USA > California > Sacramento County > An illustrated history of Sacramento County, California : containing a history of Sacramento County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also prominent citizens of today > Part 23
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The School of Design occupies the middle floor of the building and the library room, and unquestionably its situation is the finest in the world devoted to such a purpose. The rooms are most richly embellished, and architecturally are a delight to the eye, while the outlook from the windows is upon beautiful foliage and flowers and grassy lawns and other pleasant views. The pupils also enjoy all the advantage of study and
comparison afforded by the beautiful gallery above them.
In September, 1888, the association was the happy recipient of five exquisite works in stat- uary purchased in Italy by Mr. David Lubin, and by him presented to the association. It will thus be seen that the society is gradnally accumulating and progressing in the direction of its original purpose.
The gallery is open to the public free on Wednesdays, Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons. On all other daysan admission fee of ten cents is charged, but to the Mineral Cab- inet Department there is no admission fee. The city pays the cost of the necessary repairs, the watchinan, the gardener and the custodian; but for the first two Mrs. Crocker, whose property adjoins, pays half the charge-another evidence of that lady's generosity.
In October, 1888, the association conceived the idea-since it had never called upon the citizens of Sacramento to contribute to its aid, except in the exhibition of 1885-of giving a second loan exhibition. The ladies of the city, prominent among whom were the wives and daughters of members of the association, re- solved to aid it. They therefore organized what is known as-
The Ladies' Museum Association of Saera- mento .- In two months' time the association, with Mrs. Mayor Gregory at its head, Mrs. William Ingram, Jr., Secretary, and Mrs. A. Bonheim as Treasurer, numbered 138 members, and offered to take hold of the enterprise for another loan exhibition, and this is now (Jann- ary, 1889,) under way. This auxiliary associa- tion is intended to be a permanent society, to interest the ladies in the work of the parent as- sociation, and also to foster social intercourse between the members and encourage such edu- cational work as comes within their scope.
The officers of the California Museum Asso- ciation, at this writing (Jannary, 1889), are: IIon. Christopher Green, President; J. A. Woodson, Vice-President; Fred E. Ray, Secre- tary; James I. Felter, Treasurer. Directors --
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
Mrs. Margaret E. Crocker (life), Hon. Newton Booth, C. E. Grunsky, Dr. George Pyburn, Joseph Steffens, David Lubin, with the above- named officers. The Board of Joint Control consists of the above named and His Honor, Eugene J. Gregory, the mayor, representing the municipality of Sacramento. The Board of Trustees of the State's Mineral Cabinet referred to are: Mayor Gregory, Chairman; Dr. George Pyburn, Secretary, and J. A. Woodson; these are appointed by the State. The former presi- dents of the association have been David Lubin and Hon. Newton Booth. The custodian of the gallery and the chief art instructor in the School of Design is W. F. Jackson.
THE STATE LIBRARY.
The first active step toward the formation of a State library was taken by the Legislature of 1850, in directing that the scattered books be- longing to the State be collected and placed in the custody of the Secretary of State, who should also serve as State Librarian. No very considerable additions were made to this collec- tion until 1856, when 3,500 standard law books were purchased, at a cost of about $17,000; in 1860 the library comprised 20,000 volumes; in 1870, 25,000; in 1880, 50,000, and now there are about 70,000.
The library consists of two departments, law and miscellaneous. The law library-room, 30 x 35 feet and 20 feet high, is chock-full of books from floor to ceiling, and much more space is needed. Complete sets of law reports, and almost complete sets of the statutes of England, Ireland and Scotland, and nearly all the colonial possessions of Great Britain, and also of the States and Territories of our own country, cover- ing a period of six centuries, are in this collec- tion. Thevolumes in this department now num- ber about 20,000.
The main room, for miscellaneous books, is circular in form, being about sixty feet in diam- eter and two stories high. Many magnificent paintings are to be seen in this department. It is almost completely surrounded by alcoves.
There is here also a medical library of consider- able proportions.
Although this is not a circulating library, books may be taken from it by the members of the Legislature during session, and by State officers at any time; and this privilege has Usually been extended by the trustees also to the medical profession and the clergy in the city.
The State library is supported from two sources: First, a system of exchanges with other libraries; and, secondly, the fees paid to the Secretary of State, amounting to several hundred dollars per month. It is under the control of a board of five trustees, elected by the Legislature in joint convention, and holding their office for a term of four years, serving without pay. They appoint a librarian who serves at a salary of $3,000 per annum, and is ex officio secretary of the board. He in turn may appoint two deputies. The State Libra- rians have been: W. C. Stratton, R. O. Cravens, twelve years, and Talbot H. Wallis since 1882; and the present deputies are G. T. Clark and F. F. Freeman.
THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
As early as 1857 the Sacramento Library Association was organized, and under their auspices a good library was formed, which, not- withstanding losses by fire, increased in size. In 1872 a building on I street, between Seventh and Eighth, was erected and furnished at a total cost of about $17,500. Of this amount $11,- 500 was raised by a gift enterprise, and $6,000 borrowed on a mortgage.
Notwithstanding the advantages offered by the association, its subsequent career was not as prosperous as was desirable, and in 1879 the directors offered the property to the city, to be maintained as a free library, the city assuming the debt. The question was submitted to the citizens at the March election, and was carried. As soon as possible the library was re-catalogned and arranged, and on June 15 following was opened as a free public library, with 6,067 vol- umes on its shelves. It now contains over 14,-
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
000 volumes, including many valuable and costly works. On the tables of the reading-rooms are to be found the leading papers of the State and of the Union, besides representative foreign jour- nals and periodicals, the whole number taken being over 200.
Books may be drawn free for home use by any resident of the city, npon obtaining the re- quired permit.
Since the library became the property of the city it has been supported by public tax, and been under the control of a Board of Trustees elected by the people. The following have served as Library Trustees: Judge S. C. Den- son, William H. Mills, William C. Fitch, Sain- uel Howard Gerrish, Add. C. Hinkson, Mrs. G. W. Hancock, Miss Georgiana Brewster, Albert Dart, Kirke White Brier, Francis Le Noir, A. S. Hopkins and L. E. Smith. Mrs. Hancock and Mr. Brier died while holding the office, and Messrs. Mills, Dart and Le Noir resigned while serving. The present board is composed of William C. Fitch, President; Add. C. Hinkson, Vice-President; A. S. Hopkins, L. E. Smith and S. H. Gerrish, Secretaries. The last two mentioned have served continuously from the date of the establishment of the Free Library to the present time. The executive staff consists of the librarian and the assistant librarian, who at present are Miss Caroline G. Hancock and Mr. Lauren W. Ripley.
THE ODD FELLOWS' LIBRARY,
in their temple at Ninth and K streets, now contains about 5,000 volumes. It is a circulating library for all members of the order in good standing and their families, and is open from 7 to 9 o'clock every evening during the week, and from 2 to 4 p. M. every Sunday. On the ledger are enrolled 559 names, and an average of about 500 books are taken out per month. The library is supported from the proceeds of picnics, espe- cially the annual picnic, and by donations from most of the lodges.
The room and alcoves are conveniently ar- ranged, and the spare places are adorned with
appropriate paintings and photographs of past officers. Helen A. Benteen has been the libra- rian since September, 1883.
MUNICIPAL.
During the month of July, 1849, the first movement was made toward the organization of a municipal government for Sacramento. Of the movements in Territorial days looking to the formation of a city government, Dr. Morse, in his history of Sacramento-the first work of the kind written-gives the following account:
PRIMARY GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION.
" The population was rapidly increasing, and a desire for some more familiar or Americanized government began to receive considerable favor. Accordingly, in the latter part of July, 1849, an election for town councilmen was held at the St. Louis Exchange, on Second street, between I and J. The result was the election of Jolin P. Rodgers, H. E. Robinson, P. B. Cornwall, William Stout, E. F. Gillespie, Thomas F. Chap- man, M. T. McClelland, A. M. Winn and B. Jennings. On the 2d day of August following, the first six gentlemen on the list met at the same place and organized by making William Stout, President, and J. H. Harper, Clerk. The first business coming before the council was the preparation of. a constitution defining the duties of the council and for the general government of the city. On Angust 25, A. M. Winn was elected president of the body in place of Stout, who was absent.
"On the 20th of September an election was held at the St. Louis Exchange, for the adoption or rejection of a city charter, which had been prepared by the forementioned conncil. Prior to the election of these councilmen, there was no law or government which was not merely nomi- nal in its character. The only tribunal was an alcalde's court, in which justice was dispensed with such dispatch and enormous costs that little attention was paid to litigation. Under this régime the people became eminently given to minding their own business and avoiding
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
those legal collisions that are so generally un- satisfying in their results. Consequently, when this movement was made to organize a city government, a spirit of opposition began to manifest itself among those who took a little leisure to think of matters that were not directly connected with their business. The opposition principally emanated from the votaries of gam- ing. Hence, when the election came on, the result was much different from what was antici- pated by the officials of the city. Upon can- vassing the votes it was discovered that the charter had been defeated by a majority of 146 votes.
" To the president of the council, who took a deep and lively interest in the new dispen- sation of things, this defeat was both unexpected and mortifying. He had exerted himself with a martyr's zeal to imbue the people with a proper conception of their wants and the prospective benefit of a city government, and while reposing upon a platform of conjectured success, he could not seem to understand the capricious and sin- gular phenomenon which this election evolved. In demonstration of this we invite the attention of our readers to the following proclamation, which, emanating from the president of the council, makes a most pathetic yet most com- promising appeal to the sovereign people as to " what they desire the council to do:'
" Proclamation to the people of Sacramento City by order of the President and Council:
" On the 1st day of August, 1849, we were elected councilmen of this city, and our powers ' or duties were not defined. On the 13th of September following we presented to you a charter for your consideration, which you have seen fit to reject by a majority of 146 votes. Since then we have been unable to determine what the good people of this city desire us to do, and being Republicans in principle, and having every confidence in the ability of the people to govern themselves, we again request the residents of Sacramento City to meet at the St. Louis Exchange, at 7:30 o'clock, on Wednesday evening, October 10, 1849, then and there to declare what they wish the council to do. If you wish us to act under the Mexican laws now
in force, however inapplicable they may be to our condition, then we must do the best we can; if you have objection to particular features of the charter, then strike out the objectionable features, and insert such as yon desire. The health and safety of our city demand immediate action on your part. for in our primitive con- dition, and in the absence of legislative anthority, we can in fact be of no service to you without your confidence and consent.
"Signed by A. M. Winn, President, and six councilmen." .
This proclamation stirred np the people, and an organization in favor of a charter was effected. At a subsequent election the charter party won by 296 majority. The charter adopted was slightly different from the one originally sub- mitted, but still it was not altogether satisfac- tory. In December à public meeting was held at the horse-market, and a committee appointed to draft amendments. The amended charter was afterward adopted by the people, and, with slight changes, was passed into a law by the first Legislature.
THE CHARTER BY THE FIRST LEGISLATURE.
On February 27, 1850, the first Legislature passed an act to incorporate Sacramento City, the boundaries of which were defined as follows:
All that tract of land lying within the follow- ing boundaries: Beginning at the junction of the American Fork with the Sacramento River; thence down said Sacramento River to Y street, as designated on the map or plan of Sacramento City on file in the Recorder's office in said city; thence along said Y street east to the point where said Y street intersects Thirty-first street as designated on said map; thence along the said Thirty-first street until the same intersects the American Fork; thence along the American Fork to the place of beginning, the said bound- aries extending to the middle of Sacramento River and American Fork.
The act provided that for the government of the city there should be a mayor, a recorder and a council of nine members, one of whom should be elected president. It further provided that
-
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
on the 30th day after the passage of the act a city election should be held for the selection of the first officers, to wit: A mayor, recorder, nine councilmen, city marshal, city attorney, assessor and treasurer. After the first election the offi- cers mentioned were to be elected on the first Monday in May in each year, and in case of a vacancy a special election should be ordered by the council to fill the same. The mayor was clothed with complete executive power; the re- corder performed the duties now incumbent on the police judge, and the marshal those now performed by the chief of police and city col- lector. The common council was given power to create the offices of city collector, harbor- inaster, and such other offices as might become necessary.
On March 13, 1850, the same Legislature passed an amendatory act providing that, on the first Monday of April following, a city election should be held to fill the offices created by the charter, making it fall on the same day with the first county election. The officers then chosen were to hold until the first Monday of May, 1851. This amendment did not affect any ex- cept the first election. On April 10, 1850, an act was passed providing for the appointment by the Governor of a port warden for the port of Sacramento.
THE GOVERNOR DISAGREES WITH THE LEGISLATURE.
The second Legislature passed a new charter for Sacramento City, and it became a law on March 26, 1851, by operation of the time, and without the approval of the Executive.
Governor MeDougal said of it: " The within bill is regarded as oppressive and extraordinary in many of its features, but not regarding it as infringing any particular principle of the con- stitution, and as it is the act of the representa- tives of Sacramento County, and presuming it to be the wish of the people of Sacramento City, I permit it to become a law, by the operation of time, without approving or returning it to the body in which it originated."
This act provided that the then existing gov-
ernment should continue in office until the elec- tion of the officers provided for in the new charter. The council was to divide the city into three wards, from each of which three councilmen were to be elected. It provided, in addition to officers then existing, for the election by the people of a harbor master. Vacancies were to be filled by special election, nuless one should occur within sixty days of a regular an- nnal election, when it was to be filled by the council. The first election under the act was to take place on the first Monday of May follow- ing, for officers to hold until the first Monday of April, 1852. All subsequent city elections were to be held on the first Monday of April in each year. The matter of salaries was left with the council, but they were not permitted to fix the salary of any officer over $3,000, except the mayor or recorder, where the limit was placed at $5,000.
April 26, 1853, a law was passed providing for the levy of a special tax of one-fourth of one per cent., for the support of the free common schools, to be expended under the direction of a Board of Trustees, consisting of one from each ward, to be annually appointed by the council.
On March 31, 1855, a law was passed striking the harbormaster from the list of elective offi- cers. The salaries were fixed as follows: Mayor, $2,000; recorder, 84,000; marshal, $3,000; dep- nty city marshal, $1,500; city attorney, 82,000; treasurer, $1,500; superintendent of the water- works, $2,000; assessor, $1,500; recorder's clerk, $1,500; each policeman, $125 per month. In . case of deatlı, sickness or absence of the re- corder, the mayor was to attend to the daties of that office also. It was provided that at the next subsequent election there should be chosen a superintendent of common schools, and two school commissioners from each ward, who, with the superintendent, should constitute the School Board.
April 2, 1856, an act was passed to regulate the fire department. It provided for the elec- tion of officers and the regulation of the depart- ment generally.
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
CONSOLIDATION OF THE CITY AND COUNTY GOV- ERNMENTS.
On April 24, 1858, a law was enacted to con- solidate the government of the city and county. The Board of Supervisors was given the power which had been vested in the council. On the first Monday of May following five supervisors were to be elected, to hold office until October 5, 1858. There was also, at the same time, to be elected a president of the board, to continue in office until the general election in 1859, the term of office to be thereafter two years. After the first Monday of October, 1858, the board was to consist of a president and eight members, and the members were to be elected at the gen- eral election in that year-four to hold office for two years and four for one year. After the first election the term was to be for two years. At the general election in 1859, and every two years thereafter, there were to be elected the other officers, who were to perform duty both for the county and city. The president of the board was to be ex officio mayor of the city, and superintendent of the streets and water-works. The then county officers were required to per- form such city duties as might be imposed upon them by the board, and the board was empow- ered to create and fill by appointment the minor city offices. Some changes were also made in the government of the fire and school departments.
PASSAGE OF THE PRESENT CITY CHARTER.
On April 25, 1863, the Consolidation Act was repealed, and a new city charter passed. It provided that the government should be vested in a board of three trustees. The first trustee was to be ex officio mayor; the second, street commissioner, and the third, superintendent of the water-works. There should also be an an- ditor, assessor, collector, police judge, and such other officers as might beappointed by the board. The terin of office of the trustees was made three years, and that of the other officers two years. It was provided that on the tenth day after the passage of the act a city election should be held, at which the offices above designated
should be filled; and that annually thereafter, on the second Tuesday in March, city elections should be held. At the election in 1864 there should be elected a third trustee, in 1865 a second trustee, assessor, collector, anditor and judge, and in 1866 a first trustee, to hold for the term indicated. A vacancy in the board was to be filled by a special election, and a va- cancy in any other office was to be filled by ap- pointment by the board. Provision was also made for the fire and school departments.
With the exception of a slight change in the boundaries of the city, and as to the time of election of officers other than members of the board, no change has since been made in the city charter. In 1872 a bill was passed creat- ing a paid fire department; another to provide a new systen of water works, and a third to re- organize the police force.
THE FIRST MAYOR ELECTED.
The first city election under the new State Government was held April 1, 1850. In the issue of the Placer Times of March 16, A. M. Winn announced himself as a candidate for mayor, but on the 30th he published his with- drawal. One Joseph Grant was a candidate for mayor on the " Rancho " ticket, the advertise- ment of which in the newspapers ran as follows:
Rancheros, to the Rescue! The enemy is in the field. Our bills have been mutilated and, in some instances, destroyed; but let not your "angry passions rise " in consequence of the indignity. Imitate, as far as in your power lies, the example of your leader. Keep cool, work hard and vote early. Remember that abuses and curses, like young chickens, " come home to roost." When once the votes are in the ballot-box, no appeal can be taken.
HOMEBRES.
RANCHO TICKET. Through by Daylight! [Then followed the city ticket.]
RANCHO TICKET-FOR THE COUNTY. " All's Well that Ends Well."
[Here followed the county ticket, on which Judge W. C. Wallace was elected District Attor- ney, and the late Presley Dunlap, County Clerk.]
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
In speaking of the first city and county elec- tion, the Placer Times of April 6, 1850, said: " Last Monday was a great day for Sacramento, so far as excitement and fun were concerned. Notwithstanding the conflicting interests and the multiplicity of candidates, there was little else manifested but good humor, and a disposi- tion to have a good time, whatever the result. Mr. Biglow was elected mayor by a handsome majority, considering the many organizations with which he had to contend. Without wish- ing to say anything detrimental to others, we must be allowed to express the opinion that Mr. B. will make an excellent officer. His interests are identified with those of Sacramento, and to promote her advancement toward that impor- tance and greatness which she is destined to reach will be his constant aim, We should not speak so confidently did not our personal knowl- edge of the new mayor warrant us in so doing. The other city and county officers, we believe, are all good men, and we doubt not will attend to the duties of their respective offices with promptness and fidelity."
The number of votes cast for mayor was 2,576, of which Hardin Biglow had 1,521, Joseph Grant 432, Thomas J. Ifenley 511, P. R. Haight 112, and forty-six scattering. On the 3d Grant filed a protest against the officers qualifying, upon the ground that fraud and irregularity had entered into the election, but it does not appear that any action was taken on his protest. Big- low immediately assumed office, and sent in an able message to the council. In the Squatter Riots of that year he was severely wounded, and before recovering was seized with cholera, and died at San Francisco, November 27, 1850, at the age of forty-one. He was a native of Michi- gan, and was a man of exceeding courage and fine executive ability. After his death, the president of the council temporarily acted as mayor.
THE MAYORS.
A special election was held December 14 1850, to choose a mayor. In the early part of the day of election there was no excitement, but
as the day advanced, although the rain fell in torrents, the excitement became intense. Bands of music paraded the streets, and every effort was used by both parties to secure the success of their candidate. Ilorace Smith (Whig) Was elected by a vote of 933, to 865 for J. R. Har- denbergh (Democrat), 183 for James McClatchy, 25 for Wesley Merritt and 19 for Josephi Grant, independent candidates.
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