Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-03-26
LETTER FROM THE PACIFIC.
ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFo1NIA,t
Eohr,,arv I9 l6h7.

1t used to be the custom to bar the school
master out, if he did not w1lingly "treat." "
Blu, there vas once teacher who rather
got ahead of the boys IN our region. The
boys had gathered in at a very early hour on
New Years morning, and after applying to
the door and windows of the sChool-hou
"the means of effectual resistar ce," securely
awaited the result; but the schoolmaster
had come at an earlier hour, and hid under
the floor, and az nine O'Clock he raised one
OF the puncheons, emerged from his hiding
place, and deliberately called the school TO
rider. to the CONSERVATION of all concerned.
Rare times were those school-boy days,
when the law OF gravitation was illustrated
by games at ball, and specific gravity Was
amply demonstrated by fall on the ice;
but when it was discovered that some rogue
had put cayenne pepper into the school
masters snuff: box, all gravity was est =
And perhaps some took their first lesson in
mechanics BY nervous inspection of that
ultra mechanical contrivance, the school
masters ferule. 1t would be curious task
to follow those schoo boys IN after lite, and
see them Transformed into the mason, the
shipwright, or the carpenter. Perhaps some
have initiated the example of the noble
hearted shoemaker, John Pounds, the feuu-
der of the Ragged Schools in England, who
toiled and taught daily in his shop, and at
last received the hero's reward, .or when
his pupils we're told OF his Geath, some
tainted, while others wept, such was their
love for him. And perhaps some have taken
as much pride in building up free institu
tions as Michael Angelo took in planning
st. Peters, at Rome. Thus, each accord
ing 10 his several ability, those schoolboys
may have honored truth by use. God bless
them! .. ...-
There has been some rain in Caiiforn ia
this Winter, and far away upon the Sierra
Nevadas there has fallen much snow; but
here in Alameda Valley the air is vernal in
its temperature, and the grass is green on
the bordering mountains. 1t is very pleasant
to 60 up on the hills, just as the early beams
of the sun are painting the sky with rides
cent colors of purple. and yellow, and gold.
The broad valley of rich arabic land is
chequered with fields newly plowed, or green
with tender blades of young grain; while
here and there are brooks, whose banks are
tringed with sycamore and laurel, and whose
waters meander away to the Bay Of San
Francisco. Far up on the mountains are
focks and herds grazing, and the bleating
of sheep ard music of birds are borne along
on the fresh and sweet winds. show beauti-
ful upon the mountains are the feet of Him
that publsheth peace" The serene and
tranquil aspect Of all around makes the
werld indeed seem beautiful, and full OF
praise to its Creator.
Yonder 10 the soIthward, at the base of
one Of these runges of hills, is an old adobe
cathedral, relic of the past, looking more
like an antique prison than a church. This
is one of thy monuments, o shade OF
Loyola! This is the idol set up for the
homage of the children of the free: for j
once heard DR.. Ryder, of Georgetown Col
lege, say the Jesuiis were republicans
And must thy votarieS forever look back
ward, and never forward! Well, be it so
who caresl If one nan in ten thousand
gets drunk and marries his grandmother
Why il must needs be that one man in ter
thousand may get drunk and marry his
grandmother.
la the rear of this old cathedral, belong.
ing TO the Mission OF San Jose, is an orchard
of fruit trees, venerable pear, peach, olive
and fig trees, cactus, straw berry, and grape
vines. This orchard is quite resort in The
fruit Sc ason; but fruit is likely 10 be plenty
enough in this country, since great many
have gene into the business of fruit-grow.
ing The apples and peaches are very fine
and at last years State Fair there was Z
specimen of what is called the Mission Pear
weighing near three poundsj il looked mere
like goose-necked gourd ;han a pear
Fine varieties OF the grape are grown here
and the old California grape is much cult
waited. This is grape brought here per
haps by the Spanish Padres long ago, OF
whom Judge Capron's History of California
gives some account.
Since last wrote you the Legisla rure
has met and elected United States Sena-
tor, MIR. Gwin being the Senator elect. 4
paper has been extensively circulated ant
signed, calling for resignation on the parl
OF Mr.. Herbert, a member CT Congress from
this State-the people here not being will
ling to endorse the furious style in which
L. L
This State has great Ceal os trouble with
its public servants. Ii appears that thai
fundamental document, the Constitution
permitted the issue of bonds 20 the amount
OF three hundred thousand dollars to defray
the necessary expenses of government; bu
this privilege was abused, and bonds to the
amount of about five millions cf dollars vert
issued and disposed of, the proceeds being
pocketed by Thomas, Richard and Henry
Whether this debt will be repudiated, re-
mains to be seen; the sources of revenue
are too limited 10 render it probable that i
will be paid. The system of government
is good enough, but the people seem to bt
unfortunate in the selection of executiv,
officers. A couniryman once thrust hi
head into western store, and asked thu
clerk il he took plunder in exchange 70
spun truck-thus indicating that one de
partment of trade was slightly dependen
upon another. So it would be well enoug
if officers would strive to give something il
return for the trust reposed in them.
But enough for the present. Hope yo
will not freeze this winter, but strike
thrifty trade in fuel and woollen goods c
domestic manufacture.
Yours, most truly,
L. WILSON.