refuse to go on with the work, and it is very doubtful
whether, under the existing law, the Commissioners have any power to
make a new contract. The friends of Sacramento differ so radically among
themselves that it is to be feared they will accomplish nothing further
for her than has been already gained by the passage of the Levee Bill.
[The Capitol Bill has passed as it came from the Senate. -- EDS.] . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS. -- The quantity of snow visible on the mountains
yesterday, and its prevalence over the foot hills, were the subject of
general remark.
THE RIVER.-- The water in the Sacramento river yesterday stood at about
18 feet 2 inches above low water mark. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Tuesday's proceedings,
after forty minutes past three o'clock, P. M., when the report closed for
the Sacramento boat:]
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, April 8, 1862. . . .
Mr. HEACOCK, from the Sacramento delegation, reported favorably on Senate
bill No. 146 -- An Act providing for the condemnation of certain lands in
the city and county of Sacramento for public use. He said the only
amendments were inserting the words Levee Commissioners after city
authorities, so as to make the bill agree with the Act creating a Board
of Levee Commissioners. The object of the bill was to condemn and make
use of land for the construction of levees.
It was read a third time and passed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, April 8, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Tuesday's proceedings
after 8:45 P, M., when the report closed for the Sacramento boat:] . . .
Mr. LOVE, from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, reported
back Senate Bill No. 218 -- An Act to authorize and direct the State
Capitol Commissioners to cancel and annul the contract for the foundation
walls of the Capitol building, etc.. with amendments. [Signed by Messrs.
Love, Ferguson. Dore and Sears.]
Made the special order for half-past two o clock tomorrow. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3443, 12 April 1862 p. 1
. . .
`THE LEVEE LAW.
AN ACT Concerning the Construction and Repair of Levees in the county
of Sacramento, and the mode of raising Revenue therefor.
The People of the State of California, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. A Board of City Levee Commissioners, with the powers and
duties hereinafter provided, is hereby created for the city of Sacramento,
which said Board shall, until its successors are elected and qualified, as
hereinafter provided, consist of H. T. Holmes, Charles Crocker, William
F. Knox, Charles H. Swift and Francis Tukey. At the general election in
the year 1862, and at the general election every four years thereafter,
there shall be elected by the qualified electors of the city of Sacramento,
three members of said Board, who shall each hold their office for the term
of four years from and after the first Monday in March, 1863, and until
their successors are elected and qualified; and at the general election
in 1863, and at the general election held every four years thereafter,
there shall be elected in like manner two members of said Board who shall
each hold his office for the period of four years from and after the
first Monday in March, 1864, and until their successors are elected and
qualified; provided that the members of said Board named herein, shall
determine by lot at the first meeting of said Board, which three of their
number shall go out of office on the first Monday of March, 1863; and
provided further, in case any vacancy occurs in the Board, it shall be
filled by the remaining members of the Board.
Sec. 2. A Board of County Levee Swamp Land Commissioners for Swamp Land
District No. 2, with the powers and duties hereinafter provided, is
hereby created, which said Board shall, until its members are elected
and qualified as hereinafter provided, consist of A. Runyon, Josiah
Johnson and Washington Fern, who shall at their first meeting determine
by lot, which of them respectively shall hold office for one, two and
three years from the first Monday in October next, and until their
respective successors are elected and qualified, and at the general
election in 1863, and at each general election thereafter, the voters
of the county outside of the city and within Swamp Land District No. 2
shall elect one Levee Commissioner who shall take his seat in the Board
on the first Monday in the month next succeeding his election, and shall
hold office for three years and until his succeessor is elected and
qualified. If, from any cause, a vacancy shall occur in the Board, it
shall be filled by the remaining members of the Board.
Sec. 3. No person shall act as a Levee Commissioner until he has taken
the constitutional oath of office, nor shall any Commissioner receive any
pay for his services; and if any Commissioner shall in any manner either
directly or indirectly be interested in any contract for constructing or
repairing any levee, or for furnishing any materials therefor, he shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished
by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not
more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Sec. 4. As soon as the Board of State Swamp and Overflowed Land
Commissioners have finally adopted a plan for the reclamation of Swamp
Land District No. 2, they shall certify so much of the plan, specifications
and estimates as relate to the work adjacent to the American river, and
as relate to the work adjacent to the Sacramento river, and north of the
south line of Y street, in the city of Sacramento, to the Board of City
Levee Commissioners, and said Board, as soon as possible after receiving
such plans, specifications and estimates, shall, if they approve the same,
proceed to cause so much of the levee required by said plans as lies within
the city, to be constructed on the line and in exact accordance with the
plans and specifications certified to them; provided, however, that they
may cause such levee to be made broader and higher than the width and
hight designated; and provided further, that if the Board of City Levee
Commissioners do not approve the plan certified to them, or disapprove
of any part thereof, or of any part of the specifications and estimates
therefor, they shall notify the State Commissioners of the fact, whereupon
a joint meeting of the two Boards shall be held, and the determination
arrived at by such joint meeting or meetings shall be final of tee [sic]
matters in controversy; and provided further, said City Levee Commissioners
shall have, and they are hereby given power and authority to turn or
straighten the channel of any portion of the American river deemed
necessary for the protection of the city.
Sec. 5. Before proceeding to construct the levee within the city,
the City Commissioners shall divide it into two or more convenient
sections, and shall then advertise for at least ten days, in two city
papers, for bids for each separate section, or the whole work, which
bids, at the time and place appointed, shall be opened in public; and
as soon as convenient after the bids have been opened, the Commissioners
shall let the work, either in sections or as a whole, to such bidder
or bidders, as they shall deem most advantageous, not being limited
to the lowest bidder, or they may reject all the bids, and then
re-advertise; and they may, at any time deemed necessary, employ
an engineer or Superintendent, and fix his compensation.
Sec. 6. The Board of City Levee Commissioners, their agents and
employes, may enter upon and take possession of any land that may
be necessary for the levee within the city, or any land in the city
or within the county outside of the city, that may be necessary or
proper to furnish materials for its construction, or that may be
necessary and proper to turn or straighten the channel of the American
river, and may have the same condemned for public use, in accordance
with section sixteen of the Act of May 18, 1861, entitled, an Act to
provide for the reclamation and segregation of swamp and overflowed
and salt marsh and tide lands donated to the State of California by
Act of Congress, or under the provisions of any law that has been or
may be passed authorizing the condemnation of lands for levee purposes
in the city and county of Sacramento.
Sec. 7. All the levees outside the limits of the city of Sacramento
required for the reclamation and protection of Swamp Land District
No. 2 shall, as soon as possible, be let out by the Board of State
Swamp Land Commissioners for construction as is now provided by law;
provided, however, that as soon as the work required on the American
river outside the city limits is let out, the City Levee Commissioners,
or some one of them, shall pay one-half the estimated cost of construction
of said levee from Thirty-first street up to and including Burns' Slough,
into the Swamp and Overflowed Land Fund of District No. 2; provided the
amount required has been received in the City Levee Fund hereinafter
created; but if not so received, then out of the first moneys that
are received in it.
Sec. 8. As soon as the levees north of a point to be fixed at or near
Sutterville by the Board of State Swamp Land Commissioners as the dividing
line between those thereafter to be controlled by the city, and those
to be controlled by the County Levee Commissioners are finished, the
Swamp Land Commissioners shall deliver them to the City Levee Commissioners,
whereupon the title to said levees, and their appurtenances, shall vest
absolutely in the city of Sacramento, and thenceforward the City Levee
Commissioners shall have the charge, care and control of all levees in
the city of Sacramento, and also of all levees in Swamp Land District
No. 2 north of the point to be fixed as in this section before mentioned;
and said Commissioners may raise, widen and strengthen them at their
pleasure, but shall not alter their line or in any way diminish their
hight, size or strength; and said Commissioners may, with the consent
of the city authorities, cause the levee on the American river side
to be turnpiked and used as a road, and may collect tolls thereon for
the Levee Fund; or they may, with the consent of the city authorities,
contract with any person or persons for raising, enlarging and
strengthening said levee, such work to be paid for by a lease, with
the right to collect tolls for a period not longer than ten years, and
the rate of tolls to be fixed from time to time by the city authorities;
provided, however, that no such lease shall be made unless the franchise
is put up for public competition, after at least thirty days notice in
two city papers. And all the levees in Swamp Land District No. 2, south
of the aforesaid point, shall, as soon us they are finished, be delivered
to the County Levee Commissioners for District No. 2, whereupon the title
to said levees and their appurtenances shall vest absolutely in the county
of Sacramento, and thenceforward the County Levee Commissioners for
District No. 2 shall have the charge, care and control of all said levees,
and may raise, widen and strengthen them at their pleasure, but shall not
alter their line excepting when the encroachments of the water render it
necessary, or in any manner diminish their hight, size or strength.
Sec. 9. Both the City and County Boards of Levee Commissioners herein
created shall, from personal inspection and examination, annually make
and certify to the proper authorities, city or county, as the case may
require, on or before the first Monday in March, an estimate of the
amount of money that will be necessary to put the levees and works for
protection under their control in perfect repair and keep them so during
the year. And upon receiving such statement, the city authorities shall
levy upon all taxable property within the city, and within the lines of
said levees, a tax sufficient to raise the whole amount of money so
estimated to be required, less the sum, if any therein, in the City
Levee Lund [sic], and not required for expenditures then already incurred.
And upon receiving such statement, the Board of Supervisors shall levy
upon all taxable property outside the city, in Swamp Land District
No. 2, a tax sufficient to raise the whole amount of money so estimated
to be required, less the sum, if any therein, in the County Levee Fund,
District No. 2, and not required for expenditures then already incurred.
The taxes levied under this section shall be collected as other city or
county taxes and the city tax shall be paid into a special fund entitled
the "City Levee Fund," and the county taxes into a special fund entitled
the "County Levee Fund, District No. 2;" and the money shall only be drawn
out of said fund upon warrants for claims for levee purposes allowed by
a majority of the proper Levee Commissioners, and approved by the proper
city or county authorities.
Sec. 10. During the session of the Board of Equalization, hereinafter
provided for, the City Levee Commissioners shall file with it a statement
of the whole sum of money necessary to construct the levee within the
city, to pay one-half of the estimated cost of that portion on the American
river east of the city, up to and including Burns' Slough, and to repay
the amount expended by the Citizens' Levee Committee for repairs, and
if in the opinion of said Commissioners it is deemed proper to turn or
straighten the channel of the American river during the present year,
then also including the estimated cost of such work; and the Board of
Equalization shall, after the whole value of the taxable property within
the city, and within the lines of the levee, has been ascertained, deduct
fifteen per cent. for anticipated delinquencies and then by dividing the
sum required by the Commissioners into the remainder, the Board of
Equalization shall ascertain the rate of taxation upon each one hundred
dollars value of property that will be required to raise the sum needed;
and the rate so found, using, however, a full cent in place of any fraction
of a cent, shall be and it is hereby levied as an ad valoram tax upon all
taxable property within the city of Sacramento, and within the lines of
the levee proposed to be constructed.
Sec. 11. As soon as possible after the passage of this Act, the Assessor
shall make a copy of the names of persons and description of real estate
and improvements assessed in the city and within the lines of levee as
aforesaid, in the year 1861, and then using the equalized assessment roll
of 1861 as a basis for making his estimates, he shall proceed and make an
assessment of all taxable property within the city and within the levee
lines as aforesaid, keeping, during the time he is engaged, an advertisement
in each paper published in the city, stating the fact that he is making an
assessment, and requesting parties interested to call at his office and
deliver him a statement of their property, and as soon as such assessment
is completed the Assessor shall deliver it to the Auditor, who shall
forthwith give notice by publication in each paper published in the city,
that the special levee assessment roll has been completed and is in his
possession open for examination, and that the Board of Equalization will,
upon a day to be named in the notice, which day shall not be less than five
nor more than ten days from the first publication of the notice, meet to
hear and determine complaints in regard to valuation and assessments
therein.
Sec. 12. Upon the day specified in the notice required by section eleven
for the meeting, the Board of Equalization shall meet and continue in
session from day to day so long as may be necessary, not exceeding eighteen
days, exclusive of Sundays, to hear and determine such objections to the
assessments and valuations as may come before them; and the Board may change
the valuation as may be just, and may cite any person to appear before them
and answer concerning his property, and may assess any person or property
omitted by the Assessor and liable to taxation. The Assessor shall be
present during the session of the Board and shall act as its clerk, and
shall note all alterations in value, changes in the description or
subdivisions of real estate, and in the owners thereof, or changes in
the value of the improvements thereon, and additions to the assessment made
by the Board, and within ten days after the close of the session he shall
have the total values, as finally equalized by the Board, extended into
columns and added up; provided further, that neither the Assessor nor
Board of Equalization shall assess any titular interest on any land other
than either the whole fee or an ascertained undivided portion thereof,
and upon the tenth day, or sooner if the Assessor has the roll completed,
from the close of its session aforesaid, the Board of Equalization shall
again meet and determine the rate of taxation, as provided in section ten,
and shall certify the rate to the Auditor, Tax Collector, Treasurer and
District Attorney, and the said Board, or a majority of its members, and
the Assessor shall then certify to the assessment roll as finally equalized
and determined, and the Assessor shall deliver it to the Auditor, and
the Auditor shall forthwith deliver it to the Tax Collector, charging him
the full amount of taxes therein assessed, and shall, from time to time,
credit him with the amounts paid to the County Treasurer. During the sixty
days next following, the Tax Collector shall collect thereon the amount of
taxes levied, extending the sums received in figures, as they are paid, and
as soon as possible, not exceeding ten days after the expiration of the
sixty days, the Tax Collector shall deliver said roll to the Auditor and
make a final settlement with him, and the Tax Collector shall at the same
time deliver to the Auditor a duplicate of so much of said roll as remains
unpaid, which duplicate shall be known as the Delinquent List. The Auditor
shall forthwith deliver the delinquent list to the District Attorney,
charging him with the total amount of delinquent taxes therein set forth,
and the District Attorney, upon receiving such delinquent list, shall
forthwith commence action in the name of "The People of the State of
California," for the amount of tax hereinbefore levied and unpaid; and
all the provisions, excepting such as are hereafter modified or rendered
nugatory of the Act of May 17, 1861, entitled "An Act to legalize and
provide for the collection of delinquent taxes in the counties of this
State," are hereby extended to and made applicable to all taxes levied
under this Act, and delinquent; provided, however, that when any real
estate is assessed to unknown owners, or being assessed to some person
the true owner is unknown, the District Attorney may employ some competent
person to search the title and ascertain the owner, for which, the party
making the search may be allowed $1.25 for each lot or fraction of a lot,
which shall be entered up as costs in the case; and provided further, that
when any real estate is assessed to unknown owners, or being assessed to
some person the true owner is unknown, and the District Attorney uses a
fictitious name to represent such true owner or owners, and joins
therewith the names of real parties, it shall not be necessary to serve
summons on any such real parties personally, when summons is served by
publication as hereafter provided; and provided further, that in case of
estates of deceased persons, it shall not be necessary to present the
claim to the executors or administrators, or the Probate Court or Judge,
but by reason of the non-payment of the taxes it shall be taken and deemed,
in both law and equity, that the claims have been presented and rejected,
and that the Probate Court has directed the issue to he joined in the Court
where the suit is brought, which Court is hereby given jurisdiction for
that purpose; and execution is hereby authorized to issue and to be levied
upon the interest of the estate in the property described in the complaint.
in the same manner as against other judgment debtors in civil actions; and
provided, further, that when any real estate is assessed to unknown owners,
or being assessed to any person, the true owner is unknown, any number of
actions may be included in one general summons, giving in place of the
names of the parties and thing in action in an ordinary summons, the amount
claimed, a description of the property, the fictitious name used to represent
the true owner or owners, and the real party or parties, if any, joined as
defendants to that particular claim, substantially as follows: To
recover ------ dollars and ------ cents from John Doe, representing the
true owner, and John Brown, John Smith and John Jones, supposed to be
parties interested, for taxes levied on the east half of lot 8, between
H and I, Fourth and Fifth streets, in the city of Sacramento, and so on
with a similar condensation for each complaint wished to be embodied in
the summons, and upon the publication of such summons, as hereinafter
provided, service shall be complete upon all persons and parties
whomsoever, whether named by their real names or represented by the
fictitious name, owning, claiming or having any interest in or on any
land or improvements described in such general summons. Every such
general summons issued shall be returnable in not less than thirty nor
more than forty days from its issuance, and shall be published one time
per week, four weeks, in some newspaper published in the city of Sacramento;
and provided further, to obviate an unnecessary multiplicity of actions
for the recovery of delinquent taxes, that when any person or property
delinquent for taxes levied under this Act, is also delinquent for any
taxes levied either in 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, or State Capitol taxes
levied under the Act of April 21, 1861, all the taxes due from any such
person or property may be included in one complaint, and all the provisions
of this section shall apply, and they are hereby made applicable thereto;
and the proceedings shall be had in the same manner, and with the same
force and effect, as though only the taxes levied under this Act were
sued for; and provided, further, that a certificate by the officer having
the custody of any delinquent tax roll of any entry therein shall be prima
facia proof in any Court of the person and property, or both, assessed, of
the delinquency, of the amount due and unpaid, and that all the forms and
requirements of law in relation to the levy and assessment have been
complied with; and provided, further, that no redemption shall be made
from a sale under this Act except in accordance with the provisions of
the Act of May 17. 1861, entitled an Act to provide revenue for the support
of the Government of this State; but provided, further, that no person
shall redeem unless he first pay to the purchaser the amount, if any, of
all taxes and costs thereon paid on the same property by the purchaser,
after his purchase, together with legal interest on the amount; and
provided, that any person holding any certificate of any tax sale for
the same property, may at any time redeem any other outstanding tax
certificate, the time for the redemption of which has not expired, and
that, in case of such redemption, any subsequent redemptioner shall be
required to redeem as well the original purchase as all redemptions
subsequently made; provided, however, that in redeeming redemptions,
he shall only be required to pay legal interest on the amount of
redemption paid.
Sec. 13. The directions in this Act, given in regard to the manner of
assessing, equalizing and levying the taxes, shall be deemed directory
only, and the assessments, valuations, assessment roll and delinquent
list in this Act provided for, are hereby made valid and binding both
in law and equity against the persons and property assessed; and the
taxes levied shall become a lien upon the property assessed upon the
determination of the rate of taxation as herein provided, which lien
shall not in any manner whatever be discharged until said taxes and
costs, if any accrue, are paid; and all the officers who are required
to render any service under the provisions of this Act shall have and
receive for their own use such compensation as is now allowed by law
for similar services.
Sec. 14. Upon the presentation to him of any certificate signed by
J. H. Warwick, Charles Crocker and Alexander Boyd, or any two of them,
of the amount of money advanced by the holder or his assignor to the
Citizens' Committee for levee purposes, the Auditor shall draw his
warrant therefor on the City Levee Fund, provided that when any certificate
presented exceeds one hundred dollars the Auditor shall draw his warrant
therefor in such sums, not less than fifty dollars each, as the holder
may demand, and such warrants shall be receivable for any taxes levied
under this Act.
Sec. 15. As soon as the City Levee Commissioners shall certify to the
Treasurer that all the cost of constructlng the levee within the city,
and one-half the estimated cost of constructing the portions on the
American east of the city, up to and including Burns' Slough, has been
paid, the Treasurer shall proceed to pay out of the City Levee Fund,
and in the order in which they were drawn, the warrants issued under
the provisions of section fourteen.
Sec. 16. If any money shall remain in the City Levee Fund after paying
the warrants as provided in section fifteen, or shall thereafter come
into said fund from any of the taxes levied by section ten, the City
Levee Commissioners may use it in constructing inner or cross levees,
or they may use it in macadamizing or otherwise improving one or more
outlets of travel to and from the city; and if no such money comes into
the City Levee Fund, or it is insufficient, and the Commissioners deem
any inner or cross levee necessary, they may cause the same to be built,
and the money to pay therefor shall be levied and collected upon their
estimate in accordance with the provisions of section nine, provided
that the tax necessary to pay for such inside or cross levee shall only
be levied upon the real estate and improvements inclosed thereby.
Sec. 17. In case the Swamp and Overflowed Land Commissioners shall from
a legislative diversion of the Swamp Land Fund, and consequent want of
money, or for any other cause, be unable to let out the constructing the
levees for Swamp Land District No. 2, so as to be completed on or before
the first day of October, 1862, the City Levee Commissioners may construct
so much of said levee as they may deem necessary for the protection of
the city, and the cost of such construction, excepting the one-half
hereinbefore provided for, from Thirty-first street to Burns' Slough,
shall be paid into the City Levee Fund out of the first moneys that come
into the State Treasury applicable to Swamp Land District No. 2, or said
City Levee Commissioners may advance the amount of money required for
such construction, and the money so advanced shall be returned into the
Levee Fund out of the first moneys that come into the State Treasury
applicable to Swamp Land District No. 2.
Sec. 18. If any person shall cut, or dig away, or in any manner lessen
the width, or diminish the hight or strength of any levee within the
county of Sacramento, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon
conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than
twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for
not less than ten days nor more than six months, or by both such fine
and imprisonment.
Sec. 19. This Act shall go into effect on and after its passage, and
all Acts and parts of Acts inconsistent or conflicting with this Act
are hereby repealed so far as to exempt the county of Sacramento from
their operallon.
GEORGE BARSTOW,
Speaker of the Assembly.
J. F. CHELLIS,
President of the Senate.
Approved April 9, 1862.
LELAND STANFORD, Governor. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Sacramento Levee Bill, as passed by the Legislature and approved by
the Governor, will be found in our present issue. The measure, if properly
and energetically carried out. will prove of vast and euduring advantage
to the city. The Commissioners, we understand, propose to go to work
immediately. . . .
CLIMATE OF THE MOUNTAINS. -- A man named Richey, living four miles west
of the summit of the Sierra Nevadas, on the Big Tree road, has kept a
correct record of the thermometrical readings there each day from the
11th of February to the 23d of March. He has also kept an account of
the clear, cloudy, snowy nnd rainy days from November 11 1861, to
March 23, 1862 with an exact measurement of the depth of each snow.
The total fall of snow in that period was six hundred and two inches,
or fifty feet and two inches, besides the rain which fell. We hope the
melting of these snows will be judiciously graduated. . . .
THE CAPITOL. -- It appears that the Assembly passed the Capitol Bill as
it comes to them from the Senate. It provides for the surrender of the
contract, pays the contractors $10,000, and authorizes the Commissioners
to expend the remainder of the appropriation. The members of the Assembly
Committee who visited the Capitol and examined the walls estimated the
damage sustained by the contractors at ouly $5,000. But the House seemed
to conclude that some bill must pass, and that there was not time to get
through any other than the one matured in the Senate. The Commissioners
complain that it takes $10,000 from the appropriation and pays it to
contractors, who are not entitled to so much. The debate in the Assembly
developed the fact that the foundation of the State Capitol could not
be better. One of the Committee declared that it was as firm as the rock
of Gibraltar. The architect and superintendeni has always declared, after
testing it thoroughly, that he never commenced the wall of a heavy building
on so good a foundation. By the way, we should like to know why the report
of the superintendent to the Legislature has never been published. We hope
to hear no more about the foundation of the Capitol building being a mud
hole. . . .
LATE FROM THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. -- By the Yankee, at San Francisco, we
have dates from Honolulu to March 27th. We extract the following
intelligence :
The British bark Emperor, which arrived at Honolulu ou the 10th of March,
from Puget Sound, with a cargo of assorted lumber for Shanghae, sprang a
leak in a singular way. She had bad weather, a rough sea and heavy gales
after leaving the Sound, and bore away for Monterey, on the California
coast. She sailed thence on March 1st, and in the afternoon of that day
struck a log, thirty or forty feet long and about two feet in diameter.
The log was struck directly athwart hawse, and after the second shock
canted to one side and floated astern. This accident started some old
leaks afresh, and from that time till her arrival at Honolulu the pumps
were continually kept going, day and night, and then never entirely freeing
her. Providentially, the pumps and gear were of the best description, and
the trades, which they took on the second day out, were strong, so that
these islands were safely reached. The log had undoubtedly been floated
to sea by the late freshets in California. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
FIRE. -- At about one o'clock yesterday morning, two frame houses ou
T street, between Second and Third, were destroyed by fire. They were
owned by A. Strachan, and as they were unoccupied, must have been set on
fire. Sacramento Engine Company No. 3 arrived in the vicinity, and although
the burning buildings were surrounded by a foot or two of water, a stream
was brought to bear upon the flames. The houses were insured for the sum
of $350. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.] . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, April 9, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Wednesday's proceedings
after 8:45 o'clock, when the report closed for the Sacramento boat.] . . .
THE STATE CAPITOL.
The House took up as the special order, Senate Bill No. 218 -- An Act
to authorize and direct the State Capitol Commissioners to cancel and
annul the contract for building the foundation and basement walls of
the State Capitol building, and to settle with the contractors therefor.
On motion of Mr. LOVE, the bill was considered as in Committee of the
Whole (Mr. BENTON in the chair), and read by sections.
The question was stated on amendments reported by the Committee on Public
Buildings.
Mr. O'BRIEN said the amenments [sic] could more properly be acted upon
in the House, and he moved that the Committee rise and report the bill
to the House. Carried; Mr. BENTON retaining the chair as Speaker pro tern.
Mr. LOVE briefly explained the amendments.
Mr. WARWICK said he thought the bill was good as it came from the Senate,
and if they sent it back amended he thought it was very questionable if it
was got through at all this session. He therefore hoped the amendments
would be rejected.
Mr. O'BRIEN said he hoped the House would act on the matter at once,
as one of the contractors (Mr. Connor,) was now in command of a volunteer
regiment in the service of the United States, and his regiment had been
detailed for service in a remote Territory.
Mr. SEARS said the Committee of which he was a member, had examined the
bill thoroughly, and had visited Sacramento and examined the building,
and taken the statements of the contractors, the State Architect and
various others. The result was the amendments which they had proposed,
and which were essential to do justice between these parties and the State.
There was a prejudice among members against continuing the erection of the
Capitol at Sacramento. There was about $40,000 left of the appropriation of
last Winter, and the first question before the Committee was how to stop
the expenditure of that money and put it in the General Fund, but they
found they could not reach it. They desired this in order to give Sacramento
an opportunity of placing herself in a position by raising and widening her
levees, to defy the future, before asking to have the Capitol building
completed. They found that an impression had gone abroad that Sacramento
is a mudhole and where the Capitol has been commenced was only a bog,
and they examined the Architect as to that point. The Architect informed
them that he had bored wells on that very spot, and stated that the first
eight feet was clay, next four feet of hard pan, then thirteen feet of
hard clay, and all below that gravel and bowlders. These strata of clay,
bowlders, etc., extended five or six hundred feet towards the river, and,
in the other direction, to the foot hills, so that settled the question
about Sacramento being a bog hole; and the Committee considered that
the foundation of the Capitol was as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.
Messrs Blake & Connor were going on very well with their contract, and
but for the flood would doubtless have made considerable money. The flood
threw down brick walls, destroyed barrels of cement and lime and did
other damage, but the State had paid them for every dollar they had lost,
except, perhaps, a few tools, which were private property. The losses were:
75,000 brick, $712.50; 102 barrels cement, $528; 700 barrels lime, $2,475;
sand, and a few other things, making a total of $4,397.50. If this bill
should not pass the contractors would have to go on and complete their
contract, after losing that amount, but, if the bill should pass. the
State would lose it. But the contractors asked that, after assuming the
damages and releasing them, the State should give them a bonus of ten
thousand dollars. The proposition was absurd. The Commitee had concluded,
however, taking all the circumstances into consideration, to grant them
$5,000. The consideration for this was the loss of tools and lumber by the
flood, and certain claims for interest at 2 per cent, on hypothecated audited
accounts, the whole amounting to $3,321.92. For that sum the Committee
proposed to allow $5,000, which was nearly $1,700 bonus. It was a great
deal for the State to allow anybody two per cent. a month interest on
money, for it would sink any State to carry on a very extensive business
at such a ruinous rate. The bill also proposed to modify the plans of
the Capitol, so that the cost of the building should not exceed $500,000.
Mr. FERGUSON said he desired to call attention to the section in the bill
appropriating $11,454, and said the bonus of $10,000 was an appropriation
for which there was no good reason. Messrs. Blake & Connor had taken this
contract under the $100,000 appropriation, had done certain work and
furnished certain materials, all of which had been certified by
Superintendent Clark, and they had already received from the State
seventy-five cents on every dollar expended. Section two proposed to
pay them the balance of twenty-five per cent, still due. That would pay
them in full for all the labor done and materials furnished. All the
lime, cement, bricks, and everything else on the ground, whether used
or destroyed by flood, would thus be paid for, so that the contractors
would not lose a dime. For what, then, was it proposed to give them
$10,000 bonus? There were a few tools, derricks and sheds, estimated
to be worth about $1,000, and that was all. The bill amended by cutting
down the $10,000 to $5,000, still gave the contractors the magnificent
bonus of $4,000, for any losses, real or imaginary which they might
suffer. The Senate bill did not require the contractors to turn over
their tools to the State, so that the bill would absolutely give them
$10,000 for nothing; but the Committee had proposed an amendment requiring
them to turn over their tools. The Committee had also added a section to
protect the present sub-contractors by accepting all their contracts. The
Superintendent stated that they were such contracts as the Commissioners
desired; that the materials must be had, and that the State could not
make contracts on such favorable terms. This would save Messrs.
Blake & Connor from all loss on account of these sub-contracts, and that
was the principal item on which they based their claim to $10,000 bonus.
The contractors also made a magnificent proposition that the State should
pay them interest at two per cent so that if they appropriated $10,000
for them and the money was not ready before next February, they would
have to pay in addition interest amounting in all to over $5,000. They
asked $755 interest upon their hypothecated audited accounts, but the
terms of their contract were that they should only be paid when there
was money in the treasury. The contractors delayed signing the contract
for two days on that account, and only signed it at last after learning
where and on what terms they could hypothecate their claims and draw
their money.
Mr. WORTHINGTON asked what the compensation of the Capitol Commissioners was,
and what it was proposed to be by the new bill.
Mr. FERGUSON replied that the Capitol Commissioners who signed this
contract received $1,000 a year, but under this bill they would not
receive a cent.
Mr. WORTHINGTON asked if that would not account for the strenuous
opposition to the bill.
Mr. FERGUSON said no one had proposed to amend the bill in that particular.
He supposed the idea had been suggested by interested parties outside. He
proceeded to read from the contract between the State and Blake & Connor,
and between Blake & Connor and the contractor to furnish granite, to show
that the contractors agreed to receive orders on the Controller of State
in payment, and that the sub-contractors agreed to receive the same. The
claim of interest was therefore wholly unfounded and when they made this
further appropriation of $10,000, or $5,000 if the amendment prevailed,
it would be a donation to Blake & Connor of exactly that amount, less what
their tools on the ground were worth.
Mr. WORTHINGTON advocated the bill as it came from the Senate. The sum
of $10 000 was to be paid to these contractors, not as a bonus, but to
compensate them for their labor and their losses. The contractors had, it
was true, been paid seventy-five per cent. on monthly estimates of their
expenditures of labor and material, but these estimates were made by the
State Architect, and were altogether too low. The bill had received the
sanction of a large majority of the Senate; it was just and proper, and
the only question now was whether they would pass the bill in the shape
in which it received the Senate's indorsement, or endanger its passage
by these amendments diminishing the sum to be paid to $5,000. For the
sake of annulling this contract and getting rid of the subject altogether,
he hoped the amendments would be voted down, and the bill passed as it
came from the Senate.
Mr. LOVE said the true reason for cutting down the bonus from $10,000
to $5,000 had not yet been fairly stated. The Committee could not find
from the best evidence they could get, that the contractors had a claim
of over $3,800 agamst the State. The contractors in their statement to
the Senate Judicial Committee, stated as one reason for asking this
indemnity, that they would be compelled to pay to Roach & Dana,
subcontractors, for granite, $2,700; to the contractor for ironwork,
$560, and so on. But a section of this bill provided that the State
should assume all these sub-contracts, as advised by the State Architect
and the subcontractors would therefore have no claim on Blake & Connor.
The whole amount to be paid to the«e contractors, if the contracts were
annulled, would be $3,265, but if the State assumed the contract that
amount might be saved. The real reduction from the Senate bill, however
was only some seventeen hundred and odd dollars and if he thought there
was any danger of defeating the bill by amending it, he would prefer
to pass it as it came from the Senate.
Mr. AMES advocated the Senate bill unamended and gave instances
in which the State Architect had greatly underestimated the labor and
material of the contractors.
Mr. FERGUSON inquired where the gentleman got his information.
Mr. AMES replied that he got it from the contractors, who were honorable
men. He was willing to place Mr. Blake's word against that of the State
Architect. All this buncombe speech making was about one thousand four
hundred dollars, for that was all the difference between the Committee's
amendments and the Senate bill. He thought the wisest course was to
refrain from endangering the bill for sake of that small sum. His
experience for the last thirteen years showed that every body who had
a claim against the State of California if defeated one year always
followed it up the next, and always got it in the end, especially if
It was as well based and strongly fortified as this would be. If they
refused to pass this bill there would be afterclaps in the shape of
relief bills enough to last a life time. As a matter of economy they
had better pass the bill as it came from the Senate.
Mr. SAUL said the time consumed in this discussion already cost the State
more than the amendments proposed to save. He was like most of the
Sacramento delegation, in favor of the Senate bill and opposed to the
amendments, and moved the previous question.
The previous question was sustained.
The ayes and noes were demanded, on adopting the Committee's amendments,
and resulted:
Ayes -- Amerige, Avery, Bigelow, Cot, Cunnard, Dore, Dow, Fay, Ferguson,
Love, McCullough, Printy, Reed, Sargent, Sears, Teegarden, Werk,
Wilcoxon, Yule, Zuck -- 20.
Noes -- Ames, Barton of Sacramento, Barton of San Bernardino, Battles,
Bell, Benton, Brown, Campbell, Dean, Dennis, Dudley of Placer, Dudley
of Solano, Eagar, Eliason, Evey, Frasier, Griswold, Hillyer, Hoag.
Hoffman, Irwin, Kendall, Lane, Leach, Loewy, Machin. Maclay, Matthews,
Meyers, O'Brien, Orr, Parker, Pemberton, Porter, Reese, Reeve, Saul,
Smith of Fresno, Smith of Sierra, Thompson of Tehama, Van Zandt, Waddell,
Warwick, Watson, Woodman, Worthington, Mr. Speaker -- 47.
So the amendments were rejected.
On the passage of the bill the ayes and noes were demanded, and the
result was -- ayes 54, noes 4. So the bill was passed. Those voting no
were Messrs. Amerige, Dow, Reed and Teegarden.
Mr. SEARS said he voted aye for the purpose of giving notice of
reconsideration.
Mr. O'BRIEN obtaining the floor immediately after the announcement of
the vote, moved to supend the rules in order to send the bill at once
to the Senate.
Mr. SEARS -- I object. I desire to state that thuy have given
Blake & Connor $4,000 more than they asked for, and I now give notice
of reconsideration. [The last sentence was nearly smothered under the
cries of "Order" and "Mr. Speaker" from all directions.]
On Mr. O'BRIEN's motion to suspend the rules, the ayes and noes were
demanded, and the motion was lost -- ayes 30, noes 35.
Mr. O'BRIEN said he had made the motion only in order to save time, as he
did not want to hear the subject discussed again to-morrow. If gentlemen
wanted reconsideration he would give them reconsideration; he moved to
reconsider the vote now.
Mr. AMES moved to adjourn. Lost.
Mr. O'BRIEN moved to postpone indefinitely his own motion to reconsider.
Mr. SEARS asked if that would cut off his notice to reconsider to-morrow.
The SPEAKER pro tern. (Mr. Benton) said the motion to reconsider now was
first in order.
Mr. AVERY referred to the rule that a motion to reconsider shall not be
in order if notice is given of reconsideration the following day.
The SPEAKER pro tern. -- The Chair decides that the motion to reconsider
is first in order.
Mr. O'BRIEN -- The notice to reconsider has not been given.
Mr. AVERY -- It has been, by my colleague, Mr. Sears.
Mr. O'BRIEN -- It was not in order; he had not the floor.
Mr. McCULLOUGH moved to adjourn. Ruled out of order.
Mr. SEARS asked if his notice of reconsideration had been recorded.
The CLERK -- No, sir.
Mr. SEARS -- Then I give that notice now, and I ask to have it reorded
[sic]. ["Order!" "Order!"]
Mr. TEEGARDEN -- This House is very anxious to give away $4,000 or $5,000.
Mr. BATTLES raised a question of order, that a motion to adjourn was pending.
Mr. SEARS -- That was very properly ruled out of order.
The SPEAKER pro tern, stated the question on Mr. O'Brien's motion to
postpone his own motion to reconsider.
Mr. SEARS asked what had been done with his notice.
The SPEAKER pro tern. -- Your notice is not in order. The motion of
Mr. O'Brien was made first, and the motion to postpone that motion
indefinitely is in order.
Mr. SEARS -- I appeal from that decision of the Chair. I will see if the
House will override my rights.
The question was stated on the appeal, when Mr. O'BRIEN withdrew his motion to reconsider.
Mr. SEARS -- I do not withdraw my appeal.
Mr. AMES moved to adjourn. Lost by ayes and noes. Ayes 14, noes 47.
Mr. SEARS then gave his notice of reconsideration and had it recorded
by the Clerk. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, April 10. 1862.
The Senate met at the usual hour, Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS in the chair, . . .
FEATHER RIVER NAVIGABLE.
Senate Bill No. 430 -- An Act declaring Feather river navigable -- was
taken from the top of the general file.
Mr. GASKELL said Mr. De Long was absent and he knew he was opposed to it.
Mr. PARKS said Mr. De Long knew the bill was at the top of the file.
He did not believe he would oppose it if he was here, but might prefer
to have it killed in this way. Mr. De Long had no interest in the matter
in the world, except that he was formerly counsel for the old company.
Mr. GASKELL moved the indefinite postponement of the bill. He would not
say that the object was to benefit what ought to be a free bridge, but
which was now collecting tolls.
Mr. PARKS -- Do you insinuate it?
Mr. GASKELL said the effect would be that no bridge could be built again
in the place of the one carried away, without the consent of the Legislature.
He had been doing business up there for ten years and had never found any
complaint of the steamboat companies not being able to land properly. The
Senator from Sutter had engineered through a free bridge bill and the bridge
had been built, while the floods had carried away the only bridge competing
with it. The proprietors were now charging toll, and enormous rates at that.
He referred to the Marysville papers in proof, and believed the old bridge
company's ferry would be replaced by a bridge in less than six months.
Mr. PARKS said the insinuations of the Senator from Butte were entirely
wrong. There was no competition between the ferry and the bridge. There
was a small debt on constructing the bridge which the builders were
authorized to remove by collecting tolls, but the bridge would be free
in less than six months. Nobody would build another bridge alongside of
a free bridge. If the Senator from Butte knew what he was talking about
he would not suppose that any person would object to the passage of the
bill. The only object was to permit the steamboat company to land a block
and a half farther up for the reason that a mud bank had been formed at
the old berth, which was now untenable.
The bill was read a third time and passed by the following vote:
Ayes -- Baker, Banks, Bogart, Burnell, Chamberlain, Gaskell, Harvey,
Heacock, Hill, Holden, Merritt, Nixon, Oulton, Parks, Pacheco, Powers,
Rhodes, Soule, Shurtliff, Van Dyke -- 20.
Noes -- Harriman, Hathaway, Irwin, Lewis, Porter, Watt, Warnicastle -- 7.
Mr. GASKELL changed his vote to the affirmative, and gave notice of
a reconsideration. . . .
[Where is Number 3444]
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3445, 14 April 1862 p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
p. 2
. . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, April 11,1662.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS in the chair, . . .
Mr. GASKELL moved to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed,
yesterday, declaring Feather river navigable.
Mr. DE LONG said there had been a small sized contest going on up there
for the past four or five years, in which he had been interested on the
one hand, and his half brother from Sutter on the other. He proceeded
to give a detailed history of that contest. The old bridge was a toll
bridge and the new one a free bridge, according to law, while, in point
of fact, the former was a free bridge and the latter a toll bridge, and
a worse monopoly, since the old bridge, just below, had been washed away
by the flood, on some unaccountable principle, than the old bridge company
ever was. Now they were trying to declare Feather river navigable, so as
to prevent them from ferrying, or compel them to construct a draw, which
would cost thousands of dollars.
Mr. PARKS gave his version of the history, and accused the Senator from
Yuba with sharp practice.
The bill was reconsidered -- ayes 16, noes 8; and subsequently passed.
p. 4
. . .
Weather in the Interior.
PLACERVILLE, April 13th -- 8 P. M.
Showery all the afternoon. Raining a little now.
STRAWBERRY, April 13th.
Snowing and blowing very hard. Road over the summit good. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
WILL MEET TO-DAY -- The newly appointed Levee Commissioners will hold
their first meeting at two o'clock P. M. to-day, at which time they will
be sworn in. They were to have met at two o'clock on Saturday, but were
prevented from doing so on account of the illness of one of their number. . . .
PUMPING OUT. -- During several days past a steam engine has been employed
in pumping the water from the cellars at the corner of Ninth and K streets.
LETTER FROM THE SALMON RIVER MINES.
[The following letter has been forwarded to us for publication by the
parties to whom it is addressed, -- EDS. UNION.]
SALMON RIVER MINES, }
FLORENCE CITY, Jan 17, 1862. }
Pursuant to agreement I proceed to write you-- I arrived in the mines on
the 1st of January, being forty-two days from Pine Grove. I was detained
in Oregon by the great flood, in consequence of which all overland travel
was nearly suspended. . . .
The ground was covered with snow when I came here and remains so, , , ,
There is little mining being done here on account of the extreme cold.
Those who go out a few hours in the day are obliged to keep a fire in
the "pit" to keep from freezing. They have to heat water, and pour into
their rockers every few buckets to keep from freezing the rocker up. In
fact, this country, if properly described, would produce a book that would
freeze the reader beneath the hottest midday tropical sun. . . .
and we took out $102, and we thawed a part of the dirt on a fire near by. . . .
It is intensely cold. The mercury has ranged from ten to twelve degrees
below zero for the last month. On the 15th inst. the mercury sunk to 24
degrees, and on the 16th stood for several hours at 21 degrees.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, and the tremendous mountains
over which the adventurer has to pass, whose summits are capped with almost
perpetual snow, still the new miners are constantly arriving, and cabins
are being daily erected in every direction. [Since this many have returned
owing to the severe weather.] Every day there may be seen a few prospectors
going and coming to and from the ravines and gulches with their fancy
moustaches white with frost, as if old Time had stamped them with seventy
years. . . .
. . .Very little mining can be done here before the 1st of March. I have met
no white man who ever experienced a Winter so severe. The Indians say that
the cold will kill all the "Bostons."
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the Winter, the privations and hardships
experienced by those who are wintering here, I think they have done better
than to have remained at home until Spring, for they have mostly secured
claims, either by purchase or location.
Snow is four feet deep, and, there being so much fallen timber, it is
difficult to get around, unless you have snow shoes. The snow does not
pack here as in California. * * * There are about one thousand seven
hundred (1,700} miners in these mines at the present time, and I am
informed that Walla Walla is crowded to its utmost capacity with those
who are on their way here, but who are afraid to venture across the snow
until the weather moderates.
. . .before you leave your California home let me ask you a few questions, . . .
3d. Can you stand as much cold as would freeze a moose in the most
northern part of the State of Maine? . . .
January 27th. -- Not having had any express from or to this place for three
weeks, my letter has remained in the office, . . . None of which days were
we able to work more than six or seven hours, being compelled to pack wood
and heat water to keep the rocker in running order. I send you a sample of
gold from my claim, the proceeds of one pan, obtained with difficulty, on
account of snow and frost. It weighs $5.50. If there were no frost, I could
easily have got from two to three ounces.
JOHN DOUGHERTY.
To Messrs. McFarland, Fry, Long, Dougherty, Vellis and others, Pine Grove,
Sierra Co. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3446, 15 April 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Snow and rain fell at a number of the interior towns yesterday. Last
evening there was a general clearing up. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
Weather in the Interior.
RED BLUFF, April 14th.
Rained all day. Cleared up at sundown.
DOWNIEVILLE, April 14th.
Snowing and raining, at intervals, all day.
OROVILLE, April 14th.
Raining all day. Clear and pleasant now. . . .
SNOW NORTH. -- Snow fell week before last on Scott Mountain to the depth
of four and a-half feet. Along the Upper Sacramento river more snow fell,
according to the Yreka Union, than at any other time this Winter. The
people in that section were very fearful that they would experience the
seventh flood of the season. . . . .
THE WEATHER. -- We understand that it has been snowing in the mountains
for the last two or three days. If no warm rains follow extending to the
summit there will be but little danger of a flood, and the warm days which
may now be expected will have the effect of bringing down the snow-water
in judicious quantities. From the fact that the periodical winds have
commenced blowing in San Francisco, it appears probable that we will have
no long storms after this date.
THE HENNESS ROUTE. -- The Nevada Democrat is informed that the snow
between Maple's and Jackson's, on the Henness route, is eighteen to
twenty feet, and between Jackson's and Eureka fifteen feet deep. Most
of the snow deposited fell during the month of March when it rained in
the foothills and valleys. It is the impression that on the higher
elevations the depth of snow is much greater, and fears are entertained
of a flood if it goes off suddenly. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
MEETING OF LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- The first meeting of the Board of
Levee Commissioners, designated by the Legislature in the Levee Bill to
superintend the construction of the new levee, was held yesterday at two
o'clock P. M., at ihe office of the Swamp Land Commissioners. The Board
is composed of the following members: C. H. Swift, W. F. Knox, Charles
Crocker, F. Tukey and H. T. Holmes. They were sworn in by Jared Irwin,
County Clerk. The meeting organized by the election of C. H. Swift as
President of the Board and W. F. Knox as Secretary. A Committee was
appointed to wait on B. F. Leet, Engineer of Swamp Land District No. 2,
and solicit a report from him as early as practicable of the levee survey
ordered by the Swamp Land Commissioners several months ago. It is the
intention of the members to take hold of the work intrusted to their
charge and have it commenced and completed as early as possible. It
will be remembered that, during the Winter, Engineer Leet, aided by
five or six other engineers, made a survey of the line of the levee
from Sutterville up the Sacramento to I street, and up I and nearly
along the line of the present levee out to Brighton. The Commissioners
are now ready to go to work as soon as the report of that survey can
be had. . . .
REMOVAL.-- The stables erected during the Winter on the levee, by
parties whose premises were so situated that they could not keep their
horses at home, were yesterday removed. The appearance of the levee
is thereby improved. . . .
NEW LEVEE. -- Several of the gardeners near Rabel's tannery have been engaged
for a few days past in throwing up a light levee across the break at that
point, for the temporary protection of their gardens and fruit orchards. . . .
STATE CAPITOL.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that the undersigned has opened an office in the Furniture Store of
Messrs. Grimes & Felton, Fourth street, for the purpose of settling
up the affairs of BLAKE & CONNOR, in matters connected with the Capitol
Building.
All persons having claims against the firm are requested to present them
on next THURSDAY April 17th, or as soon after that date as possible.
P. L. SHOAFF.
April 14, 1862. a14-2p . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3447, 16 April 1862 p. 2
. . .
THE CRISIS.
When the recent visitation of the elements involved the city of
Sacramento in that calamity which, for a season, threatened her complete
subversion, there arose from every quarter the spontaneous expression of
a universal sympathy. It was expected that the Legislature, then just
entering upon its session, would come generously to her relief, and
members were profuse in their proffers of pecuniary aid from the coffers
of the State. But. this people, strong in their self reliance, scorned
to be pensioners upon the public bounty. Stricken as she was, their
cherished city still possessed within herself the impulse and the ambition
to be her own protector. Swept by a desolating flood, stripped of her
wealth, palsied in her marts and abandoned by the Legislature, it needed
the display of an energy untiring and a courage almost superhuman to
rescue her from absolute destruction. Her funded debt exceeded one quarter
of the entire possessions of her citizens, while her own affairs were
hopelessly insolvent. Subjected, as she was, in the mixed condition of
her government, to a double burthen of taxation, she endured heavier
exactions than any other portion of the State, not even excepting its
metropolis. In this emergency the people with one voice, while they
abjured its charity, asked from the Legislature a new form of government,
which should equally insure reduced expenditure and the rejection of
illegal claims. . . .
After enduring hardships unexampled and lifting herself up with a gigantic
energy from the dark bosom of the flood; after declining the earlier offers
of extrinsic aid from Legislative bounty, she finds herself at last the
subject of hostile legislation, and the victim of outside cabal. . . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, April 14, 1862.
. . .
The "little bill" recommended by your city Supervisors, authorizing
the levying of a special tax sufficient to raise the money for paying
A. D. Rightmire $1,004, was defeated on Saturday, in the face of the
unanimous recommendation of your delegation that it pass. The delegation
and the Board of Supervisors have evidently been coerced in this matter
by a fear that Rightmire would, if not paid to the last cent of his
claim, go on under the contract made last December, and build that
$18,000 bulkhead at Rabel's Tannery. What a terrible hold he has upon
Sacramento, to be sure. Unless she will instantly raise $1,000 for him
in coin, by a special tax, he will go on under his $18,000 contract,
and perform impossibilities, for the sake of having a greater claim
against an impoverished city. The whole thing seems so extremely
ridiculous, that it is a wonder this liberal claimant came so near
carrying his point as he did. Avery of Nevada, and Hillyer of Placer,
reminded the Assembly of the UNION's comments upon this subject. The
bill was defeated by this, and the eagerness of its backers to rush
it through. It is to be hoped that the action of the Assembly in the
premises will not enable Rightmire to utterly crush out what remains
of Sacramento. If Rightmire's claim really be as just as one for money
loaned would be, it might still be asked if there are not other equally
just claims outstanding against Sacramento? If so, why does not the
Board of Supervisors ask power to levy a special tax, to raise money
enough to pay everybody? Why not compel every city and county to pay
up its entire indebtedness instantly? . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
MEETING OF LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A meeting of the Levee Commissioners
was held last evening at the room of the Swamp Land Commissioners -- present
a full Board. The Committee appointed to wait upon B. F. Leet, and request
him to make a report of the levee survey, reported that they had performed
the duty, and that he would be prepared to comply with the request in a
few days. The Board then elected H. O. Beatty as its legal adviser, a
position which he is understood to be willing to accept, and the duties
of which he will perform without compensation. The Board then adjourned
until Monday evening next, at which time it is expected that Leet's
report will be received. The Board appears to have made a good beginning,
and it is to be hoped that the work intrusted to them will be speedily,
thoroughly and economically performed. . . .
THE REASON. -- For some two or three weeks past, the flag of the
St. George Hotel has not been raised above that edifice, but the omission
has been one of necessity rather than of choice. The halyard became unrove
by the storms some time ago, and the flagstaff is so slender that the
proprietor has been unable to find any one to ascend it to reeve it.
To-day the staff will be taken down, the running gear will be adjusted,
and when the next news of a Union victory is received, the flag will
speak for itself. . . .
COURT HOUSE REMOVED. -- The store of Sevey & Co., of Washington, was
removed a few days ago from its old position to the corner, one block
further north, on a line with the bridge. The second story of this
building is occupied as the County Court room of Yolo county. The
building was set considerably higher from the ground than formerly,
to be out of reach of the next flood. . . .
RISING. -- The water in the flooded portion of the city rose two inches
during yesterday afternoon. . . .
HIDES. -- On Tuesday, April 8th, according to the Knight's Landing News,
the Victor took 2,200 hides on board at that place, and the Visalia 500.
Still the levee was covered with them. Nearly all the hides were taken
from animals that perished by the flood or the late inclement season. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, April 12, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Saturday's proceedings,
after forty-five minutes past three P. M., when the report closed for the
Sacramento boat:] . . .
THE RIGHTMIRE CLAIM.
Mr. FERGUSON asked leave to make a unanimous report from the Sacramento
delegation. Granted.
Mr. FERGUSON reported back Assembly Bill No. 814 -- An Act to allow the
Board of Supervisors of Sacramento city and county to levy a special tax.
Also, Assembly Bill No. 347-- An Act to liquidate an equitable claim
against the city of Sacramento.
Mr. FERGUSON moved to suspend the rules in order to place Assembly
Bill No. 314 on its passage, and the rules were suspended.
Mr. AVERY -- What claim is it?
Mr. WARWICK -- It is all right.
Mr. AMES said, for a wonder the Sacramento delegation had made a
unanimous report, and he thought the House ought to pass any bill
having such an indorsement.
Mr. AVERY asked if this was not the Rightmire contract -- a bill
to pay a man four dollars for one on what was due him. If it was
that bill, he would like to hear it explained, for, by the accounts
in the SACRAMENTO UNION, he was led to think that such a bill ought
not to pass. He should object to passing the bill under whip and spur.
Mr. FERGUSON said this bill simply allowed Rightmire the $1,000 due him
from the city.
Mr. HILLYER said he had been told by a citizen of Sacramento that the bill
ought never to pass, and he thought it was bad policy to rush through these
local bills. It was only by a sort of chance that they had learned what the
bill was about. He understood it was to pay Rightmire $1,000 on a contract
which he had never fulfilled. He moved that the House adjourn.
The motion to adjourn was ruled out of order.
Mr. FERGUSON said the delegation was at first as much prejudiced against
the bill as any one, but all their objections had been removed by
explanations. He was astonished at the course of Mr. Avery and Mr. Hillyer,
and thought their language impugned the motives of the Sacramento
delegation. Whatever might have been the ipse dixit of the
SACRAMENTO UNION, the delegation had acted only upon questions of
fact, and had reported unanimously in favor of the bill. To remove
prejudices which might have been created by the SACRAMENTO UNION, he
would read, if the House desired, the report of the Board of Supervisors.
The city had entered into a contract with Rightmire to build a bulkhead
at Rabel's tannery, he being the lowest bidder, and proposing to do the
work for $18,500 in city scrip, or $7,500 in cash. The Board agreed before
the thirty days expired, to extend the time of the contract if a flood
intervened to prevent the work. Rightmire entered into the contract about
the 5th of December, and immediately came to San Francisco to purchase
tools and lumber. About that time the first flood occurred and the
Citizens' Committee of Safety was formed, and raised money to rebuild
the levees. It was found that in consequence of the action of the flood,
the bulkhead was unnecessary, and Rightmire said he was ready to go on,
but if the city would release him from the contract and repay him the
actual expenses he had already incurred in good faith, he would be
satisfied. The Supervisors agreed to this, on condition that he should
produce the vouchers for what he had expended. Rightmire presented the
vouchers under oath, and the Board of Supervisors passed a warrant in
his favor for four times the amount, for the reason that Rightmire was
unable to sell the warrants for more than twenty-five per cent. The
Auditor vetoed this warrant, on the ground that the Supervisors had
no authority to entail such indebtedness upon the city. The Board of
Supervisors were unable to pay cash, and the only way to do justice in
the premises was to pass this bill, allowing them to levy a special tax,
and to pay the actual damage incurred by Rightmire. If the Board of
Supervisors represented the matter correctly, Rightmire could still go
on and do that work under his contract, and collect the full amount,
although it would be worth not one dollar to the city.
Upon the passage of the bill a division was called, and the vote -- ayes
13, noes 18 -- no quorum voting.
The question was again taken viva voce, and declared to be lost. So the
bill was rejected.
A division was demanded, but a motion to adjourn was put and carried.
Accordingly, at 6:10 P. M. the House adjourned.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3448, 17 April 1862 p. 1
. . .
LETTER FROM ST. LOUIS.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
ST. LOUIS, March 12, 1862.
. . .
New England Matters.. . .
VERMONT. -- The snow storm of Monday last occasioned great inconvenience
to the people of Vermont, by the blocking of highways and railroads.
The St. Johnsbury Caledonian says that a train on the Passumpsic road
was three days and two nights in going from St. Johnsbury to Barton,
a distance of twenty-nine miles, and back. A man near St. Johnsbury
has a drift in his barnyard as large as a "forty-foot" barn, which
he has been obliged to tunnel in order to get his cattle to water.
The mail on the Vermont Central and Passumpsic roads, due at Windsor
on Monday afternoon, did not arrive until Thursday morning. . . .
MASSACHUSETTS.. --
The Town House of Belchertown was crushed on Monday night by the
superincumbent weight of snow and ice on the roof, leaving it a
perfect ruin. This house was erected in 1845, at an expense of $2,100.
The roof of a large building in Pittsfield, Massachusttts, was crushed
through last Tuesday evening, by the snow, killing Sydney Wright and
Miss Polly Barnes, and also badly injuring W. H. Hubbard, William Olds
and Miss Ruth Taylor. Considerable damage was done to other property
by the weight of snow, including the Berkshire County Eagle
newspaper office. . . .
p. 2
. . .
FROST. -- There was a heavy frost in Nevada on the night of April 14th. . . .
ASSESSMENT FOR BUILDING
LEVEE. -- Pursuant to requirements of an Act of the Legislature, approved
April 9th, 1862, I have this day commenced making out the assessment for
the purpose of constructing a levee, taking the Assessment Roll of the year
A. D. 1861-2 as a basis for said assessment. All persons owning real or
personal property, or having such property under their control, are hereby
notified that such assessment has commenced, and are requested to call at
the Assessor's office (over the Post Office) and deliver a list of said
property to the Assessor.
E. B. RYAN, Assessor.
Sacramento, April 16, 1862. a17-1m3p . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE SPRINKLERS COMING. -- The inquiry and demand for the street
sprinklers were yesterday quite general. During the greater portion
of the day, clouds of dust swept through the streets, to the annoyance
and disgust of the community in general. We are informed by J. Shaw,
one of the proprietors of the water carts, that the floods carried off
the boxes or tanks in which they carry the water through the streets.
Some of them floated to Sutterville, and others to a greater or less
distance. The ground has been so soft that until within a few days it
has been .impossible to get them back. Active preparations are being made
to meet the emergency, and it is likely that before night we shall see
the sprinklers on the streets. . . .
K STREET BRIDGE. -- W. Hendrie and A. T. Renwick have for some time past
been engaged in obtaining signatures to a subscription list, for the
purpose of erecting a free bridge on K street, across Burns' Slough.
The sum of three hundred dollars, which was required for the purchase
cf lumber, was so nearly obtained yesterday that the lumber was bought
and the work is likely to be commenced at once. A bridge built there,
early in the season, was carried off by the flood and landed below
Sutterville. . . .
FIRE. -- About nine o'clock last evening, two small frame dwelling houses
on the south side of the alley between Fifth and Sixth and L and M streets,
were destroyed by fire. The buildings were surrounded by water, and being
unoccupied must have been set on fire. One of the buildings was owned by
J. Campbell. . . .
RE-FENCING. -- Many of our citizens in the eastern part of the city were
engaged yesterday, either individually or by hired parties, in rebuilding
fences around their yards, taking care of shrubbery, and otherwise bringing
order out of the confusion produced by the flood. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river stands at about seventeen feet ten
inches above low-water mark, a point from which it has varied but little
for several days past. . . .
DESTRUCTION OF TREES. -- The San Joaquin Republican says it continues
to hear of the destruction of peach trees by the water standing about
them during the flood. Whitmore, in his neighborhood, has lost five acres
of peach trees. Salter, on the Tuolumne, on Dickinson's ranch, has lost
ten acres of them. The slum is so high about them that their trunks cannot
be seen. Apricot trees have fared no better. . . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, Ap'ril 15, 1862.
The Senate met at eleven o'clock, Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS presiding, . . .
MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. BURNELL rose to correct the UNION reporter in making him
say that he visited the State Reform School at Marysville in a boat. It
would have been uphill business to do that, for the institution was situated
ten or fifteen feet above high water. The remark was that the Resident
Physician had been obliged to go to the institution at Stockton in a boat. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, April 15, 1862,
The Speaker called the House to order at 11 o'clock . . .
THE RIGHTMIRE CLAIM.
Mr. AVERY moved to take up Senate Bill No.-- An Act
authorizing a special tax in the city of Sacramento, to pay the claim of
A. D. Rightmire -- for the reason that there was no quorum present on
Saturday when the bill was disposed of. He wanted to give the bill a fair
chance if it had any merit in it.
The SPEAKER pro tem, said he then
decided that the bill was rejected, but he was informed that no quorum
was present in the House. He was informed, however, that the Journal
showed that the bill failed to pass, and consequently the bill could
be reinstated before the House only by unanimous consent to amend the
Journal.
Mr. BENTON of Sacramento objected.
The SPEAKER pro tern. said then the only remedy was for the delegation
to introduce a new bill. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3449, 18 April 1862 p. 2
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
We publish the report of the Committee of Safety appointed on the 13th of
December last, in reference to the operations of that body, the moneys
received, the amount expended, and the purposes to which those sums were
applied. The total amount collected and placed in the hands of the Committee
was $27,017.35; the amount expended was §13,533.27. The balance has been
handed over to Messrs. Crocker and Boyd, to be distributed, pro rata,
among the subscribers.
IMPASSABLE ROADS. --
. . .
The Col. Garfield who whipped Humphrey Marshall, saved his command from
starvation by bringing up his stores from the Ohio during the great flood
in that part of the country, and when even brave and experienced men
assured them that such a task would.be impossible. When it is considered
that in war celerity of movement will often enable an inferior force to
achieve a decisive victory, or save an army from disaster, the importance
of applying the spur to irresolute or routine Generals will be obvious. . . .
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT.
It has been announced that an arrangement was recently made by the Overland
Stage Company with Vanderbilt, uuder which all printed mail matter will
hereafter be sent each way by steamship, instead of, as heretofore, by
overland stage. . . .
When the law passed to transfer
the mail matter to an overland line, it was deemed impolitic to attempt
to transport all mail matter by such means; it was known that the printed
matter -- including documents and books franked by members of
Congress -- was of great bulk and weight, and in the Winter would be
likely to overtask the energy and ability of any newly established line
running for so many hundreds of miles through an almost trackless desert.
The result has proved that those fears were well grounded. The terrible
Winter experienced, and immaturity of the preparations of the company for
grappling with such formidable difficulties, and the excessive weight of
the mails, have combined to force the company to coucede that they ought to
have waited a year or two before undertaking to transport all the mail
matter, Winter and Summer, overland. The members of our delegation in
Congress are liberal in sending documents to their constituents, and we
presume during the present session they have franked tons of them to be
transported across the continent in mail stages. With good roads the labor
would have been just about equal to the capacity of the coaches and horses
of the Overland Mail Company. The company did not make the preparations
in the Summer necessary for Winter service. During the Fall the coaches
of the company were taxed to their utmost capacity to convey the newspaper
and letter mails. So nearly full were its coaches packed with mail matter,
that to carry passengers was simply out of their power. With these facts
standing out prominently before the public, as well as the company, it
became obviously the duty of the contractors to avail themselves of the
right they possessed under the law, to make a contract with the steamship
company to transport all the heavy matter during the Winter season. But
this they neglected to do; they undertook to perform the service
overland, and failed so decidedly that they have been forced to enter
into such an arrangement in the Spring, after the inconvenience of
failures has been endured for the Winter, with the steamship companies.
Had they consummated a contract of the same character early in the Fall,
we should have heard no complaints of the irregularities of the overland
mails; with only the letter mails, the service would have been performed
regularly, in spite of the extraordinary inclemency of the season.
Probably suoh another Winter will not be experienced for the nezt quarter
of a century; but the terrible Winter is not a sufficient apology for the
failure of the contractors to make provision last Fall for sending printed
matter by sea, as contemplated by the law. . . .
PASSAGE OF THE MOUNTAINS. -- A correspondent of the UNION, writing from
Strawberry Valley, April 14th, says:
For the past week there has been more or less snow falling nearly every
day at this place, and even so far down as Brockliss' bridge. On the
mountains east of here some of these storms have been quite severe,
filling up the track and rendering travel rather unpleasant, and at some
points difficult. Four animals belonging to a pack train slipped from
the grade this afternoon while going down the west summit into Lake
Valley. One of them was killed, and the others gotten back upon the
road with difficulty. The principal trouble in crossing the mountains
at present is in turning out, the snow being soft, and animals sinking
in to their sides the moment they step outside the beaten track. So
long as they keep this they get along very well. The stage travel now
is from Placervilie, 25 miles in coaches; then 23 miles to this place
on horseback; then 11 miles to Lake Valley in sleighs; then 21 miles
to Vansickle's on horseback, and the balance of the way to Carson City,
Virginia, etc., in coaches. The stages having their stations and feed on
the old road up the north side of the river, go that way. Nearly all
other travel goes over the Ogilsby road, which, besides being a little
shorter, is in much better condition than the other. Wagons, however,
cannot at present go this way, the bridge over the American fork --
carried away last Winter -- not being rebuilt. Most of the timbers for
the new bridge are on the ground, and the abutments up, and I am assured
by the proprietors that it will be complete and their road open for wagons
by the 12th of May. They have over fifty hands at work repairing their
grade, which, with the exception of some few spots, is in an excellent
condition. The Ogilsby road extends from the Junction House, sixteen
miles east of Placerville, to Webster's -- a distance of twenty miles.
It runs along the south side of the river, to which it descends by an
easy and regular grade, crossing the stream five miles below Webster's.
There is no difficulty in horsemen, footmen and pack trains passing
over it, as the obstructions caused by land-slides have been removed,
and the deep mud, which in no place takes a horse over the knee, extends
not over a mile or two in the whole distance. The old road from Webster's
to near Brockliss' Bridge -- say twenty miles -- is represented to be
very bad, wherefore travelers and packers would do well to take the other.
Owing to the high price of freights, both feed and provisions are getting
scarce up this way -- hay selling at this place for eighteen and barley for
twelve cents a pound. In Carson Valley they are selling at twelve and
fifteen cents, respectively; flour having gone up to twenty cents. The
charge is two dollars and a half for keeping a horse over night here,
and four dollars and a half in Washoe. There is a good deal of freight
going over the mountains just now, mostly on pack animals, teams being
able to come out no further than twenty-five miles from Placerville.
Most of the goods being carried over consist of flour and other staple
articles of provision. Freights are fifteen dollars per hundred.
The snow commenced falling about noon today, and has has [sic] continued
steadily since, up till ten o'clock at night. Passengers just in from
Carson report it drifting badly on the mountains -- the trail being
completely filled up when they crossed. The stage and road companies
will send men out with shovels to open it in the morning, and we expect
to get over some time to-morrow. . . .
HOMOCIDE. -- A colored boy known as John Lamman was killed. April 16th.
on the Piatt road near Marysville, by S. W. Van Luven, who gave himself
up to the Sheriff. There was a difficulty about some flood timber between
the parties. . . .
LEVEE MATTERS -- ENGINEER'S REPORTS -- DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS, ETC.
OFFICE OF SWAMP LAND COMMISSIONERS,}
SACRAMENTO, April 16, 1862. }
Andrew R. Jackson, Engineer of District No. 8:
Dear Sir -- I hear frequent inquiries about the relative duties of the
State, County and City Levee Commissioners; and in the local columns of
the UNION of this morning a meeting of the "City Levee Commissioners" is
published at which we are told, "The Committee appointed to wait upon
B. F. Leet, and request him to make a report of the levee survey, reported
that they had performed that duty, and that he would be prepared to comply
with the request in a few days. The Board then adjourned until Monday
evening next, at which time it is expected that Leet's report will be
received."
From this statement the public are left to infer that Mr. Leet is the
City Engineer, and that the "City Levee Commissioners" are controling [sic]
his actions. When that Board meets next Monday the public will expect
sorne action in relation to the Levee, in which they will of course be
disappointed.
The State Swamp Land Commissioners are required to have surveyed and
reclaimed all of the swamp, overflowed, salt marsh and tide lands in
the State. Sacramento city and the low lands for some thirty miles below
constittute [sic] District No. 2, of which Mr. Leet is the Engineer. When he
makes his report to the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners they will
consider it and adopt his plan or some other plan based upon the same
survey. When they have finally adopted the plan for the permanent
reclamation of District No. 2, that portion of the levee lying within
the city will be certified to the Board of City Levee Commissioners;
if they object to the plan, they are to appeal to a Joint Convention of
the two Boards of Commissioners, who will finally determine the plan for
the levee. Then the City Levee Commissioners will proceed to build that
part of the levee within the city, and the Swamp Land Commissioners will
build that part of the levee and other necessary reclamation improvements
outside of the city. When the whole work is done, that portion of the
levee in and for the city will be placed in charge of the City Levee
Commissioners, and that portion south of the city will be placed in
charge of the Board of County Levee Commissioners for Swamp Land District
No. 2. They and their sucessors in office will ever after take care of
their respective levees and keep them in proper order.
The State Swamp Land Commissioners will meet in this city next Tuesday,
the 22d of this month, when the Board will proceed to consider the plan
for reclaiming District No. 2. That is, if the Engineer should be ready
with his report.
Be so good as to publish tbis letter for public information. Your obedient
servant,
A. M. WINN,
President Swamp Land Commissioners. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE K STREET BRIDGE. -- We mentioned yesterday that W. Hendrie and
A. T. Renwick had been engaged in collectiug funds for the purpose of
constructing a free bridge at K street over Burns' slough. They were
served yesterday with the following notice by G. W. Colby, the proprietor
of the toll bridge on J street: "To William Hendrie and A. T. Renwick -- You
are hereby required to take notice, that in the month of January last I
entered into a contract with the Board of Supervisors in and for the city
and county of Sacramento, for the construction of a bridge across the Sutter
Slough; in consideration of which I obtained from said Board a franchise
authorizing me to collect tolls up to the 1st day of August, A. D. 1862;
prohibiting all competition.. This is, therefore, to warn you against the
erection of any bridge or ferry which may interfere with my said franchise,
and that I shall hold you responsible for any damage which I may sustain
thereby." . . .
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.-- The report of the Committee of Safety, giving
an account of its receipts and expenditures during the Winter may be found
in another column. The entire amount expended was $13,533. Seventy-five per
cent. of the amount originally subscribed to the Levee Fund will be returned
to the subscribers within a few days. . . .
LEVEE ASSESSMENT. -- Assessor Ryan has commenced to make out the levee
assessment roll. All persons owning property in the city, or having
property under their control, are requested to furnish him with a list. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, April 5, 1862.
The Interruption of the Mails.
I commence my letter in the expectation that it will start westward
this evening, with the continuation of that expected from the East -- the
first through mail for the last ten days. . . .
In ordinary good weather their arrangements for carrying the daily mail
within schedule time were complete and abundant; they did so with ease.
Either company could rest at Salt Lake City, and resume the connection,
when it suited taste or the convenience of friends; hours were no
consideration, and a day or two could be made up if required. The past
Winter has been unusually severe, in fact there has been nothing like
it since the settlers came here, and "Jack Robinson" -- the veritable
"Jack," a splendid fellow, who has lived thirty years contiguous to
Bridger, says that for eighteen years they have had no such Winter.
The shanties and wigi-ups that had been built and stuck down for trading
purposes, on an elevation impregnable to the rushing of the mighty
waters, have all got deluged, submerged and otherwise steeped in the
melting snows. There are no great rivers to point to on the map, but
the streams are innumerable, and for 250 miles to the east of Bridger
the country has been inundated. Of course I receive with many grains
of allowance all statements that come over the wires, but if only the
one half of the reports have been true about rain and snow, the eastern
company has had quite a high time in the mountains; and then they have
had quite a nice amount of snow between Yellow creek and the mouth of
the famous Echo Canon. Snow thirty feet higher than the telegraph poles!
I have not yet learned who did the measuring. It has been deep enough,
no doubt of it, when Bromley, the division agent -- a fellow hard to
beat, out of doors -- was three days traveliug ten miles; "making" ten,
I expect, is the vernacular of the Jehus.
The ageuts here have been unremitting in their attentions to the public
service during this time, and to my certain knowledge have applied every
means at their. disposal. Their stages have run daily as before, as far
as they could run, and then "packing" the lock sacks where water was not
too deep and snow too soft, has been attempted every day. The mail hourly
expected is said to be the gatherings of seven days, aad the last messenger
from the East reports no mail was now piled up on this side of Echo
Canon -- it had all "gone in," and packing was somewhat successful.
Philosophers say that "out of evil cometh good." No doubt of it when men
are determined to do right, for blockheads only consent to go through the
world in everlasting babyhood. With the conviction that the million is
not to be thrown away, I, therefore, conclude that the Overland Company
will never find themselves again in such a position as that occupied
during the past Winter. They say that they will not be found there, and
I give them credit for knowing their own interest. Their vision is
extending, not only to heavy snows and deep waters; but the conviction
is forced upon them, and taking permanent hold of everybody, that this
Central Overland Route is going to be the most important military highway
within the domains of Uncle Sam, It must be so, if California does not
become the Empire of the West -- which to say, is treason! Well, I am
perhaps visionary, but can't help it; everything looks that way, and I
am astonished at the blindness of those who don't see it. Where would be
the passage for treasure from the Pacific to the Atlantic, if war with a
European Power was the order of the day? I understand nothing, if the late
order from Washington touching the protection of this daily mail had not
a direct allusion to this very contingency, The failures during the past
Winter were unlooked for, and could not have been taken into account by
the contractors and provision made to "tackle" the snow and high
waters -- the million could not cover that labor. The road has been shown
to be the most practicable on the prairies and deserts, and time only,
with the incentives to improvement which are looming up in the distance,
will make it a sure and pleasant highway. I can, and so could any person
that has ever traveled over the mountains of Europe, tell the company how
uninterrupted daily communication cau be preserved between the Atlantic
and Pacific States even though the snow was ten times deeper than it is
now reported. I venture to affirm that Brigham Young, I should say Governor
Young, could rig out teams enough among the disciples from Norway to carry
over that daily letter mail without trouble over the highest mountains and
deepest snows -- and en passant they would, I think, be pleased with
the job: i. e., if the chief said so; instead of counting their fingers over
and over again in Winter they could more agreeably amuse themselves with
turning over Uncle's outspread eagles and now and again kiss liberty and
dream of dry goods and groceries coming in the Spring -- for once this
is certainly enough -- yet all true.
Loss of Mail Stock.
The eastern company have to add to the extra expenditure of the past
Winter a severe tax imposed by the Indians. . . .
The Conference.
. . .We have had very variable and stormy weather recently, which may tend
to prevent many from "assisting," as the French call it,. . .
There is the mail. -- 3 P. M. LIBERAL
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
We give below the report of the Committee of Safety, appointed on the 13th
of December, 1861, at a meeting of citizens held in the County Court room,
for the purpose of providing for the repairing of levees and securing the
city from inundation. It will be remembered that Charles Crocker, Alexander
Boyd and J. H. Warwick had collected subscriptions to a large amount for
the purpose designated, and C. H. Swift, C. W. Lightner, W. F.Knox,
E. P. Figg, L. B Harris and Newton Booth were appointed a Committee to
whom the expenditure of this money was entrusted:
SACRAMENTO, April 17, 1862.
To the Citizens of Sacramento: Your Committee, appointed at a meeting of
the citizens on the 18th December, 1861, "to take charge of and lay out
the funds" to be collected by Messrs. Crocker, Boyd and Warwick, in
repairing the levees and securing the city from inundation, beg leave
to report --
That they organlzed on the 4th [?] December by appointing C. H. Swift,
Chairman, and C. W, Lightner, Secretary, and proceeded at once to employ
hands and procure material for the purpose of preventing a recurrence of
the disasters of the 9th December.
They deem it unnecessary to enter into a detailed account of the manner
in which they performed their duties, and how, in almost every instance,
their labors were frustrated by recurring floods, which rendered useless
almost every undertaking. These details are already familiar to every
resident of the city. For an account of what was done by the Committee,
the following disposition of the funds placed in their hands is submitted.
There was deposited in the banking houses of D. O. Mills & Co., and
B. F. Hastings & Co., by Messrs. Crocker, Boyd and Warwick, ths sum of
$21,215, which, with the amount obtained by voluntary subscriptions,
collected by Messrs. Coleman, Whiting and Taylor ($802.35), make an
aggregate of $22,017.35, subject to the order of the Committee,
independent of a considerable amount remaining in the hands of the
Collecting Committee, which would have been placed at our disposal had
it been needed.
Of this amount there was expended at Rabel's Tannery
and Thirty-first street .$3,847.39
At Burns' slough and vicinity. 6,628.36
At Sixth and Seventh street levee 807.18
At Front street, near R 451.36
At I street 266.25
Miscellaneous Items -- Crossings, advertising,
removing carcasses, etc 660 02
__________
Making an aggregate cash expenditure of. . . $12,660 56
There were also labor done and materials furnished under their supervision
to the amount of $872.71 by subscribers to the loan, and audited accounts
have been furnished to the Collecting Committee. With this, the aggregate
amount of labor done and materials furnished is $13,533.27. vouchers for
which remain in the hands of the Secretary.
The Committee have turned over to Messrs. Crocker, Boyd and Warwick, for
pro rata distribution, the balances in the two banking houses, to wit:
In D. O. Mills & Co.'s $4,975.98
In B. F. Hastings & Co.'s .... 4,380.81
__________
In all $9,356.79
The scrapers, shovels, wheelbarrows, stone and lumber remaining in the
Committee's hands will be disposed of as soon as possible, and the
proceeds deposited with the City Treasurer, to the credit of the
Special Levee Fund.
Respectfully submitted.
CHAS. H. SWIFT, Chairman.
C. W. LIGHTNER, Secretary.
It will be seen that the aggregate amouut of money received by the
Committee was $22,017.85, and that the entire expenditures were
$13,533.27; leaving a balance of $9,356.79, which has been returned
to the hands of Crocker, Boyd and Warwick. The sum named as having been
received by the Committee was not, of course, the entire amount collected.
Crocker, Boyd and Warwick collected in cash, checks and notes, about
$60,000. They are not yet prepared to make a detailed report of their
operations, but will be at an early day. We are authorized to state that
they will be ready in a few days, to return to the subscribers to the
fund seventy-five per cent. of the amount originaily subscribed, and
furnish certificates for the remaining twenty-five per cent. -- the
amount expended by the Committee of Safety. These certificates will,
under the new Levee Law, be receivable for taxes. They will follow the
above rule with all subscriptions amounting to one hundred dollars or
upward. For all under that sum, they will give certificates for the whole
amount. Printed certificates have been ordered for the above purposes,
and as soon as they can be prepared and filled up, public notice will
be given. Among those who subscribed, whose names were down for fifty
or one hundred dollars, several have since failed, and will, of course,
be unable to pay. Others, who are able, have not yet paid, but are
expected to to-day. If there shall remain any balance in the hands of
Crocker and Boyd, after settling on the basis above set forth, it will
be transferred to the hands of the Levee Commissioners. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, April 16th
President pro tem., Mr. SHAFTER, called the Senate to order at the usual hour, . . .
Senate Bill No. 346 -- An Act supplemental to an Act concerning
lawful fences -- was considered in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. PARKS asked whether the gentleman from San Joaquin (Mr. Chamberlain,
the author of the bill) was going to compel people who had cattle to fence
other people's land? It amounted to that, for cattle would feed upon
uninclosed pastures, and the bill would compel the owners to pay the
cost of fencing. He called it a ridiculous proposition.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said there were a large number of land holders in his county
who desired snch a bill passed, because cattle owners reaped the advantage
of other people's fences and frequently a portion of their lands. If the
representatives of that class in the Senate were going to defeat the bill,
he would let them do so, and take the chances of something worse.
Mr. BURNELL said there seemed to be a desire to curtail the raising of
stock, under the plea that the large cattle owners were preying upon the
lands of other people. There were no large cattle owners in his portion
of the State. He thought he had some cattle last year, but did not think
he had now. Some few honest neighbors of his had cattle left that were
not swept away, and he wished to protect them by preventing, if he could,
the passage of such an unjust law as this. The Fence Law was a sheer
humbug. He moved to strike out the last section of the bill, because
he believed it would work a hardship. The true policy was to build up
the country, and encourage the increase of wealth in cattle as well as
everything else.
Mr. VAN DYKE said if this was a general law he would oppose it. The effect
would be to drive cattle out of the State.
The last section was stricken out. and the bill ordered engrossed. . . .
Senate Bill -- No. 85 -- An Act concerning domestic animals running
at large in certain places [districts devastated by the flood] -- was
indefinitely postponed. , , ,
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3450, 19 April 1862 p. 1
. . .
RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
RELIGION IN OREGON. -- Letters from the preachers give sad accounts of
the ravages of the floods and hard times generally. . . .
p. 2
THE RIGHTMIRE BILL. -- Assemblyman Barton was not favorable to the bill
authorizing a special tax for the payment of the Rightmire claim. His
colleague (Ferguson) declared to the House that the Sacramento delegation
was unanimously in favor of the passage of the bill, but Barton declares
that he always opposed the bill, and that had he been present when it
came up he would then have opposed it. He was in this city on the day
that it was reported back and defeated. An effort was made on a subsequent
day to bring the matter up again, on the ground that no quorum voted when
it was killed, but objection being made by Barton, the Assembly refused
to resuscitate it. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
ANOTHER NOTICE. -- We mentioned yesterday that W. Hendrie and
A. T. Renwick had received notice from G. W. Colby to desist from
erecting a free bridge on K street across Burns' Slough, near the
Fort, on the ground that the same would infringe upon his right to
collect toll on the J street bridge. The same parties were yesterday
served with the following notice, signed by "W. Shattuck, President
of Board of Supervisors and Superintendent of Streets:" "To W. Hendrie
and A. T. Renwick: You are hereby required to take notice, that on the
9th day of January, A. D. 1862, the Supervisors of the city and county
of Sacramento entered into a contract with G. W. Colby for the erection
of a bridge across Sutter or Burns' Slough, on J street; that in
consideration of the erection of said bridge the Board of Supervisors
secured to said Colby the exclusive franchise, with authority to collect
tolls, until the 1st of August, A. D. 1862, and a guarantee to prohibit
all competition. You, and each of you, are hereby warned to abstain and
desist from the erection of any bridge across said Sutter or Burns' Slough
which may in any manner interfere with the full enjoyment of the said
franchise by the said G. W. Colby." We understand that the parties thus
notified by Colby propose nevertheless "to advance immediately upon his
works" and put up the free bridge. . . .
BODY FOUND.-- The dead body of a man, at the time unknown, was found
floating in the Sacramento river yesterday morning, two miles above
Washington, on the Yolo side. An inquest was held over the body by
Justice J. W. Willard, acting as Coroner, when the jury not being able
to find any specific evidence as to who the man was or concerning him,
other than that he was about forty-five years of age. and came to his
death by drowning, rendered a verdict accordingly. Subsequently some
friends of the deceased arrived and recognized the body as that of Manuel,
a Portuguese, formerly a deck hand on the steamer Visalia, who was knocked
overboard in a gale of wind about four months ago, near Mike Bryte's ranch.
THE LEVEE FUND. -- Arrangements have been so far completed by the Levee
Fund Collecting Committee, C. Crocker and A. Boyd, that the seventy-five
per cent, of the amount subscribed, with certificates for the remaining
twenty-five per cent., will be returned to the subscribing parties on
Monday next. Printed certificates have been prepared and are already
signed by C. Crocker, and only await the signature of Alexander Boyd.
which will be affixed to-day, when notice will be given to those concerned
as to when and where to call for settlement. . . .
FALLING. -- The water in the Sacramento river had fallen last evening to
seventeen feet five inches above low water mark. . . .
CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS. -- A correspondent writing from Gold Hill.
Nevada Territory, April 13th, to a friend in this city, says:
I arrived here yesterday, three days from Sacramento, and had good
weather the entire distance. The day I left I went to Sportsman's Hall,
twelve miles this side of Placerville. Next day I made Lake Valley,
stayed at Mac's over night, and came to Gold Hill yesterday. Snow on the
first summit is eighteen feet deep; there is not much in Lake Valley,
and none in Carson. In coming over I rode horseback 110 miles in two days.
This may be called good traveling over the mountains by the much abused
Placerrille route. . . .
p. 4
. . .
LATE FROM PANAMA. -- We have files of the Panama `Star and Herald
to March 29th We compile the annexed intelligence: . . .
For several days past, the equinoctials have been felt very severely
in the Bay of Aspinwall. This year, however, the Railroad Company have
been so well provided against the heavy northers that no damage worth
mentioning has been sustained. The center wharf suffered slightly, and
one or two small vessels have sustained trifling injury . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3451, 21 April 1862 p. 3
. . .
A HARD COUNTRY. -- An extract from a late letter received in San
Francisco from the Salmon River mines, says:
The weather is intensely cold, and the snow is now six feet deep and more
is falling. Great suffering has been caused by cold, and over one hundred
persons have frozen to death in this city [Florence?]. There are no
provisions of any kind here except a very little bacon, and some flour.
For a month I have subsisted upon bread alone, and many are worse off
than myself. If provisions are not speedily obtained, cold and famine
will leave but few inhabitants to welcome the adventurers of the Spring.
I long ago wished myself at home, and if you can purchase a small tract
of land you had better stay at home and be certain of a living. The
diggings here are rich, but not of great extent, and should many miners
come here the district would be overrun. . . .
p. 4
. . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 19th.
. . .
Hurricane at St. Joseph.
ST. JOSEPH (Mo.), April 16th.
A violent hurricane passed over this place tonight, in a southeasterly
direction, demolishing buildings, damaging steamers, and injuring several
houses. No lives were lost. . . .
THE HENNESS PASS ROUTE. -- The San Juan Press has the following:
The UNION of the 15th instant contains an item copied from the Nevada
Democrat, in which the editor of the latter paper says he is
informed that the snow between the Maple and Jackson ranches, on the
Henness Pass route, is from eighteen to twenty feet deep, and between
Jackson's and Eureka fifteen feet deep. Now we are informed by T. G. Smith,
who has just crossed the mountains from Carson City, on this route, that
the snow is only from three to five feet deep, generally -- and in the most
exposed situations not to exceed seven feet, During the entire month of
March the passenger train of Langton & Co. made their regular semi-weekly
trips across the mountains; and notwithstanding the severest snow storm of
the season (about the first of April), it was only delayed one day on
the route. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
A BLOODLESS BATTLE. -- An exciting and amusing scene occurred in the
vicinity of Sutter's Fort at about noon on Saturday, which might have
been a battle had there been any enemy in the field to fight. The
difficulty originated in the following manner: G. W. Colby obtained
from the Board of Supervisors during the Winter a franchise to build
a bridge and collect toll across Burns' slough at J street, the franchise
to expire on the 1st of August. Recently the traders, stable keepers,
etc., on K street, collected about $300 to purchase lumber to build a
free bridge across the slough at K street. The lumber was purchased. A
notice was served upon Hendrie, Rennick and others by Colby, and another
by President Shattuck of the Board of Supervisors, forbidding them to
proceed with the work, on the ground that it was an infringement of
Colby's rights. On Friday morning the work of constructing the bridge
was commenced, and by evening finished. On Saturday morning it seemed
to be decidedly the favorite of the traveling community. At about eleven
o'clock on Saturday forenoon, President Shattuck and Police officer
Taylor arrived on the spot in a buggy, and the President instructed
Taylor to tear up the bridge, or so much of it at least as to render
it impassable. The President then returned to the city, and Taylor went
to work. He hired two men in the vicinity, and soon had a portion of the
planking at each end taken up, so that teams could not pass. Soon after
commencing the work he observed a man in the vicinity mount a horse and
start rapidly down K street. At about twelve o'clock the announcement
was made at Tenth and K streets by the messenger above referred to, that
the new bridge was being torn up. At once one or two horsemen started
down K street as far as Sixth, proclaiming the information, and the street
was at once lined with an excited throng. About one hundred and fifty men
went out to the bridge on horseback, on foot, in buggies, and in wagons.
When the advanced guard of cavalry arrived, Taylor had about twenty feet
of each end of the bridge torn up -- the entire length being about a
hundred feet -- and the plank piled across the road to form a barricade,
to prevent teams from driving into the slough by mistake. On being
interrogated, Taylor informed them as to the authority on which, he was
acting. They directed him to desist. On taking a casual glance at the
"large and respectable assemblage" present, he concluded to: comply.
As there was no President of the Board on hand, or "any other man "with
whom a fight could be gotten up, the crowd contented themselves with
taking off their coats and rebuilding the bridge. "Many hands make
light work," and in a few minutes the bridge was again in good traveling
condition. A picket guard was kept on the bridge during Saturday night,
but no enemy appeared. At about two o'clock P. M., yesterday, G. W. Colby
and District Attorney Upton were seen to ride out in the direction of the
seat of war, and the alarm was again given that a second attempt was to
be made to tear up the bridge. Another rush occurred, less extensive as
to numbers, but more formidable as to armament. Rifles, shot guns and
revolvers are said to have been prominent accompaniments of those who
repaired to the spot, but when they got there there was no enemy in
sight -- the bridge was unmolested, and during the afternoon all remained
quiet on Burns' Slough. As there is a great deal of feeling on the
subject it will evidently be the parrt of wisdom for Colby to apply to
the Courts to determine his legal rights in the premises. . . .
THE LEVEE FUND. -- The Collecting Committee of the Levee Fund,
C. Crocker and A. Boyd, will be prepared to return this morning,
between ten and eleven o'clock, at Crocker's store, the seventy-five
per cent, of the amount subscribed in the early part of the Winter,
in cash, together with certificates for the twenty-five per cent. expended
in levee repairs. For all subscriptions of less amount than one hundred
dollars, certificates will be given for the entire sum. All concerned
are requested to call at once, in order that the Committee may make
a final report as early as possible. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river continues to fall, though very slowly.
At sunset last evening it stood 17 feet 2 inches above low water mark.
The water in the lower part of the city is also receding steadily.
ALTERATION AND REPAIRS. -- Edward Fell is engaged in the work of raising
and leveling the new brick building of A. Johnson, on Second street,
between J and K streets. Having been newly built, at the time of the
first flood the southern foundation settled considerably. It will be
raised by means of jack screws. The old Lady Adams building has had a
new floor put in, some two and a half feet above the old one, by
Fogus & Coghill, who expect to reoccupy it in a short time. A new fire
wall and cornice are being added to Hiller & Andrews building at Third
and J street, less ponderous and better proportioned than that which was
torn off to decrease the weight of the walls during the Winter. . . .
WEATHER IN SAN FRANCISCO. -- On Friday. April 18th, the thermometer stood
in San Francisco, at three o'clock P. M., at 74 in the shade. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3452, 22 April 1862 p. 2
. . .
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The Continental Telegraph is in working order through to Chicago, so that
we are enabled to present to-day the Eastern news of yesterday. . . .
Heavy freshets have occurred in the Eastern rivers. The Mississippi is
very high at Cairo, and in New England the rivers were higher than was
ever known before. Governor Harney, of Wisconsin, was drowned in the
Tennessee, at Savannah, whither he had gone to look after the wounded
soldiers of his State. . . .
At a meeting of the Sacramento Supervisors held yesterday afternoon,
the dispute concerning the K street bridge over the Sutter Slough, was
considered, but action was posponed until the opinion of the District
Attorney could be obtained as to the power of the Board to prevent the
erection of free bridges within the limits of the city. . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 19th.
. . . .
The Mississippi High at Cairo.
CAIRO, April 19th.
The river at this point is rising rapidly. It is now forty feet above low
water mark, and as high as when the levee was swept away some years since. . . .
LATER AND IMPORTANT.
. . .
Dates to April 21st.
. . .
Freshets in the East.
MONTREAL, April 19th.
The ice in Richelieu river broke up yesterday, doing great damage to steamers.
The loss is estimated at two hundred thousand dollars.
HARTFORD, (Conn.,) April 21st.
The Connecticut river at this point has risen twenty-eight feet above low
water mark, rising at the rate of an inch per hour.
CONCORD, (N. H.,) April 21st.
The freshet on the Merrimac is the highest known since 1851.
At Brattleboro, Vermont, the river is three and a half feet higher than
was ever known before. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE BRIDGE QUESTION. -- An ordinance was introduced at a meeting of
the Board of Supervisors yesterday, and laid over until to-day, declaring
the K street bridge nt Burns' Slough to be a nuisance, with a view of
haviug it removed. The opinion of District Attorney Upton as to the
legality of the ordinance is asked for by the Board. It is said that
if an affirmative opinion is received the ordinance will pass the Board
by a majority of one. Some two years ago an excellent bridge was built
at this point by the county. It was carried away by the first flood,
last December, (the 9th,) and with little or no injury floated down,
and was caught a short distance below Sutterville. We are informed
by W. Hendrie that Supervisor Russell, one of the Committee on Roads
and Bridges, was informed that the bridge had been saved, and could
again be had at slight cost, before the franchise was granted to
Colby, and that President Shattuck was subsequently informed of the
fact, but that no action was taken by the Board to restore the bridge,
because there was no money at their disposal to pay for bringing it
back. Afterwards, when residents on K street desired permission to bring
the bridge back and replace it at their own expense, President Shattuck
said such authority could not be conceded, because the J street
franchise had then been granted to Colby, and the restoration of the
K street bridge would infringe upon his rights. As Colby has built
the bridge, and has as yet derived but little advantage from it, and
as its construction was necessary to the interests of both city and
county, the best plan which can be adopted would be to purchase it at
a fair price, and make it free to all. . . .
THE AUTHORITY. -- Chief of Police Watson has been censured by some of
the free-bridge men for sending officer Taylor out to Burns' Slough,
on Saturday morning, to tear up the bridge which they had constructed
on K street. The facts of the case are that he was not applied to or
even informed of what was going on until after the bridge was torn up
and the plank again laid down. The work was done solely on the authority
of the President of the Board of Supervisors. . . .
LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A meeting of the Levee Commissioners was held
last evening at the usual place, but as several members were absent,
and as the Engineer's report is not ready, the meeting adjourned without
the transaction of any business of importance. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY, April 21, 1862
The Board met to-day, at three P. M..
. . .
Supervisor HALL offered the following :
Ordinance concerning Ferries and Bridges across the Slough in the City
of Sacramento, generally known as Sutter Fort Slough.
The Board of Supervisors of the City and County of Sacramento do order
and ordain as follows:
Section 1. It is hereby determined and declared to be unlawful and a
public nuisance for any person not authorized by this Board to erect
or maintain any bridge or ferry, either toll or free, across Sutter
Fort Slough (within the city) for public travel.
Sec. 2. Whereas this Board having heretofore, under and by virtue of
the powers and authority given to it by the Act of April 28, 1855,
entitled "An Act governing public ferries and toll bridges,' and the
Act of April 24, 1858, generally known as the Sacramento Consolidation
Bill, licensed one G. W. Colby to keep a toll bridge on J street, in
the city of Sacramento, and having entered into a contract with him in
regard thereto, whereby the bridge erected at said Colby's expense, (and
costing with the improvement to the streets about $4,000), will become
public property at the expiration of said license, which contract has
been faithfully performed upon the part of said Colby, therefore it is
further ordered and ordained, that the Board will as faithfully perform
the terms and conditions of said contract on its part, and the District
Attorney is hereby directed to prevent, either by criminal information
or otherwise, any violation of this ordinance or of the law concerning
public ferries and toll bridges, whenever any person or party shall
infringe upon or interfere with the rights guaranteed to said Colby.
Sec 3. Any violation of the provisions of the foregoing ordinance shall
subject the offender to the same penalties as prescribed in section four
of Ordinance 45, concerning nuisances in this city.
Sec. 4. The President of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized
to cause to be removed immediately the present structure across Sutter
Fort Slough.
Supervisor HITE moved to suspend the rules to consider the ordinance.
Supervisor DICKINSON was opposed to the measure, and hoped no action
would be taken of a character to interfere with travel into the city.
Supervisor Russell doubted the power of the Board to pass such an
ordinance, or to prevent the construction of such bridges as the one
at K street. He would like to have the opinion of the District Attorney.
Supervisor HITE withdrew his motion.
Supervisor RUSSELL moved that the Committee on Roads, Ferries and
Bridges be instructed to obtain a written opinion from the District
Attorney as to the power of the Board in this case. Agreed to. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3453, 23 April 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
At a meeting of the Sacramento Supervisors held yesterday, an ordinance
was adopted declaring the free bridge over Sutter slough at K street to
be a nuisance, directing the removal of the same, and the prosecution of
parties who may attempt to interfere with the franchise for a toll bridge
at J street granted to G. W. Colby. The District Attorney gave a written
opinion to the effect that the Board had control of the streets of the
city and the power to pass such an ordinance. A more pertinent question
is, has the Board of Supervisors a right to keep one of the principal
streets of Sacramento in an impassable condition for the benefit of the
proprietor of a toll bridge located on another street? . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 22d.
. . .
Riot at East St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS, April 21st.
The riot at East St. Louis Saturday night was caused by an attempt
on the part of employes on the Ohio and Missouri Railroad to remove
obstructions from the culvert, placed there by the inhabitants to
prevent the town being overflowed. A Provost Marshal's guard, sent to
quiet the disturbance, was fired on by the inhabitants. No damage was
done. The guard then charged bayonets on the crowd, wounding three. . . .
The Rebels Cutting Levees on the Mississippi.
CAIRO, April 22d.
The news from Fort Wright is unimportant. The bombardment continues.
The rebels have cut the levee on the Arkansas shore opposite the fort.
A number of fine farms are now covered with water for miles around. The
residents are greatly exasperated at the outrage. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
FLOWER SALES. -- Several flower sales have taken place in the city,
at which a great variety of roses and other species of flowers have been
offered, and freely purchased by those who are again fitting up and
decorating their homes, to restore them to their original condition
before the destructive visitation of the flood.
THE WAR OF THE BRIDGES. -- The Board of Supervisors yesterday passed
the ordinance declaring the K street bridge to be a nuisance. No
provision has yet been made for its removal and it is generally believed
that an attempt at its accomplishment will result in serious difficulty. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, April 22, 1862.
The Board met at 2 P. M. . . .
The following opinion from District Attorney Upton as to the power of
the Board in regard to the K street bridge dispute, was received and filed:
Gentlemen: In reply to your resolution of yesterday requiring my opinion
in regard to the power of the Board on the subject of nuisances, it may be
proper to consider what are nuisances. The law defines a nuisance to be
"that which worketh hurt, inconvenience or damage." If that hurt,
inconvenience or damage be "to the annoyance of the whole community in
general and not merely to some persons in particular," it is a public
nuisance; but if it be to some particular person or to a limited part
of the community, it is a private nuisance.
It is difficult to define by a general rule the degree of annoyance
necessary to constitute a nuisance, and each particular case must in
a great degree depend upon surrounding circumstances, and must be
determined on its own merits.
Section fourth of the Consolidation Act clothes the Board with full
power over the subject of defining and removing nuisances within the
city limits. The language is clear and explicit, and it seems to have
been the intention of the Legislature, in these particulars and within
the city limits, to confer upon your Board full and complete legislative
control of the subject. The thirty-seventh section of article fourth of
the State Constitution seems to authorize the Legislature to transfer
such legislative power to the Board.
Very repsectfully [sic], your obedient servant,
W. W. UPTON, District Attorney. . . .
Supervisor HITE called up the ordinance in regard to the K street bridge
over Sutter Slough. [The ordinance appeared in the UNION of yesterday.]
Supervisor DICKENSON said he was opposed to the ordinance, and was in
favor of some arrangement to protect Mr. Colby. He should vote against
the measure.
Supervisor RUSSELL said he would not be warranted in voting for this
ordinance. He was not certaln that the Board had the right to interfere
to prevent citizens from improving our streets and increasing the
facilities for travel. He did not know that the Board had the power
to declare that free bridge a nuisance, when it was for the convenience
of the public. At the same time, he desired that justice should be done
to Mr. Colby. He felt a sympathy for the people who wanted to get in and
out of the city as cheaply as possible.
Supervisor HITE was in favor of the ordinance. In the first place, the
bridges were washed away, and the roads rendered impassable by the flood.
The Supervisors were condemned for not building bridges and improving the
roads. The credit of the city was prostrated. There was no money in the
treasury. Application was made to the Committee of Safety for momey to
build a bridge, but without success. A bridge built for city scrip would
have cost from $16,000 to $20,000. We were forced to have recourse to
toll bridges, In order to restore communication, and nothing was said
against it. The toll bridges were found very convenient. Now, certain
individuals come up with patriotic contributions, and construct a free
bridge. Are we to protect Mr. Colby or not? The Consolidation Act gives
the Board the control of the city streets, and it can determine what
is a nuisance. That bridge over the slough at K street is unsafe for
heavy teams. Beneath it we find eleven feet of water and when that falls,
the bridge will go in. He trusted that the Board would exercise its proper
authority to remove the nuisance and protect Mr. Colby.
Supervisor DICKERSON moved that the ordinance be laid over, in order to
see if some compromise could not be effected.
Supervisor HITE earnestly protested against such a policy. He wanted no
dodging or chicanery. The question was understood; ample legal advice had
been taken. What arrangement did the motion contemplate? The Board could
raise no money.
Supervisor DICKERSON -- Yon can raise the money quicker than you can
raise that brfdge.
Supervisor GRANGER spoke at length in favor of the passage of the
ordinance. He contended that the Board should not again put itself in
the attitude of repudiating its action, When the contract was entered
into with Mr. Colby the city was without funds, and there was no other
means for restoring easy communication between the city and country.
Colby had faithfully performed his part of the contract, and it was for
the Board to see that his rights under that contract were not infringed.
The District Attorney had given an opinion as to the power of the Board,
and that should be conclusive upon the main point at issue.
Supervisor WOODS was of opinion that it was not lawful to erect a toll
bridge on the streets of Sacramento, and he could not say that the free
bridge at K street was a nuisance.
Supervisor DICKERSON withdrew his motion to postpone, and the ordinance
was then passed; ayes -- Granger, Hite, Waterman and Hall -- 4;
noes -- Russell, Dickerson and Woods -- 3. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3454, 24 April 1862 p. 1
. . .
THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Agreeably to adjournment, the members of the State Agricultural Society
met in the Senate room of the State Capitol at Sacramento on Wednesday,
April 23d, at two o'clock P. M. . . .
Report of Board of Managers.
To the California State Agricultural Society: Your Board of Managers for
the year 1861 beg leave to submit the following report:
The year which opened and continued through some ten months in a state
of unprecedented prosperity in every department of industrial pursuit
fostered by this Society, has closed under the influence of a disaster
extensive as our territory, varied as the pursuits of our people, and
destructive beyond comparison. This disaster has not been without its
embarrassing influence upon your Society.
On the morning of the 9th of December last (the levee on the north of the
city having given way on the previous evening), the water reached the rooms
of the Society. Your Secretary, finding it impossible to obtain help, wrought
alone until he had placed all the archives and valuable property of the
Society some two feet above the highest water previously known in that
locality. But the water continued to rise until the desks and tables and
shelves, containing most of the books and papers of the Society, were
flooded; overturned and submerged.
When the water receded it left a deposit of slimy, adheslve mud about
one inch thick. Help was at once obtained, and about four weeks spent
in efforts to clean and dry and save the books and property. The most
of the records and manuscripts were so far recovered as to be legible
to one acquainted with them, and the work of transcribing commenced.
In the meantime two fires were kept burning day and night, and the work
of drying and cleaning pushed incessantly; but the color of the mud and
water had nearly ruined everything they had touched. The loss of bound
volumes includes several hundreds of the Society's Transactions for 1858
and 1859, together with nearly all the sets of reports and transactions
of kindred societies, public documents from the General Government, and
also the files and volumes of papers and periodicals.
When the Secretary had nearly completed the reproduction of the manuscript
for the volume of transactions of 1861, the water again rose suddenly,
filling the rooms nearly three feet higher than before, and with some quite
inconsiderable exceptions completed the ruin. The doors of the oflice and
rooms having been swollen by the first flood could not be closed. The
interior floors and surrounding sidewalks were broken and torn up, so
that in the eddies and currents many articles were carried out and
irrecoverably lost before the water receded sufficiently to allow any
one to enter the office. Among the articles which could not be found was
the transactions of the year, in manuscript, and many of the data and
documents from which they had been compiled, so that many imperfections
must appear in the volume, which has been reproduced from the remaining
limited sources.
Your Board deem this statement of facts necessary, both as an explanation
of defects which must appear, and also as a permanent record of the greatest
calamity in the Society's history. . . .
STOCK GROUNDS.
At the last annual meeting, a proffer of about twenty acres of ground
within the city of Sacramento was made by certain citizens of this town
for the perpetual use and occupancy of this Society. . . .
The recent floods have also injured some portion of the improvements,
rendering repairs, to some extent, necessary, before another fair can be
held.
CABINET.
The contributions to the cabinet during the year (though less than they
might have been, had a traveling Committee continued the work of
exploration pursued in previous years) have shown a deep interest in
the illustration of our natural history. But this department has also
suffered by the flood. Most of the fine models in mechanism, and the
specimens in art are ruined, while the geological and mineralogical
specimens are much injured by the muddy water. The task of cleaning and
rearranging them after the first flood was nearly complete when the
second came and again threw the whole into confusion. To again clear
and arrange what is left, will require time and labor at the hands of
our successors. . . .
Statement of Financial Transactions ln Detail. . . . .
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES
Paid by orders drawn upon the Treasurer from
January 30, 1861, to March 8. 1862
[selected items]
Dec.
26 -- J. W. Jennings, labor after flood. ... 5.00
1862.
Mar.
7 -- J. W. Jennings, cleaning after flood. 30.00
8 -- McKim & Blair, repairing engine
after flood 20.00
. . . .
Election of Officers.
The PRESIDENT said . . . The dues were required now because the election
could not take place last January on account of the general flood throughout
the State. . . .
The PRESIDENT introduced Colonel Haraszthy to the meeting, who spoke
as follows:
. . . I can promise but little, but I will try to do what in me lies in
view of the great calamity which has swept over the State. The condition
of affairs is not an enviable one. . . .
The election of a Treasurer . . .
R. H. MCDONALD -- I do not wish to say that I would decline serving,
but the late flood has left mv affairs in such a condition that they
absolutely require all my attention. I hope my friends will withdraw
my name.
The names of R. H. McDonald and G. R. Moore were then withdrawn. . . .
HUMPHREY GRIFFITH presented the annexed resolution, and advocated its
adoption, on account of the embarrassed condition of the finances of
the Society:
Resolved, That the salary of the Corresponding Secretary be and
is hereby fixed at one hundred dollars per month for the ensuing year.
After an extended discussion, and it appearing that the labors of the
Corresponding Secretary would be much increased during the ensuing year
on account of injuries to the cabinet and other property of the Society,
the resolution was negatived. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
In the State Senate, yesterday, . . . also, a bill for reducing the pay
of the officers acting under the Sacramento Levee bill. . . .
THE BRIDGE QUESTION. -- At the time all communication with the city was
cut off by water, we advocated the granting of a license for a toll bridge
to such parties as would build one and put the street to it in a traveling
condition, as the Board of Supervisors had neither money nor credit to
accomplish the work. It seems a contract was made with G. W. Colby to
build the bridge, and in consideration to have the right to collect tolls
until August. He erected his bridge, and it would seem that he should be
protected at least until the money advanced is returned to him and enough
received to compensate him handsomely for his trouble. The bridge has been
a decided benefit to the city, notwithstanding the collection of tolls,
and in common fairness Colby should be so far protected as not only to
secure him from loss, but also compensate him for the use of his money
and labor. Of course it was not intended that he should make a fortune
by the tolls. If the contract is a legal one he can prevent the erection
of another bridge, though he cannot prevent people from crossing the
slough where the water can be forded. At all hazards a violent collision
between parties interested should be prevented either by compromise,
purchase or legal authority. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
Legislative Proceedings.
. . . .
A bill passed reducing the pay of officers, under the Sacramento Levee
Bill, one-half. . . .
THE AUBURN RAILROAD. -- The work on the Sacramento, Placer and Nevada
Railroad is progressing rapidly. The Auburn Harald says that Myers,
the contractor, has completed the deep cut at the mouth of Big Gulch, and,
with the exception of a few days work to repair damages occasioned by
the Winter rains, seven miles of the road is ready for track laying. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT. -- Between twelve and one o'clock yesterday
morning the residents of the lower part of the city -- or that portion
at least not wrapt in profound slumber -- were aroused by loud cries for
help, emanating from the vicinity of the railroad and Sixth street. The
voice was that of a man, and evidently came from some one in distress and
greatly terrified. The calls were repeated again and again, and many who
heard them paid no further attention than to wonder and surmise as to
their origin. Others, however, started out in boats to ascertain the cause
and nature of the difficulty. David Kendall, E. A. Ham and James Burns
started in separate boats and from different localities, and reached the
railroad at nearly the same time. Kendall being ahead, discovered Phillip
Callaghan, a brick maker, who lives on Eighth near R street, in the water
under the railroad track, clinging to one of the piles. He was rescued by
Kendall as speedily as possible and taken home. He had started up the
railroad on his way home about midnight, and in attempting to cross the
trestle work missed his footing and fell into the water. It was too deep
to wade, and he was unable to swim. He clung to the pile and called for
help to the extent of the capacity of his lungs. He is confident that he
remained in the water two hours, and those who heard him calling for aid
think he may have been there as much as one hour.
CITY DRAINAGE. -- We referred yesterday to the presence in the city of
Captain Harrison, United States Pilot, from Mare Island, whose business
is to examine and determine upon the chances of pumping the water out of
the city. It will be remembered that about a year ago a Committee of the
Board of Supervisors made arrangements for the use of a Holly pump, by
means of which the lower portion of the city was freed from water. As
soon as the water can be stopped from coming into the city it will be
highly desirable, if the cost is not too great, to have that which remains
pumped out. Until that is done and the low part of the city is drained,
there will be but little chance to pump out cellars in the business
streets to advantage. Harrison uses Stetson's pump -- a Sacramento
invention which discharges about fifteen hundred gallons per minnte,
and which has been found by experiment to work to great advantage. He
is satisfied that if the Levee Committee will close up the channels
through which ihe water is now coming into the city, it will be quite
easy to dispose of that which remains inside. . . .
RENOVATED. -- County Courtroom was yesterday whitewashed and otherwise
renovated. The Winter rains had so affected the walls and ceiling as to
render this process highly desirable, . . .
THE BRIDGE QUESTION. -- The K street bridge question remains in
statu quo. The latest intelligence from the seat of war is that
"all is quiet at Burns' Slough." . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3455, 25 April 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
In the State Senate, yesterday, . . . The Senate bill reducing the fees
of officers acting under the Sacramento Levee Bill was passed. . . .
BILLS RELATING TO THE CAPITOL. -- We publish to-day the bill releasing
the present contractors -- Blake & Connor -- and authorizing the
Commissioners to expend the balance of the appropriation upon the
walls of the Capitol. It provides for paying Blake & Connor ten thousand
dollars for damages sustained by floods, etc., but continues the work.
The sum named is probably more than ought to have been paid, though the
compromise was believed by the friends of Sacramento to be as favorable
as they could ask, with the assurance of success. The advocates of a
permanent removal of the Capital contended vigorously for a bill to
suspend the work until it was demonstrated that Sacramento could be
protected from floods, and bitterly opposed the substitute reported from
the Committee on Claims; it was, notwithstanding, passed by a handsome
majority, and finally signed by the Governor, though it was rumored that
be would withhold his approval. His veto of such a bill would have been
a severe blow to this city, for it was conceded to be the most favorable
that could be passed under the circumstances. In San Francisco, the
credit of having been more influential in securing the success of the
bill than any one Senator, is awarded to Heacock. The main opposition
to the approval of the bill appears to have come from members of the
Commission. The Act deprives them of the one thousand dollars annual
salary which they have heretofore been allowed for their services. This
fact may or may not have influenced those gentlemen; we simply state the
case, and our readers can draw their own conclusions. As a matter of
policy as well as justice to the State, the Commissioners originally
appointed ought never to have been paid a salary. Citizens of Sacramento
could have been found, who would have cheerfully and faithfully discharged
the duties of Commissioners without fear, favor, or salary. State officers,
in particular, ought not to have been paid an extra salary for such
services.
WORK ON THE LEVEE. -- The chain-gang, under the direction of officer
Dreman, has been at work repairing the levee this side of the Tannery
for some three days past, and has really performed, for the time, a
great deal of work. They have built a levee which will protect the city
against a rise of six feet in the river. It is the intention to line the
outside of the levee thoroughly with brush, and raise it higher if time
permits. It is now sufficiently high to turn all Spring freshets caused
by the melting of the snow. Last year about the twentieth of this month
we had quite a heavy rain, and twelve months since the water in the
American river was fully as high as at any time durirg the Winter of
1861. But unless we experience a heavy rain we are not likely to be
visited by any more high water this year.
It was stated that the brickmakers had united in an effort to close
Burns' Slough, and asked the assistance of the chain-gang. It was
promised as soon as the present job is completed. That slough could
now be closed with but little difficulty if the undertaking were
entered upon with energy. By the way, it seems that the money collected
by voluntary subscription to shut out the water at Rabel's might now
be used there to such an advantage in a few days as to insure the city
against the further encroachments of water from that quarter. A portion
of it too, might have been appropriated to aid in closing the slough.
It appears the money has been distributed among the subscribers to the
loan, but we do not see upon what authority that which was voluntarily
subscribed was so distributed. . . .
THE SURVEY AND ESTIMATES. -- When the Swamp Land Board of Commissioners
ordered a survey from Sutterville to Burns' slough for levee purposes,
it was understood that a report, with estimates of cost, would be made
in a very short time. The engineer of the district -- Leet -- in order to
expedite the business, was furnished with several engineers to aid him,
who took the field to assist in completing the work. Some four parties
were engaged in making the survey, who soon completed the field work.
This was months ago, and still the report of engineer Leet is not
forthcoming. What is the cause of the delay? It surely ought not to
have taken him two to three months to perform the necessary office work.
There is a very general impression outside that this long delay has been
caused by Leet himself, and that too without any particular necessity.
This procrastination has shaken confidence in the engineer to such an
extent as to cause his report, when made, to be received with suspicion.
All levee matters are at a stand still for the want of said report. His
is the circumlocution office of the levee enterprise. The report should
be forthcoming, and reasons given in justification for withholding it
so long.
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 23d.
. . . .
Eastern Freshets Subsiding.
BOSTON, April 22d.
Advices from the interior represent that the freshet had reached its hight.
The waters are now receding. Railroad travel had been resumed.
Operations about Pittsburg -- General Halleck Reinforced.
CAIRO, April 23d.
Advices from the army at Pittsburg to Sunday evening state: The weather
has been exceedingly unfavorable for movements of the army. For three
days previously, it rained incessantly. It is now utterly impossible for
the army to move, on account of the great depth of mud. Preparations,
however, are going on steadily, so that when the roads improve, we will
be in readiness for battle. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
Legislative Proceedings.
. . .
In the Assembly, . . .
The Senate bill reducing fees of officers under the Levee bill fifty per cent,
passed. . . .
THE LEVEE BILL. -- As this bill passed it provided that for any services
rendered, officers should receive for their own use such compensation as
is allowed by law for similar services. As this was not the intention of
those who framed the bill, and as it would cause the expense of assessing
and collecting the levee tax to reach some four thousand dollars a
supplemental bill has been introduced and passed through the Senate to
reduce the compensation for services under the Levee Bill one-half. It
was understood distinctly, when the Levee Bill was agreed upon, that no
per cent, should be paid for collecting, except upon the delinquent taxes,
and the wonder is how the provision to pay officers full fees for their own
use ever got into the bill before its passage. It was not noticed by the
delegation until after it had become a law. To carry out the original
understanding the supplemental bill should provide that no per cent. shall
be paid for collecting, except on delinquent taxes. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
COMPROMISE COMMITTEE. -- The Board of Supervisors, yesterday, appointed
a Committee, composed of Supervisors Dickerson, Hite and Russell, to take
the bridge question under consideration, confer with G. W. Colby and citizens
interested, and devise the ways and means of settling the dilficulty. It
is presumed that they will ascertain from Colby the lowest amount of cash .
which will make him whole, and make an effort to collect the amount and
purchase the bridge for the county. In addition to the bridge over the
slough, Colby built eight or nine on J street, the lumber of which is nearly
new, and can soon be taken up and used for bridge porposes wherever it is
needed. When the franchise was first granted -- before the flood of January
10th -- it was presumed that the tolls would pay the cost of its construction
before the 1st of May, but subsequent floods not only delayed its construction
but prevented any travel of consequence in and out of the city for about
two months. While everybody is in favor of free bridges, there will probably
be a general disposition to pay a fair price for the property. . . .
TO BE PUMPED OUT. -- M. R. Rose will this morning commence the work of
pumping out, by means of a steam engine, the cellar of the Metropolitan
Theater, on K street near Fifth. Rose has been successfully engaged
recently in pumping out cellars in the eastern portion of the city.
AT WORK. -- The brickmakers of the city have commenced the work of
leveeing the water out of Burns' slough, at the American river. If
successful, the results will be beneficial not only to themselves but
to the entire city. They ask for the assistance of the chain gang, which
is promised. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, April 24, 1862.
The Board met this morning at 10 o'clock. . . .
. . .
Supervisor HITE said that Messrs. Callahan, Ryan, Foughton.and Tansman,
brickmakers, whose property had been injured, and whose work had been
stopped by the flood in the lower portion of the city, were now engaged
in an effort to check the flow of water at the head of Burns' slough. He
suggested that the Board should give some assistance to these men, who
were worthy citizens and fully deserving of aid.
Supervisor GRANGER thought the Board could do nothing in this case.
The whole matter of constructing levees had been taken out of the hands
of the Supervisors. The President of the Board might give the services
of the chain gang.
Supervisor HITE said that this was what he desired, and all he sought
to obtain. These brick makers were engaged in a work which would serve
as a partial protection to the city in one direction until all danger of
further overflow this season had passed, and which would relieve private
property of the water now there.
President SHATTUCK said the services of the chain gang could be
obtained after the completion of a job now in hand. . . .
Supervisor DICKERSON moved that a Committee be appointed to confer with
G. W. Colby and citizens generally, to ascertain what arrangement could
be made in regard to the J and K street bridges over Sutter slough.
Agreed to.
Supervisors Dickerson, Hite and Russell were appointed to act as the
Committee. . . . .
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION..]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, April 23, 1862.
Lieutenant Governor CHELLIS called the Senate to order at the usual hour. . . .
Mr. HEACOCK desired to introduce a bill proposing to take from certain
officers in Sacramento, created by the Levee Act, certain fees arising
under the Act, and put them into the Levee Fund, lt had been agreed on
by the delegation.
Leave being granted unanimously, the Secretary read the title of an Act
amendatory of and supplemental to an Act concerning the construction and
repair of levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising
revenue therefor.
It was put through its several readings and passed. . . .
THE STATE CAPITOL LAW.
AN ACT in relation to the construction of the State Capitol Building,
and to annul contracts heretofore entered into.
The People of the State of California, represented in Senate and Assembly
do enact as follows:
Section 1. The Board of Commissioners appointed under the provisions of
an Act entitled "An Act to provide for the construction of the State
Capitol in the city of Sacramento," approved March 29, 1860 are hereby
authorized and required to cancel and annul a certain contract entered
into on the 29th day of July, 1861, between the said Board of Commissioners,
party of the first part, and George W. Blake and P. Edward Connor,
parties of the second part, and to release the parties of the second part
and their sureties from all liability upon said contract upon the terms
and conditions in this Act, provided that within ten days after the
pasaage of this Act the said Blake & Connor shall file with the said
Board of Commissioners: first, their written consent to the cancellation
of said contract; second, a bill of sale of all materials and buildings
furnished, delivered or erected upon the Capitol grounds for the prosecution
of the said work, free from all liens and incumbrances; and third, their
written release of all claims for damages against the State of every
nature and kind whatsoever, growing out of, or in any way connected with
the said contract, which said papers shall be filed by the Board of
Commissioners in the office of the Secretary of State.
Sec. 2. Upon compliance by the said Blake & Connor with all the requirements
contained in section one of this Act, the said Commissioners are authorized
and required to certify to the Controller of State, and the said Controller
is required to deliver to said Blake & Connor his warrants, drawn upon the
State Treasurer, payable to the order of the said Blake & Connor, in the
sum of $45,570.26, less the amount of the warrants drawn in favor of, or
for the benefit of said Blake & Connor, and the amount of the outstanding
audited accounts delivered said Blake & Connor on said contract.
Sec. 3. The Controller of State is hereby directed to draw his warrants
in favor of said Blake & Connor, and deliver the same to said
Blake & Connor as aforesaid, in the further sum of ten thousand ($10,000,)
dollars, for materials furnished and work done by them on the Capitol
building since the 1st day of January, 1862, and for the damages sustained
by them by reason of the flood, and all other claim growing out of the
said contract, and the annulling thereof.
Sec. 4. The Treasurer of State is hereby directed to pay all the
warrants drawn in pursuance of this Act and the Act to provide for
the construction of the State Capitol in the city of Sacramento, passed
March 29, 1860, and of the Acts amendatory thereof, and supplementary
thereto, out of the appropriations made by said Acts.
Sec. 5. Within thirty days after the passage of this Act, the
Superintendent and Architect shall so modify the plans, estimates and
specifications for the construction of the State Capitol building that
the total cost for the construction of said building shall not, when
added to the amount already expended, and that to be expended in payment
of the amount awarded Blake & Connor as provided in this Act, exceed the
amount of five hundred thousand dollars. Said plans, specifications and
estimates shall be made under oath by the Superintendent and Architect,
and shall be subject to approval by the Board of State Capitol Commissioners.
Sec. 6. Said Board of Capitol Commissioners are hereby authorized, after
examination and report from the Superintendent and Architect, to advertise
and sell at public auction all damaged material and all material now on
hand not applicable to the construction of the building under the plans
and specifications hereafter to be adopted; and the money to be received
from said sale shall be paid into the State treasury and be added to the
appropriation heretofore made.
Sec. 7. For all the. material to be used under the plans and specifications
hereafter to be adopted, the Board of Capitol Commissioners, having regard
to the total amount of the present unexpended appropriation, so as to
apportion material to labor, shall advertise for all supplies of material,
and they shall accept the lowest bid, provided they may reject any and all
bids, unless the material to be furnished shall be approved by the
Superintendent and Architect.
Sec. 8. The Superintendent and Architect are hereby authorized under the
direction of the Board of Capitol Commissioners, to employ mechanics and
laborers by the day, for the construction of the work, and the placing of
the material now on hand, and herein authorized to be contracted for, into
the building, in accordance with the modified plans herein required;
provided, always that the Superintendent and Architect and Board of
Commissioners shall have no power until further appropriations are made
to contract for or expend any amount towards the construction of the
building under the modified plans herein required, which shall exceed
the amount of the present unexpended appropriation.
Sec. 9. From and after the passage of this Act, the State Capital
Commissioners and their Secretary shall receive no compensation for
their services.
Sec. 10. All such parts of Acts as may conflict with the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 11. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its
passage.
Approved April 21, 1862 . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3456, 26 April 1862 p. 2
. . . .
MOUNTAIN ROAD. -- A Placerville correspondent, in speaking of the old route from Brockliss' bridge up, says:
The road between this city and Strawberry is once more open and in excellent order. We noticed several teams heavily loaded, this morning, for Virginia City; and were gratified to learn from the teamsters that no trouble is anticipated in making the round trip, by the old road.
The inference from the above is that teamsters with heavily loaded wagons can cross the mountains, which is not the fact. It is difficult for pack trains .to cross. It will be some time before wagons will be able to go over. Of the road from Placerville to the Junction the writer adds:
We have a force of fifty men engaged between here and the Junction of the Union House, putting the road in shape for the rush; though at this time it is, beyond a doubt, in the best condition of any road that goes into the mountains, while but little over one-half of the four thousand dollar subscription has been expended thus far in repairs.
. . .
INDIANS AND TROOPS ON THE MAIL ROUTE.
. . . . But the advance of the white man has caused the disappearance of
the buffalo from regions where they could once be counted by hundreds of
thousands. So with the game generally upon which the Indians relied for
food. It is either destroyed or driven away by the white man's rifle.
Ought we, therefore, to be surprised when we hear that whole tribes of
Indians are on the point of starvation? They have been deprived of the
means of sustenance in their own territory by a superior race; the
neighboring tribes will not permit them to hunt upon their ground, and
the alternative to steal or starve is presented. They choose the former,
as every white man would under similar circumstances . . .
It has recently been announced that the Indians have stolen the stock
of the Overlmd Mail Company east of Salt Like, and killed several men.
It is also stated that the Winter in the Rocky Mountains has been one
of the most severe ever known. Show has fallen in quantities unusual
even for that alitude [sic] and latitude, and the Indians have suffered
accordingly for food. This is probably the real reason why the mules and
horses of the Stsge Company have been stolen; the Indians seized and
slaughtered them to preserve the lives of the women and children of the
tribe. Under such circumstances a show of force may, to a limited extent,
produce a favorable influence, but all thes oldiers [sic] ordered to the
route will not prevent half famished Indians from stealing meat and
flour wherever they can find it. . . .
THE VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION. -- The money subscribed by citizens to make
the second attempt to keep the water out of the city this side of the
tannery, we learn was all expended on the work, and with it some six
hundred dollars of the money previously in the hands of the Citizens'
Committee. In the report of the Committee the aggregate cost of all the
work at the tannery was given, which led some to conclude that the eight
hundred dollars raised by a few individuals had not all been expended.
The expenditures on the last job were paid with the eight hundred dollars
as far as it went, and the remainder by the Citizens' Committee from the
Voluntary Loan Fund in their hands. . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 25th.
. . .
Cavalry Skirmish at Pittsburg Landing.
Cairo, April 24th.
. . . .
The river at this point is still rising.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE K STREET BRIDGE. -- During the past three days a strict account of
the travel of all descriptions across the K street bridge has been kept,
The aggregate amount is of course somewhat greater than would have been
over a toll bridge. The following is the result: Wednesday -- Loose
stock, 406; horsemen, 111; buggies or one horse wagons, 129; two horse
wagons, 144; four horse wagons, 48; six horse wagons, 8; eight horse
wagons, 2. Thursday -- Loose stock, 424: horsemen, 91; one horse
wagons. 87; two horse wagons, 142; four horse wagons, 48 ; six horse
wagons, 11; eight horse wagons, 2. Friday -- Loose stock, 249; horsemen,
107; buggies, 113; two horse wagons, 152; four horse wagons, 24; six
horse wagons, 4. . . .
AT WORK. -- The steam engine of W. C. Rose was busily engaged yesterday
in pumping out the water from the cellar of the Metropolitan Theater.
RISING. -- Within the past two days, the American river has risen some
eighteen inches, on account of the melting of the snow in the mountains. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, April 24, 1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at 11 o'clock.
. . .
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
The House took up the order of Senate messages :
Senate Bill No. 459 -- An Act amendatory of and supplementary to an Act
concerning the construction and repairs of levees in the county of
Sacramento, and the mode of raising revenues therefor -- was considered
under suspension of the rules, and passed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3457, 28 April 1862 p. 1
. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[From our special correspondent.]
Great Salt Lake City, April 16, 1862
. . . .
Important Telegrams about Mail Route and Indians.
. . . Poor red skins, they are children; they have not the duplicity of
their whiter brethren; when they are hungry they must eat, if they can
find anything to masticate, and as they have no storehouses, a severe
Winter like the present forces them to acts of desperation. Bring it
home to your cities and see how much better white folks would act if
in the same destitution.
The fault is in Government agents not doing their duties. . . .
LIBERAL.
. . .
p. 2
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, April 24, 1862.
[The following is the conclusion of our report of Thursday's proceedings
after 3:45 o'clock, when the report closed for the Sacramento boat :]
FURTHER REPORTS.
Mr. BARTON, from the Committee on Ways and Means, reported back without
recommendation Assembly Bill No. 434 -- An Act to appropriate money to pay
the cost of removing the State Printing Office to and from San
Francisco; . . .
. . .
p. 4
PLACERVILLE WAGON ROAD. -- According to the Mountain Demoocrat this
wagon road is in good condition between Placerville and Strawberry
Valley. Teams are now daily passing over it and if we have no more
storms in a few weeks it will be open to Carson Valley. Beyond Strawberry
Valley, for a short distance, the road is still covered with snow, and
while in that condition it cannot be worked to advantage. Goss has
removed many obstructions, repaired bridges, filled up gullies, and
otherwise much improved the worst parts of the road, and, in a few
days at farthest, it will be in much better condition than it was last
Summer. There is an immense amount of freight awaiting transportation
at Placerville, which will be forwarded as soon as teams can pass over
the entire route. . . .
CITY AND COUNTY LEGISLATION. --
. . . .
The various levee bills have been published in full; it is considered that
their provisions will insure the objects in view. . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to April 26th.
. . . .
A Flood at New Madrid.
From New Madrid, we learn that half that town was overflowed, the water
reaching to and surrounding the Court House, half a mile from the river.
The lower fort was entirely surrounded with boats. The Government property
was secured from destruction. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
The Douglas and Yale routes to the Cariboo region are said to be open. The
trail between the Dalles and Salmon and Powder rivers is still closed. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
RESISTING AN OFFICER. -- The trial of Barney Mulligan took place in the
Court of Sessions on Saturday, on a charge of resisting an officer, and
resulted in a verdict of acquittal. A man named John Fachler, who resided
in Sutter township, died in November last, previously making out a deed
of trust to Joseph Hull and J. A. haufhutter [sic], who were instructed
as to the distribution of his property. Soon after the flood of December,
certain parties moved into the house and took possession of the premises
without the consent of the trustees. Legal steps were taken by them, and
Constable King, of Sutter township, proceeded to the premises accompanied
by one or two others to give the Trustees possession. Barney Mulligan
made his appearance and by intimidation and the exhibition of a knife
made the Constable leave the premises without accomplishing his object.
On the trial the defendant did not deny the act of interference with the
Constable, but set up the theory of defense that as it was raining and
as the flood prevailed at the time, and as there was a woman and child
in the house, it was but an act of humanity to prevent them from being
turned out of doors. The theory of the prosecution was that the prevalence
of rain and flood rendered it the more obligatory upon the Trustees to
obtain possession and control of the property -- for the safe keeping of
which they had given bonds -- which was already going to destruction, and
that they did not insist upon the woman and child leaving but only upon
the possession and preservation of the property. The case was argued by
I. S. Brown for the prosecution, and J. W. Coffroth for the defense. The
jury, on retiring, stood at first three for conviction and nine for
acquittal, but subsequently agreed upon a verdict of "not guilty." Soon
after the above named difficulty, the Trustees were placed in possession
of the property by Deputy Sheriff Lansing. . . .
THE LEVEE REPAIRS. -- The work of building a levee at Rabel's Tannery
by the chain gang and the volunteers of the neighborhood is progressing
actively. The expenses of the work, save the labor of the chain gang,
are paid by Hooker, Hopping, Shattuck, and one or two others. The levee
is lined substantially with willow brush, which is fasted down by stakes
driven into the bank. This work will be effective in keeping the water
out of the city at that point, unless the American shall rise two feet
higher than at present. In that case a portion of the new levee will
be inefficient in its present condition. . . .
THE RIVERS. -- The Sacramento river, which had fallen on Friday last
to sixteen feet eleven inches above low water mark, has risen again
about four inches, standing last evening seventeen feet three inches
above the point referred to. The water in the lower portion of the
city has also risen several inches, being supplied through Burns' Slough
by the American river. The American is about two and a half feet higher
than it was a week ago. . . .
IN CIRCULATION. -- Petitions have been circulated and numerously signed,
for several days past, asking the Board of Supervisors to purchase
Colby's bridge, on J street, of the proprietor, and make it free to
the traveling public. . . .
NOT READY. -- B. F. Leet will not be ready to make a report of his levee
survey, made some three months ago, to the meeting of the Swamp Land
Commissioners to be held this evening. . . .
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, April 26, 1862.
The Sacramento street bill is in the hands of the Governor, and its
author -- Senator Nixon -- is not very anxious, I believe, that it should
receive the approval of the Executive. The reason for this is that the
bill was framed before a high grade was determined on. The idea of giving
one-third of the property owners on the line of a street, or of a portion
of a street, the power to compel the two other thirds to raise the street
eight or ten feet, is thought to be a little extravagant. Whether or not
the Governor will consider this sufficient ground for a veto remains to
be seen. If he should approve it, Senator Nixon will be responsible to his
constituents for the passage of a bill considered by himself oppressive,
or he will have to get leave, if possible, to introduce another bill for
its repeal The latter remedy will, I fear, be difficult of application,
for the Legislature is actually beginning to look coldly upon new
business. . . .
The following is a copy of a bill passed both houses, and now in the hands
of the Governor:
An Act amendatory of and supplementary to an Act entitled an Act concerning
the Construction and Repair of Levees in the County of Sacramento, and the
Mode of Raising Revenue therefor, approved April 9, 1862.
Section 1. Section thirteen of said Act is hereby amended so as to read
as follows: Section 13. The directions in this Act given in
regard to the manner of assessing, equalizing and levying the taxes shall
be deemed directory only, and the assessments, valuations, assessment roll
and delinquent list in this Act provided for are hereby made valid and
binding, both in law and equity, against the persons and property assessed,
and the taxes levied shall become a lien upon the property assessed upon
the determination of the rate of taxation as herein provided, which lien
shall not in any manner whatever be discharged until said taxes and costs,
if any accrue, are paid; and all the officers who are required to render
any service under the provisions of this Act, shall have and receive for
their own use fifty per cent. of such compensation as is now allowed by
law for similar services; provided that the limitation of fifty per cent.
shall not apply to the collection of delinquent taxes; and provided
further, that the Treasurer shall receive no compensation whatever for
the performance of any services required to be performed by him under any
of the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
I cannot attempt to unravel the many changes of tactics by all sides
which have resulted in the foregoing; nor can I understand why the
Treasurer is so unceremoniously excluded from his share of the spoils,
unless on patriotic grounds he directed or requested such action. . . .
LETTER FROM ESMERALDA.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
ESMERALDA, April 21st.
. . ..
The weather is most beautiful now, and old Sol is dissipating the snow
that lies on the summits very rapidly, and soon we will be able to go
out from our pent-up village in any direction we please, except for the
fear of the Indian scalping knife . . .
VOX POPULI. . . .
MINING IN AMADOR. -- The Ledger, published at Jackson, says the
miners in this section of country are now doing very well. The heavy rains
of the past Winter have, in many instances, been of great benefit in
washing away immense quantities of "top dirt." . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3458, 29 April 1862 p. 1
. . . .
LETTER FROM THE HUMBOLDT MINES.
[CORRESONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
Humboldt County, N. T., April 20, 1862.
The Weather.
We have just passed through the closing scene of the severest Winter
known in this region within the memory of that ancient, often quoted
and authoritative individual, the "oldest inhabitant," and the winding
up thereof may safely be predicted. A true calendar for February and
March would have designated every day either snowy or blowy. But I am
not in a mood to complain, and rather disposed to forget the prolonged
rigors of the past Winter, while enjoying the balmy, vernal atmosphere,
and partaking of the revivifying effects of the season. The snow has
almost entirely disappeared from the mountain sides, and Nature has
fully donned her mantle of green.
The Humboldt.
All other rivers having overflowed and inundated what had heretofore
been regarded as dry land and above high water mark, the Humboldt, not
to be outdone, has asserted its majesty and right to be dignified with
the rivers of the continent by a mighty and terrific display of its
aquatic resources. In some places it inundated the bottom lands to a
mile in width, washing down a number of sod and adobe houses, the
primitive abodes of Humboldt ranchmen, but no lives were lost, and
the mighty waters are now gradually subsiding. . . .
. . .
p. 2
THE FIRE AT LEWISTON. -- Referring to the late fire at Lewiston, in
Trinity county, of which we had a brief mention by telegraph, the Trinity
Journal of April 26th says:
The fire origiuated from a defective stove pipe, passing through the
ceiling of the Phillips Hotel. The persons sleeping in the
building -- several ladies included -- had a narrow escape with
their lives, losing nearly all their clothing. John Daniel jumped
from the second story window, spraining an ankle, and getting some
severe bruises.
The principal losses are : O. Phillips, hotel and furniture, $8,000;
Charles Rantzau, store and merchandise, $5,500; Loomis & McCausland,
market, $1,200. None of the hotel furniture could be saved, so rapidly
did the flames spread ; Rantzau saved some $300 worth of merchandise.
The loss falls particularly heavy on Phillips. Last Winter his bridge
and other property was carried away by flood; now the flames have
destroyed what was left. . . .
THE OVERLAND MAIL DIFFICULTIES. -- . . . We suspect, too, that an attempt
is to be made to break down the Overland Mail, under the pretense that the
service cannot be performed because of hostile Indians, and because of other
interruptions. It would certainly prove an act of stupid folly for the
Government to give up that line, after having once established it -- because
the contractors have failed a portion of the time the first Winter. It was
predicted early in the Fall that the Overland Company would fail to perform
their contract in the Winter, as they were not properly prepared for the
Winter work. It was all they could do to perform the service in the Fall,
with the teams and force they had employed. As a matter of course, when
the storms of the severest Winter experienced on the plains, since they
were occupied by white men, came, the Company was found unprepared. The
law allowed it to contract with the Steamship Company for the carrying of
printed matter, but the Overland Company made no such arrangement. Its
managers undertook to deliver the huudreds of tons of mail matter printed
and written during the Winter, with pretty much the same means they employed
in the Fall, and utterly failed in performance. The mails ought to have been
transferred to the overland line gradually, instead of being delivered at
once, as was done. The overland experiment has not yet been fairly tried. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
PROJECT FOR DRAINAGE. -- We understand that a meeting will soon be held,
composed of ranchmen who reside south of the city, at some point yet to
be designated, to consult upon the practicability of draining the water
from lands now inundated and rendered useless for farming purposes. A
large quantity of land between the city and Sutterville, amd between
Sutterville and Gosling's ranch, four miles south, is still submerged.
Many of the most valuable vegetable gardens and fruit orchards along the
river, including the lands known as the pocket is in this condition. The
entire space from the city to Gosling's constitutes a lake with merely
fall enough to carry off the water as fast as it runs in in the vicinity
of the city. If the supply of water to this lake from Burns' slough and
the openings in the Sacramento levee below K street were cut off, the
water would fall but little below its present level until a canal is
dug to drain it off. The practicability of constructing such a canal
will be the question for consideration at the proposed meeting. It is
thought by many that the water may be lowered from three to five feet
by digging such a canal a mile or mile and a half in length, to empty
into Beach's Lake. If this can be done, and the water can be lowered
three, four or five feet, thousands of acres will be drained and rendered
available for late crops. Nor will the benefit be experienced by ranchmen
alone, as the effect of the project would be to almost entirely free the
city from water. When the time and place of meeting are agreed upon, due
notice will be given. The enterprise, if found to be practicable, should
be carried out with energy. . . .
COLBY'S BRIDGE. -- We have received the following communication from
"A Tax Payer," on the subject of Colby's bridge: "Messrs. Editors: As
Mr. Colby has in circulation for signers a petition to the Board of
Supervisors to buy his bridge, without stating any amount, I would
suggest the propriety of his letting the people know how much more he
wants. Let him state the cost of his work, and the receipts from
subscription and tolls, and then the people will know what they are
doing. I, for one, am satisfied he has nearly or quite got his money,
and I do hope the people will not recommend the paying Mr. Colby his
claim of $3,000 or $4,000 for nothing. By referring to Saturday's UNION
you will see that his receipts would have been four hundred dollars for
three days." . . .
RUNNING AGAIN. -- Stages arrived in this city yesterday from Stockton for
the first time in several months. The roads were rendered impassable by
the floods early in the season. They yesterday furnished us with the Stockton
morning papers. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3459, 30 April 1862 p. 2
. . . .
THE PLACERVILLE ROAD. -- The road from Placerville to Strawberry is now
reported to be in good traveling condition. The stage makes the trip in
one day without any serious difficulty. . . .
SALMON RIVER MINES. -- Accounts from Salmon river, April 12th, state that
the snow in the mines was then seven feet deep. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
BURNS' SLOUGH. -- It has been estimated that it wili cost sorne five or
six hundred dellars to fill in Burns' Slough so as to stop off the water
from the American river. Overseer Long stated yesterday, that if he could
be furnished with two teams and the members of the chain gang, with a
suit of clothing each, he would do the work in less than a week without
any additional expense. The members of this corps have worked at Rabel's
tannery cheerfully, energetically and effectually. Probably the
expenditure of a little money for their benefit, as indicated, would be
wise policy. . . .
STILL RISING. -- The Sacramento river, last evening, stood at seventeen
feet six inches above low water mark, having risen three inches within
the past twenty-four hours. The water in the flooded portion of the city
rose during yesterday abcut four inches. These results are produced, of
course, chiefly by the American river. . . .
NEARLY THROUGH. -- The chain gang has nearly completed the job in hand
of building the line of levee commenced by them at Rabel's tannery. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3460, 1 May 1862 p. 3
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The continuance of warm weather has been attended with the gradual melting
of the snow in the mountains, and a rise in the river. The water in the
lower part of the city has risen, but no general overflow is apprehended. . . .
Firing at Fort Wright—Great Flood on the Mississipi. [sic]
CAIRO, April 30th.
An arrival from New Madrid reports heavy and continuous firing heard
in the direction of Fort Wright all Monday night and Tuesday. No vessel
from the fleet has arrived since Monday noon. The damages to property
and stock in the vicinity of New Madrid by the flood are immense.
Hundreds of horses near the river bank have been submerged, and thousands
of cattle, sheep and hogs have been washed away along the river. There
is very great suffering in consequence of the unprecedented flood. The
whole of Columbus up to the foot of the fortifications is overflowed.
The town of Hickman is also suffering. The fortifications of Island
No. 10 are still above water, except the upper battery. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE LEVEES AND RIVERS. -- During the past ten days considerable work
has been done at Rabel's tannery in the construction of light levees
at the openings made by the flood last Winter, for the purpose of
guarding against such rise in the American as might result from the
melting of snow in the mountains. A section of about five hundred feet
of this levee, built chiefly by the chain gang, and carefully lined with
wiliow brush, seems likely to answer its purpose and resist the swell
in the river. But an additional section, a little below, of one hundred
and fifty feet in length, gave way yesterday, and in consequence a
considerable stream of water came through the levee, overflowing the
eastern portion of the town with from six inches to a foot of water.
This section of the work had been constructed by a few of the gardeners
in the neighborhood, and it was not sufficiently substantial to answer
the purpose in view. When it seemed likely, yesterday, to be carried
away, G. R. Hooker took five of his hired men, and crossed the American
to procure brush to repair it with. He was too late in making the attempt,
as the crevasse was opened before his return. A stream of water some sixty
feet wide and two feet deep continued to run through the afternoon. The
American rose some nine inches during yesterday. The Sacramento rose
about two inches. The result of the additional volume of water through
Burns' slough, the crevasse at the tannery, and the crevasse below the
foot of R street, was a rise of some six inches in the flooded portion
of the city on the south. Burns' slough was so swollen in the afternoon
that fears were entertained for the safety of the free bridge on K street.
The water rose above the eastern end of the bridge, which was raised and
strengthened in in order to add to its security. Many teamsters resorted
to Colby's bridge, and paid toll rather than risk the K street bridge in
its condition at that time. A large portion of K street between Twelfth
and the slough was underwater. If the weather shall continue hot, it
is probable that the water may rise in the rivers and city a foot or
two abova the present mark. . . .
THE SACRAMENTO. -- The Sacramento river had risen two inches yesterday,
and stood at sundown at seventeen feet eight inches above low water mark. . . .
MINERAL RESOURCES OF SONOMA. -- A correspondent of the Union, residing at
Pine Flat, Sonoma county, writes under date of April 22d as follows:. . .
The reason they have not got their tunnel under way before now is that the
weather has been so bad. . . .
AN OPINION ON SACRAMENTO. -- The San Francisco Herald referring to
a visit here of Captain Harrison, one of the proprietors of the Stetson
pump, says:
He took a fair survey of the city and noted the various inlets of water,
and informs us that in his opinion all the citizens of Sacramento have to
do to relieve themselves from further damage from floods, is to leave open
Burns' slough -- the notorious inlet that first flooded the city -- meantime
constructing a levee sufficiently wide and strong to keep out the water
from that source. By this means the waters of the American river, which
have been by reason of the sudden rise of the stream, the constant source
of annoyance and alarm to the city will be diverted in a degree that will
save the city hereafter. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3461, 2 May 1862 p. 1
. . .
PRINCE SCHWARZENBERG, who has the finest palace in the beautiful
environs of Vienna, has just given a grand ball in favor of the victims
of the inundation. The tickets, eight hundred in number, and which will
produce eighty thousand florins, are distributed by a Committee of fifteen
ladies of the highest rank. Any respectable persons paying one hundred
florins for the ticket will be admitted. The supper and refreshments
will be at the expense of the Prince,
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
A dispatch from Red Bluff states that the rain commenced there at eight
o'clock last evening. Rain also fell at Marysville and Oroville. But at
Placerville and Strawberry the weather continues clear. A slight rain fell
here last evening. The rivers continue to rise slowly. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
Weather Items.
RED BLUFF, May 1st.
Blowed all day -- commenced to rain here at eight o'clock P. M.
OROVILLE, May 1st.
Commenced to rain at six o'clock P. M.
MARYSVILLE, May 1st.
Been very windy all day, and cold. Commenced raining at six o'clock
and rained two hours. Not raining now.
PLACERVILLE, May 1st.
Weather pleasant here for last week.
STRAWBERRY, May 1st.
Weather pleasant here all last week.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
THE FOURTH REGIMENT. -- Arrangements have been made for the removal to-day
to San Francisco from Camp Union of three companies of the Fourth Regiment
of Volunteers. If the rain and ingress of the water between the city and
Sutter's Fort shall not render it impracticable, these companies will
march to the city by way of the lower Stockton road and the Fort; in
which case our citizens will have an opportunity of witnessing a fine
military display. If it shall become necessary, a steamboat will be
sent down to Sutterville to bring them up. . . .
THE LEVEE AT THE TANNERY. -- We have received the following communication
from a correspondent, on the subject of the levee at Rabel's tannery:
"EDS. UNION: Officers Dreman and Long, overseers of the chain gang, say
that if our citizens will furnish them with fifty or sixty bales of hay,
or sufficient money (about $200) to purchase it with, they guarantee to
stop the new [?] break in the levee before night, unless the width of the
chasm has greatly increased since yesterday. Not a minute should be lost
in procuring this material. The whole force of the gang, some fifteen,
will be on the ground by seven o'clock, and some energetic and public
spirited citizen should have the money collected and the hay purchased,
paid for, and at the spot before nine. Who will volunteer to attend to
it? As there will be no difficulty in getting the money, it would be best
to buy the hay and send it out at once; the necessary collection can be
made in a couple of hours afterwards." The substance of the foregoing
communication is worthy of the attention of the Levee Commissioners, the
Supervisors, or other citizens who have property at stake and energy
enough to take care of it. The new levee built by the chain gang still
stands, but if the American continues to rise, it may be carried away.
The result would be more water in the city added to that which we have
already. . . .
THE K STREET BRIDGE. -- We are assured that there is not and has not been
any danger of the K street bridge being carried off, or even becoming so
far injured by the rise in the slough as to materially affect the
convenience of travel across it. As it rests upon boats, it rises with
the water, and of necessity requires lengthening at each end as the water
rises. . . .
ABOUT THE SAME. -- The Sacramento river yesterday remained at about the
same stage as on the day before -- seventeen feet eight inches above low
water mark. . . .
RAIN. -- After a cool day and a cloudy afternoon, a moderate rain set in
in the region of Sacramento at about seven o'clock last evening. Thy wind
was in the southwest, and general appearances indicated a stormy night. . . .
THE RISE. -- The water in the city rose yesterday some two or three inches. . . .
THE STETSON PUMP. -- Mention was made recently in the UNION of the merits
of this pump in connection with some proposed operations with it in this
city. The San Francisco Herald and Mirror speaks of a test which was
instituted of its capacity:
We noticed recently that Captain Harrison, one of the proprietors of the
Stetson pump, had been building one of a smaller capacity, with a view of
using it for general purposes -- pumping out cellars, etc. -- and that it
was calculated that it would still be too formidable for the object. The
pump, having a 4-1/2-inch discharge, has been built and completed at the
Miners' Foundry, and was tried yesterday afternoon. The performance exceeded
the anticipations of the builders and the owner, in such degree that the
latter immediately ordered the construction of two pumps of 2-inch discharge.
Angell, one of the proprietors of the foundry, informed us that it is a
perfect novelty to him, and that it can be furnished at small cost and be
adapted to all purposes. The pumps which are being built by Captain Harrison
are designed to be driven by steam power. In a day or two he will afford
the public an opportunity to witness the power of the 4-1/2-inch pump,
on one of our wharves. It is purely a California invention -- invented by
a California miner, and all the pumps intended to be used on this coast
will be built here. . . .
RISING. -- The Yuba river rose at Marysville from one to two feet April
30th. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3462, 3 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The rain of yesterday extended over a considerable portion ot the upper
country. At Strawbery snow fell last evening. The streams that feed the
American and Sacramento are reported as rising, but not to an extent to
threaten serious consequences in this quarter. The fall of rain was
welcomed by the rancheros of this valley
LEVEE SURVEY. -- The delay of Engineer Leet to submit his report is
causing delay in the levee work, and uncertainty in the public mind.
He was instructed to make the survey, we believe, early in February,
and furnished all the aid in the work desired. As many as three parties
were employed to assist, in order to have the work rapidly performed,
and a report was expected within three weeks after the survey commenced.
The field work was done in time, but the report of the Engineer-in-Chief
is not yet made, though three months have expired since the labor was
begun. Such delay, if intentional, is criminal; if caused for want of
assistance in the office, he is inexcusable, for all the help needed
would have been furnished; but if caused by a want of knowledge in his
profession, as many suspect, he should be instantly dismissed and a
competent man placed in the position. No further delay should be tolerated,
and if Leet's report is not forthcoming to-night, as promised, let him be
displaced and some other man appointed, who will furnish a report within
a reasonable time.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
Rain in the Interior.
STRAWBERRY, May 2d -- 8 P. M..
Commenced raining here at 3 P. M. At 6 o'clock changed to snow, which is
falling rapidly.
PLACERVILLE, May 2d -- 8 P. M.
Commenced raining at 10 o'clock last night and continued with slight
intermissions. Since noon it has rained very hard, and the brooks and
ravines are running full. There are indications of continued rain during
the night.
COLOMA, May 2d -- 8 P. M.
Has been raining very hard all day. The river has risen about one foot
within the last two hours, and is still rising rapidly. It is raining
very hard at present. . . .
SACRAMENTO METEOROLOGY AND NECROLOGY.
[REPORTED FOR THE UNION FROM THE RECORDS OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.]
METEOROLOGY.
. . .
[Number of] Rainy Days [for the MONTH] . . . 8
. . .
[Quantity of] Rain and Fog . . . 0.821 [inches]
. . .
REMARKS. -- We took occasion in our comments on the weather in March
to allude to the probability of our having but little rain in April,
and to remark that the rumor to the contrary was calculated to alarm
the public mind rather unwarrantably, and had no foundation in legitimate
reasoning. Looking to our tables for eleven years, we felt it incumbent
on us to disabuse the public of an inference that had been brought
forward, which was calculated to paralyze the efforts of the farmer.
And although the weather was signally unfavorable at the very time we
were penning our opinions, still we would not allow that temporary
circumstance to overrule our better judgment, founded upon long
experience. We felt, too, the certain amount of responsibility which
our profession takes upon itself when it hazards anything like a positive
conclusion in an imperfectly known science like meteorology. Nevertheless,
we undertook the task boldly; and recollecting the delightful month we
have just experienced, we have cause for congratulation that our
expectations have proved so entirely correct. The rainfall, as will
be seen by the table above, has been less than one inch; although we
thought it probable we might receive the average, which was a little
under one and a half inches. The total amount of rain for the reason,
therefore, thus far, sums up to only 33.864 inches, which is about half
an inch less than that of the season of 1852-53. Possibly this difference
may be made up in May, although it is very doubtful, as the average for
that month is but but [sic] .851 inches. In only one year -- that of
1860 -- do we find the rain for May reaching 2.491 inches. Having seen
that the rainfall of the present Spring bears no analogy with that of
former seasons of maximum rains, we may dismiss all apprehensions
respecting deluging rains
We are very much inclined to the supposition
that, upon a balance of many years, a pretty correct rain scale may be
estimated -- not certainly a uniform quantity annually in each place,
but periodically rainy, dry and moderate years. Our experience has been
comparatively short in California, but could we combine the records of
all parts of the North American continent for each year, we do not think
there would be much variation in the total rainfall.
Mr. Symons, a well
known meteorologist, writes from England that "a very remarkable accordance
is found in taking the observations over a large extent of country."
Although there was the extraordinary amount of rainfall in 1861 of 182.58
inches at one station in Cumberland, the south and east of England had
barely more than two-thirds of what they had in 1860. We see no reason
why the same law of compensation should not exist in America. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE STETSON PUMP. -- We published yesterday an article from the Herald
and Mirror of San Francisco referring to the operations in that city of
"Captain Harrison's Stetson Pump," in which the following passages occur:
"The pump, having a 4-1/2 inch discharge, has been built and completed at
the Miners' Foundry, and was tried yesterday afternoon. The performance
exceeded the anticipations of the builders and the owner, in such a
degree that the latter immediately ordered the construction of two pumps
of 2-inch discharge. Angell, one of the proprietors of the foundry,
informed us that it is a perfect novelty to him, and that it can be
furnished at small cost and be adapted to all purposes. It is purely
a California invention -- invented by a California miner, and all the
pumps intended to be used on this coast will be built here." We deem it
but just and proper to give, in response to the above statements, some
additional information concerning the Stetson pump. It is not, as above
stated, the invention of a California miner but of a Sacramento machinist
who has never lived or worked in the mines. Charles Stetson the inventor
of the pump in question, has for the last three years been employed at
Bowstead Union iron works on Front street near N. About ten months ago,
we gave a description in the local column of a pump which be had invented,
and which promised to be of great practicable utility. He subsequently
exhibited it at the State Fair, and received from the Committee the award
of either a medal or diploma. He secured at the proper time from the Patent
office a caveat, and forwarded the necesasary papers, and a model to secure
a patent for his invention. He is informed by Munn & Co., of the Scientific
American, that there is nothing in the way of his obtaining a patent,
and that it will soon be forthcoming. During the Winter, when business was
suspended in this city, Stetson went to San Francisco and made
arrangements for the construction of a pump at the Miners' Foundry,
which he had reason to believe, would cost not more than $200. When
completed the price demanded was about $550, a sum which he was unable
at the time to raise. He subsequently made an arrangement with Capt.
Harrison to take the pump from the manufacturers at cost, which
arrangement was carried out. He has never received a dollar for his
pump from any source and has never authorized any parties to engage
in their manufacture, and is of course not a little surprised at the
information contained in the prospect of so free a use of his invention
as is foreshadowed in the above extracts. He is without means, and
depends upon his daily labor for his living, and on account of prolonged
ill health in his family has experienced increased difficulties in
bringing his invention fairly before the public. It is true that in
thousands of instances the authors of important inventions and discoveries
are, from want of means and facilities, deprived of all advantage
resulting from their labor and genius, but it is also true that the
sentiment prevails in American society that the laborer and producer
is justly entitled to the product of his physical or mental toil. The
original pump, manufactured last season, may be seen in operation at
Hotchkiss & Co.'s saw mill at the corner of Front and Q streets. . . .
THE LEVEE AT THE TANNERY. -- The condition of affairs remained through
yesterday at statu quo. At the point at which the volunteer levee had
washed away, a limited quantity of water continued to come into the
city. President Shattuck and Supervisor Russell made arrangements in
the morning for a supply of hay and sacks to enable the chain gang to
stop the breach. A portion of this material arrived on the ground during
the afternoon, but not enough to justify the commencement of the work.
A start will probably be made to-day. . . .
RAIN. -- The rain, which commenced on Thursday evening, continued at
intervals through the night and during yesterday, although the quantity
which fell was small. It is conceded that the advantage therefrom resulting
to agricultural interests will be very great. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river stood last evening at about eighteen
feet above low water mark, having risen about four inches within
twenty-four hours . . .
SNOW ON THE SUMMIT. -- Governor Nye reached Carson City April 27th.
The Silver Age says:
He represents the snow as still being from twelve to eighteen feet deep
on the West Summit, and as it was getting soft when be came over they
experienced a good deal of difficulty, the animals breaking through
even when on the track, and plunging at a terrible rate when by any
accident they got off, and went in nearly out of sight. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3463, 5 May 1862 p. 1
. . .
[For the Union.]
OUR LEVEE DEFENSES.
MESSRS. EDITORS: "Again the new levee thrown across the break at Rabel's
Tannery has given way." Such, I see, is the significant announcement made
in a late issue of the UNION. To me the announcement is no matter of
surprise; I had never expected that a mere narrow wall of soft mud and
sand could withstand the pressure of a body of water precipitated against
it with the violence of a mountain cataract. The great floods of January
washed away the levee in a number of places in front of my vineyard on
the Sacramento river; but, as soon as the water receded, I drove down posts
at short distances apart, bracing each on the inside, and made a tight
board fence on the outside next to the river. This fence was raised to
the hight of the old levee, and inside I had an embankment of earth raised,
to the top of the fence, sloping outward at the bottom to a width of four
or five feet. The earth used, being soft and wet, was mauled down as fast
as thrown on the embankment, and at once acquired considerable solidity.
I had but just got these repairs made, and at a trifling cost, when there
was another rise in the river of about three feet against my new levee,
which has successfully resisted each subsequent rise. The board fence
received the pressure of the water, throwing its current back harmless
to the embankment of earth inside, the latter being affected merely by
the small amount of water which found its way through the interstices of
the boards, and this was of so small an amount as to hardly soften the
thin sloping levee. Levees of this description could be made all along
our river banks, and at so trifling a cost as not to be seriously felt
by our farmers. The proper plan would be to go back from the river a
sufficient distance, so as to leave the road in front, this obviating
the danger from the caving in of the bank of the river, would render the
levee secure. The board facing of the levee, being perpendicular, would
answer the purposes of a fence, saving most of its cost to the farmer. In
building the "fence levee," cut a ditch in front of several inches deep so
that the bottom board will be sunk partially below the surface, when the
ditch should be filled up and the earth tramped down solidly against it.
to prevent the percolation of the water through the bottom of the levee.
Now it occurs to me that our Levee Commissioners might adopt a similar
plan to protect the city against the overflow of the American river.
An examination of the ground will show that the most difficult portion
of the levee to be built along the American is from Fourteenth street
to the vicinity of Oak Ridge, a distance perhaps of two miles, as against
this entire line, whether it deflects from a straight course so as to
conform to the meanderings of the river, or takes a direct route,
regardless of topographical advantages, will be precipitated the full
weight and power of all that body of the American river which shall have
overflown the natural banks. I have no confidence that a single earthwork,
however high and broad, can stand against the avalanche of water which will
be precipitated against many portions of the line indicated. This portion
of the levee must be faced with some material less impervious to the mighty
engineering of hydraulic power. Brick or stone masonry would be the most
permanent and substantial, but in our condition of crippled finances,
temporary economy is a desideratum of chief consideration; hence a
substitute, combining ample security, and in the compass of our means,
must be availed of. All these can be obtained if our Levee Commissioners
will adopt measures suggested by common sense views, and adapted to
practical application, rather than allow themselves to be mystified and
tied up with the red tape of civil engineering.
My plan of building the
levee would be to have a ditch cut along the line of the levee, of three
or four feet deep, into which, at distances of four or five feet, drive
redwood posts, which should appear, after being driven, above the
proposed hight of the levee. The posts should be braced on the inside,
and the front faced with redwood planks to the hight desired for the
levee, and the ditch filled in solidly with earth. Two objects are
accomplished by the planking three or four feet below the surface; one
to keep the water from working under the levee, and the other to prevent
the gophers from digging through, as they seldom run their tunnels to
that depth in the earth. Inside of this plank facing the earthwork can
be raised to the proper hight and made as wide as time and means will
permit. If not more than ten feet wide at the top and twenty at the
bottom, I am satisfied such a levee top [?] of proper hight, would resist
any flood would we can [?] ever expect. The inside of the levee could [?] be
enlarged in after time as our people become able, and doubtless the
redwood facing would last a generation. WILSON FLINT.
p. 4
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.`
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
. . .
High Water on the Mississippi . . .
ST. LOUIS, May 2d.
A gentleman who left Memphis on Saturday last, says that from that city to
New Orleans the water was very high, causing great apprehensions. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A joint meeting of the Swamp Land Commissioners
and the City Levee Commissioners was held on Saturday evening, at the
usual place, for the purpose of hearing a report from Engineer Leet on
the Levee survey. The report was not forthcoming, and the meeting
adjourned until ten o'clock this forenoon, at which time it is confidently
expected that the report will be made. The law requires that the report
shall be made to the Swamp Land Commissioners, and be approved by them
before it goes before the Levee Commisioners. For the purpose of saving
time, there will be a consultation between the members of both Boards
before any final action on the part of either. . . .
PUBLIC SCHOOLS. -- Notice has been given by Dr. Taylor, Superintendent of
the Public Schools, that those on L, M and P streets will be closed during
the present week on account of the rise in the water in that portion of
the city. . . .
RAIN CORRECTIONS. -- The amount of rain which fell in the city during
the past two or three days, we are informed by Dr. Logan, was .622 of
an inch. This added to the previous rain of the season, 33.864 inches,
makes 34.486 inches. This is the largest quantity ever known to have
fallen here in any one Season with one exception. In l852-'53 we had
36.361. We therefore require 1.875 inches more to bring the present
season up to that of nine years ago. In Dr. Logan's report for the
month of April an error occurred by the omission of the word "two."
The deficiency of the present season on April 30th, as compared to
that of 1852-'53 was stated to be a half inch, but should have been
placed at two and a half inches . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento stood last evening at dark, eighteen feet
five inches above low water mark, having risen since Friday night about
five inches. . . .
FALLING. - The water in the lower portion of the city fell several inches
yesterday.
p. 6
. . .
SACRAMENTO. -- On a recent visit to this city, we noticed with pleasure
that it is rapidly regaining its wonted business activity, and recovering
in many respects from the injury of the floods. The spirit of the people
which so patiently endured the evil, is now nobly triumphing over it.
The Sacramento citizens have well illustrated the recuperative energy
and indomitable perseverance of California life.
The streets are yet. unrepaired, and some water remains in the southern
part of the city. One sees here and there sad evidences of the late
destruction. We noticed particularly the effects of the flood in the
basement of the Agricultural Hall. It is wonderful how the eddying waters
bore into complete confusion the ponderous wooden floors, and moved about
blocks of marble there deposited. The worthless remains of the former
extensive library and cabinet of natural history there, are beheld with
painful regrets. The substantial foundations of the magnificent edifice
itself were not disturbed in the least.
The stranger is interested in various characteristics of the city. The
ample and level site, the wide and far-extended streets, the beautiful
shade trees that adorn almost every thoroughfare, the refreshing garden
plots, the large proportion of brick buildings over the city, the several
plain and substantial church edifices, are apt to attract the attention
of one for the first time visiting the place. Its leading daily paper
cannot be overlooked. The SACRAMENTO UNION is an honor to the city,
and, in fact, to California. In point of editorial ability, in the
comprehensiveness of its news department, in its general correspondence,
in its typographical execution, the paper cannot be said to be equalled
in the State, and in the latter respect it equals anything we have seen in
the line of daily journals in the country. Honor to whom honor belongs.
It only needs a secure levee on the eastern side, to give the city
undoubted promise of becoming very large and influential. And there
seems to be good prospect of such a levee being constructed the ensuing
season. We believe there is a bright future for the city of Sacramento.
Let Sacramento remain the capital of the State. It is worthy to be
so. It should have retained the Legislature there during its present
uncompleted session. As we looked at the place, and saw what had been
and what now is, we could hardly suppress words of complaint that the
Legislature should have adjourned to another city in the time of the
floods. A duty to the chosen capital of the State, to its people and
its interests, and a noble emulation of the endurance and courage of
the citizens, ought to have bound the Legislature to stay by Sacramento
during the past Winter. The members all could have lived and worked
and thrived where numerous other parties, whose convenience is no less
precious, have remained and done so well.-- S. F. Evangel
p. 8
LATE ATLANTIC INTELLIGENCE.
Dates to April 6th. [?]
. . .
New England Matters.
. . .
The Manchester (M. H.) American says that the snow in northern
Vermont and New Hampshire is of great depth. In Peacham, Vermont, the
people are using their chamber windows for doors, and the orchards are
so buried that the tops of the trees appear like bushes, the uppermost
twigs only coming above the snow. One drift in Troy has been tunneled
for a distance of over fifty rods, and loads of hay, wood, etc., pass
through. In Newport a large drift was excavated, so as to make a room
sixty feet by forty, and eighteen feet high in the center. In this room
a festival was held on Wednesday evening, one hundred and eighty ladies
and gentlemen being present. Two large tables were spread, and the snow
palace was illuminated by twelve hanging lamps.
It is quite common this season in the town of Waterford, Maine, for the
boys to coast from the top of the chimney to the road. A gentlenan passing
by a house where the youngsters were thus engaged, discovered the door of
the dwelling at the end of a long tunnel, which had been cut for egress. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3464, 6 May 1862 p. 1
. . .
LETTER FROM THE HUMBOLDT MINES.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
HUMBOLDT CITY, N. T., April 25, 1862.
. . .
Weather and Grass.
For nearly a month past the weather has been warm and pleasant; prior
to that we had a good deal of rain and snow. The Winter has been one of
unusual severity. The Indians say they have never seen the like before.
At this place the snow fell to the depth of eighteen inches, but did not
lay long. On the plains near by there has been none at all, while on the
top of the mountains it still lies to the depth of several feet. We have
had but little extremely cold weather, and the Winter climate here cannot
be considered unpleasant. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The long expected report of B. F. Leet, Engineer of the Second Swamp Land
District, upon the subject of levees for Sacramento, was submitted to the
Board of Swamp Land Commissioners yesterday, and is given in full in the
UNION. . . .
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
Yesterday Engineer Leet submitted an incomplete report to the Board
of Swamp Land Commissioners. Considering the time he has been employed
in preparing the document, it strikes us as not being very satisfactory.
He is, however to submit a supplrmental report in a few days, which will
contain matter not embraced in this. In explanation of the delay, it
is stated that the Engineer is making calculations as to the quantity
of water discharged by the American river in time of a high flood. To
obtain data for estimating, the river had to be descended from Folsom
to Sacramento, by a survey. This calculation is deemed by the Engineer
necessary, in order to determine the number of feet necessary to raise
the levee, and to determine whether a portion of the surplus water should
be permitted to flow past the city on the east side. The Engineer, as
well as the consulting Engineers, appears to favor the idea of leaving
an opening for a portion of the high water of the American to discharge
itself. Would not this result in turning the whole river through that
channel in a few years?
The levee upon which Leet has estimated is not so wide on the top as
was anticipated. The slope he names would give a wide levee. A levee
four feet high would have a base of twenty feet, and one eight feet
high would rest on a base of thirty-six feet. But a greater width
should be given to the top, even if the slope on the inside is reduced.
The cost of a levee as estimated is less than was expected, and less than
we believe such a levee as is demanded can be built for. The Engineer
makes the suggestion that the city ought to be left to build its own
levees, which we think a wise one. The City Board of Levee Commissioners
ought to be independent of the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners. The
two Boards could be and should be divorced by a supplemental bill, or
by the relinquishment of all power to the City Board. As the case now
stands, the whole work is delayed in consequence of the connection of
the city with Swamp Land District No. 2.
It is time the work was commenced, and the people of the city are
impatient for the report to be completed and published. It should be
forthcoming as soon as possible.
We copy below the two sections of the Levee Law which define the powers
of the Boards of Commissioners:
Sec. 4. As soon as the Board of State Swamp and Overflowed Land
Commissioners have finally adopted a plan for the reclamation of Swamp
Land District No. 2, they shall certify so much of the plan, specifications
and estimates as relate to the work adjacent to the American river, and
as relate to the work adjacent to the Sacramento river, and north of the
south line of Y street, in the city of Sacramento, to the Board of City
Levee Commissioners, and said Board, as soon as possible after receiving
such plans, specifications, and estimates, shall, if they approve the
same, proceed to cause so much of the levee required by said plans as
lies within the city, to be constructed on the line and in exact accordance
with the plans and specifications certified to them; provided, however,
that they may cause such levee to be made broader and higher than the
width and hight designated; and provided further, that the Board of City
Levee Commissioners do not approve the plan certified to them, or disapprove
of any part thereof, or of any part of the specifications and estimates
therefor, they shall notify the State Commissioners of the fact, whereupon
a joint meeting of the two Boards shall be held, and the determination
arrived at by such joint meeting or meetings shall be final of the matters
in controversy; and provided further, said City Levee Commissioners shall
have, and they are hereby given power and authority to turn or straighten
the channel of any portion of the American river deemed necessary for the
protection of the city.
Sec. 5. Before proceeding to construct the levee within the city the City
Commissioners shall divide it into two or more convenient sections, and
shall then advertise for at least ten days, in two city papers, for bids
for each separate section, or the whole work, which bids, at the time and
place appointed, shall be opened in public; and as sonn as convenient after
the bids have been opened the Commissioners shall let the work, either in
sections or as a whole, to such bidder or bidders as they shall deem most
advantageous, not being limited to the lowest bidder, or they may reject
all the bids, and then re-advertise: and they may, at any time deemed
necessary, employ an engineer or Superintendent, and fix his compensation. . . .
RISE OF THE SAN JOAQUIN. -- This river rose last week rapidly, and on
Saturday overflowed its banks in several places. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
THE LEVEE SURVEY. -- A joint meeting of the Board of Swamp Land
Commissioners and the City Levee Commissioners was held at ten o'clock
yesterday forenoon. B. F. Leet presented a report of his survey of the
levee, embracing the Sacramento front north of Y street, and of the
American river to Brighton. The report will be found in full this morning
in another column. The Engineer asked for three days further time make
an additional report on the practicability of turning the American river
at the two points north of the city at which it is thought that policy
can be carried out. The additional time asked for was granted. The line
of survey reported upon runs along the city front from Y street north
to I, and along I, Sixth and the present line as far east as Twenty-second
and A streets, where it diverges to the south, and strikes near the
junction of B and Twenty-seventh streets. To this point there is but
little change from the present line, except that as it approaches
Rabel's tannery it falls back from the river a half-block to B street.
It continues out B to Thirty-first street, and from that point three
different lines are suggested. One runs in a southeasterly course to
Oak Hill; another follows the present levee to the head of Burns' slough
so as to include Smith's garden; and another takes a course nearly
directly east to the head of the slough, running south of and excluding
Smith's gardens. From Burns' slough the levee continues east to Brighton.
The outside line, which nearly follows the present levee, is recommended
by the Engineer. No decisive action has yet been taken by the Commissioners
on the report. . . .
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. -- None of the public schools which have been open
during the past month have been closed on account of the late rise of
water in the city. The notice of Dr. Taylor had reference only to those
which were to have been opened yesterday. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river last evening remained at about the
same stage as at our last report. The water in the city is receding. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Monday, May 4th.
The Board met to-day at 2 P. M. . . .
Judge Robinson presented the petition of Samuel Norris for a renewal of
the license for a bridge over the American river--the intention being to
run a ferry until the structure known as "Norris' bridge" can be restored.
The application was opposed by William Beatty on behalf of other parties.
On motion, the matter was postponed until Thursday, when both parties are
to have a hearing. . . .
. . . .
Supervisor HITE, from the Committee appointed to see what arrangements
could be made for the purchase of Colby's bridge, stated that the Committee
had vainly endeavored to collect money for this purpose. Persons upon whom
he had called -- merchants upon J street -- flatly refused to give anything,
and said that they wanted taxation for such purposes to fall equally upon
all citizens. He now presented petitions signed by 856 persons, asking the
Board of Supervisors to purchase the bridge, and he would move that those
names be spread upon the minutes. Men who were talking about hanging the
Supervisors because the city was helplessly in debt, were here put on the
record as willing to increase that debt rather than contribute individually
to the purchase of a bridge.
Supervisor GRANGER advocated the motion made by Supervisor Hite. The
Board of Supervisors had been abused, villlfied and threatened for no
other reason than because the city was deeply in debt and had no money.
He recognized among the names of these petitioners a number of persons
who were foremost in denunciation of the Board. Now, if the debt was to
be increased for the purchase of this bridge, let the record show who is
responsible.
The motion was agreed to.
Supervisor HITE moved that a special Committee of three be appointed to
confer with G. W. Colby, and ascertain upon what terms the bridge could
be obtained. Agreed to.
Supervisors Hite, Dickerson and Granger were appointed to serve as the
Committee. . . .
REPORT OF ENGINEERS ON THE SACRAMENTO LEVEE.
To the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners -- Gentlemen: A resolution of
your honorable body as follows, to wit: "Resolved, that the Engineer of
District No. 2, B. F. Leet, is hereby instructed to complete the survey
and estimates of District No. 2, at the earliest practicable day, commencing
at Sutterville and extending up the Sacramento to the American, to high
land, and report what is necessary for the permanent reclamation of said
district on its northern boundary," was received by me on the first day
of February, and a survey was immediately instituted to answer that
resolution. The maps and sections of that survey are herewith returned,
together with the quantities and estimated cost of the several lines of
levees necessary to repel the waters of overflow, provided no attempt be
made to close up or levee in the adjacent low lands.
If our plan of
reclamation is to be as comprehensive as the expression "permanent
reclamation" in itself signifies, and is to be taken to apply to all
the low lands in the valley of the Sacramento and its tributaries, each
district forming a part of the great whole, then the reclamation of each
will affect every other district, and the effect of protecting any district
or portion of the whole, by means of levees, will be to repel from its
territory the water of overflow and throw it upon the lands immediately
adjacent to and lying below such district. Hence, in the establishment
of the work of permanent reclamation for any one district, regard must
be had to the whole.
As precedent to such reclamation, and forming the first great and
governing element in designing the necessary work, not only the actual
amount of water discharged into the Sacramento river by each of its
tributaries within a given time at the moment of the highest flood,
but also the capacity and discharge of the channel of the Sacramento
river must be known.
Such data and knowledge we have not got, nor does it exist; and without
such data, the history of the science of engineering presents no precedent
upon which to base a sufficiently accurate estimate to answer our purpose.
In regard to the magnitude and duration of these floods only vague and
indefinite notions exist. Before we can go forward guided by the light
of actual knowledge, accurate sections of the Sacramento river and each
of its tributaries must be taken, and their velocities measured at the
moment of the highest floods, and the duration of the floods noted.
The deductions of the very able engineers of the Mississippi are not
applicable to the rivers of California, and the rules laid down by the
eminent hydraulicians of Europe are still less applicable.
At the date your resolution of instruction was received, the great floods
of December and January had done their work of destruction, and gone;
and that indispensable element in accurately gauging a river of the
character of the American could no longer be availed of. We were thereby
left to avail ourselves of such facts as could be gathered, from which
an approximation has been made; a complete report of which will be
immediately handed in.
But proceeding upon the supposition that the adjacent low lands on the
north bank of the American river and on the west bank of the Sacramento
are to be left open to the discharge of the floods, levees upon the lines
indicated in yellow upon the map, and of the form and character designated,
will protect this district on its northern boundary.
The following lines have been examined: Beginning at Sutterville, we
follow the bank of the Sacramento river, conforming to its general line
as shown upon the map, until we intersect the Sacramento Valley railroad
and R street; thence up along Front street to I; thence up I to Seventh
street; thence up Seventh to D street; thence along the south bank of
the present levee to Twenty-second street; thence diagonally across from
Twenty-second street to B street, between Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh;
thence up B to Thirty-first street; thence up along the road to Norris'
bridge to Station 216, near Thomas' house; thence in an air line to the
head of Burns' slough.
At Station 198 of this line, 1,200 feet easterly from Thirty-first street,
a branch line was surveyed, running up along the line of the old levee by
Smith's garden, to the head of Burns' slough; thence following the brow of
the higest land up to Jones' house at Brighton, where we reach the limit
of overflow. This line is designated on the map and sections as line A.
Leaving the first or main line at Station 248 (see map), a line has been
surveyed down the Burns slough to ascertain the grade of the flood in that
direction, and is marked B. (See map.)
The line of B street has been examined from Twelfth to Thirty-first street;
also, C and D streets, from Sixth to Tenth street. The extent and exact
topography of all the high lands adjacent to Sacramento, has been established
and is shown on the map. A line from Sutterville to the high lands at
Brighton, marked C (on map), as well as a line from Thirty-first street
to Oak Hill, marked D (on map), has been surveyed; also, an examination
of the American river bank from Front and I streets, by the gas works,
up the bank of the river and slough to the old levee in Sixth and D
streets; also, a line from I and Sixth streets, up Sixth along the present
levee to D street. An examination of the bend in the American river
opposite Rabel's tannery, and also at Bannon's, has been made, together
with a survey and profile of a line from the American river at Brighton,
to the Sacramento river at the Russian Embarcadero.
The quantities and estimates upon the most favorable of these lines is
as follows : For a levee four feet wide on top, with slopes of two feet
horizontal to one foot vertical, carrying the grade four feet above the
highest limits of the January flood, the quantities and estimated cost
will be as follows:
SECTION. QUANTITIES. PRICE AMOUINT.
cub. yds cts.
______________________________ ___________ _____ __________
From Sutterville to Y street . .46,164 25 $11,541 00
From Y street to R 27,577 30 8,273 10
From R street to I 22,005 44 13,823 15
From I street to Sixth 3,209 50-1/2 1,620 54
From Sixth st. to Block E & D. 16,545 30 4,963 50
From Block E & D to Tenth st 8,146 43 3,502 78
From Tenth street to 31st st. . 72,638 30 21,791 40
From Thirty-fust street to end
Smith's Garden 50,183 30 15,054 90
Smith's Garden to Burns'
slough 71,814 25 17,953 50
Burns' slough to Brighton ... 35,797 25 8,949 25
__________
107,473 12
Add for contingencies 10 per
cent 10,747 31
__________
Total .... 118,220 43
==========
Of which the City builds from
Y to Thirty-first street, and
half cost from Thirty-first
street to Burns' slough 70,478 67
Add 10 per cent 7,047 87
__________
77,526 54
And the Country District from
Sutterville to Y street, and
one-half cost from Thirty-
first street to Burns' slough,
and entire cost from Burns'
slough to limits of overflow
at Brighton 36,994 45
Add 10 per cent. 3,699 44
__________
40,693 89
==========
By making the northern
boundary of the Swamp
Land District at Sutterville,
and carrying the levee
across to the limits of over-
flow, the line from Sutterville
by Chadwick's (marked C
on the map), a levee of the
same description will con-
tain 128,628 25 30,905 75
Add 10 per cent ... . 3,090 57
__________
Total by C line 33,996 32
==========
Showing a saving to the Dis-
trict by building on this line
and not joining with the
city, of. 6,697 57
To which we may add the fol-
lowing saving to the City, by
acting independently of the
country, assuming that in
any event she will have to
build inside levees:
From Y street to R street 8,273 10
Half cost from 31st street to
Burns' slough 16,504 20
__________
24,777 30
Add 10 per ct. contingencies. 2,477 73
__________
27,255 03
Which deducted from the cost
heretofore shown will leave
the cost of the City levee
proper to amount to.. 50,271 51
Additional reasons, independent of cost, will be adduced in a further
report, showing the advisability of separating the city and country districts.
In this connection we will state that the price of material is put down
at twenty-five cents per cubic yard, when not moved more than one hundred
feet, and when it becomes necessary to move material more than that distance
one cent per cubic yard for each one hundred feet hauled has been allowed;
to the sum total of which ten per cent, has been added to cover shrinkage
and contingencies.
The material proposed to be used will be taken from the bed and banks of the
river from Sutterville to Tenth street, and all other material taken from
the grounds adjacent to the proposed line of levee.
The line of the proposed levee is shown upon the map in yellow.
The value of the present levee from J and Sixth streets to Twenty-third
street is in cubic yards, 16,538. To build on the lines of D C and B streets,
from Sixth to Twenty-second streets, will cost about thlrty-three per cent.
more than the line proposed between those points.
In a further report, the proposition to confine the American river to
its natural banks, the practicability of constructing a canal from Brighton
to the Russian Erabarcadero to discharge the water of overflow of the
American river directly from Brighton into the Sacramento at that point;
the straightening of the American river opposite Rabel's and again near
Bannons, and the practicability of permanently reclaiming this district,
with the opposite banks of the rivers levied in, will be presented,
together with the reasons in detail, and the facts on which they are
based, which have forced upon us the conclusion arrived at and recommended
in this report, viz: that the city levees should be built independent of
the district, and no attempt made to stop the free discharge of the great
floods east of the city, but on the contrary a free passage left as an
outlet to carry them off.
B. F. LEET, Engineer.
GEO. H. GODDARD, Consulting Engineer
C. C. TRACY, Consulting Engineer.
SACRAMENTO, May 3, 1862.
SACRAMENTO, May 5, 1862.
MESSRS. EDITORS: I wish to state, in connection with Mr. Leet's report,
that I signed the same as an act of courtesy, having been employed a short
time in some of the details of the work as an assistant. I do not desire
to be considered as concurring in all its conclusions, as I was not
consulted in drawing it up, having only seen it for the first time this
morning, and not having had time to thoroughly examine it.
Respectfully yours, C. C. TRACY, Engineer.
WATER ! WATER!!
MR. ROSE IS NOW PREPARED
to PUMP WATER IN ANY QUANTITY.
Apply at Eleventh and Twelfth streets, between J
and K. a24-1m . . . .
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HERERBY
given, to all whom it may concern, that I intend
to apply to the Board of Supervisors of the City and
County of Sacramento on the first Monday in May, 1862,
or as soon thereafter as I can be heard, for license to run
a Public Ferry across the American River, at or near
the location of Norris' Bridge, for the term of one year
from the date of granting the same.
SAMUEL NORRIS.
April 10, 1862 a11-21t . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3465, 7 May 1862 p. 1
. . .
SCHOOL NOTICE. -IN CONSE-
quence of the unexpected rise of water, the open-
ing of the Public Schools located on N, L and P strees [sic],
is unavoidably postponed for one week, viz: till May
12th. GUSTAVUS TAYLOR,
my5-6t Superintendent City Schools. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The Assembly passed a bill allowing the Treasurer of Sacramento county
fees for receiving and disbursing levee funds; . . .
At a meeting of the Sacramento Supervisors, held yesterday, a bill of
expenditures and receipts in connection with Colby's bridge over Burns'
slough, was submitted. This shows that if the Supervisors purchase the
bridge, the price fixed will be at least five thousand dollars.
THE ROAD TO CARSON VALLEY BY THE PLACERVILLE ROUTE.-- Parties just in from
Carson Valley via Placerville, report the roads between here and there as
being in a better condition than ever before at this season of the year.
There will be no difficulty in loaded teams passing over the entire route
after a few days, with the exception of the west summit. On this, extending
from Strawberry to Lake Valley, a distance of twelve miles, the snow still
lies from four to twelve feet deep, rendering it impassable to wagons,
though sleighs, driving tandem, are constantly traveling over it. Teams
on this side now go as far as Strawberry Valley at the foot of the
mountains. This place is forty-eight miles east of Placerville by the
old road crossing at Brockliss Bridge, and going up on the north side
of the American Fork; and forty-two by the Ogilsby road keeping up the
south side of the river, a distance of twenty miles, where it crosses,
rejoining the old road. The Ogilsby road is now nearly free from mud,
and will be passable for heavily loaded teams after the tenth instant,
when the new bridge over the south fork is to be completed.
At this time the track from Lake to Carson Valley, over the east summit,
is bare for nearly half the distance, the snow only lying in patches from
one to three feet deep. Over this part of the route wagons are beginning
to travel. Over the west summit all freight is carried on pack animals
and sleighs. From Strawberry to Carson Valley, thirty miles, stage
passengers ride on horseback. The balance of the way they are carried in
coaches. After a few days more, coaches will be used on the east summit,
reducing the horseback travel to the twelve miles extending from
Strawberry to Lake Valley. It will probably be three or four weeks
before this part of the route is practicable for wheel vehicles. A
long spell of clear weather, however, or a warm rain, might carry off
the snow in a much shorter time. The snow that fell on the mountains
last Friday, and Saturday tended to improve the track, by filling up
the holes caused by animals breaking through. The late cool weather has
hardened the track, and animals now pass without difficulty. Once into
Carson Valley, the roads to all parts of Nevada Territory are excellent.
Freights still keep up to fifteen cents from Placerville to Carson City
and vicinity, and eighteen to Esmeralda. Packers complain that they are
losing money even at these rates, owing to the high prices of feed. Hay,
after leaving Strawberry, is nowhere less than seven cents a pound, and
at some points ten, while barley ranges from fifteen to twenty cents.
Fifty men are at work repairing the Kingsbury Grade over the east summit,
and about the same number on the Ogilsby Road. The repairs upon the former
will require three weeks yet for completion, and cost over $12,000 -- about
one-fourth the original cost of the road. When effected, however, they will
render this one of the best mountain roads in the country, and place it
beyond reach of injury from future storms or floods. Wagons have no trouble
in passing over it at present, a side cut having been made avoiding the
high bridge, until the latter, injured by the high water, is repaired.
The proprietors, with commendable liberality, have remitted all tolls on
this portion of the road until it is wholly rebuilt and in prime order
for travel.
With the improvements now in progress, or seriouslv contemplated, on the
line between Folsom and Carson City, fully carried out, the. most direct
and feasible wagon road between these two points will have been secured,
leaving but little more to be done in the matter of furnishing a desirable
transit between the Washoe country and the seaboard, until a railroad over
the Sierras shall have been built, superseding every other mode of
communication.
AMERICAN RIVER LEVEE, ETC.
While the melting snow keeps the American river at a pretty full stage
is believed to be a favorable time for straightening the channel. With
a little aid the water would soon cut new channels across points and
through sloughs. It would in a few days remove earth which it would
cost thousands to excavate in the usual way. The work, therefore, of
a dozen men at the present stage of the water would accomplish more than
the labor of a hundred after low water mark is reached. It is a matter
which should commend itself to the attention of the Levee Commissioners.
We are informed that the slough this side of P. Bannon's can be easily
opened, as a considerable portion of the river is now finding its way
into the Sacramento through that slough. It strikes the Sacramento river
from a half to three-quarters of a mile above the present mouth of the
American, and when fairly opened, the latter river will enter the
Sacramento that distance above its present mouth. North of Sixth and
Seventh streets, the American makes a sudden bend from a course nearly
due west to a point about southeast, and is precipitated now against
the base of the levee running obliquely from Sixth to Seventh streets.
The current during the past Winter has cut its way into Willow Lake,
and crossing that lake strikes the base of the levee. Of course, before
another Winter overtakes us, this current must be forced to take another
direction. The point at which the river turns so abrubtly from west
to east of south, is located at the head of the Bannon Slough, and we
are assured that the current has there cut away considerable land, and
seems disposed to force itself a passage directly to the Sacramento
river. With a little judicious aid it would force such a passage within
the next four weeks.
There is another point where the straightening process should be going
on. It is at the sharp bend above Rabel's' Tannery, where the work may
also begin. There is there a large slough which was once, doubtless,
the bed of the main river, into which the American might be turned for
a trifling expenditure compared with the benefits to follow. Such a
change in the current and volume of water would relieve the city from
all danger at and near the Tannery; the incroachments of the river would
be made in another direction: they would be away from the city instead
of towards it, as is the case at the present time. An engineer should
be sent to examine those sloughs and determine where it is necessary
to work in order to aid the current to clear a passage through them.
In addition to clearing the sloughs as much as possible, it would
probably be advisable to place some obstruction in the river so as to
turn the main portion of the water into the new channel. Some old hulks,
sunk, with trees anchored on the same line, would form a breakwater
sufficient for the purpose. It would, with an increased volume of water,
take but a short time for the current to open a bed large enough to
carry all the water of the turbulent American. These two cut-offs, when
secured, will relieve the city of the most threatening danger from this
formidable river.
We are glad to learn that the two Boards are moving on in complete
harmony. In their joint meeting, night before last, a line was agreed
upon by the City Board, which was accepted by the Board of Swamp Land
Commissioners, and the whole matter now rests with the City Board.
Whatever changes the City Board may hereafter consider necessary in
the line will be acquiesced in by the State Board at any time. The
latter Board has proceeded very properly in the premises; it has
surrendered the whole matter to the City Board, and the members of
said Board may now get to work in a short time. The members can avail
themselves of the survey made by the State, or they can order a new
one. They can also increase the width and hight of the levee to any
extent deemed necessary to protect Sacramento from future overflows.
The line adopted, we believe, is the one recommended by the Engineer
cf District No. 2. From Y street to R the line conforms to the river
bank, but from R street to I it runs immediately up Front; thence up
I to Seventh; from Seventh the line follows the present levee to
Twenty-second street; thence deflects into B and follows that street
to Thirty-first. After leaving Thirty-first the engineers ran three
lines of levels -- one on the old levee line, one across to the high
land at Oak Ridge, and an intermediate line from a point east of the
Tivoli House, directly to the mouth of Burns' slough. The latter is
the one substantially agreed upon by the Committee, though they did
not conform exactly to the line surveyed. This line would leave Smith's
Gardens outside of the levee.
The first work of the Committee, we presume, will be to employ an
engineer, and it is of the utmost importance that one be selected in
whose capacity, acquirements and character the people of the city will
have confidence. He should be a man of the soundest judgment, and of
unquestioned integrity.
UNDER CONSIDERATION. -- Board of Superviaors have under consideration
the question of purchasing the bridge built by G. W. Colby on J street
and over the slough. The Board contracted with Colby to build the bridge
over the slough, and granted him the right to charge a small toll up to
a certain time, in order to get back his money. But it so happened that
before the bridge was completed the great flood came and carried away
the embankment on J street to such an extent that nine small bridges had
to be built on that before the one on the slough could be reached. A good
deal of work, too, had to be done on the street to render it passable.
The consequence was, according to Colby's figures, the small bridges and
work on J street cost considerably more than the large bridge over the
slough. But just as the bridge began to pay handsomely, some of the
residents on K street resolved to repair that street, and build a free
bridge over the slough, which they did in spite of the warnings of the
President of the Board. The travel, of course, turned to the free bridge,
and Colby's income from tolls came to a stand still. Colby appealed to
the Board for protection, but that body had to confess its inability
to do so. It was conceded that the bridge was a decided convenience when
it was built -- that a contract was made with Colby to erect the bridge
for the tolls, as the city had neither credit nor cash for the purpose;
and as a free bridge had been put up, that Colby ought in some way to be
reimbursed the money he expended, and paid a reasonable sum for his
services. It was also considered very desirous to have both bridges free,
and, therefore, a large number of our citizens have signed a petition to
the Board, asking that the bridge, or rather the bridges, be purchased
upon reasonable terms from Colby, for the use of the public. In making
such a purchase, the Board will, of course, see the city is justly dealt
by, as well as the individual. The items for board and personal service
seem high, though we suppose they are made out in view of the low ruling
of the city scrip. The fair thing should be done all round, if possible.
If the Board is not satisfied with the charges made, it can have the work
estimated. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
Legislative Proceedings.
. . . .
In the Assembly a bill passed allowing the Treasurer of Sacramento county
same fees for receiving and disbursing levee funds, as are allowed by law
in all other cases. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
ADOPTED. -- City Levee Commissioners have informally decided to adopt
the middle line suggested by B. F. Leet, running from Thirty-first street
to Burns' slough. This line runs south of Smith's Gardens, which will
therefore be excluded from its benefits. They also decided to adopt the
line running down Front street to Y. This excludes the workshops of the
railroad company at the foot of R street, and other property west of Front
street and south of Q. This action is not final, and may possibly be
reversed. . . .
LENGTH OF THE LEVEE. -- The length of the levee, as surveyed by
B. F. Leet, from the foot of Y street to Jones' ranch at Brighton is
about eight miles. The proposed line from the foot of Y street to
Sutterville is about two miles, and that which runs south from Sutterville
down the Sacramento and up the Mokelumne to Burton's Slough, is
thirty-seven miles. The entire line of levee, therefore, of Swamp
Land District No. 2 will amount to about forty-two miles in length. . . .
HOUSE RAISING. -- William Chesly commenced yesterday the work of
raising a brick house belonging to Louisa Letcher, on the east side
of Second street at the corner of the alley between K and L streets.
The building is twenty-five feet front and 80 feet long, and one story
high. It will be raised by means of jack screws three feet above it
present hight. This elevation will place the floor above high water
mark. . . .
THUNDER. -- Three or four peals of thunder were heard in the northeastern
horizon between four and five o'clock yesterday afternoon. A rainbow in
the east soon afterward made its appearance. These phenomena were looked
upon as Union thunder and the bow of promise indicating good news from
the seat of war.
GOOD ROADS. -- The road to and from Auburn, Nevada, etc., by way of
Norris' Ferry, is in exexcellent [sic] condition for teams. An impression to
the contrary prevails, we are told, in the vicinity of the localities
named. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river has remained for several days past
at about eighteen feet and a half above low water mark. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, May 5, 1862
The Board met at two P, M,. . . .
Supervisor DICKERSON wished to know what had been done or what it was
proposed to do in relation to the grade of the streets.
Supervisor HITE said that he had charge of an ordinance for raising the
grade. It had been agreed not to take any further action upon the subject
until it was ascertained whether the Board of Supervisors was to be
legislated out of office or not. The ordinance would probably be submitted
for consideration after the adjournment of the Legislature. . . .
Supervisor HITE, from the Special Committee appointed to inquire what
arrangements could be made for the purchase of Colby's bridge over
Burns' Slough, submitted the following bill of items, prepared by the
said Colby:
City of Sacramento to G. W. Colby -- Dr.
Jan. 31 -- 21,000 feet of lumber, delivered upon
the bank of the slough, at $55 per M $1,155 00
7,500 feet of lumber carried away by
the flood, at $45 per M .. 337 50
Feb. 12 -- Bill of Benjamin & McWilllams, for
one boat 60 00
To cash paid for nuts, bolts, plates and
iron work for the bridge, as per bill
of Robt. Anderson. .. . 296 00
Feb. 24 -- To cash paid Walter Earl for 18
days' work on the bridge . . 36 00
Board for the same, at $1 50 per day. . 27 00
Feb. 26 -- cash paid Patrick Carroll, for 23
days' labor. ... . 23 00
Board for the same, at $1 50 per day. 34 50
To Carkuff & King, for 5,250 feet of lumber,
at $25 per M 131 00
To lumber of Hopping, O'Brien and
others, for street 33 00
To Sands' team, 3-1/2 days, at $5 50 per
day 19 00
March 12 -- To Chas. Pitzer, 1 month, at $25. 25 00
Board for the same for 30 days' labor. 48 00
To cash paid Thos. Shultz for 17 days
labor 17 00
Board for the same 28 50
To Sam May for 32 days labor 32 00
Board of the same 48 00
To lumber of Gray, as per bill. . . . .. 20 00
April -- To cash to Charles Nevner for 22 days
labor 22 00
Board for the same .... 33 00
To Rosenbaum, for 10 days labor; at
$1 50 per day 15 00
Board for the same . 15 00
To cash to Robert Bolton, for 2-1/2
months labor, at $25 per month 62 00
Board for the same (76 days) . 105 00
To cash for team of Russell, 16 days,
at $5 per day :....... 80 00
To cash to Cyrus Ackerman, for 35
days' labor with team on streets, at
$5 per day ........ 195 50
To team of Kelly, four horses, for 37
days, at $7 per day 259 00
To materials for bnilding one boat for
freighting brush on the slough 50 00
To brush and lumber of Pat. Burns. . . 72 00
To brush and lumber of C. Hall ... 87 00
To Rippon & Hill, for lumber for street 21 00
To cash paid Mills for 3 days work,
and board 12 50
To Friend & Terry for lumber for
street 640 99
To Hooker & Co. for bolts, washers and
sundries for the bridge. . 40 00
To rope for fastening rafts and lumber 65 00
To spikes from Stoddart, Weil, and
Booth 30 00
May 5 -- To Chas. Clark, for 3 months and 3
days labor, at $30 per month.. ..... 94 50
Board for the same..... ....... 129 00
To N. A. Ankeny, for three months la-
bor on the bridge and taking toll . . . 300 00
Board for the same ....... 135 00
To self for 3-1/2 months labor. . . . . 1,000 00
To team for 43 days at $5 per day 215 00
To cash paid for 177 days work by M.
V. and T. S. Gardiner and William
Brent on the road and bridge at $3 50
per day .. 899 50
Also to the same for two horses and
wagon for 6 days ... .... 18 00
Board for the same 120 days at $1 50
per day 175 50
___________
Total [doesn't add up] $6,724 49
Receipt of tolls -- cash $923 00
Receipt of tolls -- charged 267 91
Receipt from subscription list 185 00 -- 1,375 91
_______
Balance due to date $ 5,348 58
Supervisor WATERMAN moved that the Committee be authorized to complete
the arrangement for the purchase of the bridge.
Supervisor HITE suggested that the matter should lie over until Thursday.
He wanted the people to see what was to be the expense of the proposed
purchase for which so many of them petitioned.
By general consent, the further consideration of the subject was postponed
until Thursday. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3466, 8 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
From San Francisco, we learn . . . The Senate concurred in the bill
allowing fees to the Sacramento County Treasurer for services under the
Levee Bill. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
The Legislature.
. . . .
The Senate passed the Assembly bill for paying Sacramento County Treasurer
for services under the Levee Bill. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
ESCAPED FROM THE CHAIN-GANG. -- On Tuesday afternoon a member of the
chain gang named George Washington Haines, while at work on the levee
near Rabel's tannery, made his escape. There are some fifteen or sixteen
men in the gang at present, and from the nature of the work they are
necessarily divided. Haines and others were employed on the opposite
side of the river, in cutting brush, which occupation may have suggested
to his mind the propriety of "cutting stick," on which suggestion he
acted and disappeared. Haines resided in American Township, where he
owned a ranch, at the time of his conviction and sentence. His offense
was petty larceny, having stolen a keg of nails belonging to J. & P.
Carolan, for which he was awarded six months in the chain-gang. He has
served out about two months of the time. He has on one or two occasions
been an inmate of the Insane Asylum at Stockton, on account of insanity. . . .
CLOSED UP. -- The chain gang, under overseers Long, Dreman and Childs,
has succeeded in closing up the crevasse at Rabel's tannery through which
water has been running into the city during the past week. The work was
accomplished by means of the hay and sacks sent out for the purpose and
brush brought from the opposite side of the river. It is thought that the
levee at this point can now be strengthened by the chain gang so thoroughly
that it cannot be affected by any rise in the river which can now take
place. . . .
BRICK MAKING. -- Fox and Callahan have commenced the work of brick making
at the northern end of Poverty Ridge. The old brick making region is
still under water, and will scarcely be free from it in time to commence
operations this season. . . .
TRANSFER OF RIGHT. -- Charles Stetson of this city has sold to the Miners'
Foundry of San Francisco the exclusive right to construct and sell his
newly invented rotary force pump, reserving only the individual right
to them himself when so disposed. The terms of sale are said to be
favorable to the inventor. . . .
LETTER FROM MARYSVILLE.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
MARYSVILLE, May 6, 1862.
This morning, in company with others of the City of the Plains, at the
blowing of the whistle, I stepped aboard the cars, and soon we were beyond
the reach of floods, ascending the rising grounds leading to Folsom. . . .
FROM VIRGINIA CITY. -- A correspondent of the UNION, writing from Virginia
City, May 3d, says:
Times here, very dull all Winter, are begining to improve. The roads are
in a condition that admits of hauling fuel and quartz to the mills, about
two-thirds of which are now running. Several of those that had got to work
on the river, having temporarily repaired their dams, are again stopped;
the high water, caused by the late melting of the snow, having swept away
these structures. The streams are higher than usual this Spring owing to
the great quantity of snow on the mountains. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
. . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, May 6,1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
SACRAMENTO LEVEE BILL.
Mr. FERGUSON, on leave, introduced an Act to amend an Act amendatory
and supplementary to an Act concerning the construction and repairs of
levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising revenues
therefor. [The bill provides that the County Treasurer may receive
one-half of one per cent, on the revenues raised for levees.] By
unanimous consent the bill was read a third time and passed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3467, 9 May 1862 p. 1
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. ]
Great Salt Lake City, April 28, 1862. . . .
Local.
. . .
Large preparations are being made for sending out assistance to the
emigrants coming from the East; deep snows, and not Indians, keep back
the train. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
THE COLBY CLAIM. -- The Board of Supervisors decided yesterday that it
was impolitic to issue audited paper to G. W. Colby for the value of his
bridge, but resolved to petition the Legislature for authority to levy
a special tax for the purpose of liquidating the claim. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, May 8, 1862.
The Board met to-day at ten o'clock A. M. . . .
Supervisor HITE, from the Special Committee appointed to confer with
G. W. Colby in reference to the purchase of the bridge over Burns'
slough at J street, reported that Colby wanted the sum of $5,500 12
as full compensation for the bridge, street improvements, labor, etc.
The city could not pay this amount in scrip without adding $20,000 to
the municipal debt, and this the Committee could not approve, it had
been agreed that the better course to pursue would be to apply to the
Legislature for authority to levy a special tax for this purpose. The
Committee therefore reported the draft of a petition setting forth the
facts of the case, the condition of the city treasury, and the urgent
necessity for purchasing the bridge, the said petition to be signed by
the Supervisors and presented to the Legislature. The report of the
Committee was adopted.
Supervisor HITE moved that G. W. Colby be allowed to make use of the
petition and all other documents connected with this case in applying
to the Legislature. Agreed to. . . .
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
. . .
San Francisco, Wednesday, May 7, 1862.
. . .
Assembly Bill No. 484 -- Act to amend an Act concerning the construction
and repair of levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising
revenue therefor -- was read twice, amended by inserting a proviso sent
up by Mr. Heacock, "that the Treasurer shall receive no other compensation
whatsoever for any services required of him under any other provisions of
this Act," read a third time and passed.
Mr. OULTON hoped the Senator had got the bill right at last. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3468, 10 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
In the Assembly, a bill was passed providing for the immediate levy of
ten cents on each one hundred dollars of property in Sacramento, to be
applied to the purchase of Colby's J street bridge, and the balance to
the building of a free bridge on K street; . . .
EXPORT OF HIDES. -- Up to the end of May, says the Alta, by which
date the ships now loading for New York will have sailed, the export of
hides to that port from San Francisco will reach about 200,000 since the
first of January. The shipment of the first five months of the year will
thus be in excess of almost any one entire year for a long time past.
There is little doubt with those interested in the hide business that
the number of hides received in San Francisco from cattle drowned by
the floods of last Winter, will exceed the enormous number of 100,000. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
The Willamette and Columbia rivers are rising quite rapidly. . . .
The Legislature.
In the Senate, a bill and a resolution were introduced and referred,
providing for the removal to Sacramento of the legislative furniture after
the final adjournment. . . .
In the Assembly a bill passed providing for. the immediate levy of
ten cents on each one hundred dollars of property in Sacramento, five
thousand five hundred dollars of the amount raised to be applied to the
purchase of Colby's J street bridge, and the balance to the building of
another free bridge on K street. The bill also passed the Senate under
a suspension of the rules. . . .
Teegardcn of Yuba, on leave, introduced a bill for the appointment of
a Commission to select a more secure location than Sacramento for the
State Capital. As it was considered a joke the Sacramento members did
not oppose its introduction. It was read twice. A motion to strike out
the enacting clause being lost it was referred to the Committee on Public
Buildings. . . .
LEVEE PLAN FOR STOCKTON. -- The County Surveyor of San Joaquin has
presented to the Council of Stockton a plan of a levee and canal for
the protection of the city. The cost of the work is estimated at $110,000.
The Republican says:
He proposes to form the eastern portion somewhat in the form of a triangle,
one point being about one mile east of the center of the east environ line
of the city; another point at a point on Mormon Slough about three blocks
east of the city line; and the third at a point on the northern environ
line to correspond, He proposes also to carry the north levee on the
environ line down into the tules, about half a mile west of the west
line of the city. The canal, which is of course to be outside of the
levee, is figured on the south side at the width of 150 feet at the
bottom, and from three to eight feet deep, as circumstances may demand;
the embankment seventy-five feet wide at the top. On the north side, the
canal at one hundred feet at the bottom, and the embankment fifty feet at
the top. It is calculated for the embankment to be four feet above high
water mark of last Winter. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
POLICE COURT. -- William Hoy was yesterday arraigned in the Police Court
on a charge of assault and battery. The alleged assault and battery
consisted of inviting an old man named Carbrey to take a boat ride to
Camp Union, and on the way back in innocently throwing him overboard.
Carbrey testified that on Sunday afternoon last, on Hoy's invitation,
he started from Third and O street for Sutterville in Hoy's boat. They
were accompanied by a third person named Koppikus. Before starting witness
and defendant drank three bottles of lager; on the way down they took
several drinks of gin from a bottle which Hoy had provided. Witness
could not recollect what he did at Sutterville, but was confident that
he was not drunk. He may have gone ashore, but could not say for certain.
When the boat started back to the city and had got the distance of about
a block from land, Hoy came to the stern of the boat and pushed witness
until he fell partially overboard -- but his feet were still in the boat
and he held on with his hands. Hoy then caught him by the feet and forced
him overboard. When taken to shore he was so nearly dead that he remembered
but little about what occurred while in the water. D. E. Hastings testified
that he and a dozen of others, were standing on the bank at Sutterville
when the boat started off Carbrey; [sic, punctuation] and Hoy were both
under the influence of liquor. When about fifty yards from shore Hoy
left the bow of the boat and went back to the stern; a struggle took
place between the two, when Hoy got Carbrey partially overboard, and
then took hold of his feet and rolled him overboard; parties hailed them
from the shore and told them to bring the man in to shore; the oarsman,
Koppikus, lost one oar in his effort to save Carbrey; he afterward
regained it, and one of the parties held on to Carbrey, while the other
rowed the boat to shore; he was very much exhausted and nearly dead when
brought ashore. J. D. Cook, who also witnessed the procedure, corroborated
the statements of Hastings. Koppikus testified that he was rowing the
boat at the time; that he was not at first looking at the other two;
that when he first noticed them Carbrey was partially overboard, and
he thought Hoy was trying to pull him back into the boat. J. W. Coffroth,
counsel for the defense, in arguing the case, assumed it to be a fact
established by science, that whisky, beer, gin and brandy, taken in
certain proportions and certain quantities into the stomach, produced
a peculiar effect on the mind and feelings of the subject. He knew
nothing from experience on this point, but was satisfied of the truth
of the proposition. Both parties had drank freely, and the catastrophe
was clearly the result of liquor. Both parties were equally to blame,
and therefore the defendant should not be convicted. The Prosecuting
Attorney held that the case had been made out so clearly that no argument
was necessary. Judge Gilmer rendered judgment of guilty and directed
Hoy to be present to-day to receive sentence. . . .
FREE LINE. -- For several weeks past the members of the chain gang
have been taken out to Rabel's tannery in the morning and brought back
in the evening, in a large circus wagon, by John Hutchings of the
Metropolitan theater, free of charge or compensation from any quarter.
As the team heretofore used has been sent to the mountains, those of
Hooker, Hopping and others near the tannery were last evening brought
into requisition as substitutes for the commodious and obliging
establishment of the Metropolitan. . . .
LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A joint meeting of the Levee Commissioners and
Swamp Land Commissioners, was held last evening, with the expectation of
receiving from Engineer Leet his supplemental report. He failed to furnish
it, and the evening was spent in a general consultation on the levee
question. Before deciding finally upon the line the two Boards will go
over the entire ground together, on a reconnoissance. . . .
RAIN. -- We were visited yesterday by an unexpected rain, which commenced
about twelve o'clock, and continued at intervals through the afternoon.
During the evening, it increased in quantity, and at eleven o'clock
appearances indicated a stormy night. . . .
THE RIVER. -- At sunset last evening the water in the Sacramento stood
at 18 feet 3 inches above low water mark. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3469, 12 May 1862 p. 2
. . . .
LATER FROM THE NORTH.
By a recent arrival at San Francisco we have dates from Portland to May 7th,
FURTHER FROM SALMON RIVER. -- We select the following extracts from a
letter from Florence City, dated April 5th, and published in the
Mountaineer of the 23d:
Cold as ever -- mercury twenty degrees below freezing this morning, and
snow has been falling fast all day. Not much mining will be done before
the middle of May. Pack trains have at last got to the Mountain House,
some fifteen miles from here, and they were much needed, for flour had
risen to $2 per pound; sugar, coffee, nails and dried fruit $2 50, and
tobacco $6 per pound.
Don't think of coming here before the first of June, unless you make
up your mind to walk most of the way from Lewiston. It is mv opinion
that merchandising will be overdone here the coming Summer, for every
miner that has three or four thousand dollars is going to turn merchant
this Spring . . .
The Dalles Mountaineer of May 7th, gives the following items, as
to the northern mining regions: . . .
William A. Yates, just down from Lewiston, says that at the time he left
danger was apprehended from a flood. The water was very high in the Snake
river, and had backed the Clearwater up to such an extent as to cause that
stream to overflow its banks. An additional rise of four or five feet would
lay the business portion of the town under water. . . .
p. 2
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, May 9, 1862.
The Senate was called to order at ten o'clock, President CHELLIS in the chair,
when about two-thirds of the members answered to their names.
MOVING BACK.
Mr. DE LONG offered the following:
Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That A. G. Turner,
Sergeant-at-Arms, be and is hereby required and instructed to transfer to
Sacramento city and deliver there in good order, within five days after the
adjournment sine die, all of the property now in use by the Legislature in
and about this building, and further be it
Resolved, That the sum of $---- be appropriated out of the Contingent
Funds of the Senate and Assembly to be used for that purpose.
Mr. NIXON moved to refer it to the Committee on Public Buildings.
Mr. DE LONG said he had no objection if the Committee were instructed to
report to-morrow morning.
Mr. GALLAGHER inquired of the Senator from Yuba whether the furniture was
to be removed to Sacramento or Marysville.
The motion to refer, with instructions, was carried. . . .
Mr. PARKS obtained leave to introduce a bill for an Act to provide for the
removal of the furniture, books and stationery to the Capitol at Sacramento;
which was read twice and referred to the Judiciary Committee . . .
IN SENATE.
Assembly messages were taken up. . . .
Assembly Bill No. ---: An Act to provide for free bridges across J and K
streets in the city of Sacramento -- was considered in Committee of the
Whole, made the subject of half a dozen facetious inquiries, read a third
time and passed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, May 9, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
FREE BRIDGES IN SACRAMENTO.
Mr. WARWICK (on leave) introduced an Act providing for free bridges across J
and K streets in the city of Sacramento. [Authorizing the purchase of bridges
by the city from Colby & Co., the price not to exceed $5,000.] Under
suspension of the rules the bill was passed. . . .
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
The House took up Senate Messages: . . .
Assembly Bill No. 484 -- An Act to amend an Act supplementary to an Act
concerning the repairs of levees in Sacramento county, and the raising
of revenues therefor -- came from the Senate with a slight amendment,
which was concurred in. . . .
BILL FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.
During the confusion above mentioned, Mr. TEEGARDEN asked leave to introduce
a bill, which was decided out of order, because Mr. Bell's motion was pending.
After a final vote disposing of Mr. Bell's motion, Mr. TEEGARDEN called for
the reading of his bill, and said it was before the House, as he had sent
it up without objection.
The SPEAKER -- No objection being made the rules are suspended, and the
Clerk will read the bill.
Several members -- I object, I object.
Mr. BENTON -- l ask for the reading of the bill; let us know what it is first.
The SPEAKER put the question on suspending the rules for the introduction of
the bill, and declared it carried.
The CLERK twice read the title of the bill which was, "An Act to provide for
the selection of a site, for the permanent location of the Capitol of this
State [sic, no close "]; and the reading was greeted with applause and
laughter.
Mr. O'BRIEN -- l move to lay that bill on the table.
Mr. TEEGARDEN -- I have the floor.
Several gentlemen called for the reading of the bill for information, and
it was read, it recites in a preamble that "whereas the site of the present
Capitol of the State being insecure, by reason of exposure to floods," and
provides to enact that a Commission, to consist of Abel Stearns, of the
First Judicial District, Pablo de la Guerra, of the Second, Charles Ford,
of the Third, E. S. Lathrop, of the Fourth, and -- for each of the
remaining districts, shall be appointed, and organize by choosing a
President and Secretary, and three members to act with these officers as
an Executive Conimittee, to visit and examine various locations suitable
for the permanent site of the Capitol, and receive proposals for furnishing
the necessary grounds and buildings, and report to the full Commission;
said Commission to report to the next Legislature such recommendation as
a majority may approve, and at the next session enactments shall be passed
to carry the provisions of such recommendation into effect.
The reading was greeted with laughter and applause.
Mr. TEEGARDEN -- I have the floor, and I now move that ths bill be put
upon its third reading. [Applause and cries of "object."]
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer -- I move that it be indefinitely postponed.
The SPEAKER -- One objection is fatal.
Mr. FERGUSON -- I move that it be referred back to Mr. Teegarden, to be
introduced next Winter.
Mr. LOVE -- I move to refer it to the Committee on Swamp Lands.
Mr. WARWICK -- I suggest Indian Affairs.
Mr. HOAG -- I move to make it the special order for the 4th of July.
Mr. TEEGARDEN -- I move to refer it to the Committee an Public Buildings
and Grounds.
Mr. WARWICK -- Would the gentleman accept an amendment to refer it to the
Insane Asylum? I withdraw my motion and move that reference.
Mr. DUDLEY of Placer -- Does not a motion to reject the bill have
precedence? I make that motion.
The SPEAKER -- The motion to reject is in order on the first reading; this
has passed to the second reading.
Mr. DUDLEY -- But there was no opportunity ----
Mr. SAUL -- I rise for information. Is not Mr. Teegarden already on the
record as voting in favor of continuing the work on the State Capitol
where it is?
Mr. FERGUSON -- Oh! the gentleman has a right to change his views. He has
reconsidered; don't you see?
Mr. TEEGARDEN -- No, I didn't; I say I didn't.
Mr. LOVE -- I withdraw my motion to refer.
Mr. AVERY -- I think the Swamp Land Committee is the proper Committee to
refer this to. It is a very important bill, and we had better get a report
from that Committee, and act intelligently upon it. We. have decided once
not to lay it upon the table. ["No! no!"] I say let us act understandingly
upon it, and refer it to the Swamp Land Committee.
Mr. LOVE -- I think myself it is a very important bill, and no doubt it
was introduced in good faith [a laugh], and although gentlemen may not be
inclined to act upon it seriously this Winter, yet I have no doubt that
some subsequent Legislature will. Although a gentleman from Sacramento
[Mr. Warwick] derides it now, yet the strong probability is that a similar
bill will be passed next Winter. Now, why not come to a vote and dispose
of it without all this confusion and trouble?
The SPEAKER -- The intervening motions being withdrawn, the question is
on referring the bill to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds,
Mr. WILCOXON -- The gentleman from Yuba wants it to go to a Committee of
one from each district. I move that it be referred to the Committee on
Retrenchment and Reform; that has seventeen members.
The SPEAKER -- The motion to refer to a Standing Committee takes precedence.
Mr. TEEGARDEN -- The gentleman is mistaken. I made no such motion as to
refer to a Committee of seventeen.
Mr. SEARS -- I hope the House will now dispose of this bill and stop this
ridiculous farce. I move to strike out the enacting clause of the bill.
SEVERAL MEMBERS -- That is not in order.
Mr. SEARS -- I ask the decision of the Chair whether that motion takes the
precedence. I refer the Chair to the Thirty-fifth rule.
The SPEAKER -- The motion takes precedence of an amendment, but not of a
motion to recommit.
Mr. SEARS -- I move that the House adjourn. Nine members rose simultaneously
to questions of order.
The SPEAKER [as soon as he could be heard] -- The motion to adjourn is in
order pending other business, provided no other member has actual
possession of the floor.
CUNNARD, AMES, TEAGARDEN and several others demanded the ayes and noes.
Several gentlemen asked what would be the position of the bill if the
House adjourned.
The SPEAKER -- The bill remains before the House as having been read twice
and no disposition made of it.
The vote on the adjournment resulted as follows:
Ayes -- Avery, Battles, Benton, Campbell, Dean, Dudley of Placer, Evey,
Gordon, Hoag, Hoffman, Irwin, Jackson, Loewy, Love, Meyers, Morrison, Reed,
Reeve, Sears, Shannon, Smith of Sierra, Tilton of San Francisco, Waddell,
Warwick, Werk, Wright, Yule -- 27.
Noes -- Amerige, Ames, Collins, Cunnard, Dana, Dore, Dow, Dudley of Solano,
Eagar, Eliason, Ferguson, Frasier, Griswold, Kendall, Leach, Mackin,
Matthews, Moore, O'Brien, Orr, Parker, Printy, Reese, Saul, Seaton,
Teegarden, Van Zandt, Wilcoxon, Zuck -- 29
So the House refused to adjourn.
Mr. EAGAR -- I move to amend the motion to refer, by instructing the
Committee on Public Buildings to report on Monday next.
Mr. BENTON -- I call for a division of the question then.
Mr. WARWICK -- Is it in order to say a few words?
The SPEAKER -- It is in order, but --
SEVERAL MEMBERS -- No, no! Let it go!
Mr. WARWICK -- Since the House feels particularly anxious about this
bill, I will not make a speech.
Mr. HOAG -- Mr. Speaker ["Question! question!''] this is a motion to refer
with instructions, I believe.
The SPEAKER -- It is not; it has been divided.
Mr. HOAG -- Very well.
The SPEAKER put the question, and the bill was referred to the Committee
on Public Buildings and Grounds.
On the motion to instruct the Committee to report the bill next Monday,
a division was had, and the motion was lost -- ayes 24, noes 26.
Mr. LOEWY reported correctly engrossed Assembly Bill No. 488 -- An Act
to provide for free bridges on J and K streets, Sacramento. . . .
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, May 10, 1862.
The Senate met at ten o'clock, Mr. SHAFTER presiding, . . .
p. 2
. . . .
ASSEMBLY MESSAGES.
. . . .
The same Committee reported back Senate Bill No. 467 -- An Act providing for
the removal of the furniture, books, etc., of the Legislature back to
Sacramento -- with a slight amendment.
Mr. DE LONG moved to further amend by striking out the names of the
Porters and inserting the names of the Sergeauts-at-Arms of the two
houses, as the persons to have charge of the removal. That, he said,
was the usual course, and the passage of the bill without the amendment
would be a reflection upon his integrity.
Mr. PARKS opposed the amendment, and said no disrespect to the
Sergeant-at-Arms was intended.
Messrs. WILLIAMSON, GASKELL, and HEACOCK also opposed the amendment,
alleging that the Porters were poor men, deserving of patronage.
Mr. POWERS moved to substitute the name of Samuel Soule.
Mr. SOULE -- I don't accept the amendment.
Mr. POWERS -- And compelling him to do it for $500 or $600 -- he says
that is all it is worth.
Mr. SOULE -- I would like to see him try that on.
Several other Senators explained their position.
Mr. WARMCASTLE moved to recommit, with instructions to ascertain who
would do the work for the least amount.
After further "ventilation" of the subject of economy. etc., the Senate
voted, by ayes and noes, on the motion to recommit, etc. Motion
prevailed -- ayes 17, noes 12. . . .
Mr. PARKS, from the Committee on Claims, . . . Also, reported back Assembly
Bill No. 434 -- An Act to appropriate money [$1,262 85] to pay the cost of
removing the State Printing Office to and from San Francisco. . . .
Assembly Bill No. 434, above reported -- to pay $1,262 85 for removing
the office of the State Printer -- was taken up and discussed.
Mr. OULTON read a communication from the State Printer, accompanying
the items of his bill, and basing his claim upon the necessity of removal
in order to accompany the Legislature.
The bill was ordered to a third reading by a vote of ayes 20, noes 7,
and was then passed.
Mr. IRWIN gave notice of a motion to reconsider. . . . .
ASSEMBLY.
San Francisco, Saturday, May 10,1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at ten o'clock.
. . .
Mr. O'BRIEN offered a resolution that Mr. Clayton the Sergeant-at-Arms,
be directed to take charge of the furniture of the Assembly and send it
to the State Capitol at Sacramento, and that $600 be appropriated for that
purpose from the Contingent Fund.
Referred to the Committee on Accounts and Expenditures to report next
Tuesday. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
The late rains have been of great service to crops, while they have done
no injury in the swelling of rivers. We learn that while rain fell in the
valleys, snow and hail were deposited mostly on the foot hills and summit. . . .
The water in the city did not rise any in consequence of the late rains,
and it is understood that the rivers have even fallen under the visitation,
owing to the coldness of the weather. . . .
DAM BROKEN. -- A dam broke away in Round Valley, Plumas county, May 2d,
carrying away two quartz mills, several arastras, and killing a man named
Green.. . .
POWDER RIVER. -- The Territorial Enterprise furnishes the following:
A private letter was received yesterday by a gentleman of this city,
dated at Walla Walla, April 18th, by Joseph Stewart, . . . Stewart left
Walla Walla in November last, and went to Powder river [near Salmon river
mines], where he was snowed in for five months; his provisions gave out
and he lived for weeks on flour and water. He prospected but little, the
snow being too deep -- found a little gold. The wolves attacked, killed
and devoured his animal. . . .
ROAD OPEN. -- The San Juan Press of May 10th says:
We are happy to be able to state that the temporary bridge at Wood's
Crossing was so far completed several days ago as to enable the stage
coach and heavily loaded teams to pass safely over. There is now no
impediment but the snow on the summit to travel on the Truckee Turnpike
and Henness Pass route clear through to Washoe. The stimulus which this
and similar improvements across other mountain streams will give to
travel and team trade, will soon be beneficially felt, not only in
San Juan, but other towns and mining camps, for several months past
almost entirely cut off from commerce with the valleys. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT. -- In accordance with the provisions of an Act
of the Legislature submitting the question of the county seat to the vote
of the people, the county seat of Yolo was removed on Saturday last from
Washington to Woodland. We are informed by a ranchman from the central
portion of the county that on the way to the city he met the county seat
en route for Woodland on the flooded portion of the tule, several miles
beyond Washington. The first boat contained three or four county officers
of various grades who constituted the advance guard. The next boat carried
a large array of benches, desks, chairs, tables, books, records, archives,
and doubtless a fireproof chest well filled with the treasure of the county.
The friends of Washington and opponents of Woodland contemplated applying
for an injunction to prevent the removal, but no step of that character
was taken by them, and the removal took place without let or hindrance. . . .
THE WEATHER. -- The weather since Friday morning last has been so unlike
that of May -- so out of season and so variable -- that the impression
prevails that the Clerk of the weather must have struck the last of March
with three days of unfinished business on his hands, which he was compelled
to defer until the present period. We have had a succession of moderate
showers, with here and there an hour's heavy rain, and now and then a
lively hail storm by way of variety. The temperature has also been unusually
cold and disagreeable for the season, and sunshine has been "few and far
between." If this specimen is tendered as an average sample of Spring
weather, we have no hesitation in advising its rejection. . . .
RAIN. -- The aggregate amount of rain which has fallen in the city since
Friday morning, we learn from Dr. Logan, is 1.180 inches. This is more
than twice the average amount of rain for the month of May, but not half
so much as fell in May, 1853. We still lack 0.695 of an inch of having
as much rain as fell during 1852-'3, which was 36.361 inches.
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river at sunset last evening stood at
eighteen feet four inches above low water mark. It is quite remarkable
that neither the river nor the water in the lower portion of the city
appear to have been raised to any perceptible degree by the rain of
the last three days: . . .
ACT FOR FREE BRIDGES ACROSS J AND K STREETS, SACRAMENTO.
The following Act has passed the Legislature and is now in the hands of
the Governor:
AN ACT providing for Free Bridges across J and K Streets, in the City of
Sacramento.
Section 1. The Board of Supervisors of the city and county of Sacramento,
is hereby authorized, during the session held next after the passage of
this Act, to levy a tax of ten cents on each one hundred dollars worth of
taxable property within the limits of the city of Sacramento, for the
current fiscal year; and the tax so levied shall be collected in the same
manner as other taxes, and the money when collected shall be paid into a
special fund, to be designated as "the City Bridge Fund."
Sec. 2. As soon as the Supervisors and G. W. Colby agree upon the amount
of purchase money to be paid for the J street bridges, which amount shall
not exceed $5,500 12, and said Colby has conveyed said bridges, free of
liens and incumbrances, to the city, and cancelled his contract and license
in relation thereto, the Auditor shall draw and deliver to said Colby his
warrants on the City Bridge Fund for the amount of purchase money, and
shall certify to the Treasurer a registry of the order in which they are
drawn, and the Treasurer shall pay them out of said fund in that order;
and after said warrants are paid the remainder of the money arising from
the tax levied under the provisions of this Act shall be applied exclusively
to the erection of a bridge on K street across Sutter Fort slough.
Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect immediately. . . .
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OP EMBANKING LANDS FROM RIVER FLOODS, AS APPLIED
TO LEVEES ON THE MISSISSIPPI. By William Hewson, Civil Engineer. New York:
D. Van.Nostrand, 192 Broadway. 1860.
This is a work of peculiar interest in this State at the present time,
and especially to the people of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys,
who have suffered the most by the late inundations. The book contains the
results of the author's reflections and labors on the levees of the
Mississippi. It was the first attempt to reduce to order and to rule,
the design, execution and measurement of those levees. Hundreds of
thousands of people were concerned to the extent of their fortunes,
if not of their lives, in the subject treated of; and the same may be
said in reference to the question so far as it concerns the people of
this State. The summary of principles and practice of leveeing has been
made by the author in terms equally intelligible to the professional
shortcomings of Mississippi engineers, and to the popular knowledge of
the planters, and we hope a perusal of the book will not be lost on our
own unpractical if not unskillful engineers, and our honest but unscientific
Commissioners. The author says:
The principles of economy and usefulness, touched on in this part of the
subject, will be of great importance to the engineer and to the
Commissioner, in indicating useful reforms in the present system of
levee management and construction.
The earthwork tables included in the following pages will be found of
general interest. They embody a new system of obtaining, by inspection,
the areas of earthworks in exact accordance with the prismoidal formula.
They are alike applicable, as far as they extend, to the prisms of the
levee bank, the canal bank or cut, the bank or cut of the railroad. For
slopes of a varying rate, or of greater extent than those given in the
tables, the plan pursued in the preparation of those tables is equally
applicable; and is, therefore, highly valuable to the practical engineer
as a means of simplifying to an extraordinary extent the laborious
reference necessary in such tables as Sir John McNeill's, for calculating
quantities by the prismoidal formula.
The contractor on levees is highly interested in the publication of the
earthwork tables included in these pages. Ignorance and carelessness have,
too generally, characterized estimates of the quantities of earthwork
executed in leveeing; the consequence being, sometimes, large losses to
the contractor, sometimes large losses to the public. These tables, placing
the facts within the reach of both parties, guarantee, therefore, justice
in all cases to each. The use of the tables as explained in the letter
press is short and simple. Men of ordinary intelligence, knowing the
hights of a levee, at intervals of one hundred feet, can tell with accuracy
by those tables the solid content of the levee. The Commissioner, the
engineer, the contractor and the public can, therefore, bring these results
within the compass of the popular knowledge . . .
We are indebted to A. Roman & Co., booksellers, San Francisco, for the
above works. . . .
p. 8
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS.
. . .
FLOODED TREES. -- The California Farmer says:
We again urge the attention of all who have fruit trees that have been
submerged by the flood, or vines or shrubs, to give their immediate
attention to them. In our observation in many localities; we find that
where the deposit of sand or other matter has remained around them, they
have already perished or are sickly and will soon die. for the want of
air and warmth to the roots. The poisonous substances in this deposit act
upon the bark (the skin) of the tree, and burn it, causing it to turn black.
This prevents all flow of sap, and the tree at once must die. We have
examined thousands of trees, and this is the general result. Peach, plum
and cherry go first, next nectarine and apricot, then pear. The apple is
the most hardy. The apple and the pear have suffered less than any other
fruit tree. In visiting many parts of the State, we find a greater loss
of fruit trees than we first anticipated. The warm weather now tries
whatever has been subjected to the floods, and many trees that had the
prospect of surviving are now showing signs ot death. We think the chances
are that peaches will be scarce. Nectarines and apricots will not be
plenty. Many will lose cherries and plums. Our mountain cultivators will,
however, come to our aid with a large crop of fruit, for they have not
suffered by the floods or frosts, and we shall expect to see some splendid
fruit from our mountain counties, such as we have never seen before.
LUXURIANCE OF THE GRASS. -- The Stockton Republican says:
In every part of the country we hear that the grass is growing luxuriantly,
and cattle which after the flood were much reduced in flesh, are beginning
to grow fat. The Red Bluff Beacon tells a similar story: "Never, since
1853, has there been such splendid range for stock as can be found all
through Tehama county at this time. The red land between Red Bluff and
Tehama which, ten years ago, was almost a desert, is now covered with a
velvety carpet of luxuriant grass almost knee high. Everywhere throughout
the country we hear favorable accounts of the fine feed for cattle. Our
country is almost a paradise in this respect." In Nevada county, the San
Juan Press says, the foot hills present a most heartsome and lovely
appearance. Flowers of every hue are visible on a carpet of verdure. The
trees are in foliage, and nature rejoices in a thousand voiceless, though
audible ways, at the glorious change wrought by a few weeks of genial
airs and rectifying sunshine.
DRAINAGE. -- The owners of flooded lands cannot devote too much attention
to the suggestions of experience upon this subject. The California
Farmer says:
If the cultivator will but examine the condition of that soil he will find
the particles very compact by means of a glutinous substance, alkaline salts
and silica, which predisposes all such lands to harden and lie very solid
upon seeds or roots that are growing in it. In order to remedy this evil,
frequent pkowings or spadings will, by turning up the soil, cause it to
dissolve by means of the sunlight and the atmospheric action, and thus
again be fitted for use. The ordinary culture of such soil will only result
in a loss of half the crop. Wherever trees, plants or shrubs are permitted
to remain in such soil without the repeated stirring of that soil to admit
light, heat and air, death is sure to follow. No land that has been
submerged for any length of time should be sown down in grass. It needs
a year's good cultivation to restore.it. In these remarks we particularly
mean them to apply to deep, rich, heavy sods. Soils of a light, sandy
character permit these glutinous substances to pass off, or by a less
cultivation to get rid of their deleterious matter. It would he of very
great public good if our cultivators on flooded ground would communicate
to us the results they may notice and register. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3470, 13 May 1862 p. 1
. . .
SNOW ON THE SUMMIT. -- The Silver Age says the snow belt on the
Placerville road is now reduced to nine miles. The snow in places is said
to be fifteen feet deep. This is said not to be a very unfavorable state
of things at this season. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
MOUNTAIN ROADS. -- We learn from Mr. Raun, who has for two months past
been engaged in building bridges on the Oglesby road, that he has completed
the bridge work, and that forty men are engaged in putting the road itself
in a condition to be traveled by loaded wagons. An excellent and substantial
bridge has been built by Raun over the American river, where the road
crosses it. Several others have been put up over ravines where the turns
were too sharp. But from all accounts the unexampled rains of last Winter
were terribly destructive to roads on the side of mountains as both roads
are which lead up the American river, east of Brockliss' bridge. In certain
localities it seems as if the whole side of the mountain had slid towards
the river. In numerous places the slides carried away the roads, causing
a great deal of heavy work to repair them.
The road built by the two counties, which is on the north side of the
river -- while that of Oglesby is on the south side -- has been let,
under the new law, to Bartram for a term of years. He owns a large saw
mill just this side of the Brockliss bridge, and is deeply interested
in keeping that road in good traveling order. He contracts to put it in
good condition and keep it so, and charge the same tolls as before for
loaded wagons going up and half price for those returning empty. Emigrants
to go free. It is the intention of Bartram to place the county road in
good condition as soon as possible. He has the means and the energy to
accomplish the work. . . .
THE LEVEES. -- At as early a day as possible, the contracts for building
the levees should be let, and hence the Levee Committee will act wisely
in pushing forward the business with as much rapidity as the nature of
the case will admit. . . .
LEVEEING OF RIVERS.
This subject possesses so much interest at the present time that our
readers will excuse us if we make some further reference to a publication
recently noticed in our columns -- "Hewson's Principles and Practice of
Leveeing" -- and give an extract or two therefrom. We would premise first,
however, that embanking rivers or confining them within artificial banks
has, from a very early period, occupied the attention of individuals and
governments. Among those who embanked low lands and drained marshes were
the Phoenicians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Romans, Hindostanees and other
East Indian nations. They were too wise to allow their rich alluvial lands
to be monopolized by floods and they early directed their attention to
the business of reclaiming them. In this they showed more wisdom than many
of the members of the present Legislature, who by their votes declared
that the great Sacramento valley was uninhabitable. It is said that Egypt,
the land of floods and marshes, from the richness of its soil when
reclaimed, was able at known periods of history to supply during times
of dearth the impoverished nations, which inhabited dryer countries
around, with corn. Egypt, when it was subjected to Rome, was the granary
which supplied that city with its main sustenance. Some two thousand years
before the Christian era, history informs us that Egypt was an extensive
marsh, which Menes, the then reigning King, undertook to reclaim. He
changed the course of the Nile into the middle of its bottom lands; cut
water courses and raised embankments to confine the waters. His successors
improved even on this wise monarch, raised mounds, or in other words
raised the sites of their cities to the "Hite grade" or above overflow,
and cut canals for irrigation. The ancient Romans excelled even the
Egyptians in the extent of their embankments and the energy and skill
displayed in reclaiming submerged lands. The Tiber was embanked near
Rome, and the waters of the Po confined for many miles from its mouth.
In India immense labor was bestowed in this same connection. The large
rivers of that country were tapped and the waters led off into various
canals, which were shut up in the wet season and judiciously distributed
in the dry season for purposes of general irrigation. Remains of immense
works are to be seen to this day, the monuments of India's greatness
and enterprise in ancient ages. Water was conducted for miles along the
flanks of mountains, across gorges and valleys, and through almost
inaccessible countries, irrigating and fertilizing the soil as it passed.
In more modern times, Holland has been distinguished for its energy and
enlightened labors in this regard. We will here annex an extract or two,
to show what has been done in this department by those who have made the
present subject a specialty:
Holland is well known to be low and flat. The alluvial deposits brought
down, before even the dawn of history, from the higher districts of
Western Germany and Northern France, by the Scheldt, the Meuse, and the
Rhine, resulted in a marine swamp, known now as the "Low Countries."
This once salt marsh has been erected into the rich and prosperous
kingdom of Holland, by "dikes" or embankments. De Luck, in the first
volume of his Geological Travels, says: "that the sea banks on the
coast of the North sea, at the mouths of the Eyder and Elbe, extend to
not less than 350 miles." And by another author, "the southern shore of
the North sea is embanked to the extent of 600 miles, the southern shore
of the Baltic for 1,000 miles, and the Bay of Biscay to the extent of
300 miles." All the great rivers of Germany and Holland, such as the
Rhine, the Elbe, the Oder, the Leek, the Vaert, the Yssel, the Maes,
have all been confined to their channels by embankments.
The Zealand dikes or embankments are said to be at least 300 miles in
extent, and to cost, for annual repairs, the large sum of $800,000! The
sum expended for similar objects and for the regulation of the water
levels throughout Holland alone, amounts to $3,000,000 per annum! The
early history of embanking in Holland, Zealand and other places, presents
a series of calamities from the destructive power of water, almost
unparalleled in history.
By the following, it will be seen reclamation has done considerable also
for England:
It is well known that many of the marshes in the immediate vicinity of
London -- now under consideration as subjects for embankment, are twelve
feet below high tide in the Thames. The original marshy character of the
ground on which the modern Babylon -- like the ancient Babylon -- stands,
is indicated also by the fact that many of its streets terminate with the
word "Wall;" the names of several towns and places, such as Blackwall,
Millwall, etc., on the Thames, are compounds of the same word, which, in
Kent and Essex is, to this day, the popular name for embankment. It is stated
in an article published in the Builder, of 22d August, 1857, headed
"Two Aspects of London," that "all the space which is now so thickly
covered with vast works and occupied with living multitudes, was a watery
waste, as desolate as the neighborhood of Babylon at the present day.
Standing on a high part of Clerkenwell, or Islington, it is easy to
imagine the picture -- a foreground of sedges, reeds and willows. On the
southeast and west, a space of water extends to the base of the high
lands, presenting the appearance of a huge lake, in which the channel of
the Thames is not even defined!" The commencement of modern embankments
in England took place under Cromwell about the middle of the seventeenth
century. In 1748, however, the works undertaken by Bishop Morton, and
subsequently completed by Charles the First, conjointly with the Earl
of Bedford and his friends, reclaimed 1,033,360 acres of rich land. In
the space of a few years, previously to the year 1651, about 425,000
acres of fens, morasses or overflowed lands were recovered in Lincolnshire
, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and Kent. Through the exertions of Sir
Cornelius Vermuyden -- a Zealander, who confined the Welland and the Ouse
within artificial embankments, a district has been reclaimed from the
sea, in England, larger than the whole kingdom of Holland. Sir John
Rennie, in conjunction with Mr. Telford, constructed the celebrated
Nene outfall, which, with the aid of banks, drained immense bodies of
rich land. Mr. Wiggins says that "the embankments on the coast of Essex
alone, measure 220 miles." The principal rivers in England, subject to
heavy freshets, are all embanked, the Thames, the Mersey, etc.
Here is something in reference to the material of which levees should be
composed:
Wash and percolation are two most powerful agents of destruction in the
case of river embankments, and hence does it become of the gravest
importance, where the choice can be made, to select such materials as
are most cohesive and impervious. The lightness of a sand bank is but
a light disqualification for leveeing compared with its liability to
wash and leak. Its wash is not even confined to wave, current and rain,
but is carried on also actively by the wind. Sand is liable not only to
run and blow away in a dry state, but also in a wet state is liable to
run or melt like so much sugar. But while its lightness lays it open,
as a material for levees, to great objection on the ground of duration,
the worst of its properties in such works is its liability to percolation.
A bank of ample section to resist the total pressure brought to bear on
it, when that pressure acts from the outside slope against the whole weight
of the bank, will yield when that pressure becomes transferred from the
outside of the bank to some point or plane within it. In the latter case,
a portion only of the whole mass is engaged in the resistance of the whole
pressure. Loam is much better for water banks than sand. Thirty per cent,
heavier, it meets all the conditions involved in leveeing on the ground
so much better than sand. Much stronger than sand in its parts, it is
superior to it in all those serious objections applying to sand for the
purpose of water-tight embankments. The very best of those soils obtainable
under the present practice on the Mississippi, for the purpose of river
banks, is blue clay. Several kinds of this clay are found on the lines
of the levee works; but they are all subject to the disadvantage of a
greater or a less admixture of fine sand. Perfectly impervious to water
as they all are, the presence of sand lowers their usefulness partly by
involving a lighter weight, but mainly, and sometimes even to a very
serious extent, by giving them a tendency, especially after frosts, to
melt or run like marl in water. But notwithstanding these drawbacks,
the clays of the Mississippi bottom furnish its very best material for
leveeing . . .
THE LATE STORM IN NEVADA. -- Speaking of the late storm in Nevada county,
the Democrat of May 10th. says:
It commenced raining about two o'clock
yesterday afternoon, and continued steadily until late at night, but
changed to snow before morning. There was about two inches of snow on the
ground at six o'clock this morning, the thermometer standing at the
freezing point. As the day advanced the weather moderated, and the most
of the snow has melted off. As yet, it is believed no considerable damage
has been done to the fruit crop -- the great danger is that it will clear
off cold, in which event the fruit that has thus far escaped will be likely
to suffer. A snow storm at this season is not uncommon. Last year we had
snow on the night of May 20th, or morning of the 21st, and two years ago,
there was a snow storm on the night of May 9th. Whartenby, who has kept a
meteorological record for ten or twelve years, informs us that we usually
have either a cold rain or snow storm between the 5th and 20th of May. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO, May 12th.
. . . .
Legislative Proceedings.
In the Senate, . . .
A bill passed to pay one thousand dollars a month rent for the temporary
State House. . . .
In the Assembly, . . .
Bill to pay rent of temporary Capitol referred to Committee on Claims,
with instructions to report to-morrow. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
A PRACTICAL SURVEY. -- The most of the members of the Swamp Land Commission
and City Levee Commission charted an omnibus yesterday, and visited Rabel's
tannery, Smith's Garden and Burns' slough, with a view of making a practical
observation of that region of country and the proposed lines for the new
levee. Several hours time were spent in the reconnoissance. On return to
the city, they visited the vicinity of Front and R streets with a similar
object in view. . . .
p. 4
. . . .
NOVEL FISHERY. -- A slough on the Comstock place, near the Waterloo House,
has been, within a month or two, pretty well filled with salmon trout and
other fish. A farmer on the ranch recently hitched up his team, and
contrived a sort brush drag behind it. He then drove along through the
slough for some little distance, and then on shore again. About one
hundred and fifty were found entangled in this extraordinary trap. The
water has nearly all left the slough, but there is occasionally a pond
remaining. The neighbors are now dragging them in the same manner for
fish. San Joaquin Republican. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3471, 14 May 1862 p. 1
. . . .
SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS. -- The amount of snow that fell last week on the
summit was ten inches, which mostly melted. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . . .
LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A meeting of the Levee Commissioners was held
last evening at the room of the Swamp Land Commissioners. The final report
of Engineer Leet, which was expected was not received. A map of the
Sacramento and American river boundaries of the second swamp land district
was, however, received from him. On this map there are four modes suggested
of guarding against future floods, as follows: First -- placing levees on
banks of river.. Second -- placidg [sic] levess [sic] on limit of river
bottom. Third -- providing reservoirs to impound the waters of overflow.
Fourth -- forming vents to carry off waters of overflow. While the first
proposition places the levees on the banks of the river, the second sets
them back from the banks, according to the character of the ground, etc.
As to the proposition to impound, the map does not appear to indicate the
impounding points, but they are presumed to be somewhere in the mountains.
The fourth proposition to provide vents, etc., consists of a proposition
for a canal running from Brighton in a southwesterly direction to Kadell's
ranch, eight miles south of the city, on the Sacramento river. This canal
would be one mile wide and eight miles long. It is proposed to throw up
two levees a mile apart and thereby conv«y the surplus water over the
natural surface of the soil. No specific action was had on any of these
propositions by the Board. It is understood to be the design of the members
of the Board to proceed at once, and advertise for proposals for the
levee, on the old line, except such departures therefrom as have already
been indicated.
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, May 12, 1862.
Lieutenant Governor Chellis called the Senate to order at ten o'clock, . . .
Mr. DENVER introduced a bill to provide for the payment of the rent of the
building known as the Merchants' Exchange now occupied by the Legislature
[amounting to $4,000, due to John Parrott] which was read twice and
considered in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. GASKELL said he understood they were to have the building for $1,000
a month, and they had had it only three and a half months.
Mr. DENVER said it would be four months lacking three or four days.
Mr. PERKINS said Mr. Parrott would have to get his scrip shaved, which
would about make it right.
The bill was read a third time and passed. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Monday, May 12, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at 11 o'clock. . . .
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
The House took up messages from the Senate. . . .
Senate Bill No. 472 -- An Act to authorize the payment of the rent of the
Merchants' Exchange building in San Francisco, now occupied by the
Legislature -- was discussed in Committee of the Whole, reported back
to the House, and referred to the Committee on Expenditures to report
back to-morrow. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3472, 15 May 1862 p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, May 13, 1862.
The President, Mr. Chellis, called the Senate to order at ten o'clock, . . .
Mr. PERKINS, from the Committee to whom was referred Assembly bill -- An
Act to provide for the removal of the furniture, books, stationery, etc.,
of the Legislature to Sacramento -- reported that they had received four
or five bids, the lowest of which was that of F. E. Mitchell, at $625.
On motion, the bill was amended by striking out "L. B. Drew" and "$1,000,"
and inserting F. E. Mitchell with amount of his bid.
Messrs. SOULE and IRWIN wanted to know who Mitchell was, and whether he
was responsible.
Messrs. PERKINS and PARKS said if he did not do tha work he would not get
his money.
Mr. NIXON vouched for Mitchell as a responsible man
The bill was read a third time and passed. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
It is in contemplation to repair the Agricultural Park Grounds soon.
It will be remembered that the brick wall around them, and some other
portions of the improvements, suffered by the late floods . . .
[For the Union.]
THE MODERN CIRCUMLOCUTION OFFICE.
February 1st -- Swamp Land Commlssloners require B.F. Leet to make an
immediate survey of the northern boundary of Swamp Land District No. 2.
February 18th -- B. F. Leet reports that "the survey is in such a state
of forwardness that, with the additional assistance of Mr. Tracy, we
confidently expect to complete it within two weeks."
March 18th -- B. F. Leet, Engineer, reports that "the parties under
charge of Goddard, Tracy, Bigler and McCloud, have improved all suitable
weather to push forward the field surveys, which are nearly completed.
The maps and profiles are in a like state of forwardness."
April 2d -- Swamp Land Commissioners, getting impatient, inquire through
their President why he does not report.
April 14th -- Mr. Leet having been absent some ten days, building a bridge
in the mountains, replies:
April 14th -- He "'cannot fix the day when his report will be sent in."
May 1st -- Swamp Land Commissioners having adjourned from day to day
since 28th April to hear report of Mr. Leet, send a messenger to ascertain
when he will report. Answer -- "May 3d."
May 2d -- Mr. Leet very sorry he had promised to report on 3d May, as he
could only make a "partial report." Everybody sorry.
May 3d -- No report from Mr. Leet!
May 5th -- Mr. Leet sent In a partial report, and promised report in full
on 8th.
May 8th -- Swamp Land Commissioners adjourning from day to day to hear
Mr. Leet's report. No report from Mr. Leet!
May 12th -- Communication from Mr. Leet saying he will report 13th May,
8 P. M.. "Quien sabe?"
May 13th, 8 P. M. -- No report from Mr. Leet!
May 13th, 8:45 P. M. -- Messenger from Mr. Leel. "Will be ready in two
hours." "Quien sabe?"
May 13th, 11:59 P. M. -- No report front Mr. Leet!
May 14th, 12 M. -- "Hon. A. M. Winn, President S. L. Commission -- Dear
Sir: I will send my report at the earliest possible moment.
Respectfully, B. F. Leet."
Compiled from actual surveys by
TARDY SLOW-GOER, Reporter. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
ACQUITTED. -- Alexander Manown was tried yesterday in the Court of Sessions,
on a charge of grand larceny, in stealing powder at the time of the flood.
It will be remembered that he and Gibson offered powder for sale to J. & P.
Carolan at that time, and on examination it was found that the doors of the
powder houses were forced open either by burglars or the waters, and a large
quantity of powder had disappeared. The testimony yesterday tended to show
that the powder offered for sale was picked up afloat by Manown and that a
large quantity of it had been found afloat south of the powder houses. The
jury, after hearing the evidence and argument, returned a verdict of not
guilty. In the case of Gibson, who was indicted along with Manown, a
nolle prosequi was entered, and the defendant was discharged. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . . .
In the Assembly bills passed to pay rent of temporary Capitol: to provide
for the return of State property to Sacramento; , , ,
SALMON RIVER MINES. -- P. H. Lynch has just handed us a letter written by
James Manning, formerly of this vicinity, from the Salmon mines. Lynch
informs us that he is well acquainted with Manning, and knows him to be
a man of truth. The letter is dated Florence City, March 23, 1862 . . . this
is one of the most forlorn and God-forsaken countries that ever a white man
set foot upon. As I write, the snow is eight feet deep on a level. From the
1st of March to the 20th, the wind blew a perfect hurricane. The mercury
fell last Winter to forty degrees below zero, and then froze solid in the
knob. Several persons froze to death; six that I know of. . . .
p. 4
. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, May 13, 1862.
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
BILLS FROM THE SENATE.
On motion of Mr. O'BRIEN, the House took up Senate messages.
Senate Bill No. 467 -- An Act to provide for the removal of the furniture,
books and stationery of the Legislature to the Capitol at Sacramento -- was
referred to the Committee on Public Expenditures, with instructions to
report to-morrow. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3473, 16 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . . .
SCARCITY OF TROUT. -- The Mariposa Gazette says that the streams in the
mountains are entirely cleared of trout -- so say mountain men and Indians.
The great mass of drift which has accumulated upon the banks of these
streams, above the highest water for years past, when swept away by the
flood, either killed or swept the fish with it.
DROWNED. -- The body of a man was found in Deer creek, near Clarksville.
El Dorado county, recently, which proved to be that of James Woollen, a
native of Baltimore, aged sixty-two, who was drowned in a late freshet, . . .
REPORT OF ENGINEER LEET.
The long expected report of Leet, Engineer of Swamp Land District No. 2,
was submitted to the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners Wednesday night.
We are indebted to the author for a copy from which we print the report.
It is very voluminous, and includes many matters which to the unprofessional
reader seem unnecessary, if not irrelevant. He reports more especially upon
the plans, feasibility and cost of permanently reclaiming the swamp and
overflowed land in District No. 2 -- assuming that Sacramento is within
the natural boundaries of that district. He makes no definite estimate of
the cost of protecting Sacramento city, though he intimates that it would
not be a difficult undertaking to levee in an area sufficient for all
business purposes, leaving the water free to flow at the highest stage
across the plains east of the city. His figures and arguments refer
directly to the practicability of reclaiming the district; and it must
be admitted that, accepting his premises and conclusions as correct, he
has shown that the district cannot be reclaimed at a cost within the means
of the people living in it, and outside of the city of Sacramento. With
the exception of the levee from Sutterville to Thirty-first street, which
he estimates at a little over a hundred thousand dollars, his calculations
are based upon the proposition to permanently reclaim District No. 2. But
his report relieves the two Boards from the embarrassment under which they
were laboring for the want of it; they can now adopt a line, and after
that is done, the City Board will be at liberty to go forward, select an
engineer, and advertise in a few days for proposals for building the levee
agreed upon. So far as the city is concerned, there are no two plans thought
of; the determination is to build a levee up the American, which will defy
high water, and make arrangements for straightening the river. But if to
cut off those points will cost one-half the sum estimated by Leet, it will
hardiy be accomplished this year. At Rabel's, to open a channel across the
point a hundred feet in width, according to his figures, would cost
$42,000; four hundred feet wide, $169,000; five hundred feet wide,
$211,000. At Bannon's, a channel one hundred feet in width is to cost
$12,800; five hundred feet in width, $78,000. These are enormous sums,
and will hardly be expended for such a purpose. It would be vastly cheaper
to pile the bends which threaten the permanence of the levee. An estimate
of the cost of cutting a channel from the bend at Bannon's to the Sacramento
was made by a competent engineer for the City Council in the Spring of
1855, and he reported that the work could be done for $6,000; seven years
later, and after the American has advanced considerably towards the
Sacramento at that point, Leet estimates the cost of a channel a hundred
feet wide at $12,800, and one five hundred feet at $78,000. There is quite
a discrepancy in the two estimates. To cut off those two points and thus
straighten the river is a matter of very great importance to the city,
for the work would place her levees beyond the reach of danger from being
undermined by the current of the river. It is believed the work can be
accomplished for a sum greatly below the estimate of Engineer Leet. It
is a work, too, which he pronounces necessary in order to relieve with
certainty District No. 2. It would, therefore, be just to have a portion
of the expense paid by the District. The estimated quantity of water
discharged in a given time and through a given section of the river, as
presented in tables, will doubtless interest engineers. They seem to have
been prepared with a good deal of labor, though the engineer does not
profess to do more than approximate correct results, as he was not in
the possession of the fixed data necessary for making such calculations.
He contends that calculations based upon actual measurement of depth,
velocity and width, are absolutely required in order to enable an engineer
to determine upon a safe plan for reclaiming District No 2, and for
protecting this city. Evidently, Leet has reasoned himself to the conclusion
that District No. 2 cannot be reclaimed certainly and safely -- except at
an enormous cost -- if District No. 1, which lies north of the American,
is also leveed. He concludes that if the river is confined between two
levees, on or near the banks of the river, they must be built very high
or the water will rise above them. We do not partake of his fears or concur
in his conclusions on this point. If the flood would be elevated between
two levees as he supposes, the current of the American river at its mouth
would be so powerful as to force itself into the tules back of Washington.
However, his figures, reasonings and conclusions are entitled to
consideration. If they are correct they should be acted upon; if they
are not correct, other engineers can easily demonstrate the fact.
The estimated cost of different modes is fearful; though possibly to
do what be suggests would reach the figures named. But the modes suggested
are extravagant. His first mode -- to excavate the river channel -- would cost
$15,000,000; his second, $4,790,000; third mode -- to impound the
water -- is not estimated, because the magnitude of cost would render
it out of the question. His fourth mode includes a vent at Brighton by
canal, or an opening a mile in width, through which the American, in a
flood like that of January 10, 1862, could discharge a large portion of
its water into the lowlands of District No. 2, and through the sloughs and
lakes therein located into the waters of the Mokelumne river. This plan,
with the necessary levee on the west side of the Brighton vent, and one
running from that point round to Sutterville, he estimates would cost
$644,404 76. This is the plan he favors as one which will, with the
straightening of the river, certainly secure the city and the district
from destructive inundations from the American river. But the cost is
so enormous that it will never be adopted unless it can be clearly
demonstrated that no other will secure the same end. We are, though,
at a point where security is vitally essential to the future of this
city, and if it cannot be obtained short of $644,404, the owners of
property will have to make up their minds to pay even that sum. It is
better to sacrifice one-half than to lose the whole. But, the cost of
effectually securing Sacramento will reach no such sum. The river can
be straightened and a levee built broad and high as may be desired for
less than $200,000. Labor is comparatively low and $100,000 in money will
pay for an immense amount of work, if judiciously expended.
The report so impatiently waited for week after week is now before the
public, and the City Levee Commissioners are placed in a position to
immediately advance with the work before them upon such plan as they may
decide upon. Much as we have no doubt the members are well aware, depends
upon a right start, One of their first steps will be to appoint an
engineer, and upon the man selected fur that positon depends to a very
great extent the success of their mission. . . .
HAS ADJOURNED. -- The Legislature has at last adjourned. It has been in
session about four and a half months -- a very long session. . . . The act
by which it will be best remembered is the passage of a set of joint
resolutions to remove the Legislature from Sacramento to San Francisco.
The reason assigned for this extraordinary move was, that the business of
the State could not be transacted in this city because of floods present
and prospective. But it has so happened that since the members took flight
there has not been a day that the members could not have comfortably walked
to the State House, and there attended to the business of the State much
more comfortably than they were enabled to in San Francisco. . . .
TO CONTRACTORS.
SEALED PROPOSALS WILL BE
received at the office of the STATE AGRICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY, until 10 o'clock A. M.. of the 20th
instant, for the following work, viz:
The restoration of the Brick Walls and Gateways;
Of the Stalls;
Of the Track Fence;
And of the Roof over the large Building of the Soc-
iety's Stock Grounds, to such condition as they were
previous to the flood of December last, and so as to
conform to the original specifications of such work.
Bids will be received for each, separately, or for the
whole. By order.
my16-4t O,. C. WHEELER, Secretary,
p. 3
. . . .
ENGINEERS' REPORT ON THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF SWAMP LAND DISTRICT NO.2
To the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners -- Gentlemen: In the former part
of this report we presented to your honorable Board,
First -- The plans for a levee from the high lands at Brighton to
Sutterville, including Sacramento city, which we stated would be sufficient
to repel the waters of overflow, provided the opposite banks of the river
were not leveed in.
Second -- The plans for a separate levee across from the high lands at
Brighton to Sutterville, leaving Sacramento city disconnected therewith,
were likewise presented under the same conditions. Feeling, however,
that all such projects for partial reclamation, although perhaps successful
for a time must in the end lead to deeper disaster in the future than that
witnessed in the past, we shall leave this branch of the subject and proceed
at once to the subject of
PERMANENT RECLAMATION,
defined and laid out as in the previous part of the report.
In the first place we shall lay before your honorable Board the results
(approximating, as we have already stated them to be) of our examinations,
with the data of the late flood and the following sketch of the physical
geography of the American river.
Descending from the summit of the Sierra Nevada with a fall from 500 to
50 feet per mile, confined by canons from 2,000 to 600 feet in hight,
gathering in its descent the accumulating waters of gulch, stream and
cataract, the American river pours the drainage of more than 1,300 square
miles of mountain area through the canon at Folsom into the Sacramento
valley, with a torrent velocity due to a fall of 6,000 feet in seventy-five
miles, in the form of a crashing, muttering wave, carrying destruction to
everything movable.
At this point we have a very accurate measurement of the canon at the
railroad bridge at Folsom, a section of which is presented to your Board.
We have the fall and distance from the Stockton mills above, and the hight
of the flood at both points. From these we have deduced the following tables
of velocity and dlscharge at this point:
FOLSOM CANON -- Data of Flood of January 10, 1862
Position Area of Velocity. Volume of Discharge in Cubic Feet. Discharge. Velocity.
------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------------
Section Ft. per Second. Miles pr hour. Per second. Per hour. Per day. Pr. ct. Pr. ct. loss. Pr. Ct. Per. ct. loss.
---------------- --------- --------------- -------------- ----------- ----------------- ----------------- ------- ------------- ------- --------------
Top Wave. 10,782.00 46.493244 31.7 501,294.258 1,804,659,329.811 43,311,823,915.46 1.00 1.00
5 ft. below do. 9,735.53 43.959005 29.9 427,955.525 1,549,639,891.175 36,975,357,388.21 0.85 0.15 0.95 0.05
10 " " 8,690.75 42.141361 28.6 366,240.045 1,318,464,162.055 31,643,139,889.32 0.73 0.27 0.91 0.09
15 " " 7,648.25 39.223485 26.7 299,991.029 1,079,967,703.963 25,919,224,895.11 0.59 0.41 0.84 0.16
20 " " 6,607.89 38.213725 26.0 252,512.349 909,044,455.748 21,817,066,937.95 0.50 0.50 0.82 0.18
BRIGHTON SECTION -- Data of Flood of January 9 and 10, 1862
Position Area of Velocity. Volume of Discharge in Cubic Feet. Discharge. Velocity.
------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------------
Section Ft. per Second. Miles pr hour. Per second. Per hour. Per day. Pr. ct. Pr. ct. loss. Pr. Ct. Per. ct. loss.
---------------- --------- --------------- -------------- ----------- ----------------- ----------------- ------- ------------- ------- --------------
Top Wave. 48,108. 6.9001 4.56 321,849.74 1,158,659,064. 27,807,817,536. 1.00
SOUTH OVERFLOW.
Top Wave. 20,373.4 6.1786 4.21 125,880.45 458,169,620. 10,876,070,880. 0.391
NORTH OVERFLOW.
Top Wave. 17,169.96 5.18370 3.53 89,004.04 320,414,544. 7,689,949,056. 0.276
RIVER CHANNEL.
Top Wave. 10,565.15 10.12425 6.90 106,965.25 578,136,650. 13,755,279,600. 1.00 1.00
1 ft. below do. 9,905.00 9.7995 6.68 97,064.55 349,432,376. 8,386,377,034. .90 .10 .97 .03
2 " " 9,245.00 9.4637 6.45 87,492.33 314,972,381. 7,559,337,139. .81 .19 .94 .06
3 " " 8,601.50 9.4062 6.41 80,907.38 291,266,568. 6,990,397,632. .75 .25 .93 .07
4 " " 8,018.50 9.7326 6.04 78,050.36 280,981,282. 6,743,550,758. .72 .28 .96 .04
The sectional area of canon is only 10,782 feet, and yet, by reason of the
great slope of 35.05 feet per mile, 0.0066 per foot giving a velocity of
46.49 feet per second, there was actually discharged the enormous amount
of 501,294 cubic feet of water per second.
From Folsom to Patterson's the mean slope decreased to about six feet
per mile, and the entire volume of water was carried in the channel of
the river and over its bars, the sectional area being greatly increased
from that at Folsom.
At Patterson's the slope decreases to about four feet per mile, and the
channel becomes of insufficient capacity to carry off this volume of
water, which here spreads over its banks.
At Brighton we have another section across the river from limit of
overflow on the north to limits of overflow on the south banks, which
is likewise presented, together with the tabular data thereof.
At Brighton section the sectional area of the river, bank full, amounts
to 7,925 feet. (See transverse secticn.)
If we raise the banks of the river to the level of the top wave of flood
its capacity will then become 10,565 feet, but the slope having decreased
to 0.00076 feet (being only 11 per cent. of that at Folsom canon),
thereby lessening the velocity to 10.12 feet per second reduces the
discharge to 106,965 cubic feet per second, or little more than one-fifth
the amount received at Folsom.
The flood spreading over the bottom lands of the river, discharged on the
north overflow 89,004 cubic feet per second, through a sectional area of
17,170 feet, and on the south overflow 125,880 cubic feet per second through
a sectional area 20,373 feet, making a total discharge on the line of the
Brighton section of 321,849 cubic feet per second, through a sectional
area of 48,108 feet; leaving still unaccounted for or pent back, a volume
of water amounting to 179,444 cubic feet per second, or including the
addition made by Willow, Alder and Buffalo creeks, to possibly one-half
the amount received at Folsom canon.
Under this state of the case it will evidently require twice the time to
discharge the flood at Brighton that it occupied to receive it at Folsom.
From Brighton to the mouth of the American, the river deflects nearly at
right angles to its mean course, and at or a little below the head of
Burns' Slough the area of overflow on the north bank is reduced, thereby
urging a portion of its water on to the already submerged southern bank,
which here finds an outlet over the ridge at Brighton to the low basin
to the south, and another down Burns' Slough to Sutterville. Relieved of
a portion of its water the river continues to a point a little west of
Norris' bridge, where the spurs of high land again approach nearer the
river on the north bank, at the immediate foot of which a slough conducts
a large amount of overflow across into the low basin of District No. 1.
At Rabel's house the river makes an acute angle to the northwest, the
immediate effect of which was to impinge or throw up the water more than
two feet higher on the southern bank, forming a crevasse at this point
which, at the hight of the flood, poured into the city a volume of
46,000 cubic feet per second.
Again relieved, the river proceeds on a still lessening grade to a point
near Bacon's house, where another abrupt bend occurs; the same effect
witnessed at Rabel's was here produced on the north bank, and a large
volume of water broke over the bank, flowing directly across to the
Sacramento, only one-fourth of a mile distant. Here the river makes
a detour to the southeast through 158-1/2 degrees of curvature to the
old levee in Sixth and C streets North, where it makes a similar detour
to the southwest through about 150 degrees of curvature, accomplishing
308-1/2 degrees of curvature in 1-5/6 miles. Near Sixth and C streets,
the main current of the river again fell on the south bank, at which point
great encroachments have been made during the last five years, causing
apprehension to be felt for the safety of the city in this quarter; meeting,
however, in the slough beyond the bank, a lake of comparatively still
water, which, acting as a dam, threw the current again across to the
north bank; thence it continues to its junction with the Sacramento,
at which point the sectional area of the river channel up to flood level
only amounts to 11,200 feet, and the total approximate discharge from
Bannon's to the Water Works at top wave of flood is as follows:
MOUTH OF AMERICAN RIVER.
Data of Flood January 9 and 10, 1862 -- Top Wave.
Area of section....... 34,647
Velocity:
Feet per second 3.4241344
Miles per hour 2.33
Volume of discharge -- cubic feet:
Per second.... 114,864.27363
Per hour 413,511,385.248
Per day. 9,924,273,245.
A profile on this section accompanies the report. No examinations having
been made upon the channel capacity of the Sacramento, or the relative
velocities above and below its junction with the American; we are unable
to give the amount of retardation this volume of water would suffer by
reason of meeting the Sacramento also in state of flood.
The mean fall from Brighton to the mouth of the American river is about
two feet per mile, although the actual fall for the last two miles is not
above one foot per mile, while the sectional area of the river proper has
little or no increase; yet the greatly extended area of the river bottoms
affords capacity for the accumulation of waters of which the lessening
velocity does not allow the immediate discharge. Here they remain partially
impounded and pent back by the Sacramento river until the sectional area
of the mouth of the American has time to carry them off.
The fall shown by the top wave of the flood is as follows:
Slope Marked by Top Wave of Flood Jan. 9 & 10, 1862
Elevation Locality Distance Fall in Fall in Pt. Per Cent. Per Ct. Velocity. Discharge.
City W.G. in Miles. Feet. Per Mile. Loss.
--------- -------- --------- ------- ----------- --------- ------- --------- ---------
182.4 Granite M'l
158.5 Folsom C'n 0.62 23.90 35.0588 1.00 .00 1.00 1.00
58.5 Patterson's 14.75 100.00 6.7790 .19 .81
42.2 Brighton 4.07 16.30 4.0000 .11 .89 0.14 0.64
30.6 Rabel's 4.50 11.60 2.5700 .07 .93
24.5 Mouth Riv. 4.25 6.10 1.4800 .04 .96 0.08 0.28
The fall in the bed of the American river is as follows:
Slope in Bed of American River.
Miles Total Fall. Average Fall Drainage--
Per Mile--ft. Square Miles
-------------- -------------- ----- ----------- ------------- ------------
Source Mouth 100.0 6708.5 67.085 1320
Source Folsom Canon 72.5 6604.3 91.100
Folsom Canon Brighton Sec'n 18.8 78.2 4.140
Brighton Sec'n Mouth 8.6 21.0 2.430
DURATION OF FLOOD.
On this branch of the subject we regret that no reliable data can be
obtained except at this city. It is a character of knowledge that can
only be obtained in the manner pointed out in the first part of this
report, viz: by actually measuring the hight at the flood through all
its varying stages, from the first breath of rise to its culmination,
and back again to the normal condition of the river. Such being a brief
summary of the facts in the case, we proceed to discuss the means we
have at hand to prevent a like discharge of water upon us, producing
the disastrous effects witnessed in the late flood.
If Sacramento city alone was to be protected it is evident that levees of
a sufficient hight, say four feet above flood level, could be raised so as
to insulate her without thereby materially increasing the depth of the flood
upon the adjacent country, and without involving the outlay required in the
present case. But the proposition before us is far more extended, being not
only how District No. 2 is to be protected, but also how it is to be done
without inundating the adjacent low lands; or, in other words, whether the
volume of water entering the valley at Folsom can be conducted and discharged
at Suisun Bay within a river channel.
We have seen that with the fall we have at Brighton and the sectional area
there, the discharge through the river channel, raised as proposed, is only
106,965 cubic feet per second, while 214,884 cubic feet per second has to
seek a different channel.
If we could increase our fall from four feet per mile to thirty-six feet
per mile, the same sectional area would carry off the entire amount of
water without raising the flood level; but this is clearly Impossible as
the total fall from Brighton to the mouth of the American, is less than
eighteen feet in eight and three-fourths miles.
By trebling the sectional area of the river we could effect the same result
were the grade from that point down the river the same, but being still more
than one-half of the up river grade, it follows that we should even then be
unable to carry off the waters as fast as we receive them.
Of the 321,849 cubic feet per second we received at Brighton the river
channel, leveed to four feet above flood level at its mouth, will not
discharge at flood level more than 114,692 cubic feet per second into
the Sacramento.
We are therefore forced to the conclusion that from Patterson's to the mouth
there is clearly not capacity in the river channel to discharge this volume
of water by at least 206,987 cubic feet per second in the case of the late
flood.
The question then directly presents itself, how are we to discharge this
surplus water?
There are four modes in which permanent reclamation can be accomplished.
The first, second and fourth modes, each admits of two distinct plans. We
state them here in presenting this subject to show their relative merits,
and application or inapplication to the topography of the American river
and the northern boundary of District No. 2.
FIRST MODE.
By leveeing the main channel, or river proper --
First -- By increasing the sectional area below level of overflow, or
Second -- By raising levees sufficiently high to give the requisite
sectional area.
SECOND MODE.
By placing levees on limits of river bottoms --
First -- By increasing the sectional area below the limit of overflow, or
Second -- By raising levees sufficiently high to give the requisite
sectional area.
THIRD MODE.
By providing reservoirs in which to retain the waters of overflow.
FOURTH MODE.
By providing vents to carry off the waters of overflow --
First -- By cutting a direct canal, or
Second -- By including between levees an area of sufficient capacity to
discharge the surplus water.
In applying these several modes of permanent reclamation to the case of
the American river, we shall take them up consecutively.
First Mode -- By leveeing the main channel or river proper.
First -- By increasing sectional area below level of overflow, would
require the increasing of the sectional area of the river channel at
Brighton from 10,565 to 40,000 feet on a fall of two feet per mile, to
give the requisite discharge to the waters received at that point. Such
an excavation, involving in this case some 6,000,000 cubic yards of
cutting per mile, for ten miles, we may at once dismiss as impracticable.
This plan is shown by the yellow line "G" "H." (.See longitudinal section.)
Second -- By raising levees sufficiently high to give the requisite
sectional area without channel excavation. To accomplish this would
require a levee 16 miles in length, averaging 18.7 feet in hight,
extending from the mouth of the river to about four miles above
Patterson's, and amounting to 2,420,029 cubic yards, together with
the excavation of a channel to discharge the American at its mouth
at level of overflow into the Sacramento--amounting to a mean of
2,480,000 cubic yards per mile, for possibly three miles. (See
longitudinal section, green line G. K.) This, also, on account of
expense, cannot be recommended.
Second Mode -- By placing levees on limits of river bottoms. This mode
of reclamation, where the river bottoms are sandbars and worthless swamp,
is far more economical than the last, by its giving a much wider expanse
to carry off the water of overflow; but in those cases where the margins
of the rivers are in reality the best lands of the valley, it would be
virtually destroying them by concentrating the floods on them, for the
purpose of reclaiming lands of far less value:
First -- By increasing sectional area below level of overflow. This plan
requiring an excavation amounting to a mean of 1,742,000 cubic yards per
mile for eleven miles, together with a levee of an average hight of 8.5
feet fer the same distance, amounting to 383,444 cubic yards, may also be
dismissed as inapplicable to the case of the American.
Second -- By raising levees sufficiently high to give the requisite
sectional area, a levee averaging 18.1 feet in hight for thirteen miles
would be required, amounting to 1,003,790 cubic yards, and the throwing
back of the levee of District No. 1 to the line known as the high land
line. The cost of such a levee would amount to $250,947.
The space between the levees of Districts Nos. 1 and 2, to be kept clear
of all impediments, as trees, brush, buildings, or embankments, and left
to the free discharge of the flood waters, would have to be condemned to
public use, which would greatly increase the cost of the reclamation by.
this plan and mode.
Third Mode -- By providing reservoirs in which to retain the waters of
overflow. This mode, provided a suitable location could be found, would,
no doubt, be the cheapest and most practical, but it would require
examinations to be made for a suitable location.
By reference to the data of flood, January 10th, at Folsom Canon, it
will be seen that the top wave was passing that point at the enormous
rate of 501.294 cubic feet per second, or 43,311,823,915 cubic feet per
day, to contain which would require a reservoir of twenty-five square
miles sixty-two feet deep; but through a fall of five, ten, fifteen and
twenty feet, the discharge falls off fifteen, twenty-seven, forty-one
and fifty per cent, respectively,
A reference to the data at Brighton section exhibits a similar important fact.
In the course of permanent reclamation, we shall be called upon to pass the
flood waters off in a given section at such velocity as the topography of
the county places in our power, to determine which the duration of the
flood at its respective stages should be known. The capacity requisite may
be gathered from the fact that a reservoir of twenty-five square miles in
extent would have been filled twenty-five feet deep by twenty-four hours
discharge of the surplus water of overflow which passed the Brighton
section, over what the mouth of the river could discharge provided it were
not impeded by the Sacramento.
Fourth Mode -- By providing vents to carry off the waters of overflow:
First -- By cutting a direct canal, but as in this particular case for
the purpose of venting the overflow of the American, the second plan,
inclosing between levees an area of sufficient capacity to discharge the
surplus waters will be found less expensive, we shall proceed at once to
that division of the subject.
Permanent reclamation on this boundary can be effected by inclosing a
channel one mile in width, which, at the fall of 2 8-10ths feet per mile,
would carry off in a depth of 7.5 feet, all the waters of overflow, which
by spreading over the county in the late flood caused so much loss and
suffering.
A profile serving as a base line for the above project is presented,
with cross sections, at several points over the Brighton ridge, showing
the comparative merits of points of crossing.
Before a final location can be made, this survey must be extended so as
to locate precisely the best line of section to be followed.
By examination of the profile it will be seen that the flat, bottom
land, where no excavation will be required, is reached in five miles
from the river at Brighton. From this point the canal can be kept
forward to the river, which is reached in eight miles and twenty-four
chains from the starting point.
The entire cost of two levees to confine the waters of overflow would
be 885,759 cubic yards, at twenty-five cents, $221,442.25.
The strip of land thus used as a vent must be kept open and free from
obstruction and condemned to public use. The Sacramento Valley Railroad
would have to be carried on trestllng, all other roads crossing it
would descend as to a natural valley. The entire cost may be estimated
as follows, to wit:
5,760 acres of land at $5..... $28,800 00
885,769 cubic yards earthwork at 25 cents . . 221,442.25
5,280 feet trestling for Sacramento Valley
Railroad at $15 ........:.. 79,200.00
Add for contingencies 10 per cent 32,984 22
-----------
Total..... .............. $362,826 47 [sic]
The cost of the canal might be modified as follows:
Cost as stated, 885,769 cubic yards; deducting from river to Brighton, eastside, 41,409, leaving 844,360 cubic yards, at 25 cents, $211,090.
From stake four hundred on this survey the canal, instead of being carried
forward into the Sacramento river, could be confined to a strip of two or
three miles in width down the entire length of this district by comparatively
low embankments, which would have the greatly beneficial effect of relieving
the Sacramento of these flood waters and allow them to take their natural
course in a more direct way to Suisun Bay.
The really valuable strip of land adjoining the river bank would be saved
at a much less cost than if these waters of overflow were to be heaped up
on the top of those in the Sacramento.
The debris brought down with the flood of the American river would go to
form two valuable alluvial banks of land, through the lowest and most
worthless portion of the district and the whole back land gradually raised.
In this view of the case the cost may be estimated as follows:
From river at Brighton to Stake 400 -- 314,780
cubic yards, at 25 cents $78,645 00
From Stake 400 to south end of District 2.
levees of say 5 feet high, averaging 20
miles long, to inclose strip of low land,
forming at once a channel and reservoir
for water of overflow from the American
river -- 40 miles at $1,162 50 .. 40,500 00 [s/b 46,500]
From Stake 400 around north end of vent to-
wards Kadell's [?] -- 132,395 cubic yards, at
25 cents ........ 33,181 66
5,280 feet; Trestling, Sacramento Valley
Railroad, at 15 cents . . 79,200 00 [ $15? ]
Land damages .... 16,000 00
Engineering and contingencies 25 352 67
-----------
Total $278,879 33 [if 46,500]
SUMMARY.
In reviewing the several modes of permanent reclamation, and applying them
to the case of the American river, we find that by the first mode, first
plan, it would cost an expenditure amounting to 6,000,000 cubic yards of
excavation per mile for ten miles, which at 25 cents per yard would amount
to $15,000,000 [sic] to discharge the floods within the river banks.
By the second plan, a levee sixteen miles long and about nineteen feet
high, amounting to 2,420,029 cubic yards, together with 7,440,000 cubic
yards of channel excavation, amounting to a total of 9,860,029 cubic
yards, which at 25 cents amounts to $2,465,007 25 -- together with the
danger and risk of discharging the flood on a level with our house tops.
By the second mode, first plan would cost a channel excavation amounting
to 1,916,200 cubic yards; which at 25 cents amounts to $4,790,500 [sic];
by the second plan would cost a levee about thirteen feet in hight and
thirteen miles long, amounting to 1,003,790 cubic yards which, at
twenty-five cents, amounts to $250,947 50; together with the condemnation
of the rich alluvial lands lying along the river margin.
By the third mode we present no estimate of cost, as without the duration
of the flood at some given known point, the extent of reservoir to retain
the waters of overflow cannot be ascertained.
By the fourth mode a vent can be provided to carry off the waters of
overflow -- first, by discharging directly from the American river at
Brighton, through an area one mile in width, at a cost as follows:
For area of channel, 5,760 acres of land,
at $5 $28,800 00
For earthwork and embankments, 885,769
cubic yards, at 25 cents .......... 221,442.25
Trestle bridging for S. V. R. R., 5,280 feet
lineal, at $15 79,200 00
For engineering and superstructure, 10 per
cent... .. 32,984 22
-----------
Total ..... $342,026 47 [sic]
Or second, by omitting the east levee of the vent from Brighton ridge to
the south bank of the American river, and from the south of the ridge to
the south boundary of the district, moving back the levees and giving a
free area of discharge of from two to three miles in width, costing as
follows:
For earthwork and embankments $158,326 66
Trestle bridging for Sac. Valley Railroad .. . 79,200 00
Land damage.... 16,000 00
For engineering and superstructure. . . 25,352 67
-----------
Total ........... $278,879 33
Thereby discharging the entire water of overflow of the American river
(to the eastward of a natural chain of hills lying east and south of
Sacramento city, and forever relieving her from any danger therefrom)
by the shortest natural course and upon the lowest natural level to
its great repository, Suisun bay.
As portion of any system of reclamation which maybe inaugurated by your
honorable Board we deem it necessary to state that the straightening of
the American river at the bend opposite Rabel's, and again near Bannon's,
is of vital importance. Whether such cut-off should have a capacity equal
to carry off the entire floods of the American or merely to the present
channel capacity depends upon the mode of reclamation adopted.
If either of the plans of the first mode, or plan first of the second
mode were adopted , both cuts of the required capacity have been included
in the estimate made.
If the second plan of the second mode, or the third or fourth mode is
to be adopted, the present channel capacity is all that is needed.
FOR THE CUT-OFF OPPOSITE RABEL'S.
The cost of opening a channel across this bend would be as follows:
Bed of channel sixteen feet below mean flood line:
For a width of 100 feet, 211,632 cubic yards, at
20 cent . $42 326
For a width of 200 feet, 423,264 cubic yards, at
20 cents . . . ....... 84 653
For a width of 300 feet, 634,896 cub1c yards, at
20 cents . .. 126,979
For a width of 400 feet, 846,528 cubic yards, at
20 cents. . 169,305
For a width of 500 feet, 1,058,162 cubic yards,
at 20 cents.. ... 211 632
If the entire river is to be turned into the cut, and the present bend
around Rabel's.shut off, the cuts wonld not be less than 400 feet wide.
The cost of the cut-off from the American to the Sacramento, near Bannon's,
would be as follows:
Bed of channel eighteen feet below mean flood level:
For opening the slough to an extent of 100 feet
wide, 64,000 cubic yards, at 20 cents $12,800
For opening the slough to an extent of 200 feet
wide, 146,000 cubic yards, at 20 cents . ..... 29,200
For opening the slough to an extent of 300 feet
wide, 235,000 cubic yards, at 20 cents 47,000
To take out the entire sand bar between the
two sloughs, to a capacity of 500 feet in
width, 390,000 cubic yards, at 20 cents 78,000
The American river from the moment it leaves Folsom Canon till it spreads
its waters upon the Sacramento sweeps across the northern boundary of this
district, and it is to it, and not to the Sacramento river, that we have
directed our examinations. After a careful and patient consideration of
its physical geography and the topography of the northern boundary of the
district, we find ourselves forced to recommend, as the most practical
means of permanent reclamation on said boundary, the opening a vent to
the waters of overflow of the American river, from some point near
Brighson [sic] to the low basin to the southward, not only on the ground
of economy, but on the greater ground of permanent safety. Laying down as
a fundamental principle in permanent reclamation that any plan that has
the practical effect of raising the bed of the river up is risky and
dangerous, while in that which lets the bed of the rivers down, or its
equivalent, discharges the whole area and extent of the water off without
raising the flood level, permanent safety alone can be found.
In conjunction with the proposed vent and the necessary cut-off in the
present channel of the American at Rabel's and at Bannon's, the line of
levees extending from Sutterville up the bank of the Sacramento to the
American and thence up and along the American to the western levee of
the Brighton vent, are hereby recommended for the permanent reclamation
of this district on its northern boundary.
The estimated cost is as follows:
Brighton vent for waters of overflow as per
estimate $278,879 33
Cut-off at Rabel's 400 feet wide 169,305 00
Cut-off at Bannon's 500 feet wide 78,000 00
Levee from Sutterville up Sacramento and
American to west levee of Brighton vent. 118,220 43
-----------
Total $644,404 76
If it should not be deemed expedient, in the present financial condition
of the county, to immediately carry out a system of permanent reclamation,
still your honorable Board can inaugurate it, and then every effort at
reclamation will form a step in the great work; while on the contrary, if
any system should be commenced that cannot give permanent reclamation to
the country, much, if not all, of the works projected under it wili not
only be lost, but when, after such another visitation as we have just had
shall occur again, it will awaken us from our dream of fancied security
to find ourselves stripped of everything we held valuable by reason of
such security.
As appending to the former part of this report, I herewith hand in a
tabulation by sections (as divided on the profiles) of the several lines
that have been examined, showing the comparative quantity and cost on
each, together with the cost of a line of levee from R street (by the
yellow line shown on map) to Thirty-first street of twenty and forty
feet wide on top, respectively. The former will cost 295,818 cubic yards
of earthwork, worth $69,748; the latter, 319,044 cubic yards of earthwork,
worth $108,571 45. In the discussions of the subject of Permanent
Reclamation, neither the immediate protection and embellishments of
Sacramento city, nor the subject of material for levee purposes, have
been taken up, as they properly belong to a report on construction --
which follows rather than precedes the adoption of a plan of either
permanent or partial reclamation.
Accompanying and in illustration of this part of the report, we
present a longitudinal section of the American river from Sacramento
to Folsom, and transverse sections at Folsom canon, Brighton section,
Smith's Garden and mouth of the American river; together with section
of line from Brighton to Russian Embarcadero, and sections of the
cut-offs at Rabel's and near Bannon's.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
B. .F. LEET, Engineer.
GEORGE H. GODDARD,
Consulting Engineer.
SACRAMENTO, May 13, 1862.
p. 4
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, May 14, 1862
The SPEAKER called the House to order at eleven o'clock. . . .
FOOTING THE BILLS.
. . .
Also reported back, with an amendment, Senate Bill No. 472 -- An Act to
authorize the payment of the rent of the Merchants' Exchange building,
now occupied by the Legislature. . . . Also reported back Senate Bill
No. 467 -- An Act providing for the removal the furniture, books, etc.,
of the Legislature to Sacramento.
The resolution authorizing the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Clayton, to remove
the furniture of the Assembly to Sacramento was taken up. It appropriates
$400 for the service.
Mr. WARWICK asked if there was not a bid before the Committee to take
the whole furniture of both houses back to Sacramento for $550.
Mr. SARGENT said no such bid was before the Committee, and no such
offer was made to the Chairman.
Mr. GRISWOLD said a letter had been received in the Committee from John
Moran, offering to do it for $550, and to give good sureties, and that
letter was read in the hearing of the Chairman.
Mr. SARGENT explained that he had heard a letter mentioned but had
afterwards been unable to find it -- Mr. Griswold having stepped
out -- and was compelled to report this morning.
Mr. SEARS moved to take up the Senate bill providing for the removal
of the legislative furniture. Carried.
The bill was considered as in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. SEARS moved to amend by striking out the name of Mitchell and
inserting that of John Moran.
Mr. TILTON of San Francisco moved to amend by substituting the name of
H. J. Clayton.
After a long discussion, Mr. Tilton's amendment was adopted by ayes and
noes -- ayes 30, noes 14.
On motion of Mr. SEARS, the bill was further amended by reducing the
compensation from $625 to $550.
On motion of Mr. REED, the name of Mr. Turner, Sergeant-at-Arms of the
Senate, was incorporated in the bill.
Mr. WARWICK moved to amend by requiring the parties to give bonds.
Mr. BELL suggested that that was small business. They had known these
gentlemen a long time.
Mr. WARWICK said it was a usual thing, and it was because he did know
the gentlemen that he would require a bond.
The amendment was discussed and lost -- ayes 21, noes 28.
The amendment requiring the furniture to be removed within five days
was adopted.
The bill was reported back to the House, the amendments agreed to, and
the bill passed. . . .
Senate Bill No. 472 -- An Act to authorize the payment of the rent ($1,047)
of the Merchants' Exchange building, now occupied by the Legislature --
considered in Committee of the Whole, reported back with a slight amendment
and passed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3474, 17 May 1862 p. 1
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE.
THIRTEENTH SESSION.
[REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR THE UNION.]
SENATE.
SAN FRANCISCO, Wednesday, May 14. 1862.
The PRESIDENT pro tern., Mr. Shafter, called the Senate to order at ten
o'clock, . . .
IN SENATE.
. . .
Assembly amendments to Senate Bill No. 467 -- An Act to provide for the
removal of the furniture, etc., of the Legislature to Sacramento -- were also
concurred in.
Senate Bill No. -- -- An Act to provide for the payment of the rent of
the Merchants' Exchange building, now occupied by the Legislature -- came
from the Assembly with a slight amendment, which was concurred in. . . .
Mr. MERRITT asked leave to introduce a resolution, giving the
Sergeant-at-Arms ten days extra pay for collecting the furniture and
other property, and delivering it to the Secretary of State, but the
Senate refused to grant leave . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Sacramento river stood last night at sunset at seventeen feet eight
inches above low water mark . . .
THAT LONG REPORT. -- The report of Leet is ridiculed for its extravagant
plans and estimates unmercifully. People can not imagine why he included
such a vast range of inquiry in order to arrive at his conclusions. It
is quite certain that neither of his plans will be adopted, either for
defending the city or reclaiming District No. 2. His vent at Brighton
mode does not seem to meet with favor from any source, though could the
water be disposed of without ruining District No. 2, into which it would
be discharged, the vent by Brighton a mile or so wide, would, in time of
a very high flood, carry off an immense amount of water, and thus far
relieve the city. But the estimated cost renders the undertaking
impracticable, even if it were considered necessary. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16th.
. . .
Governor Stanford left on to-day's boat for Sacramento. All the furniture
and paraphernalia of the Legislature was shipped on a sailing vessel
to-day for Sacramento. . . .
p. 3
. . .
MEETING OF LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A joint meeting of the Levee
Commissioners and Swamp Land Commissioners was held at their room last
evening. The line of the levee was agreed upon, together with its hight
and breadth, informally, and at three o'clock, P. M., to-day, the Swamp
Land Commissioners will meet and confirm the informal action of last
evening and certify the same back to the Levee Commissioners, who will
meet again this evening. The levee will start at a certain point on the
line of Y street between the east side of Front street and the old levee
and run thence to a point on R street between the east side of Front
street and the old levee. Thence up Front street to I, up I to Sixth,
along Sixth to a point 100 feet north of the north line of E street;
thence on the line of the old levee to B street; thence up B street
to Thirty-first; thence along the line of the old levee to a point half
way between Godchaux's House and the Open Bar; thence on a line 500 feet
north of Leet's middle line, through the De Rutte Gardens in an easterly
direction to the old levee; thence near the old line of the levee to
Burn's slough, and thence to the Magnolia at Brighton. This line runs
south of Smith's Gardens. The levee is to be at all points four feet
above the high water mark of the past Winter. It is to be not less than
thirty feet wide at high water mark, and at certain points where necessary
it is to be forty feet wide at that point. The slope is to be three to
one on the outside and two to one on the inside. . . .
STILL OPEN. -- Field & Co., successors to A. Despecher & Field, having
cleared out their old stock of goods, have opened with an entirely new
stock of groceries, liquors, etc., at the old stand. No. 55 J street.
The floor has been raised and the store thoroughly renovated since the
flood.
THE RIVER. -- The water in the Sacramento last evening stood at seventeen
feet six inches above low water mark, having fallen gradually within the
past three days. The water in the flooded portion of the city is receding
at the same rate. . . .
p. 4
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
. . . .
Mr. DENVER offered a resolution that the Sergeant-at-Arms be allowed
ten days pay, after the adjournment, to take charge of the furniture,
books, etc., of the Senate, and deliver the same to the Secretary of State.
MR. BURNELL said they had already provided for the removal of the
furniture by bill. The Sergeant-at-Arms had put in his bid at $680,
and lost it because another came in lower than his. . . .
Mr. BURNELL offered a resolution to pay the Sergeant-at-Arms $8 per diem
for ten days after the adjournment, for removing books, papers, etc., to
the office of the Secretary of State.
The Senate refused to admit the resolution to a hearing by a vote of
ayes 17, noes 14. . . .
ASSEMBLY.
SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, May 15,1862.
The Speaker called the House to order at nine o'clock. . . .
BILLS APPROVED.
Messages were received from the Governor, announcing his approval of
Assembly Bills . . . No. 434 -- An Act appropriating money to pay the
cost of removing the State printing oflice to and from Sau Francisco; . . .
No. 484 -- An Act to amend an Act amendatory of and supplementary to an
Act concerning the construction and repairs of levees in the county of
Sacramento, and the mode of raising revenues therefor; . . . No. 488 -- An
Act to provide for free bridges across J and K streets, in Sacramento; . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3475, 19 May 1862 p. 1
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 1862.
. . . the "pompous furniture " of the State has been re-shipped to the
State Capital; . . . The removal last January made a very respectable
disturbance; . . . The predictions that great schemes would be devised for
removing the Capital permanently, etc. . . have not been fulfilled.. . . .
LATE FROM LOS ANGELES. -- Our dates from Los Angeles are to May 9th.
We extract from the Star and News the following: . . .
Heavy rains had been experienced on the desert during the past two months,
which obliterated all Indian signs; no return was yet apparent. . . .
MINING IN SIERRA. -- The La Porte Messenger of May 10th says:
. . .Brandy City . . . The damage to claims in this immediate vicinity
by the floods is estimated at $100,000. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, May 5, 1862.
. . .
The Rivers Rising.
Utah has now a fair prospect of suffering from inundations along the
course of the rivers. The long Winter deposited a very large quantity
of snow on the mountains, and ten days warm weather has swollen the
waters to a very threatening volume. Had there been no Indians east of
Bridger, the melting snows between this and Bridger would have stopped
the passage of the mail. Hooper and his escort that left here on the
25th ult., only reached Bridger, a hundred and thirteen miles out,
yesterday afternoon, and he was on the biggest kind of business requiring
the greatest dispatch. The roads had all been washed away and the bridges
were nowhere. The northern Territorial mail returned on Saturday evening --
had only been able to go forty miles. The waters were gushing down and had
ingulphed the road to prevent all passage. The same report comes in from
the south. Jordan, that ordinarily flows quietly along about a mile
westward of the city, is overflowing its banks, and the green sward but
a few days ago dotted with milch cows and young stock is now a sheet of
water. The rising rivers will doubtless be seriously injurious to the
farmers in the low lands; but the greatest annoyance to the people generally,
at the present moment, is the hindrance to the outgoing church teams which
should have been now at Laramie, and cannot now move and and will not move
eastward for ten days more, even under the most prosperous circumstances.
Twenty-four hundred head of cattle were called for, to assist in the
deliverance of the poor from the frontiers, where by this time they are
beginning to assemble from the States and from the old world. The mountain
streams impassable to the mail stages, cannot possibly be forded by the
heavy wagons. About the 16th the journey eastward will be undertaken both
by the emigration trains and the missionaries going to Europe . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
On Saturday, May 17th, the Grand Jury of Sacramento made their final
report to the Court of Sessions, In the matter of Colby's bridge, they
conclude that the charges of the contractor are excessive, and recommend
that the Board of Supervisors re-examine the account and make arrangements
for the purchase of the bridge on a cash basis. Their suggestions and
recommendations in regard to other matters are in the main judicious and
timely. The report will be noticed in our columns.
The Swamp Land Commissioners met on Saturday, at three o'clock P. M and
adopted a preamble and resolutions declaring that they had adopted a plan
which embraced the leveeing of the city, which was ordered to be presented
to the Board of City Levee Commissioners. A meeting of the Board of
Commissioners was held on the same evening and accepted the the plan,
divided the work into five sections, and took other measures for prosecuting
the work at once. . . .
CITY PROPERTY. -- The assessment of city property for the purposes of a
levee tax has been completed by Assessor Ryan and foots up: known owners,
$5,378,455; unknown owners, $351,519; total, $5,729,974. The assessment
last year of real and personal property in the city, amounted to $7,954,816.
The destruction and depreciation in property, caused by the floods in the
early part of the Winter, reached to $2,224,842. This is very near the sum
generally supposed to have been lost by the city. It is a heavy blow, but
one which has been sustained with fortitude, and from the effects of which
the city from this time will steadily recover. Business has returned to its
old channels, and is gradually increasing to its former dimensions. All
danger of further floods has disappeared, and the prospects of Sacramento
are good for a large and profitable Summer's business.
The report of the Assessor will enable the City Levee Commissioners to
determine the per cent. of tax to be levied. The sum to be raised will,
however, be determined by the estimates of the engineer as to the amount
the levee will cost. Until those estimates are submitted, the per cent,
cannot be decided upon. . . .
SHARPLY CRITICIZED. -- The report of Leet, as engineer of District No. 2,
is rather sharply criticized in this paper by another engineer, Watson,
who is engineer of the Oroville Railroad. He pronounces some of the
positions and calculations of Leet absurd and ridiculous. He is not alone
in this conclusion as to that famous report, . . .
SNOW IN SIERRA. -- There is considerable snow at La Porte and eight or
ten feet at Gibsonville. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE CITY LEVEE. -- The Levee Commissioners appear to have taken hold of
the work before them with a determination to press it forward as fast as
practicable. A meeting of the Swamp Land Commissioners was held at three
o'clock Saturday afternoon, and the following preamble and resolutions
were adopted:
"Whereas, the Board of State Swamp and Overflowed Land Commissioners have
finally adopted a plan for the reclamation of Swamp Land District No. 2,
they do hereby certify so much of the plan, specifications, and estimates,
as relate to the work adjacent to the American river, and as relate to the
work adjacent to the Sacrameuto river, and north of the south line of Y
street, in the city of Sacramento, to the Board of City Levee Commissioners;
which work consists in building a levee, the top of which shall be four feet
above high water mark and not less than thirty feet wide at the line of high
water mark, with a slope on the outside of three feet horizontal to one
perpendicular, and with a slope on the inside of two feet horizontal to
one foot perpendicular. The line of said levee, commencing at a certain
point on the yellow line as indicated on the official map of B. F. Leet,
Engineer of Swamp Land District No. 2, at the high lands at Brighton;
thence following the course of said yellow line, as near as may be, to
stake A 83 of Leet's A line; thence north 78 degrees 15 minutes west
(magnetic) to stake A 22 of Leet's A line; thence along the line of the
old levee to the intersection of Thirty-first and B streets; thence along
B street to its intersection with the old levee; thence along the old
levee to Seventh street; thence in a straight line to a point 100 feet
north of the north line of E street, at Sixth street; thence along Sixth
street to I street; thence along I street to Front street; thence along
Front street to a point on R street between the east side of Front street
and the old levee; thence on a line to be indicated to a point on Y street
between the east side of Front street and the old levee on the left bank
of the Sacramento river; therefore, Resolved, that as soon as practicable
the President of this Board shall deliver to the President of the Board
of City Levee Commissioners, so much of the plan, specification and
estimates as relate to the work set forth in the foregoing preamble, and
a copy of this preamble and resolution be delivered to the President of
the Board of City Levee Commissioners."
At eight o'clock on Saturday evening the City Levee Commissioners held
a meeting, at which A. M. Winn communicated, as above directed, the action
of the one Board to the other. The line of the levee, specifications, etc.,
as set forth in the preamble, were adopted by the Levee Commissioners, and
the levee was divided into five different sections, as follows: Section
one -- from the eaat line of Thirty-first street to the east line of Twelfth
street. Section two -- from the east line of Twelfth street to the north
line of H street. Section three -- from the north line of H street to the
west line of Front street. Section four -- from the north line of I street
to the south line of R street. Section five -- from the south line of R street
to the south line of Y street. The Board further decided that the levee
from Y to H streets should be forty feet wide at high water mark, and
from H to Thirty-first streets, thirty feet wide. . . .
HOUSE RAISING. -- E. Fell commenced a few days since the work of raising
a brick house belonging to William Sharp, on M street, between Ninth and
Tenth, on the south side. The building was eighteen feet wide, thirty,
feet deep, with kitchen added, and one story high. It has been raised five
and a half feet, which alteration will place the floor above high water
mark. The walls go up without cracking and in good style. In the vicinity
of Eighth and L streets number of frame dwelling houses have been raised
from two to five feet, among them Calio's Illinois House, at Eighth and
L streets. The work of fitting up houses progresses rapidly as the water
recedes. . . .
FUNERAL. -- The funeral of E. D. Pomeroy, who died on Friday, took place
at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The members of the Typographical
Society met at two o'clock at the Hall, on Third street, near J, and
proceeded in a body to the Oro Hotel, on K street. At the hour appointed,
the funeral procession, embracing the Society and other friends of the
deceased, started from the hotel and proceeded to Sixth and M streets,
where boats were taken for the City Cemetery. . . .
REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY.
The Grand Jury of the Court of Sessions for the April term, having
disposed of the business before them, rendered a final report yesterday
morning, as follows, and were discharged:
To the Honorable Court of Sessions of Sacramento county; . . .
The Board of Supervisors, on the 8th instant, aptproved the account of
G. W. Colby for bridge improvements and repairs on J street, for $5,500 12,
and upon their recommendation an Act of the Legislature has been passed
authorizing a special tax to raise the amount. Upon investigation of the
account and examination of items, we are satisfied the charges are
excessive and unjust, and that the payment of said amount (in addition to
the $1,375 91 otherwise received by Mr, Colby) would be a public wrong. We
therefore recommend the account be re-examined by the Board and an allowance
made of a just and proper sum on a cash basis, as cash is to be paid. . . .
The walls of the State House and Agricultural Hall buildings were
unimpaired by the flood. The latter building needs repairs of the lower
floor, which should be made at an early day. . . .
The county hospital is reported in a comfortable condition. There are
fifty-six patients now under treatment, most of them convalescing. Much
inconvenience has been caused by the late floods, but by proper management
the building has been made to answer the purpose. . . .
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEORGE W. MOWE, Foreman, . . . .
[For the Union.]
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT OF THE ENGINEER OF SWAMP LAND DISTRICT NO. 2.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In your issue of Thursday, the report of the Engineer of
Swamp Land District No. 2 is laid before the public, and as a public
document is properly a subject of criticism, and particularly in this
case, when the very existence of the second city in the State is the
subject of discussion, I propose, in this and other communications, to
examine some of the most prominent features of this report; and first I
shall call the attention of your readers to matters recorded in said report
as facts, and compare said supposed facts with the experiments
of other scientific men which have been received and passed into history
by men of science without a dissenting voice.
The report of Engineer of Swamp Land District No. 2 says, in the outstart
(and on this rests his whole theory and subsequent calculations) that the
cross section of the American river is 10,782 feet at the railroad bridge
at Folsom, and that the waters of the American pass a given point at the
rate of 46.49 feet per second, or 31.7 miles per hour, discharging a volume
of water amounting to 501,294,258 [sic] cubic feet per second from a
drainage area of 1,300 square miles. To show the utter fallacy of the
engineer's reasoning, I need only quote from the reports of Ellet, Stevenson
and Marvin, made of similar works, to their respective Governments.
Mr. Ellet says of the Mississippi, that the drainage area is 1,226,000
square miles, or nearly 1,000 times that of the American, and that the
current from the mouth of the Ohio to New Orleans is for high flood five
miles per hour, with a sectional area of from 105,544 square feet to
268,646 square feet, and a total discharge of from 39,954,000 cubic feet
per minute at low water to 76,800,000 cubic feet per minute in high flood,
or from 665,900 cubic feet per second to 1,280,000 cubic feet per second,
or from 32.5 cubic feet per minute per square mile to 65.60 cubic feet per
minute per square mile; while we are informed as a fact that the
American,
a small stream of 75 miles in length, and draining 1,320 square miles,
discharges a volume of water of 501,294,258 [sic] cubic feet per second,
or nearly 900 times as much as the Mississippi, with a length of 4,462
miles and a drainage area of 1,000 times as much surface. The idea is
perfectly ridiculous, and not for one moment to be entertained.
But it may be argued that the Mississippi is not a fair example, and
that Mr. Ellet is not authority sufficient. (And in this conection I
would say that Mr. Ellet has spent more time in investigating this subject
than any man in America, and his theory and deductions have been received
by all the scientific men of Europe and America, and long since become
history and authority on such matters.) I will refer your readers to
the reports of Geo. Stevenson, in his work on the Clyde (Scotland)
improvement, where he says the Clyde has a drainage area 945 square
miles, length of 98 miles, coming from the highlands of Scotland, and
in every way similar to the American, only with this exception -- that
in the country drained by the Clyde, rain falls to the extent of
forty-three inches, and principally in November, December, January,
February, March and April -- while on the American rain falls only to
the extent of about thirty-two inches. The discharge of the Clyde is
48,675 cubic feet per minute. Of the Forth, Scotland, he says that the
length is sixty-three miles, drainage area 452 square miles, and discharge
28,385 cubic feet per minute; the Boyne (Ireland), length 60 miles,
drainage area 700 square miles, discharge 18,000 cubic feet per minute.
Morin, the eminent French hydrographer, says that the Rhine has a length
of 700 miles, drains an area of 88,853 square miles, or 66 times as much
as the American, and comes through and from a mountainous country, like
the American, and yet discharges only 3,960,000 cubic feet per minute,
or 66,000 cubic feet per second. The same author, in describing the
inundations of the Nile and its levees, records the length to be 2,240
miles, drainage area 520,200 square miles and discharge 1,386,000 cubic
feet per minute. I might go on and quote authorities ad infinitum
without meeting with one single instance of a stream of such wondrous
dimensions and discharge as the little American. The very proposition
that the American river at Sacramento or Folsom discharges 900 times
as much water as the Mississippi is supremely ridiculous.
There are so many untenable positions assumed in the engineer's theory
and deductions, that it is scarcely possible to elevate the report to a
subject of serious discussion. I will, however; call your attention to
one or two other facts, as he has set them forth. In his table, he puts
down the velocity of the American at Folsom, "for top wave," 31.7 miles
per hour, or nearly twice the velocity of the trains of the Sacramento
Valley railroad; and at various depths below the surface -- five, ten,
fifteen and twenty feet -- he marks the velocity decrease, as per table,
from 31.7 to 26 miles per hour; while the current of the Mississippi and
of all other streams, of which men of science have written, mark the
current at depths to fifty feet below the surface, increase from one to
three and a half per cent. (See Ellet's Report, p. 167.) It seems most
wonderful to any one unaccustomed to sounding the current of rapid streams,
how the velocity at twenty feet deep, of a current of 31.7 miles per hour
could be procured with so much accuracy as to produce a result of
38,213,725 feet per second, so accurate as to reduce the motion to the
millionth part of a foot per second. An experiment recorded in the fourth
volume of Hall's Geology of the State of New York, for the purpose of
ascertaining the depth of the Niagara river at the suspension bridge
(the writer was one of the party,) was as follows: A cannon ball six
inches in diameter, weighing thirty pounds, was let fall from the height
of two hundred and seventy feet, being attached to a chain, and only
penetrated the current forty-one feet in depth, the surface of which
showed a motion of seventeen and three-tenths miles per hour. How the
aforesaid accurate deduction to one-millionth part of a foot could be
procured by sounding, or any other means, I am unable to conjecture.
It is entirely useless to follow the engineer through his various modes
and subdivisions of modes for reclamation, when the basis of the structure
on which he has built is wholly fallacious and impossible. He has established
as a basis the confining a river nine hundred times as large as the
Mississippi, and proceeds to apply it to the American river, a stream
where, in Summer, a boy of ten years of age can leap across, and which,
at its greatest flood, never reaches a dignity of sufficient importance
to give it a position or rank among what are known as rivers, being less
than eighty miles long and at Folsom less than two hundred feet in width,
by about forty feet deep at its highest flood.
Another part of this report, however, I will call your attention to,
which is, that the engineer deduces from his theory that the American
discharges 501,294,258 [sic] cubic feet per second, or per day
43,311,823,915.46 cubic feet, while the whole water that falls during
the year on the drainage area referred to, taken at 34,486-1000 inches,
as recorded by Dr. Logan at Sacramemo, could not amount to over
788,845,000 cubic feet per day, supposing the whole rain and snow
filling during the year was discharged through the canon at Folsom
in one hundred and twenty days; and taking the fall at Grass Valley,
as per record, at sixty inches, the whole could not, by any possibility,
exceed the sum total of 1,392,080,000 cubic feet per day for one hundred
and twenty days, or a little over one-fortieth part of what the engineer
records as having passed the railroad bridge at Folsom on the 9th and
10th of January, 1862.
At some future time I may call your attention to the feasibility of
protecting the city of Sacramento, or to other points of the learned
engineer's report, but at present the above is sufficient to show
that the magnitude of the works proposed is altogether unnecessary
to insure the object desired.
Respectfully yours,
W. S. WATSON, Civil Engineer,
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 1862.
. . . .
[For the Union.]
THE CITY LEVEE.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In the first discussion about our levees, after the
December flood, and occasionally since then, I have used your columns
to urge the necessity of having the levee both high and broad enough
not only to insure safety technically to the satisfaction of professional
engineers, but also to demonstrate perfect security to persons of the
most ordinary comprehension, by occular evidence. I held and still hold
that mere scientific security is not sufficient. Our people have suffered
too much and too recently to be satisfied with mere theorems even if
they are put forth by the most able. Until the reason of the artisan,
mechanic and laborer is convinced by the aid of his natural senses, he
will never again invest his all in a homestead in this city. His
experience has been too dear and bitter to allow him to trust to anything
but that which his own eyesight assures him is safe beyond the peradventure
of a doubt. Holding, as I have said, these views, I wish to again use your
columns to urge the Commissioners to adopt a more extended basis than that
which it was stated in your issue of Saturday was likely to be selected,
to wit: thirty feet wide at high water line, and to rise four feet above
this line with a slope of three to one, or twelve feet on the outside,
and two to one, or eight feet on the inside, making the levee ten feet
wide on top. Of this levee the city has to pay for all within the city
-- say two and a half miles -- and half of that outside of the city west
of Burns' slough -- say one mile -- equaling a total to be paid for by
the city of about three miles. This, it is estimated, can be constructed
for the sum of $15,000 per mile, or a gross sum of say $50,000, or but
a little more than three times as much as was squan--, spent I mean,
on the attempt to stop the break at Rabel's. But will such a levee as
proposed be satisfactory to the community? Will it have that substantial
appearance that is really more necessary to give public confidence than
all the theorems of all the engineers in the city? Or are the engineers
themselves united in feeling safe with only such protection?
One of the Commissioners, it is said, voted for a width of fifty feet at
high water mark, with the same rise above it and the same slope as adopted.
In my opinion that gentleman was right. Nothing less massive will satisfy
the people. Nothing weaker should be trusted. The existence of our city
depends, not upon the abstract fact of whether or no the levee to be built
will resist the water, but upon whether the people believe
it will. Implicit
confidence is of as much importance as real protection, and both are
absolutely necessary. And if the estimates are correct that the levee
proposed to be adopted can be constructed for $15,000 per mile, or less,
it is very easy to show that one of the same length fifty feet wide at
high water mark and thirty feet wide on the top, four feet above high
water mark, will cost a total of less than $100,000, and come within a
tax of two per cent., making us forever, and beyond possibility of
question even by the most prejudiced against us, secure even almost
against the fiat of fate itself. Besides this, we would have a splendid
bed for a wagon road, that would never be impassable. It is a well known
fact that most of our citizans have, from the first calculated upon a
levee tax of at least three per cent., on which point any doubter can
satisfy himself by asking the first half dozen men he meets. But even if
it took this heavy tax instead of but two-thirds as much to construct such
a levee, would it not be better to build it in this substantial manner?
That there is certainly doubt about the security of the small one proposed
is evident from the fact that after all the evidence and arguments
introduced in the Board of Commissioners, one of the members voted
steadily for a levee thirty feet on top and fifty feet at high water
mark, and the other members felt it necessary to agree that the plan
they proposed should be widened at different points. But with the sandy,
changing bed of the American, who can tell where those points that are
considered incapable of resistance to the current will be a year or two
years hence? Look at Rabel's. A year, or even four or five months ago,
it was the weakest place in the levee. Since then the action of the
current has made that point perfectly secure, but other places have been
weakened and broken where force from the current was not apprehended.
Shall we continue such risks, or end the danger at once and forever? The
question is one for popular discussion, and I think that no action of
the Levee Commissioners will ever be satisfactory unless it builds a
levee so huge that a glance at it will convince the most doubting of
safety. . . .
No Number 3475, 19 May 1862
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3477, 21 May 1862 p. 4
THE COLBY ACCOUNT.
As was stated yesterday Colby made a contract with the Board of Supervisors
to build the bridge and collect tolls to refund the money advanced and pay
him a compensation for his trouble. But the Supervisors neglected to pass
an ordinance to protect him, and when the free bridge was put up the Board
found itself in a position where they could do nothing to protect
Colby -- could not fulfill their portion of the contract. He was thus
left in a position where he was likely to suffer a considerable loss.
As the bridge was admitted to be a public convenience, many of our
citizens felt that the builder thereof ought to be paid a reasonable
sum for his work, labor and enterprise, and they signed a petition
asking the Supervisors to make some arrangements for paying him. An
effort was made to raise the money by subscription, without success;
scrip was then talked of, to be made equal to cash, but finally the
plan of rais- ing the money by special tax was decided upon, It was
not opposed by us, because we were willing that the bridge and work
on J street should be paid for at a fair valuation. But Colby had no
legal claim on the people of the city. If he made a losing contract with
the Board of Supervisors, the fault was not theirs and they could not be
called upon to pay the losses. They, however, recognized an equity in
his claim, and voluntarily proposed to assume the payment of such a sum
as would be just and fair between the parties. All they asked and all
they now ask is that the account of Colby be properly examined and passed
upon as if it was to be paid in cash. But the Board of Supervisors have
allowed the account just -- so far as is known -- as it was presented.
It was, too, we believe, agreed upon at a time when it was supposed that
it would be paid in scrip. Hence we hold that a re-examination of the
account would have been eminently proper and just to the people. In a
matter of so much consequence to the people, the Supervisors would have
been justified in taking testimony as to the reasonablness [sic] of the
charges. The Supervisors should be guardians of the public interests,
and hence bills embracing charges which amount to over six thousand
dollars ought to be closely scrutinized before they are audited. It is
due Colby to say that, according to his statement, had he known that
he was to be paid by the city, he would have kept a more complete account
of his expenditures. But supposing he was to be reimbursed from tolls,
he paid cash in numerous instances where he took no bills. He also states
that the large sticks of lumber, bought in San Francisco, because they
could not be purchased here, cost him a dollar each for drayage, and
that he was compelled to ship them on one of the steamers, as no sail
vessels would venture into the river. The boats charged him eighteen
dollars a thou- sand freight, and he was compelled to pay some thing
like twelve dollars per thousand. After the timber arrived, he claims
that he paid half a dollar an hour to land and get it across the levee.
Other expenses, he asserts, were in proportion in getting the timber on
the ground. But these items could and should have been set forth in his
bill of particulars, and, if required, the bills for the same presented
as vouchers. It was not done, and hence complaints of the unsatisfactory
manner in which the business has been done are reasonable, and are to
be expected. Those who pay the money would like to be satisfied that
everything is fair and right, and they will then not object to the
payment of the account. If the whole amount is shown to be fairly due,
the people will say let it be settled accordingly. . . .
MONSIEUR TONSON COME AGAIN. -- In the Board of Supervisors yesterday
the Rightmire claim made its appearance informally. The subject was
introduced by President Shattuck, but no formal action was taken. After
all that has been said and done about this claim, it cannot be possible
that the Board of Supervisors seriously think of allowing it. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
A NEW CLAIM. -- Henry M. Stow presented a claim to the Board of Supervisors
yesterday for the sum of $2,500, for the lumber of the I street railroad,
which floated off during the flood. Stow holds that Colby used a portion of
it for building bridges on J street.
BACK AGAIN. -- The office of the State Agricultural Society has been
removed back to the Pavilion, from which it was transferred to Jordan's
building during the prevalence of the flood. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The water in the Sacramento last evening stood at seventeen
feet three inches above low water mark. It has fallen but little during
the past two days. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, May 20, 1862. The President called the Board to order at
half-past two o'clock P. M.. . . .
COLBY'S BRIDGE.
A communication was received from H. M. Stow, notifying the Board that
he has a claim against Colby's bridges for $2,500 for materials used,
destroyed or damaged in their construction, said material having been
taken without his knowledge or consent.
Supervisor GRANGER moved to refer the matter to Supervisors Hite and
Dickerson as a Special Committee.
Supervisor DICKERSON asked to be excused.
Supervisor HITE said be would serve and make a report as soon as it was
wanted.
Supervisor GRANGER was added to the Committee, and the matter was so referred.
THE RIGHTMIRE BUSINESS, ETC.
Supervisor HITE said there was one little matter about which he wanted
to refresh the memory of members. He recounted the history of the
Rightmire bulkhead contract, and said the Legislature having refused
to interfere, the thing came back on the Board, and the question was
what were they going to do with it. If any Supervisor could suggest
anything he would like to hear it, for he wanted to get rid of the
thing and not have it hanging over their heads.
The PRESIDENT asked if any gentleman had any remarks to offer.
Supervisor GRANGER (after a pause) said on reflection he would say a word
on the subject, and proceeded to state the circumstances of the Rlghtmire
claim. He thought that if the Citizens' Levee Committee had paid
Rightmire's little bill when the Board asked them to, they would
have put the money to a much better use than they eventually did.
Rightmire had doubtless spent considerable in trying to get his bill
through the Legislature, but that body, instead of taking the bull
by the horns, had thrown him back on the Supervisors. All admitted
that the bill should be paid, but they preferred to have the Supervisors
rake the chestnuts out of the fire -- that was the English of it. He
still wished to do what was right about the matter. He had persuaded
Rightmire to sign the bond of his contract, under the assurance that
if he did his best, and the elements prevented his completing the work
within the specified thirty days, the Board would undoubtedly extend
the time. For his part, he doubted whether, even by a bond, they could
compel a man to do an impossibility. Every member of the Board pledged
his word to pay Rightmire the money he was out by giving up his contract,
upon the production of the vouchers, but two of them yielded to outside
pressure, so that he did not get his due. He did not suppose any act
of his (Granger's) would be considered right by the public, still he
was willing to do what he conscientiously believed was right, although
this Rightmire claim had been made odious by popular clamor, and
although such an act might carry him to his political grave. There
had been a persistent effort to bring the Supervisors into disrepute.
Even in this Colby bridge affair, after the Legislature had passed the
law requiring them to buy the bridge at a fixed price, people said the
Supervisors ought not to pay it. Yet the Legblature passed the bill and
the Governor approved it, with all the evidence before them. He had heard
of the claim of Stow for lumber, etc., presented to-day. and it was for
that reason that he asked Colby to give the bond in $1,000. He had since
called upon Colby and undoubtedly he would be willing to increase the
bond so as to secure the city against any claim of Stow, which, by the
way, he thought was rather a heavy one.
Supervisor BIDWELL said he understood that Colby's bond related only
to the bridge, while Stow's claim was for lumber, etc., taken to fill
up breaks and holes.
Supervisor GRANGER (proceeding) referred to a communication in the UNION
in which the bridge was appraised at $800, and expressed his surprise
thereat. From $2,000 to $3,000 had heretofore been paid for building
bridges at the same place, and once the city paid $1,100 or $1,200 only
for repairing a bridge on K street. It was all a part of the unceasing
effort made to poison the public mind against the action of the
Supervisors and never to allow them to rest in peace. People should
consider the circumstances under which Colby's bridge was built. The
water being high both his material and his labor cost more than they
would at other times. They had been petitioned to buy the bridge and
now they were blamed for doing it. Do what they would they were accused
of running the city and county into debt. The Courts applied for rooms,
for matting, or for a clock, and if the Board refused, they supplied
themselves under the law, yet still they were blamed. The Grand Jury
said the Auditor's office was not large enough, yet if they should
provide another room for storing the valuable records, they would be
accused to-morrow of ruining the city. As he felt at present he thought
his time in the Board would be voluntarily limited to a short space.
He thought it was no credit to serve and be abused as he had been. If
he had been a pickpocket or a midnight assassin he would not have received
harsher epithets. Sometimes he thought it was his duty to stem the tide,
bat he did not like the charge that the officeholders defeated every
proposition to relieve the credit of the city. If the delinquent taxes
were paid, the city's credit would be in good condition, and yet some
of the very men who were denouncing the Supervisors never paid their
taxes. He hoped some of these famous financiers would get a chance by
and by to manage this Government, and they would see what would be
accomplished.
Supervisor DICKERSON referred to the history of the Rightmire contract,
and said while the contract was still pending, he had been urged by one
of the largest taxpayers in the city to close up the contract. Said he:
"If the water comes up anyways high this year, it is bound to come in at
Rabel's tannery. and it will injure the city perhaps a million and a half.
Then what is $15,000 to stop that? You don't seem to understand it." They
had sent to San Francisco to get men to compete, but Rightmire was the only
man they could get to bid for the work, and he took it with the agreement
that if the elements interfered he should have the time extended. Everybody
knew that was the fact, but it had never been reported, and the people were
in the dark about it. He (Dickerson) was a member of this Board, and meant
to stay in it till his time was out, unless the Legislature or the Great
Jehovah put him out of it. They owed Rightmire that money, and if any vote
he could give would pay him he was ready to cast that vote.
Supervisor HITE said there was no doubt that this was an honest debt.
The public, which was watching them so closely, had elected them, and
then came to the conclusion that they (the public) were smarter than
their Supervisors, and would take the business out of their hands. So,
after they had contracted for the bulkhead, the Mushroom Safety Committee
sprang up with its pockets full of money. That Committee told them they
wanted no bulkhead at Rabel's tannery, and upon that the Supervisors,
desirous of saving the expense, induced Rightmire to give up his contract,
under a promise that he should be repaid for his expenses. But some of the
members through fear of the public clamor failed to redeem their word, and
so Rightmire failed to get what was honestly due him. This Colby bridge
was a similar case. They were importuned to build a bridge there, and
did it in the only practicable way, whereupon citizens built a little
bridge around Colby's and defied the public authorities to execute their
contracts. They did not go armed against those citizens, or there would
have been a collision and perhaps somebody killed. He felt like going out
to see those men, but was advised to keep away and did so. Next they were
assailed with paper bullets -- petitions to buy Colby's bridge; and no
sooner had they complied than the public raised an awful howl for that.
If the public had kept still and minded its own business it would have
saved the $14,000 it paid to the Safety Committee and the $5,500 paid
to Colby. But the public had forced the Supervisors to spend money and
then turned around and blamed them for it. He wanted members to consider
this matter of Rightmire till tomorrow, and hoped they would be willing
to take some final action.
Supervisor BIDWELL. said he believed the Supervisors did wrong in allowing
Rightmire's claim for the amount they did. If there was no agreement to
extend the time they should not have allowed anything, for Rightmire
would have been willing to give $1,000 or more to be let off, but if
they were going to pay his expenses they should certainly have allowed
him no more scrip than would have paid it at his own estimate when he
offered to build the bulkhead for $18,000 in scrip or $7,500 in cash.
That would have been less than $2-1/2 for $1 instead of $4 for $1.
The PRESIDENT said after Rightmire's contract was made the price of
scrip depreciated.
Supervisor BIDWELL said he doubted that very much. He believed the scrip
of Sacramento was worth as much now as it was before the flood.
The PRESIDENT said Rightmire had a contract with a party to purchase his
scrip received for building the bulkhead at a rate much higher than four
for one.
Supervisor BIDWELL said that was not a matter with which the Board had
anything to do. He only wanted justice for the people of Sacramento, and
would do Rightmire no injustice.
Supervisor HALL said he understood that Rightmire gave up his contract
at the request of the Board, and the Board had requested it in obedience
to the Levee Committee, their superiors.
The PRESIDENT said it was moved by Supervisor HITE to lay this matter
over till to-morrow, and put the motion, which was carried.
At 4:30 o'clock, the Board adjourned until two o'clock P. M. to-morrow.
[For the Union.]
THE BRIDGE CASE.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Having noticed in this morning's UNION an article
commenting upon the late report of the Grand Jury regarding Colby's
bridge, wherein they have assumed to be the peculiar guardians of the
public finances at the expense of a private citizen, and, upon testimony
adduced before them, having come to the conclusion that a like bridge
at the present could be constructed for the sum of $800, when it is
notorious that the Colby bridge is three times the length of any previous
bridge across the slough, and there have been five built, none of them
costing less than $1,500 and as high as $3,500, as the records of this
city show. Now, trebling this last mentioned sum (it being the contract
price, cash, for which one of the bridges was built, and during the
best season), this jury would have had a most withering rebuke upon
the unscrupulous testimony upon which it has manufactured a sensation
report to satisfy popular clamor. I would ask the jury (if acting
conscientiously) why they did not ask the Board to re-examine the
charge (of the principal expert in this bridge matter) of $100 per
M. for redwood lumber, upon the Cemetery Fund, then worth seventy-five
cents on the dollar, and other like charges by the same witness, and
also to examine the receipts and vouchers for the expenditure of some
$14,000, for the benefit of property holders, and collected principally
of those (men of small means,) whom the far famed Citizens Committee
thought necessary to disfranchise by Legislative action that they might
more completely control and harass them before secret inquisitions upon
ex parte testimony when occasion presented. I ask why the jury did uot
call for an estimate of the work for which the $14,000 was expended and
a tax levied, for all of which not a single voucher has been presented
and not a vestige of material or work existing for an equivalent? If
the Board of Supervisors had been connected with this expenditure, the
Heavens would ring with vengeance upon their heads; but this was peculiarly
a matter under the ccntrol of others, and hence it can pass unnoticed.
This expenditure and the purchase of the bridge has been brought upon
the city, not by the Board, but by the action of a few citizens, who
have assumed the control, independent of the city authorities -- some
of whom have grown wealthy in speculating upon the money they have
withheld from the treasury -- in refusing to pay taxes, thereby enforcing
a burthen upon those (of small means) that are obliged to pay three or
four to one for all expenses of the city Government. This must have been
most palpable to some of the members of the late Grand Jury, and why did
not the Foreman, with his usual sagacity and fairness, present this class
of delinquents -- thereby relieving, to some extent, a tax ridden people?
Echo answers why?
Sacramento, May 20, 1862. A CITIZEN. . . .
IN PURSUANCE OF AN ACT ENTI-
tled "An Act in relation to the construction of the State Capitol Building
and to annul certain contracts heretofore entered into," approved
April 19, 1862, sealed proposals will be received by the Board of
State Capitol Commissioners until ten o'clock A. M.. MONDAY, June 2,
1862, for furnishing the following materials, to be used in the
construction of the State Capital Building:
1,800,000 Bricks, to he delivered on the Capitol Grounds, at the rate of
120,000 per week, delivery to commence on or before the 15th day of June.
1,500 barrels of Cement, to be delivered on the Capitol Grounds, at the
rate of 500 barrels per month, delivery to commence on or before the 10th
day of June.
600 square feet of Granite Ashlar, to be delivered on the Capitol Grounds,
delivery to commence on or before the 1st day of July.
120 tons of Granite Chips.
200 tons of Gravel, and
500 cubic yards of Sand, to be delivered on the Capitol Grounds, delivery
to commence on or before the 1st day of July.
The above named articles must be of the best quality, subject to the
approval of the Superintendent and Architect, and to be delivered at
such times and in such quantities as he may direct.
The Board of Capitol Commissioners will accept the lowest bid, provided
they may reject any and all bids unless the material to be furnished shall
be approved by the Superintendent and Architect.
No bid will be considered unless accompanied by a written guarantee,
signed by at least two responsible parties, that the party making the
proposal will enter into a contract and furnish bonds for the faithful
performance thereof, provided the contract be awarded to said party;
all bonds to be subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners.
Bids will be received for furnishing each article advertised for, or the
total amount.
Payments to be made monthly out of the appropriation for the construction
of the State Capitol in the city of Sacramento, by orders drawn on the
Controller of State, for amount of material furnished, as reported by
the Architect and Superintendent on the last day of each month.
Bids to be addressed to the Board of State Capitol Commissioners,
Sacramento, and indorsed, "Proposals for furnishing material for State
Capitol."
my21-11t C. J. TORBERT, Secretary. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3478, 22 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
By a dispatch from Placerville, we learn that the road over the summit
will be open in a week . . .
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held yesterday afternoon,
an ordinance was passed allowing A. D. Rightmire the sum of $2,000 upon
a claim which the Legislature had refused to sanction. G. W. Colby gave
a bond of the amount of $8.000 as a guarantee to the city against any
claims upon the bridge over Burns' Slough, which had just been purchased
from him. . . .
The contracts for repairing the Stock Grounds of the State Agricultural
Society have been awarded. William Turton received the contract for the
brick work, which he agreed to do for $1,740, and the contract for the
wood work was awarded to John Ryder, at the sum of $1,000.
THEY CAN BE CLOSED. -- The slough at Burns', through which all the water
is discharged from the American into the lower portion of the city, those
who have examined it say can be closed for five hundred dollars. The
crevasse below R street can also be closed for a small sum. If the two
were filled up the water would soon leave the lower portions of the city.
and persons could return to homes which they abandoned in January. Why not
make the attempt? If left as they are those two crevasses will keep the
water in a portion of the city for from four to six weeks. They can be
closed in a week, probably in three days, so as to keep out the water.
The permanent work, of course, would be left to the Levee Commissioners
hereafter. A temporary dam, built of lumber, would answer the ends in
view, which could be built in a couple of days. And then, volunteer work
can be had to stop the water at Burns slough to such an extent that a
few hundred dollars will accomplish the rest of the work. There are some
five or six hundred dollars, we understand, in the hands of the Citizens'
Committee, which may be applied to this purpose. Unless our citizens take
this matter in hand, the water must remain in the city so long as the
snow continues to melt and come down as it has for a couple of days
past. Better take hold and close those openings. . . .
Opening the Road Over the Summit.
PLACERVILLE, May 20th. A force of one hundred and fifty men have been put
to work to open the road above Strawberry Valley. They will continue on
until they meet the party at work on Kingsbury and McDonald's road. It
is confidently expected the road will be in good traveling condition for
wagons over the summit in one week from this date. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE STOCK GROUNDS. -- The contract for building up such portions of
the brick wall around the Stock Grounds as fell during the past Winter
has been awarded to William Turton, for the sum of $1,740. The contract
to repair the wood work, including main stand, stalls, fences, etc.,
was awarded to John Ryder, for the sum of $1,000. For the wood work there
was no other bid than that of Ryder. For the brick work there were three
bids, of which Turtons was the lowest. . . .
THE I STREET RAILROAD. -- H. M. Stow informs us that his late claim
for $2,500, presented to the Board of Supervisors, is not for the
lumber of the railroad which floated off at the time of the flood,
but for that which was torn up and hauled off by men who represented
that they were at work for Colby in constructing bridges on J street. . . .
TO BE RAISED. -- The members of the Board of State Capitol Commissioners
have determined to raise the foundation walls of the new Capitol six feet
higher than was provided for in the original design. This will place the
first floor seven and one-half feet above high water mark. . . .
ROAD OVER THE MOUNTAINS. -- A dispatch to the Bee yesterday has the
following, dated at Genoa, May 21st:
M. J. McDonald informs me that Kingsbury & McDonald's toll road is now
in excellent traveling order for teams from Carson Valley to the western
summit. The bridges are completed and the snow shoveled off the road on
the eastern summit, so that wagons can pass without difficulty. He will
commence shoveling the snow ont of their road on the western summit
immediately. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 1862.
President SHATTUCK called the Board to order at 2:15 o'clock, . . .
COLBY'S BRIDGE. Supervisor HITE reported, from the Select Committee on
the claim of H. M. Stow against Colby's bridge, that the Committee asked
further time. Granted.
Supervisor HALL said he would suggest that the whole matter of the
purchase of Colby's bridge |be reconsidered. He thought there might be
other claims which they knew nothing about.
Supervisor BIDWELL said he would be glad to have the whole matter brought
again before the Board.
The PRESIDENT -- I think it has gone so far that it cannot be reconsidered;
the papers have been made out and signed, and the transfer made.
Supervisor GRAINGER said he expected Mr. Colby would file a new bond to
protect the city against all costs or claims whatever. If he did not file
such a bond, he (Granger) would offer a resolution that the Clerk draw no
warrants in favor of Colby in payment for the bridge. They had paid Colby
all he asked for the bridge, and he must protect the city.
Supervisor HITE said Colby had shown him a bond for $8,000, which he
would probably file to-day.
LEVEE REPAIRING.
Supervisor HITE said there was a part of the city still inundated and
probably would be for some time to come. He had been waiting, as others
had, for some of the Levee Committees to go to work and shut out the
water still coming in, but nothing had yet been done by them, although
some gardeners up at Rabel's tannery had been building a very creditable
levee, with the aid of the chain gang. The ranchmen down at Sutterville,
and below, were going to hold a meeting, with a view to digging a canal
through at Kadell's ranch, which would drain off the water, but that would
be useless to the city unless the breaks here could be stopped. He thought
they ought to co-operate with those men, and believed that by the aid
of the chaingang they could accomplish the work. One of the Levee
Commissioners had told him that he was willing to vote $5,000 for
that purpose, and they could at little expense build the levee on
the line of the proposed new levee, so that the work would not be
lost. He moved that a Committee of two be appointed to devise means
for repairing the breaks at Burns' slough and at the foot of S street.
Supervisor BIDWELL asked if he refarred to Burns' slough or S street.
Supervisor HITE said he referred to both. A practical gentleman had
examined the break at Burns' slough and estimated that it could be
repaired now for $700 or $800. He did not know how much the other would
cost, but probably not much.
Supervisor BIDWELL said he thought the remedy should be applied at Burns',
slough first, to prevent the water running into the city.
The motion for the appointment of a Committee of two was carried -- and
Messrs. Hite and Bidwell were appointed.
COLBY'S BRIDGE AGAIN.
Supervisor. DICKERSON presented the bond of G. W. Colby for $8,000 -- J.
Rooney, $5,000; H. Klays, $1,000; J. Baum, $2,000, and Jared Irwin,
$2,000, being the sureties guaranteeing the city against any claim which
may arise against Colby's bridge.
Supervisor BIDWELL objected to the wording of the bond, that it only
specified one bridge -- the bridge across Sutter slough.
Mr. COLBY said the bond referred to the conveyance made to the city, and
that covered all the bridges.
Supervisor BIDWELL moved to refer the bond to the special Committee raised
yesterday.
Supervisor WATERMAN moved, as an amendment, that the bond be approved.
Supervisor GRANGER objected also to the wording of the bond, and hoped
a proper bond would be prepared.
Mr. COLBY said he had already given one bond -- all that was required by
the Board -- the conveyance had been made, and he supposed everything had
been settled. Now, he wanted to know where this thing was to end, and
whether he was expected to be here all the Summer, giving bonds and
dallying in that way.
Supervisor GRANGER insisted that it was no more than his duty to require
a proper bond.
Supervisor WATERMAN said this talk was all gammon. He had been up to look
after Stow's lumber, for which he claimed $2,500, and he could find only
thirty-two sticks there that had ever been used in Stow 's railroad, and
that was what teamsters had picked up. It was absurd to require Colby to
give any further bond. They had closed a contract with Colby, and could
not go back of it.
Supervisor BIDWELL said ha was satisfied this was not a legal bond,
because it did not have the property qualifications.
Mr. COLBY said all the bridges had been constructed more than sixty days,
so that no lien would reach thern. This Stow claim was absurd, as everybody
admitted, and perhaps other absurd claims might come in, and was he to file
a new bond every day?
Supervisor GRANGER said the trouble was that the public mind was poisoned
so that the public regarded the Board as no better than a nest of
pickpockets. If Colby was in his (Granger's) place he had no doubt he
would insist on a proper bond.
Suprrvisor HITE suggested that Mr. Colby have the privilege of withdrawing
his bond (at his own suggestion) and preparing a new one which would be
satisfactory.
Supervisor BIDWELL withdrew his motion, and the Board gave Mr. Colby
leave to withdraw the bond.
Supervisor GRANGER moved to fix the bond at $7,000.
Supervisor DICKERSON said it looked to him as if the thing was signed,
sealed and delivered already, and it was very inconsistent to ask for
any further bond.
After further conversation, the bond was fixed at $7,000, Colby remarking
that he did not care what the amount was if he could only know where the
matter was to have an end.
District Attorney UPTON subsequently appeared before the Board and
presented G. W. Colby's bond, stating that he had examined it and found
it a good and valid bond. It had been amended so as to designate all
the bridges, which he regarded as a necessary amendment.
Mr. COLBY said the parties signing the bond had been shown the amendment
and approved of it.
Supervisor HITE moved that the bond be approved. Carried. . . .
CONDITION OF L STREET -- CISTERNS.
Supervisor BIDWELL called the attention of the Board to a slough or
ditch across L street between Third and Fourth. This ditch ought to be
covered in some way, so as to make the street passable.
The PRESIDENT said the Superintendent of Streets would attend to that
without action of the Board.
Supervisor GRANGER referred to the condition of the cisterns, some of
which had had their tops floated off. He understood there were about
three or four of the cisterns in that dangerous condition, and they
could get the lumber necessary to repair them for $100 a thousand.
Supervisor BOICE said that they could raise the money by subscription
and get it for $26 a thousand.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that Mr. Boice be appointed a Committee to
endeavor to raise the money by subscription and repair the cisterns.
Carried. . . .
THE RIGHTMIRE CLAIM.
Supervisor WATERMAN asked to he excused for the day, as a friend was
waiting for him to go home.
Supervisor HITE objected and said the Rightmire claim was coming up,
and he wanted Supervisor Waterman to be present as he had been with them
all along. He would move to take it up now. He moved that the vote by
which the Auditor was sustained in rejecting the Rightmire claim be now
reconsidered.
The motion was put viva voce and carried.
The PRESIDENT said the question then was on sustaining the Auditor in his
rejection of; the claim.
Supervisor HITE asked that the objections of the Board be read
The Clerk obtained the paper and read it, as follows:
AUDITOR'S OFFICE, SACRAMENTO, January 4, 1862.
To the Honorable the President and the Board of Supervisors: The within
bill is returned without approval. I am unable to find any law authorizing
the payment of money out of the City Treasury unless for value received;
there is none expressed or implied in the within account. And in justice
to the taxpayers, who will have to pay this amount if allowed, I return
the bill without my approval. Respectfully, Yours.
J. HOWELL,Auditor.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that the objections of the Auditor be not sustained,
and the motion was carried unanimously by a viva voce vote.
Supervisor BIDWELL said he believed that brought the thing before the Board
right where it commenced. The Auditor said he could find no law to pay money
except for value received, but he had been informed that vouchers had been
presented for the expenses incurred by Rightmire, and although the city did
not receive the benefit, it seemed to be just under the circumstances that
he should be repaid. He moved that Rightmire receive for his expenses the
sum of $2,000, in evidences of indebtedness against the City Contingent
Fund. In connection with the motion, he would present a communication from
Mr. Rightmire, making certain propositions.
The communication was read, as follows:
SACRAMENTO, May 21, 1862.
To the Hon. Board of Supervisors of the City and County of Sacramento --
Gentlemen: I respectfully propose as follows: That I will enter into bonds
to hold and not dispose of any scrip or evidence of indebtedness that may
be issued to me by your honorable Board for my contract claim upon the
county until after the meeting of the next Legislature, when, if a bill
is passed to pay by a special tax, and provided I receive the amount of
$1,002 25 in cash, with interest at two per cent, per month from the
period of the presentation of my bill to your honorable body, I will
relinquish the scrip or evidence of indebtedness to your honorable body.
Respectfully yours,
A. D. RIGHTMIRE.
The PRESIDENT -- It has been moved and seconded that he be allowed $2,000
in city indebtedness, coupled with the condition proposed by him, receiving
the original claim with interest at two per cent, per month. Is the Board
ready for the question?
The question was put and carried viva voce.
Supervisor BIDWELL moved that Rightmire be required to file his bond as proposed.
The PRESIDENT -- I see no necessity for a bond; it is all one side as it
looks to me.
Supervisor BIDWELL -- Well, I will leave it to older heads.
Supervisor GRANGER said in order to put the matter in a more legal form,
he moved to reconsider the vote just taken, allowing the claim. Carried.
Supervisor GRANGER -- Now, sir, I move that the bill of A. D. Rightmire
be allowed, to the amount of $2,000, notwithstanding the objections of
the Auditor, and upon that I ask that the ayes and noes be taken. I
understand, of course, that it is to be allowed upon the conditions
proposed by Mr. Rightmire.
The motion was carried by -- ayes, 7; noes, none.
Supervisor GRANGER moved that Rightmire's bond be fixed at $2,000, with
two sureties, to perform the agreement proposed by him. Carried.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
On motion of Supervisor HITE, the Board proceeded to elect a Board of
Equalization, to meet on Monday next (under the new Levee Act).
Supervisor HITE nominated Supervisors Granger and Boice, who were
unanimously elected.
Supervisor HITE was excused, at his own request, from further service on
the Finance Committee, and Supervisor Bidwell was appointed in his place.
At half-past four o'clock adjourned uutil to-morrow at two o'clock. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3479, 22 May 1862 EXTRA [single sheet only] p. 1
CONDITION OF STOCKTON AND SAN JOAQUIN. -- The following is an extract from
the late report of the Grand Jury of this county:
The Grand Jury have had under consideration the effects of the recent
flood upon the future prosperity and business of the city of Stockton
and the county of San Joaquin. The flood has caused great damage to the
roads and to the business of both city aad county. In the absence of a
good Winter road the county is cut off from communication with the city,
and the latter suffers to a very serious extent. Hence, in the matter of
a good road from Stockton to the foot hills the interests of both the city
and county are identical.
In suggesting any system of improvement which is practical -- which shall
not be too expensive for the means of the people, and yet an improvement
which shall be permanent and of real utility -- the Grand Jury have
availed themselves of the experience and lessons of the great flood of
the past Winter. The principal overflow of the county and city, aside
from the back water of the San Joaquin, comes from the Calaveras. In
connection with this fact the Jury would suggest that it might be
practical to build a road on the south side of the Calaveras, from
Stockton to the foot hills; the road to be built high enough to serve
the double purpose of a road and a dyke or levee, by which to prevent
the waters of the Calaveras from future overflow. The distance from
Stockton to the foot hills or high land is about fifteen miles.
It would make a direct road towards Copperopolis, and would prove a
Winter highway for the travel of a very large proportion of the residents
in the northeastern portion of the county. The road or levee should be
of sufficient width for the passage of teams, elevated to a hight which
will prevent the Calaveras from overflowing, and graveled like the streets
of Stockton. Such a road can be built for about $5,000 per mile, or $75,000
for fifteen miles. The city and county, by acting in concert, may make
improvements of permanent value to both; but any system of improvements
which has reference only to the prevention of overflow of city property
is too limited to produce any useful result, and too expensive to be
adapted to the means of our citizens. The damage to the city of Stockton
by the flood of the past Winter has not exceeded $20,000. We cannot
reasonably suppose that a flood to the same extent will occur more
frequently than once in ten years. It would, therefore, be a wiser
policy to suffer the loss and take the risk for the next ten years,
than to incur any extraordinary expenses for the protection of the city
from overflow. The most certain protection to the city alone is to raise
its grade, and to erect our buildings in future with reference to the
necessity which the flood of last Winter has demonstrated. The road,
however is a joint necessity, and may be made at once a dike, by which
to open easy Winter communication with the country, and prevent, at
the same time, the Calaveras from coming to the southward of its natural
bounds.
FROM MARIPOSA. -- The following items are from the Gazette of May 13th:
Fruit is probably all destroyed by the late cold weather. In some favored
localities part of a crop may possibly be realized, but the greater part
of the prospect, or aspect, friz.
A very short crop of hay is anticipated. Rancheros and farmers who
heretofore have cut large quantities, will this year get next to none.
The cold weather has kept grass back, and while it comes up thick it
is short, better suited to a cow's mouth than for a scythe.
No attempt to repair the broken dam at the Benton Mills, on the Merced,
will be made till late in the Summer, when the water is low, and it can
be put in so as to be secure against all future freshets. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3479, 23 May 1862 p. 2
. . . .
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
FROM HUMBOLDT. -- The Times of May 17th has the following: . . .
Every part of our county is fast recovering from the casualties of an
unprecedently severe Winter. Stock which has been much reduced in flesh
is now beginning to grow fat. Farmers are putting in fine crops and seem
to be in excellent spirits. The epidemic known as Salmon fever has been
raging quite fiercely; but we are glad to be able to state that there
is a prospect of its speedy termination. . . .
THAT RIGHTMIRE CLAIM.
There is a curious history connected with this claim, but it is too long
in its details for a single article. .We shall, therefore, make no effort
to do more than present a few of the leading facts connected therewith.
It was believed last Fall that certain work should be done at Rabel's
Tannery to prevent the river from undermining its bank so as to carry
away the levee. Action was postponed by the Board of Supervisors until
laite in November. In response to an advertisement for proposals,
Rightmire offered to build a second bulkhead for $17,000 -- a sum so
enormous for the work to be done that the Board for a time dropped the
matter. It was though believed that something must be done, and after
various consultations on the matter, the Levee Committee was empowered
to go forward and have the work executed under their supervision, or
to enter into a contract to have it done. Notwithstanding December had
arrived, and the danger of rain was imminent, the Committee concluded
to enter into a contract with Rightmire to build a bulkhead for the sum
of $17,000, he giving a bond with good securities that the work should be
completed within a given number of days. No provision was inserted for a
suspension of the work or a rescission of the contract in the event of a
rise in the river before the expiration of the time. The papers were
signed, the contractor went to San Francisco to purchase piles, and
while there the flood of December 9th swept over the city. The river
became a raging torrent; its current, instead of cutting away the bank
at Rabel's, filled the channel at that point witb sand until it was piled
above the natural bank. The flood rendered it impossible for Rightmire
to put in his bulkhead, while the shifting of the channel and current of
the river rendered it unnecessary at that point for the protection of the
levee. In this condition of things, the contractor's securities were
naturally anxious for him to be released from his contract. And here
comes a curious feature of the case. An application was made for a
release from the contract, coupled with a claim for damages sustained
in the purchase and resale of material of a thousand dollars, and a
threat that if the damage was not paid the contractor would go on and
complete the impossible job. He also claimed that after the contract
was entered into, some of the members of the Board promised verbally
to give him further time if it rained, and that under said promise he
could go on with the work. Such a promise, if made, was without authority
and did not bind the Board; but that body seems to have acted as if
they considered it very binding in law, equity and conscience, for the
members went forward and took the extraordinary course of rescinding the
contract, giving up to Rightmire his bond, and agreeing to pay him the
thousand dollars he claimed. But to pay a thousand dollars in cash it
was thought necessary to issue four thousand in scrip -- a responsibility
which the Board for once hesitated about assuming. A bright idea was
then hit upon, which was for Rightmire to go before the Legislature
with the recommendation of the Board of Supervisors and secure the
passage of a bill to levy a special tax on the people of the city to
pay a claim for which they have not received any consideration. If
Rightmire entered into a contract which he was unable to execute, it
was no fault of the taxpayers and they are under no obligations to pay
him a thousand dollars because he undertook a job which be was unable
to perform.
The claim in the hands of its owner made its appearance before the
Legislature, and to the astonishment of everybody in Sacramento, every
member of the Assembly except, we believe one, reported the bill to
that body and recommended that it pass. But the justice of the claim
was questioned by members from Placer and Nevada, and strange to say,
the Assembly refused to pass the bill, notwithstanding it was recommended
by the delegation. It has not since been heard from, until within the
past two days in the Board of Supervisors. It made its appearance there
formally Wednesday, and was allowed for $2,000 to be issued in scrip
or audited accounts. The Auditor vetoed the transaction, but the Board,
including the two new members, passed it unanimously over his veto. The
transaction is not a large one, but in our judgment, it is a very unjust,
as well as an illegal one. Indeed, after what has transpired in relation
to this claim -- its settlement by the issuing of indebtedness for
$2,000 -- we consider a violation of a public trust which would justify
investigation by a Grand Jury. The new members of the Board have
signalized their entrance into it by a vote on this claim which tends
to destroy all confidence in their disposition to protect the rights
of the people.
In providing for the settlement of this claim, by issuing two dollars
in scrip to pay one due in cash, the Board of Supervisors has exceeded
its authority. It possesses no legal right to make such an order, even
had the claim been a just and legal one. The scrip issued will therefore
be pronounced worthless, if the Courts are ever called upon to determine
the question, as they surely will be. In fact it is extremely doubtful
whether the Board possessed any authority to enter into the original
contract. It is useless for the people of Sacramento to longer rely upon
the Board of Supervisors for protection against financial wrongs. We do
not recollect of a single case for the past two years, in which a large
claim against either the city or county has been rejected. If those who
present them persevere in their importunities they are certain finally
to succeed in getting their bills allowed. The only remedy now left for
the taxpayers is a combination to provide the ways and means for taking
all such cases as this of Rightmire before the Courts, and there have them
adjudicated, and the extent of the power of the Board of Supervisors to
involve the city and county determined. In fact, a case should be made
which will settle the legality of the whole of our floating indebtedness.
Action is now needed in the premises, and if taxpayers consult their own
interests, they will see to it that such action as the circumstances
call for is taken without delay.
THE SLOUGH MATTER. -- In the Board of Supervisors a Committee was
appointed to see what could be done towards closing Burns' Slough.
That Committee reported yesterday that they had consulted with the
Levee Commissioners and Citizens' Committee, but the latter would
advance no money for the object unless the Supervisors would give bond
and security that the work should be effectual. They declined to give
the bond, and dropped the subject. Now, it is no more than fair that
the Citizens' Committee should take the matter up and see that the slough
is filled up and the water kept out for this season. If it is not thought
advisable to fill it up now with earth, let a temporary dam be put in
which will turn the water. A little manifestation of energy on the part
of a few individuals will secure the filling up of that slough, or
erecting a dam across it, in three or four days. If a place were named
where the names of volunteers who are willing to assist will be taken,
we believe that men enough to do the manual labor will offer their
services. . . .
THE LEVEE. -- We do not understand that the size of the new levee is
absolutely decided upon by the Commissioners. Thirty feet at high water
mark, with the slope proposed, will make a broad levee at the base. It
would leave it twenty feet on the top. In restoring public confidence
much depends on the size of the levee, and the Committee should make
it as wide as possible consistent with the means of the city. We
understand that every addition of ten feet in width is estimated to
add about $5,000 a mile to the cost. If such an addition to the width
will not increase the cost more than that sum, perhaps the Commissioners
can increase the width from the thirty to forty feet at high water mark
up the American. A wide levee is more needed there than on Front street,
where the latter width has been adopted. We doubt though whether four
feet above high water mark will prove sufficient should the river be
leveed on both sides. We should prefer to see it higher, as well as
broader. Straightening the river though, we consider about as essential
as leveeing it, and hence should like to see some movement pretty soon
in that direction. . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
AGRICULTURAL. -- At a late meeting of the Board of Managers of the State
Agricultural Society, . . . W. F. Knox, C. S. Lowell and E. B. Ryan were
appointed a Committee to superintend the reconstruction of the walls,
building, etc., at the stock grounds. They were instructed to request the
lessee of the grounds to make all repairs, in accordance with the conditions
of his contract; and in case of his refusal, to proceed with the work
under the contracts with Turton and Ryder.
THE LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- A meeting of the Levee Commissioners was held
at the usual place last evening. After. a discussion upon the propriety
of employing an engineer, and the consideration of several propositions
on that point, the following resolution was adopted: ''Resolved, That
for the purpose of drawing specifications and doing such other work as
may be necessary to forward the work upon the levee, A. R. Jackson is
hereby employed by the day as engineer " After further discussion of a
general character, the Board adjourned to meet at eight o'clock this
evening. Preparations are being made as rapidly as possible for
advertising for sealed proposals. . . .
COMMERCIAL. -- Arrived yesterday: Schooner Anna R. Forbes, with
legislative furniture and general merchandise, from San Francisco;
schooner Anna Caroline, Lentil, with legislative furniture and general
merchandise, from San Francisco; schooner Caroline C. Anderson, with
legislative furniture and general merchandise, from San Francisco; . . .
LEGISLATIVE FURNITURE. -- The legislative furniture -- tables, chairs,
etc., which was removed to San Francisco a few months since, arrived
in this city yesterday and was again deposited in the State Capitol for
ssfe-keeping. It was brought up on the schooners Anna R. Forbes, Anna
Caroline, and Caroline C, all of which arrived yesterday. . . .
THE WATER. -- By reference to the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors,
it will be seen that an unsuccessful effort was made yesterday to induce
the late Collecting Committee to appropriate the money in their hands to
the work of stopping the water at Burns' siough and at the crevasse below
R street. If we are not misinformed, the money now in the hands of that
Committee -- Crocker, Boyd and Warwick -- was collected by B. C. Whitiny,
Frank Tavlor and W. P. Coleman, in small surns, for the purpose of
temporary repairs to the levee. It could therefore be used with entire
propriety for the purposes now proposed. If, therefore, those who
have it in charge have not time to superintend the work, and deem it
inexpedient to place it in the hands of the Board of Supervisors, they
should select agents of their own and start the work. The services of
the chain-gang can be had, of course, which will materially reduce the
cost of the work. . . .
THE WATER. -- The Sacramento river remains about as last reported -- 17
feet 3 inches above low water mark. The water in the city rose yesterday
about two inches, and in Burns' slough about eight inches.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, May 22, 1862
The PRESIDENT called the Board to order at 2:30 P.M. . . .
The bond of A. D. Rightmire for $2,000 to retain scrip to that amount
voted to him yesterday, until the meeting of the Legislature, was
approved. D. E. Callahan and S. D. Holmes are the sureties . . . .
Supervisor DICKERSON made a verbal report from the Special Committee
appointed to investigate the claim of H. M. Stow against Colby's bridges.
He had made two appointments with Stow to go out and look at the lumber
alleged to have been taken from his road but Stow did not keep his
appointments. He had been out alone, however, and found but little of
that kind of lumber of which Stew's railroad was built, and rather thought
that instead of $2,500, Stow's claim should have been for that number of
cents. He recommended that no action be taken on the subject, Colby's
bond being sufficient to protect the city in any event.
On motion of Supervisor WATERMAN, the report was adopted.
Supervisor DICKERSON reported hack from the Finance Committee the bill
of H. Kronthal & Co., for blankets and clothing furnished to prisoners
during the flood, with a recommendation that the bill be allowed far
the full amount, $218. Adopted. . . .
STOW'S CLAIM.
A communication from H. M. Stow, addressed to President Shattuck, was
laid before the Board, giving notice of a lien for $2,806 on all of
Colby's bridges on the line of J street, from Twelfth to Thirty-first
streets and requesting and requiring Mr. Shattuck to withhold and retain
that amount from any sum that may be due to Colby for his bridges
purchased by the city. Attached was the notice of lien as filed,
charging the following articles alleged to have been taken, used,
wasted, injured and destroyed in the construction of said bridges:
9,600 feet of 4x6-inch pine timber, at $75 per thousand; 1,000 redwood
railroad ties at 40 cents each; 4,400 feet of iron, one-half by three
eighth inch, punched and countersunk -- 7,700 pounds, at eight cents
per pound; 1,000 cast braces, at thirty cents each; 1,000 wrought
braces or dogs, at fifteen cents each; 4,000 wrought spikes, at three
cents each; damages sustained by the above property being unlawfully
taken, $500 -- total, $2,806.
Supervisor WATERMAN moved to lay the paper on the table.
Supervisor GRAINGER said they might as well treat it respectfully,
and moved to place it on file. Lost.
Supervisor WATERMAN's motion prevailed. . . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, May 22, 1862.
The PRESIDENT called the Board to order at 2:30 P. M. . . .
The bond of A. D. Rightmire for $2,000 to retain scrip to that amount
voted to him yesterday, until the meeting of the Legislature, was approved.
D. E. Callahan and S. D. Holmes are the sureties. . . .
Supervisor DICKERSON made a verbal report from the Special Committee
appointed to investigate the claim of H. M. Stow against Colby's bridges.
He had made two appointments with Stow to go out and look at the lumber
alleged to have been taken from his road but Stow did not keep his
appointments. He had been out alone, however, and found but little of
that kind of lumber of which Stew's railroad was built, and rather
thought that instead of $2,500, Stow's claim should have been for
that number of cents. He recommended that no action be taken on the
subject, Colby's bond being sufficient to protect the city in any event.
On motion of Supervisor WATERMAN, the report was adopted.
Supervisor DICKERSON reported back from the Finance Committee the bill
of H. Kronthal & Co., for blankets and clothing furnished to prisoners
during the flood, with a recommendation that the bill be allowed far the
full amount, $218. Adopted. . . .
STOW'S CLAIM.
A communication from H. M. Stow, addressed to President Shattuck, was
laid before the Board, giving notice of a lien for $2,806 on all of
Colby's bridges on the line of J street, from Twelfth to Thirty-first
streets and requesting and requiring Mr. Shattuck to withhold and retain
that amount from any sum that may be due to Colby for his bridges purchased
by the city. Attached was the notice of lien as filed, charging the
following articles alleged to have been taken, used, wasted, injured
and destroyed in the construction of said bridges: 9,600 feet of
4x6-inch pine timber, at $75 per thousand; 1,000 redwood railroad ties
at 40 cents each; 4,400 feet of iron, one-half by three eighth inch,
punched and countersunk -- 7,700 pounds, at eight cents per pound; 1,000
cast braces, at thirty cents each; 1,000 wrought braces or dogs, at fifteen
cents each; 4,000 wrought spikes, at three cents each; damages sustained
by the above property being unlawfully taken, $500 -- total, $2,806.
Supervisor WATERMAN moved to lay the paper on the table
Supervisor GRAINGER said they might as well treat it respectfully, and
moved to place it on file. Lost.
Supervisor WATERMAN's motion prevailed. . . .
THE REPAIR OF THE LEVEES.
Supervisor HITE, from the Special Committee in relation to repairing the
levees at the foot of Second street and at Burns' slough, made a verbal
report. The Committee (himself and Supervisor Bidwell) had conferred
with members of the Citizens' Committee and of the Levee Commissioners,
but got little encouragement. Messrs. Crocker and Swift talked the matter
over with them. They said Crocker had something over $700 in his hands of
the money raised for the purpose of repairing the levee, and they would
let the Supervisors have it, provided they would give a guarantee or
security that their work would effect the purpose designed, of keeping
out the water. They must insure that, or they could not get the money.
Supervisor GRANGER -- They ask us to do what they could not do themselves
when they sunk $14 000.
Supervisor HITE said that was about it. They were to guarantee the
successful completion of the work and then they would pay over the
money. The Levee Commissioners, or a majority of them, said there
was no law authorizing them to use the money in that way. That was
the opinion of Crocker and Swift, but Tukey thought they would be
justified in a departure from the strict letter of the law fcr the
sake of accomplishing the end the law had in view under which they
were appointed. The Committee proposed that the Levee Commissioners
should superintend the work, and have it done in whatever place or
manner they chose, but they still declined. He called on Crocker again
this morning, and proposed that he should take charge of the work, but
he said it would be impossible, that his business would not admit of
it, and he had had enough to do already with that kind of work. He
proposed that they should select some one who could go and let him
superintend the work, and the Board would send out the chain gang and
do all they could to get volunteer labor, but it was all of no use,
and it seemed they were not disposed to render any assistance, so that
if the Board undertook to do anything it would have to look elsewhere
for help. This Committee had the money which was intended for that
purpose, but would not use it or allow the Board to use it. He saw
Knox yesterday about it, and although he seemed to think very favorably
of the matter, yet he gave no definite answer. He had been unable to
find Holmes. Crocker was of opinion that it would be impossible to stop
the water out without expending a very large amount of money, but he
(Hite) thought differently. He went out in a boat this morning at the
S street break and sounded it, finding the water about six feet deep,
while a few rods below it was only four feet deep with a hard bottom.
He had conversed with men who were accustomed to damming streams, and
who assured him that it could be done without any difficulty by building
a plank dam. The railroad piles were there, and lf they had the materials,
which would cost but little, he believed with the help of the chain-gang
they could close the gap entirely in four or five days. Below S street
were two or three very small breaks, but a man living there told him
that he would agree with four men to close them up in one day. Burns'
slough might be a little more difficult, but if they went to work first
at S street, perhaps by that time the river would fall so that there
would be no trouble in closing the gap at Burns' slough.
Supervisor GRANGER asked what amount of bonds the Commissioners required;
they asked for security, and by that he understood they wanted bonds.
Supervisor HITE said they did not seem disposed to let them have the money
at any rate until the work was completed. They said if responsible parties
would take it and agree to stop the water out at those two places they
would let them have the money. He (Hite) did not wish to take any lead
in this work and presumed the Board did not. but he wanted some one to
take hold of it, and was willing to work in the rear. He would hire a man
and put him on at his own expense if they would go on with the work and
expend the money in their hands for the purpose it was raised for.
The PRESIDENT -- Did you go to Winans?
Supervisor HITE -- I saw him down on the street, but he was very
busy -- whether about the levees or the Annuity bill I do not know.
Supervisor GRANGER asked if the Committee made any recommendation.
Supervisor HITE replied that he would recommend the calling of a meeting
of the citizens of the flooded district. Perhaps the Commissioners might
attend the meeting and propose something. He had endeavored to learn
whether the city could buy the lumber necessary: but one lumber dealer
told him he did not want the city for a customer, but would sell lumber
for $23 per thousand, cash.
Supervisor GRANGER said he regarded the proposition of the citizens'
Committee as not very liberal. He would never agree to give bonds, and
the Committee had not done so, although it had expended $14,000 with
nothing to show for it.
Supervisor HITE suggested that other members call on the Commissioners
and see if they could not induce them to do something. He was anxious
to get the water off his land, and many others were in the same condition.
Supervisor DICKERSON said the people along the river below were going
to have a meeting at Sherman's, on Saturday at twelve o'clock, to see
about digging a ditch at the lower end of the lake, which would give a
fall of five or six feet and drain it off, if the crevasses up here could
be stopped. He invited members of the Board and citizens generally to
attend the meeting. He thought they would have enough to do to dig that
canal, which would be about three-quarters of a mile long. Supervisor
HITE Suggested that a meeting of the city members at the Board be held
to-morrow night, to consider this matter, and if advisable call a
citizens' meeting.
Supervisor GRANGER said he could not attend, and besides while it might
be well to show a dispositlon to relieve the city, he saw no possible
way of doing anything. The people had shown a want of confidence in the
Supervisors and through the Legislature had taken the whole matter of
the levees and protection of the city out of their hands.
Supervisor HITE said he thought this would show the people sufficiently
the disposition of the Supervisors and what kind of men they had on that
Levee Commission. But there was a large amount of property still under
water which was rapidly spoiling, the owners of which would soon be
called upon to pay a levee tax.
Supervisor DICKERSON said he was anxious to have something done speedily.
J and K streets were not all of Sacramento, and it did not follow because
these streets were above water that the whole community was flourishing.
Supervisor GRANGER made some further remarks in relation to the press of
the city, which every day published some article stigmatizing the action
of the Supervisors, but took care never to speak of the shortcomings of
the Levee Commissloners. If the Supervisors had wasted $14,000, as that
Commission did, they would have been driven out of the city.
Supervsor HITE said people were complaining of the inaction of the Levee
Commissioners, and had been urging the Supervisors to do something; that
was the reason he had originally brought up the subject. . . .
Supervisor BOICE reported that he found it impossible to raise money by
subscription to cover the three cisterns whose tops were floated away by
the high water.
Supervisor HITE proposed that they be fenced, and a discussion followed,
in which it was stated that it would require 4,000 feet of lumber to cover
each one.
On motion of Supervisor GRANGER the subject was referred to the President,
with discretionary power. . . .
At four o'clock the Board adjourned till three o'clock P. M., on the
first Monday in June. . . .
p. 4
LEVEE ASSESSMENT.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN ACT
approved April 9, 1862, I hereby give notice that the ASSESSMENT ROLL for
LEVEE PURPOSES is now complete and in my possession, open for examination.
The BOARD OF EQUALIZATION will meet at the Supervisors' rooms to hear and
determine comiplaints in regard to valuation and assessments therein, on
MONDAY. MAY 26, 1862, at 10 o'clock A. M.. and will continue in session
from day to day so long as may be necessary, not exceeding eighteen days,
exclusive of Sundays.
JOSIAH HOWELL, Auditor
City and County of Sacramento.
Sacramento, May. 19, 1862. my20 . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3480, 24 May 1862 p. 2
. . .
THE PLACERVILLE ROUTE. -- Measures are being taken to improve this route
over the summit. Three thousand dollars have been subscribed in Placerville,
and about six hundred dollars in Virginia City . . .
LEVEE MATTERS.
The President of the Board of Levee Commissioners, C. H. Swift, sends
us a communication, which we publish, in which he explains the powers
of the Board and suggests that city and county officers should be
familiar with laws in which the people are interested. As the Levee
Law has been published, we had taken it for granted that people generally
understood that the Levee Commissioners possessed no power to expend
money directly either for building new or repairing old levees; they
can only expend the money raised by taxation, as the law directs. But
the powers of the Citizens" Committee are not prescribed by law; the
money expended by that Committee is to be refunded from the proceeds
of the tax levied, and we believe the exact sum is not stated. The
Citizens' Committee, therefore, in an emergency, we think, may still,
within the scope of objects for which it was raised, take action for
the common good and safety. This Committee admit the possession of some
$700 in cash, which was left in hand after returning to each subscriber
seventy-five per cent, of the money he had subscribed. It is not the
money collected by Taylor, Coleman and others to repair the levee this
side of Rabel's.
In their intercourse with the members of the Board of Supervisors the
Committee, as stated by Swift, merely asked to be satisfied that the
work of closing the Burns slough could be done for the money in hand,
and they were ready to expend it. The members of the Board who reported
upon the matter, appear to have misunderstood the members of the
Citizens' Committee, as they stated before the Board of Supervisors
that a bond or guarantee was demanded, leaving the impression that
the latter Board was not to be trusted. The members of the Board of
Supervisors manifest a consciousness of not possessing the full
confidence of this community, as they quite often call attention to
the fact that the people will not trust them to expend money. Well,
what have they done in office to command public confidence? Not an
act for the public benefit which was recognized as such, while the
Board has performed sundry acts from which serious injury to the public
has resulted. Under its administration the city and county have been
so deeply involved in debt as to nearly destroy the credit of each.
That of the city is so completely gone that lumber to cover cisterns
cannot be purchased on a credit. And by the way, the top of the large
cistern on Tenth and G streets floated down to Seventh, between H and
G, where it was tied up and remained for some time -- being used as a
platform for saving cows and hogs from drowning. The attention, as we
are informed, of the President of the Board was called to the fact that
it was there and could be easily floated back to the cistern. It was
neglected, and the cistern-top finally broken up for the wood and lumber
it contained. A little attention at the time would probably have saved
all the cistern-tops which are now left exposed. The people of the city
pay the President of the Board, who is by virtue of his office
Superintendent of Streets, and naturally expect that he will attend
to their interests in those particulars.
The Levee law, as suggested by the President of the Board of Levee
Commissioners, requires that all accounts for work done on the levee
by contract shall be audited by the Board of Supervisors. The Legislature
placed a proper appreciation upon the peculiar qualification of the members
of the Board for performing that portion of their public duties. In auditing
accounts they are equal to any emergency; they never fail to put through
a claim against the city and county, and hence the duties of that Board
are prudently and properly limited to auditing the accounts.
But to return to the slough. Cannot something be done to stop the flow
of water into the back portion of the city from that source? It is probably
so much increased in volume by the melting snow as to render it a little
more difficult; but the work can be accomplished, if men will take hold
of it with resolution. If the slough is filled with earth, and the
embankment, made as strong as would be needed, the cost might reach the
figures named by Judge Swift; but a temporary dam to shut out the water
could ably be built for a good deal less money. But if filling or damming
the slough is thought too heavy a job to be undertaken, surely the breaks
in the Thirty-first street levee may be so far closed for a small sum
as to confine the water to the slough, instead of permitting it to spread
over the eastern part of the city. The water for several days past has
been running across the road this side of Colby's bridge, greatly to the
inconvenience of the public, and to the injury of the business of the
city, as the report that water is running over J street deters many of
those at a distance who do not understand the condition of things from
coming to Sacramento. There is probably but three or four breaks above
the bridge where the water runs in, and a dozen men, with a few scantling
and inch plank, would close them up in a day. A slight dam, supported
by earth, would be sufficient. Were those breaks closed the water now
on J and K streets and the adjoining lots this side the old fort would
be shut off effectually. The breaks from the bridge to the railroad
are all south of the residence of Judge Beatty, and can doubtless be
closed so as to turn the water at its present stage without difficulty,
and at a slight expense. The closing of these breaks would confine all
the water which comes in at the head to follow the channel of the
slough until it passes under the railroad, at which point it may be
considered past the city. To close the crevasse on the Sacramento below
R street cannot, at this stage of the water, be a very formidable
undertaking. A few determined men would accomplish it in a short time,
and were the water turned there it would make a wide difference in that
portion of the city lying south of L street and east of Tenth. The water
is now eight feet lower in the Sacramento than it was when the crevasse
was first opened.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT OF .THE BOARD OF LEVEE COMMISSIONERS.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In a report in the UNION of yesterday of the proceedings
of the Board of Supervisors in reference to levee matters, I perceive a
lamentable lack of information in some Supervisors in relation to the
powers and duties of the Levee Commissioners. City and County officers
should be familiar with the different laws in relation to city and
county matters; but as some are not, for their benefit and for the
information of the public, I will state:
1st. That the Levee Commissioners have not a dollar under their control,
and whenever any money comes into the Levee Fund, which will be some time
in July or August next, the Board of Supervisors audit and allow all
accounts payable out of that fund.
2d. The Levee Commissioners have no authority to repair or reconstruct
old levees, and in the construction of a new levee cannot move a single
yard of earth without advertising ten days for contracts. The line of
the new levee not having been decided upon, no work could be done by the
Board under existing circumstances. After the levee is completed they
have full power to keep it in repair.
While on this subject, it may not be amiss to correct some misstatements
relative to the late Citizens' Levee Committee. It has been stated by
different parties, during the last thirty days, that Burns' slough be
dammed up and the water stopped for $500, for $750, for $1,000. To all
these parties the answer has uniformly been, and now is -- satisfy the
Committee (not the Levee Commissioners) that the work will be done, and
take the money. Persons familiar with the locality and competent to
estimate the cost, have examined, and the lowest estimate reported has
been $2,500. There is just the same necessity for repairing the break
at S street as at Burns' slough. The same guess work has been
made, but no reliable estimates.
This being the case, the Committee have uniformly declined, and probably
will decline, to place the money in the hands of any party whatever,
unless satisfied that it will do something towards accomplishing the
desired object. As regards the Committee, they have required no "bonds,"
no "security," no "guarantee" of any one, but merely to be satisfied
that the work would be accomplished.
It was stated some time since, in the UNION, that the money collected
by Whiting, Taylor and Coleman was still in the hands of the Committee.
The Committee informed the editors that all that money and some $600 more
was appropriated at Rabel's and the mistake was corrected in the next
day's paper. Yet the same statement is made again in yesterday's UNION,
which now requires the same correction.
C. H. SWIFT,
Chairman Levee Committee, and President of Levee Commissioners. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
LEVEE AFFAIRS. -- The City Levee Commissioners held a meeting last
evening, and disapproved of the entire line of levee as certified to
them by the Swamp Land Commissioners. This step was rendered necessary
by information discovered yesterday by members of the Board. The law
provides that if the line adopted by the Swamp Land Commissioners is
approved by the Levee Commissioners the action shall be final. There
is no authority vested in either Board to change it. Both Boards had
informally agreed to construct the levee on Front street, designing
thereby to simply raise the present levee. They now discover that Front
street is but eighty feet wide, running from the line of the buildings
on that street. This distance will not extend to the present levee, and
the line must be modified to cover the levee, or the levee must be
removed several rods back from the river. Members of the Board also
went over the line of the northern levee yesterday, and concluded that
a slight variation at several points would be desirable. The certified
line was therefore rejected, that these modifications may be made in a
legal manner. A joint meeting of the two Boards was last evening agreed
upon, to take place on Monday evening next, for the purpose of making
the necessary changes. . . .
MEETING AT SUTTERVILLE. -- The ranchmen of Sutter and Franklin townships,
who are interested in draining off the water from the flooded region below
the city, will meet at two o'clock this afternoon at Sherburn's Hotel, at
Sutterville, to organize for the accomplishment of that object. . . .
RISING. -- The water in the Sacramento rose yesterday some three inches,
in the lower part of the city about four inches and in the American river
about a foot. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3481, 26 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
We publish a communication which sharply reviews the late report of
Engineer Leet.
The Sacramento stands at about eighteen feet above low water mark,
and is slowly rising. The American also continues to rise, but not at
all in a threatening manner. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
NOT EXACTLY. -- A certain editor of an evening paper who had published
several articles on the necessity of keeping the water out of the city,
was seen on Saturday afternoon to pass on to I street with three toy
wheelbarrows thrown over his shoulder. He was hailed as he passed along
Third street with the inquiries, "Halloa, Mac, are you going to stop up
Burns' slough?" "Hold on and take some more tools with you." "You can
never stop the slough with your wheelbarrows without a few picks and
shovels," etc., etc. When he explained that he had three children on
his ranch, eight miles above the city, so near one size and age that
whenever he bought a toy for one he was compelled to supply each with
a similar one, the mystery was dispelled and he was allowed to pass.
GOING TO WORK. -- Supervisor Shattuck will this morning set to work the
chain gang and a few hired hands, for the purpose of stopping off the
water which now comes in north of J street and floods that street near
Seventeenth street. He does this on the condition that John Arnold will
furnish money enough to buy hay and lumber to do the work. Arnold will
do that on the condition that the reader will contribute his share this
morning when called. About $150 will be needed. All will see the
importance of the enterprise.
A MEAN TRICK. -- At an early hour on Saturday morning it was observed
by parties residing near the Fort that all the barges by which the
K street bridge at Burns' slough was supported were nearly full of
water. It was found on examination that each had been bored with an
inch and a half auger. Had they filled entirely, the current, which
was quite strong, would have carried away the boats and destroyed the
bridge. By prompt action the catastrophe contemplated by the author
of the work was arrested. . . .
STOP OFF THE WATER. -- A public meeting has been called, to take place
to-morrow evening at the County Court room, to devise ways and means for
shutting out the water from Burns' slough and closing the crevasse below
R street. As the subject is one of vital interest to the city, there ought
to be and of course will be a full attendance. . . .
THE WATER. -- The Sacramento, which has risen steadily for several days
past, stood last evening at eighteen feet above low water mark. The
American river and Burns' Slough have also been on the rise the past
few days. . . .
[For the Union.]
A FEW WORDS ON LEET'S REPORT.
MESSRS. EDITORS: Engineer B. F. Leet's report reads as follows, viz:
FOR THE CUTOFF OPPOSITE RABEL'S
The cost of opening a channel across this bend would be as follows: Bed
of channel sixteen feet below mean flood line; for a width of one hundred
feet, 211,632 cubic yards, at twenty cents, $42,826.
I do not discover that he names the distance across the bend, but
conclude that he makes it about 3,600 or 3,700 feet. I wish to estimate
it at 4,000 feet, as neither is material for my purpose.
Last November the surface of the ground, at a proper place to make
the cut, was seven and one-half feet above the bed of the river at
the same place. Now I can discover no particular reason for making
a channel sixteen feet deep, as the cost of excavation would be
greatly increased under water. If he intends it as a reservoir, I
will suggest a different plan. But his initial point is "mean flood
line." Now, does he mean a part of that sixteen feet to be water?
The water will excavate itself. It is, however, a singular initial
point for a survey. Now I wish to suggest that, as long as "ground
sluicing" is a cheap and fast way of moving earth in the mountains,
it may be cheaper than underwater excavation in the valley. Which
does he mean to excacate -- water above earth, or earth below water?
Let us estimate at four and one-half feet the elevation of the earth
above the water last Fall. 4,000 by 100 by 4-1/2 is 1,800,000, or
66,667 cubic yards. And if ground sluicing meets with favor, I propose
to reduce the cut to ten feet in Width, leaving 6,667 cubic yards for
excavation. Above the cut is 4,000 feet in lenth, 100 feet wide, and
4-1/2 deep; and 66,667 yards at twenty cents, $13,333 40; and the cut
ten feet in width of 6,667 cubic yards, at twenty cents, $1,333 40,
making a saving of $29,482 60 in the first case, and a saving of
$41,482 60 in the last case. This cut is considered of "vital importance."
Many people thought it a good plan long ago, and many people will be
glad that he has been converted from bulk-head-itiveness to
open-cut-ibility.
I promised to suggest a better plan for reservoirs. Hear! He could go
into the mountains and build dams that would cost more than to levee in
an entire district in the valley; the same to be filled in a few hours,
then "bust" and run away. But I would like to ask, seriously -- How can
the straight open cut carry off the water so very fast when the mouth
of the cut would be occupied by the waters of the Sacramento? It occurs
to me, however, that that pump which was to be put into the south part
of the city last fall, could be put in commission and "heap tht waters
of the American upon those of the Sacramento." (The italics are mine,
"I believe."
Since he has followed the public mind in the matter of the open cut,
I would beg leave to suggest another plan, which, if it should meet with
public commendation, he may be induced to recall and amend. I cannot call
to mind that he has ever recommended to puddle the levee. It is very
common to do so down East where we came from. The great reservoir of
the Croton water works, containing nearly one hundred acres, is sustained
by a puddled earth bank, on the city side, and would flood a large part
of the city if it were to break.
Now I will select what I would call an expensive puddle, aad estimate
as near as possible and jump at the rest, or let Mr. Leet estimate the
balance. His early report is not at hand, but I make my comparisons with
twenty feet breadth on top and a slope of three horizontal to one
perpendicular. I will also take a bank ten feet in hight and one
hundred feet in length. The cubic yards of earth in one angle or
slope of the embankment, with a slope of three to one, would require
555 cubic yards, and the same with a slope of one and one-half to
one, would require 277 cubic yards, thereby saving 278 cubic yards,
which at twenty-fire cents per yard would amount to $69.50. Now I
propose to reduce the breadth of the levee ten feet thereby saving
370 cubic yards, at twenty-five cents, amounts to $92.50 and $69 50,
or $162 00 in all. I reduce the levee in breadth (?) because if
the rise should overtop the same a wide one would be likely to be
destroyed. It is also easy to be seen that to reduce the levee to
two feet on top as some one did (if I remember right) last season,
a still greater saving can be had. Now for the puddle. I propose to
cover the face of the slope with brick, laid flat, and fill the crevices
with asphaltum. Is that the way that sidewalks are made? The above face
of slope would contain 1,800 square feet, and require 8,100 bricks (four
by eight inches) to cover the same, at a cost of eight dollars per
thousand of $64 80, and save $4 70 out of the extra slope to buy
asphaltum with. If that should not be sufficient we have. $92 50 left,
as above.
In conclusion, allow me to ask, if the "canons are from 2,000 to 600
feet in hight," how deep are the mountains? Also, if the waters of
the American are "carrying destruction to everything movable," and had the
engineers been movable, how much would the Swamp Land Fund have
gained? Yours, T. F. P. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3482, 27 May 1862 p. 1
. . .
COMPLAINT IN MARIPOSA. -- The Mariposa Gazette has the following
in reference to communication with Stockton:
A large population of this State are dependent upon the city of Stockton
as the entrepot for their merchandise, and through which they are obliged
to pass and repass on business, to the great metropolis of the State,
San Francisco. We are therefore interested in its welfare. It is well
known that during a large portion of the past Winter it has been almost
inaccessible by land from the interior. Of course, we do not censure
the inhabitants of that good city for the acts of Providence, in flooding
them and nearly drowning them out, but we cannot refrain from expressing
our sentiments of condemnation for a great want of enterprise exhibited
there, and manifest in a thousand ways to a traveler either on business
or pleasure to the Bay City. Months have elapsed since the flood, and
no signs of repairs are made on the public roads leading out of that
place. The almost impassable and impregnable "Mormon slough," that
surrounds the land approaches to the city from the southern mines,
is still without a bridge, and subjects a passenger, whatever his
means of conveyance, to great inconvenience to pass over or through
it. We do not believe there is a mining camp in the southern mines
that would so long neglect a niatter of so great importance. And,
unless Stockton shall soon take steps to repair damages by the flood,
and also build good and substantial turnpike roads, that are at least
passable, we shall expect to hear of some new city starting up of
sufficient enterprise to accommodate the public interests. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
A Joint Convention of the Swamp Land Commissioners and the Levee
Commissioners was held last evening to endeavor to agree upon a line
for the new levee. The result was satisfactory. Final action will be
taken at an adjourned meeting to be held this evening. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
MEETING AT SUTTERVILLE. -- Pursuant to notice a meeting of ranchmen
residing south of the city was held on Saturday, at two o'clock P. M.,
at Sherburn's Hotel, at Sutterville, to devise means to drain off the
water by which their property is inundated. W. Lake of Sutter township
was called to the chair, and W. H. Smart of Franklin township was chosen
Secretary. The attendance was quite large, including residents of the
entire flooded district which it is proposed to drain. After a general
conference and interchange of views, a Committee. composed of Washington
Fern, W. Lake and W. H. Smart, was appointed to confer with the Swamp
Land Commissioners, and otherwise examine and report upon the feasibility
of effecting the object in view. The Committee was instructed to
report at a meeting at the same place, on Saturday next, at two o'clock
P. M., to which day and hour the meeting adjourned. Two members of the
delegation were in the city yesterday, and arranged for a consultation
with the Commissioners to take place this evening. . . .
THE KIEFFER SUICIDE. -- We are assured by parties who are familiar
with the facts, that our statement made yesterday to the effect that
P. Kieffer and his wife had been separated for some time previous to
his death was incorrect. Mrs. Kieffer was at San Francisco during a
portion of the Winter, on account of the flood in this city. Since her
return, she and her husband have lived together at Ebner's Hotel up to
the time of his death. . . .
OVERBOARD. -- Two printers who started out for a boat ride yesterday
afternoon, had the misfortune, on reaching the vicinity of R and Sixth
streets, to capsize their boat. Clinging to each other for the supposed
purpose of rendering mutual aid, they came near drowning together.
"United we stand" may be a very good motto for land operations, but
in a strong current of deep water it won't answer so well. . . .
COMMENCED. -- The chaingang commenced yesterday the work of leveeing
off the water from Burns' slough, which runs into the city north of
J street. There are several channels which supply that section of the
town with facilities for irrigation, but they can all be stopped in a
few days.
LEVEE CONVENTION.
A Convention of the united Boards of Swamp Land Commissioners and the
City Levee Commissioners was held last evening to decide upon the line
of the city levee, as required by law.
A. M. WINN called the Convention to order and stated that the Convention
was called in accordance with the law, in consequence of the City Board
having objected to the line of the levee adopted by the Swamp Land
Commissioners.
A. M. WINN was chosen President and Judge SWIFT Vice President of
the Convention.
Rules were adopted as to the mode of voting.
Mr. SWIFT offered a resolution which was voted upon in detail, and
after a very protracted and interesting discussion, agreed upon in the
following form, which establishes substantially the same line as that
adopted by the Swamp Land Commissioners, except that it goes back of
Rabel's tannery, and out on B street from Twenty-sixth:
WHEREAS, at a meeting of the City Levee Commissioners held on the 22d
instant, a resolution was passed disapproving the line of levee certified
by the Swamp Land Commissioners; therefore
Resolved, That this Convention hereby adopt as a line for the
levee on the American river, and also within the city to the south line
of Y street, the following, to wit: Commencing at a point on the yellow
line of the official map of B. F. Leet, Engineer of Swamp Land District
No. 2, at the high lands at Brighton; thence following the course of
said line, as near as may be, to stake No. 88 of Leet's A line; thence
north 78 deg. 15 min., west (magnetic) to stake 22 of Leet's A line,
and to the old levee; thence along the old levee to a point midway
between Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth streets; thence in a right
line to the intersection of B and Twenty-sixth streets; thence along
B street to the old levee; thence along the line of the old levee to
Sixth street; thence along Sixth street to I street; thence along I
street to the old levee on the Sacramento river; thence on a line
between the east line of Front street and the river to P street; thence
along Front street to the intersection of Front and T streets: thence
in a direct line to the old levee (just below Paine's house) at a point
midway between W and X streets; thence aiong said levee to the south
line of Y street.
Resolved, That said levee be of the size and form fixed by the Board
of Swamp Land Commissioners.
The question was stated on adopting the resolution as a whole, (which
would finally and irrevocably fix the line of the levee), when W. W. Upton,
by leave of the Convention, raised objections to the upper part of the
line -- pointing out the inexpediency of abandoning the natural river
bank, etc., and without coming to a final vote, the Convention adjourned
till this evening at eight o'clock. . . .
FLOODED IN THE EAST. -- The city of Hartford Connecticut, is reported to
be flooded, the Connecticut river having risen twenty-eight feet above
low water mark. A dispatch from Concord, New Hampshire, says the freshet
is the hlghest known since 1851, and portions of the several railways
are badly injured by the flood. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3483, 28 May 1862 p. 1
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.`
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
Washington, April 30, 1862. . . .
The late heavy rains throughout this region, while they have restored
the roads to their mid Winter impassable state, have also produced quite
a freshet in the Potomac. The water has been very high and the current
rapid during the past week. . . .
p. 2
NEWS BY THE STEAMER ORIZABA
LETTER FROM ST. LOUIS.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
St. Louis, April 25, 1862
. . .
The Great Freshets.
The rivers of the United States have not for many years been so high,
all at once, as they are at the present time. From nearly every State
news comes to us daily of the remarkable rise of the water and inundation
of land -- the Mississippi, at this point, rising at the rate of seven
inches every twenty-four hours. At present the water is up over the
railroad track on the levee, and bids fair to creep into the first floors
of the stores fronting on the levee. Across the river the water has
extended for three or four miles beyond its usual banks, covering the
the lowlands of the Mississippi "bottom." Illinoistown is more than
half-submerged, and the inhabitants are flocking over to this side by
scores to escape the impending deluge. Venice, a small town a few miles
up stream on the Illinois side, is entirely under water, and the
inhabitants are paddling around from house to house in "dug-outs."
Some of the houses, disgusted with the state of things existing, are
floating down stream.
The river below Cairo is said to be swollen to an alarming hight. The
inhabitants along its banks are moving back into the country for protection.
It is feared that Commodore Foote's operations at Fort Pillow will be very
much retarded on account of the high water.
The Connecticut valley newspapers are filled with accounts of an
extraordinary rise in the Connecticut river, the result of the melting
of the vast masses of snow on the hills and in the forests of New
Hampshire and Vermont. At ten o'clock Monday morning the water at
Hartford had reached the hight of twenty-eight feet eight inches,
only fourteen inches below the highest flood ever known in the valley,
that of 1854. One of the Hartford papers says:
"Front street is from one to five feet under water its whole length --
all the streets are submerged, many of the dwelling houses to the second
story. Dutch Point is covered to the roofs; it is within three feet of
the top of Colt's dyke; to the eaves of Taylor's sawmill on Sheldon
street, and the back water on Little river covers the west park half
way to College Hill and acres of the east park, between the fountain
and Mulberry street bridge. From the roofs of high buildings the
prospect is magnificent -- above and below the city the water spreads
over a width of some four miles, an inland sea dotted with houses and
orchards."
The railroad tracks to Springfield were covered with water, here and there,
and passengers by the Boston and New York express trains yesterday were
transported around one or two places in stages.
Yesterday morning a three story brick store in Hartford, on the corner
of Main and Morgan streets, took fire. At the time of the fire the store
was surrounded by about four feet of water, and the nearest dry land was
some three hundred feet west on Morgan street. Of course the firemen
could not work to advantage, and the store was destroyed, with nearly
all of its contents, and several surrounding buildings were more or
less damaged.
There was considerable alarm felt about Colt's dyke, the breaking of which
would have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars damage. A leak was
discovered at the south end near the old windmill, the water coming through
a small hole way underneath the dyke. This was checked, with some difficulty,
we understand, by prompt action. Men were busy on the dyke at the south end,
Saturday and Sunday, and hundreds more of men and teams were ready at a
moment's notice. The steamer City of Hartford landed at the bridge, but
having no place to receive passengers, dropped down the river and landed
at the dyke, within a few rods of the armory office -- her upper decks
coming up to the roof of the great factory.
Hundreds of families were drowned out, and cases of individual suffering
must be numerous. Mayor Hamersley had the City Hall thrown open and warmed,
and it is a house of refuge to many poor women and children. During Sunday
all available boats were busy -- most of them saving families and their
goods, some making money by carrying about curious spectators. Thousands
of people were out "to see the flood," and churches were thinly attended.
Benevolent people will find plenty to do in providing for the necessities
of these poor families drowned out of house and home, for they cannot
return for days.
On Monday night Hartford was shrouded in darkness, as the gas was cut
off by the water, There is a project now for diking the riverfront of
the whole city as a protection against future floods.
The rivers in New Hampshire and Vermont have overflowed their banks
in every direction from the sudden melting of the large masses of snow
among the hills. The Merrimac is at an unusually high stage, and at
Concord is higher than has been known for eight or nine years. The
state of the country, says the Boston Traveler, may be imagined from
the fact that at Garvin's Falls, at Pembroke, some miles this side
of Concord, the dam built by the Amoskeag Company was a number of feet
under water Saturday, and the river still rising. A portion of the
center had been swept away. and it was said that Col. Gilmore had
taken measures to have the rest blown up. . . .
A dispatch from Chicago says that every house in Columbus is surrounded by
water. The telegraphic line from Cairo to Pittsburgh, Pa., has been carried
away by the high water. At Cairo, the river is within a foot of the top of
the levee. Mound City is submerged by the water, which is running into the
lower stories of the hospitals and dwellings. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
A meeting of citizens was held last evening for the purpose of taking
action to stop off the water at the head of Burns' Slough. A Committee
was appointed to collect funds, and another to make arrangements for
executing the work. . . .
FROM OREGON. -- Dates from Portland are to May 20th:
Superintendent Strong commenced work on the Oregon Telegraph line,
at Portland, on the 17th. It was intended to have begun setting the
poles at Vancouver, but high water prevented. . . .
A part of the railroad at the Cascades is from one to two feet under
water. There was a rise in all the rivers, and at Portland one dollar
per ton was charged for storage of goods above freshet reach. . . .
HEALTH OF NAPA. -- Since the "memory of man runneth" never have Napa
and vicinity been so healthy. Had we no cemetery, if the universal good
health prevailed for any length of time, like a village in Oregon, we
should be obliged "to import a subject to commence one with." It was
feared by many that the immense fall of rain this last season, and the
flooding of low lands, with the decay of vegetable matter would, on the
approach of warm weather, produce malarious diseases. Yet, so far, we
have no more than is usual at this season of the year. People dread to
pass the doctors nowadays, for fear they will reproach them for their
robust health. -- Napa Reporter, May 24th. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CITIZEN'S MEETING. -- Pursuant to announcement, a meeting of citizens
was held at the County Court room last evening to consider the
practicability of shutting out the water from the city. H. O. Beatty
was called to the chair, and D. W. Welty was appointed Secretary. The
meeting was briefly addressed by the President, who stated that he had
examined the crevasse below R street, and he thought it practicable to
close the gap by raising a few hundred dollars in money and employing
the services of the chain gang and such volunteer labor as could be had.
D. W. Welty thought the money now in the hands of the old Committee could
be obtained for the purpose of closing up Burns' Slough, and that enough
could be collected in addition to pay the expense of the work. J. H.
Culver stated that he had visited the slough, and he thought the work
much more difficult and costly than was generally supposed. He believed
that $2,500, at least, would be necessary to close up the slough, There
would be eight hundred or a thousand feet a considerable part of which
would have to be piled and capped before the water could be stopped
off. D. W. Welty stated that he had been informed that a ranchman named
Carkhuff, residing near the Cemetery, was willing to contract to close
up the slough for $800. B. B. Stansbury stated that he was authorized
to say that Carkhuff would be in town to-morrow, and that he would
contract to close the slough for $1,000, and give a good and sufficient
bond for the faithful performance of the work. J. H. Culver said Carkhuff
was a responsible man, and if he took the contract he would perform the
work. J. McClatchy said he had examined the slough, and was satisfied the
work could be done, though not so easily as a few weeks ago, and suggested
the appointment of a Committee of two from each ward to collect funds.
D. W. Welty thought a subscription should be opened at once in the meeting.
Several persons gave in their names for sums varying from $5 to $25. About
$150 was subscribed In the meeting. W. B. Carr said it was evident that
the money could be raised. He had figured on the work. He could stop off
the water in less than ten days, and would not ask for a dollar until the
work was done. It could be done for $1,800. E. P. Figg was in favor of
giving Carr the contract for the sum named and going on with the work.
Other speakers thought the matter of making the contract should be deferred
until to-morrow, that others might have an opportunity to bid. After
considerable discussion a Committee was appointed, on motion of Dr.
Montgomery, composed of H. O. Beatty, D. W. Welty and J. H. Culver, to
contract for the closing of the slough. On motion of J. McClatchy, a
Committee to collect funds was appointed as follows: First Ward -- O.
D. Lambard, L. Hamilton; Second Ward -- E. P. Figg, Jesse Morrill; Third
Ward -- A. Hamburger, Dr. McDonald; Fourth Ward -- John Tansman. J.
Kneedler. The Collecting Committee and Contracting Committee were then,
on motion, requested to meet at five o'clock this evening at D. W. Welty's
office, over the Post Office -- the one to report on collections, and
the other to receive proposals for closing up Burns' slough. The meeting
then adjourned. . . .
CLOUDY. -- During yesterday afternoon the cloudy appearance of the sky
gave promise of a shower of rain, but the promise was not fulfilled. . . .
FIXED. -- The Joint Convention of Swamp Land Commissioners and City
Levee Commissioners, at a meeting last evening, adopted finally the
line of levee within the city limits, as defined in the resolution
published yesterday morning. The line east of Thirty-first street is
still unsettled. A. R. Jackson will go over that portion of it to-day
to furnish additional information to the Board. Last evening's
proceedings will be found in another column. . . .
NO CHANGE. -- The Sacramento still stands at about eighteen feet above low
water mark.
LEVEE CONVENTION.
The Joint Convention of the Swamp and Overflowed Land
Commissioners and the City Levee Commissioners reassembled last evening,
pursuant to adjournment, and was called to order at 8:40 o'clock, all
present Except Judge Swift, who was reported to be attending a wedding.
Mr. KNOX said Mr. Smith. of Smith's Gardens, was present, asking for
a postponement, and sugsested that that matter be heard, while waiting
for Mr. Swift.
Mr. SMITH said he asked for a postponement in order to give time to have
a survey and report from a competent engineer, as to the expediency of
running the levee on the river bank at his place, or making his levee
a permanent improvement.
Mr. TUKEY inquired of Mr. Jackson how long it would take him to make
this examination.
Mr. JACKSON said he could ascertain the condition of the ground in a few
hours, but to ascertain the tendency of the ground as to the wearing of
the bank would take two or three days. He would have to visit the bend
above to learn how that wearing would act and what course it would take.
Mr. REDDING said the real point of objection which had determined the
action of the Commissioners, was the fact appearing from the surveys and
reports, that if the levee were run out to that point, there would not
be sufficient space between it and the high land on the opposite side for
the discharge of the American river at high water; and if it was so
confined, something would have to break away. Would the engineer report
that it would leave sufficient space to place the levee there? That was
the object and the only object. There was no doubt that a good and
sufficient levee could be built at the point designated; but the question
was whether that would leave room enough for the river at a high stage.
Mr. SMITH suggested that the difference between the points named would be
about a mile and a quarter or a half.
Mr. JACKSON said he believed the river would be wider there than at the
head of Burns' slough; and if so, if the American river could go through
the space at Burns' slough, it could at Smith's; if not, more elaborate
calculations would be required.
Mr. CROCKER said Mr. Smith had neglected his own interests, or he would
have had his maps, surveys and estimates a week ago.
Mr. JACKSON further explained that it was essential, in rivers coursing
through a sandy bottom, to leave betweeu the levees not only space
sufficient for the whole volume of water at the highest stages of
floods, but for the play, or curvatures and windings which the river
must naturally make.
It was suggested that this part of the line be passed over, and its
approval postponed for further scientific examination, and that the
Convention, in the meantime, pass finally upon the remainder of the
line; and Mr. TUKEY moved to amend the rules adopted last night, in
order to enable the Convention to take that course.
After discussion, the rule was amended as proposed.
[Mr. Swift came in.]
Mr. CROCKER moved that the line in the city limits, as adopted last night,
be finally adopted.
Mr. TUKEY moved to amend by substituting, from the old levee at Tenth
street up C street (instead of B street). Lost -- ayes 2, noes 6;
Tukey and Holmes voting aye.
The motion of Crocker, finally adopting the line in the city, was carried
by the same vote.
Mr. TUKEY changed his vote to aye for the purpose of moving a
reconsideration, in order to enable the Convention hereafter to
adopt the line of C street instead of B street.
Mr. KNOX offered a resolution instructing an engineer to make examination
and report as to the relative expediency, safety and propriety of the three
lines surveyed, above Thirty-first street (in the vicinity of Smith's
gardens), but upon an intimation that Mr. Jackson would be very busy in
making estimates, he withdrew the resolution.
Mr. TUKEY renewed the resolution, and said he would not make a long speech
upon it, inasmuch as the UNION would not report all their eloquent speeches.
Mr. CROCKER, opposing the resolution, contended that Mr. Tukey was
tantalizing Smith by holding out delusive hopes.
Mr. TUKEY denied Crocker's tantalizing theory, and said he believed, for
ordinary floods, the line to include Smith's would be sufficient, and he
would be in favor of building the levee on that line, and a line at Oak
Hill also, as the only safe line for the protection of the city in cases
of extraordinary floods.
C. H. SWIFT defined his position, which was that the engineer could judge
as well now as after any examination they might make in the next few days.
Mr. SMITH explained his idea of postponement, which was to give the
engineers an opportunity to decide as to the capacity for carrying off
the water on the other side, and to examine the channel of the river
and the sloughs somewhat further.
Messrs. JACKSON and TRACY, engineers, at the request of the Board, gave
their opinions as to the propriety of further examination, pointing out
upon the maps the lines which they would prefer.
The resolution was adopted, and Mr. Jackson was designated as the engineer
to make the examination, and said he thought he could get through to-morrow.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow evening at eight o'clock.
SUBSCRIPTION LIST. -- The following is the form of the subscription list
adopted by the Citizens' Committee appointed last evening at the Citizens'
Meeting at the County Court room. It will be seen that the money is
collected to be used only on the condition that the water is shut out:
Each of the undersigned hereby subscribes and pays to ------, a
Committee appointed for the ------ District, the sum affixed opposite
to his name, to be paid over to and used by the Contract Committee
appointed at the Citizens' Meeting held at the County Court room May
27th, instant, for the purpose of contracting and paying for shutting
out the water from Burns' slough and the break below the R street levee,
in the city of Sacramento, with this condition: That the contractor or
contractors will guarantee to shut out the water at the place by him or
them contracted for. and on failure to do so within the time fixed, not
to be longer than ten days, nothing to be paid, and the subscriptions
to be returned, except so much as may be applied when the contract is
fulfilled. . . .
p. 6
. . .
FRUIT AND FLOWERS. -- Says the California Farmer:
These will all be better, more truly appreciatted [sic] this year than in
former years. The season is more backward and fruit will be less
plentiful, and being higher in price, that which costs us much will
be better appreciated. We would still urge a constant attention to
fruit trees and flowering plants. They need especial care the present
season. Those that have been flooded require careful and continual
cultivation, and all need more than usual care by reason of the
backwardness of the season. All the varieties of fruits, flowers
and vegetables that are not indigenous to this climate must be helped
to meet the circumstances by which they are surrounded, so as to
approximate to their natural condition. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3484, 29 May 1862 p. 2
. . .
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
By a communication published in the present issue it will be seen that
the Committee appointed at a meeting of citizens, held on the evening
of the 27th, have contracted for the stopping off of the water at Burns'
slough within ten days after the work shall have been commenced. The
amount to be paid is $1,400. There is a balance in the hands of the
Committee of Safety. But over $700 must be contributed before this
important work can proceed. . . .
SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS. -- The Nevada Democrat of May 27th says:
Whartenby received a letter yesterday from one of the agents of the
South Yuba Canal Co., who is employed at the lakes near the summit.
The writer says there is more snow now in the mountains than there has
been before at this season for many years. The water in the lakes is
unusually high, and the snow around them is still from twelve to fifteen
feet deep. The outlets of these lakes, as most of our readers are aware,
have been dammed up so as to retain the water until late in the season;
and the supply will be much more plentiful than usual. Last Fall the Canal
Company left a supply of provisions stored in two different cabins near
the lakes; but the party that went up this Spring found the cabins buried
so deep in the snow that they were not able to dig their way into them,
and had to return to Omega for provisions. . . .
THE BREAKS AT BURNS' SLOUGH AND BELOW THE R STREET LEVEE.
To the Citizens of Sacramento:
The undersigned, who were appointed a Committee at the Citizens' meeting
held in the County Court room, on the 27th of May, to contract for
shutting out the water from the breaks at Burns' slough and below the
R street levee, take this method of informing the public that, after
receiving various proposals, and duly considering the public good,
they have awarded the work to be done for the sum of $1,400; with the
further provision that the water is to be shut out and the work done
within ten days, and on failure on the part of the contract no money
to be paid; and for every day less than ten days $50 to be added for
the work at Burns' slough, and $25 at the R and Front street break.
The Committee, however, have only awarded the work. They have not and
cannot consistently contract and obligate themselves to pay these sums
until the money is subject to their order and control; so that when the
contractors fulfill their contract, in case they should do so, they may
be able to pay them.
They will contract on the express condition that the contractor will
shut out the water within ten days and on failure no pay, and no pay
until the work is done. The contractors accept these terms and are ready
and willing to enter into the contract. Now, for the means.
There is now $729 in the hands of the Committee of Safety, appointed early
in the season, and two individual members of that Committee have agreed
to add $75 to that amount, which will make that fund $800. Soliciting
Committees were appointed at the meeting on the 27th inst., and have
reported, after partially canvassing portions of the city, a subscription
list from which about four hundred or four hundred and fifty dollars can
be realized. The undersigned have reason to believe that the design and
manner of the enterprise is not yet fully understood, and when it is known
that no money is asked to project on -- nor will any be used unless the
water is actually shut out by the contractor undertaking the job -- that
all persons interested in the future of our city will not hesitate to come
forward and give something for an undertaking so intensely connected with
the good of the city.
It will be seen that the first contract price is $1,400; that the funds
in the hands of the former Committee which can be had, is $800; the means
already reported, $450; in all $1,250 -- leaving but a small amount to
meet the first price of the contracts. And to this we must add, for
shutting out the water inside of contract time, perhaps five or six
hundred dollars more. Can this sum be raised to-morrow? It is designed
to close up and sign the contracts to-morrow evening at six o'clock
P. M., so that the contractors may commence the work on the morning
following. Should more money be subscribed and paid in than is necessary
to pay off these contracts, the surplus will be refunded, pro rata, to
all persons who subscribed five dolars and upward.
H. O. Beatty,
J. H. Cuilver,
D. W. Welty. . . .
LEVEE CONVENTION.
The Convention of Swamp Land and City Levee Commissioners reassembled
last evening, pursuant to adjournment. In the absence of the Secretaries
of both Boards, Mr. Holmes was chosen Secretary pro tem.
Mr. Jackson made a verbal report of the result of his examination of the
American river near Smith's garden, as required by the resolution adopted
on Tuesday evening. He submitted a rough draft of the locality, and
explained upon it the condition, depth and tendency of the currents.
He was of the opinion that the natural bank along above Smith's should
be protected, for the reason that a breach there would endanger any
levee back of it. At the same time he was still in favor of building
the levee on the Leet line, because the other line further north would
not leave sufficient space for the volume of water in the American river
at high flood.
Mr. TRACY presented estimates of the amount of cubic yards of earth
required to construct the levee on each of the three proposed lines
of levee from Thlrty-first street to Burns' slough, from which it
appeared that the "Oak Ridge line," so called, would be considerably
shorter and cheaper than either of the others.
A protracted conversational discussion followed as to the relative safety
of the respective lines of levee, at that point, the objection being urged
that the crossing of Burns' slough on the Oak Ridge line would be, owing
to the peculiar formation of the ground, especially dangerous.
In answer to a question by Mr. Tukey, Mr. Jackson said he was still of
opinion that the line of C street, out to Thirty-first, would be the best
to build a levee upon, although he still thought the B street line would
be safe.
Mr. TUKEY moved to reconsider the vote of last night adopting the line
of B street from Tenth to Twenty-sixth streets, for the purpose of
substituting the line of C street, and gave his reasons therefor as follows:
First -- That the distance you propose to locate the present levee from
that of 1858 is only four feet further off than the levee of 1858 was
located from the levee of 1851, the distance from the levee of 1851 to
that of 1853 being 376 feet, and from that of 1853 to the north line of
B street, on which you propose to locate the levee of 1862 being only
380. I desire to go as far back as C street, being 720 feet only from
the levee of 1853, which has been washed away, and flooded the city.
Second -- Because by going on the line I propose, in C street, you will
avoid large land damages and have the benefit of four public squares,
from which we can obtain over 110,000 cubic yards of earth, nearly enough
to build the whole levee on this line without cost, as the squares belong
to the city. If you go on B street you must buy your earth at great cost,
and thereby increase the taxes.
Third -- Because the whole amount of taxes, at three per cent., on the
property between C and B streets, from Tenth to Twenty-sixth streets,
where you propose to cross to the old levee, is less than $350, while
you cannot go through Coates' place alone without paying more than this
amount; and if you desire to use the levee for a highway, you will have
to pay him more thousands for damages than you will get hundreds for taxes.
Fourth -- Because, as the Engineer has said, the soil on C street is
better for the foundation of such a structure than that of B street.
The Convention refused to reconsider the vote -- ayes. Winn, Tukey,
Holmes -- 3; noes, Redding, Hooten, Swift, Crocker -- 4.
The question on the adoption of the upper part of the line, from
Thirty-first street out, coming up.
Mr. TUKEY moved to amend the rule so as to require the Swamp Land
Commissioners to vote first, and let them take the responsibility, since
the City Board had legally, he thought, nothing to do with that part of
the line.
After discussion, the motion was withdrawn.
Mr. WlNN moved the adoption of the Oak Hill line. Lost -- ayes, Winn
and Tukey -- 2; noes, Redding, Hooten, Swift, Crocker -- 4.
Mr. REDDING moved to adopt the line from the old levee on Thirty-first
street: thence on Leet's main line to stake 20; thence following Leet's
main line to stake 94-50, on Leet's A line; thence on Leet 's main line to
the high lands at Brighton.
The motion was lost -- ayes 2, noes 4 -- Mr. Tukey declining to vote.
Mr. CROCKER moved to adopt as the line, commencing at Thirty-first street,
on old levee; thence running up the old levee to stake A 22; thence in a
direct line to stake A 83; thence on Leet's main line to the high lands at
Brighton (the Knox or Tracy line).
Mr. CROCKER moved that tue whole line, as agreed upon in detail, from Y
street to the high lands at Brighton, be finally adopted. Carried -- ayes,
6; no, Tukey.
Mr. SWIFT moved that, the size and form of the levee be the same as that
proposed by the Swamp Land Commissioners.
The Convention then adjourned, to meet again at the call of the Presidents
of the two Boards . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS. -- At five o'clock last evening the Committee on
Contracts and the Collecting Committee appointed the evening before at the
County Court room, held a joint meeting at the office of D. W. Welty, over
the Post Office. A portion only of the Collecting Committee were present,
and a full report of the collections was not received. The aggregate
amount reported, including the sums subscribed at the meeting, was about
$400. This sum, added to the balance in the hands of the old Committee,
makes about $1,200. The Chairman of the Committee on Contracts then
stated to those present that bids would be received for the work of
stopping off the water from Burns' slough, at or near the American river.
The conditions on which the contract would be let were, that the work
should be completed within ten days from the signing of the contract;
that no money should be paid until the completion of the work, and then
if satisfactory to be paid at once in cash. If not satisfactory, the
Committee would reserve the right to withhold the pay for thirty days.
There were a number of parties present who appeared to be desirous of
bidding, but wanted further time, information, etc. From outside remarks
and suggestions, it appeared evident that several were prepared to bid,
at figures varying from $1,500 to $2,500. While the general subject was
under consideration, Z. Bryan appeared and stated that he had examined
the ground and would do the work for $900. The Committee then requested
all parties to leave the room for the purpose of permitting bidders to
come in, one at a time, and present their propositions either verbally
or in writing. There were, under this arrangement, seven bids received
for closing Burns' slongh, and three for closing the main crevasse below
R street. The Committee, after due consideration, made the following
awards: "The Contracting Committee appointed at the Citizens' Meeting
held in the County Court room on the 27th of May inst., having received
various proposals for doing the work of shutting out the water from
Burns' slough, and the break below the R street levee, after fully
considering the public interests, have and do hereby award the work at
Burns' slough to Z. Bryan, at nine hundred dollars, and the work at the
break below the B street levee to Henry Maginn, for five hundred
dollars -- subject, however, to the above named persons entering into
contract to perform the work within ten days, and such other conditions
as to the work to be done and when payable as may be hereafter made.
It is further understood that for every day less than ten that the water
is shut out of Burns' slough, after date of contract, fifty dollars will
be added, and for every day less than ten that the water is shut out of
the break below the R street levee, after date of contract, twenty-five
dollars will be added." The members of the Collecting Committee are
requested to report to-day, by or before four o'clock, P. M., to either
H. O. Beatty, at his office in Read's Block, or to D. W. Welty, over
the Post Office, in order that the contracts may be signed at six o'clock
this evening, and the work be commenced to-morrow morning. . . .
COURT OF SESSIONS. -- The Court of Sessions met yesterday pursuant to
adjournment, Judges Clark, Robinson and Cone on the bench. The case of . . .
the People vs. E. D. Judah, set for trial yesterday, having been previously
dismissed on motion of the District Attorney for want of testimony to
convict, there was no business before the Court. . . . E. D. Judah was
charged with grand larceny, in stealing camphene and coal oil, the property
of Stanford Brothers, during the prevalence of the flood. . . .
FINISHED .-- The chain gang, umder the direction of P. Long, completed
yesterday the work of shutting out the water from the northern portion
of the city. Some twenty breaks, large and small, were stopped up in the
Thirty-first street levee. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3485, 30 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Sacramento still stands at about eighteen feet above low water mark,
not having varied an inch for a week.
The contract for shutting off the water at Burns' slough was signed last
evening, and the work will be commenced this morning. . . .
ROAD OVER THE MOUNTAINS. -- A dispatch from Charles E. McLane, brother
of Louis McLane of Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, dated at Strawberry,
May 29th, and directed to J. H. Latham, Sacramento, says:
We have two hundred men at work shoveling snow over the west summit.
The road is now open nine miles east of Strawberry, and will be open for
teams from Sacramento to Carson and Virginia Monday night, June 2d.
Teamsters will take due notice. . . .
MINES ON KERN RIVER. -- The Stockton Independent learns from a recent
arrival, that the damage occasioned to the miners on Kern river by the
late flood, was of such extent that the greater part of them have never
been able to recover from it. Caldwell & Co.'s mill, located about eight
miles above Keysville, and which has been erected since the flood, is
running four stamps, crushing rock which pays $100 per ton. Good placer
mining had been found at Greenhorn mountain, near Keysville. Chinamen
are crowding into the old claims on Kern river in great numbers, and
many of them realizing good wages. . . .
THE FRESHET AT CAIRO. -- A dispatch dated at Cairo, April 30th, says:
The water in the Ohio rose an inch last night, and is now from six to ten
inches above the old levee. The water is stayed by the vigilance and
exertions of the Mayor, who is constantly at work with large gangs of men
raising the low places and throwing up additional embankments. It is
confidently expected that in this way the danger will be averted, though
a very slight wind would inevitably inundate the city. Inside the levee
the water is accumulating rapidly, and in many places is several inches
deep. The principal streets are navigated by skiffs. Long trains of
freight cars stand on the levee, and are occupied as dwellings by the
families who have been driven from their homes. . . .
HIGH WAER. -- The Silver Age. published at Carson City, says the
rapid melting of the snow in the mountains has increased the volume of
water to such an extent in the Carson river that serious damage may ensue.
A great portion of the valley is overflowed and much of the best hay land
is submerged, with a possibility of its remaining so till after hay-cutting
time.
TROUT. -- Trout weighing from twenty-five to thirty pounds are now being
sold in Virginia City. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
CONTRACT SIGNED. -- At seven o'clock last evening the contract between
the Citizens' Contracting Committee -- Beatty, Welty and Culver and
Z. Bryan, for leveeing out the water at Burns' slough -- was signed by
the respective parties. Bryan contracts to stop off the water within ten
days from date of contract for $900. For every day within that time in
which the work is done he is to receive an additional sum of $50. If the
work is entirely satisfactory to the Committee, the cash is to be paid
as soon as it is completed. If not, they may withhold the pay for thirty
days in order to test the work. Bryan was engaged yesterday in preparing
to make an early start this morning. By evening he had twenty men and
provisions, six hundred sacks, a full supply of wheelbarrows, shovels,
picks, etc., on the ground, and designs to gain a day or two's pay by
expedition. The contract with H. Maginn for closing the break below R
street was not signed last evening but will be to-day. A portion of the
Collecting Committee was engaged yesterday and reported progress. Although
the Committee has started the work, they have not yet a sufficient fund
to pay for both contracts. Those who have not yet contributed, and who
will be called on to-day, can give with the assurance that the work is
already begun; that the Committees who have charge of it are acting with
discretion and euergy, and that the city will speedily be relieved of
the water by which it is now inundated. . . .
THE WORK COMMENCED. -- The work of repairing the walls, buildings,
fences, stalls, etc., at Agricultural Park has been commenced by the
contractors, Turton and Ryder. Turton has some twenty men employed.
The most of them are engaged, so far, in digging up and clearing off
the brick of the former wall, which have fallen and been partially
buried in the sediment deposited by the flood. The brick are but little
broken, and the cost for new brick will be but slight. In many places
the frame work of the stalls have been so far displaced by the flood
that they will require to be set back from six to twelve inches before
the wall is built. About fourteen hundred feet of the wall in all will
have to be rebuilt. The contractor of the carpenter work, J. Ryder, is
progressing with the roof of the main building. That portion of the
work will be completed within a few days. A new three board fence is
to be built around the interior of the race track, which work will be
commenced as soon as the ground is graded. . . .
MEETING AT SUTTERVILLE. -- An adjourned meeting of ranchmen will be held
at Sherburn's Hotel, Sutterville, at two o'clock P. M. to-morrow, to hear
the reports of Committees appointed last week as to the practicability of
drawing off the water below the city. As contracts have already been made
here for stopping off the water at Burns' slough and below R street, there
will be no obstacle in the way of commeucing the work at Gosling's ranch
of digging the contemplated canal for the purpose of drainage. If all
who are interested in the project are present, the meeting will be
large. . . .
RUMORED DROWNING. -- The rumor prevailed yesterday afternoon that a child
of C. Fliedner, grocer, on Third street, below M, had been drowned. The
child was missed by members of the family, who in their alarm concluded
it was drowned in the water which surrounds the house. The child was
found, after considerable search, fast asleep under a bed in the house.
THE RIGHT SPIRIT. -- A colored boy named Armstrong gave voluntarily to
one of the Collecting Committee, yesterday, the sum of two dollars to
stop off the water, saying that he did not own two inches of ground in
the city, but he wished to see others as happy as he was himself. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento maintains its position at eighteen feet
above low water mark. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3486, 31 May 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Th« work of stopping off the water at Burns' Slough and at the break
below the R street levee was commenced yesterday morning, and will be
prosecuted to completion with as much vigor as possible . . .
SNOW ON THE SUMMIT. -- A letter received by a gentleman in this city
from a relative, dated at Lake Valley. May 28th, says:
The snow on about eight miles of the road between Lake Valley and
Strawberry Valley will measure from three to twenty feet deep, and
will average eight or ten feet. . . .
SNOW IN PLUMAS. -- Correspondence of the UNION, dated at Buck's Ranch,
Plumas county, states that the average depth of snow there is four feet. . . .
THE PLACERVILLE ROUTE. -- The Silver Age of May 28th, says:
Yesterday, with one of the drivers on the Placerville road, we were
informed that only about two miles of the road is now seriously obstructed
by snow, and this the workmen are rapidly removing. There is not the
shadow of a doubt but it will be completely cleared this week, when the
teams will pour in upon us rapidly. With the exception of the small amount
of snow spoken of, the road is represented as very good. A large quantity
of freight is now on the road -- perhaps more than has ever been en route
for this Territory at any similar season during previous years; in fact,
persons familiar with the route say that there is more freight now coming
than they ever saw on the road before. Freight teams, in large numbers,
are daily arriving at Strawberry, and some ten or twelve sleighs are now
constantly transporting goods over the narrow snow belt.
A private letter received in this city confirms the above statement, and
there is no doubt that the road will be fully open on Monday, June 2d. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
AT WORK. -- The two contractors, Z. Bryan and H. Maginn, who have engaged
to shut out the water from the city, have commenced their work as though
they intend to complete it, and complete it in good time. Bryan made a
start yesterday morning with the men he had sent out the day before, and
during the forenoon sent to town for a dozen more hands. He is at work at
the slough near the river, about three-fourths of a mile above the point at
which the Committee of Safety worked for the same purpose last Winter.
Maginn is constructing square built troughs eighteen feet long, five
feet wide, and six feel deep, which he designs to put in the proper
position in the channel below R street, and then fill in with earth,
and sink. Difficulty was at first experienced as to a supply of earth.
as there was none available in the vicinity except that of the railroad
embankment, alongside the crevasses. Maginn applied to J. P. Robinson to
make arrangements to bring earth from Poverty Ridge. Robinson stated that,
although the people of Sacramento did not appear to be very desperately in
love with him; and although the Board of .Supervisors had instituted
legal proceedings against the railroad; and although the newspaper editors
and reporters had threatened them with innumerable suits for damages.
etc., still, as prompt action would benefit both the city and the
contractor, he (Maginn) was at liberty to use the earth of the embankment
so far as it was needed, and he could at some future time replace it
from Poverty Ridge when he had more leisure. It is probable, therefore,
that nothing will occur to retard the work, and that it will be successfully
accomplished. . . .
SHOULD NOT FORGET. -- Those who are interested in the drainage of lands
south of the city should not neglect to attend the meeting to be held at
Sherburn's Hotel, at Sutterville, at two o'clock P, M. to-day. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3487, 2 June 1862 p.5x
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
PROGRESS OF THE CONTRACTORS. -- The two contractors who have undertaken
to shut the water out of the city have been at work industriously since
the signing of the contracts. Z. Bryan has had some thirty men at work.
The point at which he commenced the construction of his levee is some six
or seven hundred feet in width. He has started a levee from each shore,
designee [sic] to meet at the center, constructed of earth wheeled out
by wheelbarrows. He had yesterday built at least two-thirds of the line,
as to length, though much the more difficult portion is of course in the
middle, where the water is much more deep than at the edges. The levee
already built is about four feet higher than the water and about four
feet wide on the top. The unfinishd [sic] portion of the work will probably
require the construction and sinking of cribs to resist the current, which
is quite strong at that point. H. Maginn was engaged during yesterday with
about a dozen hands at the channel below R street. Two cribs, one small
and the other large, have been placed in the proper position and filled
with earth, and sunk. A third one, still larger, has been launched, but
some difficulty was experienced yesterday afternoon on account of the
strength of the current in getting it to its proper position. Those which
have been sunk answer a good purpose.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION. -- The Board .of Equalization, composed of President
Shattuck and Supervisors Granger and Boice, was in session during last
week, and will continue to meet daily until the 15th instant. The object
of the Board sitting at this time is to hear objections from property
owners to the levee assessment. So far there have been but few applications
for a reduction of the assessment. The rule acted upon by Assessor Ryan as
to personal property, when new lists were not furnished by the owners, was
to assess on the basis of last year. Parties who feel themselves aggrieved
by this course, have their redress before the Board of Equalization. The
levee assessment will be collected as soon as practicable after the
adjournment of the Board of Equalization, and will not, as some have
supposed, be deferred till the general tax is collected. . . .
CARRIED AWAY. -- A portion of the K street bridge across Burns' Slough
has been carried away by the current. . . .
p. 6
. . .
LAWS OF CALIFORNIA.
PASSED AT THE THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE -- 1862.
. . .
AN ACT making an Appropriation for the Payment of the Claim of Jas.
Whitney and others for the Transportation of the Property and
Appurtenances of the Legislature to San Francisco, and for Fitting up
Apartments for the same.
[Appropriates $1,330 to pay the claims of Whitney, President of the
California Steam Navigation Company, $1,000; Kennedy & Bell, $214;
D. W. Van Court, John Travis and Wm. J. Horton, each $28; J. Dougherty
and J. Bolden each $16 . . .
AN ACT in Relation to the Construction of the State Capitol Building,
and to Annul Contracts heretofore entered into.
Section one authorizes and requires the State Capitol Commissioners to
cancel and annul a certain contract entered into July 29, 1861 between
said Board and George W. Blake and P. Edward Connor, and to release said
parties and their sureties from all liability upon said contract upon the
terms and conditions in this Act provided that within ten days after the
passage of the Act (April 19, 1862) said Blake A Connor shall file with
the Board, first, their written consent to the cancellation; second, a
bill of sale of all materials and buildings furnished delivered or erected
upon the Capitol grounds For the prosecution of the said work, free from
all liens and incumbrances; third, their written release of all claims
for damages against the State of every nature and kind whatsoever, growing
out of or in any way connected with said contract; said papers to be filed
in the office of the Secretary of State.
Section two directs the issuance to Blake & Connor, upon their compliance
with section one, of warrants upon the State treasury for the sum of
$45,570 26, less the amount of the warrants drawn in favor of or for
the benefit of said Blake & Connor, and the amount of the outstanding
audited accounts delivered said Blake & Connor on said contract.
Section three directs the issuance of further warrants to Blake & Connor
for $10,000 for materials and work since January 1, 1862, and for damages
sustained by them by reason of the flood, and all other claims growing
out of said contract, and the annulling thereof.
Section four directs the payment by the Treasurer of all the warrants
drawn in pursuance of this Act, and of the Act of March 29, 1860, to
provide for the construction of the State Capitol, and amendatory and
supplementary Acts, out of the appropriations made by said Act.
Section five requires the Superintendent and Architect, within thirty
days, to so modify the plans, estimates and specifications that the total
cost of the construction of Capitol building shall not, when added to the
amount already expended and to be expended in payment of Blake & Connor,
under this Act, exceed $500,000; said plans, etc., to be made under oath
and subject to the approval of the Capitol Commissioners.
Section six authorizes the Commissioners, after the examination and
report from the Superintendent and Architect, to advertise and sell at
auction all damaged material and all material now on hand not applicable
to the construction of the building under the plans and specifications
hereafter to be adopted, the money derived from the sale to be paid into
the State Treasury and added to the appropriation heretofore made.
Section seven requires the Commissioners to advertise for all supplies
of materials to be used under the plans and specifications hereafter to
be adopted, having regard to the total amount of the present unexpended
appropriation, so as to apportion material to labor, accepting the lowest
bid, but rejecting all bids unless the material to be furnished shall be
approved by the Superintendent and Architect.
Section eight authorizes the Superintendent and Architect, under the
direction of the Capitol Commissioners, to employ mechanics and laborers
by the day for the construction of the work and the placing of the
material, now on hand and herein authorized to be contracted for, into
the building in accordance with the modified plans; provided always,
that the Superintendent and Architect and Board of Commissioners shall
have no power, until further appropriations are made, to contract for
or expend any amount toward the construction of the building under the
modified plans which shall exceed the amount of the present unexpended
appropriation.
Section nine provides that from and after tha passage of the Act the
Capitol Commissioners and their Secretary shall receive no compensation
for their services.
Section ten repeals conflicting laws.
Section eleven gives the Act immediate effect. . . .
p. 8
. . .
THE SALMON RIVER DELUSION. -- The Appeal has been shown a letter
received in Maryville [sic] from A. O. White, a former citizen and well
known, from which information comes not at all likely to add much to the
Salmon river fever:
The letter is dated May 3d, and is written in pencil,
for which the writer apologizes by saying that there is but one bottle of
ink in the diggings. He says it is true that are some claims that pay well,
but when that is said, all is said, and that at least two thousand men were
there at that time without earning enough to pay for their bread, while
hundreds had commmenced to leave and were leaving every day. The writer
himself was anxious to leave but was "strapped," though he was then at work
at $8 per day of which $6 was paid out for board per day. The snow was
still from four to six feet deep, and for want of better accommodations
the miners were forced to sleep on top of the snow. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3488, 3 June 1862 p. 2
CORPORATION LIABILITIES.
It is firmly believed by many of our citizens that a very considerable
portion of our city bonded indebtedness was illegally contracted, as well
as about one-half of our present floating debt. . . . Once illegal, always
illegal. So, too, with a portion of the bonds issued for building the R
street and Thirty-first street levees. The people voted to expend $50,000
on that work; the Mayor and Council expended $98.000 -- $48,000 more than
they were authorized to by the vote of the people. They did not follow the
mode prescribed in the Charter to enable them legally to create a debt
against the city for over $50,000, and hence all bonds on that work issued
for over the latter sum are void, and the city is not bound to pay
them. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
LISLE'S BRIDGE. -- Lisle's bridge across the American rirer, which was
destroyed in the Winter by the flood, has been reconstructed. It was thrown
open to travel on Saturday last. The Auburn and Nevada roads are in such
condition that teams experience no difficulty in getting to and from the
city. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY, June 2, 1862 The Board met at 8 o'clock, . . .
A petition was received from John Bigler and others, that the late flood
has rendered unfit for use the church basement in which the late Catholic
School, corner of K and Seventh streets, was conducted, and asking for
leave to erect a temporary wooden building for the use of the school, to
remain until the church basement shall be tenantable, or the Supervisors
or Fire Warden shall order its removal. Referred to the Committee on Fire
and Water, in connection with the Chief Engineer, with power to act in the
premises. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3489, 4 June 1862 p. 1
. . .
SAN FRANCISCO AND MARYSVILLE RAILROAD.
In its late report the Grand Jury of Yuba say in reference to this
project, . . .
For this enormous liability, present and contingent, Yuba county has an
interest in a certain water front, certain unreclaimed swamp and overflowed
lands, which of course in the absence of all prospect, "as appears now
to be clearly indicated." of the completion of the road, are comparatively
valueless; and an embankment of earth, the most extensive portion of which
is situated in the tules of the Sacramento, over which the waters of the
past floods stood four feet in depth, damaging it to the amount of
one-third of its actual cost: thus demonstrating the utter impracticability
for the superstructure of a railroad of such embankments of earth, so
subject to inundation, and liable at any time to be damaged or destroyed
and which will only be valuable as the receding waters of each succeeding
flood exhibit it so long as its traces remain, as a monument, pointing our
tax-burdened children to the origin of their financial embarrassments, and
warning them by such evidence of our folly, against the very questionable
policy of interference by municipal bodies with enterprises which in point
of economy and efficiency belong clearly to individuals or associations of
individuals.
By the terms of the contract, that portion of the road from Marysville to
the Sacramento river, was to have been completed and placed in good running
order by the 1st of April, 1860, and the entire work in two years thereafter;
instead of which nothing appears but the partially ruined embankment, the
most expensive portions of which, as is clearly demonstrated, cannot be made
available in the event of further prosecution of the work -- in which case
either trestle work must be used, or the route changed. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
AGRICULTURAL. -- The Board of Managers of the State Agricultural Society,
met yesterday at nine o'clock A. M. . . . The Committee to whom had been
referred the matter of the lease of the Stock Grounds presented a
report. . . . To the question, "Is the old lease still binding on the
lessee to repair the Stock Grounds as to all damages done by the flood?"
the Committee reported in the affirmative. . . .
SEALED PROPOSALS. -- In response to the advertisement of the State Capitol
Commissioners for furnishing material to proceed with the work on the new
building, the following bids have been received: C. W. Hayden of Benica
[sic] offers to furnish 1,500 barrels Benicia cement at $3 50; Henry
Winkle & Co., of San Francisco offer to furnish 1,500 barrels cement
(Eastern manufacture), at $8 25; J. H. Culver of Sacramento offers to
furnish 1,500 barrels (Eastern) at $6 per barrel; Arthur O'Neil of
Sacramento offers to supply 1,800 brick at $9 per thousand; Callahan & Fox
of Sacramento, the same quantity, at $8 45; John Tansman, also of
Sacramento, the same quantity, at $7 50: and P. Harnel, the same
quantitity at $8 per M. Arthur O'Neil offers to supply 500 cubic
yards of sand at 75 cts. per yard; M. Lynch offers to furnish the
same quantity at the same price; M. Lynch offers to furnish 200 tons
gravel at $2 75 per ton; E. O. Dana of Folsom offers granite, for base
course and water table, at $1 08 per foot; granite ashler at $1 05 per
foot; and granite chips at $3 50 per ton. The bidders have been directed
to furnish samples of their material to R. Clark by the 5th instant.
The Board will meet again at three o'clock on Friday afternoon, at
which time the contract will be awarded. . . .
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LEVEE. -- The City Levee Commissioners have
advertised for sealed proposals for the construction of the levee
between Front and Thirty-first street. This portion of the levee is
divided into three sections. The first extends from Thirty-first to
Twelfth streets. The second, from Twelfth to H street. The third, from
H to Front street. Plans and specifications may be seen at the office
of the Commissioners, No. 117 J street, second story. Proposals will
be received until Friday, June 20th. Bonds will be required of successful
bidders for the faithful fulfillment of the contract. . . .
THE CONTRACTS. -- Z. Bryan, the contractor of the work at Burns' Slough,
has found it necessary to bring a pile driver into service to close up
the center of the levee which he is constructing at that point. The water
in the middle of the channel is from ten to twelve feet deep. Maginn has
also made arrangements with J. P. Robinson for the use of a pile driver
to-day, with which to form the basis of his operations at the crevasse
below R street. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
SACRAMENTO, Tuesday, June 8, 1862.
The President called the Board to order at 8 o'clock. . . .
Supervisor BIDWELL introduced an ordinance amendatory of ordinance
No. 64 -- for the preservation of property from fire. Read twice and
laid over under the rule.
The ordinance amends section one of ordinance No. 64 so as to establish
as the boundaries of the fire limits, . . ; prohibits the erection of
any building within said limits of other material than brick or stone, or
the raising of any such building except to conform to street grade, or the
addition of any superstructure, provided that any building removed by flood
since December 9, 1861, may be returned to its position within sixty
days. . . .
SACRAMENTO METEOROLOGY AND NECROLOGY.
[REPORTED FOR THE UNION FROM THE RECORDS OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH.]
METEOROLOGY.
. . .
REMARKS. -- The low figure of temperature in our table shows that Spring
has continued to maintain the slow grade of advance we predicted for it
in our remarks for February. This has proved fortunate for us, not only
as regards the agricultural interest of the country, but also the flooding
and health of the city. The rain which has been in excess for May fell
just at the time it was most needed for the late planted grain. The total
amount of rain now sums up for the season to 35.672 inches, which is about
half an inch less than that of the season or 1852-'3. Doubtless what has
latterly fallen in the mountains has been too cold to bring down any
considerable amount of melted snow. The Sacramento river, however, has
kept up to about eighteen feet of the city gauge during the entire month,
and the American has been more or less on the rise during the same period.
Had not the crevasse at Rabel's been stopped by the praiseworthy exertions
of a volunteer corps, a continuous stream would have been still flowing
through many of the streets in the northern and eastern parts of the city,
and deepening the still flooded portion of the southern. The slough at Burns
has proved a safer kind of vent-channel, seldom spreading its waters over
the adjoining streets until it reached the southern portion of the city,
except at high floods. If the rainy season was not over, we would question
the expediency of closing this latter slough, on account of the effect
it might have of throwing more water from the American upon the new work
at Rabel's than it has strength or hight to resist.
A much greater work has to be done now, and done most effectually, "to
put our house" or city "in order." Meteorology has claims in this relation
which cannot be disregarded with impunity. An erroneous conclusion,
purporting to be based upon our tables, may lead to fatal mistakes,
and of this we have a singular instance in a late critique, communicated
to the UNION of May 19th, upon the engineer's report for the permanent
reclamation of District No. 2. Of course we pass over the whole of the
former part of the communication as not relevant to the concluding
portion, where reference is made to our tables. We cannot, however,
avoid alluding to the omission to notice the decimal point in the
engineer's computations, and thereby converting the Folsom discharge
per second from 501,294 cubic feet, omitting decimals, into five hundred
and one millions! The repetition of the mistake occurs in the last
paragraph, which we are about to notice. The amount per day is rightly
quoted, but, if we understand the report correctly, it does not assume
that that absolute quantity of water came down in one day at Folsom.
Having no data of duration the engineers make no estimate thereon. Now,
our meteorological register shows for one of the days preceding the great
flood of January a vastly greater amount than the author of the
communication computes it at. His mistake partly arises from his first
taking the whole rain-fall of the season up to that time 34.486 inches,
dividing it into 120 days and calling 788,845,000 cubic feet the amount
for one day; or, taking the Grass Valley record at 60 inches, and calling
it 1,392,080,000 cubic feet per day, which, he says, "could not by any
possibility have been exceeded at Folsom." That is to say, therefore, the
utmost he professes to believe in was half an inch of rain for any one
day; yet, in reality, he cannot suppose anything of the kind, and perhaps
would disclaim such intention -- but if he divides 60 into 120 parts he
must accept the issue.
So much for averages -- now then for the fact. We had at Sacramento for
the twenty-four hours from 10 A. M. of the 5th to 10 A. M. of the 6th
of January 2.560 inches rain-fall. Accepting the estimate of the drainage
area of the American river at 1,300 square miles, we should have for only
two inches depth 6,040,320,000 cubic feet for one day, or for four inches
depth 12,080,640,000 cubic feet. Wo do not think that the latter amount
was at all in excess of the reality at Folsom immediately preceding the
flood of the 10th of January. There is evidence in the report of the
engineers to show that, for some part of the day, there must have been
above 500,000 cubic feet per second, or as stated 1,804,659,329 per hour.
The computation, however, is a mathematical certainly when we apply the
formula by which it was made, and, we think that with the facts adduced
and the object the engineers had to keep in view -- viz: the permanent
reclamation of the district of the northern boundary -- they very properly
advised a vent as the safest mode to get rid of the surplus water. We
expressed a nearly similar opinion in our remarks accompanying the February
table, when we alluded to the advantages which would accrue from reopening
one or more of the natural outlets, which had been injudiciously closed
up, while stating our reasons for placing no faith in the efficiency of
levees alone, so far as the American river is concerned.
NECROLOGY.
. . . .
REMARKS. -- . . .
The cool late Spring has proved
favorable for the health of the city, and the apprehensions of the effects
of malaria from the late inundation appear thus far to have been unfounded.
The experience derived from former inundations does not warrant the
generally entertained opinion respecting the probable insalubrity of the
coming Summer. Still, should the water now in the cellars and lower parts
of tte city remain stagnant until late in the season, we may not altogether
eicape from some form or other of endemic disease . . .
THOMAS M. LOGAN, M.D.
Secretary Board of Health
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3490, 5 June 1862 p. 2
. . .
STILL RISING. -- The Columbia river was reported May 23th to be some three
inches higher at Vancouver than it was in the year 1859, which was the
highest that had been known for many years. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
PROGRESSING. -- Henry Maginn, the contractor of the R street crevasse,
brought the pile driver furnished by J. P. Robinson, into service
yesterday. Before night some eight or nine piles were driven across
the crevasse, and the crib which was launched several days ago was
placed in its proper position. These piles will form a basis of operations,
and there is but little doubt that the gap will now be closed in a few
days. The shallow opening below has been entirely closed up by a light
levee of earth. The success of yesterday was celebrated at six o'clock
by the consumption by the workmen of a keg of lager. Bryan, at Burns'
slough is, we are informed, making similar progress, and will soon have
his contract completed. The water in the lower part of the city had
fallen some two or three inches, yesterday. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river stands at about seventeen feet ten
inches above low water mark, having fallen two inches within the past
six days. The water gauge was broken off by a wood boat and carried
away last Tuesday evening, but has been recovered by the Harbormaster
and will he re-erected at some point where it will render continued
service. . . .
FARMING IN TEHAMA. -- The Red Bluff Independent, alluding to
the farming prospects in its vicinity, says:
Our farmers have just commenced their haying. with indications of a large
crop. The late rains have added many thousands of dollars to the wealth
of the county, not only in hay, but grain also. A bountiful harvest and
good prices will well repay the husbandman this year for his labor and
outlay, and serve to obliterate the losses of the past severe Winter.
The genial weather of the past month has been a perfect contrast to the
month of May last year. Shrubbery and vegetation retains the green of
March and April, while last year the heat had long since made brown and
bare our plains, and crisped and sere had become the verdure of trees and
shrubbery. If the fates frowned upon the land last Winter, we are being
repaid by a glorious Spring and Summer. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3491, 6 June 1862 p. 1
The Tuolumne (Columbia) Courier of May 31st says:
Many of our claims are yet in a bad condition for working profitably,
but the most of the miners are busy in clearing out the debris of the
Winter floods, deepening their tail races and putting things generally
in condition for operations. . . .
p. 2
. . .
ENCOURAGING. -- Our merchants for the past few weeks have been selling
large quantities of goods. Trade, so far as we can learn, has rarely
ever been better -- a fact which, under the circumstances, speaks
favorably and encouragingly for the future of our city. Long lines of
loaded teams are now leaving the city daily (besides the goods shipped
by railroad), and so soon as the road to Nevada Territory is open for
loaded wagons, the number of wagons employed and the quantity of goods
sold will be largely increased. Those who flatter themselves that
Sacramento was crushed by the weight of the floods will wake up some
day to find themselves greatly mistaken. . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
LATER INTELLIGENCE.
Dates to June 5th.
. . .
Freshet and Loss of Life in Pennsylvania.
EASTON (Pa.), June 5th.
There is a freshet in the Delaware and Lehigh rivers. The water has already
reached the second stories in the lower part of the town. All bridges between
here and Mauch Chunk have been swept away. The canals have overflowed. The
furnaces have been stopped. The railroad has been submerged. Many people
were drowned in their houses, so sudden was the rise. A dispatch from the
Delaware Water Gap says the freshet is equal to that of '4l. The damage to
the Delaware and Lackawana canal is great, and will require several days
to repair. Pocolo creek, at Stroudsburg, overflowed last night, and run
through the towu, carrying away many houses and bridges. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
LEVEES OF SWAMP LAND DISTRICT NO. 2. -- We learn that all the plans and
estimates of the levees of this district, outside of the city, from Burns'
slough to the high lands at Brighton, on the north, and from Y street south
to Burton's slough, are about ready for final action, and that the Swamp
Land Commissioners have notified, through the Post Office, the Levee
Commissioners of the district -- Josiah Johnson, Washington Fern and
A. Runyon -- requesting them to attend a meeting at the rooms of the
Swamp Land Commissioners on Thursday next, at twelve M., for the purpose
of consultation relative to the route of levee, its size and cost, prior
to its final adoption.
THE CREVASSE. -- The work at the crevasse below R street was resumed
yesterday morning, and by about noon all the cribs were placed in the
proper position and partially filled and sunk. Foot passengers then
passed backward and forward freely, and it seemed probable that the
entire work would be finished by this evening. At this juncture the
first large crib which was put into the channel and filled before any
piles were driven, showed signs of weakness, and in an hour or two a
portion of the planking was forced off by the current, and the most
of the earth in it was washed away. It will probably be necessary to
prepare and sink a new crib before the work can be finished. . . .
CHANCE FOR WORK. -- It is evident that in the course of a few weeks
there will be employment in and near Sacramento for a large number of
laboring men. On the 20th instant contracts will be let for the construction
of that portion of the levee lying between Front and Thirty-first streets.
Soon afterward, the portion between Thirty-first street and Brighton, the
Front street levee and indeed the entire levee of Swamp Land District
No. 2, will be divided out to contractors. There will, therefore, be
an abundance of work for the balance of the season.
DELIVER UP. -- A large amount of property belonging to the State
Agricultural Society, including doors, lumber, etc., which floated
off in the Winter from the Stock Grounds, is said to be in the hands
of parties who refuse to deliver up the same on demand of the agents
of the Society. Such parties, unless they advertised the property
within five days of the time of finding it, render themselves liable
to arrest and prosecution for larceny. The members of the Committee
design to resort to this mode of redress if more mild means will not
answer.
REPLACED. -- The river gauge, which was broken off and sent adrift a
few dsys ago, and was afterwards recovered, was placed in its proper
position again yesterday morning by Harbormaster Whitney, near the
position formerly occupied. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, June 5, 1862
The Board met at three o'clock P. M. . . .
Judge BEATTTY [sic] asked if the services of the chaingang could be had
to close some small crevasses below the great break in R street. He
understood that the latter and the crevasse at Burns' slough would be
stopped in a day or two, under the contracts.
The PRESIDENT said the chaingang should be forthcoming, being under
his control. . . .
FROM MONO. -- A correspondent of the Tuolumne Courier, writing
from Mono, May 18th, says:
On the 3d and 5th inst. we were visited by snow storms, which were not
however so violent as many of their predecessors. On the 9th, 10th and
11th the weather was remarkably cold and the wind blew a perfect gale.
On the morning of the 12th we had a fall of six inches of snow, and the
weather is now quite cold. . . .
PROPOSALS
FOR CONSTRUCTING CITY
LEVEES. -- Office of City Levee Commissioners, No. 117 J street, up
stairs -- Sacramento, June 3, 1862.
Sealed Proposals for the construction of Sections One, Two and Three of
the Levee within the city limits, will be received by the undersigned
until FRIDAY, JUNE TWENTIETH, 1862, 12 M., at which time the bids will
be opened in public; the Commissioners reserving the right to reject
all bids.
Section 1 extends from Thirty-first street to Twelfth street.
Section 2 extends from Twelfth street to H street.
Section 3 extends from H street to Front street.
Plans, specifications and estimates for each section may be seen at the
Commissioners' office on and after Monday, the 9th inst.
Payments of seventy five per cent, on the amount of work performed will
be made every two weeks, and the balance when the work is completed.
No bid will be considered unless accompanied by the following guarantee
by two responsible parties:
"The undersigned undertake that if the foregoing bid be accepted, the
bidder shall within three days enter into bonds with good and sufficient
sureties for the performance of the proposed work, or pay to the Levee
Commissioners the difference between his bid and the one finally
accepted. -- Sacramento, June --, 1862."
C. H. SWIFT,
W. F. KNOX,
F. TUKEY,
H. T. HOLMES,
C. CROCKER,
Levee Commissioners
C. H. SWIFT, President.
W. F. KNOX, Secretary je4td
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3492, 7 June 1862 p. 1
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, May 29, 1862.
That Daily Mail.
. . . the mountain streams are said to gush down with greater force
and volume than was ever before known, and the roads, that were "no
roads," are completely buried and out of sight. . . .
The Floods in the Territory.
Reports come in from north and south of high waters and threatening rivers.
Springville, to the south, is likely to lose a considerable number of
buildings -- among the number the meeting house. The river is making its
own course irrespective of municipal boundaries and prohibitions. Provo
is not over safe from a variety of streams, and there is a report again
of our Dixie having been under water from the overflowing of the Santa
Clara and Rio Virgin, The whole cotton crop is reported used up; but of
that I have no reliable authority. Since the increase of waters, four
children have been accidentally drowned -- not from any particular
carelessness, but from the progeny being at liberty where water was
not before found . . .
The weather for some weeks has been magnificent; last night, however,
the mountains were enveloped in clouds of snow.
LIBERAL . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Board of State Capitol Commissioners met yesterday afternoon and
awarded the contracts for material for the prosecution of the work upon
that structure. . . .
The American river rose from two to three feet yesterday, causing a
temporary suspension of the work of stopping off the water at Burns'
slough. The Sacramento has not undergone any perceptible change. The
work on the crevasse below R street is progressing satisfactorily. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
WHOLESALE ROBBERY. -- The dwelling house of John George, on N street,
between Fifth and Sixth streets, which has been unoccupied since the
flood, was entered about a week ago and rifled of everything in it
which could be carried off. Application was made to officer Burke to
recover the property. He yesterday morning visited a house on Q street,
between Fifth and Sixth, kept by a colored man named Isaac Caldwell, of
which he was suspicious, and discovered a portion of the stolen property
and arrested the proprietor. He and Chief Watson then returned to the
promises and made a more thorough search of the place. They found a
quantity of valuable carpeting, a number of quilts, blankets, etc.,
a fluid lamp, money and other articles in the building. On pressing
the examination further, they found a large clothesbasket and a
wash-boiler filled with crockery and china ware, sunk in the water in
the yard. All of the above named articles belong to John George. There
were also found in the house, a light colored Marseilles vest, two
leather valises and a pair of oars -- painted blue -- all presumed to
be stolen. They may be seen at the station house. The officers above
named afterwards arrested Indian Joe and Indian Charley in connection
with the robbery. Caldwell admitted that the two parties last named
had stolen the property and that he had received it. knowing it to
be stolen. Caldwell has heretofore borne a good character.
CITY DRAINAGE. -- A correspondent sends us the following communication
on the subject of city drainage: "Will you please ask the Board of
Health if bilge water, pumped from cellars and standing in the gutters
on the streets, or filthy ponds in vacant lots, have a tendency to keep
the city healthy? and if so, to suggest to the Street Commissioner,
whoever he is, to have the cut across L and Fourth streets filled up,
so as to prevent the surplus water north of that point from flowing
off into the Sacramento, and the citizens in that neighborhood will
be so healthy in a few weeks that they never will die. There was a
drain across K street, but some person closed it up, and the block above
Third street has been gradually filling up with filthy water ever since.
And to-day some person filled up the cut crossing Third street, and the
water which is being pumped out of a cellar on J street, instead of
running through to L street, which it would do if this drain was kept
open, and by so doing would injure no one, is filling up the block above
Second street. Let some one open the drains so that the water may run
off, or else shut them up and forbid any person from pumping out their
cellars. The cellars along J and K streets are excellent smelling bottles
now, and of course they should not be pumped out, as the hotter the
weather gets the more delightful the aroma." . . .
MORE TIME WANTED. -- At about noon yesterday, Z. Bryan, the Burns' slough
contractor, came to the conclusion to give up his contract unless he could
obtain from the Committee an extension of time. His men were dismissed for
the day and he came himself to the city to consult with the Committee. He
was induced to adopt this course on account of the rise in the American
river, which is represented to have been nearly three feet yesterday.
This rise makes the water in the center of the channel thirteen feet deep,
which renders the continuance of the work difficult. The Committee will of
course make all reasonable allowance as to time. . . .
CONTRACTS AWARDED. -- The Board of State Capitol Commissioners met at
the Governor's office yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of awarding
the contracts for material for the continuation of the work upon the
new State Capitol. The following awards were made: John Tansman,
1,800,000 bricks, $7 50 per thousand; C. W. Hayden, 1,500 barrels
cement, $3 50 per barrel; E. O. Dana, 600 square feet granite -- ashler,
$1 05, base course, etc., $1 08 per superficial foot; E. O. Dana,
120 tons granite chips, $3 50 per ton: M. Lynch, 200 tons gravel,
$2 75 per ton; M Lynch, 500 cubic yards sand, 75 cents per yard. . . .
NEEDING ATTENTION. -- P. Long, Overseer of the chaingang, informs us that
there is great danger that the levees built by the chaingang some two weeks
ago. along Thirty-first street, will be destroyed by the large number of
cattle in the vicinity. The effect will be to bring in again the water
north of J street, which will of necessity run over that street and render
teaming out of town impracticable. Those cattle should receive the special
attention of Poundmaster Mayo. . . .
THE CREVASSE. -- The contractor at the R street crevasse commenced
yesterday the work of sheet-piling the gap which was produced by the
washing away of a portion of the work. Last evening appearances indicated
that the plan would be successful. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3493, 9 June 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
Fremont, who has now the chief command in the Shenandoah valley, by
virtue of his rank, was at Mount Jackson on the 6th, where the pursuit
of the rebel Jackson was stayed by a sudden rise in the Shenandoah, while
the Union army was crossing a pontoon bridge. The materials of the bridge
were saved and no lives were lost But Fremont's army is divided by a deep
and rapid stream, and if he were to be attacked while in this position,
the result would probably be disastrous. To be secure he must contrive
to cross the remainder of his force as soon as possible. . . .The floods
in Pennsylvania have been very destructive. Wisport, a town of three
hundred houses, was so far washed away that only three houses were left.
The loss of life has been heavy. . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to June 6th.
From McClellan's Army - Terrible Loss of the Enemy.
WASHINGTON, June 5th.
A dispatch received this evening from McClellan says: "There were severe
storms on Tuesday and during the whole of yesterday. The Chickahominy rose
to an unprecedented hight. Trains from White House to the battle field were
detained. . . .
Freshets in the Potomac and Rappahanock.
WASHINGTON, June 6th.
Advices from a reliable source report floods in the upper Potomac and
the Rappahannock, and say that bridges have been carried away. The loss
of these bridges is considered serious. . . .
The Flood in the Delaware and Lehigh.
EASTON (Penn.), June 6th.
The flood in both rivers is receding. No further damage is apprehended.
The Destructive Floods in Pennsylvania.
EASTON (Pa.), June 6th.
Fearful accounts of damages have been received from Mauch Chunk and that
vicinity. The dam there, as well as two others, was swept away. Many houses
were washed off. The railroad bridge is gone. Canal navigation is stopped
for the season. The Lehigh Valley Railroad will not be in running order
for several weeks.
The town of Wisport was washed away, but three houses being left out of
three hundred. The loss of life has been large.
The damage at Glendon is very great. The furnaces are all stopped, and
laboring men are heavy losers. Millions of feet of timber, several
thousand feet of sawed lumber, and thousands of logs have been carried
away. The number of persons drowned is not yet ascertained. . . .
Fremont's Pursuit of Jackson.
MOUNT JACKSON, (Va.), June 6th.
Fremont's headquarters are here. Further pursuit of Jackson is impossible
to-day, owing to the sudden rise in the Shenandoah. A pontoon bridge,
replacing the bridges burned by the rebels, being completed, part of
Fremont's forces crossed the river this morning. The river rose twelve
feet in four hours to-day, bringing down large quantities of driftwood,
and heavy timber, which parted the bridge in the middle. The material
was all saved. No accident occurred.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
SAN FRANCISCO, June 8th. . . .
It is raining here. . . .
RAIN. -- Sacramento was visited at about seven o'clock last evening,
by a gentle shower, not sufficient in quantity to lay the dust.
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
SCHOONER CAPSIZED -- Loss of Life.-- Captain Charles, of the schooner
Harriet K. arrived in the city on Saturday morning, having met with an
accident of an unusual character upon California waters. The schooner
had arrived at a point on the Sacramento river about twenty-three miles
below the city, near Richland, when, at about half-past tour o'clock on
Friday afternoon, she was capsized by a heavy squall of wind. Both masts
were carried away, and the vessel turned bottom upward. . . .
THE CONTRACTS. -- There has been but little done at Burns' slough, during
the past three days, toward shutting out the water from the city. The
Contracting Committee on Friday afternoon decided to grant Bryan three
days further time in which to complete the work, but in consequence of
his piling having been carried away by the rise in the American, he has
decided. we learn, to abandon the contract today. The Committee expect
to relet the contract and stick to the work until it is completed. At
the crevasse below R street, the water, since Saturday, has been running
through and under the cribs to such an extent as to endanger the entire
structure. Yesterday morning Maginn commenced to construct a "puddle dam"
across the channel, about a hundred feet from the river. The object of
this step is, of course, to raise the water on both sides of the structure
to a level, in order to stop the current from running through. As the
contractor seemed to be short-handed yesterday afternoon, a number of
citizens hired hands to go to work and aid him. The Contracting Committee
also went to work individually, and, with a number of volunteer citizens,
gave a long pull, and a strong pull, to get the dam built. If
"perseverance conquers all things," as we have been led to believe,
we expect to yet see the water shut out of the city at an early day. . . .
LETTER FROM THE SOUTH.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
Fort Yuma, May 25, 1862. Crossing the Southern Desert
Editors UNION: . . .
Affairs at Fort Yuma.
. . . The last day's march was the most severe of all, as we were compelled
to ford a low piece of ground which had been filled with water from the
Colorado river. This part of the country has not proved an exception to
the general rule, and and [sic] has aso [sic] been deluged this season.
The Colorado has been higher than ever before, and the litttle settlement
opposite here, called Colorado City, has been almost entirely swept
away. . . .
MORE MACHINERY FOR NEVADA TERRITORY.
The Carson Silver Age of the 6th says:
Yesterday evening three six-mule teams arrived from California, heavily
laden with new machinery for a quartz mill in the canon west of town. . . .
The snow is reported to be all removed from the road, and the only obstacle
now is said to be some mud in places where the snow has just been removed,
which will probably continue a week or ten days. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3494, 10 June 1862 p. 2
THE CROPS. -- The Napa Reporter says:
The hay cut in Napa Valley this season will be less than usual. Many of
the farmers calculated upon having an abundant yield from lands overflowed
during the Winter and Spring, which were too wet to sow in grain; and
broke up their high lands -- which hitherto had been too dry for anything
but grass -- and put them down in wheat. But the result did not justify
their expectations, for as the water subsided from the low lands hardly
anything but weeds sprang up, and the few scattering tufts of grass will
only be gleaned by letting cattle have the range. The season has been so
unusually wet and cold, that on high lands in other places the grass is
thin and short, and will require to be cut by hand. . . .
HONOR OF CALIFORNIA CITIES.
. . .
So far as opposition to the repudiation of an honest debt is concerned,
we stand ready to compare records with the Bulletin, past and
present. It has always met in this journal an uncompromising opponent; but
we did declare, after a quarter of her property was swept from existence by
floods, and her business for a time paralyzed, that Sacramento was not able
to pay, and that she ought so to state to her creditors, and ask for a
compromise upon such terms as would enable her to meet her liabilities at
a future time. This frank admission and honorable proposition, when made by
merchants and private corporations, the Bulletin stigmatizes as
repudiation. It is an assumption of supreme morality and a refined sense
of honor for which we entertain no very exalted admiration. . . .
. . .The levee bonds and water bonds of 1853 were issued directly to
contractors, and they put them upon the market. . . . When the bonds
were issued for the Water Works, and for the R street and Thirty First
street levee, this journal proclaimed to the world, to the extent of
its circulation, that a portion of those for the Water Works and a portion
of those for the levee were illegally issued. We protested against the
contracts when made, as illegal, inasmuch as they were both for a much
larger amount than the people by their votes had authorized. . . .
FLOODS. -- This seems to be the year of floods. They are continued on the
Atlantic side into the month of June -- a thing almost unprecedented. In
Virginia, at latest dates, the further advance of the armies of General
McClellan and General Fremont was rendered impossible by floods. In
Pennsylvania, too, high water had been the cause of immense destruction
of property. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
CONTRACTS. -- Appearances indicated last evening that both the
contractors who have undertaken to shut off the water from the city
would be likely to fail in the undertaking. Bryan has abandoned the
work at Burns' slough and left the city for Amador county. Maginn is
still on hand at the foot of R street, but the fates have been against
him. He has met with a succession of reverses which have rendered a
completion of the contract almost impossible. Several members of the
Contracting Committee and a large force worked on Sunday evening until
after midnight, by moonlight in aiding in the construction of the puddle
dam. It was completed at about one o'clock yesterday morning. It seemed
likely to answer a good purpose, but soon after daylight yesterday
morning it began to cut away and was soon almost entirely destroyed.
The ten days time expire to-day, and a new start will probably be made
by the Committee in a day or two. . . .
SPECIFICATIONS. -- The specifications in minute detail for the work upon
the new levee were yesterday agreed upon by the City Levee Commissioners.
They will be printed in circular form for the use of parties who contemplate
presenting proposals for any part of the work. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river has risen about one inch within the last
three days, and now stands about eighteen feet above low water mark, and
six feet below the highest mark of the past Winter. . . .
THE CALIFORNIA VINTAGE. -- The San Francisco Mercantile Gazette
says the prospects of a good yield from the vineyards are favorable in
every portion of the State:
So far as we can learn prospects are favorable in every portion of the
State. In Los Angeles county, where the oldest and most extensive vineyards
in the State are found, the crop of grapes promises to be unprecedently
large. Arrangements for wine making there and elsewhere are upon a greater
scale this season than ever before; and from the pains taken to secure
the services of competent vintagers and manufacturers, and the determination
expressed to produce an article worthy of a place among our staple exports,
our expectations are naturally very much raised. . . .
THE WOOL CLIP OF CALIFORNIA. -- The Bulletin has the following item in
reference to wool growing this season:
Col. Hollister of San Juan. Monterey county . . . but raises 7,000
lambs this season, notwithstanding the severity of the Winter. Flint,
Bixby & Co. of San Juan, Monterey county . . . They lost in all about
500 head last Winter by exposure, . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3495, 11 June 1862 p. 1
LETTERS FROM WASHINGTON.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
. . .
WASHINGTON, May 13, 1862
. . .
The growl again was heard that we could not prevail, because we did not
run our vast armies through the floods and morasses in our front, caused
by a Winter of unexampled severity, . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
HAYING IN SONOMA COUNTY. -- Our farmers, says the Petaluma Journal,
have been busily engaged during the past week in harvesting their hay
crop. The yield as a whole, will, we believe, be fully an average one.
On the flats or bottom lands, the grass is light, the roots having been
drowned out, but upon the hills and uplands it is quite heavy. . . .
THE FLOOD IN THE COLUMBIA. -- We learn from Dan. Lowell, Wells,
Fargo & Co.'s messenger, that the water at the Dalles, yesterday
morning, was flowing through the Mount Hood saloon. The merchants
on Main street had all removed the goods from their stores. Wells,
Fargo & Co.'s Express office, the Mount Hood saloon, the principal
barber shop, and a boot black stand, were located in the theater,
the Express occupying the stage ("for this occasion only"). Gum boots
and stilts are stated to be in great demand. About fifty feet more of
the railroad at the Cascades was washed away yesterday, though no fears
were entertained of further damage for the present. The town of Monticello,
on the Cowlitz, at last accounts, was entirely submerged. A gentleman from
the mouth of Lewis river says that the water at that point was still rising
fast. -- Oregonian, June 6th. . . .
[For the Union]
THE LEVEE LAW -- HAS IT BEEN COMPLIED WITH?
MESSRS. EDITORS: It is of importance to the people of this city that in
the matter of city levees everything should be done according to law.
Section four of the Sacramento Levee Law provides that as soon as the
Board of State Swamp and Overflowed Land Commissioners have finally
adopted a plan for the reclamation of Swamp Load District No. 2, they
shall certify, etc., etc., to the Board of City Levee Commissioners,
etc., etc.
Now, I wish to ask, whether the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners have,
according to law, yet finally adopted a plan for the permanent reclamation
of Swamp Land District No. 2?
Section seven of the original Swamp Land Act says: "If from the report
and estimates of the engineer it shall appear that the total cost of the
complete work of permanent reclamation, including the cost of surveying,
advertising proposals, and other contingent expenses properly chargeable
against the tract of land so surveyed, will not exceed in the
aggregate one dollar per acre and such further sum as may be subscribed
and paid in cash by individuals, the Board may in its discretion adopt
the plan so reported, or it may adopt any other plan based upon the same
survey."
The report of the engineer has shown that the district cannot be
permanently reclaimed except at a cost greatly exceeding one dollar
per acre, and I have not yet learned that the Board has adopted any
other plan that brings the cost within said amount, and we certainly
do know that no further sum has yet been subscribed by individuals to
make up the balance. It therefore follows, if such be the facts, that
the Board are not yet in a position to adopt either the plans of the
engineer or any other based upon his survey which shall exceed the cost
named. All the Board can legally do is set forth in the Supplemental
Swamp Land Act of this session, which provides for their filing certain
statements with the Controller of State and County Recorder so as to
afford means by which the further sum can be raised by taxation, and
paid into the Treasury.
When such is done, then the Board can legally "finally adopt a plan
for the reclamation of District No. 2," but, as I read the law, not
until then.
What then becomes of all the subsequent action of the City Commissioners,
for advertising contracts, condemning property, or anything else?
A PROPERTY OWNER. . . .
THE CONTRACTS. -- Affairs at Burns' slough are statu quo -- that is to
say, the waters of the slough are not at a "stand still" by a long ways,
but are running into and through the city as rapidly and regularly as
usual. The ten days time within which Maginn had contracted to stop off
the water at R street, expired last evening. The men in his employ quit
work yesterdav, but the contractor took a shovel and wheelbarrow, and
continued work on his own account. He wishes us to say for him "that at
sundown this evening not one drop of water will pass Front street into
the city from those breaks, but he needs some six or eight men to help
him work to-day," with which request we comply. He appears to be hopeful
and persevering. One of the members of the Contracting Committee is absent
from the city. When he returns they will probably make a new beginning.
Maginn made an effort yesterday to obtain the services of the chaingang to
aid in his work, but was not successful. . . .
UPSET. -- President Shattuck and C. S. Coffin started yesterday afternoon,
in a buggy, to visit the work of contractor Maginn, at the foot of R street.
On reaching Front and P streets, they encountered a locomotive and train of
cars. The horse took fright, wheeled round suddenly, upset the buggy and
threw out its occupants. Fortunately, nobody was hurt by the accident.
REVIVED. -- The members of Young America Engine Company had made
arrangements last Fall to hold a Promenade Concert at the Pavilion, on
the 19th of December. The visitation of the flood compelled them to
abandon their design for the time being. They have revived the project,
and have fixed upon Thursday evening, the 26th of June, for its
realization. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3496, 12 June 1862 p. 2
. . .
RAIN IN NEVADA. -- On Sunday evening, June 8th, Nevada was visited with
a refreshing shower, which continued two or three hours. . . .
p. 3
. . .
FOR ARSON. -- Indian Joe has been arrested by officer Burke, on a charge of
arson, in burning a small house on 0 street, near Third, formerly occupied
by Caldweli. He was compelled to leave it by the owner and suggested the
arson to Joe. . . .
p. 4
LAWS OF CALIFORNIA.
PASSED AT THE THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE -- 1862.
AN ACT amendatory of and supplementary to an Act entitled an Act concerning
the Construction and Repair of Levees in the County of Sacramento, and
the Mode of Raising Revenue therefor, approved April 9, 1862.
Section 1. Section thirteen of said Act is hereby amended so as to read
as follows: Section 13. The directions in this Act given in regard to
the manner of assessing, equalizing and levying the taxes, shall be deemed
directory only, and the assessment, valuations, assessment rolls, and
delinquent list in this Act provided for are hereby made valid and binding
both in law and equity, against the persons and property assessed, and
the taxes levied shall become a lien upon the property assessed upon the
determination of the rate of taxation as herein provided, which lien shall
not in any manner whatever be discharged until said taxes and costs, if
any accrue, are paid and all the officers who are required to render any
service under the provisions of this Act shall have and receive for their
own use fifty per cent, of such compensation as is now allowed by law for
similar services; provided that the limitation of fifty per cent, shall
not apply to the collection of delinquent taxes; and provided, further,
that the Treasurer shall receive no compensation whatever for the
performance of any services required to be performed by him under any
of the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3497, 13 June 1862 p. 1
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE,
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITYr, June 5, 1862
. . .
The melting snow is doing considerable damage to portions of the city. . . .
p. 2
. . .
NOT SO GOOD AS USUAL. -- .The Tuolumne Courier says that the gold
yield in that vicinity has not this season come quite up to the former
average. This is owing to many of the claims being rather short-handed,
and because miners generally have not fully recovered from the disasters
their claims sustained from the Winter floods. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
ACCOMMODATING. -- For several weeks past the most of the families living
in the inundated district of the city have been regaling themselves on
fresh fish, which accommodatingly come around the doorsteps, and are
taken in by men, women, boys and girls, who are fast becoming experts
with the hook and line. . . .
PROGRESSING. -- Some ten or twelve members of the chain gang, under
Overseers Long and Childs, put in a good day's work yesterdav at the
R street crevasse. They will prohablv stop off the water entirely
to-day. The work will, however, require strengthening to insure
it to stand.
BURNS' SLOUGH. -- The Contracting Committee will probably conclude a
contract to-day with a man named Baker, for the work of closing up
Burns' slough. Baker has been engaged during the Spring in aiding in
the construction of Lisle's Bridge. The contract price will be $1,500,
payable when the water is stopped off. . . .
FALLING. -- The water in the Sacramento has fallen some four or five
inches within the past two days. It stood last evening at 17 feet 7
inches above low water mark. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3498, 14 June 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The water of the Sacramento was shut off from flowing over its eastern
bank below R street levee last night. The waters of the American will
soon be prevented from entering Burns' slough, as the work is believed
to be in the hands of competent contractors. . . .
HIGH WATER IN CARSON VALLEY. -- The Silver Age of June 11th says:
The dam of the Eureka mill, on Carson river, gave way on Monday, from
bank to bank, and waa swept down with a perfect rush, causing the river
to rise at least two feet below the dam. This will be a great drawback
to the mill, as it had barely commenced running, having completed its
first contract of crushing fifty tons of Mount Hope rock. The river remains
very high indeed, and it is feared that owing to the immense quantities of
snow on the mountains, there may be other dams torn away, and that the hay
lands will remain flooded so long as to ruin the year's crop of hay. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
SWAMP LAND COMMISSIONERS. -- The Board was in session last night until
a late hour, considering the interests of Swamp Land Districts Nos. 1
and 2. Present -- Winn, Redding and Hooten, Among other business, George
H. Goddard, Engineer of District No. 1. was removed from office, and
Thomas J. Read, Jr.. was chosen temporarily to examine the district and
make the estimates for reclamation, so as to protect it against future
floods. B. F. Leet. Engineer of District No. 2. was also removed from
office, and C. C. Tracy was elected to fill the vacancy. Read end Tracy
are to push the work, with a view to getting the levees under contract
as quick as possible. They will be ready during the coming week. To-day
the President goes to San Francisco on business important to the land
interest of this State. He will be back next Tuesday, at which time the
regular monthly meeting of the Board will take place. . . .
THE NEW CONTRACT. -- A contract between Beatty. Welty and Culver on the
part of citizens, and Baker and Hubbard, has been signed for closing up
Burns' slough. The contractors are to receive $1,500 for the work when
completed to the satisfaction of the Committee. Hubbard's pile-driver,
together with piles, lumber, etc., are being collected upon the ground,
and it is probable that the work will be done speedily and effectually.
As the R street crevasse is already closed, there is reason to hope
that the city may soon be relieved of the greater portion of the water
by which it is now partially inundated.
EUREKA. -- Through the combined efforts of contractor Maginn, Overseers
Long and Childs, and some ten or twelve members of the chain-gang. the
work of closing the crevasse below R street was yesterday brought to
a successful termination. The lower dam on the line of Front street was
completed, and unless some unexpected reverse is met with, it can by
today's work be made sufficiently strong to answer all the purposes for
which it was designed. The diffence in the level of the water above and
below the dam is about three feet. . . .
COMPLAINTS. -- Considerable complaint has been made within the past few
days by parties residing on I street, east of Twelfth, on account of the
removal from that street of large quantities of earth, for the purpose of
filling basemeuts, grading lots, etc. Holes are dug, and the surface of
the ground on the street is left uneven and irregular, making traveling
with teams difficult if not impracticable. . . .
p. 4
LAWS OF CALIFORNIA.
PASSED AT THE THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE. -- 1862
. . .
AN ACT to amend an Act entitled an Act amendatory of and supplementary
to an Act entitled an Act concerning the Construction and Repair of Levees
in the County of Sacramento, and the Mode of Raising Revenue therefor,
approved April 9, 1862, approved April 26, 1862.
Section 1. Section one of said Act is hereby amended so as to read as
follows: Sec. 1. Section thirteen of said Act is hereby amended so as
to read as follows: Sec. 13. The directions in this Act given in regard
to the manner of assessing, equalizing and levying the taxes shall be
deemed directory only, and the assessments, valuations, assessment roll,
and delinquent list in this Act provided for, are hereby made valid, and
binding both in law and equity against the persons and property assessed;
and the taxes levied shall become a lien upon the property assessed upon
the determination of the rate of taxation as herein provided, which lien
shall not in any manner whatever be discharged until said taxes and costs,
if any accrue, are paid; and all the officers who are required to render
any service under the provisions of this Act shall have and receive for
their own use fifty per cent. of such compensation as is now allowed by
law for similar services; provided, that the limitation of fifty per cent.
shall not apply to the collection of delinquent taxes, and provided,
further, that the Treasurer shall receive but one-half of one per cent.
upon the disbursement of any revenues under the provisions of this Act;
provided, still further, the Treasurer shall receive no other compensation
whatsoever for any services required of him under any of the provisions of
this Act:
Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after
its passage. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3499, 16 June 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
OVERLAND TELEGRAPH. -- A dispatch from Salt Lake, June 14th, says:
The mails have commenced running daily from Salt Lake east. The telegraph
line is down between Pacific Springs and the Sweetwater. The streams are
very high, which is the cause of the delay in repairing the line. We are
expecting the line up every minute. Men are now out and doing all that is
possible to repair it. The break across the Green river has been repaired.
The streams are still rising from the melting snow. . . .
THE BIG TREE ROUTE. -- Carson City Silver Age of June 12th says:
We learn from parties just over the mountains that this route will not,
from present appearances, be clear of snow for four or five weeks to
come. . . .
EL DORADO FINANCES. -- By the valedictory address of Mayor Wade of
Placerville, it appears that during the year accounts were allowed to
the amount of $13,333 95 . . .and $1,471 for the construction and repair
of bridges destroyed by the flood. . . .
MORE COAL IN WASHOE. -- The Territorial Enterprise of June 12th says:
We have been shown by R. Payne of Silver City some excellent specimens
of coal, found near the head of El Dorado Canon, about ten miles in a
south-easterly direction from Dayton. The coal was laid bare by the
action of the waters of the canon on its banks during the freshets of
last Winter, . . .
CROPS IN ALAMEDA. -- The Alameda Gazette says:
We have conversed the past week with persons residing in different
portions of the county in regard to the crops in their localities -- and
from our own observations -- we can come to no other conclusion than that
a fair average crop will be made. In many places the crops are far better
than for several years past; while the new ground sown this year will more
than make up for the lands lying idle on account of the floods. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
STANDS THE TEST. -- The lower dam at the R street crevasse, commenced by
contractor Maginn and completed by the chaingang, under the supervision
of Overseers Long and Child, was so far strengthened by Saturday's work
that there is but little danger of its giving way again during the present
season. The pressure of the water since that time has tested it pretty
thoroughly, and it shows as yet no signs of weakness. If the river should
rise a foot higher than the present stage -- which is improbable at this
season of the year -- some additional work would be required to raise the
embankment. It was a matter of remark by those who saw the members of the
chaingang employed -- several of whom worked in four or five feet of
water -- that the members of the Contract Committee should not forget
them when they come to paying for the work. As the contractor failed to
complete the job, he cannot of course expect to receive full pay. The
Committee should divide equitably such money as is appropriated to that
branch of the work between the contractor and those who worked for him,
and the Overseers and members of the chaingang. . . .
NEEDS REPAIRING. -- Complaint is made by those who have occasion to cross
the J street bridge at Burns' slough that there are holes being made at
each end of the bridge, which make traveling difficult and dangerous. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento has fallen within the past two days about six
inches, and stood last evening at 17 feet 3 inches above low water mark. . . .
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION. -- The Board of Equalization on the levee assessment
closed its sessions on Saturday afternoon, having been in session eighteen
days. . . .
p. 4
LATER FROM THE NORTH.
By the Brother Jonathan at San Francisco we have dates from Portland
to June 9th, and from Victoria to June 11th.
RISE OF THE WILLAMETTE. -- The river at this point continues to rise,
and is now higher than it has been at any previous time this season.
The water yesterday was on the sidewalk of Front street. -- Portland
Times, June 9th. . . .
ITEMS FROM WALLA WALLA. -- The Walla Walla Statesman says: . . .
Lewistown is still under water. . . .
THE CARIBOO MINES. -- The British Colonist (Victoria, V. I.) of
June 11th, supplies the following intelligence: . . .
Fraser river is now at high water mark and still rising. The steamer Hope,
on last trip down from Emory's Bar, passed floating through one of the
riffles the nude body of a white man. The current was running with such
rapidity that the body could not be picked up. It is supposed to be the
remains of Edward Bullen of Hope, who was drowned at China Bar Riffle last
Fall.
The same journal relates the following substance of a conversation the
writer had with S. Milbury, who had just arrived from Cariboo, by the
steamer Eliza Anderson:
Milbury arrived at Keithley's creek on May 1st, and left on his return
to Victoria on the 29th of May. He has traveled more than one hundred
miles throughout the Cariboo region, prospected eight creeks and ravines,
but obtained only the color, save in one instance. The snow lay from one
to four feet deep, and the traveling was wretched. . . . Floods from snow
water had prevented thorough prospecting on many creeks. The snow was
melting very fast, and by the 15th or 20th of the present month will
probably be all off. . . . On Keithley's creek the flumes were all
carried away in April by high water, and have not since been erected
for want of means on the part of the claimholders. . . . Men are
receiving $35 per 100 pounds to pack through the snow from the forks
of Quesnelle. Most of the "packers" have just arrived in the country,
and suffer greatly from the hardships which they are compelled to go
through -- sometimes wading to their waists in the soft snow and
slush. . . . The snow proves the greatest obstacle to a thorough prospect
of the country. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3500, 17 June 1862 p. 2
. . .
THE SAN JOAQUIN. -- This river has reached quite a high stage within
the past week, while the Sacramento has been gradually falling. . . .
p. 3
. . .
THE TWO BRIDGES. -- The bridges near the Fort are both in such condition
as to be unsafe for traveling with heavy teams. Some of the parties who
were instrumental in building the K street bridge commenced yesterday to
remove it ou the ground that it will be carried away unless substantially
strengthened in a day or two, and for the reason also, that should any
accident happen on it those who placed it there would be held responsible.
The movement to remove it was subsequently abandoned and an effort will
be made by W. Hendrie and others to raise some $75, to put it in a safe
condition. It is said that many of those who have heretofore subscribed
towards it have failed and refuse to pay their subscription. S. Mosier
repaired the bridge previous to the late races, on the promise of parties
connected with the race course that he should be paid for his labor. This
pledge has not been fulfilled. The J street bridge is also unsafe for heavy
teams. One or the other should be kept in good traveling condition. . . .
THE CONTRACTOR. -- Contractor Maginn thinks that neither the Contracting
Committee nor the newspapers incline do him justice, concerning the work
at the crevasse below R street, and calls attention to the following
language in the written contract: "Or so far within the ten days complete
the same as to stop the flow of water through the break or breaks in said
levee, and shall immediately continue to prosecute said work until said
flow of water is permanently stopped," etc. He contends that he had checked
the flow of water before the expiration of the ten days, and that the
contract was improperly taken from him. He of course feels that it would
be unjust to him to refuse him all compensation for what he has done. . . .
TO CITIZENS. -- A communication from the Contracting Committee, Beatty,
Welty, and Culver, appears in another column this morning. It should
receive the attention of all concerned. The water will soon be entirely
shut out of the city, if the necessary means can be raised to pay for
the work. . . .
REPORT ON SHUTTING OUT WATER.
To the Citizens of Sacramento: The undersigned, your Committee
appointed to contract for shutting out or stopping the flow of water
through Burns' slough and the R and Front street break, beg leave to
submit the following statement:
Immediately after their appointment they let out by contract, to separate
contractors, the contemplated work -- to a Mr. Bryan the work at Burns'
slough, for $900; and to a Mr. Maginn the work at R and Front streets,
for $500 -- each contractor stipulating to complete his job within ten
days, or, on failure, to receive no pay. Your Committee are of opinion
that each contractor bid for and entered upon his job in good faith,
intending to finish it within time; they each at once commenced the
work, each in his own way. As it turned out, neither had any means and
only a limited credit, and it may also be added, without any intention
to do injury to the reputation or standing of either contractor, that
neither seemed to understand the proper means necessary to do the work
successfully. As is shown, the Committee, although not bound to do so,
in their desire to have the contractors succeed, made small advancements
to them, and in every way stood ready at all times to lend them such aid
as the duties they owed to those from whom they received their appointment
would justify. It is well known by the public that both contractors
failed. The contractor for Burns' slough, after an offer of three days
extension, voluntarily abandoned his job; the contractor for the R and
Front street break continued working on his job until the time expired
without having succeeded. The Committee feeling satisfied, from the
former efforts of the contractor at the R street break, that he could
not succeed in stopping out the water with the means at his disposal,
even with a reasonable extension of time, notified him that his contract
had expired and they would not be responsible for anything that he might
do towards the work. After this notice had been given, those having charge
of the chain gang set them to work on this break, apprized the Committee
of the fact and made the inquiry whether the Committee would be willing
to furnish sacks, etc., for the chain gang to work with, and furnish one
hundred dollars in clothes for the use of the chain gang, if successful
in stopping out the water. The Committee agreed to, and did furnish the
sacks, and also agreed that they would furnish the hundred dollars' worth
of clothes, provided they could raise that amount by subscription over
and above their other liabilities incurred in stopping out the water.
The efforts of the chain gang, under their overseers Long and Childs,
have been successful, and the water is now permanently shut out from this
break.
In the meantime, your Committee entered into another contract with
J. G. Baker and I. M. Hubbard for shutting the water out at the mouth
of Burns' slough for $1,500, if completed so as to shut out the water
by the 23d day of June, being ten days from the date of their contract.
If they fail, they are to receive nothing; if they complete the job at
an earlier day, they are to receive twenty-five dollars for each day
shortening the time.
It will be seen by the account herewith submitted, that there has been
collected and paid over to the Committee, including their own subscriptions,
$608 00, and that they have paid out $285 61 -- leaving in their hands
$322 39; which added to the sum of $729, now in the hands of the old
Citizens' Committee, makes the sum of $1,051 39, which is the sum now
subject to the control of the Committee. Their direct liability, under
their contract with Baker & Hubbard, is $1,500 -- which sum may be
increased by their shortening the time on their contract. They are
equitably bound to the chain gang in the sum of $100; and since the
water has been successfully shut out at the R street break, it has been
frequently urged that something ought to be paid to the men who labored
and furnished material for Maginn. Your Committee would be glad to pay
where it is most deserving on account of the Maginn contract, a sum equal
to the original contract price, if means be furnished to enable them to
do so.
Their deficiencies are as follows:
On Baker & Hubbard's contract $448 61
For Chain Gang. . . 100 00
To make up Maginn's original contract, after
deducting advances and chain gang allowance 181 00
Extra in Baker and Hubbard's, shortening time ......
-------
Total $730 00
Your Committe would here remark that they hold the names of persons on
their subscription list for over one hundred dollars which was not paid,
although subscribed on the condition that the water was to be shut out
in ten days. They entertain the hope that all or nearly all these will
allow their subscriptions to stand. Believing that the citizens would
not be willing to allow so small a sum to stop the carrying out successfully
of the enterprise, and that they would be seconded in another effort
to have a city dry and free from water, and that it would be worth
vastly more than the cost, your Committee were induced and felt authorized
to enter into another contract and thereby incur an increased obligation,
and they now appeal to an interested and generous public for the additional
sum necessary to pay off and discharge this new contract (if fulfilled)
when completed.
Our first obligation is to Baker & Hubbard, and if more is contributed
we will feel authorized to apply the next to the chain gang, and next to
the workmen and material of Maginn, to the extent of his original coutract
price.
To meet all the obligations as above stated the additional sum of $730
is required. If the contract time of Baker & Hubbard be shortened, an
additional amount is to be added to this at the rate of twenty-five
dollars for each day so shortened.
The Committee therefore call for subscriptions to an amount sufficient,
at least to relieve them from personal liability in the premises.
H. O. BEATTY, )
D. W. WELTY , ) Committee.
J. H. CULVER, )
ACCOUNT.
Cash received on subscriptions and from all
sources: $608 00
CR.
Advanced on Burns' Slough $ 65 00
Advanced on R street break.......... 218 11
Paid UNION's bill (advertising) ........ 2 50
------- $285 61
--------
Balance on hand .... $322 39
Add Citizens' (old) Committee Fund ..... 729.00
--------
Total in hands and subject to Committee's order $1051 39
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
MONDAY., June 16, 1862. The PRESIDENT called the Board to order at twenty
minutes past two o'clock. . . .
A petition was received from C. P. Huntington, W. G. English and others,
residents and property holders between N street and the alley between
L and M streets, and between Third and Fourth streets, asking that that
locality be not excluded from the fire limits, and that the ordinance
establishing such limits be so amended as to allow repairs and restoration
of buildings injured or destroyed by the flood. Referred to the Committee
on Fire and Water. . . .
Supervisor WOODS moved that the Chairman of the Committee on Streets be
authorized to procure teams and fill up a ditch at the corner of Eighth
and J streets at any reasonable expense. He had seen a man thrown from
his horse there, and the place was in a dangerous condition. The motion
prevailed.
At the suggestion of Supervisor GRANGER the President was authorized to
make repairs of the road at the end of the J street bridge, which was
represented to be in like unsafe condition. . . .
MILITARY IN NEVADA TERRITORY. -- The Silver Age of June 14th has
the following:
. . . Susan river was very high, and the horses had to swim the
streams. . . .
WEATHER IN TRINITY. -- The Weaverville Journal of June 14th says:
We have been visited for the week just past with a little the tallest
June weather ever experienced in these mountains. It began last Sunday
afternoon with a gentle Spring shower. Late on Sunday night it came in
the shape of a hail storm -- the most terrific ever known in this section.
Shrubbery and vegetables were leveled to the ground, and fruit looks as
though it had suffered an attack of small pox, and the crop will be much
injured in consequence. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the weather was
disagreeably cold, and on Thursday it rained almost incessantly. The
crops will be much benefitted by this last weather demonstration. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3501, 18 June 1862 p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
OREGON NEWS. -- A dispatch to the Bee dated at Yreka, June 17th, has
the following:
The telegraph line to this place was repaired yesterday, after being
down since November last. . . .
The Oregon telegraph is being rapidly built, and is completed from Portland
to Salem.
PORTLAND, June 12th. -- The rapidity with which the Willamette has risen in
the last twenty-four hours has been truly frightful. The whole business
portion of the town is now submerged.
DALLES, June 11th. -- The Columbia river has risen four feet above high
water mark, and is still rising at the rate of one inch per hour. It is
feared the town will be submerged. All the business men have vacated their
premises, and are transacting business in tents. . . .
THE UPPER SACRAMENTO. -- The Yreka Union of June l4th says:
The late warm weather having melted the large quantity of snow in the
mountains, the streams in this county are booming full of water. Scott
river, it is said, is nearly as high as at any time last Winter, and it
is with difficulty that it can be crossed on the roads leading to it.
The floating bridge at Fort Jones has been washed away. . . .
p. 5
. . .
RISE IN THE WATERS. -- The American river at the head of Barns' Slough
has risen some three feet within the past two days. As a consequence,
the water in the flooded portion of the city rose three or four inches
yesterday. The Sacramento, which had fallen to seventeen feet above low
water mark had advanced three inches above that point at sunset last
evening. . . .
J STREET AND THE BRIDGE. -- One-half of the chain gang and three teams
were engaged yesterday, under the supervision of President Shattuck
and Dr. Jacobs, in repairing J street and the J street bridge. To-day
an additional force will be added and the work will be completed. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3502, 19 June 1862 p. 3
TORNADO AND LOSS OF LIFE. -- Wheeling, Virginia, Wednesday, May
21st. -- A destructive tornado at two o'clock this afternoon unroofed
and demolished the Lutheran church, occupied as a school, killing three
and wounding six scholars. It blew down the steeple also, and partially
unroofed St. John's (Episcopal) church. The same tornado demolished the
upper works of the steamer Mariner, bound down with troops. The Captain,
mate and pilot were somewhat injured. No lives were lost. The hull of
the boat arid the cargo were saved. . . .
RAIN IN SANTA CRUZ. -- On Wednesday, June 11th, rain commenced falling
in Santa Cruz in the morning and continued through the day. It did some
damage to the hay crop, which was mostly cut. . . .
p. 6
. . .
LAWS OF CALIFORNIA.
PASSED AT THE THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE-1862.
. . .
AN ACT to Authorize the Payment of the Rent of the Building known as
the Merchants' Exchange, in the City and County of San Francisco, now
occupied by the Legislature. [Appropriates $4,047 to pay John Parrott
for the rent of said building.] . . .
AN ACT Providing for Free Bridges Across J and K Streets, in the City
of Sacramento.
Section 1. The Board of Supervisors of the City and County of Sacramento
is hereby authorized, during the session held next after the passage of
this Act, to levy a tax of ten cents on each one hundred dollars worth
of taxable property within the limits of the City of Sacramento, for the
current fiscal year; and the tax so levied shall be collected in the same
manner as other taxes, and the money when collected shall be paid into a
special fund, to be designated as "The City Bridge Fund."
Sec. 2. As soon as the Supervisors and G. W. Colby agree upon the amount
of purchase money to be paid for the J street bridges, which amount shall
not exceed $5,500 12, and said Colby has conveyed said bridges free of
liens and incumbrances to the city, and canceled his contract and license
in relation thereto, the Auditor shall draw and deliver to said Colby his
warrants on the City Bridge Fund for the amount of purchase money, and
shall certify to the Treasurer a registry of the order in which they
are drawn, and the Treasurer shall pay them out of said fund in that
order; and after said warrants are paid, the remainder of the money
arising from the tax levied under the provisions of this Act shall
be applied exclusively to the erection of a bridge on K street across
the Sutter Fort Slough.
Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect immediately. . . .
LATE FROM PORTLAND. -- A correspondent, writing from Portland. June 11th,
furnishes the following interesting items:
We have no news to communicate, except we are rapidly going under water.
The waters from the Columbia river and its tributaries backed up, and
have raised the Willamette to a very uncomfortable hight for the people
of Portland. At this time the water is higher than ever known before.
The front street on the river is flooded through all the business portion,
and impassable for man or beast that fears water. The merchants are
raising their goods from the floor, not knowing where the flood will
stop. For the past twenty-four hours it has raised ten inches, flooding
many private dwellings in the lower part of the town. The two principal
hotels in town, Pioneer and Metropolis, have yet about eight inches to
go on, before they have to vacate their lower floors. The towns of
Vancouver and Dalles, on Columbia river, are already suffering -- the
water being entirely over the business portions of both towns, and
the river still rising. The boats that have been running daily to
Cascades and Dalles, will only go tri-weekly until further notice,
as the railroad across the Portage is so far under water as to be
unsafe to use in transporting passengers or freight. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3503, 20 June 1862 p. 1
GRIZZLIES ABOUT. -- The snow on the mountains has driven the grizzlies
down in great numbers. At American Camp, near Columbia district, they
annoy the miners very much -- carrying off provisions and everything
they can get hold of.
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
That faint streak of light in the East, the appearance of which was
recorded in our last issue, proved to be slightly delusive. The
telegraphic wire has failed to connect. Heavy floods between Salt
Lake and Pacific Springs are said to have caused the breakages and
the delay ef repairs. The line is reported to be in working order to
Fort Bridger, and, at last advices, the waters had so far subsided as
to allow workmen to proceed with the repairs beyond that point. Further
the deponent at Salt Lake sayeth not. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE WATER. -- The waters of the American river continue to rise on account
of the melting of the snow in the mountains, and the water in the lower
part of the city has still an upward tendency. It rose about six inches
yesterday, and, of course, spread over portions of the streets and grounds
previously dry. The County Hospital was at sunset partially surrounded,
and the water was covering L street as far west as Eighth. At Burns'
slough, near the Fort, the rise was about eighteen inches, and on the
east side of the slough the waters overflowed the bank near New Helvetia
Cemetery, and ran southward across the several roads beyond the bridges
to a depth of from one to two feet deep. Ranchmen were compelled, to
drive through water hub deep to reach the city. The chain gang was engaged
during the forenoon at work on J street, in grading and leveling it off.
At noon they were compelled to go out to the Thirty-first street levee,
and add to the hight of the works which they constructed a few weeks
since, or the water would have come into the city north of J street.
The water at the tannery is still not up to the top of the levee built
at that point recently by the chain gang by about a foot, but we are
informed that there are one or two weak points in it which may give
way under the action of the current, unless attended soon. . . .
FIRE. -- A dwelling house belonging to James A. Duffy, located on the
east side of Third street, between Q and R streets, was destroyed by
fire at about three o'clock yesterday morning. At the time of the flood
Duffy had removed his furniture from the building, and it remained empty
for a time. During the past week he had had the house fixed up preparatory
to its reoccupancy, and had placed in it a portion of his furniture. At
dusk on Wednesday evening the house was carefully locked up, there having
been no fire used about it during the day. The fire was of course the work
of an incendiary. . . .
SEALED PROPOSALS. -- The members of the Board of City Levee Commissioners
will meet at their room at twelve o'clock M. to-day, for the purpose of
receiving and opening sealed proposals for building the three sections of
levee lying between Thirty-first and Front streets. It is said that there
are several contractors in the city from different parts of the State who
design to bid on the work, besides a number of residents of Sacramento who
are in the field. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, June 19, 1862. The President called the Board to order at ten
o'clock A.M.. . . .
DANGER APPREHENDED
Supervisor HALL said he was informed that the water had risen in the north
part of the town within a few inches over the levee into J street, just
above the J street bridge. He called the attention of the Board to that
subject.
A STRANGER present said he was informed by reliable persons teaming into
the city that, at the small levee north of J street, the water had risen
level with the soft dirt and within a few inches of the top, and unless
more earth were put on there was danger of flooding J street again.
AMOS ADAMS said he was there a few hours ago, and the water was then rising
and was within six inches of coming over.
Supervisor GRANGER moyed that the President be authorized to take the chain
gang, and any others that he thought necessary to employ, at once to the
place of danger, and do whatever was necessary to keep out the water.
The PRESIDENT -- I would inquire what others Supervisor Granger alludes to?
Supervisor GRANGER -- I thought it possible for the President to procure
the help of some parties interested, perhaps, and that it would be better
to authorize him to employ them, so that he could assure them that their
accounts would be allowed.
The PRESIDENT -- I do not think that the President could procure any help
unless he would agree to pay them out of his own pocket.
Supervisor GRANGER -- Then it will not be your fault; but I will withdraw
it if you object to it.
The PRESIDENT -- No, I have no objection, but I think it will be of no
use. Do you propose to authorize me to go out and look at the place first,
or take out the chain gang before examining the place?
Supervisor GRANGER -- To take them out forthwith.
The PRESIDENT -- I would prefer that the Board authorize some one else.
I have no doubt that the person who brought this report states what he
thinks to be the truth, but I recollect that I was, last Winter, called
out of a meeting on a report that the levee was giving way at a point
which I found to be in no particular danger, and which, I believe, did
not give out at all through the whole flood, and remains firm yet; yet
I was authorized to run and leave the room, and go right down and stop
it. This may be a similar case, I don't know; and if that small levee
up there is about to give way, it will require a good deal of force to
stop it. But if the Board authorizes me, I will go out and look at it
after the Board adjourns; and after I have examined it, if it will do
any good, 1 will set the chain gang to work. But 1 will state that I do
not think it possible to get any help if men are to look to any city fund
for their pay.
Supervisor Granger's motion was adopted.
FENCING A ROAD.
A petition was received from Amos Adams, Dwight Holllster and several
others, residents of Franklin township, representing that they are
severe sufferers by flood, their lands having been overflowed, and
fences and in some cases buildings swept away; that they depend for
support upon the product of their cows, but large numbers of cattle
from a distance have found their way upon their farms, threatening to
deprive them of that support. They therefore ask permission to erect
a gate on the road leading from Franklin school house to the Sacramento
river to keep out the strange cattle until next November, promising as
soon as that road becomes passable to have a man there to open and shut
the gate.
Supervisor WATERMAN said he was acquainted with the locality, and the gate
would not discommode anybody but the petitioners. He moved that the prayer
of the petitioners be granted.
The motion prevailed. . . .
CROPS IN SOUTHERN OREGON. -- The Jacksonville Sentinel of
June 14th says:
Owing to the continued severity of last Winter and the very early period
at which it commenced, but little Fall grain was sown. What little was put
in, however, looks fine and promises an abundant yield. But this will not
be more than sufficient to bread the people of this valley, much less to
supply the dependent markets. Our only dependence, then, is on the volunteer
crop. Much of this was badly injured by the floods and frosts of last
Winter. The season so far has been very favorable; warm and growing showers
continuing up to the present, and bidding fair to continue through the
present month. Notwithstanding these favorable conditions the volunteer
crop will not be an average one. But a very few oats were sown this
Spring and the volunteer crop will not amount to anything. There will
be no barley raised in the Valley this Year worth mentioning.
THE FLOOD IN PORTLAND. -- The Oregonian of June 13th, speaking of the
flood in Portland, says:
We hope to see the water come to a stand by ten o'clock to-day.
The rise yesterday was comparatively slow, only amounting to about
two inches. Good news from the upper Willlamette informs us that river
had fallen above about six inches, and strong hopes are now entertained
that we have seen the worst. We had the privilege of a boat ride
yesterday over several streets in the lower part of the city; and
found many families still occupying their dwellings, though some had
been compelled to move their furniture, bedding, cooking, and washing
to the second story. However, all seemed cheerful, consoling themselves,
perhaps, with the reflecton that this flood is not half so bad as the
one which occurred in Noah's time, nor yet so disastrous as it might be.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3504, 21 June 1862 p. 1
. . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, June 12, 1862.
The Floods.
The long months of chilling breezes that characterized our past Winter
have reserved for us heavy Summer floods. The tidings from every portion
of the Territory are ominous of heavy damages to property along the banks
of the rivers; and in a country like this, where it has seldom rained during
the Summer, the settlements, for irrigating purposes alone, have been built
by the sides of the mountain streams. At the present time I doubt if there
is more than one bridge that has been left by the sweeping floods in all
this valley. A very fine bridge was erected over Jordan, to the northwest
of this city, last year, and that is the only bridge known to be passable.
The stage that got in from California on Monday, had scarcely well crossed
the south bridge till it "went," and on Tuesday the outgoing stage had to
return. Yesterday they had it "fixed," and the mail crossed over, and by
a circuitous route, avoiding Camp Floyd, calculated to keep on
uninterruptedly.
The American Fork, Provo, Hobble Creek and Spanish Fork rivers, and other
streams in Utah county, adjoining, are all reported higher than at any
time since the country was inhabited by whites. The bridges, built high
enough for ordinary rising streams, have been all swept away, and the
streams are nearly all impassable. From what I learn, the reports from
the more distant counties are much the same. The News says: "The damage
that has been sustained by the public and by individuals thus far has
been immense, and the prospects are that there will be much more done."
The City creek, that supplies nearly all this city with irrigating water,
has torn up everything in its passage down the canon, and is making for
itself a canal down Jordan street, to the no small consternation of the
inhabitants in the lower part of the city. Last week it had made its track
in some places of the street more than twenty feet deep; but by damming,
they have accumulated the rolling bowlders till the great chasm is decently
filled. Lower down in its course, all the men in the Wards through which it
flows, have had to devote two days labor, or a night and day to walling it
in the center of the road, as it threatened to ingulf everything. The other
side of Jordan, which has been devoted to grazing for the city cows during
Summer, is one sheet of water, and rivals in appearance the famous Salt
Lake, houses and farms surrounded like Antelope and Gunnison islands In
the center of the briny deep.
The Saints are likely to feel less oppressively the overflowing of the
rivers and creeks than any other people similarly circumstanced, as the
Bishop counts noses and not circumstances where labor is wanted, and the
man on Mount Ararat has as much to do for the common defense as the other
man whose threshold and fireside are within reach of the surging waters.
Notwithstanding this, under the most favorable unity, the waters of '62
are doing heavy damage, and will probably be severely felt in the next
harvest. . . .
The Emigration to California.
. . .
They left Omaha on the 24th of April, and had made good time till they
reached this end of the journey, where they were hindered by high waters
a.week longer than usual. . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
The managers' of the Overland Telegraph have started a Pony Express from
Salt Lake for Fort Bridger, which point will be reached this morning. The
rider is an operator, and he is instructed to make a connection at any
convenient and accessible station. The unprecedented floods have prevented
a previous resort to this enterprise. . . .
Our correspondent at Salt Lake gives an account of the destructive floods
that have recently occurred in Utah, from which it appears that the rivers
have risen to an unprecedented hight, and destroped an immense amount of
property. . . .
At a meeting of the Levee Commissioners held yesterday, the bids for
constructing the proposed levee were opened. They were twenty-two in
number, the estimates being exceedingly varied. The Commissioners
themselves estimate the cost of the whole work at $200,000. The bids
were referred to a Special Committee for examination. The Commissioners
adjourned to meet this evening. . . .
THE OVERLAND TELEGRAPH -- A dispatch from Salt Lake, dated June 19th, says:
The stages have commenced to arrive and depart regularly, East and West.
The telegraph line is still down east of this place. Should the stages get
through, it will not take long to get the line up, as crossing the streams
seems to be the principal difficulty. . . .
LEVEE BIDS. -- Some twenty-odd bids were opened yesterday for building
the levee, but they are in such a form that it will require considerable
figuring to determine which is the lowest. They all, however, appear to
range above the estimate of the engineers. The Commissioners are not
required absolutely to accept the lowest bid, unless the means and
character of the bidder are calculated to insure the completion of the
work. In letting these contracts the Commissioners will find it necessary
to secure the completion of the work by placing it in the hands of men
who can be relied upon to finish it in time and as the contract specifies.
A bond with security where a man fails would prove worse than useles;
something else besides a good bond must be relied upon. The Commissioners
should keep in their hands the control of the contracts and contractors.
It is thought vital. that this work be placed in responsible hands. Delay
in the work would ruin the prospects of the city. . . .
FRESHET IN VERMONT. -- The late freshet in Orleans county, Vt., carried
off eleven public bridges and probably twice as many private ones, and
all the booms from Irasburg to Lake Magog. Part of Coventry village was
laid under water. The recent flood was severe in its effects upon the
village of Richmond. The grist mill of John Hapgood is left high and dry
on the top of a ledge -- the river making a new channel on the west side
of it. . . .
THE WEATHER. -- During the days of June 18th and 19th the thermometer
ranged in this office (upper story) from 84 to 90 degrees. In Stockton
it raised from 83 to 90 degrees, June 18th. In Nevada, June 18th, the
mercury reached 89 degrees, and on the 19th, 86 degrees. . . .
SOUTHERN RIVERS RISING. -- The Stockton Argus of June 18th says:
The San Joaquin is up, and in places overflowing its banks, threatening
destruction to ranches. The present warm weather is fast melting the snow
in the mountains.
The Independent of June 20th remarks:
The stage due yesterday from Mariposa failed to arrive, probably in
consequence of being unable to cross the rivers, owing to the rise
occasioned by the melting of the snow upon the mountains. We learn
from a gentleman who arrived in this city yesterday from the Stanislaus,
that the river had overflowed its banks at Burney's Ferry, and was still
rising. . . .
STILL RISING. -- The Portland Oregonian of June 14th says:
The Willamette is still rising, having increased about three-fourths
of an inch from six o'clock yesterday morning until ten o'clock last
night. The water in the Willamette is now at least twenty-eight feet
above low water mark and the Columbia about thirty feet. The Columbia
at Vancouver is reported to be on a stand. . . .
CITY LEVEE AFFAIRS. -- At one o'clock yesterday afternoon a meeting
of the Board of City Levee Commissioners was held at their room in
Jordan's Building, on J street, near Seventh. The sealed proposals
offered for constructing the three sections of levee lying between
Front, and Thirty-first streets were opened and referred to a Special
Committee for further consideration. There were twenty-two bids in all
received. The names of bidders and the terms at which they propose to
do the work will be found in another column. A meeting of the Board
will be held this evening, at which time it is expected that the
Special Committee will be prepared to report on the bids, and the
Board, if prepared, will award the contracts. The Board of Commissioners
then took into consideration the subject of estimating the cost of
the construction of the city levees, and concluded by the adoption
of the following:
"Resolved, that this Board estimate that the amount
required to be raised for the different purposes specified in section
ten of an Act concerning the construction and repair of levees in
the county of Sacramento and the mode of raising revenue therefore,
approved April 9. 1862, is the sum of two hundred thousand dollars." . . .
THE WORK AT BURNS' SLOUGH. -- For a day or two past the rumor
has been current that the Burns' slough contractors, Baker and
Hubbard, had abandoned or were about to abandon the work which
they had undertaken, of shutting out the water from Burns' slough.
This rumor proves to be untrue, amd arose no doubt from the fact
that the water had risen some three feet since they entered into
the contract, and from the sickness of one of the contractors,
Hubbard, who has been unable to leave his house for four or five
days past. We are informed by J. H. Culver, one of the Contracting
Committee, that he visited the head of the slough yesterday afternoon,
and that he is satisfied, from the progress of the work, that the
Contractors will be able to shut off the water by Monday or Tuesday
next. Cribs are being sunk, with which gates will be connected.
When everything is properly adjusted the gates will be closed
simultaneously, and the current stopped. There are now thirty-one
men engaged on the work.
THE NEW CITY LEVEE -- OPENING OF THE BIDS.
The Board of City Levee Commisioners met at their room in Jordan's
Building yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of opening the proposals
for building the city levee. According to the printed specifications,
the bids were to be made building the levee in three distinct and
separate sections. Section one begins on the east line of Thirty-first
street and ends on the east line of Twelfth street. Section two begins
on the east line of Twelfth street and ends on the north line of H
street. Section three begins on the north line of H street and ends
at the middle line of Front street. Proposals were required to be
made for the different sections in the following form:
Section No. 1 -- First -- Where material is furnished as
designated on map, from the north side of the proposed levee,
--- cents per cubic yard.
Second -- Where material is furnished from the public squares, and
from the north side of the levee, from Twenty-sixth to Thirty-first
streets, as designated on said map, --- cents per cubic yard.
Third -- I will furnish material elsewhere at my own charge,
excepting from Twenty-sixth to Thirty-first streets, and do the
work for --- cents per cubic yard.
Section No 2.-- First -- I will do the work on this section,
from Twelfth street to the north side of F street, where material is
furnished as designated in specifications, for --- cents per cubic yard.
Second --When material is furnished is designated, I will do the work
from the north side of F street to the north side of H street,
for --- cents per cubic yard.
Third --- I will furnish the material and do the work from the
north side of F street to the north side of H street, for --- cents
per cubic yard.
Section No. 3. -- I will furnish material and do the work
for -- cents per cubic yard.
Twenty-two bids in all were, received, as shown in the following table,
which will be understood by reference to the above form of proposals:
SECTION 1. SECTION 2. S. 3.
----------------- ----------------- -------
NAMES. 1st. 2d. 3d. 1st. 2d. 3d.
------------------------------ ------ ------ --- ------ --- ------ ------
John Coffee & Co. ..... 19 25 35 28 30 36
Wm. S. Watson 24 37-1/2 42 37-1/2 40 45
J. R. Myers 45 cts. for all
H. M. Stow ... 37-1/2 52 65 33 55 65 65
Cochran & McDonald 43 62-1/2
S. D. Smith 33-1/2 35 40 50
J. S. Sullivan ....... 24 28 40 34 36 45 48
Hunt, Hodgden & Fennell ..... 32 37 70 62 75 97-1/2
Buttrick & White..... 32-1/2 c.for ali.
Farley & Ryan. . .... 26-1/2 32 45 36 36 43 55
J. Fountain.. 31 35 40 35 38 42 65
T. A. Talbert... ...... 30 40 55 30 50 55 55
Henry Maginn .. .. 40 42 .. ..
R. S. Casey 27 33 36 36 41 44 52
J. O'Brien & Co 50 .. .. .. .. .. ..
Wm. O'Shea 37-1/2 45
E. D. Wheatley .. 68
A. D. Gay 23 40
R. J. Graham. 30 36 40 40 45 50 58
J. Turton..... ... 25 32 35 35 40 44 51
J. Mackintosh . ... 26 31 .. 34 36 40
I. S. Humphrey... ... 27 32 .. 38 .. 44
Several of the bids were irregular, in proposing conditions and
stipulations other than those laid down in the specifications. The
bid of John Coffee & Co. appears to be the lowest at the first glance,
and the guarantees were John Singleton and Frank S. Malone. Justin R.
Myers, of Placer, who proposes to build the whole levee at forty-five
cents per cubic yard, stipulates that the Commissioners shall condemn
at his expense such ground as he may require for section 3, his bid to
cover the whole work or none, "acts of God and public enemies
excepted." J. Cochran and Angus McDowell [sic] propose also to build
section No. 1 at thirty-six cents, the material being condemned except
from Twelfth to Fourteenth Streets, where they propose to furnish the
material. For S. D. Smith, who makes a low bid for sections two and
three, the guarantees are Jared Irwin, John H. McKune and W. C. Felch.
Buttrick & White of San Francisco, who propose to build the whole for
thirty-three [sic] and one-half cents per yard, reserve the privilege of
taking materials from public squares, and state in a note that they
have one hundred and twenty American horses which they will agree to
put upon the work within ten days. Their guarantees are Thomas Comins
and Joseph Banquier. Henry Maginn gives no names of guarantees, and
T. A. Talbert gives as his guarantees H. M. Stow and R. H. Daly. A. L.
Gay of Sutter stipulates that if he is required to bring his material
from a distance his bid shall be increased in proportion to the
distance. J. Turton gives as guarantees Mark Hopkins, C. P. Huntington
and E. B. Crocker. John Mackintosh accompanied his bid with several
letters of recommendation, and gave as guarantees George Whitesides
and Thomas W. Gilmer. The several proposals were referred to a Committee
consisting of Holmes, Crocker and Knox, to examine and report those
they consider most favorable for the city. . . .
DEEP SNOW IN PLUMAS COUNTY. -- A correspondent of the Marysville
Appeal, writing from the City of Seventy-six, Plumas county,
June 15th, says:
We have very deep snow here upon the mountains. It is over thirty feet
deep at the mouth of my tunnel in the Washington mine. I have not yet
commenced to work on account of it. The Eureka Company is making more
money than ever before -- taking out about one thousand dollars per
day. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3505, 23 June 1862 p. 1
. . .
The Battle in Shenandoah Valley
WASHINGTON, June 13th.
". . .The recent rains have raised the river, which carried away the
bridges over the south branch of the Shenandoah, which materially
interferes with the movements of troops." . . .
p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
At a meeting of the Levee Commissioners, held on Saturday evening,
the contract for building section one of the new levee was awarded to
William Turton, at 25, 32 and 35 cents per yard, according to the terms
of the bid; and the contract for section two was given to S. D. Smith,
at 32-1/2, 35 and 40 cents per yard. The award of section three was
deferred until the next meeting. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
AWARD OF CONTRACTS. -- A meeting of the Board of City Levee
Commissioners was held at their rooms in Jordan's Building on
Saturday evening, for the purpose of awarding the contracts for
building that portion of the levee for which sealed proposals had
been received. A resolution was proposed to award all three of the
sections to one contractor, which on the vote being taken was voted
down. After further consultation, Section No. 1, from Thirty-first
street to Twelfth was awarded to William Turton; Section No. 2, from
Twelfth to H street, to S. D. Smith; and Section No. 3 was reserved
for consideration at the next meeting. Turton's bid is 25 cents per yard
if the material is furnished from the north of the levee, etc.; 32 cents
if from the public squares, etc.. and 35 cents if furnished by the
contractor. His sureties are L. Stanford, Mark Hopkins, C. P. Huntington,
and B. R. Crocker. His bond was fixed at §10,000. S. D. Smith's bid is
33-1/2, 35 and 40 cents per yard, according to the source from which the
material comes. His sureties are J. H. McKune, Jared Irwin and W. C.
Felch. His bond was fixed at $6,000. The bonds are to be filed by June
26th. The bids of John Coffee & Co. for these two sections were considerably
lower than the figures of the builders to whom the contracts were awarded.
We are informed that the work was not awarded to him because the members
of the Board were convinced that it could not be done at his figures, and
that he had not taken into calculation the cost of clearing off the ground,
which includes the removal of some four thousand yards of sand deposited
on the upper section. Coffee's sureties are John Bigler, John Singleton,
James Sullivan and E. Black Ryan. After the contracts were awarded, a
resolution was passed, instructing the Engineer, A. R. Jackson, to report
to the Board the amount of all expenses incurred up to the present time.
The Engineer was also instructed to make an estimate of the cost of Section
No. 5 of the levee -- lying between P and Y streets. A resolution was also
passed providing for a joint meeting of the City Levee Board, and Board of
Swamp Land Commissioners, to reconsider the location of the line of the
levee south of P street, with a view of locating it nearer the bank of
the river than the line as at present agreed upon. The Board then adjourned
until Wednesday evening. . . .
LEVEE ASSESSMENT ROLL. -- Assessor Ryan passed over on Saturday, according
to law, to the County Auditor, the levee assessment roll, as modified by
the Board of Equalization. The recapitulation foots up as follows: Known
owners -- Real estate, $1,682,821; improvements, $1,542,636; personal
property, $2,134,465; total, $5,360,022 [sic]. Unknown owners -- Real estate,
§246,552; improvements, $101,467; total, $348,019 -- grand total,
$5,708,041. The law which provides for the collection of the levee
tax requires that fifteen per cent. of the grand total shall be deducted
for delinquencies. This deduction has been made by the Board of
Equalization, amounting to $856,206, which leaves $4,851,835. On this
amount a tax of $4 13 on every $100 worth of property will be necessary
to raise the $200,000 which the Levee Commissioners have decided will
be required. The roll will be handed to the Sheriff to-morrow, nnd the
work of collecting will at once commence. The Sheriff has sixty days in
which to collect the entire amount. . . .
SUBSTANTIAL. -- The improvements at the crevasse below R street have stood
the test for about ten days, and show no signs of giving way under the
pressure of the water in the river. The lower dam, completed by the chain
gang, still shuts off fully three feet of water which would, except for
the dam, contiuue to run run [sic] through.
PRECAUTION NECESSARY. -- We understand it to be the opinion of one of our
city engineers, that if the water is successfully cut off at Burns' slough,
the levee at Rabel's tannery should be carefully watched, if not raised in
advance, lest the increased volume of water confined to the river shall
wash it away. . . .
THE FLOOD IN PORTLAND. -- The Oregonian of June 16th has a doleful
account of the doings of the waters in its vicinity. It says:
Contrary to expectation and in violence of all confidence, we are
again compelled to chronicle the fearful intelligence that the river
is rising, the waters having increased about an inch within the last
thirty hoars. The condition of our principal streets north from Alder
street is sad indeed, while the store and warehouses, hotels, dwellings,
shops and saloons are truly distressing to behold, many of the lower
floors of which are covered from one to ten inches deep in water. As
before remarked by us, the flood has done a great deal of damage, and
must unavoidably prove very disastrous to nearly all our merchants and
traders who have stores filled with valuable goods which are liable to
become damaged by mildew or soiled by dampness, besides the tearing up
of floors and sidewalks, and the entire drowning out of gardens and
fruit orchards. The forcible suspension of business at this time will
also seriously affect many of our citizens, as they had invested large
sums in supplies for the up river trade, much of which has doubtless
been obtained upon borrowed capital at heavy interest, . . .
SALMON RIVER MINES. -- The Portland Times of June 14th says:
The Julia, last evening, brought Wells, Fargo & Co.'s through Express
from Florence City, . . . The river rose at the Dalles, the last
twenty-four hours, eight inches. The water at Lewiston, when the boat
left, was three feet six inches deep in Hays' saloon. There was five
feet of water at the landing. E. M. Tracy was at Oro Fino on his way
down. The water was still rising at the Cascades. Yesterday, Colonel
Ruckle's residence was about demolished. Four men were drowned on the
Clear Water, in rafting down logs to make lumber. Their names were not
known. . . .
CROPS IN YOLO. -- The Knight's Landing News of June 21st says:
There is now no doubt in the minds of our farmers as to the general result
of the harvest in Yolo county. From careful inquiry and personal observation
of a large number of fields, we are satisfied there never was a more
proliftc harvest in this section than the present one. The hay crop,
which is now cut, is the largest ever raised in Yolo, and of superior
quality.
NEW SUSPENSiON BRIDGE. -- M. G. Sawyer has completed his suspension
bridge across the South Fork of the Mokelumne. The bridge is 150 feet
span, and 53 feet above the stream; the anchors have been firmly fixed,
and everything connected with the work put up in a substantial manner.
Several heavy teams have already crossed the bridge, and it is pronounced
perfectly secure. The old bridge was carried off during the flood of
December last. -- Calaveras Chronicle.
THE HIGH WATER SOUTH. -- We made mention recently of the high stage of
the San Joaquin and other southern rivers in this State. The Stockton
Republican of June 21st has the following in the same connection:
The Mariposa stage was stopped at the Merced river on Thursday on its way
down, owing to the tremendous current running at Murray's ferry, the
proprietor not deeming it safe to cross the vehicle and horses.
Fisher & Co. sent a stage up yesterday and the passengers of the down
stage were crossed over and arrived last evening. Those bound for
Mariposa were also put across and started for that point in the stage
which could not cross. The stage which arrived here must have had
twenty-five passengers. We are informed that such was the force of
the current at Dallas' ferry that his rope, a new one [made of wire],
was parted. . . .
p. 4
. . .
WARM WEATHER. -- The thermometer stood at Red Bluff for four or five
days last week from 96° to 100°. . . .
SACRAMENTO.`
From the editorial correspondence of Mooney'a Express we extract the
following:
Entering the City of the Plains by K street, one is surprised to see
that after all, comparatively little damage is done to the two principal
commercial streets of Sacramento, namely, J and K streets. These are two
noble highways, a mile long each, brick built, full of merchandise all
the way on each side, roomy, cheerful and offering to a stranger's eye
a fine vista into the back country. We have as yet no such streets in
San Francisco. Those who imagine that Sacramento has "gone in" are
indeed egregiously mistaken. The city, it is true, was for a few days
overwhelmed by a flood broke loose, and much merchandise, liquors and
furniture was destroyed; but the same city was burned down to the stump
twice before, and from the ashes arose this splendid aggregate of stores
and dwellings. The commercial portion of the city from which and by which
the laboring class of the inhabitants get employed is all safe and sound.
We know very well that hundreds of saving, industrious mechanics, draymen,
cabmen and laborers had invested their all in wood dwellings in the lower
part of the city, and their all, in many instances was swept away -- but
the commercial location of Sacramento, the extensive and fertile farms
on every hand around it, will speedily bring back to the city what it
has lost by the flood and sheer neglect. The whole of last Winter's
disasters grew from the sheer neglect of their levees. Sacramento is
not near so dangerously exposed to flowing water as is New Orleans.
The city of New Orleans is built for about seven miles along the banks
of the Mississippi, having one hundred and eighty thousand inhabitants.
The waters of a considerable zone of the earth are gathered into a
confluence at its doors; branch rivers -- two thousand miles long,
tapping the Andes in South America -- and the Rocky Mountains in Western
America, and the head waters of the St. Lawrence in North America, and
the Sinewy Alleghanies of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the washings
of Kentucky. Tennessee and Ohio; in short, the outpouring of thirty-five
thousand miles of rivers tumble and surge along within a well secured
set of levees by the city of New Orleans, and nobody fears a flood. At
this point, which is a hundred miles from the ocean, the Mississippi is
more than a mile wide, is thirty-five to forty feet deep, and surges
onwards at six to seven miles an hour. As it passes the city it is
twelve feet above the sidewalks, and is on a level with the windows
of the second stories of all the houses for seven miles along its banks!
Beyond the city are miles of unhealthy swamps, in which, reptiles and
yeltow fever germinate. Between the threatening river on the one hand,
and the pestiferous swamps on the other, the opulent city sits at ease,
with its spires, hotels, Custom house, Mint, markets, vilas, and warehouses.
Now, we parade those facts before the attention of the Sacramentans
themselves, and also before the general public, because we consider
many persons are panic stricken, and unnecessarily so, respecting the
future of the beautiful City of the Plains. That city, to be secure,
must be well surrounded with levees and ramparts on every side; and
moreover a respectable dyke must be cut for eight or ten miles from
the American river at some suitable point three or four miles in the
rear of the city, upon the principle of an overflow or mill-dam. Who
shall say that the enterprising men that have rebuilt their city twice
from ashes within ten years shall lie down in apathy, and allow despair
and the wild surging floods to overwhelm them. We can never believe it.
To be an opulent city does not depend upon the personal comforts of the
inhabitants, but on its position for commerce. Look back at the history
of Venice, a city built upon a group of small swamp islands in the angle
of the Adriatic, and which for a thousand years was the commercial
mistress of the world. Their streets to this day are canals; their
warehouses were built upon piles driven into mud; artificial roads were
made by bridges, and yet what halos of glory circle around its ancient
merchant princes, whose luxuries drawn from all parts of the earth at
last demented and debauched the people! Look to the creation of Holland,
a country snatched from the ocean by artificial levees, dykes and
pumps -- a nation pumped dry from the sea! Therefore, we say to those
waterlogged citizens of Sacramento, up! up! and raise breastworks against
future floods as you would and should do against armed invaders -- restore
and re-establish your beautiful city. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3506, 24 June 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
The Sacramento river fell three inches during yesterday. The American
also began to subside. . . .
TAXES. -- The citizens of the city of Sacramento will have to pay $7 25
taxes on the hundred dollars, this year, as follows: State. 62 cents;
Federal, 15 cents; city, $1; county, $1; county bonds, 25 cents; bridge
(Colby's) 10 cents; levee, $4 13, Total, $7 25. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
JOINT CONVENTION OF LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. Last night the "Swamp Land
Commissioners" and "City Levee Commissioners" met in Joint Convention.
Present, A. M. Winn, President; William H. Hooton and B. B. Redding, of
the State Board; and Charles H. Swift, Wm. H. Knox, Francis Tukey and
H. T. Holmes, of the City Board. On motion of Charles H. Swift, it was
resolved, that the line of levee agreed upon by this Convention be
changed so as to run along the bank of the Sacramento river from P street
until it strikes the old levee at or near Colby's house; thence along said
old levee to the south line of Y street. The Convention then adjourned,
to meet again at the call of the President. . . .
ROAD TO SUTTERVILLE. -- A large number of men commenced work yesterday
in the reconstruction of the road to Sutterville, along the bank of the
river. A wagon road was partially built across the slough below R street,
on a line with Front, alongside of the dam built by the chain gang. From
that point the road will connect with the old road near Y street. The
parties engaged in the enterprise are residents of Sutterville and the
ranchmen who live on the bank of the river above and below that point. . . .
BURNS' SLOUGH. -- We are informed that the work of sinking cribs at
Burns' slough is so far advanced that the open spaces between them will
probably be closed to-day or to-morrow. If the pressure of water shall
not prove so great as to carry them away, we shall doubtless have the
water stopped off within a day or two. . . .
CARSON RIVER RISING. -- The Silver Age of June 21st says:
The Carson river is rising rapidly at this time. We understand that the
water is already in some of the houses at Empire City, and that families
left that place yesterday afternoon for this city. The water commenced
rising night before last, and is the result of the melting of the heavy
depth of snow on the mountains at the source of the east and west branches
of the Carson.
TEAMS OVER THE MOUNTAINS. -- John G. Fox returned to Carson City June
20th from California. While going over the mountains, he counted within
a distance of four miles thirtyfive loaded teams proceeding to Carson
City. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3507, 25 June 1862 p. 2
. . .
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
By telegraph from San Francisco, wo have seme news from the Northern mines
brought by the Sierra Nevada. This vessel brought advices from Victoria to
the 17th, Oregon dates to the 21st, . . . The Willamette and Columbia
rivers had begun to subside, after doing considerable damage. Portland
has suffered from the flood. . . .
BODIES FOUND. -- The Esmeralda Star of June 21st has the following:
We learn from A. W. Luckett of Monoville, that French, the sole survivor
of a party of four, who started last Winter to cross the Sierra Nevada,
going to Mariposa, went out a few days ago to the place where he left his
companions, about twelve miles above Tinkum's mill, and digging down about
sixteen feet in the snow, found the bodies of Reilly and another man, just
as he left them, lying with their feet toward the ashes where the fire had
been. The snow being too deep to attempt to remove them, they were again
covered. It is the intention of French to go up again in four or five weeks,
with coffins, and bring their remains away and have them decently buried. . . .
THE SAN JOAQUIN. -- Advices received in Stockton from the upper San Joaquin
river state that the river is still overflowing its banks, and storekeepers
were raising their goods. . . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
SAN FRANCISCO,June 24th.
. . .
On the 16th the water commenced rising again at Portland, but at the
latest advices the Willamette was receding. It was rumored that the
Columbia had also fallen at Dalles. Much damage had been done in
Portland by the last rise. . . .
Information from Cariboo and Stickeen is favorable, but the water will
be too high to work before August. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
BURNS' SLOUGH. -- There are still some thirty men in the employ of
Hubbard & Baker, engaged in the work of stopping off the water at Burns'
slough. The slough at the point at which it leaves the American is about
300 feet wide, and is divided by a strip of willows into two channels.
Each of these channels is, in the middle, about ten feet deep. Cribs have
been sunk successfully across the northern one, in three or four different
sections. Each section consists of a platform ten feet wide and about
forty feet long, on which cribs four feet in width, and from eight to
ten feet in depth, are built, at a distance of five or six feet apart.
As the cribs are filled with earth, the entire structure sinks to the
bed of the channel. A large structure of this character, fifty-eight feet
long, was completed yesterday, and floated down the channel, to the
position it was designed to occupy. The strength of the current was so
great that the frame work carried away the two piles which had been driven
to support it, snapped off one or two hawsers, and floated down some forty
feet below the point at which it was designed to retain it. It was then
secured, and will be filled and sunk where it stands. This change of
position will require another long crib, for which lumber has been ordered
from the city. A small crib of twelve feet long was also carried out of
place. Notwithstanding these mishaps the contractors expect to complete
their work by or before Saturday night. . . .
NEWS FROM THE NORTH. -- A dispatch dated at Yreka, June 23d, has the
annexed intelligence: . . .
The waters of the flood are rapidly receding. Property of all kinds has
been damaged, and in the lower portion of the city the streets and wharves
have been deprived of their planking. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3509, 26 June 1862 p. 2
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
. . .
We publish an important communication from the President of the Board
of Swamp Land Commissioners to the Levee Commissioners of District
No. 2, in regard to the protection of that district from floods. . . .
OUR BUSINESS STREETS. -- A correspondent of a San Francisco paper
recently complimented Sacramento upon the possession of two such spacious
and lengthy business avenues as J and K streets. Although these
thoroughfares do not perhaps at present, wear an aspect of either
remarkable neatness or elegance, their life, bustle, evidences of
prosperous trade and facilities for the transaction of a heavy business
awakened the surprise and elicited the commendation of the visitor from
the Bay City, who had probably expected to witness, on all sides, the
indications of irretrievable damage and general depression. Since the
subsidence of the waters removed all fears of further injury to stores
and warehouses, or interference with trade by floods, the occupants of
property on J and K streets have actively engaged in repairing sidewalks
and improving the external and internal appearance of their stores, so
that some blocks are more attractive than ever. But much work of the same
description remains to be performed. Weather-beaten signs and dirty and
ragged awnings are entirely too numerous, and they disfigure the general
effect of some otherwise handsome blocks. In a number of places the traces
of the flood are still visible in broken sidewalks and stained walls.
A general brushing up, repairing, pointing and substitution of new and
neatly arranged awnings for those that are torn, stained or ill adapted
for the purpose, would enhance the attractions of the principal
thoroughfares, and the expense would be inconsiderable.
An elegant or imposing store is said to be a first rate advertisement.
The tradesmen of New York are persuaded of the truth of this, and hence
their rivalry in erecting business palaces that astonish the stranger.
In a more modest way, it is quite possible for the business men of
Sacramento to render their two finest avenues much more attractive.
What is lacking in architecture may be, in a measure, atoned for by
neatness, cleanliness and style of arrangement; and to this end, all
evidences of last Winter's visitation should be removed from our centers
of traffic and shopping without further delay. . . .
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to June 25th.
. . .
Washington, June 25th.
. . .
There was a terrible storm in this section last night, which lasted three
hours. The wind blew a hurricane, leveling tents and trees in all
directions. . . .
FALLING. -- The British Colonist says:
Fraser and Harrison rivers are reported as falling. The water at Port
Douglas and on the portages of the Harrison-Lillooet trail has receded,
and had at no time reached a depth sufficient to prevent the forwarding
of supplies to the mines. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
INSOLVENT SUITS. -- Francis Clark, of Folsom hss filed in the District
Court a petition in insolvency, setting forth the following state of
facts: The petitioner is a resident of Folsom. In consequence of bad
debts, losses in business, interest paid, fires, floods, . . .
SWAMP LAND DISTRICT. -- The owners of property in Swamp Land District No. 2
will learn by the perusal of an article in another column, that their
concerted action is necessary to insure the building of the levees of
the district. The Swamp Land Commissioners have no authority to contract
for the construction of the levees until duly petioned [sic] to do so by
property holders. The City Levee Commissioners, however, have authority to
proceed with the construction of so much of the levee as may be deemed
necessary to the safety of the city. Property owners will be the gainers
by giving the subject their attention.
IMPROVEMENT. -- R. P. Jacobs, having in view the welfare of the public,
collected yesterday from divers and sundry persons a sufficient sum of
money to hire a team, by means of which the loose cobbles on J street
were gathered up and filled into the gully at Fourth and J streets, at
which several incidents had already occurred from the crossing of
vehicles. The cobbles were then covered with several loads of sand,
which makes the street at that point passable. The services cf the chain
gang were brought into requisition to aid in the work.
GRAVEL. -- The schooner Black Diamond, Captain Kaldron, discharged,
yesterday, at the foot of N street, about one hundred tons of gravel
from Raccoon Straits. The cargo was sold to the State Capitol contractors
for use in the manufacture of concrete. It is delivered on the levee at
the rate of $2 50 p«r ton. It would make admirable material for gravel
walks, and with the proper arrangement for the sale and delivery of it
by the load there would probably be a demand for several cargoes of it
for that purpose.
REPUBLICS, ETC. -- Contractor Maginn, who spent some two weeks in hard
work at the crevasse below R street, and who has not yet received a dollar
for his individual services, was yesterday arrested on two charges -- one of
petty larceny in stealing $4 worth of lumber which was used about the dam,
and the other of malicious mischious [sic] in cutting down trees which he
used as brush to check the flow of the water. He doubtless concurs in the
opinion expressed by others of similar experience that "Republics are
ungrateful." . . .
LEVEE COMMISSIONERS. -- The City Levee Commissioners held a meeting last
evening, at their room in Jordan's building. The award of the contract for
the construction of section number three of the levee was, after
consideration, defered to a future meeting of the Board. Conractors
Turton and Smith were present, prepared to file their bonds, but the
subject was postponed until the next meeting,in order to decide on the
form of the bond. . . .
PROTECTION OF DISTRICT TWO, SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
The following letter has been addressed by the President of the Swamp
Land Commissioners to the Levee Commissioners of District No. 2,
Sacramento county:
OFFICE OF SWAMP LAND COMMISSIONERS, }
SACRAMENTO, June 26, 1862. }
To Josiah Johnson, A. Runyon and Washington Fern, Levee Cominissioners of
District No. 2, Sacramento county.
Gcntlemen: By the provisions of "An Act concerning the construction and
repair of levees in the county of Sacramento, and the mode of raising
revenue therefor," approved April 9, 1862, you were chosen Commissioners
for taking care of and keeping in repair forty miles of the levee to be
constructed in District No. 2, after the same shall have completed and
delivered it into your hands according to law. We, therefore, address you
for the purpose of showing the present condition of the district, and
through you to inform your citizens what is necessary to be done.
Last Winter it was ascertained that very few districts of swamp land could
be reclaimed with the money at our command, which only amounts to one dollar
per acre of the swamp land in the district. The attention of the Legislature
was directed to that fact; they passed a supplemental Act, the fourth
section of which reads as follows:
Sec. 4. If, from the report and estimates of the Engineer and after the
approval of the plan of reclamation by the Board of Commissioners, it
shall appear that the amount in the State Treasury to the credit of a
district be not sufficient to reclaim said district, the Board of
Supervisors of each county in which such district or part of a district,
may be situate, shall, and they are hereby required, upon presentation
of a petition from the holders or patents or certificates of purchase
of swamp, tide or marsh lands within the district, representing one-third
in acres of the whole of said district, levy a tax on all real estate,
and improvements on real estate within their county and within the
boundaries of such district, including only real estate and improvements
to be protected from overflow by the reclamation of such district, which
tax shall in the aggregate when added to the amount in the State Treasury
to the credit of such district, equal the amount of the cost of permanent
reclamation as estimated and returned by the Engineer for said district.
We have adopted the plan for reclaiming the district. The levee is to be
two feet higher than the last flood, three feet wide on top, with a slope
of three to one on the river side, and one and a half to one on the land
side.
The estimated cost is $160,000, of which the city of Sacramento pays
$17,563.70, leaving the sum of $142,436 30; amount in the State Treasury
$19,121 88 Leaving the amount to be raised by taxation, as provlded in
mection 4, $123,314 42.
This you will discover from the law, can only be done by your consent,
expressed in a petition to the Board of Supervisors. When you have sent
in your petition, and the tax is levied, then we can let the contracts,
and not before.
We have made the sections for letting contracts about a half mile long,
conforming as nearly as possible to frontage of the farms on the river,
that each owner may contract for and build the levee in front of his own
property. The tax would be heavy we know, but your property is worth
absolutely nothing without the levee, while with it your farms are worth
all of fifty dollars per acre.
Suppose your citizens refuse to petition -- what then? The Legislature
has provided for just such an emergency. In the same Act above referred
to, from which you derive your power, the 17th section reads as follows:
"Section 17. In case the Swamp and Overflowed Land Commissioners shall,
from a legislative diversion of the Swamp Land Fund, and consequent want
of money, or for any other cause, be unable to let out the constructing
the levees for Swamp Land District No 2 so as to be completed on or before
the first day of October. 1862, the City Levee Commissioners may construct
so much of said levee as they may deem necessary for the protection of the
city, and the cost of such construction excepting the one-half hereinbefore
provided for, from Thirty-first street to Burns'slough, shall be paid into
the City Levee Fund out of the first moneys that come into the State Treasury
applicable to Swamp Land District No. 2, or said City Levee Commissioners
may advance the amount of money required for such construction, and the
money so advanced shall be returned into the Levee Fund out of the first
moneys that come into the State Treasury applicable to Swamp Land District
No. 2." So that, you see, if your district refuses to petition, the City
Commissioners will do the work necessary to protect the city and take the
money of the district to pay for its portion of the work.
If you refuse to petition, we must then notify the City Levee
Commissioners that we cannot do the work so that they may have time to
protect the city against another flood. But we cannot, for a moment,
harbor the thougnt that any respectable number of your citizens seriously
contemplate such a suicidal neglect of their best interests. Therefore we
most earnestly urge upon you and your neighbors the necessity of
petitioning the Board of Supervisors without delay, so that we may let
out the work at as early a day as possible.
The district is bounded on the north by the American river, west and
south by the Sacramento river, Tyler slough, Big Snodgrass slough,
Mokelumne river, Cosumnes river, and Burton's slough, and east by the
high lands, embracing not only the 41,000 acres of swamp land in it,
but all of the land and improvements thereon that is to be protected
from overflow by the levees. All of such property is to bear an equal
tax for the purpose of reclamation; therefore the tax will not be as
heavy or as unequal as some seem to anticipate.
Your obedient servant, A. M. WINN,
President Swamp Land Commissioners.
The following is the petition to be circulated among the citizens in
Swamp Land District No. 2. Blank petitions can be had at the office of
Swamp Land Commissioners or the Sheriff's office;
To the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of Sacramento,
State of California.
Your petitioners are holders of patents and certficates of purchase of
swamp, tide or marsh lands within Swamp Land District No. 2, and
respectfully represent, that the Board of Swamp Land Commissioners
have adopted the plan for the permanent reclamation of the district.
That from the report and estimates of the engineers it appears that
the total cost of reclaiming the district will amount to $142,436.30.
The amount in the State Treasury to the credit of the district being
only $19,121.88, is not sufficient, but leaves the sum of $123,314 42
to be raised by taxation.
Therefore being anxious to protect ourselves against the destructive
effects of inundation, we respectfully petition the Board of Supervisors
to "levy a tax on all real estate and improvements on real estate within
this county and within the boundaries of such district, including only
real estate and improvements to be protected from overflow by the
reclamatlon of such district, which tax shall in the aggregate, when
added to the amount in the State Treasury to the credit of such district
equal the amount of the cost of permanent reclamation as estimated and
returned by the engineer for said district." As in duty bound, etc, . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3510, 27 June 1862 p. 1
. . .
LETTER FROM NEW YORK.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
[This letter came by the Overland Mail, but has been delayed by the troubles on the route.]
NEW YORK, April 9, 1862.
Storm Out of Season.
What a snow storm we had yesterday. The day before (Monday) was perfectly
lovely, and so warm in the morning that fashionable men and women turned
out in their light, Spring " toggery," and looked as if fans and ice were
perfect indispensables. The sun came out in his glory, and his florid
countenance alarmed us all into thoughts about Niagara, the Catskill
Mountains, Newport, Coney Island, and all those other little delicacies
of the dog-days. The birds began to sing in all directions, precisely as
if they were rehearsing a new June or July opera, and the trees seemed to
bow to all who passed and say, "By your leave -- as if
anticipating an immediate garniture of foliage. In fact, the weather
seemed to be a sort of new edition of Summer-made-easy, and overcoats
became a decided bore, and heavy boots were foetid. To-day, what
a change has overcome our fervid dream; The snow has been falling for
many an hour; the streets are white and so are the house tops; but as
for white pants and dresses, it would make one shiver to gaze upon such
untimely novelties. The northeast wind sighs rheumatically around the
window panes; overshoes and overcoats, furs and furbelows, look so
comfortable; and the ruddy fire in the grate, as its genial warmth
spreads out into the room, is almost inviting enough
to be hugged. In fact, we wish we were a salamander, that we might give
it a taste of our affection! The storm is really a wild, cold and peculiarly
disagreeable one; and how it will keep back the lilacs! The poor things,
following respectfully in the wake of the milliners, always anticipate a
"grand opening day" on the first of May; and when every human critter is
expected to "move" (everybody shifts his residence here on the first of
May), the lilacs usually count upon "coming out strong" in order to
astonish their mother Nature, and please us, their devoted admirers. The
present storm has put the lilacs quite out of heart; they have not the
heart to get ready to blossom; they have substantially "seceded." . . .
p. 2
. . .
HIGH WATER AT CARSON. -- Many of the ranches on the east and west branches
of the Carson river are covered to a great extent with water. It is
probable, says the Silver Age, that the crops will be materially
injured, from this cause. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
WORK ON THE LEVEE. -- J. D. Smith, the contractor for Section No. 2 of
the city levee, expects to commence the work of clearing the ground to-day.
Lumber has been delivered for the erection of a building in which to board
the workmen, at the corner of Seventh and D streets. It will be thirty feet
wide by fifty-six feet long. W. Turton,the contractor on Section No.. 1,
is also putting up a frame building for similar purposes, thirty feet
wide by sixty feet long, at Eighteenth and B streets. The work of clearing
off the ground on this section will be commenced early next week. Each
contractor will employ, when fairly started, at least a hundred laboring
men. One of the contractors informs us that he has so far had twenty-five
or thirty applications for the position of foreman, and one application
for that of laborer. The last named applicant is the proprietor of a
respectable and lucrative boarding house on Seventh street. If he has
no greater competition than is so far manifest, he will probably have
a steady Summer's job before the levees are completed. . . .
BURNS SLOUGH. -- The long crib which a few days ago floated down some
forty feet below the point at which it was designed to sink it, was
subsequently rendered useless by having the quicksand washed from under
it and being thereby submerged. In consequence of this reverse, the
piledriver was yesterday brought into requisition and a tier of fifteen
piles was driven across the southern channel. It is hoped that this
work will form a basis sufficiently solid to withstand the current. . . .
FALLING. -- The Sacramento river has fallen some eight or ten inches
within three or four days, and at sunset last evening stood at 16 feet
4 inches above low water mark. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3511, 28 June 1862 p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Owing to the occurrence of storms between Salt Lake and Fort Laramie,
the Eastern line, though in good condition, could not be worked through
last evening. . . .
HIGH WATER. -- The water in the Stockton slough is now at its highest
point since the flood, being within about one foot of the top of the sill
of the old wharf. . . .
SCOTT RIVER STILL HIGH. -- Scott river is very high, owing to the warm
weather melting the snow. . . .
THE LEVEE APPRAISERS. -- The Board of Appraisers -- E. Stockton, George
Cone and L. Hooker -- appointed by Judge McKune, met pursuant to notice,
yesterday morning, at Thirty-first street and the old levee for the purpose
of appraising the condemned land along the line of the contemplated
levee. They went over the whole line so far as the contracts are let and
examined the ground. After concluding this portion of their work they held
a meeting at the room of the Levee Commissioners. On motion of E. Stockton,
George Cone was elected President of the Board. On motion of the same member,
the President was authorized to employ a Clerk for the Board. On motion of
E. Stockton, all claimants of either the Sutter or the possessory title to
condemned property between Thirty-first and Twentieth streets be requested
to meet the Board at ten o'clock this morning. On motion of K. Stockton,
H. O. Beatty was chosen the legal attorney of the Board. The Board then
adjourned until ten o'clock this morning, to meet at the Levee
Commissioners' rooms, Jordan's building, J street, near Seventh street. . . .
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, June 19, 1862
. . .
Provisions must rise in price, and much doubt of a year over our heads
without seeing prices as much over usual prices as they are now under
them. The wheat crop is miserable in many places in the Territory. The
overflowing waters have played the "dickens" with the farmer. Grass of
course will be abundant when the waters subside, and forage in that
department will be abundant, for Overland Mail horses and protecting
cavalry, in adddition to home consumption; but the cereals for the use
of man have every appearance of scarcity. . . .
The stage has just arrived with a heavy mail for here and California.
Some of the sacks indicate that the waters have not yet dried up. Dates
are back into the middle of April and up to the end of May, indicating
the gathering up of the past and the first direct through of new mail
matter. LIBERAL. . . .
p. 3
. . .
FRUIT CROP IN YUBA. -- According to the Appeal, th« fruit crop in this
county will be much diminished this season. It says:
From what we can learn we conclude that of the various kinds of fruits raised
in this county but little more than half a crop will be produced this year.
Briggs' orchard will yield about one-third as many peaches as last year,
less than one-fourth as many pears and about half as many apples,
apricots, nectarines and plums. Hutchinson's (New England) orchard will
average just about half a crop, right through, except grapes, of which
the yield bids fair to be greater than ever before. The cherry crop is
about gone and has been much less than usual. In Briggs' Old Orchard
the cherry trees were injured much more than any other trees and a
great proportion of them bid fair to die, even after producing a
fair crop this year. Apricots are now plenty in our market and plums
are coming in considerably. Some of the finest plums we have noticed
came from Chandon's ranch on Feather river. His orchard was hardly
injured at all by the floods. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3512, 30 June 1862 p. 1
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH.
[SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE UNION.]
Dates to June 26th. . . .
Great Flood in the Rappahannock Valley -- Bridges Swept Away.
MANASSAS JUNCTION, June 24th.
All the bridges across the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, together with
the one just finished, were carried away by the flood last night. The river
rose twelve feet in a few hours. Lumber for the construction of new bridges
is already on hand. In a few days the damage will be repaired. . . .
p. 4
NEWS OF THE MORNING.
Our telegraphic advices from the East do not reach a later date than
Thursday, June 26th. Storms have interfered with the working of the
line. Yesterday, no response was received beyond Salt Lake. The line,
however, is believed to be unbroken, and information concerning the
operations of the past three days may be received to-day. . . .
LETTERS FROM FORT YUMA.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
FORT YUMA, June 11, 1862.
. . .
The Colorado and Gila rivers are now rising very fast, and the probability
is that in a few days we will be located on an island, cut off from all
communication except through the medium of boats.
The rush to the new mines still continues. Mexicans are pouring in from
California, Sonora and New Mexico. The weather on the desert has been
very severe of late, and as the water is well nigh exhausted in many
places, quite a number of emigrants hare perished for the want of it. The
sand storms are terrible, and beyond all power of description. . . .
p. 5
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
PIONEER ASSOCIATION. -- A meeting of the Pioneer Association was held
on Saturday evening at the Hall of Confidence Engine Company. The
attendance was large, and the evening was occupied chiefly with business
connected with the celebration of the Fourth of July. Several new members
were elected, and the names of others were proposed. The subject of
selecting a Marshal for the Association was discussed, but postponed
for final action until the next meeting. A. M. Winn offered the following
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: "Whereas, in the midst of
our sufferings by fire and flood, the people of San Francisco have ever
been our devoted friends, having on several occasions given us the
strongest evidences of their unbounded and disinterested benevolence
in supplying the wants of our suffering people, whereby they have
secured our sincere thanks and lasting gratitude, creating within us
feelings of friendship that we most earnestly desire to keep alive and
perpetuate among our people; and whereas, we earnestly desire to evince
our gratitude to the people of San Francisco, and strengthen the cords
of friendship that now bind the benevolent hearts of the two cities
together; therefore resolved, That our President appoint ten delegates,
members of this Society, who will proceed to San Francisco on the 3d
day of July, 1862, for the purpose of tendering our warm greetings to
the members of the 'San Francisco Pioneer Association,' and through them
to tender our sincere thanks to the people of that great city . . .
LISLE'S BRIDGE. -- On Saturday morning a section of Norris' bridge,
which was destroyed in the Winter, floated down stream and struck one
of the piers of Lisle's bridge, injuring it to such an extent as to
render it impassable. It will be repaired and open to travel in a few
days.
BOARD OF APPRAISERS. -- The Board of Appraisers met at 10-1/2 o'clock on
Monday morning at the room of the City Levee Commissioners, in Jordan's
Building. The President of the Board announced that he had selected, as
Secretary of the Board, G. I. N. Monell. who. being present, entered upon
the duties of the office. The Board then proceeded to take testimony as
to the value of condemned property along the line of the levee. T. K.
Stewart, F. Rabel, Justin Gates, W. C. Hopping, G. R. Hooker and -- Beardsly,
were sworn and examined as to the value of property between Thirty-first and
Twentieth streets. W. Coates, Jared Irwin and George R. Moore, were sworu
and examined as to the value of Coates' property, and W. Crump was sworn
and examined as to the cost of moving houses, etc. The Board then adjourned
to meet at ten o'clock this morning, at which time the owners of all
property between Twentieth and Eleventh streets are requested to be
present. . . .
THE PROSPECT. -- The work at Burns' slough is so far advanced that the
contractors expect to drop the "aprons" this morning along the line of
piles recently driven across the south channel. If they are successful
in the experiment, the most of the water running through that channel
will be shut out. . . .
FALLING. -- The water in the Sacramento has fallen to fifteen feet nine
inches above low water mark. . . .
p. 6
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS.
TREES DYING. -- A correspondent of the Nevada Transcript, writing from
Grass Valley, upon this subject, says:
An excess of water was the cause of apple trees dying this season. . . .
A PRODUCTIVE RANCHO. -- Jenny Lind, in Calaveras county, is chiefly known
as a small mining town. But at the western end is the Dennis Rancho, a fine
estate, which a correspondent of the Stockton Republican thus
describes: . . .
He has six thousand grape vines which will bear fruit this year, all
looking remarkably healthy. . . .
He lost five thousand vines during the floods, but will soon have new
vines in their place, and in a few years will be able to make his own
wine. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3513, 1 July 1862 p. 2
. . .
SAN FRANCISCO. -- A dispatch to the Bee yesterday says: . . .
The remains of Caleb Cameron, who was drowned at Benicia November 26th,
was discovered in the tule a mile and a half from the water, where it had
been carried by the floods. His brother will have them brought to this
city to-day. His watch and a store key were found with them. . . .
p. 3
. . .
UNSUCCESSFUL. -- The attempt of the contractors to shut off the water
at Burns' slough yesterday morning proved unsuccessful. A line of piles
had been driven across the channel and capped. To the capping a series
of "aprons" or wooden doors were attached and so arranged as to drop
simultaneously by cutting the lines by which they were supported. When
everything was prepared, the lines were cut and the doors were dropped.
The water below was at once lowered some three or four feet. In a few
minutes it became evident that the water was washing out the quicksand
below them and rushing through with great force. In fifteen minutes
from the time the gates were dropped, the entire structure was washed
away. Some of the piles were broken off, and others were drawn up without
breaking. One of the contractors came to the city to consult with the
Committee, and they were granted one week further time in which to
complete the work. They design to complete, at another point, a levee
by means of sand bags, earth, etc., and think they will be able to finish
the job before leaving it, although they will of course lose by the
undertaking. . . .
NEW GANGWAY. -- Carpenters in the employ of the California Steam
Navigation Company have been engaged for several days at the foot
of K street in preparing the timbers for a new gangway to lead to
the hulk of the San Francisco steamers. It will be ninety-six feet
in length, and is designed to meet the emergency arising from the
increased elevation of the new levee when the same is completed. . . .
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river stood yesterday at fifteen feet six
inches above low water mark. . . .
A UNION OF RIVERS. -- We understand from a pretty reliable source that
the Humboldt river has, during the Spring freshets, cut for itself, some
distance west of Humbeldt Lake, a new course about three hundred feet
wide and ten feet deep, to the Carson river, at a point west of Carson
Lake. Through this new channel three-fourths of the volume of the Humboldt
waters are said to flow into the Carson river, instead of the Humboldt
Lake as heretofore. Heretofore the waters of Humboldt Lake would run into
Carson Lake through a slough, and vice versa, whichever had the greatest
volume of water. Now, we presume, the greatest volume of water will first
pass throngh the Carson river to Carson and Humboldt Lakes, where it will
sink or evaporate. This freak of the all-powerful element gives us a
river which, at a comparatively small expense, could be made navigable
for boats of light draft and tonnage, five or six hundred miles. indeed,
we understand that some of our enterprising citizens have already in
contemplation a movement of this character, perceiving the immense
advantage to be derived in the future from it as a highway for
transportation. -- Silver Age. . . . .
FARMS AND ORCHARDS IN SAN JOAQUIN. -- Referrinj to these interesting
topics, the Stockton Independent says:
The Visiting Committee of the State Agricultural Society, who have
recently examined the principal farms and orchards in this portion
of San Joaquin county, speak in flattering terms of the appearance
of thrift, and the indications of good fruit crops visible almost
without exception. The peach crop, beyond doubt, will be a failure;
but of every other description of fruit, trees are even thus early
in the season drooping under the weight. The long protracted floods,
covering the earih in many places with a stratum of sediment, giving
to fruit trees generally a yellow leaved sickly appearance in the
early part of the season, made an exception of pear trees, and instead
of injuring, they rather improved their bearing qualities. It is
universally remarked that the crop of pears of the present year will
exceed by fully one-third the crop of 1861. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3514, 2 July 1862 p. 1
. . .
MINING IN YUBA. -- The Marysville Appeal says:
A well informed gentleman states that more gold is offered for sale at
Camptonville, this season, than has been at this time of the year for
several years past. All the coin that can be got in the vicinity is
exhausted to purchase it. The miners all through the northern part of
the county are doing unusually well. The floods were of great advantage
in some districts by clearing ravines of the deep accumulations of tailings
that made them unworkable, and leaving a residuum richly charged with
auriferous particles. . . .
p. 2
. . .
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE UNION.
. . .
The floods in Portland will not prove so disastrous as was first supposed.
The water was falling rapidly. . . .
p. 3
. . .
BOARD OF APPRAISERS. -- The Board of Appraisers met on Monday, pursuant
to notice, to take testimony as to the value of condemned property along
the line of the levee. The following named parties were examined under
oath: S. Deal. Joseph Shaw, Thorn Coles, C. C. Hayden, John Ryder,
D. St. C. Steevens, W. P. Colenan, R. Miller, August Moellcr, E. Black
Ryan, W. G. English, J. Johnson, Georse Hazeltein, J. Wetzlar and
W. C. Hopping, In consequence of there being no quorum present yesterday,
no business was transacted. The Board wili meet again at 10 o'clock this
morning, and all ownera of condemned property on the line of the levee
west of Eleventh street are requested to be present. Some of the members
of the City Levee Board are convinced that their true policy w»ll be
to rely chiefly upon the four public squares on the line of the levee,
for the earth, by which means a large item of expense may be avoided.
The witnesses before the Board appear to differ essentially in their
estimates of the value of property. With reference to the value of
Coates' property, G. R. Moore values it at $1,000 per lot; E Black
Ryan at from $200 to $300 per lot; W.G.English at $150 per lot, and
the assessment roll at $100 per lot. C. C. Hayden values S. Deal's
property at $2,000; E. B. Ryan at $300, and the assessment roll at
$300. There is a disposition apparent on the part of the appraisers
to allow a fair, but not an exorbitant price. . . .
AT WORK. -- S. D. Smith has had a number of hands employed for several
days on Section No. 2 of the levee, in cleaning off the gronnd, plowing,
grubbing, etc., near Eleventh and Twelfth streets. The fruit trees,
shrubbery, etc., of Coates' garden are being dug up and removed.
W. Turton expected to commence work yesterday on Section No. 1, but
objection was made on the part of property owners, until the matter
of compensation is settled by the Appraisers. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3515, 3 July 1862 p. 1
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, June 26, 1862.
. . . .
The Mail and Telegraph.
I need not tell you that, the first batch of "back mail'" has passed
through. You have got that; but the rest has yet to come. To-day two
stages are expected in with full loads, and as soon as the high waters
permit, the stages will roll in with what has been scattered and piled
up on the road and in the stations. Nobody expected the Spring floods
to have subsided by this time and therefore nobody is disappointed; but
we certainly did not look for such a rush of waters as have rolled down
Bear river. No mail has come in from the East for five days, in consequence
of high water there. The bridge is reported washed away, and yesterday
Tom Louden, the driver who took out Judge Kinney and Superintendent
Eaton, lost his life in trying to cross in a wagon bed that had been
launched as a raft. This high water may, and probably will, retard a
little the regular travel; but if I am correctly informed, Holliday,
before he left for California, made such disposition of affairs as
to bridge over that difficulty without much delay. The agent here has
been sending out a large number of working men to fix the roads for good
times.
After a long spell of silence the telegraph ticked again last evening,
and at the present moment Stickney and Johnny are hard at work, the one
receiving from the East and the other sending westward. It is hoped that
such another "down" as that which has just ended will never again be
inflicted upon California. Believing in the doctrine of "out of evil
cometh good," I think provision will be made to guard/against it. The
telegraph poles were planted well enough for ordinary times, and with
proper precaution against the rising of the streams, but the waters
overleaped their bounds and made new channels. In the valleys that
were submerged, the poles could not possibly stand in a storm, and
one blown over dragged down the others. The interruptions on the mail
line drove off the operators and left the wire without "help." On
resuming the daily trips from east to west there will be facilities
afforded for repairs, and to that I may add, there will be an extra
force of repairers put on the road. Penny wise and pound foolish is
incompatible with such an institution as the Pacific Telegraph line,
and now that the Western portion thereof has given such evidence of
excellent construction, California directors do no more than their
public duty in insisting upon the attention of their associate directors
in the East to this subject. It was an excellent business arrangement,
so far as time was concerned, for the parties constructing the two
sections of the line to be bound in dollars and cents to connect at
this city within a given time, and probably not a bad stimulus for the
first finished to have "the toll" of all the line till the other had
finished entirely, but some might question how far the stability of
the work accomplished was enhanced thereby. It would be unfair to infer
that the repeated "downs" on the east are the result of hasty
construction, for much of it we knew to be due to the floods. It
would hurt nothing, however, for if it undergo a thorough
examination -- it will pay the trouble, if it do no more than
establish confidence in the public mind that thousands of miles
of wire can be made the highway for instantaneous communication,
and that not only now and again, but all the time. No one would ever
be so enthusiastic and ignorant as to expect the wire to be more free
from casualties on the plains than over populated countries; but it
need not be worse where stages are crossing evtry mile of the road at
least twice a day.
General.
Weather is now fine; had fine showers and a great deal of lightning.
One house in the city was struck on Friday evening, and a boy within
knocked over and frightened a little, but not seriously injured. On
Saturday, a half crazy man rushed into City Creek and got drowned. . . .
p. 2
. . .
GRAIN CROP IN TEHAMA. -- The Red Bluff Independent says of its local
crops: We have never seen grain looking finer than the large wheat
fields between this place and Tehama. The wheat is stout, large heads
and well filled, and ripe for the sickle -- alias reaping machine.
Farmers tell us that the grain crop throughout the county is equal
to. if not superior to the crop of last year. The harvesting is a
full month later, owing to the backwardness of the Spring. . . .
GOLD YIELD. -- The Columbia Courier of a recent date says:
The yield of the mines the past week was nearly up to the former
average, before the debris of last Winter's floods so seriously
interfered with the usual mining operations. . . .
p. 3
BOARD OF APPRAISERS. -- The Board of Appraisers met yesterday, pursuant
to adjournment; present a full Board. The following named witnesses
were examined as to the value of condemned property on the line of
the levees: W. H. Barton, Samuel Cross, C. A. Berger. A. C. Sweetser.
August Moeller, W. G. English, J. H. Gass, and J. H. Coffee. This
testimony concluded the investigation of the Board, as to value,
etc. The Secretary was then instructed to obtain abstracts of title
to the various lots under examination, and the Board adjourned until
Monday next at two o'clock P. M., at which time they will announce
the result of their investigations.
AGRICULTURAL PARK. -- Agricultural Park has been so far repaired as
to be nearly ready for use for the next Fair. The walls having been
rebuilt, and the repairs to the central stand completed, workmen are
engaged in cleaning out, fitting up, and repapering and painting the
lower rooms of the main building. Hubbard &. Hyatt, the new lessees
have already opened the saloon, and during every afternoon, for four
or five days past, the race track has been crowded with the fast teams
of the city, which are driven out for exercise and display.
THE CHAIN GANG. -- One detachment of the chain gang, under the
control of Overseer Long, and another under Overseer Childs, were
engaged yesterday in lowering and adjusting the street crossings
at various points where such alterations had become necessary. The
crossings at Fifth and J, Fourth and K, and on Fourth opposite the
St. George Hotel, have been attended to. An excellent bridge has also
been constructed by the chain gang within the past few days on L
street, near Fourth. . . .
BURNS SLOUGH. -- The contractors at Burns' slough commenced yesterday
to build their levee of sand bags, to shut off the water. The deepest
water they have to check is about six feet. They hope to finish the
work by Saturday night, provided the men do not stop on account of
the Fourth of July. . . .
SACRAMENTO METEOROLOGY AND NECROLOGY.
[REPORTED FOR THE UNION FROM THE RECORDS OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.]
METEOROLOGY.
June, 1862
. . .
Quantity of Rain, month . . .
0.011 [inches] . . .
REMARKS. -- The low figure of temperature observed last month
continues to rule, as will be seen in the table above, owing to the
prevalence of strong winds, which fortunately have come to our aid
in removing the surplus of moisture, and in drying the saturated soil
sufficiently for the fruits of the earth to come to maturity. The
protracted high stage of our rivers, especially the American, clearly
indicates that the amount of snow which fell in the mountains during
the past exceptional season was fully equal to what our former
inferences and deductions pointed out. Had the warm rains
experienced at certain periods in December and January last continued
to occur we would long since have been clear of the effects of the
snow, but the floods that must have ensued would, in that event, have
proved far more destructive and overwhelming than the highest freshet
yet known. It was to the great amount of warm rain within very short
periods, bringing down avalanches of melted snow and ice, that the
disasters of the past Winter are to be attributed, and not to the
quantity that fell during the entire season. We thus see that we
may have a comparatively dry Winter, and yet suffer from the most
disastrous floods; and knowing this, let us prepare accordingly
during the present Summer. It is at the same time interesting and
satisfactory for us to observe the beneficial results which are now
ensuing in obedience to one of nature's laws. The ice and snow of
the past Winter have not suddenly changed into floods upon the first
accession of the Summer heat. Had they so changed, our valleys and
their productions would have been immediately inundated by the
emancipated waters. On the contrary, the moment a particular and
invariable degree of temperature arrives, thaw commences; but any
further addition of heat is absorbed or rendered latent, and the
temperature of the thawing mass remains stationary till the dissolving
operation is complete. But for this provision that each mass of ice,
each flake of snow, each pearl of frost, shall slowly absorb and
render latent a certain amount of heat, instead of thus gradually
becoming liquid water, they would he instantaneously changed into
a destructive torrent. . . .
NECROLOGY.
. . .
REMARKS. -- The Board of Health, which was inaugurated at a period
of great distress in this community, not only in consequence of the
immediate presence of a loathsome epidemic, but also in view of the
apprehension of the deleterious effects of the accumulated water in
our midst, caused by the late inundations -- are happy to be able to
report a far more favorable condition of the public health, as
manifested by the above mortality report, than could have been
expected under the circumstances. . . .
Not unmindful of the trust committed to their hands, the Board have
kept a watchful eye to the sanitary condition of the city from the
effects of stagnant water. One of its members (Dr. Harkness) has been
constantly engaged with its microscopic examination, so as to be able
to detect the first development the aquatic vegetation from which the
germs of malaria are supposed to emanate. Up to the present moment,
owing to the prevalence of cool winds and the mitigation thereby of
our usual Summer temperature, this aquatic microscopic vegetation has
not been discovered to a very great extent. The investigations of
science indicate that marshy or unpleasant odors are not always
productive of feverish infection, but that in malarious districts
it is above all to be feared at times when the air appears most pure
and inodorous -- that the peculiar organized miasmatic matter, first
generated in the decomposition of aquatic vegetation, whose introduction
into the circulation of animals is by a kind of inoculation affecting
especially the nervous system, is endowed with life, and that when
it commences itself to decay in the open air it ceases to be
deleterious, though it gives rise to disagreeable odors. In view
of these facts, and from our experience thus far, so long as the
water in the cellars continues below the temperature of sixty degrees,
no apprehensions need be entertained respecting its unhealthfulness.
It is, therefore, recommended that until some speedy method is
devised for immediately draining off the water, it had better remain
as it is than be pumped out and exposed to the solar heat. As soon
as the rivers fall low enough the water will disappear by percolation.
With regard to the long standing water in the lower parts of the city,
which has heretofore been kept in circulation by the admission of fresh
supplies through Burns' Slough, it is advisable, as soon as this supply
is interrupted, to have the same drained off as promptly and effectually
as possible, before the pernicious effects of stagnation are
experienced. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3516, 4 July 1862 p. x
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3516, [EXTRA] 5 July 1862 p. x
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3517, 7 July 1862 p. 3
NEWS BY THE STEAMER ORIZABA.
LETTERS FBOM WASHINGTON.
[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
Washington, May 31, 1862 . . .
The War.
The weather of the past week has been most unfavorable for military
operations, and if our Generals before Richmond and on the other side
of the Blue Ridge, in Virginia, have done no more than to follow Cromwell's
injunction to his men, to keep their faith in God and their powder dry,
they will have done as much as the most ambitious of military critics or
statesmen could reasonably desire. It has rained, as the sailors say,
"great guns" (we trust the rebels at Richmond may have had no increase
of their heavy ordnance, meantime, except by way of this metaphor) and
all the lowlands bordering our rivers are flooded. The water in the
Chickahominy, the dispatches say, rose to an unprecedented hight. We
have no particulars of the effect of the flood upon our army operations
along its banks, as the telegraph line has been down during the storm.
It is again in operation to-day, and we shall be all agog for the news
tonight and to-morrow. . . .
The heavy rains and swampy character of the
country where our army is encamped, will probably delay active operations
on our side for several days; nevertheless the enemy are expected to be
up and doing. The same causes which will keep the army before Richmond
inactive, must also cause a suspension of vigorous movements in other
parts of Virginia. The storm was even more violent and destructive beyond
the Blue Ridge than in Eastern Virginia. The Potomac, the Shenandoah and
other tributaries are all reported to have risen yesterday and the day
before to an almost unprecedented hight. The George's creek, Bill's
creek, north and south branches of the Potomac, Patterson's creek, the
Little and Great Cacapon rivers, and other streams, were affected by
the rains, which are said to have begun in that quarter on Saturday last,
and to have continued with very little intermission until yesterday. . . .
The Baltimore American, of this morning, says:
By passengers from Frederick last evening we learn that one or more of
the smaller bridges of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, west of
Martinsburg, were either partially or wholly washed out by the flood,
and that the large temporary bridge at Harper's Ferry has also again
yielded to the storm, and been to a great extent, if not entirely,
lost. This information is confirmed by inquiries; but we learn that
the Railroad Company, with its usual energy, has already taken the
preparatory steps to restore the damage with the utmost possible celerity.
It is feared that a week or more may elapse before trains of freight can
be run regularly through over the road. As there are no warlike
interruptions, however, upon the line at this time, through passenger
trains will probably be resumed in a day or two, passengers, baggage
and mails being promptly transferred accross the Potomac at Harper's
Ferry by large and substantial boats. It is stated that the damage
done to the bridges of the road by the Confederates last week was
almost entirely repaired up to yesterday morning, when the waters
prevented their completion, and thus prolonged the interruption of
the line, which we hope will not long continue.
The great iron bridge designed for Harper's Ferry is progressing rapidly,
and will be completed and suspended across the Potomac by the 1st of
September, the month in which the heaviest freshets usually occur. . . .
Miscellaneous.
ARKANSAS ITEMS. -- By the recent arrival of two men from Helena, Arkansas,
a point on the Mississippi ninety miles above the mouth of the Arkansas
river, we learn that great suffering must soon exist among the people of
that part of the State, and that they will require food from the United
States authorities, or else many must starve. All the beef cattle had been
driven off to the rebel army, and the water had been so high that it stood
three feet deep on many of the first floors of the stores and dwellings in
Helena. . . . The water was all
over the country for many miles, all the plantations being thoroughly
drowned out, with the June rise still to come. . . .
-- St. Louis Democrat June 4th.
SHOCKING CATASTROPHE. -- Wheeling (Va.), Monday, June 2d. -- During a
violent and terrific thunder storm, at one o'clock this morning, the
residence of Joshua Pillsbury was struck by lightning, instantly killing
Miss Mary E. Pillsbuiy and Miss Clara Goodwin. The latter was to have
been married to the former's brother today. Miss Goodwin only arrived
from South Berwick, Maine, on Saturday. The house was slightly injured. . . .
p. 4
. . .
PACIFIC RAILROAD.
. . .
The California Pacific Railroad company is substantially a Sacramento
institution; those who will have much influence in the future
administration of the affairs of the company are citizens of Sacramento
and fully disposed, to the extent it can be done legitimately, to foster
and encourage the "City of the Plains." Towards this company our city
authorities will, if they consult the true interests of the city, pursue
a liberal and manly policy. They will strive to have the interests of
the city and those of the company advance side by side and in complete
harmony. By a course of this character, there is reason to believe that
an arrangement may be entered into with the company which will secure
the city from all future danger from the waters of the American river.
Not that the building of a levee can thus be dispensed with, but that
a plan may be agreed upon by which all future care and danger from that
source will be absolutely provided against so long as a railroad is deemed
necessary between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This is a consummation
most devoutly to be wished, and the opportunity is one which our city
authorities should not permit to pass unimproved. . . .
p. 5
. . .
BOND FILED. -- S. D. Smith, the contractor of Section No. 2 of the city
levee, filed his bond, in the sum of $4,000, with the Commissioners on
Saturday evening. His sureties are E. P. Figg and John Bigler.
THE RIVER. -- The Sacramento river lhas fallen rapidly within the past
three days, and stood last evening at thirteen feet six inches above
low water mark.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3518, 8 July 1862 p. 3
LATE FROM M'CLELLAN'S ARMY.
SCENES AND INCIDENTS AFTER THE BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS.
[Correspondence of the New York World.]
IN CAMP ON THE LEFT WING, }
BEFORE RICHMOND, June 9th. }
. . .
PLUVIAL. Since the battle it has rained copiously. Yesterday and to-day
only have we been exempt from pluvial afflictions. The soil, reduced to
universal swamp, has rendered the movement of artillery impossible, and
the freshet in Chickahominy sweeping away our rude bridges faster than
they could be restored, has impeded operations to an insurmountable
degree. You will thus comprehend the apparently slow movements of the
Commander-in-Chief. Confer on him the power to rule the elements, and
he will order the execution of plans which thrice the numbers of his
army could not now accomplish. Permit me to observe here that the sacred
soil of Virginia is unlike that of any known in the North. The valleys
are comparatively firm, the plateaus spongy and treacherous. An hour's
rain will convert these undulating lands into dangerous morasses,
impracticable for cavalry and artillery -- almost impassable by infantry. . . .
p. 5
BOARD OF APPRAISERS. -- The Board of Appraisers met at two o'clock, P. M.,
yesterday, pursuant to adjournment, but, on account of the abstract of
title to condemned property not being ready, adjourned until Monday next,
at ten o'clock, A. M. At that time, all owners of such property who have
claims for buildings or other improvements, aside from the land, are
expected to be present. At the meeting yesterday a discovery was made
of a singular mistake as to the ownership of certain property. John
Wilson has possession of lots 1. 2, 3 and 4 in the block between Fourth
and Fifth and E and F streets. He claimed to hold the first three lots
by possession only, and the fourth by possession and Sutter title. When
his deed was examined, it was found to convey title to lot 4 between
Fourth and Fifth and E and F North, the location of which is three-quarters
of a mile north of the lot in question. He made the purchase ten years
ago, built a cabin on the wrong lot, and has quietly occupied the property
ever since, under the impression that he owned it. . . .
BURNS' SLOUGH. -- Some thirty or forty men were kept at work by Hubbard
and Baker at Burns' slough on the Fourth of July, Saturday and Sunday,
with the hope that they would be able to complete the embankment and
stop off the water by last evening. In consequence of an unexpected rise
in the American river, which has advanced three feet since twelve o'clock
on Sunday, the work was yesterday checked. The workmen were kept busy
yesterday in preventing the levee already constructed from being carried
off. Some five hundred feet of levee have been constructed since the
cribs were washed away, and about one hundred feet remain to be completed.
The water at this point was on Sunday three feet deep; it is now six.
An increased force will be sent out to-day. . . .
AT WORK. -- Contractors Turton and Smith were each engaged at work
yesterday on their respective sections of the city levee. Turton had
about thirty men and Smith about twenty employed. They have commenced
to make the embankment of the levee, so that our citizens will soon
have an opportunity of observing and judging of its size, form,
proportions, appearance, etc. . . .
DISASTROUS FRESHET IN THE DELAWARE AND LEHIGH RIVERS.
EASTON, (Pa.), June 5, 1862. -- The terrible freshet in the Delaware and
Lehigh rivers still continues. The water reaches the second stories in
the lower part of the town. All the bridges between here and Mauch Chunk
are are [sic] swept away. The Lehigh bridge is partly gone, and will
probably be totally demolished. All the canals are under water. The iron
works are stopped, and the railroads are submerged. Many people were drowned
in their houses so sudden was the rise.
EASTON (Pa.), June 5th -- Noon.-- The Lehigh is stationary, but the
Delaware is still rising.
EASTON (Pa.), June 5th, P.M. -- The flood commenced to recede shortly
after noon, and no further damage is apprehended. It is impossible to
arrive at anything like an accurate estimate of the damage, but it is
reported at ten millions. The canals are still overflowed. The Lehigh
Coal and Navigation Company's are probably much less injured than by
the freshet of 1841; but it will require perhaps several months to place
them in navigable condition. No trains were run upon the Lehigh Valley
Railroad to-day. It is feared that the railroad bridge at Mauch Chunk
has been swept away, in which case the iron furnaces in the valley of
the Lehigh will be stopped. There is no doubt that many lives have been
lost. Boats, with their crews, were swept from their moorings and dashed
to pieces, and many tenements with their occupants were carried away.
It is reported that one house, containing a family of, seven persons, was
carried away and broken to pieces against one of the bridges on the river
above. The Lehigh bridge here is still standing, but a mere wreck. The
Delaware bridge sustained but little injury. The railroad bridge is
unscathed.
The town of Glendon, a mile above Easton, is wholly inundated, the water
reaching nearly to the second stories.
TEN O'CLOCK P.M. -- The water in both rivers has fallen about three feet.
EASTON (Pa.), June 6th. -- Fearful accounts of damages have been received
from Mauch Chunk and vicinity. The dam there, and dams at two other
places, were swept away. Many houses were washed away. The railroad
bridge gone. Canal navigation is suspended for the season. The Lehigh
Valley Railroad will not be in running order for several weeks. The
whole town of Westport is washed away. There are but three houses left
out of three hundred. The loss of life has been terrible.
TWELVE O'CLOCK M. -- The Delaware and Lehigh are falling rapidly. They
have already receded twelve feet. The Lehigh Valley Railroad is very badly
torn up. The Belvidere and Delaware Railroad will be repaired in a few
days. The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad will be running in
about a week. A part of the basin of the Delaware Canal here has been
washed out, and two breaks are reported in the first level.
The lower gates of the outlet lock are gone. The damage at Glendon is
very great. The furnaces are all chilled. The lumbermen are heavy losers.
Millions of feet of sawed lumber and thousands of logs have been carried
away. The number of persons drowned is not ascertained. The list will be
fearful.
EASTON, June 6th. -- Reports from Mauch Chunk and vicinity represent the
damages in that region to the canal, railroad and private property, and
destruction of life, as greatly exceeding even the worst anticipations.
The canal is represented as washed away for three miles from Mauch Chunk.
Four dams have been washed away. Several persons resident at South
Bethlehem are missing, and it is feared they have been drowned.
All the islands in the river are covered with valuable lumber and timber.
The Belvidere and Delaware Railroad resumed operations to-day. The Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western is now open to the Delaware Water Gap. The Lehigh
Valley road will be in operation to Allentown to-morrow, making a connection
from New York to Harrisburg. The balance of the road will be repaired in
ten days. All the bridges on the Beaver Meadow Railroad are washed away.
DELAWARE WATER GAP, June 5th. --There is a very heavy freshet in the
Delaware -- equal to that of 1841. Quantities of furniture, store goods,
bridges, houses, cattle, etc., are going down the river. All the bridges
on Broadhead's creek, except the railroad bridges, are gone. The damage
to the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad is great, and will
require a week to repair it.
The Pokono creek at Stroudsburg overflowed last night and ran through
the town, carrying away many houses and bridges. The damage done was
very great.
PORT JERVIS (N. Y), June 5th --The storm of yesterday and last night
was very severe in this vicinity. Considerable damage was done to the
Delaware and Hudson Canal. Some five or six hundred feet of the embankment
were washed away near this place, and two aqueducts were carried away
between here and Lackawana. Two or three land slides on the Delaware
division of the Erie Railway interfered somewhat with the passage of
trains during the night, but they are now running regularly again. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3519, 9 July 1862 p. 1
NEWS BY THE OVERLAND MAIL.
ATLANTIC INTELLIGENCE.
[Dates from St. Louis to June 19th and from New York to June 16th.]
The first United States mail from New Orleans. since the capture of that
city, and its restoration to national rule, reached New York June 13th. . . .
THE RIVER. The Father of Waters continues to retreat. We noticed this
morning, when on a cruise of observation along the levee in the Second
district, that all the wharves, which for some time were submerged, are
now high and dry. The river, we are confident, has fallen nearly, if
not quite, eighteen inches. . . .
HERMANN, (Mo.,) June 18th. -- One of the most terrific hail storms ever
witnessed passed over this place yesterday afternoon. Hail stones were
picked up measuring from two to four inches in diameter. Hardly a pane
of glass on the exposed side of the buildings remained unbroken. The damage
done to gardens, fields and vineyards is fearful, but can not yet be
estimated. . . .
FORTRESS MONROE, June 17fh. -- . . . The weather is still cool and
unseasonable.
CINCINNATI, June 18th. -- About three o'clock yesterday, during a heavy
storm here, the lightning struck the manufactory connected with the
extensive liquor warehouse of Fletcher & Co. Passing through the roof it
struck one of the stills, causing its instantaneous explosion. The burning
fluid spread in every direction, and the workmen barely escaped with their
lives. This building was speedily consumed, the walls falling and crushing
frame houses beneath -- killing a woman. By this time the warehouse of the
same firm on Front street was completely enveloped in flames, and was
entirely destroyed, consuming a thousand barrels of whisky, two hundred
barrels linseed oil, one hnndred barrels lard oil, twenty barrels coal
oil, besides alcohol and other stock. Fletcher, Hobast & Co.'s loss is
about $60,000, insurance about $30,000; loss on frame building crushed
and partially burned, $15,000. A large store front, occupied by George
M. Herd & Co., adjoining the burnt warehouse, was damaged to the amount
of several thousand dollars.
LATER. -- At 8 o'clock this morning the walls of Herd & Co.'s store,
damaged by the fire of Tuesday, fell in, the contents taking fire.among
which were 800 barrels mess pork, several hundred barrels of whisky, and
a large amount of baled hemp, all of which was destroyed by fire and
water. Their loss reaches, perhaps, $10,000, Insurance unascertained. . . .
GREAT INUNDATION IN ENGLAND. -- The great plain in the eastern part of
England, known as the Fens, has been overflowed by the tide breaking
through the barriers erected against it. That section, watered by the
Ouse, the Neve, and other rivers, comprises over one thousand square
miles as level and low as Holland. By the bursting of a sluice near Lynn
the sea rushed in over the country, laving fifteen thousand acres under
water the first tide. It was expected that on the next visitation one
hundred and forty thousand acres would be inundated to the depth of
several feet. Men and animals were driven from their dwellings, and
produce was floating about or being destroyed. It was feared that the
total loss will amount to more than one million sterling. . . .
p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
. . .
THE PLAZA FENCE. -- Overseers Long and Childs, with some eight or ten
members of the chain gang, were engaged yesterday in gathering up and
rebuilding the plaza fence, which was nearly destroyed by last Winter's
floods. A considerable portion of it has been so much injured that it
will require renewal. . . .
LOWERING. -- The water in the American river at the head of Burns' slough
had fallen considerably yesterday, giving the workmen a much better chance
to proceed with the construction of the levee than they had on Monday. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
TUESDAY, July 8, 1862.
The Board of Supervisors met at half-past two
o'clock, . . .
A communication was received from the Board of City Levee Commissioners,
requesting the Board to cause B street, from Tenth to Twenty-third, to be
forthwith opened to public travel.
Supervisor GRAINGER moved that the street be opened as requested.
Carried. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3520, 10 July 1862 p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
BURNS' SLOUGH. -- At about one o'clock P. M. yesterday the levee at the
head of Burns' Slough, which has been in process of construction about
ten days, was completed, and the current was entirely cut off. The water
in the slough below was at once lowered, and even the water in the flooded
part of the city lowered very rapidly. The contractors of the work were
satisfied that they had gained the mastery at last, and many of our
citizens were inspired with confidence tbat their property would now soon
become accessible. But alas! for human hopes, these anticipations were
speedily destroyed, for, in about an hour from the time the current was
first cut off, a current commenced to cut under the wall of sacks, and
in a short time the center for a space of about twenty feet, was entirely
washed away. The water is of course coming in at the slough as usual.
"'Tis ever thus from childhood's hour," etc., etc. Our efforts at temporary
leveeing to shut out the water have been peculiarly unfortunate during the
Winter and Spring. The contractors will probably renew the work to-day.
TWO CHILDREN DROWNED. -- At about five o'clock last evening, two men
John McCord and B. Easterbrook, near the Stanford House, on the south
side of K street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth -- were told by a boy
named Fawcett that a child had been drowned in a hole or well near the
rear of the building. On repairing to the locality and making the necessary
examination, they found the bodies of two children in the hole. One of
the children was the son of Charles McCase, aged five years and nine
months. His father is at present absent from the city, at the Montezuma
Hills, attending to stock. The other child was the son of John Harkins,
aged about four years. The location at which the accident occurred is
covered with water. The oldest child was seen to be wading about the water
for amusement, when he stepped into the well and sunk. The boy who
witnessed the occurrence gave the alarm, but not in time to prevent the
loss of life. The younger child appeared to have been in the water an
hour or two when the body was recovered. . . .
CHANCE FOR WORK. -- The levee contractors are now fairly engaged in the
construction of the new levee on the north of the city. Those who want
work have an excellent chance to be accommodated, by applying on the
ground. . . .
SAD SHIPWRECK -- FIVE LIVES LOST. -- We learn that the Middletown
schooner, E. A. Douglas, which left Philadelphia on Sunday, June 1st,
with a cargo of coal, bound to Boston, when off Absecom, New Jersey,
sprung a leak -- the wind blowing a gale. It was in the tremendous rain
storm of that week, and the wind split the sails and blew them away. The
schooner struggled on until, when off Barnegat, she sunk in nine fathoms
of water, about six miles from there, the sea running very high. Captain
Tyler P. Coleman, his wife and child; Sherman Bailey, the mate, and the
vessel's boy, George, were all drowned. They were all from Middletown.
The only survivor is Edward Donahoe, who reached Middletown last night.
He was picked up by Captain Joel Haywood, of the sloop Cordelia, on
Friday about noon, after having clung to the masthead in cold and
storm, with the sea breaking over him, for two days and one night,
His hands are still bent, cramped and stiff from his terrible trial.
-- New Haven Journal, June 12. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 23, Number 3521, 11 July 1862 p. 3
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
EARNEST INQUIRY. -- Earnest inquiries are frequently made as to the causes
which operate to defer the letting of the remaining sections of the levee
along the American and Sacramento rivers. The fact that the Summer season
is already nearly half gone tends of course to awaken anxiety lest the
rainy season may again overtake us before the levees are completed. The
Act of the Legislature providing for the construction of the levees,
empowers the Swamp Land Commissioners to let and cause to be built the
north levee east of Thirty-first street, and the Sacramento levee south
of Y street. In case they fail to do so from any cause, then the City
Levee Commissioners have the authority to construct the same. Fears are
entertained that the Swamp Land Commissioners will not be able, from a
want of means, etc., to do the work this season, but until they notify
the City Levee Commissioners officially of that fact the last named body
cannot let the work. Both Boards have, we believe, been in session for
several evenings past, considering the various questions and points at
issue. It is hoped and presumed that the problem will speedily be solved,
and that one Board or the other will, with as little delay as possible,
advertise for proposals and put the entire line under contract at an early
day. Contractors Turton and Smith have each made a fine start on the north
levee. Such an embankment as they are throwing up around the city would
about double the value of the real estate within it. If the Swamp Land
Commissioners cannot at an early day start the work, they should assign
it over to the Board which has more extended facilities and powers. . . .
THE SLOUGH. -- The work at Burns' slough was not resumed yesterday,
but probably will be in a day or two. On Wednesday, when the levee was
completed, the water was for a time entirely shut off. When it first
commenced to run, a large stream came up from the bed of the slough
thirty feet below the levee, running from the river entirely under the
sod foundation on which it was built. In a short time the foundation and
levee gave way together and were entirely submerged. The breach had widened
yesterday to about fifty feet. . . .
WATER RAISED FRUIT.-- C. H. Swift took yesterday an apple larger than a
hen's egg from a tree growing in his yard at Fifth and L streets, which
has been surrounded by water from one to four feet deep during the entire
season. The tree and the fruit appear to be in healthy condition. In many
instances, however, apple trees which appear healthy while the water
remains, die when it leaves them.
THE LAST PROPOSAL. -- The last proposition for getting rid of the water
in the city is that an effort be made to get Picayune Butler to come to
town and turn the channel of Burns' slough, provided he is successful in
his effort at Vicksburg to turn the channel of the Mississippi. If he will
take the job on the condition of no pay until the work is done, let him
have the contract. . . .
THE RIVER. -- Sacramento river has fallen to 12 feet 6 inches above low
water mark, and goes down at the rate of two or three inches every
twenty-four hours. . . .
CORRECT NAME. -- The name of one of the children drowned on Wednesday
afternoon near Twelfth and K streets, was Cash M. Cave instead of
"McCase," as published yesterday. . . .
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
THURSDAY, July 10, 1862.
The President called the Board to order at half-past two o'clock P. M., . . .
The case of Poundmaster. Mayo was taken up.
Mayo made a statement to the effect that some of the charges brought
against him were the same charges which were investigated in 1856, when
be was honorably acquitted. He then read and commented on the testimony
of some of the witnesses, stating that he could impeach all the testimony
that amounted to anything against him. He never once had said he (Mayo)
had grown rich out of the city, but the fact was that he had not a dollar
to pay his debts with. He wanted to call witnesses to rebut the testimony
of Myers and others, and complained that the UNION had done him injustice
by not publishing the whole of the testimony. The papers had been telling
him every day that the Burns slough was going to be closed, but the water
kept comIng, and all of it had to pass through his pound. The Board of
Supervisors were themselves to blame for not having a better pound; and
if they could find any man that would fill the office better than he did,
he was willing to let them try it. . . .
Supervisor DICKERSON said there was some excuse for his negligence
heretofore on account of the flood, but from this time on he would expect
Mayo to take care of all the cattle and all the tagless dogs in the
city. . . .
MORMONS IN PARIS. -- Paris was visited recently by thunder, lightning,
hail, whirlwind . . .
Not yet found in the Union:
--Damage to Smith's Garden [since the initial flurry of reports after
the 12/09 flood, stories about flooding within the urban limits of
Sacramento became scarce in the Union, including having "forgotten"
to report 4 groups of levee breaks, including 20 separate levee breaks at
31st Street alone. Did that have to do
with their efforts to keep the Capital from leaving?]
--Final passage of flood waters from Sacramento streets and neighborhoods
--Drowning deaths at Newville
--Rigorous calculation of the percentage of assessed property lost statewide
--Discussion of the impact on the State budget for the next 18 months
--Levees rebuilt
--Mike Barkley, 167 N. Sheridan Ave., Manteca, CA 95336 (H) 209/823-4817
mjbarkl@inreach.com
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