Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1878-05-10
OUR CALIFORNIA LETTER.

hardly ceased up TO the present time.
We have been flooded. The streams have
overhowed their banks, and desolation
now marks their course. From the noun
tain sides the water has rushed in torrents
carrying away bridges and culvsrts, and
making the highways impossible. Our
railroad has felt the effects of the deluge,
vast bodies of dirt, looSened by the rain
have slid uncermoniously upon the track.
The fills haye settled away, and general
washing out of the road bed has caused
much delay in the regularity of our trains.
Yet with all this damage, who can estimate
the good done our State; with the excep-
ton of the flooded district of the Saera-
mento Valley, the cheering prospect comes
from all grain growing sections of an
abundant harvest. The grazing regions
are literally supplied with grass, and as q
consequence we are enjoying good butter
and cheese at Eastern prices.
The past winter was a remarkable mild
one, no frosts to interfere with natures
growth, and California looks like a vast
garden. To the laborer the present out
look is cheerful, it opens q prospect ahead
for plenty of work and cheap supplies.
Already enterprises which lie dormant
through the winter are beginning to revive.
Our vast army of laborers let loose by the
first rams of the wet season flock to the
city TO winter. They, like the swallows,
on the approach of spring, returh again to
their old haunts.
kearney and his followers are still agi-
tating the labor movement in the city, and
establishing branch clubs throughout the
country. They have had season Of apPa-
rent success, electing two Members Of the
Legislature and ether minor officers, Of
different municipalities. They ignore each
political party, and for their guidance have
laid out platform of rules, the principle
plank Of which is, ''The Chinese must 60.
circumscribed with many "Resolves"
about the tyranny Of capital and the Op-
preston of labor. Its leaders though con-
Quoting the movement with considerable
ability are ungentlemanly and abusive in
their language. Their followers are COM
posed mostly Of the idle and dissolute class
to be found in ever city. Unless this new
department is guided by more wisdom it
will! die, smothered in its own slime.
The year just passed has been a very
successful one for tramps. Day after day
their familiar forms passing by has re-
minded me of the nursery rhyme.
'Here we go, up, up, up, ,
And here we go down, down, downey."
Tramps in this country are different from
your Eastern travellers: There they have
a solemn and woe begone visage, emaciated
form, lazy, indolent step, poverty in their
garments and rags in their baggage, al
ways hungry and bound for the next town.
Our tramps are always looking for work,
though the most of them pray they may
not be successful. Their idlsness they at
tribute to the Chinese. Their language
and countenances are hopeful, seldom
shabbily dressed. They file by, with their
blankets strapped to their backs, bound
fer some imaginary "Eldorado" Just be-
yond. A change has come over them-they
walk no more. Men are at demand.
The numbering industry Of our coast has
revived and thousands of laborers are
needed. The prospect at this time is, that
the present year will be the most produc-
tive agricultural one California has sver
known. The acreage of grain sown is 80
to so per cent more than ever before. The
harvest time is near, and soon an army Of
laborers will swarm these gram producing
regions. At any rate the present outlook
foreshadows a revival of business prosperl-
ty not had for some years.
Last week the quietness of our winter
season was broken by the Mill whistle call
ing all into activity again, and we are now
fairly launched into our seasons work,
with the calculation Of producing and
shipping one million feet of lumber per
month. To do this none can be idle.
During the summer season we enjoy
strange faces and boast of some activity.
Situated just near enough to the city, and
easy of access, we form kind of rural
retreat for those desirous of few days in
the country. Each train brings some one
after-imaginary sport-fshing or hunt
ing. Generally one days ramble following
these mountain streams or climbing their
rugged sides, sufficiently cools the ardor
of the city sportsmen. They cannot en-
dure hardships, to this fact is attributed
their lack of success.
Gazing from my Office window upon
these old hills whose sides, by continuous
rain were rapidly changing their brown
suit which the summer sun had made them,
to coat of green. For three months 1
had watched this change and listened to
the rain, wondering if it would ever let up.
All faces were gloomy. Another "Delugs"
stared us in the face. The "Silver Bill'
was forgotten. The China question lacked
interest, and we watched the rain guage
as it rapidly left inches and went buoyant-
ly up among the feet. was almost ready
to take back what I had heretofore said
about the beauties of a California winter
and began to argue preference for snow
and ice. No native Californian knows of.
the pleasures connected with an Eastern
sleigh ride, or the thrill of Joy which the
merry skaters feel. thought of the win
ter fresides, the cracking of nuts, the dish
of apples and pitcher of cider-I felt;
home sick. Then read in the TELEGRAPH
of that same sea Of mud extending the
length of Main street, which years before
l had looked upon. felt the chilly March.
wind blowing from off the icy lake racking,
the constitution of the most vigorous, and
settled back into contentment.
Like soldier who has been long on duty
I demanded and received weeks fur
Tough. Getting aboard the cars one bright;
Sunday l again made my semi-occasional
trip 20 San Francisco. The country through.
which we passed never looked brighter.
Crowds of people ere we reached the city
were picked up at the way stations. laden.