Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-07-03

Lamp and the count OF Monte CrIsto, IL
is probable that the most wonderful feat
of building on record is that of Fonthill
Abbey, by the celebrated Beckford, the
author of "Vathek." Possessed of
enormous wealth, and inpatient to see the
design completed, he employed double re-
lays OF mechanics, and pushed forward the
work night and day until it was finished.
In that case. however, haste was at the
expense of stability, for one of the great
towers, which he had caused to be built
by torchlight, fell down soon after it was
finished, and part of the main building
also collapsed. No such risks were run in
the construction OF
THE HOTEL DEL MONTE.
The admirable subdivision of labor, and
perfect discipline, which are necessary
adjuncts to great railroad companies, came
into play here. The mills and shops of the
company were able to fill all the requisi-
tions for lathe and scroll-work. The
entire outfit for the hotel was purchased in
the shape of raw material, and worked up
in the house. The enterprise was pushed
forward with indomitable determination.
To give an idea OF what we mean by that
phrase we will state that on one occasion
it rained so persistently that it seemed
impossible to mix the plaster and carry it
,pto ba To nht-ia 20
this sheds were built over the plaster beds,
and extra-men were employed to carry
umbrellas over the hods of plaster as they
were taken into the house. No obstacle,
in fact, was allowed to interfere with the
work. Mr.. Brown had been told to get the
hotel finished by the beginning of June,
and he was going to accomplish it. I'm
limited means, skilled labor, trained intelli-
gence and thorough discipline won the
day, even against the heaviest odds, and
when the 81 of June arrived the Hotel
Del Monte was complete from basement to
garrett, and ready for occupation. The
whole of the furniture was made in
the house. Even the spring beds and
hair-mattresses were manufactured
there, and with a special view
to their excellence, which is fully
borne out by actual experiment. 1t
was the intention that everything should
be as good as possible, as perfect as posi-
BILE, as comfortable and convenient as pos
sible, and the general result is magnificent
illustration of what capital and enterprise
together can effect The Hotel Del Monte
was designed by Mr. Brown. 1t is in the
Queen Anne, or Eastlake style; a CON-
posite architecture combining the Italian,
Gothic and Rustic, in a somewhat hetero-
dox but assuredly picturesque result. For
its surroundings indeed we doubt whether
more sympathetic and appropriate design
could have been chosen. The building is
embosomed in trees, of noble and majes-
tic character, and it is in keeping with
them. It is spacious, being three. hundred
and seventy feat long and from seventy
FIVE to one hundred feet deep. 1t is re-
lieved by towers and wings which rise toa
hight of four and five stories. The interior
is finished throughout in the Eastlake style,
and the hall, reading room, ladies' billiard
room and ladies' parlor, are provided with
open fire. places and tiled hearths and man.
tells. These rooms are all of noble proper
tions as is the ballroom and dining. room.
the latter being scarcely, if at all, smaller
than the magnificent Lick House dining
room A feature of the house is the
broad and comfortable verandahs which
surround it, and which constitute the most
agreeable louuging places imaginable. The
effect of the building as a whole is ex-
tremely pleasing. 1t is so thoroughly in
keeping with its sylvan surroundings that
it really seems to belong of right to the
spot it occupies. 1t is supplied with excel
lent gas from its own mandatory. Within
few yards of the main building hand
some bowling alley is being erected. On
all sides the grounds are being improved
and laid out IN walks and drives as rapidly
as possible. To make the walks decom-
posed granite has been brought forty miles,
from Soledad. On the left of the hotel
short walk conducts the visitor to fair
sized lake, provided with safe and roomy
boats for the use of the guests, and con-
venient landing. A walk of a quarter of
mile brings one to the sea shore, where
large double bath.house has been built,
and every arrangement made for the CON-
fort of those who use it. Here Mr.. DAILY,
for many years swimming-master at Santa