USA > California > San Francisco County > San Francisco > The annals of San Francisco; containing a summary of the history of California, and a complete history of its great city: to which are added, biographical memoirs of some prominent citizens > Part 37
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
"No necessity now exists for such a hazardous project, and it would be truly impolitic to create a necessity for it by making the proposed extension.
" But should the Legislature determine in any manner to extend the city front, we are decidedly of opinion that the necessity or use of erecting break- waters would follow; and that if profit to the treasury should be a mo- tive in making such extension, the connection of any breakwater scheme with it would entail upon the treasury losses infinitely greater than any imaginary or hoped-for profits could liquidate. The cost of breakwaters can only be reckoned by millions, and if the State embarks in the project with the hope that the proceeds of the sales of water lots will raise an adequate fund for that purpose, she will surely be disappointed.
" The right of the State to sell lots in the place indicated would be ques- tioned perhaps by men most anxious for the sale to proceed ; the title of the State could not escape being clouded in the minds of purchasers, when it is considered that a variety of interests adverse to the State would no doubt be in active operation. With these interests the public are familiar, and from one of them has proceeded the only proposition before the Legislature for an
442
ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
extension, and that proposition is based upon the assumption of a title adverse- to and independent of the State, coupled with the proffer of a partnership interest of an entangling and intricate nature, as a consideration for the influ- ence and authority of the State in carrying into effect a plan which your com- mittee believe destructive to commerce, injurious to the property of a large class of citizens, and inconsistent in legislation.
" Respectful and temperate language cannot be employed in giving com- plete expression to the sentiments entertained of this proposition, and there- fore your committee refrain from further allusion to it."
The Report, from which the above extract is taken, then discusses at length the nature of the various rights claimable by Congress, by the State, and by the city, to the land " covered with water," in question ; and concludes thus : "Even if the water front right, being a vested right, could be successfully ques- tioned, bad faith to the citizens of San Francisco would be truly chargeable against the government, were an act passed by which said water front privileges and advantages would be destroyed."
The united people of San Francisco, excepting always the small clique of speculators already mentioned, considered that all law, justice, and expediency, were opposed to the projected extension ; the supporters of the bill in the Legislature could only talk of the absolute and wilful right of the State to do what it chose with its own pretended property, without regard to those who might be ruined by its so doing. After several de- bates, the bill came to a final vote in the Senate upon the 26th of April, when thirteen members voted for, and the like number against it. Happily, the president of the chamber, Lieutenant- Governor Purdy, who in cases of parity possesses a casting vote, gave his against the bill. Thus, by the narrowest chance, San Francisco escaped this severe stroke. Perhaps the Peter Smith speculators in extension water lots may at some future time renew their attempt to carry out their views, and may persuade even a majority of the Legislature-at all times jealous of the greatness and independence of San Francisco-to further their iniquitous schemes. The citizens, therefore, will require to be ever watchful on this subject, until a constitutional and legal declaration be obtained, and which will be beyond all cavil or question, that the existing boundary line shall be really and truly the permanent water front of the city.
443
UNITED STATES MARINE HOSPITAL.
APRIL 7th .- The corner-stone laid of the United States Ma- rine Hospital, when the usual interesting ceremonies observed on similar occasions, were performed. On the 10th of December, 1852, the mayor approved of an ordinance, which the common council had passed, by which he was directed to convey to the Government of the United States six fifty-vara lots, situated at
United States Marine Hospital.
Rincon Point. These were intended for the site of the magnifi- cent structure, the corner-stone of which was laid to-day. The building was erected in the course of this year (completed De- cember 12th), and is now a striking ornament to the city. It is built of brick, and is four stories high. It is 182 feet long by 96 feet wide. At one time five hundred patients can be com- fortably lodged, while, in cases of necessity, so many as seven hundred can be accommodated. The total cost has been about a quarter of a million of dollars. This hospital has been built and will be supported by the United States, from the fees paid into the treasury by the sailors of every American vessel entering our ports. The sum of twenty cents a month is deducted from their wages, and paid by the master of every vessel to the custom-
444
ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
house. In return, every sick and disabled seaman reaching San Francisco is entitled to a certificate from the collector for admis- sion to the hospital. As sailors under foreign flags pay no fees, they are of course not entitled to the privileges of the institution. This hospital and the State Marine Hospital sufficiently provide at present for the wants of the sick in San Francisco. There are several other hospitals of a semi-public or private nature, which take care of such sick persons as may not be entitled to admission into either of the two mentioned, or who may prefer the accommodations of less public institutions.
APRIL 11th .- The Jenny Lind steamer, when on her passage from Alviso to San Francisco, with about one hundred and twenty- five passengers on board, met with a dreadful accident. At half- past twelve o'clock, when nearly opposite the Pulgas Ranch, and when the company on board were about sitting down to dinner in the after cabin, a portion of the connecting steam-pipe was blown asunder, and instantly the destructive vapor burst open the bulk- head of the cabin, and swept into the crowded apartment. Many were dangerously scalded, and a large number instantly struck dead, by inhaling the intensely heated atmosphere. Thirty-one persons were either killed on the spot, or soon after- wards died, from the effects of injuries received from the explo- sion. This catastrophe occurring immediately after the losses of so many fine steamships at sea, already noticed, excited much sorrowful interest in the city.
CHAPTER XXV.
1853.
Russ's garden .- The German population .- May-day celebration by school-children .- Burning of the Rassette House .- Mountain Lake Water Company .- General State Hospital .- Drinking houses .- Clipper ships and short passages .- Military parade and celebration of 4th of July .- Dedication of the First Congregational Church .- St. Mary's (Catholic) Church .- Unitarian Church .- Seamen's Bethel .- Squatter difficulties .- Store-ships burned .- Strikes by mechanics and laborers for bigher wages .- Anniversary of the German Turnverein .- City and county election .- Lafayette Hook and Ladder Company organizcd .- The French inhabitants .- Sweeney & Baugh's electric telegraph.
MAY 1st .- May-day was celebrated by a large number of our Ger- man citizens in the cheerful and imposing style observed in Father- land. The Turner Gesang Verein (Gymnastic Musical Union) took the most active part in the festivities. Dressed in loose brown linen coats and pantaloons, proper for their exercises, they marched, with banners flying, and musical instruments sounding, to the gardens of Mr. Russ, near the Mission road. There somewhere about eighteen hundred persons of German blood par- ticipated in the different enjoyments of the day. They leaped, balanced and twirled, danced, sang, drank, smoked and made merry, as only such an enthusiastic race of mortals could. The weather happened to be very fine, and the grounds seemed beau- tiful beyond all expression of praise from the full heart that could only enjoy, while it knew not and cared not why. Das Deutsche Vaterland was chanted in the most rapturous manner, and for the moment the different performers seemed to forget all their native local distinctions and the very land that now gave them shelter, to become in heart and spirit only members of the one common brotherhood of Germans. Prizes to the best per- formers in the various athletic and other games were distributed, and several appropriate addresses were afterwards delivered.
The German population in San Francisco has always been
446
ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
very large, and may now (1854) be estimated at between five and six thousand. They are an orderly and intelligent people, and show fewer criminals than a proportionate number of any other class of citizens. They learn the English language very readily, and many of them are naturalized citizens. Very differ- ent from the French population in this respect, they appear to have little wish to return to their native country. When Ger- mans do leave California, it is generally for the Atlantic States, from whence most of them directly came. In San Francisco, they take considerable interest in local affairs, and easily enter into the spirit of the place. The different fire companies show many Germans on their rolls. This people have a daily news- paper in their own language, and at one time had two. They also possess a school, and at different times have supported a national theatre, while they often have both vocal and instru- mental concerts. The professional musicians in San Francisco are chiefly Germans. Various other occupations are extensively and almost exclusively followed by them. The cigar and beer- shops are chiefly kept by them. A large number of the Jews in San Francisco are of German blood, many of whom are from Prussian Poland.
Though comparatively few Germans intend to return to Fatherland, they all bear a strong feeling towards it, and when opportunity serves are always ready to celebrate their nationality and praise the old country customs. Some of these are of an interesting and most pleasing character, in which music generally bears a leading part. Though usually somewhat phlegmatic both in person and mind, and not so brilliantly gay as the French, or so carelessly wanton in their mirth as the Hispano- Americans, the Germans are perhaps the most thoroughly cheer- ful of all the national races in San Francisco. Though many of them possess considerable property, they are not as a class distin- guished for wealth ; and they are generally of a saving, and sometimes a penurious character. Touch their nationality, or their pecuniary interests, and they may spend money lavishly ; but in most other matters they are totally opposed, in feeling and behavior, to the princely extravagance of native Americans. The Germans pursue all professions, while they monopolize a cer-
447
SCHOOL-CHILDREN'S CELEBRATION.
tain few, and number some rich and many highly educated indi- viduals among their people. Some of these have formed them- selves into the Deutsches Club. The Germans have a society for the protection of immigrants, and various other benevolent and social institutions. Many of their naturalized citizens manifest
Lager Bier Politicians.
a lively interest in the politics of our country, which they discuss with much warmth in their favorite beer-house .
MAY 2d .- May-day happening upon Sunday, a procession of school-children, to celebrate the occasion, took place the next day. This was a new and pleasant sight in San Francisco, and the event is worthy of being recorded. There were about a thousand children of both sexes in the train. They appeared all in holiday costume, the girls being dressed in white. Each one carried a bouquet of fresh and beautiful flowers. There was the usual " Queen of May," with her " Maids of Honor," and various other characters, all represented by the juvenile players. The children of seven schools bore distinctive banners. A fine band of music accompanied the happy procession. After proceeding
448
ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
through the principal thoroughfares, the children moved to the school-house in Broadway. Here some pleasant ceremonies, songs, and occasional addresses took place, in which the children themselves were the chief actors. A repast of such delicate eat- ables as suited youthful palates was next enjoyed, after which the glad multitude dispersed.
About eleven o'clock on the evening of this day, the Rassette House, at the corner of Bush and Sansome streets, and some of the adjoining buildings, were destroyed by fire. The Rassette House was a first-class hotel, well known in the city. It was a frame building, of five stories in height, including the basement. The fire began in a room above the kitchen, and in a few min- utes spread over the enormous structure of dry timber. The hotel happened to be well filled with lodgers at the time, nearly all of whom were in bed when the flames broke out. There were four hundred and sixteen boarders at the house, the most of whom also lodged there. The horror and danger of their situation, in the midst of such a combustible mass, may be ima- gined, but can scarcely be described. A north-east wind was blowing fresh at the time, and strong fears were entertained lest the conflagration should spread over that district of the city which had escaped all the great fires of 1850 and '51. The firemen were early in attendance, and did all that men could do in the circumstances. Though they could not save the blazing pile of lumber, nor some of the neighboring houses, they pre- vented the conflagration spreading beyond a limited, short dis- tance. The loss of property was estimated at nearly $100,000, without including the valuable property belonging to the many lodgers in the Rassette House. Several of the inmates of the latter building were severely burned, and it was supposed for a considerable time that some had perished. A new hotel has since been built on the same site. It is one of the most mag- nificent, as it is the largest private edifice, devoted to a single business, in the city.
In the week previous to that in which the fire just noticed occurred, several very extensive conflagrations had taken place in various districts of the city. However, the numerous fire-proof brick tenements, and the rapid movements and unwearied exer-
449
MOUNTAIN LAKE WATER COMPANY.
tions of the firemen, prevented these fires from spreading far. The daring and persevering labors of the Fire Department were constant themes of praise and public gratitude.
0
300
0
00
New Rassette House.
MAY 14th .- The origin and privileges of the Mountain Lake Water Company have been already noticed. The commence- ment of their works was this day celebrated by some imposing ceremonies at the foot of the hill near the presidio. The com- pletion of this important undertaking has been considerably de- layed, and while we write the works are at a stand. Want of funds is presumed to be the reason. The cost has far exceeded the first calculations of the projectors. Doubtless the necessary moneys will be raised before long, and the original project carried fully out. No single measure is of so much vital importance to the city as this, and all good citizens must wish well to the suc- cess of the enterprise. Hitherto San Francisco has been chiefly provided with fresh water from a considerable number of artesian
450
ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
wells sunk in various parts of the city, and from supplies brought in tanks by small steamers from Saucelito, on the opposite side of the entrance to the bay. The water from all these sources is deficient at the best, and its cost forms a considerable item in the expenses of housekeepers. It is expected that the Mountain Lake Water Company will be enabled, with a handsome profit to itself, to supply millions of gallons daily of the softest and purest fresh water at greatly lower rates than what are now being paid for much smaller supplies. In a place like San Francisco, so much exposed from position and circumstances to conflagra- tion, the unlimited supply of water for extinguishing fires is par- ticularly requisite ; and that will surely be obtained when this company has completed its works. Its name is taken from the Mountain Lake, which is but a small sheet of water, and of itself could not yield the expected supplies. This lake has no visible outlet. A few hundred yards from its northern margin, there gushes through the ground a full stream of water, which is be- lieved to be amply sufficient for all the purposes of a city thrice the size of San Francisco. It is matter of doubt whether this great spring, or rather subterranean river, is the vent of the small Mountain Lake, or whether it is not the open end of a natural siphon, which discharges the rains and dews that fall among the mountains on the opposite shores of the bay.
MAY 19th .- We have already noticed various acts of the Le- gislature establishing a State Marine Hospital at San Francisco. Of this date, an act was passed which considerably altered the constitution of the existing establishment, and which was hence- forward intended to be the sole general State Hospital in Califor- nia. The administration of the hospital was declared to be under the control of a board of five trustees, to be annually elected by the Legislature, in joint convention. The trustees should them- selves choose by ballot a president and vice-president from their own number. A treasurer, with a salary of $2,000 should also be chosen by them. The Legislature should elect every two years two resident and two visiting physicians, the former to receive an- nually the sum of $4,000, and the latter the same sum, each, in both cases payable quarterly. Particular provisions are made in the act as to the respective duties of the trustees, the treasurer
451
THE STATE HOSPITAL.
and physicians. All invalid persons desirous of being received into the hospital should apply to the resident physicians or either of them, and on their certificate should be admitted. Indigent sick persons, not residents of any county in the State might like- wise be admitted to the hospital, as State patients ; as also the indigent sick of the city, upon such terms as the municipal au- thorities and the board of trustees might determine. All the State patients in the Sacramento and Stockton State Hospitals at the time when these should be abolished by law should be admitted as patients into the State Marine Hospital at San Francisco. There should be set apart by the State Treasurer, as a hospital fund, the net amounts accruing to the State Treasury, as follows, viz. :- Three-fifths of the amount derived as a commutation or tax on passengers arriving at the ports of the State, and the fines and penalties collected by reason of a violation of the laws regulating the same ; and all sums paid into the State Treasury for license for auetion, gaming, billiards, ten-pin or bowling alleys, hawkers and peddlers, or collected as fines or penalties for a violation of the same. Of the amounts derived from these several sources, the one-half should be appropriated to the support and maintenance of the State Marine Hospital at San Francisco, and the other half should be distributed to each organized county in the State, pro- portionably to the population of said counties, as a special fund, to be appropriated exclusively to the support and maintenance of the indigent sick of such counties respectively. It was, however, provided that such allowance to the hospital at San Francisco should not exceed the sum of $100,000, and that if it did not amount to that sum then the State Comptroller should draw his warrant for the deficiency, if the necessities of the hospital should require it.
The State Marine Hospital at San Francisco is, while we write, located in Stockton street, in a large and commodious building (formerly at various periods, the American Hotel, the Marine Hospital, the Kremlin, and the Clarendon Hotel), and which is rented at a large sum. It has been much enlarged, and was expressly fitted up for the purposes of a hospital. The sit- uation is pleasant and healthy, although the inhabitants of the adjacent houses have grumbled, with some reason, that such an
452
ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
establishment should have been located in a thickly peopled and fashionable part of the town. This hospital is efficiently conduct- ed, and as might naturally have been expected, has been produc- tive of much benefit to both foreigners and Americans. The average number of patients is about two hundred and fifty. The only other State Hospital is one solely for insane persons at Stockton.
JUNE .- For some things San Francisco has been always par- ticularly notorious. Among these may be mentioned its gambling saloons and drinking bars. Many keepers of these places have made large fortunes. A great proportion of the community still gamble-the lower classes in public, and the upper, or richer classes in private. Very many also continue the habit of occa- sionally taking a daily " drink," or two ; while most of the in- habitants take many more "drinks" than they would perhaps care to confess to a rigidly sober acquaintance. In the Christian Advocate (a San Francisco weekly newspaper), about this date, there appeared some information which exhibits the intemperance and dissipation of San Francisco in a very alarming light. Reli- gious journals are not always trustworthy, especially in facts and figures, when commenting on the vices of the age ; but in this case there is ample room for all possible exaggeration in the state- ments, and still there would be statistics enough left to grieve the philanthropist. We copy the following from the Herald :
" The Christian Advocate has found, by actual count, the whole number of places where liquor is sold in this city to be five hundred and thirty-seven. Of these, eighty-three are purely liquor, in retail line, and fifty-two wholesale ; making one hundred and twenty-five places which do not keep an onion to modify the traffic. Of the four hundred and twelve places where it is sold in connection with other business, one hundred and forty-four are tavern restau- rants ; one hundred and fifty-four groceries ; forty-six gambling-houses ; and forty-eight supposed to be kept by bawds. Some of these appear genteel, others are dance-houses and such like, where Chinese, Mexican, Chilian and other foreign women are assembled. There were five hundred and fifty-six bar- tenders present in the various places at the time when the memoranda were taken. We think we may safely add one-quarter, if not one-third, as reserve corps, making, including women, seven hundred and forty-three bar-tenders in our city."
These statements, in all conscience, make matters black and and bad enough. Opposed to such an array-" seven hundred
453
/
CLIPPER SHIPS AND SHORT PASSAGES.
and forty-three bar-tenders !"-all the "Sons of Temperance," the clergymen, churches, religious publications, Mercantile Libra- ry Associations and the like, can hope to do little good for strict sobriety. It happens to be the custom in San Francisco to take a "drink " occasionally, while the great mass of the people either have not, or will not avail themselves of any places of recreation or of retirement at the close of daily labor and business other than those where liquor is sold. The usual active and speculative mode of life at San Francisco encourages, if it does not necessarily lead to much indulgence in intoxicating liquors. Yet though so many are tasting again and again, in the course of the day, there is not so much gross drunkenness visible as one might expect. Many of the thirsty, better class San Franciscans are more tipplers than downright drunkards. Among the lowest and the rowdy classes, however, there is much brutal and degrading drunkenness, the effects of which are seen at all hours of day and night upon our streets. It is in the mixed dance and drinking-houses above no- ticed, that so many noisy brawls and desperate assaults, often ending in murders, chiefly take place, that make San Francisco so infamous for its crimes. It is impossible at present completely to close such places without bringing perhaps worse evils upon soci- ety. Only time, a naturally better set of citizens, the example and benefits of good men and good institutions, homes and do- mestic society, and an improved public opinion, will gradually re- duce the number of the haunts of vice, close the drinking and gam- bling-saloons, and purify the general moral condition of the city.
We have already described the character of the "clipper ships" which the trade and necessities of San Francisco created, and have mentioned several of the shortest passages that had been per- formed by these vessels between the Atlantic ports and our city. These passages were the quickest that had ever been made. The voyage from San Francisco to the Atlantic ports is generally ac- complished in a considerably shorter period, which arises chiefly from the prevalence of westerly winds in the region of Cape Horn, by reason of which homeward-bound ships are speedily wafted round that dreaded place, where usually so much delay is caused to outward-bound vessels. The Northern Light sailed from San Francisco, on the 13th of March this year, and arrived at Boston
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.