The weekly union record. [volume] (Oroville, Calif.) 1864-1866, 1865-12-16
LETTER FROM THE CAPITAL.
SACRAMENTO CIrY, Dec. lltb, 1865.

.-AIaAAENIO OEI1s DCC l4AUs ACVS-
FRIEND WAGsTAFF You will 10 doubt
receive e general summary of news through
other channels. long before you receive this.
But, as had partially promised TO write you
semi occasionally, I concluded to drop you a
line OF the general topics of conversation that
row seem to egitaie the public mind at the
Capital. First and foremost. then, a. you 10
doubt would guess, IS the
SENATORIAL QUESTION.
The plot thickens the Senatorial mud6ie is
very much mixed. l think, however. that
Sargent stock is Oh the rise. Perhaps the
wish is father TO the thought. There are a
great many of the delegates here who have. 20
doubt, made up their minds as to who they will
support, but, at the same time, do not care 10
come out boldly and let it be known. for fear,
perhaps, of woundiug the feelings of some ne
else. Everybody have their preferences. tteir
likes and dislikes-thats human nature. For
my part, think Mr.. Low makes too good a
Governor to send to the Senate-at least at
present; can't spare him; besides, be has
withdrawn lis name, some time ago, from the
contest don't want to drag him in again,
against his Willie might not like it.
NORFOLK AND LODI.
The celebrated horse, Norfolk, aud your
humble servant, are boarding at the same
Golden Eagle good house it is, too.
| like the name as well as the board 10 fact.
| an partial TO Golden Eagles any way you
are a mind TO mix them up either single or
double-would prefer them double, if it is just
as convenient. But TO the horse, Norfolk.
There is nothing very prepossessirg in MS
appearance; be is a dark bay with black legs
from his knees down, with the exception OF
three white feet, and stands fifteen hands and
three inches high ard, knowing nothing of his
qualities person would think he was pretty
fair hundred dollar horse, providing he would
work IN harness. But he's fast-so they say
and bis owners challenge the world for from
thirty thousand dollars to any amount above
that sum. He is valued at thirteen thousand
dollars. I wouldn't like to be as fast as they
say Norfolk is; don't want to get to the end
of my journey so quick would rather 90 slou,
and see more as l go along. Lodi is TO be
sold at public auction.
THE THEATRE
Has just opened here for a season. with Miss
Thorne and Dan Setchell as the principal
attractions. Miss Thorue is a very pleasing
actress besides, she sings ballad with a
great deal of taste, has a sweet and clear voice,
and will make friends as an actress or cantatrce
wherever she goes Dan Setchell-everybody
knows him, and everybody with their wives go
to see him. If there is any truth in the old
adage, Laugh aud grow fat" there's sure to
be a great many feshy people IL Sacramento
before long, if this company remain. Setchell
is perfectly at home in comedy.
TAXES AND IMPROVEMENTS.
The property-holders Of Sacramento must
be endowed with patience quite equal to that
of Job of old, or they never would have been
able to stand it to be taxed as they necessarily
have TO be to make the improvements that are
now under way. Only imagine the idea Of
raising an entire city, streets aud houses, from
eight to twelve feet higher They have a law
| am tod, that, whenever q majority Of the
property holdeis GA any one block are in favor
Of raising up 10 the grade, the minority have
to acquiesee to the Will of the majority, and it.
perchanee, there are any who are not able TO
stand the expense OF the raise they have the
one only alternative left, viz: to sell out to
some one who is able and | am well convinced
that, in many cases, it costs every cent the
property is worth to bring it up to the grade
Truly, Sacramento is the most perfectly unfn
ished city it has ever been MY lot to become
acquainted with
THE NEW STATE CAPITAL
What shall l say about it The most
"stupendous folly" that ever added the brain
of an intelligent Legislature. One half the size
would have been amply sufficient for all tine
to come; but some say, when it is done, it viii
be an honor to the State. Empty honor, when
the already over burdened taxpayers have to
be taxed TO build an ediice that would have
shocked the modesty of Solomon himself, had
he lived in our day. l think the best plan now
would be to sell it 10 the Government for
Barracks, and then commence a new one on a
smaller scale or else make a Peni,entiary out
OF il, aud 8 State Capital out Of the Peniien-
tiary or another plan-make an Ensaue
Asylum out Of it. and send the members Of the
Legislature there that first started such
colossal mass Of bricks, stone and mortar The
cost was estimated in the beginning at FIVE
hundred thousand dollars, but rather biuk ii
will cost Bearer four times that amount before
it is completed providing always it ever is
finished, which is very doubtful in the minds
Of many. Very bad calculation. that, By
somebody, and. if nybody has any doubt IS to
who is to blame ii the premises, rather think
the Legislature al be time Of its commence.
ment will get the benefit Of the doubt
When legislators stoop to folly.
And ind how peoples money goes,
What charm can soothe their melancholyz
Why does that august body -
see by the papers that some Of the members