History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 89

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206

USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions > Part 89

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During the year 1874, sliding ways were constructed at Oakland Point and the work of construction and repairs of steamers, etc., transferred to that place. Two new steamers designed for the ferry line-one for passenger and one for freight service-were built in this year, the Oakland being launched in 1874, and the Transit in July, 1875. These are the largest boats placed on the line, the latter being able to accommodate twenty loaded cars, or four more than the Thoroughfare. In this year, too, the construction of new ferry-slips was undertaken by the Harbor Commissioners of San Francisco, on East Street, between Market and Clay Streets. In 1875, a new wharf and slip for the ferry-boat running between San Francisco and Oakland via San Antonio Creek (the Creek Route) was commenced, and completed in July of the following year, the steamer Capital being entirely refitted for service on the line. In 1878 a new wharf and slip for the car ferry-steamers were constructed near the mouth of the estuary of San Antonio, a work which rendered necessary the removal and rebuilding of one thousand feet in length of the north training-wall constructed by the United States Government for the improvement of Oakland Harbor, which was done with the concurrence of Col. George H. Mendell, United States Engineer in charge, and without detriment to his proposed plan of the harbor.

In June, 1879, was commeneed, and in 1881 was completed the Oakland Pier, or Mole. It is one and twenty-sixth hundredths miles in length, and two hundred and eighty feet in width at the western end. It is largely constructed of rock brought from · Alameda Cañon, a distance of twenty-six and one-half miles, and the earth used for fill-

631

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

ing the interior portion was also transported by trains a distance of six and three-fourths miles. Four parallel tracks extend from the Oakland shore, a distance of four thou- sand eight hundred feet, and thence to the terminus, additional tracks (twelve in all) are laid, ten of which pass through the depot building. From the western end of the rock-pier extends the pile-work forming the ferry-slip, and foundation for a por- tion of the main wings of the depot building. This slip is six hundred feet in length by one hundred and seventy-seven feet in width at its entrance, and has a sufficient depth of water for the largest ferry-steamers at the lowest tides.

The depot building, which was also completed in 1881, was designed by Arthur Brown, Superintendent of Bridges and Buildings, and with the wharf and slip was erected under his supervision. It is constructed in three main divisions longitudinally. The main or central part is one hundred and twenty feet wide and sixty feet high, and is used mainly for overland and interior local trains. The side divisions, which are used by the Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley local trains- connecting half-hourly with the ferry-steamers-are each sixty feet wide and forty feet high, and extend as wings on either side of the ferry-slips. There are two commodious waiting-rooms for passengers. The upper one is one hundred and twenty by one hundred and twenty feet, and connects by side aprons with the saloon-deck, while the lower waiting-room connects with the main deck of the steamers. Spacious offices for the Divison Super- intendent and his assistants, as well as various apartments for the use of employés and the general accommodation of business are conveniently arranged. The structure has a total length of one thousand and fifty feet, and covers an area of more than four acres. The roof is covered with corrugated iron and glass, and iron is largely used in the roof trusses and throughout the whole building. Water-tanks are placed in the towers on either side of the slip at a height sufficient to throw water to any part of the building in case of fire. Ample provision has been made for all the requirements of the business that could be foreseen, and the facility with which the large passenger movement is effected fully attests the efficiency and convenience of the general plan. The building is amply lighted, glass being largely used in the sides as well as in the roof. It is lighted at night by electricity; and electric lights are also placed at con- venient intervals through the yard, so that trains may be moved with as much safety by night as by day. This noble depot, the terminal point of a noble enterprise, was opened with a grand ball in February, 1881, and is a "red-letter day" in the annals of Oakland.

We will now draw the reader's attention to the following facts and figures, as exemplifying the increase in the operations of the Central Pacific Railroad in its especial alliance appertaining to the city of Oakland:

LENGTH OF OAKLAND AND ALAMEDA BRANCHES, CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD.

1872.

1881.

Oakland Wharf to East Oakland.

6 miles.

5.67 miles.

Oakland Point to Mastick

3.82

Alameda Wharf to Melrose (Haywards). 17 : 5.19 2.01

Fruit Vale Connection.

The second table to which we would refer is the list of Ferry Steamers belong- ing to the Central Pacific Railway:

632

HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

1872.

Tons.

1881. Tons.

El Capitan.

982

Alameda.

813

Alameda.

813

Amador.

896

Oakland

285

Amelia

386

Washoe.

580

Capital.

1,989

Thoroughfare.

1,012

El Capitan

982

Louise.

386

Oakland.

1,672

Flora Temple.

334

Transit.

1,566

Thoroughfare.

I,O12

Solano (at Carquinez Straits)

.3,549

The last table is a general statement of the number of passengers passing the Central Pacific Railroad and Leased Lines, and necessarily through the city of Oak- land, during the year ending December 31, 1881, and for comparison the years from 1872 to 1880 are also shown :-

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS PASSED OVER CENTRAL L'ACIFIC RAILROAD LINES, 1872 TO 1881.

THROUGH.

LOCAL.

FERRY.

TOTAL.

Eastward.

21,645

265, 247

1,203,628

1,490,520

Westward.

34,040

267,90I

1,211,513

1,513,454

Eastward and Westward.

55,685

533, 148

2,415, 141

3,003,947

Eastward.

23,486

296,988

1,310, 327

1,630,801

1873

Westward.

44,370

293,351

1,311,649

1,649,370

Eastward and Westward.

67,856

590,339

2,621,976

3,280, 171

Eastward.

24,782

269,733

1,573,989

1,868,504

1874

Westward ..

55,509

274,425

1,664,29I

1,994,225

Eastward and Westward.

80,291

544, 158

3,238,280

3,862,729

Eastward.

30,422

288, 149

1,935,661

2,254, 232

1875-3

Westward

74,919

285,413

2, 147,750

2,508,082

Eastward and Westward

105,34I

573,562

4,083,41I

4,762,314

Eastward

37,855

352,753

2, 379, 566

2,770, 174

1876-

Westward ..

60,565

338,529

2,603,391

3,002,485

Eastward and Westward.

98,420

691,282

4,982,957

5,772,659

Eastward.

31,247

537,350

2,690,527

3,259, 124

1877-

Westward.

47,435

542,903

2,971,094

3,561,432

Eastward and Westward.

78,682

1, 080, 253

5,661,621

6,820,556

Eastward

25,938

572,106

2,768,053

3,366,097

1878-

Westward.

37,556

588,986

2,986,549

3,613,091

Eastward and Westward.

63,494

1,161,092

5,754,602

6,979, 188

Eastward.

25,268

595,903

2,697,090

3,318,261

1879-

Westward.

36,788

621,459

2,865,799

3,524,046

Eastward and Westward.

62,056

1,217,362

5,562,889

6,842,307

Eastward

30,367

674,024

2,546, 192

3,250,583

1880-

Westward

34,280

698,756

2,723,726

3,456,762

Eastward and Westward.

64,647

1,372,780

5,269,918

6,707,345

East ward

30,891

748,440

2,631,627

3,410,958

1881-

Westward.

47,107

758,878

2,815,423

3,621,408

Eastward and Westward.

77,998

1,507,318

5,447,050

7,032,366

1872

It will be unnecessary for us to dwell here upon the South Pacific Coast Rail- road. We have put before the reader, in the history of Alameda Township, the offi- cial action taken whereby it obtained a footing on the south side of the San Antonio

Gray

Joseph Dieves.

633

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

Creek, afterwards crossing it by Webster-street Bridge and locating its terminus at the corner of Twelfth and Webster Streets, in the city of Oakland. It is believed that it is contemplated to extend the road into East Oakland and its environs, while it is possible that eventually it will connect with a direct line from Stockton, coming into the valley at Haywards. It is also thought that this road will ere long be extended to meet an eastern line at the Colorado River.

The company is now building a depot extending into the bay as far as that of the Central Pacific Railroad Company's terminus, which, with the fast steamers, Bay City, Newark, and Garden City now on the route, and others, the building of which will soon be commenced, will bring passengers to Oakland in half an hour, while should the time of starting be changed to every quarter of an hour, as is believed will be the case, Oakland will have communication with San Francisco every fifteen minutes-but all this is in the womb of futurity.

On March 25, 1881, a line was organized by the California and Nevada Rail- road Company to operate a narrow-guage line from Oakland, and, passing through Alameda, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties, scaling the Sierra Nevada, reaching the State line near the flourishing mining-camp of Bodie, Mono County.

After grading a considerable portion of the line in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties work was suddenly brought to a stop, and has not since been proceeded with.

1858 .- In our chapter on the legislative history of Alameda County we have fully related the adventures of the county's capital; let us now touch upon Oak- land as bidding for that of the State. As early as April 29, 1854, we hear of it. In his message of that date Mayor Carpentier says: "Frequent reference has been made of late by State officers and Members of the Legislature to the subject of locating the capital of the State at Oakland; and all who are acquainted with the geography and natural advantages of the place must agree that such a location would be a judi- cious one, alike calculated to facilitate the labors of legislation and of the public services, and to promote the convenience of citizens who may be led, either from motives of business or pastime, to visit the capital. If you should be of opinion that such a result is likely, and that it would conduce to the permanent welfare of the city, I recommend that such steps be taken as will prove your friendliness to the proposition." We have already shown how the State capital was located at Sacra- mento, but even then there was no despair in Oakland. On March 15, 1858, we find the Hon. J. A. Hobart writing to the then Mayor that he had that day given notice in the Legislature that he would introduce a bill with concurrent resolutions to remove the seat of government to Oakland, and wishing to ascertain from the City Council what inducements he could offer from Oakland and San Francisco so that they could gain favorable consideration. Mr. Hobart also stated that if there were suitable accommodations already prepared, or a sure guarantee that they would be ready by New Year, 1859, he could gain a majority for the removal. On receipt of a com- munication from the Mayor informing them of the purport of Mr. Hobart's letter, the Council resolved that that official be requested to call a meeting of the citizens to take into consideration the subject of memorializing the Legislature to locate the capitol of the State at Oakland. The next we learn of this matter is that a meet-

634

HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

ing of the City Council was had, February 20, 1860, having for its object the adop- tion of measures appropriate for the reception and entertainment of a Legislative Committee expected to visit Oakland for the purpose of reporting upon a suitable location for the State capital. It was therefore resolved that a committee of three members of the Council be appointed for the purpose of making all necessary arrange- ments for the reception and entertainment of the visitors. The Chair then appointed Aldermen Rogers, Warner, and McDevitt such committee. But nothing came of the visit; fifty-three dollars and fifty cents was paid out of the public funds for refresh- ments, and Oakland remains without the prize!

Consequent upon the absence of Alderman McCann, a new election was called - for September 4, 1858, for a Councilman in his place. F. Warner received the highest number of votes. This election was contested by R. Lockwood on behalf of J. Dieves, and it was resolved by the Council to call a new election, as there was a dis- crepancy of one vote existing between the poll-list and the tally-list, while it appeared that a difference of but one vote existed between the two highest candidates voted for, therefore a special committee was ordered by ordinance, when Mr. Dieves was elected by a majority of eighteen.

1859 .- Upon the election of the new corporation officers on March 7, 1859, it was resolved by the outgoing Council "That the thanks of this Body be extended to F. K. Shattuck, for the able and impartial manner in which he has discharged his duties, and that our congratulations be proffered him upon his unsought elevation to the Mayoralty of this city." It may be remembered that Mr. Shattuck was the first Town Clerk of Oakland, and had, step by step, risen to the highest civic honor in the gift of the citizens. On the 6th April, of this year, J. E. Whitcher was authorized to make a map of the city, which, September 3d, was completed and accepted by the Council. On the 14th November, upon the resignation of Alderman Marier, the fol- lowing resolution was adopted :-

WHEREAS, A. MARIER, late a member of this Board, being about to take his departure from the State, therefore Resolved, That the thanks of the Council are hereby tendered him for the faithful manner in which he has discharged his duties as a public officer, and that our best wishes for his welfare and success attend him in his new and distant home.

It is said that this gentleman did not return to France, but died in the southern part of California some years after.

1860 .- In his message of March 28, 1860, Mayor Davis states: The city is slowly but surely advancing in prosperity. The unsettled condition of title to real estate within her limits, and the delay of dredging the sand-bar at the mouth of San Antonio Creek, which, if completed, might facilitate and render certain commu- nication between here and San Francisco, still operate as drawbacks upon our prog- ress. But notwithstanding these drawbacks, improvements of a permanent nature, although of a limited extent, are continually going on; society is steadily increasing in numbers and intelligence; her churches are well attended every Sabbath, with attentive and respectful congregations; her common school is crowded with children who are receiving the rudiments of a public education; her seminaries of learning are well patronized; these, together with other contemplated institutions of a kindred

635

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

character whose foundations are about to be laid, are her surest guarantees of pros- perity in the future. They, with the influences of her position, her climate, and her scenery, will in due time attract the attention of the State and draw to her innumer- able families to realize their benefits and make her what nature has intended her to be, one of the largest and most beautiful cities of the State." The Mayor, however, still finds some things extant that might be bettered. He suggests that " Some meas- ures of a stringent nature ought to be adopted for the suppression and prohibiting, within the city limits, fandango and dance houses." Says he, "These are generally kept in our most public streets by the lowest classes of our Mexican and Chilenean population. They are the resort of the idle, the polluted, and the vagabond of both sexes, who, when any of their numbers are arrested for disturbing the peace or other- wise violating the law, stand by and protect each other, even to the extent of perjury, so that Courts of justice are generally unable to convict. They are of no possible benefit to a community, but are a positive injury from their baneful influences upon the morals and good order of the city. Their presence prevents respectable families from occupying houses in their neighborhood. I therefore recommend you to pass such ordinances as may be most effectual to enable the city to rid herself of these altogether." On March 28th F. F. Fargo, proprietor of the Alameda County Herald, states his willingness to publish the back ordinances enacted by the Council free of cost to the city, he deeming them of sufficient importance to his Oakland readers as to insure an increased interest in his paper, a proposition that was accepted by the Council with thanks. On May 30th the office of City Attorney was created; while, on November 28th, the Ordinance Committee was instructed to report an amendment restricting the fire limits to the lots on Broadway, seventy-five feet deep, and prohib- iting the erection of frame buildings on the remainder over fifteen feet in height.

1861 .- On February 13, 1861, a bill amendatory of the city charter was approved by the City Council, and, together with that to provide for the collection of delinquent taxes, were ordered to be forwarded to the Representatives from Alameda County by the City Attorney.

The year 1861 is perhaps the most important in the annals of the country, for it saw the commencement of the great rebellion. Military enthusiasm was the order of the day, and Oakland was not behind in the arming and equipment of companies for military service if need be. On August 31, 1861, the " Home Guard " was organized with the following officers: James Brown, Captain; John Potter, First Lieutenant; W. H. Puffer, Second Lieutenant; J. H. Hobert, Brevet Lieutenant; H. H. Crocker, Orderly Sergeant; T. W. Newcomb, Second Sergeant; W. Woolsey, Third Sergeant; Charles McKay, Fourth Sergeant; H. A. Morse, First Corporal; Henry Sommers, Second Corporal; C. Stewart, Third Corporal; James Travis, Fourth Corporal.

1862 .- February 5, 1862, there was passed by the Council an ordinance granting the right to erect gas-works in the city of Oakland. A duel was fought on the Ist June of this year, between Frank Turk and O. C. Hall of San Francisco, but no blood was spilled. On October 7, 1862, the Bay District Fair was commenced in Oakland, and was well attended, the exhibit of animals of all kinds, as well as of produce, being

636

HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

highly creditable. Among the articles on exhibition were a squash weighing ninety pounds; a cabbage, fifty-one pounds; and a sweet-potato, nine pounds. The celebrated horses "Comet," "Hunter," "Kentuck," and " Owen Dale" were shown at the stock parade in the evening, as were also certain Clydesdale horses recently imported by J. W. Dougherty and Mr. Martin, of the Amador Valley. J. D. Patterson also pro- duced five specimens of celebrated Alderney cows. At the election of officers the following gentlemen were chosen to serve for the ensuing year: J. J. McEwen, Presi- dent; S. J Tennent, J. Bowles, Vice-Presidents; William Reynolds, Santa Clara; S. W. Johnson, Contra Costa; R. Blacow, Alameda; D. S. Cook, San Mateo; J. A. McClelland, San Francisco, Vice-Presidents for counties at large; G. P. Loucks, Platt Gregory, R. G. Davis, Directors; K. W. Taylor, Treasurer; O. Falley, Secretary. The annual address was delivered by Rev. Starr King, to a large audience; indeed, there was nothing to mar the entire programme but the presence of all manner of gam- bling, then but too common at such meetings. On the night of November 1I, 1862, Becht's Brewery, situated at the corner of Broadway and Ninth Streets was consumed by fire, the loss amounting to six thousand dollars and two thousand gallons of beer. During this year an act entitled " An Act to Incorporate the City of Oakland, passed March 25, 1854, and repealing certain other Acts in relation to said City" was approved, its provisions restating the boundaries of the city, regulating officers, defin- ing the duties of the City Council, and fixing the time and method of levying taxes

1863 .- Mayor Bovee, in his message of March 12, 1863; remarks, in reference to the city of Oakland: "The Funded Debt of the city now amounts to the sum of thirty-nine thousand one hundred dollars, bcaring an interest of seven per cent., which is classified as follows :-

Balance of outstanding debt funded under the Act of 1855, and payable in 1865. $20,700 00 Amount funded under Act of 1858. 11,200 00

Amount under Amendatory Act of 1861 7,200 00

Making the total of $39,100 00 The last two named amounts being payable in 1878.

" The city is therefore required to pay in 1865 the bonds issued in 1855, and by section nine of the Funding Act of 1855, it is made your duty in each of the years 1863 and 1864 to raise by tax upon the property within the city a sum equal to onc- half of the amount of the debt about falling due. . It appears to me that with the prospect before us of an excess in revenue beyond our current expenses, but a small tax will be necessary. Our bonds are now selling in the market at about sixty-five cents on the dollar, which would make the amount required for the redemption of the issue of 1855, equal to thirteen thousand four hundred and fifty-five dollars.

" The assessment of 1862-63 shows the taxable property of the city to have been about six hundred thousand dollars. The indications now are the roll of 1863-64 will not be less than seven hundred thousand dollars, on which there is already levied for the present fiscal year a tax of one per cent. This will produce $7,000 00

Add estimated revenue from licenses. 2,000 00

Makes the gross income of the year

$9,000 00

From this there will be required to pay interest on the Funded Debt $2,800 00

Estimated expenses of present year . . 2,000 00

$4,800 00

Leaving to be applied to payment of bonds.

$4,200 00

637

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

" The prospect before us of a like, or larger, excess in the next year's receipts will probably induce you to fix the rate of tax to be levied as low as may in your judg- ment be consistent with the object to be attained. I am pleased to be enabled to inform you that the city has no obligation beyond her Funded Debt, and that there appears from the report of the Treasurer, made to our predecessors, to be in hand in the Treasury, nineteen hundred and eighty-seven dollars to the credit of the Interest Fund, and a sufficient balance in the General Fund to defray the ordinary expenses of the Government until the next taxes are payable." He further states in regard to other matters: " The mode pointed out by the charter for the collection of taxes has had the result of involving the city in some litigation as to the manner in which the assessment was made. I am informed that the collection of the last year's tax has been in two instances enjoined by the Judge of the District, and that in one of the cases where an injunction issued, suits by the city had been commenced against the plaintiff, to the number of forty-eight, to recover the taxes on a tract of unimproved property, the whole embracing less than two blocks, the costs of which suits exceed many times the amount of the tax sought to be collected, and also, as I am informed, the value of the property. I am not prepared to say that the action of our late officials in the premises was without authority of law. This is a question that can better be determined by the eminent legal gentlemen we have the good fortune to number in your Body, but it does appear to me that if such a mode of harassing a citizen has legal sanction, it would be no less creditable than just to seek an amend- ment removing the objection. The object of such laws should be to enforce the pay- ment of taxes, and whilst this may be rigidly done, without injustice, no law of the King should receive such construction as operates to confiscate the property taxed, more particularly when such result is attained by the accumulation of fees of the officers charged with its collection.

" As the plaintiffs in the injunction suits referred to have proposed to pay the tax duc to the city, I would recommend that the same be received and that the actions commenced against them on the part of the city be discontinued.

"The duty of appointing a City Attorney devolves upon you, and I would sug- gest that such appointment be made as soon as possible. The charter seems to con- template that the Mayor shall be, ex officio, City Attorney, but as this provision was made in contemplation of the former office being filled by a person of the degree of Attorney-at-Law, it cannot be made operative in the present case.

"The city is at present involved in litigation of much moment, suits being now pending involving the right to her water front, and many others respecting streets and the collection of taxes of more or less magnitude. It appears to me there has been much delay in prosecuting the rights of the city in the suits referred to and that the Attorney to be appointed now ought to be a gentleman, not only of experience but of sufficient energy to prosecute the litigation in which the city is interested to an imme- diate conclusion. I would suggest that the officers to be appointed be instructed to report to your Body as soon as practicable, a full statement of the condition of the legal business of the city.

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History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 89

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood Number of Pages: 1206

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206