History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 98

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 98

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1877 .- Under date, May 3, 1877, we find the following minute on the records :-- "At a special meeting of the Council, held this date at one o'clock P. M., were present: Messrs. Fish, Sohst, Grinnell, Miller, Fonda, Miner, and President Walter.

" President Walter stated the object of the meeting; that the same was convened to make definite arrrangements to attend the funeral of ex-Mayor John B. Felton. Suitable resolutions had been prepared, and he called upon Hon. F. M. Campbell, City Superintendent of Schools, to read the same, who rose and pronounced the fol- lowing eloquent and fervent eulogistic resolutions :---

WHEREAS, By the stern decree of the inexorable foe, our community is plunged in deep grief by the passing forever from us, in the meridian of his years and in the fullness of his great renown, our loved and venerated fellow- citizen; and

WHEREAS, During his residence among us he has ever, as Chief Executive Officer or private citizen, stood forth strong, reliant, and true, as the champion of our city's interests whenever and wherever they have been assailed or threatened, bringing to that service all those rich and rare accomplishments of his great intellect, ripe scholarship, untiring energy, and cool judgment; and

WHEREAS, The unequaled growth and material prosperity of our city, in which he loved to live and was will- ing to die, are largely and chiefly the result of plans conceived, matured, and executed by him; and

WHEREAS, For our splendid educational facilities, by the creation and founding in our midst of the University of California, so much is due to his wise counsel and unceasing labors, prompted and stimulated by his loyal love for learning, and the noble desire to place them fully, freely, and without discrimination, within the reach of all; therefore, be it, by the Mayor and City Council, of the city of Oakland,

Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. John B. Felton, Oakland has lost one of her most distinguished and valued citizens and wisest counselors; the State and county the eclipse of one of its most brilliant intellects; the community of letters a loyal and devoted member; the cause of free, universal education an earnest and self- sacrificing supporter; the law a profound exponent and a shining ornament; and society its model of the true and courteous gentleman -one whose charity was as broad as the frailties of men, and whose ready hand ever responded to the promptings of his unbounded generosity, and who, with a heart as great as his brain, could, in the unceasing pressure of the most important business, always find time and inclination to listen to and advise each and all of the many who were wont to go to him in their dark hours of adversity.

Resolved, That the public business of the city be suspended on Friday, May 4th, from and after II A. M., and that the municipal officers attend the funeral of our loved friend in a body.

Resolved, That, with a due sense of how unavailing are all expressions of human sympathy and consolation in the shadow of so great an affliction, we nevertheless reverently extend to the bereaved family our sincere and heartfelt sympathy and that of the entire community.

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered in full upon the minutes of the Council, and a copy, under the seal of the city, be transmitted to the widow of our departed friend.

"The resolutions were adopted on motion of Mr. Miner, by the following vote: Ayes, Messrs. Fish, Sohst, Grinnell, Miller, Fonda, Miner, and President Walter-7. Noes, none.

"His Honor Mayor E. H. Pardee then rose and delivered the following elegant and feeling tribute :--

MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNCIL: Gratitude for the kindness of a friend, as well as rev- erence for the greatness of a man, admonishes me to unite my voice with yours on this sad and mournful occasion, for our departed friend and esteemed citizen. And if an apology be needed that thus early I claim your time and attention, allow me to say that from the lips now closed and fixed, and the voice now hushed in death, came first the encouraging words of deep sympathy, in tones of heartfelt gentleness, when I lay prostrate from sickness, two years ago.

And I am glad to know that in every mountain, and in every valley and ravine of California, dear and cher- ished friends join us to-day, with wounded hearts, over the untimely death of this good man.

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

John B. Felton was a man free from artifice and disguise. His every thought and instinct were chivalric. Not to adventitious circumstances, not to the chances of birth or fortune, not to the society in which he was thrown, was he indebted either for the distinction to which he rose in life, or to the grace that adorned his private character. He never borrowed the thoughts or sentiments of others. His great mind and noble heart were of American growth, while his manly and eminent virtues served to illustrate our high national character. He had nothing to disguise, nothing to withhold, and nothing to ask for that was not just; and I once heard him remark that he had rather be right and alone, than to be wrong with the whole world.

Amid all the fluctuations of public sentiment and all the mutations of party, he pursued the path of duty by the light of principle, and dying, leaves behind him an example of consistency and public virtue upon which the patriot may ponder with pleasure, and from which the mere aspirant for worldly honor may draw an instructive lesson; and his life is a beautiful illustration of the truth that the line of duty is alike the path of safety and the way to honor.

"His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him That Nature might stand up And say to all the world: This was a man!"

"On motion of Mr. Fonda the above remarks were ordered spread upon the min- utes, which was carried nem. con."

The following minutes entered upon the official record July 25, 1877, will show to the reader the steps taken by the authorities of the city of Oakland to prevent such disgraceful scenes occurring in their town as had taken place in San Francisco. These are popularly known as the "July Riots."

"At a special meeting of the City Council held this date at 9:30 o'clock A. M., were present Messrs. Fish, Sohst, Grinnell, Miller, Fonda, Miner, and President Wal- ter. The city clerk read the notice of the call, and the President explained more fully the object of convening the Council-in the main to prevent any insurrection or riots similar to those at the East, and under the present excitement to allay any lawless- ness which might arise, and enact prompt and decisive measures to arrest the same. He called upon his Honor, the Mayor, to address the Council; who stated that he had supposed that Oakland would be free from any lawlessness, but became convinced that decisive measures should be taken. After listening to a speech by Mr. Redstone, on the evening previous, he had therefore requested the President of the Council to call the same together, in order that the legislative body of the city might cooperate and assist the Executive. He had ordered Captain Rand to enroll five hundred spe- cial policemen, to be ready if such emergency existed. Doctor Merritt and Hon. A. C. Henry then addressed the Council, concurring fully in what had been expressed by his Honor, the Mayor. Captain Rand stated that in accordance with an order he had issued from the Mayor, many had made application to become specials, and he had ordered them to report at one o'clock P. M. to-day.

"President Walter called upon A. A. Moore, Esq., for legal advice, and that gen- tleman stated that he appeared in behalf of City Attorney Vrooman, who was ill; he read the law, and that portion from the Code to govern the Council.

"Mr. Burnham, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, being called upon, stated that he had called upon the Messrs. Redstone, relative to Franklin Square being chosen for a inass-meeting this evening, and they stated that they would use Jefferson Square for that purpose, and any attempt to incite an insurrection they would sup- press, as they were law-abiding citizens and should respect the laws.

"Mr. F. M. Campbell moved that in view of the present excitement Mr. Burnham be requested to wait upon the Messrs. Redstone and get them to desist from holding

695

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

a mass-meeting this evening. Mr. Campbell spoke at length upon the necessity of preventing assemblies of people being congregated and listening to speeches citing grievances and wrongs which would inflame and be destructive in its consequences. His remarks were incorporated in a motion, and upon Messrs. Miller and Merritt being added as the Committee were adopted viva voce.

"Mr. Campbell suggested that the Council issue an address calling upon the citizens of the city of Oakland to abstain from acts of violence, or meeting together for any purposes unlawful, and that the proclamation embody the law upon the subject. The President entertained a motion to that effect made by Mr. Sohst, and it was adopted viva voce. The President appointed Messrs. Fish, Grinnell, and Fonda of the Council, and citizens Campbell, Houghton, Wheaton, and Walker.

" Mr. Sohst stated, in view of the public feeling he considered that the Council should pass a resolution or ordinance not to accept a bid from any paving company or grant franchises to any corporation who employed Chinamen-it would do more good than five hundred policemen or an address.

" A resolution indorsing the action of his Honor, the Mayor, in calling for five hundred special policemen was then introduced and unanimously carried, after which the Council took a recess. On re-assembling, Gen. J. F. Houghton read the following address as the report of the Committee :-

TO THE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND: The Mayor and Council of your good city, in view of the unusual excitement prevailing in many Eastern cities, and in the city of San Francisco, and desiring to avoid similar occurrences within our limits, do most earnestly request that all good citizens shall refrain from holding or attending any public assemblies held for the purpose of discussing any grievances or topics of a public nature during the present week, and particularly any public gatherings which may be held to-night, and that all good citizens will avoid joining at thistime any public procession, believing that such assemblies can be productive of no good, and that any real wrongs or grievances can be better and more satisfactorily rectified, without the danger attendant upon such public meetings at this time.

We have great confidence in our own people, but the gatherings referred to may attract from our sister city, persons who, baffled in their attempts at mischief, incendiarism, murder, and plunder, may visit us in such num- bers as entirely to change the character and intent of the organizers of the proposed meeting.

We therefore request -- earnestly request-that all good citizens, except those whose duty it is to preserve the peace, repair to their homes at an early hour every evening until the quiet, which at the second sober thought always follows these excitements, prevails in our midst.

"Mr. Fish then moved that the address be published in all the daily papers of Oakland, and that ten thousand copies of the same be struck off and distributed by the police authorities, which was adopted.

" Mr. Burnham, from the Committee appointed to confer with the Messrs. Red- stone, announced that those gentlemen would confer with their Committee and give an answer to the Council in half an hour; if they decided to forego the meeting he did not see the necessity of issuing the address. Doctor Merritt here detailed the subject- matter of the Conference to the effect that the Messrs. Redstone would cheerfully comply with what was right.

"Mr. Miller considered that the address was opportune and should not be rescinded, which was concurred in by others who spoke on the subject.

" Mr. Sohst moved that the address be signed by the Mayor and Council, and attested by the City Clerk, and so published and issued, which was adopted.

" The following resolution was then presented and adopted :-

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Resolved, That Dr. S. Merritt, L .. G. Cole, A. C. Henry, J. M. Walker, George H. Wheaton, and J. F. Houghton, be and are hereby authorized to have enrolled upon a Committee of Safety, all good citizens of each ward to assist the City Authorities in preserving the peace and good name of our city.

" Mayor Pardee suggested that when the City Council adjourn they repair to the Union Club Rooms and enroll their names as members of the Union Protection Association.

"The Messrs. Redstone here entered the Council Room and J. H. Redstone, in behalf of the Committee, reported that th : Committee of Workingmen had agreed not to hold a mass-meeting; but would have one one week from to-night to discuss the Coolie Question and its bearings, and desired the co-operation of the Council; they had been to some expense in postponing the mass-meeting, which he thought should be defrayed by the Council. Mr. Miller here interposed and stated the Council had no legal right to use its funds for that purpose. The meeting then adjourned."

On the 2d of August the Committee of Safety made a report to the City Council : let us see what they did towards a system of protection. They say: "Immediately upon receiving such authority (that conferred by the resolution quoted above) we appointed a sub-committee of three in cach ward to canvass and enroll for active duty the citizens of their several wards in such numbers as would insure the effectual sup- pression of any breach of the peace within our city. The result of this canvass was the enrollment of nine hundred and fifty-two names from among our best citizens, divided into seven separate organizations, one for each ward, each under the command of a captain, two lieutenants and other officers, all duly elected by their respective organizations and the whole placed under the command of Col. William C. Little, who was appointed by us the Executive Officer of the whole organization to act under orders of the City Authorities.

" The several companies have met at their respective headquarters every night since their organization for drill and instruction, and have attained a proficiency which will render them of great assistance to the authorities in case their services should be hereafter required; and, although the immediate cause which called it into existence seems to have passed and active drill and regular meetings will from this time be dis- pensed with, the organization will be kept up really to respond to your call whenever occasion may require."

President Walter then stated that some expression should be given by the Council and thanks tendered to the community for their indefatigable exertions in maintain- ing order and preserving the peace of the city, and called upon his Honor, Mayor Pardee, who eloquently responded, alluding to the labors of the Committee, and con- cluded by thanking them and those who had enrolled to prevent insurrection and riot in the city. Mr. Miner next moved that the thanks of the Council be tendere 1 to the Executive Committee of the Committee of Safety, which was unanimously adopted viva voce.

Consequent on the death of Police Judge Jayne, on July 27, 1877, the following preamble and resolutions were påssed :-

WHEREAS, Through the interposition of Divine Providence we have suffered the loss of an excellent citizen, and the city of Oakland an honest and capable judicial, one who was ever foremost in the maintenance of the right, and the true vindication of the law, therefore be it

Phil J. Gerharely

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

Resolved, That in the death of the HON. A. H. JAYNE, Police Judge of the city of Oakland, this city has sus- tained an irreparable loss. He was free from the taint of corruption; a man whose character and reputation were both commendable and respected; a strict observer of the law in all respects, and dealing with evil-doers to the fullest extent, it can be said of him that he leaves behind a record spotless as a bright and shining example to those who desire to live uprightly and profit thereby.

Resolved, That this preamble and these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the City Council and a copy of the same be transmitted to the relatives of deceased.

1878 .- On May 6th an ordinance levying a Library Tax was passed, and on the 27th the Oakland Library Association and Union Reading-room Association handed over their property to the city, and on the same date Messrs. A. P. Flint, O. H. Burnham, W. W. Crane, Jr., G. M. Fisher, and J. P. Moore, were elected Trustees thereof; and, on June 3d, an ordinance calling for the numbering of public vehicles was passed; while on July Ist, an ordinance to establish and regulate a street market, was promulgated, and A. M. Church appointed Superintendent thereof. On August 5th a memorial was received from E. J. Kelly and others praying the City Council to abolish the col- lecting of licenses, and employ idle citizens to make bricks and construct the Main- lake Sewer; and, August 5th, the Golden Gate District Agricultural Fair Association was granted a lease for five years of Lafayette Square to erect buildings thereon.

On December 2, 1878, the Council ordered the sum of fifty dollars per month each to be paid to the Oakland Ladies' Relief Society and Orphans' Home, and Oak- land Benevolent Society, such amounts to be paid out of the fines collected in the Police Court. On January 20, 1879, however, the Mayor vetoed the ordinance grant- ing monthly stipends, which was sustained by the Council, but afterwards passed with certain modifications. It was again vetoed by the Mayor, but on the 3d February passed over his veto.

1879 .- On January 6th, the names of West Twelfth, Twelfth, and East Twelfth Streets were changed so that the whole should in future be known as Central Avenue.

In his able and exhaustive message of the 3d of February of this year, in speak- ing of city finances, Mayor Andrus remarks :-

" The interest-bearing debt of the city amounts to six hundred and fifty-four thousand ($654,000) dollars. Of this amount one hundred and seventy-three thousand ($173,000) dollars are for the Main-lake Sewer, which will ultimately be refunded to the city, the Supreme Court having decided that such bonds must be paid by the owners of the property benefited by the improvement. This reduces the actual fur ded debt of the city to four hundred and eighty-one thousand ($481,000) dollars, or one and seven-tenths (1 7 ) of one per cent. on the amount of the city assessment-roll. There are certainly but very few American cities as large as this that can show as good a financial condition. To offset this debt of less than half a million dollars, the city is the owner of property valued at seven hundred and seventy-five thousand two hundred and twenty ($775,220) dollars, consisting of City Hall, engine and school houses; so that Oakland is practically out of debt, according to the rules that any individual would apply to his own business. The condition of the city's General Expense Fund is not so flattering. On the Ist of January, the Treasurer reports that the bills payable from the general fund, and not paid for want of money, amounted to twenty-nine thousand four hundred and fifty-four and eighty one-hundredths ($29,-

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

454.80) dollars. This is the floating debt of the city. Instead of beginning the year with all debts paid and cash enough to meet expenses for the next ten months, we commence with this deficit in one of its funds.

"The following statement shows the probable condition of the city finances next November, when the proceeds of the next tax levy will be realized :-

Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1879, less deficit in general fund. $74,660 70

Receipts from Wharf Licenses, Police Court, etc., for 10 mo. 47,000 00

Total available for 10 months. $121,660 70

Ten-twelfths of last year's expenditures 401,203 91

Apparent deficit $279,543 21

Deduct extraordinary expenses.

41,300 00

Estimated deficiency November 1, 1879. $238,243 21

"I have based this estimate entirely upon various official reports, and I am con- fident that it is within the limit. There must be very close economy or the figures will be a good deal larger. This floating debt has been accumulating for a long time. For several years the rate of taxation was not high enough to give the needed revenue. There have been large expenditures incidental to the City Hall fire; many thousands of dollars were wasted in military demonstrations and needless preparations, at the time of the eastern riots in 1877; and the building of the roadway, to take the place of the Twelfth-street Bridge, has been one incessant drain upon the public treasury, having absorbed $17,000 last year. These unusual expenditures are thus itemized :---

Hook and Ladder apparatus. .$ 4,000 00

Hose.

2,000 00

City Hall Furniture 15,000 00

Dredging in front of City Wharf. 3,369 50

Twelfth-street Roadway and Dam. 17,004 00

Total. $41.373 50

"But when these things are taken into account, the finances of the city will be found to be in a deranged condition. The practice of using the funds of one fiscal year to pay the debts of a previous year has been most pernicious. It has drawn away scrutiny from financial matters, and extravagance or carelessness became easy. About four years ago, bonds were issued to pay off just such a debt as we are rolling up now, and a fresh start was made, with money enough to meet all requirements. The several Councils that have had control ought to have kept the city in the same respectable financial position. If the floating debt is to go on accumulating, as it has been, we shall not long have occasion to boast of our freedom from a vast issue of bonds. The great depression in every branch of industry prevailing throughout the year, and continually growing more severe, could not help but affect, unfavorably, the city finances, and in many ways diminish the income of the treasury.

"The School Department should have limited its expenses to its probable revenue. Neither the Board of Education nor the City Council has the right to contract bills when there is no legal mode of raising money to meet them. No matter what possible results may have been predicted, the city officials should have laid their plans in strict accordance with the amount of money placed at their disposal. If, as may be claimed,

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

the Legislature has placed too many restrictions upon local authorities, relief should have been sought at the State capitol, not by disregarding what were intended to be safeguards.

"This deficiency must come, for the machinery of the City Government cannot be stopped. The pressure of public opinion and the dictates of common-sense require the Council to maintain the means of preserving the peace and security of the city, and the safety of the property of the people. The Council cannot now be expected to suspend the affairs of the city, as of a broken bank, nor do I know of any legal requirement that makes it necessary for them to do more than limit their contracts to what would have been under their control had the debts of previous years been paid.

"The amount is not enormous when the wealth of the city is considered, but there should have been a funding bill, or the power to levy an extra tax, a year ago, when these facts were almost as evident as they are now. It will be necessary to seek Legislative relief next winter."

In speaking of public property he says :-

" Annexed are reports showing the nature and value of real estate, buildings, and personal property belonging to the city. I summarize these statements as follows :-

School lots.

$125,500 00

School buildings 160,000 00

School furniture

30,000 00

Engine-house lots 7,600 00

Engine-houses 9,000 00

250,000 00

City Hall and prison

30,000 00

City furniture, fixtures, etc.

18,000 00

Library building. 3,000 00

Other buildings on same lot

500 00

City Wharf and water front

75,000 00

Fire Department apparatus, etc.

54,620 00

Telegraph and fire alarm

16,000 00

Total value of city property,

$779,220 00

"In addition, there are several public squares. If private property, and placed upon the market, they would probably bring half a million dollars. I think that the city has not duly considered the importance of retaining and ornamenting these grounds. They should be held sacred for the use of the people. As soon as the city is densely built, they will be regarded as priceless. The work of beautifying them should be commenced at once, and be carried on as unremittingly as the finances of the city may permit."

On public schools he observes :-

"Doubtless every citizen of Oakland feels a pride in our system of public schools which is here carried to an unusual degree of perfection. The annual report of Super- intendent Campbell is a complete showing of the present condition of the schools, and facts and figures will give the answer to almost any question that can be possibly asked. I will not attempt a summary of its figures, but would direct careful attention to them. The connection between the School Department and the Mayor and Council is not close enough. Though required to pass upon appropriations, there are not

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History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 98

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